From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
May 27, 1998
LOCAL
Hartford Avenue Phase II To Begin
Gunshot Wound Kills Local Man
Nearly News
Split Votes Approve Advisory Board Members, New Street Sweeper Bid
Edwin Fair Receives Transit Vehicle
Edwin Fair Center Inviting Public at 40th Anniversary
'98 Herb Festival
Area Calendar
Top Gospel Group To Perform
Morton Boys Place at Trap Shoot
Emergency Workers Team Up For Hazardous Materials Test
Girl Scouts Take to Fashion Runway
Rotary Club Fun Barbecue In Newkirk
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Ponca Tribe Provides Free Lunch Program
DEATHS
Thelma Wilson Hinrichs
John Edward Burgett
Ersie Virginia Lafferty Brann
Obituaries
Ronald L. Sitterly
Services Pending
Thomas K. Hall
NEWS BRIEFS
SPORTS
Golf Notes
Sports Notes
A section of Hartford Avenue from Jane Street to one block of west of Joe Street will be closed beginning today as Phase II of the Hartford Avenue project begins.
Traffic will be detoured north to Fairview Avenue to Young Avenue to John Street to Williams Avenue to Jane Street to Hartford Avenue for 3 to 4 months.
A 45-year-old Ponca City man has died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to police an abandoned 911 call was received in the early morning hours last Saturday.
When no one spoke and the line remained open police were dispatched to the location were the call originated from and found Ronald Lee Sitterly with shot gun wound to the stomach.
The man was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center where he died Tuesday.
OOPS! The list of Ponca City Mid-High students that appeared in Sunday's paper were students who were awarded Academic Awards at the annual Spring Assembly on May 15. This was not the list of honor roll students. That list will be published in the next few weeks. The News apologizes for any confusion.
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Jack Barrington informs NN that there are seven RAF cadet graves at IOOF Cemetery, not six as was stated in Tuesday's NN. Barrington reemphasized that the Darr survival rate of trainees was higher than any other training station during World War II. Jack also reminded NN that "Bert" Sims' name was incorrectly spelled in that same item.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
Sparks flew and tempers flared as Tuesday's city commission meeting turned into a political battlefield and the mayoral race entered a new arena. It all started as city commissioner and mayoral candidate Tom Leonard used the meeting to squelch rumors and make a political promise to listeners.
Leonard, who will face fellow commissioner Dick Stone June 9 in a mayoral revote, responded to a rumor that has him firing City Manager Gary Martin if he should win the election. Leonard said that if he won the election, he would retain Martin.
The meeting then took a turn for the worse as appointments to city boards and committees became the source of political warfare. The nominations, tabled from a previous meetings, were once again on the agenda and once again the source of controversy.
Claiming they were politically motivated, Leonard objected to the nominations.
"If it is not a political issue then what is it," Leonard questioned. "I have checked the addresses of those being nominated and 22 come from the northeast side of town and the other two I can't find an address for. The reason these are to be made in May is so that the new mayor can make these appointments."
The mayor herself argued the point, stating that because the new mayor had not yet been elected, the appointments were necessary so that city business could continue. "These people are recommended by city department heads and those they work for," Marilyn Andrews stated. "This is not a personal thing by this mayor I can assure you - it is just that we have moved further down the road and they need to be made."
Commissioner Lyn Boyer agreed with the necessity for the appointments. "We have put it off and put it off," he said. "Yes we would like to have the new mayor make the appointments but we don't have one yet. People have agreed to take on these responsibilities and we don't want to hold up citizen's groups."
In the end it was Stone who moved for approval of the motions which were indeed approved by a 3-2 vote with commissioners Leonard and Chris Hand voting against them.
Those appointed to boards Tuesday night were appointed for three-year terms to serve until May 2001 and included Nick Jeffries, filling an unexpired term on the Tourism Authority Board. Charles Rager and Dorthey Murrell were both reappointed and T.L. Walker was a new appointment.
Reappointed to the Planning Commission were Don Monn, Cheryl Moon and Steve Linville. Appointed to Historical Preservation was Ruth Capshaw while Perry Schauvliege was reappointed. Ann Kinsinger was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Board of Adjustments while James L. Roland was reappointed.
Appointed to the Airport Advisory Board was Brad Piel and reappointed was Edward W. Jones. Dr. Ron Nida and L. Randol Marzuola were both reappointed to the Animal Control Board.
On the Cultural Affairs Committee, Sheila Kirkpatrick and Doris Stanley were reappointed while Stuart Powell was reappointed to the Energy Advisory Board. Dorothy Baker was reappointed to the Housing Authority and Jo Ann Muchmore and Dorothy Buck were both reappointed to the Library Board.
On the E.W. Marland Estate Commission, Stan Paynter, Jon Kennedy and Richard Winterrowd were appointed and Doyal Worstell and Flo O'Connor were reappointed.
Ron Mersman and Larry Williams were reappointed and Don Duren was appointed to the Park and Recreation Board. Sharron Dennison was appointed to the Personnel Board.
Controversy surrounded yet another item, also previously tabled. It was the purchase of a street sweeper. As before, staff recommendation was not for the lowest bid but once again the best and $13,000 higher bid.
"We have done more research since this last came up and feel the cost difference is worth the money because this sweeper is more versatile," Director of Public Works Ken Parr told the commissioners. "We don't take the cost difference lightly but because we are trading in two and only getting one we need the additional versatility."
However Commissioners Hand and Leonard questioned the difference in the price and whether the versatility was worth the extra money.
"That $13,000 would pay for a lot of mayoral elections," Leonard joked.
It was Commissioner Boyer who spoke in favor of the more expensive model. "We don't know anything about street sweepers but we have a professional staff who have studied it and agonized over it and I move we accept the staff's recommendation because the people who drive it and maintain it think the $13,000 is worth it."
The purchase of the $110,000 sweeper passed by a 3-2 vote, with once again Leonard and Hand voting against the purchase.
The recent mayoral elections also influenced one other agenda item. The City Code regarding the Economic Development Board was changed to include members who live in Ponca City not merely those living inside the city limits. According to City Manager Gary Martin, the current in-coming chairman lives outside the city limits but has a Ponca City address.
City Commissioners also approved a rezoning request involving 3501 North Fourteenth Street, Pemberton Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge/Mazda. The property was annexed as residential and commissioners voted to change it to a commercial zoning in accordance with the Master Plan.
In other business, the commissioners appropriated an additional $8,000 for the painting project of the City Library.
As the Ponca City Utility Authority the commissioners approved the location of the new Northwest Electrical Substation on city property at Ash Street and Prospect Avenue as well as the purchase of a transformer for it and the purchase of a $100,000 14-ton hydraulic truck to replace a 1990 model for the water distribution division.
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Edwin Fair Community Mental Health, Ponca City, received a new transit vehicle in May through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) program, according to a state official.
Phil Blue, transportation grant manager for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Aging Services Division said, "I'm pleased the Edwin Fair Community Mental Health has an opportunity to provide transportation services for the elderly and disabled through the FTA program."
"Our clients will be so happy with this vehicle," said Joy Havens, Human Resources Administrative Assistant. "Getting on the vehicle is much easier than our old one - the wheelchair lift is located in the rear of this vehicle." The 22-foot vehicle seats 14 passengers.
Organizations must provide 20 percent of the cost of the transit vehicle and the FTA grant funds the remaining 80 percent.
Public agencies and private non-profit organizations incorporated in Oklahoma are eligible for financial assistance to provide special needs transportation for the elderly and disabled in areas where transportation services are inadequate.
Edwin Fair Community Mental Health transports developmentally disabled citizens to the daytreatment center, medical and dental appointments, shopping, and field trips.
May is Mental Health Month, and the Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center is observing its 40th Anniversary.
The Center is inviting the public to join in celebrating the anniversary of 40 years of service to the community, on Friday, May 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. on the lawn of the Center, located at 1500 North Sixth in Ponca City.
KPNC-FM will be providing a DJ with music, soft drinks, popcorn, CDs, and assorted prizes, all at no cost to the public, it was announced.
The clinic will be serving free hot dogs, as well as handing out bio-dots, and will also be teaching everyone attending how to make stress balls. There will also be a moonwalk, horse and cart rides, a petting zoo, demonstrations by the police and fire departments, and an assortment of games with prizes. Face painting will also be an attraction, directed by Clyde "Mr. O" Otipoby.
Making donations to the celebration are Thorn Apple Valley, Buy For Less, Albertson's, United Supermarkets, Farm Fresh, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Leach Paper Co., City of Ponca City, Ponca City Police Department, Ponca City Fire Department, The Fox, Boy Scouts of America, P.H. Catering by Piccola, Jack Powers, Larry Knight, Billy Baker of Fairfax, Elaine McDonald, Davi Bufford, Whitney Edens, and the Ranch Drive Co-op Association.
The clinic urges the public to join in the celebration. Bring your family and friends and join the fun. For more information call 762-7561.
By Patti N. Carmack
News Lifestyles Editor
Area residents will want to make plans to attend the fifth annual Ponca City Herb Festival on Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Cann Gardens, located on North Fourteenth.
Situated along the various garden paths will be 50 vendors with items such as plants, herbal stoneware, herbal crafts, potpourri, books, outdoor garden furniture, herbal bath products, antiques and food.
Other festival activities include demonstrations and free seminars throughout the day in the Cann home and on the grounds with topics ranging from growing, drying and cooking with herbs, cooking Mexican-style with herbs, herbs for health, medicinal uses of herbs, herbal teas, edible wild plants, herb vinegars, aromatherapy, healthy skin with herbs, making your own soap, potpourri and more.
In addition, plans for strolling musicians as well as horse and buggy rides, are being worked on for this year's entertainment said a spokesperson from the sponsoring organization, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club.
Parking will be available at the Pioneer Shopping Center and a shuttle will be provided for transportation.
The money raised by Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme Garden Club will be used to enhance the public gardens of Ponca City. Ponca City Tourism Authority has assisted with the event.
For more information call Helen Widner at (580) 767-1076 or Mary Anne Potter at (580) 767-1957. A web site has been developed for the Ponca City Herb Festival. The website address is: www.onlineshops.com/herbfest. The site provides information to visitors and vendor forms.
A variety of plant life enhances the grounds surrounding the Cann home and a gazebo is established in the perfect place for viewing the well-kept gardens. The wide pathways complement the beds, which are planted with daylilies, hosta, tropical plants and many, many more types of flowers and plants situated beneath the shelter of an assortment of trees.
So mark that calendar now and plan to spend a summer's day enjoying the sights the sounds - the smells the tastes of herbs.
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Sept. 26
Sometimes it's amazing - when you find yourself in places you never dreamed you would be. For "Avalon," the Gospel Music Association's 1998 Group of the Year, the places they have found themselves in are truly extraordinary. Avalon, consisting of Jana Potter, Michael Passons, Jody McBrayer and Cherie Paliotta, made its debut in 1995 on the "Young Messiah Tour," singing in front of a quarter of a million people in 18 days as they joined some of the top names in Christian music. "It's been so obvious to see how it's really been God who has brought together four people from around the country, each with an individual calling on their lives, to be in this group," states Potter.
Having "Avalon" as their moniker gives insight into the group's identity. "Avalon is a medieval term that means 'heaven' - it was seen as a place where kings and children of royalty would spend eternity," explains McBrayer. Passons describes the group's sound as "a combination of all their musical influences brought together; a Euro-pop pad and a 70's element with a heavy gospel and Rhythm and Blues edge for some very inspiring moments. Basically, it's energetic and fun." It is that fun and energetic sound that has garnered the foursome five consecutive number-one songs.
The song "Testify To Love," from their latest release "A Maze of Grace," recently made history as the longest running No. 1 Christian Adult Contemporary song in the history of that chart. In addition, Avalon has already received extensive press coverage in their short career - from two features on CNN to their numerous appearances on national and local television programs and tons of magazine and newspaper features.
The music of Avalon is infectious and refreshing. The pop sound captures the side of us all that loves to roll down the window and turn up the radio on a warm, summer day, yet somehow the group mixes in elements which will make you sit back and be overwhelmed by its beauty.
Avalon will be performing at the Hutchins Auditorium in Ponca City on Saturday, June 13 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 for groups of 10 or more, $8 for advanced tickets, and $10 at the door. They are on sale at Christian bookstores in Ponca City, Enid, Stillwater, Guthrie ad Blackwell or by phone order at 580-767-1400 or 1-800-FAITH88. The concert is sponsored by Christian radio KLVV broadcasting on 88.7 FM Ponca City, 98.3 FM Enid, 106.7 FM Stillwater and 97.3 FM Guthrie & Northern Edmond.
ENID - Fourteen teams and 89 individuals from 11 counties - Ellis, Kay, Pawnee, Osage, Kingfisher, Garfield, Washita, Woodward, Custer and Noble - competed in the Northwest District 4-H Invitational Trap Shoot at the Grand National Gun Club north of Enid. All participants were eligible to compete at the State 4-H Shooting Sports event held at the Oklahoma Trap Shoot Association Gun Club, east of El Reno.
Cory Goodno, Tyler Morton and Tyson Morton represented Kay County. Tyler placed fourth in the 12- to 13-year-old division and Tyson placed first in the 16-years-and-older division.
The trap shoot - sponsored each spring and fall by Northwest District 4-H and supported by the Grand National Gun Club, teaches young people gun safety and shows them a sport they can enjoy whether they are hunters or not, said Kevin Hackett, district 4-H Program Specialist.
"Safety is one of the primary lessons 4-H'ers learn," Hackett added. "For example, before a team can even register to shoot all members and coaches must be trained."
Besides shooting skills and gun safety, youth on a county trap team learn to work with a coach, and they get the experience of team sports and individual competition.
The 4-H Shooting Sports Program also strengthens families as a high percentage of parents are in attendance at events and are often involved right along with their child. Trap shooting is only one part of the 4-H Shooting Sports Program.
Kay County Extension 4-H educator Larry Klumpp said programs are currently being organized in archery, air rifle, air pistol, hunting and black powder in various counties across the state as a result of a state-wide 4-H instructor training that is held annually.
A 4-H Archery, Air Rifle, & Air Pistol competition will be held Thursday in conjunction with State 4-H Roundup in Stillwater on the OSU Campus. This program, like many 4-H programs are led and expanded through the use of volunteers. Persons interested in becoming involved as a volunteer or youth participant can contact the Kay County OSU Extension Center at 580-362-3194.
Ammonia is one of the most hazardous inhalants in agricultural operations - listed as a substance "immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)."
Currently the only protective equipment authorized for use to contain releases of anhydrous ammonia is much too expensive for most rural volunteer fire departments to afford.
However, governmental agencies - collaborating with local emergency teams - have set out to prove a new spraying technique that is effective on ammonia with an emergency worker wearing normal protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus.
At the Bender Grain Elevator in Kay County, emergency personnel from area fire departments including Blackwell, Peckham, Newkirk, McCord, Ponca City, Tonkawa, Kildare, and as far away as Enid, joined with agents of the Environmental Protective Agency and the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Quality for the test.
Department of Agriculture spokesperson Carol Phillips said the Kay County test and a similar test in Woodward were filmed for training purposes. One camera was set up atop the grain elevator, with wind direction carefully monitored for safety.
EPA contractor Richard Bosse of Dallas said the exercise was a remarkable example of a government and industry and local collaborative effort.
"And the video will do wonders for the training effort," he said.
The ninth annual Girl Scout Fashion Show was recently held at the Ponca City Mid-High auditorium. Fifty-four girls and nine merchants participated in the event. The theme for the evening was "There's a Star in All of Us."
The fashion show began with a flag ceremony by Junior Troop 362. Donna Hingtgen, service unit chair, welcomed everyone to this year's show. Emceeing the show were Jessica Hingtgen and Pam Todd.
The show began with Girl Scouts modeling various uniforms. Darci La Rue modeled the Daisy uniform, Trisha Sharron and Elizabeth Erickson modeled the Brownie uniforms, Jennifer Hisey and Jennifer Mena modeled the Junior uniforms, and Jennifer Kiser modeled the Cadette uniform.
Modeling clothing from Jimmy's Western Wear was Kaci Wilson and Crystal Bounds. The song "Big House" played while Shelbi Knight, Britni Knight, Jennifer Bounds, Darci La Rue, Megan Manns, Kenet Morgan, Ashley Gropp, Janna Nesbit, Hanna Kilmer and Jauncy McCully modeled for K-Mart.
It was a "Semi Charmed Life" at Cato's while Amanda Wilson, Brittany Combs, Sarah Todd and Laura Todd modeled.
"How Do I Live" without Wal-Mart featured Tanna Floyd, Katie Hill, Shelby Grimm, Kelsey Hill, Trisha Shannon, Anna Clark, Shelby Lynn, Jennifer Mena, Joell Carliole, Jessi Vore and Elizabeth Erickson.
Modeling clothes from Stage to the tune "Celebration" was Sarah Ramey, Shawna Ogan, Lynette Ogan, Stephanie Pierce, Mollie Todd, Amber Holloway, Jessica Hisey, Kristy Weston, Jennifer Weston, Emily Wiswell, Ashley Gropp, Misty Hill and Tatum Turney.
"Whatever" played while Crystal Bounds, Laura Todd, Sarah Todd, Ashley Wilson and Jennifer Kiser modeled for the Buckle.
J.C. Penney's models were Lana Brewer, Jessica Wright, Whitney Weir, Ashley McCreesh, Madison Bookout, Anna Bookout, Melissa Slaughter, Jamie McGaughey, Elizabeth Arechiga, Janna Nesbit, Marissa Belzer and Madison Swinehart to the tune of "Circle of Friends."
I wonder if "My Heart Will Go On" after seeing Crystal Bounds modeling a gown from Frocks and Fashions. Jennifer Bounds, Emily Wiswell and Laura Todd also modeled gowns from Marry Me. Joe Todd, wearing a tux from Moore's Clothing, escorted the girls.
A finale concluded the show with Jennifer Long singing "Remember Me This Way."
Tammy Bounds directed and coordinated the event. Nora Slaughter was in charge of programs, and Glenda Hisey was in charge of posters. Laura Todd and Crystal Bounds selected the music while Tony Ramey and Cathe Todd worked the lights and sound system.
Kay County Girl Scouts wish to thank the following merchants and individuals for their participation in the fashion show: Jimmy's Western Wear, Cato's, Stage, J.C. Penney's, Jennifer Long, Country General, Ponca City Mid-High, Tony Ramey, Joe Todd, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Buckle, Marry me, Hobby Lobby, Albertsons, Larry Lenhart, Ron Davis and Girl Scout Troop 362.
NEWKIRK - The Newkirk Rotary Club's "friendly competition" barbecue is scheduled for noon Saturday outside the Kay County Courthouse.
With the club offering taster kits to the public, the purchase of a ticket will include access to all nine barbecue competitors, along with side dishes of beans, salad and bread. Adult tickets are $5 and tickets for children under 12 years old are $3. Homemade ice cream and cakes will be available for additional charge.
The Fun Barbecue Cookoff will include games and contests, such as a turtle race. Turtle race contestants must supply their own turtle.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Newkirk community projects.
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.
The Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma, as a sponsor and participant in the Summer Food Service Program, United States Department of Agriculture, announces the availability of free meals for all children without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.
The meals will be served at the Ponca Tribal Affairs Building located in the White Eagle community between noon and 12:45 p.m., beginning June 1 through July 24, 1998.
In addition to serving lunch, there will be arts and crafts classes held each week during the summer. Field trips and activities are also planned.
For more information about the summer lunch program or any summer activities scheduled call Chris LittleCook at (580) 763-0120 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The Summer Food Service Program is an equal opportunity program. Those
who believe they have been discriminated against because of race, color,
national origin, sex, or disability may appeal the decision of the sponsoring
agency or write to the State Department of Education, School Lunch Division,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-4595, or Secretary of Agriculture, Washington,
DC 20250.
DEATHS
Thelma Wilson Hinrichs, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, May 24, 1998, at Integris Bethany Hospital, Bethany. She was 94.
The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 1998, at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gary C. Strang, pastor of Seventh Day Adventist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.
Thelma Wilson Hinrichs was born February 15, 1904, in McAlester, the daughter of A.J. and Ellen Wilson. She grew up in Coalgate and attended Oklahoma schools at Mowdy Community Center and Cairo; a Texas school in Keene; and East Central University in Ada. She taught at Oklahoma schools in Bartlesville, Mowdy, and Pratt Center.
On November 23, 1930, she married George G. Hinrichs in Ponca City. They made their home on a farm south of Ponca City until his retirement in 1972 when they moved into town. Her husband preceded her in death April 11, 1981.
After a short tenure teaching, she made her career as a homemaker. As a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church since childhood, she was instrumental in the founding of the Ponca City church where she was very active. Hinrichs was a member of the Dorcas Society. She maintained rental properties and enjoyed her work on the farm as well as quilting, gardening, and sewing.
She is survived by two sons, Eric Hinrichs of Manteca, Calif., and John Hinrichs of Billings; one daughter, Mary Ellen Davis of Yukon; two brothers, Fred Wilson of Dewey, and Paul Wilson of Coalgate; one sister, Ruby Leister of Coalgate; three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Riley Wilson; and one sister, Dovie Leister.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
BLACKWELL - John Edward Burgett, resident of Blackwell, died Monday afternoon, May 25, 1998, at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was 62.
The funeral will be 2 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 1998, at the First Baptist Church in Blackwell with the Revs. Paul Box and Fred Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home in Blackwell.
John Edward Burgett was born Nov. 22, 1935, in Kaw City, the son of Robert Smith and Marie Burgett. He grew up in Kaw City where he attended school. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956, during the Korean War.
Burgett married Sherry M. Reed on December 27, 1961, in Denison, Texas, and they moved to Blackwell in 1966. He was employed by the Blackwell Zinc Company where he worked until the plant closed. He was then employed by International Multifoods as a blender until his retirement in 1988. Burgett was a member of the Blackwell American Legion and an active member of the First Baptist Church in Blackwell.
He is survived by his wife, of the home; one daughter, Vanessa Longoria of Oklahoma City; one son, Ray Burgett of Covington, N.Y.; his mother, Marie Burgett of Kaw City; one brother, David Burgett of Kaw City; two sisters, Sondra Smith and Emily Ryan, both of Oklahoma City; and two grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his father, and a brother, Robert Burgett.
Honorary casket bearers will be David Haney, Lyle Tripp, Randy Burkhalter, Gerald Craig, Dan McClung and Morgan Norris.
Casket bearers will be Newman Hicks, Myron Smith, Mike Creech, Jim Wilson, Abe Schauer and Earl Webb.
Memorial contributions may be made in Burgett's name to the First Baptist Church - Van or Television Fund, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
Ersie Virginia Lafferty Brann, resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday, May 20, 1998, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 91.
A funeral was held 2 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 1998, in the chapel of Lawrence-Sorensen Funeral Home in Jackson, Tenn., with the Rev. Paul McAdoo officiating. Burial followed in the Hollywood Cemetery in Jackson, Tenn.
Ersie Virginia Lafferty Brann was born Sept. 1, 1906, in Decatur County, Tenn., the daughter of the Rev. Oliver Howard Perry Lafferty and Nancy Perrie (Tucker) Lafferty. She received her education in the county schools there and in Dyer County. She attended Union University in Jackson, Tenn.
She married James Eugene Brann on Oct. 10, 1931, in Chester County, Tenn., with her father officiating. They resided in Jackson, Tenn., for 60 years prior to moving to Ponca City eight years ago to join their daughter, Peggy Cookson, and family.
Brann was a homemaker who enjoyed needlework, ceramics, reading, growing flowers, and church work. She was a member of the Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church of Jackson, Tenn., and attended St. Paul's United Methodist Church while residing in Ponca City.
She is survived by three daughters, Nancy Jane Brann Alexander of Danville, Calif., Peggy Jean Brann Cookson of Ponca City, and Dr. Joyce Anne Brann Bittle of Memphis, Tenn.; one sister, Noda Mae Lafferty Wamble of Henderson, Tenn.; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two nieces and one nephew.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years on July 1, 1992; her parents; one brother, Oscar Lafferty; and three sisters, Erie Pauline Lafferty, Ora Lafferty Cherry and Myrtle Lafferty.
Ronald L. Sitterly, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, May 26, 1998, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 45.
A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 1998, at Sunset Memorial Park with the Rev. Bruce Allen, Associate Pastor, Bible Baptist Church, officiating. Services will be under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. There will be viewing at the funeral home from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. today; after that time the casket will remain closed.
Ronald was born on November 30, 1952, in Fort Monmouth, N.J., the son of Emory and Mary (Wine) Sitterly. After graduating from Fairfax High School, where he was a star basketball player, Ronald served his country in the U.S. Army. His hobbies included riding his motorcycle and various other activities.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Debbie Sitterly, and his grandmother, Annie Sitterly.
Survivors include his daughter, Shannon Ceniti; his parents, Emory and Mary Sitterly; two sisters, Dorothy Sitterly and Bonnie Luis; two brothers, Robert Sitterly and Roger Sitterly; one grandson, Austin Ceniti; and nieces and nephews.
He was loved and will be missed by friends and family.
paid obituary
BURBANK - Thomas (Tom) K. Hall, resident of Burbank, died Tuesday morning,
May 26, 1998, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 62. He
was survived by his brother, Alfred Hall, of Burbank. A graveside service
will by 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are under
the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Gas Drive-Off - A gas drive-off at Ronny's Westbury Market, 2911 North Union Street, was reported at 10:29 a.m. Tuesday. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 20-year-old man at 10:40 a.m. Tuesday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Arrest - A 20-year-old man was arrested at 10:46 a.m. Tuesday from First Street and Grand Avenue on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Arrest - At 10:53 a.m. Tuesday a 41-year-old man was arrested from No. 1 Darr Park on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Arrest - Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 11:38 a.m. Tuesday from the 600 block of West Hazel Street on two Kay County warrants.
Accident - An accident in the 700 block of North First Street was reported at 1:31 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Stop Payment - At 1:47 p.m. Tuesday police were advised that a stop payment was put on a check used to purchased some items from the Grand Antique Mall, 206 East Grand Avenue. A report was taken.
Stolen Purse - A woman in the 200 block of North Pine Street called police at 1:57 p.m. Tuesday to report a stolen purse. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - Police arrested a 25-year-old man at 2:12 p.m. Tuesday from the 100 block of West Grand Avenue on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Car Fire - At 2:36 p.m. Tuesday fire units responded to a reported car fire at North Seventh Street and East Hartford Avenue.
Threats - Police were notified at 2:59 p.m. Tuesday that an employee at Peter Pan Cleaners, 216 West Grand Avenue, was being threatened. A report was taken.
Juvenile Arrests - Two 13-year-old boys were arrested at 5:25 p.m. Tuesday from Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, for grand larceny.
Car Wash Damaged - At 7:12 p.m. Tuesday Conoco car wash at South Avenue and Waverly Street was reported damaged when a tractor trailer drove through it.
Break-In - A break-in at a home in the 1400 block of South Seventh Street was reported to police at 7:58 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned.
Theft - A woman in the 1000 block of North Third Street contacted police at 9:50 p.m. Tuesday to report a theft. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - Police arrested an 18-year-old man at 11:49 p.m. Tuesday from the 3000 block of East Prospect Avenue for possession of marijuana.
Dog Theft - At 1:14 a.m. Wednesday a woman in the 700 block of South Seventh Street called police to report the theft of her dog. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - A 37-year-old woman was arrested at 2:37 a.m. Wednesday
from the 600 block of East Brookfield Avenue on a Kay County warrant for
failure to appear.
SPORTS
Memorial Day Scramble
Ponca City Country Club
96 - Alan Huffman, Dean Carlson, Jim Fuller, Bob Banta, Bill Eubank, Joe Paden
96 - John Hron, Dan Lyhane, Perry Schavliege, Paul Northcut, Mark Detten, Bill Valenta
98 - David Myers, Gordon Holland, Monte Evens, Charlie Cobb, Steve Winterrowd, Vic Coates
99 - Ron Locke, Brice Chism, Lee Brown, Bill Schutte, Bryan Carter, Phil Rice
100 - Roy Swain, Keni Ray, Clyde Becker, Steve Pulley, Tom Rigdon, Ted Impson
The Arkansas City Recreation Commission will be sponsoring two fast pitch softball tournaments this summer.
The first, June 19-21, will be for ages 10 and under and 14 and under, with a $110 entry fee. Entry deadline is June 14.
The second, June 26-28, is for ages 8 and under (parent pitch), 12 and under and 16 and under. Entry fee is $80 for parent pitch and $110 for the other two, with a June 21 entry deadline.
Both tournaments are pool play and single elimination format. For more information call 316-441-4303.
The Wildcat running camp has now started. The camp runs Monday through
Friday from 8-9 a.m., through August 1. There is no charge for this camp,
and all runners who participate in at least 30 sessions will receive a free
tank top. Interested participants should meet at the old gym at the high
school. Regular practice for the high school cross country team will begin
August 10.