From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, October
30, 1997
LOCAL
City Temporarily Vacating Civic Center Headquarters
Pumpkin Painter Provides Happy Halloween Heads
Letters
Capone Attempted To Buy 101 Ranch
Chamber News
ALCH Campus Rebuilding Project Set For Dedication Ceremonies Saturday
Festival of Angels Map Deadline Early Next Week
City Beginning Leaf Collection
Salvation Army Assistance Program Sign-Up Period Set
Golden Villa Annual Benefit Dinner Nov. 14
Pioneer Rotary Club Hosting District Gov.
DEATHS
Robert Louis Howell
Marvin J. Selvey
Edna Cleota Doolin
Florence O'delia Muret
Faye McElroy
Obituaries
Georgia E. Owens
M.D. Perkins
Services Pending
Carl L. Pappan Jr.
Margaret Moulton
Wilma L. Ciskowski
Funerals
D'Etta G. McAbee
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
'Gourds' Topic For Gardeners At Council Meet
Recycling Helps Cut Down Waste In Local Landfill
Horticulture Class Available Here At Pioneer Tech
SPORTS
Area Gridiron Will Be Graveyards
Sand Springs Has Winning Feeling
Volleyball
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
A reluctant City Commission voted to approve leasing of office space for city employees at the Commercial Federal Bank Building during an emergency meeting Thursday morning. One commissioner vote against the move and one was not present.
Commissioner Chris Hand voted against the lease, fearful it would interfere with the upcoming sales tax election for the rebuilding and remodeling of the fire station. "I don't want anything to interfere with that election and getting the fire station rebuilt at city hall," Hand told the commissioners.
However, in the end, it was the unsafe conditions for city employees and the fast approach of winter that caused the commissioners to vote for the move. City Manager Gary Martin told commissioners that last week's cold temperatures had city employees wearing coats and gloves during work. "Our employees have suffered too long and not once has anyone of them complained," Martin told the commissioners.
Mayor Marilyn Andrews was extremely relieved after the vote. "I have been with and around those employees where they work and I don't know any employer who would allow their employees to work in these conditions."
The 11,000-square-foot lease is for a three-year period and includes renting office space on both the first and fifth floor at a rate of $9,261 per month. The city billing office will be located on the first floor with the remaining offices housed on the fifth floor.
It was City Commissioner Dick Stone that made the motion to approve the lease, adding roof stabilization for the civic center so that the building will not deteriorate.
"We are waiting for another disaster to happen and if someone gets hurt I don't want to be a commissioner and have to face employees and the citizens of this city because I didn't act prudentially," Stone said. "We have to move out but we will be moving back and we are going to take the necessary steps to preserve that building so that we can move back."
There were several other options offered to commissioners during the meeting all involving making temporary expensive repairs to the old boiler that is used to heat city hall. But because the boiler will not be used if the fire station is rebuilt at the city hall location, the commissioners felt it would be a waste of taxpayers dollars.
Also influencing the decision was the fact that a $75,000 construction credit will be given if the entire building is vacated when and if renovations on the fire station begin.
Commissioner Tom Leonard was not present at the meeting but had his feelings conveyed through both Commissioner Hand and Martin saying that he felt the timing was wrong.
According to Martin, it will take several weeks to draft the final lease and have it signed. It could then be another 30-60 days before the move is completed. "None of us want to leave city hall and it will be a sad day when we do," Martin said after the vote. "We look forward to the time when we can all get back into that building."
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Imagine an artist's canvas that is sort of round and orange with ridges - that's what Patty Nelson chooses for her delicate and sometimes whimsical pumpkin scenes.
Over the past six years Patty has painted several hundred pumpkins with Halloween faces and fall scenes for autumn. This year she has designed about 150 free hand pumpkins. She peddles the unusual pumpkins - no two alike - from Ponca City to as far away as Kiowa, Kan.
Although she has never studied art in school or otherwise, Patty has a developed a definite following, using her free stroke skills. Besides painting pumpkins, she decorates store front windows. As a sideline she takes her hand-painted pumpkins and specially-created decorative Christmas tree ornaments along.
Paints Field of Pumpkins
Just last year Patty brought a "field of pumpkins," for a buck apiece and, with her daughter Regina Sharp, individually painted the entire crop.
Another daughter, Julie Howard, helped sell the pumpkins. Because of Patty's talent, the towns of Ponca City, Blackwell, Newkirk, Tonkawa Wakita, Cherokee, Alva , Morrison Sedan and Kiowa, Kan., are a bit cheerier.
Nelson exercises her talent by decorating the pumpkins on her kitchen table, using small cans of ordinary latex paint, well worn brushes and an ancient "paint pot."
She does a lot of custom and personalized commission work. "If I see it, I can draw it," she says. A number of her ideas come from the newspaper, coloring books and magazines. Some of her work could be classified as folk art.
Fun To See
With a twinkle in her eye, Patty says, "Everything I do looks like a cartoon." But just like the cartoons, Patty's artistic endeavors give pleasure to the eyes and smiles to the lips of the viewers.
Each autumn she takes a load of pumpkins out to her parents in Alva and spends a couple of days individualizing the irregularly shaped pumpkins. She says since Alva is farm country she gets requests such as "a scene with a green tractor and a fellow in overalls."
Her natural drawing ability comes in handy as she paints store fronts and other windows. An on occasion she paints a sign. For instance, after some of the movie scenes for "Twister" were shot in Wakita, she painted the Rapp Hardware sign, which has to be replaced exactly.
Window Scenes
Patty's window work is visible in Ponca City during the Iris Festival. Other special occasions, such as the Yellow Brick Road Festival in Sedan, Kan., and the Ben Johnson Memorial Roping event in Pawhuska, keep Patty's paint brushes flying.
From miniature pumpkins to 75-pounders, Patty has her work on display around town. One time she did a 78-pounder for NationsBank. And "pumpkins aren't just for Halloween anymore," as folks are decorating for autumn and Thanksgiving.
And believe it or not, she and her husband, Jim, met over a big pumpkin. That's right Jim stubbed his toe on a large pumpkin in the middle of her floor about six years ago. She noted that Jim is supportive about her art work and has been encouraging her to take oil painting lessons.
Since Patty "lives in the country" at 2700 South Waverly, her dream next year is to plant her own pumpkin patch.
Band, Leaders Praised
Today was a disappointment for all of us. A major point of pride for the entire community has been that the Marching Wildcats had a consecutive 48 years of superior ratings at the O.S.S.A.A. contests. This year, a year of transition and change, that magical "49" has eluded us. We merely rated an "excellent." For many, this is devastating. My opinion is quite different. If you could have been there and seen the Marching Wildcats in action, you would have been as proud of their performance as I was. The Marching Wildcats won the hearts of the entire audience. They did their job, demonstrating skill and precision in their performance.
One thing that all of you must be made aware of is that the judges this year gave only five superior ratings in our region and only nine in the entire state. The Marching Wildcats were not the only marching band to find an end to their superior ratings. There were many others who were unpleasantly surprised this year.
What I really want Ponca City to be aware of is the manner which Allan Goodwin delivered the news to the Marching Wildcats. All who were there can attest to the fact that Mr. Goodwin showed an extraordinary skill at restoring the self esteem and pride in his students. His talk with the Marching Wildcats was positive and encouraging. He spoke with them honestly and respectfully. As a result of his talk, his students left Tulsa with their heads held high, rather than wallowing in self-pity. As a parent, I can only say that I truly appreciate Mr. Goodwin's sensitivity. Mr. Robertson, Mr. Arner and Mrs. Rodriguez all contributed their comments and encouragement as well.
Mr. Arner made one statement with which I totally agree. He said that in the 13 years he's been associated with the marching program, that this is the best band that's been on the field. I hope that all of Ponca City will keep that in mind when the Marching Wildcats take to the field for the next two weeks, and continue to support the excellence of the entire music program in Ponca City.
Patricia Day
Proud Parent
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Al Capone tried to buy the 101 Ranch from the world famous Miller Brothers, says Glen A. Phillips, a writer for the Oklahoma Historical Association. Phillips' story "From Rackets to Ranches: Al Capone and the 101 Ranch," is in the latest issue of "The Chronicles of Oklahoma," a periodical released to 7,000 members of the OHS.
Phillips, a former newspaper editor in Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Arizona, now owns Custom Editorial Services, a print media resource in Midwest City.
"In the late summer of 1932, Oklahomans learned that Capone and his brothers had expressed an interest in buying the 101 Ranch," said OHS publications director Mary Ann Blochowiak. Phillips describes the efforts by Zack Miller to court the Capones' favor.
"He also points out the actions of an opportunistic go-between, who undoubtedly ruined Miller's opportunity to revitalize his family's operation," said Blochowiak.
The 101 Ranch was in financial difficulty on July 18, 1932, when the Guthrie Leader reported the Capones "may move to Oklahoma." Editor Raymond Fields of the Leader reported the brothers, Al, Matthew, John, and Ralph Capone planned to divide the 17,000 remaining acres of the ranch into smaller tracts for intensive farming.
According the story, the go-between was E.E. Beach, a real estate figure from Pawhuska. Negotiations had been started by Beach and "Diamond Jack" Louis Alterie, business manager for the Capones. Eventually, with Beach playing both ends against the middle and writing checks against the Miller accounts, the deal fell through. A Capone attorney branded the sale effort as a publicity stunt.
In 1936, what was left of the 101 Ranch was sold at auction, including antique guns, buffalo overcoats, Indian rugs, and a prized portrait of Ponca Chief White Eagle.
For more information about becoming a member of the Oklahoma Historical Society, call 405-522-5242, or write to Oklahoma Historical Society, 2100 North Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73015.
"Business After Hours"
Sun Precision Machining hosted "Business After Hours" on Oct. 28. More than 75 people attended the "Business After Hours" with many enjoying a tour of the facility. The Chamber would like to thank owner Marsha Zembower, local manager Kathy Sneath and their staff for a great evening. The next "Business After Hours" is scheduled for Nov. 25 at Take Ten. They will be celebrating their 10th anniversary in Ponca City. Make plans to attend.
If your business is having an anniversary, special event or is interested in sponsoring a "Business After Hours" in '98, contact the Chamber office at 765-4400.
Community Holiday Preview Nov. 8-9
We are less than 10 days away from the community-wide "Holiday Preview" on Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 9, noon-5 p.m., at the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.
More than 40 local Chamber merchants are planning to participate in this upcoming event.
Included in this event are 7th Street Donut, Aspen Mountain Air/Lone Star Airlines, BeautiControl Cosmetics, Boy Scouts of America, Braums, Brown's Shoe Fit, Buy For Less, Carlson Wagonlit/Universal Travel, Carpet Specialty, Country General, Curves For Women, Dean's RV, The Gift Shoppe/The Emporium, Golden Corral, Grand Galleria, Graphic Center, Hobby Lobby, International Tours, Joanne's Hallmark, Kmart, Lowe's, McVay's, Midwest Computers & More, Moore's, Network America, Nutri/System, Oklahoma Ranch Supply, P.C. Sports, Ponca City Business Systems, Pet Chauffeur, Quality Pools & Spas, Spray's Jewelers, Sterling House International, Sykes Enterprises Inc., Thorn Apple Valley, Therapeutic Massage Center, Toni's Westside Rexall, Uncle Toad's, United Supermarket and Wal-Mart.
This event will give our Chamber retail members an opportunity to show the public what their businesses have to offer during the "Home for the Holidays" Christmas shopping season.
If your business would be interested in participating contact the Chamber office at 765-4400 for more details. Cost for retailers to participate is $20.
Announcing: Free Safety Seminar
Date: Monday, Nov. 10, 1997
Place: Pioneer Technology Center
Seminar Times: (Choose the one that fits your schedule)
9 a.m. to 11 a m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
To register call: 762-8336, ext. 253 or 765-4400
Sponsors:
Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce
Pioneer Technology Center
Oklahoma Department of Labor
Oklahoma Safety Council
Ponca City Noon Rotary
Economic Development Advisory Board
Upcoming Events
Nov. 4 - Noon. Health & Medical Committee Meeting, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Conference Room B
Nov. 5 - 8 a.m. "Give Ponca The Business" Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room
Nov. 8 - 10 a.m. Veterans Day Parade, downtown Ponca City.
Nov. 8-9 - 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. "Home for the Holiday Preview," Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.
Nov. 10 - 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. Safety Seminar, Pioneer Technology Center.
The American Legion Children's Home, 1300 Summers Place, has recently completed another phase of the ongoing campus rebuilding project and will dedicate the new classroom and administration building in a special ceremony Saturday.
The public is invited to dedication ceremonies and ribbon cutting beginning at 10:30 a.m., with building tours at 11 a.m. and lunch in the cafeteria at 11:45 a.m.
The new facility includes three classrooms, tutoring facilities, counseling and administration offices. It is the fifth building to be completed in the campus rebuilding campaign which began in 1986.
The American Legion Children's home, is "home" to 52 children and employs 38 staff members, reported Executive Director Kenneth Adams.
The new building was made possible by the efforts of many American Legion friends and generous contributions from the Mabee Foundation, Sarkeys Foundation, Conoco Foundation and the Masonic Foundation. Total cost for construction was approximately one million dollars says Lisa McGee, administrative supervisor.
According to Adams and McGee, more information or programs about the services and ongoing projects planned for the ALCH are available for clubs or civic groups by calling (405) 762-4156.
"Tuesday, Nov. 4 is the deadline for registering to be included on the map as a lighted exhibit for the 1997 Festival of Angels tours," says Kathy Adams, chairman of the Festival.
"The maps will soon be going to press, and we need the names and locations of all neighborhoods, churches, schools, businesses and others who plan to participate in the Festival," Adams said. Those who have not notified Festival officials should call the Ponca City Tourism office, 762-8067 by Tuesday.
When visitors and Ponca Citians get ready to tour the lights and displays of the Festival of Angels, the special map, with all participants listed, is designed to help guide them to all the lighted areas.
The map includes the special lighting displays at Lake Ponca Park, Cann Gardens, Pioneer Woman Statue, Cultural Center and downtown. It will also show all other areas around the community that show their holiday spirit by participating in the light festival, said Adams.
"In 1996, we added five neighborhoods and three churches. We are hoping to have that many new participants again this year," she said.
The Festival of Angels maps will be available at Angel Central, which is the Festival information center and gift shop located in the Pioneer Shopping Center. Maps will also be placed at the Ponca City Tourism office at Tenth Street and East Grand Avenue, and at the Marland Mansion.
The Festival of Angels starts Friday, Nov. 28 and continues through Sunday, Dec. 28.
Ponca City Solid Waste Division of Public Works Department, will once again be offering leaf collection service to area residents.
According to Solid Waste Superintendent Ken Wilson, leaves will be collected twice a week during regular collection. Wilson says the leaves should be containerized and left at the site of normal refuse collection.
If a resident chooses not to containerize their leaves a call-in service is available. However, due to the large volume of call-in collections, it can take up to two weeks for the service. Leaves intended for the pick-up should be placed behind the curb. Wilson reminds residents to place the leaves directly behind the curb and not in the street or in the curbs because leaves raked or blown into the street can clog storm drains. For collection service call 767-0411.
"The Salvation Army will begin accepting applications for assistance with Christmas food and toys on Nov. 3," says Captain Mark Craddock, commanding officer of the Ponca City Salvation Army.
Applications will be processed at the Salvation Army Community Center, 711 South Third Street, between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. For families who are unable to attend during those hours, volunteers will take applications from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 6 and Nov. 13.
Requirements for application for Christmas assistance includes identification, verification of income and expenses, proof of residence (a utility bill) and verification of those family members being listed. Verification includes a Social Security card for each family member or a medical card with each family member listed.
Children ages 13 and under will also be eligible to be placed on the Salvation Army Angel Tree for Christmas toys.
Captain Craddock says he anticipates assisting 400 area families with Christmas food boxes and more than 1,000 children will receive toys from the Salvation Army Angel Tree during the 1997 Christmas season. "We will again look to the generosity of the Ponca City area community to help meet this tremendous need," he continued.
"The Salvation Army takes a great step of faith every year during the Christmas season. We commit to assisting hundreds of families before we ever go to our citizens for help. Our goal is that no child goes without a good Christmas."
Anyone who would like more information about the Salvation Army Christmas program is encouraged to call the Salvation Army offices at 762-7501.
Golden Villa Adult Day Care is sponsoring its annual benefit dinner on Nov. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 218 South Sixth Street.
They will be serving an all-you-can-eat meal of hearty beef stew, old-fashioned ham-n-beans, fresh cornbread, desserts and beverage for only $5 (children under age 6 eat free).
According to Glenda Brown, Golden Villa director, proceeds will benefit the continued growth of Golden Villa, offering Kay County's senior adults a caring, homelike setting for daily supervision and activities that enhance their well-being.
For more information, call 762-0264.
The Pioneer Rotary Club will have as a guest Friday, the Rotary District Governor, Steve Gragert, of Stillwater, who will be making an annual visit to the club.
The club meets at noon Friday at the Crown and Rose Pub.
DEATHS
HARPER, Kan. - Robert Louis Howell, brother of Joann Ward of Ponca City died Tuesday, Oct. 28, 1997, at the John McClellan Memorial Hospital in Little Rock, Ark. He was 67.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31, 1997, at the Elliott Funeral Home, Harper, Kan. Burial will be in the Harper, Kan., Cemetery.
Robert Louis "Bob" Howell was born April 28, 1930, in Harper County, Kan., to Theodore Ernest and Lida Luella (Burke) Howell. He attended schools in Harper and at the age of 18, enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 7, 1948.
He married Naomi Davis in December 1953, and the couple lived first in Corpus Christi, Texas, while he was stationed at the U.S. Air Naval Base there. After his transfer back to San Diego, Calif., they made their home in Escondido, Calif. They were the parents of two sons and one daughter.
He was married to Peggy McFarlin in July 1972. Howell retired with honors from the U.S. Navy in 1974 after 26 years of service. His retirement as Master Chief Petty Officer is the highest rank of service for an enlistee. At the time of his death, his home was in Jasper, Ark., where he had been active in the VFW and the Newton County Fair and horse shows. He was also a member of the Harper, Kan., VFW.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy, of the home; one daughter, Elaine Stauffer of Jasper, Ark.; two sons, Raymond and Duane, both of Escondido, Calif.; one stepdaughter, Vickie McFarlin of Jasper, Ark.; seven sisters, Helen Harkrader of Tucson, Ariz., Frances Scott of Kingman, Kan., Mae Newberry of Chandler, Ariz., Virgie Cushenbery of Kingman, Kan., Joann Ward of Ponca City, Donna Smithhisler of Harper, Kan., and Jean Kimball of Medicine Lodge, Kan.; four brothers, Ted of Rogers, Ark., Lee of Tucson, Ariz., Bill of Choctaw, and Ray of Attica, Kan.; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends, several of whom live in the Ponca City area.
Marvin J. Selvey, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, Oct. 28, 1997, at Integris Baptist Medical Health Center, Oklahoma City. He was 58.
A graveside service will be held Friday, Oct. 31, 1997, at 2 p.m. in the Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Elza Haynes, associate pastor of Connor Chapel AME Church, officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home until 1 p.m. Friday.
Marvin J. Selvey was born Aug. 10, 1939, in Ponca City to Paul B. and Esther C. (Hall) Selvey. He grew up in Ponca City and attended schools here. He served in the Army National Guard for eight years.
On June 30, 1962, he married Louise A. Westphalen in Colorado. Mr. Selvey was employed as a truck driver for Groendyke for 11 years and then with Conoco for 22 years. During the last three years with Conoco, he served as shop foreman. Selvey was one of the Million Mile Safe Driving Award members. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, archery, cooking outdoors, and helping others.
He is survived by his wife, Louise, of the home; son, Marvin David Selvey, of Ponca City; two daughters, Sheri L. Garcia, of Ponca City, and Peggy Marie Wyatt, of Florida; his mother, Esther C. Selvey, of Ponca City; a brother, Eddie L. Selvey, of Ponca City; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. His father and a brother, Buford C. Selvey, preceded him in death.
Honorary casket bearers will be Ed Hutchinson, Bobby Henderson, Elza Haynes, Marvin Wilson, Joe Presson, Malcolm McNutt, George Bowhay, Jim Bussey, and Chesley Murray.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Critical Care Unit c/o St. Joseph Foundation, P.O. Box 1270, Ponca City, OK 74602.
The family will be at 500 North Third.
Edna Cleota (Carr) Doolin, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 28, 1997, at the Highland Nursing Center. She was 84.
The funeral will be held graveside at 1 p.m. Friday at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery with Mr. Don Huddleston, minister of Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Edna Cleota (Carr) Doolin was born Aug. 27, 1913, in Vinita, the daughter of Ponca City pioneers Leonard Lee and Gracie (Hall) Carr. She attended schools in Wichita, Kan. and at age 13 moved with her family back to Ponca City. She attended junior high school in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1932.
She was married to Leland Doolin on Sept. 19, 1932, in Ponca City, where the couple established their home. She devoted her life to raising her children and caring for her family. Mrs. Doolin was a member of the First Christian Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Darrell (Ginger) Davis and Dixie Fredricks, both of Ponca City; one son, Michael Doolin of Billings, Mont.; one sister, Blanche Richardson of California; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one son, one brother and one granddaughter.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Doolin's name to the Alzheimers Association, c/o Winnie Barber, First National Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 1151, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at the Davis home, 2200 West Grand.
BLACKWELL - Florence O'delia Muret, lifelong Kay County resident, died Wednesday morning, Oct. 29, 1997, at the Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 85.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, at the Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church with The Rev. Don Martin, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Florence O'delia (Warren) Muret was born Oct. 24, 1912, on the family farm west of Peckham to Prentice B. and Mary Ellen (O'Brian) Warren. During the Dilworth oil boom, at age five, she moved with the family into Blackwell. She attended Blackwell public schools, graduating there in 1931.
On Feb. 19, 1932, she was married to Verle Sheldon Muret in Newkirk, and the couple established their home on a farm east of Blackwell. Mrs. Muret was a homemaker and a member of the Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Evelyn Waggoner and Glenda Pameticky, both of Ponca City; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on Jan. 16, 1980; one daughter, Merelene Ellen; one son, Neal Warren; her parents; three sisters, Edith, Lilla, Evelyn Park, and Lucille Murray; and one brother, Wesley Warren.
Casket bearers will be grandsons, Dustin Waggoner, Kevin Waggoner, Todd Pameticky, and Travis Miller and nephews, David Muret, DeWayne Muret and Dennis Muret.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
PRYOR - Faye McElroy, sister to Ruth Stucky of Ponca City died Wednesday, Oct. 29, 1997, at Pryor. She was 81.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Pryor First Baptist Church with the Rev. Wendell Lang officiating. Burial will be in the Graham Memorial Cemetery at Pryor under the direction of Stephens Memorial Chapel.
Faye McElroy was born Nov. 23, 1915 in Little River, Ark., the daughter of Tucker and Maye Cooper.
She was married to C.J. Wilburn, who preceded her in death in 1971. She lived in McAlester for about 25 years before moving to Pryor in 1956. She was employed as a secretary at the Pryor First National Bank for 21 years, then worked at the bank part-time when needed.
She was married to C.D. McElroy, who preceded her in death in 1984. Mrs. McElroy was a member of the First Baptist Church, Eastern Star, and a former member of the American Business Women's Association.
Survivors include her sister, Mrs. Harry (Ruth) Stucky of Ponca City; one daughter-in-law; two grandchildren; one great granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Georgia E. Owens, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday evening, Oct. 28, 1997, at the Highland Nursing Center. She was 94.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 1997, at the Newkirk (Okla.) Cemetery with the Rev. Laurie Hyde, associate pastor of Ponca City First United Methodist Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City. Friends may visit at the funeral home until noon, Saturday.
Georgia E. (Dewey) Owens was born Jan. 8, 1903, near Kildare, the daughter of Mason P. and Mabel (Mason) Dewey. She grew up in the Kildare Community and graduated from Newkirk High School.
On June 20, 1921, she married Hugh B. Owens in Winfield, Kan., and he preceded her in death on Oct. 27, 1932. Mrs. Owens moved to Ponca City in 1936 and was employed at Continental Oil Co. She retired in 1965 after 29 years in the controllers department. Mrs. Owens was a longtime member of the First United Methodist church, Bittersweet Garden Club, Ponca City Women's Club, African Violet Society, and the League of Women's Voters. She had served as treasurer for the local chapter of the American Red Cross and worked with the Bloodmobile for many years. She enjoyed growing and caring for her African Violets, working in her yard, and knitting.
Survivors include two grandchildren; Glenda McClead and Nancy Cattrell, both of Kansas City, Mo.; one nephew, Marion Cracraft of Plano, Texas; two brothers, Mason Dewey of Mesa, Ariz., and Herman Dewey of Tulsa; one sister, Mrs. Jack (Helen) Durall of Croton on Hudson, N.Y.; two grandchildren; and several other nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two daughters, Anne Owens Gordin and Aileen Owens Dickinson; one sister, Ethelda Cracraft Buffum; and one brother, Byron Dewey.
paid obituary
TONKAWA - M.D. "Donald" Perkins, lifelong Tonkawa resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 29, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. He was 86.
A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, 1997, at the Tonkawa First Presbyterian Church. Pastor intern Danny Dieth will officiate. Memorial service and cremation arrangements are under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home.
M.D. "Donald" Perkins was born March 26, 1911, on the family homestead southwest of Tonkawa. He was the son of John T. and Amy (Smith) Perkins. He grew up on the farm and received his education in Tonkawa, graduating from Tonkawa High School and Northern Oklahoma College. He continued his education at Oklahoma University where he received a BS and Bachelor of Law Degree.
He married Golda Heldenbrand on June 14, 1931, in Tonkawa. After his education he continued to operate the family farm. He was a member of the Tonkawa First Presbyterian Church and the Seneca, Kan., Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his wife, Golda, of the home; one daughter, Marcia Perkins Herndon of Corvallis, Ore.; one son, Gary Perkins of Tonkawa; five grandchildren, Kelly Herndon Davis of Farmington, Minn., David Gary Perkins, Lisa Perkins Hart, and Donald William Perkins, all of Tulsa and Stacey Perkins Honer of Kansas City, Mo., and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Cecil Perkins.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, c/o McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, 400 East Grand, Tonkawa, OK 74653.
paid obituary
Services Pending
Carl L. Pappan Jr.
WASHUNGA - Carl L. Pappan Jr., former area resident, died Friday, Oct. 11, 1997, in Bloss Memorial Hospital in Atwater, Calif. He was 66. Arrangements for cremation were made in California. A graveside service is set for 11 a.m. Saturday in the Washunga Cemetery with Jimmy Dean officiating. Local arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.
Margaret Moulton
BLACKWELL - Margaret Moulton, Blackwell resident, died early this morning, Oct. 30, 1997, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 68. Service and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell, and will be announced later.
Wilma L. Ciskowski
Wilma L. Ciskowski, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 29, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 77. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Monday
D'Etta G. McAbee - Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist
church. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. McAbee's name to First
Baptist Church Music Ministry, 218 South Sixth, Ponca City, OK 74601. Other
arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
Benefit Sale - St. Mary's Trinity Guild benefit sale will be Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at 121 West Central. Hundreds of items recently acquired from two large estates will be offered for sale. Seasonal items will be included.
Halloween Dance Set - A Senior Citizens Halloween Dance will be held Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 320 South A in Arkansas City. The Pete Coli Band will be playing for dancing and all seniors are invited to come and bring a favorite snack to share.
Marland Round Up Ride - The Marland Round-Up Club will sponsor an "Old-Timers Ride," Saturday from 9 a.m. to about 3 p.m. All old-timers encouraged to attend as well as riders of all ages. Riders will meet at the Marland Round Up Club rodeo grounds. For more information call Kenneth Evans, (405)-268-3293 or Carl Evans 268-3908.
Van Window Broken - A woman from the 2200 block of Turner Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:50 a.m. Wednesday that she had discovered her back window of a van broken with a beer bottle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Extra Patrol - A woman from the 100 block of South Flormable reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:58 a.m. Wednesday that her mailbox had been damaged. An officer was assigned, the information was logged, and a request was made for an extra patrol of the area.
Vehicle Vandalized - A man from the 900 block of East Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:13 a.m. Wednesday that his vehicle had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken that one other vehicle in the same area had been vandalized.
Disregard for Construction Zone - A man with the Ponca City Traffic Engineering Department requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department near the tennis courts at Hutchins Memorial at 11:11 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken concerning some speeders going through a construction zone.
Cigarettes Taken - A clerk at Sav-A-Trip, 501 West Highland Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:13 a.m. Wednesday that three juvenile males had stolen some cigarettes. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.
Breaking Into Residence - The Communications Center received a 911 call at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday that a subject was seen breaking into a bathroom window of a residence in the 1000 block of South Eighth Street. Three officers were assigned, a man ran from the area, but was caught in a pursuit. A 24-year-old man was being held for second degree burglary.
Window Shot Out - An official with OCAW at 1202 West Ponca Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:16 p.m. Wednesday that a window had been shot out with a BB-gun. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue at 2:14 p.m. Wednesday that a 26-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for assault and battery.
Arrested - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of North Third Street at 3:48 p.m. Wednesday that a 38-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for disturbing the peace. A report was taken.
Solicitation Checked - A person from the 1800 block of East Woodland requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 3:59 p.m. Wednesday concerning solicitation for money. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Youngster Hit by Vehicle - The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 4:20 p.m. Wednesday that a child had been hit by a vehicle in the parking lot of a business at the intersection of North Second Street and East Highland Avenue. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken that the youngster had minor injuries and no ambulance was needed.
Theft of Yard Sign - A woman from the 1100 block of Brentwood Drive was at the Ponca City Police Department at 5:33 p.m. Wednesday to report the theft of a yard sign. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Bicycle Stolen - A man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 5:51 p.m. Wednesday to report a bicycle had been stolen from Thorn Apple Valley. An officer took a report.
Subject Held - A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday to turn herself in. An officer was assigned and a 45-year-old woman was held on a city warrant for harassment.
Accident - The Kay County Sheriff's Department reported at 6:47 p.m. Wednesday that an accident had occurred at the intersection of U.S. 60 and City View. Three units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded.
Jacket Missing - A man from the 2400 block of Kingston requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 8:26 p.m. Wednesday, reporting that a jacket had been taken from the residence. An officer was assigned and larceny information was taken.
Beer Taken - A clerk at Triple T, 1301 West Highland Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday that a male subject had taken two 30-packs of beer without paying. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Gas Drive-Off - An employee of Triple T, Lake Road and Pecan Road, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:48 p.m. Wednesday that a subject in a pickup had driven off without paying for $15 worth of gas. The information was logged.
Injured in Fight - A person at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:59 p.m. Wednesday that an 18-year-old man was being treated for injuries that had allegedly occurred in the 100 block of L.A. Cann Drive. Two officers were assigned and the information was turned over to the Kay County Sheriff's Office.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Fourth Street and East South Avenue at 1:51 a.m. Thursday that a 41-year-old man was being held for DUI, speeding and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Vehicle Towed - The Communications Center received a 911 call
at 3:58 a.m. Thursday that a suspicious subject was in a vehicle in an alley
of the 900 block of North Oak Street. Two officers were assigned and a 24-year-old
female was held for public intoxication and a vehicle was towed from the
scene.
LIFESTYLES
The Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs will hold the monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 5 at the Cann Memorial Home, 1500 East Grand. Mrs. Aline Heartsill and Mrs. Leota See, co-presidents, will preside at the meeting and all members are encouraged to attend.
Mrs. Mary Coffee of the Red Rose Club will present the program on "Those Wonderful Gourds." She will give the history of gourds and show many different varieties she grows in her own garden. Mrs. Coffee will also demonstrate various craft items she has made from gourds.
Announcement has been made that the Ponca City Council yearbook received first place in the North Central District 6A Council. The book will be sent on to the Oklahoma Garden Club organization for further competition.
Mrs. Leota See, chairman for the Spring District Convention to be held in Ponca City, is asking that all volunteers attend this meeting.
In Ponca City various businesses are promoting recycling within their base of operation. For example, Albertson's has an Environmental Affairs Manager that directs waste management and recycling efforts at stores and distribution centers. Conoco has strict methods of dealing with waste and recyclable products and the Ponca City News has a recycling program for the business. In May Woodlands Elementary and Ponca City Middle Schools won $1000 each in the 1997 Weyerhaeuser Excellence in School Recycling Award program.
John Meadows, Waste Reduction Coordinator for the City of Ponca City, is in charge of the recycling center at 1001 West Prospect. It is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and accepts a variety of material. All items should be separated before arrival and placed in the proper container. Articles may not be left when the center is closed. Meadows emphasized the center is only for "drop off" and is not a "buy back" situation. Those items accepted are cardboard, computer paper, magazines, newspaper, aluminum cans, car batteries, brown paper bags, office paper, tin/steel and glass.
Ken Wilson, Superintendent at the Ponca City Landfill, says the minimum fee for using the landfill is $9.50 or $23.25 per ton which includes a state landfill fee. He said the Ponca City Landfill has capacity for the next 18-20 years.
Ponca City - As the need for occupational knowledge increases, the staff at Pioneer Technology Center has been busy teaching students and preparing them for the "world of work." Among these students are ones in Burton Brandt's Horticulture class.
Horticulture students learn how to beautify the environment and use the proper techniques and necessary tools to do so. Each student is assigned a lot at Pioneer Tech where they are responsible for studying, planting, fertilizing and maintaining a variety of plants.
"My students not only learn about horticulture, they also learn the importance of working and communicating with other people" said Brandt. This is "especially valuable when they are assigned a group project such as designing flower gardens. The selection of plants for the new greenhouse is another project for the students as well" said Brandt.
Brandt's students also learn about the career opportunities ranging from nurseries and greenhouses to golf courses, crop production and landscaping design.
For more information about the horticulture program or other programs
at Pioneer Technology Center, call 762-8336.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
The gridirons will become graveyards this Halloween night, as local teams will either bury or get buried alive. It's a suiting occasion in that many teams are in a do-or-die situation that could keep them in the playoff hunt or have them writing their own epitaphs.
Woodland (3-5, 3-3) after toppling Newkirk last week in district A-5, go for an even bigger upset this week, hosting the terrifying Tonkawa Buccaneers (8-0, 6-0). At this point, holding the Bucs to 30 or so points would be a victory of some sort, and Woodland could be the team.
In 2A-5, Pawnee (5-3, 3-2) comes off a big loss last week and tries to retake control of its playoff picture, hosting Caney Valley (3-5, 1-4). Caney Valley startled some last week by playing with district monster Berryhill.
Also, Newkirk (5-3, 4-2) tries to get its potentially potent offense back on track, traveling to Liberty (6-2, 4-2) in another A-5 battle, and the Morrison Wildcats (2-6, 2-1), pleased to just be in the district B-3 chase, take on Prue (4-4, 1-2).
Finally, Blackwell (6-2, 3-2) tries to rebound against Harrah (3-5, 1-4) in 4A-2, and Shidler (4-4, 3-2) works on their overall record in a non-conference match-up, taking on Tyro Christian, Kansas.
Tonkawa (8-0, 6-0)
at Woodland (3-5, 3-3)
Will somebody play with the Tonkawa Buccaneers? After annihilating their last three opponents by a total score of 156-0, it would appear not. And that's been bothering Tonkawa head coach Steve Love. Is his team improving despite a dearth of challengers? It's hard to say.
Tonkawa is the Goliath no one seems to want to fight anymore. No one but the Woodland Cougars, that is.
It's an old rivalry in district A-5. Two years ago, the Cougars spoiled the Bucs chance at a district title, and last year the Bucs returned the favor. This year, the teams aren't nearly as close in the standings, but coach Bill Pascoe still thinks they can compete.
For one thing, Pascoe says, his kids are young. Few of them fought in past battles with Tonkawa. Most of them are indifferent about the rivalry, and nearly all of them don't care who they're playing. They just want to win.
"This is just another big game for them," says Pascoe, "most of them are too young to be intimidated."
Also, Pascoe says his Cougars are now healthier than they've been since Week One. And they come off a thrilling 13-9 upset last week against Newkirk.
"We're going to try and stay with them. We're going to make a run of it," Pascoe says.
Love, who fears the complacency that can set in after 65 point routs (last week against Drumright), knows what his team has to do to win, and is quick to recognize the Cougars' talent that stands in the way.
"They'll come out fired up. (Fullback) Matt Scott is a good runner and their quarterback (Tyler Barnard) can throw. Anything can happen. We have to set the tone and take control."
The Bucs will also have the services this week of 6-3, 240 pound defensive tackle John Williams, a transfer student from Tulsa. Standout receiver Zac Swords, who was out last week with a possible fractured leg bone, is also back.
Which should give the Bucs an even greater edge should they need it against the scrappy Cougars.
"It's Halloween night, too," Love adds, "I'm hoping for a few treats and not too many tricks."
Caney Valley (3-5, 1-4)
at Pawnee (5-3, 3-2)
The Black Bears and the Trojans are both licking their respective wounds after decisive defeats last week - Caney Valley fell victim to potential state champion Berryhill, while Pawnee lost to undefeated Nowata.
But Caney Valley showed up against Berryhill in a big way, trailing the Chiefs by only a touchdown at halftime. That worries Pawnee head coach Bobby Miller.
"They're a big, physical, solid football team. They moved the ball against Berryhill three, four yards at a time," Miller says, "I've said all year that this team could surprise someone, they could snake-bite some really good team."
And the Black Bears can't afford to be snake bit. A win Friday virtually assures them third in district, while a loss throws their playoff picture to the winds.
Miller sees the key to victory in ball control, preventing Caney Valley from getting those long, piecemeal drives that put points on the board and eat up the clock.
"We don't want to find ourselves at halftime with only two possessions and no points. We have to take every opportunity we get. We'll have to play as well as we have all year."
Newkirk (5-3, 4-2)
at Liberty (6-2, 4-2)
Like Pawnee, the Newkirk Tigers could also be the masters of their playoff destiny this Friday. If they can win their last two games, they'll likely finish in second place and gain a home field advantage in the first round. If they lose, well...
Head coach Sonny Schovanec doesn't even want to think about losing. Liberty was bombed 33-0 last week by late season up-and-comer Barnsdall, while Newkirk narrowly lost to Woodland in a game many believe the Tigers gave away with turnovers - three, to be exact, two of which resulted in scores.
"We can't do that again and expect to win," Schovanec says.
Especially when a turnover puts the ball in the hands of Liberty's John Stevens. Stevens, a 5-6, 150 pound flyweight quarterback is "the kind of player who can almost win a game single handedly," Shovanec says. "He's a scary quarterback. He's fast, elusive, and he's a huge competitor."
Morrison (2-6, 2-1)
at Prue (4-4, 1-2)
And what about those Morrison Wildcats? After a win last week they're tied for second in district B-3, and could eke out a playoff berth after starting the season at 0-5. All this in a rebuilding year, with players who are, for the most part, too young to drive.
Once again, football fans have something to live for in Morrison. Instead of suffering through the schedule in dead last, the onus of not making the playoffs has been thrust upon them, almost unexpectedly. But the Prue Rockets are out to spoil the Wildcats' newfound optimism.
The Rockets have one thing going for them. They boast one of the biggest, baddest fullbacks in the league, whose straight ahead, run-'em-over tactics don't suit the Wildcat's smallish line. "We're going to have to just stand in there and box with them," says Morrison head coach Joe Sindelar.
Sindelar has also spent the week trying to instill some added intensity to his young players.
"I think they know this is a big, big game. We won last week but we didn't play well, so there wasn't any real satisfaction. This week there are major playoff ramifications and they know that, so the emotion has got to be higher."
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
SAND SPRINGS - A football team gets that championship feeling when:
1 - it wins a crucial game with a star player out with an injury, and:
2 - it can come from behind twice to win tight games against the top teams in the district.
So the Sand Springs Sandites can feel like winners as they invade Ponca City Friday sitting alone atop the District 6A-4 standings.
The Sandites are 8-0, 5-0 after upsetting Stillwater, 17-11 Friday night. Sand Springs scored with just seconds left in the game to pull out the win.
It was the second time that's happened. In the fifth week of the season, Sand Springs scored with 15 seconds left to nudge Sapulpa, 17-13.
"There a lot of luck involved (in being unbeaten)," new Sands Springs head coach Archie Loehr said. "When you win a couple of games on the last drive of the game, it requires some good luck."
It also requires some good players.
Against Sapulpa and Stillwater, the hero of both games has been junior running back Pedro Negron. Negron has more that pulled his weight all season.
Through eight games, Negron has rushed for 1,043 yards, averaging 8.4 yards a carry, and scored 16 touchdowns. But he has not been the lone star of the team.
Junior running back Marc Brown has scored seven touchdowns, rushing for 462 yards on 73 carries, an average of 6.3 yards a carry.
Quarterback Keith Hooks, still another junior, has gotten in on the act to the tune of 219 yards rushing and three TDs. Hooks has also completed 28-of-71 passes for 448 yards and two touchdowns.
If the Sandites sound potent - and young - it's because they are. Sand Springs has scored 235 points on the season and allowed just 55. Their starting roster lost just seven seniors.
Sand Springs has also found a way to win without Brown in the lineup. The speedy running back pulled a hamstring prior to the Stillwater game - perhaps the Sandites biggest challenge of the season.
"It made a big difference (not having Brown in the lineup)," Loehr said. "But we had to make do without him. All the kids played hard and didn't let him not being there affect them."
Loehr said Brown's availability for the game against Ponca City is still uncertain.
"He tried to go against Stillwater but took himself out after a couple of plays," the coach said. "He's day-to-day. We probably won't know if he'll play until just before game time."
As strong as the Sandites are on offense, they have been down right stingy on defense. Sand Springs has posted three shutouts on the season and are giving up just under seven points a game.
Middle linebacker Matt Miller (5-9, 155) leads the Sandite defense with 68 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception. Cornerback Shawn Rice has been the bane of opposing quarterbacks, He has four interceptions on the season.
The Sandites are not overly big, but do possess some size. The defensive front four average 240 pounds, as does the offensive front.
Loehr admits to some concern about an emotional letdown by the Sandites following the big win last week.
"That happens," the coach said. "But we'll do everything we can to avoid it. We can't take anybody for granted. There have always bee some wild games between Ponca City and Sand Springs.
"We won last year (35-16), but you take away a couple of long runs and it was a close game."
Park and Recreation Volleyball League
Standings Through Oct. 16
Womens' League
Team W L Pts
ERettes 12 0 182
Diemer Const. 8 4 161
Ponca Punch 3 9 108
Ponca Plumbing 1 11 67
Mixed Fun League
NE Baptist No.1 5 1 89
NE Baptist No.2 5 1 83
Controlled Chaos 4 2 78
CBC White 4 2 78
CBC Red 3 3 45
Jumping Jammers 2 4 54
Asbury Methodist 1 5 43
CBC Blue 0 6 16
Mixed Upper League
Loose Cannons 7 2 119
Ody's 6 3 110
CNI Dogs 4 2 84
Smith Tool 3 6 88
Miller Mowing 1 9 57