LOCAL

Residents Plead With Commission
Citians Killer To Be Executed
Man and Companion Lead Police On 3 Mile Chase Across City
Local Rehabilitation Service Offers County Residents Health Needs
American Legion Hosts Reunion

Residents Plead With Commission

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

A group of concerned residents from the Lakewood subdivision met with the city’s planning commission Tuesday night to ask board members: “Isn’t there a better way?”

The group’s plea — fraught with concerns, questions and fears — stemmed from the proposed plat for Deer Place, a neighboring 14-lot subdivision.

The project is planned for development on 9.5 acres of land, owned by Pat Drake of Lee Drake Homes, Inc., at the southeast corner of Pecan Road and Homestead.

According to Gale McKinley, the recent author of a letter to the commission that included a 33-name petition, the group’s main concern was Deer Place’s proposed entrance.

Why can’t the entrance come from Pecan Road instead of Homestead? she asked commissioners at the meeting.

Currently, according to the proposed plat, future residents of Deer Place would share the same divided entrance off Homestead from Pecan Road.

Residents of the new subdivision would cut back toward the south, just past the shared entrance, before actually entering Lakewood subdivision, to access the 14 lots comprising Deer Place.

McKinley said she believed that the shared entrance would increase traffic flow “in a quiet area where many small children play.” She suggested giving residents of Deer Place their own entrance off Pecan Road.

“None of us are trying to prevent the subdivision,” noted Lakewood resident J.B. Parsons. “We just think the cut (for the entrance) should be on Pecan and not Homestead.”

Other residents expressed fears that the shared entrance would forever alter the tranquility of the sleepy little Lakewood neighborhood.

“If you start adding other subdivisions to our little neighborhood,” commented Suzanne Devinney, “it won’t be the same anymore.”

City planner Todd Kennemer said that the best location for the entrance was from Homestead Avenue, as planned.

“We get our traffic plan from the traffic commission,” he said, pointing out that the plat’s current layout was drawn up according to their recommendation.

For the Lakewood residents to gain a better understanding of the recommendation, Kennemer suggested they bring the question before the traffic commission sometime in the near future.

Residents also brought up the issue of drainage. According to plans, most of the water runoff from the 1,800-square-foot to 2,500-square-foot homes would be directed toward a pond that rests just south of Homestead on Deer Place property.

With all of the water runoff from these lots, potentially containing insecticides, fertilizers and other pollutants, going to one place, McKinley asked, “Who is going to take care of the water quality of the pond?”

The city planner told the Lakewood residents that the question would have to be answered at a later time. He explained that Terry Stamback, project engineer, was currently looking into the issue of drainage for the planned development.

He went on to note that the engineer should have a more definitive answer for them by early July.

The commission voted to table final approval of the Deer Place plat until more information could be received from the project’s engineer.

The next planning commission session is slated for July 11. However, noted Kennemer, if information from the engineer becomes available sooner, a special session may be called.

Citians Killer To Be Executed

Lloyd Patterson says tonight’s pending execution of accused killer Roger James Berget will leave him only “half-satisfied.”

Patterson, a Ponca City resident, is the brother of Rick Patterson, who was murdered during an Oct. 19, 1985, carjacking. Patterson was a graduate of Ponca City High School.

Burget and Mikkel Smith were convicted of the murder, but Smith’s conviction was later over-turned. According to Patterson, he is serving a life sentence in an Arizona prison.

“This isn’t complete justification,” Patterson said Wednesday.

He will be one of five family members to attend tonight’s execution in McAlester. Berget is scheduled to die early Thursday by lethal injection.

Patterson, sister Diane Newlin and father Raymond Patterson are scheduled to witness the execution. Two other family members will attend, but will not see Berget die.

“I’m ready to go,” Patterson said. “I believe in [the death penalty]. It’s not just because it’s my brother, but it’s the only thing we can do nowadays.”

Rick Patterson was a 33-year-old math teacher at Moore Central Mid-High at the time of his death.

He had a reputation as a gifted math teacher and practical joker beloved by fellow teachers and his students.

‘‘It was a senseless killing,’’ said Lois Evans, the assistant principal at the mid-high when the killing occurred. ‘‘It had so much impact and caused so much pain to so many people, especially his kids.’’

Patterson’s siste planned to attend the execution along with Patterson’s father, brother and sister-in-law.

‘‘I promised my brother I’d stick it through,’’ Newlin said.

She said when her brother died, it changed everything with the family. Joke gifts such as a bottle cutter that her brother used to pass around the family came to a stop, and family gatherings became somber.

‘‘Rick brought the laughter into our lives,’’ Newlin said. ‘‘We’re real lost without him.’’

Berget and co-defendant Smith were accused of carjacking Patterson from an Oklahoma City supermarket parking lot. The two men forced Patterson into the trunk of his car and drove to a deserted area near Interstate 40 where they ordered him out of the car and shot him.

Berget pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, first-degree burglary and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He also confessed to killing James Meadows in Hughes County near Holdenville.

Newlin said Berget’s execution brings part of the justice she believes is due her brother. She said it’s been a long 15 years and she’s ready.

‘‘He’s getting it a lot easier than my brother did, there’s no comparison with how my brother died,’’ she said.

But she said her family will only get partial closure because of Smith not getting the death penalty.

‘‘How he got off, I’ll never know,’’ Newlin said. ‘‘I guess one is better than none.’’

(Editor’s note: This story was compiled from Associated Press wire reports and additions from Ponca City News managing editor Norm Petersen.)

Man and Companion Lead Police On 3 Mile Chase Across City

A 32-year-old man is looking at some hefty fines after leading Ponca City police on a merry chase Tuesday evening.

According to police, the man could face charges for theft of beer, driving under intoxication, two counts of running a roadblock, one count of attempting to elude police, failure to obey a traffic signal, no seat belt, no insurance, improper tag, open container and no driver’s license.

A female companion, alledgedly tried to interfere as the man was being handcuffed, was arrested for obstructing an officer.

The three-mile pursuit followed a call by a clerk at the Stop-N-Go convenience store, 501 West Highland Avenue, reporting the alleged theft of two 30-packs of beer.

Police received the call from the clerk at 8:41 p.m. According to Ponca City police capt. Carl Porter, a low-speed pursuit followed. Porter said patrolman Chad Cunningham spotted the couple fleeing the store in a 1983 Ford Futura, heading northbound on Virginia Avenue.

“The patrolman advised dispatch that he was in pursuit of the suspect’s vehicle,” said Porter. Cunningham was quickly joined by master patrolman Fred Landis. A third officer, lieutenant Bob Miller, also joined the pursuit.

Miller positioned his unit in front of the suspects as a deterrent, a warning the suspects failed to heed. Miller tried again, slowing his unit in front of the suspects and attempting a “rolling deterrent.” Again the suspects ignored the officer’s warning. This time they turned eastbound on Central Avenue.

Finally, according to Porter, the two suspects pulled over just past the Fourteenth Street and Central Avenue intersection where police converged on the scene. After a brief scuffle between officers and the male suspect, the man was arrested and taken to jail.

Local Rehabilitation Service Offers County Residents Health Needs

St. Joseph Rehabilitation Services offers Kay County and the surrounding area physical, occupational and speech therapy services on an inpatient, outpatient and home health care basis.

Rehab Services has a wide-array of therapy services, including specialty areas such as aquatic therapy at the YMCA, lymphedema management, splint fabrication and orthotic/prosthetic design. The latter is a service offered in coordination with Hanger Orthotics & Prosthetics.

The therapists of St. Joseph Rehab Services have over 160 years of combined experience and have a variety of special interests that include orthopedics, pediatrics, acute care, wound care and sports medicine.

Rehab Services, which is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Heathcare Organizations through SJRMC, features seven physical therapists: Lisa Carter, Christy Hanzlicek, Sharon Honick, Jess Soto, Melinda Soto, Kendra Teichmer and Doug Wilson. Also on staff are two physical therapist assistants: Cheryl Johnson and Shannon Stephen. Mary Bahruth-Poskey and Nancy Vanzant are both speech/language pathologists. Brenda Kirchenbauer is the occupational therapist for SJRMC and she provides the only outpatient occupational therapy services in the area. Becki Sober is SJRMC’s licensed athletic trainer who provides care and prevention of injuries to the Po-Hi wildcats.

In addition to therapy, Rehab Services offers a complete wellness program that promotes a healthier lifestyle. The Wellness Center offers a continuum of care for therapy patients and allows individuals to reach an optimal level of health. The center has a 3000-square-foot gymnasium that features state-of-the-art equipment for a quality workout. The Wellness Program administers a non-diagnostic pre-program screening to assess physical fitness. Each individual is required to provide past medical history, past exercise history and to express desired fitness goals. This assessment is used as a basis for exercise programming and to monitor progress. Mandi Grimes and Allison Horner, exercise specialists, staff the Wellness Center program.

In addition to the wellness program, Rehab Services also offers Cardiac Rehabilitation three days per week for those recovering from surgery or other heart-related conditions. The 12-week program includes cardiac-monitored exercise and education under the medical direction of a physician.

The facility, which is located at 1924 North Fourteenth, just north of the Medical Center, is open to the general public, but a physician referral is required for all services. call 765-0518 for more information.

American Legion Hosts Reunion

Huff Minor Post 14 of the American Legion hosted 58 Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force veterans Wednesday evening, May 31, for the first annual Air Force reunion.

Of those in attendance, 37 were World War II veterans, 10 Korean War veterans, three were both World War II and Korean War veterans, seven Vietnam War veterans and one from Desert Storm.

Marvin Rider, post commander, opened the reunion with the pledge of allegiance to the flag. The prayer was given by the Rev. Donald Parsons, and Glen Adkins performed the POW/MIA ceremony.

Standard SOS was served along with corn bread, beans, slaw, cake and drinks.

Rider introduced a number of speakers including Truman Smith, World War II; Enloe Baumert, Korean War; Burt Blanton, Vietnam War; and Lt. Col. Russ Miller, commanding officer of the Oklahoma State Air Force ROTC, Desert Storm. All the speakers gave accounts, some of which seemed to be “out in the wild blue yonder.”

Charles Tingley, a military collector, and several other veterans provided a number of military items for review, which included uniforms, pictures, medals, patches and articles.

Since most of the stories told were by the “brass,” a number of enlisted men shared a “colonel” story — presumed to be true — told by Don Haden, a retired master sergeant.

Veterans seemed to enjoy seeing other Air Force veterans and exchanging war stories and tall tales.

The next reunion will be for all veterans on Nov. 11 during the annual Veterans Day parade.

The Ponca City Aviation Booster Club, EAA Chapter 1046, will sponsor a World War II vintage B-17 bomber, which will be on display at the Ponca City Airport June 20 and 21. Flights on the B-17 bomber will be available in the mornings for $350, and ground tours will be given in the afternoon at a cost of $5.

DEATHS

Audrey I. Lessert
Troy Lester Denson
Earl Gene Cauley
Vivian Sindorf
Bill Leon Allmon
William Everett Mugg
Lottie L. Clymer
E. Darlene Testerman
Lee Martin

Audrey I. Lessert

WICHITA, Kan. — Audrey I. Lessert, former resident of Ponca City, died Monday, June 5, 2000, in her home in Wichita. She was 81.

A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at the Resthaven Gardens of Memory in Wichita under the direction of Resthaven Mortuary in Wichita, Kan.

Audrey I. Lessert was born Aug. 4, 1918, in Ponca City, the daughter of Charles Dodson and Meva (Freeman) Dodson. She was a retired Wichita Stat Labs employee.

Survivors include her husband Achan of the home; two daughters, Anita Wallace of Wichita, Kan., and Arlynn Mohr of Bethany; a sister, Norma Albers of Wichita; 4 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Troy Lester Denson

HAZEN, Ark. — Troy Lester Denson, resident of Carlisle, Ark., died June 5, 2000, in Arkansas. He was 86.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2000, at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen, Ark. Burial will follow in the Old Carlisle Cemetery.

Troy Lester Denson was born Feb. 1, 1914, in Prairie County, Ark., the son of Jim and Gertie Moore Denson. He was a Methodist.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Naomi Matlock Denson, of the home; and 13 children, Bob Denson of Ponca City, Peggy Ratliff and Phillis Willingham of Oklahoma City, Melvin Denson of Hazen, Ark., Troy L. Denson III, Leslie Taylor and Colleen Denson, all of Carlisle, Ark., Barbara Gordon, Jimmie Sue Townsly and Billy Bayne, all of Chickasha, Jo Newlon of Hackett, Ark., and Tommy Bayne of Falcon, Colo.; two sisters, Jimmie Sue Covington of Hickory Plains, Ark., and Patty Weis of Bavaria, Kan.; 44 grandchildren; 72 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Casket bearers will be Melvin Denson, Mickey Denson, Bob Denson, Troy Denson, Tommy Bayne and Elvin Taylor.

Earl Gene Cauley

NEWKIRK — Earl Gene Cauley, resident of Newkirk Nursing Center, died Monday morning, June 5, 2000, at the nursing center. He was 67.

A memorial service for the cremains will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, June 9, in the Roller-England Funeral Home Chapel, England, Ark., with the Rev. Ricky White officiating. Miller-Stahl Funeral Service is in charge of local arrangements.

Earl Gene Cauley was born Sept. 6, 1932, in England, Ark., the son of George Neal and Fannibelle (Parrish) Cauley. He grew up and received his education in England, Ark.

He was a lifelong grocer and had worked in Warren, Texarkana and Little Rock, Ark.; Wichita, Kan.; and Paris, Ark. He retired as a manager of a Kroger Grocery Store.

He enjoyed horse races and spending time with his grandchildren and his many friends.

He is survived by three sons, Earl Gene Cauley Jr. of Alma, Ark., David Cauley of Newkirk and Stephen Eugene Cauley of Little Rock, Ark.; one daughter, Stephanie Winchester of Sherwood, Ark.; numerous brothers and sisters; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and several brothers and sisters.

Vivian Sindorf

ARKANSAS CITY — Vivian Sindorf, Arkansas City resident and formerly of Newkirk, died Monday evening, June 5, 2000, in the Arkansas City Memorial Hospital. She was 92.

The funeral has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, June 10, in the Miller-Stahl Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Danny Ringer, minister of the Newkirk First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial is to follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

Vivian Sindorf was born March 12, 1908, at Nacogdoches, Texas, the daughter of Paul and Mary Jessie (Perry) Finley. She grew up and received her education at Nacogdoches.

On March 3, 1928, she married Herman Albert Sindorf in Frankel, Texas. They made their home in west Texas until 1945, when they moved to rural Newkirk. After his retirement from the oilfields, they moved to Newkirk. After he died Jan. 10, 1987, she continued living in Newkirk until this last year when she moved to Arkansas City to make her home with her granddaughter.

She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, flowers, and her dogs.

Survivors include one son, Paul Curtis Sindorf of Newkirk; one sister, Pauline Adams of Laredo, Texas; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, a daughter, her parents, four brothers, and one sister.

Friends may begin calling at the funeral home Thursday at 9 a.m.

Bill Leon Allmon

Bill Leon Allmon, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, June 6, 2000, at his home. He was 60.

The funeral will be held Friday, June 9, 2000, at 10 a.m. at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Thomas Estes, pastor, officiating, assisted by the Rev. Robert Allmon, pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Crane, Mo.

Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Billy Leon Allmon was born Dec. 28, 1939, in Arvin, Calif., the son of Willis M. and Mildred (Willhite) Allmon. He spent most of his years growing up in Kansas. As a teenager, he moved to Louisiana and graduated from New Iberia High School in 1959.

He married Bertha Derouen on June 1, 1961, in New Iberia, La.

On March 30, 1961, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served with the 4170th Transportation Squadron. After being honorably discharged Dec. 21, 1962, at Larson Air Force Base, Wash., he returned to Louisiana for a short time before settling in Kansas. He retired from Columbian Chemical Co. in Ulysses, Kan., on June 1, 1999, and came to Ponca City in August.

Bill was a member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in Ponca City and former member of the Assembly of God Church in Ulysses, Kan.

Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Dwayne Allmon of McPherson, Kan.; two daughters, Janice Olds of Independence, Mo., and Kassie Kristine Allmon of the home; a brother, Eugene Allmon of McNeal, Ariz.; and four grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, a brother, Leo Allmon, and two sisters, Reba and Norma Jean, preceded him in death.

The family will be at 3916 South Ranch Drive.

Obituaries

William Everett Mugg

William Everett Mugg, longtime resident of Tonkawa, passed away Monday evening, June 5, 2000, at Blackwell. He was 89.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2000, at the First Baptist Church, Tonkawa, with the Rev. Richard Thomasson presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of the McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home of Tonkawa.

William Everett Mugg was born Aug. 1, 1910, in Johnson County, Texas, the eighth of 10 children born to John Mugg and Lucy (Dryden) Mugg. He graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City, later attending Oklahoma City University, where he was a member of the wrestling team. He also attended Blackwell Business School of Oklahoma City.

He was married to Altha Tolle on Nov. 19, 1932, at Oklahoma City, where the couple made their first home. The couple also resided in Wilson, Okla., and Magnolia, Ark., before moving to Tonkawa in 1947. Everett began his employment in Tonkawa as office manager of Wetmore Manufacturing. He and his wife, Altha, later owned and operated the Mugg Insurance and Real Estate Agency until retirement. He came to the First Baptist Church of Tonkawa as an ordained deacon from the Central Baptist Church of Magnolia, Ark. He served 40 years as an active deacon of First Baptist Church and has since been deacon emeritus. He also taught the men’s Sunday school class for many years. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of the Tonkawa Kiwanis Club and the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by one daughter, Mary Grace Simpson and husband Dale of Tonkawa; one son, William H. (Niki) Mugg and wife Jessie of Port Mansfield, Texas; one daughter-in-law, Eileen Mugg of Edmond; one brother, Capt. Richard D. Mugg U.S. Navy (Ret) of Irvington, Va.; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Altha Tolle Mugg on June 12, 1996; one son, Lt. Col. David Mugg U.S. Air Force (Ret) on Jan. 14, 1998; four brothers; and four sisters.

Everett Mugg’s goal was to witness to one person every day of the saving power of his Lord Jesus Christ.

paid obituary

Lottie L. Clymer

Lottie L. Clymer, longtime Jefferson Elementary school teacher, died Monday, June 5, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 94.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2000, in the First Baptist Church Chapel with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Lottie Clymer was born July 31, 1905, in western Osage County near Ponca City. She was youngest of five children born to Simon and Lavina C. (Ligon) Clymer. The family moved to Ponca City following her father’s death in June 1908.

Miss Clymer’s early education was obtained in Ponca City, and she graduated from Ponca City High School in 1923. Lottie received her life teaching certificate in 1924 and her bachelor of science degree from Central State University in 1931. She received her master’s degree in elementary education in 1947 from the University of Oklahoma and did post graduate studies at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

Lottie began her teaching career at an early age and taught a total of 47 years. She taught for five years from 1924 to 1929 at Las Cruces, N.M., after which she returned to Ponca City. In the fall of 1929, she began teaching at Jefferson Elementary. She taught fourth and sixth grades for 42 years before retiring in 1971. Miss Clymer was progressive in her teaching methods and credited with conducting pilot programs in the Ponca City school system in audio visual aids, field trips for students and new mathematics for sixth grade students.

In 1935, following the death of her sister, Zella Waugh, Lottie and her mother provided a home for her niece and nephew, Virginia and Eugene Waugh. Eugene was killed in battle during World War II.

After her retirement in 1971, Miss Clymer became interested in family genealogy and was a member of the Ponca City Chapter of Daughter’s of the American Revolution, Society of Descendants of the Magna Carta Dames, National Society of Founders and Patriots of America, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, National Society of American Colonists, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and had served as registrar for the local DAR chapter.

Lottie was affiliated with the National Retired Educators Association, Retired Oklahoma Educational Association, Kay County Retired Teacher Association and Phi Beta Kappa chapter of the University of Oklahoma. She was past president of the Ponca City Business and Professional Club and past president of the Association of Childhood Education International. Her hobbies were love for children, gardening and family history.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church, having joined at the age of 11. Lottie served as an early day primary Sunday school teacher, sponsored an intermediate Royal Ambassador group, chaired the audiovisual department and historical committee. She was also instrumental in starting the tape ministry for the shut-ins of the church.

Lottie had a special interest in the Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Home in Oklahoma City. For many years, she had contributed monthly to sponsor a child and, with her sister Ada, made over 950 sets of pajamas and garments for the children there. She also had a special interest in Oklahoma Baptist University, where she was a member of the Presidents Council and generously supported the First Baptist Church OBU Scholarship fund.

Surviving are a niece, Virginia Mair of Ponca City; two great-nephews, David Mair and his children, Kristin and Christopher, all of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Gordon Mair, his wife Shannon and their children, Sarah and Rebekah, all of Ponca City; and one sister-in-law, Ima Lee Clymer of Pawhuska.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Ada Salome, Myrtle Fuller and Zella Waugh; and one brother, Curtis W. Clymer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Baptist University Scholarship Fund in care of First Baptist Church, 218 South Sixth, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Casket bearers will be Hanford Hull, Frank Suess, George Ivie, Wallace Weaver, Coolidge Campbell and Bob Faken. Honorary bearers will be Dr. Allen Robson. Floyd Lee, Bob McCartney, Lee Tapp and former students of Miss Clymer.

The casket will not be opened at the church; however, friends may call at the funeral home until 9 p.m. Friday.

paid obituary

Services Pending

E. Darlene Testerman

NEWKIRK — E. Darlene Testerman, longtime Newkirk resident, died early Wednesday morning, June 7, 2000, at her home in Newkirk. She was 59. Survivors include her husband Ralph. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

Lee Martin

Lee Martin, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, June 7, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 89. Local survivors include his wife, Lillie of the home. Funeral arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

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Burglary — Someone in the 2700 block of Canterbury Street reported to Ponca City police at 7:23 a.m. Tuesday that a vehicle had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Mel’s Clothing & shoes. Buy any one item get the 2nd item for half price. adv.

Burglary — Someone in the 1800 block of Hathaway Street reported to Ponca City police at 7:35 a.m. Tuesday that a vehicle had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Class of 1975 — A planning meeting for the reunion of the Ponca City High School graduating class of 1975 is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at 915 North Fourth. For more information call 765-9964.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv.

Burglary — Someone in the 2800 block of Canterbury Street reported to Ponca City police at 7:42 a.m. Tuesday that a vehicle had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Fraud — The manager of a local fast-food restaurant in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street reported an alleged forged check to Ponca City police at 10:27 a.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

Royal Neighbors Plan Meeting — The Royal Neighbors of America will meet on Monday, June 12 at noon for a luncheon and meeting at the Western Sizzlin’. Members are urged to attend, and guests are always welcome.

Burglary — Someone in the 3000 block of Canterbury Street reported to Ponca City police at 12:41 p.m. Tuesday that a vehicle’s window had been broken out and items taken. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 1200 block of East Highland Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 1:09 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and an accident report was taken.

Lutheran VBS Set — First Lutheran Church and School Vacation Bible School, Kids Kastle, planned June 13, 20, 27 from 9 to 11 a.m. Call the church office at 762-1111 to register.

Accident — A caller reported a hit-and-run accident in the 500 block of North First Street to Ponca City police at 1:57 p.m. Tuesday. Victim told police that someone had hit a vehicle and driven away. An accident report was taken.

Juvenile Crime and Substance Abuse Taskforce — The Juvenile Crime and Substance Abuse Taskforce will meet 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, at United Way of Ponca City, 205 North Second. The taskforce, part of Ponca City Alliance for Youth, will evaluate Safe Night June 2 and plan future events. All interested should contact Katina Combs at 765-2476.

Skips Taxi cab service. Seven days a week, 24 hours. 716-0979 or 762-6442. adv.

Subject Held — An officer at Hastings, 2900 North Fourteenth Street, reported that a juvenile male was being held for shoplifting.

Subject Held — An officer reported that a 21-year-old man was being detained at the Ponca City Police Department on a city warrant for failure to pay.

www.HeartandHealth.com -Buy or sell Rexall natural

health products online. adv.

Dancing Scheduled — The Pete Coli Country Band will be playing for dancing Friday at the Senior Center in Arkansas City, Kan. from 7 to 10 p.m. Guests are asked to bring finger food to share.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the intersection of Second Street and Highland Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 3:36 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a state accident report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Burglary — A customer in Wal-mart parking lot, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported to Ponca City police at 4:01 p.m. Tuesday that a car seat had been stolen out of a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free Airplane Rides — Free airplane rides for children ages 8 through 18 Saturday at the Ponca City Airport from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a parent or guardian as a permission slip is necessary. The event is sponsored by the Experiment Aircraft Association and the Ponca City Aviation Boosters Club. All aircraft and pilots are FAA certified. To obtain a permission slip ahead of time, call Merle Helt at 762-7580 or Gene Sigle at 762-7427.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 200 block of West Hartford Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 4:16 p.m. Tuesday that a man had driven away without paying for $20 in gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country, One half bar-b-que chicken with choice of vegetables, $4.25, Thursday, 11 am until gone. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Subject Held — A pardon and parole officer in the 400 block of South Helm Avenue requested an officer at 4:27 p.m. Tuesday for the transport of a 48-year-old man for two counts of delivering of a controlled substance and domestic assault and battery.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762-6522. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 400 block of East South Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 12:28 a.m. Wednesday that someone had driven away without paying for their gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Drive Safely — Motorists are urged to drive safely through school zones through the month of June and July.

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LIFESTYLES

Little News
Thelma Krebs Will Observe 92nd Birthday
Nikki French, Kyle Hibbets Are United in Marriage

Little News

Kirk and Mary Fitch, 2116 Mary, announce the birth of a son at 11:45 a.m. May 23, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Dylan Austin Fitch weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 20 1/2 inches long. He has a sister, Danielle, and a brother, Justin Davis.

Maternal grandparents are Danny and Judy Marchesoni of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Kenny and Kathy Fitch of Newkirk.

Ellenie Fair Avampato is the name chosen by Steve and Amy Avampato for their daughter, born at 10:10 a.m. April 23, 2000, at the Stillwater Medical Center. The baby weighed 8 pounds, and measured 21 inches long. She has two brothers, James and Miciah, and a sister, Emma Rose.

Maternal grandparents are Jack and Joy Mazy of Ponca City, and paternal grandmother is Joan Avampato of Amarillo, Texas. Great-grandparents are Adel Lieu of Amarillo, Texas, Jack and Ruth Mazy of Paris, Texas.

Thelma Krebs Will Observe 92nd Birthday

Thelma Reeves Krebs will observe her 92nd birthday June 11. Anyone wishing to send her a card to celebrate her birthday may address it to her at 201 East Broadway, No. 300, Ponca City, OK. 74601. She is a 1926 graduate of Ponca City High School.

She has worked in various positions in Ponca City, including a local banks, as a nurse’s aide at St. Joseph’s during World War II, and with the lab technicians. She was secretary for Homer Anderson, principal of PCHS, 1955-1965. She also worked at the Cultural Center.

She was married to Jess Reeves, who died in 1979. She married Paul Krebs in 1981, and they resided in Indio, Calif. Upon his death, she returned to Ponca City to be near her children, Barbara Harris of Oklahoma City and Jan Erhart of Ponca City.

Mrs. Krebs has been active in the First Methodist Church in Ponca City, as well as in Indio, and enjoyed the women’s activities within the church. Her favorite interest is growing African violets.

Nikki French, Kyle Hibbets Are United in Marriage

Nikki French and Kyle Hibbets were united in marriage May 5, 2000, in an 11:30 a.m. ceremony officiated by Judge Robert Galbraith at the Kay County Courthouse in Newkirk. Attendants were Kelly Lay of Ponca City, sister of the bride, and Kurt Hibbets of Dallas, Texas, brother of the bridegroom.

Parents of the bride are Rick and Christine French of Kinmundy, Ill., and Bob and Janis Stewart of Ponca City. Parents of the bridegroom are Gary and Terry Hibbets of Ponca City. Grandparents of the couple are Don and Lawanda French, Francis and Margaret Miller, and Doris Hibbets, all of Ponca City, and the late Jim Hibbets.

A 7 p.m. reception at the fellowship hall at Northeast Baptist Church honored the couple. Assisting with the event were Laina Jackson, Kelly Lay, Jane Mallory, Connie Farnam, Betty Tautfest, Betty Hinshaw, Marlene Gregory, Linda Caudle, and Cindy Short.

Out-of-town guests included Rick and Christine French of Kinmundy, Ill., Kurt and Susan Hibbets of Dallas, Texas, Ralph and Betty Spiva of Glencoe.

The newlywed couple resides at 103 Park Place. The bride is employed in the credit card center at Conoco, and the bridegroom is employed at Boomer Tire and Alignment.

SPORTS

Monday Evening Quarterback
Legion Breaks Out in a Blast
McQuarters Tries Being a Bear Now

Monday Evening Quarterback

Anyone who thinks University of Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops is not excited and expecting a lot from his players didn’t attend the Sooner Caravan stop in Ponca City Tuesday.

At a luncheon in the Conoco Atrium, Stoops promised the Sooners would not rest on their 7-4 record of last season and also will not be swayed by pats on the back from success-hungry OU fans.

“I told our players they haven’t earned those pats on the back, yet,” the coach said. “And I haven’t earned the kind of applause I received here tonight.”

Stoops said he expects the Sooners to succeed and wants his players to expect success.

He even wants high expectations from the fans.

There he might be making a mistake.

Oklahoma fans are famous for their “What Have You Done For Me Lately” attitude. Success only fuels their thirst for more success.

That is fine with Stoops, who says overly high expectations from fans really doesn’t bother him.

It probably should.

Many OU fans expect success now. They got a taste of that last season with the Sooners’s first winning season and bowl trip in some time, despite Stoops’ warning not to expect miracles.

Stoops thinks his players must learn how to win, not think after they have had some success in games they can win just by showing up as they did at Colorado last year.

“Our players have to learn how to handle success. We can measure the success of last season only if we get better.”

Stoops is somewhat leery of the media (perhaps with good reason) for its up and down expectations. He plays his cards close to the vest when talking to the press.

He notes the Sooners did not reach all of their goals last year, but won’t say what those goals were.

The coach won’t compare or contrast other teams in the Big 12, preferring to talk just about what his team can do.

Despite the loss of an assistant coach on offense, Stoops says the Sooners’ offense won’t change this season, mainly because new quarterback coach Chuck Long, “has worked with similar offenses.”

But Stoops does say he wants OU to have a more effective running game this season.

Another offensive improvement he is seeking is fewer turnovers, noting that most of the Sooners’ losses last year came about because of turnovers.

The head coach also said not much would change for the Sooners on defense, “except we look to get better.”

If the Sooners do “get better,” in all the areas Stoops is seeking, they just might live up to those high expectations of the OU fans.

Legion Breaks Out in a Blast

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

What a way the break a losing streak!

Ponca City’s American Legion baseballers exploded for nine runs and eighth hits in the sixth inning to run-rule S&J Tire of Putnam City, 11-3, Tuesday at the high school diamond.

The Legionnaires had lost their first 10 games before Tuesday’s bust-out and now Ponca City coach Stoney Parks is looking for a complete turnaround.

“It is finally coming together,” he said. “We’re starting to hit the ball, pitching well and now we have everyone back. Our fielding was lousy tonight, but it will come around.

“I expect to start a winning streak in the Enid (Advance Foods) Tournament this week.”

The Ponca Citians will start the tournament play Thursday. The pool play calls for the Poncans to meet Great Bend, Kan.; Hutchinson, Kan., Fort Smith, Ark.; and Pueblo, Colo., to get into Sunday’s semifinals.

Before the Poncans broke loose Tuesday, it was another typical Ponca City Legion outing.

The Royals took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, saw S&J tie the score in the second, watched the visitors go in front 2-1 in the fourth, tied the score in the fifth only to help Putnam City go back in front 3-2 in the top of the sixth with back-to-back errors — their fourth and fifth of the game.

Then came the bottom of the sixth.

Barry Geheb led off with a single to left. With one out, relief pitcher Matt Wilks blooped a single into center. Todd Stewart then singled sharply to load the bases.

Jerrod Spears, who had doubled and singled in two previous at-bats then singled to left, scoring two runs.

With two outs, Bryan Coppock drew a walk to reload the bases for Jimmo Ozment, who promptly doubled down the left field line, clearing the bases, for a 7-3 Ponca City lead.

Ozment took third after the throw in on a close play. The Putnam City coach protested and was ejected.

It was down hill for the visitor from there.

Jeff Furnas tripled in the gap in left. In his second at bat of the inning, Geheb doubled. Wes Day singled to right and when Wilks’ grounder was misplayed, scoring Geheb — again — the game was called.

“Wes Day (3-for-4) hit well,” Parks said. “So did Spears and Bryan Coppock (2-for-3).

“Jared Marshall pitched well in his first outing of the season.”

Wilks came on in relief in the fifth inning and picked up the win.

Ponca City scored first on doubles by Spears and Coppock in the bottom of the first inning. That lead was short lived as S&J’s Brian Urich led off the second inning with a home run to left.

The Royals tied the score at 2-2 in the fifth. Stewart was hit by a pitch, Spears singled and J. Michael Sharon walked to load the bases with none out. Coppock flied out to left, scoring Stewart. But that was all the damage the Poncans could inflict — until the sixth inning.

McQuarters Tries Being a Bear Now

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Cornerback R.W. McQuarters, a disappointment in San Francisco since the 49ers made him their top draft pick in 1998, has been traded to the Chicago Bears in a cost-cutting move.

The 49ers received an undisclosed conditional 2001 draft pick for McQuarters and saved $875,000 against the salary cap. San Francisco, which has yet to sign any free agents because it lacks room under the cap, is close to a renegotiated deal with Jerry Rice that would free up an additional $1 million for the player payroll.

McQuarters starred at Oklahoma State before coming to San Francisco as the 28th overall pick. He returned kicks and punts and played well at times in the secondary, but never established himself as a starter in two mediocre seasons with the 49ers.

He started four games last season when San Francisco had the league’s worst pass defense and gave up a league-high 36 touchdown passes.

McQuarters fractured his right shoulder blade when he was hit returning a punt Nov. 29 against Green Bay and missed the last five games of the season.

McQuarters’ release or trade had been rumored for some time and he said it didn’t take him by surprise.

‘‘I pretty much felt like something was going to happen. It was just a matter of time,’’ McQuarters said Monday. ‘‘I’m not upset. I’m not bitter. I want to get there (to Chicago) and see how things work out.’’

McQuarters said he didn’t think he got much of a chance to prove himself in San Francisco.

‘‘It’s disappointing to a certain extent but I know how the game works,’’ McQuarters said.