From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
March 18, 1998
LOCAL
County Co-Hosts FCE Event
Enid 4-H Competition Completed
Newkirk Main Street Winners
YMCA Schedules Lifeguard Course
Area Calendar
Spring Fever? Get Away
State Agency Hosting Exhibit Of Disability-Assistive Devices
Kay Conservation District Presents Annual Awards
Habitat Program Signup Continues
Fourteen People Injured in Wreck
Mayor Candidates Field Several Questions at County GOP Event
Po-Hi Mission of Improvement Has Areas of Accomplishment
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Visit of 'The Wall That Heals' Gets Boost
Miss NOC Special Judge For Local American Kids
Birthday Dance For Legion Post At White Eagle
P.C. 'Road Warrior' Living Up To Name
DEATHS
Stafford McDaniel
Tiaunna Linea Brown
Services Pending
Maxine H. Lingerfelt
A.E. Klinger
Obituaries
Eugene O. Silkey
Lucille McCormick Lowrey
Robert Andrew Scott
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Kay Democrats Invited To Party
PT Club Donates To 'Wall That Heals'
Progressive Club Marks 75th Event
Cynthia Thompson Gives Oboe Recital
Kaw City Museum Association Sets Officer Election
SPORTS
Mavs Stumble in Round One Saints' Star Turns Tables In 2nd Half
Sports Note
RED ROCK - It was Kay County's turn - along with Noble and Logan counties - to host the Northwest District annual meeting of the state's Association for Family and Community Education (FCE).
Kay County extension educator Mary Rhyne said the meeting, which always includes annual business to be conducted, is a good way for the members of Kay County's eight individual FCE groups to see the bigger picture of the state organization.
Rhyne said FCE is an adult organization - the largest one of its kind in the nation. And the meetings provide multiple workshops, emphasizing a variety of issues "to improve their quality of life and that of their family," she said.
To complement the social benefits of the meetings, the workshops "are designed to be of interest to men or women, young or old" because FCE is open to any adult or anyone else in an adult situation, Rhyne said.
The eight groups in Kay County's association are the Kildare FCE, the Nardin FCE, the New Creations FCE in Tonkawa, the Creative Homemakers FCE in Blackwell, the Fun-and-Fundamental FCE of Ponca City and Newkirk, Uncas FCE of Ponca City/Newkirk/Arkansas City, New Bethel FCE of Blackwell and Salt Fork FCE of Ponca City.
More than 125 4-H youth from 10 Northwest Oklahoma Counties - Alfalfa, Dewey, Garfield, Kay, Kingfisher, Logan, Major, Noble, Woods and Woodward - participated in the 4-H Division of the Enid N.W. District Junior Livestock Judging Contest.
There were 23 junior teams (4-H'ers 9 to 13 years old) and eight senior teams (4-H'ers 14 to 19 years old). They competed for both team and individual awards sponsored by the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce as a part of the Enid Northwest District Junior Livestock Show held last week.
Representing Kay County were Gayle Buellesfeld, Skye Bergman, Tyler Jeffries and Josh Cornelson of the OK Okies 4-H club. They placed fifth in the Junior Team. Gayle Buellesfeld placed third and Josh Cornelson placed eighth in Junior Individuals.
"Youth who are involved in livestock judging learn and practice life skills such as decision making, cooperation, and public speaking as well as applying their knowledge of livestock," said Kevin Hackett, Northwest District 4-H Program Specialist.
"As part of the contest they judged three classes each of beef, sheep, and swine and went on to defend their placing by giving oral reasons on one class each of beef, sheep, and swine," Hackett added.
NEWKIRK - Once again Newkirk has made it into the winner's circle for the coveted Oklahoma Main Street awards by placing in the top three in five categories.
The City of Newkirk placed in the Best Municipal Partners along with Cordell and Chickasha. The Main Event newsletter placed in running with Ardmore and Shawnee. Newkirk's Alumni Parade is competing with Cordell, Enid and Nowata for the Best Special Event.
The Children's Christmas Shop made the top three for Best Retail Event with Ardmore and Woodward. And last but not least Newkirk's Main Street Merchant-of-the-Year made it, along with Ardmore, Okmulgee and Stillwater.
The Oklahoma Main Street awards banquet will be held at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City on April 28th.
YMCA is currently enrolling students for lifeguard training. To be eligible to enroll, you must be at least 16 years of age and have current Adult, Infant, and Child CPR and First Aid certification.
The training course includes 28 hours of classroom and pool instruction over two weekends - March 27, 28, 29 and April 4 and 5) and will lead to YMCA Lifeguarding certification.
The cost of the course will be $55. For further information call the YMCA at 765-5147.
March 2-27
March 11-April 8
March 19
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March 22
March 23-April 3
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March 25
March 26
March 26-27-28
March 27
March 27-28
March 28
March 29
March 31
April 1-30
April 2
April 2-3-4-5
April 3-4
April 4
April 5
April 5-25
April 6
April 7
April 9
April 12
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April 14-May 9
April 16
April 16-19
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April 24-25
Spring fever with its high energy level is at its peak. Wise parents know that an effort to get away from the routine, enjoy warm Spring weather and experience something new is the answer to the Spring Break panic. Here are four ideas of places to go and things to do that will help parents sail through Spring fever while creating long-lasting family memories.
Enid
The number-one attraction for families in the northwest Oklahoma city of Enid is undoubtedly Leonardo's Discovery Warehouse and Adventure Quest. This hands-on museum provides an interactive learning place focused on art and science for kids of ages 2 through 12. A favorite area for toddlers and preschoolers is the open air restaurant and market where kids serve their parents "dinner" from a menu. Older children will enjoy the simulated space shuttle, a "light" piano (musical notes play when you break the light beams), carpentry room, and the life-sciences room, complete with a dinosaur egg.
Adventure Quest is the outdoor science park across the street from Leonardo's and is often billed as "the largest scientific, interactive playground in the world." Features include a Spanish galleon, a tot lot with a mini-city and climbing stegosaurus, a dinosaur time-line sand area, and a new musical playscape that allows kids to play eight different instruments. Children who relish excitement will not soon forget the three-story tube slide.
Other spots to visit in Enid include the Mr. and Mrs. Dan Midgley Museum, perfect for rock hounds, and the Cherokee Strip Museum for those who enjoy interesting history.
Bartlesville
The Bartlesville area is another excellent choice for Spring Break travel. Tops on the list of attractions is Woolaroc, a ranch, museum and wildlife preserve that reflects the interests of its benefactor, Frank Phillips, the founder of Phillips Petroleum. Visitors are greeted to Woolaroc with a drive through the wildlife preserve which includes bison, deer, elk, longhorn cattle and many other species. The museum exhibits tell the story of man's cultural development of the New World with emphasis on ancient civilizations, the first white pioneers, and cowboy and outlaw life. Fascinating dioramas, art work, the 1927 monoplane named the "Woolaroc," the Phillips lodge with numerous trophy mounts, Native American artifacts, and shrunken heads will interest children of all ages.
While in the area, consider short tours of the Keepsake Candle Factory and the historic Frank Phillips home. Osage Hills State Park, located eleven miles west of Bartlesville, provides a lovely setting for nature hikes, and the adjacent town of Dewey provides two attractions of interest to anyone who appreciates the Old West, including Prairie Song and the Tom Mix Museum.
Seminole
The city of Seminole provides another hands-on children's museum for Oklahoma travelers. The Jasmine Moran Children's Museum is often touted as the number one attraction for children in the state. The museum provides exhibits that allow children to slide down a fireman's pole, experience being inside a giant bubble, shop at a grocery store, practice being an emergency medical technician, participate in hands-on art, and much more. New at the museum are exhibits about energy, including the exploration and recovery of oil, and computers with safe internet access.
Omniplex
The Omniplex in Oklahoma City is hosting two special activities during Spring Break (March 15-22) including a high-tech simulation thrill ride called REACTOR and a game based on the PBS television series about Carmen Sandiego. Each four-minute REACTOR ride costs an additional $4 while the Carmen Sandiego sleuth game is free with paid admission. These special activities augment the many fascinating exhibits about science, air and space, photography and Native American history. Plan on spending at least a full day having fun while learning here.
Details about these and many other family-friendly Oklahoma getaways are found in the travel guidebook Exploring Oklahoma with Children, The Essential Family Travel Guide, edited by Sarah Taylor and available at book stores statewide or by calling (888) 340-1404.
In honor of People with Disabilities Awareness Day, as proclaimed by Governor Frank Keating, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) will host "Expanding the Future with Technology" on March 23.
The free event, planned from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. at the State Capitol fourth floor rotunda. Over 30 exhibitors from around the Southwest will be displaying and demonstrating the latest technology designed to expand the capabilities and employment opportunities of Okiahomans with disabilities.
Featured will be a sign language performance by students from the Oklahoma School for the Deaf at 10:30 a.m. and a noon concert by the award-winning jazz band of the Oklahoma School for the Blind.
For people with disabilities, everyday situations have the potential to be difficult. Little things, such as pouring a cup of coffee or writing a check, can be troublesome to someone with low or no vision. A person with mobility limitations of the hands might not be able to dial a phone without a special device or aid. These are just a few examples of situations that assistive technology can remedy to help bridge barriers at home and in the workplace.
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services provides assistance to Oklahomans with disabilities through vocational rehabilitation, employment, independent living, residential and outreach education programs and the determination of medical eligibility for disability benefits.
State and federally funded rehabilitation training and education introduces or reinstates people with disabilities into the work force, reducing or eliminating their dependence on disability benefits and social assistance.
For more information about People with Disabilities Awareness Day, call the DRS state office at 405-951-3400, or 800-845-8476. Both numbers are TDD/TTY accessible.
NEWKIRK - Four area farmers were honored with Conservation Awards last week when the Kay County Conservation District conducted its annual awards banquet here.
The honorees were:
- Bob Kafer, who maintains 25 acres of waterways, 9000 feet of terraces, a drop structure and a pond where he farms east of Newkirk. Kafer's farming operations consist of 60 acres of cropland, 20 acres of wildlife and 1100 acres of pasture.
- Bill Powelson, who retired from farming 17 years ago, but still participates with his son John on approximately 2000 acres of pasture and cropland.
- Jim Kincaid, who maintains more than 55,000 feet of terraces and 13 acres of waterways.
- Elmer Thomas, who with his sons farms a total of 1,006 acres near the Braman area consisting of 895 acres in cultivation and 111 acres in pastureland. The family farm has 1-1/2 miles of terraces and waterways.
In another honor, Orvan Grell, who farms predominantly in the northwest corner of Kay County, was awarded the Goodyear Award for his leadership in the cause of conservation Grell maintains approximately 40,000 feet of terraces, six acres of waterways, 1800 cubic yards of diversion terraces and three ponds on almost 1,300 acres of land.
Area students also were honored for their achievements in the year's land judging and plant identification contests in Blackwell.
In senior division land judging, awards went to Jared Grell of Blackwell for first place, James Martin of Tonkawa for second, and Ty Corneil of Blackwell for third.
In senior division team land judging, the first-place award went to the Blackwell team of Kori Jeffries, Daniel Alley, Jared Grell and Tyke Greer. Second-place awards went to Brandon Kahle, Nathan Mayer, Todd Lawhon and Ty Corneil of Blackwell, and third went to Tonkawa's team of Rhiannon Davis, Chris Bilyeu, Chad Shultz and Zac Swords.
In senior division plant identification, first place individual was Charlie Brandon, second was Jeremy Lockwood, and third was Jay Dobson, all of Newkirk.
In junior division land judging, top individual was John Robison, second was Kolby Simpson, and third was Matt Slavens, all of Tonkawa.
In junior division team land judging, all awards went to Tonkawa teams, with the team of Kolby Simpson, Justin Geiser, Mario Ochoa and Brody Lucas taking first place, the team of Zach Balahtsis, Shayne Marlin, John Robison and Jay Smith taking second, and the team of Brock Wilkins, Tim Primeaux, Matt Slavens and Kyle Hoffer taking third.
In junior division plant identification, first place went to Chris Ross of Tonkawa, second went to Drew Lockwood of Newkirk, and third to Jesse Bain of Newkirk.
NEWKIRK - Landowners can sign up for Wildlife Habitat Incentives program (WHIP), a voluntary program for landowners who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat on private lands, according to Dick Zetterberg, district conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The program provides technical assistance in developing wildlife habitat plan and up to 75 percent cost share assistance to help establish fish and wildlife habitat.
Applications for the program are being taken any time during the year and will be ranked and funded periodically throughout the year, with the first allocation based upon projects submitted by March 31, Zetterberg said.
Examples of practices available for cost-share funds include tree and shrub plantings, freeze proof tanks, prescribed burning, critical area plantings, water control structures, range plantings, field borders, riparian forest buffers, fish pond management, windbreaks and others. Practices must be part of the approved habitat plan.
Landowners sign agreements with USDA, generally lasting a minimum of 5 years from the date it is signed.
The landowner maintains full control and use of the land, but agrees to maintain the cost-shared practices and allow USDA to monitor the effectiveness of the practices.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be assisting with the ranking of applications and development of habitat plans.
Congress included WHIP in the 1996 Farm Bill and authorized $50 million nationwide for use through the year 2002. Oklahoma received $860,000 for 1998.
Producers interested in the program can obtain details about available practices, and terms of the agreement by contacting the Kay County Conservation District office at 115 S. Maple, Newkirk, OK or by calling 580-363-2438 or 580-362-3362.
Fourteen people were taken by ambulance to a St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for injuries received in a two-vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon.
According to police, a van transporting Thorn Apple Valley employees was traveling north on Waverly Street and was "broad-sided" by an oncoming vehicle while attempting to turn left onto Industrial Boulevard.
A hospital spokesperson said all those treated sustained minor injuries and were later released.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
It was more than just leprechauns that gathered on St. Patrick's Day. Three of the four Ponca City mayoral candidates fielded questions at the Kay County Republican meeting Tuesday evening.
Candidates Carl Balcer, Tom Leonard and Dick Stone gave up the corned beef and cabbage for an opportunity to present their views and solutions to problems facing the city. Candidate Melvin Schoonover was not present.
Balcer's main concerns centered around crime and city finances. "I think the number one concern facing this city is crime prevention and aggressive enforcement."
Both Leonard and Stone - saying they were instrumental in the passage of the sales tax increase being used to fund current renovations to the No. 1 Fire Station - stated they strongly support the preservation and renovation of the entire city civic center.
Throughout the meeting Leonard cited examples of the need for the creation of both a one and five year plan for the city.
Stone would strive for "one stop shopping" for the city and promises to take whatever action necessary to bring the police and fire departments as well as city administration under one roof - namely the civic center.
It was Hutchins Auditorium and its fate that dominated questions from the audience of over 50 people.
Candidate Balcer, saying the building was "ill conceived in its design," told the audience if elected he would take steps necessary to utilize individual rooms of the auditorium.
"It has been a sore spot as far as the use, but we can do things that will enhance further use in it," Balcer stated.
Candidate Leonard saw the building as one in need of capital improvements and pointed to it as an example of the need for a one and five year plan for the city. "This is why we need a strategic plan for the city," Leonard said. "We have tremendous needs for capital improvements in this city and we need to look at what we can do as a city."
Candidate Stone, also concerned with the lack of utilization of the building, suggested the use of city employees to cut costs associated with renovations and repairs. "If we don't use that building we will lose it," Stone explained. "We need to repair it and encourage use of it."
When asked about what steps they would take to ensure the future of Ponca City the candidates all mentioned economical development.
However, all three also had additional ideas for the future. Balcer took the opportunity to once again discuss his views on the city's finances.
"We need to get back to living within the means of our budget and make certain that we don't get into any more debt that we already have."
Leonard focused on juveniles. "We need to look at the juvenile situation, the vandalism and crime in this city," he said. "We need accountability and punishment and programs aimed at keeping kids off the streets."
Stone mentioned future development and stated he would seek the community's assistance in developing the city. "We need more city togetherness," Stone said. "It is not what we can do but what we can do as a whole, and together we can accomplish a lot."
The mayoral election is April 7.
Editor's Note: This is the eleventh and final article on the Ponca City Public Schools' Site Improvement Plans. This article is on the improvements at Ponca City High School.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
The mission at Po-Hi is to provide an environment within which individuals may learn, to the best of their ability, to think independently, critically, and to behave ethically in a changing global society. Some of the ways Po-Hi feels they can accomplish this mission is to improve attendance and reading and writing scores.
According to records for Po-Hi, numbers in attendance have increased since the semester test exemption was activated. In 1994-95, with a total of 1,313 students, the percent of students attending school improved from 92.91 percent in the first semester to 93.51 percent in the second semester. In 1996-97, with a total of 1,309 students enrolled, 92.88 percent of students attended first semester with 92.90 percent attending the second semester. So far this year, with 1,363 students enrolled, 92.95 percent of students have attended school. This is the highest percentage since the graduating seniors of 1995.
To improve student attendance Po-Hi set some evaluation procedures. The school has reviewed attendance record, communicated to homes, and increased the number of students exempted from semester tests.
In terms of total growth in the number of students who passed the reading and writing portions of the Criterion Referenced Tests (CRT) from 1996 to 1997, Po-Hi was third among the top 20 6A schools with a total growth of 13 percent. In the 1995-96 reading test, 74 percent of students passed the CRT with 81 percent passing in 1996-97. That means the increase in percentage of juniors passing the CRT from 1995-96 to 1996-97 was seven percent. Only three of the top 20 6A schools showed more improvement.
To improve reading Po-Hi has increased participation in reading, the number of writing activities and test scores.
In writing improvement, 50 percent of seniors in 1994-95 passed the National Standardized Test compared to a 61 percent pass rate in 1996-97. The rank among the top 20 6A schools was 20 out of 20 in 1994-95, 13 out of 20 in 1995-96, and 16 out of 20 in 1996-97.
To improve writing skills, Po-Hi has increased participation in writing time and provided writing workshops to teachers and students.
Building Team Level members for the 1997-98 school year are Bill McCracken, Elaine Harman, Diane Bull, J.D. Hanks, Jack Powers, Dane Pryse, Kathy Paczkowski, Pam Oster and Violet Nine.
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.
Jay Snell, president and owner of United Supermarkets Inc., has given the Kay County Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund a major financial contribution to ensure The Wall That Heals' success when it comes to Ponca City April 16-19.
According to Jeri Casey, one of the Vision Ambucs fund raising committee members, "United Supermarkets is now a leading financial contributor for this project and has also committed to advertising The Wall That Heals in United's weekly grocery advertising flyer." The advertising flyer goes to 23 Oklahoma cities and towns and has a circulation of approximately 225,000 per week.
"The advertising in United's weekly food flyer will certainly help get the word out about the Wall's visit to Ponca City. We are very grateful to United for the exposure and getting the word out to other parts of Oklahoma," states Casey. The Vision Ambucs Club has spearheaded the fund raising effort for the Wall's visit. The response has been tremendous from individuals as well as the business community and civic organizations.
Snell states, "We, at United, feel this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get something of this magnitude in Ponca City. We feel it is important to show our support with something that will have such a positive impact on our community."
The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Wall That Heals, is scheduled to visit Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery in Ponca City April 16-19, 1998.
According to Susan Ladner, co-chairman for the event, "The purpose of bringing The Wall That Heals to our area is to give many people an opportunity to participate in an experience they might otherwise never be given in their lifetime. This is an event that will significantly affect and benefit veterans and non-veterans alike. Bringing The Wall That Heals to Ponca City can be a way to honor all our veterans."
Although a half-scale replica of the original in Washington, D.C., The Wall That Heals is every bit as extraordinary an experience as the original. Whether you lost someone in the Vietnam War or not, whether you agreed with the war or not, each of us knows someone who served and we must respect those who served and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us all."
Several activities are being planned in conjunction with the Wall's visit. There will be an opening ceremony on April 16 at 10 a.m., a motorcycle ride to the wall on April 18 at 11 a.m. from Performance Plus, and a closing ceremony on April 19, at 6 p.m. The local Vietnam Veterans Chapter 750 will have a "Watch Fire" and also will be properly retiring badly torn, soiled or faded American flags.
Volunteers are still needed to help with parking, visitor assistance, hospitality and security. The wall is free to the public and will be open 24 hours a day. Volunteers will work four-hour shifts. Anyone who wants to volunteer their time or needs further information is asked to call Susan Ladner at 762-5659.
Miss NOC 1998, Molly Hall, will be the special guest and judge for the upcoming local auditions of American Kids. The auditions for the local preliminaries for American Kids Inc., will be held on March 24, at Ponca City Middle School Auditorium, 1401 West Grand Avenue. Registration starts at 4:30 p.m.
American Kids Inc., is a non-profit organization founded so young entertainers have a safe place to develop their performance skills. Membership is open to children from 3 years of age through high school seniors.
Miss Hall is a music education major at NOC with an emphasis in Christian music and has studied piano, flute and voice.
The four possible stages of competition - local, regional, state and national - are divided into age and talent categories. Beginning with regionals, competitors are eligible to win prizes including cash and trophies. The National Finals for 1998 will be held during July in Branson, Mo. at Silver Dollar City.
For more information, contact Jim or Cheryl Goldman at (580) 765-0768.
The American Legion post in White Eagle will be celebrating the birthday of the Legion and the 71st birthday of the post in a birthday dance at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center Saturday.
American Legion Post 38, Ponca Indian Buffalo Post 38 and the Ladies Auxiliary Unit 38 will host the dance.
Head staff includes Wilkie D. Eagle Sr., Post 38, head singer; officers of Post 38, head men dancers; Melanie Feathers, Post 38 princess 1997-98, head lady dancer; Danny Page, water carrier; and Delbert A. "Smokey" Cole, commander Post 38, master of ceremonies.
Gourd dancing starts at 2 p.m. with supper (bring your own dishes and chairs) at 5:30 p.m. Ladies favorites, round dance and wolf songs will begin at 6:45 p.m. with gourd dancing (close out) at 7:15 p.m. and war dance (powwow style) at 8 p.m.
Cole issued a "very special invitation" to all gourd dance groups and dance organizations and "especially all men (straight and fancy dancers) and women dancers and princesses of tribal organizations and tribes" to attend and "support your local Native American veterans of Post 38."
Cole added, "Come dance, eat and enjoy."
Security will be provided and there will be free arts and crafts. Concessions will be by Post 38.
Attendees are reminded to bring their own change for giveaways.
TAZAR, Hungary - They are known as 'road warriors,' and they most definitely live up to their name. These truckers, on the surface, look no different than any other red blooded young men and women who drive their 18-wheelers along the highways and byways of America.
But the son of a Ponca City man is a road warrior of the truest sense, making sure their trucks, loaded with critical supplies, get through to their destination in Bosnia amid such uncommon distractions as land mines, shelled roads, confrontational border guards and, at times, armed factions dotting the hills along the way.
Army Pfc. Aaron N. Romine, son of Lynn Romine, Ponca City, is a member of a transportation unit based out of Kaposjulak, Hungary, which serves as a Bosnian staging base for the movement of supplies into the unstable Balkans.
With just over 100 soldiers supporting the mission out of Kaposjulak, Romine's work tempo is always high. If the unit isn't transporting supplies into Bosnia, which is commonly referred to as the 'box,' then it's traveling to Austria to meet and pick up supplies brought in from Germany.
Romine and his unit play more than one role within the organization. They are all trained in various areas of the mission and need to be ready to move out at a moment's notice.
"My job while deployed here is to drive heavy wheeled vehicles into Germany, Austria, Hungary and the Bosnian region. We haul everything from missiles to mail, quickly, efficiently and safely," Romine said.
Romine and the other 'road warriors' have traveled into the 'box,' and have seen first hand, the destruction that has devastated the nation and witnessed the first steps Bosnian people are taking to rebuild their shattered lives.
"The things I have seen in Bosnia have put humanity to shame. I drive through Bosnia and I'm very thankful for what I have. I've seen churches, temples and museums destroyed beyond repair, children begging for food and leveled cities and towns. Slowly the people are starting to rebuild and are trying to regain their former lives," Romine said.
As hectic as their lives are, Romine and his truck driving counterparts, value their free time. They have a dining facility, gym, small concessions store and sports bar all within the compound. Their living and working quarters consist of tents and their lavatory facilities are mobile trailers a few yards from the tent city.
"Life here on the camp is sometimes better than in Germany. I don't have to walk far to eat or do anything else for that matter. We all live in tents and, yes we do get on each other's nerves, but we all learn how to get by," said Romine, a 1996 graduate of Ponca City High School.
Although the encampment's rule outlines that soldiers can only venture off the camp in groups of four, they can sign up individually for morale and welfare trips to Budapest and Vienna. When it's time for a break or a day pass, Romine tries to get downtown to the stores, get a taste of the culture by sampling local cuisine or by visiting the local coffee shops and pubs.
"The Hungarian people are always nice and very polite. They always seem to be watching what we do and listening to what we say. By the way, did I mention what good cooks they are? The food at the local restaurants is inexpensive, healthy and good," Romine said.
Romine and his fellow truckers share a common bond that goes far beyond
long hours traveled down lonely highways, often separated from family and
friends. Their uniform and the dangerous conditions they often face make
them road warriors in the truest sense.
DEATHS
EUFAULA - Stafford McDaniel, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, March 15, 1998, in Eufaula.
The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 1998, at the Robert Simons Funeral Home, 1000 Birks Road, Eufaula, with the Rev. John Parish officiating.
Stafford McDaniel was born June 30, 1916, Frisco County, Texas, to J.S. and Myrtle (Duffel) McDaniel. He was married to Leothea Mae Chappell.
McDaniel was employed as a power plant operator for the city of Ponca City. McDaniel was a member of the Baptist church in Marlow after his retirement. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family.
Survivors include two daughters, Peggy Bunyard of Ada, and Carol Ann Heileman of Binger; two step-daughters, Betty Woodward of Olive Branch, Miss., and Patty Nemecek of Yukon; three sons, Wayne of Yukon, J.W. of Ada, and Stanley of Eufaula; three brothers, Spencer of Medford, James of Duncan, and Ralph of Tuttle; and one sister, Blanch Varner of Oklahoma City.
McDaniel was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
BLACKWELL - Tiaunna Linea Brown of Blackwell died Sunday morning, March 15, 1998, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital at the age of four months.
The funeral service will be Thursday, March 19, 1998, at 2 p.m. in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with Rev. Bill Kalfas of the First Church of the Nazarene officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery.
Tiaunna Linea Brown was born on Oct. 22, 1997, in Blackwell to Bobby Joe and Rhonda Ann (Menefee) Brown Jr. She lived her brief life in Blackwell.
Survivors include her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Joe Brown Jr.; six sisters, Kelsci Meriah Menefee, Kayla Marie Menefee, Brittany Jo Menefee, Hailey Kathryn Brown, of Blackwell, and Amanda Ensminger and Misti Dawn Hayes, both of Enid; a brother, Austin Leroy Menefee of Blackwell; maternal grandparents, Larry D. and Carolyn Hall of Blackwell, Marie Powell of Albertsville, Ala., and Paul and Donna Gustafson of Blanchard, Okla.; and paternal grandparents, Patsy Bell of Port Arthur, Texas, and Bobby Joe Brown Sr. of Wartburg, Tenn.
Maxine H. Lingerfelt, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday morning, March 18, 1998, at St. Mary's Mercy Hospital in Enid. She was 74. Local survivors include her husband, Charles, of the home, and a daughter, Lesa Bailey. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
A.E. "Buzz" Klinger, Ponca City resident, died early Wednesday morning, March 18, 1998, at St. Mary's Hospital in Enid. He was 72. Survivors include his wife, Betty, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
Eugene O. Silkey of Ponca City, died after a lengthy illness, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on March 17, 1998. He was 74.
The funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at Sunset Baptist Church with the Rev. Ron Ledbetter officiating. Friends may call at Trout Funeral Home or at the home, 1501 West Chestnut. The family has requested that any memorial contributions be made to Believers Fellowship, 206 West Grand, Ponca City, OK, 74601, where he was a member.
He was born Eugene Otis Silkey on Jan. 11, 1924, in Tulsa, the son of Nola Gene (Stancoff) Silkey and Raymond Otis Silkey. After graduating from Tulsa Central High School in 1942, he fulfilled his army service in the theater of the South Pacific. Honorably discharged in 1946, he returned to Spartan School of Aeronautics to pursue a career as an electronics engineer, earning his degree there with nearly straight-A's.
While a student at Spartan, he met Lois Elaine Stone. After his graduation they were married on July 8, 1948. The couple moved to Syracuse, N.Y., in that year so Gene could go to work for General Electric. They later moved to Dallas, where he worked as a transmitter engineer for KRLD television station.
After being employed for a short time in St. Louis and Tulsa, Gene began working as an electronics engineer in Ponca City at Continental Pipeline Company in 1956. He ended his career at the center of the telecommunications department. He had worked 30 years for Conoco.
After his retirement in 1985, Gene and Elaine began wintering in Rockport, Texas, where they began and continued many friendships. They enjoyed ocean fishing, golfing, and camping together, traveling extensively to various parts of the Southwest. His hobbies had always included camping and fishing, boating and skiing, tinkering with electronics in his garage, fixing cars, solving puzzles, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was fond of teaching his children and grandchildren how to ski, take care of their cars, to fly kites, to fish, and to play golf. His most recent hobby was using his computer to organize his financial affairs and to e-mail his daughter and friends.
Gene's survivors include his wife of nearly 50 years, Elaine Silkey; his mother, Nola Mitchell of Tulsa; one daughter, Kendra Smith and her husband, Gary, of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; two sons, Terry Silkey, of Ponca City, and Mark Silkey and his wife Janet, also of Ponca City. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Carissa Pangburn and her husband Jay, of Tulsa, Alison Hume of Dallas, Texas, Kalen Silkey and Lauren Silkey, both of Norman, and Caleb Silkey of Ponca City. His two step-grandchildren are Paige Bilyeu and her husband Jeff, of Yukon, and Jeff Smith of Phoenix, Ariz. Everyone who knew him will miss his sharp wit and loving devotion to his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond O. Silkey in 1980, and his sister, lola Ingerham, in 1967.
paid obituary
WOODWARD - Lucille Lowrey, 94, longtime Woodward, Okla., resident, died Monday, March 16, 1998, in the Westminster Retirement Village in Ponca City. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Woodward First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Carl McCormack officiating. Burial will be in the EImwood Cemetery under the direction of the Billings Funeral Home of Woodward.
Lucille McCormick Lowrey was born January 28, 1904, on her parents homestead seven miles west and one mile north of Newkirk, Oklahoma Territory; she was the daughter of Austin and Martha (Fester) McCormick. She attended a small rural school and later graduated from Newkirk High School. Lucille received her B.A. degree from the University of Kansas in 1924. She taught English and Spanish at Newkirk in the school year of 1924-1925. While attending college, Lucille met George Lowrey and on August 19, 1925, they were married in her parents' home in Newkirk. They made their home in Cambridge, Mass., so George could finish the work on his M.B.A. at Harvard. While living in Cambridge, Lucille took a course at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a course at the famous Fanny Farmer School of Cooking in downtown Boston. They moved to Woodward on August 1, 1926, after her husband received his masters degree. Her husband preceded her in death on July 28, 1961. Lucille moved to the Westminster Retirement Village in Ponca City in March of 1989.
Lucille was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Woodward. She was an elder in the church and active in Christian education. She was a member of PEO, the Coterie Club, the Delphian Study Course, Book Review Club, Music Club, A.A.U.W. and the Great Books Society. She was county chairman of the Red Cross Home Nursing, a charter board member of the Plains Indian and Pioneer Museum, and served nine years on the City Parks Board. During World War II, she was county coordinator of all local war activities such as scrap iron drives, U.S.O. drives, nurse recruitment, etc. For this she had received one of only two honorable awards given to counties by the Governor of the state. Lucille was an avid gardener and was known by her beautifully landscaped yard. She also loved entertaining family and friends.
Survivors include two sons, Deming A. Lowrey and wife Betty, Ponca City; Harold Lowrey and wife Virginia, Woodward; one daughter, Barbara Houston and husband Winfrey D., Stillwater; ten grandchildren, John and Kate Lowrey, Springfield, Ill., Martha and Dr. Larry Baker, Lake Worth, Fla.; Robert and Jana Lowrey, Sioux Falls, S.D., George and Nahid Lowrey, Tulsa; Sarah and John Taylor, Edmond; Jeanne Lowrey, Chandler, Ariz.; Ann and Rod Wanger, Stillwater; David and Denise Houston, Oklahoma City; Nancy and Jim Beckstrom, Cairo, Egypt; Mary and Phil Massie, Olathe, Kan.; 21 great grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Jean Ingham, Ponce City.
Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents and four sisters, one of whom died in infancy.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodward First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.
paid obituary
NEWKIRK - Robert "Bob" Andrew Scott, Newkirk resident, died late Monday afternoon, March 16, 1998, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City, Okla. He was 91.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 19, in the Newkirk First United Methodist Church with Dr. William R. Chace officiating. A graveside service has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, March 20, in the Fairview Cemetery at Pryor, Okla., with the Rev. Carol Reich, minister of the Salina, Kan., First United Methodist Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.
Robert "Bob" Andrew Scott was born October 4, 1906, on a farm in Stone Country, Ark., to Andrew and Ella (Jetton) Scott. He and Elizabeth Williams of Pryor were married in Wagner, Okla. They had one son, Ellis B. Scott.
Bob was a farmer for many years in the Grainola area. He began working for the public schools in 1950 at Grainola and later in Shidler and Newkirk. He retired in 1987.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Scott; his son, Ellis B. Scott of Albuquerque, N.M.; two brothers; two sisters; three grandchildren, Donette Wagner, Dacia Lynn Roberts and Steven Ellis Scott; three great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Roberts, E.J. Roberts and Chad Wagner; and many nieces and nephews who he thought of fondly.
Those serving as casket bearers will be Tom Head, Charles Johnston, Dick Johnston, Dee Johnston, Chuck Kelly, and Carl McConaghey. Honorary bearers are Don Kelsey, Paul Jones, Jack Breedlove, Jack Haney, Frank "Bud" Swope, Sr. and Howard Jackson.
Lifeguard Training - YMCA is currently enrolling students for lifeguard training. To be eligible to enroll, you must be at least 16 years of age and have current Adult, Infant, and Child CPR and First Aid certification. Training course includes 28 hours of classroom and pool instruction (over two weekends - March 27, 28, 29 and April 4 and 5) and will lead to YMCA Lifeguarding certification. The cost of the course will be $55. For further information call the YMCA at 765-5147.
First Aid Classes - Enroll now for Red Cross CPR and First Aid classes. March 24 will be the Adult CPR class; March 26 will be the Infant and Child CPR class; March 30 will be the First Aid course. The cost of the courses are $25 for the first class and $10 for each additional class. For further information, call the YMCA at 765-5147.
Vehicle Vandalism - At 7:16 a.m. Tuesday a woman reported to police that her vehicle had been vandalized while at Darr Industrial Park. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Theft - At 7:18 a.m. Tuesday a clerk at Triple T, 1301 West Highland Avenue, called police to report that a juvenile had stolen cigarettes and magazines from the store. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Burglary - A burglary at Data Resources, 114 North Fourth Street, was reported at 7:33 a.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Minor Accident - A two-vehicle accident involving a city vehicle at Lake Road and Pecan Road was reported at 9:17 a.m. Tuesday. A report was made.
Accident - At 9:43 a.m. Tuesday a two-vehicle, non-injury accident was reported at East Highland Avenue and North Second Street. A report was taken.
Missing Van - A man in the 500 block of North Osage Street called police at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday to report that his van was missing. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Cut Lock - At 12:14 p.m. Tuesday police were called to Fort Knox Mini Storage, 1301 East Prospect Avenue, due to a lock being cut from a storage unit. An officer was assigned.
Juvenile Shoplifters - Two juvenile shoplifters were taken into custody at 12:56 p.m. Tuesday for shoplifting at Hastings, 2101 North Fourteenth Street. They were released to their parents.
Burglary - At 2:40 p.m. Tuesday it was reported that storage units at 300 North Union Street had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Tires Slashed - A woman called police at 3:06 p.m. Tuesday to report that her tires had been "slashed" while parked at the airport. A report was taken.
Juvenile Arrested - A 12 year-old boy was arrested at 3:19 p.m. Tuesday from the 1000 block of South Ninth Street for accessory to burglary.
Road Hogs - At 5:35 p.m. Tuesday police received a call reporting six hogs on the road one half mile south of U.S. 60 on Old River Road. The call was transferred to Osage County.
Arrest - Police arrested a 40-year-old man at 12:13 a.m. Wednesday from South Fifth Street and East Oklahoma Avenue for driving under suspension and no insurance.
Break-In - At 12:21 a.m. Wednesday a woman in the 900 block of South Eleventh Street called police to report that someone may have been in her residence while she was out. An officer was assigned and an unlawful entry report was made.
Assault Victim - At 3:23 a.m. Wednesday it was reported that a man injured by a baseball bat during an assault near First Street and Grand Avenue was being treated at the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Fare Lost - At 4:03 a.m. Wednesday police were notified that a
customer of Gene's Cab jumped out of a cab at West Emporia Avenue and Riggs
Drive and ran without paying the fare. An officer was assigned and a report
was taken.
LIFESTYLES
All Democrats are invited to the " Democrat Party Party" March 27, 7 p.m., at Jerry and Barbara Ware's home, 1090 Rockcliff Road, Ponca City. The Kay County Democrats are hosting this informal get-together as an opportunity to get acquainted with Democrat neighbors, elected officials and candidates.
Local State Senators Paul Muegge and J. Berry Harrison will be in attendance, along with Kay County Assessor Tresa Engle, County Clerk Pam Goodno, and County Commissioner Wayne Leven. Election Board Secretary Carol Stafford will also be present.
Gubernatorial candidate Representative James Hager is planning to attend, and Rep. Laura Boyd, also a Democrat candidate for governor, may be able to attend. The third Democrat gubernatorial candidate, Jerry Kobyluk, has also been invited.
No speeches or financial solicitations are planned for this casual dress party. Light refreshments will be served. For more information contact Kay County Democrat Chair Andrea Morriss, 765-6260.
Professionals Today have added the Vietnam Veterans "Wall That Heals" to their list of community services by voting a contribution to help support the traveling project.
The wall will be in Ponca City April 16-19th at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. The Wall, a half scale replica of the original Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be open 24-hours a day and admission is free.
Other community service projects, in addition to the annual Cherokee Strip Cook-off, which earned $11,000 for Hospice of Ponca City last year, include scholarships, $500; Prescriptions For Kids, $300; Peachtree Landing, $308; Ponca City Public Schools $300; Attucks project, and the Poncan Theatre, both $200.
Also, Ponca City Humane Society, $150; Child Development Center and the Mission, each $100, and other projects are Christmas gifts for Bridgeway, Ponca City Fireworks, donations of paper goods for Golden Villa and Easter baskets for the Child Development Center.
Philosophy of the club is that all money from membership dues stays in the community and isn't spent for attending conventions or supporting national charities.
Thursday's meeting is set for E.W.'s Restaurant at the Marland Estate Conference Center. The meeting was moved because Pioneer Technology Center students, who prepare the food, are on Spring Break.
The program is to be presented by Kathy Adams, executive director of the Marland Estate. She will tell "Little Known Secrets of the Marland Mansion," according to Ruth Capshaw, program chairman.
During the March 5 meeting Gael Hancock gave "Moments" about coincidence. Roses and Raspberries was given by Bobbie Smith. The secretary's report was given by Suzanne Zanardi and the treasurer's report was by Deanna Lowther, finance chairman.
Debbie Whitener, president, reminded members to bring Easter baskets for the Child Development Center on April 2. The meeting will be at Pioneer Technology Center. Members also plan to enter a team in the United Way Bed Race slated for May 5.
The Progressive Club of First United Methodist Church celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 12 at a luncheon in the dining room of Westminster Village.
The luncheon tables were decorated with bouquets of pink rosebuds and silver spangles - the flower and colors designated when the club was formed by Mrs. H.C. Mulroy in 1923 for 25 young women in her Sunday School class.
Alice Bland, president, conducted the short business meeting and recognized guests. Other officers are Betty Whitteberry, vice president and Norma Kelley, secretary-treasurer.
Mary Thiessen told of the many projects which the club had been involved in to enhance the church. For 68 years they have been responsible for the altar flowers, and for the wedding receptions held at the church. The silver and the crystal services had been furnished. More recently a TV and VCR have been given. Several members told of happenings during their membership.
Cleota Pershall was honored as being active the most years - Madalynne Peel and Jo Deecher, both past presidents, and Mamie Riggs as oldest member. All were given bouquets of roses from the table decorations. Other guests were Maxine Reeves, former member, and Rosemary Davies and Elsie Rosenbaum.
Hostesses for the luncheon were Ann Jenkins, Sophronia Godwin, Carol Martin and Mary Thiessen.
Cynthia Thompson, a junior with an Instrumental Music Performance major at Oklahoma City University, will give a Junior Oboe recital at 3 p.m. Sunday at the OCU Petree Recital Hall.
Daughter of Robert and Patricia Thompson, Cynthia is a 1995 Ponca City High School graduate. She has been listed on the President's Honor Roll at OCU and named as an All-American Collegiate Scholar by the U.S. Achievement Academy.
Miss Thompson is the principal oboist for the OCU Symphonic Orchestra and Symphonic Band. She has been a member of the All-State Collegiate Symphonic Band for 1997 and 1998 and is also a member of the OCU Wind Ensemble which will perform at the Oklahoma Mozart Festival.
The Kaw City Museum Association will have the annual meeting to elect members to the Board of Directors on March 25 at the Museum. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. and it is open to all members of the Kaw City Museum Association and the interested public
The Museum is beginning the much needed renovation of the old depot section. It should be finished, or showing progress by the annual reunion held at the Museum on Memorial Day.
Another project under way by the Museum Board of Directors is the video
taping of early residents of the Kaw City-Ox Bow area. We are interested
in a variety of stories and views of earlier days. Any person who would
like to help with this project is asked to call Virginia at 580-269-2930,
Diana at 580-269-2662 or Donna at 580-269-2268 or write to the Museum at
P. O. Box 56, Kaw City, OK 74641. The videos will be kept at the Museum
for interested visitors to view.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
HUTCHINSON, Kan. - An 11 point first half lead dwindled into a double-digit deficit for the Mavericks of NOC Tuesday afternoon, as they fell to the No. 6 nationally ranked Seward County (Kan.) Saints, 78-66, in the first round of the NJCAA National Tournament.
The Mavericks now enter the consolation bracket and take on Region 9 champion Western Nebraska, Thursday, at noon.
Though the Mavericks shot 56 percent in the first half and outrebounded the Saints 16-14, the Kansans stepped it up in the second half to limit the Mavs to just 36 percent shooting from the field. The Saints, meanwhile, buried just about everthing to outscore the Mavs 43-25 in the final 20 minutes of regulation.
Kevin Houston, Region 6 Tournament MVP and a University of Kansas prospect, damaged the Mavericks with 32 points and nine rebounds en route to leading the Saints to victory. With his team down by six, 41-35, Houston dumped in seven points during a 12-0 run that launched the Saints to a 47-42 lead in the first five minutes of the second period.
Though the Mavs - in their first ever trip to Hutchinson - pulled back to within one, 49-48, another burst by the Saints, including two consecutive 3-pointers by freshman Brady Bell gave them the lead for good, 57-48.
"They get down but they always come back," said Seward County coach Dave Brown. "That's the way they've played all year. They enjoy playing that way.
"We just couldn't get our shots to fall in the first half, so we couldn't get back to set up our defense, and we live by our press. We gotta make our shots to get into a rhythm."
It was that lack of defense by the Saints gave way to a first half dominated by the Mavericks.
After DeShawn Denson and Region II Player of the Year Marlon Towns launched the Mavs to an immediate, 5-0 lead, NOC went on to pad that lead by as much as 11. Behind a 3-pointer by Jared Weiberg and consecutive buckets by Towns, the Mavs built a commanding, 41-30 lead, late in the first half.
Though the Saints pulled back to within six, 41-35 at intermission, the Mavs seemed to have the Saints' number.
"I think they were two teams feeling each other out in the first half," said Northern Coach Mick Weiberg. "Then we came out and played them kinda soft in the second half. We didn't challenge them physically, and they took us out of our game. We didn't beat and bang 'em."
As to the much anticipated matchup between Towns - who finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds - and Brooklyn native Houston, the verdict was mixed.
"He's a great player," said a smiling Houston, of the Mavs' star forward. "But we got the W, and that's all that matters."
"I give him all the credit," said a cheerless Towns, "he stepped up to the challenge and I didn't. I think I could have played him better.
"We just have to do a better job on Thursday."
Following up Towns' performance were Denson with 9, Kyle Dean with 8, Zach Cazzelle with 8, Weiberg with 6, Todd Seibert with 4, Josh Regnier with 3, Joe Patmon with 2, and Chris Beech with 2.
For the Saints, Tony Heard and Bobby Willis each had 11, Marlon Sears had 9, Tony Brown had 7, Bell had 6, and Jun McClain had 2.
Due to rainstorms that have swept through the Stillwater area, Oklahoma State baseball (11-8, 4-3 Big 12) has postponed the OSU-ORU game scheduled for 5 p.m., March 18.
OSU head coach Tom Holliday and Oral Roberts' head coach Sonny Golloway
have agreed to reschedule the game at a later date.