From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
January 8, 1996
LOCAL
No Major Accumulation As Snow Falls in Area
Highway Developing
Klososky Helps RNC Web Site Hit the Big Time
D.A.R.E. Graduates 297 Sixth Graders
Children's Chorale Vocalists Sought for March 4 Concert
Helpline Presents 'Listening' Classes
Actress in Movie Playing Here Has Ponca City Connection
District Court
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Planned Unit Development OK'd in Residential Area
Artist Says Cowboy Monument Needed
Elections, Weather Top '96 County News
Kaw City Plans Discussion Series at Library
1996 Saw Defeat at Polls for Tax Increases
School Year 1996 Peaks With Construction
Dedication of Monument First Phase of New Park
News Staff Writer
Angels Flock Throughout City During 3rd Festival of Angels
Scouts Deliver Fruit Baskets to Shut-Ins
AREA CALENDAR
DEATHS
Dorothy Hula
Lucile E. Murray
Ivan Albert Mayfield
Roy D. Coate
Eugene David Kirkendall
Obituaries
Joseph E. Hoddy
Jewell Creamer Gray
Services Pending
John W. Cofer
Viola Lund
Nita I. Logan
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Little News
Concert Sunday By Music Pupils Of Byard, Lenhart
Group To Hear About Nile Valley
Xi Beta Tau Chapter Holds Pledge Ritual
Valley View Group Holds Holiday Party
SPORTS
Driving Home A Point - Or Two!
Cats Net First Win, 35-34
PC Girls Pull Off Surprise
Po-Hi Wrestlers Dominate Enid
From Staff and AP Reports
Snow was falling in Ponca City and north central Oklahoma as well as southern and central Oklahoma this morning as a strong winter storm blew into the state, closing at least one school system and making driving hazardous.
The National Weather Service issued a snow advisory and winter storm warning for parts of southern, central and eastern Oklahoma and said snow accumulations of up to 6 inches are possible by midnight.
Snow may be heavy at times, creating dangerous conditions for motorists. Roads were expected to become slick and hazardous this afternoon and evening.
Although it began snowing in the Ponca City area about 9 a.m. today and continued throughout the morning, there was little accumulation as the temperature hovered around 32 degrees.
A snow advisory has been issued for the area through the evening with snow expected to continue until midnight. There's a 40 percent chance of snow in the area tonight with total accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Tonight's low will be in the upper 20s.
Meanwhile, Fox school officials were forced to cancel classes this morning as heavy snow fell in the Ardmore area of southern Oklahoma.
NWS meteorologist Chris Sohl in Norman said 2 inches of snow covered the ground in Harmon County, and 1.5 inches in Garvin County. Roads were getting slick around Altus, he said.
Sohl said the weather got colder throughout the morning.
''In a lot of places the snow was melting on the roadways and accumulating mostly on the grass,'' Sohl said. ''But as temperatures continue to slip below freezing, we'll see more accumulations.''
The winter storm warning covered 11 eastern Oklahoma counties: Delaware, Cherokee, Adair, Muskogee, Mcintosh, Pittsburg, Haskell, Latimer, Sequoyah, LeFlore and McCurtain.
In extreme southeast Oklahoma, precipitation fell as freezing rain but was expected to change to sleet or snow this afternoon. Hazardous accumulations of ice were possible.
Another 13 northeast Oklahoma counties were included in a winter weather advisory for tonight: Osage, Pawnee, Washington, Nowata, Craig, Ottawa, Creek, Tulsa, Rogers, Mayes, Okfuskee, Okmulgee and Wagoner.
Meanwhile in Arizona, heavy snow blocked roads and delayed a California woman from making her way to Ponca City.
''It don't bother me - it's God's work,'' said 81-year-old Eddie Mae Cosey, one of 160 bus passengers who spent the two nights in a temporary Tucson shelter.
Cosey, traveling from Oakland, Calif., to help an ailing nephew in Ponca City, left flooded streets behind her. Then when the snowstorm led to closing Interstate 40 across northern Arizona, her bus stopped at Flagstaff.
''We jumped out of the skillet and got in the frying pan,'' she said. ''Now we're going the southern route.
''It doesn't matter. Oklahoma will be there when I get there.''
In Oklahoma, snow will begin to taper off late tonight, but snowfall will remain heavy in eastern Oklahoma. Skies will be mostly cloudy, but it will be decreasingly cloudy in western Oklahoma. Lows will be in the 20s.
Thursday will be partly cloudy with highs in the 30s and 40s. It will be partly cloudy and colder Thursday night with lows in the teens and 20s.
In the extended forecast, Friday will be partly cloudy and colder with highs in the 20s and 30s.
It will be mostly cloudy and very cold Saturday and Sunday. There is a chance of snow in central and eastern Oklahoma. Highs will be in the teens and 20s with lows in the single digits.
SIZING UP THE SHORT CUT to Stillwater south of Ponca City is survey-party supervisor Jay Gilbreath of the state department of transportation in Perry, as inspector Mike Ivey holds the stick. This portion of the major 2.3-mile road construction project will simplify north-south travel with a four-lane connecting Fourteenth Street directly to U.S. 177 south of U.S. 60. Ivey said there are still 276 work days allowed for the project, and they are currently ahead of schedule. Weather, of course, is always a factor. (News Photo by Mark Galvin)
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
A national Internet site produced by an Oklahoma company is one of the top-ranked in the country, according to a survey in USA Today.
The Republican National Committee site (www.rnc.org) was produced by an Oklahoma Company headed by Ponca Citian Scott Klososky for the Republican National Committee. The site, produced in Oklahoma by Klososky, president of Avant Digital Marketing, with his partners, Doyce Boesch and Dwight Chapin, received national ranking according to USA TODAY/IntelliQuest Scoring.
The magazine says, "Disney was No. 4 overall. Next highest content-based site was that of the Republican National Committee. The site's impressive graphics and clever content did little for its presidential candidate but managed to eke out a two-point win (77) over the popular ESPNET SportsZone site."
The RPN site finished second only to Disney in visual appeal and ranked fifth in the appeal to women category. RPN also scored 77 in surfboard ratings.
Ponca City D.A.R.E. officers graduated 297 sixth graders from Union, Roosevelt, Lincoln, First Lutheran, Washington and Kildare Schools during the fall semester.
Sgt. Regeneia VanArsdale and Patrolman David Hill, of the Ponca City Police Department, worked with students to instill a sense of self value as well as equip them with ways to combat negative pressures.
These trained officers provide alternatives to drug or alcohol use and strategies for conflict resolution to reduce acts of violence. The curriculum offers a well organized approach for coordinating the efforts of the schools, law enforcement, health and human services along with other community services, according to the department.
Young people are increasingly exposed to positive and consistent messages and policies that promote the non-use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. In addition, the D.A.R.E. program encourages mediation to resolve differences.
Sixth grade students received D.A.R.E. instruction for 17 weeks. Additionally, a follow-up 10 weeks of instruction was presented to seventh graders, according to VanArsdale.
Officers also visited classrooms of Kindergarten through fifth grade. VanArsdale said lessons at this level focus on safety, self-esteem and the difference between medicines and drugs.
The Police Department began the D.A.R.E. Program in 1991, with a grant from the Drug Control and System Improvement Grant Program, with support from the Ponca City Public Schools, the city and local businesses.
The officers will present the curriculum to the other sixth graders during this semester. The department has expressed concern about the future of the D.A.R.E. program in Ponca City due to the shortage of future funding. The department takes the position that it takes an entire community to raise children.
Vocalists are being sought for the annual combined orchestra and choral concert to be presented by the Ponca City Area Chamber Orchestra and Chorus and the Ponca City Children's Chorale March 4, at 8 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre. First rehearsal will be held Thursday at 7:30 p.m. All interested vocalists are encouraged to participate.
Ten regular weekly rehearsals will follow in the Chorale Room of the Fine Arts Building, at the Ponca City High School, Fifth Street at Overbook for vocalists.
Conductor for this concert will be Cathy Byard, director of the Ponca City Children's Chorale. Featured piece of the concert will be Schubert's "Mass in G." Other pieces will include works by Ruetter. All music to be sung will be announced at the first rehearsal Thursday.
Concert dress will be black dresses or black skirts and white blouses for the ladies and black suits or tuxes for the gentlemen.
Vocalists who plan to attend should plan to be at all rehearsals, and if three or more rehearsals must be missed for personal scheduling conflicts, the Orchestra Board recommends waiting to join the chorus in 1998.
According to Wilson Van Tine, secretary/treasurer of the Ponca City Area Chamber Orchestra Board, the limited rehearsal schedule is very demanding and requires a dedicated commitment to being at rehearsals.
Rehearsal schedule at the Ponca City High School Fine Arts Chorale Room will be from 7:30 to 9 p.m. each Thursday from Jan. 9 through Feb. 27. The final rehearsal at the Poncan Theater will be held on Monday, March 3, and the performance call will be March 4, promptly at 7:30 p.m.
Entrance for vocalists at the Fine Arts Building on the Po-Hi Campus is from the oval drive off Fifth Street, and to the last room on the right side of the hall in the building.
With the fast paced life of today's world, families have little time to communicate with one another - but it is imperative parents wisely utilize their time with each other and their children, recently commented Pat Hand, director of Helpline Inc.
A Helpline class, beginning Monday will help parents with an important tool, dubbed "reflective listening," which is the ability to communicate and to identify feelings, rather than relate on a surface level only, says Hand.
Learning the art of "reflective listening" will help in all areas of life. For example, if an employee can effectively communicate with his peers and draw them out during problems or conflicts, he/she will save time and cement employee relations.
While the goal of the new Helpline class is to train residents to become effective Helpline telephone volunteers, those interested in the course for their personal edification are encouraged to enroll. "There is no obligation on the part of participants to become Helpline volunteers," said Hand.
Helpline processes about 690 telephone calls per month, and the majority of them are requests for general information. Many are ordinary questions such as "what are the hours for the Marland Mansion?" "where is Redbud Street?" and "what do I do about a dog that's barking next door?"
Then, there are the calls that require the volunteer to listen - to be a sounding board for the lonely, the grieving or the frustrated. "Perhaps another has been caring for sick children all day, while her husband is out of town and the voice of another caring adult seems a blessing," says Hand. To vent frustrations, to share discouragements, to talk through trying times is a need for everyone occasionally, she added.
Helpline's telephones are always available at such times, and Helpline volunteers are trained to listen, to respond in a nonjudgmental way, and give the caller the opportunity to assess his/her circumstances and clarify options available, says Hand.
"A Helpline volunteer doesn't have all the answers and can't solve anyone else's problems. But he/she does have information available and will refer a caller to agencies and organizations that can help. By walking with a caller through the problem, exploring the aspects, and looking at what the alternatives are, it is possible for a person in crisis to begin the problem-solving task for him/herself," says Hand.
Helpline is not only a 'listening ear' for the community, it handles crisis calls as well. Hand cited the incidence of a young woman who could not handle rejection by a boyfriend. She had also faced losses in her younger years, and the future seemed totally black. She had closed off avenues and resources that might keep her from suicidal depression and made a decision to terminate her life.
But, she called Helpline and a volunteer was available to talk her through the crises and walk with the caller through the options and alternatives. She put the caller in touch with a counselor that was 'on call' to Helpline and the woman began receiving therapy.
Helpline volunteers are required to remain anonymous. "Because our community is small and we know our neighbors and each other well, volunteers are not allowed to reveal their identity," says Hand. This enables everyone the opportunity to call with any problem or needs without fear of being identified or concerned that they might be talking to a neighbor.
Helpline calls are also never discussed outside the office and all calls are strictly confidential. The Helpline office location is not revealed since volunteers work 24-hours a day, advises Hand.
Not everyone can do the job, commented Hand. It takes someone who cares about people - who cares enough to be available to listen, to consider no problem too small, and to walk with each person through the problem-solving process at the pace the caller requires.
Helpline's caring volunteers work shifts around the clock, every hour, every holiday - to be available for anyone in the community who has a problem or a question.
The average volunteer is active in an organization for one or two years. Several Helpline volunteers have been active since its inception in 1975, and many have answered Helpline's phones for years, says Hand.
As one worker reported, "I learned I wasn't the only one in the world that had problems, and it gave me a lift to be able to help someone else."
Another woman responded, "Learning to listen is the key. I thought that in a crisis I would fold, but the training gave me the courage and skills to really help the caller."
The Helpline volunteer training class begins Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. and "is available to all area residents who care about others, are willing to take the 9-weeks course and complete several hours of observation in the Helpline office," says Hand.
For further information, those interested are encouraged to contact the Helpline office at 765-5551. A $10 charge covers class materials. Scholarships are available for those who cannot pay for the materials. Helpline is a United Way agency.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
If Ponca Citians haven't seen the movie Jerry Maquire currently playing here at the B & B Plaza Twin Theaters or if they have they may want a second look because Tom Cruise's co-star is Renee Zellweger, daughter of former Ponca Citians Emil and Irene Zellweger.
Zellweger is with Conoco and he and Irene lived here in 1990 and 1991. They have since been transferred to Lake Charles. While here they attend the Episcopalian Church.
Ms. Zellweger, who plays Cruise's wife in the movie is featured in a story in the Jan. 17 issue of People's Magazine. She also received a nice mention in the Jan. 3 edition of the Wall Street Journal.
The People's Magazine story quotes Zellweger as saying nothing has really changed in her life because of the hit movie "Jerry Maguire." She said "Just got back from running with my dog, I'm about to go to the grocery store."
The magazine comments one thing that has changed is Zellweger's finances. While she was studying the Maguire part she ran out of money at the laundromat. She reportedly said "I went to use the ATM machine and my card was denied - there was no money in my account. So I took my wet clothes and went home, defeated, to strew them around my living room to dry."
Cruise, who apparently knew of her financial condition sent a fancy stereo to her on her 27th birthday. When friends asked her who the box was from, she said, "Um, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman." Cruise also called Renee on her birthday but she missed it - but did save the message on her answering machine.
The Wall Street Journal tells about another movie she is playing in, "The Whole Wide World." The movie is based on memoirs by Novalyne Price Ellis. The Journal says, "In this achingly lovely movie Ms. Zellweger is given a change to prove her self a star. Her performance is direct, urgent, sweetly sensual, big and modest at the same time."
Blackwell
Divorces Sought
Brenda Kay Kreger vs. Milton Glenn Kreger.
Gloria Lynn Duncan vs. Phillip W. Duncan.
Samuel Rolland Rhea, Jr. vs. Billy Rae Rhea.
Wilma M. Harris vs. Frank Lee Harris.
Civil Proceedings
Boatmen's First National Bank of Oklahoma, successor in interest to Bank IV Oklahoma, N.A. vs. Trudy Rowe; plaintiff seeking judgment for $3,315.
Divorces Granted
Mary Elizabeth Field vs. Kenneth Evan Field.
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Ponca City Planning Commission Tuesday created a Planned Unit Development (PUD) in a residential area and approved the realignment of an alley and the stipulation of a sound buffer fence being built by the commercial applicant.
The PUD ruling was adopted unanimously by the full Planning Commission. The matter had been bounced back to the planning body by the City Commission and involved location of the Gillock Wrecker Service on South Fourth.
The PUD proposed by Planner Harold Harris involved the 300, 400 and 500 Block of South Fourth. Also the measure rezoned and Lots 13, 14, 15 and 16 of Block 26 Lynchville Addition to C-1C, which is local commercial.
The matter had come before the Planning Commission at another date asking for a rezoning which was denied on the basis of spot zoning. Then a number of the neighbors had appeared and spoke in behalf of Gillock as "good neighbors." So the Planning Commission used the PUD as a solution. Any change in rezoning or development within the PUD must come in for review.
Ordinarily the PUD is used for a tract of land being developed and seldom in a residential area.
In the matter of the request by the new Shaw's Gulf Convenience Store to consider closing the alley in the 3500 Block of North Fourteenth Street between Queens and Crawford Avenues, a compromise was reached. At times the public hearing was heated.
Neighbors living in the area protested the proposed closing because of noise level that would be caused by the traffic and car vacuums that would be placed near the alley.
Several neighbors expressed displeasure at the location of the new facility and expressed the fear that the 24-hour convenience store and service station would cause traffic to be generated in the area.
Doyle Sinclair, who resides at 1410 Queens, which is adjacent to the alley, requested a stone fence be erected and also landscaping that would muffle the noise. The Planning Commission opted for a fence. The neighbors noted that they had no say in the station being located near the residential area because the property was already zoned for commercial, but they did want something to say about the alley and a sound buffer.
The motion was to close the existing angled easement and register another easement straightening out the alley. This is contingent up on a masonry fence being constructed as a sound barrier.
The applicants indicated they would return to the owner and determine if the investment of the fence was affordable. If not they said they would withdraw their request for the alley to be vacated prior to the City Commission meeting on Jan. 27.
The motion passed with all Planning Commissioners voting for it with the exception of Stuart Powell, who abstained because he lives in the area. The Planning Commission is an advisory board and the final decision will be made by the City Commission, according to Terry Middlebusher, chairman.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
A former Ponca Citian, Fred R. Fellows, of Bigfork, Mont., says he would like to see Ponca City erect a monument to the cowboy. Fellows, president of the Cowboy Artists of America, says it would be good to honor the spirit of the cowboy with a monument. This would be especially good because of the memory of the 101 Ranch, Fellows writes.
The monument Fellows has in mind is entitled "An Honest Days Work." The monument depicts an 1870s to 1880s period cowboy. He is riding a Visalia saddle and packing a 60-foot rawhide rope. Behind his saddle is tied his Fish brand slicker and it is tied without folding as to keep the wax coating from cracking.
The rider has a Hackamore on the young horse complete with Fiador and mecate. The cowboy wears G.S. Garcia spurs and shot gun leggings of the period.
He is packing a .45 colt single action in an E. L. Gallatin Holster and belt with five cartridges on each side. The horse is a typical ranch horse of the 1870s and 1880s with different confirmation than todays modern quarter horse.
According to the artist, a young horse is most likely to buck early in the morning at the start of an honest days work.
The monument is cast in bronze and is stainless steel reinforced in legs and base. The monument is 11 feet tall, 9 feet, 6 inches long, 7 feet wide and weighs in at 2,800 pounds. The statue takes from eight months to a year to cast.
This sculpture is unique in that the entire horse and rider is cantilevered out over the base supported by only two hind legs.
Fellows is the grandson of Fred G. Fellows, engineer who located the site for the Kaw Dam and reservoir. He attended elementary school here before moving to California. His art really began in Ponca City with drawing.
Fellows suggests that a committee get together or someone interested in a monument to the cowboy. "It is time for a Ponca City son to come back and dedicate something in Ponca that ties into the cowboy and the old 101," Fellows says.
He made this suggestion in a letter to Danny and Carey Head. Fellows has done a number of things for causes here in Ponca City including donating six prints for a Domestic Violence fund raiser, according to Carey. This netted over $1,500 for the cause. Carey said she saw a profile of Fellows in The News several years ago and contacted him for a contribution.
Fellows' credentials are impressive. His Cowboy Artists of America biography tells that he was born in Ponca City, which is the headquarters for both the old-time 101 Ranch Wild West Show and the Ponca, Otoe, and Osage Indian reservations. Family tradition and respect for both the West and fine art had a profound influence on Fred as he grew up in northern Oklahoma.
Fellows was a past president and current president of the Cowboy Artists of America (CAA) organization. His paintings and sculptures have been featured in many magazines throughout the country, among them are Arizona Highways, The western Horseman, Newsweek, Southwest Art, and Architectural Digest.
His work has won many awards including the Grumbacher Fine Arts Award and the Printing Institute of America Award. He won the Gold Medal for the Most Popular Work at the 1976 CAA exhibit, Silver Medal for Drawing at the 1979 CAA exhibit, Silver Medal for Oil Painting at the 1988 CAA exhibit, exhibit it
At the 1991 CAA exhibit he won the gold medal for sculpture and Best of Show honors. His work is included in the first American art exhibit in mainland China in 1980 and also exhibited at the Grand Palais in Paris in 1979. Fellow's work is in the collections of many U.S. museums and corporations.
Fellows was selected by the Hesston Corporation to be their National Finals Rodeo Artist. He has done a series of paintings, sculptures and belt buckles relating to the NFR Network Telecast sponsored by Hesston Corp.
Fred lives with his artist wife, Deborah, at their home and studios on the shore of Flathead Lake at Bigfork, Mont.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
Weird weather - with even a Hollywood version of it - and heated election campaigns distinguished the news across Kay County in 1996. Here are some of the county news items from last year:
January 1996
Jan. 2: Kay County District One Commissioner Dee Schieber is named chairman of the county commission board; District Three Commissioner Rex Purdy is named vice chairman.
Jan. 10: Law enforcement agencies across the county arrest 32 in a major drug raid ordered by District Attorney John Maddox. The operation also uncovers a burglary ring and clears up at least 12 pending area burglary cases.
Jan. 17: A fierce winter snowstorm, with winds exceeding 50 miles per hour, plunges the area into single-digit temperatures, ending a week of record-setting mid-60's weather.
Jan. 22: Ponca City becomes the first Kay County community to form an agreement with Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen's department so city police officers can assist sheriff's deputies in emergencies.
February 1996
Feb. 1: Blackwell Police Chief Ed Smith retires effective today.
Feb. 13: Voters in every community across the county approve emergency, local support, and building fund levies.
Feb. 13: Barbara Palmer wins election to the Kaw City school board.
Feb. 17: A variety show and a clay-mask exhibit formally open to the public the Northern Performing Arts Center at NOC in Tonkawa.
Feb. 21: Ponca language classes begin at White Eagle to help preserve and perpetuate the tribe's official language, which includes classes for songs and hymns.
Feb. 24: Grass fires aided by high winds destroy hundreds of acres in the county as Oklahoma experiences its driest January and February since 1908.
Feb. 25: Blackwell Regional Hospital begins efforts to improve comfort for mothers and newborns with a pair of labor/delivery/recovery/post-partum suites.
March 1996
March 1: Blackwell attorney D.W. Boyd is sworn in as district judge for the Eighth District, Kay and Noble counties. Boyd was appointed by Gov. Frank Keating in February.
March 5: Blackwell mayoral candidates Bill Coussens and Louis Gose receive enough votes for a runoff election April 2.
March 12: In Kay County, 64 percent of voters say "No" as the state rejects the controversial State Question 669, which proposed to roll back taxes to 1993 levels.
March 14: A "pre-spring" thunderstorm brings much-needed moisture to the area after 10 weeks with no measurable precipitation.
March 14: A Kay County jury declares the innocence of former Ponca City police officer Richard Lynn Taylor, who was charged with manslaughter in connection with a December 1993 pickup truck crash on Highway 11 that killed a passenger, Timothy Michael Morris.
April 1996
April 2: Blackwell voters by two votes elect challenger Louis Gose over incumbent mayor Bill Coussens, 861-859.
April 12: Blackwell High School senior Jamie Stone is crowned as the winner of Northern Oklahoma College's first Miss Redbud Princess pageant.
April 15: County commissioners renew an agreement to detain arrested juveniles to facilities in Muskogee and Pittsburg counties. Calling the agreement a "necessary evil," Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen says Kay County spends $15.75 per day per youth because there is no juvenile detention facility here.
April 15: Weather watchers are wondering where the April showers are, with no measurable precipitation since a month ago and drought conditions threatening area farmers' crops.
April 16: Nineteen units from five fire departments battle a wildfire in Osage County that destroys more than 2,000 acres of grassland.
April 19: Flags are at half-mast and all county business halts for 168 seconds to commemorate the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing a year earlier.
April 22: The return of spring and rains prompts Gov. Frank Keating to lift a ban on outdoor burning for Kay County and areas south and east.
April 27: Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa has a grand opening for its 527-seat Performing Arts Center. NOC president Dr. Joe Kinzer dedicates and names the building's new gallery and arts gallery for 1931 alumna Eleanor Jones Hayes.
April 27: A flight instructor and three student pilots are killed when a local plane en route to Ponca City crashes near Vera, Okla.
April 28: A hail and windstorm causes power outages and property damage across the county, especially in the Peckham and Newkirk areas.
April 29: Former Ponca City resident George Wayne Lockett receives sentences totaling 60 years after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and assault charges in connection with the May, 1995, death of Benjamin Rhodd.
May 1996
May 10: Area residents escape to the movie theaters to see their own back yards at the premiere of the big-budget movie "Twister," filmed in and around Kay County the previous year.
May 13: Kay County commissioners approve submittal of a community development block grant to help improve water pressure for residents in the Bois D'Arc area.
May 15: Drought conditions and the poorest wheat crop in 25 years cause financial trouble for farmers, rural businesses and rural banks.
May 16: The Blackwell/Tonkawa airport, after logging about 4,700 takeoffs and landings during the previous year, has been awarded a $16,500 grant to rehabilitate its 3,500-foot runway, taxiway and apron.
May 18: Olympic Torch carriers on mopeds and bicycles - and of course on foot through Ponca City - provide the transportation through Kay County on a route from Arkansas City to Stillwater, and ultimately to Atlanta, Ga.
May 20: County commissioners approve an agreement to detain juveniles at the detention center in Woodward for $20.20 per day per juvenile, after spending $1,770 the previous month to transport juveniles to centers in Durant, Muskogee, McAlester, Shawnee and Norman.
May 23: Four people are arrested in Kaw City when law enforcement authorities uncover a drug manufacturing laboratory that District Attorney John Maddox said was "capable of producing several pounds of methamphetamine per week."
June 1996
June 7: After only a week, the month of June is already the wettest month in 1996, recording 2.10 inches so far at the Ponca City airport.
June 7: Linda K. Smith of Ponca City announces her candidacy for the office of Kay County Clerk to challenge incumbent Pam Goodno of Blackwell.
June 14: Kay County Treasurer appointee Radena Eisenhauer announces her candidacy for election.
June 15: Ponca Tribal Business Committee member A. Lionel LeClair retains his seat on the committee after a special recall election.
June 21: Diane Beekman of Ponca City announces her candidacy for Kay County Court Clerk, challenging incumbent Glenda Coussens-Emerson.
June 21: Newkirk Schools Superintendent Ray Sinor is selected as the Oklahoma Association of School Adminstrators' District Four Administrator of the Year.
June 28: Businessman Marvin Johns announces his candidacy to challenge incumbent District Two Commissioner Wayne Leven in the November election.
June 28: Kay County Clerk Pam Goodno announces her intention to run for reelection.
June 28: "River monster" found by a Blackwell youth in the Chikaskia River turns out to be a dried stingray, sold as a tourist's souvenir item from the Gulf of Mexico. The stingray is dried and cut to have the appearance of a fiendish-looking creature.
July 1996
July 1: Retired OHP trooper Gene Johnson assumes duties as Blackwell's new police chief, succeeding Ed Smith, who retired in February.
July 3: Kay County sheriff's deputies raid a house on State Highway 11 west of U.S. 77 and recover trucks of stolen property such as televisions, stereos and lawn mowers, with a total value up to $30,000.
July 5: Announcing their reelection plans are Kay County Court Clerk Glenda Coussens Emerson, Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen and District Two Commissioner Wayne Leven. Jim Henley of Blackwell becomes a candidate for sheriff and Pat Schieber becomes a candidate for treasurer.
July 8: Republican Gus Ehler files to become the sixth and final challenger for incumbent Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen's job. Of the candidates, Van Hoesen and four others are Republican; the other two are Democrats.
July 28: A pickup truck fire in Tonkawa, reportedly caused by an equipment malfunction, kills 18-year-old Jaime McMahon of Blackwell and severely burns Blackwell native Heath Thompson, son of Kay County court clerk Glenda Coussens Emerson. Thompson was in critical condition in an Oklahoma City burn center.
August 1996
Aug. 2: Newkirk Republican Pat Schieber resigns from the Kay County treasurer's office to campaign for the post.
Aug. 16: A ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the opening of the Newkirk Medical Clinic on South Maple, providing health screenings and x-rays three afternoons a week.
Aug. 27: County commissioners approve a resolution to provide speed-limit signs (35 mph for through traffic and 25 mph for off-streets) for the Nardin community.
Aug. 27: Incumbent sheriff Marion Van Hoesen beats out four opponents for the Republican nomination in his reelection bid. Blackwell's Jim Henley wins the Democrat nomination.
Aug. 27: In a runoff election, Republican Marvin Johns wins the right to face Democratic incumbent District Two Commissioner Wayne Leven in November.
Aug. 27: Blackwell voters reject a proposed 1.5-cent sales tax increase.
Aug. 30: Po-Hi honor-roll student and dancer Jeana Rush is the 1996-97 Ponca Tribal Princess, crowned at the 120th Ponca Powwow.
September 1996
Sept. 23: In the second major drug raid of the year, Kay County law enforcement officers arrested 15 individuals from Ponca City, Newkirk and Blackwell, culminating a three-month investigation.
Sept. 24: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials determine that bones and casket materials on the shores near Coon Creek Cove northwest of Kaw City are leftovers from a cemetery that existed prior to construction of Kaw Lake in the 1970s.
Sept. 26: Flooding from torrential rains puts rivers and streams over their banks, blocking traffic on U.S. 177 north of Blackwell and making a mess in the northwest portion of the county.
Sept. 27: Courtney Michael Scott Jr., 26, pleads guilty to a first-degree murder charge in connection with the October 1995 shooting death of Vernadette C. Barnes. Judge Page sentences Scott, who had previously served two prison terms, to life imprisonment without parole.
Sept. 28: Truck-fire victim Heath Thompson is improving but still in intensive care after several surgeries because of third-degree burns over 90 percent of his body from the July 28 accident. His mother, Glenda Coussens Emerson, says he was doing much better but faced additional surgery.
October 1996
Oct. 18: The Kay County Excise Board approves a $2.8 million budget, which means a tight year and no pay raises, but drops it a step closer to a goal of budgeting only 90 percent of anticipated revenue. After recent budgets as high as 95 percent, the new budget is approximately 91 percent.
Oct. 19: By a one-vote margin, the Ponca Tribe expels business committee member Kinsel Lieb.
Oct. 21: The Kaw Nation in Kaw City learns it will receive a $1.1-million HUD award to build a Wellness Center in Newkirk.
Oct. 28: The Kay County Courthouse, which earned national attention by being completely paid for before it opened, celebrates its 70th birthday.
Oct. 29: Despite the extra workload if they pass, Kay County Assessor Tresa Engle supports three new state questions on the November ballot as "a giant step in the right direction" toward giving property owners more control of the tax rates.
Oct. 29: The Tonkawa Tribe solves an ongoing issue of almost two years with an election that names Richard Cornell as president, Ernie Norman as vice president, and Don Patterson as secretary/treasurer.
November 1996
Nov. 1: After 32 years as head of the county FSA offices, Garry Bilger retires as county executive director in Newkirk.
Nov. 5: Republican challenger Pat Schieber wins the county treasurer post with 9,833 votes to Democratic incumbent Radena Eisenhauer's 9,318 votes.
Nov. 5: Incumbent county officers Marion Van Hoesen, Pam Goodno, Glenda Coussens Emerson and Wayne Leven each win reelections to their posts.
Nov. 5: County voters join the rest of the state, passing three state questions that affect property taxes.
Nov. 7: Kay County 4-H members Kami Main and Jason Schneeberger are this year's co-winners of the 4-H Hall of Fame Award.
Nov. 18: New Kay County FSA director J.D. Elwood, taking over for retired Garry Bilger, becomes only the fifth county executive director in Newkirk since the 1930s, when government farm programs began.
Nov. 22: Tonkawa becomes the first city in Kay County to receive the Certified Cities Award.
December 1996
Dec. 2: Kay County jurors deliver a death sentence against Christopher Howard Davis, 22, of Ponca City, after finding him guilty of stabbing his aunt to death in October, 1995. The case was the first death sentence sought in the county since District Attorney John Maddox took office.
Dec. 9: County commissioners approve an agreement between the City of Blackwell and the county sheriff's department so Blackwell police officers can assist sheriff's deputies in emergencies.
Dec. 12: Fifteen Kay County residents are arrested during the third major drug raid of the year.
Dec. 30: District Three County Commissioner Rex Purdy is named chairman of the commissioners board; District Two's Wayne Leven is elected vice chairman.
KAW CITY - The Kaw City Library has schedule a series of five public discussions on American Detective Fiction.
The Let's Talk About series on "Private Investigations" is made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This series is a project of the Oklahoma Library Association.
The series are slated for 7 p.m., at the Kaw City Library.
The public is welcome to check out a copy of the next book, join the group, listen to the guest speaker, join the discussion and refreshments.
On Jan. 8, the first session is to be by Dr. William Hagen of the OBU English Department. He will be talking about two Raymond Chandler books, "The Big Sleep," and "The Long Goodbye."
Dr. Linda Thornton, Oklahoma Community College, on Jan. 23 will be telling about "Death In A Tenured Position," by Amanda Cross.
On Feb. 5, Dr. Kay Forson, Phillips University, will be discussing Tony Hillerman's "The Ghostway."
Ms. Anne Hammond, OBU, English Department, on Feb. 19, will be telling about "Killing Orders," by Sara Paretsky.
The final presentation will be by Dr. Jennifer Kidney, director of "Lets Talk About It, Oklahoma," who will discuss "A Case of Lone Star," by Kinky Friedman. This presentation is set for March 5.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
For city officials, 1996 ended on a grim note when voters soundly crushed paying more taxes to maintain city facilities. Addressing the serious issues facing the city's No. 1 Fire Station, City Hall and Police Station remain foremost on the commissioners list of things-to-do in 1997.
New locations must be found to house city administrative offices. Also, the commissioners must determine the fate of personnel and equipment at the No. 1 Fire Station as well as decide how to finance critical repairs to the police station. Time is running out. The Oklahoma Department of Labor will soon begin accessing fines for failure to comply with electric, building and fire codes as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act.
January
On a positive note, Mayor Marilyn Andrews joined the Republican Party and the Ponca City Police Department held its first Citizen's Police Academy. Also, the Ponca City Solid Waste Department stopped picking up grass clippings during normal refuse rounds. Instead, citizens are encouraged to mulch clippings.
February
During February, wildfires destroyed over 3,250 acres of land. Firefighters from Newkirk, Ponca City, Blackwell, McCord, Osage Cove, Ranch Drive and Kildare stayed busy with the gusting winds and dry conditions. Additionally, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce awarded a $200,000 community development block grant to construct sewer lines in the north part of the city. The improvements are to serve Lowes Home Improvement Center.
In March, the Ponca City Board of Commissioners approved retaining an ordinance to keep the five percent emergency telephone service tax in effect. The tax will allow for upgrading the communications equipment.
April
Richard "Dick" Stone defeated incumbent Bill McCann to become Ponca City Commissioner No. 1, in the April elections. Also, Lyn Boyer was elected to fill Hubert Watt's position. Watt's chose not to run for reelection. In addition, the 381st Replacement Battalion of Ponca City, one of two from Oklahoma, was ordered to prepare for mobilization in support of American troops in Bosnia.
Furthermore, citizens attended a ribbon-tying ceremony at the Memorial Tree located west of the Ponca City Post Office building in honor of the first anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. The ceremony was coordinated by the Mutual Respect and Community Attitude Committee for Ponca City Tomorrow. A memorial service was also held at Centennial Plaza. Additionally, Ponca City Recycling Center held its first Environmental Education Day with support from local businesses.
May
Mayor Marilyn Andrews appointed a Blue Ribbon Committee in May to target several city buildings and make recommendations for what should become of them. City Hall, Civic Auditorium, No. 1 Fire Station, the Public Safety Center, the Hutchins Memorial and the Cultural Center were included in the review.
Also, Commissioner O.E. Gregson was nominated new vice mayor. City commissioners awarded Dondlinger and Sons a contract for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Phase 2, in the amount of $14.6 million.
In addition, commissioners approved the purchase of a golf course irrigation control system for the Golf Course Division of Public Works. Also, the Ponca City Utility Authority authorized an agreement to transfer employees of the Generation Facility from the city to the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority. Four city employees were laid off and given a severance plan as a result.
June
The Ponca City Development Authority approved the sale of Ash Street property to Center Line Inc., Leach Paper Company and Mitchco Inc. In addition, a 3.1 percent reduction in Ponca City electric, wastewater and water costs were approved. New rates took effect July 1. Also, Phase I of the Waverly Street and Sykes Boulevard paving improvements project of a four-lane road with a left turn bay was completed.
Evans and Associates of Ponca City received work at the junction of U.S. 60 and U.S. 177, near Standing Bear Native American Memorial Park. The estimated cost for grading, draining, paving and landscaping the area is $695,000.
Spring Village and Woodridge Place were annexed into the city by the Ponca City Board of Commissioners. An $18.8 million loan was closed for the Wastewater Treatment Plant renovation and expansion.
Also in July, Ponca City Municipal Court received juvenile jurisdiction over youths charged with misdemeanor crimes of vandalism, shoplifting, trespassing, assault, battery and assault and battery. The project took effect July 1 and enabled the court to develop and implement programs to impact youths.
Further, the National Fire Protection Association chose Ponca City as a recipient of the 1996 Learn Not to Burn Champion Award. Only 70 cities nationwide were selected.
August
The call of a special election for an additional half-cent sales tax for the Economic Development Foundation was unanimously approved at an August meeting of the Ponca City Board of Commissioners.
In addition, the Ponca City Airport Industrial Park received a $1.665 million grant from the Economic Development. Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The grant funded the construction and improvement of infrastructure to support expansion of the park. The project allowed the project to increase by 140 acres, provided industrial development.
Furthermore, a contract between Monumental Enterprises Inc. and Ponca City to lease the Marland Estate Conference Center and Hotel was approved by the Ponca City Board of Commissioners. MEI took control of operations of the hotel and convention center on Sept. 1.
September
It was September when aerial fiber optic cables were hung to link the city administrative offices. The Environmental Committee for Ponca City Tomorrow introduced litter-free events to the community at the Wildcats' first football game.
RAM Engineering and Construction Inc. was awarded the Northwest Water Transmission Pipeline, Phase 2 Project, in the amount of $1,602,374.75. Also, Water and Wastewater Divisions of the Ponca City Utility Authority were moved under Public Works to allow the city's electric department to remain competitive.
October
The Oklahoma Conference of Mayors named Mayor Marilyn Andrews the 1996 Oklahoma mayor of the year. Ponca City voters denied a request for a half-cent sales tax for Economic Development. The measure was defeated 3,226-2,115 in the special election.
Ponca City Board of Commissioners authorized the calling of an election to issue $8.75 million in general obligation bonds. The proposition would renovate and expand the city complex, the police station, construct a new No. 1 Fire Station and purchase emergency response vehicles for the police and fire departments. Additionally, renovation and repair of the spillway and stilling basin at Lake Ponca was included. The propositions were soundly defeated in Dec.
Also, during October, the Ponca City Fire Department received a new ambulance which resides at the No. 1 Fire Station.
Citizens and organizations surrounding Ponca City participated in "Make A Difference Day 1996, the national day of doing good. The community-wide event was promoted by Ponca City Tomorrow.
November
Jim Newport, (R), defeated Bernie Jackson, (D), to become the new State Representative for District 37. In other news, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce awarded a $550,000 grant to expand the Ponca City landfill. It will add 15 acres and extend the life by 20 years.
In addition, the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority certified Ponca City's Electric Department as a Competitive Utility Program. The department is now eligible to acquire $100,000 in annual financial incentives.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed in December that eight Ponca City weather observers will be replaced by an automated service observation system as of July 1997.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
School Year 1996 started with an election of a new board member for the Ponca City School District and ended with various construction projects under way.
Through the middle of the year, the school board decided to cut the number of school board members and are even preparing for another school board election. In 1997 three board members will be up for re-election. Whatever happened though throughout the entire year, January through December was filled with ample decisions not only for the citizens of Kay County, but for the Ponca City Board of Education.
Enrollment for the 1996 school year has dropped by 23 students since Oct. 1. There are currently 5,611 students enrolled and that also includes 28 4-year old enrolled in the Kindergarten Center at the Marland Mansion. According to Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, that number is down exactly 23 students since December of 1995. White says that technically a little growth has occurred during the school year; however, projections over the next couple of years is showing a decline in students.
TEEN Pep Program
One of the new programs that Dr. White speaks highly of is the TEEN Pep Program at First Baptist Church. The program will now allow toddlers in the day care system and the church has just decided to allow the program to double.
Alternative Education is also spoken very highly of by Dr. White and the Ponca City Board of Education. $350,000 was given to the school system this year to help improve the program. This program, according to White, has reduced the number of dropouts by 50 percent. In December of 1995, the school system had 160 dropouts and this year, there have only been 80 dropouts. "I am very optimistic about this program and the school system has set a goal of having a 100 percent graduation level," said Dr. White.
From last year several things have improved as well. First, the high school parking has improved. During 1996, the board reaffirmed a law for students to park in the parking lots designated for them. Last year, many complaints were uncovered and this year the number of complaints is down. White thinks this may be because the Ponca City Police Department has started to patrol the area and other grounds at the high school. Second, gang graffiti has also improved. Dr. White says there will always be gang "wanna-be's" and there is basically nothing the school can do except prohibit the use of gang colors on school property. According to the police department, kids are not wearing their gang colors to school but they are changing into certain colors after school is over.
Bad News, Good News
Unfortunately with all the good things that are going on in the school system, bad things have also happened. This year, the number of students suspended for possession of drugs has dramatically increased. According to White, drug dogs are going to the schools to make sure students are not bringing drugs to school. The school system is doing everything possible to make sure students are safe and secure, but Dr. White thinks it is quite amazing that seventh graders can have possession of various kinds of drugs at school.
The school district is also working with less money this year. According to Dr. White, the enrollment has dropped some and this is causing the loss of state aid. The school system is also paying for teacher retirement which will cut the education a child receives. "It is bad when you have to give up teachers to pay for teacher retirement," says Dr. White. "That takes away from an education a child receives."
Looking at end of the year reports, the schools are receiving higher achievement levels and the ACT scores for 1996 are up. "It is time to celebrate good success," says Dr. White. "We have an excellent teaching staff this year and the teachers are making the improvements."
Here is a brief overview of what happened during the board of education meetings and construction at both Lincoln Elementary and the new Math/Science/Business Center.
January
Jan. 9 - The Ponca City Board of Education votes to decrease the size of the board to seven members. The change took effect when Phyllis Mitchael's resignation took effect on Jan. 15.
Jan. 22 - Ponca City Middle School has a school newspaper for the first time in years.
February
Feb. 13 - The polls were open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the annual school election. School board elections were: Ponca City, ward 7; Kyle Keffer or Avis Braggs, Deer Creek-Lamont, ward 1; Sherri Whitehead, Max Reese, Kyle Kirby or Paula Stockwell, and Shidler, ward 1; Raymond Fields or Mike Stierwalt.
Feb. 13 - Kyle Keffer was voted to an unexpired term on Ponca City Board of Education.
Feb. 19 - Students at Pioneer Technology Center observe National Vo-tech Week.
March
March 9 - Ponca City Board of Education hires Dr. John Scroggins as the new assistant superintendent. During the month of March, the board also decided to reduce the school's budget by $1 million.
April
April 9 - Ponca City Board of Education votes to approve awarding the contract on the new Lincoln Elementary to Daco Construction. The bid was at $2,924,400. The board also decided to approve the design development of the renovations to the Howell and Anderson Buildings.
April 9 - Ponca City Board of Education votes to approve the 1996 Summer school programs for grades 9-12.
May
May 14 - The Ponca City Board of Education approves the transfer of $12,386.87 of the $18,411 interest earned from the construction bond fund to the transportation bond fund.
May 14 - During the monthly meeting, the board also approved a child care facility at Woodlands Elementary.
May 28 - Surveys started at the new Lincoln Elementary School.
May 31 - The largest higher education appropriation in state history was allocated to Oklahoma higher education. The $636.2 million appropriation includes $71.4 million in new funds.
June
June 12 - Several Ponca City students earned privately sponsored scholarships to attend the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain.
June 14 - Pioneer Technology Center approves a daytime tuition increase. The rate went up to $1 per hour.
June 24 - Filling the ground with good soil at the new Lincoln Elementary School was about one-third complete.
July
July - Construction continued at the new Lincoln Elementary School. They completed the soil fill under the building and established the corners of the building.
July - Construction began at the new Math/Science/Business Center at the high school. During the first of the month, the Industrial Arts Building was demolished and the old foundations were removed. By the end of July, windows were moved on the north wall of the Howell Building.
August
Aug. 13 - Ponca City Board of Education toured the new Vo-Ag Building located at 344 Pleasantview Road.
Also in August - Construction continued with the new Lincoln Elementary School. Piers were completed, grade beams were poured and plumbing for the bathrooms was started.
The top soil was removed at the Math/Science/Business Center and the crew began excavation along the girls gym for a retaining wall.
September
Sept. 5 - Piers were drilled at the new Lincoln School. The piers were quite large and it took the crew 2 weeks to complete them.
Sept. 8 - Ponca City Board of Education decided to build a new roof on the Administration Building.
Also in September - At the new Lincoln Elementary School, the floors were being poured and the crews are still pouring due to the unusual amounts of rainfall. As of Dec. 9, there have been a total of 57 rain days, compared to 23 days for a normal year.
October
Oct. 13 - Ponca City Board of Education votes to help build a new athletic training room at the high school. The room will be used by all students at the Po-Hi and Lewis Associates Architects are currently working on plans for the building.
November
Nov. 10 - The board of education votes to have the next school election on Feb. 11, 1997.
Nov. - Steel columns were erected at the new Lincoln School and the pouring of the floors continued.
Nov. 14 - The first floor at the new Math/Science/Business center was poured and on Nov. 22, the structural steel arrived on the site.
December
Dec. 9 - The board of education votes to approve a $15.00 increase for the After School Child Care program.
During December - Most of the construction work started during the month at the new Lincoln Elementary. Some of the work started includes: installing interior walls, exterior sheet rock on exterior walls started, air conditioning installed, electrical work started and the fire sprinkler system was also started.
As of Dec. 31, 1996, the construction was 40 percent complete.
Dec. 21 - The second floor was poured at the high school and the third floor will be poured early next week. Once the floors are laid, the crews can start everything else. As of Dec. 31, 1996, the construction was 30 percent complete.
During the 1996 school year, many things have happened in the school system. Whatever the case may be, people can be sure that 1997 will be another exciting school year.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Phase I of Standing Bear Native American Park was completed with the installation of Chief Standing Bear Monument, on Oct. 25-26, 1996, at the unveiling ceremony and dedication of the magnificent 22-foot bronze statue of Ponca Chief Standing Bear. The monument was created by nationally-known Southern Ute/Navajo sculptor Oreland C. Joe.
The park is located at the intersections of U.S. 60, U.S. 77 and U.S. 177, at the southeast corner of Ponca City.
A large powwow celebration, special art show and auction, powwow, intertribal dance competitions, Native American craft demonstrations were featured as well as visits by dignitaries from across the U.S. Attending the event as speakers were Gov. Frank Keating, U.S. Sen. Don Nickles, OU President David L. Boren; OSU President James E. Halligan, and Barbara A. Warner, executive director of the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission.
Also leaders of all six area Native American tribal councils - Wanda Stone, George Tallchief, Raymond Butler, Elizabeth Blackowl, Douglas Rhodd and Richard Cornell - were present. Ernie Stevens Jr., National Congress of American Indians first vice president, and others also heralded the dedication. Master of ceremonies for the dedication of the monument was Jack De McCarty from Newkirk. Approximately 5,000 people attended the two-day affair.
The developed portion of the 63-acre park completed in 1996 encompasses more than eight acres with offstreet parking; a one-acre pond with central arrowhead island; a walking trail winding through native grasses and wildflowers to the monument site, shaded memorial grove at a peaceful sitting area along the way.
The magnificent 22-foot monument of Standing Bear is majestic as a very realistic depiction of Standing Bear - with right hand extended to the east and his eyes, gentle and wise, overlook the ancient Arkansas River valley, where the original Chief Standing Bear is believed to have walked more than 100 years ago.
A colorful 60-foot diameter circular viewing court is located at the feet of Standing Bear and contains large sandstone boulders around its parameter affixed with the official brass seals of the six area tribes, Osage, Pawnee, Otoe-Missouria, Kaw, Tonkawa and Ponca. The names of eight clans of the Ponca Tribe are inlaid in the floor of the plaza in earth tone colors of terra cotta red, pine green and various shades of browns. A center pool reflects the sky and at its center the eternal flame of "grandfather fire" burns on a large round sandstone pedestal.
The 63-acre Standing Bear Native American Memorial Park was created in Ponca City in 1994, through a generous donation by Conoco Inc., and other donors and as a result of the dream of area tribal, business, and private citizens who hoped to create an educational and cultural tool as well as a memorial to outstanding Native American leaders.
Standing Bear was chosen as the representative figure for the Park project because of his role as the first American Indian civil rights leader - he successfully fought in U.S. court for recognition of Native Americans as persons and citizens under U.S. law.
Carl Renfro, president of the Native American Foundation, said the dream to construct the park and erect a statue began in 1993, after Ponca City celebrated the Centennial of the Oklahoma Land Run of 1893, settling in the Cherokee Outlet area.
The question was raised, "What has been done to recognize the contribution of the area's American Indian people?" The result was a cooperative intercultural venture to recognize Native American achievement and to eliminate stereotypes, said Renfro.
Tribal leaders and elders met with community, business, civic, and educational leaders to determine an appropriate way to recognize and benefit the area's Native American population, which is the largest in the U.S.
From an initial volunteer group of 15, the Native American Committee grew to an active membership of more than 60 volunteers, business and tribal leaders. Corporate partners included Conoco Inc., Continental Carbon, Oklahoma Natural Gas, Pioneer Bank, Bank IV, First National Bank and Evans and Associates. All have been major financial contributors to the Standing Bear project. Additionally, many of their employees and top officers have served the organization on a volunteer basis.
"The City of Ponca City has contributed the expertise of many of its officials and major in-kind services. Serving on our master plan and education committees are Ponca City's mayor, city manager, city planner and director of public works. Planning guidance has been received from the chairpersons of the six Native American tribes located in the Ponca City area and from tribal elders, historians and cultural committee members," Renfro said.
On a state level, the Standing Bear project has had the support of former Gov. David Walters and current Gov. Frank Keating. The State Department of Tourism has taken an active interest and is represented on its committees, said Renfro.
The published mission of the dedicated group is "To educate all nationalities about the Native American heritage and the important role Native Americans have played in developing our country diverse culture; To promote better understanding and communication among all our nations cultures; To increase economic and educational opportunities for Native Americans; and To provide a catalyst to enhance the self-worth of all Native Americans."
Further development of the park in Phase II will include establishment of an artisan center/museum where Native American youth can learn the traditions of their people and non-Native Americans can share in this knowledge; walking trails amid a sculpture garden honoring leaders of all Oklahoma Native American tribes; and a scholarship program for Native American youth.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Angels were everywhere in Ponca City during the 1996 Festival of Angels lighting promotion.
More than 1000 angels were on hand during the month of December for visitors who traveled to Ponca City during the Christmas season. The local historic attractions were also lit up with a myriad of lights, Lake Ponca Park was alight with a dazzling display and more than 50 larger-than-life custom designed displays depicted the many meanings of Christmas around the city. More than 30 neighborhoods also caught the spirit of the Festival of Angels by organizing lighted decorating themes.
According to Kathy Adams, chairman, "Angels were chosen for the theme of the Festival because they are universal to all religions. Interest in the folklore and the collection of angel items and books have been growing in popularity in recent years," she said.
"The angel motif sets Ponca City's Festival of Angels apart from lighting exhibits in other cities throughout Oklahoma and Kansas," she commented.
Another unique aspect of Ponca City's holiday event was the many lighted historic locations featured. "We chose to highlight our tourist attractions with the beautiful lights and special displays, so visitors will want to return and tour the interesting museums and mansions during the day. An organized visitor's tour, complete with maps, started at Angel Central the Festival Information Center and Gift Shop
The first stop on the Festival of Angels tour was at the Pioneer Woman Statue, where a 30-foot lighted Angel Host welcomed visitors to the city. From there the visitor was guided to Lake Ponca Park and found it sparkling with animated angels and animals and thousands of lights everywhere.
Adams announced that Santa could be found at the park each of the four weekends before Christmas and many new lighting displays included an angel flying over one of the ponds, a special angel riding a train, and another flying from cloud to cloud, the angelic band and a spectacular peacock, a frog catching snowflakes with his tongue.
The lighted garden displays at the Cann Botanical Gardens included large lighted pansies, irises, a butterfly, and even an animated sunbonnet girl watering her flower, which grow right before the visitor's eyes. Also on the tour is the Ponca City Cultural Center featuring a lighted display of larger then life southern gentlemen and their ladies, with guests arriving in gift-laden carriages, light up the lawn.
The tour continued through downtown Ponca City, colorfully decorated., then the visitor was guided back to Angel Central, where he or she was encouraged to take time to shop from thousands of Angel souvenirs or handmade Christmas gifts made by local craftsmen.
Funding for the Festival of Angels was all locally donated. The event was coordinated and managed by aver 300 volunteers, including Angel Hosts, who greet visitors at Lake Ponca Park each night of the Festival.
On weekends at Lake Ponca children and visitors could have their picture taken with Santa at the Santa House, enjoy a leisurely horse-drawn wagon ride, and partake of coffee, cider, or hot chocolate, as well as angel food cake.
A host of heavenly activities was scheduled during the five weeks of the Festival including a lighted downtown parade on Dec. 6, followed by a performance of "The Nutcracker" at the restored historic Poncan Theatre; the Christmas Gala at the Marland Estate on Dec. 7; a Candlelight Historic Homes Tour on Dec. 13; a children's Christmas Show by Ponca Playhouse on Dec. 13-14 ; and a Christmas Tree Collage exhibit on display throughout December at the historic Soldani Mansion Art Center.
Boy Scout Troop 9 of the First Baptist Church, delivered fruit baskets on Dec. 23, to members of the church residing in nursing homes and to other members not able to leave their homes.
Eight Boy Scouts gathered at Scoutmaster Steve Leonard's home to sort fruit and make decorated sacks and baskets with an attached card for each recipient.
The Scouts, Ricky Shewmake, Derick Hermes, Chris Coppock, Shawn Bush, James Davis, Michael Leonard, Jae Anderson and Jeremy Hingtgen visited Ponca Nursing Home, Highland Nursing Home and Westminister Village to deliver the baskets.
"First Baptist Church members enjoyed receiving the gifts and visiting
with the Boy Scout members," said Leonard.
AREA CALENDAR
Through Jan. 12
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Movie, The Grass Harp," starring Sissy Spacek, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.
January 8
Rural Water District No. 3 (Braden), 7 p.m., Braden Community Center.
January 9
Kaw Lake Association meeting, 11:30 a.m., Western Sizzlin', Ponca City, visitors welcome.
January 11
Shidler Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet, in the "Oklahoma Jubilee," Main Street, 7 p.m., Shidler, tickets $10.
January 12
Northern Oklahoma College "Disorientation" for college sophomores, 1-5 p.m., Wilkin Auditorium, Tonkawa.
Northern Oklahoma College "Orientation" for incoming college freshmen, 2-5 p.m., Olin Walcher Conference Center, Tonkawa.
January 12-26
Ponca City Art Association Membership Show, 1-5 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday, Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central Avenue.
January 12-15
88.7 FM and Area Churches present "Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames," dramatized real life presentation, 7 p.m., Hutchin's Auditorium, admission free, 767-1400 for more information.
January 14
Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station at Keeler Road and U.S. 60.
Rural Water District No. 1 Regular Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road.
January 16
Cherokee Wheelmen Bicycle Club annual meeting, election of officers and covered dish dinner, 6:30 p.m., Conoco Club House, South Fourth Street, Ponca City.
January 17
Kaw City Senior Citizens Dance, 7-10 p.m., music by Country Fever Band, Kaw City Community Building.
January 18
Martin Luther King celebration, 6:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.
Kaw City Chamber of Commerce one-act comedy, "Womanless Wedding," 7 p.m., adults $2.50, children under 12 $1, Kaw City Community Center.
January 19
Community Concert "Black Mountain Mail Choir of Wales," 2:30 p.m., Hutchins Memorial, Fifth Street at Overbrook Avenue, Ponca City.
January 20
Ponca City-Stillwater Ostomy Meeting, program by Vera Rogers, 7:30 p.m., Ponca City St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Conference Room B.
January 23
Environmental Trust Authority of Northern Oklahoma, 11:30 a.m., City Manager's Office, 221 West Blackwell, Blackwell.
Alzheimer's Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room D, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City.
January 25
"2 x 4 Productions," 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, free.
January 27
Kaw City Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, speaker Frosty Troy, well-known Oklahoma publisher, 7 p.m., Kaw City Community Building.
January 29-February 22
Exhibit "Touchable Sculpture," Ponca City Art Association.
February 1
Robert Bluestone, classical guitar concert, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.
February 8
Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City, adults $3, children under 12 $1.50, children under 6 free, proceeds to Children and Youth Activities.
88.7 FM Contemporary Christian artists Kathy Troccoli and Phillips, Craig and Dean, with special guest Chris Willis concert, 7 p.m., Hutchin's Auditorium, tickets the Master's Touch, $10, call 767-1400 for more information.
"The Ambassador Choir," 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, free.
Ronnie Kaye Sock Hop, benefit Kay County Council for Opportunity Center, tickets $12.50 each, from 765-6782, 8 p.m.-midnight, Elks Lodge, Ponca City.
February 10
Kay County Retired Educators Association, 11:30 a.m., Program, Mrs. Mac Bradley "Travel Tours for Seniors,", First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Coolidge, Blackwell.
March 4
Ponca City Area Chamber Orchestra and Chorus, with Children's Chorale, conducted by Cathy Byard, 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre.
March 9
Community Concert "Rhythm in Shoes," 2:30 p.m., Hutchins Memorial, Fifth Street at Overbrook Avenue, Ponca City.
March 15
"The Oklahoma City Philharmonic," Poncan Theatre, time to be announced, tickets required.
April 5
Laurette Willis "The Nutty 40s Radio Show," Poncan Theatre, free.
April 14
Kay County Retired Educators Association, 11:30 a.m., Program, Blackwell Police Department "Scams," First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Coolidge, Blackwell.
June 9
Kay County Retired Educators Association, 9 a.m., Installation of Officers,
Irene Stone, Vice President of OREA, Music, Mark and Annie Wynn, Northern
Oklahoma College, 1220 East Grand, Tonkawa.
DEATHS
Dorothy Hula, former Ponca City teacher and long time resident, died Thursday afternoon, Jan. 2, 1997, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. She was 94.
A memorial service will be conducted at the Ponca City First Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m., Saturday. with the Rev. Dr. Monty Fey, officiating.
Dorothy (Beatie) Hula was born July 8, 1902, in Oklahoma City, the daughter of Cyprus Waite and Edna Bell Patterson Beatie. In 1907, the family moved to Medford, where she graduated from Medford High School in 1920. She then received a teacher's certificate from Bethany College at Lindsborg, Kan., followed by a bachelor of arts degree in music education from Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. She taught at Coldwater and Mulvane, Kan. and at the Chickasha (Okla.) College for Women, before moving to Ponca City in 1933. She taught at Lincoln Elementary and East Junior High School and was the music supervisor for several years in the Ponca City school system. During her teaching career in Ponca City, she traveled throughout Europe.
She was married to John A. Hula in 1947, in Lake Charles, La. and the couple made their home in Medford, where they were employed in farming. After Mr. Hula's death in 1963, she returned to the Ponca City school system and taught at East Junior High, where she also taught the Boy's Glee Club. She retired from teaching in 1968 and with friends enjoyed traveling to Central American and various other places around the U.S. In 1984, she became one of the first residents at Westminster Village, then in November 1996, moved to the Forest Hills Assisted Care Living Center in Broken Arrow to be closer to family members.
Mrs. Hula was a member of the Ponca City Teachers Chorus, Delta Kappa Gamma, Retired Teachers Association, and the Daughters of the American Revolution since 1948. She initiated the PEO at Medford in 1951, and served as its president, and served as organizing president of the PEO Chapter in Ponca City in 1969. For many years she played the piano for the Builder's Sunday School Class at the Ponca City First Presbyterian Church, as well as for the Villagers at the Westminster Village Nursing Care Unit.
Survivors include a nephew, Gary Dale Beatie of Broken Arrow, two great nephews, Brian Edward Beatie of Tulsa and Steven Robert Beatie of Broken Arrow; several great-great nephews; several other relatives; and many friends in Ponca City.
Lucile E. Murray, former longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, 1997, in an Edmond (Okla.) Nursing Home. She was 88.
A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. today at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Scott Adams, associate pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, officiating. The funeral mass will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ponca City with the Rev. Ernest A. Flusche, pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic church, Norman, as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Ponca City. Friends may call at the funeral home until 11 a.m. Friday.
Lucile E. (Eberwein) Murray was born March 11, 1908, in Ralston, the daughter of Valentine and Mary (Schlect) Eberwein. She graduated from Ralston High School and attended nurses training at St. Joseph Hospital in Ponca City. She was employed as a private nurse for several years and worked as the nurse for Continental Oil Company until 1956.
On May 8, 1946, she was married to Francis Murray in Ponca City and the couple celebrated their 50th anniversary in May 1996. Mrs. Murray moved to Edmond in November 1996, after residing most of her adult life in Ponca City. She enjoyed church work and was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church and St. Francis Guild. She was a homemaker for many years and enjoyed being with children, many of whom called her "Aunt." She also enjoyed playing cards and was a member of Canasta and Bridge card groups.
Survivors include her husband, Francis, of the home; two sons, Dr. Don Murray of Edmond and Joe Murray of Oklahoma City; one sister, Anne Mae Paden of Ponca City; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Leo Eberwein and Joe Eberwein; and one sister, Barbara Eberwein.
Casket bearers will be Danny Sims, Ken Sims, Tommy Murray, Chris Yazzo, Charlie Hermes, and James Schiltz.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Murray's name to the St. Mary's Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1330, Ponca City, OK 74602 or to The Opportunity Center, 2225 North Union, Ponca City, OK 74601.
BLACKWELL - Ivan Albert Mayfield, Blackwell resident, died at Hillcrest Manor Extended Care Facility in Blackwell, Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, 1997. He was 83.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Kelly Randolph, Country Acres Baptist Church of Wichita, Kan., officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Nardin. Friends may visit at the funeral home until service time, then the casket will be closed.
Ivan Albert Mayfield was born April 25, 1913, in Pretty Prairie, Kan., to Thomas and Crosha (Payne) Mayfield. He moved with his parents to Medford, then to Nardin, when he was age five. He grew up and attended schools in Nardin.
On March 23, 1935, he was married to Winifred Delcia Beal in Neosho, Mo., and the couple settled in Blackwell. In 1944, they moved to Guymon, where Mayfield began employment with Cities Service Gas Co. In 1945 they moved to Wichita, Kan., living there until his retirement on May 1, 1974, when they moved to Nardin. In 1988 they moved into Blackwell.
Survivors include his wife, Winifred D. Mayfield of Blackwell; four daughters, Belinda Stracke of Kansas City, Mo., Ivona Darge of Wichita, Kan., Sally Fischer of Sioux City, Iowa, and Anna Rogers of Irving, Texas; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, John Albert Mayfield; his parents; four brothers, Charles, Roosevelt, Walter, and Flanary; and two sisters, Marjorie Friddle and Ida Gibson.
Casket bearers will be Lance Stracke, Bart Stracke, Bret Stracke, Stephen Larkin, Dennis Weber and Bill Hageman. Honorary bearers will be Dolton Rogers, Jack Smith, Manuel Ruiz, Larry Shields and Harold Hall.
NEWKIRK - Roy D. Coate, former Newkirk area resident, died Monday, Jan. 6, 1997, at Research Belton Hospital in Belton, Mo. He was 75.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Newkirk, with pastor Ernest Quillen officiating. Burial will follow in the Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Home. Arrangements in Belton, Mo. were under the direction of E.K. George and Sons Funeral Home. A memorial service is also set for 11 a.m. Thursday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Raymore, Mo.
Roy D. Coate was born April 29, 1921 in Newkirk, the son of Pete William and Blanche Edith (Goad) Coate. He grew up and received his education in Newkirk. During World War II Coate served in the U.S. Army.
He was married to Velma Koenke on Nov. 18, 1955, in Newkirk, and the couple had recently celebrated 41 years of marriage. Coate was a steamfitter and welder by trade. He was a member of Pipefitters Local 505 of Winfield, Kan. and the Steamfitters Local 171 of Wichita, Kan. He was also a former member of the Gardner, Kan., American Legion.
Survivors include his wife, Velma, of the home in Belton, Mo.; three daughters, Donnetta Saville of Olathe, Kan., Pamela Ewan of Paola, Kan., and Helen Wammock of Central Point, Ore.; one son, Roy William of Oregon; four brothers, Wayne of Stockton, Calif., Ed of Myrtle Creek, Ore., Loyed of Bolivar, Mo., and Lester of Corona, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and an aunt and several nieces and nephews living in the Newkirk area.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Delores Barbee; his parents; one brother, John Coate; two sisters, Cleo Komma and Kittie Baker; and a son-in-law.
Contributions may be made to a memorial fund established in Mr. Coate's name to St. John's Lutheran Church, c/o Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.
NEWKIRK - Eugene David Kirkendall, Newkirk resident, died early Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, 1997, at St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita, Kan. He was 67.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, at the Miller-Stahl Funeral Chapel in Newkirk, with the Rev. Roy Peters, Skiatook, officiating. Burial will follow in the Longwood Cemetery, east of Ponca City.
Eugene David Kirkendall was born July 2, 1929, in Newkirk, the son of Fred Edward and Alma (Gilbert) Kirkendall Sr. He grew up in Newkirk and graduated from Newkirk High School in 1947.
On Sept. 6, 1947, he was married to Norma Jean Rouch in Newkirk and the couple established their first home in Haysville, Kan. In Jan. 1949, he was employed by Boeing Aircraft Plant in Wichita, Kan., and was transferred to Seattle, Wash., in 1968. The family returned to Haysville in 1979 and Kirkendall retired from Boeing in 1989, and the couple moved to Newkirk. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Survivors include his wife, Norma, of the home; one daughter, Mrs. DeWayne (Judith Anne) Henry of Temple, Teas; one brother, LeRoy Kirkendall of Wichita, Kan.; five sisters, Iva Heath, Mary Houser and Erma Burke, all of Newkirk, Dorothy Myers of Derby, Kan., and Shirley Weaver of Webb City; one granddaughter; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Vickie Lee Carter; his parents; two brothers, Forest and Fred Jr.; and one sister, Nel Rose Lind.
Casket bearers will be nephews, Danny Weaver, Scotty Weaver, Dennis Kirkendall, Mike Fuller, Richard Kirkendall, and Mike Meade. Honorary bearers will be Johnny Kirkendall and Leslie Kirkendall.
Joseph E. "Joe" Hoddy, 513 South Tenth Street, died Monday evening, Jan. 6, 1997, at his home. He was 68.
A vigil service will be held Wednesday, 7 p.m., in the chapel of the Trout Funeral Home with the Rev. Scott Adams, associate pastor, St. Mary's Catholic Church, officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, 2 p.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Adams as celebrant, assisted by Deacon Richard Robinson. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born March 23, 1928, in Ponca City, he was the son of Fred W. and Helen Rempe Hoddy. He attended St. Mary's School and Ponca City High School. Hoddy served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 until 1947. He attended Oklahoma A&M college.
On July 8, 1950, he and the former Rae Evelyn Stephens were married in Ponca City. In 1952, Hoddy began working for the City of Ponca City as a diesel plant operator for the Ponca City Utility Authority. He retired on March 1, 1993. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. His special interests included traveling, fishing, and enjoying time with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn, of the home; a daughter, Teresa Hoddy, Oklahoma City; one son, Dennis Hoddy, Ponca City; two grandchildren, Chris and Justin; one great-grandson, Austin; his mother, Helen Hoddy, Ponca City; a brother, Chuck Hoddy, Ponca City; and two sisters, Katy Brown and Mary Ann Boor, both of Ponca City. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred; and one brother, John W. Hoddy.
Casket bearers will be Fred Brown, Paul Brown, Hank Brown, Tom Hoddy, Roger Hoddy and Mike Boor. Honorary casket bearers will be Glynn Cox, Bud Fields, Jimmie Flesher and Mr. Hoddy's nephews.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union Street, Ponca City, OK 74601, or to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
Friends may call at the Trout Funeral Home until noon Thursday.
The family will be at the home, 513 South 10th Street.
paid obituary
Jewell Creamer Gray, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, 1997, at her home. She was 75.
The funeral mass will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 1997, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Rev. Scott Adams, associate pastor, as celebrant. A prayer service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Richard Robinson officiating. Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Friends may call at the Trout Funeral Home until 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Mrs. Gray was born Oct. 2, 1921, in Webb City, to Jewell Z. and Lillian Edith (Viau) Webb. She attended Schools in Webb City and Shidler and graduated from Shidler High School in 1939. In 1939, she married Richard L. Creamer in Webb City. He preceded her in death.
She later married Lyndal Gray, he preceded her in death also. Mrs. Gray resided in Monahans, Texas most of her working life. She owned and operated a cafe for a number of years. She had also been employed with an insurance company in Monahans before moving to Ponca City 25 years ago. After moving to Ponca City she was employed as night auditor with QuoVadis Motel until retiring six years ago. She made excellent fudge and baked cookies. She was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church, and the ladies auxiliary of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans.
She is survived by two sisters, Angelin Pruitt and her husband, Al, of Ponca City, and Helen Graham and her husband, Owen, of McAllen, Texas; a daughter-in-law, Magdalena Creamer, of Ponca City; four grandsons Roy Townsend, Richard Lee Creamer, Robert L. Creamer and Roger L. Creamer, all of Ponca City; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to both husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Richard L. Creamer.
Casket bearers will be Ray Townsend, Richard Lee Creamer, Robert L. Creamer, Roger L. Creamer, Mike Pruitt, and Kenneth Pruitt.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union Street, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
paid obituary
John W. Cofer, 1800 N.E. Woodland Road, died early this morning, Jan. 8, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 75. Survivors include his wife, Beverly, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Viola Lund, longtime Ponca City area resident, died Tuesday evening, Jan. 7, 1997, at Westminster Village. She was 93. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Nita I. Logan, died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 1997, at the home of her daughter,
Bennie Westerman, Route 5, Box 333G. She was 92. Arrangements are pending
with Trout Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Equine Group to Meet - The North Central Equine group will hold their January meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m. to ride and 7 p.m. for the business meeting. The meeting is scheduled for the Colbath home, 765-7719.
Luncheon - Members of the Ponca City Christian Women's Club will attend an "Add Sparkle To Your Life" luncheon Jan. 15, 12:30-2:30 p.m., at the Ponca City Country Club. All area women are invited to attend and may call Cindy, 762-2151, or Karen, 765-9835, for reservations.
Vocalists Needed - Vocalists are needed for the Ponca City Area Chamber Chorus to perform in the March 4, 1997 annual combined concert of the Ponca City Area Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Chorus and Children's Chorale. Rehearsals are held Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Fine Arts Building on the Po-Hi Campus. The rehearsal schedule is very demanding and requires a dedicated commitment to being at the weekly rehearsals scheduled from Jan. 9-Feb. 27. For more information call Wilson Van Tine at 767-5918 or 762-2208.
Helpline Volunteers Needed - Are you a caring person? Helpline needs you. Helpline training classes starts Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. Call 765-5551 for information or to enroll.
Marland Round-Up - Members of the Marland Round-Up Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the John Pulliam home.
No DAV Fund-Raisers - Notice to the Public! The DAV Chapter 47 is no longer sponsoring local fund-raisers and citizens are advised not to donate to any requests for cash until further notice from local officers of DAV. For more information call Bill Davis, Unit Commander or J.D. Pommitt, Service Officer at Enid at (405) 233-8440.
Legion Auxiliary- Members of the American Legion Auxiliary No. 14 will meet Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post building.
Senior Citizens Dance Set - A Senior Citizens Dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at the Senior Citizens Building, 320 South A Street in Arkansas City. The Pete Coli Country Band will present the music for dancing. All seniors are invited to attend and bring a favorite finger food to share.
Education Committee - The Education Committee for Ponca City Tomorrow will meet at 111 West Grand Avenue Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Bike Stolen - A resident in the 900 block of Alma Avenue went to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:25 a.m. Tuesday to report a men's blue 26 inch bike stolen.
Warrant Served - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 37-year-old man at North Fifth Street and East Prospect Avenue at 11:04 a.m. Tuesday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Failure To Pay - A 40-year-old man was arrested in the 900 block of East South Avenue at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday on a Stephens County warrant for failure to pay child support.
Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 32-year-old man at South Fourth Street and East Maple Avenue at 10:39 p.m. Tuesday for driving under the influence, driving left of center, no seat belt, no insurance and transporting an open container.
Vandalism - A resident in the 2500 block of Briar Ridge Road contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 1:27 a.m. Wednesday to report the front door had been shattered. An officer responded to pursue a suspect at Lake Road and Pecan Road. The officer terminated the pursuit at U.S. 60 and McCord Road. A vandalism report and warrant request were made.
Burglary - A Ponca City police officer took a report of burglary in the 1300 block of Scott Avenue at 3:59 a.m. Wednesday.
Larceny - A resident in the 1000 block of South Fourth Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 6 p.m. Tuesday that an aquarium was stolen off the front porch. An officer took a grand larceny report.
Vehicle Fires - Ponca City firefighters responded to two vehicle fires Tuesday. At 7:52 a.m., firefighters responded within one minute to the 700 block of Lake Road, to a fire that ignited when the engine backfired. According to the report, the fire extinguished itself by the time firefighters arrived. An estimated $100 in damage occurred. At 12:35 p.m., firefighters responded within two minutes to Cleveland Avenue and North First Street where a 1991 Ford Lariat had a short circuit. The fire caused an estimated $600 in damage.
Shoplifter Pursued - Three Ponca City police officers responded
to J.C. Penney, 2105 North Fourteenth Street, at 6:01 p.m. Tuesday after
a report that a shoplifter fled the business on foot. Two managers chased
the subject who apparently ran east into the woods, according to the PCPD.
The officers were unable to locate the subject, however, a report was taken.
LIFESTYLES
Jim and Teresa Rowell of Ponca City announce the birth of a daughter Dec. 30. The 8-pound, 12-ounce baby was 21 1/2 inches long and has been named Molly Renee Rowell. She has three brothers, Eric, Andrew and Thomas. Vita Hix is the grandmother and grandfathers are Walter Dean Rowell and Raymond Brewer.
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Rodney and Jennifer Brewer announce the birth of a son Jan. 5 in Iowa. The 5-pound, 13-ounce boy was 19 1/2 inches long and has been named Donovan Michael Brewer. Vita Hix is the grandmother and Raymond Brewer is the grandfather.
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Paul and Beth Rady, Route 3, Box 583, Ponca City, announce the birth of a 10-pound son at 6:58 p.m. Dec. 19 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The 24 inch baby has been named Adam Joseph Rady. He has a sister, Megan, 2 1/2 years old.
Maternal grandparents are William and Joan Romstadt of Alpena, Mich. and paternal grandparents are Gordon and Marlene Rady of Traverse City, Mich.
Great grandparents are Vera Saunders of Traverse City, Mich., Mildred Rady of Wayne, Mich. and Alden and Lillian Dreier of Toledo, Ohio. Great-great-grandmother is Opal Coleman of Grayling, Mich.
Students of Cathy Byard and Suzi Lenhart are joining forces to present an "After Christmas Concert" on Sunday, beginning at 2:30 p.m., in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church. The concert is free and open to the public.
Selections will include several groups of songs. "Love Goes Round and Round in a Circle," "Art Thou Troubled?", "Bist Du Bei Mir." "Pie Jesu" from the Faure Requiem Mass, and "In The Bleak Midwinter" will be sung by the student ensemble of Cathy Byard.
The Recorder ensemble will play "Deck The Hall," "Fum, Fum, Fum" and "I Saw Three Ships." All of the students will sing the last group of songs accompanied by the Orff instruments. The set includes "Ukrainian Bell Carol," "Little Drummer Boy," "Masters in This Hall," "Still, Still, Still," "Little Drummer Boy," and "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Recorder ensemble members recently participated in the Northern Oklahoma College 2nd annual Madrigal dinner. Accompanying Cathy Byard's students will be Ann Salmons on organ/piano and Kati Salmons on flute. For information about Cathy Byard's studio call 762-1966 and for Miss Suzi's Singing School, 762-9895.
Cathy Byard students include Sarah Cook, Brooke Floyd, Mandy Hudgins, Emily Lewis, Kelsie Powell and Katie Sapp.
Miss Suzi's Singing School students are Emily Barker, Stephanie Beier, Joel Bolay, Bethany Bowen, Sarah Bowen, Luke Boyett, Whitney Engle, Racqi Hall, April Harden, Bethany Harden, Chelsey Hill, Jaron Hudgins, Andrew Kellert, Becky Kellert. Also Nathan Kellert, Philis Kellert, Rachel Kellert, Amanda Lewis, Ashlee Logan, Michaela Logan, Heather Mai, LeAnna Mai, Nathan Mai, Elaisa Massey, Laura Pollman and Gage Rupert.
The Kay County chapter of the Oklahoma Anthropological Society will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Fourth Street Clubhouse. The public is invited to attend.
Guest speaker will be Dr. Frank Winchell from the Tulsa District Corps of Engineers. His topic is entitled "Early Ceramic Cultures of the Nile Valley."
Members are reminded that orders for chapter tee-shirts will be taken at the meeting.
Patsy Bray was the hostess when members of Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Nov. 25. The meeting was called to order by June Miller, president, and Sara King gave the secretary's report. Cookbooks were distributed and the group discussed the Christmas party plans. For the Christmas service project members decided to bring mittens, caps and toys to be given to the Salvation Army for distribution at Christmas.
The traveling basket was given to Cindy Wardlow by Brenda Parker. The mystery gift was won by Ms. Wardlow. A pledge ritual was held for Jan Ellison, Brenda Parker and Cindy Wardlow.
Ms. Bray gave a historical-culture program about being "thankful and responsible" which included information about Christopher Columbus and the rights and privileges of the U. S. Constitution.
Members of the Valley View Homemakers Club met recently in the home of Mrs. Oletta Demaree, 1609 Hathaway, for a Christmas party. Twelve members brought canned goods for Salvation Army food baskets and ornaments for gift exchanges. Co-hostess was Mrs. Glenda Richardson.
The group participated in a gift exchange as Mrs. Donetta Hicks read
a short story about "The Right Family." Door prizes were won by
four members and the group was reminded of dues payable at the January meeting
in the home of Mrs. JoAnne Grimley, 1601 Cookson.
SPORTS
PONCA CITY SENIOR guard Andy Parsons knifes through the Owasso defense for two of his team-high 15 points in Tuesday nights 35-34 upset win over the 12th-ranked Rams at Robson Fieldhouse. Both the Wildcats and Lady Cats picked up their first wins of the season in exciting fashion. (News Photo by David Brown)
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
It took a while, but victory was sweet for the Ponca City Wildcats here Tuesday night against 12th-ranked Owasso as Po-Hi rallied on a late basket by Micha Alexander for the 35-34 upset win.
Ponca City trailed by a point when the Cats took possession with 1:03 left after a pair of missed free throws by Owasso. Ponca City worked the clock down to 28 seconds and called time.
When play resumed, Sawyer Blackburn found Ryan Treadway open and gave him a nice pass along the baseline. Treadway lost the handle, however, and a scramble ensued. Treadway ended up with the ball on the right side of the lane about 10 feet from the baseline. He rose to from the floor and alertly spotted Alexander breaking for the basket. Treadway's pass was on target and Alexander completed the play by hitting the driving layup with seven seconds left.
Owasso called time with five ticks remaining and did get two final shots off for the win. But the first, a 17-footer by Brent Stokes, bounded off to the left. The second was a rushed two-footer that hit the bottom of the rim after the offensive rebound.
"I thought the kids played extremely hard. The big key was we held the lead most of the time. They wanted to get a lead and go to the four-corners and they couldn't because we were in front. But as soon as they could (stall) they did," said Ponca City head coach Ken Chronister.
Except for a three minute stretch to start the third quarter, the Wildcats controlled the game. But with 2:31 left, Owasso took the lead following a pair of free throws, 34-33. Ponca City turned the ball over on its next possession and the Rams called time at the 2:10 mark.
Following the timeout, Owasso went to its vaunted four-corners delay game, popularized by University of North Carolina teams in the 60s and 70s. The Rams were able to milk nearly a minute off the clock before 6-4 senior Jared Britton was fouled.
The Cats were over the nine foul one-and-one limit so Britton had two free throws. He missed both.
"We talked about who we wanted to foul during the timeout," Chronister explained of the key scenario that led to the missed free throws. "We knew we didn't want to foul their guards. The kids did a good job with the foul when the ball got down on the baseline."
After those misses it was Po-Hi's turn to take the air out of the ball and they did, setting up the final frantic moments.
Senior point guard Andy Parsons led Ponca City with 15 points. Alexander added 8, Treadway 4, Blackburn and Wesley Swygert 3 each and Ryan Meyer had 2 points.
The Stokes brothers led Owasso. Brent had 15 points and twin brother Bryant had 11.
Ponca City never trailed in the first half although Owasso did tie the game on three occasions over the first 16 minutes. The Cats led 10-9 after one and 16-10 at the half.
The Ponca City defense held Owasso to 0-for-8 shooting from the field in the second quarter and just one point.
But the Rams, led by the Stokes brothers, outscored Po-Hi 9-2 to begin the second half and took their first lead of the game at 19-18.
Blackburn ended the Owasso run with a jumper at the 4:55 mark and then Parsons hit a free throw. The Rams came back to tie on a jumper by Brent Stokes but the Cats countered with a trey and a layup, both by Parsons.
After a pair of free throws by Brent Stokes cut the lead to 26-25 30 seconds into the fourth quarter, Meyer hit a big basket for the Poncans with 6:59 left.
A Bryant Stokes trey tied the game 20 seconds later and the teams continued their even battle all the way to the finish.
Ponca City connected on 12 of 29 field goal attempts (41.4 percent) and 7 of 13 free throws (53.8) with 13 turnovers.
Owasso was 11-for-38 from the field (28.9 percent) and 9 of 14 from the line (64.3) with six turnovers.
Ponca City improved to 1-4 overall and 1-4 in the Frontier Conference while Owasso fell to 7-5 and 3-3.
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
Tuesday night's Ponca City High School girls' basketball game against fourth-ranked Owasso in Robson Fieldhouse started out much like the first four games of the year - badly.
The Lady Cats trailed Owasso 14-5 with 49 seconds left in the opening stanza. Ponca City was a dismal 2-for-13 from the field and 1-for-6 from the free throw line. But things quickly turned around.
Junior guard Natasha Anderson hit a trey in the final seconds of the period and that helped launch the Lady Cats toward an improbable 46-41 win that gave Po-Hi its first win and saddled Owasso with its first loss of the season.
Ponca City now heads to the loaded East Central University Invitational in Ada Thursday through Saturday with a 1-4 mark. Owasso limps home at 8-1.
The Lady Cats outscored Owasso in each of the last three quarters but the win wasn't secured until the final seconds.
Ponca City won the second quarter 12-10 to trail 24-20 at the half and then 6-3 senior Lyndsey Warrior exploded for all 10 of her points in the third period as the Lady Cats tied the contest at 34.
Owasso took its last lead of the contest 53 seconds into the fourth quarter on a free throw by Sarah Reese that made the score 35-34. The Poncans then scored the game's next seven points and led 41-35 with 3:15 remaining.
Jessica Bates, Owasso's 6-2 junior who leads the Frontier Conference in scoring, tried to lead the Lady Rams back with three baskets but good Po-Hi free throw shooting kept Owasso at bay.
For the quarter, the Lady Cats hit 10 of 13 free throw attempts. Up by just three at 42-39, Natasha Anderson hit a pair of free throws and then hit two more to salt the game away with 12 seconds left after Bates had hit her third and final bucket of the stanza.
Anderson, along with 6-0 junior post Tiffani Essary, led the Lady Cats in scoring with 12 points apiece. Warrior had 10, Tee West 7, Desiree Cries For Ribs 4 and Keesha West added 1 point.
Essary scored back-to-back baskets to start the second period but her biggest bucket came with 5:13 left and the Cats up by only two, 37-35. From the right side of the lane, Essary knifed her way past Bates, scored and was fouled. She hit the free throw, her third straight in the period, and the Cats led by five, 40-35.
Bates topped all scorers with 17 points and Reese, a 6-0 junior, had 10 for Owasso.
"This was a great team effort," head coach Larry Rehl said afterwards. "Lyndsey did a great job scoring for us in the third quarter and Tiffani was big for us inside, too. The whole team just did great.
"The defense played well and our free throw shooting came up big for us late. Getting the lead was the key, though. We played with a lot more confidence after that and Owasso made some mistakes. That's the first time they'd been down all year."
Ponca City's shooting was still not good, just 16-for-40 overall (40 percent), but it was very good in the second and third quarters when the Cats made their big run.
After that 2-for-13 start, the Lady Cats hit 13 of their next 23 field goal attempts prior to the fourth quarter, when they were just 1-for-5.
From the line, the Cats ended up 11-for-19 (57.9 percent) after their 1-6 start.
Owasso hit just 15 of 46 field goal attempts (32.6 percent) but did manage to make 11 of 14 free throws (78.6).
On the turnover front, Owasso committed 17 while Ponca City had just 12.
"Our move putting Anderson at the point worked well," said Rehl. "She handled the ball and the pressure nicely. Our little sophomore, Tia Williams, also came in and gave us some good minutes at guard. She had two steals.
"It really was a team effort, and a big win for us," said Rehl.
The Lady Cats now need to get ready for Broken Bow Thursday in Ada. The winner of that game will play the Ada-Atoka winner Friday at 7 p.m. Ada is ranked No. 2 in 5A and Atoka is No. 8 in 4A.
The other side of the bracket has 6A No. 1 Sapulpa and 4A No. 15 Star Spencer as well as unranked Idabel and Carl Albert.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
ENID - Ponca City's wrestlers learned some new pinning moves from OSU national champions J.J. McGrew and Mark Branch during the Wildcat Wrestling Clinic over the holiday break.
They got a chance to try them out against the struggling Enid Plainsmen here Tuesday.
The Wildcats won their second district dual of the season, smashing the Plainsmen 69-6. They collected four forfeits from the undermanned Plainsmen, got five falls and one technical fall and won handily eight of the nine matches wrestled.
They dominated completely. Although Enid collected a fall in the 215-pound weight for their only win, the Plainsmen could muster just two takedowns, three escapes, two reverses and a penalty point in the dual.
"At least it was a workout," Po-Hi coach Pat Young said, fully aware that will be the last easy win for the Cats this season.
"Now we have to get ready for Geary," Young said.
The Geary Tournament this weekend will be by far the Cats' toughest test yet. The tournament boasts three No. 1 teams - Choctaw in 5A, El Reno in 4A and Tuttle in 2A - plus six teams ranked in the Top 10 of their respective classes.
But for at least Tuesday night the Poncans could concentrate on shaking off the inactivity of the Christmas break and practicing their new moves.
The dual started well for the Wildcats - and then snowballed.
Phillip Gelino won a 14-3 major decision at 103 pounds, Josh Bailey used a defensive fall to win at 112 and Willie Ivie took an 8-4 win at 119.
Then the Wildcats started to pile on points. Mark Dodgen got a first period fall at 125 and Matt Dodgen took two periods at 130. Doug Scott collected a forfeit at 135, Jacob Beck had a second period fall at 140, Justin Hall got a forfeit at 145 and Toby Redleaf got a 1:01 fall at 152.
By that time, the Cats had the dual socked away, 49-0.
Marciano Villarruel won 7-0 at 160 and Stockton Graves collected the team's first technical fall, 15-0 in 4:18, at 171 pounds.
Jay Bentley and Cory Burkett had forfeits at 189 and heavyweight.
Young confirmed there will be some lineup changes for the Geary Tournament, which starts Friday.
Mark and Matt Dodgen will move down to 119 and 125 pounds, respectively. Bentley will drop to 160.
"Jay has been giving away 20 pounds to his opponents at 189," Young said. "Right now, he's leaving practice weighing about 164."
Those moves will probably leave the Poncans void at 130 and 189 for Geary.
Young is hoping to find someone to step in at 130 for the rest of the season. He indicated Bentley may go back to 189 for most duals.
RESULTS
103 - Gelino (PC) md. Seals, 14-3
112 - Bailey (PC) p. Isaacs
119 - Ivie (PC) d. Mallo, 8-4
125 - Dodgen (PC) p. Snow, 1:24
130 - Dodgen (PC) p. Howell, 2:57
136 - Scott (PC) fft.
140 - Beck (PC) p. Gray, 2:51
145 - Hall (PC) fft.
152 - Redleaf (PC) p. Ussery, 1:01
160 - Villarruel (PC) d. Meara, 7-0
171 - Graves (PC) tf. Batterra, 15-0
189 - Bentley PC) fft.
215 - DeKoch (E) p. Steichen, :59
Hwt - Burkett (PC) fft
Mat Stats
Takedowns - Ponca City 14, Enid 2. Escapes - Ponca City 1, Enid 3. Reverses - Ponca City 8, Enid 2. 2-Near Falls - Ponca City 3, Enid 0. 3-Near Falls - Ponca City 5, Enid 0, Penalty Points - Ponca City 1, Enid 1.
Falls - Ponca City 5, Enid 1. Forfeits - Ponca City 4, Enid 0. Technical Falls - Ponca City 1, Enid 0. Major Decisions - Ponca City 1, Enid 0. Decisions - Ponca City 2, Enid 0.
Junior High Sports Update
Ninth Grade Boys 33, Enid Waller 28
ENID - Ponca City's ninth grade boys basketballers outscored Enid Waller 8-3 in the fourth quarter here Tuesday to break loose from a tie and defeat Waller 33-28.
Barry Chance topped nine Ponca Citians in the scoring column with 8 points while Blake Geubelle and Evan Rupp had 6 points apiece.
Ponca City broke out to a 10-4 first-quarter lead but Waller came back to forge a 16-16 halftime tie. Both teams scored nine third quarter points before the closing flurry by the Cougars.
Also scoring for Ponca City were Aaron Sattre, 3; Greg Dewberry, 2; Barry Gehab, 2; Jeff Furnas, 2; Brett Skaggs, 2; and Wes Crosson, 2.
The Cougars improved to 4-2 overall and 3-0 in the conference with the win.
"We're getting better every week," said coach Keith Chronister. "We have a lot of good talent, we're playing hard and working hard. We're looking forward to Thursday and taking control of this conference."
The Cougars host Stillwater Thursday at the Mid-Hi gym beginning with a ninth grade JV game at 5. Stillwater won the last meeting by three.
Ninth Grade Girls 42, Enid Waller 21
ENID - Ponca City's ninth grade girls started the second semester the same way they ended the first - winning big.
The Lady Cougars jumped to a 13-6 first-quarter lead and then outscored Enid Waller 19-2 in the fourth quarter to sail in for a 42-21 win at Enid Tuesday.
The Poncans are now 6-1 on the season heading into a showdown with Stillwater there Thursday.
"The girls are really coming together," said coach Lela McCracken. "I took 10 girls to Enid and I could use any five of them at any time. That's great.
"We played good pressure defense for the whole game and shot the ball well, especially in the first and fourth periods."
Brooke Hines paced the Lady Cougars with 11 points, six steals and four rebounds, Nikki Stuemky had 9 points, Alana Smith 4 points, five steals and four rebounds, Claire Winterrowd 4 points, Kami Schieber 4 points, Mea Alexander and Taylor Thomas 3 points each and Allison Stotts and Laura Sudbury 2 each.
Eighth Grade Girls 32, Enid Waller 31
Ponca City's eighth grade girls' basketball team came from five down in the fourth quarter to defeat Waller Tuesday, 32-31.
Waller led 8-2 after one and 17-9 at the half. Ponca City kept the deficit to five after three quarters, 25-20, and then outscored Waller 12-6 in the fourth to cement the comeback.
Cara Cusick topped the Lady Cougars with 10 points, Jacee Shepard had 9 and Gena Birdsong 7. Lyndsi Frederick added 4 points and Kendra Love 2.
Ponca City improved to 5-1 with the victory and next plays Oklahoma City Hoover at noon Thursday at the Edmond Central Tournament.
"The girls hung in there through a tough first half," said coach Calvin English. "They played great defense in the second half to get back in it and then pulled out the win in the end. It was a great way to open the second semester. The win should help us confidence-wise as we head to a tough tournament now."
After Sluggish Start, Sophs Rally to Beat Guthrie, 57-49
GUTHRIE - After a 25-day layoff the Wildcat sophomore basketballers were a little sluggish here Monday. But the Cats got back into the swing of things the final three quarters to post a 57-49 win over Guthrie.
Guthrie led 15-7 at the end of the first quarter of play but saw its eight-point lead whittled to only two by the half at 26-24.
"In the huddle between quarters we talked about playing with more intensity and playing together. And they did that in the second quarter," said coach Ron Arthur. "They continued to play with a lot of intensity in the second half as well."
Ponca City finally took the lead in the third quarter and led 40-37 heading into the fourth. Clutch free throw shooting allowed the Poncans to pull away in the final stanza.
"The kids came through with the game on the line," said Arthur. "They made 9 of 12 fre throws in the fourth quarter.
"I thought we really made it happen in the third quarter," Arthur continued, "but the second quarter was the real turning point. We forced eight turnovers and really got back into it."
Point guard Jeremiah Payne led the Poncans with 16 points and Brian Connelly came off the bench to register 15 big points from his forward spot. Paul Broome and Justin Ross scored 6 points apiece, Cody Warner 4, Brian Geubelle 3, Craig Thilstead, Jason Green and Scott Crabtree all had 2 points and Kevin Ruesser added 1 point.
The 2-2 sophomores won't play again until traveling to Stillwater Monday, Jan. 13.