From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday,
December 19, 1996
LOCAL
EDF's Executive Director Entering Private Industry
Conoco Plans $2.25 Billion Capital Budget
Nearly News
Two Hurt in Crash
District Court
FAA Confirms Eight Weather Observers To End Duties in July
Smokers Can Get Help To Kick Habit From SJRMC
Discover Oklahoma Tour Highlight of PCTA Session
Les Gilliam Performs In Austria
'Santa Got Lost in Texas' Here Friday
Thirty Youths Get Sentences In Juvenile Court
DEATHS
Hugh Lester Tickel
Jan Hepler
Arlyn Vincent
Obituaries
Roy Robert Whiting Jr.
Services Pending
Helen Marie Hall
Ira A. Stewart
Elizabeth Oberschelp
Danny G. Cochran
Mary C. Steele
Funerals
Mildred Rae Krohn
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Kildare Group Installs Officers
Little News
Xi Gamma Sigma Planning Parties
SPORTS
Cats, Lady Cats Close Out First Half at Jenks
Cowboys Give Lesson in 'D'
Branch, McGrew To Hold Mat Clinic
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Ponca City Board of Directors of the Economic Development Foundation (EDF) this morning "regretfully" accepted the resignation of Executive Director Don Wood.
Wood, who has been director of the EDF for the past four years, resigned to "take a position with a local industry."
The Board also voted to retain Wood on a consulting contract basis for six months. Chairman Pat Mulligan said that Wood would continue consulting two days a week, one day with Ponca City and one with Blackwell. Wood has been working with Blackwell on a contractual basis, with the permission of the EDF Board. The compensation fee was not disclosed.
Wood said, "I am resigning to take a position with a local firm which fortunately will also allow me the discretion to also work on a consulting basis with Ponca City EDF and Blackwell Industrial Authority."
Tom Quillin expressed appreciation from the board to Wood and the outstanding work he has done with the Economic Development Foundation in bringing jobs and industry to Ponca City.
HOUSTON - Conoco will spend about $2.25 billion for capital items and cash exploration expense during 1997, roughly equal to 1996 expenditures.
Some $1.6 billion will be spent internationally, with $650 million planned for work in the United States.
Of the budgeted amount, most will be spent for worldwide exploration, production and natural gas activities. Refining, marketing and transportation expenditures will be about $560 million, with another $75 million earmarked for the company's global power business.
"Two of our major international projects move into high gear in 1997," said Archie W. Dunham, Conoco president and CEO. "In Malaysia, we will be at peak spending levels for construction of a 100,000 barrel-per-day refinery at Melaka, in partnership with Petronas and Statoil. This refinery will be the anchor for our downstream growth in Asia Pacific.
"In Venezuela, major work will begin to develop a 55,000-acre tract in the Orinoco region to ultimately produce 120,000 barrels per day of heavy crude in a joint venture with Maraven," Dunham said, "In addition, seismic work will accelerate on the two exploration blocks in which Conoco is participating."
"Closer to home, we will be putting significant money into the Ursa oil and gas field in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, where Shell is the operator. And construction will be gearing up on the drillship commissioned by our joint venture with Reading and Bates. That ship is key to our own five-year exploration program in the deepwater Gulf," he said.
"Our long-term growth strategies will take major steps in 1997, and we continue to evaluate more good opportunities around the world - more than I have seen in my entire career with Conoco," Dunham said.
The Main Street gift certificates and the cash giveaway are slated for 7 p.m. tonight in downtown Ponca City. The event is sponsored by Ponca City Main Street merchants. About 30 merchants are participating. There will be a drawing for $2,500 in cash, $1,000 gift certificate from Carlson-Wagonlit Travel plus five $100 gift certificates. Winners must be present with the ticket to win and must be 16 or older to participate.
A Ponca City man and a man from Stillwater were taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after a collision five miles south on U.S. 177 this morning, according to Ponca City Fire Department ambulance reports.
The victims sustained injuries when their vehicles collided at 7:30 a.m. Firefighter/emergency medical technicians found the 19-year-old Stillwater man lying on the highway next to his car upon arrival. He received small lacerations to his left eye brow as well as the left side and back of his head, according to the ambulance report.
The firefighter/EMT who treated the 50-year-old Ponca City man, noted the victim complained of back pain.
An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper investigated the accident, however, the report was unavailable at press time.
Ponca City
Divorce Petitions
Sarah Anne Gilbert vs. Timothy Berry Gilbert.
Patricia A. Boyer vs. Dennis R. Boyer.
Terri Lynn Schatz vs. George Mark Schatz.
William John Bennett vs. Krista Michelle Bennett.
Amy Jo Fransen vs. Eric Nathaniel Fransen.
Divorces Granted
Lorena Jean Stransky vs. Neil Patrick Stransky.
Christie J. Cope vs. Loyd George Cope.
Tina Michelle Ingmire vs. Kevin Wayne Ingmire.
David A. McGee vs. Elaine Nichols Irons McGee.
William Allen Sherman vs. Carol Ann Sherman.
Civil Suits Filed
Dillard National Bank vs. Teresa B. Rutherford; plaintiff seeks judgment for $4,263.98.
Norwest Mortgage, Inc., vs. Gregory A. Bickle and Donna C. Bickle; plaintiff seeks judgment for $192,251.89.
Judgments Granted
Credit Bureau Services vs. John A. Compton; defendant ordered to pay $9,423.41.
Newkirk
Marriage Licenses
Carl Jordan Szafranski, 22, and Patricia Jane Archer, 21, both of Stillwater.
Virgil Lee Ackerson, 54, and Jeanie Ann Douglas, 43, both of Tonkawa.
Cory John Landers, 21, and Randi Rochelle Venn, 21, both of Blackwell.
James Courtney Phillips, 22, Edmond, and Laura Jane Caid, 21, Ponca City.
Brian Vincent Heid, 36, and Elizabeth Kathryn Kovach, 25, both of Stillwater.
Johnny Earl Conley, 39, and Angela Richelle Singleton, 28, both of Ponca
City.
Chad Del Shepherd, 19, and Heather Dawn Bush, 23, both of Blackwell.
Divorces Sought
Richard A. Francis vs. Oralee A. Francis.
James Russell Randol vs. Sharon Elizabeth Randol.
Annulment Sought
Jack Mullins vs. Anita Munger Mullins.
Divorces Granted
Jonathan Ray Kemble vs. Bronnie Trantham.
Criminal Proceedings
Hearing Set - Danny Travis Britt, 17, charged with weapon possession during commission of a felony in connection with a Dec. 2 incident during which he allegedly carried a knife while running a roadblock set up by Tonkawa police on U.S. 177 north of Highway 60. Judge Welch scheduled a 1:30 p.m. Jan. 22 status review in district court. Britt faces two to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Assault Charge - Robert James Everett, 36, Ponca City, charged with felony assault with a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor violation of a protective order in connection with a Nov. 30 incident during which a woman was stabbed. Judge Revard scheduled a hearing for 9 a.m., Feb. 21. The defendant faces up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 if convicted of the felony.
Firearm Charge - Brian Leon Stacks, 24, Ponca City, charged with feloniously pointing a firearm in connection with a Nov. 9 incident. Judge Welch scheduled a pre-preliminary hearing for 9 a.m. Jan. 24. The defendant faces one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.
Fugitive Charge - Gary Dean Samples, aka Gary Dean Studie, 38, charged with embezzlement and obtaining property by false pretense after former felony conviction, and with being a fugitive from justice. The charges are in connection with alleged 1995 incidents of obtaining money via a fictitious photo studio, court records show. Judge Welch scheduled a 9 a.m. Friday hearing. The defendant faces up to 10 years and a $5,000 fine if convicted.
Hearing Set - Angelina Arizola, aka Angelina Penick, 30, Ponca City, charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with a Nov. 30 alleged attack on a Ponca City man. Judge Revard scheduled a hearing for 9 a.m. Feb. 21. The defendant faces up to 10 years and $10,000 if convicted.
Assault Charge - Everett Leroy Wilson, 29, Ponca City, charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, malicious injury to property and public intoxication in connection with a Nov. 30 attack on a Ponca City man. Judge Revard scheduled a 1:30 p.m. Jan. 15 hearing. The defendant faces up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 if convicted of the felony assault charge.
Hearing Set - Amy Lickliter, 17, Tonkawa, charged with marijuana delivery. Judge Revard scheduled a 1:30 p.m. Jan. 22 hearing. The defendant faces up to two years in prison and up to $20,000 fine if convicted.
Hearing Set - Vinson Eugene Brown, Jr., 20, charged with marijuana delivery. Judge Revard scheduled a 1:30 p.m. Feb. 28 hearing. The defendant faces up to two years in prison and up to $20,000 fine if convicted.
Drug Charge - Clarence Daniel Largent, 18, Tonkawa, charged with unlawful delivery of marijuana. Judge Revard scheduled a 9 a.m. Feb. 28 hearing. The defendant faces up to two years in prison and up to $20,000 fine if convicted.
Drug Charge - Larry Darnell Calvert, 41, Ponca City, charged with unlawful marijuana delivery. Judge Revard set a hearing for 9 a.m. Feb. 21. The defendant faces up to two years in prison and up to $20,000 fine if convicted.
Drug Charge - David Aguilar, Jr., 33, Ponca City, charged with unlawful marijuana delivery. Judge Revard scheduled a 9 a.m. Feb. 28 hearing. The defendant faces up to two years in prison and up to $20,000 fine if convicted.
Hearing Set - Terry Dale Wrolstad, 26, charged with marijuana possession with intent to distribute in connection with a Nov. 19 incident. Judge Revard scheduled a 1:15 p.m. Jan. 15 hearing. The defendant faces up to two years in prison and up to $20,000 fine if convicted.
Drug Charges - Shane Christopher Coley, 24, Ponca City, charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of marijuana in connection with Oct. 16 and Oct. 21 incidents. Judge Revard scheduled a hearing for 9 a.m. Feb. 28. The defendant faces up to two years in prison and up to $20,000 fine for each count, if convicted.
Cocaine Charges - Paul David Doepel, 29, Ponca City, charged with two counts of delivery of a narcotic (cocaine) in connection with incidents on Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. Judge Revard scheduled a hearing for 9 a.m. Feb. 28. The defendant faces sentences of five years to life and fines of up to $100,000 for each count if convicted.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that eight Ponca City weather observers will be relieved of duties come July of 1997.
The automated surface observation system (ASOS) at the Ponca City Airport will begin providing data on pressure, temperature, wind direction and speed, runway visibility and cloud ceiling heights. The information will support aviation operations and provide meteorological data needed for hydrometeorological operations.
Dennis McCarthy, meteorologist in Charge at the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, reported the NWS has almost completed restructuring of forecast, warning and hydrologic service areas for forecast offices. Responsibility for most of the counties in areas where NWS offices are being phased out has been transferred to the Next Generation Radar national network, NEXRAD, forecast offices.
In addition, sites in Bartlesville, Frederick, and Guthrie will also be commissioned in 1997.
While ASOS does provide observations from more sites on a continuous basis than ever before, McCarthy stated that some observations such as snow depth, and freezing precipitation are not furnished by the sensors, yet. At some sites, manual augmentation of the ASOS is provided by the FAA, he noted.
Other sites are totally automated such as Gage and Hobart. Ponca City will be added to this list. The NWS will supplement some of these automated observations with data from its cooperative observer network and from other systems.
ASOS is a joint venture of the FAA and the NWS. Local weather observers have expressed concern about the system's limitations and reliability to provide accurate weather reports. Furthermore, the system does not report thunderstorms nor can it estimate what is on the horizon, according to Howard L. Johnson, from the Oklahoma Climatological Survey.
It's time to begin thinking about New Year's resolutions. For many smokers, kicking the habit tops the resolution list.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and the American Lung Association of Oklahoma can help. The winter session of the popular and successful "Freedom from Smoking" clinic begins Jan. 6. The seven session clinic will end Feb. 17.
"Freedom from Smoking" is a clinical program that has helped many smokers become smoke free. Martha Denney, RN, explains that the program's group process helps many smokers who have been unable to quit on their own. "There's a lot of give and take in the group process," she says, "and that takes the loneliness out of quitting. When it comes to smoking, many people find quitting together is more effective than trying to kick the habit in isolation."
Denney is Coordinator of Nursing Education Services at SJRMC and an American Lung Association certified instructor for "Freedom from Smoking."
According to Denney, no two smokers are alike. "Freedom from Smoking" begins by helping each smoker determine why he or she smokes - what people, places and things trigger the urge to light up. Once individual triggers are identified, the participant receives help developing a personalized system to quit. "It really works," she adds.
"Freedom from Smoking" is conducted by experts who understand the motivations and rationalizations that cause people to continue smoking. The program uses a positive, behavior change method that teaches each participant how to become a non-smoker. Participants receive individualized suggestions on how to build a healthier lifestyle. Instructors introduce relaxation techniques and encourage exercise. A central focus is "maintenance," or the continued disuse of cigarettes.
Program sessions will be held in SJRMC's Conference Room D, west of the cafeteria, on SJRMC's ground floor. Most sessions will be Monday evenings 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. "Freedom from Smoking" class size is limited to 15, and the enrollment fee is $50.
For additional information or to register, contact Martha Denney at (405) 765-0201. Let the "Freedom from Smoking" program help you recall 1997 as the year you kicked the habit!
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Ponca City Tourism Authority (PCTA) heard about the efforts of Missy Morland, coordinator and volunteers, who put together the Discover Oklahoma Tour that brought six coach loads of tourists to Ponca City on Monday.
Morland reported that to date 26 motor coaches had come to Ponca City to tour during the Festival of Angels. In addition to eating lunch and dinner here the group visited the art center and Angel Central and made several purchases.
Morland told about upcoming travel shows slated for Dallas, Kansas City and Tulsa that she will be attending to promote visitors to Ponca City.
Morland read several thank you letters from visitors who had been on tours in Ponca City. She also commented on the newspaper and radio coverage during the Discover Oklahoma Tour.
The Tourism Authority authorized Morland to contract for a cell phone to be used on the job.
Jan Prough, manager of the Pioneer Woman Museum, told that the artifacts and offices have been moved to Evans and Associates and that construction should begin soon on the expansion of the museum.
Discussion was held on the recent meetings that are going on with representatives from Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, the PCTA, Ponca City Tomorrow, Main Street and the Economic Development Foundation. Apparently there is some discussion about combining some of the efforts of these organizations.
David Zimmerman, PCTA chairman, said the meetings are not at a good time for him and Chuck Rager, board member, volunteered to attend and represent the board.
Dorothy Murrell of Holiday Inn, was introduced as a new member of the board.
Les Gilliam, Ponca City recording artist and recent nominee for "Male Vocalist of the Year," was invited and traveled to Vienna, Austria, recently where he was the featured performer at the Vienna Country Christmas Show.
The annual event, sponsored by the Vienna Country Music Club was held in the Baumgartner Casino and played to a packed house. The historic building, which is no longer a gambling casino as it was back in the 1920s is now a showcase of early Austrian architecture and used primarily for private events. The Baumgartner is most notable as the great hall where Charlie Chaplin performed many years ago.
Les also entertained at several other venues in the Vienna area as well as in the city of Linz during his 10-day stay in Austria. He and his wife Martha enjoyed the sights of Vienna including the Danube River, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the emperor's summer home "Shonbrunn," and the Cafe Donnayer where Johann Strauss introduced his world famous waltzes.
Strauss, known as the "Waltz King" of Austria, created such music as the "Blue Danube Waltz." Vienna museums celebrate many of their world famous musical citizens such as Strauss, Beethoven, Brahms, Shubert and Wagner, as well as the father of modern psychology, Sigmund Freud.
Les has already signed the contract to return to Austria during the summer of 1997 to entertain at the "International Country Music Festival," to be held in the Vienna Woods, a beautiful forest area west of Vienna. He will also perform at other festivals and events during his 14-day stay in eastern Austria.
Ponca City citizens will have a chance to visit with Les about his Austrian trip Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. at Brace Books and More. Gilliam will be there for "Cowboy Coffee Time," singing Christmas as well as cowboy and country songs. A warm inviting atmosphere with hot refreshments and plenty of seats will be a nice pause for Christmas shoppers.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Billed as the "hottest holiday ticket in town," the rip-roaring, singing-dancing, musical show "Santa Got Lost in Texas" will include 50 local singing, dancing, cart wheeling elfs, Santa Claus, and American Kid Talent winners as featured performers. The program will be presented Friday at 7 p.m. at Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. Tickets at $5 will be available at the door.
The annual Ponca Pizzazz Christmas Show, written and directed by Suzanne Kem will also include a champion trick rope artist, Joel Faulk, straight from the Royal Hanneford circus and pre-program music by Sara Reed at 7 p.m.
Reed, a former Blackwell resident, is a Red River talent show winner, Miss Junior Dance of Oklahoma, a regular on "Reach for the Stars" and Show Biz talent winner. Also featured on the program will be special Christmas saxophone music by Mark Love.
The entertaining story, written by Kem, is about two of Santa's head elves, Merri (played by Elayne Cotton) and Berri (played by Marta Maril) who have come to Ponca City to help with the annual Children's Christmas Show.
During the performance, they track Santa's trip to Ponca City by radar - and disaster strikes! Santa's sleigh crashes, the radar quits working, and even with a top scientist (Tracy Patterson) brought in to help, Santa is lost! To find out how the performers find Santa and get him back to Ponca City, attend the one-time performance Friday at 7 p.m. Santa will be available to talk to children after the show.
Special acts will be performed by several groups and some solos by Blair Turney as the "Annie" doll, Cara Kem as "Barbie Doll," Melissa Backer as "Baby Doll," and a duet by Kimberly Evans and Daniel Quinn titled "Leader of the Pack."
Also a "Super Duper Christmas" act featuring Audrey Eubank, Kara Hardy and Becky McReynolds and "Santa's Gonna Rockit in a Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train," featuring several other performers.
Also featured in and acts titled "Sleigh Ride," Shannon Love and Anna Heagy and Shawn Love as Caroline the Cow. In "Sleigh Ride Dancers," are Sara Kanary, Savanah Morin, Amanda Moore, Maddie McDaniel, Kristyn Pickering, Julie Wheeler and Amanda White,; and in the "Fabulous Fifties" singers, Anna Heagy, Kyndal Kana, Cara Kem, Dana Poulson Nesselrode, Erin Sylvester, Erin Wilson, Lucas Elmer, Michael Grubb, Shawn Love, K.C. Maddox, Robert Maril and Dana Pryse.
Featured in the "Little Christmas Orphans," are Mandy Bacher, Melissa Bacher, Brittany Bull, Audrey Eubank, Kara Hardy, Dejah Kennedy, Elisa Massey, Meg McDaniel. MacKenzie McDaniel, Mandy Jones, Beth Powell, Mary Powell, Laura Upshaw and Haley Schauvliege and Whitney Bunch.
Performing as tumbling elfs in the musical show are Shastina Abernathy, Alicia Allen, Lacy Allen, Kaitlyn Amos, Emily Beier, Sherri Beier, Amanda Bohon, Kimberly Campbell, Casey Cashon, Eric Chambray, Aubry Clark, Brittany Cook, Tiffani Cotton, and Vanessa Donaldson.
Also Carey Eggen, Tyler Fender, Lauren Fleck, Abby Fruits, Stephanie Garino, Rachel Harris, Chelsey Hill, Kandas Horinek, Megan Isenberg, Mandy Jones, Stephanie Kline, Katrina Kirsch, Kristina Kirsch, Paula Krueger, Cassidy Ladd, Katy McNew, Victoria Mansfield, Lindsey Mayse, Jennie Miller, Jessica Hisey, Ashely Nanni, Brynn Nulik, and Patrick Powers.
Also Caitlin Robertson, Stacy Schauvliege, Catherine Sonnichsen, Amber Stolhand, Jennifer Stone, Brooke Taylor, Kari Taylor, Molly Tomek, Tatum Turney, Lara Upshaw, Meghan Williams, Kristin Wittmer, Daniel Quinn, and Maggie Hartman.
Juvenile Court Judge John Northcutt dished out consequences to 30 youths at the Public Safety Center Tuesday, according to Court Clerk Nancy Hunt.
The youths appeared on charges of vandalism, assault and battery, petit larceny, curfew, minor in possession of tobacco, minor in possession of beer and trespassing. Offenders ranged in age from 12 to 17 years old.
Northcutt sentenced 10 juveniles to 110 hours of community service. Two are required to attend Anchors Day Treatment.
Additionally, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety will receive notice that six youths have lost or should be denied driving privileges, Hunt remarked.
Furthermore, restitution in the amount of $360 was accessed to three
juveniles. The court clerk noted the next juvenile court is scheduled for
Jan. 7.
DEATHS
BLACKWELL - Hugh Lester Tickel, lifelong Braman-Blackwell resident, died Wednesday morning, Dec. 18, 1996, at Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 95.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with Warren Stafford officiating. Burial will be in the Braman Cemetery.
Hugh Lester Tickel was born May 2, 1901, on the family homestead near Braman, the son of Hiram Albertis "Bert" and Inez Pearl (Torrence) Tickel, who had acquired that land in the Cherokee Strip Land Run in 1893. He grew up in Braman, attending Plainview School and was baptized in the Chikaskia River. After his schooling, Tickel began employment in the oil fields until 1919, when he attended auto mechanic school in Oklahoma City. After graduation, he returned to Braman to work as a mechanic.
On Feb. 14, 1927, he was married to Myrtle Elizabeth Hobaugh, in Newkirk, and the couple made their first home on the J.W. Brown lease. In 1939, they lived in Hays, Kan., for one year before moving to Blackwell, where Tickel was employed by Poling Oil Company. Two years later he formed Tickel Drilling Co., and operated it until turning the business over to his son and retiring in 1968. He was a member of the Braman Methodist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Pauline Blay of Blackwell; one brother, John L. Tickel of Odon, Ind.; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, on March 14, 1981; one son, James H. Tickel; his parents; two brothers, Homer and Clarence; four sisters, Clara Young, Lorraine Davis, Dorothy Johnson and Lola Tickel; and a daughter-in -law.
Casket bearers will be Travis Holmes, Brad Severson, Ryan Harris, Cory Engle, Scott Blay, Justin Campbell, Brandon Blay and Robbie Blay. Honorary bearers will be Richard Miller, Bob Miller, Russell Holmes, R.V. Wagner, Bonnie McIntyre, Harold Weigle, Benny Turner and Gaylord Ford.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Tickel's name to the Oklahoma City Baptist Medical Center Burn Unit, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
BOERNE, Texas - Jan Hepler, former Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Dec. 17, 1996, in Texas. She was 59.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Boerne (Texas) First United Methodist Church. A private burial will be held in the Boerne Cemetery under the direction of Vaughan's Funeral Home, Boerne.
Jan (Pierce) Hepler was married to Charles M. Hepler and the couple moved to the Ponca City area in 1975, when her husband was employed by the City of Ponca City as the first executive director of the Marland Estate. While living here, Mrs. Hepler was employed as a counselor at Roosevelt Elementary School with the Ponca City school system.
The family moved from Ponca City to Oklahoma City in 1984, then later to San Antonio, Texas where Mrs. Hepler served as head counselor of the Zachary Middle School, Northside ISD. The couple had lived in Boerne, Texas, for the past eight years. Mrs. Hepler, attended the Boerne First United Methodist Church, and enjoyed riding competitively in team penning with her husband.
Survivors include her husband, Charles M. Hepler of the home in Boerne; one son, James Hepler of Houston, Texas; one daughter, Mrs. Dwayne (Dana) Busselman of Flower Mound, Texas; two brothers, James Pierce of Albuquerque, N.M. and David Pierce of Blackwell; one sister, Lou Ann Vaught of Cordora, Tenn.; and six grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Hepler's name to the First United Methodist Church, c/o Vaughan's Funeral Home, 319 East San Antonio Street, Boerne, TX 78006.
TONKAWA - Arlyn Vincent, Tonkawa resident, died Wednesday morning, Dec. 18, 1996, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 59.
The funeral is set for 1 p.m. Friday at the McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home Chapel in Tonkawa. Dr. John Bartlett, minister of Tonkawa First Christian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery.
Arlyn Vincent was born July 13, 1937, in Tonkawa, the son of Adrian and Hazel (Wile) Vincent. He grew up and received his education in Tonkawa schools. After graduation from Tonkawa High School in 1955, he attended Oklahoma State University and received a degree in soil conservation in 1959.
Vincent was employed with the United States Department of Agriculture at Albuquerque, N.M. for several years before returning to the Tonkawa area. He was most recently employed as a maintenance coordinator at Vance Air Force Base, Enid, until 1992. Vincent was a member of the Tonkawa First Christian Church.
Survivors include his parents, Adrian and Hazel Vincent of Morrison; two sons, Jeff of Perry and Kurt of Billings; and two granddaughters. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Kimberly Denise Vincent.
Roy Robert Whiting Jr., former Ponca City resident, died Monday, Jan. 16, 1996, at Baylor Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. He was 44.
The graveside service will be Friday, 11 a.m. in the Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Jesse Mannering, associate pastor, First United Methodist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Whiting was born July 12, 1952, in Ponca City, to Roy Robert Whiting and Lillian Hager Whiting. He grew up in Arkansas City, Kans. where his parents owned and operated the Whiting Furniture Store. He attended Arkansas City schools and graduated from Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City. He then attended Oklahoma State University majoring in English and later transferred to Okmulgee Tech where he graduated with a degree in commercial art.
Mr. Whiting returned to Stillwater to work for the Art Department of Oklahoma State University. In 1982 he moved to Dallas, Texas, to work for the Dallas Times Herald. At the time of his death he was employed by the Dallas Morning News as a commercial artist in the advertising department. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, reading and collecting comic art books.
He is survived by his mother, Lillian Whiting, Stillwater; two aunts, Louise Russow and Leta Russell, Gravette, Ark.; cousins, Karolyn Hron, Marian Gibson and Robert Whiting, all of Ponca City, Kathryn Pepper, Albuquerque, N.M., John Whiting, Crowley, La., Mel Thompson, Littleton, Colo., Bob Thompson of Olathe, Kan., Rebecca Whiting, Bartlesville, John W. Hron, Suzy Hron, Toni Gibson and Bobby Gibson, all of Ponca City.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Stillwater, P.O. Box 818, Stillwater, OK 74076.
The family will be at the home of Karolyn Hron, south of Ponca City.
paid obituary
Services Pending
Helen Marie Hall
Helen Marie Hall, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Dec. 19, 1996, at the Ponca City Nursing Home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Ira A. Stewart
Ira A. Stewart, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday evening, Dec. 18, 1996, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 77. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Elizabeth Oberschelp
Elizabeth "Betty" Oberschelp, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 1996, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 94. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Danny G. Cochran
TONKAWA - Danny G. Cochran, longtime Tonkawa resident, died early this morning, Dec. 19, 1996, at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was 54. Arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Mary C. Steele
Mary C. Steele, longtime Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Dec. 19, 1996, at Westminster Village. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Friday
Mildred Rae Krohn - funeral to be held at 10 a.m. at Grace Memorial Chapel,
Ponca City. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
NEWS BRIEFS
Open House - KLVV 88.7 FM is hosting its open house Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in honor of its fourth anniversary. The Love Station is located 3 1/2 miles west of Ponca City on U.S. 60. The public is invited!
Christmas Dinner - The Disabled American Veterans will hold a Christmas dinner for Bingo participants Friday from 6-10 p.m. The event will be held at 401 South Lincoln Street.
Join Troopers - The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will keep their vehicle headlights on while driving Friday, to remember residents killed and injured in alcohol-related crashes. OHP troopers encourage all Oklahoma residents to join them in taking a stand against impaired driving by turning their "Lights on for Life" Friday.
OoKeeHee Meeting - There will be an OoKeeHee meeting Dec. 27 at Cher Eagle's home from 1-2 p.m. All interested students are invited to attend. Plans for the Dec. 29 OoKeeHee dance will be discussed. For further information, contact Cher Eagle at 765-0971 or an advisor.
Christmas Dance - The Senior Citizens Christmas dance will be Monday, 7-10 p.m., at the American Legion Ballroom. Everyone is welcome to attend and those doing so are asked to bring "goodies." Music will be provided by the Hayriders Band.
Republican Women - Announcement has been made that stocking stuffers can be purchased from the Republican Women of Kay County evening chapter. The group is selling Frankhoma elephant mugs, and costume jewelry featuring eagles, elephants and flags. Information may be obtained by contacting Francine Johnson, 765-5630.
Dog Poisoned - A resident in the 2100 block of Berkshire Drive notified the Ponca City Police Department at 9:06 a.m. Wednesday that the dog was poisoned. An officer took a report.
Theft - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a cart stolen at Auto Electric, 118 West Grand Avenue, at 9:23 a.m. Wednesday.
Vandalism - An employee of Iver's Toys and Nostalgic, 419 South First Street, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 10:12 a.m. Wednesday to report vandalism to their signs.
Building Evacuated - The Ponca City School Administration building was evacuated at 10:28 a.m. Wednesday when the heating unit on the roof filled the attic with smoke, according to the Ponca City Fire Department. Firefighters responded to investigate the call.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a minor accident in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street at 11:22 a.m. Wednesday.
Shoplifter - An employee of Kmart, 2608 North Fourteenth Street, notified the Ponca City Police Department of a shoplifter in custody. An officer requested an ambulance when the suspect reported being eight months pregnant and going into labor. A Ponca City Fire Department ambulance took the woman to St. Joseph Regional Medical. The officer took an advised report and made a warrant request.
Rekindled - The Ponca City Fire Department returned to a house fire in the 300 block of South Birch Street at 2:56 p.m. Wednesday and 5:41 p.m. after receiving reports that the fire had rekindled.
Collision - A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident in the 2500 block of Lake Road at 7:11 p.m. Wednesday.
Arrested - An 18-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police
officer at South Fourth Street and East South Avenue at 5:26 a.m. Thursday
for driving under the influence and driving left of center.
LIFESTYLES
The Kildare FCE concluded their yearly meetings this month with a traditional Christmas style luncheon with turkey and trimmings at the home of Karen Overman.
Following the meal a brief business session was held and officers for 1997 were installed by Ms. Overman. They are Helen Janda, president; Mary Buesing, vice-president; Barbara Hunget, secretary; Elsie Johnson, treasurer, and Melba Irwin, PR chairman.
After the installation gifts were exchanged and baskets of fruit, cookies and candy were prepared for delivery to people in Kildare, Newkirk and surrounding area. The next scheduled meeting of the group will be January 8 to be hosted by Marie Ewy at 1:30 p.m. Lesson leader will be Brenda Schneeberger.
Chuck and Lori Dorsey, 2201 North Fourteenth, Apt. G8, are announcing the birth of their first child, an 8-pound, 6-ounce boy. He was 20 3/4 inches long and has been named Colby Lane. Maternal grandparents are Charley and Darlene Fields and paternal grandparents are Bobby and JoAnn Dowell, all of Ponca City. Maternal great-grandparents are George and Lila Meyer of Braman and paternal great-grandfather is Charles Dorsey of Sapulpa.
On December 10 members of Xi Gamma Sigma chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority participated in a Christmas gift exchange at the home of Glenda Brown. Following hors d'oeuvres and punch, Juni Parks, president, presided over a brief business session.
Sue Waggerman, service chairman, discussed the Thanksgiving basket sent to a local family and Christmas gifts were collected to give to that same family. Members sang carols, accompanied by Margaret Price with her ukulele, preceding a secret sister gift exchange.
The next regular business meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. January 14 at the home of Betty Rogers with Catherine Horner in charge of the program.
Mrs. Brown, social chairman, stated that the couple's Christmas party would be held in her home at 8 p.m. December 20. Members will be notified by the calling committee as to what they are to bring in addition to the traditional gag gift.
The New Year's Eve party is planned for 8 p.m. December 31 in the home
of Donna Ross. For that event members are asked to bring favorite hors d'oeuvres.
Special guests for the evening will be Betty and Terry McLaury, who are
moving to Malaysia.
SPORTS
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
Ponca City's Wildcats and Lady Wildcats close out their herky-jerky first semester basketball schedule at Jenks Friday night still looking for their first win.
Both the Cats and Lady Cats are 0-3 on the season, which began Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Tulsa Union. After that game, both Po-Hi teams had to wait a week before playing and losing to Stillwater Dec. 10. Sapulpa followed just three days later but then came the latest week-long delay between games.
"It's been hard finding a good rhythm in our practice schedule," admitted Po-Hi Wildcat head coach Ken Chronister recently.
Neither Jenks team has looked very impressive during the first semester but both do have good tradition.
Grant Stone, a 6-7 blue-chipper, leads the 1-1 Trojans in reputation but not in scoring. Stone is averaging 7.5 points per game (off from his 10.9 average last season) while 6-1 senior Ryan Thuston leads the team with a scoring average of 16 points per contest. The Trojans have also gotten good production out of 6-3 senior Mark Wolford, who's averaging 7.0 points per game.
Stone is the Trojans' only returning starter off last season's 19-4 team that was upset in the first round of the playoffs.
Andy Parsons, a 5-9 senior guard, leads Po-Hi in scoring average at 10 points per game. He missed the Stillwater game. Micha Alexander is averaging 8 points per game, Jason Shelton 6.7; Sawyer Blackburn 6.0; Ryan Meyer 4.7; Ryan Treadway 4.0 and Wesley Swygert 2.7.
As a team, the Poncans are scoring at a 38.7, lowest in the Frontier Conference. Jenks is seventh in the league in scoring with an average of 42 points per game.
Defensively, Jenks is second. The Trojans have allowed 40.5 points per game. Ponca City is allowing 47.3 points per, sixth-best in the conference.
On the girls' side of the ball, Jenks comes into the game seeking its first win as well. The Lady Trojans are 0-2,
Jenks is led in scoring by 5-8 junior Briana Keeton, a first-year starter. Keeton is averaging 7.5 points per game.
Returning off last year's 13-14 team for Jenks are 5-8 senior Christy Williams, 5-7 senior Casey Battaglia and 5-11 junior Destani Kirkpatrick.
The Lady Trojans, who were the preseason pick to place third in the Frontier Conference, are averaging just 33.5 points per game, second lowest in the league. Ponca City is seventh in the nine-team league in scoring average at 35.0
Defensively, the Lady Trojans are allowing 57.0 points per game. Also last in the conference. The Lady Cats are allowing 49.7 points per game, sixth-best in the league.
Senior preseason all-conference selection Lyndsey Warrior leads the Lady Cats in scoring with a 10.7 average, 12th best in the league. Desiree Cries For Ribs is scoring at a 6.0 clip and Tee West is averaging 5.0 points per game. Natasha Anderson and Keesha West are averaging 4.3 points per game and Tiffani Essary 4.0.
The Wildcats and Trojans are scheduled to tip off at 6:15 p.m. with the girls game to follow at approximately 8.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
STILLWATER - College of Charleston coach John Kresse feels his teams play pretty good defense. Wednesday night he and the Cougars got a lesson from the master.
"I know Eddie Sutton is a legend in his own time, especially on the defensive end" Kresse said after the Cougars absorbed a 67-49 study in how to play defense at the hands of Sutton's Cowboys. "He proved that tonight with how well his team played defense. With their tenacity, pressure and physicality they forced us to turn the ball over 20 times.
"It's not a treat, but it's kinda fun to see how they force you out of your offense. They force you out of what you want to do."
Kresse's teams have done well enough in his 33 years of coaching that he has the arena at the College of Charleston named after him.
The Cougars are tied with the likes of Connecticut and Kentucky for the fewest losses over the past four seasons. The College of Charleston is 78-15 in Division I play in that time span.
The Cougars have ranked in the top 13 in scoring defense for each of their five seasons of Division I status.
The John Kresse Arena is rated by Sports Illustrated as the fifth toughest facility for visiting teams to play.
However, on Wednesday the Cougars were faced with the second toughest area in the nation, Gallagher-Iba.
In that setting, the Cowboys held College of Charleston to 41 percent shooting from the field, 32 percent in the second half, in addition to inducing the 20 turnovers.
OSU also held a 36-24 margin in rebounding.
The Cowboys held 6-8 Cougars center Thaddeous Delaney, who had been averaging 15.9 points a game, to just 2 points.
"Delaney has been the dominating player for us," Kresse said, "but tonight Oklahoma State limited him to just six shots from the field."
The Cougars showed why they had beaten teams like Arizona State and Stanford in the great Alaska Shootout. Their lone loss in a 6-1 record prior to Wednesday was to No. 8 Kentucky.
Their alternating man-to-man and zone defenses caused the Cowboys problems most of the night. Except for a few put backs and some extraordinary work by forward Chianti Roberts, OSU got precious few points in the paint.
The Cowboys shot only 45 percent (22-of-49) from the field, 33 percent in the second half. OSU had 22 turnovers of its own.
But the outside shots were working for the Cowboys. They were 7-for-11 in 3-pointers in the first half and 9-for-19 overall.
Also, the Cowboys were 14-of-16 from the free throw line.
Roberts finished with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field. He accounted for what success the Cowboys had inside.
"Chianti Roberts is something," Kresse marveled. "We don't see any players like him at our level in the TransAmerica Athletic Conference. He's got a NBA body and his physicality around the basket really causes problems with his ability to get it to the basket, either from outside or from the low post. He's very special."
Sutton would agree. Although Roberts graded himself at only a "C" for his performance, Sutton said it was a strong "B" effort.
In addition to his game-high 17 points, Roberts had four rebounds, five assists and four steals. He tops the Cowboys in all those departments and leads the Big 12 with his shooting percentage, 66.7 percent.
But mainly Roberts was concerned about keeping the Cowboys' streak of 67 straight home court wins against non-conference foes alive.
"We all know about the streak," Roberts said of his teammates. "We want to uphold the tradition and not let the people who have gone before us down."
Oklahoma State national wrestling champions Mark Branch and J.J. McGrew will be featured in a clinic for all ages Friday, Dec. 27, at Robson Fieldhouse.
The clinic, sponsored by the Ponca City Takedown Club. will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a break for lunch at noon. The fee is $15 per wrestler.
Branch, current 167-pounder for the Cowboys, is seeking to reach the national finals for the fourth straight time. He won the national title in 1994 and has been the national runnerup for the past two seasons. He is also a three-time NWCA Academic All-American.
McGrew, a national collegiate champion in 1995, is currently an assistant
coach at OSU.