From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday,
February 13, 1997
LOCAL
Weather Observers To Be Gone by July
Legislators At Friday Forum
Nearly News
Editorial
Construction Reps Go Over Fifth Street Project Plans
OBI Encourages Plasma Donations
New Volunteer Orientation Session Feb. 17
New Meeting Date For Emergency Panel
Use Handicap Parking Spaces By Permit Only
DEATHS
Inez L. Bussey
Ricky Joe Arnold
Emily Jeannette Sherrod
Mildred B. McConnell
Helen Levings
Edward F. George
Emma Faye Cavnar
Obituaries
Hazel Elizabeth Long
Louise Wiles
NEWS BRIEFS
SPORTS
PC Boys Draw Jenks; Girls Draw Tahlequah
Class 6A regional basketball
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Eight weather observers at the Ponca City Airport don't plan to give up their jobs without a fight. The weather observers are expected to lose their positions to automation in July.
Although the director of Air Traffic System Requirements told U.S. Sen. Don Nickles that weather observers would be discontinued on Feb. 28, Roland Herwig, of the FAA's Office of Public Affairs, confirmed that this was not true.
However, he would not confirm a date. Herwig said he didn't expect the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) at Ponca City's airport to be commissioned before summer.
ASOS Technology
The ASOS program is a joint effort of the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense. The system will serve as the nation's primary surface weather observing network.
ASOS is designed to support weather forecast activities and aviation operations and, at the same time, support the needs of the meteorological, hydrological and climatological research communities, according to the NWS. The system will routinely and automatically provide computer-generated voice observations directly to aircraft in the vicinity of airports, using FAA ground-to-air radio. These messages will also be available via a telephone dial-in port at the ASOS site.
"We can't rely on it being ready until it's ready," Herwig said. "We have to be sure we have communications with the remote sensor. Additional work must be done to get the communications working," he confirmed.
Beverly Reese, Data Acquisition manager with the National Weather Service in Norman, also confirmed that the equipment must be functioning reliably before it is officially commissioned. She said that this requires NWS to be receiving 90 percent or greater of the ASOS site's observations. NWS doesn't sign off until this requirement is met, she confirmed.
"We look at observations for 30 days just as if it was commissioned," the manager said.
Currently, weather observers in Ponca City call a 1-800 number via a telephone line. Reese said she is typically notified in advance of a site commissioning. To date, she has not received information from the FAA regarding the Ponca City site.
Petition Initiated
Ponca City weather observers have initiated a petition expressing their concern and dissatisfaction about the closing of the weather observing station. Petitioners are requesting that the airport be reclassified to allow the ASOS to be monitored, assuring a complete, accurate and dependable weather report.
"We feel that, without monitoring, the ASOS system is an unsafe and unreliable alternative to weather reporting," said Kay S. Simerly, supervisor, Federal Contract Weather Observation Station at the Ponca City Airport.
According to Simerly, who has witnessed the ASOS for about four years, the system doesn't report thunderstorm activity, freezing precipitation and hail. ASOS evaluates a three-foot section directly overhead of the sensors.
Ponca City weather observers provide information to Conoco, The Ponca City News, and local radio and TV stations. Also, Simerly confirmed that school teachers, the police department, fire department, ONG, concrete layers, landscapers and Lone Star Airlines also rely on them for information.
Howard Johnson, with the Oklahoma Climatological Survey, said ASOS does a very good job reporting wind. However, if the weather is not occurring directly overhead, ASOS doesn't know what is developing on the horizon. Johnson feels that overall, the system is not an improvement.
Original Intent
In a letter to Nickles, the FAA admitted its original intent to keep contract weather observers until ASOS had automated thunderstorm detection capability. However, when the National Weather Service transferred 162 ASOS sites to the FAA, the FAA was left with a shortfall in its ability to fund contract weather observations at all ASOS sites, according to Neil R. Planzer, director of Air Traffic System Requirements.
The budget constraints prompted the FAA and the NWS to work with the aviation industry to assess surface aviation observation requirements at the nation's airports. As a result, a four-level service standard for ASOS sites was agreed upon. Airports were rated as A, B, C or D depending on the occurrence of significant weather, traffic counts, distance to the nearest suitable alternate airport and critical airport characteristics.
Based on this criteria, Ponca City was placed in the Level D, as a stand-alone ASOS site. These standards were published in the Federal Register on June 25, 1996.
According to Planzer, once the system is operating as required, the weather observers will be notified that the FAA is discontinuing the contract.
After an inquiry from Nickles, the FAA said they reviewed the matter and reaffirmed that Ponca City meets the criteria and can operate safely and efficiently as a Level D airport.
Second Friday Forum, slated for 8 a.m., Friday at Pioneer Technology Center will feature reports from state legislators Sen. Paul Muegge, Rep. Jim Reese and Rep. Jim Newport.
The event, sponsored by the Legislative Review Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, is open to the public. Questions and comments will follow the legislators reports.
The forum lasts for one hour. Dave Mueller is the chairman of the Legislative Review Committee. Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served.
Mike Landauer, longtime Ponca Citian, brought to NN's attention today that his old friend, Sam Pittman, recently football coach at the University of Cincinnati and formerly at Pittsburg State University and Northern Illinois University, recently became offensive line coordinator for the Sooners at OU. NN also notes that Sam is the brother of Ponca Citian Jane Jump at Wellborn Electric. NN sends thanks to Mike for cluing us in on news with an OU flavor.
Francis Tuttle and Vo-Tech Week
It is both a time to celebrate and a time to mourn for supporters of Oklahoma's vocational technical education system.
In the midst of National Vo-Tech Week, the state has been saddened by the death of Dr. Francis Tuttle, the architect of Oklahoma's vo-tech system.
Dr. Tuttle, 76, was director emeritus of the state Department of Vocational and Technical Education. He had retired as vo-tech director in 1986 after 18 years in that position.
Following his retirement he served as director of the Oklahoma Department of Economic Development before becoming the state's secretary of commerce when ODEC merged into the state Commerce Department.
He had served as a consultant for vocational education efforts in Sweden, Thailand, the Soviet Union and China.
Gov. Frank Keating said, "He played a major role in making Oklahoma's vocational-technical educational system a model for the rest of the country."
Former Gov. George Nigh said, "In all my 32 years of public service in state government, I have never worked with a person who more nearly exemplified what a public servant should be dedicated, goal-oriented, motivating and decent."
With Dr. Tuttle leading the way state-wide, the Oklahoma vocational-technical system has developed into the best in the country.
From the old days of diesel mechanics and welding, the vo-tech system has grown steadily into a state-of-the-art training system for skilled laborers and businesses entrepreneurs.
Ponca City has one of the best vo-tech schools in the state with Pioneer Technology Center. PTC has steadily grown and evolved into a driving force in North Central Oklahoma's economy.
Industry and business constantly turn to PTC for training and assistance.
The local vo-tech, a two-time winner of the state's Gold Star award for excellence, offers instruction in everything from child care to industrial electronics.
PTC offers career planning and counseling, work site learning programs, tech prep education, a Bid Assistance Center, a Farm Business Management program, a Small Business Management program and many other opportunities.
Building a network with other educational institutions, PTC has articulation agreements with Northern Oklahoma College, OSU-Okmulgee and Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City to help students make a smooth transition and advance to associate degrees.
The News salutes Pioneer Technology Center and the Oklahoma Department of Vocational Technical Education during national Vo-Tech Week.
And The News joins with the vo-tech family statewide in mourning the death of Dr. Tuttle, a pioneer in vocational-technical education.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Representatives from Evans & Associates Construction Co., Inc., met with home and business owners affected by the Fifth Street Expansion project, at the Hutchins Memorial Building Tuesday. The session was well-attended by those affected by the project.
Evans & Associates had invited the public to a community meeting to discuss construction work that will widen and extend Fifth Street from Hartford Avenue, north to Prospect Avenue. The business received the contract from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the city of Ponca City.
Jackie Bohon, vice president of Evans, informed the group that most residents will have access to their homes from the alley. However, residents from Williams Avenue to Hartford Avenue will have to park their cars and walk home, while work is completed in their section.
The City's Solid Waste Department will also need to address trash pickup for these residents between Williams Avenue and Hartford Avenue. Traffic Engineer Mike Lane commented that, if worse comes to worse, residents may have to take trash to temporary containers.
Furthermore, Evans decided Wednesday that their crews will post house numbers on the alley-side of each residence before construction of that phase begins. The company has been concerned about response times during emergency situations.
With the house numbers posted, emergency vehicles will be able to identify houses when they have to detour through alleyways, said Bohon.
The Fifth Street Expansion project is likely to be broken into six phases. Explained simply, work consists of tearing up all the concrete, leveling and constructing four lanes from Hartford Avenue to Prospect Avenue. Bohon said the streets will be widened 12 feet from the back of each curb.
Before each phase begins, Evans will notify residents that construction will occur in their area. Alternative routes will also be provided.
"We want to keep you informed," Bohon said. "We understand that some problems will need to be resolved as they come up."
A signal is planned for Fifth Street and Prospect Avenue. An additional turn lane will be installed at Hartford Avenue for motorists to travel north. Bradley Avenue will also tie into the extension.
Lane indicated the speed limit would probably remain 35 miles per hour. In the first two blocks, however, the limit may be lowered to 30 mph, he said.
Although there is no projected completion date, Evans anticipates a March 3, starting date. The contract provides for 238 working days. Fifteen to 20 percent of weather days are included in the contract, according to Sam Elimam, resident engineer with ODOT.
There are too many unknowns, Bohon said, so the company cannot determine how long each phase will take to be completed. Bohon confirmed that each section would be worked separately.
"There is a penalty when we run over our target days. We have an incentive to complete the project within the contracted time," said Bohon.
He said that all right-of-way has been acquired. Additionally, the cable, gas, electric, telephone and water utilities have been notified. No problems are expected. The representative indicated crews will attempt to locate all water pipes before digging begins.
Bohon commented that although each driveway will be a little different, Evans will request permission to work on driveways which may require additional work to keep them level with the street.
Residents must give permission before Evans can go past the right-of-way and correct any problems.
In addition, residents indicated concern about more truck traffic. Lane said, as an arterial street, truck traffic could potentially increase.
"Should this become a problem, residents may state their case with the Traffic Commission," said Lane. "There is a possibility that if Hubbard Road and Waverly Street can be improved, a truck by-pass could be created.
Additionally, Evans verified they do not anticipate taking down fence lines.
Toward the end of the meeting, Police Chief Raymond Ham addressed the group to head off potential difficulties. During construction, residents are reminded to lock their cars, keep possessions out of the vehicles and watch out for the safety of the children.
"Children will be wanting to play in the trenches and on the equipment," the chief said. "Keep them out of these dangerous areas."
Ham said the PCPD would like to set up a watch program to prevent problems from occurring during construction.
Workers and volunteers at the Oklahoma Blood Institute, Ponca City Center, invite Ponca City blood donors to participate in a different type of donation process designed to help St. Joseph Regional Medical Center patients with special needs.
Plasma apheresis (a-fe-REE-sis) is a process which allows donors to give only the plasma component of their blood to help a particular patient. Whole blood is made up of several components, including red blood cells, plasma, platelets and white cells, each with their own special use.
Plasma, the liquid portion of the blood, is especially needed by newborn babies, leukemia patients, burn victims, hemophiliacs and those who have undergone transplant or cardiovascular surgery.
The plasma apheresis procedure utilizes a special machine which safely and automatically retrieves plasma while returning the remaining components to the donor. This procedure takes a little longer than a normal whole blood donation, but it allows a single donor to provide a full transfusable amount of plasma for a patient. By reducing the number of donors needed to meet a patient's need, the chances of a reaction or rejection are decreased.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute has been supplying plasma apheresis blood products to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City since 1989, and is now the primary resource for all blood products for St. Joseph's patients.
For more information on becoming an apheresis donor, please call (405) 762-9488 or stop by the Oklahoma Blood Institute donor center at 518 North Fourteenth Street.
"The Blood Institute is always in need of healthy donors and we encourage all citizens in the Ponca City area to help keep an adequate plasma supply for area patients in need," says Pixie Rowland, local office manager. She also reminded that all new plasma donors receive an OBI apheresis t-shirt.
Speakers from the Oklahoma Blood Institute are also available for business and club programs and tours and in-center programs for all age groups are offered as well.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute, Ponca City Center, is affiliated with the Oklahoma Blood Institute, a regional, not-for-profit blood center, supplying blood to 57 hospitals across Oklahoma, including St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, and all Enid and Oklahoma City hospitals.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center has set Feb. 17 as the date for the first new volunteer orientation session for spring. The session is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Renee Hoover, Director of Volunteer Services recently noted that SJRMC has a need for dedicated volunteers and hopes people of all ages will consider donating a portion of their time to the hospital.
"This is a time for people to give back to the community," said Hoover. "This first meeting is to help inform potential volunteers about what opportunities are available."
Hoover added that SJRMC has a need for people from all walks of life to volunteer. "If you have just retired or have some free time while the kids are at school, we encourage you to attend the upcoming meeting," she added.
Volunteer services may be scheduled for flexible hours, and short and long term service opportunities are available.
For more information, or to confirm your attendance at the meeting, call (405) 765-0509.
There's a new meeting date for the Kay County local emergency planning committee, emergency preparedness director Patrick Zehr said today.
The committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 19, in the courtroom at the Ponca City Public Safety Center for its regular monthly meeting. Zehr said the date has changed since members received their announcements in the mail.
He said persons interested in attending the meetings can contact their local director or contact Zehr at 405-362-3825. Local directors are Tom Montgomery in Ponca City, Gary Robison in Blackwell, Charles Conaghan in Tonkawa and John Hensy in Newkirk.
According to the law, handicapped parking spaces are accessible only for those vehicles properly permitted.
Applications for a permit are available through local tag agent offices, where drivers' licenses are issued. An applicant's physician must also complete a portion of the application. Furthermore, there is no fee for a handicap permit, according to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.
Only vehicles with the proper state handicap permit can access parking spaces identified for handicapped parking. Business owners, handicapped persons and non-handicapped persons report illegal parking to the police department on a regular basis.
"A vehicle can be cited even on private property," said Capt. Clayton Johnson, of the Ponca City Police Department.
Johnson said officers occasionally patrol parking lots to monitor that
handicapped parking slots are not being abused. A $40 fine will be accessed
to any motorist found to be illegally parked, according to the Municipal
Court Clerk's Office.
DEATHS
Inez L. Bussey, longtime Ponca City area resident died Wednesday morning, Feb. 12, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 87.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at the First Church of the Nazarene, with the Rev. Steven Bierly, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Inez Leona Beatrice (Bengtson) Bussey was born Sept. 25, 1909, at Galva, Kan., the daughter of Nels Augustus and Carrie Mabel (Alemore) Bengtson. She attended a country school near Florence, Kan., then moved with her family to the Tonkawa area in 1921, and attended Tonkawa High School.
She was married to George W. Bussey on Jan. 8, 1931, in Newkirk and the couple established their first home in Tonkawa. They moved to Ponca City in 1932. Mrs. Bussey was employed for five years with Sheffler's Cleaners, then the couple opened the Bussey Service Station south of Ponca City on U.S. 177. They operated the station from 1940 to 1973. Mrs. Bussey had been a member of the First Church of the Nazarene since 1936 and had taught Sunday School there for many years. She enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, baby sitting, crocheting and embroidery work.
Survivors include two sons, Bill and Jim , both of Ponca City; one daughter, Evelyn Rahn of Kaw City; two sisters, Evangeline Spaid of Tonkawa and Bernice Myers of Lewistown, Mont.; 16 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, George, in 1986; one infant daughter, Joan; her parents; three brothers Rudy Bengtson, Carol Bengtson and Harold Bengtson; two grandchildren; one great-grandson; and one great-great-granddaughter.
Casket bearers will be grandsons, Billy Bussey, George Bussey, David Bussey, Benny Bussey, Rocky Golay, Kent Nulik and David Linton.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Bussey's name to the First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 West Grand, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be 123 Fairview Ave.
BLACKWELL - Ricky Joe "Rick" Arnold, Blackwell resident, died Tuesday, Feb. 11, 1997, at his home in Blackwell. He was 42.
The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Friday at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Leon Jackson, Bible Holiness Church of Blackwell, officiating. Burial will be in the Circleville (Kan.) Cemetery.
Ricky Joe "Rick" Arnold was born Jan. 18, 1955, in Holton, Kan., the son of Wendal C. and Maxine (Wilkerson) Arnold. He grew up in Holton, where he attended school. Following graduation from Holton High School in 1973, he was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Topeka, Kan., for four years. He then moved to Blackwell, where he was employed by International Multifoods.
On July 8, 1983, he was married to Virginia M. Herren in Miami, Okla., and the couple made their home in Blackwell. After working at the mill, he began employment with Frontier Express in Tonkawa then at American Freightways in Enid, where he was working at the time of his death. Arnold was a member of the Braman Saddle Club.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia Arnold of Blackwell; one daughter, Jynda Arnold of Blackwell; one son, James Arnold of Holton, Kan.; his parents, Robert L. and Maxine Lewis of Holton, Kan.; his grandmother, Irene Wilkerson of Circleville, Kan.; two brothers, Robert of Circleville, Kan., and Merlin of Topeka, Kan.; and several other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father; and one brother, Randy Jay Arnold.
Casket bearers for the Blackwell service will be Dick Wooddell, Allen Boyer, Bob Broadwater, Mark Crook, Vern Willbanks and Dwaine Northcutt. Casket bearers for the Circleville, Kan. service will be Alan Burdick, Chris Marten, Leslie Wilkerson, Jarrod Wilkerson, David Askren and Cliff Askren.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Arnold's name to the Circleville Christian Church, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
NEWKIRK - Emily Jeannette Sherrod, longtime Newkirk resident, died early Wednesday morning, Feb. 12, 1997, at her home in Newkirk. She was 89.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Newkirk First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Scott Mason officiating. Burial will follow in the Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. Friends may call at the funeral home until 5 p.m. today and until 9 p.m. Friday, then the casket will be closed.
Emily Jeannette (Adams) Sherrod was born May 8, 1907 in Newkirk, the daughter of Charles Francis and Sarah Elizabeth (McNaughton) Adams. She grew up and attended schools in Newkirk, graduating from Newkirk High School in 1925.
On July 8, 1927, she was married to Virgil Sherrod in Arkansas and the couple resided in several areas in Oklahoma where her husband's newspaper work took them. She returned to Newkirk in 1942, where she has since resided. Mrs. Sherrod had been employed at the Kay County Court House for more than 25 years and later worked for the Kay County Federal Savings and Loan until her retirement in 1972. She was a member of the Newkirk First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed growing flowers, working in her yard, reading, tennis, traveling, caring for needy cats and feeding birds.
Survivors include one son, Lt. Col., (Ret.) Jeredy Kim Sherrod of Fairfield, Calif.; two daughters, Mrs. Douglas (Sandra) Cline and Juhree Vanderpool, both of Newkirk; three step-grandchildren; and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Donald Adams; one sister, Mrs. Raymond (Mildred Mc) Nietert.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Sherrod's name to the Newkirk Public Library, c/o Bank of Oklahoma, 210 South Main Street, Newkirk OK 74647 or to Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk 74647.
LAMONT - Mildred B. McConnell, lifelong resident of Lamont, died early Wednesday morning, Feb. 12, 1997, at the Willow Haven Nursing Home, Tonkawa. She was 88.
The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Lamont First Christian Church with the Rev. Ruth Tipps, pastor, officiating. Burial will be conducted in the Lamont Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Mildred B. (Balzer) McConnell was born Jan. 17, 1909, on the family farm at Lamont, the daughter of Henry and Nettie (Huffman) Balzer. She grew up on the family farm.
On May 12, 1928, she was married to Donald Galt McConnell in Enid, and the couple were engaged in farming west of Lamont. Mrs. McConnell was a member of the Lamont Christian Church, a charter member of the Lamont Rainbow Girls chapter, a charter member of the Rich Valley Home Extension group of Lamont. She was an avid gardener and had won several awards for her canning entries at county and state fairs. She moved to the Willow Haven Nursing Home in 1988.
Survivors include a daughter, Peggy Ingmire of Tonkawa; four sisters, Lois Morgan of Tonkawa, Dorothy Northcutt of Norman, Hazel Curby of Blackwell and Marjorie Lee of Ada; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, in 1979; one son, Gene; her parents; one sister, Fern; and an infant sister, Lucille.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. McConnell's name to the Lamont Christian Church, c/o McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, 400 E. Grand Ave., Tonkawa, OK 74653.
PURCELL - Helen Levings, former Ponca City-Blackwell resident, died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 1997 in Purcell. She was 73.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Purcell, with Father William Ross officiating. The graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the St. Marys Cemetery in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery in Ponca City with Father John Michalicka of Ponca City officiating.
Helen Levings was born Jan. 2, 1924, in Stillwater, the daughter of Otto German and Lillian Leistikow. She grew up in the Ponca City area and graduated from Billings High School in 1942.
On Oct. 19, 1946, she was married to George Allen Levings in Tonkawa and the couple made their home in Blackwell. In 1949 they moved to Rush Springs, where they owned and operated the G&L Cleaners for nearly 27 years. In 1976, they moved to Chickasha, where they owned and operated C&S Chemical Supply Co. After the death of her husband on Jan. 28, 1992, she moved to Purcell to live near a daughter. Mrs. Levings was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Purcell.
Survivors include one daughter, Joyce Pennington of Purcell; one son, Russell Levings of Noble; one sister, Eva Neely of Ponca City; six grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
Casket bearers will be Richard Levings, Mike Levings, Brian Levings, Chad Levings, Jeff Pennington and Alen Misak.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Levings' name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104-5097.
Edward F. "Eddie" George, father of Michelle Daine of Ponca City, died Friday, Feb. 7, 1997, at Tullahoma, Tenn. He was 67.
The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Moore's Funeral Home Chapel in Fayetteville, Ark., with Warren G. Helms officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery in Fayetteville.
Edward F. "Eddie" George was born Aug. 8, 1929 in Fayetteville, Ark., the son of Grover C. and Lucille Harbison George. He served with the 142nd Artillery in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
George made his home in Tullahoma, Tenn., where he had been employed as district manager for OTASCO. He was a member of the Tullahoma First Church of God.
Survivors include his wife, Marilynn George of Tullahoma; one son, Danny Edward George of Gallatin, Tenn.; three daughters, Shanon Ramsey and Lori Neyland both of Tullahoma, Tenn., and Lisa K. Lapierre of Maryland; two step-daughters, Catherine Dominy of Antioch, Tenn., and Michelle Daine of Ponca City; two brothers, Jimmie George of Fayetteville, Ark., and David George of Dallas, Texas; one sister, Anna Mae Stewart of Tulsa; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Emma Faye (Conrad) Cavnar former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 1997, in Sacramento, Calif. She was 74.
Arrangements were under the direction of Mt. Vernon Mortuary in Sacramento, Calif., and no services were held.
Emma Faye (Conrad) Cavnar was born Feb. 4, 1923 in Shamrock, the daughter of Loyd and Tresa Conrad. She moved to Ponca City in 1932, attended Ponca City schools, and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1942. She was a member of the Rainbow Girls and served as associate worthy advisor.
She was married to Neil Cavnar in April 1942, in the study of the Rev. Roderick C. Jackson, minister of the Winfield, (Kan.) Methodist Church. The couple made their home in Sacramento, Calif. for many years.
Survivors include Neil Cavnar of Sacramento; one son, Michael D. Cavnar of southern California; one brother, L.B. Conrad of Blackwell; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Oma A. McMillen.
Hazel Elizabeth Long, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday evening, Feb. 11, 1997, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 83.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, 1997, at the First Baptist Church Chapel with the Rev. Larry Masters, minister of music at First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home. No viewing will be held at the funeral service, but friends may call at the funeral home until 8:30 a.m. Friday.
Mrs. Long was born Feb. 14, 1913, in Chanute, Kan., to William F. and Iota M. (Smith) Norman. She graduated from Ponca City High School and attended Botts Business College.
She married Kenneth A. Long, Dec. 1, 1930, in Perry. He preceded her in death on April 7, 1993. Mrs. Long had been employed with Cities Service Oil company and with the Credit Bureau of Ponca City for 25 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Naomi Sunday School Class. She was one of the charter members of the Credit Women's Breakfast Club in Ponca City. She was a volunteer with Hospice of Ponca City.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Russell R. and Shirley Long of Salina, Kan.; grandson Jeffry R. Long and wife, Kelly, of Ponca City; granddaughter, Christy Macy, and husband Brian, of Lawrence, Kan.; two great-grandsons, Shelby R. and Cody Wayne Long of Ponca City; two nieces, Betty Henshaw and Dianne Miller, both of Tulsa; and a nephew, DeWayne Norman of Manhattan Beach, Calif. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and one sister.
Casket bearers will be Charles Hindes, Ed Heidlage, Martin Smith, Roy Neal, Bob Whitlock and Hudson Holder.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to the Ponca City Humane Society, P.O. Box 2311, Ponca City, OK 74602.
The family will be at the home, 1708 Holbrook.
paid obituary
NEWKIRK - Louise Wiles, longtime Newkirk resident, died, Friday, Feb. 7, 1997, in Dallas, Texas. She was 86.
The funeral will be held graveside in the Newkirk (Okla.) Cemetery, at 3 p.m. Friday under the direction of Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home, Dallas.
Louise (Hollenbeck) Wiles was born Feb. 3, 1911, in Newkirk, to Arthur Vere and Matilda Louise Hollenbeck. At age five, she moved with her family to Arkansas City, Kan., where she attended school, graduating from high school in 1929. She then attended Oklahoma University, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
In 1934, she was married to W. DeArmond Wiles in Blackwell and the couple made their home in Ponca City. They later lived in various localities in Oklahoma, then returned to Newkirk in 1946. Mrs. Wiles was an active member of the Newkirk First Presbyterian Church, PEO sisterhood and Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae chapter. In 1990, she moved to Dallas, Texas.
Survivors include one son, Worthey DeArmond Wiles Jr.; one daughter-in-law, Judy Jennings Wiles; one grandson, Worthey D. Wiles III; one granddaughter, Ashley Vee Wiles; two nephews and one cousin.
Donations may be made in Mrs. Wiles' name to the Newkirk Presbyterian Church, 201 South Walnut, Newkirk, OK 74647.
Connor Chapel Serving Dinner - Delicious barbecue ribs and fried chicken dinners will be served by Connor Chapel AME Church members at 945 South Twelfth on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For delivery, call 762-9557.
Navy Basic Training - Navy Seaman Recruit Heather D. Weigle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Cabbiness of Blackwell, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes Ill. During the eight-week program, Weigle completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, fire fighting, water safety and survival, shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis also is placed on physical fitness. This year the Navy will have more than 57,000 job openings and opportunities, most of which include guaranteed training. Weigle is a 1996 graduate of Blackwell High School.
Airman Graduates - Air Force Airman Misty D. Willaford has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and customs and received special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who completed basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Willaford is the daughter of Robin E. Goddard and Garth R. Willaford, both of Ponca City. She is a 1996 graduate of Ponca City High School.
Celebration - An "All Gourd Dance" starting at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cultural Center, Red Rock, will honor Raymond and Dorothy Butler on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. All gourd clans and friends are invited to attend. Supper will be at 5:30 p.m. followed by more gourd dancing.
Community Pool - School is out Friday and Monday and announcement has been made that the YMCA is open. The aquatic staff at the Community Pool, Seventh Street and East Grand Avenue, invites the kids to come to the YMCA. An open swim is scheduled for school-aged children 1-3 p.m. Lifeguards will be on duty. Cost is $1 for those 12 and under and $2 for 13 and older. Those attending should bring suit and towel. For more information contact the YMCA, 765-5417.
Senior Citizens Dance Set - A Senior Citizens Dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday in the Senior Citizens Building, 320 South A in Arkansas City with the Pete Coli Country Band providing the music for dancing. All seniors are invited to attend, and asked to bring a finger food to share.
Concert Tonight - The Ponca City Senior High School Symphony Orchestra will be in concert at 7:30 p.m. this evening in Hutchins Auditorium. They will be performing selections from their recent performance at the Oklahoma Music Educators Convention. The public is invited to hear the orchestra under the direction of Jeff Fox.
Grass Fire - Ponca City firefighters responded to extinguish a grass fire 2.25 miles west of Waverly Street on Hubbard Road at 11:10 a.m. Wednesday.
Under Suspension - A 40-year-old man was arrested at North Fourth Street and East Hartford Avenue at 1:07 p.m. Wednesday for driving under suspension.
Shoplifter - An employee at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported a shoplifter in custody at 2:47 p.m. Wednesday. A Ponca City police officer arrested an 18-year-old woman for petit larceny.
Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 34-year-old man at the police station at 2:58 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant for failure to pay.
Accident - A non-injury accident occurred at North Fifth Street and East Highland Avenue at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to the report of a Ponca City police officer.
Grass Fire - Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department responded to a grass fire 4.5 miles west of Ponca City on U.S. 60 at 4:19 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Ponca City telecommunication officers.
Fraud - A Ponca City police officer took a report of fraud at Lamp Post Liquor, 1501 North Union Street, at 5:14 p.m. Wednesday.
Warrant Served - A 23-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 500 block of South Thirteenth Street at 8:46 p.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Burglary - A resident in the 1500 block of East Bradley Avenue informed the Ponca City Police Department at 8:48 p.m. Wednesday of a burglary. An officer took a report.
Suspicious Van - A resident in the 300 block of South Elm Street advised Ponca City telecommunication officers of a suspicious white van in the alley between Osage Street and Elm Street. An officer responded at 9:16 p.m. Wednesday, contacted the van's owner and issued a citation. According to the officer, the vehicle was moved.
Grass Fire - Ponca City firefighters responded within four minutes to extinguish a grass fire in the alley of the 1000 block of North Birch Street at 9:21 p.m. Wednesday. The cause of the fire is unknown, according to the fire report. No damage was noted.
Collision - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident in the 1000 block of South Ninth Street at 1:12 a.m. Thursday.
Improper Use of 911 - A resident in the 2100 block of North Union Street was arrested by Ponca City police officers at 1:43 a.m. Thursday for improper use of 911.
Theft - A Ponca City police officer took a grand larceny report
in the 1900 block of North Sixth Street at 2:38 a.m. Thursday. The resident
claimed clothes were stolen.
SPORTS
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
So much for guessing about playoff pairings. The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association announced its 6A regional basketball assignments today and there were some surprises.
It looked like Ponca City's girls would match up with Jenks prior to the announcement but instead the Lady Wildcats will face Tahlequah Thursday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 at Tulsa Union in the first round.
On paper, that appears to be a good matchup for the Po-Hi ladies. Although Tahlequah is 13-6, the Tigers are the only 6A school in their conference. In addition to playing a weaker schedule, Tahlequah likes a slow-paced game and the 7-10 Lady Cats have fared well against those types of teams this season.
While the seedings were good to the Lady Cats they were hard on the Cats - who drew Jenks.
In their two meetings this season, 12-7 Jenks has beaten the 4-13 Po-Hi boys 61-38 and 70-52. In addition, Jenks has added motivation not to overlook the Cats. In last year's first round, highly ranked Jenks was upset by Sapulpa and eliminated.
Jenks and Ponca City are scheduled to meet Friday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Tulsa Memorial gym.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Class 6A regional basketball assignments for Feb. 27 through March 1, as provided Wednesday by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association with the following schedule:
6A EAST
GIRLS
Region 1
At Sapulpa
Sapulpa vs. Will Rogers, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.
Jenks vs. Broken Arrow, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.
Winners - March 1, 3 p.m.
Region 2
At Muskogee
Owasso vs. Bartlesville, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.
Muskogee vs. Memorial (Tulsa), Feb. 27, 8 p.m.
At Union
Winners - March 1, 1:30 p.m.
Region 3
At Edmond Memorial
Edmond Memorial vs. Enid, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.
Shawnee vs. Northwest Classen, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.
At Sapulpa
Winners - March 1, 1:30 p.m.
Region 4
At Union
Tahlequah vs. Ponca City, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.
Union vs. Charles Page, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.
Winners - March 1, 3 p.m.
6A EAST
BOYS
Region 1
At Broken Arrow
Broken Arrow vs. Shawnee, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
Owasso vs. Muskogee, Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Winners - March 1, 7 p.m.
Region 2
At Memorial (Tulsa)
Jenks vs. Ponca City, Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Memorial (Tulsa) vs. Tahlequah, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
Winners - March 1, 7 p.m.
Region 3
At Sapulpa
Sapulpa vs. Northwest Classen, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
Enid vs. Bartlesville, Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Winners - March 1, 7 p.m.
Region 4
At Union
Will Rogers vs. Edmond Memorial, Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Union vs. Charles Page, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
Winners - March 1, 7 p.m.
6A WEST
GIRLS
Region 1
At Norman
Norman vs. Eisenhower, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.
Midwest City vs. Moore, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.
Winners - March 1, 3 p.m.
Region 2
At Putnam City North
Putnam City West vs. Stillwater, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.
Putnam City North vs. Yukon, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.
At Norman
Winners - March 1, 1:30 p.m.
Region 3
At Mustang
Mustang vs. Del City, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.
Lawton vs. Putnam City, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.
At Edmond North
Winners - March 1, 1:30 p.m.
Region 4
At Edmond North
Choctaw vs. Westmoore, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.
Edmond North vs. Edmond Santa Fe, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.
Winners - March 1, 3 p.m.
6A WEST
BOYS
Region 1
At Putnam City North
Putnam City North vs. Lawton, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
Westmoore vs. Del City, Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Winners - March 1, 7 p.m.
Region 2
At Putnam City
Mustang vs. Choctaw, Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Putnam City vs. Edmond North, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
Winners - March 1, 7 p.m.
Region 3
At Midwest City
Midwest City vs. Edmond Santa Fe, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
Norman vs. Putnam City West, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Winners - March 1, 7 p.m.
Region 4
At Stillwater
Eisenhower vs. Moore, Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Stillwater vs. Yukon, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
Winners - March 1, 7 p.m.