Ponca City Monthly September 2021

Serving Northern Oklahoma

FREE PUBLICATION

SEPTEMBER 2021

SPECIAL REPORT

STATE OF THE CITY An in-depth look at accomplishments made by the City of Ponca City over the last year.

VIEW DIGITAL EDITION AT PONCACITYMONTHLY.COM

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September 2021

3

SEPTEMBER 2021

•

VOL. 2 NO. 9 Publishing Company MyMediaMatters Marketing Agency Editor-in-Chief Kelsey Wagner Associate Editor & Advertising Director Robyn Ryan

70

Staff Writers Carey Head Jay Wagner Andy Hicks Chelsea McConnell Kayley Spielbusch

ARTSPACE: MARY MORSE

Ad Designer Robyn Ryan Magazine Designer Andy Hicks Story Editor Sherry Cable

51

Copy Editor Patrick Jordan

SAYLORS LASTING LEGACY

17

FEATURE STORIES The Splash Co Cherokee Strip Cook-Off Celebrates 35 years

Ponca City Concert Series New City Tree Farm Grows Roots

State of the City Cover Story

An in-depth look at accomplishments made by the City of Ponca City over the last year.

Imagining with Statues: Haiku

8 12 15 21 28

PONCA CITY ARTS & HUMANITIES COUNCIL

Circulation Ben Green

MONTHLY FAVORITES Sounding Off

Books Reviews Backyard Gardener Crossword

Stew on That Kay County Events

77

Staff Photographers Jay Wagner Lauren Payne

Recipe: Dulce De Leche Geocash Contest

56 57 59 63 64 68 71 74

Proud Member of the Chambers of Commerce of: Ponca City, Newkirk, Tonkawa, Blackwell, Arkansas City

4

September 2021

Contributing Writers Rachel Stewart Patrick Jordan Lorrie Layton Kat Long Steve Scott Kera Kester Marlys Cervantes Tana McKinley Braden Lampe

© MyMediaMatters, LLC, dba Ponca City Monthly 2021.

For permission to reproduce any article in this magazine, contact editor@poncacitymonthly.com.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or by other electronic means without written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Ponca City Monthly is a Member of the Society of Professional Journalists.

We believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. We strive to ensure a free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough. We pledge to: Seek the Truth, and Report It; Minimize Harm; Act Independently; and to Be Accountable and Transparent. To read our full pledge, visit: spj.org/ethicscode.asp

Letter from the Editor

September 2021 marks the 18th issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine. In these last 18 months, our magazine has grown exponentially, and every month we continue to push ourselves to new bounds. This month, we are so excited to partner with the City of Ponca City to bring you this special “State of the City” issue, to help inform our local readers about their local city government.

Ponca City Monthly has many readers from Ponca City and Kay County, but there are many others from across the nation who subscribe via mail, or read online.

I’m so thankful that people have rallied around our hyperlocal publication. We strive to bring the very best content and quality journalism to our loyal readers.

Many of our readers have taken the opportunity to share their comments over the last 18 months via email

Serving Northern Oklahoma

to editor@poncacitymonth.com, but I would like to officially announce a brand new section coming to our magazine – Letters to the Editor. Every month, I will choose one or two letters to share with our readers in our printed publication. I invite you to make your voice heard! Whether you are commenting on a story that was submitted in our publication, a recent or upcoming event or you just want to share your thoughts on our magazine, please send us your letter for possible publication to editor@poncacitymonthly.com.

Please keep your letters to no more than 500 words.

Please include your name, phone number and address with your submission. Your phone number and address will not be printed. Please include the subject line “Letter to the editor” in your email.

FREE PUBLICATION

SEPTEMBER 2021

editor@poncacitymonthly.com

SPECIAL REPORT

STATE OF THE CITY An in-depth look at accomplishments made by the City of Ponca City over the last year.

VIEW DIGITAL EDITION AT PONCACITYMONTHLY.COM

ON THE COVER

City Hall; Photo provided by Ponca City Development Authority.

This month we take an in-depth look at our local government.

Read the special report starting on page 28. Cover Design by Andy Hicks

September 2021

5

Creative Cabinets 580-762-9500

We can take your ideas and make them real.

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September 2021

509 N. 1st St. • Ponca City • 580-762-1736 Mon. - Fri. 10 am - 5:30 pm, Sat. 9 am - 2 pm

Standing Bear Park Museum & Education Center 601 Standing Bear Parkway Ponca City, Oklahoma 580-762-1514

The Bugle Boy by Jo Saylors Part of ‘The Final Collection’ on display at the Standing Bear Museum.

Made possible by Carl & Brenda Renfro

CANCELLATION Due to the rise in COVID cases, the 2021 Standing Bear Pow Wow has been canceled.

We will miss seeing everyone.

“ Home Sweet Home is a

Saturday ok-o ff

boutique real estate agency where you can expect quality representation in listing and selling real estate.

We also rehab distressed properties and offer property management and handyman services.

Sept. 11 1 at m Lake comPonca

”

Tasting begins at 12:30!

Tasting kit tickets are on sale now at area banks and credit unions, the Ponca City Chamber and at Hospice of North Central Oklahoma.

$15,250.00

ntry fee)Advance Tickets - $5

All proceeds benefit Hospice of North Central Oklahoma.

gory

• At the Event - $7

Cash Prizes

TAMMY CUNNINGHAM Agent 580-491-2823

HALEY GODDARD VIE BOTTGER Managing Broker 580-761-6925 580-352-4575

Agent, Certified Home Stager, Drone Imaging Marketing Director

CHRISTY LISA M. THOMPSON BREEDLOVE Owner/Agent Business & Acctg.

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7

Small Business

Spotlight

The Splash Co. New Survival Swim Class Making a Big Splash Story Contributed by Kat Long/Ponca City Development Authority What happens after a pandemic when people are ready to start something new or build up a small project into a business model? Small businesses start happening right and left, and Ponca City is no different. Ponca City Development Authority (PCDA) hosted the Fifth-Annual Business Plan Pitch-Off Friday, June 11. Three companies – Mindset Media, Vortex Canning and The Splash Co Survival Swim participated in the business plan submission. Three judges listened to the pitches, asked questions of the pitchers and picked The Splash Co Survival Swim as the high scorer. And just like that, a new business gets its legs and gets going.

Brittney Rector, owner and operator of The Splash Co Survival Swim, stumbled across information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in January 2021 stating, “For children under age 5, drowning is a leading cause of accidental death, with rates even surpassing those of traffic accident fatalities in recent years.” As the mother of a young child, Rector thought this fact was unacceptable and immediately started researching ways to combat this statistic. Her search for answers was rewarded with survival swim lessons, which train babies and childrens from 6 months of age to 6-years-old, how to survive water. On closer inspection, she found that this involved specialized training, and there was a gap for these types of classes in the North Central Oklahoma and Southern Kansas areas.

What’s a woman/mother/wife/farmer to do but get trained, certified and start a business? The need was obvious. The training and certification was available in Oklahoma City, and the research showed the opportunity for opening this type of business in Ponca City would benefit the region. And The Splash Co Survivor Swim LLC was born. Rector reached out to Kat Long at PCDA and Ben Evans, Entrepreneurial Coordinator at Pioneer Tech Business Services for information on resources in the community for small businesses, including business planning, funding and collaborating. Her number one priority after training and certification: her business needed a pool.

Pictured Judges and Pitch-off winner: Shane Blaes, RCB Bank; Brittany Rector, Owner The Splash Co; James Roller, Victorum Capital and Mark Detten, PCDA Trustee

8

September 2021

Collaboration is a wonderful way to build up clients and revenues for participating businesses. The Splash Co found a home at the RecPlex pool. Checkmark on the biggest hurdle. Now, how about resources and support in the community? The Business Plan PitchOff was already scheduled for June 2021, and with Evans’ assistance, Rector was able to develop and finalize her business plan and participate in the Pitch-

see SPLASH continued on page 10

SATURDAY • SEPT. 25 • 4-7 PM DOWNTOWN PONCA CITY ATTENTION HOMEBREWERS win your share of

1,000

$

in CASH PRIZES!

Featuring homebrewers from across Oklahoma and surrounding states.

TICKETS $ 30 Advance Tickets available prior to event online @ downtownponcacity.com $ 35 Tickets at the event Each ticket includes a “Brewbag” with over $40 worth of Brewfest Swag and entrance into the event with unlimited craft beer samples.

Held in conjunction with Ponca City Arts Festival

Did you know you own your local power utility?

Thank you Ponca City for believing in & supporting your very own Municipality!

“Owned by the Customers we Serve!”

– THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS –

MyMediaMatters

Local Control Reinvestment Reliability Accessibility Community

MyMediaMatters OurLocalPower.org

MyMediaMatters

Ody’s • Winterrowd Talley Architects • Talmor Pest Control Heather Cannon Honda • Skydance Brewing Co. • Kyler Construction September 2021

9

Small Business

Spotlight

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 23 • 6 PM Doors open at 5:30 pm

Dinner provided by Chef Jeff, T.S. Fork

Event includes wine, craft beer, live music

by Matt Williams and silent auction!

Tickets are $60 each or 2 for $100 RSVP by Friday, September 10.

Visionary - $1,500, 8 plates at own table, etched glassware with each plate and advertisement.

Pioneer - $750, 4 plates (will share table with another Pioneer group), etched glassware with each plate and advertisement.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, please visit www.pioneerwomanmuseum.com or call 580-765-6108.

Off June 12. Each participant in the Pitch-Off had five minutes to pitch and the three judges had 10 minutes to ask questions on the pitch and submitted business plans.

Ponca City Monthly is a FREE publication, thanks to our advertisers.

Would you like to support us?

Contact me for more information…

Robyn Ryan, Advertising Director robyn@poncacitymonthly.com or 580-761-1295

Serving Ponca City Monday thru Friday 5 pm to 10 pm Saturday 10 am to 2 pm

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10 September 2021

SPLASH continued from page 8

“This is overwhelming and amazing,” said a grinning Rector after receiving her scores. “I knew I was competing for incentives, but this type of support is much more than I thought possible.”

Classes are taught on a six-week interval and is currently booking students. Rector has a waiting list and is prepared to teach classes throughout the year. For more information about The Splash Co, follow them on Facebook at The Splash Co and on their website gosplashco.com.

The Business Plan Pitch-Off has assisted the growth of businesses

including KB Enterprises and their product Gatehands, Titan Preparedness, and Aesthetic State of Mind, a state-of-the-art Med Spa here in Ponca City. Other past Pitch-Off participants include Vortex Alley Brewing, The Grand Cigar Bar and GameMaster’s Guild.

The next Business Plan Pitch-Off is scheduled for November 12 with business plans to be submitted by close of business Tuesday, Nov. 2. Businesses must be based in Ponca City, whether storefront, online, manufacturing or back office. For more information and to participate in the next Pitch-Off, contact Kat Long at 580.761.3028 or email klong@goponca.com for more information.

Congratulations to The Splash Co Survival Swim as the spring 2021 Pitch-Off incentive recipient.

For more information on PCDA, community development programs and business incentives, visit goponca.com

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Not necessarily the price, rather the people you are calling. When you call Amy Stittsworth Funeral Service and Cremation Directors, you will know you have called a family. Amy and I have been married 33 years. We have been blessed with five children and five grandchildren and many family and friends. Our faith in God is what drives us. Our passion for funeral service is evident.

We sincerely want you to leave your estate to your family, not the funeral directors.

That is why our cremation charges start at $94500 and our funeral packages start at $3,29500. Our family is available for your family twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty-five days a year.

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September 2021

11

e im T d o o G a p U g in k o Co 35 years Cherokee Strip Cook-Off Celebrates Story by Kayley Spielbusch/Staff Writer

T

his year is the 35th anniversary of the Cherokee Strip Cook-Off. The Cook-Off was founded in 1986

by Professionals Today, which is a local service organization for women. The Cherokee Strip CookOff began as a chili cook-off before it expanded to include barbecue a few years later. The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctions the event.

All proceeds from the Cherokee Strip Cook-Off benefit Hospice of North Central Oklahoma.

Hospice of NCO is an organization that provides support for terminally ill patients and their families. Over the years, the Cook-Off has raised approximately $600,000 for Hospice. The tasting kits they sell for the public, help to fund a portion of the donations to Hospice. Each year, they sell anywhere between 1500 and 2000 kits.

Sponsorships from businesses fund the Cherokee Strip Cook-Off. There are typically 50 or more sponsors who give to the Cook-Off either through donations or monetary contributions.

“Typically, we have around 40 to 50 teams competing,” says Nancy Brown, the 2021 Chair, “Usually 30 to 40 teams are professional, and there are 20 to 25 teams that feed the public.”

The teams that feed the public are known as “People’s Choice.” The public can vote for their favorite of these teams, while the KCBS representatives present oversee the professional judging. The winners from each category receive cash prizes. This year, there will be $15,250 in total prize money awarded.

12 September 2021

The Cherokee Strip Cook-Off is a nationally recognized event. “Sunny Anderson from Food Network has attended our event. One year, we had Diva Q (Danielle Bennett) come and cook from Canada,” Brown recalls.

Each year the Cook-Off gets returning participants, as well as new ones. The Cherokee Strip Cook-Off representatives pass out flyers at other Cook-Offs to attract new entries.

Participants typically come from Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas.

Brown credits their Hospice and sponsor volunteers with making the Cook-Off possible, “We couldn’t do it without them.”

The 2021 Cherokee Strip Cook-Off is on Sept. 11. There are plans to honor the anniversary of 9/11.

They are still accepting participants. There is no fee to register to cook for People’s Choice. The registration forms can be found on their website, cherokeestripcookoff.com.

Advance Tasting kit tickets for the Cherokee Strip Cook-Off can be purchased at local banks and credit unions, along with the Chamber of Commerce, Hospice of NOC, and from any Professionals Today member for $5. They can also be purchased at the event for $7. The tasting will begin at 12:30 p.m. and end at 2:30 p.m.

Current Listings with

NATASCHA HOLLOWAY

580-716-8998

Email: jnholloway@kw.com

OCTOBER 2 & 3

CURRENT LISTINGS

Sat. 10 am-7pm • Sun. 11 am-5pm $5 Entry, age 8 & under free on the grounds of Marland Mansion & inside Unity Gym

Arts & Crafts • Live Music Children’s Activities • Food & Drinks Televised NFL & College Sports AUTO/TRUCKING ACCIDENTS

2409 Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $149,900 502 E . 6th, Newkirk . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79,900 301 N . Magnolia, Newkirk . . . . . . . $77,500 4134 Lake Road (commercial) . . . . $65,000 151 Elm, Fairfax (commercial . . . . $49,900 Wellington Drive, 6 .86 acres . . . . . $79,900 215 W . 9th, Newkirk . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,900 933 Riviera Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $72,500 526 N . 8th Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69,000 301 S . 19th, Blackwell . . . . . . . . . $175,000 4701 Cowskin Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . $179,900 Find me on facebook @ Natascha Holloway/KW Select

Each Keller Williams office is independently owned & operated.

PERSONAL WRONGFUL AUTO/TRUCKING INSURANCE AUTO/TRUCKING WRONGFUL PERSONAL AUTO DEFECTIVE INSURANCE WRONGFUL OILFIELD PREMISES AUTO DEFECTIVE DEFECTIVE INSURANCEOILFIELD OILFIELD PREMISES DEFECTIVE AUTO/TRUCKING AUTO/TRUCKING PERSONALAUTOPERSONAL PERSONAL WRONGFUL WRONGFUL AUTO PREMISES INSURANCE AUTO INSURANCE PREMISES PREMISES DEFECTIVE OILFIELD AUTO/TRUCKING PERSONAL WRONGFUL AUTO INSURANCE PREMISES DEFECTIVE OILFIELD PERSONAL WRONGFUL AUTO INSURANCE PREMISES DEFECTIVE OILFIELD INJURYACCIDENTSAUTO/TRUCKING DEATH ACCIDENTS NEGLIGENCE INJURY DISPUTES ACCIDENTS DEATH LIABILITY NEGLIGENCE INJURY PRODUCTS DISPUTES DEATH INJURIES NEGLIGENCE LIABILITY PRODUCTS DISPUTES INJURIES LIABILITY PRODUCTS ACCIDENTS INJURY INJURY DEATH NEGLIGENCE DEATH NEGLIGENCE DISPUTES DISPUTES LIABILITY LIABILITY PRODUCTS PRODUCTS INJURIES INJURIES ACCIDENTS INJURY DEATH NEGLIGENCE DISPUTES INJURIES AUTO/TRUCKING PERSONAL WRONGFUL AUTO INSURANCE LIABILITY PREMISESPRODUCTS DEFECTIVE ACCIDENTS INJURY DEATH NEGLIGENCE DISPUTES LIABILITY PRODUCTS INJURIESOILFIELD

ACCIDENTS

INJURY

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ANDERSON J. DARK

580) 765-9967

UNDER CONTRACT 1508 Blackard Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . $96,500 95 Holmes/Hwy 60 . . . . . . . . . . . $200,000 522 Catfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $299,900 218 N . Main, Newkirk . . . . . . . . . $179,000 Eastern Hill Rd, 15 .43 acres . . . . $189,900 Finley School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62,000 5-Acre Tracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40,000 2627 Mockingbird . . . . . . . . . . . $219,900 68 Bales Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $219,900 70 Acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $145,000 317 W . Padon, Blackwell . . . . . . . $62,500 1932 Jane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $88,500 1613 N . Osage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000

LIABILITY

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(405) 832-0777 (918)(405) 832-0777 (580) (405) 765-9967 377-5000 (580)(405) 765-9967 (918) 377-5000 743-4000 (405)(918) 377-5000 743-4000 743-4000 (405) 832-0777 (580) 765-9967 (405) 377-5000 (918) 743-4000

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Concert Series Announces New Season

Vigil John Denver Musical Tribute starring Ted Tues Sept 7, 2021 - 7:30 pm era in John Denver’s music evokes memories of an l. Ted music which was both inspiring and influentia s and Vigil brings to life these amazing composition rica.

Ame ss acro hits of John Denver to audiences s as a Ted is not an impersonator, but rather sing to tribute to the late music icon. Audiences warm ic mus the y enjo n Ted instantly as they once agai us the world grew to love. A refreshing and joyo experience.

Story by Kelsey Wagner/Editor-in-Chief

The Ponca City Community Concert series has been bringing world-renowned music to Ponca City for over 86 years.

Founded in 1935, only two seasons in its history have ever been canceled. The first two-year cancellation occurred during World War II, and the most recent cancellation was in 2020 due to COVID-19. The board, and newly-elected president, John Bley, are pleased to announce that memberships from the canceled season will be honored for the upcoming season, which is set to kick off September 7. els

Membership Lev The first concert of the new season will be a tribute to Adult $50 John Denver by Ted Vigil. All Student $25 concerts will be held at the Family (Single Parent) $75 Poncan Theatre. Membership cards will be mailed out a Family $125 week before the first concert.

Five concerts are scheduled for the 2021-22 season. New memberships may be purchased online at Pcconcertseries.org, in person at the first concert on September 7, or by calling club secretary Deanna Fitzpatrick at 580-761-0304.

Donations of any amount are also highly appreciated.

Members of the Ponca City Concert Series may also attend additional concerts presented by the Bartlesville OK Community Concert Association for no additional fee. For more information on the Bartlesville Concerts, please visit bccamusic.org.

Bridge & Wolak Thurs Oct 14, 2022 - 7:30 pm As a globe-trotting music and comedy duo, Bridge & Wolak merge traditional instruments with 21st century technology. The two perform their own original brand of fusion, drawing on their classical roots and twisting it with jazz ballads and fiery folk music. Their program features selections from composers such as Handel, Bach, Chopin, and Gershwin as well as a few surprises.

Thalea String Quartet Tues Feb 15, 2022 - 7:30 pm The Thalea String Quartet is dedicated to bringing timeless music to audiences from all walks of life by connecting on a musical, emotional and personal level. They have performed in prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center, Massey Hall, Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall as well as served as Associated Artists at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Waterloo, Belgium.

The quartet members are also dedicated educators and share their commitment to teaching and community engagement..

see CONCERT continued on page 16

September 2021

15

Holy Rocka Rollaz

CONCER T

continue

d from p

age 15

Sun April 24, 2022 - 2:30 pm Take an authentic trip back to the ‘50s with The Holy Rocka Rollaz! Performing on vintage instruments, their program is early American Rock ‘N Roll by artists such as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley & The Comets and many more. The audience is also treated to the stories of these legendary artists and how their classic hits came to be by front man, Mark Flora.

Diego Figueireda

Thurs Mar 24, 2022 - 7:30 pm Brazilian born, Diego Figueiredo (pronounced fig-a-ray-doe) is an extraordinary fast rising star am ong the world’s greatest jazz guitarists. He fuses jazz, Bossa No va and classical music into his own unique style. His superb tec hnique, timing and imagination has been seen by audiences worldw ide, including multiple stops at The Montreux Jazz Competition where he has been a top prize winner.

Meet Two More of our Front Line Workers

Debbie Stingley

Reception/Administrative Assistant Debbie moved to Oklahoma from Illinois in the early 1980s. She was employed in the automotive industry for 30 years.

She enjoys crafting with the cricut machine. Also, her four little dogs Max, Missy, Dakota, and Joe keep her busy.

Debbie started with Trout Funeral Home in 2018.

Joe Lessert

Support Staff/Vocalist Joe was born and raised in Ponca City. He has always been around the funeral industry as his father and grandfather (and great-grandfather) owned and operated Gill-Lessert Funeral Home. While growing up, Joe was always heavily involved with the fine arts, especially music. After graduating from Po-Hi, Joe attended Northern Oklahoma College. While there he followed his interest in art and music and, upon earning his Associate degree, pursued his Bachelor’s degree of fine arts at the University of Oklahoma.

Joe continues his music by singing as a vocalist at the First Presbyterian Church and for funeral services. He continues his art by using his gifts for color and composition whenever they are called for, and he is always honored to serve families in their time of need.

505 W. Grand • Ponca City • 580-765-4411 • Read obituaries online @ troutfuneralhome.com 16 September 2021

s t r A y t i C a c n Po l i c n u o C s e i t i n a & Hum

Programs Providing Free Music and Art since 1986 to the Ponca City Communit y Story by Chelsea McConnell/Staff Writer

One of those organizations is the Ponca City Arts & Humanities Council (PCAH). PCAH is a 501(c)(3) created in 1986. After more than 30 years of bringing quality performance art to our community and surrounding areas, the organization is still going strong with an 18-person Board led by Executive Director Leslie Schauvliege.

Schauvliege has been in the position for 14 years and led the organization as it has evolved. An important goal of PCAH is to bring a wide variety of performances to our area and to host its events at a number of different locations. Just this season, PCAH’s brochure of seasonal events boasts over 15 free events in Ponca City! Events began in May and continue through October. Additionally, PCAH sponsors the Evans Children’s Academy of Performing Arts each season and their plays held at the Poncan Theatre.

The PCAH season began with Music in the Courtyard. New to the organization’s catalog of events this year, Music in the Courtyard was hosted on three evenings in May. Performances were held in the Courtyard at City Central in downtown Ponca City.

Next, PCAH partnered with many local organizations to host Gotham in Ponca City. Its major contribution to this weekendlong event was a concert after the Gotham performance that Saturday evening. PCAH also sponsors Music in Attucks Park at the Juneteenth celebration each year, which takes place in mid-June at the Attucks Community Center.

Another new event added to the schedule this year is Down

by Downtown, or “DXDT.” These free concerts are hosted on the first Friday of each month. The concerts began in June and are continuing through September. DXDT is held at Central Fare in downtown Ponca City at 210 South Fourth St. and features live music and food trucks. Music and food offerings change each month making each event a unique experience. Lawn games are set up for additional entertainment and a few local vendors host pop-up shops during the event as well. Kids and pets are welcome, making these events a fun and wholesome outing for the whole family. Pro tip – the mural on the south wall of Central Fare has a fox hidden in the geometric pattern. This vibrant piece of art creates a great photo backdrop. Take a pic here and you’ll be ready to mark your first stop off Ponca City’s fox hunt!

**All photos courtesy of PCAH Facebook page.

It’s easy to argue with those who insist on saying, “There’s nothing to do in Ponca City.” One quick peek to the event calendar in this month’s issue is evidence enough that there is almost always something to do in Ponca City. Our community is fortunate to have a whole host of organizations whose focus is on enhancing quality of life in our community through their missions.

see ARTS continued on page 18 September 2021

17

MISSION STATEMENT

ARTS continued from page 17 As summer comes to a close, make sure to add Music in the Garden to your calendar. These events are hosted at the beautiful Cann Gardens located at 1500 East Grand Ave. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and join PCAH for music from the Northern Oklahoma College music department. Music in the Garden begins on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The event is then hosted each additional Thursday evening in September. Pro tip – come early to set your lawn chairs up and then go for a stroll around the Gardens. They are kept in beautiful shape by our talented Parks & Rec crew.

Grab a selfie by your favorite tree or flower!

Another event you won’t want to miss is the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Poncan Theatre on Friday, Oct. 29. PCAH invites you to come see this cult classic in downtown Ponca City, audience-participation style. The show begins at 8 p.m., but make sure to get there a few minutes early to get your bag of goodies so you can join in on the fun. Pro tip – A themed costume gets you bonus points! Put Rocky Horror on your calendar ASAP!

The purpose of the Arts Council is to develop, promote, support, and sponsor the fine, applied and performing arts and humanities, as well as, performances, exhibitions, and activities involving the same.

The Council shall provide quality artistic programs at no cost to patrons, whenever possible, to enhance the lives of our patrons regardless of economic and geographical limitations.

The Mission of the Arts Council is to develop, promote, support and sponsor the fine, applied and performing arts and humanities, as well as performances, exhibitions and activities involving the same. The Council provides free quality artistic programs, whenever possible, to enhance the lives of its patrons regardless of economic and geographical limitations.

PCAH receives financial assistance through individual donors, local businesses and grants from the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The PCAH Board of Directors meets monthly, and members serve on at least one committee. Board members come from various backgrounds, and, most importantly, are all enthusiastic about the Arts in Ponca City. Officers and board members for 2021 are Rod Alexander-President, Jennifer Swords-Vice President, Rich Cantillon-Secretary, Josh SmithTreasurer, Sean Anderson, Larry Bittman, Jordan Burns, Jennifer Daniel, Teri Harris, Kalyn Kyler, Katie Larssen, Katie Liston, Errin Loughridge, Laura Peitz, Hope Rader, Mandy Tebow, Audra Thompson and Kelsey Wagner. The Council serves communities in north central Oklahoma and south central Kansas.

If you’re eager to discover some PCAH events in the community, plan to attend Down by Downtown on Friday, Sept 3 or catch them at Music in the Garden later in the month.

Final pro tip – If you love free community events, consider donating to the Ponca City Arts & Humanities Council. Ponca City is so fortunate to have groups like PCAH that make living, working and playing in Ponca City more entertaining. They could use your support! For more info, check out their website at poncaarts.org/ or find them on Facebook at Ponca City Arts & Humanities Council.

18 September 2021

TAILGATES, COOKOUTS AND PICNICS… We’ve got you covered!

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20 September 2021

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ew ity Tree Farm Grows Roots

Philips 66 Partnership With City Invests In Ponca City’s Greenest Assets Story by Chelsea McConnell/Staff Writer

ric Newell had a wild idea brewing in the back of his mind. Newell dreamed of creating a tree farm for Ponca City. He is a generational thinker. In his role as head of the City of Ponca City’s Parks and Recreation Department, it’s vital that he thinks about today, while also keeping a vision of the future always at the forefront of his mind. Generational thinking is key for making plans for his department. Part of Newell’s educational background is in forestry, so a tree farm is a project that always sat in the back of his mind, just waiting for the right timing and the right partners.

As anyone who deals with tight annual budgets is well familiar, it’s critical to make every dollar count each fiscal year. Parks & Rec had been budgeting precious few dollars every few years to purchase trees for city-owned properties, like our many beautiful parks and gardens. Our city properties lose around 100 trees each year for a variety of reasons, such as disease and storm damage. After a few years of watching this process, Newell knew the tree budget wasn’t going to keep up with the number of trees our parks were losing annually. He envisioned a tree-filled future for our parks and realized for this vision to come to fruition, he would have

to create a better solution for tree replacement.

When Newell was approached

by Erin Liberton from Phillips 66 about partnering on a community project, he knew this was the perfect opportunity to create a tree farm. Liberton and her team at Phillips 66 were excited about the partnership, as it helps our community and supports the company’s values. “One of the ways we support the communities where our employees live and work is through partnerships like that in place with the City of Ponca City,” said Phillips 66 Community Relations Coordinator Erin Liberton. “The tree farm project

see TREE continued on page 23 September 2021

21

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EVA CASE, APRN

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TIMOTHY HOEKSTRA, M.D.

BRAD LISTON, D.O.

WILLIAM SLATER, M.D.

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1908 North 14th Street, Suite 204 Ponca City, OK 74601 580-763-5900 Fax: 580-763-5901

MARY MURRAY, APRN

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NEUROSURGERY ANDREW BAUER, M.D.

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ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY SUNIL MENON, M.D.

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DAVID SPARKS, M.D.

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UROLOGY KELLY STRATTON, M.D.

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Ponca City, OK 74601 We help people 580-718-4556 1908 N 14th Street, Suite 205 Fax: 580-762-3831 Ponca City, OK 74601 get well and live healthier 580-718-4510 Fax: 580-762-3292 by providing safe, quality healthcare, building enduring relationships with our patients, and providing value for the people and community we serve.

For more infromation about our providers visit: www.AllianceHealthPoncaCityDocs.com

22 September 2021

TREE Continued from page 21

allows us to achieve our goal of supporting initiatives that protect, beautify and promote our natural environment for the benefit of children and community residents. The Phillips 66 values of safety, honor and commitment mean that we work together to support each other and strengthen our communities.”

Once the financing was in place for the project, Newell and his team were able to form a plan that solved how and where the trees would be planted. Of key importance to Parks & Rec was how to maximize the rate of survivability for the trees.

One of the key elements in creating a successful farm is growing trees that can later be transplanted to another location. Newell’s research led him to what he calls ‘grow bags’ made right here in Oklahoma. These bags are designed specifically to help trees grow in a farm- or nursery-type setting. The bags train the tree roots to grow in a concentrated ball while facing outward. As soon as the bag is removed and the tree is placed in the ground, the roots

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“ hen you go to our parks, what do you see? Big, mature trees. Well guess what?

Thirty or 40, 50 years ago, someone planted those,” shoot out to take hold in their new soil. This gives the trees a higher chance of surviving once they are transplanted. Other systems grow trees in round containers. This method forces the roots to grow in a circular direction. The roots can have problems taking hold once they are transplanted because their roots still want to go in circles. For this reason, the grow bag method was chosen as the superior method.

Location was another element to this project for which Newell found a creative solution. The city owns many properties, so there were a lot of choices to be considered. He chose a piece of right of way owned by the city that can’t be developed otherwise due to its location. It’s big enough to house the tree farm, and well-suited since the farm’s location isn’t hindering any other

see TREE continued on page 25

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J.W. COBB’S Family RESTAURANT

We can’t wait to see you at the Cherokee Strip BBQ Cook Off on Saturday, Sept. 11.

We’ll be feeding the public delicious BBQ with our Howlin’ Good (formerly Blue Moon) sauce.

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TREES Continued from page 23

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WESTWARD EXPANSION COMPLETION COMING FALL 2021

type of community development.

Parks & Rec worked with local company Rainmaker Sprinkler to install an irrigation system.

Employees from Phillips 66 and Ponca City Parks and Recreation met to plant the initial run of trees.

Two hundred trees were planted in varieties of elm, oak, maple and others. In just a few years, these trees will begin to be ready to harvest for placement in our parks. Parks & Rec plans to remove around 50 trees from the farm each year. When mature trees are removed, they will be replaced with seedlings, thus creating a continuous cycle of new growth. Trees in the seedling stage are much less expensive than larger, more mature trees.

The tree farm will not only save the city money, but is also good for the environment.

“This is a park system rehabilitation and urban forest development project to make sure we’re able to continue to keep our own forest.

When you go to our parks, what do you see? Big, mature trees. Well guess what? Thirty or 40, 50 years ago, someone planted those,” Newell commented. “If I’m here for, let’s say 20 or 30 years, I’ve got

pioneertech.edu 580.762.8336 to keep our urban forest growing.

We’re constantly pulling trees out because of disease or because of bad storms. They break them. So in 40, 50 years, when your grandkids are here and my grandkids are still here, someone will have thought far enough ahead to say, ‘Hey, we put trees in the ground for them.’

And so it’s a generational thought process. And not just a here now thought process.”

Next time you stroll through one of our many beautiful community parks, look around, look up. Take in the beauty of the trees you’re surrounded by. Take a moment to be grateful for the fact that someone is going to work each day, thinking about how to make these places more beautiful and enjoyable not just for you, but for generations to come.

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1723 N. 3rd • Ponca City•(580) 762-8122 September 2021

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A unique dining experience, TS Fork is a destination for locally sourced and farm-fresh food in plentiful servings with wonderful ambiance and atmosphere.

Dinner served by reservation Friday and Saturday nights.

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Bank on Reading When you open a new checking account * at Equity Bank, we’ll donate $25 to the purchase of new books for students in our community.

Learn more: equitybank.com/bankonreading Ponca City 222 E Grand Ave, Ste 101  580-718-9990 802 E Prospect  580-718-4100 1417 E Hartford  580-718-4150 Member FDIC *Limited time offer available from August 16, 2021 through September 30, 2021. Incentive valid only for customers opening their first Equity Bank checking account. Incentives will be issued to local causes and recipients after September 30, 2021. Minimum $100 to open account. Fees could reduce earnings on interest-bearing accounts.

26 September 2021

SEPTEMBER MEETINGS & EVENTS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 • Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 2 p.m. for Junction West Park and Stay, 3150 W. North Avenue THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 AND 3 • The 35th Ponca City Leadership Class Retreat at Camp Horizon THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 • Education and Workforce Development Committee will meet at 4 p.m. at Chamber Office.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 • Ponca City Business Council will meet at 8 a.m. at Chamber Office.

• Cash Mob at 11:30 a.m. at Napoli’s Italian Restaurant, 3202 N. 14th WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • Chamber Lunch and Learn at 11:30 a.m. at Chamber Office.

Please RSVP 765-4400.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 10 a.m. for The Splash Co. at the RecPlex, 1604 W. Grand Avenue.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 • Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 10 a.m. for Testing Services Limited, 519 N. 1st Street.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 • Finance and Executive Committee will meet at 11 a.m. at Chamber Office.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 • Community Development Committee will meet at 10 a.m. at Chamber Office.

• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 2 p.m. for Hearing Group, 410 Fairview.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 • Chamber Lunch and Learn at 11:30 a.m. at Pioneer Technology Center.

Please RSVP 765-4400.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 • Ambassador Committee will meet at 8 a.m. at Chamber Office.

• Chamber Board will meet at 11 a.m. at Chamber Office.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 • The 35th Ponca City Leadership Class will have a session on Ponca City History.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 • Tourism Bureau will meet at 9 a.m. at Chamber Office.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 • Ponca Politics Committee will meet at 11 a.m. at Chamber Office.

• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 2 p.m. for Leaf Kings,LLC 416 N. 9th Street.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 • Business after Hours from 5-7 p.m., hosted by Equity Bank, 222 E. Grand Avenue.

For other events taking place, go to visitponcacity.com

PONCA

CHAMBER OF

CITY

COMMERCE

www.PoncaCityChamber.com • 580-765-4400

HELP US HELP THEM! We will donate Science Diet pet food to Northern Oklahoma Humane Society for every vehicle purchased in September!

JOIN US Wednesday, September 29 for a Northern Oklahoma Humane Society ADOPTION EVENT at our store!

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September 2021

27

SPECIAL REPORT

STATE OF THE CITY Story Compiled by Tana

McKinley/ Assistant City Manager, City of Ponca City Dear Residents:

We recently celebrat ed a newly reconstr ucted 7,200-foot run Regional Airport. Now way at the Ponca Cit that we have a beautifu y l new concrete runwa least 40 years, we can y, which will last us at get to work on recrui ting new aviation and our community. Flying aerospace business to in an airplane over Po nca City always encoura different perspective ges me to see from a and contemplate the na tural beauty of the lan Topography caused Po dscape and topograp nca City’s founder B.S hy. . Barnes to choose thi all about location, loc s location in 1893. It wa ation, location or rathe s r a wagon road, a river Today, having access crossing and a spring. to resources and transp ortation remains vital.

Ponca City is situated along a major Burlin gton Northern Santa Chicago, Illinois, to Ho Fe rail corridor linkin uston, Texas. This corrid g or has also been identi in the Amtrak nationw fied as a major gap ide passenger rail ser vice. Since 1979, there service available betw has been no passeng een Oklahoma City, er Oklahoma, and Newt Commission has long on, Kansas. The City supported efforts to str etc h Am City to Newton, with trak passenger service the construction of rai from Oklahoma lroad infrastructure cap speed traffic. Ponca Cit able of sustaining hig y is positioned to be ha scheduled stop alo the City of Ponca City ng this route, and thu recently obtained the s for me r Santa Fe Depot in ho rehabilitated and rep urposed to serve both pes that it will be as a passenger rail de local transit system. pot and a hub for the

Homer Nicholson, Mayor Service: 2007 to present Term Expires: March of 2022

Working together, ha ving a can-do attitude , and being a City of Ch move our community aracter has continued forward even during tim to es of tribulation, such is defined as the qualit as COVID-19. Characte ies built into an individ r ual’s life that determine regardless of circums s his or her response, tances. Ponca City wa s established as a Cit the people of Ponca Cit y of Character, becau y desired to build up se on our heritage and ma where families are str ke Ponca City a place ong, homes and stree ts are productive, neighbors safe, education is eff ective, business is care about one anoth er and citizens are fre for their lives and fam e to make wise choic ilies. es You don’t have to loo k out the window of an airplane to gain persp but I would encourage ective and contemplat you to consider all tha e, t Ponca City has to off to offer as well. It’s an er and all that you have other great day in Ponc a Cit y, be cause we have much for. to be thankful!

With highest regards,

Homer Nicholson

Homer Nicholson, Ma

yor

28 September 2021

State of The City: Special Report

The City of Ponca City recently celebrated the newly reconstructed 7,200-foot runway at the Ponca City Regional Airport.

The City of Ponca City recently obtained the former Santa Fe Depot in hopes that it will be rehabilitated and repurposed to serve both as a passenger rail depot and a hub for the local transit system.

City Commission

The City of Ponca City operates under a council-manager form of government, combining the strong representative leadership of elected officials in the form of the City Commission with the managerial experience of an appointed professional City Manager. The City Commission is the representative body of the people of Ponca City. Ponca City citizens elect five at-large commissioners with one designated as Mayor. Each serves a three-year term. The Commission selects a vice-mayor each year. Paul Taylor currently serves as the vice-mayor.

Commission members are responsible for overseeing City expenditures and the tedious, sometimes unpopular, task of ensuring that community needs are prioritized and addressed under the constraints of the operating budget and state and federal laws imposed on the city.

Mayor Nicholson issued a Disaster Emergency Proclamation on March 15, 2020, as COVID-19 had been diagnosed within Ponca City with potential to spread illness to the general public. Immediate attention was required to protect public health, ensure public safety and render emergency relief.

Conditions constituted a threat to the safety and welfare of the city, and created an emergency due to a significant event within the meaning of the definitions within the Oklahoma Emergency Management Act of 2003 (63

O.S. §683.3). Nicholson declared Ponca City to be a disaster area, entitled to aid, relief and assistance and directed the implementation of the City Emergency Operations Plan and invoked the Emergency Powers of the Mayor per Section 6-7-2 of the City Code of Ponca City.

As Ponca City continues to respond and recover from the effects of COVID-19, the City Commission has not wavered from its overall objectives: to create an environment for open dialogue regarding community capital improvement projects; to keep Ponca City beautiful and safe through code enforcement and the removal of dilapidated buildings; to work on favorable legislation to improve municipal revenues and limit sales tax exemptions through diversification of sources; to support efforts to stretch Amtrak passenger service from Oklahoma City to the central Kansas community of Newton, with the construction of railroad infrastructure capable of sustaining highspeed traffic; and to partner with PCDA (Ponca City Development Authority) efforts to recruit new business, industry and residents. Commissioner Chapman is a voting trustee on the PCDA board.

The Commissioners play an active role not only in our community, but at the state level as well. Participation at the state level facilitates communication and provides valuable information and insight for making decisions,

City Commissioners

Lanita Chapman, Commissioner #1 Service: 2008 to present Term Expires: March 2023

Paul Taylor, Commissioner #2 Service: 2018 to present Term Expires: March 2024

Shasta Scott, Commissioner #3 Service: 2017 to present Term Expires: March 2023

Robert Bodick, Commissioner #4 Service: 2021 to present Term Expires: March 2024

see STATE Continued on page 30 September 2021

29

State of The City: Special Report Continued from page 29

City Commission shaping policy and developing goals. Mayor Nicholson represents the City of Ponca City by serving as Chair of the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority Board and Chair of the Oklahoma Mid-Size City Coalition, as well as being a member of the Governor’s Water Conference, Mayor’s Council of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Academy, Oklahoma Municipal Utility Providers Board, Oklahoma Municipal League Board of Directors, Oklahoma Pipeline Safety Task Force and American Public Power Association’s Policy Making Committee. In addition, Nicholson coordinates meetings of the Kay County Mayor’s Round Table and continues an ongoing effort to increase dialogue regarding pertinent issues facing North Central Oklahoma communities, such as COVID-19, legislation, municipal elections, snow removal, medical marijuana, commission meetings and commission member recruitment.

The City Commission also appoints citizens to serve on advisory boards.

Citizen advisory boards provide an opportunity for residents to have an active role and voice in municipal government through advisory boards, which initiate in-depth studies of specific areas of responsibility and make recommendations to the Mayor and Commissioners. The City of Ponca City has a variety of advisory boards, such as the Airport Advisory Board, Animal Control Commission, Board of Adjustment, Construction Appeals Board, Cultural Affairs Commission, Historic Preservation Advisory Panel, Library Board, E.W. Marland Estate Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Personnel Board and Planning Commission. Applications to serve are available in the City Manager’s Office, located at 516 East Grand Ave. and online at www.poncacityok.gov.

Dear Residents: We have been on quite the wild ride the last two years with fou r disasters occurring: the flood event in May of 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic beginni ng in March of 2020, the ice storm in October of 2020 and the Polar Vortex and subseq uent snow storm in February 2021. Through all this, the em of ployees of the City of Ponca City have worked continuous and conscientiously to make ly sure all services were provide d to the community: water, electric, sanitary sewer, solid waste, police, fire, ambulanc e, streets, parks, library, etc.

The employees are to be com mended for their dedication and commitment to providing high-quality service to the sha reholders of the city. The City of Ponca City has a tremendous dedicated workforce who care ly s deeply for their community . As a community and organization, we have been extremely resilient over Ponca City’s history, weathered ma economic storms and natura ny l disasters, and have become stronger during the recovery subsequent future. and The Fiscal 2021-22 Budget has been challenging in many way s. The total budget for all funds is approved at $113,418, 457, an increase of $7,232,27 6, or 6.81% from the original budget of Fiscal 2020-21. The increase is due to projected health insurance, capital pro material prices due to the pan jects, demic and personnel. The reg ular part-time employee bas across the city is 89. The fulle time employee base across the city is 390, which is the same amount as the prior fiscal yea r.

There will be federal funding coming from the American Res cue Plan and possibly the Transportation Plan. We will do what we can to bring as mu ch federal funding back to Ponca City taxpayers as possibl e. Any funding received will be carefully considered with recommendations presen ted to the City Commission for consideration and budget amendments.

We will continue to be good stewards, work safely, provide great customer service and maintain the public’s trust. We will continue to work with bus inesses and industries to create a collaborative environ ment. This organization has pro ven to be an innovator in the municipal government sector.

With the support of the City Commission, staff will strive continue that trend as well as to continue to maintain a fiscally sound government, invest in Ponca City, implement sustain able initiatives, serve and pro tect our community, offer uniq resources and look forward. ue Craig Stephenson, City Manager

Sincerely,

Craig Stephenson

Craig Stephenson, City Manage

r

see STATE continued on page 33 30 September 2021

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32 September 2021

Held in conjunction with Main Street Brewfest

State of The City: Special Report Continued from page 30

City Manager Craig Stephenson is responsible for the implementation of policy and procedures, as directed by the City Commission, through the coordination and supervision of all city departments as they work toward the goals and visions of the Commissioners. Stephenson assists the Commissioners in the making of policies by providing preliminary planning, recommendations, technical assistance and reporting on all matters relating to the planning, development and operating status of the city departments.

The City Manager coordinates numerous ongoing COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, such as proclamations, ordinances, public information, employee education, safe work environments and public facilities, modified work schedules and operations, federal/state reimbursement documentation and submittals, testing and vaccinations.

As COVID-19 response and recovery efforts continue, the City Manager also continues to administer and provide support for the attainment of City Commission and departmental goals through budget implementation; enhance employee education and development through required safety training as outlined by the city’s safety manual; improve health and wellness opportunities for city employees through the provision of free, voluntary, annual employee health assessments; actively engage in monitoring state and federal legislation that has a potential impact locally, including COVID-19 legislation and guidance; and provide timely communications to the public.

The City of Ponca City provides information to the public using various communication methods. City Commission meetings are broadcast on cable channel 56 and www. poncacityok.gov. The city issues timely press releases, weekly media tip sheets, monthly employee newsletters and annual reports, as well as website and social media postings via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Resident guide information is provided for the Chamber of Commerce Business Directory and Ponca City Utility Authority new customer packets. And, City of Ponca City government documents are available at the Ponca City Library within the Business Reference Section and Oklahoma Collection.

Free educational events and programs are held for local residents throughout the year, such as Arbor Day, Book Clubs, Citizens Police Academy, Coffee With a Cop, Earth Day, Electrical Safety Presentations, Fire Prevention & Safety Presentations, Health Fairs, Historic Tours of Marland’s Grand Home and Marland Mansion & Estate, Ponca City Citizens’ Fire Academy, Preschool Story Times, Recycling Presentations, Senior Center

Medicare Part D Assistance, Storm water Presentations and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. In order to support the development of lasting programs and events that recognize the positive impact on the health of employees and residents, the City of Ponca City is an advocate of the Kay County Healthy Living Coalition and is recognized as a Certified Healthy Business. In addition, Ponca City is recognized as a Certified Healthy Community.

SALES TAX is the only tax-generating stream of GRANTS ADMINISTRATION revenue for the City of Ponca City. The city does not was awarded a $2,250,000 CARES Act grant from receive any property tax revenues for operations or the State of Oklahoma for any appropriations from the state. The city raises reimbursement of public needed revenues to operate services. safety personnel time; a $15,000 Oklahoma SALES TAXES CURRENTLY IN PLACE Humanities CARES Act grant for reimbursement of State Sales Tax personnel costs at the Public 4.5% (in perpetuity) Library, Marland Mansion and Marland’s Grand Home; Kay County Sales Tax Jail a $614,000 Oklahoma 0.667% Department of Commerce (0.3335% in perpetuity, 0.3335% expires June 30, 2028) CDBG-CV CARES Act grant for utility assistance, rent and Kay County Sales Tax County Court House mortgage assistance and food 0.25% (expires Dec. 31, 2032) bank assistance; a $60,000 Phillips 66 grant for the City Sales Tax for General Fund RecPlex scholarship program, 2.0% (in perpetuity) Parks and Recreation tree City Sales Tax for Street Improvements farm, and Fire station radio 0.5% (in perpetuity) equipment; a $47,000 CESF CARES Act grant for Police City Sales Tax for Economic Development body armor, communications 0.5% (expires, Dec. 31, 2023) equipment, COVID-19 mitigations and personal City Sales Tax for Public Safety Center protective equipment; 0.833% a $155,000 Community (0.333% in perpetuity, 0.5% expires Sept. 30, 2028) Development Block Grant for Marland’s Grand Home Phase III; a $14,250 Certified Local Government Program Grant for two National Register Nominations and Pioneer Woman Musical held at the Poncan Theatre; and a $90,000 Department of Emergency Management and Federal Emergency Management Agency Grant to update the local Hazard Mitigation Plan.

TOTAL: 9.25%

see STATE continued on page 34

September 2021

33

State of The City: Special Report Continued from page 33

City Clerk/Finance FINANCE provides timely and accurate financial information to the citizens of Ponca City, the Board of Commissioners and City Departments, as well as providing records management, budget monitoring, accounting, investment and accounts payable services for the city. Staff also conducts internal review audits to document processes, internal controls, and compliance with laws and policies; and participates in department inventory counts to help ensure an accurate count of the city’s assets.

Finance leads the charge each year, coordinating the various components of the budget document. Many employees of the City of Ponca City contribute to the preparation of the budget, and all employees participate in the implementation of the programs outlined in the budget document.

Maintaining fiscal accountability paid off once again, as the City of Ponca City received an unqualified audit opinion for Fiscal Year 2019-20 with positive comments.

Finance worked with the City Manager, Board Counsel and Financial Advisor on two debt issues during Fiscal Year 2020-21. The first debt issue refinanced the 2012A note at 2.7% interest rate to the 2021B note at an interest rate of 0.99% with the same pay off date of February 2025 and a net present value savings of $245,158.39. The second debt issue refinanced the 2021A note in the amount of $12,000,000 at a 1.67% interest rate for a 10-year term to pay for the engineering design and construction of Phase 4 and Phase 5 of the Ponca City Broadband project.

ordinances, contractual bidding, licenses and permit requirements, official file maintenance, public notifications and schedule of regular meetings.

MUNICIPAL COURT has a limited jurisdiction to handle all traffic and criminal misdemeanor offenses committed within the city limits: Police, Lake Patrol, Code Enforcement, Animal Control and Fire Marshal. It is not a court of record. The judge can only assess fines, jail time and court costs according to Oklahoma State Statutes. An agreement with the Kay County District Court, pursuant to the Interlocal Cooperation Act, authorizes the municipal court jurisdiction of certain specified juvenile misdemeanors. Youth Traffic Court handles first-time minor traffic violations not involving an accident.

UTILITY BILLING has customer service representatives available to assist the Ponca City Utility Authority’s 13,223 residential customers and 2,237 commercial customers. Representatives actively pursue collections and are thankful that community agencies, churches and tribal agencies contributed $180,195.82 to customer accounts in 2020. When coupled with Department of Human Services payments of $284,598.88, a total of $464,794.70 in outside assistance was received. This is an increase of approximately 21% from the previous year.

WHERE THE CITY GETS $$$ TAXES

CITY CLERK provides City Commission records, codification of municipal

WHERE THE $$$ GO

GENERAL GOVERNMENT

$4,188,611

POLICE

$6,327,740

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ANIMAL CONTROL

911 & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

$823,054

$265,120

$857,153

FIRE

$6,040,798

STREETS

$4,397,599

AMBULANCE ENGINEERING

PARKS & RECREATION

MARLAND ESTATE & GRAND HOME LIBRARY

TOURISM GRANT

WATER

ELECTRIC

BROADBAND

SOLID WASTE

STORMWATER & WASTEWATER TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

$1,305,968 $1,121,715 $575,758

$1,094,629 $694,167

$47,100

$8,182,340

$1,026,376 $5,456,631 $ 958,776

$1,184,759

CAPITAL PROJECTS AIRPORT

EXPENSES

34 September 2021

CHARGES FOR SERVICES

$7,623,903

RECPLEX

CANN ESTATE

OUTSIDE

$39,688,210

$6,575,624

WENTZ GOLF

INTERGOVERNMENTAL

$3,011,097

DEBT SERVICE CITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INTERNAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS

LICENSES & PERMITS

$8,991,503 $849,281

FINES & FORFEITS

$71,302

$793,867

$1,265,368 $113,418,457

OTHER REVENUE

GENERAL FUND SALES TAX GENERAL FUND USE TAX GENERAL FUND OTHER TAX STREET IMPROVEMENT SALES TAX STREET IMPROVEMENT USE TAX ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SALES TAX ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT USE TAX PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER SALES TAX PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER USE TAX HOTEL/MOTEL TAX AD VALOREM TAX, SINKING FUN

$7,944,167 $871,471 $200,585, $1,986,042 $217,868 $1,986,042 $217,868 $3,308,746 $362,968 $500,000 $700,000

$18,295,757

LICENSE E-911 DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PERMIT FRANCHISE FEES

$113,764 $378,555 $45,585 #418,002

$955,906

CIGARETTE ALLOCATION EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GRANT COUNTY MOTOR VEHICLE TAX GASOLINE TAX AIRPORT OTHER

$124,250 $29,708 $170,000 $35,000 $165,000 $34,250

$558,208

$24,000 $25,000 $300

$49,300

GENERAL GOVERNMENT UTILITY MARLAND RECPLEX GOLF COURSE CANN ESTATE AIRPORT

$5,072,816 $56,713,440 $142,000 $750,336 $479,500 $2,500 $878,000

$64,038,592

MUNICIPAL COURT FINES JUVENILE FINES OTHER

$524,461 $25,000 $7,800

$557,261

$1,825,500 $19,938,889 $7,199,044

$28,963,433

LIBRARY GRANT CANN ESTATE MATZENE BOOK FUND

OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS FROM FUNDS ASSIGNED FUND BALANCE REVENUES

$113,418,457

Development Services was responsible for the design and construction of the facility remodel which is now home to the Northern Oklahoma Regional Animal Care Facility.

State of The City: Special Report

Development Services DEVELOPMENT SERVICES promotes and facilitates land use planning, assists others in achieving their developmental goals and objectives and implements the community wide standards adopted and contained within the Ponca City Master Plan.

During Fiscal Year 2020-21, Planning/Code Administration reviewed building plans, issued permits and provided inspection oversight for residential and commercial construction projects with a total value of $38,114,000; investigated and abated 3,788 individual incidents of assorted nuisance violations to include care of premises, high grass and weeds, dilapidated structures, non-compliant signage and the illegal parking of motor vehicles; caused the removal of 19 dilapidated structures from residential neighborhoods; and adopted the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code and 2017 National Electric Code.

The city is currently in the process of updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the public will be invited to participate in two public meetings to provide input. The current plan is set to expire in January 2022.

Staff also served as the primary liaison between the City of Ponca City and the United States Census Bureau during the Census 2020 campaign. Ponca City’s 2010 population was 25,387. As of the printing of this document, the official results of the 2020 Census have not yet been released.

ENGINEERING maintains infrastructure records of the city and provides support services to all city departments, including engineering, design, planning, project management, land survey, construction inspection, GIS (Geographic Information Services) and public resource information.

Over the past year, Engineering completed the survey, design, plan preparation, bidding, construction oversight and inspection for the following street sales tax funded reconstruction projects: Broadway Avenue, from Lake Street to Pine Street; Oklahoma Avenue, from Waverly Street to Lincoln Street; Prospect Avenue, from Fourteenth Street to the west 350 feet; and sidewalk on the east side of the 100 Block of South Third Street and west side of the

100 Block of North Fourth Street.

Engineering also customized and provided GIS maps and data, and provided technical support to assist the 911 Call Center upgrade to Vesta 911, a fully GIS-based emergency call system; and provided plan review, city regulation guidance and GIS data assistance for various economic development projects, such as 211 West Hartford Avenue Dollar General, 2001 Lake Road “The Barn” Office Building, 2820 North Fourteenth Street Starbucks, 2100 Lake Road Storage Units and 2551 Lake Road Wohl Company Building Project.

Engineering spends a significant amount of time on flood management. Engineering completed a study to determine the feasibility and cost for construction of drainage improvements in the Joe Street and Young Avenue flood problem area. Additionally, four automated weather stations were installed throughout Ponca City that will be instrumental in the establishment of a flood threat recognition and advanced flood-warning system for the city.

Flood management activities provide credit in the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) CRS (Community Rating System). The City of Ponca City’s current CRS rating is a Class 5. This rating is good for the next five years until the next field verification cycle. The floodplain management activities implemented and maintained by the city qualify for a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums for NFIP policies issued in Special Flood Hazard Areas.

The city is currently in the process of updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the public will be invited to participate in two public meetings to provide input. The current plan is set to expire in January 2022.

TRAFFIC ENGINEERING applies engineering principles to planning, design and traffic operation on streets and abutting land uses, in order to provide safe and efficient movement of today’s traffic and to plan improvements designed to accommodate tomorrow’s traffic.

see STATE continued on page 36 September 2021

35

State of The City: Special Report Continued from page 35

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES The Street Improvement Project Trust Fund prudently expends street improvement sales and use tax revenues derived from a ½-cent dedicated tax. Construction improvements are leveraged with grant funds whenever possible. Over the past year, $2,290,800 of maintenance projects on various streets were completed, including: removed brick, laid asphalt and constructed new curb and gutter on Broadway Avenue, Lake Street to Pine Street; constructed new sidewalk on the south side of Highland Avenue, Airline Drive to Waverly Street; reconstructed concrete on Mockingbird Drive, Pecan Road to 90’ east; reconstructed Oklahoma Avenue, Lincoln Street to Waverly Street; milled and overlaid Princeton Avenue, Fourteenth Street to 660’ west; reconstructed east leg of Fourteenth Street and Prospect Avenue; replaced 60,800 4-inch linear feet of pavement markings on arterial streets; purchased new central software for traffic signal communication and monitoring;

completed engineering plans for deck replacement of the Union Street overpass at Highland Avenue; and reconstructed the sidewalk on the east side of 100 South Third Street and the west side of 100 North Fourth Street.

Traffic Engineering replaced batteries at traffic signals equipped with battery backup systems at four intersections; updated traffic signal monitoring and control system software; contracted 60,800 linear feet of pavement marking replacement on major street system; produced 760 traffic control signs and 5,410 special signs/ decals for city departments and other governmental agencies; replaced 490 traffic control signs and 205 street name markers under routine maintenance program; conducted 24-hour traffic volume counts at 81 locations on through street system; conducted 20 battery backup tests, 36 conflict monitor tests and 53 emergency vehicle preemption tests; and replaced 176 LED signal lamps.

Environmental Services Environmental Services provides solid waste, water and wastewater services, while protecting public health and meeting all state and federal environmental regulations.

WATER ADMINISTRATION, during Fiscal Year 2020-21, prepared a Continuity of Operation Plan for Water Production and Water Distribution and assessed Ponca City water systems’ risks and resiliencies. The assessment is an Environmental Protection Agency mandated project that includes: identification of critical acts and threats; evaluation of cybersecurity pertinent to water system operations, water system risk and resilience analysis; and management of risks and resiliencies and mitigation measures.

commercial, industrial and wholesale customers. The division achieves its goals by maintaining 213 miles of water mains, over 11,400 water meters, various-sized valves and approximately 900 fire hydrants located within the water distribution system.

Over the past year, Water Distribution completed 243 work orders to improve the structural integrity of the water distribution system; installed 11 new fire hydrants to improve the city’s firefighting capability; responded to, and repaired, 162 water leaks; and installed 19 various-sized valves to minimize service interruption during emergency situations.

The Lake Ponca Spillway Rehabilitation Project was safely and successfully completed. It won an Honor Award in the 2021 American Council of Engineering Companies Oklahoma Competition.

WATER PRODUCTION operates and maintains a 16 MGD (Millions of Gallons per Day) Water Treatment Plant, 20 water wells, six distribution booster pumping facilities, two elevated water storage towers, one raw water booster pump station and four group storage reservoirs. The most essential component, the Water Treatment Plant, was originally built in 1925 and underwent a series of rehabilitation and upgrades in the 1950s, and the mid-1980s and 1996-97.

Over the past year, Water Production successfully treated over 3 billion gallons of drinking water that met or exceeded state and federal standards; completed 1,633 work orders to maintain plant production units’ water wells and booster pump stations; completed repairs and flood mitigation of five water wells; and continued employee cross-training.

WATER DISTRIBUTION is responsible for distributing an abundant and high-quality supply of potable water to residential,

Water Distribution completed the replacement of 2,051 feet of 14- and 16-inch failing water main along North Sixth Street, from Hartford Avenue south to Brookfield Avenue. This section of water main suffered several breaks and needed to be replaced to improve its structural integrity and ensure high quality of services to the customers.

see STATE continued on page 39 36 September 2021

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State of The City: Special Report Continued from page 36

Environmental Services WASTEWATER ADMINISTRATION continues to promote high operation standards and efficiency, enhance preventative maintenance activities to further reduce unpermitted discharges, improve customer satisfaction and protect stream water by implementing the Industrial Pretreatment Program mandated by the Clean Water Act. A Continuity of Operation Plan for the Wastewater Collection and Wastewater Treatment has been prepared. In addition, Federal Dental Effluent Guidelines have been incorporated into the city’s program.

All Ponca City dental offices have installed Amalgam separators to capture mercury and other metals before they are discharged into the public sewer system.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT operates and maintains a 9.5 MGD (Millions of Gallons per Day) Wastewater Treatment Plant, 2.1 MGD groundwater treatment plant and 14 lift stations. The Wastewater Treatment Plant treats wastewater generated by residential, commercial and industrial customers. The plant’s operation goals are to eliminate wastewater overflows at the treatment plant and lift stations and to only discharge treated wastewater to the Arkansas River that meet or exceed minimum standards established by state and federal regulations. Staff is committed to safeguard the environment by maintaining the highest level of treatment at the lowest attainable cost to the community.

Last year, they successfully treated over 1.5 billion gallons of wastewater that includes high-strength steams generated by industrial users; successfully operated over 20 key process units with the lowest attainable capital costs for the treatment plant; carried out 3,417 work orders to maintain the plant and lift stations; and completed the Bois D’Arc Lift Station Wet Well Rehabilitation Project.

WASTEWATER COLLECTION maintains approximately 178 miles of gravity sewer mains and all manholes within the system, routinely inspects and evaluates the sewer system to identify repair and replacement needs, and implements aggressive preventative maintenance programs to reduce sewer overflows, in order to provide high-quality and cost-effective services that satisfy public needs and meet federal and state regulations.

They recently completed the Second Street Sewer Collector Replacement Project; installed sewer service lines at the new Public Safety Center; and performed preventative maintenance tasks to maintain and improve conditions of the city’s wastewater collection system by flushing over 400,00 feet of sewer mains, filming over 10,000 feet of sewer mains to evaluate pipe conditions and treating over 35,000 feet of pipe with proprietary root control chemicals.

SOLID WASTE provides residential service, commercial collection service, as well as roll-off service. Residential house counts within the city limits were updated and commercial routes were audited and updated to improve record accuracy, ensure route balance and service efficiency.

The division provides twice per week trash service to residents living within the city limits. Residential customers may place up to three 35-gallon containers of trash out on each pickup day for curb or alley pickup. For larger quantities, the division has a special pickup service available for an additional fee. Tree trimmings and/or brush cuttings may be placed in 35-gallon containers or tied into bundles that are

less than 4 feet long and smaller than 36 inches in diameter. Grass clippings are collected by special pickup service only for an additional fee.

PONCA CITY LANDFILL is a municipal solid waste disposal facility that meets all applicable state and federal regulatory requirements, while providing safe and convenient trash disposal to Ponca City and

Solid Waste provides annual programs such as the Christmas Tree Recycling, Fall Leaf Pick Up and Citywide Spring Cleanup.

Household Hazardous Waste Day, co-hosted with P66, is held every even numbered year.

Solid Waste assists city departments in the removal and disposal of debris generated from facility cleanups, code enforcement activities and recovery efforts such as the 2020 Ice Storm. the surrounding communities. The Landfill fulfills annual requirements for methane gas monitoring and reporting, greenhouse gas reporting, groundwater monitoring and reporting, as well as annual compliance certification and semiannual monitoring and reporting for the Title V Operating Permit. The Industrial Pretreatment Discharge Permit is also renewed annually, so that excess leachate can be transported to, and disposed of, at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. And, the Landfill Closure Fund provides funds to meet financial assurance required by the Environmental Protection Agency and Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality for closure/post-closure cost of the landfill.

The Landfill supported the city’s Ice Storm Removal program by facilitating a special storage area and carrying out Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality permitted controlled burning of the debris. The Landfill received and burnt 6,012.69 tons of storm debris in the designated holding area, located north of the Landfill.

Solid Waste hauled 729.61 tons of ash from the burn area to the Landfill.

A new 6-foot chain-link fence, with three-strand barbwire top and two gates, provides added security and litter containment around the landfill.

PONCA CITY RECYCLING CENTER, operated by SCL (Supported Community Lifestyles), is open Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Recyclable goods accepted at the center include cardboard, paper (presorted), tin/steel cans, glass, aluminum cans, various assorted metals, water heaters, latex paints and electronics. SCL also offers curb-side recycling service on Wednesdays by subscription service only.

see STATE continued on page 40 September 2021

39

State of The City: Special Report Continued from page 39

Marland’s Grand Home & Marland Mansion & Estate MARLAND’S GRAND HOME preserves and maintains the 1916 historic first home of E.W. Marland: Marland Oil Company founder, U.S. congressman, and 10th governor of Oklahoma. Exhibits for tourists include restored 1920s-era living areas, plus collections of 101 Ranch and American Indian artifacts that pertain to the life of Marland and his family.

Located at 1000 E. Grand Ave., the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Designed by Solomon Layton in Renaissance Revival style, construction of the home began in 1914 and was completed in 1916. It covers 16,500 square feet and houses the first indoor swimming pool built in Oklahoma. The property originally included extensive formal gardens to the east and a carriage house to the west. The home cost approximately $350,000 to build. Guests are greeted by a life-size bronze statue of a red fox, located in the parking lot flower bed, as a way to enhance the history of Marland bringing fox hunting to Ponca City.

Phase III of the Marland’s Grand Home Improvements Project is being funded by a Community Development Block Grant, Friends of the Marland’s Grand Home, Peel Foundation and the City of Ponca City. The project includes abatement of lead-based paint, stucco repair, priming and painting the exterior of the home, removal and replacement of the storm windows, removal and repair of wood doors, as well as numerous other repairs to the exterior of the home.

Monetary donations made and raised through the Friends of Marland’s Grand Home help support preservation efforts.

More information about the home, tours and rentals can be

40 September 2021

found at www.marlandgrandhome.com.

MARLAND MANSION AND ESTATE preserves and maintains the 1928 historic second home of E.W. Marland, which is a National Historic Landmark; educates the public about E.W. Marland and his family; and creates an authentic atmosphere portraying the Marland lifestyle during the 1920s and 1930s.

Located at 901 Monument Road, architect John Duncan Forsyth, artists, decorators and sculptors of international reputation combined their talents to create this ‘Palace on the Prairie’ between 1925-28. The mansion alone is 78 feet wide and 184 feet long and contains 43,561 square feet distributed over four levels. There are 55 rooms, including 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, seven fireplaces, and three kitchens. Additional museums on the estate grounds include the Marland Oil Museum, the Bryant Baker Gallery & Artist Studio and Lydie’s Cottage.

Preservation efforts to maintain and renovate this historical site are ongoing and include items such as interior plaster and painting; exterior masonry cleaning; stone repair replacement; exterior wrought iron and metal repairs; exterior wood repairs; exterior caulking and sealing; landscaping, irrigation and pond maintenance; and roof, gutter and downspout repairs. Safely preserving and inventorying the estate artifacts that are on display and in storage is also of utmost importance. Marland’s original dining set with ornate table, eight chairs, buffet, side board and mirror were recently acquired. Monetary donations made and raised through the Marland Estate Foundation help support preservation efforts. More information on events, tours, facility rentals and gift shop items can be found at www.marlandmansion.com.

see STATE continued on page 43

September 2021

41

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Thank you for your support and enjoy your time in Ponca City!

Carl Renfro President

Directors Brenda Renfro

Randy Renfro Treasurer, CPA

Rick Renfro

Secretary, Restaurateur

Cindy Gorrell Vice President, Investments

Carol Bouldin

University Center Board

Rich Cantillon

President Ponca City Chamber/Tourism

Jeff Cowan

RCB Bank

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organizations through charitable grants.

State of The City: Special Report Continued from page 40

Parks And Recreation PARKS maintains Cann Memorial Gardens, Unity Gym, Veterans’ Plaza, AMBUC Pool, Wentz Camp and Pool and 30 parks. Each park area provides various amenities, such as playground equipment, shelter houses, restrooms, tennis courts, splash pads and disc golf courses. The Lake Ponca recreational area features play structures, picnic pavilions, grills, restrooms, showers, lake lot rentals, boating, fishing, kayaking, walking, hiking, biking, sand volleyball, disc golf and camping.

added an awning to the Senior Center for drive-thru service; updated the Dan Moran concession stand and U15 baseball field; renovated and repainted Unity Gym; replaced the domestic hot water boilers, recoated the domestic hot water storage tank, replaced the domestic water mixing valve and replaced the building heater boilers at the RecPlex; assisted in the installation and teardown of the Festival of Angels; and installed holiday banners and displays in the Main Street corridor.

Park Maintenance provides grounds maintenance for City Hall, the Library, Marland’s Grand Home, Marland Mansion and Estate and the grounds of the Pioneer Woman Museum through a state contract. Each year, Park Maintenance grows over 40,000 flowers and plants to beautify the community. This year, Park Maintenance planted over 100 trees and maintained Tree City USA certification. Park Maintenance partnered with Phillips 66 to create a tree farm that will support the growth of saplings, such as oak, maple, elm and pistache, until they are ready to replant within the park system.

Special-use areas, such as the archery range, ball fields, mountain bike trails, nature center, AMBUC Moto-X Track and GOOFS Field (a radio-controlled airplane field), are maintained under collaborative user agreements.

During Fiscal Year 2020-21, Park Maintenance installed a new enclosed fishing dock at Lake Ponca; converted the Library, RecPlex and Ponca City Energy buildings to LED lights; installed two additional (six total) shade structures at the Veterans’ Plaza; repaired and resealed the Wentz Dining Hall, Boys Bathroom and Cabin 6; repaired underground plumbing leaks at Wentz Camp;

RECREATION provides quality recreation and leisure opportunities with the goal of developing healthy minds, bodies and enhancing the quality of life.

The Senior Center provides weekly activities, such as bingo, board games, cards, computer access, day trips, dominoes, educational and health programming, exercise classes, line dancing, movies and support groups. The Center annually assists with scheduling Medicare Part D prescription appointments and hosts quarterly meetings of the Senior Resource Network. During Fiscal Year 2020-21, the Senior Center served 7,681 meals, Tuesday through Friday. Sixty percent of the meals were served using the new drive-thru window that was installed in response to COVID-19.

The Center also helped over 300 seniors schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

The RecPlex, recreation and fitness facility, continues to expand activities and programs, such as adult volleyball, adult basketball, dog obedience classes, fishing clinics, fitness classes, fun runs, holiday craft fairs, kids’ night out events, movies on the lawn, preK-2nd grade boys’ and girls’ basketball league, 3rd-6th grade boys’ and girls’ basketball camp, silver sneakers, tennis camps, walk challenges and youth girls’ volleyball league and camp.

AMBUC, Wentz and RecPlex swimming pools maintain American Red Cross lifeguard certifications, use certified aquatic facility operators and lifeguard instructors and conduct bi-weekly inservice lifeguard trainings.

Unity Gym provides facility rentals for baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball practice and hosts indoor organized sports leagues and community events.

see STATE continued on page 44 Parks Maintenance renovated an old shelter house into a Kayak Barn for kayak rentals at Lake Ponca. Last year, 442 kayaks were rented, 136 kayak tours were given and 20 lessons were provided.

September 2021

43

State of The City: Special Report Continued from page 43

Ponca City Broadband

PONCA CITY BROADBAND provides reliable access to the internet, utilizing ultra-high speed, 100% fiber optic cable at a reasonable price, allowing customers to take advantage of new opportunities for work and commerce, entertainment, enhanced quality of life and other innovations the internet future will bring.

As an internet service provider to subscribers, Ponca City Broadband makes every effort to ensure extremely high levels of customer satisfaction and continuously strives to provide customers the level of service they subscribe to: every time and all the time.

All noncommercial customers within the city limits pay a set monthly fee for broadband internet service based upon service maximum download bandwidths. This bandwidth is capped based on that service, except during interruptions in service, and includes: Gold Broadband, 50 Mbps download (25 Mbps upload) for $60 per month; Platinum Broadband, 100 Mbps download (50 Mbps upload) for $100 per month; and Diamond Broadband, 1000 Mbps download (500 Mbps upload) for $250 per month. Noncommercial service is intended for entertainment purposes only; no warranties (either expressed or implied) are made regarding any fitness for business purposes. Helpdesk assistance for noncommercial customers is available 24/7, but physical repairs are only made Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dynamic IP addresses are used for noncommercial service. And, noncommercial service cannot be shared outside of the physical address of the account (e.g., a single home or a single business location).

includes speeds of 30 Mbps guaranteed minimum symmetrical (upload and download) bandwidth, with a burst rate of 50 Mbps maximum symmetrical is $200 per month. Commercial service includes many amenities not included in noncommercial service: no activation fee; static IP address(es); the ability to share the connection at multiple locations operated by the business, as long as the business installs its own local area network; a Service Level Agreement that guarantees immediate repair and/or replacement of any failed system components; and the sharing of bandwidth between multiple devices within the business. Commercial broadband plans require a two-year contract.

Ponca City Broadband does not require a contract for residential service, just the same services agreement used for other Ponca City Utility Authority services.

Once the agreement is signed and the $200 activation fee is paid (either in full or at $10 per month), Ponca City Broadband will call to schedule an in-home installation appointment.

In-home installations are limited to penetrating one exterior wall (no attic, crawl space or interior wall installation is performed). Anyone needing or desiring more installation work than this will be referred to any of the local installation companies in Ponca City providing in-home, interior wall installations.

Commercial customers include any building to which service is connected and is being used primarily for business purposes. Rates are based upon prefiber installation, and business rates are charged in “units of service.” Each unit of service includes a single public static IP address for business use, and

44 September 2021

Ponca City Broadband service is being installed in five project phases throughout Ponca City. Construction in Phase 1 is complete. Construction in Phase 2 and Phase 3 is underway, with an overall completion estimated to be in October of 2021. Construction in Phase 4 and Phase 5 is estimated to begin in December of 2021, with a completion date in December of 2022.

As individual service areas are completed (usually 10 to 15 square blocks in size), customers can begin receiving service. Ponca City Broadband mails postcards to individual addresses approximately 10 days prior to being able to receive service in particular areas. Customers residing in an area where Ponca City Broadband construction is complete can sign up for service at the PCUA Billing Office. The Billing Office is located in City Hall at 516 E. Grand Ave. and is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact the PCUA Billing Office at 580.767.0311 or visit www.poncacitybroadband.com.

Ponca City Energy PONCA CITY ENERGY (PCE) uses the following principles of operation: to use wisdom and knowledge to maintain and improve the city’s electrical system; to do these things with the goal to serve, the goal to satisfy, and the goal to get results; and strive to have the best electrical system and street lighting system possible. In addition, guard our trusted resources in order to annually provide a reasonable transfer to the city treasury for the public good, while maintaining comparably low rates.

These operating principles helped guide PCE through the ice storm of Oct. 27, 2020, which affected at least 80% of the customers on the system or rather 12,181 out of 15,418 meters. City crews and contract crews worked from Oct. 27 until Nov. 1, trimming trees, repairing damaged power lines and restoring power to customers. Crews continued to work over the next several weeks recovering from the ice storm damage.

Ponca City Energy provides service to a 98 square mile area.

A winter storm in February resulted in historically highenergy prices across the region and forced electric power suppliers to act, in order to prevent customers from being burdened with unreasonably high bills. PCE’s power supplier, the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority, estimated the cost impact of the storm to be approximately $60 million. The OMPA Board of Directors, upon which Mayor Nicholson serves as Chairman, approved a plan to spread the financial impact over seven years. As a result,

Natural Remedies for Ear Problems Wally’s Natural EAR CANDLES Ear candling is an alternative medicine practice used to treat earwax buildup and other conditions and problems relating to the ears.

State of The City: Special Report

member utilities and their customers are not expected to see any wholesale rate increases for 2021 or 2022 from storm costs.

Ongoing PCE preventative maintenance efforts reduce outage times and increase system reliability. During Fiscal Year 2020-21, PCE trimmed trees, removed trees and cleared right-of-way on 25% of the system; tested 2,300 wood poles, replaced 200 inferior poles; maintained all primary system circuits; checked every primary pole and made repairs where needed; replaced two wooden transmission poles on Pecan Road with steel poles; and installed two primary switches.

PCE also installed conduit for the Ponca City Broadband system; converted the Acre Homes subdivision from non accessible primary overhead to underground; relocated the substation transformer from the old Diesel Plant Substation to the Union Street Substation; converted the electric at Wentz Pool and Camp from overhead to underground; provided primary construction for several new three-phase services including Dollar General, Community Bank, Starbucks and grow houses; and responded to operational growth and new construction at Dorada Foods by replacing a 2500 kVA transformer with a new 3750 kVA unit and relocating two other 3750 kVA transformers.

see STATE continued on page 46

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Frances Coonrod 580-761-1712 Frances.Coonrod@gmail.com

September 2021 Call or Text Frances Coonrod, 580-761-1712

45

State of The City: Special Report Continued from page 45

Ponca City Fire Department PONCA CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT (PCFD) minimizes the loss of life and property from fire, medical emergencies and other disasters and strives to accomplish this through fire prevention, public education, fire suppression, medical service delivery and other related emergency and nonemergency activities.

The primary response area for fire services is 19.3 square miles within the Ponca City limits and 64 square miles of rural area in Kay County. Last year, the PCFD responded to 821 calls related to fire, rescue and other resident requests for assistance, a 10% decrease from the previous year. PCFD collaborated with the Engineering Division’s GIS services to revise the department’s current street location knowledge exam, which tests the requisite geographical awareness of all newly employed personnel.

In 2020, Fire performed 83 in-home installations of department-provided smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and replacement batteries; 148 fire safety inspections for Ponca City businesses and merchants in an effort to promote hazard awareness; and issued 39 burn permits to citizens and various organizations to allow for on-premises vegetation and overgrowth removal.

AMBULANCE provides emergency care and transport services in an effort to mitigate medical emergencies for the residents of Ponca City and strives to effectively and efficiently utilize resources made available for rendering of emergency medical services.

The primary ambulance services response area is 19.3 square miles within the Ponca City limits, and 445 square miles of rural area: 220 square miles in Kay County, 125 square miles in Noble County and 100 square miles in Osage County. In 2020, ambulance services responded to 4,784 medical-related calls, a 1% decrease from the previous year, and provided 657 outof-town patient transfers from Ponca City to distal receiving hospitals.

Clinical training in the area of basic and advanced life-support medical protocols is delivered to all personnel in order to satisfy the continuing education requirements set forth for recertification by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians agency. In keeping with the City of Ponca City’s current ambulance fleet replacement program, an order has been placed for a new ambulance.

The ongoing program replaces aging ambulance units on a regularly scheduled biannual basis.

New digital mobile radios were installed in all vehicles; apparatus exhaust removal systems at all fire station facilities were repaired and updated; aged personal protective equipment footwear and fireretardant hoods were replaced; and a new pumper apparatus was placed into service.

Ponca City Library PONCA CITY LIBRARY strives to provide access to the best sources of information, current technology, quality collections, outstanding programs and exceptional service, so that residents have the resources they need to make informed decisions, explore topics of interest and successfully learn throughout their lives.

In response to COVID-19, the Ponca City Library continues to provide services and materials via in-house checkouts, curbside service and absolute no-touch remote interactions.

46 September 2021

During Fiscal Year 2020-21, the Library provided clean, closely monitored and socially distanced in-person service up to 4,000 visitors a month.

Services included daily curbside pickup service; in-person programs, such as Adult Winter Read, Schedule a Librarian and art tours; and passive programming, such as scavenger hunts, brown-bag challenges, make-and-take crafts and binge box video collections. Staff created over 160 displays to highlight collections, formats and new materials, as well as provided over 250 Welcome Baby Packets

to local hospitals and the Pregnancy Hope Center.

Via the internet, the Library provided over 35,000 checkouts of downloadable materials through the Oklahoma Virtual Library Consortium; facilitated over 30,000 searches from online databases, such as Rosetta Stone, Ancestry, Reference USA and Valueline; provided over 2,400 computer sessions in the Library; provided online events for children and adults on topics such as Book Club, Keto for Beginners and Fire Breathing Dragon for over 20,000 annual remote views; reinstituted Volunteer Income Tax Assistance; and provided an online Summer Reading Program. The Library also expanded staff skills and knowledge via continuing education, such as the Association for Rural and Small Libraries virtual conference and webinars sponsored by Booklist and the American Library Association.

see STATE continued on page 49

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Ponca City’s Earth Day Celebration is Ponca City’s Earth Day Celebration is Wednesay, April 22, Wednesay, April 22, 9-1 at Unity Gym. 9-1 at Unity Gym.

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REBATES: We offer Heat Pump Rebates! Ponca City Energy can be reached at: 580-767-0405.

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– COMPASSIONATE CARE BY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS – Local people caring for local people!

Humanity Hospice brings together a team of specially-trained professionals and volunteers who work with the patient’s doctor to provide a plan of care designed to control the pain and ease end-of-life struggles for the patient and their family. These professionals come from a variety of disciplines working together under the guidance of the Hospice Medical Director to meet the individual needs of your loved one.

We do so much every day with our patients from celebrating their birthdays, participating in activities and volunteering in their facility.

TheMission MissionofofHumanity HumanityHospice Hospiceis The to provide quality comfort toisprovide quality comfort carecare that that enhances the lives of individuals enhances the lives of individuals with with a life-limiting illness a life-limiting illness and their and families their families dignity. through dignitythrough and compassion.

September 2021

47

POWWOW CANCELLED

48 September 2021

State of The City: Special Report Continued from page 46

Ponca City Police Department PONCA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT (PCPD) is an accredited police department with 55 sworn officers, 11 civilian employees, and 26 Extra Eyes volunteers.

The Police Department is thankful for the community’s continued support and the many trained volunteers who come from graduating classes of the Citizens’ Police Academy and Extra Eyes Program. They perform duties such as records entry, fingerprint analysis, traffic control, crime stoppers, juvenile court, special patrols, parade duty and crime scene assistance.

Two school resource officers are maintained, with one serving at the Ponca City Senior High School and one serving both Middle Schools, using existing officers and over $100,000 in reimbursement from Ponca City Public Schools each year. PCPD received $15,508 in another reimbursement from the State of Oklahoma for transporting emergency mental health patients 26,971 miles last year.

The mission of the PCPD is to work with all citizens to promote safety, preserve life, maintain human rights, protect property and encourage individual responsibility and community commitment. This year the department began Cultural Competence/Implicit Bias training for all Police employees.

In 2020, the PCPD responded to 24,315 calls for service, made 6,115 traffic contacts, recorded 1,191 Part 1 Crimes and booked 574 individuals into the Ponca City municipal jail. Part 1 Crimes consist of arson, criminal homicide, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny/theft and motor vehicle theft.

COMMUNICATIONS/911 strives to provide emergency and nonemergency response to the citizens of Ponca City in a timely manner and maintain a high standard of communications to all emergency responders, city departments and surrounding agencies. In 2020, Communications/911 handled 24,318 Police calls for service; 5,605 Fire/EMS calls for service; and 1,416 calls for other city services, rural fire departments and outside agencies.

ANIMAL CONTROL strives to make Ponca City a safer community and manage the animal population by enforcing laws that govern animals kept within the city limits and by capturing animals running loose.

Ponca City Animal Control relocated to the Northern Oklahoma Regional Animal Care Facility at 705 E. Hubbard Road. The new facility contains 6,440 square feet of floor area, and the outer walls consist of precast concrete panels. The site consists of 2.34 acres and is fenced for occasional livestock and security.

Coordinated efforts between Animal Control, the Ponca City Human Society and several animal rescue services have significantly reduced the number of dogs and cats being euthanized.

The City Commission recently passed a resolution establishing a goal for the Northern Oklahoma Regional Animal Care Facility to qualify as a No-Kill operation by Dec. 31, 2025. No-Kill communities are those that save 90% or more of the adoptable dogs and cats coming through their facilities. In 2020, the Animal Control adoption rate was 83% for dogs and 42% for cats.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT strives to ensure the safety of the citizens of Ponca City by providing timely warnings, lifesaving information and educational resources in regards to all dangerous situations that may occur in or around Ponca City. In response to COVID-19, Emergency Management processed Federal Emergency Management Agency documentation, used grant funds and state allocations to purchase and distribute personal protective equipment and worked with the Oklahoma Department of Health and PCPD to establish safe and efficient logistics to vaccinate citizens for COVID-19 at a community vaccination pod.

Emergency Management continues to provide public information and education using a variety of media.

A new Ponca City Public Safety Center is currently under construction and anticipated to be completed in June of 2022.

It is being constructed in the block east of the existing 1974 building and comprised of a 36,000 square feet two-story building and a 10,500 square feet 16-bed jail. A judicial center will be created in the former building to separate municipal court operations and prosecution operations.

see STATE continued on page 50

September 2021

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State of The City: Special Report Continued from page 49

PUBLIC WORKS

PONCA CITY REGIONAL AIRPORT continues an aggressive pursuit to maintain the highest quality of safety standards set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Oklahoma Aeronautical Commission (OAC), while promoting the airport as the best in Oklahoma.

In January 1938, Ponca City’s airport was sod, a half-mile square. Later that year, a 3,600-foot concrete runway opened. The United States Army Air Forces took over the facility in the summer of 1941 and used it as part of the British Flying Training School Program until 1944. Airline service to Ponca City began in the late 1920s, with the final carrier in 2006.

Today, the Ponca City Regional Airport covers 500 acres and reports 61,500 aircraft operations annually, an average of 168 per day. There are multiple hangars on the grounds, as well as several businesses.

The Airport hosts the annual Northern Oklahoma Flight Academy and the monthly Fly-In Breakfasts.

The airport’s new 7,200-foot runway project, which began in 2020, was one of the largest single-phase undertakings at a general aviation airport in Oklahoma. The project reconstructed a majority of the runway, replaced the runway lights and guidance signs and significantly enhanced the drainage of the area. The FAA funding for the $8.1 million project was directed through the OAC’s five-year Airport Construction Program and consisted of a combination of FAA Supplemental Appropriations, Airport Improvement Program funding and Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act local matching funds.

50 September 2021

Since 2000, the airport has received over $26 million in funding to support infrastructure upgrades, functionality and improvement of the facility.

Ponca City Regional Airport plays an important role in the community and training tomorrow’s pilots and aviation professionals.

STREET provides maintenance of streets, alleys, drainage systems, parking lots, snow and ice removal and assists other city departments. They are responsible for the maintenance of 173 miles of streets, 71 miles of alleys, 25 miles of storm water drainage systems and 22 city drives and parking lots.

During 2020, Street maintenance projects included 6.5 miles of chip and seal, 3.5 miles of crack sealing, 450 feet of curb and gutter replacement, 344 blocks of rock and asphalt alley repairs and leveled pavement areas where asphalt had heaved.

Special concrete projects included the installation of the parking lot and driveways at the new Northern Oklahoma Regional Animal Care Facility; ramp and walkway area at Marland’s Grand Home; piers, sidewalk and concrete landings at Lake Ponca for the new fishing dock; as well as repairs to a damaged downtown planter box.

Drainage projects included removing, replacing and extending a drainage pipe at the Woodridge Subdivision; installing a new French drain to alleviate groundwater problems at Redbud Park; and reconstructing and realigning the drainage channel at Cleary Drive and Drake Drive.

Debris removal projects included picking up approximately 20,000 cubic yards of tree debris from city streets and alleys caused by the Oct. 27, 2020, storm and removing 2,250 cubic yards of debris from the demolition of two houses on Hubbard Road.

STORM WATER fees fund the management of rainfall runoff and compliance with federal and state storm water regulations, as well as projects such as Household Hazardous Waste Day (co-hosted with P66 biannually), drainage and detention improvement, storm water program evaluation, storm water ordinance review; and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System OK-RO4 permit training.

CITY GARAGE maintains and repairs all City vehicles and equipment in an efficient and effective manner, by improving working skills and knowledge, to minimize interruption time to City Departments. The City Garage services 319 rolling vehicles, including 97 pieces of heavy equipment.

LEW WENTZ GOLF COURSE is nestled on the east side of Lake Ponca, with 125 acres of rolling terrain. The fourstar, 18-hole course features two PGA professionals on staff, amateur and professional tournaments, beginner clinics, corporate outings, junior camps, private lessons, tournaments and a Wednesday Night League. Staff recently reconstructed bunker #4 with fescue, reconstructed tee box #10, enhanced lake views on hole #14 and continued a wildflower campaign to attract pollinators and enhance course appearance.

Saylors Lasting Legacy

Local Sculptor’s Final Collection Shared with Community Story by Chelsea McConnell/Staff Writer

J

o An Saylors was a world-renowned sculptor who made her home in Ponca City. Saylors’ legacy can be found all over our community. Saylors passed away in 2018, leaving behind a treasure trove of work that continues to beautify Ponca City today. A visit to City Hall, the Ponca City Library, Marland Mansion, Cann Gardens or Standing Bear Museum all offer opportunities to see Saylors’ exquisite work. Beyond Ponca City, Saylors’ work reaches across the United States and can be found in 13 foreign countries as well.

Saylors’ love affair with art began when she was a child growing up in Tennessee. It’s said she first sculpted figures out of mud from Tennessee creek beds. She went on to win her first art competition at age 12. Her love of sculpting grew from there. She is most well known for her bronze sculptures of children. Animals were quite often included in, or the subject of, her sculptures. She spent years perfecting her craft by studying anatomical charts of muscles and bones in order to truly learn how to portray human and animal forms in the most lifelike way possible. After viewing any of her incredibly realistic sculptures, it’s clear to see her goal was achieved.

Saylors’ work is beloved by many Ponca City residents, including Carl and Brenda Renfro. Carl had a long friendship with Saylors that began when they were neighbors many years ago. Carl commissioned her to create several personal pieces for his family over the years, including a statue of his daughter as a young girl.

The Renfros purchased several other pieces throughout the years that are displayed in their home and around their property. When Saylors passed in 2018, she left behind many completed sculptures. After her passing, the Renfros bid on and won the chance to purchase her remaining sculptures from her family. As longtime fans of her work, the Renfros saw this as an opportunity to share more of Saylors’ work with our community.

Carl and Brenda purchased what they now refer to as “The Final Collection” in 2018. This collection featured 10 unique sculptures, some of which had duplicates. Eight of these 10 unique sculptures can be viewed at Standing Bear Museum. Another of the pieces is located at the Ponca City Chamber of

see SAYLORS Continued on page 52 September 2021

51

SAYLORS Continued from page 51

Saylors’ love affair with art began when she was a child growing up in Tennessee.

Commerce, and the final piece remains in the Renfro’s private collection.

After purchasing the Final Collection, the Renfros decided to gift the duplicate statues to foundations and organizations within our local community so Saylors’ artwork could live on and be appreciated by Ponca City citizens. As mentioned above, the Chamber received one of the unique sculptures. Four locations received the work entitled “Angel of the Lambs,” including Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, the University Center, Northern Oklahoma College and the City of Ponca City. “Angel of the Lambs” is a beautiful statue of an angelic-looking little girl with two lambs in her lap. The Humane Society received a piece appropriately named “Reluctant Playmate” depicting a little girl with a cat. The cat is wrapped in a bonnet or blanket of sorts and looks less than thrilled at being held, hence its reluctance.

for the Standing Bear statue. This was another project on which Saylors and Carl Renfro had the opportunity to work together. While Saylors didn’t end up winning the contest, the piece she submitted for the contest can be seen on display at the museum today, along with pieces from the other five entrants.

With the Renfro’s gift from the Final Collection, the Standing Bear Museum houses nine Jo Saylors’ pieces. This is the largest known, stand-alone public collection of her pieces. Like Carl and

Standing Bear Museum Director T.L Walker speaks fondly of Saylors’ work.

Saylors was one of the five entrants in the contest held to determine the artist

Public Places to Spot Saylors’ Work: Cann Gardens – Mistaken Identity, Dandelion Days City of Ponca City, City Hall – Centennial Monument, Lew Wentz, Angel of the Lambs Hospice of North Central Oklahoma – Angel of the Lambs Marland Mansion Flag Court – The Willow Whistle Marland Mansion Pond – Just Fishin’ Northern Oklahoma College – Angel of the Lambs Northern Oklahoma Humane Society – Reluctant Playmate Ponca City Library – Through the Eyes of a Child Standing Bear Museum – Bugle Boy, Whistling Boy, Childhood Play (boy with top), Angel of the Lambs , Lil’ Cowboy, Reluctant Playmate, Skinnydipper, Tomboy, Standing Bear monument entry University Center – Angel of the Lambs

52 September 2021

Brenda and Carl Renfro

Brenda, it is believed that other Ponca Citians may have private collections as well. Many of Saylors’ pieces are also on display throughout the Ponca City community. Some were donated by individuals who support the arts in our community and some were donated by Saylors herself.

As is the case with many artists, Saylors spent a lifetime honing her talent. One need only get close to one of her pieces to be awed by the lifelike qualities she was able to capture. From freckles on a tomboy, to wrinkles on the hands of a cowboy, to the look of wonder on a little girl’s face when a butterfly lands on her fingertips – Saylors’ work is world-renowned for a reason.

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September 2021

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Music in & Around Ponca City

Sounding Story & Photos Contributed by Steve Scott

Off

It’s a very good thing I can type my column, because, at the moment, my mouth is in ecstasy with a butter cream-iced sugar cookie from The Banana Crate Bakery, just off Hartford on Jane in Ponca City. Having tried several of their delicacies, I truly believe that in some countries (particularly those that value exceptional culinary skills), the treats from this place could be used as currency.

Being a foodie at heart, I am literally hugging myself after each bite.

OK – time to come down from my sugar high and see what’s happening this month:

The Bandstand…

The last Down by Downtown!

(DXDT) summer concert series for 2021 is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 3. Opening entertainment at 6 p.m. will be Sophia Young, bringing a fresh, new sound to Ponca City. The main act features local bluegrass and country legend, the Prairie Fire Band for two hours starting at 6:30 p.m. They are high-energy, exceptionally skilled musicians whose music makes you feel good! Be sure and take your family and friends to Central Fare for food trucks, drinks, lawn games and entertainment.

Ponca City’s steel-string cowboy, Larry Newsom, was recently heard by the Tulsa Live Music reporter in OKC, who praised him for “doing justice to some Tom Petty songs.” You can saddle up and catch Larry’s performances on Sept. 3 at Platinum Cigar in Bartlesville, Sept. 4 and Sept. 21 at Zanotti’s in Stillwater, Sept. 10 at Back 2 Sighs in Ponca City and Sept. 23 at Finn’s Pub in Manhattan, Kansas.

Dirty Erin is, without question, a Ponca City institution; a kind of local, four-man Mount Rushmore tribute to rock ‘n’ roll. They will be tearing through your favorite music at the Tulsa River Walk Bikefest on Sept. 11.

56 September 2021

The Hayes Brothers Band has a busy September booked, and you can catch them at the Cherokee Strip Cook-Off on Sept. 11, and performing at the North Central Oklahoma Arts Council “Full Moon Concert Series” under the gazebo in downtown Tonkawa on Monday, Sept. 20 at 6:30p.m.

The Hideaway Marina on Kaw Lake booked Band #9 on Sept. 4 and Rick Jawnsun, Acoustic Duo Doable on Sept. 5. Speaking of Band #9, they now have Big Mike McAllister up front singing.

Ridin’ High just published their entertainment schedule which includes multiple acts each month through New Year’s Eve. Look for Savanna Chestnut and the Field Hands on Sept. 11 and the Cooksey Band on Sept.

18. Talking about entertainment, they are in the middle of a six-week karaoke contest.

Be sure and keep an eye on the Facebook pages for Astoria Blvd. Bistro and Bar, Vortex Alley Brewing, the Grand Cigar Lounge and Pioneer Cove Marina. All of these locations are well-known for last-minute booking of outstanding talent that will enhance any night out!

Don’t forget the 49th annual Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, on Sept 15-19. Some of the best musicians in the world perform each year at this not-to-be-missed event.

Looking ahead (in other words, put this on your calendar!), the Ponca City Oktoberfest is happening at the Marland Mansion Oct. 2-3 with the Hayes Brothers Band opening at 11 a.m. on Oct. 2, and Dirty Erin on the playbill as well.

Something Happening …

The Ponca Bowl started a recurring open mic night

Prairie Fire Band in August as a sort of showcase for local talent. This is a great opportunity to polish your act in front of an appreciative audience! If you are interested, please contact Dustin at 918-645-5276.

Local Stars …

This month I am featuring Prairie Fire, a local Ponca City-based band whose sound features a blend of folk, new grass, country and bluegrass that “echoes the past with a youthful twist.” Members include six Ballinger siblings: Luke (guitar), Hannah (fiddle and vocals), Amy (mandolin and vocals), Isaac (banjo), Ashley (guitar, mandolin and vocals), Abby (bass), and family friend Josiah Colle (fiddle). The group has performed across Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Missouri at various venues, festivals and competitions, and their resume includes playing at Silver Dollar City in Branson. At any particular performance, this powerhouse group may vary in size depending upon availability of the players.

All of the members were home schooled, which included lessons in classical piano, and that led to each of them learning other instruments. Prairie Fire is the happy result of the expanded talents.

Their inspiration includes progressive bluegrass groups like Mountain Heart and Nickel Creek. The band has released two albums, Live at the Poncan Theatre, and Boots Up: Live at the Poncan Theatre, Pt. 2. Both are available on either iTunes or Spotify.

Also, look for the band’s videos on YouTube. As a lover of well-performed music, I feel blessed every time I hear them play.

Finally …

Bottom line: #ILOVEOURTOWN – and its musicians!

If anyone has information on live music events, please write me at smscott54@hotmail.com.

BOOK REVIEW

REVIEW BY: TARA SMITH BOOK REVIEWS PROVIDED BY BRACE BOOKS & MORE

The Comfort Book

By Matt Haig

“It is a strange paradox, that many of the clearest, most comforting life lessons are learned while we are at our lowest.”

I have never been one to reach for a self-help book, but Matt Haig has given us so many other brilliant works, that I thought I would see what else he had in store.

Even though this book is shelved in the selfhelp section, it turns out to be so much more than that, cleverly disguised as an almost mess of ramblings. If you are looking for a book of clear-cut steps on how to better your life, this is not it. This book, however, is exactly what you need when you are feeling not quite yourself, down and out or just a little blue. Put this book in your bag, glove compartment, desk drawer or wherever it is easiest for you to grab at any moment.

Matt Haig draws on his own struggles with depression and figuring out how to get through this thing called life, to bring us The Comfort Book. Haig found that the best way to deal with his feelings was to write out things that brought him comfort. Some of these things weren’t even complete thoughts, but jotting them down seemed to help pull him upward. The Comfort Book is a compilation of all of those thoughts, meditations and even others’ experiences. In hopes of helping someone else out of a dark place, Haig put all the things that helped him in one place.

My favorite thing about this book is that you don’t have to sit down and read it from start to finish.

Each chapter stands alone, so you can simply open it to any page and read a small feel-good section to get you through your day.

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BOOK REVIEW

REVIEW BY: LORRIE LAYTON BOOK REVIEWS PROVIDED BY BRACE BOOKS & MORE

Ali Cross

by James Patterson Ali isn’t much like his older brother and sister.

Damon’s a basketball star and Jannie excels at track.

They’re the jocks in the family. Ali’s stepmother says Ali is a mental jock. Ali’s an ingenious, bright middle schooler whose brain runs nonstop. Ali’s dad is the famous DC police detective Alex Cross, who has collaborated with the FBI on several occasions. Ali wants to grow up to be a crackerjack detective, just like his dad. The only disadvantage is that when Ali is focused on something, he tends to develop tunnel vision, become overconfident and sometimes make reckless decisions.

When Ali’s best friend, Gabe, disappears on the way home from school at the kickoff of their winter break, it seems to Ali that the police aren’t doing enough to find Gabe. Worried that Gabe will be labeled a runaway and his case will fall between the cracks, Ali decides he’ll do some investigating

himself. Ali recruits his friends Mateo, Ruby and Cedric to help with the investigation. Together they research, canvass the neighborhood, hand out flyers and establish both a Facebook page dedicated to finding Gabe and a hashtag, #FindGabeQualls.

This Christmas season is extremely stressful for the Cross family. Besides Gabe remaining a missing person, a thief broke into the Cross home and stole all their Christmas gifts. To add to the tension, Ali’s dad is on trial for police brutality – and possibly murder, depending on whether the comatose victim survives. Of course, the media isn’t only bothering Mr. Cross; they’re hounding the whole family. To make it worse, there’s quite a bit of lies and misinformation about the case available on the Internet.

This an excellent first book in a new middle-grade mystery series. I can’t wait to read the sequel.

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Backyard

Gardener

To Clean or Not to Clean Story and Photos By Kat Long/Contributing Writer

M

ost of the time, this question is answered with “Of course, to clean.” In the garden, gardeners need to hedge our bets to give a helping hand to the pollinators who need a place to overwinter. September is a great month to clean up the yard, straighten up the garden, remove dead or dying plants and mulch. However, there are non-removal chores which may ding your aesthetic sensibilities. And there are, of course, seed-saving opportunities. Here are the top three things you can do for your September garden/yard clean up and why they are great for the bugs you WANT to keep for next spring.

Prune and Separate Prune fruit bushes and perennials. Leave the serious cutting of trees or shrubs for winter (early February). Now is the time to prune the fruit bushes and trees which have finished production for the year, including, but not limited to, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, chokeberries … basically, all the berry bushes. And think about your perennial plants like mint, irises, anything with rhizomes or that has finished flowering for the year can be separated and bonus points, you can share some of your plants with friends. Brown paper bags are great for storing divided rhizomes or bulbs.

After you uncover the base of your plants, separate smaller rhizomes from the mama with a sharp shovel or trowel. Make sure you only keep or replant healthy plants. If you have several colors or types of plants, trim the remaining leaves to six inches or less and the stem to 12 inches or less, and write the name of the plant and color on the leaves or stem with a sharpie. This works great if you are holding the rhizomes over winter or are giving them as gifts. This sharpie mark will not last more than a season though as the leaves will turn brown and make the writing unreadable. Find out more about pruning and separating your perennials at the OSU Extension website www.extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/ and type in your type of plant to see what information is available.

See Gardener Continued on page 60

September 2021

59

Backyard

Gardener

Gardener Continued from page 59

CLEAN Your Tools

September is a great time to clean your tools and store the ones you may not be using this fall. Fall is when I clean my tools, but they rarely are not used. Stephen has caught me digging holes for garlic in December, so you do you. But tools do benefit from a little TLC now that the season is winding down. Hands down best cleaner is Dawn soap in a bucket. Spray your tools down to get soil off and start to look for those rust spots. Soak in the soap bucket for 15 minutes and then rinse them off. If you spot any rust spots, use a stiff wire brush or steel wool to get rid of them. Many gardening articles recommend this next step every time you use your tools or at least after working with diseased plants.

It is your garden or yard, but other creatures live there and many of them do lots of good stuff for our gardens, our flowers and our lives.

60 September 2021

In another bucket (not the soapy one) mix one to two cups bleach with a gallon of water and let your tools soak for 10 minutes. Rinse, dry and store for future use. If you are organized and have the room, hanging them on the wall is wonderful. If you are strapped for storage space like me, I have one metal container and a large plastic barrel filled halfway with sand that I store my tools in: one for smaller hand tools and shovels.

The larger barrel for large shovels, rakes, forks, etc. I change the sand out each fall. Which reminds me … add sand to the Lowe’s list.

Leave Hollow Stems and Stalks and Mulch As you are pruning, separating, planting garlic, root veggies and basically puttering around the yard, leave several hollow stems in the yard which will allow solitary bees, ladybugs, spiders and other insects to overwinter. Stems, such as garlic or onion flowers, sunflowers, lemon grass and any native plants, leave enough space for solitary bees to leave eggs or hibernate, as well as walking sticks and ladybugs.

For the areas not being planted for a fall garden or winter veggies, make sure to mulch well with leaves and sticks as fall progresses for Monarchs and other butterflies to lay eggs which will emerge next spring.

Mulching is good for perennial health and will keep the weeds and grasses from popping up too early.

And a fourth thing I mentioned in the third thing: Plant a fall garden. You know you want to, and garlic, onions and carrots will grow all winter, maturing in spring and summer for fabulous early crops. If you have compacted soil, plant some Daikon radishes and let them grow all winter. Pull them up in the spring and wahlah, your soil will be less dense and ready for new seeds or seedlings.

The one thing to remember: It is your garden or yard, but other creatures live there and many of them do lots of good stuff for our gardens, our flowers and our lives. Be kind, have fun and Happy Gardening.

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Ponca Young Employees

Story by Kayley Spielbusch/Staff Writer Ponca Young Employees (PYE) is an

organization dedicated to connecting young employees with local employers. PYE was first envisioned in 2008 by Janet Martin, the Chamber of Commerce Chair at the time. It did not gain its start until 2015, when Austin Unruh and his friend who also worked at the Chamber, Tanner Buffington, approached Rich Cantillon about starting a Young Professionals program. Tulsa’s Young Professionals (TYPROS) program and its success inspired them. The Chamber Board of Directors approved the idea, and Ponca Young Employees, then known as Ponca Young Professionals, was established.

Ponca Young Employees held its first event at Spanky’s Pub, which has since shut down. The event was a meet-andgreet to get PYE’s presence established in the community. The event was a success, with approximately 50-60 people attending.

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“Our first year was meant to attract people to Ponca Young Employees,” Unruh says. They hosted events such as a dodge ball tournament at the Country Club, a camping trip at Kaw Lake and a golf tournament at Wentz.

Ponca Young Employees hosts events on the second Thursday of each month. They range from lunch and learns, sports tournaments, happy hours and more. Local business owners and professionals make appearances at these events to speak and network with the members of PYE. Events are not strictly networking-related either; they have hosted ones that cover topics such as first-time home buying and the various boards present in the community. They strive to make the events fun and educational, while simultaneously fostering personal and professional growth for the community’s next generation of leaders.

“The goal of PYE is to connect our young, local employees to local business owners,” says PYE Board

Member Allyson Broome. “We hope to keep young employees here in Ponca City instead of relocating to other, bigger cities.”

Ashley Peitz is the Chair of the Ponca Young Employees Board. She joined PYE after her brother signed her up just as she moved back to Ponca City after living in Chicago. She is passionate about the work Ponca Young Employees does, “Our generation is the future of Ponca City. We want people our age to get involved so that our community will have powerhouses leading it and bringing in new opportunities.”

Peitz adds, “We want to help young people find their place in Ponca, and we hope that our events are providing the resources and life skills that young people need.”

Peitz also credits PYE with giving her the confidence to be involved in the community, “It has made me comfortable to be involved in things I wouldn’t have been brave enough to do before.”

Ponca Young Employees is always open to suggestions on events to host. Each event is open to anyone; by attending one, you are not committing to attend more. The Board loves meeting new people and encourages everyone to attend. “We just want people to feel comfortable in our community and form relationships with locals,” Peitz says.

For more information on Ponca Young Employees and their upcoming events, visit their Facebook page or contact the Chamber of Commerce.

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FOOTBALL POSITIONS

by Patrick Jordan

ACROSS 1. Kids may connect them 5. Bread that's been browned 10. Distant 13. "The Andy Griffith Show" boy 14. Musical instrument in a church 15. Mickey and Minnie, for two 16. Driver's restraint (2 wds.)

18. Bugs that live in colonies 19. Santa's little helper 20. Corrosive chemical in a battery 21. Loud party or explosion 22. Venetian blind part 23. Expand like a balloon 25. Meddle (with) 28. Music's Redbone or Russell 29. Bird in Liberty Mutual ads 32. Creme-filled cookies 33. Some are paid after IRS audits (2 wds.)

35. Drop from a crying eye 36. Wives of uncles 37. Pirate's buddy 38. Living room furniture pieces (2 wds.)

40. Bit of gossip 41. Historic Chinese chairman 42. A millipede has many of them 43. Lariats 44. ___ wheat bread 46. Conceal 47. Set on fire again, as a candle 49. Very slight amount 50. Employer's offering 53. Egg's shape 54. Street's painted divider (2 wds.)

57. Soil 58. Stomach problem

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"Somewhere ___ the Rainbow" Large-antlered grazer Radio knobs Sunset direction

DOWN 1. Medicine amount 2. October birthstone 3. Minor argument 4. Get a look at 5. Hot Wheels or Matchbox vehicle (2 wds.)

6. Go in circles around a planet 7. Added years to 8. Classic film actor Mineo 9. Dynamite initials 10. Important school tests (2 wds.)

11. Performs a role 12. Take a break 15. Big shopping complex 17. Stories 21. Not completely straight 22. Soccer or skiing 23. Religious subdivisions 24. Stir-frying implements 25. Pole with carved faces 26. Boxing or baseball location 27. State bird of Kansas 28. Bowling alley paths 30. "So am I!" (2 wds.)

31. Tech support callers 33. Protrude outward 34. Coax laughter from 36. Cain's brother 39. Plenty (2 wds.)

40. Storm-tracking device 43. Metric liquid units 45. Sword's handle 46. Place to stay on vacation

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Enjoyed a roller coaster, perhaps Villainous Ancient Peru native 1930s jazz style Lowest numbers in sudoku puzzles

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Ernie's "Sesame Street" pal What a cow chews Peyton Manning sibling Close to the ground

Answer on page 72

September 2021

63

M

y absolute favorite time of the year is here. Football season! I don’t love it for its brutal test of the mind and body of some of the nation’s strongest athletes, where their skills and perseverance finally come together for a beautiful show of

I love it for the jalapeno poppers, the wings, those little pigs in their delicious, flaky blankets and icecold beverages. Now I’m not an animal, sportsmanship.

I do enjoy men running around in little pants for my personal enjoyment too, but there’s not a lot that can beat a day where it’s acceptable to graze over a table of delicious, unhealthy food for hours and hours like you’re a heifer that’s been introduced to a field of clover for the first time in her life. (Also here’s a little life hack for you, the game day snacks taste better when you don’t have to make them, so start making friends with a football family now if you don’t have any.) Don’t even get me started on tailgating. There is no party

Welcome to your Future!

like a tailgate party. The middle-aged (I can say that since it’s a demographic I’m part of now) families who set up literal full kitchens and living spaces outside the stadium to just drink and eat all day are my people. Those are the people I feel safe with. (Can one of you all please adopt me, please?) They can out-party any 21-yearold college kid any day. My other favorite thing about football is the adorable outfits (no, not those things the players wear with the numbers on them) but the cute, cheeky shirts, and the face paint, and the hair ribbons and thank goodness they all have different colors, how else would I pick my favorite team if not by which team color looks best on me? All joking aside (even though not one single thing I said was a joke), I truly do love the atmosphere that football creates. It brings people together and creates camaraderie and fellowship unlike many other things do.

Go team! Win points! Move the ball to, ya know, wherever it’s supposed to go!

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HEALTH & Beauty The Benefits of Recovery Story by

Kera Kester, NASM Certified Personal Trainer/Contributing Writer

We are strong. We are resilient. We are a machine of innumerable possibilities.

Yet, it would be far-fetched to say consistent exercise and certain workouts aren’t tough on us at times. Stretching, warmups and listening to your body during exercise are very necessary. However, one of the most important things you can do is take full advantage of proper recovery. It can make the difference between energy levels and even injuries. I am here to give you five important recovery options that will sustain your body and allow those goals to become a reality – without compromising your health and safety.

3. Recovery/Protein Supplements

1. Rest Days

4. Sleep

If you are like me, setting goals can create intense determination that

When I first started working out, I wanted to do it every single day as hard as I could and reach my goals unrealistically quick. I soon learned that your body will always tell you when it needs a break and refusing to listen can cause quite a negative impact. Take a breath in, breathe out and relax. You can pushes you from 0 to 100 and sends you into an all-out frenzy.

be where you want to be. However, overexertion and stressing your way into your goals is neither necessary nor a great option. Take one or two days off between workout sessions or just do light walking if you must do something. When we exercise, our bodies are breaking down our muscle fibers to build new ones and replenish energy and cells. For this important process to take place, we must give our body downtime to recover.

2. Heating Pads and Massages

Oh yes, I know you’re not mad at hearing you may be “forced” to enjoy a massage or heating pad! It might sound extra but let me tell you – it does wonders! There is a reason that certain gym facilities have massage beds and heated vibrating chairs in their buildings and memberships. Loosening the tension in your muscles after a workout can be a quick relief recovery aid. It allows your body to exit the alarm stage of force exertion and muscle breakdown to enter relaxation and rebuilding.

There are thousands of recovery supplements out there! Pills, powders, drinks or whatever forms your heart desires are on shelves at numerous locations. I personally prefer the protein powders that are specifically labeled as muscle support and recovery. Protein helps build your muscle and EAAs (essential amino acids) support in muscle recovery. Not only do they provide what your body needs but you get to enjoy yummy flavors that deter bad cravings as well!

YES! You must get sleep. This is prime time for your body to take a break and recover. Your body is repairing muscles, organs and other cells. Tissue growth is occurring and emotions are being regulated. Chemicals that strengthen your immune system are circulating. The brain reorganizes and throws out toxic waste that would otherwise affect its functioning. Cortisol (stress) levels lower. Important hormones (such as growth hormones) are released. The list goes on and on. Sleep is AMAZING for us! Getting seven to eight hours is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It positively serves every area of your life!

5. Epsom Salt Baths

I’m not even going to lie. This one is my favorite of them all. When I have a stressful day, there is nothing like coming home to a bubble bath and relaxing in warmth for as long as I desire. However, baths aren’t just for mental and emotional benefits. Add some Epsom salt to your water and amazing things occur. Your skin is refreshed and exfoliated. Stress relief eases your mind and body, soothing them to get ready for sleep.

Additionally, tired, sore and achy muscles are revitalized. I once had pain in my calves from doing too much. It lasted four days and got worse each day. I found out about Epsom salt, took one bath in it and by the following second day, the pain was completely gone! I’m telling you firsthand, it works!

My desire for you is a long journey of wellness ahead.

And, that you experience life as healthfully as possible. These five methods are ones I have found to be tried and true. They are here to utilize, and I hope they work wonders for you as well! Let me know how amazing you feel afterwards, either through Facebook or Instagram. I’m always up for a conversation because I love hearing from you all! Stay cool and much love from me to you!

September 2021

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▲▲▲▲

WE NEED YOUR HELP (and opinions!)

The Creative Community Collaboration Group would like your opinions. The Group met in late June and decided that collaborating was not only fun, but successful. The past event was “Gotham Comes to Ponca City,” which partnered with the Herb Festival. The organizations involved in that event were: Ponca City RecPlex, Poncan Theatre, Survivor Resource Network, Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, Ponca City Arts Association, Ponca City Main Street, Ponca City Tourism and Ponca Playhouse. For a first time event, it was very successful.

“The representatives of the different organizations at the meeting want to create another event in the fall of 2022, with the intent of celebrating our community’s non-profit arts and culture organizations,” said Christina Rich-Splawn, who coordinated the “Gotham” event. The Group requests your input. What would you support?

Scan this QR code to fill out the questionnaire online

▲▲▲▲ September 2021

67

V E E N Y T T S N U O K AY C SEPT

11

60th Annual Cherokee Strip Golf Classic The CSGC is the longest running free-standing proam golf tournament in the United States.

All proceeds go to the Opportunity Center of Ponca City, OK. TEAM FORMAT — SEPT. 10–11 Format will be “two net low ball” of the team (4 amateurs, 1 pro) with the amateurs using 85% of their current handicap. The field will be equally divided into 2 flights based on total team handicap. Prizes will be awarded to the top 5 teams in each flight. Both “low gross team skins” and “low net team skins” games will be held each day.

The skins entry price is included in the tournament entry fee. The entire field will compete for team calcutta.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETITION — SEPT. 10–11 Two Day Stroke-Play Competition.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 14 players for a total purse in excess of $16,000.

Additionally, a Senior Champion will be determined from the field of professional golfers age 50 and over. The top three players will be awarded prize money in the Senior Division. Senior Professional

68 September 2021

SEPT

players are eligible to compete for prize money in either professional flight.

CHEROKEE STRIP HORSE RACE — SEPT. 9 Format will be two amateur players per team participating in an alternating shot competition.

Ten teams will compete in each flight. One team will be eliminated per hole based upon the highest team score for that hole.

In the event of a tie, the team partner not holing out will compete in a chip-off to determine which team is eliminated.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in each flight.

CHEROKEE STRIP MULE RACE — SEPT. 9 Format will be one professional player paired with an amateur player or two amateur players paired per team participating in an alternating shot competition.

A maximum of ten teams will be allowed in this event. The prize money increases throughout this nine hole event. No teams are eliminated in this event and the winner take all on each hole. www.cherokeestripgolf.com/

11

35th Annual Cherokee Strip BBQ Cook Off Lake Ponca TASTING BEGINS AT 12:30PM Cherokee Strip Cook-off at Lake Ponca is sponsored by Professionals Today, with all proceeds going to Hospice of NCO. $5 advance tasting kit tickets available from any Professionals Today member, the Chamber, local banks and credit unions and Hospice of North Central Oklahoma. If you wait to purchase at the cook-off the cost will be $7.

Each tasting kit will include three poker chips to vote for your favorite BBQ and Chili teams. www.cherokeestripcookoff.com

SEPT

11

Cluck, Oink, Moo 5k Lake Ponca 7AM – 9AM Join the RecPlex for the Cluck, Oink Moo 5k and then taste some delicious BBQ at the Cherokee Strip Cook Off! The race will be chip timed and will take place on the west side of Lake Ponca beginning near the flagpole. This 5k is the perfect time get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Ponca.

SEPT

11

Charlie Adams Day 201 South Main Newkirk 9AM - 3PM Celebrate the town of Newkirk’s heritage at Charlie Adams Day, a fun-filled festival for all ages.

Numerous barbecue teams will be out in full force competing for top prizes and providing fantastic food to festival-goers. Get a tasting kit and enjoy traditional barbecue favorites like brisket, pork, chicken and beans, and then vote for your favorites.

All entertainment is free, so make your way to Newkirk for plenty of live entertainment by local performers. newkirkmainstreet. com/

SEPT

18

St. Mary’s Catholic School Fall Fest 415 S 7th st. Ponca City 6PM - 9PM Food, Games, Both Live and Online Auction Fun for the whole family! stmaryspcok.com/

Want to have your event listed? Submit your events to events@poncacitymonthly.com before the 5th of the PRIOR month.

SEPT

18

Shop & Adopt Petstival & 5K Rescue Run 900 West Prospect Ponca City

9AM - 4PM It’s time for Northern Oklahoma Humane Society’s 1st ever Pet Festival!

Start the day with a 5K Rescue Run and then enjoy Food Trucks, kids activities, vendors, music, giveaways, and a Petting Zoo! Of course there will be adoptable dogs & cats!

Registration for the 5K Rescue Run opens July 1st. $25 - Vendor $35 Race Volunteers appreciated! facebook.com/nokhumane

SEPT

23

Prairie to Palate at the Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum 701 Monument Road

5:30PM - 8PM Prairie to Palate is an outdoor, farm-to-table dining experience featuring a menu crafted by Chef Jeff Denton of TS Fork. Fresh and local ingredients are the staple of his original recipes. This premium annual event which is traditionally held in September, includes live music in the open air seated on the beautiful back lawn of the Pioneer Woman Museum.

Silent auction and live music begin at 5:30pm with supper to be served at 6:00pm.

PURCHASE SINGLE TICKET - $60 PURCHASE PAIR OF TICKETS - $100 This event greatly benefits programs, exhibits and continued preservation for the Pioneer Woman Museum and the Pioneer Woman Statue!

By supporting this event, you help

the Pioneer Woman Museum preserve Ponca City’s local history and honor the pioneering women of our city, state, and nation through wonderful exhibits and educational programs.

Friends of the Pioneer Woman Statue & Museum are very grateful for your support, and look forward to having you join us for a delightful evening with family and friends! pioneerwomanmuseum.com/ prarietopalate.

SEPT

25

BrewFest 2021: 400 East Central Ponca City 2PM – 5PM PCMS will be giving away over $1,000 in CASH PRIZES! Ponca City Main Street is excited to announce a festival created to showcase home brewers across Oklahoma and surrounding states.

We invite home brewers to attend the 2021 BrewFest Festival in downtown Ponca City, OK. The festival will take place Saturday, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Attendees will vote on their favorite beer of the day in the People’s Choice category. New this year – local brewery owners and craft beer experts will be judging brews as well. Each Brew Team may turn in one beer for local judging!

First place in each category (People’s Choice & Judged) will take home $300 cash; Second place, $200; and third place $100.

SEPT

25

47th Annual Ponca City Arts Festival 400 East Central 12PM - 4PM

The 47th Annual Ponca City Art Festival is the longest running fine arts festival in the state. Each year, artists from around the country gather at the Ponca City Arts Festival to share their arts with this region. This festival includes an interactive art area, a children’s art area, live art demonstrations, live entertainment and food/drink vendors. Artist’s needs are always our top priority. Take the next step in your journey as an artist or collector. https://www. poncacityartassociation.org/

SEPT

30

1st Annual Senior Games.

1604 W Grand Ave, Ponca City.

The Ponca City RecPlex will host the 1st Annual Senior Games Sept. 30th through Oct. 3rd.

The event is open to participants ages 50 and older. You have until Sept.

16th to get signed up. Registration is $15 or $5 per event and includes a T-shirt and entrance to the opening social dinner. Nonparticipants can attend the social

event for $3. For more information or to register visit. poncacityok.gov/ parksandred-registration.

OCT

2

Oktoberfest Marland Estate All day Event From the beer garden to the live music, crafts & food, visitors will find everything needed to enjoy oktoberfest, ponca city’s largest fall festival.

The Ponca City Oktoberfest is a community event put on by a group of volunteers held October 2nd and 3rd. The event is also a fundraiser for the Marland Estate Foundation, whose mission is to preserve and restore the historic, architectural landmark and to educate others on the E.W. Marland story. For more information visit poncacityoktoberfest.com/

OCT

14

Ponca City Motoplayground Motocross Championships AMBUCS Motocross Track Ponca City Join us for The Most Amazing Display of Dirt Bike Culture Ever Assembled... The Motoplayground Race at PONCA CITY - Registration is OPEN NOW at www.poncamx. com.

September 2021

69

ARTSPACE:Mary Morse

Story by Chelsea

McConnell/Staff Writer

W

hen asked how she got started as an artist, Mary Morse, or as her students know her, Mrs. Morse, answers, “I’ve always been an artist …

I was in kindergarten and the teacher wrote in my report card, ‘Mary always chooses art supplies as her free time. Won’t it be interesting where this takes her in life?’” Today, Mary makes art in all sorts of interesting ways. She uses everyday items, like celery roots and bottle caps to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

MARY’S WORDS OF WIS D

OM

• That’s what art helps you do if you’re open to it – it helps you become a problem so lver. I always tell my kids to look at a blank piece of paper and solve the problem.

• Don’t tell me that there is a rule on how to create ar t.

• An artist has to know a lot to be able to create, beca use the more you know the more you can draw from, and pu t into, your artwork. So you have to be really well-rounded.

• I like to create out of thing s. I don’t have to have the best supplies and I don’t run to the store. I solve the prob lem.

How can I do that with wh at I have?

Flossie 2.0, ready to greet students for the first time in August 2021. This Flossie is painted on the wall of the lunchroom!

So, as it turns out, Mary’s kindergarten teacher was right. While life seems to have taken Mary on circuitous routes at times, the road always seems to lead to art. Mary grew up in Kansas as part of a big family. She learned art from her older siblings each summer under the shade tree.

“We always had crayons around the house ... And the older siblings would bring their school supplies home during the summer. And that’s when the paint would come out.

Mom would say to the older ones, ‘Take your brothers and sisters out under the shade tree and teach them what you know.’

I learned that you could throw salt on watercolor when it’s wet. And when it dries, it makes a speckled pattern. They taught me paint resist. They didn’t know what it was called, but you could color and then paint over it with your watercolors

See ARTSPACE Continued on page 73

70 September 2021

Mary in a Roosevelt T-shirt

c e l e D u e Le c h D Ice Cream

This thick and creamy ice cream is flavored with dulce de leche (caramelized milk) and is the perfect cold dessert for the lingering summer days.

Ingredients

3 cups whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup sugar 1 vanilla bean pod (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract) 1 14-ounce can of dulce de leche 6 large egg yolks

Directions

Makes about 1-1/2 quarts Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Inactive: 4-8 hours

Set a large-size saucepan over medium heat. Add the

Next, slowly pour

knife, slice the vanilla pod down the middle. Using the

into the saucepan

milk, heavy cream and half of the sugar. Using a paring back of the paring knife, scrape out the seeds and add

to the pan. When the mixture begins to simmer, remove

from heat and let steep for 5 minutes to infuse the vanilla with the custard.

Meanwhile, add the eggs and the rest of the sugar to a small mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined and

the egg yolks are pale yellow (about 2 minutes). After the custard has steeped for 5 minutes, slowly drizzle

1/3 of the hot custard into the egg yolks. This is called

tempering. You must slowly add the hot mixture to bring the eggs to temperature. If you add the hot custard too quickly, you will scramble the egg yolks.

the egg yolk mixture with the remaining

custard. Set the pan back

over medium heat and continue to cook while stirring continuously (do not boil) until the custard is thick

enough to coat the back of spoon. Remove from the

heat and strain the custard into a medium-size mixing bowl using a fine-mesh sieve. While the custard is still

warm, add the dulce de leche to the custard and whisk

until well combined (if using vanilla extract, add it now).

Pour the custard into a Ziploc bag and place into an ice

bath. Once the custard has come to room temperature, chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or until completely chilled. Freeze ice cream according to your ice cream

maker’s instructions. Serve immediately for soft serve, or freeze overnight for a traditional ice cream.

September 2021

71

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72 September 2021

A C I

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T A M P E R O R E O S T E A R

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B A C K T A X E S

A U N T S

L E G S

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S W E L L

E N D T A B L E S

D I

F A R

O R G A N

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O V A L

PALADIN APARTMENTS

T O A S T

I

M A T E

R U M O R

L A S S O S

H I

D E

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C E N T E R L I U L C E R D I

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See puzzle on page 63

O B N E

O V E R

W E S T

continued from page 70

ARTSPACE:

“They are my kids; they are my grandchildren, which is why I give them life skills – learning to wait; learning to stop; learning how to solve a problem. Art is secondary. The pretty picture that they end up with is secondary to me.” and it popped up. They taught me how to color and stay in the lines. And my dad taught me [how to] make that outline inside there. …

They taught me that you could use an eraser on crayons, which was really cool. You know all of those things we bounced off each other, and all of my siblings are artistic in one way or another.”

While Mary’s initial inclinations toward art were inspired by her childhood and her siblings, she has gone on to have a lifelong relationship with the subject.

She eventually went to school to study graphic design, after learning she had quite an aptitude In 2019, Roosevelt had a superhero theme at for spatial school for the year. Mary created her “Capron” recognition and that year. The apron was part of the OAEA art member show during the month of October 2019. awareness. After college, Mary was offered many teaching opportunities. She taught junior high through college classes, but never elementary.

She even took a break from teaching for several years and pursued other careers. She eventually found her way back to teaching art, or rather, it found her.

Several years ago, Mary’s husband Mack found a job opening in Ponca City he thought might suit him. When he decided to interview for the job,

it turned out Ponca City needed an art teacher too. They both interviewed for teaching jobs on a Saturday afternoon and were hired very shortly after. They soon moved from western Oklahoma to Ponca City. Mary began as the art teacher at Roosevelt Elementary later that fall.

As evidenced by a few budding artists who spotted Mary at the coffee shop this morning, she is beloved by her students. It is clear through Mary’s passion that she is more than a teacher.

She is also a friend and mentor to her 350 students. Mary says, “They are my kids; they are my grandchildren, which is why I give them life skills – learning to wait; learning to stop; learning how to solve a problem. Art is secondary.

The pretty picture that they end up with is secondary to me.”

Oklahoma Flag created with plastic lids. According to Mary, students collected lids, washed, sorted and counted them. They painted the frame, glued lids on and learned about making art from idea conception to completion.

Mary works hard to foster relationships with her students.

She walks the track at Roosevelt in the mornings so she can have more quality time with them.

Students are required to walk one lap before their morning reveille. Mary’s goal for each morning is eight laps.

During the 2020-21 school year, the pandemic

See ARTSPACE Continued on page 75

September 2021

73

HAPPY FALL Y’ALL Bring on the Pumpkin Spice!

Ponca City Monthly’s very own geocache-style game where following the clues can lead you to

50 in Chamber Bucks.

$

GeoCashing

W WBIIENNA W-W-IICNCNNNOOEERR!!

BE A

Don’t Judge Your Credit, You’re a WINNER with WIN-CO!

Story by Jay Wagner/Staff Writer

This month’s Geocash was found by Chance Brewer We’d like to congratulate him on his $50 reward in Chamber Bucks, which was awarded to him for the return of our special code!

WIN-CO FINANCE

416 W. Grand • Ponca City • 580-767-1200

Good luck to next month’s geocachers and happy hunting on your next GeoCashing quest!

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm • Saturday 9 am - noon Tamra Newlin, Manager • Diana Almanza, Asst. Manager

Contest Rules:

Be the first to find the cache, and bring in the special code for your prize. Also, inside the container will be a collectible coin to keep! The cache will only be hidden for a limited time for each issue, so hurry to find it fast! If you are the first to find the cache, please retrieve the special code and coin but leave and sign the included note saying that the treasure has been found. Once the deadline has passed, the code will no longer be valid for the prize. A new PC GeoCash will be placed as the next issue of Ponca City Monthly is released. Winners may not win more than once per calendar year.

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74 September 2021

August’s GeoCash was hidden at the statue located at Cann Gardens

Difficulty: Easy Terrain: Easy (mostly flat surfaces) Size: Small (size of a golf ball) Deadline: 20th of each month My Media Matters / Ponca City Monthly 319 E. Grand Ave. Ponca City, OK 74601

Proud to serve Pioneer Technology Center.

Best of luck to the new school year!

Westward Expansion coming soon.

Winterrowd Talley Architects 112 N. 3rd • Ponca City • (580) 765-3317 www.WTAOK.net

flossie

continued from page 73

ARTSPACE: forced Mary to teach from her classroom via Zoom. Being high risk, the Roosevelt staff decided Zoom was the best option to keep Mary safe and keep her students engaged.

After a few weeks, one teacher lamented to Mary. She said she was sad the students were missing out on coming to Mary’s classroom. Mary’s room is crazy, bright, full of life and also full of flamingos of all shapes and sizes. This comment gave Mary a problem to solve. If the students couldn’t come to Mary’s class, how could she bring it to them?

Enter Flossie. Flossie is a little piece of Mary. More specifically, Flossie is a giant paper flamingo Mary created to live in the lunchroom at Roosevelt.

Like a paper doll, Flossie changes and adapts for each season. She is bright and colorful and bold, just like Mary! But Flossie didn’t arrive without her own problems to solve.

With each solvable problem, also comes a teaching moment for Mary.

on the ground to paint her. And she wouldn’t fit on a table and it was hard to make her roll. And I said, I had to think … So I got my chalk and I taped it to a stick, like a broom handle. And I stood up and drew her. So I had a great big pencil and drew her. And then I taped my bingo dobbers to my stick [to add the dots], and I never had to get on my knees. And that’s what I mean about problem solving. I liked those challenges. Solve the problems. I don’t want someone else solving it for me. That’s what directions are for me. For me, directions are taking the challenge out of it.”

Mary is full of life and light. Luckily for students in our community, she plans to continue to teach at Roosevelt as long as she is able.

Unbeknownst to her students, Mary spent time this summer painting a new and improved Flossie. She’ll greet students on their first day of school this fall!

Flossie – Beginning, Christmas, Summer, Spring, Halloween – Flossie the Flamingo with her costume changes throughout the 2020-21 school year.

Mary with a wing mural she painted in downtown Ponca City in partnership with Ponca City Main Street.

As Mary told the children, “I have old knees and I couldn’t get down

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September 2021

75

SMALL BUSINESS CYBERSECURITY

DON’T LET YOUR EMPLOYEES BECOME YOUR BIGGEST VULNERABILITY

Story provided by Braden Lampe, ABT Solutions/Contributing Writer A couple years ago, TechRepublic ran a story with the following headline: “Employees Are Almost As Dangerous To Business As Hackers And Cybercriminals.” From the perspective of the business, you might think that’s simply inaccurate. Your company strives to hire the best people it can find – people who are good at their jobs and would never dream of putting their own employer at risk.

And yet, many employees do, and it’s almost always unintentional. Your employees aren’t thinking of ways to compromise your network or trying to put malware or ransomware on company computers, but it happens. One Kaspersky study found that 52% of businesses recognize that their employees are “their biggest weakness in IT security.”

Where does this weakness come from? It stems from several different things and varies from business to business, but a big chunk of it comes down to employee behavior.

Human Error We all make mistakes. Unfortunately, some mistakes can have serious consequences. Here’s an example: an employee receives an e-mail from their boss. The boss wants the employee to buy several gift cards and then send the gift card codes to them as soon as possible. The message may say, “I trust you with this,” and work to build urgency within the employee.

The problem is that it’s fake. A scammer is using an e-mail address similar to what the manager, supervisor or other company leader might use. It’s a phishing scam, and it works. While it doesn’t necessarily compromise your IT security internally, it showcases gaps in employee knowledge.

Another common example, also through e-mail, is for cybercriminals to send files or links that install malware on company computers. The criminals once again disguise the e-mail as a legitimate message from someone within the company, a vendor, a bank or another company the employee may be familiar with.

It’s that familiarity that can trip up employees. All criminals have to do is add a sense of urgency, and the employee may click the link without giving more thought.

76 September 2021

Carelessness This happens when an employee clicks a link without thinking. It could be because the employee doesn’t have training to identify fraudulent e-mails or the company might not have a comprehensive IT Cyber Security policy in place.

Another form of carelessness is unsafe browsing habits. When employees browse the web, whether it’s for research or anything related to their job or for personal use, they should always do so in the safest way possible. Tell employees to avoid navigating to “bad” websites and to not click any link they can’t verify (such as ads).

Bad websites are fairly subjective, but one thing any web user should look for is “https” at the beginning of any web address.

The “s” tells you the site is secure. If that “s” is not there, the website lacks proper security. If you input sensitive data into that website, such as your name, e-mail address, contact information or financial information, you cannot verify the security of that information and it may end up in the hands of cybercriminals.

Another example of carelessness is poor password management.

It’s common for people to use simple passwords and to use the same passwords across multiple websites. If your employees are doing this, it can put your business at a huge risk. If hackers get ahold of any of those passwords, who knows what they might be able to access. A strict password policy is a must for every business. Turn Weakness Into Strength The best way to overcome the human weakness in your IT Cyber Security is education. An IT security policy is a good start, but it must be enforced and understood. Employees need to know what behaviors are unacceptable, but they also need to be aware of the threats that exist. They need resources they can count on as threats arise so they may be dealt with properly. Working with an MSP or IT Cyber Security services firm may be the answer – we can help you lay the foundation to turn this weakness into a strength.

Imagining with statues:

Haiku

Story and Photos by Marlys Cervantes/Contributing Writer

Have you ever thought about the fun you can have using what you see right around you? I love poetry, and there are so many ways to creatively find avenues to build poetry just by paying attention to life around you. I find it in nature, photography, people, conversations and much more.

One type of poetry that can be fun for all ages, yet challenging, is haiku. According to Poets.org, “a traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with 17 syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count.”

The haiku was originally the opening of a hundred stanza poem, and only later became a poem on its own.

It seems deceptively simple yet is strong, and it is actually considered by many to be a type of meditation.

Since I consider writing to be a form of healing, this fits nicely with my concept.

Traditionally, haiku focused on nature, but contemporary poems now have many different focuses.

Haiku do not have to rhyme and generally do not. However, there is beauty in their precision of syllables.

As a writer, I love words but am not so fond of math, so I’ve not been one who liked the mixing of the two for word problems in my algebra classes over the years (sorry, Mrs. Pendergraft). Yet, there is something about the conciseness of language required when you count these

minimal syllables to come up with the words for a poem that brings a different challenge and beauty.

A favorite challenge for this type of writing is using statues as inspirations for the poems, and Ponca City has several. Of course, you can head to the larger, well-known statues, such as the Pioneer Woman, Standing Bear, Lydie Marland and others, but you should also look for the delightful ones that aren’t people and subjects you know well. They can be even more fun to explore in your poetry. You’ll find many at Ponca City locations that are easy to explore, and I’ve included a few photos here.

This is an exercise you can explore yourself as a personal outing, you can make it an assignment for a class, you can have fun with your kids or you can make it a challenge that is ongoing. Think about the fun of going back to the E.W. Marland or Lew Wentz statues on Fifth and Sixth Streets on Grand Avenue and writing a new poem for each of Ponca City’s different parades for the year, or to

See HAIKU Continued on page 79

September 2021

77

P O N C A

C I T Y

Recycling Center 1001 W. Prospect, Ponca City (580)-762-7296

Operated by Supported Community Lifestyles

Wednesday through Sunday 9 am – 5 pm Please pre-sort all items to save you time

Please remove all bags and strings

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE ACCEPTED: CARDBOARD

Corrugated cardboard, cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, brown paper bags

PAPER – All paper must be pre-sorted:

Newspaper Magazines, catalogs Office paper Computer and white office paper (no color) Telephone books Books Shredded Paper – Bagged

TIN/STEEL CANS GLASS Green Brown / Amber Clear

ALUMINUM CANS

78 September 2021

VARIOUS ASSORTED METALS Copper Brass Aluminum foil / pie tins Steel Water heaters

LATEX PAINT

Good paint in the original can. Rusted cans are not accepted. No containers larger than 1 gallon.

ELECTRONICS

Computer towers / laptops (hard drives destroyed by DocuGUARD Certified Shredding for no charge) Keyboards Computer Mouses Printers / copiers / scanners Cell Phones Wire / Cables

HAIKU Continued from page 77 the downtown bison on Second Street and Grand Avenue or the little girl with the butterfly at L.A. Cann Gardens with each new season of the year. How do you want to focus your poem? What do they see, feel, think? There are so many directions to take your writing.

Think about what you might write. The bison might think: Miss the feel of grass Concrete stays under my feet

never so true as when even the number of syllables matter.

Oh, and how about one of my very favorite statues, the little girl reading to her brother that is located by the library.

What might they be saying or thinking or feeling? I love books, and nothing makes me happier than reading my day away or helping someone else discover the joy of reading, so that one gives me a wonderful feeling every time I am by it.

How about this?

The boy loved the tree.*

Not sure where time went

“I love you like that,” he said.

Or E.W. Marland sitting at his spot and looking across the street might think:

“And I, you, sweet boy.”

I rest and watch as

Those working at the Chamber Help the City thrive

*from The Giving Tree

or Unaware of cars

So you’ve seen how a couple of these can work. They can be fun and easy. They can be challenging and complicated.

Truly, writing haiku can be whatever you want to make them.

After finding the statue you want to use, your initial challenge is getting to the exact number of lines and syllables.

Sometimes that comes easily, and other times you rework your lines over and over again. It reminds me of the Mark Twain saying, “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter.” That is

Can you read to me today?

Sun shines on pages Fall is a wonderful time of the year to explore the statues and enjoy the parts of our city where they sit. Take a journal or a notepad, along with a pen or pencil, go explore your beautiful city, and write!

There’s no telling where your mind can take you!

Happy Writing!

How About a Contest to Get You Started?

Would you like a challenge right now? I have one for you. A contest, if you’re up for some fun, using the statue at the library.

Write a haiku using that statue as your inspiration. Think about one of your very favorite books! You have until Saturday, Oct. 2, to email your entry to editor@poncacitymonthly.com.

Include the haiku poem, your NAME, AGE (if under 18; Adult, if over), and the name of your FAVORITE BOOK! We will print winners for various age groups in the November edition of the magazine. 1st place winners in each category will win $100 in Chamber Bucks.

Categories

10 & Under | 11-17 | 18 & Older

September 2021

79

g n i ll Fa in e v Lo

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