From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday,
September 25, 1997
LOCAL
Waters on the Rise
School-to-Work Information Provided During Meeting
Veterans Day Parade Set For Nov. 8
Wordsmith's Seek Input At Meetings
'Josefina' Newest Addition In American Girl Series
Proclamation Announces Native American Week
OAC Grant To Standing Bear
Blackwell Regional Hospital Working to Maintain Staff
Chamber News
County Cancer Unit Awards Banquet Held
Boy Scouts Begin Annual Fund Raiser
NOC Production Runs Five Days At Arts Center
County-Wide Speech Event Slated Oct. 7
Correction
DEATHS
Mary N. Hall
Anice Golda Morrison
Nellie K. Taylor
Obituaries
Charles Kent Prather
Services Pending
Edna Noble
Roy C. Morgan
Funerals
Linda L. Rouse
Jim A. Kincaid
Jean S. Wilderson
NEWS BRIEFS
GARDENING
Ponca City Garden Council Plans Include Conventions
SPORTS
Stillwater QB Has Spotlight
Injuries Taking Toll on Area Football Teams This Week
PCCC-WGA
Outlaws Football
Several AREA highways and Kay County roads were closed Wednesday as area rivers rose beyond flood stage. Both the Chikaskia and Salt Fork Rivers crested Wednesday. However, Ponca City Emergency Manager Tom Montgomery says that the Salt Fork River will not totally recede until sometime Friday. Fountain Road south of Tonkawa, Highway 156 south of U.S. 60 and Fountain Road, and U.S. 77 south of Tonkawa were all closed due to high water. Montgomery warns people not to drive in flood waters and also advises using caution when traveling some roads in western Kay County and eastern Grant County. Roads in those counties have been reportedly "washed out" due to Wednesday's rain and the resulting floods. (News Photo by Patti Pfeiffer)
Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of articles relating to School-to-Work. This first article talks about the School-to-Work Committee Meeting Tuesday night.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
"I am so confused." This comment has been heard on street corners, private homes, coffee shops and schools in Ponca City where School-to-Work is concerned. This controversial issue has plagued the minds of not only parents, but school administrators and federal officials for several years. Because such argumentative factors have occurred, the public was invited to voice their opinions on this issue.
A School-to-Work (STW) Public Comment Meeting was held Tuesday night at the Administration Building for the parents of all K-12 students, both public and private.
Dr. John Scroggins, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, commented, "Why is this meeting so important? Because the proposed changes in the curriculum could affect your child's future and what they learn in the classroom."
During this meeting, everyone had an opportunity to voice their opinion on STW. Forms were handed out to some 50 concerned citizens and parents that attended the meeting. These forms contained spaces for questions about STW. The questions were then answered by the School-to-Work Committee.
This School-to-Work Committee is made up of highly-trained School-to-Work officials, local principals, teachers and concerned parents. The goal of this group is to serve as a "mediator" between the public and the school board.
Currently, the Ponca City Board of Education has made no decisions about STW. In fact, the board asked several months ago that they know about all programs in the local schools that could be labeled as STW.
The STW Committee is based on individuals, both for and against STW.
Scroggins Speaks
Dr. Scroggins began the meeting by stating that, "$750 has been given to each school site if they choose to participate in STW. It is not mandatory that every school participate. It is up to that particular school to decide."
Scroggins continued, "We all know that some people will be unhappy with or without STW. Our job here is to maintain a balance between the students and parents so that everyone has a choice."
Questions Answered
Several questions were asked during the course of the night. Below are some highlights of the questions.
Q - What is the benefit of STW and how will it benefit better academics?
Carolyn Berry, Mid-High teacher, commented that she asked her Gifted and Talented students last year if they would be interested in doing some career shadowing. If the students wanted to do the program, they were to do all the research. Berry commented, "I think every child that participated had a very positive experience."
Q - Does Pioneer Technology Center get all the money?
Dr. Janet Cox, assistant superintendent at PTC, commented that the money flows from the State Department of Vo-tech to Pioneer Tech and then to the schools. Cox also stated that the schools can access their own money from PTC. No extra money is given to PTC except as a Project Partner.
Q - Would my child be forced into STW?
"The board has said that no child would be forced to participate in STW. The parents and the child make the decision themselves," said Dr. Scroggins.
Q - I would like for a teacher with no repercussions to give their opinions on STW.
"I believe in the program," stated Berry. "I think that students involved in STW are ready to go into the real world of work. I am proud to be a part of this."
Claudia Todd-Sonnichsen, Mid-High counselor, stated, "I also approve of this program. I think it would be beneficial for kids, especially those who aren't sure about what they want to do."
Q - How much will STW cost when federal funding is not there anymore?
Linda Thompson, STW coordinator, commented, "The Legislature has provided the seed money for STW and they hope and desire that the community get involved. We already have many businesses in Ponca City helping us."
Dr. Scroggins added, "Many federal programs give us seed money. The board will now have to annually review all costs of STW just like they review the budget during the year. The schools involved are given $750 to purchase whatever they need."
Further Questions
Q - At what extent does the federal government take away the control from schools?
Dr. Cox responded by saying that every school system will be different. If the individual school decides to participate in STW it will be their choice to devise a plan. The Ponca City Board of Education is under certain civil laws and policies they must follow.
Q - What do parents do when they don't allow their children to be involved in STW? Will the kids be left out at school?
Dr. Don Sjoberg, principal at Ponca City High School, said that he recommends that all high school students participate in events like the Career Fair. This fair is held every year for students to visit with college representatives and other businesses.
Pat Keast, principal of Washington Elementary, said, "We would have alternative activities or library time for those that choose not to participate. It's just like when some students deny not reading a certain novel. Those students were given an alternate novel to read."
Q - I would like to hear how the panelists feel about STW.
All 16 panel members answered this question truthfully. Some felt that students need exposure to more choices in school and others said they were confused about STW and wanted to know how the board would be involved.
Some concerned parents on the committee wanted to know how the district would measure if STW was a good thing and what else could be implemented in its place; while a few teachers pointed out that the focus of STW is on the children.
"My concern is that we might close the door on something that is very good for our kids. If we deny our children this opportunity it would make me very sad," commented Berry.
Public Comments
During public comment several people addressed the committee about their opinions on STW.
Larry Felix said, "I have been involved with some parts of STW for 21 years. With what I have seen about STW it enhances the students knowledge of 'real life.' The business world is ready, willing and able to help support STW, in fact the Chamber of Commerce has already voted to support it."
Paula Lanman, concerned parent, pointed out that she wanted to know more about STW. "I have tried to understand this, but it is very difficult. I want to ask if the board has been informed about STW. They are the only ones who can make this decision."
Tim Burg pointed out that as a taxpayer, parent, Chamber of Commerce member and a businessman, he was not threatened by STW. "I do not think that STW is a new concept. I also applaud everyone attending these meetings that took the time to learn about STW. If you don't understand ask questions and don't listen to rumors," Burg said.
Several other STW meetings will be held throughout the fall. Everyone is invited to attend these meetings and ask any questions about areas of concern.
Everybody loves and parade and the Veterans Day Parade slated for Nov. 8 promises to be one to no exception. Already there are 26 units and 1,500 individuals lining up to make the event one to remember.
The patriotic mood will be set by marching bands and other red, white and blue tributes to the men and women who serve their country in the military. In addition to military units, civic clubs and citizens are supporting this effort, according to Chuck Gregg, American Legion.
Among those volunteering to help are the U.S. Army Recruiters, SFC Holsather/Sgt. Wolsey, who will contact bands, ROTC and Reserve Units, Fort Sill for support, sound system, tents and hot food containers.
Reviewing and announcing will be Johnny Heinze. The POW location Committee members are Chuck Hoddy, Richard Killblane, Herb Hopkins, George Brown and Jerry Leven.
Serving on the parade line up committee are Lee Keyes, Heinze, Gregg and Glen Adkins. Ronald Carr will be in charge of getting Shriner participation. Traffic/security will be headed by Jerry Neville, Ponca City Police Department. The Union and Confederate Army encampments will be under the charge of Eric Fite. Killblane will chair the living historians/antique military vehicles entries.
The food concessions committee is made up of Richard Sharrod, Marvin Rider, Sgt. Holsather and Sgt. Wolsey.
The public POW-MIA ceremony at City Hall will be under the direction of Keyes and Mike Isbell. Roselynn Utech and Max Naden are also a part of this ceremony committee.
Seventeen persons attended the Sept. 8 meeting representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legions, U.S. Army Recruiting office representatives, Shriners, City personnel, the Civil War Living Historians and other civic organizations.
Members of the Wordsmith writer's group has invited all interested writers for a brief meeting in the program room at the Ponca City Library on Saturday, at 9:30 a.m.
Purpose of the meeting is to have input from all those who have not been able to attend because of the inconvenience of the currently scheduled Saturday morning meeting time.
Grace Klinger, past president said, "The group needs to have an attendance of 15 or 20 persons in order to be able to have workshops and speakers to further the learning aspect of attending a group."
Major George Collins has volunteered to publish a newsletter consisting of articles, profiles, and information produced by members and made available to the public through local bookstores and the library.
It is planned that each meeting should include a critique of current writing by members for members, so that those attending come away with value for the time involved. It is also suggested that input by published authors be used on their experiences for the purpose of instruction.
Suggestions for meeting times have included a brown-bag lunch or dinner format, and a day other than Saturday. The presence of anyone interested in a writers' group is needed at the Saturday meeting in order to establish a time appropriate for all members and would-be members, and to set guidelines as to how formal or informal the group should strive to be.
The newest of American Girls, the sixth in the American Girls books and doll series by Valerie Tripp is "Josefina" (ho-seh-fee-na). This new character will be introduced in three new books this fall at Brace Books and More by Becky Vanater at 2 p.m. Sunday at an American Girls Party.
"I am looking forward to reading the books to my own daughter and I especially like the element of faith included in the books," says Vanater
The American Girls Party is for all girls and their mothers or grandmothers and will feature special activities depicting the life of the early day heroine. Some activities include corn grinding, weaving and writing with a turkey feather pen.
The three books tell about the early life and adventures of the new character, and a limited edition doll depicting the young Hispanic girl will also be available.
Vanater said, " With each American Girls character, a limited edition doll is available." A drawing will be held Sunday for one of the dolls. The winner must be present to be eligible.
The character of Josefina depicts life in the Southwest in 1824, specifically New Mexico. In 1821, while her home was still a part of Mexico, Josefina's world begins to change when the borders are opened to foreign trade. Mexico is flooded with American traders. The Santa Fe trail was forged and new ideas and goods flood into her part of the country. Within 25 years Josefina's home becomes a part of the United States and she becomes an American citizen.
The first three books being currently released about Josefina show readers what life was liked for Spanish settlers in New Mexico. Readers will meet Josefina and her three sisters and learn about life on the family rancho near Santa Fe. Readers will learn how family, faith and tradition formed the foundation of the Montoyas' lives.
Three more books about Josefina are planned for 1998, which will explore the impact of the American traders and show readers how the fascinating cultural mix that is such a distinctive part of New Mexico and the Southwest today came about.
Author Valerie Tripp made a trip to New Mexico to interview families and find out about their traditions, values and faith, before she began writing the Josefina collection.
Five other lively characters, full of adventure and spirit, and growing up long ago are a part in the American Girls series. Their names are Felicity, Kirsten, Addy, Samantha and Molly. The books are recommended for girls ages seven and up. Josefina is also available in Spanish.
Native American Week is being observed in Ponca City this week through Sept. 28 according to a proclamation by Ponca City Mayor Marilyn Andrews.
Andrews said, Ponca City has one of the largest Native American populations in Oklahoma and also in the United States.
She recognized and commended the Ponca City Native American Foundation, which formed in 1993 to honor all Native American tribes, and especially those in the Ponca City area.
She talked about the development of Standing Bear Native American Memorial Park by the Foundation for the purpose of educating all citizens about the Native American culture; to promote communication among cultures; and to provide economic and educational opportunities for Native Americans.
Mayor Andrews noted that Chief Standing Bear was the first Native American to win recognition as a person under the laws of the United States government. She commended the Foundation's work to purchase the large 22-foot bronze Standing Bear monument by Oreland C. Joe now standing at the Standing Bear Park.
She also reminded citizens that the Native American Foundation and the Kaw Nation will host the Fourth Annual Standing Bear Powwow on Sept. 26-27 as a celebration of what has been accomplished. Andrews also talked about the group's plan to build a large Cultural Complex at the park.
Mayor Andrews encouraged all citizens of the Ponca City area to observe and take part in the celebration honoring the importance of the Native American culture.
The Ponca City Native American Foundation has been awarded a matching grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council to assist in funding the Fourth Annual Standing Bear Powwow, to be held Friday and Saturday. This is the second year that the Arts Council has provided financial support for this event.
Through state appropriations and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Oklahoma Arts Council funds over 1,100 events annually with an estimated total attendance of over 4.5 million. In Fiscal Year 1996, projects funded by the Oklahoma Arts Council accounted for over $21 million in grants and matching funds distributed throughout Oklahoma's economy in 151 of the state's rural and urban communities.
For information about the two-day powwow and its associated events, contact JoAnn O'Bregon at (405) 269-2552 or Betty Durkee at 762-9219. For information regarding the Oklahoma Arts Council, contact Nancy Huff, public information director at (405) 521-2931, e-mail: n.huff@oklaosf.-state.ok.us.
Blackwell Regional Hospital is working and recruiting hard to maintain the appropriate number of physicians on their medical staff, according to Greg Martin, CEO.
Martin said the hospital is in the process of adding three new doctors at the present time. One of the physicians is David Dunnington, MD, who has just moved to Blackwell with his wife and three school age children. He will be practicing family medicine with Dr. Shuart, replacing Dr. Swan at the Blackwell Medical Clinic, Suite B. Dr. Dun Dunnington has recently signed a long-term agreement with BRH.
An obstetrician/gynecologist will be joining the medical staff this fall. Dr. Manuel Hensley will start his practice in Blackwell in October, and will be the first OB/GYN doctor on the full-time active staff. Dr. Hensley's arrival will be timely with the new LDRP suites that have just been finished, Martin pointed out.
The hospital also has a new orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Marvel. He will be at BRH Specialty Clinic on Thursdays and will be doing all of his surgeries right at the hospital.
Paul Briggs, MD, from Blackwell has recently completed medical school and is beginning his second of three years of residency training at OU's Tulsa Residency program. He and his wife are returning to his hometown when he finishes in 1999.
According to Martin, there is a lot of remodeling going on inside and around the hospital and plans are for more. "It takes quite a bit of planning to keep up with the many changes in health care and we have several new programs we will be implementing in the near future to better serve our area in general and Blackwell in particular," Martin said.
Chamber Holds Planning Session for 1998
Approximately 50 community leaders spent a fast paced half day in animated discussion and identification of issues critical to Ponca City's future this past week. The Chamber is sincerely appreciative of the kind of citizen participation for which our community is well known, because without personal involvement in selecting our objectives, it is virtually impossible to move ahead on a community basis to help make us be what we can be by working together.
Ken King of the State Department of Vocational-Technical Education served as facilitator for the work session. The ideas, suggestions, comments and questions really flew, and with our facilitator's help, were synthesized into a concise list of five to six critical community issues on which the Chamber will focus special effort and attention during the coming year. The final results of the meeting are now being pulled together, and we will be sure to provide them to you in the very near future for your review.
Ponca City, not unlike communities everywhere, faces a great number of what the experts like to call "challenges and opportunities." What it really boils down to is that we have a plate full of problems that need to be addressed head on. That's where your Chamber comes in. And by the way there is always room for anyone who wants to be a part of the solution and your help and participation would be sincerely appreciated. Give us a call!
Business After Hours
The Chamber would like to extend a thank you to the Elks Lodge for hosting the September "Business After Hours" Expo. Sponsors for the evening were Bob and Faye Askew, Group One; Gary and Dawn Parli, Allstate Insurance; Jerry Ward, Albertson's; Bill Murphy, Ideal Auto Sales; John and Mary Sutton, Prudential Insurance and Mike and Donna Culver, A+ Printing.
If your business is having an anniversary, special event or is interested in sponsoring a "Business After Hours" in 1998 contact the Chamber office at 765-4400.
Breakfast of Champs
The Chamber's "Give Ponca The Business" committee has set Oct. 2 at Pioneer Technology Center for the next "Breakfast of Champs." Breakfast will be served starting at 7:15 a.m., with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m. Jan Jarrett, President and CEO of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce will speak on "Customer Service Moments of Truth."
Admission is $5 per person and includes a light breakfast of quiche, fruit, cinnamon rolls, juice and coffee. Attendance is limited. Reservations are required and will be taken on a first come first served basis.
Call 765-4400 before noon on Tuesday to make reservations for you and your staff. "Breakfast of Champs" is an opportunity for you to improve your Business!
Upcoming Events
Sept. 26 - Chamber Board of Directors Meeting, 11 a.m., Chamber Conference Room
Oct. 1 - "Give Ponca The Business" Committee Meeting, 8 a.m., Chamber Conference Room
Oct. 2 - "Breakfast of Champs," 7:30 a.m., Pioneer Technology Center
The American Cancer Society, Kay County Unit, held its awards banquet Tuesday night at the Ponca City Country Club.
The 1997-98 officers were announced at the banquet. Vicky Morton was elected president.
Morton was vice-president of the local chapter last year and her dedication and commitment to the organization is apparent to those she has worked with at the ACS. "She is the cornerstone of everything that happened here at the Kay County ACS," out-going president Frank Kennedy said of Morton. "She works hard at it," Lee Clark added.
Mike Mott was elected to serve as vice-president. Lee Clark will serve as secretary and Lori Ellis is the new treasurer.
Kennedy described the past year as a success because of the people he worked with at the ACS. "I surrounded myself with greatness," Kennedy told the attendees.
Over $57,000 was raised locally in several fund raising events including the Relay For Life which raised over $38,000.
The Will Rogers Council, Boy Scouts of America will hold its annual fund raising campaign to run Friday through Oct. 24. During that time Scouts will be selling Trail's End gourmet popcorn. The profit from the sale will help to finance the activities of the units selling, the Scouts who sell, and the activities of the Council.
Scout Executive, Chuck Rager emphasized the primary income for Scouting activities will continue to come from community support, such as the Council's Friends of Scouting campaign, and local United Ways. "However, escalating program costs, the need for camp equipment and maintenance, as well as continued growth in youth participation, has prompted the Executive Board of the Council to seek additional sources of support.
"The local Scouts give a lot to our communities and by helping to support them, you are actually helping your local community. And what a better way to help than through the purchase of popcorn, it is a great American snack.
"We appreciate the support that our Scouting activities have received from the communities in the Will Rogers Council and wish to express our thanks to everyone who participates," says Rager.
This year Scouts will be selling: value bucket, 2.5 pound poly bag, microwave 5-pack, 12 ounce gourmet caramel corn, microwave bonus 15-pack butter, margarine bonus 15-pack butter light, 24 ounce chocolate caramel crunch, 28 ounce gourmet caramel corn and 20 ounce 97 percent fat-free caramel corn.
If a Scout misses your house or you miss him, and you want to order popcorn, contact the Will Rogers Council, Boy Scouts of America, (405) 765-6669 or 1-800-478-2563.
TONKAWA - "An Evening of Culture" is to be presented Friday, Saturday, and Oct. 2, 3, and 4 at Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m.
The story is about the hilarious attempt of the Mineola Council (somewhere in the South) to glean cultural recognition with their peers by producing "Romeo and Juliet."
Direction for the production is by John Michael Warburton, Northern Theatre faculty, and tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students.
Principal players are Jera Dunn, Perry, a middle-aged town busybody who plays "Juliet." Elected as "Romeo" is the character Bubba Bedford, a not-too-bright owner of Bubba's Gas'n Go, played by sophomore Brad Ellis, Enid.
Other characters include James Brown as Luther Carson who plays Benvolio, Kelly Haikin of Crescent as a Beauty Bell consultant who plays Juliet's mother; Christy Kelly playing Violet Farkle, the director; Luke Hadsall as Delbert Fink, a pig farmer who builds their sets; Molly Hall as Faye McFaye, the flirt; and to add to the confusion, Faye's dog D.D.
Fachaitte Kinslow from Dover plays Ruthann Barns, president of the Mineola Council for Cultural Recognition and playing the "Friar" in their production.
The light-hearted Faith County saga was selected "just because it's fun." said Warburton.
PECKHAM - All ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth graders county-wide are invited to participate in the Kay County Conservation District's speech contest at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Peckham School.
District spokesperson Lonnie Stone said this is the third year for the district contest, during which an evening meal is served for all participants.
Ninth and tenth graders will compete in division I and juniors and seniors will compete in Division II, with winners announced and awards presented the same evening.
The speech competition "is a great opportunity for our youth to get a little experience in public speaking because this is done before a small group of judges only," Stone said.
With three placings awarded in both divisions, the event will present a T-shirt and a $10 cash award to the first place winners. Second place gets a T-shirt and $7 cash, and third placers get the T-shirt and $5.
The top two individuals in each division will compete in the Area II meeting held Nov. 18 in Guthrie.
Churches hosting Pastor Ernest Quillen's reception Saturday are St. John's
Lutheran Churches, Newkirk and Blackwell-6NE. The reception will be 2-4
p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of First Lutheran Church in Ponca City.
DEATHS
WINFIELD, Kan. - Mary N. Hall, former resident at The Renaissance in Ponca City, died Wednesday morning, Sept. 24, 1997, at the Cushing (Okla.) Hospital. She was 93.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Saturday, at the Highland Cemetery in Winfield, Kan. Friends may visit at the Miles Funeral Service Chapel in Winfield from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Mary N. (Wright) Hall was born Dec. 1, 1903, in Winfield, Kan., one of five children born to William Palmer and Emma Wilmouth (Price) Wright. She grew up and attended schools in Winfield, graduating with the class of 1920. She later attended the Chicago Normal School for Physical Education.
On May 19, 1927, she was married to Virgil Wesley Hall in Winfield, where the couple resided their entire married lives. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1977. They lived in a home on East 10th Street for nearly 60 years. Mrs. Hall was employed at the Cowley County National Bank (later the First National Bank) in Winfield and during the 1960s worked in Wichita, Kan., at the Union National Bank. After the death of Mr. Hall on April 6, 1986, Mrs. Hall continued to live in Winfield until moving to The Renaissance in Ponca City in 1996.
Mrs. Hall was a member of the Winfield First Presbyterian Church, the Tuesday-at-Two-Bridge Club," the Coffee Club, and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Eastern Star and served with the Wm. Newton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed handiwork, beading, knitting, crochet and watching baseball on TV.
Survivors include one son, James Virgil Hall of Troy, Ohio; one daughter, Patti Hall Ahrberg of Cushing; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Bill, Pat and Tanny Wright; and one sister, Alma Wright Bain.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Hall's name to Hospice of Ponca City, or the Winfield First Presbyterian Church, c/o Miles Funeral Service, 1001 E. Ninth Street, P.O. Box 720, Winfield, KS 67156.
CLEVELAND, Okla. - Anice Golda Morrison, mother of Fenton Morrison of Ponca City, died Monday, Sept. 22, 1997, at the Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia, Mo. She was 92.
The funeral will be held graveside at 1 p.m. Friday at the Woodland Cemetery in Cleveland, Okla. with the Rev. Mark Wright officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Heckart Gillespie Funeral Home, Sedalia, Mo.
Anice Golda (Birchett) Morrison was born May 17, 1905, near Thayer, Mo., the daughter of George W. and Mary Lewallen Birchett. She was married to Ray Andrew Morrison on Oct. 20, 1924, in Tryon. Mrs. Morrison was a homemaker and member of the First Baptist Church of Cleveland. She moved to Sedalia, Mo., in November 1992.
Survivors include one son, Fenton Morrison of Ponca City; one daughter, Mary Ann Harris of Sedalia; one sister, Alta Stamps of Oklahoma City; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on July 13, 1993; her parents; five brothers, R.G., Elzie, Elmer, Ray, and John Birchett; four sisters, Cora Horn, Jacqueline Gordon, Dorothy Birchett and an infant sister.
Casket bearers will be grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
NEWKIRK - Nellie K. Taylor, former Newkirk resident, died Wednesday, Sept. 24, 1997, at Via Christi Medical Center-St. Francis Campus in Wichita, Kan. She was 68.
The funeral is set for 10 a.m. Friday at the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home in Arkansas City, Kan. Burial will be in the Newkirk (Okla.) Cemetery.
Nellie K. (Kubik) Taylor was born Feb. 15, 1929, in Jefferson, the daughter of Paul and Mary Jane (Fulton) Kubik. She grew up in Hardy and Newkirk, graduating from Newkirk High School in 1947.
She was married to Phillip G. Taylor on July 22, 1950, in Winfield, Kan., and the couple have resided in Arkansas City most of their married lives. Mrs. Taylor was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening. She was a member of the Central Christian Church, Arkansas City.
Survivors include her husband, Phillip, of the home; one son, Michael G. Taylor of Arkansas City; one daughter Linda T. Wertz of Houston, Texas; three brothers, Bill, Gene and Lynn Kubik, all of Newkirk; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Taylor's name to the American Cancer Society, c/o Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 756, Arkansas City, KS 67005.
TONKAWA - Charles Kent Prather, former Tonkawa resident, died Monday, Sept. 22, 1997, at Fort Worth, Texas. He was 72.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery with the Rev. Curtis Bentley, Methodist minister from Las Cruces, N.M., officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa. The casket will remain closed at all times.
Charles Kent Prather was born Sept. 11, 1925, in Tonkawa to Thomas W. and Mary Virginia (Utterback) Prather. He was a graduate of Tonkawa High School and attended Northern Oklahoma College. During World War II he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943-45. He was stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He was married to Peggy M. Hendricks who preceded him in death.
He later married Helen B. Simpson in 1954 and they resided in the Tonkawa-Ponca City area until 1957, when the family moved to Odessa, Texas. Prather was engaged in sales in the oil drilling equipment industry, working for Parker Drilling, Heldies Pipe Service and Gruners of Ponca City. Prather lived most of his working career in Texas with the exception of time spent in Southeast Asia and Iran. Helen Prather preceded him in death in December 1982. He retired in 1983, living in Fort Worth, Texas. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth.
Surviving family members include one son, Jefty Prather of Juneau, Alaska; one daughter, Rhonda Minyard of Philadelphia, Pa.; one brother Harold Prather of Blackwell; four grandchildren Shannon Kent Prather of Ooltewah, Tenn., Julie Mrak of Coppel, Texas, Amy Hayes of London, England, and Shana Kelly of San Marcos, Texas.
He was preceded in death by both wives, Peggy and Helen; his parents; three brothers, Wes, Tommy, and Jack Prather; and one sister, Virginia.
paid obituary
FAIRFAX - Edna Noble, longtime Fairfax-Ralston area resident, died early this morning, Sept. 25, 1997, at the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. She was 89. Survivors include a son, Roger Noble of Orlando, Fla. Arrangements are pending With Poteet Funeral Home, Pawnee.
Roy C. Morgan, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday evening, Sept. 24, 1997, at St. Mary's Mercy Hospital in Enid. He was 66. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Saturday
Linda L. Rouse - Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, Arkansas City. A reception will follow at the Central Christian Church, Arkansas City, Kan.
Jim A. Kincaid - Memorial service at 10 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, Ponca City. A special fly-over ceremony will be held later near the Ponca City airport. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Sunday
Jean S. Wilderson - A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m.
at Central Community Church in Wichita, Kan. The service will also be a
memorial for her husband, Bruce F. Wilderson Jr., who died Aug. 27, 1997.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, Wichita,
Kan.
NEWS BRIEFS
Deer Creek-Lamont Homecoming - The DCLA Eagles will celebrate Homecoming on Friday. Activities for the week included dress-up days and a hall decorating contest. The high school cheerleaders will lead a pep rally at 2:45 p.m. on Friday with the football coronation taking place at 6:30 p.m. The Eagles will take on the Kremlin-Hillsdale Broncs. The half-time entertainment will be Miss Jennifer Stacey and the flag corps. Everyone is invited.
KLOR Presents Extravaganza - 99.3-FM KLOR presents the 4th Annual Women's Showcase Extravaganza today (Thursday), from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hutchins Memorial. Prizes will be awarded and free hors d'oevres by Crown & Rose Pub and Grill will be served. Admission is free and ladies of all ages are invited to attend. Must be 18 to register for prizes and be present to win.
Abandoned Trailer - A person in the 100 block of North First Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:39 a.m. Wednesday that a trailer had been abandoned on the street since Monday. An officer was assigned and the trailer was towed from the scene.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 800 block of West Ponca Avenue at 11:03 a.m. Wednesday that a 44-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Residence Burglarized - A man in the 400 block of South Birch Street requested an extra patrol in the area at 12:17 p.m. Wednesday after reporting to the Ponca City Police Department that his residence had been burglarized. The man reported that upon returning to the residence, his pickup had also been burglarized.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of North Birch Street at 12:28 p.m. Wednesday that a male subject was being held on a Kay County warrant for forgery.
Purse Stolen - A woman from the 3400 block of Meadow Lane reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:29 p.m. Wednesday that her purse had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 1:39 p.m. Wednesday to report that a hit-and-run accident had occurred while she was at Wal-Mart. Information was logged.
Injury Accident - The Communications Center received several 911 calls at 2:38 p.m. Wednesday that an injury accident had occurred at the intersection of East Grand Avenue and Tenth Street. Two Ponca City Fire Department units responded and an ambulance took one subject to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment. Two Ponca City Police Department officers assigned took a report. Two vehicles involved were towed from the scene.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 800 block of North Elm Street at 3:39 p.m. Wednesday that an 18-year-old male was being held on a city warrant for assault and battery, and reckless conduct while in possession of a firearm.
Bicycle Missing - A person from the 400 block of South Franklin Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:44 p.m. Wednesday that a bicycle was missing from the residence. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Emporia Avenue at 4:38 p.m. Wednesday that a 21-year-old man was being held on charges of driving under suspension, having no insurance, not wearing a seat belt, and speeding.
Assistance Requested - Animal Control officials requested Ponca City Police Department assistance at 4:57 p.m. Wednesday in the 700 block of East Liberty Avenue concerning a vicious dog. An officer was assigned, a report was taken and a warrant request was made.
Accident - The Communications Center received a call at 5:03 p.m. Wednesday that an accident had occurred in a parking lot of the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.
Window Broken - An owner of a vehicle in the 300 block of North Ninth Street requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 5:46 p.m. Wednesday concerning a broken window. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Tag Missing - A man from Cains Mobile Home Park reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:58 p.m. Wednesday that a tag had been stolen from his vehicle. The information was logged.
Accident - A two-vehicle, non-injury accident in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:47 p.m. Wednesday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Two vehicles were towed from the scene.
Beer Stolen - A clerk of Triple-T in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:34 p.m. Wednesday that a male subject had taken two 12-packs of beer without paying. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.
Bicycle Stolen - A woman from the 100 block of South Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:46 p.m. Wednesday that a bicycle had been stolen from the Middle School earlier Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Abandoned Bicycle - A woman from the 400 block of South Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:53 p.m. Wednesday that a bicycle had been abandoned on the porch. A note was left for Animal Control to pick up the bicycle.
Beer Stolen - A clerk at Conoco Convenience, 1600 block of West South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10 p.m. Wednesday that a case of beer was taken by a man who left on foot. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North First Street and Roosevelt Avenue at 1:04 a.m. Thursday that a 43-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Curfew Violators - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:05 a.m. Thursday that a 16-year-old female and a 13-year-old female were being held for curfew violation. The two were taken to an address on North Oak, where citations were issued, and they were released to a parent.
Destruction of Property - The Communications Center received a request for police officers in the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue at 2:54 a.m. Thursday. Three officers were responded and a destruction of private property report was taken.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department
reported from the 700 block of South Waverly Street at 4:01 a.m. Thursday
that a 24-year-old woman was being held for public intoxication, possession
of an open container, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
GARDENING
A membership brunch was held at the Cann Garden Home for the September meeting of the Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs. Hostesses, Mavis Robison and Linda Sparks, prepared and served food for 26 members.
Aline Heartsill, co-president, presided at the first meeting of the 1997-98 year. Introduced as new members were Cissy Linder, Laurie Hyde and Esta Kirk.
Leota See, co-president, reported that the council was extending an invitation to all members of the North Central District of Oklahoma Garden Clubs to attend a 1998 Spring convention in Ponca City. The event will be held at the First Presbyterian Church and tours of Ponca City's tourist attractions will be held in conjunction with the convention.
Missy Morland, Ponca City Tourism, presented the program entitled "Where the 20's Still Roar." The Cann Memorial Garden Center has been nominated for an award at the Governor's Conference on Tourism later this year. She also announced plans for the "Festival of Angels" holiday lighting with the Cann Garden Center as one of the many areas decorated for the event.
Announcement was made that the Ponca City Garden Club Council sponsored a booth at the recent Heritage Days at the Ponca City Cultural Center. Free packets of garden seeds and iris rhizomes were given out at that time. Antique gardening items were on display and members dressed in historical clothing.
The Fall North Central District Convention will be Oct. 7 at the Will Rogers Garden Center in Oklahoma City. Melynda Hickman, Natural Resources Biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservancy, will be the featured speaker. Her topic will be "Butterfly Fantasies." The general meeting is slated 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Council members who want to attend the convention may obtain a pre-registration form from Mavis Robison, 762-4887. Deadline is Oct. 1 and those needing a ride may contact Mrs. Robison.
The next meeting of the Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs will be Oct.
1 at 9:30 a.m. at the Cann Memorial Garden Home. Guest speaker will be John
Meadows from the Ponca City Recycling Center. He will be speaking on "Mulching
and Composting in Your Yard." The public is invited to attend, For
more information call 762-8008 or 762-4426.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
STILLWATER - Stillwater coach Bill DeFee has been in coaching for a few years (15) and has some success (112-59), but has never faced the hoopla and publicity surrounding blue chip quarterback Matt Holliday before.
"I think he's handling it okay," DeFee says. "I think all the TV cameras and stuff that surrounded him in the first game made him nervous. But he's settled down since then."
DeFee also feels the swirl of attention surrounding Holliday and the team has not really been' a detraction.
The Pioneers, 3-0 and starting their bid for the District 6A-4 title Friday night against Ponca City, are looking to ride Holliday's strong right arm into the state playoffs.
Last year, Stillwater, with three Division I candidates to support Holliday, was deprived of district title by an upset loss to Tulsa Washington and were dropped hard in the first round of the playoffs by Muskogee.
So, how do the Pioneers stack dup this season?
DeFee acknowledges his team may be even stronger on offense with eight starters returning. He also admits that the Pioneers are even bigger and stronger in the line.
But the defense is somewhat suspect.
With just one starter back, the Stillwater defense has had to learn as it goes this season. The Pioneers have won their first three games handily, but it's been by outscoring their foes, "which haven't been all that tough," DeFee says.
"The defense has made some mistakes and given up the big plays," says the coach.
But it has done enough that Holliday has yet to play a complete game and it has given the Pioneers a chance to perfect a running game to compliment Holliday's aerial displays.
"We've probably run the ball more than we've thrown it in our first three games," DeFee says.
The Pioneers have 740 yards on 107 rushes in three games while completing 34-of-69 passes for 522 yards.
Three Stillwater running backs are averaging eight yards or better per carry. Junior tailback Ben Miller has 253 yards on 30 carries. Senior fullback Seath Auch has 185 yards on 22 carries, junior Will Stuart had 146 yards on 14 carries and junior tailback Jason Brawdy has 129 yards on 22 carries.
Flanker Trey Waters and Auch have been Holliday's favorite targets so far. Waters has seven catches for 129 yards while Auch has six for 109. Both have two touchdowns.
However, Holliday spreads his touchdown tosses around. He has thrown eight so far.
The Stillwater offensive front five averages almost 220 pounds per man.
The Pioneers' defensive front averages 242 pounds, plus two of the three linebackers are over 200 pounds.
"But there's not a lot of speed on defense," DeFee frets. "That's why they've given up come big plays."
Stillwater and Ponca City have one common opponent in the early going. Ponca City lost 29-9 to Edmond North a week before Stillwater slammed the Huskies, 42-7.
"That is a game Ponca City probably should have won and didn't," DeFee says. "The big difference was the North quarterback got hurt early in our game. That took a lot out of their offense, their whole team, actually.
"Ponca City has a good quarterback and some good running backs. That speed is something we're going to have to stop."
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Some area teams will take more than the usual bumps and bruises onto the field Friday night as the Oklahoma high school football season enters Week 3.
Woodland coach Bill Pascoe will send the Cougars to Liberty in a crucial District A-5 clash with three starters out. That is stretching his young squad to the breaking point.
Newkirk takes a break from the District 5A wars to celebrate Homecoming against Oklahoma City Cassidy, an independent school large enough to be in Class 2A.
The Tigers lost their starting quarterback two weeks ago and this past week saw tight end-kicker Dustin Mills go down with a knee injury.
Tonkawa puts its share of the District A-5 lead on the line Friday at Barnsdall,
Several district openers are also on tap. Class 4A Blackwell starts its title run at Mannford and Class 2A Pawnee faces Perkins on the road.
Shidler plays its second District C-4 foe at Bowlegs and Class B's Morrison tries to get well emotionally at home against Community Christian.
Woodland at Liberty
Two Woodlands players, Tyler Hickman and Gary Wehunt, have concussions and are week to week.
"We have no depth at all," Pascoe groaned. "We will have to start four or five freshmen."
Woodland will take a 1-2 record into the contest, having lost to two Class 2A powers, Pawnee and Chisholm.
The Cougar's one victory was a league win, 27-7, over Drumright.
Liberty is 3-0 on the year and 2-0 in the district but hasn't played the tough schedule Woodland has.
"They are not unbeatable," Pascoe said of Liberty. "Hopefully, we can go out and put together a good game.
Tonkawa at Barnsdall
Newly No. 6 ranked Tonkawa will be favored once again at Barnsdall, but for the second week in a row coach Steve Love has to worry about keeping his team focused and their win streak alive.
"There is a chance the players may be overlooking Barnsdall to next week's battle with Newkirk," Love said. "But we've had good senior leadership and these seniors are pretty serious about winning."
The new higher state ranking and the 3-0 start may be enough to keep the Buccaneers focused on Barnsdall for one more day.
Tonkawa also has a starter listed as doubtful for Friday's game. Defensive tackle Keith Ward cut his ankle in a shop accident his week.
Cassidy at Newkirk
Although coach Sonny Schovanec denies a revenge factor is at play, he admits his older players remember the 42-14 drubbing the Tigers took at the hands of Cassidy last year.
"I do think our kids want to prove they are a better team than that," the coach said.
Although Cassidy is a non-district game, Schovanec feels it is important for the Tigers to play well. He also admits that is a little harder this week with Homecoming taking his players' minds off the game.
With the showdown with Tonkawa looming on the horizon, the Tigers must also avoid injuries. Newkirk is getting low on skill players.
"We're on our third kicker," Schovanec said after Mills went down.
But Mills' knee injury may not be as serious as first thought and he may see some action.
Shidler at Bowlegs
Shidler is riding high at 2-1, 1-0 but can not afford a district game stumble.
Coach Matt Holland has warned his players that Bowlegs is big, "they're about 250 up front, and have pretty good speed.
"Their quarterback has real good speed," Holland reports. "He is most dangerous when he goes back to pass and teams don't contain him."
However, Holland got some good news this week. A couple of players he lost prior to the start of the season return.
"They will give us more depth and experience," the coach said. "But more importantly, they give us more speed."
Community Christian at Morrison
Morrison is reeling after three straight losses and coach Joe Sindelar would like for his Wildcats to get their feet back under them against Community Christian.
"It will be nice not to have to play a top five team," Sindelar said.
Morrison's players have gone through some intense learning this week.
"They thought they were playing well," Sindelar said. "But we slowed down the film to show they were not holding their blocks and actually getting in the way."
Sindelar also notes Community Christian will not be a push over.
"Their front line is about like our's," he said. "We have one senior and the rest sophomores and freshmen. But Community Christian has some good senior backs."
The tournament winner for the Ponca City Country Club Women's Golf Association Thursday play was Louise Abercrombie with Sonya Rogers second.
Closest to the pin winners were Sandy Powers on No. 6 and Abercrombie on No. 8.
Fourth Grade
Outlaws White 20, Tulsa Boys Club Blue 0
Tulsa Boys Club Red 7, Oulaws Black, 0
Fifth Grade
Oulaws 30, Claremore White 18
Sixth Grade
Outlaws 39, Union White 0