From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, September
9, 1997
LOCAL
Nickles Will Be Urging Support To Better Protect All Taxpayers
80th County Free Fair Gets Under Way Today
Nearly News
Short, Long Term Solutions For PCFD Given Approval
Youth 'Ambassadors Program' Seeks Better PCMS Perception
Better Policy Sought Against Acts of Violence by Students
Hohensee Selected for Orange Peel
Dead Body Found Monday Identified
DEATHS
Lawrence Frank Marquardt
Elven Berry
Velma Wiggs
Obituaries
Elbert Lewis Hatlelid
Henry Arrow Knight
Nora M. Austin
Alma J. Moore
Services Pending
Madonna Younger
Robert Keith Roy
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Conoco V-P Says Company Having an Outstanding Year
Capital West To Manage Highway Bonds
Farm Bureau Announces New Insurance Agent
Home Building Still Stagnant In Ponca City
Notes and Quotes
LIFESTYLES
Payne County Certificate For Pioneer Ancestry
Xi Delta Chapter Has Garden Party Meeting
SPORTS
Frontier Splits With Braman
Editor's Note: This morning Sen. Don Nickles gave The News an update on current legislation and other activities of Congress during a phone interview.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Sen. Don Nickles will be urging Congress to better protect taxpayers and rank-and-file union members before the federal government funds a rerun of the 1996 Teamsters leadership election.
Sen. Nickles told The News he will probably have opposition from Sen. Ted Kennedy on the matter during the debate.
According to Nickles the federal government spent $22 million in taxpayer dollars on the private election of Teamsters union officials last year to make sure the election was fair, legal and proper of the rank-and-file.
Now, according to Nickles, election monitors say Ron Carey's campaign committed "extraordinary" and "egregious" improprieties and that a new election is necessary. Nickles says these changes would help make sure Teamsters can participate in an honest democratic election and that taxpayers dollars are wisely spent.
Commenting on whether the line item veto by the president is working, Nickles said that the president had used in on three different occasions on the tax package.
Nickles said he didn't disagree on the use, but that he might disagree in the future. He indicated the real test will come on appropriations as to whether Clinton will use the line item for fiscal restraint, for which it was intended, or for political retribution.
About balancing the budget, Nickles said the balanced budget and the tax package both passed by an overwhelming margin in the Senate. "We're pleased with it. It is not perfect. It could have been better in many respects, but still it is a good package. It is a balanced budget and it is tax relief. We put the two of them together - that is what we said we were going to do.
"We said we were going to give a $500 tax credit, capital gains relief, and reduce estate taxes and we did all those things. We did some things on the spending side, now we have a Congressional Budget office and now they are saying we will have a balanced budget in 2002.
"Frankly we could have done it sooner - Probably should have done it sooner -but we had to work out with this president. He wanted to spend more - he didn't really have tax relief so we came up with the best compromise we could."
Nickles plans to introduce an amendment to give Social Security recipients more information about tax dollars contributed on their behalf.
The amendment is to be attached to the bill funding the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services. Nickles' amendment would require the SSA to include the employer contribution of Social Security Taxes on the personal earnings and benefit estimate statements mailed to recipients.
Nickles says the measure of getting the Oklahoma bombing site declared a national park is a real possibility.
BLACKWELL - Despite today's early morning weather, officials were expecting one of the best-ever Kay County Free Fairs this week as the 80th annual fair kicked off today at the fairgrounds here.
Today was entry day until 8 p.m., with poultry and animal activities until 6 p.m., and all FCE exhibits were to be judged.
At 6 p.m., the weighing-in of steers, barrows and lambs is scheduled to begin.
On Wednesday, exhibits are scheduled to be judged beginning at 9 a.m. for crops, education, 4-H and FFA, domestic science, fine and domestic arts, horticulture, plants and flowers and poultry.
At 6 p.m. in the livestock pavilion will be 4-H and FFA market hog and swine breeding classes and ewe lead.
From 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the agriculture building, the junior crop contest and junior electrification contest will be held, and at 6 p.m. in the poultry building, the junior poultry judging contest is scheduled.
On Thursday, judging of breeding sheep will begin at 9 a.m. in the junior livestock building, as will judging of dairy cattle in the livestock pavilion.
The Old Settlers reunion will begin at noon at the American Legion, followed at 1:30 p.m. by the Old Settlers program.
At 3:30 p.m., judging of 4-H and FFA wethers is scheduled in the junior livestock building, and at 6 p.m., the tractor driving contest begins east of the horse arena. The 4-H and FFA horse judging contest follows at 7:30 p.m. at the horse arena.
Events and attractions at the Free Fair continue until Saturday.
NN needs to get a message to Dora from Marquetta Brown, author of "The Oklahoma Flag - Designed by a Fluke." Dora bought one of Marquetta's books at the Land of Country event Friday at Hutchins Memorial. The book was autographed by Marquetta. Dora dropped the book before she got away from Hutchins. A good Samaritan returned the book to Marquetta, who now has the book and is looking for Dora. Dora, please call Marquetta at 765-7536, and all will be well.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
Monday night's city commission meeting was the beginning of an end as commissioners voted to approve both short and long term solutions for the Ponca City Fire Department.
In an unanimous vote the commissioners approved the lease agreement between the City and Conoco as a temporary solution to the problem of housing the "displaced" Ponca City firemen. The firemen were forced from the No. 1 fire station when a sewer back-up and other related problems forced the evacuation of the station in mid-July.
The short term solution involves leasing the security building at Conoco to house men and equipment at Conoco. Conoco and city officials were both relieved and pleased as the short term solution was approved. "Our driving force was to provide space for the city and get them out of a bind," Conoco Facility Director Bill Lundeen said. "It was a workable solution that is good for the city and Conoco too."
But relief was even more apparent as commissioners voted unanimously to approve a resolution and ordinance calling for the Nov. 18 special election for an additional half-cent sales tax, which would fund the costs associated with the renovations and expansion of the existing No. 1 fire station located at 500 East Grand Avenue. "It has taken a tremendous amount of hours deciding what to do with our firefighters," City Manager Gary Martin said, seemingly satisfied with the vote and current course of action. "We have had an immediate need because our firefighters are spread throughout the city."
Although the voters have the final say in November, the end to the decision making process came as the commissioners voted to remodel the existing station. "I would call it blood, sweat and tears," Mayor Marilyn Andrews said of the decision making process. "It was a long time coming and it seems so simple once now that we have made it to this point."
"I am really pleased with the results," Commissioner Lyn Boyer added. "It moves us towards both preservation of city hall and decent housing for the firemen and I am very much in favor of the plans."
City Commissioners also approved a resolution changing the name and scope of the Audit Committee to the finance committee in order to expand the scope to include review of investments, capital improvements and maintenance issues.
The Commissioners approved a resolution appointing members of various boards and commissions during Monday night's meeting. Appointed to the Marland Estate Commission until May 2000 was Eldridge Manering. Lynda Clark, Phyllis Worley and Ed Trice were reappointed to May, 2000. Flo Holland was appointed to fill an unexpired term until May, 1998.
John Westfield was reappointed to the Animal Control Board until May, 2000 and Deryn Stewart was appointed to May, 2000. Ron Schooley was also appointed to fill an unexpired term until May, 1999.
Appointed to the newly created Economic Development Board until May, 1998 were Bill Rodgers, L.J. Chaufty, and George Ed Ferguson. Appointed until May, 1999 were Larry Atteberry, David Mills and Linda J. Brown. Tim Burg, Carl Renfro and George Paczkowski were appointed until May, 2000.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
A special new program entitled the "Ambassadors Program" for youth has recently been developed for Ponca City Middle School students.
The program is designed to involve students in changing the perceived and actual violence in the school setting, and projecting a more positive community perception of PCMS.
According to Byron Tribble, Community Prevention Specialist for drugs, alcohol, and other social problems, "The program should show an immediate result in lower violence and student respect toward each other and school staff." The Ambassadors Program has been developed as a means of positive peer influence among PCMS students, he continued.
This special program will allow qualified students to represent the school as an elite group, by helping to reduce behavioral incidents and create positive images to other students and the community at large.
Tribble says, "Students qualifying for the Ambassadors Program will be able to influence and precipitate peer/school change easier and quicker than adults. Students will listen, respect, trust and follow directions from fellow students before they accept the same from adults."
The program, an off-shoot of a highly successful Early Settlement Peer Mediation program introduced to the Ponca City Schools more than five years ago is designed to alleviate major areas of concern in the Middle Schools. The Early Settlement Peer Mediation program, still in place at several schools in the area, is geared to teach responsibility, problem solving skills, decision making skills, teamwork skills and to develop high self-esteem in the participants.
Principal Barbara Cusick says the Ponca City Middle School has problems like any other school. Major areas of concern center around the growing phenomena of student violence, rowdiness, disrespect to teachers, other students, and a general perceived climate of unease and fear. This in turn reflects a tainted image to the community.
Tribble says "The problem to solve was how to ensure positive influences - thus the development of the Ambassadors Program."
The Ambassadors Program will consist of a number of students (Ambassadors) who are trained in peer mediation, non-violent and non-physical intervention. These skills will help the Ambassadors to identify and de-escalate non violent situations.
The Ambassadors will be assigned yard and hall duty, where they will be highly visible in red satin jackets with the Ambassador logo affixed and carry two-way radios for contact with the office. They will also be available for assemblies, games and other activities where minimal supervision is needed. The role of the Ambassadors will enable school faculty members to attend other important matters.
Ambassadors will be officially sanctioned by school administration and have certain privileges and rewards. This is designed to set those students up as respected school cadre, and places them in a position of positive influence to other students, says Tribble.
"Membership in the Ambassador Program is open to all students and requires them to be above reproach as far as their behavior at school and in the community," said Tribble. The Ambassadors will also be expected to maintain these high standards. Any breach of conduct may result in suspension from the program.
Goals for the program include a 75 percent reduction in school violence; a 50 percent decrease in disrespect toward fellow students and school staff; and a more positive perception of PCMS in the community.
An Ambassador sign up sheet has been posted at PCMS where all students have equal opportunity to serve. Forty students will be selected from the list and interviewed for appropriateness. The remaining names will be placed on a waiting list.
Selected students are required to attend the Ropes Course at Camp McFadden (a physical activity, teaching team work and decision making skills) and to take training for peer mediation and non-violent, non-physical intervention.
After training, schedules will be posted at PCMS and student Ambassadors will be assigned to various duties at school, games, and other activities.
All schools in the Ponca City area are eligible to participate in the Early Settlement Program training at no cost. Interested persons may call 762-8341 for more information.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
A request was made Monday night at the Ponca City Board of Education meeting concerning fighting and random acts of violence at the schools.
Marty Hobb, parent of a Ponca City Mid-High student, asked the board to make a policy for all Ponca City public schools against involuntary fighting and random acts of violence. The matter was brought up during the board session Monday night.
Hobb said her child rode the bus Friday from the Mid-High to Woodlands Elementary because he was going to a friends house after school. The child was talking with some of his friends at Woodlands when a high school student came up and repeatedly hit him 8-12 times.
According to Hobb the bus driver saw part of the incident and Dr. Nancy Niemann, principal of Woodlands, reported the incident to the Mid-High.
Hobb also stated that later that night her son's nose kept bleeding and she started to worry. She then took him to the hospital for a checkup.
Hobb reported that her son had a blood clot in his sinuses and he also has three fractures on his face.
"He can't even participate in sports now because of this. He has difficulty breathing, sleeping and eating," said Hobb. "He didn't want to fight back because he was afraid that he would be suspended so he just stood there. He also didn't want to report this to the police or the school because he was afraid of retaliation from the boy who beat him up.
"We need a policy against these random acts of violence," said Hobb. "We need to deal with violence strongly because if we don't we will fail our children and each other. We trust that the Ponca City School System will take care of our children."
Hobb concluded by saying that the police have now been involved and she implored the board to look at these acts of violence and consider them when the policy handbooks are written.
No Credits Allowed
Linda Rowe, Ponca City resident, spoke to the board concerning her daughter attending Po-Hi.
Rowe told the board that her daughter went to public school from 7th through the 10th grade. After that she decided to attend Cornerstone Christian Academy because she felt that the high school was too disruptive.
After one year at that school she decided to move back to Po-Hi so that she could receive her diploma and not her GED. Unfortunately some of the credits she took at the Christian school would not transfer.
"I'm not asking anyone to give her something for nothing," commented Rowe. "I just ask that the credits she has already received be discussed among board members."
Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, told Rowe that the state regulations prohibit credits from a non-credited institution. Dr. White also commented that if the school were to appeal, Ponca City would lose accreditation.
"We have tried to do everything to help her and we will continue to work with her the best we can," White said.
Other Business
Renewal agreements were approved by the board Monday night. They included:
- An agreement with Energy Education, Inc. to continue the Energy Conservation Management Services. Mike White, energy manager, spoke during the August board meeting regarding progress over the past six months. An energy cost avoidance of $88,019 occurred over the past six months.
- A retail agreement with Pitney Bowes was approved for the district's mail machine. The rate will be $293.30 per month.
Network Member
Andrea Morriss, board member, was elected to serve as the State Legislative Network Member for the 1997-98 school year. Morriss will attend the Oklahoma State School Boards Association's State Legislative Network meeting in Oklahoma City on Oct. 4. She will also receive seven hours of credit toward new, newly re-elected or continuing board member training.
After returning from executive session at 12:24 a.m. Tuesday the board approved a part-time teaching position for migrant education to be funded with grant money.
The board adjourned at 12:27 a.m. and set a special board meeting for Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
STILLWATER - Heather Hohensee, a Ponca City native, will help promote Jeff Foxworthy's appearance in Stillwater this weekend.
Hohensee, an Oklahoma State University sophomore, has been selected as a member of the 1997 Orange Peel Sponsorship Committee at OSU.
Orange Peel, an evening of family entertainment organized by nearly 200 OSU students to celebrate the beginning of a new school year and the spirit of OSU, will be Friday at 7:30 p.m.
This year's entertainment will feature Jeff Foxworthy, as well as musical guest BlackHawk and other featured entertainment. Foxworthy is best known for his "You might be a redneck if..." jokes and his sitcom "The Jeff Foxworthy Show."
Country sensation BlackHawk is expected to give Peel watchers an hour of exciting entertainment. BlackHawk has three million-selling albums to its credit and a new release titled "Love and Gravity."
Hohensee said Orange Peel would be perfect for Ponca City residents.
"Orange Peel is an exciting experience and it is amazing to see what an amazing group of students can achieve," she said.
OSU is the only school in the Big XII to feature such an event. The 1996 Orange Peel featured comedian Bill Cosby, Saturday Night Live's Norm MacDonald and musical group Dog's Eye View.
Hohensee said that last year's Orange Peel was full of OSU spirit.
"The best part of Orange Peel 1996 was seeing and being a part of a large group of people coming together to support OSU."
Local entertainers include Oklahoma City's George Wesley Jr., who will sing "I Believe I Can Fly" in accordance with the Peel's 1997 theme "Into the Galaxy and Beyond." Wesley's credits include singing for Gov. Frank Keating's inaugural ball and for the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial.
Orange Peel 1997 is on the eve of the home football season opener against Fresno State Saturday.
To buy tickets, call the Student Union Hub at (405) 744-7100. General admission seats are $11 each, and reserved seats are $22. Block seating for groups of 25 or more is $16 per ticket. The deadline to buy block seats is Wednesday.
The body of a man found Monday evening has been identified by police. According to police, Robert Keith "Bobby" Roy, age 36, of Ponca City was discovered in the 2200 block of North Union Street after police received a call reporting someone had found a body near the railroad tracks.
Detective Sgt. Tom Cusick said there was no apparent sign of foul play.
The body was transported to the state medical examiner's office in Oklahoma
City for an autopsy.
DEATHS
BLACKWELL - Lawrence Frank Marquardt of Blackwell, died early Monday morning, Sept. 8, 1997, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 82.
The Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Joe Burger, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Blackwell, officiating. An evening prayer service will be held Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. The casket will be closed following the prayer service. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery.
Lawrence Frank Marquardt was born Dec. 26, 1914, in Bartlesville to William Herman and Elizabeth Rachel (Denny) Marquardt. As a child he moved to Sand Springs, then to Blackwell, where he grew up and attended public schools. Following his schooling he began employment with Blackwell Zinc Company. On Jan. 18, 1942, he entered the U.S. Army, where he served on Luzon, Southern Philippines during World War II. Following his honorable discharge on July 10, 1945, he returned to his job at Blackwell Zinc.
On Feb. 5, 1949, he was married to Virginia Vasquez and they made their home in Blackwell. In the early 1970s he retired from Blackwell Zinc Company due to ill health. He was a lifetime member of the Blackwell Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and a past member of the Blackwell American Legion and the Elks Club.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia Marquardt of Blackwell, two sons, Steve of Blackwell and Gary of Oklahoma City; one sister, Mabel Clardy of Alhambra, Calif.; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Michael Marquardt; his parents; five brothers, Vernon, Fred, Bob, Edward and Herman; five sisters, Irene Hood, Norma Triplett, Dorothy Whittenburg, Ruth Landsword, and Edith McCurdy.
Casket bearers will be Jim Parr, Russ Pendleton, George Mefford Jr., Mark Cordell, Darrell Thompson and Jim Siler.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Marquardt's name to the American Diabetes Association or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
The family invites all in attendance at the funeral mass to join them for lunch at noon in St. Joseph's Catholic Church fellowship hall, Blackwell.
NOWATA - Elven Berry, father to Sharon Ann Buster of Ponca City, died at Nowata on Friday, Sept. 5, 1997. He was 83.
The funeral was to be held today at 2 p.m. at the Hillside Christian Church in Nowata with Ben Killion officiating. Burial was to be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Nowata under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service.
Elven Berry was born Jan. 7, 1914, in Adair, the son of Thomason and Florence (Hall) Berry. He grew up and received his education in Nowata.
On Sept. 18, 1940, he was married to Ethel Mae Veal in Vinita. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Alabama. He was selected to escort General Douglas MacArthur to the USS Missouri for the signing of the Peace Treaty that ended World War II.
After his discharge he returned to Nowata where he worked for the Tulsa World, Magic Empire Express, and was an agent for Lincoln Income Insurance. Berry served on the Nowata Police Department for 25 years before his retirement. He was a member of the Nowata Hillside Christian Church, American Legion and VFW.
Survivors include his wife, Ethel Mae Berry of the home in Nowata; one daughter, Sharon Ann Buster of Ponca City; one sister, Newel Hessong of Nowata; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Marjean "Jeanie" Shannon; his parents; and one sister, Opal Fields.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Berry's name to the 10-33 Emergency Team, 321 East Cherokee, Nowata, OK 74048.
BLACKWELL - Velma Wiggs, Blackwell resident, died Sunday afternoon, Sept. 7, 1997, at Blackwell Regional Hospital after a short illness. She was 67.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, in the Hackler Funeral Home Chapel, Blackwell. The Rev. Dan Kennedy, minister of the Wesleyan Church will officiate. Burial will be in the El Reno (Okla.) Cemetery at 3:30 p.m.
Velma (Stout) Wiggs was born May 8, 1930, in El Reno to Christopher and Jesse (Stephens) Stout. She grew up and received her education in El Reno. She lived for many years in Longview, Texas, where she operated a truck stop and restaurant.
She moved to Blackwell in 1976 and was married to Riley Wiggs that same year. Mrs. Wiggs owned and operated a home health care service in Blackwell. She was a member of the Wesleyan Church.
Survivors include her husband, Riley, of the home; children Rickey Daniels of Odessa, Texas, Karen Korpi of Milton, Vt., Kathy Melton of Bakersfield, Calif., Mona Graves of California and Ray Wiggs of Fort Smith, Ark.
Also five sisters, Helen Miller and Maxine Bowers, both of El Reno, Vide McDonald of Fritz, Texas, Joyce Platt of Borger, Texas, and Mildred Mitchell of Canal Winchester, Ohio; two brothers, J.R. Stout of Anderson, Mo., and Darrell Hines of Buena Park, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, and an infant brother.
On September 8, 1997, as rays of sunlight reached towards the heavens, Elbert Lewis "Bert" Hatlelid slipped the bonds of earth and his body.
Elbert L. Hatlelid, resident of Ponca City, died at Westminster Village at the age of 82. He was born May 6, 1915 in Lignite, N.D., the son of Ole Rasmussen Hatlelid and Marie Josephine Simonstad Hatlelid. A brother, Gilfred Hatlelid, died at a young age and a sister, Helen Sylvia Hatlelid Ronning is still living.
He married Agnes Helene Ronning on June 6, 1942. In June, they celebrated 55 years of love, companionship, and partnership.
He graduated from Lignite High School in 1932, received a Bachelors Degree in chemistry from Concordia College of Moorhead, Minn., in 1936, a Masters degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska in 1939, and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Nebraska in 1942.
His proudest legacy is his family. He is survived by his wife, Agnes, of the home, three sons and two daughters: Carl M. Hatlelid (wife Kathie) of Oklahoma City, Anna Marie Haydock (husband Frank) of Cypress, Texas, John E. Hatlelid (wife Carol) of Phoenix, Ariz., Joseph M. Hatlelid (wife Karen ) of O'Fallon, Ill., and Helen L. Hatlelid-Hester (husband David) of Ponca City,. He derived great pride and joy from his eight grandchildren, Lara Haydock, Lisa Haydock Miller, Brian Hatlelid, Erika Hatlelid, Rene Hatlelid, John A. Hatlelid, Maria Hester and Jonathan Hester.
Bert worked as a research chemist at Monsanto Chemical Company, St. Louis, Mo., at Skelly Oil Company, Pawhuska and at Conoco in Ponca City for 27 years. He established the local chapter of the American Chemical Society and served as its first president. Upon retiring from Conoco, he and Agnes purchased the House of Hobbies. His fine craftsmanship can be seen in beautiful picture frames that he created which are displayed in many homes, businesses and museums in Ponca City and around the world. They worked as partners in this venture for 14 years.
As an active member of the local Kiwanis Club, he served one term as president. In 1987-88, Bert became the Lieutenant Governor of the Kiwanis Texas Oklahoma District 16.
Bert was proceeded in death by his father, Ole Hatlelid, his mother, Josephine Hatlelid and his brother, Gilfred Hatlelid.
Casket bearers will be James A. Smith, Russell Shields, Chuck Rager, Bob Chance, Don Long and Ed Nanni. Honorary casket bearers will be the members of the local Kiwanis Club, members of American Chemical Society, Howard Nicolaysen, David Burrows, Harold Cogman, Nathandale Farris, Jim W. Kelley, Lawrence Bailey, Bob Talbot, Dennis Kinkaid and Bill Lundeen.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 1997 at the First Presbyterian Church of Ponca City with the Rev. Dr. Monty Fey officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home. The casket will not be opened following the service, however friends may call at the funeral home until noon, Wednesday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bird Aviary Fund at Westminster Village, 1601 Academy Road, Ponca City, OK 74604 or to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1442, Ponca City, OK 74602.
The family will be at the home, 1601 Academy Road, Villa M-2.
paid obituary
Henry Arrow Knight of Newkirk, died early Monday morning, Sept. 8, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. He was 71.
A nightly prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Ponca Indian Baptist Church, White Eagle. A traditional Indian feast will be held at noon Thursday, Sept. 11, 1997, at the church followed by the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. Ted Freeman, Ponca Indian Baptist Church and the Rev. Clyde Hendricks, Faith Baptist Church, Tonkawa, will officiate. Burial will be in the Ponca Indian Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Henry Arrow Knight was born Sept. 6, 1926, on the Ponca Indian Reservation to Anthony H. and Flossie (Running After Arrow) Knight. He attended White Eagle Indian School and graduated from Haskell Indian Junior College. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines during World War II. He was later stationed on occupational duty in Japan. During the Korean War he served with the U.S. Army Air Force. He was honorably discharged.
He married Colleen Collins on Sept. 6, 1989, in Ponca City. He was a member of the Ponca Indian Baptist Church, American Legion Post 14 in Ponca City, and the American Legion Post 38 in White Eagle, where he was very active with the Legion Color Guard.
Survivors include his wife, Colleen Knight of Newkirk; one sister, Yolanda Petty of Wilburton; one brother, Lewis Knight of Ponca City; three sons, Thomas and Star, both of Sapulpa, and Larry DeLodge of Ponca City; six daughters, Vera Harjo, Rose Knight and Flo Pahsetopah, all of Sapulpa, Susan Knight of Oklahoma City, Naomi Enninga of Ponca City and Alvinita Fields of Tulsa; one step son, Arthur Cerre of Ponca City; three step-daughters, Harriet Cerre of Lawrence, Kan., Dora Williams of Ponca City, and Geri Cornell of Tonkawa; several grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one son, Henry Knight Jr.; his parents; three sisters, Angeline Laravie, Nellie Others and Florine DeLodge; and two brothers, Dana Knight and Lawrence DeLodge.
Casket bearers will be Richard Cornell, Anthony Harjo, Bo Rhodd, Henry Rhodd, Alan Enninga, Arthur Cerre, Melvin Callshim, Jon Pahsetopah, and Morris Harjo. Honorary bearers will be Aaron Gayton, George White Eagle, Drew Littlewarrior, Perry LeClair, Herbert Eagle, John Stoneroad, Vernon Rhodd, Ted Thompson Sr. Henry Collins, Douglas Eagle, Douglas Rhodd and Levi Stevens.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Knight's name to the American Legion Post 38 Color Guard, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
paid obituary
NEWKIRK - Nora M. Austin, longtime Newkirk resident, died Sunday morning, Sept. 7, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. She was 97.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 1997, at the First United Methodist Church of Newkirk with Dr. William R. Chace officiating. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. The body will lie in state at the funeral home until 9 p.m. Tuesday. The casket will not be opened the day of the service.
Serving as casket bearers will be Steve Cook, Rodney Browning, Cecil Lewellen, William J. Austin, Charles Houser, and Clifford Gildhouse Sr.
The daughter of Charles Weldon and Daisy Dean (Beswick) Biddle, she was born June 12, 1900, southeast of Newkirk. She attended schools at Stoney Point and Newkirk High School.
On Aug. 10, 1918, she and William Bryan Austin were married in Newkirk, where they resided their entire married life. She was employed by Andrews Sundries for a short time. Mr. Austin died Feb. 27, 1950.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Newkirk and was a charter member of the United Methodist Women as well as the Joy Club. She held memberships in the Explorers Club, Prime Timers, Newkirk Historical Society, the evening chapter of Republican Women of Kay County, Over "60" Club, and Ponca Playhouse. She enjoyed traveling, reading, attending stage plays, eating out, and attending sporting events.
Surviving is her daughter, Virginia Mae Austin of Newkirk; three grandchildren, Lenora Austin Browning and her husband Rodney of Bakersfield, Calif., Laura Austin Lewellen and her husband Cecil of San Diego, Calif.; and William J. Austin of Oklahoma City; four great-grandchildren, Beth Ann and Russell Browning, both of Bakersfield, Calif., Robert Browning and wife Stephanie of Noble, and Drew Austin of Choctaw; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, William Biddle Austin in May 1968; two brothers, Harry and Ralph Biddle; three sisters, Grace Keller, Ethel Walcher and Irma Schnider; and an infant sister and brother, Edna and Fredrick.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Austin's name to the United Methodist Women, c/o Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.
paid obituary
Alma J. Moore, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday, Sept. 5, 1997, 7:05 p.m. at the Highland Nursing Home. She was 82.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, 1 p.m., graveside at the Odd Fellows Cemetery with Mr. Wendell Dockum officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born Dec. 13, 1914, at Montague, Texas, she was the daughter of Ruben and Sarah Williams. At an early age she moved with her family to Oklahoma City where she attended schools. She graduated from Capitol Hill High School.
Mrs. Moore was employed by the City of Ponca City in the Water and Light Department. She later work in the Kay County Court Clerks office and for Dr. Robert Bolene and Dr. Carter Mathews. Prior to her retirement she was employed by Dr. George Martin. Alma was a member and past state president of the Business and Professional Women's Club. She was also a member of and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Glynn and Robin Moore, Ponca City; three sisters, Fern Dockum, Inez Cathey, and Marie Leffingwell, all of Oklahoma City; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Moore was preceded in death by her husband on April 4, 1970, her parents, twin brother Albert, and her sister, Betty Grissman.
Memorials may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, P.O. Box 1625, Ponca City, OK 74602.
Friends may call at the Trout Funeral Home until noon. Wednesday.
The family will be at the home, 2032 Mary Street.
paid obituary
Madonna Younger, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Sept. 9, 1997, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 99. The family will be at the Harold Younger residence, 1424 Meadowbrook. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Robert Keith Roy, former Ponca City resident, died Monday, Sept. 8, 1997,
in Ponca City. He was 36. Arrangements a pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
NEWS BRIEFS
Aerobics Classes Begin - Aerobics will begin Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room in the elementary wing at Frontier Elementary School. Classes will be on Monday and Wednesday evening, and Ann Potter will be the instructor. The cost is $15 per month and will incorporate step aerobics as well as normal aerobics. To pre-register call the Frontier School at (405) 723-4582. You do not have to be an employee of Frontier School in order to participate.
Young at Heart Dance Planned - The Sunshine Playboys will be playing for dancing from 7 to 10 p.m. at the VFW in Ponca City every Wednesday. All seniors are invited to come and enjoy.
Veterans Support - A Veterans Support Group will begin Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 14 Auxiliary Room. The group will be facilitated by a licensed professional counselor and Vietnam Veteran. The support groups will be held each Wednesday. Any U.S. veteran is welcome to attend. The post is located at 407 West South Avenue in Ponca City. More information may be obtained by calling Lee Keyes, 405-763-6506.
PTC Meeting - Pioneer Technology Center will hold a board meeting Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at the Vo-Tech.
History Books At Fair - "North Central Oklahoma; Rooted in the Past - Growing For the Future" 2-volume history books will be available at the Blackwell Free Fair, Sept. 10-13 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Other items will also be available at the North Central Oklahoma Historical Association booth as well.
Arrest - Police arrested a 20-year-old woman at 10:54 a.m. Monday in the 700 block of West Highland Avenue on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Assault - At 12:54 p.m. Monday a woman in the 500 block of South Fourteenth Street reported she was assaulted. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - At 5:15 p.m. Monday police received a report of a two vehicle accident in the 1300 block of Coronado Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 23-year-old man at 9:25 p.m. Monday in the 400 block of North Pine Street for driving under suspension.
Arrest - A 31-year-old man was arrested at 12:48 a.m. Tuesday at East Chestnut Avenue and North Second Street for driving under suspension, no insurance and careless driving.
Arrest - Police arrested a 38-year-old man at 2:25 a.m. Tuesday in the 1000 block of North Pine Street on city warrants for failure to pay and failure to appear.
Stolen Bikes - A woman in the 2000 block of Mary Street reported
to police at 6:24 a.m. Tuesday that two bicycles were stolen. An officer
was assigned.
BUSINESS
Editor's Note: Gary Edwards, Conoco executive vice president Refining, Marketing, Supply and Transportation, of Houston was in Ponca City recently and gave The News this interview.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
"Conoco is making a significant contribution to the success of DuPont, this year. Both Conoco and DuPont are having record years," Gary Edwards, Conoco vice president said here Saturday.
About refining, Edwards said, "We're really having an outstanding year, both at Mid-Continent and throughout North America. Our refiners have done a terrific job the last three years, intricately reducing costs, improving asset utilization, reliability, the up time of our equipment and our yield in energy costs.
"We have moved significantly ahead in the competitive array that we compare ourselves with. And really we couldn't be more proud of all the people who've done a tremendous job to make us more competitive in our refining operations."
Commenting on safety, Edwards said, "Both here in Ponca City and throughout Conoco's downstream operations, we are enjoying a safety year that is world class. It is the best in the history of the company and by a magnitude of three times better than what it was just two or three years ago.
"We couldn't be more pleased with the performance and the safety process changes that are really resulting in far fewer people being injured in operations today than a few years ago."
Commenting on exploration, the Conoco vice president said, "It is much more focused that it was a few years ago, when we were scattered all over the world. We are going to try to focus on about ten basins around the world.
"Our upstream people are much more pleased with the activities and the efforts of the exploration people and look forward to creating a great deal of value to the exploration programs and activities going on."
Speaking about the contribution Conoco makes to the success of DuPont, Edwards said, "We've done a tremendous job in the upstream side of the organization. We made a big acquisition in south Texas just a few months ago. We've gotten all of our financing in place to be the first company of all the oil companies in the world to begin production of heavy oil in Venezuela.
"And we've seen the hydrocracker in Lake Charles come on stream and we're in a joint venture lube oil business with Pennzoil so there are a really lot of exciting things going on around the globe for Conoco."
Edwards continued, "A lot of our people are really energizing again and feeling good about the successes going on. To me the greatest achievement going on with the company right now is the enthusiasm and energy of all the people working toward helping Conoco becoming a truly global company. The future looks good."
Capital West Securities Inc., an Oklahoma based firm, has been selected as co-manager of a $300 million Oklahoma Highway bond deal expected to come to the market this fall.
Smith Barney Inc., will run the books along with co-senior manager AG Edwards & Co. Other co-managers are Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., Leo Oppenheim & Co., and TJ Thompson & Associates.
Actual date of the sale will not be decided until after the Oklahoma State Supreme Court validates the structure of the issue and its authorizations.
The bond issue stems from the 1997 legislative session in which lawmakers approved a $1 billion highway program. The local Capital West Securities office is located at 200 East Grand Avenue. Lynda Ford Fox and Ronald Locke are the local investment executives.
Darren Dyer, agency manager for Farm Bureau Insurance, has announced that Matt Lock will join the insurance agency in Ponca City at 118 North Oak.
Lock comes to Farm Bur-eau Insurance with a successful background in the sales industry, Dyer said.
Lock graduated from High School in Hutchinson, Kan., in 1993. He moved to Ponca City in 1995, where he was employed with a local car dealership, before joining Farm Bureau.
Lock is licensed to sell life, health, disability and annuities to the Kay County public. In the near future he will be fully licensed to sell all lines of Farm Bureau Insurance, including, home, auto, farm and commercial business.
Matt and his wife Michelle have a 5-year-old daughter Tyree.
Residential building in Ponca City remains stagnant with no single family or multi-family home permits issued during August, according to Building Inspector James Brown.
Two commercial permits were issued at a total valuation of $81,000. There were three remodel addition permits issued with an valuation of $119,000. Nine miscellaneous permits amounted to an evaluation of $27,100. Total building revenue for August was $227,100.
Twenty-three electrical permits were issued and 64 inspections made by electrical inspector Rick Parrack's department. The electrical revenue was $287. There were 29 plumbing permits issued and 81 inspections made by the plumbing department headed by Buddy R. Osborn. Plumbing income was $483.
Ten mechanical permits were issued and 24 inspections made by Osborn's, mechanical division. The income was $471. Total building inspection revenue for August was $1,520.
Wins Dream Sweepstakes
Jean Wright from Ponca City is one of nine national grand prize winners in the General Motors Goodwrench Service "Dream Sweepstakes." The grand prize includes a new Pontiac Sunfire and a fully paid four-day vacation for four to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
Representatives of General Motors Service Parts Operations and the Bowker Auto Mall dealership in Ponca City were to present the prize vehicle to Wright today at Bowker Auto Mall. Wright submitted an entry after receiving a General Motors Goodwrench Service coupon mailing that included a number game card. More than one million entries were received for the drawing.
Customer Service Seminar
Nationally-known speaker Rick Barrera will discuss "Customer Service: The Competitive Edge," at a seminar on Sept. 25 at Meridian Technology Center at 1312 South Sangre Road, Stillwater. The seminar is set from 8:30 a.m. to noon. For more information or to register contact Rena Hines (405) 377-3333, extension 249.
Rice Farms Recognized
COFFEYVILLE, Kan. - Barbara and Rick Rice, representing Rice Farms, Ralston, were presented the Blue Leader Award for outstanding Dixon ZTR mower sales achievement at the annual national Dixon dealer meeting held recently in St. Louis. Rice Farms has been an authorized Dixon dealership since 1983.
Osage Environmental Outreach
The first in a series of community seminars for marginal well producers will be held in Hominy on Thursday at 6 p.m., in the Hominy Housing Authority Building. The thrust of the seminar is to help the small oil and gas producers, who operate on the Osage Mineral Reserve, become better educated about EPA and BIA regulatory requirements and about cost-effective pollution measures.
Pipe Liners to Meet
TULSA - Kevin Bodenamer, general manager of Mapco's Discovery Project, will be the guest speaker for the Sept. 15 meeting at the Petroleum Club, 600 South Boulder in downtown Tulsa.
Bodenamer will talk about the recently completed Rio Grande Pipe Line project. This is the first LPG line in Mexico, a 265 mile system from Midland, Texas, to the Pemex Mendez facility near Juarez. Reservations maybe made by calling (918) 561-6031 not later than noon Sept. 12.
Southwest Airline Specials
Southwest Airlines is accepting applications again from those 65 years of age or over for a free ticket to any city served by the airline. This "Home for the Holidays," program for seniors, is open to those able to show an economic need.
Those tickets awarded are valid from Dec. 1 to Jan. 10, 1998. Applications
are available at Wheatheart Nutrition Project sites or through the NODA
Area Agency on Aging. For more information or an application 1-800-749-1149.
LIFESTYLES
The Payne County Genealogical Society is recognizing and perpetuating the memory of early pioneers. The PCGS is offering a special certificate to descendants of early pioneers and settlers of Payne County and to a "business" that was established during a special time in our local history. The business must still be in existence as of 1997 in Payne County. The PCGS has specified these special years of eligibility for this honor as being on or before 1907, the date of Oklahoma statehood. These descendants and businesses must have proof of their lineage.
This program is open to everyone who can prove their ancestry back to a person who was born or settled in Payne County on or before 1907.
The application form for this certificate is in the Stillwater Genealogical Room at the Stillwater Library. With this certificate one will be able to establish documentation that members of your family are descendants of early-day citizens of Payne County.
Census records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, death records or family bible records are only a few of the areas where you can trace and document your ancestral lineage. Volunteers, who are members of the Payne County Genealogical Society, are available at the Stillwater Library to assist with ancestral searches.
A fee of $20 must accompany the application and documentation (check or money order, not cash). If you have other family members in the same lineage and would like to receive an additional certificate you would need to submit an additional application in order to receive a certificate. The fee would be $5 for each person of the same lineage. The order form and details for purchasing an optional plaque will be enclosed with each certificate.
If you need additional information please contact John Irons, Chairperson for the Ancestry Certificate Program, Stillwater Genealogical Society, P. O. Box 2708, Stillwater, Okla. 74076 or call Pat Jackson at 765-3372.
Members of Xi Delta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Aug. 28 for a garden party at the home of Becky Bezdek. Each member brought a garden gift and played "Dirty Gardener." The "Beginning Day" for the chapter was highlighted by a barbecue.
Pam Palmer, program chairman, distributed new program books and Ms. Bezdek
provided members with herbs from her garden.
SPORTS
BRAMAN - Frontier continued to stay at .500 on the season after splitting a twinbill against Braman.
Braman won the opener 3-1 with two runs in the fifth inning before the Mustangs, now 11-11, came back to win the second game, 13-1.
Frontier exploded for 10 runs in the first inning of the second game, finishing with seven hits. Marty Williams had a triple in that win while Jeremy Williams had a pair of doubles.
Ty Henry was the winning pitcher for the Mustangs, limiting the Pirates to two hits while striking out three and walking two in five innings.
Braman broke open a 1-1 deadlock in the fifth inning of the first game.
Jeremy Williams and Kevin Fillmore each had a double for the Mustangs. Grell doubled for the Pirates.
Braman's Head was the winner, striking out 11 and giving up just three hits.
Braman travels to Wynona for a pair of games today.