From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday,
February 5, 1998
LOCAL
First Steps of Restoration Taken at No. 1 Fire Station
Balcer Joins Mayor's Race
Candidates For Two Boards Set for Forum
Local Residents, Businesses Being Told 'Buyers Beware!'
Chamber News
Kambour Dance Theatre Here Saturday at Poncan Theatre
Several Inmates Sentenced From County Seek Release
'Read to Your Bunny' Part Of Prescription for Reading
Area Students In Honors Band Event at NOC
Soybean Information Available
Employers Advisory Council Topic on 'Interviewing' Woes
Daffodil Days Represent Hope for Cancer Patients
District Court
DEATHS
Ralph Albert Thorstenberg
Erma Irene Clonts
Georgia Ellena Wickham
Lelia Elizabeth Robinson
Services Pending
Edna Mae Courtney
Wayne Garrett
Wanda M. Collins
Funerals
Alta Stout O'Dell
NEWS BRIEFS
GARDENING
NOIS To View Award Winners
Readers Invited To Contribute Gardening Tips
SPORTS
Matmen Set For Round 2
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
Let the restoration begin! Crews gathered, inspections began, surveys were taken and reports completed - it was the beginning to a much anticipated end.
Almost three months after voters approved a half cent sales tax increase to fund the restoration of the No. 1 Fire Station, the first steps towards the restoration have been taken.
This week's preparations, aimed at the demolition of the old building, are necessary so that the restoration and remodeling of the new building can begin.
Asbestos and stucco were the topics of reports this week. An asbestos survey was completed earlier this week. Required by law, the report will indicate areas, if any, where asbestos is located. The results should be known by early next week.
Meanwhile, the stucco survey began and ended this week. A local company has been hired to "investigate" the stucco on the fire station building. Once completed the report will show the location of any and all loose stucco on the exterior of the building.
"This will help in the bidding process," City Engineer Randy Lauritsen explained. "The inspection will determine the exact square footage of stucco that actually needs to be repaired."
Braving the cold morning temperatures and the heights, a consultant team was raised high into the sky high Wednesday in order to get a closer look at the tower structures of the building.
The consultant team accompanying Project Architect Troy Lewis on the "towering" voyage included Oklahoma City architectural consultant John Robinson and Nebraska restoration consultant Steve Peterson. The two have been hired by Lewis as consultants on the project.
"John was involved with the stucco repairs at the Cultural Center," Lewis explains. "They both have the expertise we need to get the job done right."
The entire demolition, renovation and remodeling project will be divided into two phases. Phase 1 will involve the demolition stage while Phase 2 will be concerned with the remodeling and renovations of the building.
As soon as the asbestos report is received an "asbestos abatement" company will be hired to remove asbestos from the building.
Asbestos-free, bids will then be taken on the demolition of the interior of the building. "The demolition will involve completely removing the entire interior," Lauritsen said. "Only the structure, exterior walls, columns, floors and the roof will be left."
According to Lauritsen, the demolition phase is scheduled to begin in late April and should be completed by the end of May.
Afterwards there will be a bidding period for the final stage and then Phase 2 should begin in late August. It is anticipated that the entire project will be completed by August 1999.
Only minutes before the mayoral filing period came to an end Wednesday evening, former Ponca City Mayor Carl Balcer filed - bringing the total number of mayoral candidates to four.
City Commissioners Dick Stone and Tom Leonard as well as retired city employee Melvin Schoonover filed earlier in the week.
Although he filed last and late Balcer says his decision to run was not a last minute decision and made out of concern for the city.
"I made the decision to run because I am concerned with the direction the city is going," Balcer stated. "My six-year tenure as mayor dictates the type of job I can do and the kind of job people would expect me to do."
Communication both inside city government and with the public is what Balcer sees as the number one problem currently facing the city. Open communication with the mayor is one solution to the problem.
"As in the past I will continue to have an 'open door' policy with an office that is open to the public from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily," Balcer says. "In the past I opened my own mail so that people felt free to write directly to me regarding any changes they feel are needed. In some cases this proved to be the catalyst to needed changes being made."
And it is change the former mayor says the people want. "Based on the last election where two new commissioners were elected I feel people want a change from what we have had in the past."
And if elected mayor, Balcer promises change. Reverting to the past, he would like to see a change in the structure and function of the city commission.
"I feel the system used in the past when the City had three commissioners was a good way to understand better the workings of the city," Balcer stated. "Then one commissioner was expected to familiarize himself with Public Works activities, one with Public Safety and one with Finance. I believe this type of system would provide more insight into the operations and needs of all departments."
In addition Balcer feels a more conservative approach by the city commission is needed.
"Large expenditures of brick-and-mortar projects for City needs may require financing, but new roofs or heating and air conditioning for current city buildings should be paid for out of the city budget funds," he states. "Also in most cases if new equipment is needed and replacements are a necessity, they should be budgeted for even if it required funds to be accumulated over a 3-5 year period and paid for upon their purchase."
In addition to serving as mayor from 1986-1992, Balcer retired from the Ponca City Fire Department as chief training officer in 1969. Since his retirement he has held positions as vice president of Security Bank, marketing executive for Bank IV and after 12 years as marketing coordinator and agricultural sales manager for Mertz Inc., he retired.
Upon retirement and after extensive travels both in the U.S. and abroad, he joined J. Rowe Real Estate where he is currently working as a broker.
The Balcer family includes his wife of 45 years, Freda, and three children all of whom lived in Ponca City until graduating from college.
Balcer himself was born and raised in Ponca City, attended NOC and graduated from Central State University with a bachelor of arts degree. He is a retired U.S. Army colonel, having served in both World War II and the Vietnam Conflict.
In the past he has served as president of the NOC College Foundation, the Ponca City chapter of the American Business Club, Ponca City Safety Council, Ponca City Employee Union, Pioneer Technology Center School Board and the State of Oklahoma Vocational-Technical Education Council.
Additionally, Balcer has served as chairman of the Ponca City Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment, was district chairman of the Boy Scouts of America and general chairman of the Ponca City Grand Prix Sports Car Races.
He has served as both president and drive chairman for the United Way and is currently serving on the United Way board of directors. He is also vice president of the Pioneer Technology Center Foundation.
"My track record speaks for itself," Balcer said. "And, if elected, my philosophy as it was in the past would continue."
Candidates for the Ponca City School Board and Pioneer Technology Center will field questions at a special Friday Forum this week.
The event will be at 8 a.m. Friday at Pioneer Technology Center, and is sponsored by the Legislative Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce. The format will feature some prepared questions by moderator Steve Crank and then the floor will be opened for questions. The program is to be over by 9 a.m.
Candidates for the Ponca City School Board are Ann Kinsinger and Mike Kruck. Running for the Pioneer Tech board are Zane Barham and Mary Rigdon.
The public is welcome and complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
"Buyers Beware!" That is the message several businesses and the Ponca City High School Athletic Department is sending to generous area merchants. A Tulsa-based company is taking advantage of unsuspecting local businesses wanting to promote and help Ponca City athletes.
Football, baseball, basketball and wrestling - a Tulsa company called Sports Design Unlimited has and continues to bill local area businesses for athlete calenders for every sport team in Ponca City.
Businesses eager to contribute and promote school programs, have been opening their pocketbooks in order to support what they believed to be local athletic programs.
However, they are discovering the funds they are spending have nothing to do with the Ponca City Athletic Department or any other local sport organizations and are more than likely being spent elsewhere for something other than Ponca City athletes.
The company sends the professional-looking invoices to unsuspecting supporters which are paying them merely because the bold print states "Ponca City Wildcats."
One such invoice reads in its entirety "Project For: Sponsor Ad on the 1998 Ponca City Wildcats Baseball Team Calendar Poster."
However, neither the athletic department nor any booster clubs in Ponca City have anything to do with the calendar, Sports Design Unlimited or benefit from the funds they receive. Nor have any of the "calendars" been given to or seen by local merchants they have paid the invoice.
One local business owner admits he did not notice and/or pay much attention to the Tulsa return address on the invoices he received and paid. "I was surprised when I learned that the payments were going to Tulsa," owner of Spray's Jewelers Carter Buller admitted. "I took it that it was something for the high school here and so I paid it."
Scam May Be Lengthy
Also thinking the funds were supporting area youths, another business admits to paying the $25.50 invoice 4 times per/year for at least the past 4 years. "We may have paid it even longer than that," Smith Home Furnishings accountant Linda Hemenway said. "But our computer records only go back 4 years."
The accountant, like so many other local merchants, would not have had a second thought about the invoice if not for one minor detail - Hemenway also happens to be the treasurer for the local baseball booster club.
Thinking something was "funky" with the invoice from Sports Design Unlimited, Hemenway did some research and discovered that her company had been paying for something other than what they had thought they were.
"We thought we were paying for an ad on the 'official' athletic schedules that appear in windows all over town," Hemenway says. "But when I took a closer look at one of those schedules I found that they were printed as a courtesy."
It was only by chance that the accountant was tipped off to the rip-off. "The only reason I knew something was wrong was because I happen to be paying the company bills and at the same time I am the treasurer of the Dug Out Club," Hemenway stated. "How often would you happen to have that combination?"
Although not surprised, Ponca City Athletic Director Rusty Benson says that the posters have nothing to do with any Ponca City school athletic programs. "This company and their promotional materials have nothing to do with us," Benson said. "People pay the money assuming it will help our children but the money is really going to someone behind a desk in Tulsa."
Benson says he is well aware of the company's gimmicks and the complaints they bring because it happens every year with each athletic program. He says that at one time the company claimed to be selling seat cushions.
"Anytime I alert the media and an article appears in the newspaper warning businesses, the company merely changes their name and keeps on operating," Benson says.
Where Did Funds Go?
Angered and left with more questions than answers the local businesses now wonder exactly what they paid for and are asking where the funds went, how they were spent and on what and by whom.
The accountant wrote a letter to the company several weeks ago asking for a copy of the calendar however, she has yet to receive an answer. And she, like many others, may be waiting a long time for answers.
The Tulsa Better Business Bureau (BBB) says it has received several similar complaints on the company in the last three years and all from outlying cities and towns.
"The business has an unsatisfactory business record with us," BBB office manager Michelle Cochran says. "We have received five complaints on this business and only one reply has been received.
And that reply was, according to the complainant, "bogus and failed to address the problem."
However the BBB is limited in the action they can take on such complaints. Upon receiving a complaint about a company the BBB sends a letter to the company informing them of the complaint and requesting a response to the complaint.
If no answer is received, the complainant is notified that an answer to their complaint was not received. And usually the matter ends there.
State Office Contacted
The State Attorney General's Office confirmed that they too have received complaints on Sports Design Unlimited. "We have received two complaints on this company in 1997," Director of the Consumer Complaints Unit of the Attorney General's Office Jane Wheeler said. "However it usually takes 10 complaints before we take a look at a company. We encourage anyone with any complaints to call our office at 405-521-2029."
According to Wheeler the two complaints received in the AG's Office were referred to the Postal Inspector.
Efforts to contact the company by telephone are fruitless seeing that the company's invoice does not have a telephone number on it, nor is a number listed in the telephone book and Tulsa directory assistance does not have a listing for the company.
The Ponca City Athletic Department has some advise for area merchants wanting to truly help local athletes. "When in doubt ask!" Benson advises area merchants. "All booster clubs are local so if they can't show a local driver's license or don't have a local address don't pay it. And if anyone has any questions they can call my office." Benson warns.
At $25.50 an invoice with four different sports per/year and one calendar per team that adds up for all involved - the businesses paying the bill, the athletic department losing the pay and the profits Sports Design Unlimited is reaping. However, the true victims are the local young athletes.
"The sad part is that they are not only taking money from people wanting to helps us but they are taking the funds out of town and away from our kids," Benson stated.
450-Plus Attend Annual Banquet To Hear Boettcher Speak
The Chamber's 104th Annual Meeting and Banquet at the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium was attended by 450-plus members and guests last Friday. The highlight of the evening was guest speaker and homegrown celebrity Mike Boettcher, NBC News correspondent who related his world travels to the crowd and expressed his concern with society's hunger for sensational news.
Other highlights for the evening included the entertainment by the Po-Hi Chamber Ensemble and the meal that was prepared by the Pioneer Technology Center Food Service Program.
During the evening there were several award presentations:
Ambassador of the Year - Pixie Rowland
Community Service Award - Paul Prather
Small Industry of the Year - Centerline, Inc.
Large Industry of the Year - Thorn Apple Valley
Outstanding Citizen of the Year - Jerry Evans.
Following the award presentations Immediate Past-Chairman, Larry Felix passed the gavel to Chairman Scott Dean who encouraged the community to remember that "Success is a journey - not a destination."
Special thanks to Home National Bank for the reception, the banquet committee for all of their time and effort and the businesses who donated their services: Victoria's Garden and Interiors, Honey Bee Floral Design, M&M Family Flowers, Monumental Enterprises Inc., Hobby Lobby Creative Center and Smith Home Furnishings.
School Candidates to Air Views
With election day for both Ponca City Schools and Pioneer Technology Center less than a week away, the Chamber will be hosting a special Education Forum this Friday at 8 a.m. in the EBC Room at Pioneer Technology Center. You are invited to attend, listen to the candidates and ask questions. All candidates for Ponca City School Board and Pioneer Technology Center Board have been invited to be present.
This event will be an excellent opportunity for us all to meet the candidates face to face and hear their plans for helping keep our vital educational systems on the move.
We all owe a debt of gratitude to those persons who show their commitment to improving education in Ponca City by stepping forward and offering to serve on our behalf in this most critical area. As voters, we owe it to ourselves to be informed on the issues and vote our views accordingly. Elections should be decided on the issues, not the quantity or quality of yard signs.
Come join us for the Candidates Forum.
Upcoming Events
Friday, Feb. 6 - Special Friday Forum, 8 a.m. Pioneer Technology Center.
Wednesday, Feb. 11- Health & Medical Committee, noon, SJRMC Conference Room C.
Thursday, Feb. 12 - Infrastructure Committee, 4:30 p.m., Chamber Conference Room.
Friday, Feb. 13 - Second Friday Forum (Local Legislators), 8 a.m., Pioneer Technology Center.
Kambour Dance Theatre, a modern dance company based in Norman, will perform Saturday at the Poncan Theatre.
The performance is sponsored by the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and Conoco. All audiences are welcome to attend and the performance is free.
The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
The seed for Kambour Dance Theatre was planted when Artistic Director Tina Kambour moved to Central Oklahoma in 1991 after 12 years as a professional dancer in New York City. She began choreographing in her home state of Florida and has presented her work across the country. Kambour collaborates with talented composers, actors and dancers and continues to build an extensive and varied repertory.
Since 1994, Kambour has worked with Kansas City choreographer Susan Rieger. Together they created three works based on three generations of women. The haunting "Nana's Hands" embodies the lives of the choreographers' immigrant grandmothers. The Tulsa World called "Nana's Hands" "a subtle but powerfully effective piece." While "Tangled Vine" explores the complex relationship between mothers and daughters, "Crossing Paths" is an autobiographical look at the choreographers' lives.
Kambour's solo "Finished Products" is a humorous look at the process vs. product phenomenon. Among the unusual props for this piece are clay and spaghetti. The Tulsa World called "Finished Products" "out-and-out excellent." It "combined strong technique, energetic execution and a sly, zany sense of humor."
The concert will also feature two group works. "Obstacles and Miracles" is a colorful, lively dance performed to the music of Pietro Locatelli. Originally set on the University of Central Oklahoma Kaleidoscope Dancers, the dance was selected for the Gala performance at the 1996 American College Dance Festival.
Another work, "Edge," was created for 12 dancers. The piece weaves images of our fears and dreams while combining dance and text with mesmerizing cello music.
OKLAHOMA CITY - Several Oklahoma inmates will be considered this month for parole by the State of Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.
The February meetings will be held on Feb. 24, 25, 26 and 27 at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center here. Daily meetings will begin at 8 a.m. each day, except for Tuesday, Feb. 24, when the meeting will begin at 2 p.m. Victims or their representatives should plan to arrive between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
Comments concerning any inmate on the docket must be submitted in writing and be received by the Pardon and Parole Board at 4040 North Lincoln, Suite 219, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73105-5221 no later than Tuesday, Feb. 17. The phone number is 405-427-8601.
The following inmates sentenced from the District Courts of Kay County are scheduled on the regular parole docket:
Cesar Flores, incarcerated since September 1996 and serving a five-year sentence on a charge of trafficking a controlled dangerous substance, marijuana.
Danny Hurt, incarcerated since July 1986 and serving a 50-year sentence on a charge of uttering a forged instrument after former felony convictions.
Terry L. Webster, incarcerated since April 1991 and serving a 15-year sentence on a charge of procuring a child under 18 for an indecent act after former felony conviction.
Clifford A. West, incarcerated since October 1991 and serving a 20-year sentence on a charge of unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to distribute after former felony conviction.
More than 200,000 free copies of a new book, "Read to Your Bunny," have been distributed to participating bookstores across the nation through a cooperative initiative entitled Prescription for Reading.
The Prescription for Reading Partnership, an integral component of the America Reads Challenge, was launched in April 1997 by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton on the eve of the White House Conference on Early Childhood and Brain Development.
Prescription for Reading is based on the successful work of a Boston-based organization, Reach Out and Read, which corroborates that reading to very young children enhances the child's overall intellectual, emotional, and physical development.
The American Booksellers Association (ABA), in partnership with the Association of Booksellers for children (ABC), Scholastic Inc., and Brace Books & More, Ponca City, has designed this program to encourage parents and guardians of very young children to make reading part of a daily routine.
"By working with the Kay County Health Department to prescribe reading during 'well-baby' checkups and other programs,", said Jean Brace of Brace Books & More, "We can work toward meeting the goal of the America Reads Challenge and ensure that all children learn to read well and independently by the time they enter third grade.
"Read to Your Bunny," a new Scholastic picture book by acclaimed author and illustrator Rosemary Wells, is a colorful, vibrant story that delivers a simple message: Reading to a child is an important part of daily activities.
The book is published by Scholastic. Brace Books & More has given "Prescription coupons": for free paperback copies of "Read to Your Bunny" to the Kay County Health Department where they will be given to individual parents and guardians to be redeemed at Brace Books & More for copies of the free book.
"Your program is a very important step in implementing the Prescription for Reading Partnership," wrote First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in a letter to the ABA. "We all realize that modest investments in the sound development of our children, especially our youngest children, will lay the groundwork for an American future with increased prosperity, better health, with fewer social ills, and ever greater opportunities for our citizens to lead fulfilling lives."
The American Booksellers Association, founded in 1900, is a not-for-profit trade organization headquartered in Tarrytown, N.Y., and on the Internet at http:/ /www.bookweb.org/. Its mission includes protecting the well-being of retail bookstores and promoting the availability of books. The ABA supports its members through education, research, and the dissemination of information.
For more than 75 years, Scholastic Inc., has been committed to creating quality educational materials for students, teachers, and families. The company is one of the leading publishers and distributors of children's books, magazines, and core curriculum materials.
Scholastic also publishes educational software products and produces children and family oriented videos and television programs. The company's international operations include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Mexico.
The Association of Booksellers for children is a national membership association that offers a support network for professional children's booksellers who share the goal of encouraging quality and service within the childrens' book industry.
The Ingram Book Company is America's largest wholesale distributor of books, audio books, periodicals, and multimedia to booksellers, librarians, and specialty retailers.
TONKAWA - Area high school and junior high honor band students will present a free concert at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center, according to Dineo Heilmann, Northern Fine Arts Division Chair.
More than 200 students are expected on campus Friday and Saturday for the annual two-day Northern Invitational Honors Band event. Students from Ponca City High School and Mid-High School will be among the instrumentalists.
High school students will audition for chair seating Friday afternoon. Dr. Matthew Mailman, director of bands at Oklahoma City University, will serve as clinician.
Jerry Toler, retired after 36 years as an Oklahoma band director, is the clinician for the junior high band students. Junior high musicians auditioned at Stillwater High School earlier this year.
Students participating are from Billings, Blackwell, Deer Creek-Lamont, Guthrie, Morrison, Newkirk, Perkins-Tryon, Perry, Ponca City, Shidler, Stillwater and Tonkawa schools.
Those who have not yet signed up for the Soybean Clinic scheduled for Feb. 19, at the Kay Electric Cooperative in Blackwell should give the Kay County OSU Extension Office a call at 580-362-3194.
Kay County Extension agriculture educator Larry Fleck said, "There is a great deal of interest in soybean production here in North Central Oklahoma and we feel that a one-day intensive clinic will provide producers with the opportunity to get the most current research information and ask questions in a convenient one-stop format."
Presentations will be made by Dr. Ron Sholar, OSU Extension Crops Specialist on cultural practices and weed control. Dr. Jim Stiegler, OSU Extension Soils Management Specialist will discuss tillage practices. Dr. Kim Anderson, OSU Extension Marketing Specialist will discuss marketing and Roger Gribble, OSU Area Agronomist will cover fertility.
The clinic begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration and a trade show. The meeting will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and conclude by 3:30 p.m.
While there is no registration fee, space is limited so producers are requested to preregister as soon as possible, Fleck said, which will help the organization in providing educational materials and planning the sponsored luncheon and break refreshments.
Producers can preregister by sending their name and address to the OSU Extension Center at P.O. Box 430, Newkirk, OK 74647 by Feb. 13, or by calling 580-362-3194 to register or obtain additional information.
Featured speaker for the Employers Advisory Council meeting set for Wednesday at Pizza Hut, will be Kathleen Liles, Human Resource Manager for Worldwood Industries. She'll speak about "The Legal Do's and Don'ts of Interviewing."
Lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the general meeting starting at noon. All area employers are welcome.
Ms. Liles is a member of the National Society of Human Resources Management, and has been certified as a professional in Human Resources. She is also a member of the Oklahoma City Human Resource Society.
She graduated with honors from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. She has recently been invited to serve as a member of the State Regents technical occupational council.
Currently Liles is serving a two-year commitment as state co-chair of the Employer's Advisory Committee for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.
She has experience in employee relations, worker's compensation, auditing personnel polices and procedures to conform with federal and state laws, compliance with OSHA industry standards, dispute resolution, drug screening legislation and procedures and sexual harassment investigations.
The Kay County Employers Advisory meeting is the second Wednesday of each moth at Pizza Hut and is open to all area employers. The council gives area employers the opportunity to meet other employers, discuss local employment issues and receive information on such topics as family medical leave, workers compensation, unemployment insurance, labor market information and local issues as they arise.
To reserve a seat for this meeting contact Mike Daughtery at (580) 765-3372.
The daffodil, "Flower of Hope" with its advance appearance in Kay County gives a head start to spring.
The American Cancer Society has chosen the daffodil to represent the hope for cancer patients and the hope for research to find a cure for cancer. Daffodil Days will be Feb. 20-22.
Several of the churches plan to participate by allowing their members to provide daffodils for their sanctuary on Feb. 22. These flowers are honoring a survivor or in memory of someone who fought the battle.
Businesses are encouraged to purchase these daffodils in support of the community cancer patients and the services the community now has available through St. Joseph Cancer Center. Individuals may purchase bundles of cut daffodils for their personal use.
The money from Daffodil Day sales will go for education in Kay County, patient services for patients who need help with some medications, treatments, equipment, etc. Bundles of 10 cut daffodils may be ordered by calling Betty Tautfest at Northeast Baptist Church, 765-2404 or in the evening at 762-1354, or Vickie Morton at Parker Pest Control, 762-6614. Donations of $5 for a bundle of 10 cut daffodils are being asked. Daffodil orders of $25 or more will be delivered, and smaller orders may be picked up at St. Joseph Cancer Center, North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue.
Daffodils will also be available at United Supermarket, Wal-Mart, and K-Mart on Feb. 20 and 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone wishing to become a cancer volunteer and man one of the tables for a couple of hours on one of those days, call Tautfest at 765-2404 or 762-1354.
Blackwell
Divorces Sought
Sherri Potts vs. Alford Potts Jr.
Dana Rutledge vs. Timothy Rutledge.
Robert Brent Blay vs. Shelley J. Blay.
DEATHS
NORMAN - Ralph Albert Thorstenberg, former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 1998, at his home in Norman. He was 83.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Baptist Church in Norman with the Revs. John Shelton and Jerry Walker officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, Norman, under the direction of Primrose Funeral Home, Norman. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Ralph Albert Thorstenberg was born Aug. 21, 1914, in Kansas City, Kan., to Joseph Rudolph and Margaret (Saunders) Thorstenberg. He attended Kansas City University in Kansas City, Kan., and was an outstanding athlete and coach. At one time he coached the AAU Basketball Team of Ponca City.
He was married to Dorothy Lee Hanna on Nov. 2, 1947. Thorstenberg was self employed and an original "Mr. Mom." He was an active Christian, and had been a member of several churches, including Ruby Avenue Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kan., First Baptist Church in Ponca City, Trinity Baptist Church in Norman, Pikes Peak Park Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, Colo. He served in revival services all over the United States and enjoyed church music.
Survivors include a daughter, Roberta Ann Cordes of Colorado Springs, Colo.; one son, Charles Albert Thorstenberg of Norman; one brother, Richard Lee Thorstenberg of Ponca City; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; two brothers, Joseph Clarence and Harold Arthur Thorstenberg.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Thorstenberg's name to Music Ministry of Faith Baptist Church, Norman, c/o Primrose Funeral Home, 1109 North Porter, Norman, OK 73071.
BLACKWELL - Erma Irene Clonts, longtime Blackwell resident, died Tuesday morning, Feb. 3, 1998, in Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was 79.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. The Rev. John Newland, House of Prayer Church in Blackwell and The Rev. Jackie Crafton, Blackwell First Assembly of God Church, will officiate. Burial will be at 3:30 p.m. at the Oakdale Cemetery in Paden, Okla.
Erma Irene (Yoakum) Clonts was born March 9, 1918, in Prague to Roy and Mittie (Taylor) Yoakum. She grew up in the Prague/Lincoln County area.
She married Alfred Lewis Clonts on Nov. 26, 1938, in Millfay, Okla., where they established their first home. They moved to Blackwell in 1950. Mrs. Clonts was a member of the Blackwell House of Prayer church.
Survivors include her husband, Alfred Clonts of Blackwell; one daughter, Nelda Lou Margerum of Corpus Christi, Texas; four sons, Noel Lewis, Melvin Leon, Dairel Gene and Terry Allen of Blackwell; one sister, Bernice May Oliver of Moore; two brothers Ernest Tucker of Vero Beach, Fla., and Clifford Allen Tucker of Oklahoma City; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Lois Spry; and one great-grandson.
Casket bearers will be Noel Clonts Jr., Timothy Clonts, James Clonts, Christopher Clonts, Larry Margerum Jr., and Neal Clonts. Honorary bearers will be Brent Young, Perry Avra, Don Rutter and Darrell Rutter.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Clonts' name to a church or charity of choice.
FORAKER - Georgia Ellena Wickham, Foraker resident, died Tuesday night, Feb. 3, 1998, at the Pawhuska City Hospital. She was 91.
The funeral is set graveside at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Greenwood Cemetery in Sedan, Kan. with the Rev. Bill Long officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.
Georgia Ellena (Stark) Wickham was born Feb. 22, 1906, in Elk City, Kan., the daughter of James P. and Eva Bell (Seybold) Stark. She attended Elk City schools.
She was married to Alfred Al Wickham on Aug. 18, 1923, in Independence, Kan., and they made their first home in Elk City, Kan. Mrs. Wickham had been employed as a cook in nursing homes and hospitals before her retirement. She was a longtime member of the VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed making things for her grandchildren and growing flowers. Mrs. Wickham moved to Foraker in September 1992.
Survivors include two sons, Marvin, of Foraker and Thomas, of Sedan, Kan.; nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by her husband Alfred; one son, Alfred A. Wickham Jr.; her parents; two brothers and three sisters.
Casket bearers will be Bill Wickham, Bob Wickham, John Wickham, Jim Wickham, Mike Wickham, Rex Wickham and Craig Wickham. Honorary bearers will be Becki Starbuck and Peggy Perry.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Wickham's name to the Foraker Methodist Church, c/o Madge Morris, Route 1, Foraker, OK 74652.
FAIRFAX - Lelia Elizabeth Robinson, longtime Fairfax resident died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 1998, at the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. She was 83.
The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Friday, at the Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Robert Glasgow officiating. Burial will be in the Fairfax Cemetery.
Lelia Elizabeth (Gibson) Robinson was born March 18, 1914, in Santa Barbara, Calif., the daughter of Frank and Maude (Bays) Gibson.
She was married to Neal Robinson on March 25, 1939, in Cleveland, Okla. Mrs. Robinson had been a cook at Fairfax Memorial Hospital for more than 20 years. She was a member of First Osage Baptist Church and active in the Fairfax Senior Citizens' group. She enjoyed reading and embroidering.
Survivors include four sons, Neal, Darrell, George and Henry Robinson, all of Nowata; one brother, George Sager of Carson City, Nev.; several nieces and nephews; and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1959; one daughter, Ann Robinson; her parents; six brothers and six sisters.
Casket bearers will be Donnie Wood, Rickey Wood, Cory Hawkins, Dave Fulton, Randy Anderson and Bobby Adams. Honorary bearers will be Robert Loyd "Andy" Anderson, Ernest Hood, Melvin Sager and Kent Ritchie.
Edna Mae Courtney, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Feb. 5, 1998, at Highland Nursing Center. She was 96. Survivors include a son, Dale Courtney of Ponca City. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Wayne Garrett, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Feb. 5, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 85. Survivors include his wife, Pearl, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
Wanda M. Collins, former Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 1998, at Holly Heights Nursing Center in Denver, Colo. She was 86. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Saturday
Alta Stout O'Dell - Funeral at 10 a.m. at the Church of Christ
in Kingfisher. Burial will be in the Blackwell (Okla.) Cemetery at 2 p.m.
under the direction of Sanders Funeral Home, Kingfisher.
NEWS BRIEFS
Return To The 60s - At the Ronnie Kaye Sock Hop Saturday at the Elks Club. Highest Rated D.J. in the U.S. Ronnie Kaye to MC. Contests, games, 60s music, wear your bell bottoms and tye-dyes. Free refreshments and cash bar. Tickets are $10, available at the Opportunity Center. All proceeds will be donated to the Opportunity Center.
Boy Scout Chili Supper - The Annual Boy Scout Troop No. 5 chili supper will be held Friday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Parish Hall, 421 South Seventh. The all-you-can-eat supper includes chili, hot dogs, vegetable soup, cake and drinks. Tickets at the door are $4.50.
Free Tax Assistance - AARP Tax-Aide is providing free tax assistance for middle to low income taxpayers age 60 and above. The tax assistance volunteers will be available Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 15 at the Ponca City Library.
Club Moves Meetings - Pioneer Rotary Club will be meeting at Huff-Minor American Legion Post, 407 West South Avenue, until further notice. Meeting time is noon each Friday. The club previously met at Crown and Rose English Pub.
Harassing Calls - A woman in the 1300 block of South Seventh Street reported harassing phone calls to police at 9:23 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned.
Road Trash - At 11:01 a.m. Wednesday a woman called police advising of trash in the road in the 600 block of South Fourth Street.
Arrest - A 34-year-old man was arrested at 12:11 p.m. Wednesday from the 700 block of North Second Street on a city warrant.
Bogus Check - At 1:49 p.m. Wednesday a man in the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street called police regarding a bogus check. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Plastered Road - At 3:51 p.m. Wednesday police were advised that there was plaster in the roadway at North Fourteenth Street and East Highland Avenue.
Arrest - A 43-year-old man was arrested at 4:50 p.m. Wednesday from the 400 block of South Peachtree Street on a city warrant for failure to obey.
Speeders - At 5:08 p.m. Wednesday extra patrol was requested in the 500 block of North Tenth Street due to speeders.
Arrest - Police arrested a 47-year-old man at 5:53 p.m. Wednesday from the 700 block of North Fourteenth Street for obstructing an officer.
Arrest - A 33-year-old man was arrested at 6:03 p.m. Wednesday from the 500 block of West Oklahoma Avenue on a city warrant for failure to obey.
Stolen Ring - At 7:05 p.m. Wednesday a woman reported the theft of her wedding ring from her vehicle while it was parked in the 900 block of North Palm Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
House Noise - At 8:06 p.m. Wednesday police were called to the 400 block of North Seventh Street for noises heard at the resident's home. Nothing was found.
Stolen Bike - At 8:17 p.m. Wednesday a woman in the 400 block of East Emporia Avenue reported a bike stolen.
Assault - At 9:08 p.m. Wednesday a woman reported that she had been assaulted while at the Ponca City Country Club. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 19-year-old man at 11:32 p.m. Wednesday from the 1000 block of East South Avenue on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Arrest - A 19-year-old woman was arrested at 12:19 a.m. Thursday
from the 900 block of Harding Avenue on a Garfield County warrant.
GARDENING
Northern Oklahoma Iris Society members will meet Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. Dorothy Dixon of Arkansas City, Kan. will present a slide program of the recent AIS award-winning Iris to kick off the new year for the local organization.
Discussion will include topics such as "Pollen Dauber's Seminar" in Oklahoma City and "Garden Judging of Tall Bearded Iris" school in Tulsa.
Anyone interested in growing irises is invited to attend the meeting. For more information call Carol, 765-2390.
Area residents interested in gardening and sharing information are invited
to send a "tip," hint, idea or suggestion for other readers to
use. Each week, depending on availability, The News will publish a brief
article and the sender's name. One paragraph or 50 words or less please.
Mail or fax items to Over the Fence, Gardening Page, The Ponca City News,
P. O. Box 191, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. Fax #580 765-7800. Information will
not be taken by phone and is subject to editing.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Fans who watched the down-to-the-wire wrestling dual between Ponca City and Sand Springs last week can now get ready for Round 2.
The Wildcats host Sapulpa tonight, starting at 7 in Robson Fieldhouse, in search of their ninth dual victory of the season and Po-Hi coach Pat Young predicts this one should rival the Cats' 37-31 victory over Sand Springs last week.
"This is going to be another tough one, just as tough as Sand Springs," Young said. "We are going to have to wrestle well to win."
Sapulpa finished fifth in the tournament the Chieftains hosted two weeks ago while the Wildcats were eighth.
The Chieftains crowned one champion, two runners-up and placed five others.
Sapulpa's Justin Ross won the 160-pound title while Jason Broom was second at 215 and Scott White was the runner up at 152. Taking third were Brady Newport at 103 pounds and Todd Jordan at 130. Eric Scott at 140 placed fourth, Mark Wheaton fifth at 275 and Ben Ludker sixth at 112.
There were three head-to-head meetings between the Wildcats and Chieftains.
Mark Dodgen pinned Travis Lawson at 125 pounds, Lorenzo Jones beat Carl Leslie at 145 and Kyle Duren lost a close 7-5 decision to White at 152.
But those were the tournament lineups for both teams. Like the Poncans, Sapulpa usually drops several weights for tournaments.
Ponca City will field its dual lineup tonight, meaning Dodgen will be at 130. Jones will actually be down a weight to 140 while Duren will remain at 152.
Coach Young said he wasn't sure which lineup Sapulpa will bring since the Chieftains are on their way to a tournament in Kansas this week. He suspects the Chieftains will be at their tournament weights.
There was just one change in the Po-Hi lineup from last week. Junior Matt Noonan will go at 171 pounds.
The Ponca City lineup will include Phillip Brotherton (3-5) at 103 pounds, Phillip Gelino (14-10) at 112, Josh Bailey (16-9) at 119, Clint Stafford at 125, Mark Dodgen (21-4) at 130, Matt Dodgen (19-1) at 135, Jones (14-11) at 140, Michael Osborn (19-14) at 145, Duren (20-8) at 152, Toby Redleaf (10-8) at 160, Noonan at 171, Jay Bentley (15-12) at 189, Nick Steichen (10-12) at 215 and Jason Nurenberg (10-10) at 275.
The Wildcats close out the dual season at home next Tuesday against Tulsa
Union. They will take part in the Dual State Tournament at Moore Feb. 13-14,
the regional tournament at Jenks Feb. 20-21 and the state tournament at
Norman Feb. 27-28.