From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Monday, May
25, 1998
LOCAL
Several Tornadoes Spotted Overnight
Section of Union Closing Tuesday
DEATHS
Victor Ellsworth Hudson
Obituaries
Andrew D. Maxwell
Services Pending
Arlena Caldwell
Leota Brown
Marjorie O'Mealey
Thelma Hinrichs
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Dedication Planned At Cultural Center
SPORTS
Monday Evening Quarterback
From Staff and AP Reports
Kay County had "plenty of weather but not much damage" overnight, according to one local official, but severe weather elsewhere in northern Oklahoma left roads closed, homes damaged and residents without power.
The Grant County Sheriff's Department said highways into Lamont are closed because of downed power lines.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said crews were in Lamont early today, trying to repair the downed lines.
One brick home west of Lamont was completely destroyed, and barns and outbuildings in the area were damaged, the sheriff's department said.
The National Weather Service said it had confirmed reports of tornadoes in Alfalfa, Kay and Grant counties Sunday night as slow-moving storms moved across the area.
Baseball-size hail fell west of Medford Sunday night, the weather service said. The same storm appears to have spawned a damaging tornado in Grant County that destroyed a home and a lawnmower dealership, scattering debris across highways in the area.
In addition to hail, the weather service said it had reports of 65 mph to 70 mph winds.
Don Lynch, chief of the response division of Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management, said a former school house near Jefferson in Grant County lost its roof in Sunday's storms.
He said despite reports of torrential downpours in northern counties, he had not heard of any flooding problems.
The severe weather may be to blame for an airliner being forced to make a medical emergency landing at Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport.
A US Airways flight from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles made a detour landing at Will Rogers World Airport after seven people on that flight were injured in turbulence.
One passenger said the turbulence was ''very violent.''
Jeff Bilyeu, airport operations officer at Will Rogers, said seven people were injured, five of whom were taken to an Oklahoma City hospital for treatment. Bilyeu said the injuries were minor, mostly abrasions, lacerations, neck and back pain.
The injured included both passengers and crew members.
Bilyeu said the flight ran into turbulence north of Oklahoma City between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Kay County Emergency Preparedness Director Patrick Zehr said a tornado touched down Sunday night in an open area a mile away from Braman, and golf-ball sized hail was reported in Blackwell, combined with 70 mph winds.
Zehr believed all area campers were notified of the approaching weather soon enough, but cars were reported in ditches on U.S. Highway 60 near Tonkawa and cars were stopped along Interstate 35 because the drivers couldn't see.
"There was plenty of weather but not much damage here last night," Zehr said, "although it kept (emergency workers from) Blackwell, Ponca City, Tonkawa and Kay County busy enough."
In Ponca City, at 10 p.m., kids helped a police officer move a large tree limb from the road in the 300 block of North Ash Street. Within the same hour, weather tripped several burglar alarms at various locations in the city.
Early morning reports of weather-related problems included downed street signs and a malfunctioning railroad crossing at 100 West Emporia Ave.
Pona City's airport reported peak wind of 43 miles an hour Sunday night. There was 1.8 inches of rain.
A section of North Union Street will be closed during daylight hours beginning Tuesday. No through traffic will be allowed between Redbird Drive and Lonnie Avenue.
After working hours, traffic will be allowed on the street, until the next working day.
Evans and Associates Construction Co. Inc., will be placing drainage pipe and structures along Union Street, so that it may be widened from two to four lanes according to a contract with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the City of Ponca City.
The public will be advised of future closures.
DEATHS
Blackwell - Victor Ellsworth Hudson, longtime Blackwell resident, died Saturday, May 23, 1998, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 89.
Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Blackwell cemetery. A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Geoffrey Pfaff, pastor, officiating. Services are under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home of Blackwell.
The oldest child of Marshall and Kathryn (Strable) Hudson, Victor was born May 2, 1909, in Robinson, Ill. He graduated from Blackwell High School in 1929. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served on the Board of Trustees.
Mr. Hudson was employed at Acme Foundry for 63 years and he and his wife started and operated Hudson Dairy for many years.
Survivors include a son, Jimmy Hudson of Blackwell; a sister, Helen Newby of Oklahoma City, several grandchildren and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Georgia May Hudson, on Feb. 21, 1998; a granddaughter, Rowena Gay, sister, Willametta, and a brother, Ralph.
A memorial fund has been established in his name for the trustees of First Presbyterian Church, Bridge and A Street, Blackwell.
Andrew D. "Andy" Maxwell, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday, May 22, 1998, at the Tender Heart Health Care. He was 97.
Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Services are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. The family will receive friends this evening from 6-8 at the funeral home.
Born Jan. 9, 1901, at Homer, Ill., he was the son of Thomas G. and Maude E. (Johnson) Maxwell. He graduated from high school in 1920 at Homer, Ill. He and the former Ola Homa Elliott were married June 14, 1929, in Oklahoma City.
In 1932 Andy became employed by Conoco in various assignments in the Marketing Department in Oklahoma City, Muskogee, Ponca City and Houston. At the time of his retirement on Feb. 1, 1966, he was the Manager of the Gas Products Division of the Natural Gas and Gas Products Department. Following his retirement he worked as a consultant for Hudson Bay Gas and Oil Company, Ltd., in setting up a Gas Products Division.
While employed with Conoco, he was a member of the Ponca City Rotary Club and the Kiwanis Club at Longview, Texas. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ponca City, where he also served as a deacon and a member of the Men's Fellowship Bible Class, where he served as secretary and president.
On May 17, 1924, in Homer, Ill., Andy joined the Masonic Lodge. In 1974 he received his 50-year Masonic pin from the Ponca City Lodge A.F.&A.M., and a 50-year award as a 32nd degree mason a few years later for the Scottish Rite Consistory in Guthrie, Okla. He was a volunteer worker at the Opportunity Center in Ponca City for many years after his retirement.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ola, two brothers and one sister. Survivors include his daughter, Mrs. Gary (Julia) Clark of Apache Junction, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Stan Bledsoe of Spokane, Wash., Mrs. Mike (Vicki) Maxson of Hawkins, Texas and Mrs. Nolan (Marty) Jordan of Pearland, Texas; nine great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Julia M. Taylo of Longview, Texas, and one brother, Donald Maxwell of Urbana, Ill.
Memorial contributions may be made to Oklahoma Research Foundation for Leukemia Research, 825 NE 13th, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73104.
paid obituary
Arlena Caldwell, 75, died May 24, 1998, at her home in Ponca City. Funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Trout Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Stillwater. Other arrangements are pending and will be announced later.
Funeral service for Leota Brown, 59, will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Odd Fellows cemetery. She died Thursday, May 21, 1998, at her home in Ponca City.
TONKAWA - Funeral arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home for Marjorie O'Mealey, 80, a resident of Tonkawa. She died May 25, 1998, in Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Thelma Hinrichs, 94, died Sunday, May 24, 1998, at the Bethany Hospital.
Service is pending with Trout Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Shoplifter Chased - Ponca City police responded to a report at 9:04 a.m. Saturday from Wal-Mart that employees were chasing a shoplifter south on foot from the store. The subject was described as approximately 15 years old and wearing a red shirt and black jeans.
Juveniles Fishing - A Ponca City police officer responded at 9:23 a.m. Saturday to a report that several juveniles were fishing in a small pond at Pecan and Woodthrush. The officer checked the juveniles and their parents showed up and took custody.
Tricky Car Doors - A Wal-Mart customer reported at 9:29 a.m. Saturday that someone apparently vandalized her vehicle because she could not open the car door. A Ponca City police officer determined nothing was wrong with the car - the woman was unfamiliar with the car's remote locks.
Water Fight - An emergency call to Ponca City police at 3:05 p.m. reported young adults yelling and fighting in the 600 block of South Sixth Street. A patrol officer reported the subjects were just playing with water guns.
Eyeglasses Stolen - A mother reported at 3:27 p.m. Saturday that her son's glasses were stolen from the YMCA. An officer was assigned.
Auto Burglary - A car owner in the 900 block of South Twelfth Street reported to Ponca City police at 4:21 p.m. Saturday that someone burglarized her vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Bad Address - Ponca City police and ambulance workers were called at 5:44 p.m. Saturday after a man was hit in the head with an axe handle at Franklin and Tenth. Workers then determined the incident occurred in Blackwell and the ambulance was told to disregard the call.
Grass Fire Reported - Fire units were called at 6:03 p.m. Saturday of a grass fire near residences two miles south of U.S. Highway 60 on U.S. 177. A Ponca City unit, two McCord tankers, two Osage Cove tankers and emergency personnel responded, with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Kay County sheriff's deputies controlling traffic.
Traffic Signal Shot - Ponca City police arrested a 19-year-old woman at 1:06 a.m. Sunday after she allegedly shot out a traffic light from her vehicle at North Fourteenth Street and Highland. The woman was pulled over by police near the Pioneer Woman monument.
Weapons Arrest - An 18-year-old was arrested at 1:50 a.m. Sunday from the 700 block of Monument on charges of aiding a misdemeanor and unlawfully carrying a weapon.
Reckless Driving - A man reported to Ponca City police at 3:53 a.m. Sunday that a reckless driver in a green Monte Carlo almost hit him head on at North First Street and Highland near Wendy's. The vehicle left the scene northbound on First Street.
Man Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 35-year-old man at 10:52 p.m. Sunday from Emporia Avenue and Union Street for transporting a loaded firearm.
Assault Reported - A man reported to Ponca City police at 10:57 p.m. Sunday that his young daughter had been assaulted by an adult. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
House Fire - A caller reported at 3:32 a.m. Monday that an old abandoned two-story farmhouse was on fire at the intersection of old and new U.S. Highway 60. The McCord Fire Department responded.
Lunch Meeting - Cities Service-Sequoia retired employees will meet for lunch at Furr's Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.
Time's A'wastin' - The Annual Sertoma Spring Cinnamon Roll Sale
is about to end - advance orders will be taken through Wednesday by calling
765-0204 8 a.m. until, 3 p.m. or 765-3007 in the p.m. (ask for Rose). They
are $15 per dozen. Pick up will be Thursday, May 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 1
p.m. in the SJRMC Lobby. All proceeds will benefit American Heritage books
for the public library and Speech and Hearing poster contest. Call today
to reserve your order.
LIFESTYLES
In order to accommodate working citizens the Friends of the Cultural Center have scheduled a 30th anniversary celebration at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 26 at the center. The occasion is the dedication and unveiling of a bronze plaque marking the purchase of the center by the city 30 years ago. Refreshments will be served following a brief program.
Music will be provided by Elna Robson and Virginia Mair, regent for the Ponca City chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Assisting with the flags will be Girl Scouts Anne Lenhart, Ashley Turvey and Jessica Hingtgen.
Current and former city officials will be introduced as will members
of the Cultural Affairs committee, Friends of the Cultural Center and others.
Former Mayor Jim McNeese will introduce Leon Nelson, former city manager,
who will address the group. Joe Miller and Mikhaila Robbins will unveil
the plaque.
SPORTS
by FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
HELP WANTED: Three teachers who can fill any combination of 17 coaching positions.
Po-Hi Athletic Director Rusty Benson hasn't put that ad in the papers yet and its not wholly accurate, but it does show the dilemma he faces as he starts what is suppose to be his summer vacation.
He does need coaches for 17 positions at the high school and junior high level.
At the high school, Benson is looking for head coaches in football, softball, baseball and girls' tennis. He also need four assistant coaches for the Wildcats - one in baseball, two in track and one in girls' soccer.
At the junior highs, Benson and Dan McGregor are looking for head coaches for wrestling, eighth grade boys' basketball (2), eighth grade girls' basketball (2) and tennis. They need assistant coaches in wrestling (2), ninth grade girls' basketball, ninth grade football and eighth grade football (2).
While athletic directors are use to filling a half a dozen position each years, this is the first time this many coaching positions have been open in the Ponca City system at one time in Benson's memory.
One of the problems is one that Benson will undoubtably have to continue, using lay coaches.
"A lot of the coaches at the junior high level this past year were lay coaches," Benson notes. "They are usually teachers looking for teaching positions. A number of them have now found regular teaching positions."
So hiring lay coaches usually means just prolonging the frequent turnover rate.
Another part of the equation is teacher-coaches who elect to quit coaching but remain teachers.
Besides losing lay coaches on a regular basis, another part of that problem is that state rules require that a certified teacher has to accompany the lay coach and team. That means two paid adults along with any assistants for each team.
Like Ponca City, a number of schools around the state, use lay coaches in so-called minor sports. In fact, Benson points out, Tulsa Hale has a lay coach for boys' basketball and Tulsa Memorial has a lay coach in a major girls' sport.
There is another solution to the coach-teacher squeeze. That is hiring someone who is certified to just coach. This is not a solution school boards and administrators like. But it is done many times in heavy revenue sports in bigger schools around the state.
"We would prefer not to do that," Benson notes. "It is preferable to have coaches who also teach, who are around the kids during the day."
Benson got a piece of good luck when he hired Bristow's Todd Steidley to replace wrestling coach Pat Young.
A high school history and social studies teacher, Steidley has coached several sports in his relatively brief and successful career and will probably be an assistant football coach for the Wildcats.
Another solution for filling head coaching positions is to elevate an assistant coach, who is already in the system.
Benson will be taking all of these factors into consideration as he attempts to fill these 17 positions and he hopes to do it by the middle of June.
"It almost has to be done by then," Benson reports. "It takes time for someone from another city to sell their house, find a job for their spouse and buy a house here."
Fortunately, Benson has a good working relationship with officials in the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association who keep a list of coaches looking to move.
He has already made that call several times.
If those fail, there is always that newspaper ad.