|
From the pages of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, January 02, 2001 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS BUSINESS LOCALFour People Injured in Collision Four People Injured in CollisionBy JEFF POLITTE News Staff Writer NOBLE COUNTY — A two-vehicle accident eight miles south of U.S. 60 on Oklahoma 156 sent four people to the hospital Monday afternoon after one of the vehicles lost control on an ice-covered bridge. The two vehicle’s met on the one-lane bridge at 1:53 p.m. All four victims, including both drivers, were transported code red by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. According to a preliminary report filed by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 36-year-old Michelle Harris, of Marland, was heading southbound in the center of a one-way bridge on Hwy. 156 when she met a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Christian Gerstenkorn of Ponca City. Gerstenkorn’s vehicle lost control on the ice and slid into Harris’ vehicle, striking it on the passenger side. Gerstenkorn was pinned for 40 minutes while crews worked to free her. She was transported to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center by an ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department. She was admitted in good condition with head and trunk injuries. Harris’ 20-year-old daughter, Christina Dygert, was also trapped during the accident. It took rescuers 33 minutes to free her from the family’s vehicle. She was admitted in good condition with head and leg injuries. Harris and her other daughter, 10-year-old Leeana Dygert, were also admitted in good condition. Harris suffered from internal trunk injuries and her daughter with head and leg injuries. According to the OHP report, seat belts were in use in the Harris vehicle, but not by Gerstenkorn. Nearly NewsThe Ponca City High School Class of 1942 is donating $500 and the Class of 1955 is donating $200 to the Big Blue Band for the upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. The members of the 1942 and 1955 classes are issuing a challenge to other graduating classes to match or exceed the amount. -—— Band members joined KIXR Radio this morning taking donations for the trip. Gordon Thompson, KIXR, told The News this morning they raised about $500. Another fundraiser is set for this Saturday, Jan. 6 from 9 to noon at KIXR. -—— The Good News Class at First United Methodist Church has issued a challenge to all Sunday School classes throughout Ponca City to donate to the band’s trip. The class raised $250 and urged other classes to do the best they can to help the students. BUSINESSDisney Channel To Continue As Part of Cable ONE Lineup Disney Channel To Continue As Part of Cable ONE LineupAfter several months of negotiating programming price increases sought by The Disney Company for 2001 and beyond, Cable ONE has reached an agreement that will keep the Disney Channel as part of its programming lineup. “We are very pleased that our negotiations have reached a successful resolution,” said Danny Thompson, General Manager. “We have heard from many of our customers who were reluctant to see the Disney Channel replaced. This solution means that Disney programming will continue to be enjoyed by its loyal viewers.” Earlier this year Cable ONE told customers it could no longer afford the yearly increases in the total cost of programming from The Disney Company, which provides Cable ONE with ESPN, ESPN2 and The Disney Channel, because it might mean prices would go up. If negotiations had not ended successfully, Cable ONE had planned to drop Disney programming Dec. 31, 2000. “We were concerned that ongoing increases would prevent us from keeping monthly cable rates as reasonable as we would like for our customers,” said Thompson. “Our current agreement, though, will help us continue to work toward that objective.” In recent weeks, both Cable ONE and The Disney Company had made the dispute public, with media campaigns that shared their viewpoints on the subject. “Our customers have been very aware of the situation,” said Thompson, “and we heard both the pros and cons of dropping the Disney Channel from our channel lineup. Negotiations like this are always difficult, but necessary if we are to control our programming costs.” Disney remains part of Cable ONE's comprehensive children's programming, which includes Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Fox Family, The Learning Channel, Discovery and the Children's Television Workshop on PBS. Cable ONE had sought customer feedback during the dispute with Disney to help guide possible alternative programming choices if the Disney Channel was dropped. “During the time we were in talks with Disney, our customers provided us with valuable input about their programming preferences,” Thompson added. “We will make good use of that feedback as we pursue new programming opportunities in the future.” Cable ONE is the country's ninth largest cable company with 766,000 subscribers in 45 systems in 20 states (including pending deals). P.C. Product To Be Distributed Nationwide With Wal-Mart LabsBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor A third generation Ponca City business, Quality Water Services, has developed a product that is in the process of being distributed nationwide with Wal-Mart photo labs. Kelly Johnson, president and owner of Quality Water Services, and Quality Pool and Spas, said the process began about five years ago with the Ponca City Wal-Mart. The product involves providing canisters filled with one cubic foot of demineralized or deoxidized water mixed bed resin to the labs. The canisters are shipped back to Ponca City to be serviced and recycled at Quality Water. The Ponca City firm, founded here in 1945 by Kelly’s grandfather Jack Johnson, made a presentation at Wal-Mart’s Bentonville, Ark., headquarters. The demonstration was significant enough that test markets were developed at Derby, Kan., and Ardmore. After 90 days the product was proven and has now gone into 2,000 Wal-Mart photo labs. “The photo labs use high quality water,” Kelly said. “We showed Wal-Mart a better quality of product, which was more consistent, more convenient and less expensive versus than what had been using. So we replaced their vendor.” Kelly, who learned the water treatment service at a young age, working for his father Downing, says the company grew 25 percent last year. He said, “That was too fast and we are going to go a little slower this year.” After working for his dad, he went to work in 1983 for Corporate USA in Houston. Kelly returned to Ponca City to purchase the family business from his father in 1994. Paying tribute to his dad, Kelly said, “Downing still comes in every day to give us moral support. He is known everywhere in the water treatment industry for his 50 years of knowledge in the business.” Besides the Ponca City plant, which was formerly the Consumer’s IGA building at 115 East Highland, the company has an operation in Stillwater. All totaled there are about 35 employees. The Stillwater operation recently moved into a new facility and has about the same set-up as the Ponca City plant, but on a smaller scale. This includes residential and commercial water as well as recreational water. The Quality Pools and Spa side sells spas, lawn furniture and recently added tanning beds. Service area for the company for these products covers Kay, Noble and Payne counties as well as the western half of Osage and part of Kingfisher. Future Growth About the photo lab product, Kelly says Quality Water isn’t really a manufacturer, but an assembler. Other Ponca City firms benefiting from the product’s development are A-Z Machining Service, George’s Seat Covers (for the canister strap), Mitchco and others. The future looks bright as Johnson expects to be servicing 100 percent of the Wal-Marts, plus the Sam’s Stores in the future. The expansion may just be starting. At a vendor’s summit in Bentonville, he met Tom Nicoski of Pakor of Minneapolis. The summit is designed to help vendors grow their markets. Nicoski sells supplies to Wal-Mart, as well as, to mini one-hour photo labs all over. Some of the customers are Eckerts, Walgreen and others. As a result Quality Water has been invited to show at the Photo Market Association trade show in Orlando, Fla. in February. This could open up a vast market for the local firm. Sales Tax Collections Up In Ponca City for OctoberPonca City sales tax December distribution for October tax receipts from the Oklahoma Tax Commission were up compared to October last year. This year’s total is $846,936 compared to October 1999, which was $855,251. “When comparing year-over-year collections of retail sales, total sales tax collections in the current month have decreased from the same period of the prior year by slightly less than one percent,” according to Marc L. LaBossiere, city financial officer. The use tax distribution for Ponca City was $85,506 compared to $42,484 collected in October 1999. Statewide the December distribution by the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $73,213,095 representing tax receipts from October business. The disbursement of sales tax collections to 492 cities and towns showed an increase of $4,604,441 from the $68,608,654 distributed to 490 cities and towns last year. October 2000 October 1999 Barnsdall 10,060 9,890 Bartlesville 1,039,345 981,285 Billings 12,910 14,007 Blackwell 128,887 134,408 Braman 2,042 1,777 Burbank 515 1,373 Deer Creek 2,167 621 Enid 1,352,906 1,295,124 Fairfax 11,318 12,496 Kaw City 2,750 2,336 Lamont 1,868 1,827 Marland 1,134 870 Medford 20,244 20,074 Morrison 4,933 4,670 Newkirk 24,798 24,853 Pawhuska 64,649 54,886 Pawnee 34,437 36,404 Perry 132,830 74,083 Ralston 826 1,028 Red Rock 2,859 5,997 Shidler 2,202 2,154 Stillwater 1,127,642 1,053,125 Tonkawa 41,339 41,213 DEATHSImogene L. Mann Imogene L. MannBLACKWELL — Imogene L. Mann, resident of Blackwell, died Sunday, Dec. 31, 2000, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital in Blackwell. She was 77. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001, in the First Church of the Nazarene in Blackwell with the Rev. Wesley Miller, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Lamont Cemetery under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home of Blackwell. Imogene L. Mann was born on April 18, 1923, in Cherokee, the daughter of Robert and Bonnie Wood. She grew up in Salem before moving with her family to Blackwell in 1936. She married Gilbert M. Mann on March 5, 1941, in Cherokee. For a short time, she worked at Beech Aircraft in Wichita, Kan., before assuming management of Mann and Son Pickup and Delivery, a family business. In her earlier years, she enjoyed camping, crafts and crocheting. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Blackwell. Survivors include a daughter, Janice Lupo of Lamont; two sons, Jimmy Mann and Mike Mann, both of Blackwell; a sister, Irene Lovell of Blackwell; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband on December 19, 1991; her parents; a sister, Ruby Huff; and two brothers, Bill Wafford and Henry Wafford. Casket bearers will be Tim Lupo, Toby Lupo, Darin Mann, Kelly Lovell, Harold Lutes and Leon Evans. Honorary bearers will be Myron Smith, Tim Stafford, Terry Lovell and Tommy Lovell. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the First Church of the Nazarene, Padon and A Street, Blackwell, Okla. 74631. ObituariesDarlene V. HiltonDarlene V. Hilton, resident of Ponca City, passed away Sunday morning, Dec. 31, 2000, at her home. She was 55. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001, at Grace Memorial Chapel. Interment will be at the IOOF Cemetery. Mrs. Hilton was born June 21, 1945, at Fairfax, the daughter of Roy Allen and Rosa (Lee) Allen. She received her education in the Ponca City public schools. She was united in marriage to Fred Hilton. She was a homemaker that enjoyed her dogs, fishing and her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Fred, of the home; one son, Rocky Hilton and wife, Michelle of Ponca City, one daughter, Rose Shultz and husband, Beau of Ponca City; three sisters, Sue Sober and husband, Gary of Ponca City, Joyce Sober and husband, Ken of Ponca City and Velma Hutchison of Ponca City; one brother, Jack Allen and wife, Louis of Ponca City; five grandchildren, Beau Shultz II, Erica Shultz, Kandis Shultz, Rocky Hilton II and Mindy Crabtree; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Bob Allen; one sister, Betty Tomlin; and two brothers-in-law, Bill Hutchison and Chuck Tomlin. Casket bearers will be Mike Hilbert, Ken Sober, Rick Sober, Roger Sober, Tommy Hutchison, David Hutchison and Toby Tomlin. The family has requested no viewing. The family will be at 910 West Highland. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 4606 East 67th , Bldg. 7, Suite 103, Tulsa, Okla. 74136. paid obituary Billy Joe SkaggsBilly Joe “Bill” Skaggs, 317 North Sixth, died early Sunday morning, Dec. 31, 2000, at his home. He was 74. The funeral will be Wednesday, 2 p.m. in the chapel of the Trout Funeral Home with the Rev. Gail Daugherty Smith, associate pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. Born Sept. 17, 1926, in Ponca City, he was the son of William Reuben and Joycelyn Newport Skaggs. Bill attended Ponca City schools and graduated from Po-Hi in 1944. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served with the military police. Following his discharge, Bill returned to Ponca City where he began working in the carpentry shop at Conoco. He then joined Del Wright Construction as a carpenter. On Nov. 12, 1946, he married the former Helen Louise Stewart. In 1950, Bill opened Skaggs Rental, the first store of its kind in the state of Oklahoma. Over the years the business grew to include Western Union, U-Haul, Drawtite Hitches, and the Greyhound Bus terminal. He closed the rental business in 1998 but continued with Greyhound and Western Union. Inspired by his love for his children and grandchildren, Bill used his woodworking skills to craft wooden toys, grandfather clocks, card tables and other furniture items. Despite his illness, he had recently finished a second bedroom suite for one of his granddaughters. He was also an avid Oklahoma State University basketball fan. Bill is survived by his wife, Helen of the home; two sons, Jimmy King Skaggs and wife Janet of Derby, and Mickey Don Skaggs and wife Maria of Ponca City; a daughter, Debbie Kay Skaggs of Wichita, Kan.; five grandchildren, Cara Lee Griffitts, Ginger Renee Skaggs, Brian Scott Skaggs, Bret Michael Skaggs, and Skylar Joe Skaggs; and a brother, Thomas Hale Skaggs of Ponca City. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert James Skaggs. Casket bearers will be Bret Skaggs, Brian Skaggs, Skylar Skaggs, Merril Frederick, Dave Bush, Mike Robinson, John Countryman and Keven Griffitts. Honorary casket bearers will be George Countryman, John Feaster, P.R. Lamb, Tom Simanek, W.C. Snow and Mike Dunkleberger. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. The family will be at the home, 317 N. Sixth Street. paid obituary Services PendingHazel MiddlebusherHazel Middlebusher, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 2, 2001, at the Newkirk Nursing Home. She was 90. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. Mary BellinghausenMary Bellinghausen, resident of Tonkawa, died Sunday, Dec. 31, 2000, at Willow Haven Nursing Home. She was 94. Survivors include her daughter, Helen R. Bellinghausen of Tonkawa. Services are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Ada Catherine GamsjagerNEWKIRK — Ada Catherine Gamsjager, longtime Newkirk resident, died Monday night, Jan. 1, 2001, in Blackwell Nursing Home. She was 90. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. FuneralsWednesday Wilma SillersWilma Sillers — Funeral at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel of Hackler Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Blackwell Cemetery. NEWS BRIEFSBurglary — A woman in the 2100 block of North Union Street reported her apartment had been burglarized overnight to Ponca City police at 7:01 a.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv. Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of West South Avenue and South Waverly Street was reported to Ponca City police at 12:29 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Bret Pruett will be at Blue Light, January 4th at 6:30. He said tell all his friends to come party with him, Cindy. adv. Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of West Chestnut Avenue and North Waverly Street reported a 40-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for no insurance and driving under suspension at 12:58 p.m. Monday. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv. Theft — An employee at United Supermarket, 2800 North Fourteenth Street, reported a juvenile boy was being held for shoplifting at 1:15 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The boy was released to his parents who were also at the store. After Christmas Sale! 40% off entire stock. Mel’s Clothing and Shoes, 2008 North 14th. adv. Domestic — Ponca City police received a domestic disturbance complaint in the 300 block of South Oak Street at 9:34 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A 33-year-old man was taken into custody for domestic assault and battery. Stalled Vehicle — A stuck vehicle in the 2300 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 9:46 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned. The vehicle was gone on arrival. Burglary — A woman in the 900 block of North Birch Street reported her vehicle had been burglarized to Ponca City police at 10:49 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer in the 1400 block of West Grand Avenue reported a 22-year-old man was taken into custody for domestic assault and battery at 11:20 p.m. Monday. LIFESTYLESThe Neighborhood Chefby Sherry Muchmore Rich, Satisfying Wintertime Soups When I look out the window, I see this beautiful, white landscape; all soft and a little lonely. The holidays have come and gone and we were lucky enough to spend these days with those we love. All our children and their families were able to come home. They may have returned to their own homes now, but we can thank our lucky stars we were able to spend time, though always too little time, with them. With the new year, come days for nesting and catching up on all the million and one things that need to be done around the house. It’s a quiet time for reflecting on things to be and what has been. I cook more, eat more and relax more. It’s a time for comfort foods, foods that make you feel good and taste good; maybe a little pampering after the fast paced seasonal rush of companies, parties and shopping. What better comfort foods than hot, rich and hearty soups or stews. Toss a salad, serve hot crusty bread and the world just became a little simpler and for the moment a whole lot easier to handle. This week-end, mom made her potato soup, a hearty tasty concoction she whips together, sometimes with a different taste treat from one preparation to another. As I’ve said before, experiment with spices and herbs, sometimes mom swaps out Thyme or Rosemary for the Marjoram. She omitted the cheese this time and it was still delicious. Mom’s Potato Soup Gayle Fausett, OKC, OK 6 to 8 New Potatoes, peeled and boiled in salted water 2 tablespoons butter 2 large stalks celery, chopped 1 medium onion, diced 1/2 small bell pepper, chopped 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or, several sprigs of fresh, chopped) 2 tablespoons flour 1 can Swanson’s Chicken Broth 1 can Cream of Potato soup 1 can evaporated milk Garlic powder to taste Dill Weed to taste Marjoram to taste Seasoned salt and pepper to taste 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, optional 5 to 6 slices bacon, fried, drained and crumbled After boiling new potatoes, drain and cool before dicing. Mash 2 of the potatoes (to be used towards the thickening agent). In a large stockpot, sauté celery, onion and bell pepper in the butter. Stir in the parsley, mashed potatoes and flour. Blend in chicken broth, Cream of Potato Soup, potato pieces and evaporated milk. Sprinkle in garlic powder, dill weed, marjoram, seasoned salt and pepper to your taste preference. Finally, if desired, stir in cheese until melted. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Good friend, Diane James, would make this scrumptious soup during those cold winter days when we’d all get snowed in. There was a group of us living in the same sub-division so we’d bundle up, put on our galoshes and traipse over to Diane’s. Good friends, great food and lots of talking. Spinach Cheese Soup 2 10-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, thaw and drain 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 3/4 cup chopped onion 1 large garlic clove, crushed 5-1/2 cups water 6 chicken bouillon cubes 8 ounces fine egg noodles 1 teaspoon salt 6 cups milk 1/2 pound (2 cups) shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese 1/2 pound (2 cups) shredded Swiss Cheese Paprika Croutons Thaw spinach, lightly squeeze and place in sieve to drain. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large stock pot and sauté onion and garlic over medium heat until tender (about 5 minutes). Add water and bouillon cubes. Heat to rapid boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve bouillon. Gradually add noodles and salt so that water continues to boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally until tender, about 6 minutes. Turn heat to medium low, stir in milk, spinach and cheeses. Stirring constantly, cook until heated through and cheeses are melted. Do not boil. Sprinkle each serving with paprika and croutons. Serve immediately. Every year I grow green chilies and usually have enough to supply friends. But for the first time, this year I ran out of time and didn’t get my garden planted, to my chagrin. This will not happen again, I’ll find time. Gardening has always been a way to work off frustration and will a sometimes needed “attitude adjustment.” I’ve missed it. Others around me have missed it also! Auntie Jo makes a wonderful Green Chili Stew that she received years ago from her good friend, Candace Mathews of Corrales, New Mexico. JoAnn says if using fresh green chilies (Anaheim Peppers or sometimes called “long greens”), roast first before using. Wash and dry the green chilies and place on a cookie sheet. Place under the broiler till the skin pops, turn with tongs, roast on the other side till some blisters pop. Remove from oven and either roll them in a wet dishcloth or throw into ice water. As soon as they are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin. If you have roasted them correctly, the skin will slip off like socks. Green Chili Stew (Guisado Verde del Chile) JoAnn Muchmore, PC, OK 1 pound bite-size pieces of pork or beef 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced 1 large white onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, diced 2 cups water 2 cubes chicken bouillon 1 cup chopped green chili (less if you’re a chicken) Salt and pepper to taste In a saucepan, boil diced potatoes until only partially done. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, add a little vegetable or olive oil, brown meat with onions and garlic. Add 2 cups water and bouillon cubes. Simmer until meat is tender. Add the half-cooked potatoes to the meat mixture (add more water to consistency desired) and simmer for about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Add the green chilies just before you’re ready to serve. Send your recipes to: The Neighborhood Chef, c/o The Ponca City News, P.O. Box 191, Ponca City, OK 74602, or e-mail me at: chef@poncacitynews.com (All recipes become property of The Ponca City News.) SPORTSNothing Fluffy About Kansas State in Cotton Bowl Win Nothing Fluffy About Kansas State in Cotton Bowl WinDALLAS (AP) — Jonathan Beasley has a new highlight film to show NFL scouts. Beasley gave a great display of the all-around ability that is now the rage among pro quarterbacks, as No. 11 Kansas State beat No. 21 Tennessee 35-21 in the Cotton Bowl Monday. He ran for a career-best 98 yards and a touchdown, threw for 210 yards and two TDs, and quick-kicked the ball to the 4. Beasley’s long first-half passes to Quincy Morgan softened the Volunteers’ defensive front, then he and Josh Scobey spent the second half running all over a unit that was third-best in the nation. The 297 yards rushing by Kansas State (11-3) were the most against Tennessee (8-4) since Nebraska had 409 in the 2000 Fiesta Bowl. Scobey ran 28 times for 147 yards, two shy of his career best. Although Kansas State tried not thinking of this as the national championship it missed out on playing against Tennessee two years ago, the Wildcats played as if more was on the line than a fourth straight 11-win season. The Wildcats scored first, then answered the Volunteers’ first touchdown with one 50 seconds later and another on the next drive. With Morgan hurt just before halftime, Kansas State opened the third quarter with 10 straight runs by Beasley and Scobey and produced two more touchdowns. Beasley finished 13-of-27 for 210 yards with an interception that Tennessee’s Jabari Greer returned 78 yards for a touchdown. The senior, who redshirted as a junior two years ago when Michael Bishop was a senior, ran 17 times and was not sacked by a Tennessee defense that came in with a school-record 50. For all his great passes and improvisational runs, Beasley might be most proud of his punt. With Kansas State facing fourth-and-8 from the Tennessee 31, he lined up under center, then pooch-kicked the ball 27 yards. When the game ended, most of the Wildcats took a victory lap along the stands while a few others posed for pictures with a school flag at midfield.
Copyright© Ponca City News, 1998 |