From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, March
10, 1998
LOCAL
Countryman New Undersheriff Following Death of Cookerly
Nearly News
City Removes Preference Guideline of Bid Process
Future of Several Principals Decided on Split Vote of 5-2
Parental Involvement Important Step for Middle School Success
District Court
NOC Announces Fall Honor Roll
Legion 'Birthday' Dinner Thursday
DEATHS
Opal Merz
Ilo M. Connelly
Obituaries
Juanita Myers
Funerals
Greta Teel Frazier
Randy Murray
James Walter McAninch
Services Pending
Katherine Koziniec
Bobby Joe Randall
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Low-Income Homebuyers To Get Help
Commercial Permits Lead Monthly List
New Technology To Be Explained For Coalition
Cable Outages Down During Fourth Quarter
Notes & Quotes
LIFESTYLES
Billings School Alumni Slates April Reunion
Kay County 4-H Members Meet
SPORTS
Mavericks Trying For More Madness
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - Kay County Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen finally has a new undersheriff, promoting Craig Countryman to the position from within the department.
The decision also opened a door to promote Dep. Buddy Thomas of Kaw City to the position of chief criminal deputy.
Countryman - the department's No. 3 man since January - fills the vacancy left by the November death of Sid Cookerly, who was undersheriff for Van Hoesen since the sheriff first took office in 1993.
A 1972 Po-Hi graduate, Countryman has served 11 years as a field deputy and investigator here and was promoted Jan. 1 to chief criminal deputy for the department. He previously spent 10 years with the Oklahoma City Police Department's tactical and mounted patrol units.
Thomas, as the chief criminal deputy, will now supervise the other deputies. He has served as a patrol deputy here since 1989, working two years previously for the Osage County Sheriff's Department, where he was CLEET certified.
He was graduated in 1983 from Shidler High School and earned a BS in law enforcement from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva. Thomas and his wife Catherine have a daughter Lauren and a son Brett.
The promotions were expected to begin relieving the pressure of being undermanned, which has been especially felt in some of the department's ongoing investigations, Countryman said.
He said the gap left by Cookerly - a law enforcement investigator and instructor known to officials statewide - forced everyone in the department to work harder lately.
But each deputy has automatically doubled up to help out "and I inherited a good operating plan already set up by Sid and the sheriff, so it just takes time," he said.
Countryman also has inherited the administrative responsibility for the prisoners in the county detention facility and for the staff members who supervise them.
And already thinking like an administrator, he said he now must get more familiar with the state's Truth-in-Sentencing issue, which could have a severe effect on the sheriff's budget for upcoming years.
The state new corrections law - scheduled to go into effect July 1 but currently under fire - could eliminate half of the money the county has been using to operate the county jail in recent years.
Van Hoesen and other county leaders made exemplary use of a previous state law - 1988's Community Service Sentencing Act - to pull funding from the state Department of Corrections to house non-violent offenders for community work.
As a result, Kay County would be hit harder than most counties if the new law removes the program, but Truth-in-Sentencing reportedly is being rehashed in the current Legislative session.
"It's going to affect us no matter how it goes," Countryman said.
NN was fascinated by an article in the current Oklahoma Today about altered Polaroids. The article contained photos of two Ponca City landmarks - the old Ponca City News building on the corner of Third and Cleveland, and the Marland Mansion. The trick is a Polaroid photo which Kevin Garrison of Oklahoma City manipulates with the end of a stainless steel spoon handle while the picture is developing. The end product looks like a painting, yet still has that photographic quality that has detail in it. Garrison has exhibited at Kirkpatrick Gallery for Oklahoma Artists. NN suggests you get a copy of the magazine and check out the article - it gives an address for ordering prints if you're interested.
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The Noon Ambucs have come up with $600 from the club and member donations to support the April 16-19 appearance of the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Resthaven Memorial Park. The Ambucs issue a challenge to all other local civic groups to match the pledge.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
In what City Commissioner Chris Hand referred to as a "knee jerk reaction" city commissioners voted to remove the five percent preference to local bidders. Hand vehemently opposed the move asking commissioners to carefully consider the issue.
Explaining that he saw the five percent merely as a guideline and a limit on the local preference Hand argued his case.
"I see approving this and removing the definite guideline as a huge mistake," Hand said. "Take it out and you will only create more latitude and that is a mistake."
That matter came before the commissioners as result of their controversial decision to award a six police car bid to "local" bidder Bowker Ford over low bidder Crossland Ford of Newkirk.
"This is only a knee jerk reaction to the automobile decision," Hand furthered argued. "Our forefathers saw a good reason to put it in there and I see it as a real injustice to take it away."
One citizen spoke against not only the five percent preference but any preference being given to a bidder. "This is not a 'level playing' and if all the criteria is met by all the bidders then the five percent preference is 'a dog being wagged by it's tail'," Wayne Brownfield told the commissioners. "No one because they live inside the city limits should get preferential treatment just because they live inside the city limits."
And yet another citizen spoke on the matter. "I think locals should have a preference but five percent is too high," Bob Banta said. "However I have a question as to what is 'local' and think that should be addressed first because people in Newkirk and Blackwell shop here and consider themselves locals."
Following the discussion, the commission, with Hand voting against, approved by the 4-1 vote, the removal of the five percent preference as standard operating procedure.
Another debate ensued, not the definition of local but of "resident" as commissioners considered a motion to approve user fees on Lake Ponca and Wentz Pool. Complaining she is charged "non-resident" fees although her address is Ponca City, Sherry Weatherly objected to having to pay higher fees.
"We lived here all our lives, pay city taxes, go to Ponca City Schools," Weatherly stated to the commissioners. "I don't think it fair that we have to pay higher fees simply because our electricity comes from Blackwell."
Park and Recreation Director Jim Sindelar was present to explain the boundaries. "The Ponca City Utility Authority helps to maintain the lake," Sindelar explained. "No matter what the boundaries are someone will be outside of them."
After the matter of "non-resident" was discussed and explained the commissioners voted to raise the fees most of which applied to the non-residents category.
During a report on the Elsie V. Cann Trust is was reported that the market value of the trust is now $1.5 million with annual income of $45,000.
City Commissioners approved a contract to hire Perry Schauvliege Associates as engineers for the $20,000 repairs to the Ponca City Library.
"City Commissioners asked that we use another architect and this is a result of that request," City Manager Gary Martin said after the contract was approved.
City Commissioners also approved:
· The submittal of a Oklahoma Highway Safety Office grant request which, if granted, would fund a DUI and seat belt enforcement "Emphasis" program.
· The execution of the Community Development Block Grant to be used for improvements and repairs to the Lake Ponca Dam.
· Authorized for the Parks And Recreational Department to seek bids for the purchase of $10,500 "high rate sand filter" for the Lew Wentz Pool.
If all goes well the city will soon have a new electrical substation in the northwest area of the city as the commissioners as the Ponca City Utility Authority authorized the C.H. Guernsey company to design and seek bids for the new electrical substation.
According to Gary Martin the exact location of the $1 million substation has yet to be determined but will be "somewhere on Prospect Avenue possibly between Union Street and Ash Street."
Funds for the project are in place and without a rate increase Martin stressed.
Commissioners also approved the expenditure of $70,000 for the repair of the Diesel Generator No. 7 as well as $56,492 for six "Pad-Mounted Transformers" one to be used as a "back-up" unit for the wastewater treatment plant and the others to be used for commercial businesses.
A $7,500 contract for an analysis of groundwater monitoring results was also approved.
Both the Electric Advisory Board and the Economic Advisory Boards gave reports to the Commission.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
The future of several principals, assistant principals and other administrative personnel was decided Monday night by a vote of 5-2 when the Ponca City Board of Education accepted the contracts of several school employees.
Steve Stalcup and Mike Kruck voted against all school contracts, while Andrea Morriss, John Young, Chris LittleCook, Marvin Clark and Kyle Keffer accepted all contracts.
Principal contracts renewed included: Barbara Cusick, principal of Ponca City Middle School; Richard Dale, principal at Ponca City Mid-High; Jean Hastings, principal of Union Elementary; Pat Keast, principal of Washington Elementary; Dr. Patty Ladd, principal of Garfield Academy; Ron McCleary, principal of Trout Elementary; Jerry Newsom, principal of Liberty Elementary; Dr. Nancy Niemann, principal of Woodlands Elementary; David Shelton, principal of Lincoln Elementary; and Tom Sipe, principal of Roosevelt Elementary.
Assistant principal contracts renewed were: Link Cotham, assistant principal at Ponca City Middle School; Peg Jordan, assistant principal at Po-Hi; Todd Kimrey, assistant principal at Mid-High; Kurtis Neal, assistant principal at Po-Hi; Sharon Scroggins, assistant principal at the Mid-High; and John Woody, assistant principal at Po-Hi.
The board also directed Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, to reassign Dr. Don Sjoberg, principal of Po-Hi, to other duties. The Ponca City Schools announced last Thursday that they would not renew Dr. Sjoberg's contract.
Other administrative personnel contracts approved were: Toni Crabtree, assistant treasurer; Jerry Jantz, district computer coordinator; Mary Ladd, administrative assistant to the superintendent; and Brenda Storie, business coordinator/treasurer.
Electing a President
John Young will remain in the president's seat for the Ponca City Board of Education. The decision was decided by a vote of 4-3. Andrea Morriss was the other board candidate receiving a nomination. Young, Steve Stalcup, Kyle Keffer and Mike Kruck voted for Young, and Morriss, Chris LittleCook and Marvin Clark voted to Morriss.
Marvin Clark will be the next vice-president of the board. He was elected by a unanimous vote of 7-0.
The board approved the continuation of Mary Ladd to serve as clerk, and Betty Johnson as deputy clerk.
Other Items
Awarding the best quotes for purchasing items for the Vocal Music Department was approved. The money will be paid from the 1997 bond fund money. If approved, the total cost of items plus shipping will be $33,357.48.
Items to be purchased include:
- Blazer/Jackets from Fruhauf for $10,487.40.
- Desktop computer from Computer City for $3,550.09.
- A music library from Wenger for $9,470.
- Two Yamaha piano's from Jensen's for $6,500.
- An electric piano from Jensen's for $3,350.
Approval was given to change order number 1 for the Howell/Commons Construction Project. The Howell/Commons construction contract with Lambert Construction Company was approved by the board with the understanding that there would be a change order that would reflect the addition of some alternates and the cost savings obtained through "value engineering" of some of the construction items.
Change order one is for a reduction of $141,452 from the contract amount of $2,894,300. This will leave the new contract amount at $2,752,848.
Keyboarding will remain a requirement for graduation from Po-Hi with the understanding that students will not be penalized for taking the course. The board also approved that eighth grade keyboarding could be used for high school graduation credit.
The board also accept the audit report from Jerry Putnam, school auditor.
March Employee of the Month and Friend of Education Awards were awarded to: Mona Sage, Certified Employment Award; Donna Kelly, Support Employment Award; and the Ponca City Dugout Club, Friend of Education Award.
The board adjourned at 11:45 p.m. and set the next regular board meeting for April 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Editor's Note: This is the ninth in a series of articles on the Ponca City Public Schools' Site Improvement Plans. This article is on the improvements at Ponca City Middle School.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
During the last four years, Ponca City Middle School has targeted increasing student vocabulary, reading instruction and increasing science and social studies scores on assessment tests.
A variety of strategies have been incorporated at the middle school to provide expanded opportunities for students to increase their reading and comprehension skills across the curriculum. Strategies and goals include that: 70 percent of students will increase their reading level, an increase in the number of students reading at grade level from fall to spring evaluation, and 75 percent of seventh graders will score at a grade equivalent of 7.7 or higher on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS).
The middle school believes that parental involvement is extremely important in the secondary schools. By recognizing the importance of the partnership between school and home, PCMS will provide opportunities for all parents to be involved in the educational process of their child.
Opportunities for parents to become involved include: a student recognition program, planned open visitations, parent surveys, parent conferences, an opening night, monthly newsletter, enrichment programs and HOSTS.
An open visitation program will be established in the upcoming year. Action steps to be implemented in the program are:
- Pre-enrollment meeting in May 1998 which will be an informational meeting for parents after elementary visitations, and prior to enrollment deadline.
- Mail information packets prior to enrollment.
- An Opening Night on the evening before the first day of school as an opportunity for parents and students to become familiar with the school day.
- Back-to-School Night for parents to follow the student's schedule to gain information concerning goals and expectations of each teacher.
A newsletter will be mailed to parents to inform families of upcoming school events, suggested activities that support the current theme, articles of parental interest and tips for working with adolescents. The newsletter will be mailed out by the 25th of each month.
Other student recognition programs will be established. Action steps to be implemented are: Cougar Bucks, a program designed to reward students for good deeds and/or academic growth, and an Awards Assembly which is a yearly program that recognizes students for academic success.
A homework hotline will be established in May 1998 to provide information to parents regarding Parent/Teacher Conferences, and other special events and/or announcements of special interest to parents.
The Ponca City Middle School conducted a survey of parents and teachers to gain information to build this current plan. Both surveys indicated a need to concentrate on reading. PCMS will no longer have a combined English/Literature class, but plans to split it into two separate classes. This plan leaves students with two electives and five core classes. Research indicates the average student should spend at least an hour a day reading. It is the school's goal to provide students with this reading time and encourage students to read at home as well.
Building Team Level members for the 1997-98 school year are Barbara Fox, Chuck Schneider, Linda Cottle, Terry Farris, Terry Muchmore, Susan Block, Erica Macy, Diane Ketchum, Caroline Emig, Mary Grace Yates, Barbara Cusick, Pat Par, Mark Miller and Jackie Bufton.
Ponca City
Divorces Sought
Jane L. Thomas vs. Joe Thomas IV.
J. Kent Davidson vs. Deanna Ann Davidson.
Lori D. Blackwell vs. Christopher T. Blackwell.
Barbara Watson vs. Ralph Watson.
George Allen Henshaw II vs. Judy Kathleen Henshaw.
Linda Kay Allie vs. Michael Lee Allie.
Sherry Kaye Lefebure vs. Lawrence Evan Lefebure.
Lisa Jo Stopp vs. Nathan Stopp.
Samuel Carr Fredrick vs. Brooke Giovanne Fredrick.
Divorces Granted
James Curtis Pruett vs. Stephanie Pruett.
Patrick Poulson vs. Marsha Poulson.
Steven Ray Herren vs. Sheila Beth Herren.
Jessica Hope Martel vs. Shane Phillip Martel.
Larry E. McPeak vs. Pamela Sue McPeak; defendant restored to former name Pamela Sue Leroy.
Civil Proceedings
Commercial Federal Mortgage Corp. vs. John B. Chanslor and Kathleen S. Chanslor; plaintiff seeking judgment for $56,699.62.
Martha Kretzer and Jason Kretzer vs. Becky Lynn Albert; plaintiffs seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Joseph Nester vs. Jamie Lynn Worstell; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Anthony J. Carson Sr., et al, vs. Shawn Leroy Wilson; joint petition for approval of settlement.
Josie Burris vs. Doreta Mullins, et al; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Jennifer Kay McGrew, et al., vs. Brian Stanley Piha; plaintiffs seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
TONKAWA - A total of 104 Ponca City students earned recognition on Northern Oklahoma College academic honor rolls for the fall semester.
The President's Honor Roll lists students who have completed a minimum of 12 hours during the semester with a perfect grade-point average of 4.0 and with no incomplete grade recorded. Appointed to this roll from Ponca City were Vicki Blevins, Tina Combes, Sharon Davis, Koby Fleck, Geoffrey Forbes, Justin Glover, Karl Hall, Perry Hanson, Melanie Harader, Lyndsi Hilbert, Donald Johnson, Tane Kester, Lisa Lessert, James London, Martha Margliotti, Sara Nunn, Mark Oblad, Simona Ouzounova, Warren Rivers, April Roland and Rita Stewart.
The Dean's Honor Roll lists students who maintained a 3.0 or higher grade-point average in a minimum of 12 hours during the semester with no incomplete grade recorded. Ponca City students on this honor roll were Whitney Adams, Julie Backhaus, Melinda Baker, Christopher Barnes, Krystal Bay, Anna Beard, Rosa Biggoose, Bert Blumer, Chrissy Bolding, Alyssa Bottoms, Sheray Bouchard, Crystal Bowhay, Troy Brookshire, Michelle Bugh and Candice Burton.
Also, Michael Canaday, Cay Cauthon, Trish Challis, Dana Cleaver, Dena Coats, Paula Cooper, Paula Costello, LaJuana Cowan, James Cremers, Karen Dean, Kahle Eberle, Matthew England, Adam Evans, Susan Filson, Brian Gabbert, Meagan Ginger, Justin Gray, Christopher Greenhagen, Amanda Guss, Daniel Hall, Holli Hanger, Melissa Harger, Pamela Heidlage, Michael Holmes, Amanda Hraban, Jennifer Jones, Timothy King, Daniel Kygar, Zachary Ladner, Jonathan Leavitt, Michelle Lechtenberg, Joe Lessert, Winston Lindsay, Tami Link, William McCarver, Kitty McNamara, Juli McPeak, Marley Miller, Rachel Monger, Sybil Murray, Damon Myers, Derrick Myers, Rodney Nelsen, Matthew Orr, Michelle Overman and Ben Palmer.
Other students were Porsche Reimer, Amber Richardson, Tara Robinson, Jason Ross, Brian Rush, Samantha Schultz, Shasta Scott, Joshua Shafer, Andrea Sharp, Kevin Skinner, Sherri Smith, Scott Sober, Tracy Soutter, Ryan Sullivan, Casey Vining, Charlene Warner, Jessica Webb, Mari Wellington, Christopher Wells, Rana Williams, Diana Wynn and Jeri York.
Other Area Students
Students from Blackwell on the President's Honor Roll were Beth Buesing, Tamara Gingerich, Luke Hadsall, Shannon Johns and Allison Whaylen.
Dean's Honor Roll students were Jeri Anderson, Bonnie Arnold, Robbie Ashford, David Auld, John Bruner, Kara Buesing, Jill Colwell, Tera Eakins, Julie Goodger, Daron Grosshardt, Levi Hamilton, Jason Herr, Patricia Kincaid, David Kindred, Heather Landers, Bonnie McClarnon, Joshua McMartin, Romana Moeder, Kristin Moon, Tommy Myers, Kristi North, Amy Paige, Cody Ramhorst, Kelli Rogers, Jamie Sawyer, Brenda Smith, Heather Stone, Kimberly Webb, Tony West and Callie White.
Students from Tonkawa on the President's Honor Roll were Wil Bennett, Jasper Davis, Jason Estes, Tatjana Golubeva, Jamilu Marsh, Angella Ogle, Tara Robbins, Timothy Soucek, Jared Weiberg and Summer Williamson.
Dean's Honor Roll were Scott Ackerson, Amy Burns, Stefanie Cain, Rebecca Chaison, Rachel Gardner, David Harris, Jeannie Hoffer, Jennifer Johnson, Robin Johnson, Kamie Marin, Kyle Owen, Darcie Prelesnick, Shelli Price, Kevin Randall, Julia Robison, Sabrah Stevens and Stephanie White.
Other President's Honor Roll students were Wendy Gordon, Newkirk; Debra Tautfest, Marland; Lawanda Hooker, Red Rock; and Klinton Nickles, Shidler.
Other area students listed on the President's Honor Roll included Kyle Albee, Tracy Backhaus, Kati Broyles, Amber Butler, Suzanne Johns, Jason Johnston, Angela Locke, Tara Martin, Amber Ramey, Brandi Tull, Shannon Wanko and Aaron Watson, all of Newkirk.
Also, Bryan Coon, Sean Ingram and Joy Turner, Braman; John Burk, Kelli Cockrell, Josh Regnier, and Charly Tautfest, Marland; Valerie Clark, Nardin; Mitchel Shiever, Gloree Tah and Olivia Williams, Red Rock; and Britton Wehunt, Shidler.
The American Legion will be celebrating its 80th "Birthday" with a family covered-dish dinner Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Post home, 410 West South Avenue. All of the members of the Legion, the ladies Auxiliary, and their families are invited to attend.
The Legion will furnish the meat dish, salad, rolls, and drinks. The dessert, birthday cakes, will be presented by the Auxiliary to the Legion, and in return by the Legion to the Auxiliary.
A video called "All the Unsung Heroes," relating to the Vietnam
Wall Memorial and the traveling "Wall That Heals," will be shown.
DEATHS
NEWKIRK - Opal Merz, longtime Newkirk area resident, died Monday morning, March 9, 1998, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kan. She was 87.
The funeral has been set for 2 p.m. Thursday at the Newkirk First United Methodist Church with Danny W. Cornish, minister of the Newkirk Church of Christ, officiating. Burial is to follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. The casket will remain closed following the service.
Opal Ola (Koenke) Merz was born July 6, 1910, at Cole Camp, Mo., the daughter of Cord and Mary (Tomforte) Koenke. At the age of six months she moved with her parents to Newkirk, where they lived on a farm northeast of town. She was nine years of age when they moved into Newkirk. She graduated from Newkirk High School in 1928, then completed a correspondence business course from LaSalle University, Chicago.
She was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone and later worked for Continental Oil Company. She later retired from Albright Title and Trust Company after 24 years of service.
On Aug. 14, 1935, she was married to Fred Luis Merz and the couple made their first home on a farm west of Newkirk. They moved into Newkirk in 1945. Mrs. Merz was a member of the Newkirk First United Methodist Church and the Red Rose Garden Club. She was a charter member of the Bois d'Arc Extension Club.
Survivors include two sons Don and Darrell, both of Newkirk; one sister, Velta Miller of Ponca City; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, on Oct. 12, 1979; one son, Freddie Charles; her parents; three brothers; and three sisters.
Grandsons and great-grandsons serving as casket bearers will be Dean Merz, Raymond Merz, Dave Merz, Doug Merz, Larry Merz, and Jeffery Lewis.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Merz's name to Merz Memorial Fund, c/o Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.
Ilo M. Connelly, former Ponca City resident, died early Sunday morning, March 8, 1998, at the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home, Blackwell. She was 79.
The funeral will be graveside at 1:45 p.m. Thursday at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, Calif. Local arrangements were under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Miller-Jones Mortuary of Hemet, Calif., is directing arrangements in California.
Ilo M. (Conner) Connelly was born Jan. 13, 1919, in Winfield, Kan., the daughter of Charles and Augusta (Miller) Conner. She attended Winfield schools and New Mexico State University.
She was married to Marvin E. Connelly on Nov. 23, 1938, in Winfield, and the couple moved to Ponca City, where Mr. Connelly was a building contractor for several years. In the late 1950s the couple moved to California. Mrs. Connelly worked as an apartment manager in Southern California from 1960-84. She returned to the Ponca City area in 1996 to be close to her family.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. C.L. (Shirley) Hallmark of Austin, Texas; one son, C. Michael Connelly of Fountain Valley, Calif.; one brother, Bill Conner of Norman; one sister, Georgie Culver of Lafayette, Colo.; three granddaughters and one great-granddaughter. Her husband, Marvin, preceded her in death on April 4, 1982. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and one brother.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Connelly's name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Alzheimer's Research, 825 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
Juanita Myers, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday evening, March 7, 1998, at Tender Heart Health Care. She was 87.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 11, 1998, at 2 p.m. at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Steve Harden, pastor of Southside Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery, Kaw City. The casket will not be open at the service; however, friends may call at the funeral home until 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Juanita Ellen Copenhaver was born on June 14, 1910, in Le Hunt, Kan., to Thomas J. and Nancy (Davidson) Copenhaver. At the age of eight years, she and her family moved from Seneca, Mo., to The Osage, living in the Little Chief area. She attended Osage County schools and graduated from Fairfax High School.
On June 12, 1931, she married John Henry Myers in Pawhuska. He preceded her in death March 8, 1973. They established their first home in Oklahoma City where John worked for Marland Oil. Later, Continental Oil moved them to several locations in Oklahoma, Kansas and Wyoming. They returned to Oklahoma in 1947 and lived north of Kaw City, eventually residing in Ponca City at their current address.
Among her endeavors, she worked at the Ponca Military Academy and G.H.R. Manufacturing. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and gardening. She also enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Mrs. Myers was a member of the Southside Baptist Church.
She is survived by two daughters, Betty Anne Lane and Nancy Sue Zimmermann, both of Newkirk; two sons: Larry Dean Myers of Kaw City and John Henry Myers, Jr., of Tulsa; brother, James Copenhaver of Riverside, Calif.; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers: Gordon, Paul, and Allan Copenhaver.
Casket bearers will be the grandsons.
Memorial contributions may be made to Southside Baptist Church 1518 South Fifth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.
paid obituary
Wednesday
Greta Teel Frazier - Funeral to be graveside at 10 a.m. at Ponca City IOOF Cemetery. Friends may call at Trout Funeral Home until 9 a.m.
Randy Murray - Funeral to be at 2 p.m. at Hackler Funeral Home Memory Chapel, Blackwell. The family will be at the funeral home for visitation at 1:30 p.m. Burial to be in the Blackwell Cemetery.
Thursday
James Walter McAninch - Funeral to be at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Tonkawa. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Katherine Koziniec, Ponca City resident, died Thursday, March 5, 1998 in Ponca City as a result of an automobile accident. Funeral arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Bobby Joe Randall, infant son of Michele Randall, died Monday, March
9, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. Arrangements
are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Sage, Rosemary and Thyme - SR&T Garden Club will meet Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Joann Monger. Co-hostess will be Mary Perkins. Susan Henning will give the program on "Basics of Gardening." Members are invited to bring items for the Serendipity table being taken care of by Carol Hamrick and Mavis Robinson. For more information call Mary Anne Potter, 767-1957.
Christina Gott Joins Army - Christina D. Gott has joined the U.S. Army under the Delayed Entry Program at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Stillwater. The enlistment gives the new soldier the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $40,000 toward a college education. Gott, a student at Newkirk High School, will report to Fort Jackson, Columbia, Ohio, for basic training on June 9, 1998. She is the daughter of Richard S. and Cherly L. Gott of 515 West Seventh in Newkirk.
Army Pvt. West Graduates - Army Pvt. LaTanya M. West has graduated from basic military training at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo. During the training, students received instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, first aid, and Army history and traditions. West is the daughter of Gwen L. Roland, 424 North Birch, and Floyd D. West of 1033 North Second, both of Ponca City. She is a 1997 graduate of Ponca City High School.
Parenting Seminars - Kenny James, a licensed professional counselor, will present a parenting seminar Thursday entitled "Chores and Choices" at the Family Resource Center, 700 West Broadway Avenue, from 6 to 8 p.m. For further information call 767-9509 or 767-8000, ext. 247.
Premiere Exhibition - The Living Artists Society is sponsoring a Premiere Exhibition March 9-April 8 at the Eleanor Hays Gallery. The event will be 1-5 p.m. at the Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center in Tonkawa.
Burglary - At 8:23 a.m. Monday a burglary was reported at the House of Bargains, 220 North First Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Minor Accident - An accident in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported at 11:56 a.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Assaulting Salesman - A woman in the 1500 block of East Bradley Avenue reported to police at 2:23 p.m. Monday that she had been assaulted by a door to door magazine salesman. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Theft - At 4:30 p.m. Monday police were notified that a woman's wallet had been stolen from her vehicle while it was parked in the 300 block of North Fourth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Juvenile Arrest - Police arrested a 12-year-old girl at 5:05 p.m. Monday for petit larceny from the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street.
Accident - An accident was reported at 5:20 p.m. Monday at North Fifth Street and East Highland Avenue. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 28-year-old man at 8:25 p.m. Monday from Lake Road and Sugar Maple for driving under suspension.
Arrest - A 19-year-old man was arrested at 8:31 p.m. Monday from the 700 block of South Fifth Street on a Kay County warrant for a bogus check.
Arrest - Police arrested a 34-year-old man at 9:28 p.m. Monday from the 400 block of East Detroit Avenue on a city warrant for petit larceny.
Honking Horn - At 11:50 p.m. Monday police were called to the 600 block of South Third Street to assist a woman with a horn that was "going off."
Downed Door - A woman in the 200 block of South Pine Street called police at 12:58 a.m. Tuesday to report that her son had kicked her door in. An officer was assigned and both a domestic assault and battery and a destruction of private property report were taken.
Break-In - At 4:43 a.m. Tuesday police were called to the 400
block of West Fresno Avenue due to a reported break-in at a residence. An
illegal entry report was taken.
BUSINESS
Ponca City-area residents earning less than 60 percent of the city's median income may be eligible for a financial boost toward their dream of home ownership.
The Norwest Homeownership Assistance Program (NHAP) - which provides up to $2,000 or five percent of the total mortgage to assist eligible low and extra low-income home buyers obtain closing costs or down payment funds toward a home mortgage recently received a $225,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka to support its initiatives in the states of Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado.
"This program allows many of the nation's low-income borrowers to achieve the American dream of home ownership," said Greg Farnam, vice president regional manager for the Ponca City area of Norwest Mortgage. "The nationwide demand for the NHAP program exemplifies the growing need for affordable housing solutions."
Under NHAP guidelines, if a borrower's income is between 50 and 60 percent of the area median income, Norwest Mortgage will match $2 for every $1 the borrower contributes, up to a maximum of $2,000. If the borrower's income is less than or equal to 50 percent of the area median income, he/she is eligible for a $2,000 contribution toward closing costs or as a down payment. A borrower's contributions may come from personal funds, grants or gifts.
Commercial building led the permits issued in February by Building Inspector James Brown. Total valuation for six permits was $3,577,724.
The second phase renovation at the Ponca City High School of the Howe building accounted for the largest chunk with $2.7 million. Mid America Door is in the process of a $700,000 addition.
The Caphaw offices is undertaking a $65,000 improvement. Big Lots, at the old C.R. Anthony building, is doing $50,000 in remodeling, Nickles Machine has added a building at $7,000, and a mini-storage on West Grand is being added for $28,000.
There were no single home or multi-home permits issued. There were 10 remodel/addition permits at a valuation of $30,000 and nine miscellaneous permits at a valuation of $68,100.
During February there were 29 electrical permits issued and 80 electrical inspections made by Earl Whittaker's electrical department.
There were 21 plumbing permits issued and 47 inspections made by Buddy R. Osborn's plumbing department. There were 19 mechanical permits and 34 inspections made by the mechanical department headed by Osborn.
Charles Anderson of the Center for Local Government Technology will be the guest speaker for The Far North Central Oklahoma Rural Development Coalition meeting 10 a.m. Thursday at Kay Electric Cooperative, Blackwell.
Anderson will present information on programs the center has that are of special interest to municipal and county educational officials. The center has several new education series that would be of value to the group, according to Phil Watson, executive director.
Also on the agenda will be Marilyn Harmon who will update the group on the latest progress on the Welcome/Information Center move. She has recently talked with some of the local legislators and has encouraging news about this project, according to Harmon.
Rick Cantillon will report on the successful Land Run Tours. This is another effort to enhance the area's ability to compete for tourism dollars.
Cable customers in the Ponca city community are reporting 40 percent fewer service outages in the fourth quarter of 1997, compared to a benchmark study conducted in April 1996, thanks to a company wide program to reduce outages by Cable ONE.
"Our customers have told us that outages are one of the most frustrating and inconvenient problems with our cable service, so we are committed to doing everything we can to eliminate them. While we cannot prevent severe weather, power outages and other unexpected events, we're working harder than ever to identify problems immediately so they can be fixed quickly," said Jerald Stone, Cable ONE system manager.
Cable ONE has invested millions to improve reliability and train customer service representatives and technicians. Through the fourth quarter of 1997, Cable ONE has reduced outages by 40 percent across its 61 cable systems. "We're extremely pleased to see that our investment is delivering impressive insults. Our goal is to be the best cable company in America, and this reduction in outages is a testament to our commitment to our customers," said Tom Might, president and CEO of Cable ONE.
Added Stone, "Every employee at Cable ONE is dedicated to putting our customers first and providing outstanding service. We're determined to satisfy all our customers, and I couldn't be happier that our 11,400 customers in the Ponca City area are benefiting from our service improvements."
Cable ONE, the cable division of The Washington Post Company, operates 61 cable systems serving 635,000 subscribers in 16 states.
Hosting Open House
Derle Mork, owner of Worldwide Refinishing Systems, Ponca City, will host the opening of his kitchen and bath remodeling showroom on March 16 at 201 South First Street.
Law Day Contest
OKLAHOMA CITY - Friday is the deadline for students to enter the annual Law Day poster, essay, video and photo contests sponsored by the Oklahoma Bar Association. OBA President John A. Gaberino Jr. of Tulsa invites students in grades 1-12 to participate in the 1998 contests in honor of Law Day, celebrated nationally in May this year's theme is "Celebrate Your Freedom." For more information contact the OBA's Public Information Department at (405) 416-7004 or (800) 522-8065.
Sponsors Scholarship
This spring one 1998 graduate of Ponca City High School will receive a $1,500 scholarship from the Shelter Insurance Foundation. The award will be sponsored and partially funded by local Shelter agent Thomas Henley.
The recipient of the award will be chosen by a committee of local high
school officials and community leaders. The committee will consider each
applicant's scholastic achievements, educational goals, citizenship, moral
character and participation and leadership in school and community activities.
LIFESTYLES
The Billings High School Alumni Association is making final plans for the 93rd annual alumni reunion on April 4 at Billings. Scheduled for 11 a.m. at the high school gym are alumni basketball games for women and men. The 1998 Senior class will operate a concession stand with lunch being served. The public is invited to "cheer on" the basketball teams. For basketball information contact Kevin Goforth at 580-725-3618 or Brady Hostetler at 580- 725-3433.
The banquet will begin at 6 p.m. in the Billings School Cafeteria with End O' Main catering the meal. Special quests for this year will be the Class of 1948 and the Class of 1998. A social and dance for the alumni, with music from every era, will continue in the cafeteria at 9 p.m. Cost of the banquet is $10 which includes free admission to the dance. A $5 fee will be charged to attend just the dance. The banquet and dance is open to all Billings graduates, current and past faculty, support staff and school board members.
Members of the alumni committee are Rita Horn Altman, Vicki Bellmon Goforth, Danny Ketts, Jimmy Waggoner, Trina Snyder Walker, Kevin Goforth and Kristi Manley Rahn. For more information contact Rita Altman at 580-725-3387 or any of the other committee members.
The February meeting of the Kay County Mounties 4-H Club was held at Earla Alley's home with 14 members present.. Daniel Alley, president, called the meeting to order and Laura Hoy, vice president, led members in the 4-H ritual and flag salute. Shawn Alley, secretary, gave the minutes and called roll at which time each member gave his captain's report. The treasurer's report was given by Earla Alley, leader .
Cory Ingram made the motion to have a minute of silent prayer for all of those who died in alcohol-related deaths. Daniel Alley, president, asked for silence for one minute.
Discussion was held on the upcoming horse-judging school to be held in Stillwater; the livestock show and judging; the Ronald McDonald 4-H "Kids Helping Kids" campaign; the next parent and teen leaders' meeting at Newkirk, Feb. 23 and bids are being taken for clean-up at the stock show.
The next meeting will be at Earla Alley's home on March 12 at 7 p.m.
Shawn Alley then gave a "hands-on" workshop making wooden heart
magnets for the refrigerator.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
SHAWNEE - Need just a little more March Madness?
The Mavericks of NOC, taking on arch rival Rose State, overcame a blitzkrieg of 3-point shots by the Raiders to prevail, 89-78, in Monday night's Region II semifinal.
The Mavs, playing in their first Region II final since 1994, and vying for their first trip ever to the national NJCAA Tournament, face off against Bacone College tonight at 8 p.m. Bacone defeated Shorter College on Monday, 92-78.
With the ever-changing complexion and transitory nature of junior college teams, rivalries are hard to come by. But they do exist, and the Northern-Rose State matchup is among the best.
The Raiders bloodied the Mavs in Tonkawa, 81-79, Jan. 29, to wreck their national ranking and send them into a shocking, 2-game tailspin in the early days of conference play. The Mavs, however, evened the score on Feb. 16, when they beat the Raiders 85-75, in Midwest City.
So on Monday night, in neutral territory, in a tie-breaker matchup with their seasons on the line, it was anyone's ball game.
Down most of the game, and by as much as 12 points in the first half, the Mavericks finally took the lead on a DeShawn Denson 3-pointer at the 3:10 mark. Two failed attempts by the Raiders, plus two clutch jumpers by NOC's Kyle Dean and Marlon Towns put the Mavs up by six, 80-74.
From there, a pair of offensive rebounds on the back end of a one-and-one free throw by the Mavericks nearly assured the win.
In the final six minutes, the Mavs outscored the scrappy Raiders 24-6.
"Rose played about as well as I think they can," said NOC coach Mick Weiberg. "They made it tough, but all the kids stepped up tonight. They didn't want the season to end here, and I'd hate to see us go out on this game."
Rose State dropped in eight 3-point buckets in the first 11 minutes to leap to a staggering 27-15 lead. Though the Raiders cooled off a bit before halftime, the Mavs made up precious little ground before halftime, and trailed 45-35 at intermission.
For the first half, the Raiders were a Herculean 9-of-13 from the arc.
"You gotta be thinking they can't keep it up," said Weiberg. "They can't continue shooting like that. We wanted to get out on them more and push 'em to the hole in the second half, and stop them there. We wanted to slow it down a little and have a little more poise. We were playing their tempo.
"And we were lucky we weren't down 18 or 20 points."
The Mavericks began inching their way back in the second half, narrowing the gap with a pair of 3's by Towns and Dean. At the ten minute mark, Dean drove the length of the court and buried an eight-foot pull-up jumper to tie the game at 60-all.
But Rose was good for one more run. Deceptive, 5-9 point guard Carlos Adamson - all 130 pounds of him - buried three 3-pointers in the next two minutes to launch the Raiders back on top, 69-61.
But the Mavericks, behind a couple of huge offensive rebounds by Towns and Joe Patmon, a steal, and clutch free throw shooting, came back quickly to trail by one at the 3:47 mark.
Though they finished with 60.9 percent shooting from 3-point land, the Raiders shot 51.9 percent overall, while the Mavericks shot 56.8 percent, and out-rebounded the Raiders 31-25.
Denson led the Mavs for the second game in a row with 32 points, followed by Towns with 30, Dean with 12, Patmon with 8, Zach Cazzelle and Josh Regnier with 3 each, while Jared Weiberg had 1.
Brent Ansel led the Raiders with 24 points, followed by Adamson - by
far the smallest player on the court - with 21.