From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, April
14, 1998
LOCAL
A Birdie on No. 18
Suspect in Arson Homicide Pictured in New Composite
Nearly News
Split Commission Unable To Approve Several Items
Author of 'What Should We Tell Our Children About Vietnam?' To Sign Book
Tourism Panel Agenda Includes Grant Requests
District Court
Ponca City Artist Captures Grand Prize at Carthage
DEATHS
Goldie Cordella Callaway
Ruby Allen
Tyann Michelle Freek
Doris V. Harp
Obituaries
Helen Pauline Lockwood
Funerals
Rose Cadle
A.G. Hutchinson
Services Pending
Mark O. Bennett
Wilford B. Mason
Lois E. McGee Eller
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
AMBUCS Help Fund Students in 'Great Race'
Little News
BUSINESS
PTC Offers Safety Training for Industry
New Family Practice Opened by Davidson
Chiles Townsend Chairman For County Law Day
FLBA Will Pay $400,000 Refund To Customers
American Telephone Inc. Expands to New Facility
Cash-and-Carry Carpet Retailer Open for Business
Unemployment Up in February
Notes and Quotes
SPORTS
Wildcats Gain Split
Cougars Golf Team Second
Lady Cats Win Again
THE WOMEN'S TEE on the 18th green at the Ponca City Country Club Golf Course is closed due to the nesting of geese. Here Mother Goose sits on the nest and cranes her head to eye approaching golfers. Meanwhile her gander mate is swimming in circles in the pond below, honking at the intruding duffers. It was reported that Mother Goose left the nest for a time and the gander pecked at her until she returned to nesting duties. The tee is expected to be closed for sometime as the incubation period for goslings is about 28 days. (News Photo by Louise Abercrombie)
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
After four months of investigation, the Kay County Sheriff's Office has finally released a composite drawing of a man whom they consider a suspect in the murder of a Kaw City woman.
The body of a 28-year-old Kaw City woman, Shirley Kay Clinton, was recovered from the ruins of her home after a Dec. 22 house fire. The fire was ruled arson, her death ruled a homicide.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 50 years of age, 6-feet tall, slender body build, medium complexion, short, light-brown, curly hair with a full brown beard. He was wearing dirty brown coveralls, brown western boots and a camouflage-style baseball cap.
According to Kay County Chief Criminal Deputy Buddy Thomas, the sketch was drawn by an OSBI forensic artist through interviews with witnesses and is the first recent break in the case.
"Although numerous people can fit a composite drawing we are hoping this one will lead to a suspect," Thomas said. "If not, it could at the least lead to more information."
The victim's two girls, ages 6 and 9, were home at the time of the fire and, although tied, bound and left in the blazing house, managed to escaped serious injury by freeing themselves and running to safety. However, the older of the two was reportedly assaulted by the murderer.
Since the release of the drawing Monday afternoon, law enforcement officials have been pleased with the response. "We have received several calls and appreciate each and every one of them," Undersheriff Craig Countryman stated. "Every call and every lead is being thoroughly checked out."
Meanwhile, the sheriff's department is searching for several other people in connection with the case as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information should contact Undersheriff Craig Countryman or Chief Deputy Buddy Thomas at 580-362-2517, reference case number 97-712.
Pet owners are reminded that cats as well as dogs are subject to municipal leash laws. Birds are beginning to nest, not only in trees, but in bushes and on the grounds, and prowling cats can be devastating to the nesting birds. Protect song birds by keeping dogs and cats under control.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
During Monday night's city commission, the absence of the mayor - the fifth person on the commission - was obvious as several motions throughout the evening died from lack of a second. Commissioner and Vice-Mayor Dick Stone was acting mayor and as such was prevented from seconding any motions.
The consent agenda was anything but consentual during the three hour meeting. The items on the consent agenda are deemed routine in nature and are approved by one motion unless a commissioner requests an item be taken off the consent agenda for discussion.
High bid, low bid, best bid, it was once again the best bid versus the lowest bid that was the topic of much debate. It was deja vu all over again as the purchase of a street sweeper and the bid committee's recommendation to receive the "best" bid over the lowest bid, plagued the commissioners.
Four bids were received for the sweeper. However the bid committee recommended the purchase of the sweeper from the "best" bidder, the one that was $17,000 over the lowest bid.
The manufacturer representative - of the machine that was the second lowest bid - was present at the meeting claiming the specifications were solely "proprietary" and therefore his company did not and could not meet those specifications.
"I traveled to the city three different times and brought in two different machines," manufacturer representative Brad Blackstone said to the commissioners. "I was assured that the specifications would allow for competitive bidding process and now looking at the recommendation by staff it was purely proprietary in that only one company could conform to those specifications."
After the representative made his sales pitch, the representative from the company that met bid specifications made his sales pitch. It was then time to hear from the city staff.
"It is difficult to write specifications without 'specing' someone out," Public Works Director and bid committee member Ken Parr explained to the commissioners. "This was a difficult decision for the committee because $13,000 is a lot of money but after visiting with other cities and much discussion, we felt that the difference in the machines was worth the money."
He also told the commissioners that the superintendent of the motor pool, the one in charge of repairing and maintaining city machinery, was one of the committee members and had given a lot of input into the final recommendation.
Commissioner Lyn Boyer made a motion to approve the recommendation of the bid committee. "This is a tough call," Boyer stated. "If staff agonized over this long and hard I would recommend approval of their recommendation."
The motion failed for a lack of a second.
Commissioners Tom Leonard then made a motion to accept the lower, but not the lowest bid of the four. That too failed for a lack of a second. The matter will now be sent back to committee for further consideration.
The commissioners also approved the third cost increase in the repairs and renovations to the Public Safety Center building. From $165,000, to $182,500 to $203,000 cost continue to climb. "This project is already over 20 percent over budget has not even gone out for bid," Commissioner Tom Leonard stated.
The latest cost increase requests involved the replacement of the concrete carport at the police station which the architect, Troy Lewis, admittedly said was an oversight on his part and was not included in the original cost estimates.
The commissioners approved the additional appropriations request with the $15,000 carport as an alternative to be decided on at a later date.
Commissioners also approved the demolition of two declared nuisance structures, one over the objection of the home owner himself. One home is located at 107 and 109 East Hazel Street and the other at 409 and 411 South Fourth Street.
The South Fourth Street home owner was present and explained reasons for the delay of the repairs. However, Commissioners Hand and Leonard were upset in that they had "gone out on a limb" over a year ago and voted to grant a time extension so that the repairs could be made. Now a year later the repairs had not been made and therefore two commissioners did not come to the rescue this time.
The third time was not a charm for the applicant of a rezoning request at Lansbrook and Prospect Avenue. After being considered by the Planning Commission three times, it was finally recommended the property be zoned a Planned Unit Development (PUD) with a conditional use permit. Commissioner Boyer made a motion to approve the planning commission's recommendation to zone as a PUD. However, that too died for a lack of a second.
In other action, commissioners did approve:
· Reappointment of L.J. Chaufty and George Ferguson and appointed Karen Furman to the Economic Development Advisory Board.
· Receiving a report on the status of the tornado sirens.
· Receiving a report on tax receipts and disbursements related to the dedicated half cent sales tax for the renovation and remodeling of the No. 1 fire station.
· Approved the creation of a Construction Appeals Board.
· Approved an agreement with the Tonkawa Tribal Housing Authority.
· Approved the request for proposals for mineral lease on city owned property.
As the Ponca City Utility Authority, commissioners approved:
· The authorization of bids for the new Northwest Substation Transformer.
· Approved the final payment of a contract involving Matrix Construction, such payment will settle a lawsuit involving the contractor and the city.
As the Ponca City Development Authority the commissioners also approved the application for a state grant for the reconstruction and realignment of taxiways and aprons at the Municipal Airport.
What should we tell our children about Vietnam? This week, many will be asking themselves this question, as they view "The Wall That Heals." The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be at the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery Thursday through Sunday.
To answer this question, Po-Hi graduate Bill McCloud went straight to the people who directed, fought, protested, and reported the war - politicians, military officers, protesters, soldiers, POW's, nurses, refugees, scholars, writers, and parents of soldiers who died in the war.
Their responses have been published in a book titled "What Should We Tell Our Children About Vietnam?". McCloud will sign copies of his book Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Brace Books and More on North Fourteenth Street.
A copy of his book will also be on display as part of the exhibit that accompanies "The Wall That Heals." McCloud served in the U.S. Army in South Vietnam in 1968 and 1969 as the flight operations coordinator for the 147th Assault Support Helicopter Company.
For the past 23 years he has taught social studies at the junior high school in Pryor and is past-president of the Oklahoma Council for the Social Studies.
His articles have been published in American Heritage, The World Paper, The Veteran, Vietnam Echoes, Junior Scholastic, and the Journal of Veterans For Peace. He has appeared on such national television programs as "Sonya Live From L.A." and CBS' "Nightwatch" with Charlie Rose.
He has conducted workshops on the Vietnam War in Florida, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia as well as throughout the state of Oklahoma. He has been a teacher-trainer for the high school and college curriculum titled "The Lessons of the Vietnam War."
He has served as a consultant for the National Education Association, the National Parks Service, and USA Today.
In 1988 USA Today named Bill McCloud one of the "People Who Made a Difference" in American for his work in Vietnam War education.
Published in 1989 by the University of Oklahoma, the book has received many accolades. The Orlando (Florida) News-Gazette said, "Schools across the country should use this as required reading to teach courses about the war in Vietnam" - a comment echoed by many.
Collectively, these 128 letters form a remarkable historical record. While there is much material in print concerning the Vietnam War, there is very little that deals specifically with the lessons of the war.
The answers to McCloud's provocative question represent a unique and heartening outpouring of national conscience, hindsight, reflection, sorrow, and wisdom.
As the country moves out of its national amnesia about the bitter Vietnam years, these letters can serve as beacons for students, educators, statesmen, scholars, and everyone else interested in learning the lessons of that era in our national history.
Many will recall the reception for McCloud at the Ponca City Library in September of 1989 when the book was first introduced. "Bill is looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new people at this signing," said Jean Brace, "and the public is invited to stop by to say hello, or to engage Bill in a lively discussion of the Vietnam era."
Ponca City Tourism Authority at the 2 p.m., Wednesday meeting at the Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand, will hear grant requests for the Invitational Drag Boat Races, the Herb Festival and the American Chemical Society.
Total amount of grants requested for this quarter is $7,310.
The Noon AMBUCS is requesting a $3,000 to promote the 1998 Ponca City Invitational Drag Boat Races set for June 27 and 28.
The Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club is asking for a grant of $2,000 for the 1998 Ponca City Herb Festival set for June 6.
The North Central Oklahoma Section of the American Chemical Society is requesting $2,310 for a pentasectional meeting slated for Aug. 15.
Also on the agenda is an executive session to discuss employment, promotion, demotion or resignation of individual PCTA employees. Also on the agenda is the presentation of the 1998-99 budget. The proposed budget for the year is $108,500. Of the total $8,698 has been allotted for grants promoting activities bringing visitors to Ponca City.
Another agenda item is a donation to the Great Race to be held May 31 through June 13. This is a Ponca City High School student activity.
Another action item is placing an ad in the Daily Oklahoman Countdown 2000 edition at a cost of $750.
Reports are slated by Missy Morland, coordinator, Board Chairman David Zimmerman and comments from Board members.
Newkirk
Marriage Licenses
Thomas LeRoy Phillips, 51, and Beverly Ann DeWitt, 43, both of Wichita.
Christopher Michael Wallace, 18, and Rebecca Jenks, 19, both of Ponca City.
Clark Wayne Pemberton, 55, and Carla Sue Rodman, 48, both of Ponca City.
George Robert Sawyer, 33, and Carol Lee Davis, 27, both of Tonkawa.
Bradley Jay Soucek, 24, and Gina Maria Rickards, 18, both of Ponca City.
David Marvin Hollis, 69, Augusta, Kan., and Shirley Geneva Smith, 59, El Dorado.
Norman Dean Glenn, 65, and Mary Sue Slow Bear, 30, both of Wellington.
Ronnie Pernell Rogers, 30, and Sheila Renee Ramsey, 28, both of Ponca City.
Shawn Elliot Washington, 26, and Margaret Freeman, 22, both of Ponca City.
Michael Ray Bagg, 24, and Lisa Beth Deichman, 22, both of Newkirk.
Michael Lee Penka, 25, and Becky Anne Ferguson, 22, both of Healy, Kan.
Divorces Sought
Larry G. White vs. Betty Annette White.
Divorces Granted
Carrie Anderson vs. Michael Anderson.
Civil Proceedings
NationsBank, N.A. vs. Marsha A. Mauk; petition in replevin.
The Pacesetter Corporation vs. James Bullington; plaintiff seeking judgment for $2,971.07.
Tiffany Weaver vs. Justin A. Wise; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Providian National Bank vs. Ruby A. Cassady; plaintiff seeking judgment for $7,516.07.
Green Tree Financial Corporation vs. Elton R. Nelson, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment for $69,516.77.
Greenwood Trust Co. vs. Kim Taylor; plaintiff seeking judgment for $2,622.32.
Well-known Ponca City artist Margaret Yates won the Grand Award in the artCentral's 1998 Grand Art Show, April 4 and 5, sponsored by Shangri-La Resort in Carthage, Mo. This show was one of the many juried art shows she has won.
Her talent and paintings have taken her all over the country and have allowed her entry into many prestigious and juried shows. Her works are part of private and corporate collections in the U.S., Japan, Germany and England.
The Grand Award was presented for the best overall booth, and Yates' booth displayed her watercolors and pastels for which she is well-known. The auction, held on the Friday night before the art show, presented works by 15 of the 40 artists in attendance, with Yates included in that number.
The Grand Award prize was $1,000. Other awards, for $500 each, were Artist Choice Award presented to Dale Martin of Cushing, Peoples Choice Award to Tracy Ingram from Iowa, and the Sandy Higgins Award presented to Jorge Leyva of Joplin, Mo.
Both Yates and Martin are members of the Ponca City Art Association.
Yates has 15 shows scheduled for this year and will be traveling to Texas
for her next two shows.
DEATHS
NEWKIRK - Goldie Cordella Callaway, former Newkirk area resident, died Sunday, April 12, 1998, at her home in Disney. She was 85.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Miller-Stahl Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Albright, minister of Newkirk First Christian Church, officiating. Burial will follow at the Newkirk Cemetery. Goldie Cordella Callaway, was born June 3, 1912, in Braman, the daughter of Harry Orlando and Rebecca Susan (McClary) Onstott. She grew up and attended schools in the Braman area.
On Sept. 6, 1931 she was married to Edgar A. "Ed" Callaway in Wellington, Kan. The couple moved to various locations with Mr. Callaway's work in the oil fields. In 1945 they settled in the Middleton Community, northwest of Newkirk and farmed there until August 1976, when they moved to Disney. Mrs. Callaway was an avid football fan and enjoyed flower gardening and working in her yard.
Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Clifton (Audrey) Burling of Afton; three sisters, Leota Brooks and Laura Godfrey, both of Arkansas City, Kan., and, Mary Chapman of Newkirk; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed, on March 5, 1997; one daughter, Patricia Callaway; her parents; two sisters and two brothers.
Casket bearers will be Russell Gage, Justin Nulik, Jake Rademacher, Keith Nulik, Mark Fagg, Todd Tennery, and Travis McClung.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Callaway's name to the Newkirk Youth Program for Little League Football, c/o Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk OK 74647.
TONKAWA - Ruby Allen, a relative to several citizens in the Tonkawa area, died Saturday, April 11, 1998, at Riverside Hospital in Wichita, Kan. She was 78.
A prayer service is set for 7:30 p.m. today at the Tonkawa Tribal Complex at Fort Oakland near Tonkawa. The traditional Indian feast will be held at noon, Wednesday, at the complex followed by a 2 p.m. service. The Rev. Ted Freeman, pastor of the Ponca Indian Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Fort Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Ruby (Sterling) Allen was born June 10, 1919, in Crandall, S.D., the daughter of Oliver and Millie (Richards) Sterling. She attended Crandall schools. After completing her education she was employed on a family ranch in South Dakota before moving to the Wichita, Kan., area in the mid-1950s. She was employed as a machinist in the Wichita area.
On Jan. 16, 1970, she was married to Rudolph W. Allen in Wichita, Kan. Mrs. Allen was a member of the DAV Ladies Auxiliary Chapter No. 4, in Wichita, and enjoyed gardening.
Survivors include her husband, Rudolph Allen of the home in Wichita, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Casket bearers will be Wallace Allen Jr., Johnny Allen, Patrick Waldroup, Anthony Waldroup, Kelly Love, Brian Kochie and Will Street Sr.
NEWKIRK - Tyann Michelle Freek, infant daughter of Terry Gene and Christie Michelle (Enloe) Freek, died Sunday morning, April 12, 1998 at her home in Newkirk. Two months old, she was born Jan. 17, 1998, in Ponca City.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Newkirk Cemetery with the Rev. Pernina Weatherman, minister of Newkirk Assembly of God Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by a brother, Blake Eugene Freek, and a sister, Meranda Nicole Freek, both of the home; her maternal grandparents, Jay and Janet Bridges of Coffeyville, Kan., and Dennis Enloe of Fort Smith, Ark.; her paternal grandparents, Joe and Pat Freek and Mickey and Ralph Landers Jr., all of Newkirk; and great-grandparents, Frank G. Kennedy of Blackwell, Jessie and Buck Corcharn of Sapulpa, Jackie Guinn of Coffeyville, Kan., George Crowe of Caney, Kan., and Lena Freek, and Ralph and Ema Landers, all of Newkirk.
Doris V. Harp, former Ponca City resident died Monday, April 13, 1998, at her home in Lawrence, Kan. She was 92.
The funeral will be graveside at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Longwood Cemetery, east of Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.
Doris V. (Cain) Harp was born Aug. 9, 1905, in Ponca City, the daughter of Lewis and Alma Cain. She was married to Thomas Harp on April 15, 1923 in Ponca City.
Survivors include two daughters, Alma L. Smith and Patsy J. Lesher, both of Lawrence, Kan.; her twin sister, Esther Skinner of the home; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and an infant daughter, Betty Lee.
NEWKIRK - Helen Pauline Lockwood, 97, died Easter Sunday in the afternoon, April 12, 1998, at the Tender Heart Health Care Center in Ponca City.
Helen was born Dec. 18, 1900, in Lanark, Ill., to John W. and Mabel Estell (Landt) Schneider. She moved with her parents to Newkirk in 1905. Helen attended Newkirk schools.
On Dec. 6, 1922, she married Newton Everett "Doc" Lockwood in Winfield, Kan., and the couple celebrated 61 years of marriage before his death on Nov. 5, 1983. They made their first home on a farm south of Newkirk and in the early years lived on several farms in the Newkirk area. They moved to Ponca City in 1933 then moved back to Newkirk in 1934. They purchased a farm east of Newkirk in 1947, where they lived until moving back into Newkirk in 1954.
Her husband retired from Conoco in 1962 after 30 years. Helen was active in the First United Methodist Church in Newkirk, the Royal Neighbors, All Sew Club, OK Club and others. She enjoyed time with her family.
She is survived by five children; two sons, Everett Lockwood Jr. and wife, Ida, and Donald Lockwood and wife, Sandra, all of Newkirk; and three daughters Mary Haney and husband, Wendell of Ponca City, and LaVone Vap and husband Tony, and Vivian Duplissey and husband Troy, all of Newkirk; one niece, Phyllis Nesbit of Fairhope, Ala.; 21 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Vernon and Irma Schneider.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at the Newkirk First United Methodist Church with the Rev. William Chace officiating. Special music will be provided by a grandson Rick Whiting of Ponca City. Burial will be in the Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.
Casket bearers will be grandsons, John Lockwood, Ken Coates, Dennis Whiting, Mike Vap, Jim Lockwood and Gary Vap. Honorary bearers will be grandsons Rick Whiting, Randy Coates, Hank Coates, Lance Lockwood and David Lockwood.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesday.
A memorial fund has been established in Mrs. Lockwood's name to the Newkirk First United Methodist Church, c/o Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.
paid obituary
Thursday
Rose Cadle - Funeral will be graveside at 3 p.m. at the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Friday
A.G. Hutchinson - A memorial service to be held at 11 a.m. at Memorial Road Church of Christ, Oklahoma City. Arrangements are under the direction of Vondel L. Smith and Son Mortuary, Oklahoma City.
Mark O'Brien Bennett, former Ponca City resident, died Monday, April 13, 1998, in Tucson, Ariz. He was 82. The funeral has been set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City. Other arrangements will be announced later.
Wilford Benjamin Mason, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, April 14, 1998, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. He was 83. Local survivors include two sisters, Dorthie Spears and Mildred Ross. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
Lois E. McGee Eller, Ponca City resident, died Monday, April 13, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 81. Survivors include her husband, Richard. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
Navy Man Visits Thailand - Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher C. Cornish, son of William B. and Lynna S. Cornish of 500 N. Lake, recently visited Thailand, while on a six-month deployment to the Arabia Gulf aboard the destroyer USS Russell, homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. As part of Project Handclasp, crew members from Cornish's ship donated books at a high school and toys to elementary schools. The 1992 graduate of Ponca City High School joined the Navy in January 1994.
Counterfeit Bill - At 6:34 a.m. Monday a counterfeit bill was reportedly received at the Conoco Service Center, 3305 North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Stolen Vehicle - At 7:35 a.m. Monday a man in the 2600 block of North Fifth Street reported his vehicle stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Juvenile Car Theft - Police received a call at 8:03 a.m. Monday reporting that a boy who had been trying to steal a car was being chased. A 15-year-old boy was taken into custody in the 400 block of East Ponca Avenue for burglary of an auto. A 14-year-old boy was also taken into custody at 9:20 a.m. for auto burglary in connection with the incident.
Vehicle Vandalism - A man in the 1600 block of Riggs Drive reported vandalism to his vehicle to police at 8:44 a.m. Monday. A report was taken.
Vehicle Vandalism - At 8:45 a.m. Monday a man in the 2100 block of Garden Street reported vandalism to his vehicle. A report was taken.
Vehicle Vandalism - Police took a report on vandalism to a vehicle at 9:03 a.m. Monday in the 2200 block of John Street.
Vehicle Vandalism - At 9:09 a.m. Monday vandalism to a vehicle was reported at Auto Sales, 3222 North Fourteenth Street. A report was taken.
Building Vandalism - At 9:36 a.m. Monday vandalism to a building in the 600 block of East Hartford Avenue was reported. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 54-year-old man at 10:36 a.m. Monday from South Fourth Street and East South Avenue on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Burglary - At 10:39 a.m. Monday a woman in the 400 block of North Sunset Street reported a burglary. A report was taken.
Stolen Rings - Rings were reported stolen at 11:09 a.m. Monday from St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, 1900 North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - An accident was reported at 2:37 p.m. Monday in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street. Am officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Attempted Kidnapping - At 3:20 p.m. Monday a woman called police to report that her daughters had been approached by two men trying to lure them into a vehicle by selling them perfume.
Window Broken - A man called police at 5:08 p.m. Monday to report that a window of his vehicle had been broken while parked at South Sixth Street and East Central Avenue.
Stolen Phone - At 6:15 p.m. Monday a man in the 1000 block of South Fourth Street advised police that his cellular phone had been stolen out of his vehicle during the night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Theft - A man in the 500 block of South Fifth Street contacted police at 9:53 p.m. Monday regarding items that had been stolen out of his garage. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken.
Hit and Run - At 11:39 p.m. Monday a hit and run accident was reported at North Waverly Street and West Highland Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Possible Prowlers - At 3:52 a.m. Tuesday a woman in the 1100 block
of North Fourteenth Street reported prowlers with a flashlight were outside
her house. An officer was assigned.
LIFESTYLES
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Ponca City Noon AMBUCS, using some of the profits from the Moto Cross Track, have contributed $500 towards a high school race team's dream.
The team, composed of five high school students, is one of nine teams in the nation selected to be participants in the (Generation) "X" Cup competition of the 16th annual Great American Race. The team is the only one from Oklahoma in the "race."
The Ponca City students team spent many long hours restoring a 1930 Model A Ford pickup as their entry.
Members of the team are Greg Cunningham, Matt Brewer, Robert Scott, Sarah Scott and Paul Oblad. They will be competing for scholarship funds of nearly $50,000 under the guidance of J.D. Hanks, drafting and architecture teacher at the high school.
In order to qualify, the team members had to be enrolled in a vocational course at their school and have the blessing of the Board of Education, be managed by a vocational class instructor, and enter a pre-1951 vehicle.
Also the team members had to be 18 years or younger, and maintain a 2.0 or better grade average in academic subjects and be totally involved in the restoration/preparation of the competing vehicle and participate in the fund-raising for the project.
The 14-day rally race will be along the back roads of America starting May 31 in Tacoma, Wash., and reaching the finish line in Boston, Mass., on June 13.
Hanks will be driving the vehicle, but the students will take turns being the navigator during the race. They are to be responsible for taking the directions given each morning and charting the course, including estimating the speed that must be traveled. This is done with a speedometer and a clock.
"It should be a great educational opportunity for them as well as a most memorable experience," said Hanks.
Steve Gray, AMBUC President, explained why the AMBUCS want to be a funding participant, "The ABC Race Association operates the Moto Cross track and gives the profits to the Ponca City AMBUCS which in turn makes donations to worthy causes.
"We thought the Ponca City Seniors High School entry in the Great Race was such a cause. We hope other groups and individuals will follow our lead and help support this upcoming event."
During the winter break from the classroom the team began restoring the vehicle. HGH Car Museum, of which Hanks is a partner, has loaned the vehicle to the team for the event. The restoration included dismantling and reassembling all of the major mechanical parts such as engine and transmission, and of course, a fresh coat of orange paint.
Next weekend the team will be in Grandberry, Texas for a school to learn how to participate in the race.
Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible donation to support the team may mail a check, Payable to NJM Great Race, to Box 774, Ponca City, Okla. 74602-0774. For more information contact Vern Cunningham at 767-2300 or 765-5998.
Steve and Melissa (Westerman) Lucas of Wheatland, Wyo. announce the birth of a daughter at 9:48 a.m. April 8, 1998 at United Medical Center West in Cheyenne, Wyo. She weighed 6-pounds, 11-ounces and is 19-inches long and has been named Audrey Grace Lucas. She has a brother, Lance James, 2-years-old.
Maternal grandparents are Emil and Bennie Westerman of Ponca City and paternal grandparents are James and Lonnie Lucas of Cheyenne.
Announcing the birth of a son, Caleb Daniel, are Dan and Pam Whiting of Oceanside, Calif. The baby was born April 9, 1998. weighed 9-pounds, 3-ounces and was 21-inches long.
Maternal grandparents are the Rev. Lloyd and Jan Phipps of Fallbrook, Calif. and paternal grandparents are Bob and Barbara Whiting of Ponca City.
Cory Michael Dirksen is the name selected by Kevin and Tina Dirksen, 304 North Twelfth, for their son born at 5:57 a.m. March 20, 1998 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He weighed 8-pounds and was 22-inches long. Cory has a brother, Kyle, 7-years-old.
Maternal grandparents are Kay and Jerry Suydam of Pekin, Ill. and Jerry
and Debbie Slaight of Springfield, Ohio. Paternal grandparents are Don and
Barbara Dirksen of Ponca City. Great-grandparents are Mildred Slaight of
Canton, Ill., Bertha Dirksen of Blackwell and Bob and Nadine Noel of Ponca
City.
BUSINESS
By Janet L. Taber
Pioneer Technology Center
For most employees a typical workday is getting the morning coffee, glancing at the newspaper, powering up the computer and preparing for a meeting. But what really happens on a typical workday?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, each day an average 17 workers are killed on the job: seven workers are involved in a transportation related incident, three workers die as a result of an violent act, and two workers die from falls, typically from a ladder, roof or scaffold.
One worker is fatally struck by a falling object, one worker dies after being caught in a machine, a trench cave-in, collapsing grain bin or other materials and one worker is electrocuted or dies from inhaling a toxic substance.
Fortunately there is an answer to these tragic deaths in the workplace and the financial drain it can bring to a business. Pioneer Technology Center's Safety Training program is working with the people in the Kay County area by implementing safety programs that help create safety awareness and prevent accidents and injuries on the job.
"Pioneer Tech's safety training is working to reduce workers compensation claims by offering customized training to fit the needs of employers, employees, and students," said Vance Johnson, Pioneer Tech's director of industry training.
"With the Oklahoma Legislature annually setting aside money from the state's workers compensation insurance fund and money from the state vo-tech department, PTC can offer this training at a very cost effective rate."
Pioneer Tech offers training that meets the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. More than 38 safety courses are being offered ranging from refinery construction and maintenance safety, forklift and manlift operator safety, bloodborne pathogens, hazwoper, back safety and emergency medical technician training.
The training must be working. According to Dean Maniatis, Conoco's director of safety and occupational health, "Pioneer Technology Center has provided an effective educational process in the area of contractor and small business safety training. "Worker Safety knowledge and awareness has increased, In 1997, Conoco contractors' performance was the best ever."
Maniatis further stated, "That the current level of contract safety awareness is showing additional improvement over 1997's record year."
In addition to the 38 safety courses, Pioneer Tech will develop a safety program that meets the businesses needs and applies specifically to the employer's worksite. The safety training can be conducted at the businesses location or on site at Pioneer Tech's safety training room and facilities.
"Other Kay County businesses are taking advantage of the cost effective training hoping to reduce accidents in the workplace and hoping for a decline in their workers compensation insurance premiums," said Johnson. "Safety training can definitely be a win-win effort for everyone. I encourage other businesses to take advantage of this and get involved."
Pioneer Technology Center also makes safety training courses available to their students to help educate them in the importance of safety in the classroom as well as for their future employment.
On April 20, Dr. J. Kent Davidson, will be opening his private practice at 419 Fairview. The name of the new practice is Family Medical Center and will offer full lab and X-ray services. The new office is currently booking appointments
He is a 1993 graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He is certified with the American Board of Family Practice and the National Board of Medical Examiners.
Davidson is a member of the American Medical Association, Oklahoma State Medical Association, Kay County Medical Society, American Academy of Family Practice and Oklahoma Academy of Family Practice.
Davidson first practiced as a part-time emergency room physician at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, while in his residency in family practice at Oklahoma University College of Medicine, Tulsa, from 1994 to 1996.
He joined Ponca Family Medicine in July 1996 and has been with them since that time. Current patients must make a signed medical records request in order for their records to be transferred to Davidson's new practice.
County Bar Association President James Bailey of Ponca City has named Ponca City attorney Chiles Townsend chairman of Law Day activities for Kay County.
Gov. Frank Keating will issue a Law Day proclamation setting aside May 1 as a special day for recognition of the place of law in American life.
Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Yvonne Kauger signed a directive urging all courts in the states's 26 judicial districts to include the community in special events commemorating the occasion. The 1998 theme "Celebrate Your Freedom."
Statewide Law Day activities will also include volunteer lawyers giving free legal advise to Oklahoma residents over the telephone on April 30 and a television show. The one-hour "Ask A Lawyer" television program will air 7 p.m., April 30 on OETA and will feature Oklahoma lawyers discussing the Truth and Sentencing bill, wills versus living trusts and myths about divorce and custody.
Federal Land Bank Association of Ponca City has announced the early April delivery of 700 checks totaling $400,000 in cash refunds to customers.
The board of directors voted to pay out patronage to borrowers who paid interest on mortgage loans in 1997. "The past few years have been good to the Federal Land Bank of Ponca City and we are happy to share our good fortune with our members," said Bob Scott, president.
Patronage was paid out to customers who paid interest on mortgage loans in 1997 and to customers who retired their loans a some time in 1997. The patronage actually reduced their effective interest rate on average by .87 percent.
The FLBA, as part of a nation-wide cooperative, was chartered in 1917 to supply financing for farms, ranches, and rural housing. The federal Land Bank Association of Ponca City serves 728 members in Kay, Noble and Osage counties.
American Telephone Inc., now located at 209 North Second Street, was founded by Kip Bird and Rick Sober in November 1991 as the result of an acquisition of several other companies. Since that time the company has expanded and grown from its previous location at 314 East Grand to the current facility.
The new facility, formerly known as "Dave's TV," was completely remodeled, with five offices, a showroom/reception area, break room/kitchen, large technical facility area and restroom.
The facility was brought up to current city and fire codes with new electrical wiring and plumbing, all new construction materials and the latest in computer and telephone cabling technology.
American Telephone Inc. currently offers telephone and data services to businesses and customers in central and northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas. Employees have extensive training in several areas of telecommunications.
Currently they are certified dealers for Panasonic Digital Telephone equipment, Panasonic and Cobotyx Voice Mail Systems and certified installers of Mitel PBX Systems (super large telephone systems). In addition they are authorized agents of Southwestern Bell Telephone, an SBC Company.
In 1996, American Telephone Inc., was awarded second place overall for non-metro sales agents in Oklahoma. In 1997 the firm received the award for the top non-metro sales agent in Oklahoma.
A new business, Affordable Carpet, has opened on West Grand in the former Sonja's Flowers location. The historic building was built as an automobile agency and has a car elevator. Several auto agencies, a plumbing operation and a florist have occupied the building.
The business is a cash-and-carry operation with carpet ranging from $1.99 to $9.99. Customers can buy carpet by the yard and haul it home. A list of installers is available at the store.
Customers can have an installer measure the area they want carpeted and come in and buy the carpet by the yard at a discount, according to Randy Hand, manager.
The store will carry a wide variety of carpet and padding, as well as ceramic tile and laminate flooring and other floor covering.
Store hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kay County's unemployment rate for February rose to 6.7 percent up from 5.9 percent a year ago. The Labor Force was listed at 21,849 with 1,460 unemployed according to the Oklahoma Security Commission figures.
The February state average was an estimated 4.1 percent, while the national average is listed at 5 percent.
Other area counties and unemployment rates:
Grant County, 2.1 percent compared to 2.3 percent in 1997
Osage County's rate remained the same at 3.9 percent
Pawnee County, increased tot 6.5 percent compared to 6 percent a year ago
Payne County fell to 1.9 percent compared to 2 percent in 1997.
Pipe Liners to Meet
TULSA - The Pipe Liner Club will recognize D.W. "Bill" Calvert, president of Williams Technologies, as the Pipe Liner of the Year at the 5:15 p.m. April 20 meeting. New officers will also be elected. Reservations should be made by noon April 17 by call (918) 437-2272.
Bob Costas Interview
Joseph D. Alcott and Gene Hines, the local Edward Jones investment representatives, will host a free, live satellite broadcast on April 20 featuring Bob Costas.
During the "Time out with Bob Costas" broadcast, Costas will recount some memorable sporting events, highlight some favorite broadcast experiences and share thoughts on the job. Costas has commentated every major sport, but is best recognized for his Olympic baseball coverage.
Following the interview by John Bachmann, Edward Jones managing principal,
and Merry Mosbacher, principal, annuity marketing. Following the interview,
viewers will have the opportunity to call live onto the set and ask Costas
questions. For reservations contact Alcott or Hines.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
TULSA - The on-again off-again Wildcat baseballers ran hot and cold once more on Monday, falling in a run-rule to Nathan Hale, 10-2, but came back in the next game to topple Tulsa East Central, 7-4.
In the second game, Dean Hemenway - after pitching a no-hitter on Thursday - went the distance once again on the mound for the Cats, striking out five and walking four. Though the senior right hander suffered a shaky start and gave up nine hits in the game, the Cardinals spread them out, leaving six on base versus just three for the Poncans.
The Cats - who have won three of their last five games, including a third place finish in the Wildcat Classic - belted out four hits in the first inning to launch to a 4-0 lead. Designated hitter Marc Smith and shortstop Justin Thomas got things going for the Cats with base hits. Third baseman Jay Bentley and outfielder Michael Quick then drove those two in on a pair of singles, and crossed home plate themselves on a double by outfielder Toby Red Leaf.
The Cats then added two more runs off two hits in the third inning. Bentley got on on a walk, and was later driven in with an RBI by Red Leaf. Hemenway drove in the second run on a single.
The Poncans added a final insurance run in the top of the fifth. After a single by Thomas, Red Leaf sent him in for the Wildcats' final score.
The Cardinals finally got their bats going against Hemenway in the bottom of the fifth, stringing together four hits good for three runs in the inning. Two consecutive base hits, followed by a walk and consecutive, bases-loaded doubles led to the Cardinal scores. A Thomas-Brian Benson-Evan Rupp double play, however, followed by a pick off from catcher Jerrod Spears to Bentley thwarted the Cardinals' come-back attempt.
The Cardinals also added a desperation run in their final at-bat, but it was too little, too late, and the Poncans escaped with the win.
Piling up multiple hits for the Poncans were Red Leaf (2-for-3, two doubles, four RBI's), Thomas (3-for-4), and Smith (2-for-4).
In the first game, unfortunately, the Poncans could manage just five hits to the Rangers' nine. All but one of the Cats' hits came in the fifth and sixth innings, as they tried to overcome a disastrous fourth inning in which the Rangers scored five runs to take a 8-0 lead.
Those runs came off two base hits, two walks, and - immediately following a pitching change by the Poncans - a grand slam home run by the Rangers' six-hole hitter, Mike Carter.
Quick and Hemenway traded off base hits for the Wildcats' lone run in the fifth inning, and a double by Thomas, followed by a single by Bentley led to another in the sixth.
Those two runs adverted the run-rule in the fifth inning, but the Rangers stretched the lead with two runs in the bottom of the sixth to invoke it once again.
The Cats, now 8-14, play once again today, traveling again to Tulsa to take on the Union Redskins.
Nathan Hale 10, Ponca City 2
Nathan Hale 102 502 - 10 9 1
Ponca City 000 011 - 2 5 0
Kemp and Baldwin; Denny, Redleaf (4), and Spears.
Ponca City 7, Tulsa East Central 4
Ponca City 402 010 0 - 7 9 0
East Central 000 030 1 - 4 9 1
Hemenway and Spears; Holliday and Robertson.
Ponca City's junior high golfers fell just short in their quest for another tournament title, losing by three strokes to Broken Arrow in the Blackwell Invitational Monday.
So the Poncans will try again today in the Pawnee Tournament.
"We felt we could win this tournament,' coach John Maddox said of the Blackwell play. "But the wind was tough. It caused a couple of our players some trouble and their scores ballooned. They needed to knock about three strokes off their scores , but it didn't happen."
Still, it was an impressive showing with Ponca City teams finishing second and third, within one stroke of each other.
Broken Arrow posted a 332 total while Ponca City Blue had 335 and Ponca City Red 336.
Broken Arrow "B" fired a 342 total while Ark City came in with a 371, Stillwater had 380, Blackwell "A" 395 and Blackwell "B" 454.
Ark City's Mark Herman was the medalist with an 80 while Matt Ellis of Ponca City Blue and James Anderson of Ponca City Red were in a three-way tie for second with 81s. Ellis won the one-hole playoff while Anderson finished fourth.
Aaron Cohenour and Matt Bond each had 84s for the Blues, Kris Upchurch posted an 86 and Ben Dickey an 87,
Trailing Anderson for the Reds were Nathan Coates with an 83, Brad Whitsett at 85, Luke Cobb at 87 and Louie Giraradi 87.
BARTLESVILLE - The Lady Wildcat tennis team proved to be among the best in the state once again, winning the Bartlesville Tournament Monday.
The Lady Cats eked out final round wins in No. 1 singles and both doubles divisions to pile up 31 points, narrowly beating out Claremore, with 29 points. Sapulpa finished third, with 25 points, followed by Bartlesville with 16, Broken Arrow with 15, Owasso with 14, and Tulsa Union with 12.
In No. 1 singles, Ashley Roussel, after powering past Broken Arrows' Jennifer Lary, 6-1, 6-0, fell to Claremore's Tiffany Streeter, 6-3, 6-4. Roussel then came back with a huge win over Bartlesville's Landra Pierce, 6-4, 7-5, to capture third.
"She really toughed it out," said coach Don Lambring. "She was down 2-5 at one point in that second set but came back. That was a big win for us."
In No. 2 singles, Emmy Hufnagel cruised into the finals with straight set victories over Owasso's Kim Reeder, 6-0, 6-2, and Bartlesville's Megan Carter, 6-1, 6-1. Hufnagel then fell in a hard fought battle with Julie Heck of Claremore, 6-4, 6-4.
In No. 1 doubles, the undefeated doubles team of Natalie Lindsay and Abby Frick - after a first round bye - punished Broken Arrow's Phillips-Torrence, 6-1, 6-2, then survived Barbe-Dutton of Union, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, to take the first place title.
Finally, in No. 2 doubles, Romi Foreman and Melissa Collogan - after a first round bye, as well - launched to the championship with quick victories over Murphy-Baldwin of Broken Arrow (6-2, 6-4), and Claremore's Covington-Larabee, 6-1, 6-1.
"They're playing well right now," concluded Lambring. "But I hope they're not getting overconfident because we've got some stiff competition coming up."
That includes the Wildcat Invitational on Thursday, followed by the Frontier
Conference Tournament, in Ponca City, on Monday.