LOCAL

Castro Executed for 1983 Murder
Lengthy Term Recommended For Jail Assault
Bond Issue Vote Topic for Forum
Nearly News
Phase III of School Bond Issue Information Studied
‘Happy Paintings’ Artist Has Exhibit at Art Center

Castro Executed for 1983 Murder

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

McAlester — It was 12:22 a.m. when the life of convicted killer John Walter Castro Sr. ended. It was also an end to the 15-year nightmare for the families of his victims.

A mere child of 8 when his mother was murdered, Keenan Pappan spoke at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester just moments after witnessing the execution of Castro.

“I think both of the families are going to be relieved now that this is all said and done,” Pappan said. “After 15 years of heartache and misery I hope this will help both families move on with their lives. Also I think that the victims will finally rest in peace.”

A Ponca City resident, 29-year-old Rhonda Pappan was stabbed to death by Castro during a 1983 armed robbery at a local restaurant she managed. She was the mother of two young boys.

However, it was not that murder that the 37-year-old Ponca City man was executed for. Only two months earlier he committed his first murder. Again it was a young woman and the mother of two children. That time he shot a 31-year-old OSU student to death after she had given him a ride.

The body of Beulah Grace Cox was then dumped at remote location near Lake McMurtry in Noble County. Her skeletal remains were found four months later after Castro admitted to the murder and then lead authorities to that location.

Although Castro received the death penalty for both murders, an appellate court reversed and remanded the Pappan sentence. That case was then put on hold pending the outcome of the other death sentence.

As customary during an execution, both advocates and opponents of the death penalty gathered outside the gates of the prison — some holding candles, singing hymns and comforting one another in the cold of the night. They stayed until the bitter end.

According to a volunteer prison chaplain, Castro received his last rights before his death.

“He called for me about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and I heard his confession,” Father Peter said from outside the prison walls where he was participating in a candlelight vigil. “He was crying and very sincere.”

That was an opinion however, that was not shared among the victim’s family members.

“I have read some of the comments he has made and also sat through the trial and I don’t really feel it (his remorse) comes from the heart because in describing the way he killed my sister he watched a bullet hole turn pink and grow larger and decided to look in her eyes and see if there was still life so he shot her some more in the face,” Cox’s sister Mary Atkin said after witnessing the execution. “So I was not touched. I’m sorry.”

Asked if she had forgiven Castro, Atkin simply replied, “As a Christian, yes.”

It was then Cox’s nephew, Jay Atkin, that spoke to the reporters gathered at the prison. “We are guaranteed now that this will never happen again to someone else’s mother, daughter, wife or sister,” he said. “I feel sorry for his family members having to go through this.”

At exactly 12:16 a.m. Castro made his final statement and took the opportunity to address those he had caused the most pain.

“I don’t know who’s behind that one-way glass but whoever is here from the Cox family, I am sorry for what I did. And anybody who is here from the Pappan family I am sorry,” he said as looked from the death chambers towards the witness area.

He then named and thanked those that gathered for him both as actual witnesses to the execution and those gathered outside the prison walls.

Last week Castro’s request to have his 16-year-old son as a witness to the execution was denied by the prison warden. Castro seized his last opportunity to express disappointment with that decision.

“My son wanted to be here. They say he can’t because he’s 16 and that’s too young to witness an execution. If that is so, why can the State of Oklahoma convict, sentence to death and execute a 16-year-old child. I didn’t understand,” he said as an apparent reference to convicted killer Sean Sellers who is scheduled to be executed in February for murders he committed when he was 16-years-old.

Finally, after looking into the eyes of the five witnesses he had requested to attend on his behalf he said, “I love you. Let’s do it.’’

With that the warden gave the final order — “let the execution begin.”

As the drugs were administered Castro blinked several times, shook his head and said, “I feel it.” Those were to be his last words as he was pronounced dead several minutes later.

A record number of family members witnessed the execution — most of the 20 witnesses were from Ponca City. Also in attendance as witnesses were Kay County District Attorney John Maddox and Kay County Sheriff Craig Countryman.

Castro’s body was taken to the State Medical Examiner’s office in Oklahoma City for an autopsy. It will then be released to family members for burial.

Lengthy Term Recommended For Jail Assault

By MARK GALVIN

News Staff Writer

NEWKIRK — County jurors on Wednesday recommended a 36-year-old Ponca City man serve at least 45 years in prison for his role in a sexual attack on a fellow detention center inmate two years ago.

The six-man, six-woman jury recommended Ricky Dale Batt serve 45 years for sodomy and 50 years for attempting to kill a 28-year-old Oklahoma City man during the attack at the Newkirk facility on Christmas Eve 1996.

Two other men who participated in the attack, Michael Wimsett, 27, Oklahoma City, and Richard Gaddis, 28, Ponca City, previously pleaded guilty to related charges and are serving sentences at the Department of Corrections. Both Wimsett and Gaddis, along with the victim of the attack, testified this week during Batt’s two-day jury trial in District Court.

Batt was accused of forcing the victim to engage in oral sex on the other attackers inside a maximum-security holding tank at the facility by assaulting him and breaking his nose.

After the victim broke away and ran from the tank screaming for the help, Batt was accused of then trying to strangle him with a rope that had been fashioned from a towel. The towel reportedly broke during the attack.

Assistant District Attorney Brian Surber said whether the two recommended sentences would be served consecutively or concurrently will be decided by District Judge D.W. Boyd at sentencing, scheduled for March 12.

The jury returned its recommendations to Judge Boyd at approximately 5:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Bond Issue Vote Topic for Forum

Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Public Schools, will make a presentation on the Feb. 9 school bond election at the Second Friday Forum.

The event is slated from 8-9 a.m. on Friday at the Pioneer Technology Center’s EBC Room.

The forum is sponsored by the Legislative Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce. Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served. The public is invited.

Nearly News

A lot of culinary specialities have been prepared for Saturday’s Inaugural Celebration honoring Gov. and Mrs. Frank Keating. A special cheese carving of the Oklahoma State Capital Building will be a focal point. Other specialities on Apple Cart Catering’s menu for the special evening include small croissant sandwiches, garnished vegetable trays, burgundy mushrooms, petit quiche, vegetable egg rolls, chicken drummies, fruit trays and dessert tarts.

In this day and age with so much skepticism about honesty among the youth, Nearly News is happy to report yet another act of integrity exhibited by one of Ponca City’s youth. Andrew Alvey, a fifth-grade student at Lincoln Elementary, found $32 at school earlier this week and turned it in to the office. The money had been lost by Mrs. Carnes at the school, who expressed appreciation for Andrew’s integrity.

The announced Saturday planting of the first Millennium tree at Standing Bear Park has already happened. So the event will not be taking place Saturday. However later in the month the Millennium Committee has planned a ceremony at the tree with state officials in attendance.

OOPS! The Church Women United Board meeting will be held Jan. 8 (not Jan. 11 as previously reported) at 9:30 a.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South Eleventh. Installation of the 1999 officers is scheduled. The News apologizes for any confusion.

Phase III of School Bond Issue Information Studied

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

The $9.95 million school bond issue on Feb. 9 was the topic this morning at a Friends of Education meeting at the Fourth Street Clubhouse.

Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, made a presentation concerning the bond issue. He said that this is Part III of a series of bonds to invest in quality educational facilities and programs for the young people. Phase I, which was for $10 million, passed in 1995, Phase II passed in 1997 and now it will be up to the voters to continue the progress.

Phase III, which is a multiyear project for the next four years, will cover renovations at Po-Hi, Mid-High, Middle School and Washington Elementary, as well as technology leases and transportation costs.

At the Mid-High $2.5 million will be spent on modernizing electrical systems, remodel and relocate the Media Center, upgrade cafeteria, renovate restrooms and plumbing, move and upgrade computer labs, add an elevator to meet ADA requirements and remodel the gym with additional air conditioning components.

The Middle School renovation will cost approximately $3 million and will include constructing a new Media Center, expanding the dining facilities, modernizing the electrical systems and constructing new classrooms for sixth graders.

$2.8 million of the bond will be spent on technology leases and $350,000 will be spent on transportation costs. The district plans to purchase three 65 student passenger buses, one activity bus and one special education bus. Renovations totaling $500,000 will also be spent at Po-Hi for work at the Anderson Building and old gyms.

In 2001 Washington Elementary will be in line for renovations totaling $800,000 to replace windows and doors, upgrade electricity, renovate restrooms, adding heating and air conditioning to the gym, carpet the corridors, adding a sprinkler system to the basement area and upgrading the fire alarm system.

If passed next month the mill levies would go from 16.4 to 20 mills. That means about a $20 per year increase in property taxes on a $60,000 home. During the year 2000-2003 the mills would then go up from 20 to 22 mills (an increase of $.03 cents per day). Dr. White stated at the meeting that Ponca City falls well below the state average in mill levies. He pointed out that Tulsa Union is at 34 mills and Millwood at 36 mills.

“By passing this bond issue residents would allow us to continue to make improvements. We want to make sure all the programs in the schools continue in the pursuit of excellence,” White stated.

Phase IV in 2003 will include the renovations of Roosevelt, Garfield and Union Schools. A $3 million technology lease will also be a part of that bond issue.

‘Happy Paintings’ Artist Has Exhibit at Art Center

The Ponca City Art Association is presenting an exhibit of paintings by artist Evelyn Jordan-Isaacs. The exhibit is being held at the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central, through the end of January.

Jordan-Isaacs is an acclaimed and much-awarded artist from St. Joseph, Mo. She has been painting since 1974, creating works of art in both the impressionistic and realist style.

Her paintings have been referred to as “happy paintings” because of the feeling of well being they evoke in the viewer. They express a sense of balance and harmony with their vibrant and dramatic colors.

She was inspired by works she saw in the museums of Europe and began painting with oil. She developed her skills through painting classes, seminars and workshops.

After the Kansas Pastel Society was founded in 1984, Jordan-Isaacs became intrigued with painting with the soft pastels and then found pastels a challenging and stimulating way to reflect her command of bright colors and her love of painting.

The name pastel painting usually denotes soft colors; that is not necessarily the case. Pastel painting is a process that uses very little binding materials and uses colors in a form resembling pastel crayons. These pastel crayons most resemble the dry pigment and can be quite vibrant. There is no yellowing or turning brown and cracking associated with oil color. However, because the pigment is not saturated with a binding medium, it is very sensitive to injuries or shock and adheres loosely to the paper on which it is used. Hence, most pastel paintings are covered with glass. The use of pastel crayons enable Jordan-Isaacs to express herself with dynamic colors.

Her paintings have won numerous awards and honors and have been published in American Artist magazine and other publications. Private and corporate collections throughout the southwestern and midwestern section of the country host her paintings, and she has exhibited in Paris and Lille, France; the National Arts Club in New York; and many galleries across the United States.

She currently teaches both pastel and oil painting at Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph, Mo.

The Ponca City Art Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

DEATHS

Wadsworth Jesse Howell
William Henry Combrink
Randall Ray Lyons
Edward S. Martin
Fannie Bell Gage
Walter Monroe Bunch
Melvin Buffalohead
Leonard M. Edmonds
Cora Hopkins
Maria Gray
Lloyd V. Moore

Wadsworth Jesse Howell

PAWNEE — Wadsworth Jesse Howell, Pawnee resident, died Monday, Jan. 4, 1999, in Niles, Mich. He was 55.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in Pawnee at the Pawnee Indian Baptist Church with the Rev. Warren Pratt Jr., officiating. Burial will be in the North Indian Cemetery in Pawnee under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home.

Wadsworth Jesse Howell was born July 2, 1943, in Pawnee the son of Wadsworth and Hilda Belle (Taylor) Howell. He had served in the U.S. Army.

He was married to Sandra LeClair on Dec. 13, 1986, at Ponca Indian Nazarene Church in Ponca City. The couple had lived in Red Rock before moving to Pawnee in April 1987. Howell was a member of the Baptist Church and the Vets Color Guard, assisting in parades in Pawnee and elsewhere.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra Howell of Pawnee; two sons Chris Howell of Emporia, Kan., and Jason Spencer of Wichita, Kan; one daughter, Cora Carey of Lawrence, Kan.; two stepsons, Douglas Tilden and Kendall Snake, both of Pawnee; his mother, Hilda Howell of Pawnee; brothers, William, George and Gordon Howell, all of Pawnee; one sister, Muriel Robedeaux of Pawnee; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father; one sister Julia Ann; and one brother Charles.

William Henry Combrink

BILLINGS — William Henry “Bill” Combrink, father of Paul Combrink of Ponca City, died Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1999, at his home in Billings, Okla. He was 88.

The funeral will be held at 2 p. m. Friday, Jan. 8, at the Billings First Baptist Church with pastors Orville Milam and Dale Taylor officiating. Burial will be at the Union Cemetery in Billings under the direction of Sisson Funeral Home.

William Henry “Bill” Combrink was born March 9, 1910, in Billings to Henry W. and Mary Ella (Clark) Combrink. He grew up and lived most of his life in the Billings area.

On Dec. 29, 1932, he was married to Jewell Geneva Evans. Combrink was a minister of the gospel for more than 60 years, pastoring churches in Guthrie and the north central Oklahoma area. He had served as longtime pastor of the Freedom Baptist Church and was currently a member of the Billings First Baptist Church. He was also an electrician, insurance agent and was engaged in farming in the Billings area. Combrink was a past Rotarian and a member of the Ministerial Alliance.

Survivors include two sons, Harold of Enid, and Paul of Ponca City; one daughter, Barbara Bernard of Tampa, Fla.; one brother Cecil, of Bella Vista, Ark.; two sisters, Margie Shahan of San Angelo, Texas, and Rosemary Shiver of Tonkawa; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; one son, Joe; one grandson; his parents; four brothers; two sisters; and an infant great-great-grandson.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Combrink’s name to the Feed The Children Program or to Hospice Circle of Love in Enid. All memorials may be made c/o Sisson Funeral Home, 120 West Main, Billings, OK 74630.

Randall Ray Lyons

MEDFORD, Ore. — Randall Ray Lyons, former Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Dec. 31, 1998, in Medford, Ore., following a two-week illness He was 31.

The funeral was held Jan. 1, 1999, in Medford under the direction of Abbey Funeral Home.

Randall Ray Lyons was born Jan. 16, 1967, in Ponca City, to Bob R. Lyons and Joann “Jody” (Stickle) Lyons. He received his education in California.

He was married to Lorrayne Schultz on Aug. 4, 1990, in Grants Pass, Ore., and made their home in Medford, Ore. Lyons was a house painter by trade.

Survivors include his wife, Lorrayne, and three sons, Travis, Trevor and Tyler, all of the home in Medford, Ore.; his parents, Dan and Jody Grundman of Merlin, Ore., and Bob R. and Peggy Lyons of Ponca City; five sisters, Debra Lynn Lyons and Lindsay Grundman of Grants Pass, Ore., Pamela Snavely of East Prairie, Mo., and Deanna Taglialatela and Shelly Matthiesson, both of Ponca City; one brother, Robert of Ponca City; and his grandmothers, Lorena Lyons, of Ponca City and Bea Trawee of Grants Pass, Ore. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers.

Edward S. Martin

TONKAWA — Edward S. “Tommy” Martin, longtime Tonkawa resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1999, at Willowhaven Nursing Home in Tonkawa. He was 89.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Bureau of Indian Affairs building in Tonkawa with the Rev. Thomas Roughface officiating. Burial will be in the Tonkawa Tribal Cemetery at Tonkawa under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell. Friends may visit at the BIA building in Tonkawa.

Edward S. “Tommy” Martin was born Oct. 29, 1909, in Tonkawa, the son of Joseph and Gertrude (Stevens) Martin. He grew up in Tonkawa and attended school at Chilocco where he was active in athletics.

He was married to Reba Bruno in 1930, in Medford, and the couple established their home in Tonkawa. Martin was employed with Cities Service Gas Company for 20 years before his retirement. While working at Cities Service he played with the company baseball team. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tonkawa.

Survivors include two daughters, Berniece Sands of Tonkawa and Pat Moulin of Kerney, Mo.; three sons, Bart and Charles, both of Tonkawa and Carl of Springfield, Mo.; 23 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Francis Martin; one brother, Otis Steven; three sisters, Joan, Josephine and Lenora; and one grandson.

Casket bearers will be Brett Hockert, Darrin Martin, Darrell Tah, Robert Tah and Michael Martin. Honorary bearers will be Francis Tah, and David Martin.

Fannie Bell Gage

BLACKWELL — Fannie Bell Gage, Blackwell resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1999 at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell. She was 96.

The funeral will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Roberts Funeral Home chapel in Blackwell. The Rev. Rick Longcrier, Blackwell First Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in the Seneca Cemetery in Seneca, Mo.

Fannie Bell (Cannady) Gage was born Oct. 12, 1902, in Anderson, Mo., to James and Lige Angeline Cannady. She grew up and received her education in the Goodman-Seneca, Mo., area. She married Samuel A. Seaton in 1920 in Arkansas, where they made their home.

On Sept. 5, 1922, she was married to Robert Gage in Arkansas and the couple made their home in Missouri. Mrs. Gage moved from Missouri to Blackwell in December 1986.

Survivors include three daughters, Jennie Seaton of East St. Louis, Ill., Wanda Walsh of Ponca, Neb., and Goldie Bolin of Parkers Lake, Ky.; 25 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; and 26 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four daughters, Patsy Pope, Iva Epperly, Edith Adams and Lena Mae Gage; one son, William Edward Gage; two sisters and one brother; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and a lifelong companion Otis Long.

Walter Monroe Bunch

BLACKWELL — Walter Monroe Bunch, former Blackwell resident, died early Thursday morning, Jan. 7, 1999, at his home in Oklahoma City. He was 75.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. The Rev. Rick Longcrier, Blackwell First Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Walter Monroe Bunch was born March 30, 1923, in Muskogee to Roy Lee and Elsie Lorene (Barnes) Bunch. He grew up in Tahlequah where he attended Sally Brown Rural School. He then moved to Orange, Texas, where he entered a government training program working in the shipyards. In 1945, he moved to Braman where he was employed at Hiatt’s Dairy Farm.

He married Dalys Pearl Lindley on Jan. 28, 1947, in Blackwell, and the couple made their home in Braman. In 1949 he began employment in the maintenance department at Blackwell Zinc Company in Blackwell.

He was married to Ann Campbell on Aug. 19, 1960, in Blackwell, where the couple established their home. In 1974, he began employment in the maintenance department with the Devore Hog Farms and in 1975, purchased a bait shop and operated the business until 1988. He then moved to Oklahoma City.

On Oct. 21, 1994, he was married to Betty Jane Wall in Guthrie and the couple made their home in Oklahoma City. He was a member of the Chapel Methodist Church in Oklahoma City.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Bunch of Oklahoma City; one daughter, Lollie Linker of Norman; two sons, Steve of Harvard, Ill., and Henry of Moore; one brother, Ted, of Fort Gibson; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two wives; one son, Doyle; four brothers, B.D. Lowery, Charles Lowery, Roy Bunch Jr. and Fred Bunch.

Casket bearers will be Fred Bunch, Mike Bunch, Wendell Bunch, Johnny Bunch, Bob Bunch, Frankie Swank and Scott Newell.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Bunch’s name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Research, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.

Obituaries

Melvin Buffalohead

Melvin Buffalohead, lifelong Ponca City resident, went to be with Jesus on Monday evening, Jan. 4, 1999, at the St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 74.

Evening prayer services were conducted at 7 p.m. nightly at the Ponca Indian Full Gospel Church, located southeast of Ponca City, through Thursday night. On Friday, the traditional funeral feast will take place at the Ponca Indian Cultural Center in White Eagle at noon, followed by ‘The Celebration of His Homegoin’ service at 2 p.m. in the Ponca Indian Full Gospel Church. The Rev. Val Appler, evangelist of the Indian Holiness Church in Pawnee, the Rev. Raymond Rector, evangelist of Ponca Indian Full Gospel Church at White Eagle, ministers Lou and Gary Topetchy, evangelists from Oklahoma City, and minister Toby A. Blackstar of the Greater First Deliverance Temple, Oklahoma City, will be officiating.

Burial, with full military honors performed by Post 38, Ponca City, will follow in the Ponca Indian Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Casket bearers will be grandsons, Dennis Buffalohead, Jason Buffalohead, Loren Buffalohead, Matthew Buffalohead Jr., Thomas Buffalohead, and Terry Williams. Honorary casket bearers will also be grandsons, Dwight D. Buffalohead, Floyd Paul Buffalohead, Jarrod Buffalohead, Keith Buffalohead, Ryan Buffalohead and Floyd Red Day.

Mr. Buffalohead was born on the Ponca Indian Reservation, Dec. 3, 1924, to Peter and Nettie (Little Dance) Buffalohead. In 1948, he was married to the former Esther Parker, making their home in Ponca City. She preceded him in death in 1973. He was a laborer and a retired construction worker, who always worked hard to support his family and made sure they had what they needed to survive. He was a veteran of World War II.

Mr. Buffalohead was a member of the Ponca Tribe and a soldier enlisted in The Army of the Lord. He was a member of the Ponca Indian Full Gospel Church, where he served as an elder and worship leader. He enjoyed attending prayer meetings, church, revivals, old-fashioned holiness tent/camp meetings with his brother, singing, sharing his testimony, walking in the woods, watching wrestling, being with his family, and most of all — teasing!

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, five sons, Harley Buffalohead and his wife Dawn, Matthew Buffalohead Sr. and his wife Mona, Victor Buffalohead, Thurman Lee Buffalohead, and Dale Buffalohead and his wife Gina; three daughters, Laura Buffalohead, Joann Buffalohead and Nettie Buffalohead; his precious brother, the Rev. Thurman Buffalohead from whom he was never separated; and one sister, Retha Hardman.

Also grandchildren, Jason and Jarrod Buffalohead, Loren Buffalohead, Dennis Buffalohead, Matthew Buffalohead Jr., Thomas Buffalohead, Dwight D. Buffalohead, Tracy Buffalohead, Harley Buffalohead Jr., Jennifer Buffalohead, Glydia Buffalohead, Floyd Paul Buffalohead, Nakeesha Esther Buffalohead, Tawnya Buffalohead, Chris Buffalohead, Ryan Buffalohead and Terry Williams.

Also six great-grandchildren, Alvia Buffalohead, Kristan Buffalohead, Jonathon Buffalohead, Gareth Buffalohead, Keefer Buffalohead and Skyler Buffalohead; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives, and a host of friends.

Mr. Buffalohead was preceded in death by his wife, Esther; one son, Calvin Buffalohead; one grandson, Calvin Buffalohead; his parents; one brother, Bill Buffalohead; and two sisters, Nora and Marcella Buffalohead.

If he could testify right now he would say; “Lord you are God, you are wonderful! Well, glory to God I made it, glory to God I am home! I have finished my course, I have kept the faith! It is well with my soul because of the Lord’s AMAZING GRACE!”

paid obituary

Services Pending

Leonard M. Edmonds

Leonard M. Edmonds, Ponca City resident, died Thursday morning, Jan. 7, 1999 at St. Joseph Medical Center. He was 80. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Cora Hopkins

Cora Hopkins, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 6, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 74. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Maria Gray

Maria Gray, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1999, at the Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 103. A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Other arrangements are pending and will be announced later by Grace Memorial Chapel.

Lloyd V. Moore

Lloyd V. “Popo” Moore, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 79. Local survivors include his wife, Helen of the home. The funeral service is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Sunset Senior Adult Fund, Sunset Baptist Church, 915 Greenwood, Ponca City, OK 74601. Other arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later.

NEWS BRIEFS

Newport to Speak — Rep. Jim Newport will be the guest speaker for the 12 noon Friday meeting of Pioneer Rotary Club. The Rotary meets at E.W.’s Restaurant at the Marland Conference Center.

Pauline's Shrimp peel. All you can eat, $11.95, Friday the 8th.

For reservations, call 765-5460.adv.

Basketball Tournament — The Woodlands Elementary PTA is sponsoring a fifth grade boys and girls basketball tournament this week with the finals beginning on Jan. 9 at 4 p.m. The sixth grade boys and girls tournament will begin on Jan. 11 with the finals on Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for students. Proceeds will go toward improving the gym, purchasing computers and improving other school facilities.

Youth Bowling League beginning Fri., Jan. 8th, 4 p.m. and Sat.,

Jan. 9th, 11 a.m. All ages welcome. Win awards and patches.

Scholarship program. 2000 Lake Road. 762-3333.adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of North Ash Street at 7:47 a.m. Wednesday that a 23-year-old woman was being held on two Kay County warrants for assault with a deadly weapon and failure to obey.

Free Dryer with wash. Union North. Tuesday thru Sunday, 7

a.m.- 9 p.m. Grand Opening. 1904 N. Union. 762-7124. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of North Ash Street at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday that a 22-year-old woman was being held on an assault and battery warrant.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday special from 4-? 1/2 BBQ chicken

with 2 vegetables. $4.25. 215 South 14th. 765-7979. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 10:31 a.m. Wednesday that a 17-year-old boy was being held for burglary.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat

ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th,

765-7979. adv.

Accident — An accident in the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:09 p.m. Wednesday. Three units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and three officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned. A report was taken.

Subject Held — The Communications Center received a call from an employee at Hastings at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday that a shoplifter was in custody. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a 17-year-old boy was held for grand larceny.

Carpet Need cleaning? Confused about who or what to use?

Call Floorcraft 762-8381, let us help you make the right choice.

Call Mr. Clean at Floorcraft.adv.

Electric Line Damaged — A man from the 1000 block of South Fourth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:52 p.m. Wednesday that a truck had been driven through his yard and knocked down an electric line. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes

available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with

appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable,

local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681.

adv.

Accident — An accident in the 100 block of West Grand Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:42 p.m. Wednesday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country all day Friday special ­ All you can eat, smoked

BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $6.95, all day.

1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Counterfeit Bill — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from Bridgeway at 1:44 p.m. Wednesday that a counterfeit $5 bill had been found.

Tyson is back! World Heavyweight event, Tyson vs. Botha

coming to Pay Per View. Saturday, January 16th at 8 p.m., $45.95.

Call Cable ONE or your ring side

seat 762-6684.adv.

Subjects Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance with three subjects at the intersection of West Grand Avenue and Oak Street at 1:52 a.m. Thursday. Three other officers were assigned and a 38-year-old man was held for public intoxication, and a 21-year-old woman was held for public intoxication and assault on an officer.

Tailgate Stolen — An employee at Champlin Motors, 401 South Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10 a.m. Wednesday that a tailgate had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-

8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Vehicle Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 1:56 a.m. Thursday from a man that fire units were needed in the parking lot of the Rocking Horse Country Bar, 2200 East Coleman Road, to help extinguish a vehicle fire. Moments later a second call advised to cancel the fire units, that the fire had been put out.

Subject Held — Two officers from the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1200 block of South Twelfth Street at 1:47 p.m. Wednesday that a 25-year-old woman was being held for Kay County warrants.

Harassment — A person from the 1400 block of Queens Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:01 p.m. Wednesday that the residence was receiving telephone harassment. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:32 p.m. Wednesday that a 15-year-old boy was being held for second degree burglary.

Shoplifter in Custody — An employee of Wal-Mart reported to the Communications Center at 2:39 p.m. Wednesday that a shoplifter was in custody but causing a problem. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and a 43-year-old man was being held for petty larceny.

Burglary — A person at Tony’s Barber Shop, 413 West Grand Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:51 p.m. Wednesday that a theft had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on a second degree burglary.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a report of a grass fire in the 4700 block of North Pleasantview at 3:48 p.m. Wednesday. One unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and handled the situation.

Accident — An accident in the 1400 block of North Waverly Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:12 p.m. Wednesday, involving a vehicle hitting a pole. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Item Missing — A woman from the 200 block of South Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:09 p.m. Wednesday that someone had stolen the sticker from her vehicle tag. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

Gas Drive-Off — An employee of Triple T, 1301 West Highland Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:46 p.m. Wednesday that a subject in a pickup had left westbound on Highland Avenue without paying for gas. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

Fire Alarm — The Communications Center received a report of a fire alarm at Vacu-Maid No. 2 at 10:38 p.m. Wednesday. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and handled the situation.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of West Central Avenue and South Elm Street at 12:10 a.m. Thursday that a 41-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension and having no insurance. The vehicle was released to the driver’s sister.

Call The News — Make a simple telephone call to The News and advertize that event or special sale in the News Briefs column.

GARDENING

Herbalists Say Curatives Are Easy To Grow at Home
Kale Can Survive in Subzero Temperature

Herbalists Say Curatives Are Easy To Grow at Home

By Charlene Baldridge

Copley News Service

And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good…. And God said, Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed-to you it shall be for meat.— The Holy Bible, King James Version, Chapter One, Genesis

Put them on you, put them in you, bathe in them, or simply admire them: Herbs have been around longer than we have. It’s quite likely that even prior to our walking erect, we were aware of their healing properties.

In the Judeo-Christian Bible, the Creator of heaven and earth established plants, herbs and trees even before making man from the dust and woman from his rib. Every tribe since the world began has had its creation story, and each has held plants, creatures and all of creation to be holy.

Even though it ceased being Eden long ago, there is still peace and sustenance to be found in the garden, no matter how small. Today, as sentient human beings, we are ever more aware that we have not used wisely the gifts that Earth provides. Once granted dominion, we proceeded to run roughshod over these natural resources. In light of present knowledge and wisdom, we look once again at the natural world, to appreciate anew our resources and better care for them. This renaissance brings new interest in the cultivation of herbs.

Herbal Curatives

Poultices, infusions, ointments, suspensions — not witches’ brews, but herbal curatives — were recorded since humankind invented written language. Early humans used what was at hand to heal themselves and assuage their aches and pains; and having discovered the other properties of herbs­culinary, cosmetic, aromatic and merely ornamental­we continue to use them.

On the brink of the new millennium, we are guided by master gardeners and herbalists such as Judy Griffin, who help us to develop a rewarding relationship with herbs and their uses, historical and cultural.

Taking a New Age approach in her comprehensive new book titled “Mother Nature’s Herbals” (Llwellyn), Griffin discusses colonial, Mediterranean, Western, East Indian, South American and Native American herbal practices and recipes.

In practical fashion, she instructs how to grow (organically, of course) and landscape with herbs. She provides recipes for pest control (even for your pets!) and thoroughly discusses kitchen and medicinal uses of herbs as well as the creation of essential oils and flower fragrances.

“Organically grown herbs create an ecologically balanced and unpolluted environment,” writes Griffin. “They are attractive, easy to grow and maintain, and supply vitamins and minerals for a wide variety of homemade products.”

If your soil is not right (according to Griffin, herbs thrive in soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7), it must be amended. If the soil is acidic, she recommends adding wood ashes, eggshells, limestone or dolomite. If it’s alkaline, add sand, leaf mold and pine needles. How much? She advises referring to the packages for recommended amounts. Soil amendments are usually applied twice a year.

To find out the constitution of your soil, check with your county extension service or a local nursery. It’s quite common for the agent to provide a container in which you place soil samples from various locations on your property, then send to a laboratory for analysis. The cost is usually under $10.

Some herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, sage and rue, prefer a certain alkalinity. Bee balm, dandelion, sweet Annie, burdock, yellow dock, perilla and the hardy mints tolerate clay soil. Herbs themselves can be used to break up dense and poorly drained soils, according to Griffin. Examples of these are comfrey, elecampane, echinacea, evening primrose, French sorrel, and valerian, all of which have deep roots.

Plant Seeds

Six to eight weeks prior to the planting season in your area, you’ll want to plant seeds in seed trays or a shallow planter. In the spring, you may sow larger seeds, such as garden sage, borage and salad burnet, directly into a prepared garden, according to Griffin, whose book also provides tips on how to mulch, where to obtain organic mulch, composting; watering, root division, feeding and common problems.

Author Barbara Segall — “The Herb Garden Month by Month,” (David & Charles) — had her first encounter with herbs when her infant self crawled out the kitchen door and fell nose-first into mint. “Since then my appreciation of herbs has grown,” she says, “and so has the repertoire of herbs that I grow.

Still enamored of mint, she grows apple mint, curly mint and ginger mint in an old enamel foot bath in which she drilled drainage holes.

Mint Invasive

In a large, sunken container in her main herb garden, Segall grows spearmint and peppermint. Although aromatic, mint is highly invasive, thus the containers.

“For most gardeners the idea of creating and running a herb garden is one of the dearest dreams,” writes Segall. “It appeals to the herbalist, cook and gardener in us all.”

Segall’s book contains a list of plants traditionally grown in the herb garden. Her A-list of useful herbs fresh from the garden includes hyssop, rosemary, sage, salad burnet, thyme and winter savory. On her kitchen windowsill, she grows chervil, chives, parsley and winter savory, and in the greenhouse, French tarragon, lemon verbena, licorice, mint and scented pelargonium.

A useful addition to the library of those interested in growing herbs for medicinal purposes is Penelope Ody’s “Pocket Medicinal Herbs” (DK Publishing). This little booklet provides a practical introduction to herbal remedies and step-by-step instructions for making the infusions, decoctions and oils purported to “improve your health and relieve common ailments.”

Herbs That Heal

Organic Gardening magazine recently featured an article titled “Ten Herbs That Heal.” Comprising secrets from James A. Duke’s best-selling new book titled “The Green Pharmacy” (Rodale Press), the article promotes calendula (for cuts and scrapes); ginseng (for combating the effects of aging and boosting energy); basil (for repelling insects and “wasting” warts); parsley (for bad breath and kidney stones); aloe (for treatment of burns and sunburn); fennel (for easing asthma); garlic (for fungal infections, relief of insect bites and stings, and sinusitis); chamomile (for gingivitis, insomnia and stiesy, lemon balm (for cold sores, insomnia and headache); and peppermint (for indigestion and sinusitis).

Most books on herbs and herbal. remedies carry somewhere in its pages several cautions. As with anything taken externally or internally, plant substances frequently cause allergic reactions. It is not appropriate to take herbal remedies in concert with traditional medical treatment without the knowledge and consent of your attending physician. Readers are cautioned always to seek professional medical guidance if symptoms of any malady persist.

Consultation with a qualified medical practitioner or a qualified herbalist is always recommended.

Herbs are becoming a big business. More than $3 billion was spent on herbal remedies in the United States alone in 1996, but until recently, it has gone largely unregulated.

International Symposium

Lack of guidelines on herbal medicines and the need for consumer protection are topics of concerns that were addressed at a recent international symposium in Hawaii. The conference, sponsored by San Diego State University and the U.N. Industrial Development Organization, attracted researchers and educators from “rain forest” countries, the United States, Europe and Asia.

As a result of the conference, which hopes to promote research and establish guidelines, SDSU has formulated an international protocol relating to regulation of herbal medicines. A total of 33 recommendations regarding policy, action and research have been forwarded to the United Nations.

The Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine, published by Stanford University clinical professor of medicine Dr. Wallace Sampson, started up in 1997 with the stated purpose of applying rational analyses to herbal treatments.

According to Sampson, his journal will publish any properly done scientific studies on the efficacy of herbs, homeopathy and alternative methods of healing.

All herbal remedies and research into same, step right up. Meanwhile, herbs, grow tall and lovely in my garden, flavor my soup and, dried or fresh, enhance my life with your balm, your beauty and your fragrance.

Kale Can Survive in Subzero Temperature

By COUNTRY LIVING

A Hearst Magazine

For AP Special Features

Healthful, easy-to-grow kale extends the harvest season through winter.

Capable of surviving subzero temperatures, kale stands alone in the garden after everything else is harvested in the fall. By protecting the plants with a covering of garden blankets draped over wire supports, wrote Lucy Wing in an article in the January issue of Country Living, you can gather fresh leaves for soups, stews, and boiled dinners throughout the winter until early spring.

Kale may be cooked in a similar manner to cabbages, which are close relatives of this easy-to-grow vegetable. When the leaves are new and immature — usually within four to five weeks after planting — they serve as tasty addition to green salads. A frequent component of mesclun mixtures, kale’s young leaves can be distinguished from lettuce by their “sturdier” texture and their mildly bitter flavor. But as the leaves grow and mature, they toughen, making cooking a necessity to our enjoyment. Then cold weather approaches and steals some of kale’s bite. Still, only the young, tender leaves can be consumed without their first having been cooked.

To prepare kale, remove the main stem in all but the youngest leaves. Rinse the leaves in cold water and spin or shake off the excess water. Use whole leaves as “wrappers” for vegetable and meat rolls. For use in other dishes, or as a side vegetable, lay whole leaves on a cutting board and slice them crosswise into strips before cooking.

The cultivars of kale may be broadly classified into the curly (or Scotch) kales such as the winter-hardy “Konserra” and the broader, smooth-leafed types like “Russian Red.” “Konserra” grows well where it receives the chill needed to reduce its nippy flavor. Use “Konserra” for soups, braised dishes, and stir-fries.

The smooth-leafed “Russian Red” has tender blue-green serrate leaves trimmed with pale burgundy stems and veins. These leaves, when first sliced and sauteed in olive oil or butter for a few minutes, add color and flavor to omelets, frittatas, and quiches.

Another kale cultivar to try is “Lucinato,” an Italian heirloom nicknamed “dinosaur kale,” probably because its long, crinkly, dark-green oval leaves are thought to resemble the hide of a dinosaur.

A 3-ounce serving size (about 1 1/4 cups chopped fresh leaves) of kale provides 45 calories, 9 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 3 grams protein, 150 percent of the daily vitamin A value (based on a 2,000-calories diet), and 170 percent of the daily vitamin C value.

Just when you begin to think the harvest season is over, kale comes along to brighten your garden and dinner plate, too.

SPORTS

Ponca City and Blackwell Rivalry Heats Up
Ninth Girls Pop Waller

Ponca City and Blackwell Rivalry Heats Up

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

The heated wrestling rivalry between Ponca City and Blackwell could melt the ice around Robson Fieldhouse tonight, but fans could have problems getting there in the first place.

Weather permitting, the mat dual between the neighboring teams is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. The high school and junior high teams will clash on two mats. It will be the first time in a number of years the two senior high teams have met.

Ponca City has a new coach this season but that is unlikely to salve the feelings of the often-contengous Blackwell fans.

“They don’t like me either,” Wildcat coach Todd Steidley said. “They have been known to call me names. Which is fine, as long as they don’t yell at the kids.”

Steidley drew the ire of Blackwell fans as the coach at Bristow where his teams beat the Maroons in three of the past four meetings in Dual State competition.

However, Steidley feels the Ponca City-Blackwell rivalry needs to be renewed.

“I probably picked the wrong year to schedule Blackwell,” he said before practice Wednesday. “They (the Maroons) are a very good team. But, when I was at Bristow, we were just a few miles from Sapulpa and Bristow and they wouldn’t wrestle us because they didn’t want to chance to losing to a lower class team.

“But this kind of match would be good for the kids of both teams and for the fans.”

Blackwell is once again a high school power which is scheduled to vie for the Class 3A state championship.

The Maroons recently placed seventh in the very tough Broken Arrow Matside Tournament. They had four wresters finish in the top four places in their weights.

On Tuesday, while Ponca City was struggling past Enid in a district clash, the Maroons were beating Cushing, 45-28.

Blackwell will be heavily favored in the lighter and heavier weights tonight while the Cats have a good chance in the middle weights.

Blackwell is led by returning state champion John Koehler, who will probably be at 112 pounds and finished second in the Matside Tournament. Also placing for the Maroons at Broken Arrow were Brandon Bray at 119, Wally Schatz at 125 and Jeff Allen at heavyweight.

The rest of the probable Blackwell lineup includes Joseph Hockett at 103, Tyler McNamara at 130, Hunter Parker at 135, Robby Miller at 140, Travis Harris at 145, Daniel Rious at 152, Ryan Whaylen at 160, Brant Ward at 189 and Clayton Freeman at 215.

Toby RedLeaf (171 pounds) is the current Wildcat points leader. The senior is 12-3 on the season with eight falls.

“Toby is doing a real fine job this year,” Steidley said. “I just wish I had him coming back next year.”

Matt Littleton (145) is 13-3 with five falls, Michael Osborn (152) 12-4 with five falls, Josh Bailey (125) 10-5 with four falls and Phillip Brotherton (103) 10-5 with six falls. Clint Stafford (130) 9-5 with one fall.

The rest of Ponca City’s tentative lineup includes Shawn Lee at 119, Jacob Bailey at 135, Scott Steichen at 140, Blaine Empting at 168, Jeremy Leavitt at 189, Jason Neurenburg at 215 and Justin Burns at heavyweight.

Ninth Girls Pop Waller

ENID — Ponca City’s ninth grade JV girls returned from the Christmas Break as if they had never missed a beat, topping Enid Waller, 41-12, Tuesday at Enid.

The Lady Cougars broke open a close game in the second period, blitzing Enid 12-0 to take an 18-2 lead. The Poncans were in front 31-4 going into the fourth quarter.

“The girls did a real fine job on offense and were exccellent in changing defenses against Enid,” said coach Alaina Dunges.

LaToya Smith led the Ponca City scoring with 10 points while Kristi Rutledge had 8 and Charnice Alexander 7.

The JV girls are scheduled to split into two groups next Thursday, with one team playing Stillwater at home while the other starts play in the Pawnee Tournament.

Ponca City 41, Enid Waller 12

Ponca City 6 12 13 10 — 41

Enid Waller 2 0 2 8 — 12

Ponca City — Latoya Smith 10, Christy Rutledge 8, Charnice Alexander 7, Kathlene Larrison 4, Stephanie Beier 4, Nikki Sells 4, Brandy Herald 2, Breann Heralrd 2.