From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
December 11, 1996
LOCAL
Director of Tallgrass Prairie Captures Beauty of Preserve
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Social Security Helps Families With Disabilities
$8.75 Million Bond Project Defeated by Large Margin
Citizen Kemp Brings Philosophy to Tulsa
Nearly News
Solid Waste Management Issues To Be Faced by Ponca City, KOB
Truck Hits Pole; Power Knocked Off
Letters Say:
Children's Theater To Present Two Productions This Weekend
Pioneer Tech Center Board Approves Budget for '96-97
Po-Hi Band To Present Annual Holiday Concert
Art Center Plans Pastel Workshop During January
Doodle Led to Postal Mural in Hutchinson
Area Calendar
Girl Scout Unit Sets 'Santa's Workshop'
1996 Festival of Angels Historic Homes Tour Friday
NEWS BRIEFS
DEATHS
Thomas Carl Libby
Helene Mae Jacaway
E. K. Morgan
Marilyn Arlene Stowers
Funerals
Delores Ann Simmons
LIFESTYLES
Grahams Will Be Celebrating 50th Anniversary
Little News
Ashley Schneider is 1996 NOC Homecoming Queen
SPORTS
No 'Holliday' Cheer for Poncans As Stillwater Nips Po-Hi, 41-39
Cat Wrestlers Bruised by BA
Lady Pioneers 35, Lady Wildcats 26
JV Basketballers Net Sweep of Stillwater
Junior High Sports Update
Sportsfest Set To Start Soon
BA Pounds JV Matmen
Deer Harvest Down Slightly
Harvey Payne, photographer for "Big Bluestem: A Journey into the Tallgrass" will be at Brace Books and More in Ponca City, Thursday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The public is invited to stop by the book store, enjoy a cup of coffee from the coffee bar and meet the photographer of the beautiful photo-filled book authored by Annick Smith.
An award-winning wildlife and nature photographer, Payne brings the natural artistry of the prairie to life in his magnificent studies of the color, the creatures and the conservation efforts that are the essence of the tallgrass prairie preserve, near Pawhuska.
From bison rutting, to bird watching, to cowboy chores, to controlled burns, Payne has captures the beauty and majesty of the land in every season, in every scenario.
As director of the Nature Conservancy's Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska, Payne has not only an intimate knowledge of, but a fierce loyalty to the land, its history and its inhabitants. That special dedication shows in the spectacular photographs that each tell a story of life in the tallgrass.
Payne is also a practicing attorney, a former assistant D.A., and a lifelong Oklahoman. Among his numerous awards is the 1991 Chevron Conservation Award. His nature and wildlife photographs have appeared in hundreds of newspapers and magazines as well as numerous books and calendars.
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by The Ponca City News and the radio stations.
By Ron Janzen
District Manager
ENID - While many people are aware that Social Security pays retirement benefits, some may not realize that Social Security also is the backbone for families when a parent becomes disabled or dies. For this reason, they may not realize that they need to be in touch with Social Security at critical points in their lives to insure that they get the most out of the program.
Just remember there are at least five times you should contact Social Security during your life.
1. To get an application for a Social Security number;
2. To apply for a replacement Social Security care if yours is lost or stolen, or if you change your name;
3. To request a Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement and to correct any errors found in your earnings record;
4. To file a claim for benefits, or if you already receive benefits, to report certain events like death, marriage or divorce which might affect them;
5. To sign up for Medicare at age 65, even if you are not retiring. When you call, have your Social Security number handy. Simply dial the toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to speak to a representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. each business day.
All of the services Social Security provides are free - from issuing Social Security number cards to processing disability, survivors, and retirement claims. Social Security also produces a variety of publications that explain the various Social Security programs, including benefits available to children.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
No! No! No! Ponca City voters crushed attempts by city commissioners to pass a $8.75 million general obligation bond project. All three issues were defeated.
Proposition 1, to construct a new No. 1 Fire Station, remodel/restore the Civic Center and renovate the Police Station, failed with 36 percent of voters in support. The item failed 1,791 to 3,199.
Proposition 2, for the purchase of emergency vehicles, also received 36 percent of the vote. The measure failed 1,784 to 3,194.
In addition, 65 percent of voters opposed proposition 3 to repair the Lake Ponca spillway. The question was defeated 1,732 to 3,247.
"It's the morning after the election; the problems we were trying to address are still there," remarked City Commissioner O.E. "Greg" Gregson. "It's obvious that the majority of the voters did not like the choices provided. We will need to regroup and see how we can resolve the problems to work things out," he stated.
Responding for the opposition, Ben Tindel, co-chair for the Citizens Information Committee, gave thanks for the beautiful day which allowed citizens to cast their ballots. He also applauded voters for again voting 'no'. Tindel noted the Citizens Information Committee plans to begin work on three new projects.
"We thank each of our citizens for expressing themselves by voting," stated Police Chief Raymond Ham. "The police department will continue to deliver service in the most efficient and professional way that we know how. As in the past, we will address our needs through the annual budget process," he continued. "We will continue to encourage citizen input and welcome participation in serving you."
Area Elections
In Noble County, Perry school district voters passed a $1.5 million bond issue to construct a new vocational agriculture building and build a new roof on the auditorium. Remodeling and installation of central heat and air in part of the middle school are included with the proposal.
In addition, the plan will address classroom instruction for the middle school and remodel and upgrade portions of the elementary school. Also, improvements will be made at the stadium. The issue passed 442 to 222, a margin of 67 percent.
In other local elections, 64 percent of Blackwell voters defeated a proposed a one-cent city sales tax increase. The 10-year tax would have provided $5 million for needed streets, drainage, water, sewer and electrical system improvements, according to city commissioners. A total of 1,108 ballots were cast opposing the tax; 636 citizens supported the measure.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
TULSA - Citizen Jack Kemp, who was the Republican vice presidential nominee, speaking at the OSU Tulsa Business Forum Tuesday, said "The capital gains tax is not a tax on the rich - it is a tax on the poor. It is a tax on the working men and women who want to get access to capital."
He reported that in a debate with Democrat Richard Gephardt on the Larry King Show that Gephardt had said, "We (Democrats) represent the wage earner. I said, "Richard, the wage earner and the investor are the very same people but at different stages of their life. You earn wages in order to save - you save in order to invest and you invest in order to build something for family."
Kemp said he had fun campaigning and felt no animosity even from those campaigning for Clinton and Gore. He said he got more booing when he played quarterback for the Buffalo Bills then he did while campaigning.
Responding to what the Republican party has to offer the soccer mom and the football mom, Kemp said, "The Republican Party has to be inclusive not exclusive. It must be internationalist not narrowly nationalist.
"I don't think there is any future in putting up barriers to trade. I support President Clinton in trying to open NAFTA to Chili, Argentina and Latin America and in my opinion we should do it with Africa, Asia and Europe."
He added, "I think the Republican Party should be pro-immigration. We have to close the back door of illegal immigration so that we can keep open a 'golden door' of lawful immigration.
"There would be no Oklahoma if it were not for immigration. There would be no Silicone Valley were not for immigration. There would be nothing in terms of research and development without Asian, African, Latino and South Asian men and women in this country. We should control the border at the border but we should not punish and point our finger at so called non Anglo because America is advantaged by the diversity of our country.
Speaking at the College of Business Administration forum, sponsored by Oklahoma State University, Kemp said, "The Republican party made a mistake giving the impression that we were anti-education. Big mistake. Education - public and private - is essential to the American dream. We need more competition - we need higher standards."
Commenting on the new Environmental Protection Agency regulation proposal for clean air, Kemp said, "The regulations should have to go through the same process other regulations have to go through and there should be some scientific basis to back up the decision.
"EPA all too often makes decisions without making calculations on the cost benefit ratio to society. I would hope that Congress takes a close look at this regulation before it just automatically implements such a drastic change."
Asked if he agreed with Tulsa Sen. Jim Inhofe's assessment that Clinton would not fill out his term because of the results of the pending investigations, Kemp replied, "No comment."
Among those attending were state regent of higher education Carl Renfro and his wife Carolyn of Ponca City.
Nearly News is excited about the Festival of Angels Historic Tour of Homes Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., as pictured on page 6-C of today's News. But citizens who plan to attend, need to know of a special arrangement to avoid traffic congestion at the Cleary/Morris Home at No. 13 Hillcrest. Due to possible parking tangles in the long private drive at the Cleary/Morris home, and to avoid a long walk for viewers from gate to house, visitors are encouraged to park in the Presbyterian Church parking lot and catch a shuttle generously provided by the Morris family. The shuttle will carry viewers right up to the front door of the country estate and save viewers up to two blocks or more of outside walking. Nearly News also advises comfortable walking shoes for the trek through the 8,500-square-foot home, and from your car to other houses on the tour.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Ponca City has been selected as one of five Oklahoma communities to participate with Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Inc. in developing a program to address solid waste issues.
The 26-year-old certified Keep America Beautiful Inc. model will be used to guide the plan. Funding will occur through a contract with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality-Solid Waste Division. KOB guides the establishment of a formal year-round program and DEQ contributes $18,937.35 for the time and expertise of the KOB executive director, Glenda Gilpin.
Ponca City was chosen due to the city's aggressive Solid Waste Department and its visioning group, Ponca City Tomorrow, according to Gilpin. Other cities invited to participate in the program are Guymon, Muskogee, Lawton and Ardmore.
A core group committed to creating a formal citizen/local government partnership met Monday. The committee will discuss anti-littering efforts, public land clean-ups, disposal and recycling issues. Focus will also address public education and citizen involvement to benefit the entire community.
Members of the steering committee include: Greg Gregson, city commissioner; John Meadows, Recycling Center; Cathryn Ferguson, executive director of Ponca City Tomorrow; Steve Sprehe, Conoco; Linda Ralston, Primerica Financial Services; Danny Thompson, ONG; Martin Smith, Sykes Enterprises Inc.; Robert Freeman, Conoco; Jim Sindelar, Park and Recreation director; Richard Hoy, Albertson's; Ken Wilson, Solid Waste superintendent; Jackie Bufton, Ponca City Schools, and Gilpin.
This start could lead to founding Ponca City as a certified Keep America Beautiful Inc. local community program, Gilpin stated. In addition, other local environmental areas such as water, air and beautification can be embraced, she said.
Initially, members will brainstorm where the community's energies, desires and current activities should be expended.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for Ponca City to work together as a cohesive unit for a common environmental good," noted Gilpin. "It is an opportunity for citizen-type committees to work with local government on public education of solid waste issues as well as disposal, recycling, illegal dumping, anti-littering and clean-up activities."
Gilpin will meet with the core committee to identify needs and goals, formulate recommendations, facilitate priorities, provide support as well as assist with trouble-shooting. A written coordinated plan of activities is expected by June 30, 1997.
"We want communities to put a positive face on solid waste," Gilpin stated. "Ponca City is one of the few cities in Oklahoma that owns and operates its own land fill with a strong environmental approach."
Additionally, Gilpin confirmed that possible grant money sources are available to fund education and recycling.
Gilpin reminded the group that several local teachers were using the Away With Waste curriculum, which is available free. Research and material will be provided to the steering committee once priorities have been established.
Numerous Ponca City residents lost electricity for more than three hours Tuesday after a truck collided with an electric pole, according to Electric Department Superintendent Don Romine.
Damage to the pole at North Union Street and West Comanche Avenue resulted in outages between Overbrook Avenue and Hartford Avenue from Union Street to Fourteenth Street. Electricity service was restored at approximately 3:05 p.m., Romine confirmed.
Department crews expect to complete repairs, finish removing material and cleanup this week. A new pole will be set on the west side of Union Street.
The company who employees the driver that caused the accident will receive a bill for material, labor and use of vehicles needed to replace or repair damage, the superintendent stated. This is standard procedure.
No injuries were reported.
Letters appearing in The News do not necessarily reflect the editorial policies or beliefs of The News. Letters will be accepted only when they are signed and include addresses and phone numbers of writers. Unsigned letters will be discarded.
Editor, The News:
In just their first year, Thorn Apple Valley has become one of Ponca City's premier employers, and offers promise of more business development bringing additional jobs in the future. In the past few months, outside organizers for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union have been trying to unionize their work force.
There have been statements and accusations made that Thorn Apple Valley has reneged on "promises" and "lied" to the community. We would like to set the record straight.
Thorn Apple Valley promised jobs that would average $6.50 per hour. The current production average is $6.58.
Thorn Apple Valley promised an average of 434 jobs per year. The current employment level is over 500.
Thorn Apple Valley promised to build a state-of-the-art $30-million facility. To date Thorn Apple Valley has spent over $40 million on the Ponca City facility.
All of the promises that Thorn Apple Valley made to the community have been kept and even exceeded.
Our organization fully supports Thorn Apple Valley and its efforts to remain a viable business in this area. We also support their employee's right to choose whether or not they wish to become involved with a Labor Union. Our hope is to set the record straight with the community and to inform those directly involved that Thorn Apple Valley has kept and delivered on their commitments made to this community, and we feel they will continue to do so in the future.
Don M. Wood, CED
Executive Director
Ponca City EDF
The Ponca City Children's Theater, sponsored by the Ponca Playhouse, will be presenting two performances at the Saturday night and Sunday matinee productions.
The two productions (for the price of one ticket) include "The Old Oak Tree's Last Dream," and "Aesop In a Box," both directed by writer and director Daniel P. Jones of Linden, Texas. The production features youths from the Ponca City area, playing numerous parts.
Jones, an artist in education who works theater and creative writing into school curriculum, says "Aesop In A Box" developed from early AIE years as a low cost touring show to serve the education market.
Designed to model creativity as an alternative solution to throwing money at problem solving it has enjoyed seven revivals with three tours.
"The Old Oak Tree's Last Dream" by Hans Christian Anderson lent itself easily to a performance story adaption, says Jones. "It was an exciting chance for me to transform it into a theatrical piece," he said.
A native of Galveston County, Texas, Jones experienced several interesting jobs growing up in rural Texas and began his acting career and education in 1974 at the University of Austin. He has played in various theater productions, movie extra roles, television programming and participated in a state bicentennial tour.
After moving to Linden, Texas, in the mid 1980s he began developing performance venues, directing community theater shows, and directing one to three major productions per year. He has worked in the artist-in-education field for the last eight years.
Assisting Jones with the productions are Vickie Hart, Cheryl Mauk, C.R. Rupert, Iris Ballou and Cary Emig, Melanie L. Longmore, and Michelle R. Roberts, Ponca Playhouse volunteers.
Tickets for the two performances, which will be presented at the Poncan Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, are $5 for adults and $3 for children. The Poncan Theatre Box Office will be open at 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday for sale of tickets.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Pioneer Technology Center's operating budget for 1996-97 was approved Tuesday night by a vote of 5-0 during the regular board meeting.
Larry Cannon, board member, made the motion to approve the budget. Approximately $26,000 was moved out of the program equipment budget and dispersed into a few other areas which were under-budgeted. Those areas were supplies, single parent programs, mid-winter conferences and telecommunications.
Sallie Williams, medical assisting instructor, gave a report next from the daytime teachers. Some of the items she discussed were: VEA Christmas dinner at the Marland Mansion; the children's Christmas party on Dec. 9 being a success; a baby shower for Debbie Childers; a bean-supper fund-raising event some time in January or February; and all of the LPN students passed finals for the first semester.
Velta Reed-Johnston, superintendent, alerted board members to the upcoming NSBA meeting in April 1997 in Anaheim, Calif. Dr. Sally Downey discussed happenings at the recent AVA conference in Cincinnati and Oklahoma was recognized as a leader in vo-tech education.
The board went into executive session at 8 p.m. to discuss employment and new business.
After returning from executive session, the board approved the hiring of Sandra Mosteller as Career Counseling Center secretary.
Under new business, Fred Haub, board member, suggested inviting Jim Newport, the district's newly-elected state representative, to meet Pioneer Technology Center's Board of Education.
The board adjourned at 8:23 p.m. and set the next regular board meeting for Jan. 14, 1997.
The Ponca City High School Band will present its annual Holiday concert on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.
The concert is open to the public and there is no admission charge.
The Tuba ensemble will open the program with "Dance Suite" by Gervaise, arranged by Werden. A selection of Christmas carols will follow. The Tuba ensemble has an extra volunteer ensemble directed by Mel Arner.
The High School Concert Band will follow on the program with "Brighton Beach" by William P. Latham, "Salvation is Created" by Tschesnokoff, arranged by Bruce Houseknecht. Closing their portion of the program is the selection of "It's Christmas" arranged by Warren Barker. The Ponca City High School Concert Band is under the direction of Tricia Bovenschen.
The High School Percussion Quartet will be featured next on the program. They will be performing "Jour d'ete' a la Montagne" by Eugene Bozza. This flute quartet will be performed on keyboard instruments by Stephanie Blochowiak, Sarah McGaughey, Justin Shurts and Darren Wells. The director of all percussion activities is Tricia Bovenschen.
The Po-Hi Jazz Band will be featured next with selections of "Straighten Up and Fly Right" arranged by Todd Malicoate, and "Malaguena" by Hugh Martin. The Po-Hi Jazz Band will feature vocalist Kati Salmons and is directed by Steve Workman.
The High School Symphonic Band will close the evening concert with "Christmas Spectacular" arranged by Bill Byers, "Chorale and Shaker Dance" by John Zdechlik, "Greensleeves" a traditional tune arranged by Alfred Reed and "March Grandioso" by Roland F. Seitz. The Ponca City High School Symphonic Band is under the direction of Steve Workman.
A Pastel Workshop will be presented by The Ponca City Art Association at the Ponca City Art Center, Jan. 22-24 and registration in the limited enrollment class is now open.
Dale Martin, well know artist in pastels and other mediums will teach the class from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the three day period.
According to Shirley Peterson, PCAA workshop chairman, the workshop has been planned for the benefit of area artists who want to work in pastels. Fee is $60 per student for the three day event.
Students must be members of the Ponca City Art Association and annual memberships are available at the Art Center for $10.
To reserve a seat in the class or for more information, interested persons may call 765-9746 or 765-8777.
Editor's Note: Ponca City's Post Office, with the assistance of a citizen's committee, is launching a mural project for the lobby of the building. Jerry Cathey, Postal Service worker, is heading up the project, with the guidance of Postmaster Jack Weatherford. This is the sixth in a series on Post Office murals in Oklahoma City and Kansas.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
HUTCHINSON, Kan. - A doodle or a cartoon, that's how a mural begins, so said Lumen M. Winter, who did the pioneer harvest scene at the Hutchinson, Kan., U.S. Post Office.
In 1942, Winter, who had spent his early childhood in a small Kansas town about 60 miles southwest of Hutchinson returned from Cincinnati, Ohio, to do the mural.
Much of the research material for this story came from Don Paul, a 30 year employee of the Postal Service, who just happens to be doing a paper on Postal murals to present at Wichita State University.
Mural on Egg Tempera
The Reno County harvest scene is not on canvas but is on an egg tempera which is unusual in the scheme of the Postal murals that were funded by the U.S. Treasury as a part of the New Deal in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
A 50-something year old newspaper clipping provides this information on the "doodles" that spawn dynamic lines of the mural. Winter is reported to have said, "A mural is a separate form of art with its own requirements. It isn't like the paintings in the art stores or the art books at all. It is a mural design, a story in every foot.
"A good, realistic mural design is one which covers the entire wall area in an interesting manner so that almost every square foot has something to tell the Observer."
The artist went on to explain, "A surface pattern must be retained to avoid the feeling that the wall has been punched full of big uninteresting, empty holes.
"The patterns and directional lines of a mural design are worked out in advance as carefully the blueprints of an airplane."
Winter told that the first step might seem like a "doodle" - those twisting pencil marks one makes while talking on the telephone. These marks express only a feeling. Their movements and design could be applied to many different subjects, an early day threshing machine or a covered wagon crossing the prairie.
As the doodle develops it becomes more complicated and assumes new dimensions. Then comes the detailed figures and carefully worked out harmonies integrated with the geometrical design.
Blueprint for a Mural
Winter said that because a mural begins with a blueprint that didn't mean it is "a cold-blooded creation of square and ruler." The muralist went on to explain, "The primary motive of all art is the emotional equation. To create a work of art the artist must get steamed up over his subject and fully appreciate its various values, from the very subtle to the more obvious."
Winning The Competition
Winter won the $2,800 federal competition in 1941. He came back to Kansas with his wife, who was a sculptress, to paint the mural.
The artist was awarded the job after a local Hutchinson jury picked his proposed sketch from a large number that were submitted in the government sponsored competition.
Hutchinsonites were familiar with Winter's work as he did the first defense bond poster depicting a flag and a girl, which was displayed in the Post Office and other public places. Although the residents were familiar with the poster art they did not know who did it.
He brought with him two and a half precious gallons of luminol. The luminol was scarce because of the war and vital to the mural. Also important to the work for art was three dozen eggs, Winter used in his tempera technique.
Other Winter Murals
Previously Winter had painted murals in the Fremont, Mich., Post Office, and the Willston sub-station in St. Louis. He was for four years an assistant to Ezra Wither, a third cousin in painting seven large murals for the George Rogers Clark memorial At Vincennes, Ind.
Early Life
Winter was born in Elerle, Ill., and moved with his parents, Mr. a and Mrs. W.G. Winter, to Larned when he was four years old. They remained there six years while his father, a wheelwright, manufactured wheat wagons.
While Winter was a sports and political cartoonist for Arthur Vandenberg's Grand Rapids Herald that Winter became interested in how he drew than in the subject and decided to become an artist.
At the Cleveland School of Arts, he won a scholarship to the National Academy of Design in New York City.
Signed Before Pearl Harbor
The newspaper clipping described Winter, (in 1941) as a husky young man with dark curly hair. The paper also told that Winter expected to enter the Navy as soon as the mural was finished.
The clipping goes on to say, "As a matter-of-fact the war almost prevented the mural being painted at all. Details of the contract were approved only a little while before Pearl Harbor. Since then the government hasn't appropriated much money for fine arts."
War Art
In a story written by himself, Winter told of how he expected his art to help with the World War II effort. "up to now I have drawn and painted more than 100 pictures to tell the American public the urgent need for immediate war action.
"One of those paintings is in the Mellon National gallery in Washington. It is one of a series of paintings commissioned by the treasury department's section of fine arts of which Edward Rowan, is assistant chief. Others have been reproduced and are hanging in machine tool plants about the country. Still others appear in national publications.
How The Postal Art Was Applied
When the stenciling for the Hutchinson mural was put in place it was not without questions from Post Office patrons. The cartoon was a full sized sketch on tough paper of the pioneer harvesting scene. There were six sections and contained small perforations outlining the principal figures and objects of the mural.
Winter would then paint over the perforations with water color to stencil the outlines on the wall. Previously he had put on a quarter-inch base of paste derived from dried milk. Into its texture the egg tempera of the action painting would soak.
Every Post Office Patron Art Critic
While Winter was working on the mural he received lots of advice along with some criticism The local paper reported "Homespun art critics are giving Lumen M. Winter a liberal education with their questions about the mural he's painting in Hutchinson Post Office."
About working in the public eye, Winter remarked, "It's an education to the artist to know what the man on the street thinks. It's the first time I've exposed myself to the public so closely."
Previously his works had been in larger places, where the public had been more art conscious and much of it had been painted on a canvas in a studio, with but a day or two needed to hang it for exhibit.
One of the points of contention as far as the mural was concerned were those who contended that the threshing machine in the painting never existed. However, Winter, who grew up in Belpre and Larned stood his ground . He said he had found an almost replica of his mode in a story about early harvesting equipment in an issue of the magazine "Country Gentleman."
The artist did not let any grass grow under his feet while working on the mural. He also had a full palette of 28 commercial jobs, including paintings for "Fortune" and "Vogue" magazines.
Hutchinson Post Office
Postmaster of the Hutchinson Post Office, which serves 55 towns, is Gerald Crane. The Post Office has about 135 employees and 40 carrier routes.
Don Paul, who is doing the paper on Postal murals, is in charge of customers relations. Most of his 30 years in the Postal Service was spent in Wichita. He came to Hutchinson about four years ago in customer relations.
November 21-December 20
"Generations," exhibit by 27 artists and their family members, Eleanor Hays Gallery, Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center, 1-4 weekdays and prior to scheduled performances in the NPAC, free.
November 29-December 31
Festival of Angels, Ponca City. 6-10 p.m. nightly.
November 29-January 4
Hospice Tree of Life, Woodlands Christian Church, East Hartford Avenue and North Fourth Street, and Ponca City Library, Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue, Ponca City.
December 3-19
(Tuesday, Thursday noon-1 p.m.)
Angels on Assignment, brown bag, video and discussion, First Christian Church, Fifth Street and Cleveland Avenue, Ponca City.
December 8-29
Christmas Tree Collage Exhibit and Christmas Dolls, Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central, free admission.
December 11
Conoco Retiree's Association, Christmas dinner, Ponca City Country Club, 5 p.m. social, 6 p.m. dinner, tickets $12 per person, entertainment, The Roustabouts. Tickets still available from Dave Mallory, 765-9595; E. Manering, 765-7681; or Wanda Kelly, 762-4949.
December 11-31
Christmas Tree Collage, and Christmas Dolls by Rhonda Waters, Wed.-Sun., 1-5 p.m., Ponca City Art Center.
December 12
North Central Equine 4-H Club, 6-8 p.m., Pizza Hut, Fourteenth Street and Bradley, Ponca City, bring an unwrapped toy for a donation, more information 765-7719.
Photographer Harvey Payne signing "Big BlueStem: Journey into the Tall Grass," 6:30 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street, Ponca City.
December 13
Ponca City Historic Homes Holiday Tour, 5-9 p.m., Tickets available at homes, $5.
Northern Oklahoma College Women's Club Christmas Extravaganza dinner, 7 p.m., Memorial Student Union.
Wine and Cheese reception to celebrate publication of Truman Smith's, "The Wrong Stuff," 7-9 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street, Ponca City.
December 14
Truman J. Smith autographing "The Wrong Stuff," romantic WWII historical biography, noon-2 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street, Ponca City.
Just for Kids! Storytime, children ages four through eight, 11-11:30 a.m. and 3-3:30 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street, Ponca City.
Frontier Community Parade. 11 a.m. Downtown Red Rock.
December 14-15
Ponca Playhouse Christmas Theatre, By and For Children, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.
December 15
Northern Oklahoma College Fall Fine Arts Festival, 2 p.m., Northern Performing Arts Center.
First Baptist Church Adult Choir and Orchestra, presents "The Music of Christmas," a new musical and multi-media presentation, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, Ponca City.
Living Nativity Christmas Pageant, 7-9 p.m., First Church of God, 1101 West Grand Avenue.
December 16
Living Nativity Christmas Pageant, 7-9 p.m., First Church of God, 1101 West Grand Avenue.
December 17
Living Nativity Christmas Pageant, 7-9 p.m., First Church of God, 1101 West Grand Avenue.
DivorceCare, divorce recovery seminar and support group, 7-8:30 p.m., 303 South C Street, Arkansas City, information 316-442-4817 or Calvary Chapel, 316-442-8397..
December 18
Living Nativity Christmas Pageant, 7-9 p.m., First Church of God, 1101 West Grand Avenue.
December 19
Ponca City Downtown Merchants Christmas Cash Giveaway, 7 p.m., Centennial Plaza.
December 20
"Santa Got Lost in Texas," Ponca Pizazz Musical Theatre, 7 p.m., Hutchins Auditorium, Fifth Street and Overbrook Avenue, Ponca City.
Cowboy Coffee Time with Les Gilliam, the "Oklahoma Balladeer," performing at the Coffee Bar, 7-8 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.
Kaw City Senior Citizens Dance, 7-10 p.m., Music by Country Fever Band, Kaw City Community Building.
December 21
"Ponca City Hometown Christmas," Talent Revue, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.
January 7
Ponca City Art Association, Registration for Membership Show, Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central Avenue.
January 12-26
Ponca City Art Association Membership Show, 1-5 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday, Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central Avenue.
January 19
Community Concert "Black Mountain Mail Choir of Wales," 2:30 p.m., Hutchins Memorial, Fifth Street at Overbrook Avenue, Ponca City.
January 25
"2 x 4 Productions," 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, free.
January 29-February 22
Exhibit "Touchable Sculpture," Ponca City Art Association.
February 8
"The Ambassador Choir," 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, free.
Ronnie Kaye Sock Hop, benefit Kay County Council for Opportunity Center, tickets $12.50 each, from 765-6782, time and place to be announced.
February 10
Kay County Retired Educators Association, 11:30 a.m., Program, Mrs. Mac Bradley "Travel Tours for Seniors,", First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Coolidge, Blackwell.
March 9
Community Concert "Rhythm in Shoes," 2:30 p.m., Hutchins Memorial, Fifth Street at Overbrook Avenue, Ponca City.
March 15
"The Oklahoma City Philharmonic," Poncan Theatre, time to be announced, tickets required.
April 5
Laurette Willis "The Nutty 40s Radio Show," Poncan Theatre, free.
April 14
Kay County Retired Educators Association, 11:30 a.m., Program, Blackwell Police Department "Scams," First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Coolidge.
The Ponca City Service Unit of Bluestem Girl Scout Council will be holding a program event in Ponca City Saturday, titled "Santa's Workshop."
Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scouts will be coming together to make Christmas gifts for their families and enjoying fellowship with one another. The gifts, which will be taken home wrapped will be kept a surprise from those receiving them until Christmas day, said Donna Hingtgen, local Girl Scout coordinator.
The cost of the day-long event is $14 for Girl Scouts. Non-members may also participate by paying an addition $6 to cover membership and insurance. Participation is limited to the first 100 girls, ages kindergarten through sixth grade.
For more information on the Santa's Workshop" event or about Girl Scouting, call the Kay County office of Bluestem Girl Scout Council (405) 762-9616. Bluestem Girl Scout Council is a United Way agency.
Photos and Story
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
The annual 1996 Festival of Angels Historic Homes Tour will be open to the public and hosted by five families in Ponca City, Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.
All proceeds from the tour will be donated to the Pioneer Woman Museum Expansion Fund in memory of Laura Streich. Streich, a noted local and state historian, helped organize the 1990 and 1992 Cherokee Strip Historical House Tours and the 1992 Christmas House Tour.
Homes opened for the historic tour include those belonging to Jim and Jannie Ross at 402 North Sixth Street; Steve and Teri Thompson at 219 Virginia; Tom and Jane Morris, 13 Hillcrest: Kim L. Mitchell at 1204 East Central; and Clark and Susan Nickles at 919 East Grand.
Individuals on the tour will be able to observe similarities in design in three of the homes on the tour. The architects were all from the firm of Layton, Smith and George Forsyth. Those three homes are the Ross, Mitchell and Nickles homes. The homes of Ross and Mitchell feature the designs in the "Craftsman" style.
The Thompson home is a Colonial wood frame home built in the late 1940s by the Casemore family. The Morris home is a massive 8,500 square foot home built in 1926 and designed by J. Duncan Forsyth, who won an architectural award for its design from the National Association of Architects.
Tickets are $5 each and may be purchased at any of the five homes listed on the tour.
Barnes/Ross Home
402 North Sixth Street
Steeped in history, the well-preserved home of L.S. Barnes, son of the founder of the Ponca City Townsite Company, is a towering fortress of beauty dressed in stucco and crowned with a red tile roof.
Built in 1916 by O.F. Keck, the house features 15 rooms with lofty 10-foot ceilings on the ground-floor and nine-foot ceilings on the second story. Designed in "Craftsman" style, the home featured architects from the firm of Layton and Forsyth.
Tourers will enter the livingroom to this extra-tall house through a unique and ornate 12-foot arched oak doorway and an interesting vintage item stored in the basement is an electric powered stairs chair.
Present owners, Jim and Jannie Ross, have added their own special touches since purchasing this expansive home in 1995. All levels of this home will be open for the tour including the "Attic Floor" which has alcoves and recessed windows. Jannie now uses this area as her dried flower workroom and business, "Attic Blossoms."
Casemore/Thompson
219 Virginia Avenue
Located in the Acre Homes Addition, this Colonial wood frame home designed by G.J. Cannon and built in 1929, for W.J. Casemore. Casemore was a much respected plumbing contractor and mayor of Ponca City from 1947-50.
Typical of most homes in the Acre Homes Addition, the backyard is extensive and once included a fish pond and tennis court.
Present owners, Steve and Teri Thompson, purchased the classic home in 1995, and have tastefully redecorated their two-story home using many creative ideas.
An interior designer by profession, Steve has featured a Martha Stewart color scheme as a backdrop for his unique vintage and "shabby chick" furniture. The warm and inviting result will be one not to miss on the tour.
Cleary/Morris
13 Hillcrest
Wear your walking shoes when you tour both floors of this massive 8,500 square foot home. Located on a private drive, this distinctive home was built in 1926 for Jack and Helen Cleary by J. Duncan Forsyth. Forsyth won an architectural award for its design from the National Association of Architects.
This country estate was originally built for family and entertaining - a wonderfully spacious home for children.
Present owners are Tom and Jane Morris, who have five children. They have recently completely redecorated the numerous rooms in this delightfully inviting home.
Tourers should be sure to notice the slate floor where tea dances were held when the Cleary children were teenagers. Also, notice the unusual doorbell.
Collins/Mitchell
1204 East Central
This stately home has several connections with the era of E.W. Marland, oil baron. The house was built in 1920 for Col. Franklin Kenney, nephew of Marland.
Sam C. Collins Jr., brother-in-law of Marland and his family also lived in the house for many years. Blueprints of the three-story Mediterranean (Italian) style, stucco home bear the names of Layton, Smith and George Forsyth of Oklahoma City.
Layton was the designer of the Oklahoma State Capitol and the Governor's Mansion.
Some interesting features include the bell system located in the kitchen, used to summon servants. Other items of interest include the living room fireplace with classical entablatures and bookcases of quartersawn oak in the Mission/Craftsman style.
The Mitchells purchased his historic home in 1979.
Marland/Nickles
919 East Grand Avenue
This Spanish style home was built between 1914 and 1916 for E.W. Marland's sister, Charlotte. The interior and exterior of this home closely paralleled the Cultural Center in design.
The architect was George Forsyth, who was an associate of Soloman Layton, designer of the Cultural Center.
The focal point in the dramatic entry to this 5,600 square foot home is the imposing stairway, leading to the two very large bedrooms and a sun room upstairs. Every room in the home is oversized and each is crowned with molding highlighting the 10-foot ceilings.
Clark and Susan Nickles purchased this home in 1977.
NEWS BRIEFS
American Legion - The American Legion will not meet during the month of December.
Christmas at the Library - The Ponca City Library has books with holiday crafts, recipes and other ideas ranging from fun and easy projects to the more difficult and elegant. The Library also has a selection of Christmas videos, as well as nonfiction and fiction books for the family to enjoy. Stop in and see what the library has to offer. Regular hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Warrant Served - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 33-year-old man in the 400 block of East Detroit Avenue at 8:26 a.m. Tuesday on a city warrant and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Subject Held - A 20-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at 9:07 a.m. Tuesday in the 1900 block of North Fourteenth Street on a city warrant.
Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 54-year-old man in the 200 block of North Third Street at 11:04 a.m. Tuesday on two counts of pointing a firearm.
Burglary - A resident in the 700 block of North Pine Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 12:06 p.m. Tuesday of a stereo stolen from a rental house. An officer took a report.
Trespassing - A Ponca City police officer cited a boy for trespassing at Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue at 3:46 p.m. Tuesday.
Underpass Hit Again - The Ponca City Police Department received notice at 4:29 p.m. that a semi-truck hit the South Avenue underpass. Four officers responded and a report was taken.
Pager Found - A Ponca City police officer picked up an AT&T clear pager found at the Seventh Street Donut Hole, 1300 North Seventh Street, at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday.
In Custody - A 22-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at West Highland Avenue and North Pine Street at 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Calendars Ready - Calling all pet lovers! The Ponca City 1997 pet calendars are now available for $5 each. Call 767-8877.
Legion Post 38 Sets Open House - The postponed Open House planned by American Legion Post 38 has been rescheduled for this Friday, beginning at 9 a.m. Post Commander Delbert Cole said the Legion Post has opened a Ponca Indian Veterans Affairs Office in the Cultural Center at White Eagle in Room 108. The community, especially veterans, is invited to come and visit the new office and enjoy refreshments.
Senior Citizens Dance Set - A Senior Citizens Dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday at the Senior Citizens Building, 320 South A Street in Arkansas City. The Pete Coli Country Band will provide music for dancing. All seniors are invited to attend and bring a finger food to share.
BLACKWELL - Thomas Carl Libby, Blackwell resident, died Tuesday morning, Dec. 10, 1996, in Laverne. He was 60.
The funeral will be held graveside in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery at 10 a.m. Friday. The Rev. Jackie Crafton, First Assembly of God Church, will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 9 a.m. Friday.
Thomas Carl Libby was born Oct. 13, 1936, in Barnsdall, the son of Orville and Lillian (Clapp) Libby. He grew up and attended schools in Barnsdall, graduating from Barnsdall High School in 1954. He was a member of the Barnsdall Baptist Church. After graduation he was employed as a welder for various companies. He married and he and his wife made their home base in Barnsdall, while Libby traveled to various communities to work.
On July 11, 1969, he was married to Patsy M. Harris in Greenville, Miss., and the couple lived in various locations where his job took them. In 1978, they established their permanent home in Blackwell, while Libby continued to work in various locations.
Survivors include his wife, Pat Libby, of the home in Blackwell; three daughters, Tonya Wyrick of Delaware, Okla., Bobbie Jeaneane Looper of Blackwell and Robin LaDonna Farris of Cabot, Ark.; one son, Robert Michael Gilliand of Union, Miss.; his mother, Lillian Libby of Barnsdall; one brother, James B. Libby of Blackwell; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and one sister, Sandra Shreffler.
TONKAWA - Helene Mae Jacaway, died at her home in Tonkawa, Monday, Dec. 9, 1996, after a short illness. She was 91.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, in the Lamont (Okla.) United Methodist Church with the Rev. Richard Leonard, minister, officiating. Burial will be in Lamont Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Helen Mae (Bradfield) Jacaway was born May 4, 1905, in Lamont, the daughter of O.J. and Cora (Shaffer) Bradfield. She attended Lamont schools and was active in quartets, chorus, drama and basketball, graduating in 1924. She was a member of the Lamont United Methodist Church.
On Feb. 21, 1928, she was married to Lloyd Jacaway and the couple made their first homes in the Lamont and Pond Creek areas. In 1940, they moved to Beverly Hills, Calif., where Mrs. Jacaway was a member of the Order of Eastern Star of Beverly Hills, serving as Worthy Matron in 1961. They moved back to Oklahoma in 1979 and made their home in Tonkawa.
Survivors include one sister, Grayce Allen of Caldwell, Kan.; four nieces; and several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Garland and Prentis "Sye" and one sister, Marguerite.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made in Mr. Jacaway's name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Research, c/o McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, 400 East Grand, Tonkawa, OK 74653.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - E.K. Morgan, former Ponca City resident, died Monday, Dec. 9, 1996, at his home in Overland Park, Kan. He was 71.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Newcomer's Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf, Overland Park, Kan. 66204. A graveside service will be held at Forest Park Cemetery in Houston, Texas. Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of D.W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Chapel in Overland Park, Kan.
E. K. Morgan was born April 9, 1925, in Seadrift, Texas, and was a 1948 graduate of Texas State University. He also earned a masters degree from University of Missouri, Kansas City in 1968. Morgan began employment with Conoco Inc. in 1948 and retired as manager of the Retail Credit Card Center in Ponca City in 1985. He later moved to Overland Park, where he was a member of the Overland Park Host Lions Club and the Ancient Mariners.
Survivors include his wife, Jean Morgan of the home; two daughters, Donna Powell of Houston, Texas, and Denise Stonger of Olathe, Kan.; one brother, Winston Morgan of Seadrift, Texas; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Darrell.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Morgan's name to the Kansas City Hospice, c/o Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66204.
Marilyn Arlene Stowers, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Dec. 8, 1996, at her home in Albuquerque, N.M. She was 63.
The funeral will be held graveside at 10 a.m. Thursday at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with the Rev. Charles Heyer, associate pastor of Ponca City First Christian Church, officiating. Local arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Marilyn Arlene (Rheam) Spilman Stowers was born Oct. 8, 1933, in Fayetteville, Ark., the daughter of Arnold and Eula (Black) Rheam. In 1936 the family moved to Ponca City where she grew up and attended schools, graduating from Ponca City High School in 1951. She was baptized and became a member of the Ponca City First Christian Church in April 1944.
On Dec. 28, 1950, she was married to Guy W. Spilman in Ponca City and the couple lived in various states while Mr. Spilman served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years. Mr. Spilman preceded her in death in 1976.
She was married to Charles Stowers on Sept. 2, 1978, in Abilene, Texas. Mrs. Stowers was employed for several years as personnel manager for Kmart in Abilene. At the time of her death she and her husband owned and operated a janitorial supply store.
Survivors include her husband, Charles, of the home in Albuquerque, N.M.; one son, Randy Spilman of Frederickstown, Ohio; two daughters, Debra Genzel of Cove, Ark., and Valerie Cowley of Edgewood, N.M.; her mother, Eula Rheam of Ponca City; three sisters, Ramona Sheldon and Sheila Swords, both of Ponca City, and Eleanor Leh of Clovis N.M.; two brothers, Maurice Rheam of Baltimore, Md, and Max Rheam of Ponca City; one stepson, Randall Stowers of San Antonio, Texas; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father and first husband.
The family will be at the Swords residence, 237 South McCord Road.
Thursday
Delores Ann Simmons - Funeral to be held at 2 p.m. at Grace Memorial
Chapel in Ponca City. Burial will follow in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery.
The Rev. and Mrs. Paul Graham, 512 Virginia, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on December 23. A reception will be held in their honor December 15, 2-4 p.m., at Second Baptist Church.
The couple has three children, John Graham, Janetta Powelson, and Gerald Graham. The Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Graham have seven grandchildren, Paula (Graham) Nelson, Wes and Kyle Graham; Beth, Melissa and Rachael Jones; and Sarah Graham.
Tim and Michele Ellis of Frisco, Texas announce the birth of their son, Luke Vance, on December 9 at the Presbyterian Medical Center in Plano, Tx. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 9 1/2 ounces and was 21 inches long.
Grandparents are Paul and Barbara Ellis and Pat Clinton of Ponca City. Lois Vance of Ponca City is the great-grandmother.
Charles and Lisa Lucas, 735 Bison, Houston, Texas, announce the birth of a son, Jacob Donald, on November 26. The 10-pound baby was 21 inches long. He is the grandson of Mrs. Sue Stanley of Ponca City and the late Bill Stanley.
Ashley Schneider, Ponca City sophomore, was crowned 1996 Northern Oklahoma College Homecoming Queen before a near capacity crowd in Foster-Piper Fieldhouse December 7. An-nouncement was made during halftime for the basketball game with NOC and Carl Albert State College, Poteau.
She is the daughter of Richard and Sherri Schneider of Ponca City. The new homecoming queen is the granddaughter of Maxine and C. L. Schneider and Dora and Glen Adkins, all of Ponca City.
Wearing a green, sequined, floor-length gown Miss Schneider received a tiara decorated with hearts and rhinestones and an arm bouquet of red and white carnations from her escort and fiance, Gene Clowdus of Meno, son of Lynn and Eileen Clowdus.
The couple led the traditional procession of the Homecoming Court to their thrones which were decorated in a Mardi Gras theme with colorful masks and streamers of green, gold and purple. Paul Archer, Ponca City, serenaded the queen with "Just You and I." Crownbearer was Cody Victory, son of David and Amanda Victory of Edmond, and grandson of NOC president and his wife, Dr. and Mrs. Joe Kinzer, and Polly Victory of Oklahoma City. Serving as Mistress of Ceremonies was Sally Nesselrode. Flower girl was Cindy Gray, daughter of Delbert and Kerri Gray, Tonkawa, and granddaughter of John and Linda Main, Tonkawa, and Mr. and Mrs. O'Neal Gray, Capron.
Miss Schneider was nominated by the NOC Cheerleading squad and elected by a secret ballot of students, faculty and staff. She is majoring in health and wellness. She says she "plans to fulfill her dream of working with children, teaching them through aerobic activity to take care of their health and to enjoy exercising and staying in shape so they will live longer."
Currently, Miss Schneider holds a cheerleading scholarship at Northern where she resides in Threlkeld Hall. In her second year on the cheerleading squad, she is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
As a student at Ponca City High School, Miss Schneider was listed on the principal's honor roll four consecutive years and in "Who's Who Among Students in American High Schools. " She cheered for the Wildcats her sophomore and junior years and participated in the Foreign Language Club, Rotary, Students Against Drunk Drivers, Panic Board and FCA.
In addition, she was a member of Oklahoma Kids, singing at nursing homes for Oklahoma Kids and for the First Christian Church. Her senior year she sang at the Ponca City Centennial Parade. She was a lifeguard for Conoco and taught swimming lessons.
Miss Schneider was an officer in the Youth Group of the Ponca CIty First Christian Church, where she assisted with singing, community service and the Adopted Grandparent program. She has been employed at the Red River Cafe, E1 chico and Hastings and considers her current work as a lifeguard and swimming instructor for Conoco "the best job anyone could have. It's rewarding to teach children about safety and have fun doing it."
Her Homecoming attendants were Alla Rozanova, Tonkawa, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Rozanova of Moscow, Russia, escorted by Frank Jugo, son of Francisco
Jugo and Gilda Forero, Venezuela; Jodi Rosewitz, daughter of Kenneth and
Alice Rosewitz and Jim and Susie Kirkpatrick, Ponca City, escorted by Ryan
Parli, son of Scott and Phyllis Parli, Perry; Valerie Simpson, daughter
of Bill and Darlene Simpson, Blackwell, escorted by Craig Davidson, son
of Dwight and Jamie Davidson, Kellyville; and Meredith Turner, daughter
of Richard and Dee Turner, Newkirk, escorted by Kelly Riddle, son of Al
and Mary Riddle, Tonkawa, and Glenda and Ron Locke, Ponca City.
SPORTS
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
STILLWATER - Stillwater ran 11 players at the Ponca City Wildcats here Tuesday night in an effort to wear them down. But in the end, it was the same familiar two that did the Poncans in as senior guard Phillip Owens rebounded a long Stillwater miss with time running out and fired up a shot that bounced into Josh Holliday's hands. The junior post then calmly kissed in the winning basket with one second left to lift the heavily favored Pioneers to a 41-39 win.
Ponca City dropped to 0-2 on the season but the Wildcats have taken the two preseason Frontier Conference favorites, Union and Stillwater, to the hilt.
"I would really like to see a win as a reward for their effort and good play," said head coach Ken Chronister of his team. "I'm really proud of these guys. At different times tonight so many kids stepped up and made great individual efforts."
Senior Sawyer Blackburn topped a balanced list of six Ponca City scorers with 10 points. Junior post Ryan Treadway had 8 points, junior guard Micha Alexander 7, junior forward Jason Shelton 6, junior post Wesley Swygert 6 and junior guard Ryan Meyer had 2 points while battling foul trouble throughout the night.
Meyer, a shooting guard in the opener, took over the point guard duties against Stillwater with regular starting point guard Andy Parsons out of the game due to a church function. And he did a fine job slowing the pace and breaking Stillwater's vaunted pressure defense.
But Meyer picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter and was hit with a third just two seconds into the second period. Stillwater (2-0) led 9-4 at this point and had already worked 11 players into the lineup against six Poncans.
Junior Donovan Weems entered the game for Meyer at the 7:58 mark and Alexander took over at the point. He, too, did a nice job but Ponca City's turnovers grew from three in the first quarter to seven in the second.
Still, Stillwater could not pull away. In fact, the Wildcats went on a 6-2 run.
Swygert scored inside with 7:12 left in the half to cut the gap to 9-6 and then, after a Holliday jumper, Swygert sank a follow shot and Blackburn made a nice driving shot following an Alexander steal.
Stillwater put together back-to-back baskets before Blackburn ended the first-half scoring with a short jumper and the two teams headed to the lockers with Stillwater clinging to a 15-12 lead.
Despite playing nearly the entire second quarter without their two best ball-handling guards (Meyer and Parsons), Ponca City had one fewer turnover than Stillwater in the period and two less for the half with Stillwater committing 12 and the Poncans 10.
Most of the reason for the low scoring output was poor shooting. Ponca City made just 6 of 23 field goals (26 percent) while Stillwater was only slightly better, connecting on 6 of 20 (30 percent) with a three-pointer.
But the scoring and the shooting picked up considerably in the second half.
Ponca City turned in its finest offensive quarter of the season in the third to outscore the Pioneers 19-15 and the Cats carried a 31-30 lead into the final stanza.
Meyer scored his only points of the game 25 seconds into the second half and then Shelton made the first of three straight baskets at the 6:52 mark to give the Poncans their first lead of the contest at 16-15.
The lead changed hands 11 times in the third as the teams went back and forth.
After Shelton's scoring spree left the Cats up 20-19, Stillwater's Alan Epplin scored inside. Ryan Treadway answered with a layup and then Owens scored for Stillwater. Alexander put the Cats back up, 24-23, with a layup at the 4:08 mark and then Blackburn hit a jumper after Epplin missed a pair of free throws.
Stillwater came back with a layup from Hunter Hutson and a three-pointer from Owens, who led all scorers with 14 points.
A 5-2 Po-Hi run to close out the quarter put the Cats back on top, however. Treadway hit a pair of free throws, Alexander made one of two and Blackburn ended the third quarter scoring with a jumper at the 18-second mark.
Ponca City matched its biggest lead of the game (three points) twice in the fourth quarter, the final time at the 5:04 mark after Treadway scored down low to put the Cats up 35-32.
But over three minutes passed before Po-Hi scored again. During that span, Owens knocked down a jumper and Stillwater hit three of six free throws to go up 37-35.
Alexander ended the scoring drought with 1:55 left on a down low bucket but Stillwater recaptured the lead on a Holliday follow shot with 1:26 showing.
Ponca City showed great offensive patience on its next possession and Alexander scored down low to tie the game at 39-all with 33 seconds on the clock.
Stillwater called time with 21 ticks left and set up its final series. Ponca City played good defense and forced a three-pointer from Tyler Johannes from the left baseline. The shot bounced off long to the right and Owens used his great quickness to get to the rebound. He forced up a shot quickly that fell off short to the left, right into the hands of Holliday, who put in the game winner.
"These guys are doing everything we ask," Chronister said afterwards. "They are very coachable and play well as a team. We just have to keep shooting well and playing hard."
The Poncans hit 9 of 14 shots from the field in the second half and ended up making 15 of 37 for the game (40.5). From the free throw line, Po-Hi made 5 of 8 (62.5).
Stillwater ended up 15-for-41 from the field (36.6) and 7-for-14 from the line (50).
Ponca City turned the ball over 20 times while Stillwater committed 18 turnovers.
Ponca City will now try for its first win Friday night against Sapulpa in the home opener at Robson Fieldhouse. The boys game will start at 6:15 with the girls game to follow.
"Sapulpa's got a good team, too," Chronister warned. "Everybody's good in the Frontier Conference."
The Cats wrap up the first semester at Jenks Dec. 20.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Ponca City's Wildcat wrestlers got bruised by fifth-ranked Broken Arrow here Tuesday night in more ways than one.
The Tigers took a 43-12 decision on the scoreboard, ending the Poncans' run of two straight dual wins. Wildcat 145-pounder Darrin Smith apparently suffered a pulled back muscle in losing by a fall and is questionable for the Tulsa Union Tournament this weekend.
Several Poncans also had their egos bruised.
"We lost several matches on shape in the third period," coach Pat Young said. "I'm unhappy about that."
The point-spread was not a surprise to Young, he was just hoping for better.
"When I looked at their lineup, I knew this could happen," the coach said. "Broken Arrow is a very good team."
The Wildcats collected just four wins, but those four could prove important down the line. All four Wildcats beat good Tiger wrestlers, which will help their seeding in upcoming tournaments and their confidence as the season progresses.
Po-Hi 103-pounder Phillip Gelino got the Poncans off to a good start when he collected a reverse with seven seconds remaining in the opening match to edge Broken Arrow's Randy Pattison, 6-5.
Gelino moved in front with a takedown midway through the first period and led 2-1 after that initial period. Pattison had two escapes and a takedown in the second period to move in front 5-4. But Gelino got the only points of the third period to pull out the win.
"Phillip did great," coach Young said after the dual. "When we won that one I thought we had something going."
But Broken Arrow came back with a decision at 112 pounds and a fall at 119 to take the lead in the team scoring, 9-3.
Mark Dodgen cut the margin to 9-6 with a tough 7-4 verdict over Brandon Phillips at 125. A state qualifier last year, Phillips will be one of the top challengers to Dodgen's bid for a second state title.
Once again, Broken Arrow won the next two matches, to go in front 15-6 before Jacob Beck pulled out another close win, 6-4, at 140 pounds.
Trailing 4-2 early in the second period, Beck escaped and then took Broken Arrow's Eddie Maturino down to hold a 5-4 edge entering the third period. Beck also escaped in the final stanza.
But Broken Arrow got two falls and a decision in the next three matches to build a 28-9 lead.
Wildcat 171-pounder Stockton Graves got the final Ponca City win by holding off another Broken Arrow state qualifier, Wade Farquahar, 7-6.
Graves built a 7-3 lead through two periods but got caught in a cradle in the third period. He broke loose in time to secure the win.
Broken Arrow got two more falls and a decision in the final three matches to pad the scoring.
"Now we have to get ready for Union," coach Young said as the Wildcats take part in the Tulsa Union Tournament Friday and Saturday.
The sessions are noon and 6 p.m. Friday and noon and 6:30 Saturday.
RESULTS
Broken Arrow 43, Ponca City 12
103 - Gelino (PC) d. Pattison, 6-5
112 - Pattison (BA) d. Bailey, 9-2
119 - Maturino (BA) p. Ivie, 5:21
125 - Dodgen (PC) d. Phillips, 7-4
130 - Forbes (BA) d. Dodgen, 9-4
135 - Maturino (BA) d. Scott, 8-5
140 - Beck (PC) d. Maturino, 6-4
145 - Jaumillion (BA) p. Smith, 3:39
152 - Kester (BA) d. Redleaf, 11-8
160 - Stevens (BA) md Villarrue, 19-6
171 - Graves (PC) d. Farquahar, 7-6
189 - Douglas (BA) p. Bentley, :35
215 - Mauf (BA) d. Steichen, 10-4
Hwt - Harringer (BA) p. Burkett, 1:40
Mat Stats
Takedowns - Ponca City 14, Broken Arrow 25. Escapes - Ponca City 17, Broken Arrow 10. Reverses - Ponca City 4, Broken Arrow 7. Penalty Points - Ponca City 2, Broken Arrow 2. 2-Near Falls - Ponca Citry 1, Broken Arrow 1. 3-Near Falls - Ponca City 0, Broken Arrow 5.
Falls - Ponca City 0, Broken Arrow 4. Major Dewcisions - Ponca City 0, Broken Arrow 1, Decisions - Ponca City 4, Broken Arrow 5.
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
STILLWATER - One of the keys for the 1996-97 Lady Wildcats to have a successful season was in the area of shooting. So far, the shooting hasn't been there and neither has the success.
Against Stillwater here Tuesday night, the Lady Wildcats made just 20 percent of their field goal attempts (9 of 45) and just 6 of 14 free throws and lost to the Lady Pioneers 35-26 to fall to 0-2 on the season. In their season opener against Union, the Lady Cats shot 28.3 percent from the field.
But despite its woeful shooting (at one point near the end of the third quarter the percentage was 10 percent on 3-for-30) Ponca City hung in there with tough defensive pressure, forcing Stillwater into 25 turnovers for the contest. Ponca City committed 14.
Five minutes went by before the Poncans got on the board with a free throw from Tiffani Essary and then 6-3 senior Lindsey Warrior scored the Lady Cats' first field goal at the 2:13 mark to cut Stillwater's lead to 4-3.
The Lady Pioneers, who were just 3 of 12 from the field in the opening stanza, got a bucket from senior post Stacy Wyatt and led 6-3 after one.
Keesha West hit a pair of free throws to open the second quarter scoring and pull the Cats back within a point at 6-5 but then the Pioneers went on a 10-1 run to take a 16-6 lead.
Ponca City made its only field goal of the period with 28 seconds left when Desiree Cries For Ribs put in an 8-foot leaner and Ponca City trailed 16-8 at the break.
Neither team mounted much offense in the third quarter and the Cats were hurt when Warrior picked up her fourth and fifth fouls three seconds apart and had to leave the game with 6:36 left in the period.
Stillwater opened a 31-18 lead halfway through the final stanza before the Cats got a bit of an offensive spark from Cries For Ribs, who hit consecutive treys to narrow the gap to 31-24 with 3:02 remaining.
But it was too little, too late as the Pioneers improved to 2-0 with the 35-26 win.
Cries For Ribs topped Po-Hi's scoring with 8 points. Tee West added 7 points, Keesha West 4, Essary 3, Natasha Anderson 2 and Warrior had 2 points.
Wyatt led all scorers with 14 points for Stillwater, which made 11 of 37 field goal attempts (29.7 percent) and 13 of 19 free throws (68.4).
The Lady Cats play their first home game of the season Friday against Sapulpa. They will take the court at approximately 8 p.m. following the boys game.
Ponca City's JV boys basketballers got their defense going in the second quarter to stifle Stillwater 43-34 Tuesday, evening their season record at 1-1.
In the girls game, Ponca City (1-1) pulled away from a slim halftime lead with a big third quarter and defeated Stillwater 46-36.
Trailing 13-11 at the end of the first period, the Ponca City boys kicked up their pressure defense in the second period, limiting Stillwater to just seven points as the Cats took a 22-20 halftime lead.
"The kids started moving their feet and sprinting back on defense in the last three periods," coach Larry Degan said. "I was happy with some of the individual efforts, but the defense was just a great team effort."
The Poncans held Stillwater to 14 points in the second half while continuing their consistent scoring, popping through 10 points in the third period and 11 in the fourth.
The Cats also got balanced individual scoring with Mat Stewart and Scott Larrison each scoring 13 points, Brad Brewer had 8, Gabriel Maciel 5, Eric Sponamore 2 and Jeremiah Payne 2.
In the girls game, Ponca City led 4-2 after a low scoring first period and 14-10 at the half. The Lady Cats then outscored Stillwater 15-9 in the third period to gain some breathing room before winning by 10 points, 46-36.
Tia Williams paced the PC attack with 10 points. Sherri Winters had 8, Romi Foreman 6, Leslie Schieber 5, Aleena Ames, Erin Slater, Abbey Frick and Gina Hile all had 4 points, and Amy Freeman added 1 point.
"They played good defense and played hard," said coach Mark Huster. "We also got good play off the bench from Erin Slater. She came in and got a couple of big rebounds and big baskets and a steal all in about a minute and a half when Stillwater was trying to come back a little."
The JVs will play Sapulpa beginning at 4:30 here Friday.
9th Red Boys
Ponca City's ninth grade Red boys' basketball team broke loose from Ark City in the second half to post a 51-40 win in Ark City Tuesday.
Now 3-0 on the season, the Ponca Citians "stepped it up a notch" in the second half, according to coach Keith Chronister.
Behind a 20-point performance by Evan Rupp, The Poncans broke from a 21-19 halftime lead, outscoring Ark City 12-9 in the third quarter and never looked back.
"Rupp is our post player and had a great game," Chronister said. "He's 6-0 or 6-1, but can jump and works hard under the basket. He had a ton of rebounds."
Following Rupp in the scoring were Barry Chance with 13 points, Wes Crossen with 6, Jeff Furnas 6, Blake Geubelle 4, Matt Morris 2 and Moose Durrani 1.
The ninth graders take part in the Sand Springs Tournament Thursday and Friday, opening with Sand Springs Central at 8 p.m.
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9th Red Girls
Ponca City's ninth grade girls shook off a slow start to post a 36-26 win at Ark City Tuesday, moving their record on the season to 3-0.
Trailing 3-2 after a very cold first period, the Ponca City girls found the range to outscore Ark City 13-8 in the second quarter and 21-13 in the second half.
"The girls got off to a slow start, but really started to hustle in the second half," coach Lela McCracken said. "They spread the scoring around. I was real pleased with the way they played."
Mea Alexander had 8 points for the Poncans while Allison Stotts had 7, Alana Smith 5, Nikki Stuemky and Tami Schieber 4 each, Brooks Hines and Claire Winterrowd 3 each and Taylor Thomas 2.
The girls play in the Sand Springs Tournament Thursday, taking on Sand Springs Central at 6:45 p.m.
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9th Blue Girls
Ponca City's ninth grade Blue girls found the road a tough place to win as they dropped a 30-26 overtime decision at Enid Longfellow Tuesday.
The Ponca Citians had stopped Longfellow 23-8 at home earlier in the season.
The game started as a repeat as the Blue Lady Cougars broke to a 10-5 lead. They were in front 20-13 going into the fourth period, but were outscored 13-6 down the stretch, including a controversial buzzer-beater that sent the game into overtime.
"The girls played well, but they got that shot at the buzzer which shouldn't have been allowed," said coach Linda Hughes.
Gena Olson had 10 points, Kellie Anderson and Heather Herard 6 points apiece while Shannon Mersman and Erin Shaw each had 2 points each.
The 2-2 Blue girls are now off until after Christmas.
With almost 6,OOO anticipated athletes, 19 different sporting events scheduled and the addition of a Health and Sports Fair, Sportsfest '97, the Winter version of the Sooner State Games, is expected to be the largest and best yet.
Sportsfest, presented by Sonic is Oklahoma's largest indoor multisport event in the state and is open to any athlete in the country regardless of age or ability.
Sportsfest will get an early start with Indoor Soccer scheduled for December 12-15 at the Indoor Soccer Arena in Oklahoma City. Wrestling will follow on December 27-28 at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater. Basketball Regionals will be held in Enid, Midwest City, Tulsa, and Elk City on January 18-19, followed by Table Tennis and Ping Pong on January 25.
The main weekend is scheduled for February 1-2, where a number of the sports will be held in the Myriad Convention Center, along with the Health and Sports Fair. The sports slated for the Myriad include Archery (3D), Archery (600 Spot), Basketball finals, Judo, Karate, and Tumbling. Other sports scheduled for February 1-2 include Fencing, Figure Skating, Flag Football, Roller Hockey, Shooting, Track and Field,.
Broken Arrow had too much experience for the ninth-grade laden Ponca City JV wrestlers in the early dual at Robson Fieldhouse Tuesday as the visitors took a 45-21 verdict.
Broken Arrow benefited from a forfeit at 112 pounds and had five falls to pad the scoring.
The Ponca Citians countered with falls from Matt Noonan at 171 pounds and Charles Scholey at 189. but it wasn't enough.
Results
103 - Brian Gibson (PC) d. Bodello, 10-6
112 - Waitlet (BA) fft.
119 - Costello (BA) d. Clint Stafford, 6-3
119 - Scott Steichen (PC) d. Keller, 5-4
125 - Mansfield (BA) p. Mike Osborn, 4:28
130 - Sanders (BA) p. Jonathan Schmauch, 2:21
135 - Roley (BA) p. Chris Hunt, 4:16
140 - Alexander (BA) d. Blaine Empting, 4-0
145 - Justin Hall (PC) d. Castro, 4-2
152 - Mivan (BA) d. Rowdy Andrews, 12-5
160 - Diffee (BA) p. Kyle Vincent, 2:00
171 - Matt Noonan (PC) p. Coffin, 1:14
189 - Charles Scholey (PC) p. Snider, 1:25
215 - Torres (BA) p. Jeff Strange, 3:37
Preliminary harvest totals through the end of deer gun season indicate that although poor hunting conditions plagued the state during much of the nine-day gun season, this year's total statewide deer harvest will be only slightly lower than last year's harvest.
"Check station figures indicate that 58,100 deer have been registered through the close of gun season," said Mike Shaw, wildlife research supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "The totals do not include deer registered by Wildlife Department employees, cooperators in the Deer Management Assistance Program or deer that will be harvested during the December archery season. Overall, the total deer harvest through the end of gun season is down four percent."
Shaw said that the unfavorable weather over much of the state during gun season probably kept the harvest slightly lower than expected. Ice, rain and wind made hunting conditions poor across most of the state during the nine-day season, especially during the opening weekend when a significant portion of the deer are taken.
"Hunters did take advantage of the doe hunting opportunities being moved to the beginning of the season as evidenced by the nine percent increase in doe harvest over last year," Shaw said. "That helped make up for the decrease in the gun buck harvest, which fell 19 percent over last year's total. This may indicate some hunters opted to take a doe instead of a small buck, which may be beneficial to future buck hunting opportunity."
Check station figures indicate that the overall archery harvest during the first half of the season was up 27 percent, with the archery doe harvest increasing 31 percent. This increase is most likely due to increased bag limits and a shift in the season dates which allowed archers to hunt during the week before gun season.
"The preliminary numbers are encouraging, particularly considering the number of regulation changes that went into effect this year and the weather conditions during gun season," said Shaw. "I think we have a good framework established with the aggregate bag limit and changes in antlerless hunting opportunities. Deer hunters can look forward to more good deer hunting in the future."
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Kay County harvested 915 deer according to the preliminary report. During archer season county hunters took 84 bucks and 52 does. In the primitive season it was 160 bucks and 43 does. The gun season accounted for 347 bucks and 229 does.
As usual Osage County led the state with a total of 3,435. Of that, archery season had 275 bucks and 228 does, primitive season 453 bucks and 157 does and gun season 1,565 bucks and 857 does.
In other surrounding counties, Noble harvested a total of 657 deer, Garfield 468, Grant 610, Pawnee 783 and Payne 927.
Statewide the only other county to break 3,000 was Cherokee with 3,002.
Sequoyah County was third with 1,915.