LOCAL

Lawmaker vs. Law in Unmarked Car Spat
Nearly News
FBI Agent Details Flight With McVeigh To OKC
Microfilming of Kay County Records Ends

Lawmaker vs. Law in Unmarked Car Spat

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Legislation that would ban unmarked police cars from traffic patrols has turned into a tug-of-war between lawmakers who say unmarked cars promote police impersonators and local law enforcement agencies who say they promote safer highways.

But the dispute runs deeper than a disagreement over police tactics. The underlying struggle in the debate over House Bill 1212 is power. Who has the authority to determine how law enforcement functions — legislators or the police themselves?

‘‘Somewhere you have to draw a careful line,’’ said the measure’s author, Rep. Richard Phillips, R-Warr Acres. ‘‘We want to make sure that the guys who are supposed to catch the bad guys don’t catch the good guys.’’

Oklahoma’s law enforcement community has repeatedly shown its dislike for having policy dictated by the Legislature. Prosecutors and sheriffs last year mounted a major battle against the state’s truth-in-sentencing law, a sweeping reform of the state’s criminal justice system that opponents said would weaken law enforcement.

Passed in 1997, the law has yet to go into effect as lawmakers continue to grapple with the opposition.

Supporters of the unmarked car bill have said it is an attempt to rein in police impersonators who use flashing lights in unmarked cars to pull over unsuspecting motorists and rob or sexually molest them.

‘‘This is an issue to protect women, to protect children,’’ Phillips said. ‘‘This is an oversight issue for the welfare of the public.’’

But law enforcement has attacked the bill, claiming it would hamper successful traffic enforcement programs against aggressive and inconsiderate drivers, especially in the Oklahoma City area.

‘‘I think public sentiment is on both sides of this issue,’’ Phillips said.

Some members of the House and Senate have expressed opposition to the bill over concerns they might be perceived as anti-law and order.

‘‘Their secretaries and wives are begging them to vote for the bill. They’re scared to death,’’ Phillips said.

Supporters say unmarked cars are tied to raising revenue and that marked police vehicles offer greater safety to the public. Officials said thousands of tickets have been issued by police officers in unmarked cars.

‘‘It’s a cash-cow for them,’’ Rep. Mike Thornbrugh, R-Tulsa, said.

Phillips said there may be another reason for his bill’s public popularity — a backlash against ill-mannered and ill-trained police officers.

Since he filed his bill in December, Phillips said he has been besieged with phone calls and letters from Oklahomans complaining of arrogant, abusive and rude police behavior on Oklahoma highways.

One motorist complained about being nearly run off the road by an unmarked car that closed in on him from behind before overtaking him at high speed. A woman said she was actually forced off a highway by an unmarked unit that followed her and would not wait for her to find a lighted, populated area to pull over.

Unfortunately, bad experiences with police officers are not uncommon, Phillips said. He should know — Phillips’ own run-in with police in 1994 has been widely publicized since debate opened on his unmarked car bill.

The Warr Acres police report alleges that Phillips attempted to elude police officers in April 1994. It says Phillips was driving 57 mph in a 40 mph zone when officers tried to catch him.

Phillips allegedly sped through a store parking lot and into a neighborhood before driving into the garage of his home, shutting the garage door behind him, the report says.

Phillips eventually pleaded guilty to a speeding violation.

Phillips says the five-year-old report was leaked to the media in an attempt to influence his legislation and embarrass him and his family.

‘‘That was an all-out attack,’’ Phillips said. ‘‘If you take on an issue that takes on the establishment or questions authority, you better be prepared.’’

But anti-police bias is not a good reason to support his measure, Phillips said.

‘‘I don’t want people to support the bill for the wrong reason,’’ Phillips said. ‘‘This issue has been turned into something that it’s not. To be anti-police, anti-law enforcement is not the reason to support 1212.’’

Phillips’ bill sailed through the House last month in a bipartisan 62-37 vote. But it ran into a police roadblock in the Senate last week, failing by a single vote.

Senators favored the bill, 24-20, but it takes 25 votes to pass a bill in the 48-member Senate.

The bill’s Senate sponsor, Sen. Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, managed to keep the bill alive with a motion that could set up a second vote. Phillips said supporters have until Tuesday to bring the bill up in the Senate again.

Gov. Frank Keating says a compromise proposal requiring uniformed officers in unmarked police cars would make Phillips’ bill more attractive. The bill already exempts unmarked cars used in reckless driving, driving under the influence and felony drug arrests.

An amendment by state Sen. Herb Rozell, D-Tahlequah, would allow the use of unmarked cars if they are equipped with flashing lights and if officers using the cars wear uniforms.

One provision would also allow the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to begin using unmarked vehicles in its traffic enforcement activities. State law currently prohibits state troopers from using unmarked cars in routine traffic stops.

‘‘We certainly wouldn’t be opposed to it,’’ said patrol Capt. Kevin Ward. If the highway patrol can’t use unmarked cars, ‘‘maybe cities and counties shouldn’t either,’’ Ward said.

Nearly News

Nearly News has word from “the powers that be” that the road crossing Kaw Dam will be closed to traffic on Tuesday, March 23, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A mobile crane will be blocking both lanes of the road to facilitate Sluice Gate maintenance. NN understands that signs will be posted on Lake Road to remind citizens of the closing. So, look alive, drivers, watch for the signs!

FBI Agent Details Flight With McVeigh To OKC

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A retired FBI agent says he will never forget a ‘wild’ helicopter ride to court with Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh.

Danny O. Coulson says in a new book that he was concerned for McVeigh’s safety on the flight from Perry to Oklahoma City and directed the pilot to fly low and fast to avoid a possible attack.

‘‘McVeigh, he never looked left. He never looked right. He never blinked ... And (the pilot) was jumping fences, over trees and around barns,’’ Coulson wrote.

The agent also told McVeigh that if he didn’t act like a gentleman during the flight ‘‘then you will be very sorry,’’ according to his book, ‘‘No Heroes: Inside the FBI’s Secret Counter-Terror Force.’’

‘‘He looked me straight in the eye. ‘Yes sir, I understand,’’’ Coulson wrote.

Coulson was in charge of the FBI agents who arrested McVeigh April 21, 1995, at the Noble County jail. McVeigh was taken by helicopter to Oklahoma City for an arraignment.

Coulson said he warned McVeigh to behave because he was concerned about his stability.

‘‘I thought he might try to struggle or maybe jump out, commit suicide,’’ he said in an interview.

McVeigh was sentenced to death for the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Hundreds of people were injured and 168 people were killed. McVeigh is being held at a maximum-security prison in Colorado.

The book also describes an elderly cowboy who approached FBI agents at the jail in Perry.

‘‘He looked at me, dead serious, and said slowly, ‘If you have any trouble with the evidence ... just put that boy out the back gate and we’ll handle him for you,’’’ Coulson wrote.

Describing the investigation, Coulson defended FBI bomb expert Dave Williams, who was dropped as a government witness before McVeigh’s trial because of criticism about his conclusions.

Microfilming of Kay County Records Ends

Editors note: An eight-year project by the Pioneer Genealogical Society to microfilm all Kay County public records since 1893, has been completed. For the past three years 12,000 volunteer hours were donated by PGS members and others to complete the monumental filming task. Area funeral home records and other public records were also filmed. The following story is the first in a series included in the written remembrances by PGS past-president Paula Denson as she relates some interesting happenings experienced by the volunteers as they worked with the Utah Genealogy Society on the 4th floor of the Kay County Court House. The work area had previously housed the old Kay County jail.

BY KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

Project History

Initial work on the microfilming project at the Kay County Court House began in 1991, when the Pioneer Genealogical Society under the leadership of Bill Ziegenhain notified county officials of their desire to film all Kay County records. PGS members had agreed on the project in partnership with the Utah Genealogy Society, which offered free microfilming of public records, and free copies of the microfilms to PGS in exchange for volunteers to help with the project.

That first year, Ziegenhain, Cleone Slade, Kitty Hansen, Joyce Mitchell, Maxine Prather, Kay Clay, Lavon Shepler, Mavis Robinson, Carletta Webb, and Delbert Fair donated more than 1,000 hours preparing a preliminary survey of genealogical resources in Kay County. But, it was November 1995 before the Utah group had a crew available to begin microfilming.

At that time local crews of PGS workers directed by Ziegenhain and led by Joyce Mitchell, Maxine Prather, Marlene Stewart, Louise Willison and Juanita “Nita” Pepper organized to begin the actual file research and filming in January 1996.

Working Accommodations

Denson writes, “The first filming crew reported (to the Kay County Courthouse) in February 1996, and all the recruited workers sprang into action. Of course, the first month or two was such a new experience for each of us involved that it seemed there was mass disorganization and much amazement at our accommodations, which happened to be on the fourth floor of the courthouse. Working quarters included two rooms previously used to house prisoners in the old Kay County jail and one of the jury rooms on the floor below.

Volunteers soon learned that reading graffiti would become one of their new pastimes. In addition, they learned how “not to decorate the interior a room.” Never again would any of them want to enter any room painted in aluminum silver.

“Every attempt at comfort to the workers was provided (by county officials), including the use of the radiator located directly in front of the workers’ table in the main workroom. Of course, the day that everyone thought they smelled gas was exciting, especially after many of them had said they ‘would rather die that unfold one more packet’ of legal information. If one wanted to point fingers, one might have accused Bill (Ziegenhain) of trying to asphyxiate everyone and put them out of their misery.”

100 Year Old Folds

Denson continues, “The first packets of information were viewed with much interest by all. Not only were they old, dating from 1893, but they had been folded in tight little packages for more than 100 years. Little did any of the volunteers know what means they would take to solve the problems created by papers that immediately sprung back to their folded state.

“Many suggestions surfaced, including irons and ironing boards and other means of treating old papers to make them lay flat. As workers became more creative at problem solving, an assortment of items were carried into the old jail, including bricks, knives and other paraphernalia intended to help flatten papers and remove staples and other types of fasteners.

“The best method of flattening papers was discovered when workers began sitting on their folders to flatten them as they put them in chronological order. Maxine Prather was particularly good at it.

“More than once, these workers could not find a packet of folders when they were needed because they forgot they were sitting on them!

“After more experimentation, they learned that cramming file folders of unfolded documents into boxes did the trick. After a period of three or four weeks, the papers were easily filmed. Putting the filmed documents back into the original packets, though, was and continues to be a puzzle.

“A new hobby actually evolved for Ziegenhain during the project. He now has a collection of the oddest types of fasteners ever accumulated. On one particular occasion, he was greatly disturbed when he could not find his little jar of fasteners. No one could understand why anyone would have taken them. They were later found laid aside in a corner of the jail.”

Denson’s tales continue, “Other workers tell tales of how they answered their friends and relatives when asked what hobbies they were involved with during those days. Ninety-nine percent reported that their hobby was unfolding papers at the Kay County Courthouse; counting the “Welcome to Newkirk” sign as they entered the town; checking the gasoline prices from week to week; purchasing homemade fudge from drug stores; counting the limestone buildings in downtown Newkirk and collecting lists of uncommon legal terms.”

Jail Ghosts

Former jails have their own type of mystical ghosts. There was little doubt about having ghosts the time Nita Pepper lost her pliers. It had to be ghosts of prisoners past who were responsible. She hunted for hours after losing those pesky pliers and could not understand why anyone would want to take them. What Nita did not know was, the pliers were actually found in one of the packets of records which had been refolded and the workers in the room had great fun hiding them. Nita was puzzled however about why everyone was giggling and wouldn’t share their jokes with her, wrote Denson.

Not to be outdone, Sharon Primeau opened a particular packet one day and a most odorous stench arose from within, much like the smell of a long decayed animal of unknown origin. the malodorous smell persisted while she unfolded the entire packet. Strangely enough, packets surrounding the offensive one did not carry unusual odors at all.

“If a mouse or other creature entered that packet, it was a mystery why the others did not also have an unpleasant odor. Since then, the workers wondered many times if the filming crew in another part of the courthouse, might also have enjoyed the pleasant surprise as they opened the file,” she writes.

Thousands upon thousand of files from 1893 to present were opened and researched by the volunteers through those years of monotonous, but interesting daily toil. The second in the series will continue the saga. Editors note: An eight-year project by the Pioneer Genealogical Society to microfilm all Kay County public records since 1893, has been completed. For the past three years 12,000 volunteer hours were donated by PGS members and others to complete the monumental filming task. Area funeral home records and other public records were also filmed. The following story is the first in a series included in the written remembrances by PGS past-president Paula Denson as she relates some interesting happenings experienced by the volunteers as they worked with the Utah Genealogy Society on the 4th floor of the Kay County Court House. The work area had previously housed the old Kay County jail.

BY KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

Project History

Initial work on the microfilming project at the Kay County Court House began in 1991, when the Pioneer Genealogical Society under the leadership of Bill Ziegenhain notified county officials of their desire to film all Kay County records. PGS members had agreed on the project in partnership with the Utah Genealogy Society, which offered free microfilming of public records, and free copies of the microfilms to PGS in exchange for volunteers to help with the project.

That first year, Ziegenhain, Cleone Slade, Kitty Hansen, Joyce Mitchell, Maxine Prather, Kay Clay, Lavon Shepler, Mavis Robinson, Carletta Webb, and Delbert Fair donated more than 1,000 hours preparing a preliminary survey of genealogical resources in Kay County. But, it was November 1995 before the Utah group had a crew available to begin microfilming.

At that time local crews of PGS workers directed by Ziegenhain and led by Joyce Mitchell, Maxine Prather, Marlene Stewart, Louise Willison and Juanita “Nita” Pepper organized to begin the actual file research and filming in January 1996.

Working Accommodations

Denson writes, “The first filming crew reported (to the Kay County Courthouse) in February 1996, and all the recruited workers sprang into action. Of course, the first month or two was such a new experience for each of us involved that it seemed there was mass disorganization and much amazement at our accommodations, which happened to be on the fourth floor of the courthouse. Working quarters included two rooms previously used to house prisoners in the old Kay County jail and one of the jury rooms on the floor below.

Volunteers soon learned that reading graffiti would become one of their new pastimes. In addition, they learned how “not to decorate the interior a room.” Never again would any of them want to enter any room painted in aluminum silver.

“Every attempt at comfort to the workers was provided (by county officials), including the use of the radiator located directly in front of the workers’ table in the main workroom. Of course, the day that everyone thought they smelled gas was exciting, especially after many of them had said they ‘would rather die that unfold one more packet’ of legal information. If one wanted to point fingers, one might have accused Bill (Ziegenhain) of trying to asphyxiate everyone and put them out of their misery.”

100 Year Old Folds

Denson continues, “The first packets of information were viewed with much interest by all. Not only were they old, dating from 1893, but they had been folded in tight little packages for more than 100 years. Little did any of the volunteers know what means they would take to solve the problems created by papers that immediately sprung back to their folded state.

“Many suggestions surfaced, including irons and ironing boards and other means of treating old papers to make them lay flat. As workers became more creative at problem solving, an assortment of items were carried into the old jail, including bricks, knives and other paraphernalia intended to help flatten papers and remove staples and other types of fasteners.

“The best method of flattening papers was discovered when workers began sitting on their folders to flatten them as they put them in chronological order. Maxine Prather was particularly good at it.

“More than once, these workers could not find a packet of folders when they were needed because they forgot they were sitting on them!

“After more experimentation, they learned that cramming file folders of unfolded documents into boxes did the trick. After a period of three or four weeks, the papers were easily filmed. Putting the filmed documents back into the original packets, though, was and continues to be a puzzle.

“A new hobby actually evolved for Ziegenhain during the project. He now has a collection of the oddest types of fasteners ever accumulated. On one particular occasion, he was greatly disturbed when he could not find his little jar of fasteners. No one could understand why anyone would have taken them. They were later found laid aside in a corner of the jail.”

Denson’s tales continue, “Other workers tell tales of how they answered their friends and relatives when asked what hobbies they were involved with during those days. Ninety-nine percent reported that their hobby was unfolding papers at the Kay County Courthouse; counting the “Welcome to Newkirk” sign as they entered the town; checking the gasoline prices from week to week; purchasing homemade fudge from drug stores; counting the limestone buildings in downtown Newkirk and collecting lists of uncommon legal terms.”

Jail Ghosts

Former jails have their own type of mystical ghosts. There was little doubt about having ghosts the time Nita Pepper lost her pliers. It had to be ghosts of prisoners past who were responsible. She hunted for hours after losing those pesky pliers and could not understand why anyone would want to take them. What Nita did not know was, the pliers were actually found in one of the packets of records which had been refolded and the workers in the room had great fun hiding them. Nita was puzzled however about why everyone was giggling and wouldn’t share their jokes with her, wrote Denson.

Not to be outdone, Sharon Primeau opened a particular packet one day and a most odorous stench arose from within, much like the smell of a long decayed animal of unknown origin. the malodorous smell persisted while she unfolded the entire packet. Strangely enough, packets surrounding the offensive one did not carry unusual odors at all.

“If a mouse or other creature entered that packet, it was a mystery why the others did not also have an unpleasant odor. Since then, the workers wondered many times if the filming crew in another part of the courthouse, might also have enjoyed the pleasant surprise as they opened the file,” she writes.

Thousands upon thousand of files from 1893 to present were opened and researched by the volunteers through those years of monotonous, but interesting daily toil. The second in the series will continue the saga.

DEATHS

Louise R. Boedecker
Benjamin Boulanger
Bertha Siegmann
Virginia Byers
Thelma Norris
Wilma Fitzpatrick
Robert Goldsmith
Josephine VanDyck

Louise R. Boedecker

Louise R. Boedecker, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday, March 20, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

The graveside funeral will be held Tuesday, March 23, 1999, at 10 a.m. at Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Born in Jefferson County, Okla., she was the daughter of John Logan “J.L.” and Ollie Irene (Dyer) Roberts. After graduating from high school, she attended Oklahoma College for Women (presently Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts) in Chickasha, and Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma City. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Central State University in Edmond. Mrs. Boedecker also completed graduate work at Oklahoma City University and Central State University.

On July 25, 1941, she married Everett G. Boedecker in Coalgate. The young couple made their home in Ponca City where Mr. Boedecker was engaged in business. Mrs. Boedecker was employed with the Ponca City Public Schools for over 30 years, having taught at McKinley Elementary School throughout that time. Her teaching career was interrupted only for a brief time when her husband, Everett, joined the Air Force at the beginning of World War II. Mrs. Boedecker accompanied him until he went overseas; at which time, she returned to her teaching assignment at McKinley and remained there until retiring in 1973.

She was a member of First Baptist Church, the National Retired Teacher’s Association and the Ladies’ Auxiliary of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Prior to retiring, she was active in the Lilac Garden Club and the Business and Professional Women’s Club. She also served on the Ponca City Schools Public Relations Committee. She and Mr. Boedecker received special recognition from the American Legion for their 17 years of service in Community Activities.

Her husband, Everett, of 56 years, preceded her in death in 1997. Also, her parents and two brothers, Kermit and Pascal Roberts preceded her in death. She is survived by seven nieces and nephews.

Benjamin Boulanger

DEWEY — Benjamin “Elmo” Boulanger, companion of Jeanette Stotts, former longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday morning, March 20, 1999, at Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville. He was 79.

The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Greenwood Cemetery in Sedan, Kan. The Rev. Larry Bowyer of Sedan United Methodist Church will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Bartlesville.

Benjamin “Elmo” Boulanger was born Aug. 7, 1919, at Boulanger, Okla. to Harrison and Sara Mae (Benjamin) Boulanger. He grew up and received his education in Elgin, Kan. and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He was married to Dorthey Hart on Nov. 7, 1947. Boulanger was employed with Dewey Portland Cement before beginning his career with Phillips Petroleum. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorthey Boulanger on Oct. 14, 1975. During his career as a locksmith, Boulanger visited and worked in Ponca City frequently through the years.

Survivors include one daughter, Sandra Sweeney Ashley of Waco, Texas; his longtime friend and companion, Jeanette Stotts, now of Union City; three grandsons; two step-grandsons; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Isaac Boulanger; and three sisters, Vada Boulanger, Lenna Mae Lawson and Thursi Uhls.

Honorary casket bearers will be Don Lawson, Ronnie Lawson, Harry Lawson, Frances Potter, John Ashley Jr. and Johnny Alan Ashley

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Boulanger’s name to a charity of choice.

Bertha Siegmann

NEWKIRK — Bertha Kent Spargur Siegmann, Newkirk resident died Saturday evening, March 20, 1999, at her home. She was 86.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City. The Rev. John Tramel, Newkirk First Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will be at the Longwood Cemetery, east of Ponca City.

Bertha (Mueller) Kent Spargur Siegmann was born Feb. 23, 1913, at Plainville, Kan., the daughter of Charles Fredrick and Cora (Melvin) Mueller. She received her education in the Latham, Kan., area schools.

She was married to Melvin Carson Siegmann in 1987. Mrs. Siegmann was a member of the Newkirk First Baptist Church. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, sewing and reading the Bible.

Survivors include three sons, Warren Neuerburg of Newkirk, Ervin Neuerburg of Edwardsburg, Mich., and Arthur Neuerburg, of Alamosa, Colo.; one daughter Alice Simmons of Lakeland, Fla.; one brother Ralph Mueller of Wichita, Kan.; one sister Pauline Sanders of Ponca City; 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; four brothers, Fredrick, Henry, Charlie and Orlia; five sisters, Anna, Gertrude, Francelia, Kathryne and Floraella; and one granddaughter.

Casket bearers will be Gene Roberts, Gabriel Smith, Mike Hilbert, Jess Stone, Justin Stone and Jason Neuerburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Virginia Byers

BLACKWELL — Virginia Byers, longtime Blackwell resident died Friday, March 19, 1999 at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 75.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, at Hackler Funeral Home Memory Chapel with the Rev. Dan Bohn, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Virginia (Kuhns) Byers was born April 3, 1923, in Arkansas City, Kan. to Charlie and Hazel (Burton) Kuhns. She received her education in Wichita, Kan.

She married Raymond H. Byers on Nov. 3, 1945, in Wichita, Kan. Mrs. Byers was a homemaker and a seamstress. She retired in 1980 and later became a resident of Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell.

Survivors include two sons, Harold Byers of Sellersburg, Ind., and Phillip Byers of Bullhead City, Ariz.; two sisters, Alma Ventsam of Fresno, Calif., and Donita Dixon of Cheyenne, Wyo.; one brother, William Keller of Wichita, Kan.; two grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Thelma Norris

Thelma L. Norris, former Ponca City resident, died early Friday morning, March 19, 1999, at Willow Haven Nursing Home in Tonkawa. She was 84.

A graveside service was to be held today, March 22, at 3 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Ron Ledbetter, pastor, Sunset Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Born March 31, 1914, in Enid, she was the daughter of George William and Ulpha Loretta (Smith) Sadler. On Jan. 27, 1936 she was married to Lymon Norris in Ponca City. He preceded her in death on Feb. 29, 1988. Mrs. Norris was a longtime member of Sunset Baptist Church where she was active in the children’s department.

Survivors include a brother, Archie Sadler of Sarasota, Fla.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Sunset Baptist Church, Children’s Department, 915 Greenwood Avenue, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Wilma Fitzpatrick

CHICKASHA — Wilma Mae Fitzpatrick, former longtime Ponca City resident died Sunday, March 21, 1999, in Chickasha. She was 93.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Sevier Funeral Home Chapel in Chickasha. A graveside service will also be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery.

Wilma Mae (Williams) Fitzpatrick was born Dec. 21, 1905, in Kansas to Alphonso and Lula (Brock) Williams. She was married to Thomas A. Fitzpatrick on Jan. 25, 1927 in LaHarpe, Kan., and the couple made their home in Ponca City. Mrs. Fitzpatrick had lived in Ponca City for 61 years and in Chickasha for 11 years. She was a member of the Eastern Star, IOOF Auxiliary and the Parkview Christian Church.

Survivors include one son, Richard A. Fitzpatrick of Chickasha; one brother, Charles Williams of Turner, Kan.; one daughter-in-law; seven grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in November 1976; two sons, Dale and Earl Fitzpatrick; her parents; and three brothers, Daryl, Dumont, and Durward Williams.

Services Pending

Robert Goldsmith

NORFOLK, Va. — Robert Goldsmith, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, March 21, 1999, at DePaul Medical Center in Norfolk, Va. He was 55. Arrangements are pending and will be announced later.

Josephine VanDyck

Josephine VanDyck, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday, March 20, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 84. A graveside service is set for Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under direction of Trout Funeral Home. Other arrangements will be announced later.

NEWS BRIEFS

Arrest — At 9:36 a.m. Saturday police arrested a 27-year-old man from South Oak Street and West South Avenue for having no driver’s license.

Used Tommy lift for wide bed pickup. Miles Music. adv.

Battery Theft — A woman in the 400 block of South Perry Street contacted police at 10:59 a.m. Saturday regarding the theft of a battery.

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March 28th at 7:00 p.m., $34.95. To order call Cable One at 762-6684.

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Hit-and-Run Accident — A man in the 600 block of South Twelfth Street called police at 12:03 p.m. Saturday to report a hit-and-run accident that occurred Friday evening.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes

available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable, local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681. adv.

Stolen Wallet — At 12:23 p.m. Saturday a woman in the 1200 block of South Fourth Street reported the theft of a wallet.

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bark elm, oaks, maple and many more. Now open Sunday 1-5.

Keathly Nursery, 2448 Bridge Avenue. 762-2922. adv.

Accident — An accident at East Detroit Avenue and North Fifth Street was reported to police at 1:20 p.m. Saturday.

Shoe Shine by Leroy. 117 North 3rd. Barney’s. adv.

Embezzlement — Police were called to the Triple T, 415 South Fourteenth Street, at 1:43 p.m. Saturday due to a possible case of embezzlement.

Spring Trades! Back on The Rack. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at North Fourteenth Street and Shirlee Avenue was reported to police at 1:53 p.m. Saturday.

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Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Attempted Ball Theft — A woman in the 1000 block of South Eighth Street contacted police at 2:06 p.m. Saturday after a juvenile reportedly attempted to steal a basketball.

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white meat. All you can eat, $6.50. For reservations call 765-5460.

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Arrest — A 34-year-old man was arrested from South Pine Street and West South Avenue at 3:37 p.m. Saturday for driving under restriction and no seat belt.

Window Shot — A woman in the 100 block of East Fresno Avenue contacted police at 11:56 a.m. Sunday after she discovered her car window had been shot. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Pager Theft — Police were contacted at 6:02 p.m. Saturday by a woman in the 900 block of Monument Road regarding the theft of pager.

Juvenile Shoplifter — At 3:33 p.m. Sunday police were informed that a juvenile shoplifter was being held at Buy For Less, 2405 North Fourteenth Street.

Backing Accident — A man in the 300 block of South Lake Street reported a backing accident at 8:13 p.m. Saturday.

Juvenile Arrests — Police arrested a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy at 11:38 p.m. Saturday from Seventh Street and East Grand Avenue for possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

Arrest — A 28-year-old man was arrested at 12:30 a.m. Sunday from North Fifth Street and Young Avenue for driving under the influence and speeding.

Juvenile Arrest — At 2:23 a.m. Sunday a 16-year-old boy was arrested from North Fifth Street and Bradley Avenue for giving false information to an officer, public intoxication and curfew violation.

Arrest — A 24-year-old woman was arrested at 3:34 a.m. Sunday from South Fourteenth Street and East South Avenue for no driver’s license.

Arrest — A 23-year-old man was arrested from South Fourteenth Street and East South Avenue at 4:12 a.m. Sunday on a Kay County warrant.

Arrest — Police arrested a 41-year-old man at 7:17 a.m. Sunday from Kay County on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Vehicle Vandalism — At 7:29 a.m. Sunday police were informed of vandalism to a pickup truck parked in the 1900 block of North Fourteenth Street.

Dish Destruction — A man in the 900 block of East Grand Avenue contacted police at 8:44 a.m. Sunday reporting that someone had vandalized his satellite dish.

Arrest — Police arrested a 39-year-old man from North Third Street and East Hazel Avenue at 9:05 a.m. Sunday for driving under suspension, no insurance and no seat belt.

Arrest — A 27-year-old man was arrested at 10:12 a.m. Sunday from East Comanche Avenue and North Fifth Street for driving under suspension and no seat belt.

Arrest — At 10:38 a.m. Sunday a 33-year-old man was arrested from the 100 block of West Emporia Avenue for violation of exparte order.

Bike Theft — A man in the 300 block of North Peachtree Street reported the theft of a bike at 12:32 p.m. Sunday.

Break-In — At 1 p.m. Sunday a man in the 2700 block of Avon Avenue contacted police reporting that his vehicle had been broken into.

Assault — Police were alerted to an assault at 2:55 p.m. Sunday in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Gas Drive-Off — A $5 gas drive-off from Ronny’s Westbury Market, 2911 North Union Street, was reported to police at 3:04 p.m. Sunday.

Dog Gone — At 3:50 p.m. Sunday police were notified that a dog in the 300 block of South Seventh Street had been stolen.

Cigarette Theft — A police report was taken at 4:35 p.m. Sunday at the Tripe T, 501 West Highland Avenue, after being notified of two men stealing cigarettes.

Arrest — At 10:52 p.m. Sunday a 43-year-old man was arrested from the 600 block of South Third Street for petit larceny.

Gas Drive-Off — At 5:21 p.m. Sunday a clerk from Jack Griffith’s, 2501 North Fourteenth Street, notified police of a $12.50 gas drive-off.

Burning Bush — Fire units responded to a report of a bush on fire in the 500 block of East Detroit Avenue at 6:48 p.m. Sunday. It was extinguished.

Extra Patrol — Police were notified at 5:08 a.m. Sunday of tires being slashed in the 700 block of North Palm Street.

Gas Drive-Off — At 8:20 p.m. Sunday police were informed of a $2 gas drive-off in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue.

Arrest — A 38-year-old woman was arrested at 10:07 p.m. Sunday from North Fourteenth Street and Queens Avenue on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Property Destruction — At 8:49 p.m. Sunday a man in the 400 block of West Chestnut Avenue contacted police after his neighbor damaged his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a destruction of private property report was taken.

Juvenile Arrest — Police arrested a 14-year-old boy at 7:43 p.m. Sunday from the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street for second degree burglary and three counts of shoplifting.

Arrest — A 22-year-old man was arrested at 11:20 p.m. Sunday from North Fifth Street and East Hazel Avenue for driving under the influence, reckless driving, transporting an open container, failure to yield and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Arrest — At 11:27 p.m. Sunday police arrested a 45-year-old woman from the 600 block of South Third Street for petit larceny.

Arrest — Police arrested a 25-year-old man at 11:07 p.m. Sunday from the 600 block of West Highland Avenue for displaying a false identification and public intoxication.

Juvenile Arrest — An 11-year-old boy was arrested from the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street for second degree burglary.

LIFESTYLES

Arbor Day Events Scheduled Today And March 25
Superintendent of Parks Offers ‘Tree Tips’
Waldron Reviews Book for Group
Busy Bee Club Holds Meeting
Ponca City Happenings

Arbor Day Events Scheduled Today And March 25

Arbor Day in Ponca City is being observed today. The Arbor Day proclamation states that in 1872 J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska.

Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world as trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. Also, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless wood products. Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.

Arbor Day events include the “kick off” of the Millennium Tree Project, which will involve planting 2000 trees in Ponca City by the end of the year 2000. The event took place today at Standing Bear Park.

Other Arbor Day activities for the week include a tree planting workshop sponsored by the City of Ponca City, Parks and Recreation Department, at Lake Ponca Park. This event will begin at 1 p.m. March 25 in the AMBUCS area of the park. Members of the community are invited to bring shovels and “come plant a tree.” According to Jim Eck, superintendent of Parks for the City, the trees will be available at the area, and this is a great opportunity for families to prepare for the millennium.

Superintendent of Parks Offers ‘Tree Tips’

Editor’s Note: The following “tree tips” for Arbor Week are provided by Jim Eck, superintendent of Parks for the City of Ponca City.

Planting a tree involves more than just digging a hole. One must first evaluate the place, or places, that the tree will be planted. Look at how much space you have for a tree to grow. Some trees will attain a height of 80-90 feet, and a spread of 40- 60 feet. There are trees for almost every place from small to large. So many times I see trees planted that will overgrow the site and encroach upon their neighbor, or will eventually grow into the home or outbuilding. So you need to determine what size of a tree you want to plant for the space you have.

Next, the type of soil you have needs to be determined, and this is what is called soil texture. If you have a clay soil this is called a heavy soil or a fine textured soil. This means that it will not let water drain readily and, therefore, will hold water for a long time. If you have a soil with a lot of sand this is called a course textured soil and is considered light. This means it will dry out quickly and will also be a very hot soil.

If you have a good mixture of sand and clay together you have a medium textured soil that drains well and will hold the moisture properly. The importance of this is that certain trees require certain textured soil and this will, in part, determine what tree you can select to plant. The texture of a soil is also an indicator of whether or not the soil is alkaline or acid.

Some trees will not grow in alkaline soils and some prefer it. If your soil is a light soil it will usually be acid. A soil pH of 8 or 9 is highly alkaline and a pH of 4 or 5 is acid. Another determination is the exposure to sun and wind. Most trees require full sun to grow properly and some need protection from harsh wind. It is easier to grow a new tree in town where it has protection from the wind, than on a new building site on top of a bare hill. However, there are certain trees that will perform better than others under wind exposure.

Next thing is to evaluate your site for the possibility of future driveways, buildings, additional parking or home expansion. It takes years to grow a tree and it is sad when a good tree has to be removed for these purposes. Another very important thing to consider is the planting of trees under power lines and easements. Again, it is sad to see a tree topped or removed because it was interfering with power lines. This can be handled by proper site evaluation before planting. When you go shopping for a tree the nurseryman will be asking you all of these questions in order to provide the most appropriate tree available for you to plant.

Now that you have made a selection and are ready to plant, there are some things you need to be aware of such as planting the tree in the same soil you took out of the planting hole. Do not add all of that “good stuff” you think is going to help it grow, because in doing so you will probably kill the tree with kindness. You need to remove or loosen the soil two or three times the diameter of the root ball or container the tree comes in. Dig the hole at least six inches deeper that the ball or container the tree comes in. Place the tree in the planting hole so that the bottom of the tree trunk will be a minimum of 2 inches above the planting hole soil level. This is extremely important.

If you cover the tree trunk with soil it is like putting a plastic bag over your head tightly — it will cut off all available air and likewise for the tree. Backfill the hole with the same soil you took out and make a well around the tree at least six feet in diameter. Soil will hold water. Hold the tree straight while filling the hole with water, and let it drain down, and then do it again. Do not pack the soil in the hole with your feet as this compacts the soil, which is not good.

Stake the tree properly by using protected wire so it will not scar the trunk, and put a minimum of two wires so the wind cannot blow it over. Caution must be taken not to hold it too tight, but let it move a little. The tree would not grow strength in its trunk to hold it upright of it was too tightly held. Next, fill the well around the tree with bark mulch to a depth of three or four inches. This is very important in keeping the soil moist and cool for good growth.

Keep all grasses from growing in the well also, because the grass will take all the nutrients and moisture from the tree. If you will do this for several years your tree will grow twice as fast as it would if you left the grass around the tree. Continue to keep the soil moist around the tree, but not water logged. Do not add any fertilizer to your planting hole either; but you may use something like fish emulsion for some starter nutrients. After the first year you can give it some commercial tree fertilizer for better growth.

The best time for planting trees is in the fall and next is spring. If you are looking for fall color you can get a good idea of a tree’s fall color by selecting it in the fall of the year at your local nurseryman. Container trees can be planted anytime, however care must be given to its particular moisture needs and protection from the winds.

Waldron Reviews Book for Group

The Tuesday Book Club met in February at the home of Nada Fetrow. The reviewer, Frances Waldron, reviewed the book The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton by Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Jane Smiley.

The book is set in the 1850’s and the main character is Lidie Harkness of Quincy, Ill., a young woman of “courage, good sense, and good heart. It carries the reader into a time in America when our country was torn apart by the question of slavery.”

She meets and marries Thomas Newton, who belongs to a brave young group of New England abolitionists who dedicate themselves to settling the Kansas Territory. Lidie goes to "bloody Kansas" with him where slaveholding Missiourians constantly clash with free staters. They settle on a claim near Lawrence, Kan. The reporter says that several buildings and places mentioned in the book still exist in Lawrence. This book is available in the Ponca City Library.

Busy Bee Club Holds Meeting

The Busy Bee Club met at the home of Ruby Harvey, 1309 West Chestnut, March 17. Helen Taylor led the group in the salute to the flag and “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Viola Haley gave the devotion “Discipleships and Relationships.” Roll call was answered with something interesting about St. Patrick’s Day.

Helen Hiskett gave the treasurer’s report. The group brought food, clothing, paper goods and other items for donation to Peachtree Landing.

Games were played and winning prizes were Beulah McCartney and Viola Haley. Vivian Davis won the mystery bowl prize. The next meeting will be April 14 at the home of Helen Hiskett, 3901 North Union.

Ponca City Happenings

FRIDAY

Simple Steps AA — open, noon; AA speaker meeting — open, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, Salvation Army Community Support Center, 711 South Third.

AA Alano Group — Noon, open 12 by 12 meeting; 8 p.m., open speaker meeting; 603 South 1st.

Pioneer Rotary Club, 11:45 a.m. Friday, Marland Mansion.

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, Harmony House, 212 South Third, basement (use south entrance). Smoke-free building. For more information call 762-3345 or 765-9459.

St. Mary’s Benefit sale, 121 West Central, will be held 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 26-27. Items for sale include furniture, school desks, jewelry, collectibles, pictures, ceiling lights, encyclopedias, books, floor tile, spring clothes in sizes infant to extra-large, cooktop, housewares, display cases, barbecue smokers.

April 16 the board members of the Friendship Feast will be hosting a fund-raising spaghetti dinner, 4:30-7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the First Christian Church. The cost of the meal is $6 for adults and $3 for children. Proceeds from the meal will be used to purchase food, disposable plates and utensils, and other related items.

SATURDAY

AA Discussion meeting at noon Saturday. AA Discussion meeting at 8 p.m., Harmony House, 212 South Third.

AA Alano Group — Noon, open topic meeting; 8 p.m., closed Big Book study; 603 South First.

New Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m. Saturday, Harmony House (upstairs library). Smoke-free.

Order of the Amaranth meets the first and third Saturdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple.

Overeaters Anonymous group meets 11-12 Saturday mornings at Woodlands Christian Church. The meetings are open to “anyone who desires to stop eating compulsively.” For more information call 762-2161.

Church Women United sponsored Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., March 27, Unity Gym. Proceeds to benefit Child Development Center. For information call Mary Bates, 718-0019.

March 27, Michael Wallis will autograph “The Real Wild West: The 101 Ranch and The Creation of the American West,” 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., at the 101 Ranch site south of Ponca City.

SPORTS

Lady Mavericks Hoping for Nicer Weather On Road

Lady Mavericks Hoping for Nicer Weather On Road

TONKAWA — looking for better weather — and timely hitting — Northern Oklahoma College’s Lady Maverick softball team travels to Crowder College in Neosho, Mo., Tuesday for a doubleheader.

The Lady Mavs were topped by Seminole in a pair of conference games Thursday, 8-1 and 6-5. Amanda Parker had the big hit, a home run, in the second game of that twinbill.

NOC’s women traveled to the Crowder Tournament in Bartlesville Friday and got in two games before the tournament was rained out Saturday.

The Lady Mavs topped Coffeeville, Kan., 5-3, in the first game Friday behind the two-hit pitching of Parker but then fell to Butler County, 9-1, in the second game.

NOC, now 9-8, will start and extended road trip Tuesday with five doubleheader dates and a tournament away from home. The next home date for the Lady Mavericks is April 7 when Crowder plays here.