From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, March
23, 1998
LOCAL
Nearly News
Body Discovered Near Ponca City
Statistics Indicate Kay County Ranks Fifth in Dropout Rate
Solution To Juvenile Crime Problem May Come By Identifying Situation
Tornado Awareness Week Draws Attention To Need of NOAA Radio
Ponca Playhouse Plans Auditions For Next Show
Salvation Army Kicks Off '98 Fund Raising Campaign
Vietnam Veterans Elect New Officers
DEATHS
Mary Kathryn Temple
Elsie Nichols
Jewell T. Muegge
Alva M. Tucker Jr.
Charlene M. Higgins
Services Pending
Regina Nell Zuccaro
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Eta Zeta Chapter Planning Social
SPORTS
Dodgens Named All-Conference
Congratulations are in order for an area bridge player. Nearly News notices in today's edition of The Ponca City News that William Perel of Pawnee, was one of ten people giving the full analysis for Christmas competition in the Philip Adler bridge question. That's no small accomplishment, since the other nine winners were from both coasts as well as other areas in the U.S. So, NN congratulates Perel for his obvious expertise in the game.
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Kudos go out to local poet Larry Adams, who has had one of his works published in "Verdant Lands of Spring," an anthology of poetry compiled by the National Library of Poetry, Owings Mills, Md. Adams' work, titled "Peace of Mind," dealt with "everyday pressures," according to Adams, who said the poem was written in 1968 while he was attending UCLA. Adams has been writing for 30 years with human relation his favorite subject.
A body of was discovered Sunday afternoon south of Ponca City on Indian land.
According to police reports the body was discovered floating in a cellar full of water and may be that of a missing female.
Details are sketchy, however police report that a body was found and an FBI agent did confirm an FBI investigating unit was being sent to the scene.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs also confirmed that a BIA criminal investigator was on the scene.
Editor's Note: In an effort to clarify information published on Page C-1 of March 22 the following is being reprinted with the word "percent" not used. Percent was used when parts per thousand was intended. The News apologizes to readers who may have been misled by the original wording.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Does Ponca City have a dropout problem and is Kay County the highest county in Oklahoma for teenage pregnancy? These questions and more have been answered in the 1998 Oklahoma Kids Count Factbook, which has been released by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy.
According to the latest statistics, Kay County ranks as the fifth highest county for high school dropouts, reporting at 7.3 percent. This compares to Cotton County, in southern Oklahoma, as the number one county for dropouts at 8.6 percent.
An analysis released from the Ponca City School System shows that Ponca City Schools has had 157 dropouts for the 1997-98 school year (63 in the second semester) in grades 7-12. The breakdown by grades reports: two dropouts in the seventh grade, 12 in the eighth grade, 23 in the ninth grade, 55 in the 10th grade, 38 in the 11th grade, and 27 in the 12th grade. The total dropout number compares to 206 in 1994-95 to 129 in 1996-97.
Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, spoke to Ponca City Board of Education members during the March board meeting. He said, "Ponca City still has a severe dropout rate. Over 150 kids are in the alternative education programs offered by Ponca City Schools. The dropout number could even be higher in Ponca City if the alternative programs were not offered."
The analysis showed that the most common reason among students dropping out of school was truancy (13 at Po-Hi and 13 at Mid-High). The second highest reason at Po-Hi for dropping out was to accept employment (10 students). Other reasons at Po-Hi and Mid-High varied from a general dislike for school to behavior problems.
During the most recent year on record (school year 1995-96), almost 11,000 young Oklahomans quit school without graduating, nearly 10,000 were still children (ages 18 or younger). About two out of every ten students in Oklahoma who start high school as freshmen do not earn a high school diploma. Most drop out of school in the tenth grade.
Kids Count Factbook
The 1998 Oklahoma Kids Count Factbook is an annual report published by OICA providing an overview of the well-being of children in Oklahoma's 77 counties. The county-by-county profile uses data collected from state agencies to evaluate nine areas of child well-being: low birthweight infants, infant mortality, births to teens, child abuse and neglect, child poverty, child and teen death, high school dropouts, juvenile crime and economic distress.
An economic analysis shows that the state's 22 wealthiest counties have the lowest rate of child abuse and neglect confirmations. Conversely, the high school dropout rate is the lowest in Oklahoma's most economically deprived areas, the 27 poorest counties. Overall, however, statistics indicate that the wealthiest counties have the lowest rates of infants born with low birthweight, infant mortality, births to teens, child death and juvenile violent crime arrests. Kay County is listed among one of the wealthier counties.
Among the findings of the 1998 Oklahoma Kids Count Factbook:
Low Birthweight Infants
Each year more than 3,100 babies are born too small, weighing less than five pounds. Infants' risk of low birthweight increases if their mothers are poor, are teenagers, smoke during pregnancy or fail to receive adequate prenatal care. Of those who survive, one in four will experience serious health and developmental problems. Reports show that Kay County reports 6.5 percent of live births to be low birthweight.
Infant Mortality
Each year 400 Oklahoma babies do not live to see their first birthday. Lowering infant mortality rates requires providing education, nutrition services and appropriate health care, reducing risk factors (such as poverty) and changing behavior during pregnancy to reduce smoking, drinking and drug use. The death rate for African American infants is almost twice as high as the rate for White infants. Kay County reports that 12.1 out of 1,000 live births were reported as infant mortality.
Teenage Pregnancy
In 1995, nearly 3,000 Oklahoma school-age girls had babies; two-thirds of the mothers were white. Children who don't read well are at risk for early pregnancy. There is a direct relationship between sexual abuse, early sexual activity and teen pregnancy. Studies demonstrate that a large majority of teen mothers report that they had been sexually abused as children. Kay County's statistics show 34.2 (out of 1,000 girls) get pregnant. The highest teen birth rate (64.9 births per 1,000 girls ages 15 through 17) is found in Tillman County; the lowest (9.1 per 1,000) is in Grant County. On the average, every three hours an Oklahoma child (age 17 or younger) becomes a mother. Kay County is not even listed at one of the top 10 counties.
Oklahoma's teen childbearing ranking relative to other states has worsened over the last decade, with two-thirds (33 states) having a teen mother (age 15 through 17) birth rate lower than Oklahoma during the most recent year measured. Reports also show that young mothers have a greater chance to have another child before reaching adulthood.
Child Abuse and Neglect
Abuse and neglect allegations reported to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) during fiscal year 1996 climbed to almost 45,000. Most abused children are abused by their own parent or parents. In Oklahoma, child victims of abuse are most commonly beaten or sexually abused. Child abuse and neglect has enormous economic consequence, including the cost of foster care, court services, counseling, specialized education, and medical care. Kay County reported 3.9 of confirmed cases per 1,000 children.
Child and Teen Death
About nine Oklahoma children die every week. Overall, children and teens in Oklahoma are most likely to die of accidents than die of diseases or violence. Yet violence among teens causes more than one-fourth of all teen deaths. However, the majority of teen deaths can be attributed to preventable factors, including substance abuse, unsafe sexual practices and risky vehicle use. Kay County reported 39.3 per 100,000 children ages 1-14.
Juvenile Violent Crime Arrests
In 1996, nearly 1,300 Oklahoma youths from the ages of 10 through 17 were arrested for violent crime. More than 83 percent of those arrested were male. Children at higher risk for involvement in violence and crime include teenage boys born to adolescent mothers, young people doing poorly in school, youth who expect to die young, youth who are neither in school nor working and those living in urban areas. Kay County reported the fourth highest county in Oklahoma with 617 per 100,000 arrests for juvenile crime.
To help people find solutions, the Oklahoma Kids Count Project offers training in children's issues and advocacy skills to community groups throughout the state. In-depth training and technical assistance are available through Oklahoma Kids Count Leadership Class, a one-year leadership training program.
Citizens wanting to make a positive difference for Oklahoma's children are encouraged to apply. Oklahoma Kids Count and the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy offer resources for citizens and groups wanting to help the children in their community. Call (405) 236-KIDS for information.
Editor's Note: This is the second of a series of articles concerning juvenile crime.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
In finding a solution to a problem, the cause of that problem must first be identified. Finding expert opinion on the reason juvenile crime is increasing at such an alarming rate is easy. Everyone involved has an opinion and basically, they are all the same.
From the state to the county to the city, officials in the juvenile justice system agree that "lack" is the underlying cause of the current juvenile problem - lack of family, lack of respect, lack of accountability and lack of punishment.
And Kay County Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen feels that lack of punishment is the major cause of the problem.
"We have gone too long in not punishing juveniles for their crimes," Van Hoesen stated. "To this point a juvenile has to commit three felonies before they are put in a detention facility and by that time they feel 'I can do anything and get away with it' and so they then become hardened to crime."
And surprisingly enough, the juvenile criminals themselves admit and agree with the sheriff.
When asked what lead to their incarceration, 11 juvenile criminals currently serving time at the Rader Institute in Sand Springs, all answered the same. "We started in crime early and we were never held accountable for it," they unanimously agreed. "If we would have, we wouldn't be here now."
In addition the sheriff says a lack of space at juvenile institutions is also a big problem within the juvenile justice system. "We can't lock them up because there is no space available in the institutions," he explains. "It is a 'Catch 22' situation because if we pick up a kid for a drive-by shooting and there is no room available at a detention center then they have to kick a kid out of incarceration for a crime he has committed and he then is put back onto the streets."
Police Chief Raymond Ham feels the problem is two-fold. "There is no deterrent whatsoever and they don't have to face responsibility for their acts," explained Ham. "And there is also a lack of respect for authority."
And causing the lack of accountability is the lack of family, the experts say.
"My belief and the most popular belief is that the break down of the family is the biggest cause for this increase," Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) Media Relations Director Dawn Byrum states. "Most of these juveniles come from dysfunctional families, single parent homes and homes wherein the father is in prison and the mother is a 'junkie.'"
The Superintendent of the Rader Institute agrees. "It is dysfunctional families and the break-down of the family - and with it the loss of caring, family values and discipline - that has led to the current juvenile problem and caused kids to turn to gangs for what they lack in family," Roger Conway says. "Violence in the media, drugs and easy money definitely adds to the problem."
With the lack of family comes the added lack of parental responsibility. "The police and schools can not raise people's children - that is the responsibility of the family," Sheriff Van Hoesen says. "Families are going to have to start being more responsible for their children,"
As a victim or as a taxpayer, the problem affects everyone in one way or another. Crime costs and citizens pay. The cost for one juvenile to stay at one of the three OJA juvenile institutions is $212 per day, per juvenile.
There are 297 "secured" beds which are always full and always have a waiting list. That adds up to over $22 million a year in taxpayer dollars.
"Yes that is expensive," Byrum says. "But think of the costs of not rehabilitating them."
Next: Solutions are suggested by those in the juvenile justice system.
Editor's Note: In observation of Tornado Awareness Week, this is the second in a two part series on tornadoes.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
From 1950 to January 1998 Kay County - with 84 tornadoes - has the dubious title of having more tornadoes than any other county in the state of Oklahoma.
The most tornadoes in a single year was in 1973 when seven tornadoes were reported in Kay County.
In 1955 one of the deadliest tornadoes originated in Kay County and traveled a total of 28 miles from Blackwell into Kansas where 20 people were killed and 280 injured.
Less than thirty minutes later a tornado destroyed the town of Udall, Kan., killing 80 and injuring 273 people.
In the last fifty years the advancement of science and technology has provided humans a "somewhat" more level playing field against the deadly forces of Mother Nature.
In most cases, there are now ways in which people are alerted in advance of a possible tornado producing thunderstorm.
A tornado "watch" is issued when conditions are present to produce severe thunderstorms and/or tornadoes.
A tornado "warning" is issued when a severe thunderstorm or tornado is sighted or indicated on radar. This is when one should seek shelter.
There are three ways in which the Emergency Management Center relays weather warnings. The first is by an outdoor warning system - the sirens. Upon hearing a siren residents should seek shelter and tune into a local radio or T.V. station.
Emergency Management can also send a warning via the cable television network system. In case of an emergency, the local cable network programming will be interrupted and an audio warning will be broadcasted.
The third way to receive an emergency warning is by way of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Alert Radio System.
"The NOAA radio is the best kept secret around," Ponca City Emergency Management Director Tom Montgomery says. "The weather alert system radio allows you to receive weather alert warnings automatically."
When the alert radio is set in the alert position, it will automatically turn on and weather watches and warnings will be broadcast as they are issued, Montgomery explains.
"The radio runs by house current, car current or battery," he states. "But you must have a radio designed to receive the local 162.450 frequency."
Once the coast is clear and danger has passed the "all clear" will be given over local radio, local television stations as well as the television network cable system.
According to Montgomery everyone should have a plan in the event of a tornado or even the threat of a tornado. The plan should include a shelter, needed equipment (such as a flashlight, battery operated radio, food, water, medicine, etc.) and a phone number or a place where family members can contact each other.
In Ponca City shelter is the responsibility of each citizen because the city does not provide public shelter.
A storm shelter or basement is the best shelter. However, if your home has neither, Montgomery recommends going to the lowest floor of your home and find shelter in a small room such as a bathroom or closet under the stairway.
"Be certain to stay away from all windows," Montgomery says. "Get as low as you can and cover yourself with blankets or a mattress."
If you live in a mobile home seek shelter elsewhere, somewhere close to your home. Montgomery suggests checking with a local school or officials of other nearby building.
If you find yourself in a car during the threat of a tornado Montgomery says you should seek shelter in a building or as a last resort should lay flat in a ditch.
"Get in a culvert or the V shape area of an overpass if possible ," he further suggests.
Tornadoes however are not the deadliest weather force. "It just seems that way because of the publicity but more people are killed each year by flooding than by either lightning or tornadoes," Montgomery states.
According to statistics, flash floods are the number one killer with 146 deaths annually. According to Montgomery a car can be swept off a road in as little as six inches of water and a person can be knocked down in water that is less than knee high.
"Most are killed when their vehicle is swept away as they attempt to drive through flood water or because the road is unknowingly washed out."
And because they are not strong enough to overcome the forceful currents of the rushing floodwaters, the majority of flood victims are children.
"Children should never be allowed to play in flooding water or in drainage ditches," Montgomery emphasizes.
And heed the warning when a sign says "High water" or "road closed" - it can be costly not to. Not only can a driver be ticketed for going around a warning sign but it could cost a life.
Lightning is the second deadliest weather killer with approximately 75-100 deaths a year. There are also precautions pertaining to lightning as well.
In the case of lightning Montgomery says to stay away from electrical appliances, pipes, chimneys and phones with cords.
"Immediately get out of any water and if you find yourself riding on equipment when lightning begins to strike, get off it immediately," Montgomery says. "Get out of baseball dugouts and off baseball fields too - it is safer to be in a vehicle than in a field or in a dugout."
Further, Montgomery says that if you are out in the open and feel your hair "stand on end" you should squat down, stand on the balls of your feet and put your hands over the back of your head.
And never get under a tall tree or next to a building.
Just by the nature of it the odds are always in favor of the forces of Mother Nature. However, education, preparedness and safety saves lives.
Tornado Awareness Week is March 22-28. Although a tornado can strike anywhere at any time the "official" tornado season began March 1 and will end June 1.
Ponca Playhouse will hold auditions for the drama "To Kill a Mockingbird" on March 29-30 at the Poncan Theatre. Jerry Seifeldt of Stillwater is director for the production.
The drama takes place in the deep South in 1935, in a quiet town. The story tells of three young friends Scout, Jem and Dill. Atticus, an attorney and the father of Scout and Jem is called on to defend an African-American man unjustly accused of the rape of a young white woman.
"To Kill A Mockingbird" is a very large cast show with speaking roles for 17 men, women, and children. Many extras will also be needed as townspeople, congregations, farmers and spectators at the trial.
Special needs for this production include the three children. The girl "Scout" should be a playing age of 8-10 years and the two boys Jem and Dill should be playing ages 10-14. Several speaking and non-speaking roles for African-American men and women of varying ages.
Perusal scripts are available at the Ponca Playhouse business office at First Street and Central Avenue. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For additional information call 765-5360.
The Kay County Bar Association is the corporate sponsor for "To Kill a Mockingbird." The presentation is also funded by the Oklahoma Arts Council.
The Salvation Army has kicked off its annual campaign which will run through April 10. The goal for this year is $40,000. Of that amount, $30,000 will be used to meet the anticipated budget needs of The Salvation Army, and another $10,000 will be used to complete funding for the replacement of The Salvation Army's 15-passenger van.
In order to continue to grow and to provide for the needs of Ponca City, The Salvation Army needs the continued support of the community. Monetary donations from businesses and individuals in this community, partial funding from the United Way, and revenue from the Thrift Store make up the greater part of the operating budget.
The Salvation Army works 365 days a year to help individuals and families by providing for the whole person - physically, emotionally and spiritually. The Army helps people when down and in need of help by providing material assistance - food pantry and distribution, financial counseling, help with utility bills and rent, and other forms of material aid; shelter and food for single men and single women and families; holiday help through holiday meals for the hungry and food baskets and toys to those who would not otherwise have them; medical aid by providing prescriptions of antibiotics and eye exams and glasses through the Oklahoma Vision Project.
In February 1998 The Salvation Army, in conjunction with AmeriCorps, opened an after-school child-care program for kindergarten through sixth grade students at the Community Center located at 711 S. Third.
Other programs of The Salvation Army include the New Beginnings Program which allows men and women the opportunity to volunteer their time while also encouraging them to find employment and the Thrift Shop which provides low-cost supplies for those on tight budgets while providing free supplies to those individuals in need or who have been referred by other agencies. Revenue from the Thrift Shop helps fund the Army's other services.
The TASC Van provides senior citizens and other home-bound individuals with transportation to the grocery store, doctors' office, shopping or any other place they need for a minimal fee. The League of Mercy program provides visits or special gifts to those in nursing homes or shut-in and is helped by various community volunteers and religious organizations.
The Salvation Army helps with disaster relief in all parts of the world. Mobile canteens are immediately sent to a disaster site to provide food, drink and comfort to those who help the victims.
The Salvation Army is an agency of the United Way. For further information, or to donate your time or money, call The Salvation Army at 762-7501; donations can be sent to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 549, Ponca City, OK 74602.
During an election of officers by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 750, Lee Keyes, was elected president. Others serving as new officers are Bob Hart, vice president; John Foster, secretary, and Rod Kutz, treasurer.
Board members include Mike Isbell, Richard Killblaine and Steve Struble. The new positions for the group will be effective April 15.
Chapter 750 will meet on April 16 at 7 p.m. at the first annual POW-MIA
Watchfire at Resthaven Cemetery.
DEATHS
STILLWATER - Mary Kathryn Temple, former Ponca City resident, died at her home in Stillwater on Saturday, March 21, 1998. She was 69.
The funeral will be held graveside at Fairlawn Cemetery in Stillwater at 2 p.m. Tuesday. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at Strode Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Mark Jones will officiate.
Mary Kathryn (Burke) Temple was born Jan. 20, 1929, in Valley View, Texas, the daughter of Clarence Lee and Rubie Mae (Walker) Burke. She attended schools in Fort Worth, Texas, and Ponca City. She graduated from Ponca City High School in 1947.
She was married to Jesse A. Hoisington in Cushing in 1947, and he preceded her in death in 1972. They moved to Stillwater in 1960, where she was employed at Murphy's Hardware Store.
She was married to Fred Temple Sr. in 1978 in Stillwater. Mrs. Temple had been employed by Peyton Oil Company and then in the tool crib area at Mercury Marine, where she retired in 1991. She was a member of University Heights Baptist Church and for several years was active in the "Hands Abroad" program there. She was also a member of the Stillwater cancer support group. Mrs. Temple enjoyed metal detecting, and collecting antique glass, thimbles, and bottles.
She is survived by her husband, Fred, of the home; two sons, Jesse E. Hoisington and Jeffery L. Hoisington, both of Stillwater; one daughter, Linda L. Hoisington of Ithaca, N.Y.; two step sons, John Temple of Glencoe and Fred Temple Jr. of Stillwater; one step-daughter, Sharon Russell of Dallas, Texas; one brother, William L. Burke Sr. of Stillwater; one grandchild; 11 step-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her first husband and her parents.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Temple's name to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Research, 825 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
MORRISON - Elsie "Pauline" Nichols, longtime Morrison area resident, died at Stillwater (Okla.) Medical Center on Friday, March 20, 1998. She was 76.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Morrison United Methodist Church with pastor Charles King and Dr. William R. Chace officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Garden in Stillwater. Arrangements are under the direction of Strode Funeral Home, Stillwater.
Elsie "Pauline" Akers was born near Lela on Jan. 31, 1922, to William and L.C.O.C. (Collins) Akers. She grew up on the family farm and attended schools in Morrison.
She was married to Lloyd Nichols on Oct. 26, 1942, on the family farm. The couple established their home in Morrison in 1943, and Mrs. Nichols was a homemaker. She had worked at Bill's Corner Cafe and sold Avon for a few years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and enjoyed bowling and playing cards.
Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Lloyd Nichols, of the home: two children, Chuck L. Nichols and Paula Kirkendall, both of Morrison; one brother, Paul Akers of Brandonton, Fla.; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Charley and Joe Akers; and three sisters, Hazel Chace, Geraldine Nedbalek, and Virgie Burk.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Nichols' name to the United Methodist Church, Missionary Fund, P.O. Box 174, Morrison OK 73061.
LAMONT - Jewel T. "Pat" Muegge, longtime Lamont area resident, died Saturday evening, March 21, 1998, at Grove (Okla.) Central Hospital. She was 82.
The funeral will be held graveside at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Lamont Cemetery with the Rev. Ruth Tipps officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home, Pond Creek.
Jewell T. (Petty) Muegge was born Feb. 3, 1916, in Deerfield, Fla., the daughter of Walter Scott and Camille (Williamson) Petty. She attended Miami, Fla., schools.
She was married to Murl F. Muegge on Nov. 28, 1942, in Miami. After World War II, the family moved to Lamont in 1945. Mrs. Muegge was a professional secretary and had been employed with the Bus Roberts Insurance Agency in Tonkawa and the Joe Miller Insurance Agency in Ponca City. She later worked for the Lamont School District until retirement in the late 1960s. She was a member of the Lamont First Christian Church and a former member of the Order of Eastern Star and the Lamont VFW and American Legion auxiliaries. Mrs. Muegge had been a Sunday School teacher, and her hobbies included fishing, camping and Bingo. She had recently made her home in a nursing home in Blackwell then at Grove.
She is survived by one son Wayne Muegge of Lamont; four grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on April 14, 1995; and her parents.
FAIRFAX - Alva M. Tucker Jr., lifelong Fairfax area rancher died at his home in Fairfax, Saturday, March 21, 1998. He was 75.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fairfax with Father Ken Lewis officiating. Burial will be in the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home.
Alva M. Tucker Jr., was born Aug. 24, 1922, in Fairfax, the son of Alva Martin and Bertha Burleson Tucker Sr. He was married to Mary Louise Kenworthy on Oct. 13, 1944, in Pawnee, and the couple established their home in Fairfax. Tucker was a rancher and enjoyed raising cattle. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Louise, of the home; two sons, Steven Cody Tucker of Tulsa and Jeffry Paul Tucker of Fairfax; one daughter, Mary Alison Tucker of Pawhuska; three grandchildren and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Merle and Earle Tucker.
Casket bearers will be Dickie Johnston, Henry Johnston, Jack Rapp, Edmond Kenworthy, Charlie Tallchief and Randy Wilson. Honorary bearers will be Wilbur Cave, J.G. Hundley, Tip Asher, Clyde Shafer and Claude Shafer.
WICHITA, Kan. - Charlene M. Higgins, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, March 21, 1998, in Wichita. She was 50.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hillside Funeral Home East in Wichita.
Charlene M. Higgins was the daughter of Charles and May Rose (Eaton) Welch. She grew up and attended schools in Ponca City.
Survivors include one son, Charles Beebe of Wichita; two daughters, Kristin Thomas of Wichita, Kan. and Jennifer Slupski of Dallas, Texas; three sisters, Rosemary Fisher of Moundridge, Kan., Nedra Roll of Wichita, Kan. and Yandell Gardner of Marlow; and five grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ms. Higgins name to Multiple Sclerosis Society, c/o Hillside Funeral Home, P.O. Box 8229, Wichita, KS 67208.
Regina Nell Zuccaro died Sunday March 22, 1998, in Long Island, N.Y.
She was 27. Local survivors include an aunt and uncle Henry and Wilma Rhodd.
Local arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
NEWS BRIEFS
Soccer Meeting - The annual general meeting of the Ponca City Soccer Association will be held April 23, 7 p.m. at the library. Each team must be represented. Items on the agenda include team formation, election of three board members, and small-sided soccer.
Missing Guns - At 8:11 a.m. Saturday a man in the 3100 block of North Union Street contacted police regarding three missing handguns. A report was taken.
Fraud - A man in the 500 block of South Lincoln Street called police at 9:33 a.m. Saturday to report that someone had used his phone credit card. A report was taken.
Cigarettes Stolen - At 9:50 a.m. Saturday Sav-A-Trip, 501 West Highland Avenue, reported some stolen cigarettes.
Stinky Lot - At 10:31 a.m. Saturday police were contacted about a skunk in a parking lot in the 2400 North Fourteenth Street.
Theft - A man in the 600 block of McFadden Drive reported at 10:40 a.m. Saturday that the decal had been stolen off his vehicle tag. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 34-year-old man at 10:40 a.m. Saturday from North Second Street and East Highland Avenue for no seat belt, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Hubcaps Stolen - At 11:11 a.m. Saturday a Blackwell woman reported that the hubcaps had been stolen off her car while it was parked in the 900 block of East Prospect Avenue.
Wandering Skunk - At 11:40 a.m. Saturday a woman in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street called police to report a skunk.
Accident - An accident in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported at 12:37 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - A 29-year-old man was arrested at 1:59 p.m. Saturday from the 500 block of East Hazel Avenue on a city warrant for failure to pay.
False Alarm - All units responded to a reported fire at the Lutheran School at 3:36 p.m. Saturday. However, it was a false alarm.
Arrest - Police arrested a 35-year-old man at 4:49 p.m. Saturday at West Central Avenue and South Palm Street for allowing unlicensed person to drive and public intoxication.
Juvenile Arrested - At 5:07 p.m. Saturday a 16-year-old boy was arrested from South Lake Street and West Ponca Avenue for transporting an open container, attempting to elude and no driver's license.
Arrest - A 62-year-old man was arrested at 6:27 p.m. Saturday form the 200 block of Wayne for domestic assault and battery.
Arrest - At 7:22 p.m. Saturday a 36-year-old man was arrested at 7:22 p.m. Saturday from the 600 block of South Third Street for unlawful entry.
Arrest - Police arrested a 29-year-old man at 8:07 p.m. Saturday from the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street for defrauding an innkeeper.
Arrest - At 10:57 p.m. Saturday a 24-year-old man was arrested at North First Street and Albany Avenue for no driver's license and failure to signal.
Arrest - A 34-year-old man was arrested at 11:17 p.m. Saturday from East Central Avenue and South Fourteenth Street for driving under revocation and no insurance.
Arrest - Police arrested a 37-year-old man at 11:58 p.m. Saturday from First Street and Grand Avenue for driving under the influence.
Arrest - At 1:23 a.m. Sunday a 49-year-old man was arrested at South Fourteenth Street and East Ponca Avenue for driving under the influence.
Assault and Robbery - At 10:58 a.m. Sunday a man in the 1400 block of McGraw Drive reported to police that he had been assaulted and robbed Saturday night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Juvenile Shoplifters - Two juveniles were cited for shoplifting at Buy For Less, 2405 North Fourteenth Street, at 11:33 a.m. Sunday.
Accident - A report was taken on an accident at 12:15 p.m. Sunday at North Fifth Street and East Highland Avenue.
Vandalism - At 12:30 p.m. Sunday a man in the 1300 block of South Sixth Street called police to report that his residence had been vandalized with a paint gun. A report was taken.
Vehicle Burglary - A man in the 900 block of North Third Street called police at 12:30 p.m. Sunday to report that his vehicle had been burglarized. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - Police arrested a 46-year-old man at 5:43 p.m. Sunday from Gary Avenue and North Union Street for driving under suspension.
Purse Stolen - At 7:05 p.m. Sunday police were called to the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue to report on a stolen purse.
Window Broken - A resident in the 700 block of East Liberty Avenue called
police at 10:03 p.m. Sunday to report that a window in their residence had
been broken out. A report was made.
LIFESTYLES
There were eight members present when Eta Zeta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met March 11 in the home of Debra Bellmard. Lori Hambleton gave the treasurer's report. Announcement was made that Founder's Day would be April 21 at the Marland Mansion with dinner to begin at 6:30 p.m. Each chapter will bring a door prize and Kelly Trotter will present the International message.
The Social committee has set a couple's party for March 27 with dinner
at the Amarillo Grill and "Glow Bowl" at the bowling alley. The
Service project for April will be ushering for a play at the Poncan Theatre.
During the March 25 meeting at the Trotter home the chapter will vote on
new officers and the program will consist of working on the scrapbook.
SPORTS
Ponca City twins Mark and Matt Dodgen have been named to the All-Frontier Conference wrest-ling team by league coaches, according to Wildcat coach Pat Young.
Mark, who won the state Class 5A tournament title at 125 pounds, was the co-Wrestler of the Year in the conference, sharing the honor with Broken Arrow's Skyler Holman, a state champion at 119 pounds.
Matt Dodgen, a state runner up this season, was also named to the first All-Conference team at 130 pounds.
Wildcats receiving Honorable Mention to the All-Conference team were Phillip Gelino at 103 pounds, Josh Bailey at 119, Kyle Duren at 152, Jay Bentley at 171 and Nick Steichen at 215.
Ponca City, 10-3-2 in duals this season, finished third in the Frontier
Conference standings, behind Broken Arrow and Stillwater.