From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
April 15, 1998
LOCAL
Vietnam War Memorial Display Begins Thursday
Burbank Teen Top Team-Roper
Girl Scouts Plan Appreciation Day
Fox Brothers to Headline At Kay Electric Banquet
Kaw Tribe, Kaw City Chamber To Combine for New Mayfest
Miss Kaw Lake Entries Ready
Area Calendar
Maddox' Victim Tribute to Feature Edmondson
Kay County Names on 'Wall That Heals' History Lists Area's Vietnam Casualties
Veterans' Emotional Reunion Hits Home
Last Minute Finally Arriving On Income Tax Filing Day
Fifth Street Extension Project Nears End - Weather Permitting
Conoco Tops Industry in Safety
Conoco's Top Executive Sees Bright Future for Oil Company
Hail, High Winds Cause Some Damage Locally
Selling Piece of Land at Industrial Park Part of EDAB Agenda in May
Significant Changes in Military Health Care System Revealed
Award Winning Yellow Hammer To Open Ceremony of 'The Wall'
Social Security Will Help Get Correct Decisions
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Peachtree Landing Fund Raiser Set
Freedom From Smoking Clinic Begins on April 20
Several Cluster Chairmen Of Project Partners Named
Parent University Set Thursday
Pioneer Technology Setting Standards for State Schools
ALCH Open House Planned for April 26
Federal Land Bank Annual Meeting Planned Thursday
District Court
Writer, Photographers Set For Autographing Session
DEATHS
John Phillip Jacobs
Edith B. Harville
Gareth Sanders
Wilford Benjamin Mason
Services Pending
Nadia Karty
Guillermo N. Pablo
Correction
A.G. Hutchinson
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Eta Delta Plans 'Poverty Party'
Area Music Students Participate in Oklahoma Play-Off
Little News
State Convention Scheduled Here
'Secretary Day' Reception Set
Mozart Club To Meet
SPORTS
Cats Need Scoring In Soccer
Union Holds Off Wildcats
Po-Hi Tennis Teams To Host State's Elite
Tennis Results
Golf Results
Lady Cougar Golfers Rally
Junior High Girls Sixth
Golf Notes
Soccer Scores
Wild Game Feast Set In Newkirk
Thursday morning at dawn, as the sun brightens the sky with fresh new light, 325 full-sized U.S. Flags will be seen just inside the gate at Resthaven Memorial Cemetery north of Ponca City.
A spectacular and breathtaking sight to see - hundreds of patriotic red, white and blue flags of the United States of America will wave in the early morning light. That special heart-stirring exhibition on Thursday will herald the long-awaited first day of The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial "The Wall That Heals."
An opening ceremony at 10 a.m., to run approximately 45 minutes, will officially open the 4-day free exhibit of The Wall to the public. Visitors will not be admitted to The Wall area before that time.
Sixteen to 20 color guards, in full uniform, with flags shouldered, will first march to the ceremony area near the magnificent array of flags. Yellow Hammer, a Native American drum group, will present the "Flag Song" and "Veterans Song" as a brief tribute to honor the names of the fallen and missing listed on The Wall.
Brief remarks about the Purple Heart Association, and The POW-MIA Watch Fire will precede the lighting of the nearby Watch Fire. Col. Roger Hugh Donlon, first Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War, will present the keynote address, followed by the roll call of deceased Kay County Veterans.
To conclude the ceremony, a bagpiper will lead off with Color Guards and visitors following, for a short procession to The Wall. Visitors may place wreaths or other memorabilia along the base of the monument as tribute to a name listed there.
In complement to The Wall, an information tent with computers will be available to help visitors locate a special name among the 58,202 names listed. Also on the grounds is a first-aid tent for emergencies; a trailer where visitors may view some memorabilia from the Washington, D.C Wall; a military display of equipment; a tent with a Vietnam memorabilia exhibit provided by local collector Rich Killblane, the Watch Fire and other enhancements to view or use.
Following the 10 a.m. ceremony, the exhibit will stay open 24-hours each day for four days. More than 300 volunteers will man the parking areas, first aid tent, information tent, Watch Fire and other features during the exhibit.
A closing ceremony is set for 6 p.m. Sunday with Maj. Gen. Stephen Cortright, Adjutant General of the State of Oklahoma, and Ponca City native, as keynote speaker. The bagpipes will be played, a 21-gun salute offered and The Wall exhibit will close with echoing Taps.
Other events during the 4-day exhibit include the arrival of approximately 500 motorcycle riders from various groups around the area. The men and women plan to ride in procession to The Wall to pay their respects at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. The procession will begin at 111 East Oklahoma Street in downtown Ponca City at 11 a.m.
Landing at noon Sunday, a Blackhawk helicopter transporting Gen. Cortright will remain on exhibit to the public through the afternoon and until after the closing ceremony.
Road signs mark the way to Resthaven and to the nearby parking lots, where trams and busses will be available to transport visitors to The Wall area. Special areas have also been reserved for buses, wheelchair handicapped, and volunteers.
The original Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall was built at the Washington Mall in Washington D.C. in 1982. It is funded with $8.4 million in private funds and organized by Jan C. Scruggs, a Vietnam Vet, through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. The traveling wall is an exact half-sized replica of the original. Currently four traveling walls are on exhibit in the U.S. The one coming to Ponca City was donated by Ted Turner of Turner Broadcasting.
Name of the deceased and MIAs are in chronological order, according to the date of casualty (not necessarily the date of death, but rather the date from the point of injury which led to the death). According to designer Maya Lin, "this concept groups the names of those service members who died together to forever have their names linked by proximity."
A data base (computer listing) is available in the information tent at the sight to help find the location of a name on the wall. Books with the listings are also available at the sight.
Eight women are listed on the Memorial Wall - all nurses. Seven were with the U.S. Army and one with the U.S. Air Force. Soldiers who received the Medal of Honor number 151. Sixteen chaplains are listed. Veterans who died and were listed with a foreign address number 120.
As many as 38 names of Veterans who were thought to be killed, but were found to be alive later, are listed on the wall. Their names have been removed from the directories, but remain on The Wall since they cannot be removed.
Symbols etched in The Wall with the Veteran's names have various meanings. A diamond signifies the death is confirmed; a cross denotes the Veteran is MIA or POW and is still missing; a diamond superimposed on a cross denotes the return of remains or is an accounted-for MIA or POW. If a MIA or POW is found to be alive in the future, a ring (meaning life) will be superimposed over the cross.
The black aluminum half-sized traveling replica of The Wall bears 58,202 names laser-etched on its surface. Included are 27 names from Kay County. Rubbings of the names may be made by visitors who want a souvenir of the name for their family history.
Several sponsors from the Ponca City area have donated thousands of dollars to make the visit to The Wall possible for area residents. Generous donations including supplies, goods, services and employee time have also been made by hundreds of area businesses and private citizens. Also to be commended are the more than 300 area citizens volunteering their time to help make a visitor's trip to The Wall a memorable experience.
Hosts Steve and Terry Huston, project coordinator Susan Ladner and site managers John and Linda Anderson said, "A visit to The Wall is a solemn and memorable occasion.
"Nothing will be sold, no celebrations will be held. It is a time for remembrance, to pay tribute, to say 'goodbye,' and a time for healing."
For more information call 580-762-5659.
BURBANK - Burbank eighth-grader Amanda Jones has earned a spot in October's U.S. Team Roping Championships in Oklahoma City.
Amanda, 14-year-old daughter of Clark and Sherry Jones, won more than $6,000 in cash and awards at a team-roping competition in Kansas earlier this month where more than 1,000 teams competed.
She was the high-money winner at the Central Kansas Classic, competing against hundreds of adult men at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson over a three-day period.
Amanda won a horse trailer, belt buckle, breast collar and $3,300 in cash and, along with one of her partners, Jake Woods of Amarillo, will compete in October for a first-place prize of more than $40,000.
On the honor roll continuously since the first grade, she hopes to attend college on a rodeo scholarship.
Girl Scout leaders across the nation will be recognized on Leader Appreciation Day, April 22, for all of the hard work and time they devote to Girl Scouting. April 22 is set aside each year as a day to say "thank you" to outstanding volunteers and recognize them for all of their efforts.
This year marks the 16th year of recognizing leaders nationally on "Leader's Appreciation Day." On a local level, over 400 leaders, assistant leaders and co-leaders throughout the council will receive special gifts and mementoes during the month to commemorate the time and dedication they put forth in the Girl Scout program. These women and men unselfishly give their time and patience to mold today's girls into the future of tomorrow by leading approximately 250 troops in Bluestem Girl Scout Council.
These individuals are not only troop leaders, but are also mothers, grandmothers, father, uncles and friends. They are also housewives, teachers, bankers and engineers. Girl Scout leaders are role models to over 2,400 girls aged five to 17 in the Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette and Senior Girl Scout program levels. They give continuous support to girls in their many projects including teaching girls to make decisions, going on field trips, and exploring the world around them.
Leadership positions are currently available. Interested individuals should call their local Girl Scout Office for more information. Offices are located in Bartlesville, Ponca City and Vinita.
BLACKWELL - Kay Electric's 61st Annual Meeting is set for April 17 at the Blackwell High School, 1524 South Main. Registration and a free buffet dinner for Kay Electric members are slated to be gin at 5:30 p.m.
Entertainment begins at 6:15 with one of the country's leading country gospel groups, "The Fox Brothers." This talented group of entertainers has won numerous awards, including being named the 1996 Christian Country Group of the Year. They have appeared on Nashville Now and TNN television.
The business session will begin at 7 p.m., and a second show of the Nashville recording artists is scheduled to attend this year's event, and will address Kay Electric members during the business session.
KEC members will also be electing trustees from Districts 7, 8 and 9. Candidates were nominated at respective district meetings. The nominees include: District 7, Rick McMillen and Kent McAnich; District 8, Ray Schiltz and Doug Brown, and District 9, J.A. Megenity and Tony Wisely
Trustees filling unexpired terms include J.B. Olsen, District 1; Steve Harden, District 2; Bill McKenzie, District 3; Carl Hohmann, District 4; Mike Lebeda, District 5, and Rene Eggers, District 6.
Each Kay Electric member that registers at the annual meeting will receive a T-Top 6 in 1 ratcheting screwdriver.
Kay Electric board president Carl Hohmann, encourages each Kay Electric member and their families to attend. There is something for everyone including baby sitting, beginning at 5:30 with experienced attendants in charge. For older children movies will be shown, beginning at 6:30. Prize drawings will e held in the movies at and babysitting areas.
Thousands of dollars of prizes will be handed out during the meeting, according to Hohmann. One lucky member will go home with the grand prize of a $1,000 Savings Bond.
During the day, prior to the annual meeting, some Blackwell merchants are offering "Kay Day" specials. Members are encouraged to register at participating merchants.
Kay Electric provides electric service to all or portions of the rural areas in Kay, Grant, Noble, Osage and Garfield count ies in north-central Oklahoma. The service areas includes about 2,600 miles of line.
For more information call Marilyn Harmon, 580-363-1260.
KAW CITY - The Kaw Tribe of Oklahoma will collaborate this year with the Kaw City community to combine the tribe's traditional annual arts fair with the city's Mayfest.
The Mayfest, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, will have a Community Arts and Crafts Show in the community building and the Native Arts and Crafts Show in the Kaw tribal building.
James Pepper Henry of the Kaw Tribe said this year is the first time the tribe and the chamber have collaborated. The two events previously were scheduled on separate weekends.
The event will also celebrate the official Grand Opening of the Kanza Museum, which will be showcasing several of the tribe's historical artifacts, including donated items from non-tribal members.
The museum will also have a "midnight" auction at 3:30 p.m. Also included are raffles and door prizes.
The Old Town Gospel will play music from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the city building parking area and several fun concessions will be available during the day.
A parade will start at 2 p.m. at Washungah Drive and Morgan Square North, featuring Shriners, horses, floats, old cars and much more.
Diana Wise of the Kaw City Chamber of Commerce encouraged attendance from out-of-town. "The whole town's in the parade, so we need an audience," she said.
Kids games will begin at 3 p.m. on the city building lawn, and at 5 p.m., the Miss Kaw Lake pageant will be held in the Kaw City community building.
(Contestants should get entry forms now for the pageant's three categories - Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Kaw Lake.)
The Mayfest's annual square dance will start at 7 p.m.
Wise said there will be fun and food for everyone. Traditional Indian food will be available at the Native Arts and Crafts Fair, as well as hamburgers and other standard items.
For information, call 580-269-2662, 580-269-2665 or 580-269-2552.
KAW CITY - The Miss Kaw Lake Queen Pageant, sponsored by the Kaw City Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 9, during the community's Mayfest Celebration.
The pageant - with Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Kaw Lake categories - is a traditional fun contest with prizes that attracts several candidates from the area.
Pageant contestants can pick up entry forms at Bancfirst in Kaw City, Shidler and Blackwell; NationsBank at 14th and Prospect in Ponca City, or the Chamber of Commerce in Tonkawa. For more information, call 580-269-2956, 269-2276 or 269-2648.
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State Attorney General Drew Edmondson, who was instrumental in implementing victims' rights legislation in Oklahoma, will be the keynote speaker at Kay County's second-annual tribute to crime victims.
District Attorney John Maddox and his staff, along with the directors of the Domestic Violence Program, have scheduled the commemoration for 2 p.m. Sunday at the First Baptist Church, Fifth and Central, in Ponca City.
The activity is a local response to a national momentum to protect crime victims. "Victims' Rights: Right for America" is the theme for National Crime Victims' Rights Week - April 19 through 25 - and the public is invited to the local commemoration.
A release from Maddox' office said victims of crime in America are becoming a majority of our citizens and therefore are becoming a strong voice to be reckoned with.
These citizens are demanding justice, not only in our courthouse but also in our state Houses, Maddox' release said. With the unwavering commitment of crime victims, a tidal wave of legislation has rolled across the country.
In the last 15 years, more than 2,700 statutes relating to the rights and interests of crime victims have been passed at the state and federal level, the office said.
And for the first time, Congress is considering language that would amend the Constitution to provide rights for crime victims.
Maddox said the public can make victims' rights a reality by supporting the efforts to amend our Constitution, which has been amended 27 times previously either to protect citizens from abuses of governmental power or to increase citizen participation in government.
A Constitution amendment to protect the rights of crime victims would do both, he said.
Editors Note: The following compilation is a part of a written history of the Kay County Vietnam Veterans who gave their lives for their country. These histories are from the written records of Rich Killblane, local resident and Vietnam memorabilia collector.
Killblane writes, "The American people elect their political leadership who in turn choose the course of national policy. They bear the responsibility to send men to war. By law every male citizen has an obligation of military service to defend the national interests of the people.
Not all can serve but when called upon the sons and daughters of this proud nation risk all for a feeling of national pride called patriotism. During the Vietnam War, like the wars before, many men and women from Kay County answered their country's call to arms. Many volunteered for the toughest assignments.
All who served had personal goals in life they hoped to renew upon return. The dreams of 27 men ended in that far-away land. Each had given the last full measure of service never again to return. They left behind family and friends to continue on, each with a great sense of loss. Fellow soldiers came home to tell how they served then try to rebuild their own lives out of the experience of war. The names of their dead comrades are inscribed upon a wall so that we might not forget their sacrifice."
Captain William Donald Reynolds
William Donald Reynolds from Ponca City flew helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps. On Dec. 5, 1964, he was assigned to Vietnam during the advisor phase of the war to fly support for Vietnamese troops. On March 8, 1965, Marines landed at Da Nang and Americans began taking over the ground war. On March 28, 1965, 30-year-old Reynolds was killed when his helicopter was hit by gun fire.
Clarence Gene Forman
Nineteen-year-old Private First Class Clarence Gene Forman of the U.S. Army from Ponca City was killed in action on June 18, 1966. He was a passenger in an armored personnel carrier when hit by a rifle grenade.
Johnnie Wayne Cardwell
Johnnie Wayne Cardwell graduated from Blackwell High School in 1963. After graduation he attended Oklahoma State University for five semesters then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1966. On Sept. 1, 1966, Private First Class Cardwell joined 2d Platoon of Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Manne Division in Vietnam. At age 21, he was killed in action on Dec. 2, 1966.
Vern Lee Pray
Vern Lee Pray graduated from Ponca City High School in 1955. Vern wanted to enlist in the Army right out of high school but was rejected because of poor eyesight. Instead he attended Northern Oklahoma College then Oklahoma State University. After another try in 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. His first assignment was to an advanced marksmanship unit in Germany where he married a local German girl, Renata Pollingen. He liked the Army and wanted to make it a career. Upon completion of his first tour Vern received orders for Vietnam. He arrived in Vietnam on Christmas Eve, 1966. On his 30th birthday, Jan. 9, 1967, Vern's camp was attacked. He ran out to pull in wounded but was killed instantly from a gunshot to the head. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor.
James H. Fowler
James H. Fowler graduated from Ponca City High School in 1965. Very well-liked by all who knew him, he was active in the Church of Christ at Palm and Grand. He had even done some preaching in Kaw City and Oklahoma City while attending Oklahoma Christian College. Coming from a difficult childhood, he wanted to prove something to himself. In the fall of 1966, he quit college to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He was engaged to Annita Campbell but shipped out to Vietnam in late March 1967. He was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. On April 5, Charlie Company engaged the enemy around Thua Thien. Less than a month after his arrival, 20-year-old Private First Class Fowler was killed by a gunshot wound to the head.
Gary Max Welch
Gary Max Welch, Blackwell, was killed in action, April 23 1967.
James Johnson Jr.
James Johnson Jr. was the son of a black minister. Happy-go-lucky James graduated from Ponca City High School in 1965. A super track star, he set records in the low and high hurdles and became the Co-Captain of the track team. Winning the State Champion during his senior year, he was offered eight track scholarships after graduation. James decided to attend Draughon's School of Business in Tulsa. Conoco however, repeatedly sought him to work in their computer department, so he quit school to do so. It soon became inevitable that he would be drafted and he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.
According to his mother James had always wanted to be a Leatherneck anyway. After he completed basic training in San Diego, he joined the 106th Recoilless Rifle Platoon, 2d Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment operating in the Trung Luone District. On May 22, 1967, Lance Corporal Johnson's unit was assigned a mission along the Demilitarized Zone. Late in the afternoon while they were establishing their defensive perimeter they were attacked. Twenty-year-old James died instantly of shrapnel wounds to the head and chest. The next day, his body was evacuated to the U.S.S. Princeton for military honors then to the U.S.S. Tripoli.
Lee Dirickson
Lee Dirickson from Tonkawa enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in Aug. 1965. He completed his first one year tour of duty in Vietnam in time to come home for Christmas 1966. He returned to Vietnam on Jan. 28, 1967 for another tour. The morning of June 3, the enemy caught Fox Company in an open rice paddy. Lee had just been promoted to corporal, assuming the responsibility of squad leader of third platoon two days before. His buddies described the ambush as a slaughter. Lee, age 19, was killed in action that day.
James R. Isbell
James R. Isbell graduated from Ponca City High School in 1965. He was very religious and ran cross country. Jim went to work for Santa Fe Railroad and moved to Kansas City, Mo., where he married Linda Joy Arant on Dec. 30, 1966. Soon after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Jim, at age 19, went to Vietnam on May 8, 1967, and was killed on July 5 when the helicopter he was riding in was shot down. He had been awarded the Bronze Star Medal while there.
Floyd G. Treat
Floyd G. Treat dropped out of high school in Kaw City to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps March 22, 1965. Private First Class Treat was killed in action in Vietnam on July 30, 1967.
Prentice Dale LeClair
A member of the Ponca Tribe, Prentice Dale LeClair graduated from Ponca City High School in 1959. He first attended Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa then transferred Northeastern State College in Tahlequah to study pre-law. His father, Perry, was a World War II veteran so Prentice joined the Oklahoma National Guard in the family tradition.
LeClair graduated from Tahlequah with plans to attend law school but with his four year draft deferment expired, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Offered the opportunity to go to Officers Candidate School, he instead chose to finish his two year enlistment and return to school and complete his dream of becoming a lawyer. Instead he went to Vietnam in 1967 as a Specialist 4 to serve with the 1st Air Cavalry Division. LeClair was killed in action Aug. 9, 1967, after serving only five months in Vietnam.
Ronald Wayne Simmons
Ronald Wayne Simmons graduated from Blackwell High School in 1966 and attended one year at Northern Oklahoma College. He was well-liked by all who knew him and enjoyed art. The U.S. Army drafted him on Oct. 18, 1966. Specialist 4 Simmons arrived in Vietnam in April 1967 and served as a truck driver in the 512th Transportation Company of the 8th Transportation Group out of Qui Nhon.
On Saturday Sept. 2, 1967, a convoy of 39 trucks traveled along the infamous. Highway 19 on the eve of the South Vietnamese elections. This treacherous road wound through two passes noted in history for the destruction of an entire brigade during the French Indochina War. The American convoy proceeded along the highway without incident that morning and hoped for the same luck on their return trip that evening.
Unfortunately a 5,000-gallon fuel truck in the middle of the column began to have difficulty and split the convoy into two parts. With only two gun-mounted jeeps for security the convoy commander became worried about the increasing separation. About 7 p.m., a 57mm recoilless rocket slammed into the lead jeep. The enemy opened fire with small arms. Quickly the next three vehicles were destroyed.
The Americans fought a desperate battle for their lives. The enemy also turned on the second part of the convoy and a recoilless rocket set the fuel truck ablaze. Word went out immediately for help. A nearby rifle company of the 1st Air Cavalry loaded helicopters and reached the site within 15 minutes only to find 17 men wounded and 7 dead and all the trucks destroyed. Ronald Simmons had died only a few days before his 20th birthday.
Edgar Allen Campbell
Edgar Allen Campbell was a member of Ponca City High School class of 1967. He dropped out his senior year to enlist in the U.S. Army. He married Loretta Vernon May 31 that year. Private First Class Campbell was assigned as a radio operator to 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. On Dec. 19, 1967 his squad established a squad sized ambush when a larger Viet Cong force entered it.
The squad leader opened fire but the enemy returned automatic fire wounding both Eddy and his squad leader. With his squad in peril, Eddy continued to call in artillery on the superior enemy force and relay critical information back to his platoon leader until a relief squad arrived. The enemy withdrew under fire but 19-year-old Eddy Campbell died from his wounds. His action saved the lives of the rest of his squad and he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medals.
Rodney Phillip Troyer
Rodney Phillip Troyer, Blackwell, was killed in action, Feb. 8, 1968.
Francis L. Shafer Jr
Francis L. Shafer Jr. participated in both football and track and graduated from Newkirk High School in 1957 with honors. He then attended Naval ROTC at the University of Oklahoma where he won the Silver Sword Award. He graduated 1962 as an outstanding NROTC graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanics. Shafer was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps with his first tour of duty in the orient which included Vietnam. After a three year tour in Washington, Captain Shafer arrived in Vietnam in June 1967. On July 4 he received command of Company D, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. He had the responsibility for more than 100 lives.
On Nov. 7, 1967 in search and destroy mission outside of Con Thien near the North Vietnamese border, his company came under intense enemy gun and mortar fire. Without regard for his own safety he maneuvered his platoons against the enemy, crossed 20 yards of open ground to assault the enemy, and deployed his squads forward against other enemy positions. For this action he was awarded the Silver Star Medal for bravery.
On Jan. 30, 1968, the North Vietnamese Army launched its Tet Offensive. The Marine base camp at Khe Sanh came under siege. On Friday March 6, his men took cover in preparation for a close strike by U.S. Marine jets. Two 750 pound bombs accidentally hit Shafer's third platoon command bunker. Shafer scrambled to rescue his 42 men trapped in the debris. With bare hands and shovels he and others dug out the survivors. Sometime afterwards he was wounded in the leg by shell fragments. Nonetheless he remained in command of his company after being treated.
During an enemy rocket attack on March 30, 29-year-old Francis left the cover of his command bunker to drag a wounded man to a covered position. When he returned to assist a second man, a rocket ended his own life. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for that action.
James A. Huff
When James A. Huff graduated from Blackwell High School in 1967, he was employed at the Labor Union for Conoco. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. In January 1968, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After graduation from basic training and advanced infantry training at Ft Polk, La., Jim was sent to Vietnam.
He became an infantryman in Company E, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry of the 9th Infantry Division which operated in the Mekong Delta. At age 20 Private First Class Huff had only been in Vietnam less than two months and had won two Bronze Star Medals for valor.
On April 19, 1968 the helicopter he was riding was shot down with nine men aboard. Once on the ground Jim grabbed the M60 machine-gun and defended the crash site against enemy soldiers. When machine gun ammunition ran out he picked up an M16 rifle and continued to fire. He was wounded twice, the last one fatal.
One other soldier was killed and the other seven were wounded. One hundred and fifty enemy dead were counted around the crash site. For his courageous action Jim was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star Medals.
Donald Allen
Donald Allen, Ponca City, was killed in action, April 19, 1968.
Donald R. Mock
Donald R. Mock from Tonkawa quit school in his senior year to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 13, 1967. Home on leave he and Shelley Westberg of Ponca City were married Aug. 10. He left for Vietnam the next month.
In January 1968, the North Vietnamese launched their Tet Offensive. Donald served as a radio operator in the Quang Tri Province. Donald was wounded and sent aboard the U.S.N Hospital Ship Repose. His parents received word that the 19-year-old he had been wounded but on May 5, 1968 he died of his wounds.
Larry Glen Massie
Larry Glen Massie graduated from Tonkawa High School in 1966. He enlisted in the U.S. Army right after graduation and was assigned to Vietnam in March 1968.
Specialist 4 Larry Massie was loading ammunition onto a military vehicle when it accidentally exploded. He was rushed to a military hospital where he died on June 20, 1968.
John Strome
John Strome of Tonkawa was killed in action, Aug. 25, 1968.
Frederick Eugene Rouse
Frederick "Freddie" Eugene Rouse graduated from Ponca City High School in 1964 and went to work in Oklahoma City. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in October 1964. A good Christian boy, he told his parents that he did not think he could kill anyone and was disheartened to go into the Army. He finished basic and infantry training and was sent to Company D, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam in April 1968.
He explained his concerns about killing to his sergeant. The man respected his convictions and trained Freddie to blow up bunkers instead. Specialist 4 Rouse had been wounded once in June and was due R&R in Hawaii. On a reconnaissance patrol, Sept. 28, 1968, he spotted a camouflaged enemy bunker. He moved forward alone and successfully blew it up. On his return, however, he stepped on a booby-trap and was killed. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Military Medal of Merit and Gallantry Medal with Palm for his actions and his second Purple Heart Medal.
Clarence Leon Rouse
Clarence Leon Rouse graduated from Braman High School in 1963. He and his best friend, Leny DeBoard, joined the National Guard in Arkansas City, Kansas with a bunch of friends from Blackwell.
Clarence's 69th Infantry Brigade was activated in June 1968 for two years. At Fort Carson, Colo. He received his orders and came home over Thanksgiving for final visit to his wife and parents before he shipped out. In January 1969, Sergeant Rouse and Leny left for Vietnam. In Vietnam the two buddies separated with Clarence going to the 9th Infantry Division operating south of Saigon and Leny to the north with the 25th Infantry Division.
On March 11, 1969 Clarence's squad made contact with the enemy. One of his men was wounded and exposed in the open. Running forward to recover his squad member, 26-year-old Rouse was killed. Back home the daughter he would never see was born.
Larry Dean Keeler
Larry Dean Keeler graduated from Burbank High School in 1966. He entered the U.S. Army December 1966 while in Oklahoma City. He first went to Vietnam as an infantryman in March 1967 and was wounded Dec. 27 that same year. He returned home on leave then was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas.
Specialist 5 Keeler returned again to Vietnam in January 1969 for a second tour. Near the end of his tour on Dec. 14, 1969, the helicopter, Larry was riding accidentally crashed and burned, killing the 21-year-old soldier.
Lewis E. Cox
Lewis E. Cox graduated from Ponca City High School in 1967. He worked at the Ponca City Country Club while attending Northern Oklahoma College. On Aug. 13, 1969, he joined the U.S. Army and received his basic and advanced infantry training at Ft Polk, La. On December 23, 1969, he married Beulah Sissons before shipping out to Vietnam.
Cox was assigned as a door gunner on a helicopter. On May 1, 1970, President Nixon ordered American troops to attack communist strongholds in Cambodia. During an engagement with the enemy on May 19, Private First Class Cox was wounded and evacuated to a medical facility in Vietnam. He died that same day.
Elroy Frederick Wells
Elroy Frederick Wells graduated from Ponca City High School in 1951. He was a musician like the rest of his family and played the guitar. He enlisted in the U.S. Army right after graduation. He loved the Army and decided to make a career out of it. The choice to be a professional soldier required repeated tours in combat. Staff Sergeant Wells had already served two previous tours in Vietnam when in July 1970 he began another tour.
He was assigned to the 1099th Transportation Company, 159th Transportation Battalion of the 4th Transportation Command. He transported cargo aboard a Landing Craft, Mechanized (LCM) in a Medium Boat Company out of Cat Lai.
At 10 minutes past midnight on Dec. 27, 1970 his LCM was attacked by enemy rocket fire. Elroy Wells was killed in action.
Brian Anthony Horinek
Brian Anthony Horinek was one of those good kids in high school who never caused any kind of trouble and everybody liked. Raised on a farm he was active in the Future Farmers of America. He graduated from Newkirk High School in 1964 and studied Agriculture Economics at the Oklahoma State University. He graduated from the Army ROTC program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the air defense artillery, April 1969.
Brian took the option to fly Huey helicopters. On Dec. 21, 1969, he married Jennifer Johnson of Miami. On July 28, 1970, he left for Vietnam to fly Cobra gunships. First Lieutenant Horinek was assigned to Troop B, 3d Armored Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry Regiment. By December 30 he had flown countless combat missions.
The constant demands of combat required the crews to fly helicopters regardless of their maintenance condition. That day the engine failed on his helicopter along with the hydraulics. His helicopter crashed into some high-wires killing Brian. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal for his service in combat.
Dennis Irvin Day
Dennis Irvin Day from Blackwell served on a U.S. Army ammunition barge off the coast of Vietnam in the South China Sea.
After only four months in country, high winds sank the vessel with all 13 hands aboard. Only one body was recovered and Dennis was listed as missing in action. A year later on Nov. 4, 1971, with no further evidence, the U.S. Army declared Dennis officially dead.
I Found a Friend
By Martin E. Shapiro
Thirty-three years is a long time to go without seeing a friend.
Now I have many friends and have had many more over the years.
So what's so special about one from 33 years ago? Nothing except the last time was in Vietnam in 1965.
I went to Tulsa, Okla., this February and was sitting in a restaurant one Sunday morning having breakfast. I was pretty annoyed because everything about the service was bad.
I had finished most of my meal when I saw a woman wearing a sweatshirt that said "Ponca City, OK." It had just dawned on me that I know somebody from Ponca City. How in the world could I forget a name like that.
I was sitting there all nervous, deliberating as to whether I should go ask her if she was from Ponca City and, if so, would she know my friend.
Just then she and her family got up to leave the table. I bolted out of my booth and ran up to them. My mouth was day and my heart was pounding.
I asked her if she was from Ponca City and she said she was and they were going back there now. I told her that I was in the Marines in Vietnam 33 years ago with a guy from Ponca City and asked if she knew Robert Taglialetela. She told me that she knew him and his father, both named Robert, and started telling me about them.
I was elated just knowing he made it back alive. I started to get all choked up and just knew any minute I would cry. I gave her my name and telephone number and asked her if she would contact him and tell him to call me, collect.
I went back to my table and knew any moment my breakfast was going to come up.
Tag, that's what we called him, would have to remember me. We went to Marine Corps communications school together, were stationed at the same places, got drunk together, went on liberty together and went to Vietnam together in early 1965.
I left the restaurant, drove to an empty parking lot and cried for about 20minutes. And I don't even know why. Maybe it was the relief of knowing he was okay, maybe it was the sadness of the whole Vietnam experience. I really don't know.
For the next two days, the thought of Tag and the fact I was so close to where he lived was on my mind. I couldn't wait for that woman to contact him. It took every bit of my mental energy to call directory assistance and request his number. Well I got two numbers - his and his father's.
The first call was his parents' home and his mother answered. She thought I was a solicitor and was ready to hang up on me. I then told her I was in Vietnam with him. She gave me his correct home telephone number.
His wife answered. She told me he was at work and gave me that number. My throat got dry, I got nervous and started crying again.
What do you say to a friend you haven't seen or heard from in 33 years? I sat on my hotel bed for about ten minutes trying to psych it into myself not to cry when I called him.
When we finally talked, tears were coming down my face. I was hoping he couldn't know. He was elated! I was elated! He invited me to come up to his home and stay the weekend.
He told me that he was on his third marriage. That's not unusual for Vietnam veterans. Many of us have had out our share of problems. I didn't know if I could handle going there so I let him know I would consider it.
That Friday morning the two-hour drive to Ponca City was an ordeal for me. Once again, I was trying to psych it into myself not to cry when we would meet. I never let anyone see me cry in Vietnam and didn't want Tag to see me crying.
I went through a wide spectrum of emotions in that two-hour drive that took forever. But I finally arrived in Ponca City which, by the way, is named after the Ponca Indians.
I was sweating, my heart was pounding and I thought my stomach would turn inside out. I called him from a gas station and he said he would meet me there in a few minutes.
Once again, I was trying to tell myself not to cry when we met.
He pulled up and quickly got out of the car. I recognized his face immediately. He ran up to me, and if he didn't have tears in his eyes, I would have been okay. He gave me a big hug and I cried.
We spent the next two days talking and reminiscing. Well, he was reminiscing. There is very little I remember about my experiences in Vietnam. Quite possibly it ís a mental block. He told me things that I did, saw and was involved in that I have no recollection. Maybe it's for the best.
Tag played so many tricks on me and for 30 years he talked about me and the tricks. Now he thought I was coming back to get even with him. All I wanted to do was see my friend again.
He took me all around and bragged how we were in Vietnam together and hadn't seen each other for 33 years. It was great finding him! He has a good life and a good wife and I'm happy for him.
Now I have a friend again.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
For those fortunate enough not to know what today is, it is April 15 and for some it is the day most fretted over, the most worrisome, the most dreaded day of the entire year - tax day!
From accountants to postal workers, for some it is also the busiest day of the year. In an effort to help those who wait for the latest possible moment to pay their dues (taxes) to Uncle Sam, the Ponca City Post Office is helping to prevent additional payments in the form of penalties.
The Post Office will be open today from 8:30 a.m. to midnight. "Boy are we ever doing something different today," Postmaster Robie Robinson said. "We won't be going to bed very early tonight."
Some extra measures to ensure prompt delivery are also being taken. Specially-marked trays will be used so that mail addressed to such places as the IRS offices in Austin, Texas, and St. Louis, Mo., plus the Oklahoma Tax Commission in Oklahoma City will go directly from here to those locations "without passing go," without collecting any dust.
Over 8,000 pieces of mail are expected to be collected throughout the city today - three to four times more mail than usual.
"This is by far the busiest single day of the year," Robinson said.
Mail taken in today will not only be from Ponca City procrastinators but those procrastinators from outlaying areas as well. According to Robinson post offices in the smaller towns will not be open late tonight.
"Although workers arrive early the next day to postmark April 15 those letters received after closing, some people are only comfortable when they actually see their letters being stamped," Robinson said.
Don't expect any special drop boxes for tax returns because there won't be any. The postmaster says they will merely be emptying the ones they have very, very often.
It won't only be tax returns that will be accepted until the wee hours of the night. All mail will be taken.
"Some IRA forms must also be postmarked by midnight tonight," Robinson explained. "We may miss some if we tried to only postmark state and federal tax returns so we are accepting all mail until midnight."
More is definitely better in the case of tax returns. The postmaster has one warning for the taxpaying public - make certain your letter has sufficient postage!
"People usually only put one stamp on their tax returns," Robinson explained. "The IRS won't accept insufficient postage, it will therefore be sent back and result in a late penalty."
From "the dog ate my return" to "my accountant just finished my return," there are all kinds of excuses taxpayers have for waiting until the final hour, the last possible minute to mail tax returns.
Outside the post office people were busy coming and going, some smiling and some frowning.
"I had to pay the last three years and if I had a refund coming I would have filed in January," one woman said with a somewhat forced grin on her face.
Upon entering the Post Office another person's frustration was apparent. Simply laughing they stated, "I have no other excuse than being stupid for waiting until the last minute."
One woman said she had already mailed one return and had waited on the other. "I got a refund so I sent that one in early," she said with a smile. "The one I had to pay on I waited to send so they kind of counter balance each other."
And then those who wait whether giving or receiving. "Actually they owe me money and I just got around to mailing it," a man nonchalantly commented.
Whatever the excuse, time is running out. After midnight Uncle Sam turns into the wicked witch casting penalties on those without an April 15 postmark!
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
Slowly but surely... .
Although the final layer of asphalt has been laid on Fifth Street, there are final touches yet to be made. Those final touches will take time to complete, meaning it will be sometime next week before the entire one-mile stretch of street is open to all traffic.
"It will take several days to complete the concrete and asphalt work, to stripe the streets and to have the traffic signals operational," Traffic Engineer Mike Lane explained.
Although the street may now look "drivable" when those items are completed - then and only then - will the $1.6 million project be open to through traffic.
Until such time, Fifth Street from Hartford to Young Street and from Windsor Street to Prospect Avenue will remain open only to local traffic.
According to ODOT Resident Engineer Casey Shell, there is not much time remaining on the project contract. "Without any weather credits and provided that the major work is not completed, time on the contract will run out Sunday," Casey said. "That means that if not all the major work, such as laying the asphalt, is not completed by then the contractor will be charged liquidated damages."
In addition to widening Fifth Street from two to four lanes from Hartford Avenue to Prospect Avenue, the project also involves connecting Bradley Street to Fifth Street. It is a joint ODOT and City project, funded 50 percent by the state and fifty percent with local tax dollars.
The project began over a year ago and has recently come under fire by those anxiously awaiting the opening of the major thoroughfare. However the Oklahoma weather, including the rain, cold temperatures and muddy conditions, have hampered construction and were to blame for delays in the lengthy, time consuming project.
The light at the end of the Fifth Street tunnel should soon be shining brightly and the end may now be in sight. According to ODOT Inspector Bob Smith, weather permitting, the project will be finished very soon.
"I think the project will be completed before the time runs out on the contract," Smith predicted. "Things are going good but I can't give the exact date that the street will be open because it depends on the weather."
According to Smith, the asphalt work should be completed by Thursday and the striping should start today. However, Smith stated that one more thing will impact the date of opening.
"The thing that will impact the street opening the most is the signalization and when the lights actually become operational," Smith explained. "The loop detectors that change the lights can't be installed until the all the asphalt and concrete work is completed."
That, Smith says, should be done by the end of this week. The signalization sub-contractor will be in town early next week to begin its work.
So barring a blizzard, thunderstorm, tornado, flash flood or hurricane, Fifth Street may be open as soon as next week. Keep your fingers crossed and your eyes to the skies!
HOUSTON - Conoco has the safest employees of any major U.S. oil and gas company, according to data released today by the American Petroleum Institute for 1997.
Conoco employees worked more than five times safer last year than the average competitor company in the United States, API data shows, with only 0.36 injuries for every 200,000 hours worked. That rate is a Conoco record, and it is more than twice as safe as the next-best of the 14 major petroleum companies reporting safety statistics to API.
"We are proud to celebrate this record achievement," Conoco President and CEO Archie W. Dunham said. "At the same time, a single injury is one too many, inflicting pain on our work force, their families and their colleagues. So, our employees have a goal of becoming the first major petroleum company to completely eliminate injuries, adding sustainable value and a competitive edge for Conoco in the process."
For 10 of the past 15 years, Conoco employees have held the best safety record among major petroleum companies reporting data to API.
Conoco employees also rank No. 1 in API's latest records for:
-- Lowest rate of workdays lost due to injuries, occupational illnesses and fatalities, with zero employee fatalities during 1997;
-- The lowest employee injury and occupational illness rate in the U.S. refining and marketing sector;
-- And the lowest injury and illness rate at liquid pipeline and terminal operations of companies with more than 500 employees.
Worldwide, Conoco's 16,000 employees reduced injuries by half to a record of only 65 during 1997, compared with the prior year, and they have lowered injuries every year since 1993.
Conoco employees utilize several tools for continuously improving safety, including:
- Management and non-management teams to develop and lead safety-improvement planning efforts;
- A three-tiered approach to audit and evaluate safety and occupational health performance;
- A detailed, step-by-step process for continuously improving safety at any Conoco operation;
- And, management and non-management bonuses that included supplements for outstanding performance in safety and the other company core values of environmental stewardship, valuing all people and ethical behavior.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Conoco is on the "track of fast growth," Conoco President and DuPont Executive Vice President Archie Dunham told a group of civic leaders here Tuesday afternoon at the Fourth Street Clubhouse.
Dunham gave a world summary of Conoco activities, his views on economic development, the significance of changing higher education research laws in Oklahoma and emphasized the importance of Conoco operations in Ponca City.
A joint news release by the American Petroleum Institute and Conoco to be issued today will recognize Conoco as the safest oil Company in the world, Dunham said.
Earlier in the day Dunham spoke to Conoco employees praising their efforts and the profitable operation of the refinery here and challenged them to continue the good work. He said that 1997 was a good year for Conoco and predicted that 1998 will be just as good even in a down market.
"Conoco had a fabulous year last year and we have very ambitious objectives for 1998. We began the year with oil prices at about 40 percent of what they were in the third quarter of 1997."
He explained that the strong downstream margin is absolutely critical. Dunham said the local refinery must run 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at full capacity to get the profitability up.
"The Conoco vision is to double the value of the firm by 2003 and we're on track to do that," the Conoco president said.
Politically Astute
The politically astute Conoco/DuPont executive had high praise for Gov. Frank Keating, noting that Keating and Henry Bellmon were the only two governors who had asked Conoco "how can we get more of your business for the state?"
Dunham lauded Oklahoma Sen. Don Nickles for his support of the oil industry. He also praised former Sen. David Boren for his efforts in higher education.
He did not overlook local politicians as he recognized David Myers, a candidate for the State Senate, and mayoral candidates Tom Leonard and Dick Stone. Dunham recalled being here for the dedication of the Standing Bear Memorial and praised the community for this project.
New Ag Plant Here
Responding to a question about any new facilities planned for Ponca City by Conoco, Dunham replied that a new ag products plant will be coming on stream this year. He said, ag products is probably the fastest growing or the second fastest growing sector in the DuPont company.
He talked about the importance of life sciences and noted that ag science is part of that vital technology. Dunham said, "I would encourage the city fathers to the extent that you can, welcome that facility to Ponca City and whatever benefits and advantages you can give that facility and whatever employees that come with it - that just helps. Because they are going to tell their friends, associates and bosses back in Wilmington 'this is a great place to work.' We are building ag plants in all over the world."
Outsourcing
Addressing outsourcing, Dunham said, "All global companies in the decade of the '90s have to do a lot of difficult things. It is not unique to the oil industry, but we really are in a global economy today regardless of your industry.
"We are an instantaneous communication link web. The markets respond instantaneously There are no blanks. What happens in Asia Pacific impacts Ponca City, impacts Wilmington, Del., impacts Pittsburgh, Pa., and that is the world we have to operate in today.
"So that means that every company that wishes to compete in that global economy has to be the most cost effective quick responding agile company that they can be.
"That forced Conoco to do some difficult restructuring. We reduced our work force in 1990 from 25,000 to 16,000 (worldwide) today. We went through our portfolio with a fine tooth comb . We probably did more buying, trading and selling than any other oil company.
"We drastically restructured that portfolio and today we have a portfolio that has young growing properties in it. We greatly restructured our downstream, especially on the marketing side to focus on five or six really key markets that we think we can dominate in the next 10 or 20 years. We have had to do all that so we can compete in the next century."
He added, "Part of our success was outsourcing and it was highly controversial decision. To me outsourcing means that you've not exhibited leadership, that you have not been a good manager or you have allowed the past to continue to creep and bad practices to stay in place until you are no longer competitive.
"Whether it is a retail card center or a finance function or an accounting function or a meter reading kind of function or whatever it is, my philosophy is that we ought to be leaders, we ought to be management, we ought to look at what we have, we ought to look at the cost of that structure and compare the cost with an outside service and that is what we did on many of the functions.
"We compared with the financial consultants, we compared it with Price Waterhouse, we compared it with some other firms that wanted to provide a credit card service, we compared it with CSC and they approached us," he said.
Dunham continued, "In the majority of the cases we choose to keep services inhouse, which I clearly favor and will continue to favor. As you probably know we have had problems with CSC, it doesn't surprise me. Early in the relationship I talked to the chairman of CSC and he is calling to meet with me again to guarantee we are going to have the service and quality that we need and that they will do the service better than what it has been doing the past 12 months."
He added, "Outsourcing - we've had to do some of - something we don't want to do very much of - we shouldn't have to do any of it forward if our managers are doing their job and that is what I expect them to do."
Economic Development
On economic development, Dunham noted that Conoco had made the North Tower available for the City to use to seek jobs. Responding to what more Ponca City could do to assist Conoco to bringing jobs to town, Dunham answered, he didn't know what had been done but he hoped that the companies had been given some breaks on the tax situation, relief on property taxes.
"You have got to give them some kind of fiscal relief to encourage them to come to Ponca City, instead of Tulsa, Phoenix or Dallas. Every major community in the United States is competing for business today. Every city has to find it's unique offering, but much of it does have to be financial. The quality of life is important but the representatives of the shareholders are going to look at the financial package you are offering," Dunham said.
Higher Ed in Oklahoma
A question touching a "hot button" with Dunham was if he was working with Boren to get the Oklahoma Legislature to provide more funding for higher education?
Dunham, a native of Ada and Distinguished OU Alumni, said "Absolutely. I'm also working with David and the governor to make some changes legislatively that will allow the university system to do cooperative research work.
"They don't allow that in the state of Oklahoma. We've got some of the most ancient laws in this state of any state in the union. It is just old bureaucracy, old thinking driven legislation and Texas is just eating our lunch."
He added, "They (Texas) allow their professors to do the research and allow them to keep some of the money and what is wrong with that? We've got this philosophy that they shouldn't do research because the would take away from their teaching. We've got to get in the 21st Century. You know they don't make enough to live on, so we need to find some way for the brain power in this state to do initial work that will accrue to the benefit the state of Oklahoma and let them get compensated for it."
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A summary of Conoco's operations world-wide will be addressed on next Tuesday's business page of The News.
Large hail and heavy winds were the cause of damage throughout Kay County Tuesday evening. Hail up to three inches in diameter was reported three miles south of Ponca City when a large thunderstorm invaded southern Kay County around 7 p.m.
Wind gusts were reported at 60 m.p.h. and tornado watches were issued for both Kay and Osage Counties. However the Osage County watch later became a warning after a tornado was reported five miles east of Arkansas City.
Law Enforcement officers from Kay County Sheriff's office and both Ponca City and Kay County Emergency Management units blocked traffic for electrical crews that worked well into the night repairing a downed electrical line on U.S. 77 south of Ponca City.
According to Ponca City Emergency Management Director Tom Montgomery, power outages and hail damage were also reported south of the city.
The large hail reportedly broke windows and caused significant damage to a house roof and several vehicles southeast of the city.
Although spared the storm, a tree limb fell on a vehicle in the 700 block of North Pine Street. After the storm, city crews reportedly worked to clean the debris left by the heavy winds.
"That was a pretty powerful thunderstorm that went by and we're really lucky that it went south of the city," Montgomery stated. "If that size hail had come through here you can imagine the damage it would have caused."
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Ponca City Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) will be voting at the May meeting on selling a piece of land in the Industrial Park on North Ash.
After hearing a report from Jan Jarrett, EDAB executive director, and George Ferguson of the Existing Business Committee, EDAB Chairman Linda Brown indicated the proposal to sell a half-acre on North Ash will be an action item on next month's agenda.
Two parties are apparently interested in the property. Since EDAB is a recommending body, the City Commission will have the final say.
Ferguson and Jarrett told about possible transportation for getting employees to work. Both of these measures apparently depend on a grant.
The Existing Business Committee, co-chaired by George Paczkowski, has determined there is a definite need for a 24-hour day care center.
On new housing it was reported that local builders want $80 to $90 a square foot to build new housing, while Stillwater builders are doing new construction for $55 a square foot. Also the cost of land apparently drives the cost up.
Tim Burg, EDAB member, said there is some possibility that using steel instead of wood for framing would prove cost effective. Brown suggested that a sub-committee be formed including local and out-of-town builders to give some guidance in this area.
Ferguson told that Leadership Ponca City is going to take on a labor survey under the guidance of Oklahoma University. This survey will begin in June and will take about five weeks. Jarrett said this should give a true picture of the labor force.
Jarrett talked about state level incentives saying the new proposed incentive by the Department of Commerce (DOC) for rural areas would not be favorable to Ponca City.
Jarrett has been working with his colleagues to promote changing the legislation. The new legislation of the Quality Jobs Act would require the new jobs to pay about $14 an hour in order to be eligible to locate in Kay County.
New Industry Committee
Carl Renfro, New Industry Committee Chairman, told of the need for a speculation building. He said that Gerald Hall, DOC representative for the area, said there were three good prospects that would be a fit for Ponca City, but they wanted a speculation building and would not even look at the community otherwise. The ideal size of the building is 40,000 to 60,000 square feet, according to Jarrett. Bill O'Connor has been named chairman of the speculation building sub-committee.
At this point Renfro asked Jarrett to report on prospects. Jarrett told about the warehouse distribution prospect that has been mentioned for several months and said this is still on go. A $3 million manufacturing facility he has been in contact with has changed owners and the status of this project is not "dead, but delayed." A Kansas town is also interested in the firm.
Jarrett told about a service company for Conoco that EDAB and Conoco have been working with to bring to Ponca City.
Renfro said that a new software program has been developed by the DOC that shows economic impact on companies coming into a community. Jarrett said he was going to ask for an impact statement on Thorn Apple Valley and Sykes.
Larry Atteberry, chairman of the Funding Committee, told of efforts with Denise Shederick of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce who is working with two other groups on funding for economic development. Tim Burg said the Marketing Committee is encouraging local companies to publish information about themselves. He gave as an example Thorn Apple Valley.
Brown announced that L.J. Chaufty and George Ferguson have been reappointed for a three years term to the Board. She also announced Karen Furman, Oklahoma Natural Gas manager, has been named to the Board.
The EDAB chairman told that the budget had been presented to the City Commission for $125,000. She said she told the City Commission that EDAB is working on what it believes the citizens want and that is taking existing industry and trying to spin-off and increase employment through growing our own local industry, as well as new industry.
The budget request was for $10,000 more than 1997, basically $15,000 for new industry, $5,000 for existing business, $6,000 for communications, $6,000 marketing, and $4,000 for the labor survey and $4,000 for spec building development costs.
Brown said a nominating committee for new officers will be appointed in May and the election is to be in June. She will be speaking to the Lions Club on April 29.
Jarrett talked about the need for site signage in Industrial Areas. City Manager Gary Martin said that Mike Lane, traffic engineer, could help with the signs.
Jarrett will be attending the Industrial Research Council meeting in Baltimore and also the Governors Team Retreat Thursday and Friday at Lake Texoma. Plus a one-day seminar on Empowerment Zones in Stillwater. He also mentioned free trade zones which would involve shipments at the Port of Catoosa at Tulsa.
Oklahoma has an estimated 115,000 military health care beneficiaries - 547 living in Kay County. As most beneficiaries understand, the medical benefits and plans have change considerably in the past few years.
TRICARE represents one of the most significant changes to the military health care system since the advent of CHAMPUS (Civilian Health Medical Program of the Uniformed Services) more than thirty years ago. TRICARE is the new military health care program for active duty dependents, retirees, and retiree family members eligible to receive health care benefits through the Department of Defense.
The Department of Defense has instigated a National Mail Order Pharmacy Program to be administered by the Foundation Health Federal Services, Inc.
This cost-effective health care program provides a convenient way to order up to a 90-day supply of most maintenance medications by mail while saving on the cost of prescriptions. By using this program as opposed to a network pharmacy, the beneficiary receives two extra months worth of medication while saving money with each prescription.
Beneficiaries dealing with a chronic illness, such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease or high blood pressure, are probably taking prescription medication to treat the condition.
This program is intended for those military health care beneficiaries using maintenance medications for the treatment of a chronic condition. A prescription for medication needed immediately, such as an antibiotic to treat an infection, should be filled at a military or civilian pharmacy. In that case, a TRICARE network pharmacy should be used to reduce the cost of the prescription.
Beneficiaries who have other health insurance that includes a pharmacy benefit cannot use the National Mail Order Pharmacy program.
For more information about the National Mail Order Pharmacy Program, including an order form, contact the Customer Service Department of Merck-Medco Managed Care at (800) 903-4680, or visit a local TRICARE Service Center.
By Kathy Zehr
News Staff Writer
The award winning Yellow Hammer drummers and singers will be performing two songs at the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Memorial Wall - "The Wall That Heals" Thursday at 10 a.m. The Vietnam Memorial Wall exhibit will open to the public at Resthaven Memorial Cemetery following the ceremony. The exhibit will be open through April 19 at 6 p.m.
The Yellow Hammer singers will perform two numbers - the "Flag Song" and the "Veterans Song" - in traditional Native American tongue as a tribute to veterans whose names are etched on The Wall.
Formally organized in 1993, the Yellow Hammer group have won the Southern World Singing Championships in 1995 and in 1997, at competitions in Hartford, Conn. They have also placed fourth in 1994, third in 1995 and second in 1997 at the Overall World Singing Competition.
Other competition winnings by Yellow Hammer includes first place at the Grand Casino Southern Contest in Hinckley, Minn., in 1997; and first place at the Grand Casino Southern Contest in Kinder, La. in 1996.
The group also plays for educational purposes on various campuses across the U.S. and at many powwows also presented at the colleges. Some recent performances include Stanford, U.C.L.A., Arizona State University, Colorado University, Colorado State University, Iowa University, Michigan University, UNLV in Nevada , Haskell at Lawrence, Kan., and in Oklahoma at OU, OSU, CSU, and NEOSU.
The men have traveled all across the USA to perform at various other national powwows including Schemitzun in Hartford Conn., Indian Nation in Washington, D.C.; for the Seminole Tribe of Florida at both Hollywood and Immokalee, Fla.; and for Discover Native America in St. Petersburg, Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla., and in Nashville, Tenn.
The group keeps a busy schedule and have confirmed bookings in eight states for 1998. They just completed a three day performance this week at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Members of the group are lead singer Jim Kemble and Jim Grant, Jade Roubedeaux, Perry Botone Jr. Steve Littlecook, Jim Kemble Jr., Kensil Lieb, Wes Hudson, Garland Kent Jr., Patrick Moore, Mike Gawhega and Greg Lieb.
Jim Grant, spokesmen for the group said, "Yellow Hammer is very honored to sing the special songs for the Vietnam Memorial Wall opening ceremony. We thank the Ponca City Vietnam Wall Project committee for inviting us to participate."
The Vietnam Wall Exhibit will be open 24-hours-a-day from 10 a.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
By Ron Janzen
SSA Field Claim Manager
Social Security wants to be sure that every decision made about your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is correct. There may come a time when you receive a letter from Social Security explaining that you are not eligible or no longer eligible for benefits, or that the amount of your payments should be changed. If you don't agree with the decision, you can appeal it - ask that your case is looked at again.
If you wish to appeal, you must make your request in writing within 60 days from the date you receive the letter.
There are four levels of appeal: A reconsideration, a hearing by an Administrative Law Judge, a review by the Appeals Council and a federal court review.
A reconsideration is a complete review of your claim by someone who didn't take part in the first decision. We will look at all the evidence submitted when the original decision was made plus any new evidence. In SSI cases and disability cases, if you want your benefits to continue during your appeal, you must contact Social Security within 10 days of the date you receive our letter.
A hearing may be conducted by an Administrative Law Judge if you disagree with the reconsideration decision. The hearing is usually held within 75 miles of your home. You and your representative, if you have one, may come to the hearing and explain your case in person. You may look at the information in your file and give new information.
A review by the Appeals Council can be requested if you disagree with the hearing decision. The Appeals Council looks at all requests for review, but may deny a request if it believes the hearing decision was correct. It can also decide the case itself or return it to an Administrative Law Judge for further review.
Finally, you may file a lawsuit in a federal district court if you disagree with the Appeals Council's decision or if the Appeals Council decides not to review your case.
For more information, call Social Security at its toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. Ask for the pamphlet "Social Security: Your Right to Question the Decision Made on Your Claim."
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.
A special fund raiser for Peachtree Landing shelter for the homeless will be held Thursday evening at El Chico restaurant from 5 to 10 p.m.
"Citizens who want to enjoy a fine dinner eating out, and also help the homeless at the same time, may do both, Thursday evening at El Chico," says Steve Struble, Peachtree Landing board member and fund raising chairman.
Struble explained the dine-in promotion was offered by David Jackson, El Chico operating partner. A percentage of each meal purchased and eaten in-house will be donated to Peachtree Landing by El Chico.
Peachtree Landing Director Carmalita Wesbrook said, "this is a great opportunity for our service organization to raise funds for the shelter. We are excited about the opportunity to receive a percent of each meal purchased Thursday evening."
If more than 100 diners register at the restaurant as they prepare to dine, Peachtree will receive 10 percent of all purchases for the evening. A Peachtree Landing board member will be present to help with the registration of names.
Peachtree Landing has been serving the Ponca City community for more than 15 years, providing a shelter for the homeless. The shelter serves approximately 1,400 homeless each year and more than 30 percent of that number are children.
For more information about the benefit dining experience or about Peachtree Landing homeless shelter, call 762-3208.
For people who want to kick the smoking habit, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center is hosting a Freedom From Smoking clinic that will begin with an introduction April 20 and end with a special celebration June 1. The seven-session clinic will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in 2A Nursing Classroom at the hospital, 1900 North Fourteenth.
"There's a lot of give-and-take in the group process, which takes the lonely element out of quitting on your own," said Martha Denney, RN, program coordinator and American Lung Association certified instructor. "When it comes to smoking, for some people quitting together is more effective than trying to kick the habit in isolation."
According to Denney, in developing and testing this program, the American Lung Association found that signing contracts to quit and assigning rewards to oneself are important factors in successful quitting. One of the most popular parts of the program is a panel discussion of ex-smokers about how they manage best to stay off cigarettes. Small group interactions - organized within the larger group - are a major emphasis.
The clinic begins with an introduction session on April 20 that includes a discussion on the decision process. There are seven sessions that follow and they are usually one week apart. The only exception to that is the third and fourth sessions which are two days apart. The third session is quit day and the fourth is offered soon after to offer support and encouragement within 48 hours of the quitting sessions.
"We think smokers can use all the help and support they can get when they quit," Denney said. "And that's what we try to supply with Freedom From Smoking."
To find out more information about the program, contact Denney, 765-0201. There is a $50 enrollment fee and advanced registration is required. "We'd like to have room for everyone," she said, "but attendance is limited. So the sooner smokers call, the better chance they have to join the group."
Several area business people have helped designate a web site for all Project Partners' schools. These Cluster Chairmen dedicated their time so that students can access a list of Kay County professionals from every Career Cluster area.
When school starts this fall, Project Partners schools: Blackwell, Kildare, Medford, Newkirk, Northern Oklahoma College, Peckham, Pioneer Technology Center and Tonkawa, will be able to access this list at pioneertech.org.
The following Cluster Chairmen helped make this project possible: Gari Parli, Agriculture Cluster; Sharon Dennison and Bob Robbins, Business Cluster; John Watson, Construction Cluster; Marsha Mauk and Linda Mauk, Design, Communication and Art Cluster; Jeffrey Lieb, Education Cluster; Rick McCumber, Health Cluster; Mike Engster, Manufacturing Cluster; Lisa Weant and Karol Oakes, Personal Services Cluster; Rod King, Sales and Marketing Cluster; and Janice Brewer-Bell, Social Science Cluster.
While over 200 Kay County businesses have been entered into Project Partners' Business and Industry database, many more businesses are still needed. Career Cluster chairmen want to insure that all schools have equitables business representation in every Career Cluster for each activity listed in the database. Some clusters, like Business, have already met the goal, while other clusters are just getting started. All occupations fit into one of the broad Career Cluster areas, and there is a place for every person who wants to participate.
Developed Project
During the last year, Chuck Westfield developed Project Partners' Business and Industry database as a resource tool for teachers and students. The database lists partner schools, business partner contact names, addresses, phone numbers, grade levels, and number of times per year that businesses are willing to assist.
Business resources are categorized into the 13 career cluster areas, as well as, by activities that they are willing to do for partnerships schools; such as teacher internships, job shadowing, being a guest speaker, donating equipment, adopting a school, participating in a Career Fair, providing an on-the-job training position, being a mentor, etc.
Volunteers are also needed for the Science and Technical Cluster and Transportation Cluster chairmen positions. To volunteer please call any one of the Cluster Chairmen, or Linda Thompson at (580) 762-8336, ext. 244.
A Parent University will be held Thursday from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. at the Family Resource Center, 700 West Broadway Avenue, with registration beginning at 6 p.m.
Courses will be offered to all families in the community on a variety of parenting issues. The courses being offered are: Childhood Discipline, Kids and Drugs, Gangs and Bullies, Fun and Recreation for the Family, Parents Sharing Books, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, and Self-Confidence and Responsibility in Children.
Booths will be set up at 6 p.m. to share information about summer programs for children and other events in the community.
The first course will run from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. and the second course will be from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. Parents may attend one or two different courses. There will also be courses for students to attend. Child care for young children will be provided, as well as door prizes and refreshments.
The Parent University is being sponsored by the Partnerships for Strong Family Involvement. Members in this partnership are the Ponca City Public Schools, Pioneer Technology Center, Ponca City Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, Ponca City Area Literacy Council, Kay County Health Department, Ponca City Police Department, Kay County Department of Human Services, United Way of Ponca City, Ponca City Tomorrow, and Northern Oklahoma Youth Services.
Two of the goals of this partnership are to empower parents to take an active role in the education of their children and to ensure that health and social needs of all students are met.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Dr. RaeJean McCall, Oklahoma State Department of Vo-tech, gave a special presentation Tuesday night to the board members of Pioneer Technology Center on how PTC ranks among the other schools in the state.
"PTC is doing a lot of great things! The school has achieved so much and it sets the standards for the other schools around the state," said Dr. McCall.
PTC has increased its enrollment steadily since 1992. In 1992, there were 413 students enrolled at PTC and in 1996 that number rose to 521 students. PTC also ranks well above the median in Oklahoma for retention/completion students. Retention/completion relates to the percentage of full-time students who continue (re-enrolled for the following year) or have successfully completed the program for which they enrolled. Seventy-two percent of secondary students (students in the 11th and 12th grades in high school) have a 72 percent retention/completion rate, while the adult students have a 91 percent retention/completion rate.
"This shows me that PTC does quite a bit in making sure students are in the right classes. You advise them carefully in what career they want," said Dr. McCall.
PTC ranks the highest in the state for Training Related Placement. Training Related Placement includes students acquiring employment in a training related position, enrolling in continuing education or enlisting in military service. Ninety percent of secondary students and 89 percent of adult students attending PTC get jobs, further their education or join the military. "This number is extremely high. Your students are gaining important knowledge at PTC and are going out in the world with the knowledge they have acquired to become successful," McCall added.
Contract Approval
During other board activity, approval was given to the following contracts: Kathy Farmer, Practical Nursing Instructor; Beth Frantz, Practical Nursing Coordinator; Deanna Fruits, Financial Aid Officer; Marian Grantz, Practical Nursing Instructor; Brenda Green, Assistant Business Manager/Activity Account; Linda McKinney, Registrar; Stacey Rush, Business Manager; John Strecker, Industrial Electronics Instructor; Janet Taber, Public Information Officer; Linda Thompson, School-to-Work Coordinator; Marla Wear, Computer Specialist; and Sally Williams, Medical Assisting Instructor.
Resignations were accepted from Del Yowell, TANF Coordinator; and Burton Brandt, Horticulture Instructor.
Other Items
Lanita Chapman spoke to the board about the TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) program. She reported that TANF has been funded for another year and they will continue what they are doing. TANF is a welfare-to-work program at PTC. The school does the assessments to find out what careers are best for the TANF students. The school guides them step-by-step.
Dr. Sally Downey, superintendent of PTC, addressed the Dropout Recovery Program saying that she met with Dr. John Scroggins, assistant superintendent of curriculum and development for Ponca City Schools, and the Ponca City students will be participants of the program.
Approval was also given to purchases over $5,000 for instructional use. Some of the equipment to be purchased includes: computer equipment, a lathe, welding equipment and a stove for the food service program.
The next regular board meeting has been set for May 12 at 7 p.m.
Children and Youth Weekend and Open House for 1998 at the American Legion Children's Home will be April 26.
This is the one time during the year that many children get a chance to meet their sponsors for the first time. Registration is 9:30 a.m. with the program at 10 a.m.
There will be building tours starting at 1 p.m. which allows sponsors to see where the children live and look at their rooms. Sponsors are encouraged to spend the afternoon with their child and can take the children out to lunch or attend the lunch in the cafeteria.
All sponsors are asked to RSVP if the Post or Unit will not be attending or make arrangements with another Post or Unit to spend the day with the child.
Stockholders of the Federal Land Bank Association of Ponca City will meet at the Moose Lodge at 6 p.m. Thursday for the association's 54th annual meeting.
The program will feature guest speaker Joe Kreger, cowboy poet from Tonkawa.
The Federal Land Bank Association of Ponca City, a farmer-rancher owned agricultural lending cooperative which specializes in long-term real estate loans, is affiliated with The Farm Credit Bank of Wichita. The Ponca City Association serves the financial needs of farmers and ranchers in Kay, Noble and Osage counties.
The association's board of directors is comprised of chairman Dennis Williams of Red Rock, vice chairman Harold Wooderson of Blackwell, Frederick Drummond of Pawhuska, Arthur Jacques of Burbank, and Mark Detten of Ponca City. In addition to president Bob Scott, association employees include vice president Felix Hensley, loan officer Sharla Thomas, operations supervisor Brenda Luttrell and office assistants Phyllis Long and Dana Kirkbride.
Ponca City
Divorces Sought
Robert Eugene Patton vs. Deanna Kay Patton.
Kathryn A. Backus vs. Davie J. Backus.
Darrel Rodger Golay vs. Kathy Renee Golay.
Patricia Robbins Lamothe vs. Jason Michael Lamothe.
Hidee Jo McCurtain vs. Larry Mack McCurtain Jr.
Susie Jo Smith vs. Jan Lee Nephew.
Divorces Granted
Thomas Michael Trueblood vs. Rebecca Lynn Trueblood.
Billy R. Southern vs. Sherry L. Southern.
Civil Proceedings
Randy Weber and Jana Weber vs. Markel American Insurance Co.; plaintiffs seeking judgment for $3,160.10.
Credit Bureau Services Association vs. Vicki M. Flippin; plaintiff seeking judgment for $8,866.67.
Mid Continent Federal Savings Bank vs. Joseph D. Bailey, et al; plaintiff seeking judgment for $38,200.79.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Favorite Oklahoma author, Michael Wallis has just completed another masterpiece with a new twist. In this beautiful new book "Oklahoma Crossroads," he has joined forces with David Fitzgerald, master photographer, and the pair have produced an outstanding pictorial and descriptive tribute to the lush "Green Country" of northeastern Oklahoma.
Wallis and Fitzgerald will both be in Ponca City, Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Brace Books and More to visit with fans and autograph copies of "Oklahoma Crossroads" and other books they have produced.
With so many layers of history and culture, northeastern Oklahoma - frequently called Green Country - is made up of a rainbow of colors, a variety of hues, nuances of light, and hints of shadow, says a representative of Graphic Arts Center Publishing Co. in Portland, Ore., publishers.
This striking collaborative effort includes a stunning and enlightening tour of Tulsa, the cultural capital of the state and its historically rich and diverse environs.
Karen Bantes with Graphic Arts Center says Wallis' heart and words sing the magic of the land, the people and the place. Northeastern Oklahoma has long held a spell over residents and visitors alike. Historical events affecting all of western history development passed through his region.
Readers are invited to meander with Wallis as he weaves the story of all the people who make this region their home. Feel the texture of prairie grass as he describes and animals who roam; hear the songbirds find refuge in the forest corridor; smell the winds as they gently carry the scent of earth, trees and shrubs; feel the sense of loss the Native American people carried with them as they were forced out of their traditional homes and understand the intensity of the settlers as they struggled to survive.
Equaling Wallis' richness in words is the color photography of David Fitzgerald. Included are lush images of forests, crisp city skylines with sparkling lights, calm rivers at dusk, trees changing into their fall colors, historic landmarks, famous architecture, and much more. The 85 photographs mingle with the text, bringing richness to every last page.
Wallis has been a writer since 1968. He is the best-selling author of eight books, including "Route 66: The Mother Road," "Way Down Yonder in the Indian Nation," "Mankiller, Chief of the Cherokees," and other favorites.
In addition to being nominated for both the National Book Award and three times for a Pulitzer Prize, he was won numerous other prestigious honors including the Steinbeck and Lynn Riggs Awards.
Born in Missouri, Wallis has lived and worked throughout the West, settling in Tulsa in 1982. In addition to his books his writings have been published in hundreds of magazines and newspapers.
Fitzgerald's work has received national attention throughout his 30-year career as a professional photographer. His photographs appear in commercial advertisements for national and international clients and in fine art exhibitions.
Fitzgerald's association with Graphic Arts Center Publishing has resulted in the publication of six books, including "Oklahoma II," "Portrait of the Ozarks," "Israel," and "Mansion Fare: The Culinary Heritage of Oklahoma Governors."
Fitzgerald is the official photographer of Aerospace American magazine and a contributing editor of "Oklahoma Today" magazine.
His works are included in permanent collections of the State Arts collection housed at the Kirkpatrick Omniplex; the University of Central Oklahoma's Donna Nigh Gallery; and the University of Oklahoma's Museum of Art.
In 1996 Fitzgerald received the Outstanding Tourism Contributor award
from the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation.
DEATHS
John Phillip Jacobs, former Ponca City area resident, died Thursday, April 9, 1998, at his home in Pasco, Wash. He was 53.
A private memorial service will be held May 9, 1998, in the home of Lou Dean on Blue Mountain near Dinosaur, Colo.
The Jacobs family resided in Osage County near Braden School for 23 years. Jacobs graduated eighth grade from Braden School and attended Ponca City High School until he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1961. He is affectionately known as "Bub" in Lou Dean's national award winning book "Angels in Disguise" and her recently released "Paw Prints in My Soul."
He is survived by his mother, Johnnie Lou Bush of Ponca City; two sisters, Lois Patricia Jacobs of Tonkawa and Lou Dean of Dinosaur, Colo.; one brother, David Dean Jacobs of Tonkawa; and two nephews.
POND CREEK - Edith B. Harville, Pond Creek resident, died Tuesday, April 14, 1998, at her sisters home in Pond Creek. She was 96.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Pond Creek First Christian Church with the Rev. Lynn Bond officiating. Burial will be in the Pond Creek Cemetery under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home.
Edith B. Harville was born July 16, 1901, in Pond Creek, Indian Territory. She was the daughter of Winfield S. and Nancy A. Poindexter. She grew up and attended schools in Pond Creek.
Miss Harville was employed as a sales clerk for Harry Harville Clothing. She moved to Tonkawa in 1940, returning to Pond Creek after her retirement in 1973. She was a member of the Pond Creek First Christian Church, and Kremlin chapter Order of Eastern Star No. 208.
Survivors include one sister Ethel Bossie Bunyan of Pond Creek and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Harry, George and Tom; and five sisters, Nin Black, Ollie Willard, Maggie Adams, Dee Gallop and Mae Drennan.
Memorials may be made in Miss Harville's name to the Pond Creek Ambulance Fund or the First Christian Church, c/o Wilson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 478, Pond Creek, OK 73766.
Gareth Sanders, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, April 14, 1998, at Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 71.
A memorial graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the Union Cemetery in Billings, Okla. Dr. John Bartlett minister of Tonkawa First Christian Church will be the officiant. Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Gareth Sanders was born July 23, 1926 in Billings, the son of Loren E. and Vera E. (Mitchell) Sanders. He grew up, attended school, and graduated from high school there. During World War II he joined and served in the U.S. Navy.
In 1948, he was married to Virginia B. Rairdon, and for a short period of time, resided and lived in Ponca City, working for Smith-Gruner.
In 1973 he was married to Ruth Noyes. Sanders was employed at the General Electric Plant in Arkansas City, Kan., until his retirement in 1987. He then moved to Owasso, where he was employed with Bisjet International until 1993, when he returned to Ponca City.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth, of the home; one son, Mike Sanders of Ponca City; two daughters Vicky Wolcott of Winfield, Kan., and Malinda Crandall of Warrensburg, Mo.; one step-daughter, Mary Graham of Seattle, Wash.; a step-son, Robert Graham of Bella Vista, Ark.; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Rayna June Schatz.
Wilford Benjamin Mason, resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday morning, April 14, 1998, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. He was 83.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Trinity Pentecostal Church, 621 West Grand, with the Rev. Paul Holmes presiding. Burial will be in Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Wilford Benjamin Mason was born June 10, 1914, at Cameron, N.M., the son of David Benjamin and Artie Miller Mason. At an early age he moved with his family to Ponca City. He attended Lincoln Elementary School and when the family moved to the Maple Grove School District he graduated there from the eighth grade.
He was married to Zola Edith Maze in 1940. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Cavalry, stationed at Brownsville, Texas. He was then employed at an airplane production plant in Wichita, Kan. and later farmed in Missouri, worked as a carpenter, and as a school janitor before his retirement. Mason resided for a time in Texas before making his home in Ponca City. He was a member of the Trinity Pentecostal Church. He enjoyed mowing yards, church singing, helping others, and playing the harmonica.
Survivors include three children, Sue VanNoy, Edith Miller and Ann Worthy; sisters, Dorthie Spears and Mildred Ross, both of Ponca City and Beulah Mitchell of Douglas, Kan.; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Casket bearers will be David Megee, Chris Parker, Charles Fulks, J.D. Fairchild, Amos Landers and Miles Miller II.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Mason's name to Trinity Pentecostal Church, 621 West Grand, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at 3193 City View Road.
Nadia Karty, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday afternoon, April 14, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 21. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Guillermo N. Pablo, 3117 El Camino, died early Wednesday morning at his home. He was 78. Survivors include his wife, Primitiva, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
A.G. Hutchinson - The funeral notice for Mr. Hutchinson was published
in error in the April 14 issue of the News. Mr. Hutchinson's memorial service
was held on April 10 at Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City,
under the direction of Vondel L. Smith and Son Mortuary. The News regrets
any inconvenience to family and friends the erroneous publication may have
caused.
NEWS BRIEFS
Open House - An open house and tours of the Attucks Community Center, 1001 South Twelfth, is planned for 1-3 p.m. Saturday. For more information contact J. L. Roland, chairperson.
Veterans Dinner - The Ponca Tribe Business Committee will sponsor an evening meal Thursday in the dining hall of the Ponca Tribal Affairs Building in White Eagle. The meal will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be in honor of all Vietnam era veterans. It is being held in conjunction with the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall. The general public is invited.
Special Board Meeting - The Ponca City Board of Education will hold a special board meeting Thursday at noon to award the bid for track and field improvements at Po-Hi.
School Event - Washington School is sponsoring a pizza night and Beanie Baby fund raiser 5-8 p.m. Thursday. Pizza will be at the Pizza Hut and proceeds from the fund raisers will go toward purchasing a new sign for the school and more books for the school library. Volunteers are still needed. For more information call Kristin Burley, 765-7181; Shana Palmer, 765-0873; Lori Thompson, 767-1705.
Donations to Wall - Donations made during the visit of "The Wall That Heals" will go to Washington, D.C. To make local contributions, call 762-5659.
Dressage Society to Meet - The North Central Chapter of the Oklahoma Dressage Society will meet on 7 p.m. Monday at Dougan's restaurant. There will be a business meeting followed by a program on CPR given by Kim and Scott Kulczychi. The meeting is open to anyone interested in Dressage. For more information, call Rainee Junkens, 362-2177.
Desk Needed - Marie Trenary, Director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has stated that the organization is in need of a used computer desk. Anyone wishing to donate the item may call 762-9412 or 762-9413.
Injury Accident - One person was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 7:58 a.m. Tuesday after receiving injuries in an accident at Fairview Avenue and East Hartford Avenue.
Arrest - Police arrested a 20-year-old woman at 9:37 a.m. Tuesday from the 1900 block of North Fourteenth Street on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Car Hit - At 10:36 a.m. Tuesday a man reported that his car had been hit while parked in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth Street. A report was taken.
Bike Stolen - At 11:03 a.m. Tuesday a woman in the 800 block of South Eleventh Street reported a bike stolen. A report was taken.
Vehicle Keyed - A woman called police at 11:09 a.m. Tuesday to report that her car had been keyed while in the 2100 block of North Ash Street. A report was taken.
Money Stolen - At 1:39 p.m. Tuesday a woman in the 300 block of North Pine Street advised police that money had been stolen from her wallet. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Stolen Wallet - A woman called police at 1:54 p.m. Tuesday to report that her wallet had been stolen from the 200 block of East Highland Avenue. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 35-year-old man at 2:17 p.m. Tuesday on a Kay County warrant for violation of ex parte order.
Forged Check - At 2:23 p.m. Tuesday police were advised of a forged check at Lowe's, 3500 North Fourteenth Street. A report was taken.
Accident - An ambulance was called to the scene of an accident at First Street and Grand Avenue at 2:27 p.m. Tuesday. However, no one was taken to the hospital.
Arrest - Police arrested a 32-year-old woman at 3:21 p.m. Tuesday on two city warrants, one for failure to pay and one for failure to appear.
Wallet Stolen - A woman called police at 3:37 p.m. Tuesday to report that her wallet had been stolen from Pay Less Shoes, 2720 North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Bike Stolen - A bike was reported stolen at 4:05 p.m. Tuesday from the 300 block of North Seventh Street. A report was taken.
Accident - An non-injury accident was reported at 4:54 p.m. Tuesday in the 1500 block of North Union Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Tree House Injury - At 5:37 p.m. Tuesday an ambulance was called to the 1100 block of North Waverly Street to take a 10-year-old girl to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after she fell out of a tree house and injured her leg.
Possible Gunshots - Police were called to the 400 block of South Lake Street at 10:37 p.m. Tuesday after receiving several 911 calls reporting gunshots in the area.
Arrest - Police arrested a 21-year-old woman at 11:25 p.m. Tuesday from the 100 block of West Hartford Avenue on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Vandalism and Theft - A woman called police at 2:40 a.m. Wednesday
reporting that her purse had been stolen from her vehicle after the passenger
window had been broken out while parked in the 100 block of South Pine Street.
Officers were assigned and a report was taken.
LIFESTYLES
Eta Delta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority held the regular April meeting at the home of Paula Harryman. Sylvia Smith presided at the business session which was attended by 14 members.
The annual "Poverty Party" will be held in the home of Linda Paulson April 17. Twelve members are planning to attend the Founder's Day April 21 at the Marland Mansion. The completion of banquet decorations was supervised by Julie Collins and Nancy Pryse. Chapter members also worked with Suzie Allen on finalizing the resume for this year.
Cecelia Schieber conducted an installation ceremony for 1998-99 chapter officers. Carol Mounts won the door prize drawing. Judy Branch will host the April 27 meeting.
The Oklahoma Federation of Music Clubs will conduct a State Play-Off Contest April 18 at the Southern Nazarene University in Cantrell Hall in Bethany. Students from nine state areas will be participating.
The morning contest will begin at 10 a.m. and will feature Cathy Byard's Home School Girls Ensemble. The members include Leah Bolay, Bethany Bowen, Brooke Floyd, Mandy Hudgins, Emily Lewis, Elisa Massey, Shannon Perkins, Kelsie Powell, and Katie Sapp.
Ponca City area Vocal students presenting solos include LeAnna Mai, Melissa Bacher, Audrey Eubank, Daniel Quinn, Kara Hardy, and Robin Maril. Kevin Goldman will present two vocal solos and Yona Wade will present three vocal solos.
The afternoon program will begin at 1:30 pm. Area student pianists presenting solos include Melody Cooper, Lauren Degan, and Kent Dennis. Two vocal ensembles from Miss Suzi's Singing School will also perform in the afternoon. The Primary singers include Caitlin Brown, Brittany Canon, Paige Cordova, Alix Ford, and Ashlee Logan.
The Older Home school ensemble includes Kaitlyn Amos, Joel Bolay, Bethany Bowen, Sarah Bowen, April Harden, Bethany Harden, Michaela Logan, Heather Mai, LeAnna Mai, Nathan Mai, Elisa Massey and Michelle Ricketson. Ashlee Logan will perform a recorder solo and the recorder quartet of April Harden, Bethany Bowen, Sarah Bowen, Elisa Massey will also perform.
This is the 100th anniversary of the National Federation of Music Clubs. Celebrations are taking place across the country honoring the Federation. The culminating activity will take place Aug. 15 in Arlington Heights, Ill. Five students from Ponca City will be participating in the nation wide play-off. These students include: Nicholas Burton and Kent Dennis, piano; Kati Salmons, flute; Yona Wade and Kevin Goldman, vocal.
Doug and Lou White of Norman announce the birth of a daughter at 3:26 p.m. April 10, 1998 at the Norman Regional Hospital. The baby weighed 7-pounds, 7-ounces and was 21 1/2-inches long. She has been named Amanda Christine White and has a sister, Virginia Lou, 3.
Maternal grandparents are Don and Sandy Bishop and paternal grandparents are Don and Gail White, all of Ponca City.
Modern Mom's Mothers' Club members are making final preparations for the Oklahoma Association of Mother's Clubs "Roaring Twenties" state convention. The event will be held here at the Marland Mansion Conference Center April 17-18 and marks the first time the organization's state convention has been held in Ponca City.
Club members have spent a year researching the twenties era in preparation for the convention. Modern Mom's Club is a hostess group for the luncheon and special centerpieces and decorations, as well as hats, have been created for each of the state officers.
Club members participating are Glenda Hisey, Sue Bond, Carol McGaughey, Tammy Beier, Martha Long, Mary Gray, Cheryl Ramsey, Becky Rothbauer and Kelly Ricketson.
A Secretary Appreciation Day reception April 22 will honor all local Chamber member secretaries. Sponsored by Sykes Enterprises and the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, the event will be held 10 a.m.-noon at the Chamber office, 420 East Grand.
Refreshments will be served and secretaries will have the opportunity to sign up for prize drawings and gifts. "Bosses" are encouraged to bring their secretaries to the event said a spokesperson.
Participation is free to Chamber member firms. Reservations may be made by calling the Chamber of Commerce office, 765-4400.
Members of the Mozart Club will conclude meetings this year April 19 at 2 p.m. at the Ponca City Cultural Center. There will be one performance time and Gold Cup presentation will begin at 3:15 p.m. Teachers are requested to attend with students for pictures to be taken.
All students participating in the poster contest must have the posters
submitted by 2 p.m. for judging. Monetary awards will be given. Information
sheets for the poster contest may be obtained by calling Suzi Lenhart, 762-9895.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Po-Hi's soccer teams proved they could play defense with the best of 'em. They just need to find some scoring - and some luck.
The Wildcats played host to Broken Arrow, ranked No. 4 in both boys and girls' Class 5A polls, Tuesday night at Sullins Stadium.
The Tigers blitzed the Wildcats for three first-half goals and then held off the Ponca City second half comeback try for a 3-0 win.
The Lady Tigers had trouble scoring against the tough Po-Hi girls' defense in the early game. In fact, they didn't.
A Ponca City defender inadvertently headed a long Broken Arrow pass backwards into her own goal and the visitors went home grateful with a 1-0 win.
The Wildcats, 2-9, and Lady Cats, 3-4, now enter the all-important district games, traveling to Enid on Friday.
The Poncans travel to Edmond Memorial next Tuesday and finish against Stillwater here on April 24.
The top two district teams qualify for the playoffs with the district champions having the home field advantage for at least the first round of the playoffs.
Both Ponca City teams will be looking for more offense in district play.
Against the Broken Arrow girls, the Lady Cats managed just one shot on goal in the second half and that came on a penalty kick.
The boys' fared little better offensively Tuesday, having to ward off Tiger attacks for three quarters of the match. The Cats got their act together late, but couldn't find the back of the net.
"We just can't seem to score," coach Geoff Morrison said, shaking his head.
The Poncans are hoping that all changes during their district run. Edmond Memorial is probably the toughest of the three district foes for the Cats and the Bulldogs are playing at just above a .500 level.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
TULSA - The Ponca City Wildcat baseballers lost a heartbreaker Tuesday night, falling to the Tulsa Union Redskins in a battle of attrition, 8-7.
Up by one run after the first inning, 4-3, the Cats proceeded to fall behind by one in a two-run effort by the Redskins in the fifth. The Cats responded with three runs in the top of the sixth to go ahead once more, 7-5, but the Redskins came right back in the bottom of that inning with three more runs of their own to retake the lead for good, 8-7.
The Cats were then thwarted in their final comeback attempt in the seventh.
Senior Jay Bentley - who threw a no-hitter his last time around - started and went the distance on the mound for the Wildcats once again. Bentley struck out three, walked five, and gave up ten hits to the Redskins. Though the Cats left 11 runners stranded throughout the game and picked up just six hits off a trio of Union pitchers, four walks and four hit batters - combined with four errors by the Redskins' infield - kept things close.
In the first inning, a walk by catcher Jerrod Spears, followed by an RBI double by shortstop Justin Thomas led to the Poncans first score. After Bentley got on on an error, left fielder Michael Quick drove Thomas in with a single, stole second, and came in on another Redskin throwing error - this time off the bat of first baseman Dean Hemenway.
The Redskins responded to those four runs with three of their own, however, working Bentley over with three singles and a double.
Though the senior right hander calmed down after that, allowing just one hit over the next three innings, the Redskins unleashed again in the fifth, banging out three more hits and capitalized on a throwing error by the Poncans to take the momentary lead.
The Poncans came right back in the sixth, however. Nine hole hitter Daniel Denny went right to work on relief pitcher Greg Porter, slicing a single to left field for a base hit. Spears then came through with an RBI single, Thomas got on on an error, Bentley sent Spears in to score with a fielders' choice, and Quick came through again with an RBI single for the Poncans' final score of the game.
The Redskins weren't about to go away quietly into the evening, however. After a single by their nine-hole hitter, a clutch double by clean-up hitter Donaldson scored one, and following a walk, a huge, two RBI double to left field put the Redskins in the lead for good.
And though the Poncans got two runners on base in the top of the seventh, they couldn't bring them in, and the Redskins escaped with the win.
For the game, Spears was 2-for-4 with a walk, while Quick was 2-for-3 with a walk. Third baseman Chris Koenig, out for the last week with a shoulder injury, was hit by pitches in 3-of-4 at-bats.
After a rare day off, the Cats resume play on Thursday, traveling to take on Enid.
Tulsa Union 8, Ponca City 7
Ponca City 400 003 0 - 7 6 1
Tulsa Union 300 023 x - 8 10 4
Dillforth, Porter (6), Reed (6), and Stough; Bentley and Spears.
Hoping the home court advantage will kick in, the Wildcat tennis teams will host the Wildcat Classic Thursday. Other teams competing will be Enid, Edmond Memorial, Edmond North, Moore, Bartlesville, Broken Arrow, and Stillwater.
"Right there you have three of the top five teams in the state," says boys' coach Steve Larimer. "It's gonna be a tough, tough tournament."
The Wildcats, falling behind after a number of tight, 3-set matches, finished in fifth place in the Bartlesville Tournament, Monday.
The Cats finished with 16 points, trailing champion Bartlesville, with 30, Broken Arrow with 28, Claremore with 24, and Sapulpa with 18. The Poncans did beat out Tulsa Union, Owasso and Bartlesville's JV, which finished with 13, 12, and seven points, respectively.
In No. 2 doubles, Micha Alexander and Tim Frick had the Wildcats' best finish, coming in third. The Poncans sailed past Bartlesville's Bueller-Hankingson, 6-3, 6-2, fell in the second round to Broken Arrow's Rebber-Adams, 6-1, 6-1, but came back with a long, three set victory over Sapulpa's Keller-McDonald, 6-7, 6-3, 7-5, to get the win.
Jason Nigh and Matt Stuemky, in No. 2 doubles, also had a day of battles. After cruising past Owasso's Boyd-Bertrum, 6-3, 6-0, the Poncans fell to top-seed Bartlesville in a heartbreaker, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. The pair also dropped their third place game to Claremore's McKinsey-O'Meally, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, to finish fourth.
In No. 2 singles, Daniel Lee, coming back from a basketball-induced ankle sprain, finished in sixth place. After going down hard to Broken Arrow's Dean Clower, 6-0, 6-0, Lee came back to top Union's Matt Burrows, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, but was toppled in a final round match up to Bartlesville's Grant Pierce, 6-2, 6-7, 6-4.
In No. 1 singles, Bilal Agha fell in a first round match up to No. 1 seed Matt Str