From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Monday, April
14, 1997
LOCAL
Blackwell Woman Victim of Drowning
Area Roads Open As Rivers Recede
Nearly News
Rail Passenger Service Top Priority for Senator
Former Po-Hi Band Members Needed for Sullins Tribute
Fire Marshal Checks Structure Blaze Today
Clerk Continues Expanded Hours
DEATHS
Lillian Mae Creason
Obituaries
Iva Rose Dowler
Ona Cathern North
Services Pending
Coleen M. Jarvis
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Round Grove Flag History Dates to 1918
Bobbie Lyn Salmon Weds Lance Jones in Kingfisher
Happy Hilltop Homemakers Plan OKC Trip
SPORTS
Coaches Needed
Attempting to travel on a flooded roadway 2.5 miles east of U.S. 177 on Hubbard Road led to the drowning of a Blackwell woman early Sunday.
Colleen Jarvis, 53, drove around a barricade at Waverly Street and Hubbard Road on her way to Blackwell when the car washed off alongside the Chikaskia River. The car was located 200 yards south of Hubbard Road on the east side, according to the report of Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Ty Hendren.
Apparently, the woman left her job at 2 a.m. Saturday. At 5:16 p.m., her mother contacted the Blackwell Police Department to file a missing person report.
Early Sunday, family members located the victim's car and notified the Kay County Sheriff. Air boats, borrowed from local citizens, were used to locate the body, which was spotted 150 yards west of the vehicle in the far southwest corner of a wheat field, according to Kay County Undersheriff Sid Cookerly.
The body was taken to a funeral home in Blackwell, where a Kay County Medical Examiner determined the victim died from drowning. As in any unattended death, the district attorney was also notified.
The state Department of Transportation had closed the road Friday night.
In a separate incident, Cookerly said that a young man drove around the west barricade, headed to Ponca City, when his car was washed away. A swift-water rescue, using ropes, saved the man, who was taken to Blackwell Regional Hospital and treated for hypothermia, according to the undersheriff.
"When water washes over the roadway, it can be very misleading and can get deep on you quick," said Cookerly.
Flooding caused by Thursday's storm closed a portion of Hubbard Road, 2.5 miles west of U.S. 177 on Friday and portions of U.S. 177 south of Ponca City throughout the weekend.
Barriers had been placed on both sides of the affected area.
An official with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, confirmed roads are now open to motorists. However, drivers are cautioned not to drive into water which covers the roadway as the depth can be misleading.
Jim Kemble Jr.'s name was accidentally left off the story of the OoKeeHee Powwow to be held May 3 at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center. Kemble will conduct the position of head singer. The News apologizes for any confusion.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The Chair of the state's Legislative Tourism Committee continues efforts to bring rail passenger service to Oklahoma for both economic development and tourism.
According to State Senator Dave Herbert, D-Midwest City, rail passenger service will bring about economic development and increase tourism in Oklahoma. Furthermore, getting rail passenger trains in the state is a top priority for the senator. He thinks Oklahomans deserve another mode of transportation.
"I've got 10 years left in the legislature, with term limits, and I intend to have a train running through Oklahoma before then," he said.
Additionally, benefits of rail passenger service include relief of overburdened roadways as well as saving money by helping cities comply with clean air standards regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Moreover, students could live in one city and go to school in another and sports fans could take trains to and from cities at any of the Big 12 conference schools. In addition, citizens could take a train simply to attend town events or sight-see in another town.
Herbert authored a senate joint resolution in February which would fund a consultant to determine the best way to resume passenger rail service in Oklahoma. The resolution passed the senate and Herbert is confident it will be approved by the house.
The resolution would have a national rail consultant make a step-by-step blueprint of the smartest way to proceed, to insure every dollar is spent to the fullest. Top priority would be given to the Tulsa-Oklahoma City corridor.
Initially, Oklahoma would probably need to subsidize Amtrak, although the state sets aside about $850,000 each year, according to Herbert. Currently more than $6 million has accumulated.
"If we have rail passenger service, it will cost Oklahoma as little as $2 million but no more than $5 million," said Herbert.
Herbert sees the possibility of using an existing line belonging to Burlington Northern Railroad (BNR) which lies between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Or, he said, a line could be constructed in the middle of the Turner Turnpike.
Part of Oklahoma's tourism campaign was shown to Europeans, said the senator. Europeans travel by train, but right now, Oklahoma cannot be reached by train. It is one of only three states without passenger service.
The senator confirmed that Amtrak wants Oklahoma to set up the track and let them run it. Furthermore, BNR is willing to sell the tracks (including the signals, etc.) on the Tulsa-OKC line for $10 to 12 million.
Additionally, other senators have expressed interest in establishing a metro car in their districts to connect with OKC.
Moreover, there has been talk about putting a maintenance facility in the state. Reviving the maintenance facility in Enid has been discussed.
Herbert will make a presentation to the Turnpike Authority in May to see whether the authority will take on rail as part of their task. If they agree, the authority would buy track and right of way for the rail passenger project.
"As it becomes available, we need to pick up track and right-of-way. We've got to get into the mass transit business due to clean air days anyway, why not start now," the senator said.
Additionally, the senator encourages towns to hold on to their train stations because they'll be alive once again.
Former Ponca City High School band members, who would like to play their schools songs once more, and other musicians are being sought to play for the Tribute to Earl Sullins slated for May 6, according to Chuck Bowman.
Guest speaker for the event honoring long time Ponca City High School coach Earl Sullins is Nebraska head football coach Tom Osborne, America's winningest active college coach. The event will be at the high school.
The Ponca City High School's band banquet is that evening and those band members won't be available due to the conflict so other band players are needed.
A couple of the songs that would be appropriate for the Sullins' Tribute are the Wildcat Victory song and the old "Ponca City We Love You" tune.
Also anyone with old time Ponca City High School memorabilia such as Pep Club mementoes and other items to be used for decorations are asked called members of the committee.
Band player calls or those with decorations to donate or loan may call Keni Ray, (405) 765-2037 or Nancy Spielbusch (405) 465-4031.
Tickets for the meal are $10 and those wishing to have their names engraved on a bronze appreciation award for Coach Sullins may do so for another $10.
Checks should be made payable to Earl Sullins Tribute and mailed to Chuck Bowman and Tom Catlin, P.O. Box 2643, Edmond, Okla. 73083. The deadline is April 28. Dinner tickets will be mailed.
The fire marshal was called in to investigate a suspicious fire at a residence in the 200 block of North Elm Street at 2:48 a.m. this morning.
Eleven Ponca City firefighters and four units responded within five minutes to extinguish a structure fire, which ignited on the sofa and spread to the carpet, according to the fire report. Firefighters remained on the scene until 3:33 a.m.
The department is calling the fire suspicious. The fire marshal has not yet determined whether the fire was started by arson. Damage is estimated at $500.
The report confirmed that no smoke detectors were present at the residence. Furthermore, no injuries were noted.
NEWKIRK - After a three-month trial period, County Clerk Pam Goodno has established the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for her office at the courthouse to be open to the public.
The office, originally open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., experimented for three months by opening the doors a half-hour earlier and a half-hour later, but Goodno said the extra half-hour in the morning proved to have little benefit to the public.
The office still stays open during the lunch hour.
DEATHS
NEWKIRK - Lillian Mae Creason, longtime Newkirk resident, died Saturday morning, April 12, 1997, at her home. She was 66.
The funeral has been set for 2 p.m. Tuesday, at Miller-Stahl Funeral Service Chapel with Danny W. Cornish, minister of Newkirk Church of Christ officiating. Burial will follow in the Caldwell (Kan.) Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. No viewing will be held.
Lillian Mae Creason was born June 8, 1930, in Jerome, Ariz., the daughter of Thomas J. and Nellie Myrtle (Gay) Burns. She grew up and attended school in Arizona.
On June 14, 1947, she and Leslie Roy Frick were married at Las Cruces, N.M., where they established their home. Mrs. Frick owned and operated a filling station/cafe for a number of years and also worked at the hospital in Las Cruces. In 1971, they moved to Newkirk, where she was employed at the Newkirk Nursing Center for 22 years.
On Sept. 12, 1985, she was married to James Franklin Creason at Cedar Vale, Kan. and the couple made their home in Newkirk. The couple worked together on a project for the city of Newkirk to raise funds for the "Jaws of Life," two RAMS and a SIDS machine. Mrs. Creason enjoyed being with people and working with crafts.
Survivors include her husband, Jim, of the home; one brother, David Maddox of Fort Smith, Ark.; one sister, Wanda Smith of Rosamond, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents and one daughter, Shirley Dianne.
Casket bearers will be Augdon Roberts, David Cauley, Lanio Roberts, Benny Cole, John Rhyne, Butch Simmons, Dan Fitch and Rick Shields.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Creason's name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Research, c/o Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk OK 74647.
TONKAWA - Iva Rose Dowler, lifelong Tonkawa area resident, died Saturday April 12, 1997, at Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City after a short illness.
She was born Oct. 6, 1904, on a farm south of Tonkawa secured by her father Granvil Hays during the Cherokee Outlet Land Run. She was the daughter of Granvil A. and Margaret E. (Wright) Hays. Iva attended schools in the Tonkawa area and graduated from University Preparatory School in 1923.
Iva and William H. Dowler were married in 1924. She was a member of the Tonkawa Chapter 95, Order of Eastern Star and was a past Worthy Matron. She was a longtime member of the First Christian Church. Iva will long be remembered for the many beautiful quilts she made. She helped with the quilting of the Tonkawa Centennial quilt.
She is survived by a daughter Carolyn Porter and her husband Robert Porter of Newark, Del.; daughter-in-law, Joy Dowler of Oklahoma City; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband William Dowler; her parents, Granvil and Margaret Hays; brothers Orlie Hays and Donald Hays; and son, Billy G. Dowler.
The service will be held at the First Christian Church on Wednesday, April 16, 1997 at 11 a.m. Burial will be conducted in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home.
Memorials may be sent to the First Christian Church of Tonkawa, c/o McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, 400 E. Grand, Tonkawa, OK 74653.
paid obituary
Ona Cathern North, 2804 Avon, died Saturday, April 12, 1997, at the Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 83.
The funeral service will be Tuesday, 2 p.m. in the chapel of Trout Funeral Home with the Rev. Denny Hook, pastor, First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Born Oct. 1, 1913, at Ralston, she was the daughter of Ora Jackson and Ethel Bessie Deal Cales. She attended Ponca City schools, graduated from Ponca City High School in 1932, and attended Northern Oklahoma College.
On Dec. 24, 1933, she married Norman Homer North at the First Christian Church in Ponca City. The couple lived in Eugene, Ore, and Washington state before returning to Ponca City in 1959, where they were engaged in farming. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and enjoyed sewing and quilting.
Surviving are her son, Neal North, Ponca City; three grandchildren, Audra Brown, Oklahoma City, Grant Pouland, Ponca City, and Lynn Swenson, Tullahoma, Tenn.; one great-grandson, Garrett Pouland , Ponca City; and one brother, Glenn Cales, Kaw City. She was preceded in death by her husband on Sept. 2, 1980, her parents, one sister and two brothers.
Casket bearers will be Cecil Cales, Robert Cales, Arlin Cales, Jack Cales, Bob Ratliff, and Duane Brown.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ponca City Humane Society, 900 West Prospect, Ponca City, OK 74601, or to the First United Methodist Church, 200 South Sixth, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at the home, 2804 Avon Street.
paid obituary
Coleen M. Jarvis
BLACKWELL - Colleen M. Jarvis, Blackwell resident, died as the result
of an automobile accident in Kay County, Sunday, April 13, 1997. She was
53. Arrangements are pending with Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell.
NEWS BRIEFS
Po-Hi PTSA Meeting - There will be a PTSA meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. in room 111 of the Howell Building. Dr. Don Sjoberg, principal, will discuss areas of concern at Ponca City High School. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
Bad Weather Sale Set - St. Mary's Trinity Guild will be holding a Bad Weather Sale at 121 West Central, extending their regular sale due to unexpected bad weather. They plan to open on Wednesday from 3 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Most items will be half-price. Everyone welcome.
Senior Citizens Dance Set - Ken Wilson and his Sunshine Playboys will be playing for dancing from 7 to 10 p.m. at the VFW in Ponca City every Wednesday. All seniors are invited to come and enjoy. The first Wednesday of every month will be snack night, and those attending are asked to bring goodies to share.
Burglary - A resident on Brentwood Drive advised the Ponca City Police Department at 7:06 a.m. Saturday that a vehicle was burglarized. An officer took a report.
Westside Gathering - The Mutual Respect and Community Attitude Committee for Ponca City Tomorrow will meet at 11:40 a.m. Tuesday to continue planning for the Westside Block Party. The meeting will be held at the Commercial Federal Building, Suite 304E, and the public is invited to attend. If questions call 767-0823.
Burglary - A Ponca City police officer took a report of burglary to a vehicle on Hampton Drive at 7:53 a.m. Saturday.
Failure to Pay - A 23-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 500 block of North Osage Street at 1:05 p.m. Saturday on a Kay County warrant for failure to pay.
Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took a report of vandalism in the 2000 block of North Osage Street at 1:06 p.m. Saturday.
Under Suspension - A 30-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at North Ash Street and West Liberty Avenue at 2:24 p.m. Saturday for driving under suspension and an expired inspection sticker.
Burglary - A resident in the 400 block of South Palm Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 2:53 p.m. Saturday that the house was burglarized. An officer took a report.
Under the Influence - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 45-year-old man in the 800 block of West Emporia Avenue at 9:17 p.m. Saturday for driving under the influence.
Open Container - A 23-year-old man was arrested during a traffic stop at South Second Street and Park Avenue at 9:55 p.m. Saturday for driving under suspension and transporting an open container.
Attempt to Allude - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 35-year-old man at a traffic stop in the 700 block of North Sunset Street at 1:43 a.m. Sunday for driving under the influence and attempting to allude an officer.
Vandalism - A resident in the 2100 block of North Osage Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 9:41 a.m. Sunday to report vehicles were vandalized. An officer took a report.
City Warrant - A Ponca City police officer went to the Tonkawa Police Department at 2:30 p.m. Sunday to pick up a 23-year-old man wanted on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Shoplifters - An employee from Hastings, 2101 North Fourteenth Street, notified the Ponca City Police Department at 7:57 p.m. Sunday that three boys were in custody for shoplifting. Two officers responded and issued citations to the boys. The youths were released to a parent on a promise to appear in juvenile court.
Physical Control - An employee at Burger King, 2908 North Fourteenth Street, notified the Ponca City Police Department at 12:47 a.m. Monday that a man was passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle in the parking lot. Two officers responded and arrested a 23-year-old man for actual physical control.
Cigarettes Taken - A Ponca City police officer took a petit larceny
report at E-Z Mart, North Fourteenth Street and Bradley Avenue, at 3:03
a.m. Monday. The store clerk reported two boys took a pack of cigarettes
and left on foot toward the apartments.
LIFESTYLES
The Round Grove Friends Club met at Susan Brunkow's home Wednesday with 11 members present. Guests were Lois Skaggs, Kristen Brunkow, Evelyn (Bellinghausen) Appleman and Heather Appleman of San Diego, Calif.
The meeting was conducted by Betty Brown, president, and following the flag salute the group sang "She'll be Coming Round the Mountain." The hostess read a devotional and Mary Catherine Detten called the roll with response being "the youngest childhood memories of your first bedroom."
Mrs. Detten read the minutes and issued an open invitation to members from area clubs to join Round Grove Friends for a "Fun Together Time" in late spring or early summer. Marjorie Bellinghausen presented a new 50-star flag to the group. The current flag is being returned to the family of the late Lorene Pickett whose brother had received the flag in 1918. The flag was part of the Round Grove FCE meetings for many years.
Susan Brunkow presented a "Trunk Showing" of fashions from the past with members trying to guess the year the garments were in vogue. Kathy Gray won the hostess prize which was a rug crafted by Mrs. Brunkow on her husband's grandmother's loom.
The vegetable for the month was collected for donation to the Mission. The May collection will be canned tomatoes. The next meeting will be a salad luncheon at the home of Geneva Williams at noon on May 10.
Bobbie Lyn Salmon and Lance Michael Jones, both of Kingfisher, were united in marriage March 15 at The Federated Church in Kingfisher. The double-ring ceremony was officiated by Tom Devitt. Parents of the couple are Glen and Sue Salmon of Ponca City, Sharon Jones of Kingfisher, and the late Michael Jones.
Organist was Carol Kunnernan of Kingfisher and audio was provided by Barbara Bollenbach of Kingfisher. The church was decorated with 15-tier spiral candelabras and the pews were marked with candelabras decorated with pale yellow bows and ivy. Also included were a mixed arrangement with a candle in memory of Mike Jones and a bud vase with white roses in memory of Charles Salmon.
The bride's off the shoulder, white lace gown, decorated with pearls, was fashioned with a detachable catheral-length train made of iridescent net trimmed in satin rope, lace motifs and pearls. Her veil of iridescent netting edged with satin was secured with a satin barrette and she carried a cascade bouquet of white gardenias, stephanotis and green ivy.
Maid of honor was Melanie Russell of Kingfisher. Bridesmaids were Shelly Jones of Sulphur, Charlotte Phillips and Lori Mercer, both of Kingfisher. The attendants wore black, floor-length dresses fashioned with chiffon draping. They carried arrangements of long-stemmed yellow silk roses with small purple flowers and dark ivy tied with a yellow bow.
Best man was Rodney Phillips of Kingfisher. Groomsmen were Larry Cluck, Brandon Cox and Dave Turner, all of Kingfisher. Usher was Vincent Garcia of Oklahoma City and candlelighters were Ryan Jones of Kingfisher and Rachel Garcia of Oklahoma City. Flower girl was Kelsey Mueggenborg and Kyle Mueggenborg served as ring bearer.
The reception was held at the Phillips Ditching and Excavating Warehouse. Decorations included white roses and ivy and the three-tiered wedding cake was detailed with basket weave white icing of Italian cream, strawberry and lemon flavors. It was edged with pansies, yellow buttons, purple statice, white roses, dark green ivy and pussy willow. Reception assistants were Denise Pannell, Heather Endres, Renae Williams and Kathleen McClatchey. Guest book attendants were Emily Jones and Iris McClatchey.
The couple resides in Kingfisher. Special guests at the wedding were Mr. and Mrs. Chris Mueggenborg, Mr. and Mrs. George Hubbard and Mr. and Mrs. Rick Jones, all of Kingfisher, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Thomas of Elk City, and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Walker of Overland Park, Kan. Pre-nuptial events included the rehearsal dinner, which was held in Okarche.
Happy Hilltop Homemakers met Tuesday for lunch at the Pioneer Technology Center. Loma Smith, hostess, presented a complimentary lunch ticket to Della Daniels who won the club drawing.
Nancy Challis, president, presided during the business meeting. Nine members and two guests, Peggy Smith and Vivian Scott, recited the Pledge of Allegiance. NaDean Thomas read the club creed and Mrs. Smith read "Let Me Walk in the Field" for the devotion. She also read "The Legend of Robin Red Breast" and Mrs. Challis read "Take Time."
Mrs. Thomas presented each member with a copy of "Class." Irene Harden read the minutes and Mary Bryant gave the treasurer's report. Thank you notes were read from the Domestic Violence Shelter and from a club member. The group will continue to collect paper items for donation to the shelter.
Mrs. Challis won the hostess door prize and tips for the day were given by Frances Basham and Mrs. Harden. The remainder of the meeting was spent painting birdhouses and signs. Mrs. Harden and Mrs. Daniels will host the May meeting.
Announcement was made that the Starlighters group has invited members
of the Happy Hilltop Homemakers to join them for a trip to Oklahoma City
for the Decorators Show House May 17. Those interested in attending are
asked to contact Linda Sparks, 762-2273, or 765-9348, before April 27. More
information about the event may be received by calling Fran Van Hoesen,
765-9410.
SPORTS
The YMCA of Ponca City is in need of volunteer track and field coaches.
Volunteer coaches can help out as much or as little as their schedules allow. Practices are Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Anyone interested in coaching should contact Bill Kenney, YMCA program director, at 765-5417.