From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Monday, February
23, 1998
LOCAL
Escapee Sought By Authorities Near Ponca City
Soldier Dies From Gunshot
Wakita Church Breaks Ground To Replace Burned Structure
Miss NOC Pageant Title To Edmond Contestant
DEATHS
Pvt. Raymond Brian Estes III
Hazel E. Johnston
Thomas Jefferson Gilbert
Obituaries
Bobby G. Irons
James W. Kelley
Services Pending
Bobby Wells
Lucille H. Powell
Funerals
Rev. A.G. Weatherman
Georgia May Hudson
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Couple Will Wed March 21
Alpha Gamma Making Plans For Convention
SPORTS
Monday Evening Quarterback
Gelino, Steichen Never in Doubt
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
Several law enforcement agencies were involved in a five-hour manhunt Saturday in Osage County. Authorities received information that a Department of Corrections escapee from the Creek County jail was located at a residence on Hunt Road just south of U.S. 60.
An Oklahoma Highway Patrol airplane, DOC canine units and officers from both the Osage County and Kay County Sheriff' s office as well as several OHP units were called to the scene. However the escapee, Brad Pruett, had fled into nearby woods upon seeing a deputy's car.
At that point, the DOC canine units from the Dick Conner State Correctional Facility north of Hominy were called in to assist in the search. According to Osage County Chief Deputy Wes Penland it took the canine units over an hour to arrive on the scene.
"By that time he was already gone and we could not locate him," Penland said.
According to a DOC spokesman, Pruett was sentenced in Tulsa County to 20 years for possession of illegal drugs, trafficking, attempt to manufacture a dangerous and controlled substance and possession of a firearm. He was serving time in the Creek County jail when he walked away from a work detail in October.
Pruett is described as being 5 feet 10 inches tall with brown hair and blue eyes and he is considered armed and dangerous. "Anyone that has been on the run that long is more than likely armed," Penland stated.
An 18-year-old member of the U.S. Army from Fort Riley, Kan., died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at a local motel Saturday.
Police received a 911 call shortly after 4:30 p.m. from a person at the Lazy K Motel, 205 South Fourteenth Street, advising police that a man in the lobby had a gun and was threatening to shoot himself.
Police and ambulance arrived on the scene and found Pvt. Raymond Brian Estes III with a wound to the head. He was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center were he died.
By BOB PATTERSON
News City Editor
WAKITA - In slightly less than four months after seeing their church go up in flames, the Wakita Christian Church broke ground for a new facility Sunday afternoon.
Fire destroyed the congregation's wood-frame building on Nov. 2, 1997, but it was determined that Sunday morning, as they met at St. Mary's Catholic Church on the east edge of town, that a new facility would be built.
Pastor Barry Worcester, leading the congregation to the St. Mary's Church on that Sunday, reported to the congregational members that "there have been a number of you say that 'we'll rebuild,' and I feel you have made the right decision."
The congregation, meeting across the street to the west and in the next block south from where they had been meeting for more than 90 years, held formal groundbreaking ceremonies for a 60-by-100 foot structure that will be built all on the ground level.
"We'll build it better, with wood and steel frame. There will be some brick, but that amount will be determined later," Carl Shaum, building committee chairman told the more than 100 in attendance at the ceremony. The congregation numbers about 130, and was well represented at the ceremony.
Shaum pointed out that the building will face the east, with the sanctuary in the eastern portion of the facility. "We'll also have the pastor's office and study in the southeast corner of the building, right here," he said, showing the crowd at the ceremony the exact spot.
A canopy over what will be a drive-through area on the south part of the building will also be included to help those who need it, particularly in bad weather. "We'll have classrooms at the west end of the structure, and a kitchen and fellowship hall in between the sanctuary and classrooms," Shaum said.
Oldest member of the congregation, Mary McKee, 91, who has been a member for 72 years, was chosen to turn the first spade of dirt at the ceremony after Worcester set the spade for it, and she delighted the crowd by saying, "We'll build it here, and we'll build it better than it was before."
The ceremony, conducted by Worcester, included additional dirt turners: Gene Lacy, board chairman; Shaum; Shawn Hern, youth representative; Rev. John McLemore, associate regional minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Oklahoma; and Shaun Searle, Morton Building representative from the Morton firm in Winfield.
The ceremony also included an innovative turning of the dirt with Shaum donning a horse-collar in front of a single-blade plow while members of the finance committee and building committee aided in the pulling of the plow several feet turning sod.
Finance committee members included Jean Hampton, Pat Hern, Gina Pierce-Holmes, Alvin Jones, Shirley Miller, Cricket Stone and Marlene Wilczek. On the other side of the plow were building committee members Roy Cowherd, Meig Gibbons, Gerry Green, Joy Jones, Beverly Lacy, Judy Spencer and Leanna Turney.
Construction of the nearly $400,000 facility is expected to begin "as early as this week, and possibly the pouring of concrete for the foundation by the end of the week," Worcester said.
Board chairman Lacy gave the invocation, and McLemore, representing the 180 Christian churches in Oklahoma, read scripture from Nehemiah 2:13-18 that signifies the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem. Lacy also made a special presentation of the shovel to Shaum, for his work on the building committee and Alvin Jones gave the benediction.
Members of the congregation and others attending the ceremony moved to the catholic church fellowship hall for a reception.
There have been numerous gifts received by the congregation for the new facility, including communion table, hymnals, choir robes, communion items, lectern bible and donations. "We're on our way to our goal of nearly $400,000, with an estimated $260,000 already," Worcester pointed out during the reception.
Formal signing of the contract for the building was also completed during the reception.
TONKAWA - Molly Hall, Edmond, won the title of Miss NOC 1998 at the 13th annual Miss Northern Oklahoma College Scholarship Pageant held on campus.
Crowned by Miss NOC 1997 Cindy Miller of Mooreland, Miss Hall received a $425 scholarship and a dozen red roses in addition to the queen's sash, tiara, Miss America crown pin and gifts from area merchants.
Ponca City freshman Kitty McNamara, daughter of Norma McNamara and Craig McNamara, received the Crowd Pleaser Award, determined by audience ballot.
Jamie Keeter, Sapulpa sophomore, was first runner-up and winner of the Physical Fitness in Swimsuit Award. Second runner-up was Christy Kelley. Other contestants in the Miss NOC pageant were Kyndol Kana, Ponca City; Fachaitte Kinslow, Dover; Kristi North, Blackwell; and Katie Thompson, Enid.
"I was really excited. It is really an honor to be selected Miss NOC. I want to praise the Lord who blessed me with my talent," Miss Hall said.
"I want to thank Sally Nesselrode, my parents and all my friends for their support and for listening to me as I prepared for the Miss NOC pageant. I had a lot of confidence, but I had no idea how it would turn out. It was a lot tougher competition this year, and everyone did excellent," she added.
Miss Hall will now represent NOC at the Miss Oklahoma Scholarship Pageant in Tulsa the first week of June. Hall will present her talent number, "How Great Thou Art," at the Contestants' Day March 21.
Miss Hall is a sophomore at NOC majoring in music education with an emphasis in church music. She was first runner-up in the Miss NOC 1997.
She will promote Eating Disorders Awareness during her reign. "This
issue is very close to my heart because I had a very close friend that has
suffered tremendously from anorexia nervosa," she explained. She also
plans to launch a project on campus during National Eating Disorders Awareness
Week Feb. 23-28 to begin promoting her platform issue.
DEATHS
STILLWATER - Private Raymond Brian Estes III, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Feb. 21, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 18.
The body will lie in state and a prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. today at the Ponca Indian Methodist Church at White Eagle. The prayer will be led by the Rev. Abraham Jackson. Parish Williams, Ponca Tribal Elder, will conduct a cedar ceremony after the service
The funeral will be held at St. John's Catholic Church in Stillwater at 10 a.m. Tuesday with Father Joe Townsend officiating. A military burial service will be held in Fort Gibson National Cemetery by a Fort Sill Honor Guard. Arrangements are under the direction of Strode Funeral Home, Stillwater.
Raymond Brian Estes III, was born in Claremore on April 24, 1979, to Ray Estes and Sonia Brumfield. He attended schools in Stillwater, where he graduated from High School in 1997. He was a member of the wrestling team and a member of FFA. He entered the Army in July 1997 and served in the Field Artillery as a gunner in the self-propelled Howitzer. Private Estes was with the Charlie Battery 4/1 Field Artillery Division, based out of Fort Riley, Kan. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Stillwater.
Survivors include maternal grandparents, Jeana and David "Jody" Rush, of Ponca City, and Hurschel and Paula Brumfield of Bartlesville; paternal grandparents, Carl and Margaret Estes of Stillwater; and one sister, Autumn Dawn Estes of Stillwater.
Casket bearers will be Dennis Marshall, Luke Broyles, Terence Green, Travis Perrin, Daniel Lewis and Kevin O'Keefe. Honorary bearers will be Luke Ward, Matt Bracken, T.D. Reeves, Rocky Stevens, and Dustin Hansen.
KAW CITY - Hazel E. Johnston, former Kaw City resident, died Friday evening, Feb. 20, 1998, at Shawn Manor Nursing Center in Ponca City. She was 79.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City. The Rev. Golden Shook, minister of the Kaw City United Methodist Church will preside. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.
Hazel E. (Paul) Johnston was born Jan. 29, 1919, in Lamont, the daughter of Joe and Ollie (Humble) Paul. She received her early education at Nardin before attending two years at Tonkawa Preparatory School.
She was married to Paul Johnston on Jan. 25, 1945, in Wichita, Kan., and the couple made their home in Kaw City a short time later. Mrs. Johnston worked as secretary at the Kaw Grain Company for at time. She later moved to Shawn Manor Nursing Center in Ponca City. She was a member of the Kaw City United Methodist Church, and in earlier years enjoyed ceramic work.
Survivors include one son, Rex Johnston of Ponca City; one daughter, Paul Cangelosi of Burke, Va.; one sister, Elsie Henderson of Tulsa; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband in June 1958, and her parents.
The family will be at 4327 South McCord Road, Ponca City.
PAWNEE - Thomas Jefferson "Jack" Gilbert, Morrison farmer and rancher, died at his home Friday, Feb. 20, 1998. He was 83.
The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Poteet Funeral Home Chapel in Pawnee with the Rev. Billy Bob Chace officiating. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery in Pawnee.
Thomas Jefferson "Jack" Gilbert was born Dec. 9. 1914, in Perry, the son of Thomas T. and Frances V. (McMeekin) Gilbert. He attended Diamond Rural School for eight years then drove to Pawnee each day where he completed high school.
He was married to Martha Louise Maroney on Feb. 2, 1946, in Wichita, Kan. Gilbert had continued the farming and ranching operations started by his parents. He was a member of the Pawnee First Christian Church, Pawnee Lions Club and the Pawnee Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Martha, of the home in Morrison; three sons, Jeff and Larry, both of Morrison, and Jack Richard of Humble, Texas; two sisters, Margie LeMaster of Stillwater and Olive Ruth Ellings of Green Valley, Ariz.; one brother, Dick Gilbert of Morrison; three grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.
FAIRFAX - Bobby G. Irons, longtime Fairfax resident, died Saturday morning, Feb. 21, 1998, at the Stillwater (Okla.) Medical Center. He was 61. Bob was born Sept. 21, 1936, west of Ralston, to D. and Fannie Buena Hollis Irons.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, at the First Christian Church of Fairfax with the Rev. George Weston officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral of Fairfax.
A memorial has been established in his name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Research, 825 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 or Crippled Children's Hospital Fund, 1402 MacGregor Drive, Houston, TX 38101 or to the Fairfax Library, 158 East Elm Street, Fairfax, OK 74637.
Bob attended school in Ralston and graduated in 1954. In 1955 he became an insurance salesman until he moved to work for the Consumer's Butane Service in Kiowa, Kan.
On June 26, 1959, he married Carol Evonne Reed in Kiowa and a few months later they moved to Fairfax, where he kept books for Pease Construction Co., Paul Martin Co., and Tip Asher. He served as Fairfax City Clerk from 1965-1975. He then became the Osage County Nutrition Program Director. Bob became part owner in the D&P Tank Company in 1978. He then owned and operated the Texaco Mini Mart from 1986 until April 1997, when ill health forced his retirement.
Bob was a member of the First Christian Church, past president of the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, charter member of the Fairfax Jaycees and was a sponsor of the Fairfax Teen Democrats. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Carol, of the home; two sons and their wives, Brad J. and Marla Irons of Ponca City, and Nick and Carol S. Irons of Jackson, Miss.; former daughter-in-law, Terri Irons of Fairfax; seven grandchildren, Brandun Irons of Fairfax, Tyler Mayse, Cameron Irons and Brady Irons, all of Ponca City, Brittany Irons, Jillian Irons and Zachary Irons, all of Jackson, Miss.; his mother-in-law, Nadine Reed of Kiowa, Kan.; two brothers, Roy D. and wife Jo Irons of Boise, Idaho, and Belford Irons of Hominy; three sisters, Mrs. Floyd (Beulah) Beavers of Mill Valley, Calif., Mrs. Junior (Geraldine) Martin of Aspermont, Texas, and Lavern Turner of Abilene, Texas; and one aunt, Ethel Hooper of Fairfax.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter Crystal Irons in 1968; and his father-in-law, Firman Reed.
The family will be at the Irons' home to receive friends and visitors.
paid obituary
James W. Kelley, 1601 Academy Road., Villa M-4, died Saturday, Feb. 21, 1998, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 80.
The funeral service will be Tuesday, 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Denny Hook, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
James William "Jim" Kelley was born June 7, 1917, in Muskogee, the son of George Washington and Minnie Viola Ridenhour Kelley. He attended schools in Oklahoma City, graduating in 1936 from Capitol Hill High School. He attended the University of Oklahoma and Amhurst College in Massachusetts and other schools for engineering courses during his years with Conoco.
He married Norma Lee Greer on Sept. 29, 1940, at the Capitol Hill Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in January 1942 and served as Cadet Adjutant of his class, graduating in April 1944. He became a B-17 instructor at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio, and later trained as a B-29 pilot. He was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant in February 1946.
Jim joined Conoco in March 1946. He progressed from draftsman to engineer and chief planning engineer in the Engineering Department. He retired on Feb. 1, 1979, as manager of International Engineering in London, England. He had traveled internationally for Conoco from December 1961 until transferring to London in April 1974.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church since December 1946. He served on the administrative board for three years and as a trustee for three years, the last two years as chairman. He served as honorary co-chairman of the 100th year anniversary of the church. Jim planned and built, with help of the church members, the children's playground. It was dedicated Oct. 30, 1983, as the "Jim Kelley Playground." He also drew the plans for cabinets in the church fellowship hall.
Jim also designed the Club House for the Lakeside Golf Course in 1953, which is now known as the Lew Wentz Memorial Golf Course. He served as president of the Golf Association from 1958 to 1959. Kelley was responsible for obtaining the roses for the Pioneer Woman Rose Garden. He had won numerous awards from state and city rose shows. He was also a member of the American Legion, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, and Ponca City Rose Society, holding many offices, including president. His hobbies included roses, traveling, and photography.
He is survived by his wife, Norma, of the home; two daughters: Nancy Peer of Mustang, and Sarah McGill of Sherwood, Ark.; five grandchildren, Jessica and Joel Peer of Mustang, Jennifer Krodl of Edmond, Cristin Martin of Aurora, Colo., and David Klinger of Fort. Lewis, Wash.; two brothers: J.D. Kelley of Owasso, and G.W. Kelley of Oklahoma City; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Kelley of Sun City, Ariz.; five nephews and four nieces. His parents and one brother, C.L. Kelley, preceded him in death.
Casket bearers include Bill Carmichael, Klem Chandler, Chris Klinger, David Browning, John Counter and Leland Smith. Honorary casket bearers include Owen Cavett, Jim Lindsay, Russ Shields, James Willison, Don Thompson, Chris Cook, Bob Prescott and Dr. Jim Highfill.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 200 South Sixth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at the home, 1601 Academy Road, Villa-M4.
The casket will not be opened following the service, however friends may call at the Trout Funeral Home until noon Tuesday.
paid obituary
MOORE - Bobby Wells, former Tonkawa resident, died Saturday, Feb. 21, 1998, at Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 70. Area survivors include a sister, Virginia Perciful of Ponca City. Arrangements are pending with Resthaven Memorial Chapel in Oklahoma City.
Lucille H. Powell, longtime Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Feb. 22, 1998, at the home of her daughter. She was 80. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Tuesday
Rev. A.G. Weatherman - Funeral to be at 2 p.m. at the Miller-Stahl Funeral Chapel, Newkirk. Burial will be in the Newkirk Cemetery.
Georgia May Hudson - Funeral to be graveside at 10 a.m. at the Blackwell
(Okla.) Cemetery. Following burial, a memorial service will be held at 1
p.m. at the Blackwell First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are under
the direction of Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell.
NEWS BRIEFS
AAUW Bridge - The Ponca City branch of the American Association of University Women is hosting a bridge party this evening at 7:30 at the home of Barbara Miller with Mrs. Sue Fleck as co-hostess. Anyone interested in joining the organization and participating in one of the associated groups is asked to call Kathy Tippin, president, 765-8043, or Bette Lee, membership chairman, 762-2000.
Meeting Planned - The Sequoia Cities Service Group will meet on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at Furr's Cafeteria.
Carpet Eating Pig - A woman in the 700 block of North Elm Street called police at 7:25 a.m. Saturday to report that she had found a pig on her front porch and it was eating the carpet. An officer was assigned.
Vehicle Vandalism - A man called police at 9:28 a.m. Saturday reporting that a vehicle at Motor City, 401 West Grand Avenue, had been "keyed." An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Stolen Purse - At 11:19 a.m. Saturday a woman from Hominy called police to report that her purse had been stolen from her vehicle. The purse has been recovered.
Nailed Driveway - A resident in the 1500 block of Riggs Drive reported to police at 12:14 p.m. Saturday that roofing nails were in the driveway and street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Gas Leak - A gas leak at West Liberty Avenue and North Birch Street was reported at 12:19 p.m. Saturday after a vehicle hit a gas meter. A fire unit responded and capped the meter off.
Hit and Run - At 12:49 p.m. Saturday a hit and run accident was reported at Pioneer Auto, 3224 North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - A non-injury, two vehicle accident was reported at 1:09 p.m. Saturday in the 1100 block of North Union Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 36-year-old man at 2:34 p.m. Saturday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Grass Fire - A grass fire was reported at the Bressie Community area at 4:58 p.m. Saturday. The Marland Volunteer Fire Department responded.
Grass Fire - Fire units were requested at a reported grass fire at 9:26 p.m. Saturday at 8657 South Mile Road.
Driveway Nails - A man in the 400 block of South Lincoln Street called police at 9:55 p.m. Saturday to report nails in his driveway.
Arrest - Police arrested a 41-year-old man at 10:59 p.m. Saturday from the 2200 block of John Street for domestic assault and battery.
Arrest - A 38-year-old man was arrested at 11:45 p.m. Saturday from Lansbrook Road and North Union Street on a city warrant for failure to pay and on two Kay County warrants for failure to pay.
Arrest - Police arrested a 24-year-old man at 1:07 a.m. Sunday from the 1300 block of West Otoe Avenue for domestic assault and battery.
Arrest- A 21-year-old man was arrested at 1:49 a.m. Sunday for driving under the influence and improper left turn after he ran into a fire hydrant at North Fourteenth Street and Whitworth Avenue .
Arrest - Police arrested a 28-year-old man at 2:35 a.m. Sunday from South Oak Street and West Ponca Avenue for driving under suspension.
Hit and Run - At 9:14 a.m. Sunday a man in the 2000 block of Shasta Avenue reported to police that his vehicle had been hit during the night.
Laying Dummy - At 12:07 p.m. Sunday a woman in the 300 block of North Oak Street called police reporting a person laying in her flower bed. Two officer responded to the call only to find the "person" to be a dummy.
Arrests - Police arrested a 17-year-old boy at 2:51 a.m. Sunday for false reporting of a crime and transporting a loaded gun and a 19-year-old man for false reporting a crime and discharging a firearm in the city limits in the area of North Fifth Street and East Hartford Avenue after the boy accidentally shot himself.
Stolen Vehicle - At 4:34 p.m. Sunday a man at Pioneer Auto Sales, 3242 North Fourteenth Street reported to police that a vehicle had been stolen from the lot. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Hit and Run - A woman called police at 5:29 p.m. Sunday to report that her vehicle had been hit in the 1200 block of East Prospect Avenue and the driver had left the scene. An officer was assigned, located the driver and had them return to the scene.
Bike Stolen - At 6:01 p.m. Sunday a woman in the 500 block of South Fourth Street reported a bike stolen. A petit larceny report was taken.
Arrest - A 24-year-old man was arrested at 6:07 p.m. Sunday from the 300 block of West Grand Avenue on a Kay County warrant.
Rocks Thrown - A man in the 1400 block of South Ninth Street called police at 6:24 p.m. Sunday to report that some juveniles were throwing rocks at his vehicle. An officer was assigned.
Beer Stolen - At 6:50 p.m. Sunday a clerk at Sav-A-Trip, 501 West Highland Avenue, reported that a 30-pack and three 12-packs of beer had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a petit larceny report was taken.
Canine Carried Off - A resident in the 100 block of South Birch Street advised police at 7:10 p.m. Sunday that their dog had been stolen out of their yard. A report was taken.
Bike Accident - At 8:37 p.m. Sunday a report of car-bicycle accident at the intersection of East Hartford Avenue and Clarke Street was reported. An ambulance responded however there were no injuries.
Theft - At 8:41 p.m. Sunday a woman in the 200 block of South Pine Street reported the theft of a stereo from her vehicle. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 40-year-old man at 10:01 p.m. Sunday from North Seventh Street and East Brookfield Avenue for domestic assault and battery.
Stranded Bather - A woman in the 100 block of West Albany Avenue called police at 10:37 p.m. Sunday to report that when she got out of the shower her clothes had been taken and put outside on a swing.
Arrest - Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 12:45 a.m. Monday from Hubbard Road and Pecan Road for driving under restriction and careless driving.
Arrest - A 48-year-old man was arrested at 3:05 a.m. Monday from the
200 block of South Seventh Street for domestic assault and battery.
LIFESTYLES
Couple Will Wed March 21
Wilma LaBlue of Ponca City and Bobby Barnes of Cromwell are planning a March 21 wedding in Wichita, Kan. at the Cornerstone Christian Church with the Rev. Jim Rackhan officiating.
The bride-elect is retired and Barnes is a foreman for Interstate Contractors in Durant. Her sons are Kyle Shepard of Wichita, Kan. and Norvel Gene LaBlue of Ponca City. Barnes' children are Susie Meade and Cliff Barnes, both of Cromwell, and Donald Barnes of Miami, Okla.
Alpha Gamma Making Plans For Convention
Members of the Alpha Gamma Mother's Club met Feb. 9 at the home of Mrs. Billie Stepken with Mrs. Leslie Hoover leading the Collect and Aims. The secretary called roll with each member answering by naming something she had kept from her childhood that would now be considered a collectible.
Jean Hess, Chaplain, read a selection from the book "This Little Light of Mine." Mrs. Carol O'Rear read the minutes and Mrs. Pat Koehler gave the treasurer's report. She also announced the club donation sent to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
Members made plans for the April state convention to be held in Ponca
City. Eight members also made lapel pins for the convention luncheon. The
next regular meeting will be Feb. 23 at the home of May Roquemore.
SPORTS
by Fred Hilton
News Sports Editor
The sport of wrestling has its share of problems, but nothing that can't be overcome, according to former Ponca City and Michigan State coach Grady Peninger.
Peninger recently received the prestigious Ed Gallagher Award from his alma mater, Oklahoma State. In over three decades of coaching he has seen wrestling go through a number of changes and always come out strong.
The current flap over cutting weight is nothing new, but the death of three wrestlers last fall brought it to the forefront again.
While Peninger feels some of the new rules being installed by the NCAA will help, "there are always people who will try to beat the rules," he says.
Peninger notes that cutting weight has always been a part of wrestling and has always been a concern.
"When I was coaching at Ponca City, Fred Boettcher was on my team. One day he went home and told his mother that coach has said all he could have for supper was a glass of orange juice. Of course, I didn't say that, but it got me into a lot of trouble with his mother,
"Even when I was in high school at Tulsa Webster, my mother would boil a big tub of water then set me in front of it with a blanket over me to sweat off weight. That got my coach in trouble with my mother, too."
The key to cutting weight, according to Peninger, is doing it right.
"The kid at Michigan was trying to lose 21 pounds in three days," Peninger, who still lives in Lancing said. "That's foolish."
Peninger, as a light weight in both high school and college, knows what it took to get down to weight and stay there.
"In 1956, I was just out of the army and was offered a scholarship to OSU. In November, I weighed 152 pounds. By April I was down to 115.
"I've been there and know what it takes. The secret to cutting weight is to do it slow."
Peninger also noted that in most cases it is the wrestler who wants to go down a weight, "because they think they can do better there.
"Most coaches don't demand that a wrestler go down in weight. It is hard to cut weight when you're doing it for yourself. Losing weight because a coach wants you to is doubly tough.
"Kids will lie to you (as a coach) to protect themselves. I've known kids in Michigan who get a doctor's permission to go down a weight."
The weight controversy is just one problem with wrestling. The sport is also suffering from budget cuts, especially at the college level.
"Over 100 universities have dropped wrestling," Peninger points out. "Even Bakersfield, which is one of the real strong programs in California, is in the throes of near death.
"I blame the Title 9 thing. A lot of athletic directors are using that as an excuse to cut wrestling.
"But its not working. I'm all for giving women the coaches and scholarships, but not at the expense of the men's sports. You are never going to give women enough scholarships to make up for the number they give men in football. There's just no women's sport that's comparable."
But Peninger admits that wrestling is suffering from the lack of attendance, noting the recent match at Michigan State drew 800 fans.
While there are exceptions - like the annual OU-OSU Bedlam series which played before about 6,000 in Gallagher-Iba Arena, or the the No. 1 vs. No. 2 OSU-Iowa clash which drew 13,000 - most events don't draw the crowds they have in the past.
Peninger points out that attendance is down, also because there are more demands on the fan's time.
"It's hard to get them out of in front of the TV," he says.
The same problem is filtering down to high school wrestling. Not only do fans have less time, student-athletes also have more things vying for their attention.
"When I was coaching," Peninger said, " I always felt you got better support in small towns like Perry and Blackwell. There is less going on and the parents really support the sport. Entire families get involved with the sport.
"In bigger towns like Tulsa, there are more outside attractions vying for the teenagers' time."
But Peninger said he felt wrestling was strong enough to weather these storms and still grow.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Phillip Gelino and Nick Steichen may have surprised their coaches, fans and even a few opponents in winning berths in the Class 5A State Tournament this weekend - but not themselves.
"I thought I had as good a chance as anyone," 215-pounder Steichen said after finishing fourth in the regional tournament at Jenks Saturday.
"I knew I could do it," Gelino said after finishing third at 103 pounds.
They will join Mark and Matt Dodgen, runners-up at 125 and 130 pounds, respectively, in traveling to Norman Friday and Saturday. This will be Mark's third trip to the state tournament and Matt's second.
But for Gelino and Steichen, both seniors, this will be a first time event. Neither was given much of a chance to reach the state tournament.
Gelino had struggled late in the season and was fighting his weight. He carried an unimpressive 15-12 record into the regional tournament and fell in the first round to Tulsa Union's Nathan Remigio, 9-2.
But Gelino battled back through the consolation rounds, winning big (15-1) over Cimei of Jenks and edging out (2-0) Kiersey of Owasso. That put him in the consolation finals - against Remigio.
"I knew I could beat him," Gelino said of the second meeting with the Redskin wrestler. "I was sick (in the first round Friday), but I was ready tonight."
Gelino and Remigio battled evenly (2-2) through the first period. The Union grappler went ahead on a second period reverse, but Gelino escaped near the end of the period to close the gap to 4-3.
Gelino chose the down position to start the final period and struggled against Remigio. But he finally escaped with just 11 seconds left in the match to tie the score.
But instead of settling for the tie and a chance in overtime, Gelino saw an opening and took it, gaining a takedown near the edge of the mat with just two seconds left.
Steichen did not have the exciting finish and lost a hard-fought 3-2 decision to Steven Torre of Broken Arrow in the consolation finals.
It was also his second meeting with Torre after losing to the Tiger, 4-2, in the first round.
But the Cinderella finish for Steichen was the fact he was even in the consolation finals.
Steichen got his first taste of wresting in the ninth grade but did not go out as a sophomore, electing to concentrate on football.
But as a junior he was back in the wrestling room, after some gentle arm twisting by coach Pat Young who was desperate for heavier wrestlers.
"My parents and coach Young are good friends," Steichen said. "So it didn't take much to get me back into wrestling. It is a lot of hard work and I didn't win much last year. But it has been worth it."
Steichen carried a 12-13 record into the regional tournament. But what those figures didn't show was the strong finish he had to the regular season.
Steichen had won three of his last four dual matches, including critical falls against Sand Springs and in the Dual State Tournament against Mustang.
So he was undisturbed by his first-round loss to Torre. Steichen battled back with wins over Weakley of Tahlequah, McBee of Owasso and Calvert of Jenks to reach that second meeting with Torre.
Steichen goes into most of his matches weighing just over 200 pounds. So he is usually giving away both weight and height to opponents. He's not concerned with that.
"I try to be quicker," than his heavier, taller opponents, he says. "I keep my head up and my arms in."
Placing fourth in the East regional means he will go against the West region champion, Tim Burroughs (30-2) of Westmoore in the first round of the state tournament.
That doesn't bother him either.
"I haven't wrestled anyone from the western side," Steichen said. "So we'll just have to see what happens. I think I have a good chance."
Gelino will go against West 103-pound runner up Justin Spates (27-1) of Norman Friday morning.
Mark Dodgen is pitted against Jon Brady (38-7) of Choctaw in the 125-pound
first round. Matt Dodgen faces Jeff Morris (35-3) of Norman North to start
the state tournament.