LOCAL

Tears Mark Low-Key Bombing Ceremony
Man Found Dead
Nearly News
Four Historians To Be Inducted in OHS Hall of Fame
Alternative High Students Plan OBI Blood Drive
Ponca Election Retains LeClair

Tears Mark Low-Key Bombing Ceremony

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Relatives of bombing victims clutched flowers, photos and buttons, wiped away tears and hugged children as they gathered today on a plaza where four years before victims of the federal building bombing had been brought.

In a low-key ceremony marking the fourth anniversary of the April 19, 1995, bombing, a crowd of about 300 looked out over a site under construction as workers took a morning break from their tasks in building a memorial.

A worker in a hard hat stood in a blown-out window of the Journal Record Building and others stood on the red dirt of the memorial grounds. Nearby, workers perched on the roof of a damaged church to watch.

‘‘We do not want another city to experience what we have endured here,’’ said Bob Johnson, chairman of the Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation trust. ‘‘Let what you see around you, this construction, be a symbol for renewal.’’

Robert Long, pastor of St. Luke’s Methodist Church, told the survivors and relatives of those killed they will never be forgotten.

‘‘You are not alone. We still care,’’ he said. ‘‘Your loved ones are not forgotten. This memorial is our pledge to you that we will remember.’’

Evidence of the destructive bomb remained four years later. Tiles were loose on the plaza. Plywood boards covered some areas where small trees and bushes once grew. The boarded-up YMCA building stood to the east of the damaged Journal Record building and renovations continued on a nearby church.

‘‘It’s an honor to be back in Oklahoma today to pay respect to the people who died in the bombing,’’ said Don Forsyth, battalion chief of the Orange County (Calif.) Fire Department, which removed the final 31 victims from the building.

As the names of the 168 dead were read, family and friends dropped flowers over a glass wall onto the site where the nine-story Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building once stood.

‘‘It’s kind of tough but I am glad to be here,’’ said Rudy Guzman, whose brother was killed in the blast. ‘‘I was restless last night but this is very nice.’’

People lingered on the plaza after the ceremony ended, talking with former co-workers, friends and relatives.

‘‘This plaza has special emotions for those of us who worked here because this is where we carried the bodies out after the bombing,’’ said survivor Paul Heath. ‘‘You re-experience all of that standing here.’’

Dennis Purifoy of the Social Security Administration said it was the first time he had been on the plaza since the bombing and it was nice to be back. He said it was a completely different feeling from four years ago.

‘‘This was really, really nice,’’ Purifoy said. ‘‘I had a little bit of trepidation as usual but I got through it. When I stepped onto the plaza it was a whole different feeling because this is the first time since 1995.’’

The ceremony is the last such observance before the permanent memorial park is completed next year.

Visitors ‘‘can begin to see what it’s going to become and how powerful it’s going to become,’’ says Kari Ferguson, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation. ‘‘I think it will forever draw people from around the world who want to learn more about that moment.’’

Jim Denny and his wife took their two young children, who were severely injured in the explosion, to the site for the memorial.

‘‘I think we need to keep remembering the people who gave their lives in the bombing,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s just a matter of paying respect to those who lost their lives and their families. It is something we need to do for ourselves. It is part of the healing process.’’

Today also marks the start of the American Revolution, the fiery federal raid at Waco, Texas, and the execution of extremist Richard Wayne Snell in Arkansas in 1995 for the 1983 murder of a Texarkana pawnbroker whom Snell thought was Jewish.

Members of the Aryan Circle prison gang had called for a gathering today in Jasper, Texas, but nothing specific was scheduled and no problems had been reported as of mid-day. A court hearing had been moved from today to Tuesday because of concerns there might be problems. The city attracted national attention last June when a black man was dragged to death behind a pickup, has authorities on alert.

The wave of violence that some thought might terrorize the United States after the 1995 truck bombing never materialized. And a political science professor at the University of Central Oklahoma thinks it’s unlikely Americans will soon see a repeat of the violence.

‘‘You remember people saying at the time that this is just the beginning, but we haven’t seen anything at all since. The only thing we had was a train incident out in Arizona and that probably was the work of a disgruntled employee,’’ says John George, co-author of ‘‘American Extremists,’’ and ‘‘Marxists, Communists, Klansmen and Others On The Fringe.’’

‘‘What happened to us here in Oklahoma City we will never forget. It was the worst act of terrorism on American soil, but the U.S. has had very little terrorism in its history.’’

Man Found Dead

A 56-year-old Ponca City man took his life on April 17.

Wes Penland, chief deputy of the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, verified that a deputy responded to the 4800 block of East Highway Road, at 2 p.m. Saturday after a resident called 911 expressing concern for his neighbor’s welfare.

Upon arrival, the deputy found Paul Shipp dead outside in the carport area, apparently from self-strangulation. Penland confirmed there were no signs of foul play indicated at the scene.

Nearly News

Nearly News has been informed that the Secretary’s Day reception will be held between 10 a.m. and noon on Wednesday at the Chamber of Commerce office. Call 765-4400, to help inform them who’s coming. Each secretary will receive a goody bag.

Four Historians To Be Inducted in OHS Hall of Fame

Dr. Donald J. Berthrong and the late Rella Watts Looney, Savoie Lottinville, and Parker McKenzie will be inducted into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame on Friday during the Oklahoma Historical Society Awards Banquet at the Hutchins Memorial in Ponca City.

Berthrong, who chaired the University of Oklahoma Department of History from 1966-70, is now professor of history emeritus at Purdue University in Lafayette, Ind. Looney, Lottinville and McKenzie will be honored posthumously.

Looney served as Oklahoma Historical Society archivist for 45 years until her retirement in 1974. She died at 98 in 1996. Lottinville directed the University of Oklahoma Press for 30 years until 1968, bringing it to national prominence. He died at 90 in 1997. McKenzie, a Kiowa historian, linguist and elder, was a member of the original American Indian Exposition Board of Directors. He died at 101 in Mountain View on March 5, 1999.

All will be inducted by Deputy Executive Director Dr. Bob Blackburn of the Oklahoma Historical Society during the 7 p.m. banquet in the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. The induction will be one of the featured events of the banquet and the Oklahoma Historical Society Annual Meeting at the Marland Estate Conference Center Thursday through Saturday.

This is the seventh year of inductions into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame, bringing the total number to 28. Plaques honoring the Hall of Fame members will be displayed in a place of honor in the Wiley Post Historical Building and later in the new $46 million Oklahoma History Center, which is being planned in Oklahoma City.

Looney was born in Illinois during 1898 and came to Muskogee in 1911. Her first task with the Oklahoma Historical Society was to catalog the records of the Five Civilized Tribes in Muskogee starting in 1929.

She came to Oklahoma City in 1934, when the Indian Records were moved to the Oklahoma Historical Society Archives and opened to the public. Hundreds of thousands of additional pages of tribal records were added, and the records were researched by scholars. Looney assisted scholars such as Berthrong. Angie Debo, Grant Foreman, Muriel Wright, Alice Marriott and Daniel Littlefield among others.

During her 45 years, Looney cataloged 3.5 million documents and more than 6,000 volumes while serving most of that time as the only staff member in the archives. The Oklahoma Historical Society honored her by naming the Archives reading room as the Rella Watts Looney Research Room.

Lottinville was born in Idaho in 1906 and came with his family to Tulsa, where he graduated from high school. He later became director of the University of Oklahoma Press in 1938. His chance meeting with a U.S. Navy captain on a train led to the development of two navy bases in Norman.

Under his direction, OU Press pioneered the use of special paper made to last 300 years. Time magazine recognized him for building the press into the “nation’s standout example of a successful regional publisher. He is a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. His published works included “The Rhetoric of History” and “Western Man and His Tradition.”

McKenzie was born Nov. 15, 1897, in a Kiowa camp south of what is now Mountain View in Kiowa County. He attended the Rainy Mountain Kiowa boarding school, the Phoenix Indian boarding school, Lamson Business College and Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University). He worked for the Indians Monies Section of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Anadarko Agency from 1920 to 1959.

He was a self-taught linguist as well as a historian and cultural preservationist. He first served as a Kiowa linguist to John Peabody Harrington when Harrington did preliminary field work at the Anadarko Agency. His published works included the “Popular Account of the Kiowa Indian Language.”

The Annual Meeting will continue from noon Thursday to noon Saturday. It will feature a 12:15 p.m. luncheon with U.S. District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange as speaker on April 23 at the Marland Estate Chapel Hall as well as the Awards Banquet. The meeting also will feature tours of historic sites in the Ponca City-Tonkawa area and 24 reports in 12 sessions.

For more information call Mary Ann Blochowiak at (405) 522-5243.

Alternative High Students Plan OBI Blood Drive

Students at the Ponca City Alternative High School have been working on a very special project with the Oklahoma Blood Institute, which will benefit the community. They will hold a blood drive Wednesday from noon until 5 p.m. in the Resource Center of the old Lincoln Elementary School, 700 West Broadway Avenue.

Posters and flyers have been distributed by students throughout the west side of Ponca City. They have also been busy recruiting donors and learning what it takes to be a blood donor.

“This has been a real learning experience for our students,” said Peg Jordan, principal. “They are learning some valuable lessons about helping patients in need, helping the community where they live and helping themselves to be responsible citizens.”

Pixie Rowland, manager of the Oklahoma Blood Institute of Ponca City, spoke to the students and faculty about blood, the different blood components, the blood donation procedure and what it takes to be a blood donor.

“These students learned that blood is not something that can be manufactured. It must be donated by one human being for another,” said Rowland.

To give blood, a donor must be weigh at least 105 pounds, be 17 years of age and in good health. To schedule an appointment or for questions, call OBI at 580-762-9488. Drop-ins are also welcome.

A special T-shirt will be given to donors who contribute Wednesday.

Ponca Election Retains LeClair

WHITE EAGLE — The Ponca Tribal enrolled eligible members voted on Saturday, April 17, 1999, to retain Mrs. Carol LeClair on the Ponca Tribal Business Committee for the remainder of her term.

The election was held between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday at the Tribal Affairs Building, and all procedures went according to the Ponca Tribal Constitution and the Ponca Tribal Election Board ordinance, according to the Ponca Tribal Election Board.

DEATHS

Helen A. Landon
Dorothy Lee McClung
Kenneth P. McDaniel
Norman J. Brown
Arlene Trueblood
Ben Cantley
Florence Louise Wilson
Melinda K. Kerr
Frances E. Casey

Helen A. Landon

Helen A. Landon, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday morning, April 16, 1999, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 78.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 20, 1999, in the Northeast Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Larry Nigh, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Helen Landon was born Feb. 27, 1921, in Ponca City, the daughter of Calvin and Ethel (Summers) Cook. She grew up in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School. She also attended Pioneer Vo-Tech. She was employed with the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in housekeeping for 28 years.

Landon attended Northeast Baptist Church and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading, and writing poetry.

Surviving are two daughters, Mary Huff and Susan Walker, both of Ponca City; three sons, Carl Schuchman of El Dorado, Mo., Lloyd Schuchman of Tonkawa, and Joe Landon of Hot Springs, Ark.; four sisters, Viola Nations of Lancaster, Calif., Freda Anderson of Tulsa, Lois Russell of Ponca City, and Kathryn Nevijil of Washington D.C.; three brothers, Sonny Cook of Ponca City, Jack Mitchell of Indianapolis, Ind., and Bob Mitchell of Phoenix, Ariz.; 18 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Tommy Landon; and one great-grandson.

Casket bearers will be Mike Allen, Chris Hocevar, Travis Logan, Carl Schuchman, William Schuchman, and Roger Wano Jr.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Foundation, c/o Sandy Gearhart, P.O. Box 1270, Ponca City, OK 74602.

The family will be at the Annette Hocevar home, 516 N. Sunset.

Dorothy Lee McClung

BLACKBURN — Dorothy Lee McClung, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, April 17, 1999, at her home in Blackburn. She was 82.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, 1999, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Charles Hines, pastor of the Blackburn First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.

Dorothy Lee McClung was born June 15, 1916, near Burbank, the daughter of Martin Hill and Anna (Chaney) Hill. She graduated from Kaw City High School in 1935. She was united in marriage to Virgil McClung on Oct. 15, 1940, at Miami. The couple lived at Uncas for eight years, at Ponca City for 30 years, and at Blackburn for the last 20 years. She enjoyed cross stitching, gardening and reading.

She is survived by her husband of the home; two sons, Allan McClung of Blackburn and Larry Dillow of The Colony, Texas; one daughter, Linda Humphrey of Blackburn; two sisters, Norma Randel of Illinois and Hazel Abrams of Santa Maria, Calif.; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 2 step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Lyle Dillow in 1939; four brothers, Virgil Hill, Jim Hill, Merle Hill and Elray Hill; two half-brothers, Pete Hill and Arthur Hill; one half-sister, Lillie; two infant sisters; and one grandchild.

Casket bearers will be Kip McClung, Kevin McClung, Shawn McClung, Joe Breedlove, Dennis Humphrey and John Lee.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Pawnee, c/o Pawnee Hospital, P.O. Box 467, Pawnee, Okla. 74058.

The family will be at the home at rural Blackburn.

Kenneth P. McDaniel

Kenneth (Ted) P. McDaniel, Ponca City resident, died Friday, April 16, 1999, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. He was 72.

Masonic graveside rites will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 20, 1999, in the Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Born April 10, 1927, in Sapulpa, he was the son of Payton and Thelma (Ruhl) McDaniel. He grew up in Sapulpa and graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1945. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy. Following his discharge from the service in 1948, he married Lillian I. Mason in Sapulpa. McDaniel attended the University of Tulsa.

In 1985, McDaniel retired from the Sand Springs Railroad where he had worked as a commercial agent. He was a member of the Tulsa Scottish Rite 32nd degree KCCH, the Petroleum Masonic Lodge No. 474 AF&AM, past patron of the Brookside Chapter O.E.S., the Will Clark-Tulsa Court Order of the Amaranth, and the White Shrine of Jerusalem.

Surviving are his wife, of The Renaissance of Ponca City; a brother, Pat McDaniel of Sapulpa; one son, Philip McDaniel of Ponca City; two daughters, Pamela Teague of Memphis, Tenn., and Patti Penhall of Chicago, Ill.; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Pauline Wilson; and two brothers, Leo McDaniel and Cleo McDaniel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 6465 S. Yale, Tulsa, OK 74136.

Obituaries

Norman J. Brown

Norman J. Brown, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, April 17, 1999, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. He had reached the age of 58 years, 8 month and 6 days.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 1999, in the Worship Center of the First Baptist Church with Pastor Hance Dilbeck presiding. Burial will be at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Norman J. Brown was born Aug. 11, 1940, in Ponca City, the son of Frank W. Brown and Helen (Robbins) Brown. He graduated from Po-Hi in 1958, later attending classes at Northern Oklahoma College. He was united in marriage to Dianne E. Keathly on Jan. 1, 1984, at Ponca City. Mr. Brown was employed 35 years with Conoco working in the Production Research Division. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church. His enjoyments included woodworking, working with his hands, traveling, visiting with friends, loving his grandchildren and loving the Lord.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne, of the home; two sons, Norman Jeffery Brown Jr. of Oklahoma City and David Christopher Skinner of Houston, Texas; two daughters, Danielle Behar of Ponca City and Teresa Brown of Puyllup, Wash.; one brother, Clark Brown of Ponca City; five grandchildren, Chase Dewey, Nicole Dewey, Brandon Behar, Blake Behar and Tanner Brown; one nephew, Brett Brown; and two nieces, Sherrie Brown and Elisha Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Casket bearers will be Brett Brown, Larry Alley, David Snyder, Larry Harrison, Lee Strubble, Blaine Talbot, Leonard McClung and David Meyers. Honorary casket bearers will be Brose Draper, David Simmons, Ron Drudik, Bill Brown, Don Horner, Gary Aldrich and Virgil Petty.

Memorial contributions may be made to the following: Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601; Feed The Children Fund, P.O. Box 36, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73101; or The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma, Scholarship Fund in Memory of Norman J. Brown, 3800 North May Avenue., Oklahoma City, Okla. 73112.

The family will be at 2401 Copperfield Avenue.

paid obituary

Arlene Trueblood

Arlene Trueblood, 11501 Osage Cove Rd., died Friday, April 16, 1999, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 56.

The funeral will be Tuesday, April 20, 1999, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of the Trout Funeral Home with the Rev. Ernest Ashcraft of Henrietta officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, west of Tonkawa.

Born May 29, 1942, at Tulsa, she was the daughter of Ryland Henry and Florence Y. Smith McGaha. At an early age, she moved with her family to Ponca City where she attended schools Jefferson, McKinley, East Junior High, and graduated from Po-Hi in 1960.

On Jan. 17, 1961, she married Mack L. Trueblood at Medford. The couple made their home in Ponca City. In 1982 they opened Mack’s Bait and moved to that location.

Arlene was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed reading, traveling, camping and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Mack, of the home; a son, Rocky and his wife Debbie, Ponca City; a brother, Ray McGaha and his wife Marilyn, Atlanta, Ga.; two sisters, Mary L. Kerns and Helen and her husband Vaughn Warren, all of Ponca City; a granddaughter, Kendra Hubbard and her husband Sam; two great-grandchildren, Darrel Wyatt and Colton Chase Hubbard; two nieces and four nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Leroy, on March 16, 1986, and her parents.

Casket bearers will be Mark Chamberlan, Sam Hubbard, Greg Lyons, Eddie Griffith, Dan Brown, and Steve Guy. Honorary casket bearers will be Willie Hargraves, R.J. Warren, Greg McGaha, Philip Own, Jim McGaha, and Wesley McGaha.

Memorials may be made to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, for arthritis research, 825 N.E. 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

The family will be at the home.

paid obituary

Ben Cantley

Ben Cantley, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday, April 17, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 77.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, April 20, 1999, at 10 a.m. at the Woodlands Christian Church with the Rev. Marilyn Merle, associate pastor, officiating and the Rev. Tom Ramsey, pastor of First Lutheran Church assisting. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Mr. Cantley was born Sept. 11, 1921, in Hominy to Bonner Benjamin and Ida Carolyn (Wolfe) Cantley. He moved to Pawnee at an early age and graduated from Pawnee High School. After graduation he served in the Army during World War II in the 45th Thunderbird Division. On April 25, 1948, he married June Whitfield in Fairfax. They moved to Ponca City in August of 1949. Mr. Cantley was employed with the Santa Fe Railroad for 38 years, retiring as a demurrage clerk. He was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, traveling and yard work. Ben was a good family man and liked doing things with his family. He was a charter member of Woodlands Christian Church and a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.

He is survived by his wife, June, of the home; one son: Alan Benjamin Cantley of Ponca City; two daughters: Carol Lawler and her husband Mark of Ponca City and Patricia Rye and her husband Tim of Temple, Texas; three grandchildren, Nikki Yarbrough and her husband Steve of Ponca City, Shelly Soutter of Lovelady, Texas, and Josh Lawler of Ponca City. Also one great-grandson, Lance Yarbrough, and a host of other relatives survive him. His parents preceded him in death.

Casket bearers will be Capper Newton, Don Waters, Harold Marshall, Leland Petersen, Mark Lawler and Tom Webb. Honorary bearers will be Tim Rye, Steve Yarbrough and Dr. Don Parsons.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to the Ben Cantley Memorial Fund, c/o Woodlands Christian Church, 1400 E. Hartford Ave., Ponca City, OK 74604.

The family will be at 952 N. Union.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Florence Louise Wilson

Florence Louise Wilson, longtime Ponca City resident, died Sunday, April 18, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 92. An evening prayer service will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel and the Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Other arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Melinda K. Kerr

SHIDLER — Melinda K. “Mindy” Kerr, resident of Shidler, died Saturday, April 17, 1999, in Webb City in her home. She was 41. The funeral will be a graveside service at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Frances E. Casey

Frances E. Casey, Ponca City resident, died Sunday evening, April 18, 1999, at Ponca City Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. She was 75. Funeral arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Freedom From Smoking — St Joseph Regional Medical Center will conduct a “Freedom From Smoking” clinic beginning April 26, at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room B. The seven-session clinic runs through June 1. $50 enrollment fee. Contact Martha Denney, 580-765-0201, for more information.

Bosses Make it easy on yourself! It’s Secretarial week. We

have gift certificates. Call us at Mrs. Brown’s Attic 762-4838. adv.

Tires Slashed — A resident in the 700 block of West Otoe Avenue informed the Ponca City Police Department that tires were slashed on a vehicle. An officer was assigned at 7:21 a.m. Saturday and took a report. At 9:38 a.m., a second officer also took a report of tires slashed on a vehicle from the 500 block of West Otoe Avenue.

Prom Flowers done with personal care at Carriage House

Flowers. 762-3778. adv.

Stolen — A Ponca City police officer took a report of items stolen off the front porch in the 300 block of North Oak Street at 12:05 p.m. Saturday.

Throwing Rocks — A motorist in the area of 3501 North Union Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 6:50 p.m. Saturday to report three small children were standing near the roadway throwing rocks at vehicles. An officer responded, located the kids and contacted the parents. The parents agreed to handle the situation.

Arrested — A 36-year-old man was arrested from a traffic stop at South Fourth Street and East South Avenue at 11:45 p.m. Saturday, by a Ponca City police officer. The subject was charged with driving under suspension and no insurance.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and

Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Accident — An employee at Take Ten, 3015 North Fourteenth Street, notified the Ponca City Police Department at 3:08 p.m. Saturday, of an accident which occurred in front of the business. Two officers responded and took a report. Apparently, one subject requested an ambulance for minor injuries.

Cow Manure $1.19 a bag. Keathly’s Nursery. 2448 Bridge

Avenue. Monday-Friday 8-5:30. Saturday 8-5. Sunday 1-5. adv.

Fighting — At 4:51 p.m. Saturday, two Ponca City police officers responded to the report of a fight in the 2300 block of North Fourteenth Street. Upon arrival, a 37-year-old man and a 44-year-old man were arrested for fighting in public.

Clocks Of every size and shape. Really neat! Secretaries

Day gifts and a table full of Mother’s Day gifts. It’s time. Christy’s,

3005 North Fourteenth. adv.

Curfew Violations — A Ponca City police officer picked up two girls from the 1600 block of North Waverly Avenue at 3:01 a.m. Sunday and took them to the police station. The girls were charged with curfew violations and released to their parents on a promise to appear in juvenile court.

Burglary — At 8:43 p.m. Saturday, a resident in the 900 block of West Highland Avenue contacted the Ponca City Police Department to report someone had broken into the house. An officer responded and took a burglary report.

WWF Backlash: In your house. Pay Per View hard hitting

wrestling coming Sunday, April 25th at 7:00 p.m. Call Cable One

for your ringside seat, 762-6684.adv.

Rocks Thrown — A resident in the 1400 block of Clarke Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 10:15 p.m. Saturday to report three subjects threw a rock from the overpass at Highland Avenue and broke a window. An officer responded and took a report.

Pauline's Every Monday night special. Fried chicken only - all

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

adv.

Stolen — An employee from Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, notified the Ponca City Police Department at 11:18 p.m. Saturday that a 17-year-old boy took a 30-pack of beer and ran eastbound on South Avenue. An officer was assigned and took a report.

Attention! Country Day School is extending their hours for child

care to 11:30 p.m. to accommodate people working night time

hours. Call 762-4453 for more information. adv.

Assault — At 11:27 p.m. Saturday, a Ponca City police officer took a report at the police station of a subject assaulted by four subjects near Ponca Lake.

4” Red Geraniums, reg. $1.99 sale $0.99. Keathly’s Nursery.

2448 Bridge Avenue. Monday-Friday 8-5:30. Saturday 8-5. Sunday

1-5. adv.

Curfew Violations — A Ponca City police officer stopped a car full of juveniles at 12:13 a.m. Sunday, after a complaint that the driver was intoxicated. The youth were not intoxicated but were cited for violating the curfew ordinance.

DUI — A 27-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer from a traffic stop at South Osage Street and West South Avenue at 12:46 a.m. Sunday. The subject was charged with driving under the influence, no insurance, no driver’s license and driving left of center.

In Custody — A 29-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer from North First Street and East Highland Avenue at 3:25 a.m. Sunday, for driving under suspension, no insurance and improper lane use.

In Custody — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 21-year-old woman from North Peachtree Street and West Summit Avenue, at 3:04 a.m. Monday. She was charged with driving while intoxicated and no insurance.

DUI — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 16-year-old boy at 4:16 a.m. Sunday from a traffic stop in the 1700 block of Clarke Street. The youth was charged with driving left of center, failure to stop, speeding, no insurance and driving under the influence.

Accident — At 9:07 a.m. Sunday, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper was advised of an accident which occurred two miles west of Waverly Avenue on Industrial Boulevard.

Shoplifting — An employee from Miller Market, 904 South Fourth Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 10:22 a.m. Sunday, to report a 15-year-old boy in custody for shoplifting. An officer responded and arrested the boy, who was later released to a parent on a promise to appear in juvenile court.

Bike Stolen — At 10:24 a.m. Sunday, a Ponca City police officer took a report of a bike stolen from the 1500 block of North Osage Street.

Fire — Marland Volunteer Fire Department handled a fire in a bar ditch one-half mile north of the Kay/Noble County line at 5:49 p.m. Sunday.

DUI — A 29-year-old woman was taken into custody, by a Ponca City police officer at 7:40 p.m. Sunday, from an accident which occurred in the 900 block of South Twelfth Street. The woman was charged with driving under the influence and backing a vehicle in the roadway.

Grand Larceny — A Ponca City Police officer took a report of grand larceny in the 2600 block of North Fifth Street at 8:26 p.m. Sunday. The resident reported that a scanner and $200 had been stolen.

Arrest — A 21-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at 12:50 a.m. Monday, at West Grand Avenue and Oak Street, for a city warrant.

Warrants Served — At 2:07 a.m. Monday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 30-year-old woman from a traffic stop at West Cleveland Avenue and North Osage Street, for a Kay County Warrant. Additionally, a 21-year-old woman was taken into custody for a Kay County and city warrants; a 30-year-old woman was arrested for a city warrant; and a 34-year-old man was arrested for a city warrant.

LIFESTYLES

Trio To Be Installed at Mother’s Club Event
Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter Reviews Sorority Book
Newkirk Main Street Awards Presented
Busy Bee Club Holds Meeting
Little News

Trio To Be Installed at Mother’s Club Event

Modern Mom’s Mothers Club met April 15 at the home of Sue Bond. Ten members answered roll call with the name of their favorite pie. Glenda Hisey gave the devotion from Silver Boxes, and the treasurer’s report was given by Carol McGaughey. Announcement was also made that the club members will run the Moto Cross concession stand.

The State Convention in Oklahoma City was discussed and final preparations were made for the April 23-24 event. This year’s theme is America on Parade. Three of the Modern Mom’s Club members will be installed as state officers for next year: Martha Long, state president; Tammy Beier, Chaplain; and Sue Bond, secretary.

The program was given by Glenda Hisey and Sue Bond. Paper bag patriotic wall hangings were made by all. Ms. Hisey won the hostess gift, and Becky Rothbauer won the traveling basket.

The next meeting has been changed to May 6. It will be a salad supper at Joan Hardy’s home. Members are asked to bring a gift for their secret sister and to be ready to volunteer for next years committees.

Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter Reviews Sorority Book

Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter met on April 13 in the home of Juni Parks. The business meeting was conducted by Darlene VanDeburgh, president. Communications were read from Teena Robbins, Delorus Patterson and Harold Waggerman. The treasurer announced that she was collecting for the Founder’s Day dinner from those who were planning to attend.

LaRannah Bartlett read from “The Book of Beta Sigma Phi” regarding International membership fees. A chapter year book was given to Lynda Voss, and Lynda’s member page was distributed. A scrapbook committee meeting was announced.

Social Chairman Leora Simmons suggested that the chapter birthday party be a dinner out, and she will look into what restaurant can accommodate the group. Following that dinner members will have birthday cake and the secret sister gift exchange in the home of Donna Ross.

The next chapter meeting will be following Founder’s Day at the Ponca City Country Club. Juni Parks requested members to make any changes on their personal yearbook page and get it to her by the first meeting in May. She announced birthdays and anniversaries for April.

Pam Sober volunteered to read the message from International at Founder’s Day. Jenny Ullery, and a helper, will help with the door prizes, and Ms. Ullery is preparing a chapter door prize. Ms. VanDeburgh gave the City Council report and announced the names of new City Council officers.

Gift favors from Delorus Patterson were also distributed.

Ms. VanDeburgh presented a program from the book, “I’m So Glad You Told me what I didn’t Want to Know” by Barbara Johnson. She read an essay entitled, “The Blessing of Friends,” and gave each member a list of inspirational sayings.

Juni Parks was honored on her birthday with a birthday cake and cards from the members.

Newkirk Main Street Awards Presented

NEWKIRK — A full house best describes the seventh annual Newkirk Main Street banquet held recently. The second floor of the historic Masonic Building served as the setting for the banquet.

Main Street President Dorothy Gilbreath gave the opening welcome and served as the emcee for the evening. She introduced Newkirk’s mayor Carol Purdy; Harold Harris, city manager; Gene Neuens, Chamber president; Les Hall, Oklahoma Main Street executive director; and Jim Watters, OMSP business consultant. Beth Bilger explained the rules of the silent auction and Walter Shafer gave the blessing.

Juhree Vanderpool presented the names of Keith Bowen, Pat Branch and Mike Gibson for consideration as new board members and they were accepted. Gilbreath then introduced the rest of the board of directors: Janice Shinn, Carolyn Williamson, Juhree Vanderpool, Charles Eisenhauer, Charlie Houser, Carol Purdy, Betty Greenwood, Jana Shafer, Harley Keller, and Mary Austin.

Les Hall, OMSP director, told the group that Newkirk “set the standard” for Main Street communities across the state. He pointed out that Newkirk had attained the status as semi-finalist in the Great American Main Street Awards competing with 75 other communities across the nation with most of those communities being much larger than Newkirk. He praised the Newkirk Junior Main Streeters for their hard work and perseverance.

Junior Main Streeters, with assistance from Trevor Austin, presented their skit, “Be Main Street Wise” written and directed by their sponsor Jana Shafer. Junior Main Streeters who starred and assisted with serving were: Angie Albers, Cassy Bliss, Jed Hartley, Luke Hutchason, Meghan Hutchason, Tessa Kubik, Erin Luis, Crystal Robinson, Sarah Speanburg.

Economic Restructuring Committee Chairman Harley Keller, with assistance from Joanne Cary, presented certificates to Newkirk businesses that have attained significant milestones. These included: Cinda’s Floral — five years; Honick Family Clinic — 5 years; Dairy Cream — 10 years; Bilger Mini -Storage — 15 years; Locke Auto Parts — 20 years; Coop Service Station — 30 years; Ross McCarty & Rigdon — 80 years; Albright Title & Trust — 100 years; Albright Abstract — 100 years; Newkirk Herald Journal — 105 years; Eastman National Bank — 105 years.

Mayor Purdy accepted the Premier Partnership award for the City of Newkirk in honor of the City’s long standing support and partnership with Main Street. Eastman National Bank received the Main Street Business of the Year award for their dedication and commitment to the community of Newkirk and Main Street. Eastman is a charter member and its employees have donated thousands of hours to Main Street over the years. Their fundraiser “Evening on Main Street” was a resounding success and their partnership with Main Street and Pioneer Technology is only one small example of their willingness to assist the community.

Harold Harris through the Kirk-TV Hometown Channel 8 is making a significant contribution to Main Street and Newkirk. For his dedication, hardworking and ingenuity, he received a Main Street plaque. Because of his efforts Newkirk Main Street is in the top three for the category Community Awareness and Public Education.

Design committee members Carolyn Williamson and Beth Bilger presented certificates to Kathie Hartley, for Vernon Merrifield, for facade improvements to the historic Masonic Building. Scott Free will receive a plaque for the interior design improvements to his business. Janice Shinn, promotion committee chairman, recognized Cinda Wood for her creative ideas and hours dedicated to the Four Seasons Image promotion which includes the pumpkins, snowmen, birdhouses and, soon to be unveiled, Uncle Sam’s.

Crystal Robinson, Junior Main Street secretary, received the Outstanding Junior Main Street award and Meghan Hutchason, vice president, received the Best Attitude award from sponsor Jana Shafer. Dorothy Gilbreath and Janice Shinn presented certificates to outgoing board members Betty Greenwood, Harley Keller and Carolyn Williamson.

Dorothy Gilbreath accepted the Board Member of the Year Award from Mary Austin, who reviewed the many contributions that Gilbreath has made for the community, from serving as president, making hundreds of telethon calls, attending numerous trainings, painting snowmen and birdhouses, chairing the Alumni Parade, working the Children’s Christmas Shop and the Joyous Occasions, and most important, always being enthusiastic and having a positive outlook.

Sixth grade Kildare student Kayla Vap wrote and presented a speech about “A Place Worth a Visit.” Kayla chose to write about one of her favorite places — Newkirk. The silent auction garnered over $400 for the Main Street design grants.

Busy Bee Club Holds Meeting

The Busy Bee Club met at the home of Helen Hiskett, 3901 North Union, recently. Helen Taylor led the group in the salute to the flag and “the Lord’s Prayer.” Viola Haley gave the devotion “Nobody Prints Like God” by Donna Brittingham. Ruby Harvey was in charge of the business meeting.

Helen Hiskett gave the treasurer’s report and announced that she had taken paper sacks to the Caboose and other things to the Child Development Center.

Games were played and won by Viola Haley and Helen Taylor. Ruby Harvey won the Mystery bowl gift. The next meeting will be May 5 at the home of Beulah McCartney, 1029 Brentwood.

Little News

Paul and Tammie Little, 2028 North Osage, announce the birth of a son at 2:02 p.m. April 2, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Bryce Carl Little weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 19 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Jim and Carla Wilson of Blackwell and paternal grandparents are Kathryn Little of Ada, and John R. and Gloria Little of Portsmouth, R.I.

Michael Jonathan Nickles is the name chosen by Bob and Elizabeth Nickles, 2207 Turner, for their son born at 12:42 p.m. April 8, 1999, at Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 21 inches long. He has three sisters, Madeline, 6; Charlotte, 4; Bridgette, 22 months.

Clairann Dula of Lewisville, Texas is the maternal grandmother and paternal grandparents are Clark and Susan Nickles of Ponca City.

Great-grandparents are Coeweene Nickles of Ponca City and Ken and Bea English of Guthrie. Lonah Nickles of Minnetonka, Minn. is the great-great-grandmother.

SPORTS

Four State Players Go
Gretzke Leaves Through Tears

Four State Players Go

By The Associated Press

De’Mond Parker had to wait longer than he would have liked to hear his name called by a National Football League team, but the tailback wasn’t disappointed when it finally happened.

Parker, who left school a year early in order to make himself available for the NFL draft, was taken in the fifth round Sunday by the Green Bay Packers. He was the 159th player taken overall.

‘‘It goes both ways — I was a late pick, but I’m going to a great team,’’ he said.

Parker was one of three players from state schools who were drafted Sunday. The others were Oklahoma defensive tackle Kelly Gregg, who went in the sixth round to the Cincinnati Bengals, and Langston defensive tackle Noel Scarlett, like Parker an early entry for the draft. He was chosen in the seventh round by the Minnesota Vikings.

The highest draft choice from a state school was Oklahoma fullback Jermaine Fazande, who went in the second round Saturday to the San Diego Chargers.

With Green Bay having lost Travis Jervey in free agency, Parker will try to win a job behind starting running back Dorsey Levens.

‘‘Green Bay is a good fit for me, and Ray Rhodes is a proven winner,’’ Parker said. ‘‘He proved he could win at Philadelphia.’’

Parker ran for 1,067 yards this season and 3,394 in his career. He was the first OU back to gain 1,000 yards in three seasons, and he stands No. 4 on the school’s career rushing chart behind Joe Washington (3,995), Steve Owens (3,867) and Billy Sims (3,813).

Of the 42 players who opted for the draft early, Parker was the 24th taken. Fifteen of those who made themselves available were not selected at all.

The Bengals took Gregg as the fourth pick in the sixth round of the draft, the 173rd choice overall.

‘‘They run the 3-4; they’re one of the only teams that run a 3-4, so I guess I’ll be a nose guard finally,’’ Gregg said. ‘‘That’s what everyone has talked to me about. There’s about five teams that run a 3-4 and, luckily, Cincinnati is one of them.’’

Gregg said defensive line coach Tim Krumrie called him just before his selection was announced on TV.

‘‘He was a wrestler (at Wisconsin) and said he liked my wrestling background,’’ said Gregg, a three-time state champion in high school. ‘‘He said they’re going to put (Bengal) stripes on my helmet and they need guys who can play the run.’’

Offensive guard Jerry Wisne of Notre Dame, who played his high school ball at Jenks, was drafted in the fifth round by the Chicago Bears.

Gretzke Leaves Through Tears

By BARRY WILNER

AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — He played the game with such style and grace, it brought tears to the eyes. When he left hockey, it was Wayne Gretzky who couldn’t keep from crying.

‘‘It was a tough game for me today,’’ Gretzky said of his farewell from the game he dominated for two decades. ‘‘I wanted it to be a celebration.

‘‘You know, this is not a passing on,’’ he added, his eyes watery for perhaps the 100th time Sunday. ‘‘This is a moving on.’’

It was a moving scene as the sport’s greatest player said goodbye. The NHL also said goodbye to No. 99, which commissioner Gary Bettman announced would never be worn in the league again.

‘‘When a gentlemen told me in 1977 to wear this sweater, I didn’t imagine one day nobody else would be allowed to wear it,’’ Gretzky said, referring to Murray (Muzz) MacPherson, his coach with the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League.

He wore it with as much class as any superstar in any sport. Gretzky was universally acknowledged throughout his 21-year career as the best; never was that respect more apparent than in his final game.

‘‘It’s always too soon when you see a great player retire,’’ said Mario Lemieux, the only man ever to perform anywhere near Gretzky’s level. ‘‘It’s going to be very difficult for the National Hockey League to lose the best hockey player that ever played, and he’s been such a great ambassador for the game for 20 years.’’

In front of Lemieux — who retired for health reasons in 1997 — Mark Messier, Glen Sather, Paul Coffey and many more former teammates and opponents who revered The Great One, Gretzky set up the New York Rangers’ only goal in a 2-1 defeat. The game ended abruptly in overtime when Pittsburgh’s Jaromir Jagr scored, which somehow seemed appropriate.

‘‘Maybe it’s only fitting that the best young player in the game scored the winning goal,’’ Gretzky said. ‘‘Everyone always talks about passing torches.’’

When it was over, Gretzky smiled through tears during four final laps of Madison Square Garden. The greatest player ever made it easy for everyone to say goodbye.

He skated slowly enough for plenty of souvenir photos to be taken. Whenever he noticed a youngster’s extended hand from the crowd, he touched it. He even played to the fans, donning a blue Yankees hat, then a red Rangers beret.

Then, almost as suddenly as word had come last week that he was retiring, No. 99 was gone.

‘‘I’m devastated I will no longer be a hockey player,’’ Gretzky, his eyes still red, said more than an hour after his final skate. ‘‘I will miss every part of the game, because I loved every part of the game.

‘‘But I’ve made the right decision.’’

That decision led to a Garden party almost as energized as the night in 1994 when the Rangers broke a 54-year Stanley Cup drought. Gretzky wasn’t on hand for that, but Messier — still the most popular of all Rangers — was.

He returned Sunday to pay tribute to his buddy.

‘‘His whole career has been handled with complete class and dignity,’’ said Messier, who left the Rangers as a free agent two years ago. ‘‘We’ve established a friendship and a bond that’s next to brotherhood and will be there forever.’’

Just as Gretzky always seemed to be there, at the top of the scoring charts and in the spotlight as the game’s unofficial ambassador.

After the game, the player who shattered hockey’s most revered records skated one lap around the rink with his teammates in tow, followed by an encore as a lone spotlight caressed him and Carly Simon’s ‘‘Nobody Does It Better’’ blared throughout.

Perhaps the most excruciating moment for him came as Gretzky fought the tears, occasionally looking down at the ice, while posing for one last photo with teammates, who all wore No. 99 caps.

‘‘I’m going to miss this game,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s going to kill me not to play.’’

During a timeout called by Rangers coach John Muckler with 40.4 seconds to go in the third period, his wife, Janet, started to cry as the fans began a long salute to her husband. Gretzky, 38, acknowledged it with a nod, then a wave, then by raising his stick in the air.

‘‘When John called timeout, it hit me that I was done,’’ he said, his eyes watering once more. ‘‘Then is when it hit me that I had only 30 seconds left.’’