From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday,
August 21, 1997
LOCAL
Commission Considers Relocating Estate Statues
New Lincoln School Opens
Moving Into New Addition
Shidler Man Remains Critical
Letters
Temporary Covering at Breezeway Given Approval by Estate Panel
Several Kay County Inmates May Seek Paroles from Prison
Chamber News
Mayor Encourages Attendance at Pie Festival
Alphabet Party Planned
Two Suspects Held In Monday Shooting
Tree Trimming Work Continues Over City
Old Briefcase Too Nice; Cause Of Police Action
Karaoke Winners Advance From Area Competition
DEATHS
Evelyn Emily Ruston
Denise Rose Roughface
Betty Ruth Baldwin
Angel Columbus
Funerals
Clifford Raymond Leverett
NEWS BRIEFS
GARDENING
Magazine Story Includes Marland Mansion Garden
NOC Gardener Likes Mulching
SPORTS
Sports Notes
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Will the statues of Lydie and George Marland be suitable for placement in the north salon of the Marland Mansion? That is the question that will eventually be answered by the Marland Estate Commission, with approval from the City Commission.
The matter was on the Tuesday evening agenda of the Estate Commission. The vote was five to three to consider moving the statues of E. W. Marland's adopted children.
The statue of Lydie, who became Marland's second wife after the death of his first wife, Mary Virginia, and annulment of the adoption, is presently located in the foyer of the Mansion. Originally the statue stood outside on a pedestal north of the Mansion.
George's statue is situated outside in the monogrammed "M" hedge garden west of the portico of the Mansion. George's statue is due to be refurbished at Pryse Monument, which put the dismembered statue of Lydie together in 1993. Moving the statue inside is a precaution against elements of the weather and vandalism.
History of the statues is interesting. For 25 years the statue of George lay in a shroud of hay in the back yard of Helen Donahoe, until being excavated and loaned to the Estate in 1976. It is noteworthy that Larry Stephenson, who was the charter chairman of the Estate Commission, is the current chairman and was instrumental in getting George's statue returned.
The statue was carried by city forklift from the Donahoe residence to the garden at the Mansion, where sculptor Gallagher Rule helped the city crew with pressure points to prevent damage of the statue.
Lydie Marland's Statue
The statue of Lydie had been dismembered, supposedly at her request, before being buried. The statue was found on property owned by Charles and Betty Thompson near the old Kay Memorial Company in the southwest part of town. The statue was restored by Pryse Monument and put on display inside the Mansion.
Information about the statue came through a 1987 letter from Mrs. Vannostrand of Moore, niece of Glenn Gilchrist who buried it. John Sutton, who was the Marland Estate director at the time; Paul Prather, curator emeritus of the Mansion, and Jack Blevins, volunteer, excavated the statue, which was found though the help of electronic devices of Conoco.
The statue had been buried for nearly four decades before being found in 1990 and restored in 1993. The statue parts, the lower half with the flowered hat in Lydie's hand, were transported from the south part of town to the Marland Estate, where it was hosed down by Sutton. The statue was stored until funds were available for the restoration. Land of Country provided the bulk of the funds .
A statewide party was held at the Mansion, with media attending from across the state, when the statue was unveiled by then Estate Chairman David Mills.
Commission Action
The Estate Commission motion by Ed Trice and seconded by Nancy Severance was to move the statues to the north salon, after mock-ups are made to see how these French limestone statues might look in the gold-leaf ceilinged room. The mock-up suggestion came from Bill Hirsch of Matrix, who with fellow Matrix associate John Hargis, was at the meeting on other matters.
Kathy Adams, Marland Estate director, said when Lydie's statue was found and reassembled locating it in the ballroom, where the Waterford crystal chandeliers hang, had been considered. She said it was decided at that time there might not be proper support for the statue. The floors in the ballroom and the saloon are terrazzo tile.
The statues are believed to weigh around 4,000 pounds each. Apparently they could be moved inside to the second story of the Mansion by using the double doors on either side of the north and south salon.
Funds for moving the statues would apparently come from the money donated earlier by an anonymous donor. Stephenson said the donor apparently feels that with Lydie's statue placed in the foyer there is too much emphasizes put on her rather than on E.W. Marland.
Marland, 10th governor of Oklahoma, made the oil fortune that built the Mansion and commissioned the Jo Davidson sculptures of Lydie and George and the one of himself, which is located on the Civic Center lawn on Grand Avenue.
The final decision on moving the statues will apparently be made after the mock-ups are viewed.
STUDENTS OF LINCOLN School arrived early this morning for the start of the year in a new building. Located just west of the Middle School, elementary students entered the building from the east entrance before the start of classes. Although some landscaping remains unfinished, the new Lincoln School was open for business, with principal and faculty on hand to greet students. (News Photo by Michael Kennedy)
VETERAN MATH TEACHER Sandy Pendergraft prepares to move into her classroom in the new addition to the Senior High School. The math, science and business faculty were still putting the finishing touches on their new classrooms Wednesday, as contractors hurried to prepare the facility for the start of school today. (News Photo by Michael Kennedy)
By The Associated Press
An elderly Shidler man was critically injured Wednesday when his wife suffered a fatal heart attack and crashed their car while driving on U.S. 60 in Osage County, authorities said.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Betty Hoffman, 79, died of a heart attack at the scene of the 2:05 p.m. accident while Gilbert Hoffman, 83, was critically injured and hospitalized in Pawhuska before being transferred to Tulsa.
Both victims were wearing seat belts, the patrol said.
Memberships Sought
To the citizens of Ponca City, the Ponca City Art Association needs you.
And you know what - people just like you have supported the Art Association for 50 years. Fifth years of successful operation have been the result of that support.
Membership dues are the largest single source of income that the Art Association has for its operation. So please - please won't you join us and help the Art Association into its second 50 years?
Individual and family dues start at an absurdly low $10 a year. If you feel generous and can help us more than $10, it would be greatly appreciated. Memberships are in levels up to $1,000.
The Ponca City Art Association offers classes and workshops in many art disciplines and presents outstanding art exhibits throughout the year. The 23rd annual Fine Arts Festival will be held Sept. 20-21, and the annual Photography Exhibit will be in October. Also, a newsletter will keep you informed about the many offerings at the Art Center.
Never has so much been offered to so many for so little!
Bob Westmoreland
President
Ponca City Art Association
Improper Requests
I would like to address the citizens of Ponca City and thank them for their generous support over many years of our presence in Ponca City and surrounding area. It has been brought to my attention that individuals in the area have solicited using our name giving a local address.
If there is a local fund-raising program in the area we will notify the public through this fine newspaper and other responsible news agencies. As well, I understand that our fine people want to help a worthwhile organization such as ours and others. Therefore, any donations made to our local organization should be sent to P.O. Box 2181, Ponca City, OK 74602. It should not be given to an individual or mailed to their home address. Our mail box is the only proper address to sent to.
Again, we depend on newspapers such as The News to help us to keep you informed. Should you have any questions or someone has approached you recently we have a DAV hotline where messages may be left and we will be glad to speak with you and involve the proper authorities. The number is (405) 762-3851.
Again, we appreciate you generous support in the past and look forward to your support in the future to enable us to continue aid and assisting disabled veterans and their families.
Kenneth Sober
Commander
Disabled American Veteran
Chapter 47, Ponca City
Trouble With School
I have never written a letter to the newspaper before. But I felt I had to in reference to Mr. and Mrs. Murphy's letter to the editor concerning the Ponca City High School.
I, too, have had the same problems as mentioned in the letter. I have a son that has always had to struggle for grades. My child, too, has been in the school system all his life. When he was a junior in school, he was behind in his credits to become a senior. He attended summer school to help himself acquire the credits he needed. It's amazing how good he did in the summer school program, but can't seem to do good in a regular school year. Is it or could it be the teachers we have in our system?
I truly think our teachers and principals and counselor need to be graded to be sure the are on top of the education. Just because they went to school to become a teacher, doesn't mean they should be a teacher. Something is wrong in our system. When my son became a senior he, again, was short on credits to graduate. We, too, were told not to bother with high school; don't finish high school. Why would anyone with any kind of an education tell a parent and a child not to bother. Fortunately, we found a way to get him his G.E.D. This may surprise the school system, especially the high school. With the G.E.D., he was able to take testing, which he scored very well on. He was accepted at a very nice, well-known college here in Oklahoma. He has very high goals set for himself.
My point here is, any child in the school system, smart or not smart, like or not liked, has every potential to become a great person in the community. So, parents, please don't ever give up on your child. If anyone tells you different, remember this, he's your child, not theirs. Thank you.
Tina Johns
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
A temporary covering for the portion of the breezeway connecting the Marland Mansion to the Conference Center was approved Tuesday by the Marland Estate Commission.
The motion contained the clause that it should meet with approval from Monumental Enterprises, which leases the Conference Center. The vote came after hearing a report by Bill Hirsch of Matrix. The removal is apparently necessary to stop water leaks occurring in the Mansion.
The Marland Estate Commission had a long day meeting at 4 p.m., to tour the Mansion with Matrix officials of Tulsa for a restoration assessment of the building. Using staff, a number of the smaller projects have been done in house.
The regular meeting then convened at about 6:45 p.m. After the regular business was conducted the Matrix officials conducted an informational session that began at 8:15 p.m.
Prior to the start of the meeting the Bicentennial Time Capsule, which was found in the attic of the Mansion was opened and the continents reviewed.
In other business the Estate Commission voted on placing the statues of George and Lydie Marland in the north salon, depending upon whether the mock ups of the statues look suitable for the area.
Bettie Marsh reporting on the membership drive said that there are 203 members and $29,205 raised in funds with another $5,000 pledged.
Connie McAbee told about the Oktoberfest, the big fund raiser for the Marland Estate, set for Oct. 4 and 5 on the Mansion Grounds. She also reported on the car raffle, which will be raising funds for restoration.
Flo O'Connor, chairman of the garage sale set for Sept. 20 at Lydie's cottage reported the progress on that event. She made it clear the items for sale are not from Lydie's cottage, but donated items. More sale items are needed. Those wishing to donate may call the Marland Mansion. Clothing or large appliances are not accepted.
The event is set for the same day as the Cherokee Strip Cook-off and Professionals Today, sponsors of the cook-off, will be having a "garage seller's breakfast" to raise funds for Hospice. The proceeds of the garage sale go the Marland Restoration Fund.
Ed Trice of the Marketing Committee told of marketing efforts. Kathy Adams, executive director, handed out copies of the news letter, and the new brochures for those wishing to walk the grounds.
Adams says that visitation is up considerably compared to last year. A total of 19,697 have visited the Mansion so far this year, which is ahead of the entire year total for 1996, which shows 18,777 visitors.
The July figures show that to date tours have brought in a total of $35,090, the gift shop, $11,869 and events, $15,690 for a total of $62,649. With five months of the year to go it is projected the revenue will surpass the 1996 and 1995 years by a large margin. There were no expense figures presented to the Estate Commission.
Adams told of Christmas ornaments being developed as a series. The first will feature the design of Spanish tile used on the outside planters.
She told of two training sessions with new guides. Adams said with more visitors more guides are needed.
A new event at the Mansion grounds will be the soccer rally set for Sept. 13-20.
Betty Durkee told of her continuing efforts in writing grants for the restoration.
LEXINGTON - Several Oklahoma inmates will be considered this month for parole by the State of Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.
Cases are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Sept. 9, and at 7:30 a.m. each day on Sept. 10 through Sept. 12, at the Lexington Correctional Center here.
Comments concerning any inmate on the docket must be submitted in writing and be received by the Pardon and Parole Board at 4040 North Lincoln, Suite 219, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73105-5221 no later than Tuesday, Sept. 2.
The following inmates sentenced from the District Courts of Kay County are scheduled on the regular parole docket:
Oscar M. Antu, incarcerated since October 1993 and serving a 20-year sentence with 10 years suspended on a charge of unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to distribute after two or more former felony convictions.
Owen D. Ewing, incarcerated since August 1990 and serving a 20-year sentence on a felony charge of perjury after two or more former felony convictions.
Harry L. Gibbs, incarcerated since April 1997 and serving a three-year sentence on a charge of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
James D. Goza, incarcerated since July 1995 and serving a 20-year sentence with five years suspended on a charge of second-degree arson.
Marcena G. Headman, incarcerated since November 1996 and serving a 10-year sentence with five years suspended on a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after former felony conviction.
Frank D. Odell, incarcerated since July 1995 and serving a 30-year sentence with 20 years suspended on a charge of obtaining cash or merchandise by bogus check after former felony conviction.
John F. Robison Jr., incarcerated since June 1997 and serving a seven-year sentence with five years suspended on a charge of second-degree burglary.
Lenora A. Scott, incarcerated since January 1984 and serving a life sentence on a charge of robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Homer O. Shaw, incarcerated since March 1963 and serving a life sentence for murder.
Donald R. Wilbur, incarcerated since May 1995 and serving a 20-year sentence with 12 years suspended on a charge of disposal of encumbered property after two or more former felony convictions.
Steve Wilson, incarcerated since April 1986 and serving a 75-year sentence on a charge of robbery by force after former felony conviction.
New Leadership Class
Leadership Ponca City Class of 1998 will have its first session on Aug. 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Marland Estate Hotel and Conference Center with a reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion Ballroom. The half-day session will include orientation information and will also be a time for class participants to get acquainted.
Members include:
Leanna Adams - Pioneer Bank & Trust Company
Maxine Anderson - Bank of Oklahoma
Bill Bostic - Computer Sciences, Corporation
Donald R. Kelle, O.D. - Optometrist
Julie Kenney - Sykes Enterprises, Inc.
Marc LaBossiere - City of Ponca City
Dean Maniatis - Conoco Inc.
Michael Mott - First National Bank & Trust Company
Pixie Rowland - Oklahoma Blood Institute Ponca City Center
Janet Taber - Pioneer Technology Center
Homer Nicholson - Conoco Inc.
Rhea Howard - Conoco Inc.
Ford Lasher - Conoco Inc. (Retired)
Tom Morris - Bracken, Morris, Powell
Ron Stevens - Baskin, Hadley and Associates
Donald Young - Thorn Apple Valley
New Board Forming
The City Commissioners are now in the process of forming the new Economic Development Advisory Board. If you have an interest in serving in this capacity, an application form is available at the Chamber office or Mayors' office.
Upcoming Events
Sept. 1 - Labor Day Chamber office Closed
Sept. 2 - Health & Medical Committee Meeting, noon, SJRMC Conference Room B
Sept. 3 - "GPTB" Committee Meeting, 7:30 a.m., Chamber Conference Room
Sept. 5 - Water Treatment Plant Open House, 2 p.m., 1801 E. Central
Sept. 11-12 - Leadership Ponca City Class Retreat
Sept. 18 - Chamber Planning Session, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Pioneer Technology Center
Mayor Marilyn Andrews recently proclaimed the week of Aug. 18 through Aug. 24 as "Peachtree Landing Week" and encouraged all citizens join in the celebration by attending the Peachtree Pie Festival Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pioneer Park.
"Peachtree Landing Inc., is a private, local organization dedicated to helping those in need - those who can once again be independent and freed of the role of 'welfare recipients,'" said Andrews.
Peachtree Landing is made up of citizens of Ponca City interested in aiding the homeless and helping them become self-sufficient again.
"Peachtree Landing Inc., seeks to promote the well-being of the less fortunate and homeless and I encourage all citizens to join in this week of observance with Peachtree Landing personnel and volunteers," said the Mayor.
The Annual Pie Festival will be held at Pioneer Park from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Fresh pie, ice cream and a drink will be on the menu for a $5 donation. Music will be provided by Don Long and the LongNeck Gang.
All proceeds will go to Peachtree Landing. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and join the festivities.
Becky Vanater, Ponca City educator, has joined the staff of Brace Books and More as coordinator of special events for children, and has announced a special "Alphabet Party" for 4, 5 and 6 year old children Saturday at 2 p.m.
The enthusiastic and talented teacher is putting together an Alphabet coloring book as a take-home activity for all children who attend the "Alphabet Party." The stories, songs and activities will focus on phonics.
Vanater says, "Phonics is the key that unlocks the world of reading for children. When the light goes on in their eyes and they realize they can read, it is about the most thrilling thing anyone could hope to see."
Vanater has had 10 years experience in the classroom and in administration at First Assembly Christian School, Ponca City. This fall she will again be on that faculty, teaching one kindergarten class, in addition to creating and directing special events for children at the bookstore.
Her education includes a BA from Central State University of Oklahoma and an MA in educational administration from Pensacola (Fla.) Christian College. Vanater and her husband, Rick, have lived in Ponca City for 14 years. Their daughter Leigha was born in 1995.
Becky worked part-time for Brace Books and More in 1989, while teaching kindergarten. This time around, she won't be working a regular schedule on the sales floor, but said she is "thrilled to be back at Brace, working with things I care about a great deal - children and reading."
The public is invited to the Alphabet Party at Brace Books and More on Saturday at 2 p.m. Admission is free, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Police have arrested two suspects wanted in connection to a shooting that occurred early Monday morning.
Wednesday afternoon police arrested a 19-year-old man on charges of shooting with intent to kill and a 23-year-old man on charges of accessory of after the fact.
The shooting happened at the Attucks School early Monday morning and hospitalized one person. Ty Jones was hospitalized but has since been released.
The matter has been referred to the district attorney for possible charges.
Tree trimming is currently under way in the city. The electric department contracts with Asplundh tree trimming company to trim trees from power lines in an effort to keep the city electrical service as efficient and reliable as possible.
According to Donnie Romine of the city electric department, tree limbs that make contact with power lines can cause power outages especially during storms.
Crews will be working at Emporia Avenue, Fresno Avenue, Gary Avenue, Lake Road and any other areas needing trimmed.
Police responded quickly Wednesday morning after receiving a call regarding a suspicious briefcase.
Early Wednesday morning a woman called police reporting that on her way to work she had noticed a man placing a briefcase near the north side of Hobby Lobby at 2904 North Fourteenth Street.
Six police units responded and barricaded the area. Police were taking no chances. City Commissioner Chris Hand was in a nearby parking lot watching the scene unfold when police asked for him for his identification.
While securing the area the man who left the briefcase noticed all the activity. He then told the police he had left the briefcase near the dumpster because he had bought a new one and thought the old one was too nice to throw away. He thought that if he left it near the dumpster instead of in it someone might find it and use it.
Two Ponca Citians will be competing for a state championship Saturday in the '97 Coast to Coast Karaoke Challenge in Oklahoma City.
The state competition with winners advancing to the nationals in Orlando, Fla., will be held at Boomerangs in Bricktown beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Chris Holroyd and April Hopkins finished first and second at the recent regional competition held in Oklahoma City. Holroyd performed "Goodnight Sweetheart" while Hopkins performed "I Will Always Love You."
The regional winners advanced from the local competition held at Lake Road Pub and Grill, which hosted the 12-week challenge. Six winners advanced from the local finals to regional.
Top local finishers were 1st, Rick Dungan, "Can't Help Falling in Love"; 2nd, Holroyd; 3rd, Hopkins; 4th, Erick Cleckler, "T.R.O.U.B.L.E."; 5th, Scott Hayes, "I Cross My Heart," and 6th, Valerie McVay, "Fear of Being Alone."
Wendie Clinch was the alternate.
DEATHS
Evelyn Emily Ruston, 1704 Hudson Drive, Ponca City, died Sunday, Aug. 17, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 76.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Kingfisher (Okla.) First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bruce A. Brotherton, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Kingfisher Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City. Mrs. Ruston will lie in state at the church in Kingfisher from 10 a.m. until service time.
Evelyn Emily (Sigl) Ruston was born May 11, 1921, in Kingfisher, the daughter of Val Edward and Amelia H. (Libecayt) Sigl. She attended Kingfisher schools, graduating from Kingfisher High School in 1939. In 1942 she completed nurses training at Enid General Hospital School of Nursing. During World War II, she served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in the Philippines. She was honorably discharged in 1946.
On June 2, 1947, she married Arthur L. Ruston in Kingfisher and the couple lived for a time in Florence, Ariz. While living there, Mrs. Ruston worked at the Pinal County Hospital. In 1960 she entered public health service in Indian health at Whiteriver, Ariz. She later served as supervisory and clinical nurse at Lawton and as head nurse of the obstetrical department in Tahlequah before retirement in 1983.
She moved to Stillwater in 1985, where she enjoyed working as a volunteer at the Stillwater Medical Center. She moved to Ponca City in 1993. Mrs. Ruston was a member of the United Methodist Church, American Nurses Association, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.
She is survived by one son, Ed, of the home; two sisters, Helen Chlouber of Kingfisher and Betty Joslin of Piedmont; two brothers, Zenon Sigl and Leo Val Sigl both of Kingfisher. She was preceded in death by a sister, Gladys Atkinson.
Casket bearers will be Larry Sigl, Steve Sigl, Kenneth Sigl, Norman Chlouber, Robert Joslin, and Marvin Turner.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Ruston's name to the American Diabetes Association, 6464 South Yale, Suite 404, Tulsa, OK 74136.
Denise Rose Roughface, a relative to several area residents, died Monday, Aug. 18, 1997, in Oklahoma City. She was 41.
A prayer service will be held at 7: 30 p.m. today at the Ponca Indian United Methodist Church. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Abraham Jackson, pastor, officiating, assisted by the Rev. Thomas Roughface. Burial will follow in the Ponca Indian Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City. A traditional Indian feast will be held at the church following the services.
Denise Rose Roughface was born Jan. 23, 1956, in Oklahoma City, the daughter of Paul and Clara (Roy) Roughface Sr. She attended Oklahoma City schools, Chilocco Indian School, and Haskell Indian Nations University. She played basketball and softball while attending school.
Survivors include three sons, Michael Roughface, James Waters, and Benjamin Waters, all of Ponca City; one daughter, Joann Blueback of Weatherford; her father, Paul Roughface Sr. of Ponca City; six brothers, Matthew of Anadarko, Jacob, Paul Jr., and Randel, all of Ponca City, and Damon and K.C., both of Pawnee; three sisters, Thomasine Arkeketa, and Adeline Roughface, both of Ponca City and Cynthia Harjo of Oklahoma City; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one son, and her mother.
Casket bearers will be sons and brothers.
RED ROCK - Betty Ruth "Ruthie" (McGlaslin) Baldwin, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Aug. 16, 1997, at Shawnee. She was 48.
The funeral was to be held today, following the traditional Indian feast at the Otoe-Missouria Cultural Center at Red Rock. The Rev. Luther McGlaslin was to officiate and burial was to be in the Otoe-Missouria Cemetery under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home, Pawnee.
Betty Ruth "Ruthie" (McGlaslin) Baldwin was born Sept. 17, 1948, in Ponca City, the daughter of Robert L. and Ethleen E. (Butler) McGlaslin. She was married to Irwin C. "Buddy" Baldwin on Dec. 25, 1979, in Bloomington, Ill. Mrs. Baldwin was a member of the Christian Church and enjoyed her Native America culture, fishing, music and being with family and friends. She had moved from Wichita, Kan., to Oklahoma City on June 1, 1990.
Survivors include two daughters, Loveda L. Ashley of Shawnee and Budweena R. Baldwin of Gallup, N.M.; one brother, Billy Dale of Kaw City; two sisters, LaVeda E. Ferguson of Oklahoma City and Merrilee Cruz of Wichita, Kan.; her grandparents, Raymond and Marjoree Tahbone of Anadarko; three grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Angel Columbus, a relative of several area residents, died Tuesday morning, Aug. 19, 1997, at the Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was 33.
A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. today at the Ponca Indian Baptist Church at White Eagle. A traditional Indian feast will be held at noon, Friday, at the church followed by the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. Ted Freeman will officiate. Burial will be in the Ponca Indian Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Angel Columbus was born March 7, 1964, in Shawnee, the daughter of Richard E. and Clara June (Pappan) Columbus Sr. She graduated from Southeast High School in Oklahoma City in 1982. She attended the Baptist church.
Survivors include one son, Rio Alexander Columbus of the home in Oklahoma City; her parents, Richard and Clara Jane Columbus of Oklahoma City; three brothers and two sisters, Richard Jr., Richard, Ricky, and Crystal G. Columbus and LaDonna King, all of Oklahoma City; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Francis and Agnes (Roy) Pappan Sr.; and one aunt.
Casket bearers will be Richard E. Columbus Jr. Richard Columbus, Ricky C. Columbus, Daniel Vallejo, Keith A. King and Billy D. James.
Saturday
Clifford Raymond Leverett - Funeral to be at 10:30 a.m. graveside
in the Fairview Cemetery in Bastrop, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction
of Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home, Bastrop.
NEWS BRIEFS
Vendors Needed - The Osage Tribal Council is taking application for free food and arts and crafts booth space at the Oct. 25 Centennial Celebration in Pawhuska. Food vendor space is limited and taken on a first come, first served basis until spaces are filled. Write Jewell Wheeler at (918) 287-1085 by noon, Sept. 2.
Advocates Needed - The Domestic Violence Program needs individuals to be a part of its advocacy team. Training is being held Aug. 26 and 27 for anyone interested in serving as an advocate to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Call 762-3603 for more information about the program.
Hit and Run Accident - The communications center received a call at 7:42 a.m. Wednesday reporting a hit-and-run accident in the 300 block of South Osage Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - The communications center received a 911 call at 10:24 a.m. Wednesday reporting a two-vehicle, non-injury accident. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 43-year-old woman at 1:44 p.m. Wednesday in the 400 block of South Lake Street on a Garfield County warrant for displaying a false ID in the commission of a felony.
Child Hit - The communications center received a call from a woman at 5:06 p.m. Wednesday reporting her son had been hit by a car while riding a bike. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 57-year-old woman at 6:27 p.m. Wednesday in the 500 block of South Eleventh Street for trespassing.
False Alarm - Four fire department units responded to fire at 8:27 p.m. Wednesday at the Pioneer Woman Museum only to find there was no fire, only smoke coming from the "hot tar machine."
Arrest - An 18-year-old woman was arrested for petit larceny at 9:40 p.m. Wednesday at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue.
Vehicle Roll-Over - Three fire units, Kay County Sheriff's Office
and Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded to a vehicle roll-over at 5:15 a.m.
Thursday. The accident occurred on Old U.S. 60. Three people were taken
to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center were they were treated and released.
GARDENING
TULSA - American gardening enjoyed its golden age from 1890 to 1940, and Oklahoma's landscape is dotted with botanical reminders of that great era. In "The Gardens That Oil Watered," a feature story appearing in Oklahoma Today's special commemorative oil issue, writer Maura McDermott revisits some of Oklahoma's most resplendent oil legacies.
Coinciding with gardening's golden age, the era witnessed the rise of great oil barons, who accessed their unprecedented fortunes to build palaces on the prairie with massive grounds and glorious gardens. Fortunately, many of these mansions have been preserved along with the exquisite landscaping and gardens: in Tulsa, the Villa Philbrook, Tulsa Garden Center, Tulsa Rose Garden, Mohawk Park and the Gilcrease Museum; in Ponca City, the Marland Mansion; in Bartlesville, the Frank Phillips mansion and Woolaroc; in Okmulgee, the Noble House, All have been preserved or are being restored to their former grandeur and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In its first special issue on oil in four decades, Oklahoma Today charts the bigger-than-life history of the Oklahoma oil industry: from the earliest recorded discovery of oil in 1829; to the arrival of the first commercial well in Bartlesville in 1897; to the opening of the Oklahoma City field and the discovery of oil beneath the State Capitol.
The cover features downtown Tulsa in all its glory and the accompanying story by Ralph March recounts how Tulsa became the "Oil Capital of the World."
The special oil issue is available on newsstands or by calling 1-800-717-1793.
This time of year is probably harder on plants than the coldest winters. The air temperature is bad enough without the hot dry winds. Many of the bedding plants start to look leggy and "just plain bad" says Kelley McKenzie, gardener for Northern Oklahoma College. There are ways to combat this stressful time,
Mulch everything. Mulching keeps the soil cool and helps retain moisture. She uses cypress bark mulch about two inches thick. Cotton seed hulls also work. Magnolia leaves, shredded, also work well. They do not decompose very fast and weeds have a hard time growing up through them.
Newspaper is a great way to recycle and mulch. Lay 20-30 layers of newspaper, wet them down first, then cover with a decorative mulch. The newspaper decomposes slowly and the mulch keeps it in place. Pine bark is an alternative. "I do not like it because it floats out of the bed and it also adds some acid to the soil" Kelley said. Decorative rock, cedar bark, composted sawdust, grass clippings and composted pecan hulls are all good mulches.
Water deep. It encourages root development and helps keep the soil cool.
Shallow watering only takes care of the surface. When it dries out the plants
become stressed. An inch a week is recommended. It really depends on the
location of the plant and how much wind there is - wind not only dries the
soil it also can wind-burn the foliage.
SPORTS
Cookies Needed - The Quarterback Club will be feeding both football teams, coaches and referees after the Wildcat-Choctaw scrimmage Friday. Parents of Ponca City football players are asked to bring two dozen cookies each to the practice field by 6:30 p.m. Friday.
----
Swim Tryouts - Tryouts for the Po-Hi swim team will be held Aug. 26-28, according to coach Dave Strah.
The tryouts will be held at the Community Pool from 4 to 5 p.m. each of those three days. The tryouts are open to students in the ninth through 12th grades.
For further information, contact Strah (767-1594)
---
Softball Meeting - The Ponca City Softball Association will meet today at 7:30 p.m. at St. Pauls' United Methodist Church.
This is an open meeting to register for the fall leagues and to elect officers for next season.
---
Referee Clinic - A clinic for soccer referees will be held Friday and Sunday at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse.
The Friday session will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday's clinic is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register, contact Gail DeWeese (765-3583 after 5 p.m.
---
Soccer Signups - Signups for the fall season start Saturday at PC Sports, 205 East Grand.
Registration will be taken from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and then on Monday through Wednesday from 4:30 to 8 p.m.
The league are open to boys and girls from age 4-and-a-half and up.