From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, May
20, 1997
LOCAL
Nearly News
Repairs on Grand Diverting Traffic
Woodlands Receives Conoco's Earth Day Environmental Grant
Man Hospitalized After Collision
Former PC Man Receives Award In Texas County
Tourism Office Move on Agenda For Wednesday
DEATHS
Vernon E. Madsen
Melvin A. Dannehl
Funerals
Idella Boby
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Kanza Pharmacy Opens in Newkirk
Frank Kennedy Named As Boatmen's President
Mid-America Supervisors Trained
New Business Focuses on Dolls
Maurices Plans Reopening Event
New Glass Firm Opens in Osage
LIFESTYLES
Laureate Phi Chapter Meets For Picnic Event
SPORTS
Bowling News
Frontier Player Signs
Recent articles about the 1894 renaming of the territorially designated "K" county to its subsequent name, Kay County, prompted retired Judge Don Welch to recall a courtroom incident from years ago. Welch said the old Judge Walter Doggett (father of another judge, Lowell Doggett) was hearing a case when a defendant noticed the letter "K" in the fancy scrollwork behind the judge's bench. The man risked contempt of court by wisecracking, "What's that 'K' up there stand for - kangaroo?" But the judge laughed and simply replied, "No, that stands for 'Kay County.'"
----
On May 17, 1997, the Oklahoma State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America Inc. held its quarterly meeting. Eight VVA Chapters from around the state met in Oklahoma City for the two day meeting. One of the events that took place was the presentation of the Member of the Year Award. The recipient of this years prestigious award was Chapter 750's own Mike Isbell. Mike has served as president and is currently vice president of Chapter 750. He also served on the Oklahoma Vietnam Veterans Monument Committee and holds a seat on Senator Inhoff's Veterans Council. Well done Mike!
Motorists will be detoured around the 1100 block of Grand Avenue today while repairs are made to the inside westbound lane, according to Corky Gammon, street superintendent.
Workers took out concrete Monday, where the street had buckled. Gammon expects the street to reopen to single-lane traffic Wednesday, assuming Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews are able to complete all repairs.
Conoco's Ponca City-based Employee Environmental Action Committee has awarded the first of its new Earth Day environmental grants to Woodlands Elementary School in support of the school's recycling effort.
"We have established the Earth Day environmental grant program to encourage environmental awareness and stewardship in area elementary schools," said JoAnn Cox, committee co-chairperson.
The $200 grant to Woodlands Elementary will fund the school's recycling program under the direction of school librarian Betty Pronneke, who serves as advisor for the effort.
Each class in the school elected "recycling engineers" who are responsible for the classroom's efforts in the program initiated in 1996. The grant will underwrite the purchase of permanent containers to replace cardboard boxes currently used in Woodlands' recycling center.
"Students have prepared posters for classroom doors encouraging classmates to participate in the recycling effort," Pronneke said. "Boxes are provided in each classroom for recyclable items, which the 'recycling engineers' then take to the school cafeteria and sort for delivery to the Ponca City Recycling Center with the help of parent volunteers who transport the materials to the center.
"Additionally, the group is working with John Meadows, head of the city's recycling effort, to arrange a trip to a recycling center so students can view first hand what happens to their recyclable items after they leave the school," she added.
The Earth Day environmental grants will be awarded up to a maximum $200 each and require school-wide participation that is sustainable year to year and application for renewal can be made each spring.
"We are delighted Conoco's employees have provided this incentive to pursue recycling efforts for our elementary students," said Dr. Bill White, superintendent of schools. "I think these grants will be a great encouragement to further those efforts throughout the district."
Area schools received letters explaining the new program and grant applications in March according to Cox. She noted that this program is in addition to Conoco's program that awards grants from funds generated by aluminum can recycling on the Conoco site. That program is administered by the Will Rogers Boy Scout Council.
Applications for grants will be mailed each February to area elementary schools and as many as 10 grants may be awarded in observance of Earth Day each spring.
For further information, contact Keni Ray, Conoco coordinator of government and community affairs, at 767-4096.
A 72-year-old Ponca City man remains hospitalized after an accident which occurred at U.S. 60 and Raintree Road, in Osage County, at 5:42 p.m. Monday.
According to the investigation of Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Ty Hendren, a 1979 Ford LTD and a 1965 Ford Mustang were traveling east on U.S. 60. The Mustang slowed to make a left turn, when the LTD allegedly attempted to pass on the left, in a marked zone.
The trooper's report indicated the LTD swerved and collided with the rear driver's side of the Mustang. Consequently, the Mustang spun around, ran off the right side of the road and rolled two times.
The Ponca City Fire Department rescue unit assisted at the scene. One Ponca City ambulance crew took Ora O. Holt to St. Joseph Regional Medical where he was admitted in good condition with internal injuries.
Mike Lupercio, 74, a passenger of the Mustang, was also taken to SJRMC by Ponca City ambulance. The Ponca City man was treated and released for trunk and arm injuries.
Driver of the LTD, James H. Backus, 58, was not injured. Hendren noted that Lupercio was the only one wearing a seat belt at the time the accident occurred.
Former Ponca Citian Paul Wilson has been chosen Employee of the First Quarter (April 18) by the Rural/Metro of Grayson County, Texas.
He began his work in the emergency field in Colbert, Okla., when he joined the fire department there in 1973. He volunteered with the Colbert fire department for 20 years and retired in 1993. During his 20 years with Colbert, he spent seven as a firefighter, 10 as the first chief, and three as the assistant fire chief - the longest running fire chief for that department. In 1978 Paul attended EMT classes at the Grayson County Community College.
Paul joined Rural/Metro on Aug. 19, 1995 as a dispatcher and soon became a valued asset to their organization, according to an article written by the Rural/Metro paper.
Paul was chosen as the employee of the quarter for a number of reasons, the article relates - he displays the company core values on a daily basis, is a team leader, his job performance is excellent and he displays a positive attitude toward his job, taking it seriously but has fun doing it.
Paul says before a person sets a goal to meet, he must first have the confidence within himself to meet that goal.
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Wilson of Ponca City, Paul lived here for many years. As a youth he attended Lincoln Elementary, West Junior High and Ponca City High School.
He and his wife, Sharon now live in Colbert, Okla. They have two daughters, five grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
Ponca City Tourism Authority plans to discuss the relocation of the tourism office during their meeting Wednesday at the Chamber of Commerce Conference Room at 2 p.m.
The Ponca City Board of Commissioners unanimously authorized the authority's request to move to the Cultural Center April 28.
In new business, consideration will be given to purchase a laser printer and two chairs for the tourism coordinator and assistant. Additionally, the board will review a request to place a billboard in the Enid area.
In old business, the board will discuss making a donation to Kid's Inc. At April's meeting, Missy Morland, tourism coordinator, received a letter asking for a donation to assist in recruiting teams to various tournaments which will be held throughout the summer.
Kids Inc. has sponsored one national tournament for the past two years,
according to the authority. The item was tabled until the board would review
a financial statement from Kids Inc.
DEATHS
DERBY, Kan. - Vernon E. "Gene" Madsen, brother to Virginia Collins, Ponca City, died at his home in Derby, Kan., Saturday, May 17, 1997. He was 74.
The funeral will be held at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home in Emporia, Kan., at 1 p.m. Wednesday, with Mr. Lee Hawkins officiating. Burial will be in the Maplewood Cemetery at Emporia. Military honors will be conducted by members of the Ball-McColm Post 5 American Legion and the Lowry-Funston Post 1980 VFW.
Vernon E. "Gene" Madsen was born Sept. 24, 1922, in Emporia, the son of Oscar and Jayne (Hayes) Madsen. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II.
He was married to Aleta Mae Brasier on Aug. 19, 1942, in Cottonwood Falls, Kan. After his military service, Madsen was employed at the Sheeley Baking Company and the Rainbow Bakery for 20 years in Emporia and Wichita, Kan. He had also been employed as a truck driver.
Survivors include his wife, Aleta Mae, of the home; two sons, Perry of Topeka, Kan., and Larry of Derby, Kan.; five daughters, Jeane Quinton of Topeka, Kan., Vickie Smith of Conway Springs, Kan., Pennie Laude, of Shawnee, Tammie Anderson of Mulvane, Kan. and Rebecca Madsen of Wichita, Kan.; one sister, Virginia Collins of Ponca City; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert Leroy.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Madsen's name to SCCS Hospice, c/o Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, 605 State Street, Emporia, KS 66801.
ROSWELL, N.M. - Melvin A. "Spike" Dannehl, former Ponca City resident, died Monday, April 28, 1997 at the Eastern New Mexico Medical Center, Roswell, N.M. He was 83.
A memorial service was held May 10, at the Ballard Funeral Chapel in Roswell with the Rev. Tom McMillan, associate pastor of the Roswell First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24, in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City. Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of Ballard Funeral Home, Roswell.
Melvin A. "Spike" Dannehl was born June 12, 1913, in Bertrand, Neb., the son of Charles Joachim and Anna Wilhelmina (Harm) Dannehl. He was married to Helen Whitlow in Perry on July 6, 1939, and the couple lived in several locations during his 42 years in oil exploration with Conoco Oil Co. The Dannehls resided in Ponca City in the 1950-60s and settled in Roswell, N.M. in 1972. In his retirement, Dannehl enjoyed playing pool, cribbage and dominoes at the Roswell Adult Center.
Survivors include his daughter, Karen Joyce Bradford of Sugar Land, Texas; two grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife on Oct. 28, 1988, and his parents.
The family has requested memorial contributions be made in Mr. Dannehl's memory to a charity of choice.
Wednesday
Idella Boby - Funeral to be at 11 a.m. at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca
City. Burial will be in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery.
NEWS BRIEFS
Taco Sale Set - Members of the Indian United Methodist Church at White Eagle will be sponsoring a Taco Sale on Thursday in the Church Fellowship Hall from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Taco and drink will be $3. Everyone welcome.
Miller Reunion - The Will and Charles L. Miller descendants will hold a reunion May 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Lake Ponca Shelterhouse No. 3. All friends and relatives belonging to the group are invited to attend.
Destruction - A Ponca City police officer took a 19-year-old man into custody from the Kay County Sheriff's Office at 6:47 a.m. Monday on two city warrants for destruction of private property.
Vandalism - A resident in the 1900 block of Jane Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7:22 a.m. Monday to report vandalism to the car. An officer took a report.
Spray Paint - A Ponca City police officer took a report of destruction of private property in the 400 block of South Lincoln Avenue at 10:31 a.m. Monday. Someone had spray painted on the Disabled Vets building, according to the officer.
Vandalism - A resident in the 2400 block of Kingston Road notified the Ponca City Police Department at 12:09 p.m. Monday that the mailbox was vandalized. An officer took a report.
Extra Patrol - An employee of the Board of Realtors, 1213 North Seventh Street, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 12:18 p.m. Monday to report someone broke out the back door window of the business. The employee requested extra patrol at night due to juveniles, according to the officer who investigated the incident.
Theft - A Ponca City police officer took a report of larceny at Albertson's, 2005 North Fourteenth Street, at 2:46 p.m. Monday.
Shoplifter - An employee of Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, notified the Ponca City Police Department at 3:05 p.m. Monday to report a man was in custody for shoplifting. An officer responded and arrested a 22-year-old man for petit larceny.
Burglary - A resident in the 500 block of North Fourth Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 6 p.m. Monday that several items were missing. An officer took a report.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident at West Otoe Avenue and South Washington Street at 6:08 p.m. Monday. No injuries were reported.
City Warrant - A 24-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer between Oak Street and Pine Street at 11:56 p.m. Monday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Canceled - The special work session slated for this morning was
canceled at the mayor's request. The meeting will be rescheduled at a later
date.
BUSINESS
NEWKIRK - Grand opening celebration for the new Kanza Pharmacy in Newkirk continues throughout May.
The new pharmacy is located in a newly-constructed enclosure inside Heartland Foods in Newkirk.
Hours for the pharmacy are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Pharmacist on duty is Klem Chandler of Ponca City, who brings 19 years of experience to the job. He previously worked at Toni's Westside Drug.
The pharmacy provides discount prescription services to all customers, regardless of race, creed, religion, national origin or sex.
Customers are invited to call for price quotes with the assurance of the lowest possible prices. The pharmacy offers a toll-free phone number for out-of-town physicians to use in calling in prescriptions.
The Kanza Pharmacy is an economic development enterprise and is owned and operated by the Kaw Nation.
For more information about the pharmacy, call Chandler at 405-362-2449.
Boatmen's National Bank (soon to be NationsBank) of Ponca City has named Frank Kennedy to succeed Bill Rodgers as president upon Rodgers' retirement at the end of the month.
"Frank's a leader and will make an excellent president," said Rodgers "I couldn't be more pleased with his selection. He is committed to our customers and is a great asset to our community."
Kennedy joined a predecessor bank in 1984 and is a 13-year veteran with strong expertise in credit administration, commercial and agricultural lending.
A native of Ponca City, Kennedy received an associate degree from Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa in 1981 and a bachelor of science in finance from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, in 1984.
Kennedy's current community activities include serving as president of the American Cancer Society, Kay County Unit. He is a member of the Ponca City and Blackwell Chambers of Commerce, Blackwell Rotary, Ponca City Noon AMBUCs, and is a United Way volunteer.
Kennedy is the past president of the Ponca City Noon AMBUCs, past chair of the Special Olympics and Cherokee Strip Parade, and is a former director of the YMCA Kennedy and his family are members of Grace Episcopal Church.
Kennedy and his wife, Angela, are in the process of relocating to Ponca City
NationsBank completed the acquisition of Boatmen's Bank in January of this year. NationsBank provides financial products and services nationally and internationally to individuals, businesses, corporations, institutional investors and government agencies. As of March 31, 1997, NationsBank had $239 billion in assets.
Six Mid-America Door Company employees have completed frontline training at Pioneer Technology Center, according to company officials.
The manufacturing firm officials said that the employees have completed six skill units with 23 modules in a series of seminars by Zenger Miller - Front Line Leadership.
Completing the full course and receiving certification were Sherrie Cramer, customer service lead; Mark Garrity, transportation manager; Travis Locke, foreman - hardware; Phil Randol, foreman - track, springs and rolling steel; David Ross, accounting department; Dennis Wilson, first shift foreman - rolling mill line, raised panel press, assembly and fabrication, and Phil Woods, second shift foreman - rolling mill line, raised panel press, assembly and fabrication.
Helen Hatelid-Hester and Clark Steiger, certified instructors, conducted in-depth training on the six skill units over a four-year period.
Skill units included core interpersonal skills, managing individual performance, developing team performance, making organizational impact, managing change and innovation and problem solving for individuals and teams.
John Westfield, Mid-America' vice president, said, "We appreciate the time our supervisors took from their weekends to participate in this program and hone their frontline skills.
He added, "We are pleased that our key people were motivated and successfully completed a six-year program in four years. That says a lot for the caliber of our frontline leaders."
Westfield said, "We are pleased with the training received and are glad that Ponca City has a technology center and a great staff to assist us in fulfilling our training needs. Both Helen Hester and Clark Steiger really worked well with the participants during the program.
"We continue to see positive results from this effort and are determined to continue this development of our employees, as Mid-America Door grows."
Mid-America Door Company concluded its sixth year of operation in Ponca City this month. The company provides upwardly mobile (overhead) residential and commercial doors as well as rolling steel service doors and related components to dealers in a 19-state region.
Dolls and doll accessories will be the featured items at Barbara's Doll House, a new business at 1308 North Seventh.
Barbara Strome, owner, and Vickey Chance, operate the Seeley Doll Studio.
Strome said, "We teach how to make porcelain dolls using a dust-free method of cleaning for health considerations."
Day and evening classes will be available.
In addition to classes, the business will have doll supplies and accessories such as clothes, shoes and furniture as well as gift items, some vintage glassware and antique toys.
The firm is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays.
Maurices, a juniors, women's and men's fashion retail organization, has announced the grand reopening celebration of their newly remodeled store in Ponca Plaza.
"We're excited to celebrate our reopening in Ponca City and to offer a wide variety of fashions this community, said Rod King, manager. Maurices' grand reopening celebration is scheduled to start Thursday.
Established nearly 65 years ago, Maurices now operates over 600 fashion stores nationwide. The new Maurices tore will offer a wide assortment of fashion apparel for juniors, women and men.
A variety of window and glass items are available from Bob's Glass, which recently opened in the McCord area.
Boasting of 19 years of experience, the firm services, auto glass, mirrors, windows, shower doors, storm doors, table tops and other glass items.
Located at 3125 Holmes Road (across from Country Kitchen), the business
is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
LIFESTYLES
Roberta and Allen Streeter were hosts for a birthday picnic for members of Laureate Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority on May 18. Members and spouses enjoyed a fried chicken dinner, homemade ice cream and cake as part of the chapter festivities. Guests were Jim Rosenbaum, Allen Streeter, Ed Hill and John Williams.
The May 12 chapter meeting was held in the home of Pat Hill. Dorothy Majors, president, led nine members in the opening ritual.
An installation of officers was conducted for Elsie Rosenbaum, president; Erma Rusch, vice president; Alice Beman, Recording secretary; Lillian Williams, Corresponding secretary; Leanna Adams, treasurer; and Virginia Starks, City Council representative.
The program was presented by Pat Hill who told about a visit to the International
Peace Garden located on the border of North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada.
She said that in 1932 more than 50,000 people from around the world had
gathered there to dedicate the garden and make a pledge of peace.
SPORTS
The Ponca Bowl YABA Youth Leagues concluded the 1996-97 bowling season with a sweeper tournament and awards presentation.
The league winners are:
Bantam-Prep
Friday Juniors
Adult-Youth
Junior-Major
---
Sweeper winners were Richard Hudson, Shelly Novotny, Janna Leach, Casey McClaskey, Kurtis Durham, Jamie Durham, Lacey Broadwater, T.J. Tole.
---
Summer Youth Leagues begin June 5-6 for all ages.
APRIL VAP, seated left, a Frontier Lady Mustang senior, signs her letter of intent to play basketball next year with Southwestern College in Winfield. Seated next to April is Traci Henley, Southwestern Lady Moundbuilder head coach. Also pictured is Greg Jackson, Frontier girl's basketball head coach, April's parents, Duane and Pamela Vap of Newkirk, and Steve Shiever, Frontier School Superintendent.