From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, January
27, 1998
LOCAL
Nearly News
Fun in the Park
Commission Sticks With No Left Turn Restriction
Vancouver Wind Trio Concert To Include Unique Blend of Wit
Pioneer Genealogical Society Has Meeting
Area Artist To Exhibit Works in OKC Show
New Support Group Would Aid Viet Vets
DEATHS
Otto John Kahle
Waneta Eileen Russell
Shirley Faye Walton
Milo Watson
Hazel M. McDaniel
Obituaries
Maxine Mathews
Willa Moss Mowder Gosting
Services Pending
Donald L. Bland
Lloyd McGee
Johnny Pameticky
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Chamber Board Approves Hughes Leadership Award
Closing of Anthony's Ends Long Retailing Tradition in Ponca City
City Sales Tax Collections Up For Ponca City
Sooner Power Plant Earns President's Safety Award
Smith Int., Wilson Combining Resources Into One Company
Notes and Quotes
Hobby Lobby Expanding Local Facility
Wayne Wiggins Now Associated With FNB-OK
Production Director Joins Staff of KLVV
LIFESTYLES
Valley View Group Has New Officers
Busy Bee Club Meets
Little News
SPORTS
NOC Starts on Right Foot
Lady Mavs Stop Slide
Wildcats Try For Repeat
For all those action figure fans, the appearance of the guys from the collection of Terri Ivers Toys & Nostalgia, is slated for Wednesday on the Rosie O'Donnell Show.
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Another television appearance with a Ponca City connection is a cake by Patti Cake House congratulating OSU Coach Eddie Sutton on his 600th win. The cake was shown on television Monday evening during the OU-OSU basketball game on ESPN. In addition to congratulations, the cake showed the four schools where Sutton has coached over the years - Creighton, Arkansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma State.
"It is my turn on the tire!" 3-year-old Erin Hanly (left) seems to be saying as her sister Dava Hanly enjoys her solo rubberized ride. The spring-like weather brought spring-like activity Monday afternoon in area parks. With the mild temperatures and sunny skies forecast throughout the week, people will be seen "springing into action" throughout Ponca City. (News Photo by Patti Pfeiffer)
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
At least for now, the now notorious "no left turn" signs will stay! That is the official word of the city commissioners as they voted Monday night to keep the signs in place at the intersection of Fourteenth Street and Patton Street.
The no left turn restriction was recommended by the traffic commission and previously approved by city commission in an effort to reduce delays for those turning right while at the same time decrease accidents at the intersection.
Since being installed Oct. 17 the signs have caused pandemonium with police, businesses and city officials. City Manager Gary Martin, calling it an "enforcement nightmare" recommended that the signs be removed and the matter involving the intersection be referred back to the traffic commission.
"I am making this recommendation - and you know that I rarely make recommendations - because I personally witnessed drivers using nearby parking lots and alleys in an effort to evade the restriction," Martin said. "Some are driving as high as 30 mph in those alleys."
According to Traffic Engineering Director Mike Lane, a recent compliance study, conducted at the intersection during peak hours, showed 145 illegal turns in a 12 hour period. It is estimated that as many as 30 percent of all drivers are not observing the restriction.
Opting not to reward and give into violators, the commissioners voted merely to refer the matter back to the traffic commission. "It seems odd that we made a rule and because some are not obeying it we are thinking about changing it," Boyer said. "It just doesn't feel right."
The commissioners went against another recommendation in a vote on bids for the purchase of 6 new patrol cars. The Ponca City Police Department bid committee had recommended accepting the bid from Crossland Ford of Newkirk over the higher bid submitted by the "local" dealer, Bowker Ford.
The Bowker bid was $3,000 higher than the Crossland. However, city policy allows for 5 percent deviation for local bidders. The discussion turned to the definition of "local" and whether Newkirk, being only a few miles away, was "local."
The commissioners seemed uncomfortable with the issue facing them. "The problem is every time we get into this local preference it is a 'no win' situation," Commissioner Lyn Boyer explained. "If I were to vote tonight I would recommend Bowker because he is the local merchant and has been a good merchant."
Commissioner Tom Leonard voiced an opposite opinion. "I would consider Crossland local also," he said. "Unfortunately this is one of the things we get into when we don't have a written policy defining 'local.'"
After debate and discussion, it was commissioner Chris Hand who stepped up to the table and finally made the motion. "I am going to try something that may not be popular because of the 5 percent preference but I also am in favor of the local businesses," Hand said. "Because Bowker has a Ponca City address and Crossland has a Newkirk address, I move we accept the bid from Bowker." The commissioners unanimously agreed voting to accept the Bowker bid. The 6 new cars will replace older used patrol cars.
The end to the water leaks and repair project at the Marland Mansion may soon be in sight as the commissioners voted to approve the expenditure of an additional $4,500 to replace 15 stones. The original stones were broken during renovations and are necessary to complete the project.
The city staff was commended by the auditors as the city financial statements and reports of the city were given. The city was given a "clear opinion" which meant that the financial reports were "free of any material misrepresentations."
"The city staff has been outstanding," Doug VanMeter of Baird, Kurtz and Dobson told the commissioners. "The financial records are in real good shape."
A copy of the audit report is available in the Ponca City Library for the public to review.
The Vancouver Wind Trio brings to the Ponca City Community Concert stage at Hutchins Memorial Auditorium Saturday its own unique blend of wit, style and impeccable musicianship.
The program, beginning at 7:30 p.m., promises an evening of joyful appreciation of the works of Mozart and Corelli, Tchaikovsky and Elgar, Dvorak and Gounod.
These revered composers move over, however, to make room for the Romanian excitement of Bartok and Enescu, the operatic world of Verdi, and the strains of Gershwin and Scott Joplin. The versatile trio provides a widely varied repertoire.
Anthony Averay, bassoon, leads the Trio. His urbane, comfortable commentary and British wit combine smoothly to make each concert an evening of relaxed entertainment. In addition to Averay, the other trio members include Lorne Buick and Peter Gal, who play a variety of instruments as well, such as the English horn, teas clarinet, contra-bassoon, basset horn, E-flat clarinet, and MIDI saxophones. The assortment of instruments provide an astonishing variety of sounds from the ensemble.
Though a group of only three, the VWT repeatedly amazes its audiences with a fullness of sound almost rivaling that of an orchestra, which enables it to include brilliant arrangements from the operatic and symphonic repertoire.
The Trio has toured extensively throughout Canada and the USA since 1980, and has appeared at Expo '85 in Japan and Expo '86 in Vancouver. In addition they were recently invited to China for a month of coaching and concerts. Their concerts have been recorded for broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Company.
To their heavy schedule of evening concerts, the Trio continues to add a record number of student performances and school concerts, and in 1996-97 participated in an all-student performance tour of the North and Midwest of the United States.
At those school concerts, VWT's comedy and class rated an A-plus everywhere. Averaging 120 performances a year, the VWT energizes, educates and amuses the kids with its wide-ranging children's program, which includes many perennial children's favorites. The group invariably raises the roof with such hilarious, semi-staged events as its 3-man version of Prokofiev's large orchestral work "Peter and the Wolf" - a unique feat at the classical chamber group level.
Veteran touring performers, the Vancouver Wind Trio has toured for Community Concerts from Maine to California to unanimous critical and audience acclaim.
The repertoire is constantly increasing in scope and variety to include jazz and rock arrangements, Canadian and American contemporary works, and virtuoso fantasies by composers of the Romantic era, such as Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Verdi, and Bellini, to name but a few.
Ponca City Community Concert members may be seated in the Hutchins Auditorium at 7 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information about PCCC membership contact Mary Lois Nield at 762-5156.
The Pioneer Genealogical Society of Ponca City met Jan. 5 at the Ponca City Library, installed 1998 officers and heard an informative program by local researcher Michael Kennedy about Irish and Catholic research.
Other items of business included discussion about the upcoming Everton's Genealogy Workshop to be hosted in Ponca City on April 4, and work on a vision statement for the group.
New officers installed for the 1998 year by Paula Denson were president Sandy Graves, recording secretary Marlene Evans, corresponding secretary Wanda Jones, and treasurer Delbert Fair. Also installed were historian June Meade, archivist Loyd Bishop, Sue Clinton in publicity, and at-large members Pat Martin, Graydon Brown and Paula Denson. Louise Willison, Birdie Taylor, Melba Mourer and Maxine Prather will publish and distribute the Pioneer Genealogical newsletter.
The February meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 2, at Albright United Methodist Church.
Ponca City area artist, Larry Williamson, was recently invited by Oklahoma Heritage Center directors to exhibit his works in a one-man show during January and February in Oklahoma City.
His oil paintings can currently be seen at the Hefner Estate in downtown Oklahoma City, and will hang through Feb. 28.
Williamson also has a permanent exhibit of his originals and prints at the Main Street Gallery in Blackwell. Greg and Dianne Balthus, Main Street Gallery owners say "he gets great reviews from our customers."
The public is invited to view Williamson's works at the Hefner Estate in Oklahoma City or visit the Main Street Gallery in Blackwell.
Dianne Balthus says, "We cordially invite all area art lovers to come by and view Williamson's works. It's a perfect opportunity to view the works of a big-city artist close to home."
A Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) support group has been formed to aid veterans of the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. The group is confidential and meets at the DAV, 401 South Lincoln, on Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. If you are a veteran suffering with PTSD or know someone who could use help contact 762-3851 or Steve Mallory at 580-762-7561.
According to a spokesperson PTSD is a "psychologically crippling disorder that affects all aspects of a person's life. It is caused from repeated contact with traumatic events such as military combat."
Common symptoms include chronic and/or delayed depression, social isolation,
domestic violence, rage, extreme distrust, avoidance of feelings, sleep
disturbance and nightmares, intrusive or paranoid thoughts, alienation and
substance abuse. PTSD is treatable with medication and therapy.
DEATHS
Newkirk - Otto John Kahle, lifelong Newkirk area farmer, died early Sunday afternoon, Jan. 25, 1998, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 89.
The funeral has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1998, at St. John's Lutheran Church northeast of Blackwell with the Rev. Ernest Quillen officiating. Burial will follow in the Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.
Otto John Kahle was born Sept. 4, 1908, near Newkirk on the family farm, five miles northwest of Newkirk, where he lived his entire life. He was the son of Henry William and Anna Maria (Ramhorst) Kahle. He grew up on the farm, attending Center Rural School, St. John's Lutheran School, and graduating from Newkirk High School in 1927. After graduation he began farming.
On May 26, 1937, he was married to Mary Alice Strange at the Tonkawa Methodist Church and they established their home on the family farm. In addition to farming, Kahle served on several boards in the area including Newkirk Farmers Coop, Dale Water District, Kay Electric, Peckham School and Center School. He was also a longtime board member of the St. John's Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Alice, of the rural home; one son, Ronald Kahle of Newkirk; one daughter, Cheryl Klein of Newkirk; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Herman, Louis, William and an infant; and four sisters, Lydia Gelmers, Mary Claybaker, Bertha Brockmann, and Minnie Peters.
Serving as casket bearers will be nephews Lester Brockmann, Lloyd Gelmers, Martin Gelmers, Elston Kahle, Neil Kahle and LeRoy Peters. Kay Electric board members serving as honorary bearers will be Bob Glen, Wayne Williamson, Kent McAninch, Ray Schilz, J.A. Megenity, Carl Hohmann, Bill McKenzie and J.B. Olsen.
Memorial funds may be made in Mr. Kahle's name to the St. John's Lutheran Church, c/o Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.
BLACKWELL - Waneta Eileen Russell, Blackwell resident, died Monday afternoon, Jan. 26, 1998, at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home, Blackwell. She was 76.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Blackwell First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Geoffrey Pfaff officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.
Waneta Eileen (Darrow) Russell was born Sept. 9, 1921, in Breezy Hill, Kan., to David Ira and Minnie M. (Greer) Darrow. She grew up in southeast Kansas in various mining towns where her father worked. After her schooling she was employed as an inhalation therapist at Mount Carmel Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan. She was married to Floyd Major and the couple established their home in Pittsburg.
She was then married to Franklin Russell in 1943 and the couple made their home in Pittsburg. Mr. Russell preceded her in death in 1954. In 1965, Mrs. Russell moved to Ottawa, Kan., where she was employed at the H.D. Lee Garment Company. She moved to Wichita, Kan., in 1966, and worked for the Fruhoff Union Company until her retirement in 1983. Mrs. Russell then moved back to Pittsburg, and back to Wichita before moving to Blackwell in 1995 to live near a daughter. She was a member of the Blackwell First Presbyterian Church.
She is survived by one daughter, Ginger Crow of Nardin; one sister, Dorothy Whitley of Ottawa, Kan.; one brother, Lawrence Darrow of Oronogo, Mo.; one grandchild; and three great-grandchildren. In addition to her second husband, and her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Francis Darrow; two sisters, Lorene Jones and Lucille Darrow; and one grandson.
The family has requested no flowers at the funeral but memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
BLACKWELL - Shirley Faye Walton, Blackwell resident, died at St. Anthony's Hospital, Oklahoma City, Saturday morning, Jan. 24, 1998. She was 53.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Roberts Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Dan Kennedy officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Abbey at the Blackwell Cemetery.
Shirley Faye (Smith) Walton was born May 2, 1944, in Lyons, Kan., to Elmer and Beulah (Martin) Smith. She moved with her parents to Blackwell when she was a small girl and attended Blackwell schools.
In 1960, she was married to Larry Mayse in Blackwell and the couple made their home in Jefferson. In 1974 they moved to Blackwell and later to Shidler, where she worked as an Emergency Medical Technician at the Shidler Fire Department.
On July 15, 1995, she was married to Timothy J. Walton in Blackwell and the couple made their home in Tonkawa for a brief time before moving to Blackwell. She enjoyed watching her children play games, watching TV, and cooking. She was a member of the Blackwell First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Tim Walton Sr. of Blackwell; her mother, Beulah Moulton of Blackwell; three daughters, Sabra Carlisle of Blackwell, Katrina Brumett of Shidler, and Kristin Walton of Lyons, Kan.; eight sons, Larry Don Mayse, Monty Mayse, John Mayse, William Mayse, T.J. Walton, and David Walton all of Blackwell; Timothy Mayse of Ponca City and Bret Walton of Lyons, Kan.; two sisters, Sharon Clark of Ponca City and Judy Majors of Pea Ridge, Ark.; one brother Jackie Clemens of Blackwell; and 24 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father.
PERRY - Milo Watson, former owner and publisher of the Perry Daily Journal, died Jan. 26, 1998. He was 80.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 1998, at the First United Methodist Church in Perry. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Service, Perry.
Milo Watson was born in Savonburg, Kan., on April 15, 1917, the son of Milton and Edith (Mattson) Watson. He attended schools in Savonburg and began his newspaper career at the age of 12, delivering the Chanute Tribune. After graduation from high school in 1934, he became a reporter at the Tribune. In 1936, he joined the staff of the Harper County Journal in Buffalo, Okla. He also sold advertising, worked in the press room and in circulation.
In 1943, he became advertising manager of the Perry Daily Journal. He later acquired an interest in the daily newspaper from W.K. Letherock. Watson was named publisher of the paper in 1949. In 1972, Watson became sole owner of the Perry Daily Journal and remained as publisher until he sold the business to the Reid family in November 1996.
Survivors include two daughters, Carolyn Adkins and Mary Stroller; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Anne Dicus Watson.
Memorial contributions may be made in Milo Watson's name to the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation, 3601 North Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Hazel M. McDaniel, mother of Betty E. Snow of Ponca City, died Monday, Jan. 26, 1996, in the Hutchinson, Kan., Hospital. She was 97.
The funeral is set for 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Elliott Funeral Home in Hutchinson with the Rev. John J. Nestor officiating. Burial will be in Fairlawn Burial Park in Hutchinson.
Hazel M. (Fisher) McDaniel was born Nov. 28, 1900, in Florence, Kan., the daughter of John S. and Annie G. (Coffee) Fisher. She graduated from Florence High School.
She was married to Himan T. McDaniel on Jan. 29, 1923 in Marion, Kan. Mrs. McDaniel was a homemaker and a member of the former 16th Street Baptist Church in Hutchinson. She was a lifetime DAV Auxiliary member.
Survivors include one son, John W. McDaniel of Hutchinson; two daughters, Betty E. Snow of Ponca City and Maxine E. Pickerill of Emporia, Kan.; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on April 2, 1979; her parents; two brothers, Stanley and George Fisher; and one sister, Beatrice Weimer.
Maxine Mathews, longtime resident of the Ponca City community died Sunday evening, Jan. 25, 1998, at her home. She was 73.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1998, at Woodlands Christian Church with the Rev. Paul Krueger and the Rev. Leland Petersen, presiding. Interment will be at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Maxine Nelson was born July 10, 1924, in Billings, Okla., the daughter of Glen M. Nelson and Adelene (Blaikie) Nelson. She received her early education in Billings schools before completing her last four years at Tonkawa High School, graduating in 1942.
She was united in marriage to Uyles Mathews on June 13, 1942, in Ponca City, where the couple have made their home. Mrs. Mathews was a homemaker and served as a drapery consultant with Bill Mock Floors and Interiors. She was a member of the Woodlands Christian Church, where she taught children's Sunday School for several years. She enjoyed her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and traveling.
She is survived by her mother, Adelene Nelson of Ponca City; two sons, Dennis Mathews of Ponca City and Bennie Mathews of Holdenville; two daughters, Linda M. Linskens of San Marcos, Calif., and Teresa Mathews Stang of Midland, Texas; two brothers, Eldon Nelson of Cedar Vale, Kan. and Ervin Nelson of Tulsa; two sisters, Evelyn Greer and Velma Poplin, both of Ponca City; 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father and two sisters, Jeannie Fredericks and Evon Green.
Casket bearers will be Edward Gee, Paul Hosman, Clifford Dawes, Bob Bickle, Bob Talbot and Robert Nesselrode.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca city, OK 74601 or to Woodlands Christian Church, 1400 East Hartford Avenue, Ponca City, OK 74604.
The family will be at 1709 Hathaway.
paid obituary
Willa Moss Mowder Gosting, lifelong Ponca City resident, died Thursday morning, Jan. 22, 1998, at the Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 83.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Jan. 24, 1998, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. David Clipson, associate pastor, officiating. Burial was in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Mrs. Gosting was born June 30, 1914, in Ponca City to Harry J. and Rena (Moss) Mowder. She grew up in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1932 then attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College; she taught in a country school east of Ponca City. She then worked for Ponca City Welfare Department and later was employed as a window dresser for the J.C. Penney Co. In 1945, she began her career at Continental Oil Company in the Manufacturing Accounting Department and then in the Marketing Accounting Department until her retirement in 1980 after 35 years service.
Mrs. Gosting was a longtime active member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was also a member of the Ponca City Music Club and the Historical Society. She enjoyed gardening and playing the piano. She loved to travel and had visited numerous foreign countries.
Mrs. Gosting is survived by a son, James A. Gosting of Brentwood, Tenn.; two sisters, Rosemary Davey of Ponca City and Joyce Scovill of Rogers, Ark.; and one grandson, Gregg Gosting of Cooksville, Tenn. Also surviving are five nieces, five nephews, and several "greats." She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Matt Gosting; one brother, Warren Mowder; and two nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1442, Ponca City, Okla. 74602.
paid obituary
Donald L. Bland, 208 South Oak Street, died Monday, Jan. 26, 1998 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. Survivors include his wife, Alice, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Lloyd "Lefty" McGee, Ponca City resident, died Monday evening, Jan. 26, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 73. Survivors include his wife, Dora, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
LAMONT - Johnny Pameticky, longtime Lamont resident, died at the Guthrie
Retirement Center in Guthrie, Monday evening, Jan. 26, 1998. He was 82.
Arrangements are pending with Hackler Funeral Home in Blackwell.
NEWS BRIEFS
Ballroom Dancing- Stillwater Ballroom Dance featuring the Henry Voise combo will be 8-11 p.m. Friday at the Stillwater Parks and Rec Annex, 315 East Ninth. Admission is $8 per person and dressy attire is suggested. For more information call 405-372-5057.
Embezzlement - At 6:21 a.m. Monday money and telephone cards were reported missing from the Sav-A-Trip, 501 West Highland Avenue. The building was not broken into so it was thought to be an employee embezzlement. An officer was assigned.
Gas Drive-Off - Triple T, 1301 West Highland Avenue, reported a $17.01 gas drive-off at 7:54 a.m. Monday.
Porno E-Mail - At 9:16 a.m. Monday an employee at a business in the 2000 block of Thorn Apple Valley Boulevard was reported receiving pornographic material on the computer E-mail. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vandalism - A damaged mailbox in the 700 block of Dalewood Lane was reported to police at 10:17 a.m. Monday.
Windows Broken - At 10:23 a.m. Monday police were advised of windows broken out in the 300 block of South Peachtree Street. A report was taken.
Arrest - A 23-year-old man was arrested at 10:27 a.m. Monday from the 500 block of South Fifth Street on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Car Break-In - A woman in the 2500 block of Mockingbird Lane reported to police at 10:30 a.m. Monday that her car had been broken into. A report was taken.
Vandalism - At 10:45 a.m. Monday a man reported vandalism to his rental property in the 500 block of North Fourth Street. A report was taken.
Burglary - At 10:47 a.m. Monday police were notified of a burglary at Gregg Mini Storage, 905 North Union Street. A report was taken.
Juveniles Cited - At 11 a.m. Monday two juveniles were cited for defacing the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.
Vandalism - A man reported at 11:14 a.m. Monday vandalism in the 300 block of North Seventh Street. A report was taken.
Window Shot - A man in the 1000 block of South Sixth Street reported a window shot out to police at 12:26 p.m. Monday. A report was taken.
Horse Theft - At 12:40 p.m. Monday a man reported a horse and tack stolen from the 1400 block of West Liberty Avenue. A report was taken. The horse was recovered at the same location at 7:16 p.m.
Vehicle Burglary - A man in the 600 block of North First Street reported to police at 2:17 p.m. Monday that his vehicle had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Threat - A man in the 1100 block of East Otoe Avenue called police at 3:54 p.m. Monday reporting that someone was threatening to "shoot up" his residence. An officer was assigned.
Vehicle Keyed - At 4:04 p.m. Monday a woman in the 600 block of East Walnut Avenue reported that her vehicle had been "keyed" Friday night.
Juvenile Arrest - A 17-year-old boy was arrested at 4:10 p.m. Monday for petit larceny and refund fraud at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue.
Four Wheelers - A woman in the 800 block of South Seventh Street reported to police at 5:37 p.m. Monday that juveniles were riding four wheelers in Garfield Park. An officer was assigned.
Stolen Dog - At 7:22 p.m. Monday a man in the 300 block of South Elm Street reported the theft of his dog from his back yard. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Gas Drive-Off - At 8:47 p.m. Monday Jack Griffith's, 2501 North Fourteenth Street, reported an $18.72 gas drive-off.
Assault - A domestic violence report was taken in the 1400 block
of South Fifth Street at 11:35 p.m. Monday after police were notified.
BUSINESS
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
The Board of Directors of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce approved the presentation of an annual Larry Hughes Leadership Award at the annual banquet beginning at the 1999 banquet. The official announcement of the establishment of the award will be made at the 1998 banquet set for Friday evening.
The award is being funded through the Hughes family. The awardee will be selected by members of the current Leadership Ponca City Class from the class preceding them. Chairman Scott Dean asked for approval of the board and the vote was unanimous.
Dean announced that Friday evening's banquet featuring NBC news correspondent Mike Boettcher is sold out. The event is at Hutchins Memorial and set for 6:30 p.m.
Upcoming dates announced by Dean include a Friday Forum set for Feb. 6 at Pioneer Technology Center featuring the candidates for Ponca City School Board and for Pioneer Technology's Board. The election is set for Feb. 10.
On Feb. 13 there will be a Second Friday Forum with state legislators. Pioneer Technology will host an open house on Feb. 8. Leadership Ponca City is to go to Oklahoma City on Feb. 11 for a Government Day and that evening the annual State Chamber Reception is scheduled for legislators. On Feb. 20 officials from the State Chamber are to be here for a Business to Business Forum.
Scheduled for Feb. 27 is a Breakfast of Champions with Mike Engster of Center Line as the motivational speaker.
Dean announced that the Infrastructure Committee has met and will be pushing for improvement of U.S. 177 north of Ponca City. He noted that J.C. Penney's has reported that over 40 percent of its business comes from out of town. Lowe's reported that 38 percent comes from outside the area.
Craig Myers told that Health and Medical Committee had met and were planning on putting an emphasis on youth, including working with officials to crack down on retail establishments selling tobacco produces to youths.
In the area of education, Sandy James has been named chairman and one of the concerns is the high dropout school rate. Dean reported a counselor has been hired at Pioneer Technology to help address the problem of why students drop out of school. The Partners in Education program is to be continued. The education committee meets jointly with the Ponca City Tomorrow education committee.
Myers reported some $36,050 in Chamber Bucks had been sold in December and $215,000 for the year.
Dean told that the Ambassadors under the leadership of Pixie Rowland are working on Business After Hours functions and that Kaw Lake Association, Evans and Associates and Temporary Personnel have already committed to be hosts.
Chairman of the Presidents Club Connie McAbee said the club will be revamped and those requesting a ribbon cutting will be asked to fill out a form telling about the business so the Chamber can inform others. She told about considering a working lunch and a response letter sent to the members. Four members of the Presidents Club and four Ambassadors will be ushering at the annual banquet.
Chairman Linda Brown, reporting for the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB), said the group has a number of citizens volunteering to work on committees of that board. The program of work will be developed soon and the budget established. She said Jan Jarrett, EDAB executive, is continuing to work with several industrial projects.
During the staff report. Jarrett, who is also Chamber executive, reported that Lisa Coy, Chamber vice president, is attending the Chamber Institute in Norman this week. This is a seven-year training program.
He praised the staff and told about the new accounting system. Object of the staff is to put the Chamber on a "fast track." Jarrett said representatives of the Chamber, City and EDAB have been meeting to put together an informational web page on the internet.
Larry Felix, immediate past Chamber Chairman, reported that Jarrett's wife, Susan, has been hired by St. Joseph's Cancer Center.
Dean noted his year as chairman is going to be much easier because of the efforts of Felix and Tim Burg, the 1996 Chamber chairman. During most of Felix's and Burg's tenure, the Chamber was without an executive. Dean also praised the office staff for doing an outstanding job.
The program of work for the year will be mailed to the Board members, according to Dean.
Jarrett encouraged Board members to be active and not just be there to make motions but to help make the Chamber a viable organization in the community. He encouraged them to think about where the Chamber wants to be in five years.
The financial report was given by Jim Lindsay. He said that the Chamber had a good year financially and attributed this partly to retention of members and the membership drive.
Guests were Marc Labossiere and Leanna Adams of Leadership Ponca City class.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Saturday's official closing of C.R. Anthony's, 1201 East Prospect, marks the end of a 72-year era in Ponca City.
The first Anthony store opened in downtown Ponca City in 1925. The store was opened at 308-310 East Grand Avenue by J.A. Armstrong. It was the 13th store established as part of the Anthony chain that originated in Oklahoma.
A major remodeling was undertaken at the store in 1949 adding a diagonal front with glass facing, fluorescent lighting, new flooring and air conditioning.
Sometime much later cash registers were installed and the "clothesline" money service that featured a line running from the mezzanine to the main floor was eliminated.
The line featured a small canister that held the customer's money and a receipt that was sent by pulling a cord that triggered its climb to the mezzanine, where change was made and returned with the duplicate receipt to the ground floor via the "clothesline."
In 1981 Anthony's moved from its location on East Grand next door to the old J.C. Penney location, tripling the floor space. At that time a back entrance was also added from the free downtown parking lot behind the store.
Five years later the decision to was made to build a new C.R. Anthony store on Prospect Avenue west of Western Sizzlin. After about 10 years in the location, the 22,500-square-foot store adjacent to Wal-Mart's parking lot has been closed.
In June of 1997 it was announced that the Oklahoma store chain had been sold to a Houston retailer, Stage Stores Inc.
At that time it had been announced that 246 Anthony stores in Oklahoma would be remodeled and converted, with the stores either being renamed Beall's or Stage Store.
However, The News has learned that this probably will not be the case here in Ponca City. Employees learned last week that they will probably not have a job with whatever business that replaces Anthony's.
Ponca City sales tax return from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for business conducted during November was up slightly compared to the same time period last year.
Ponca City coffers will receive a total of $712,684 up from $710,214 for the same time frame in November 1996.
Statewide, the distribution of city sales tax collections totaled $67,851,803 The disbursement to 483 cities and towns showed an increase of $2,866,854.
City Nov. 97 Nov. 96
Barnsdall $9,662 $9,714
Bartlesville 972,783 978,702
Billings 8,777 6,907
Blackwell 89,245 85,680
Braman 1,418 1,688
Burbank 386 370
Deer Creek 997 688
Enid 1,172,172 1,167,603
Fairfax 14,044 11,634
Kaw City 2,403 1,809
Lamont 1,769 1,562
Marland 914 664
Medford 10,078 9,812
Morrison 5,026 3,717
Newkirk 24,278 27,939
Pawhuska 52,084 49,921
Pawnee 36,144 32,918
Perry 42,674 34,387
Pond Creek 7,794 4,469
Ralston 1,087 1,010
Red Rock 1,162 1,007
Shidler 2,378 2,062
Stillwater 1,022,851 981,053
Tonkawa 40,222 34,405
OG&E Electric Services has announced that its Sooner Power Plant, located south of Ponca City, is the winner of the company's 1997 President's Health and Safety Award for power supply. The annual award is presented to OG&E power plant maintaining the best safety performance during the previous calendar year.
"It is always an honor to present his award," said Steve Moore, OGE Energy Corp. chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer, in presenting this year's award to plant manager, Bill Green.
"The President's Health and Safety Award represents the hard work and diligence of hundreds of employees who have consistently and safely delivered outstanding service to our customers."
In 1997, Sooner Power Plant was earlier recognized by Resource Data International, an independent research company, as the second most efficient power plant in the nation. OG&E operates eight power plants throughout Oklahoma.
OGE Energy Corp. is a holding company that serves as the parent to OG&E Electric Services is an electric utility company and has about 690,000 retail customers in Oklahoma and western Arkansas. OG&E's electricity primarily comes from eight company-owned power plants and is delivered to its customers through a system that spans 30,000 square miles.
HOUSTON - Smith International Inc., which has operations here, and Wilson Industries Inc. have jointly announced the signing of a definitive agreement providing for the combination of the two companies.
Wilson Industries, a privately-held, Houston-based company, employs about 1,100 and operates as Wilson Supply and Houston Engineers. Wilson Supply is primarily a U.S.-based stocking distributor providing materials for drilling, production refining and petrochemical plants and pipeline operations.
Houston Engineers supplies drilling and fishing tools and directional drilling services to the worldwide drilling and production industry. Unaudited revenues for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 1997, were about $600 million.
Under the terms of the agreement, Smith will issue 7.9 million shares of its common stock to Wilson shareholders in a pooling of interests transaction that is expected to be tax free to both parties.
Smith will also assume about $65 million of Wilson indebtedness. The combination is expected to be accretive to the 1998 earnings per share of Smith, excluding charges related to this transaction.
The transaction is subject to the approval of the boards of directors of both companies, which is anticipated this week, and satisfaction of other customary conditions including clearance by appropriate regulatory agencies and the approval of Wilson shareholders. It is anticipated that the transaction will close toward the end of the current quarter.
Smith International Inc., is a leading supplier of premium products and services to the world's oil and gas drilling and mining markets.
Pawhuska Chamber Gala
PAWHUSKA - Guest speaker for the annual Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce Gala on Friday will be KOTV Channel 6 anchor, Scott Thompson, known as the Oklahoma Traveler. The event will be staged at the Pawhuska Elks Lodge beginning at 6 p.m.
The theme of the gala is "Traveling Through Pawhuska," and will feature highlights of the attractions in Pawhuska which offer residents and tourists a variety of places things to see and visit.
Tonkawa OKs I-35 Extension
TONKAWA - An engineering contract for extension of utilities by the city of Tonkawa to Interstate 35 and U.S. 60 interchange has been approved by the Tonkawa City Council.
Contracted to do the water and sewer utility extension is James T. Cheek and Associates Inc., engineering firm of Ponca City and Stillwater. A loan/grant from the Water Resources Board is being obtained for the projects. The cost of engineering is $35,000 for sewer and $26,000 for the water.
Barber Spotlighted
Winnie Barber, director of Heritage Club of Home National Bank, has been profiled in BankTravel's bimonthly magazine.
Barber recently attended BankTravel's '98 National Conference for Bank Senior Program Directors recently in Birmingham, Ala. More than 700 delegates from throughout the U.S. and Canada attended.
BankTravel is a national organization that serves banks that have membership programs for 50-plus investors. Most senior programs offer group trips for their customers as one benefit of membership.
BankTravel member banks currently represent more than a million senior depositors across the U.S., most of whom travel several times a year with their bank. By attending BankTravel '98, Barber joins an exclusive number of bank directors who are building their personal expertise in servicing these customers.
The Hobby Lobby Creative Center at 2904 North Fourteenth is in the process of expanding. The store, managed by Jim Schones, will be adding about 9,000 square feet to the south in what was Bud's Discount.
Currently the wall between the two buildings has been removed and a new wall is being built. Schones, who has been store manager here for seven years, said this will bring the total square footage of Hobby Lobby to about 44,000 square feet including the storage space. He said the extra room will allow for better display of merchandise.
When the project is completed there will be a new stucco front with three sets of doors and 24 feet of windows. New fixtures and counters are to be added.
Hobby Lobby has been located in Ponca City for 10 years and currently employs 30.
Wayne R. Wiggins has joined the staff of the new office of First National Bank of Oklahoma in Ponca City. Wiggins has been in the banking business in Ponca City for over 19 years and has a total of 26 years lending experience.
He has been involved in numerous civic organizations, and is currently a member of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, Ponca City Ambucs, and a board member of the Ponca City Men's Bowling Association. He is married to Sue and they have one child, Travis.
In making the announcement, First National Bank of Oklahoma President Ray Shaffer said, "We are very pleased that Wayne has decided to join us. He has wealth of banking knowledge and is a valuable asset to the bank and the community."
The Ponca City office is located in the former Higdon Florist Building at Fourteenth Street and Grand Avenue. First Oklahoma also operates full service banking facilities in Tonkawa and Oklahoma City.
Christian radio KLVV has named Sammy Carrillo to the staff as the new production director, Morning Drive host and concert coordinator.
Carrillo, a native of Midwest City, previously worked at KMGL, Magic 104.l in Oklahoma City. He is a 1996 graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma and attended Midwest City High School.
KLVV is heard on 88.7 FM.
LIFESTYLES
Valley View Homemakers' first meeting of the year was held in the home of Mrs. Jimmie Smith on Jan. 8. Outgoing President, Mrs. Joan Grimley, opened the meeting by leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Homemakers Creed. Mrs. Smith read two poems called "Let Me Give" as the devotional.
Outgoing Secretary, Mrs. Glenda Richardson, read minutes and roll call was answered by 11 members. The December meeting was a special dinner party for Christmas with tree ornaments brought for exchange by 12 members. The Community Project for 1997 was a donation check given to the "Friendship Feast".
The program for the January meeting was the installation of 1998-2000 officers. Mrs. Smith served as the leader for this special program called "Footprints". Each new officer was given a footprint from each outgoing officer and a guideline to their new duties. New officers are: Mrs. Oletta Demaree, president; Mrs. Margaret Ledbetter, vice-president; Mrs. Erma Jean Harader, secretary/reporter and Mrs. Paula Denson , treasurer.
Mrs. Demaree conducted the remaining business meeting by reviewing the Club's By-laws and appointing new committee chairmen. A sign-up sheet was circulated to decide each month's hostess and program leader for 1998. Household, health, and safety tips were suggested and discussed by the group. 1997 perfect attendance honors were given to Mrs. Demaree and Mrs. Ledbetter.
The next meeting will be held in the home of Mrs. Ledbetter, 836 North Lake, Feb. 12, 7 p.m. The program will be a lesson on how to make a special Christmas Tree skirt. Valley View Homemakers invites anyone interested in their programs to join the organization. Contact Mrs. Ledbetter, 762-1089, for further information. Several workshops are being planned.
Members of the Busy Bee Club met Jan. 21 at the home of Beulah McCartney, 1029 Brentwood. The hostess was in charge of the business meeting and Viola Haley gave the devotion "Life Is a Fog" by Tim Bowren. Ms. Haley also read "How To Be Happy All Through the Year."
Louise Womack led the group in the salute to the flag and "The Lord's Prayer." Helen Hiskett gave the bank report and a note from Hospice was read.
Games were played with prizes going to Helen Hiskett and Vivian Davis. Mystery Bowl gift went to Ruby Harvey. The Feb. 4 meeting will be held at the home of Helen Taylor, 1308 Donahoe.
Doug and Denise Bilyeu of Wichita Falls, Texas announce the birth of their son, Kaleb Douglas Bilyeu. He was born Jan. 15, 1998 in Wichita Falls at 5:10 a.m. The baby weighed 6-pounds, 4-ounces and was 19 1/2-inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Gary and Kay Thompson of Ponca City and paternal grandparents are Dennis and Anita Bilyeu of Crescent. Great-grandparents are Gwenneth Thompson of Ponca City, Art Rinehart of Rockport, Texas, Drummond and Alta Ratcliff of Crescent.
Alexander Wade White Plume was born to Leah Eileen White Plume and Jarrett
Wade Svoboda at 6:55 a.m. Jan. 12, 1998. The baby weighed 9-pounds, 11-ounces
and was 21-inches long. His brother, George White Plume, is one-year-old.
Constance Cole is grandmother and great-grandparents are Florence Cole,
Eva and Bob Buffalohead of Ponca City and the late Gilbert Cole.
SPORTS
Mavs' Defense Wins
TISHOMINGO - Monday, the NOC Mavericks began conference play much the same way they began the season. Namely, they won.
Taking advantage of a 19-9 turnover advantage, the Mavs - now 18-3 on the year - cruised to a 68-52 win over Murray State to begin Bi-State West division play.
Though suffering through a sluggish start, with neither team scoring in the opening three and a half minutes, the Mavs nonetheless managed a 32-21 halftime lead. Into the second half, they stretched that lead to as much as 22 points, while the Aggies never got any closer than 10.
And though coach Mick Weiberg was happy to get the crucial first division win, he wasn't so happy with the way his team went about it.
"Our intensity level wasn't as high as I'd like it to be," he says, "we gotta program ourselves now to be at the top of our game, every game. The pressure just builds from here, especially with us being the favorite to win the region."
That lack of intensity led to uncharacteristically poor shooting for the Mavericks. Despite getting a preponderance of good looks and open shots, Weiberg says, his team went good on just 14-of-46 from the field, for 30 percent, and knocked down just 5-of-17 from 3-point range.
"We can't shoot like that," Weiberg continues, "if we had been playing Connors or NEO we wouldn't have survived."
Also disappointing to Weiberg was his team's lack of rebounding intensity, especially on the offensive boards. Though the two teams were dead even in the rebounding count, Weiberg is quick to point out that they only had one guy over 6-6.
"They're a really tough team," Weiberg says, "I was impressed by the way they crashed the boards, as small as they were. But we have to get up."
The Mavs' defense saved the day, however, by forcing 19 turnovers.
"That probably won the game for us," Weiberg says.
Leading the way for the Mavs once again was Deshawn Denson with 17 points, followed by Marlon Towns with 12, Josh Regnier with 9 (3-of-6 3-pointers), Kyle Dean, Joe Patmon, and Shere-Khan Jones with 6 each, Jared Weiberg with 5, Zach Cazzelle with 3, while Chris Beech and Jace Turnbull both had 2.
The Mavericks, ranked 17th in the nation in the latest Juco poll, next go into action at home, Thursday, taking on Rose State.
TISHOMINGO - The Lady Mavericks of NOC picked the right time to get back into winning spirit.
After going winless in five games to start the new year, the Lady Mavs (8-12) finally bounced back on Monday, trouncing Murray State, 80-63, to collect the all-important first Bi-State West conference win.
After a 2-2 tie to start the game, the Lady Mavs launched into the lead, going up 44-29 after one half, and never trailed in the game.
"I'm sure they were the favorite coming in," said immanently pleased head coach Greg Krause, "they're a hard team to play there, but we got a lot of good things from a lot of people, and we're off on the right foot."
Freshman Angella Ogel, who has seen limited playing time this season, was cited by Krause for an outstanding job off the bench, and Shannon Hands, the Lady Mavs' leading scorer, emerged from a prolonged shooting slump to knock down 19 points.
Krause also says a secret to the Lady Mavs' success Monday came from a change in the line-up. Instead of containing three sophomores and two freshmen, Krause went with all sophomores.
"They know what conference play is all about, they've been here before, and I was pleased with how they reacted."
Also pleasing to Krause was the effectiveness of his defense, which has been a little on the weak side lately.
"Our press was really effective, it created a lot of turnovers for us, we got a lot of mileage out of it in this game."
Still, can the Lady Mavs sustain the intensity through the long conference haul?
"I don't know," Krause says. "I told them we can't start thinking we're great now, because it's been such an inconsistent season so far. But they got the win by working their tails off, and they're very fired up about it, so it's a good start."
Following up Hands' 19 points was Brandi McClellen with 12, Ogel with 10, Danielle Monie with 9, Renee Reese and Cathy Rogers with 8 each, Jessica Garner with 7, Jennifer Williams with 6, and Mandy Perkins with 1.
The Lady Mavs play again Thursday, taking on Rose State, at home. The Ladies play at 6 p.m., the men about 8.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
December 5th, the last time Stillwater and Ponca City met on the basketball court, marked a rather momentous occasion for the Wildcats. In a seldom-seen, double victory for the Poncans, both teams picked up their first conference wins, and Ron Arthur and Dana Pulley got their first victories as high school head coaches.
But that was then. Tonight, the Cats travel to Stillwater to take on a pair of half-season seasoned and deeper Pioneer squads.
The girls' game will begin at 6:15, while the boys' tip off is set for 7:45. Once again, Phil and Craig, the WBBZ road crew, will be on hand with the broadcast.
Wildcats (4-10) at Stillwater (4-8)
The Wildcats are feeling pretty keen these days.
Last week, with a 2-win, 9-loss quagmire of a season making the rest of the year look interminably long and merciless, head coach Ron Arthur came up with a simple but brilliant idea.
Start over.
"There's nothing we can do about being 2-and-9," he said, after a 60-55 loss to Broken Arrow. "So I told the guys to forget about the first half of the season, and just focus on the second half. Right now we're 0-0."
And so far, in 1998 A.B. (after Broken Arrow), the Cats are a dandy 2-1. Both wins came at the Valley Center Tournament, and in both games the Cats routed the opposition.
"We needed to get some confidence back, and we got it. Things are falling into place for us," says Arthur.
Though the Cats picked up their lone conference win against the Pioneers, 76-67, Arthur says their likely No. 1 rival is a much different team these days. For one, Dec. 5th marked the Pioneer's first game of the season, and two, they were out a number of players.
"We lit a fire under them last time," Arthur continues, "but we caught them early, they were still searching for a line up."
That lineup now includes Patrick Presno, a 3-point threat who was out last time with a bad ankle, and Hunter Houston, who's averaging just over 14 points per game. The Pioneers are also second in the conference in offensive production.
That, combined with the Pioneer's home turf advantage, should make for a different ball game.
"This is a really important game for them, playing at home," Arthur concludes, "but Stillwater is my favorite place to coach, it's what high school basketball is all about."
Lady Cats (6-8) at Stillwater (5-7)
Like the Wildcats, the Lady Cats are also on a bit of a roll. They've won three of their last five games, their shooting is improving, and they got their head coach back, yesterday.
Tonight, the Lady Cats - with Dana Pulley back to pull the strings - take on conference-winless Stillwater. And though they defeated the Lady Pioneers last time around, 69-47, things have changed since then. Namely, Stillwater's best player, Shelby Hutchins, had only three days of practice under her belt then. She now leads the team with 13.3 points per game. Also, sophomore Leslie Warner, who blitzed the Lady Cats for 22 points last time, has been productive for the Lady Pioneers, averaging just over 11 points per game.
"I've been telling the girls it won't be a cake walk just because we beat them last time," says Pulley. "And like every game with us, it comes down to shooting. If we concentrate and hit our shots, we'll win. If not, we'll lose."
The Lady Cats shot well enough in the Perry Tournament to collect the consolation title, Saturday. In that game, a 60-55 nail biter over Kingfisher, the girls hit just shy of 50 percent of their shots, and nailed eight of their last ten free throws.
Hopefully, they can take that momentum into Stillwater and use it to beat up on the Lady Pioneers' last-ranked defense.
"We are getting better," Pulley concludes, "and this is
a good time to be peaking, in the second half on the season. But we have
to get past Stillwater, first."