From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday,
December 11, 1997
LOCAL
Editor-Publisher of The News Dies in Oklahoma City at 82
Area Gets Light Snow With State Roads Slick
Nearly News
Secretary of State To Be Here Friday
S'No Joke - It's a Hayman
Letters
Chamber News
Ponca City Student, Teachers Among 'Kids Congress on Art'
City Sidewalk Project Reset After Christmas
Oil and Gas Report
Jaycees Will Collect Toys During Party
Correction
Rebecca St. James Concert Here Friday
DEATHS
Benjamin Waters Sr.
William S. Dawson
George Lewis Moore
Doris Heppler
Harry Sanford Hackworth
Earlee Cornelia Fry
Dolores E. Thomas
Joseph Aubrey Chandler
Services Pending
Allan W. Muchmore
Mary Carey Ward
Funerals
Irene D. Waters
NEWS BRIEFS
SPORTS
Cats Take On Edmond
Junior High Basketball
Allan Winner Muchmore, 82, civic leader, editor and publisher of The Ponca City News and owner of WBBZ-AM, died this morning in Oklahoma City after an extended illness.
Muchmore, following in the tradition of his father Clyde, was active in civic affairs on both the local and state level.
In January 1951, he helped establish, along with his father Clyde and brother Gareth, the Ponca City Publishing Company. In addition to publishing the Ponca City News, PCPC also owns radio station WBBZ.
After the death of their father, Allan and Gareth were partners in the business and upon Gareth's death in 1983, Allan became editor and publisher.
Muchmore served as president of Oklahoma Press Association in 1969. Again he followed in the footsteps of his father, who also was president of the association. They were the first father-son to hold the post. Currently Allan's son, Tom Muchmore, is president of the Oklahoma Press Association.
He also served a term as president of the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters.
He was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 1981 and was a winner of the Oklahoma Press Assocation's Milt Phillips Award that same year.
Active in the Oklahoma Society for Crippled Children, Muchmore served as president, director and treasurer, also succeeding his father in this position. On the state level he was on the Lew Wentz Foundation at Oklahoma State University and the Oklahoma Heritage Foundation in Oklahoma City.
On the local level, Muchmore had served on many boards and was a past president of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce. He also was on the Economic Development Foundation, president of the Library Board and the Ponca City Welfare Association. He was a former director of Security Bank, a charter member of the Marland Estate Commission and was active in the First United Methodist Church.
He was named Outstanding Citizen by the Chamber of Commerce in 1975.
Muchmore was born Nov. 17, 1915, at Douglass, Kan. He graduated from Ponca City High School, received a degree in business from the University of Kansas and also graduated from the Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.
After serving for two and a half years in the Navy during World War II, he worked for several years as an investigator for the U.S. Civil Service with headquarters in Los Angeles. In 1950 he returned to Ponca City.
He was married to his wife, Lyntha in 1939. She preceded him in death in October 1996. He is survived by three sons, Clyde A. Muchmore and John S. Muchmore, both of Oklahoma City, and Thomas C. Muchmore of Ponca City .
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery in Ponca City under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
From Staff and AP Reports
Light snow fell in Ponca City and across Oklahoma today, making travel slick and hazardous for many motorists.
Ponca City had a half-inch of snow causing slick roads in spots and contributing to several minor accidents.
''The roads are slick in spots around here. Primarily the problem is bridges and overpasses,'' said Jim Ridley, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol dispatcher in Clinton.
Traffic moved slowly this morning along highways in the Oklahoma City area. Twenty accidents were reported on interstates during the morning rush hour.
''Everything's clear now as far as accidents,'' said Kevin Spencer at the patrol's communications center. ''People are just taking their time on the highways and being cautious.''
Traffic reporters at Tulsa radio stations were listing various accidents on the streets and on expressways leading to the city.
''The Tulsa area has had about as much snow as anybody around,'' said forecaster Steve Amburn. ''What managed to stick on the ground never got more than half an inch'' deep.
The flurries tapered off during the morning. Amburn said he expects some of the snow to evaporate today.
''Pretty much the whole western two-thirds of Oklahoma have snow,'' Donna Dubberke, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said from Norman early today.
''In central Oklahoma we have had about a quarter inch of snow that's sticking on some surfaces.''
The patrol said four people were hurt late Wednesday when the van they were traveling in slid on an icy Interstate 40 bridge near Elk City and overturned in the center median.
The driver, Kristine Friesen, 37, of Edmond, was hospitalized at Elk City in fair condition while 12-year-old Ryan Friesen was transferred to Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City in serious condition, the patrol said.
Two other passengers were treated for minor injuries, the patrol said.
''It's snow-packed and slick from Cimarron County through Woodward County,'' said a patrol dispatcher at Guymon. ''It's crummy. We've had some accidents, too. Nothing serious yet but we have had several people sliding off the road.''
The patrol reported slick bridges and overpasses in Oklahoma, Canadian and Cleveland counties early this morning with wet road conditions in Lincoln, Logan, McClain and Pottawatomie counties.
Meteorologist Doug Speheger of the National Weather Service in Norman said Oklahoma City could receive about an inch or two of snowfall with the most amounts expected in northeast Oklahoma.
''Harper County has already seen about three inches of snow,'' he said. ''A great amount is also expected in Woodward and Gage.''
NN has a message from Bliss Industries, 1415 West Summit, that is for the safety of individuals mailing packages with UPS. The spokesperson from Bliss advises that UPS, which was once located in their area, has moved and is now on West Hartford, between Ash and Waverly. They are concerned about folks coming into their area where machinery and large vehicles are located, and being injured. So, folks, NN suggests you check out UPS on West Hartford and avoid possible accident. NN sends "thanks" to the spokesperson from Bliss Industries for caring about folks.
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The correct time for the Ponca City Historic Homes Tour to benefit the Festival of Angels will be 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. In the Calendar of Events in The News an earlier time was reported for the opening of the tours, but was incorrect. Addresses of homes are 1107 South Seventh, 84 Elmwood, 10 East Hillcrest, and No. 5 Hillcrest. Tickets ($5) are available at any one of the homes. Nearly News reminds all participants to wear comfortable walking shoes, park at the Presbyterian Church and catch a van ride for the 10 East Hillcrest tour - and enjoy!
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It takes a community to premiere a movie. There are many folks involved from the Board of The Poncan Theatre, to the volunteers to the stars and supporting actors of "Kites Toward Heaven." Special kudos go to Jerry Fox of Defender Services at Conoco for providing the video projector. The showing of Ponca City producer/director Robyn Kreger's movie is slated for 7:30 p.m., Saturday at the Poncan. The movie is about an hour long.
Tom Cole, Oklahoma secretary of state, will be the speaker for Friday's 8 a.m., Second Friday Forum.
The event is slated at Pioneer Technology. Sponsored by the Legislative Review Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, the forum will last about one hour.
After Cole's formal presentation, the floor will be open for questions. The public is encouraged to attend, according to Dave Mueller, Legislative chairman. Complimentary coffee, doughnuts and bagels will be served.
"Hay" man it's a snowman! And with the weather forecast calling for more snow today the conditions are right for the real thing. (News Photo by Patti Pfeiffer)
Keep Local Owners
As executive director of the only nonprofit organization in the country monitoring the funeral industry for consumers, never before have I seen a group of local citizens fight back against the intrusion of big-money funeral conglomerates. I hope their efforts group will gain enough support to avert the sale of the IOOF cemetery in Ponca City to The Loewen Group.
Why do I cheer them on so? It matters little which conglomerate is involved - Loewen, Service Corporation international (SCI), or Stewart, to name the three largest. Complaints to this office cover the gambit:
- drastically increased prices; limits on low-cost offerings (all)
- lies about state laws (all)
- despicably manipulative and deceptive sales tactics (all)
- shoddy maintenance and merchandise (confessed to by disenchanted SCI and Loewen insiders). Consumers are not well-served by these folks, it would seem.
The Canadian-based Loewen group is in financial difficulty right now, with a significant loss reported for the third quarter after outrageous profits in the second quarter - 33.6 percent on cemetery operations alone. A group of disgruntled stockholders recently held a meeting in Toronto, according to the Nov. 24 issue of Funeral Monitor, and are most unhappy.
Why am I not surprised? Loewen has a reputation of paying two to three times what a property is worth, simply to shut out the competition. (What is the appraised value of the IOOF cemetery? No one seems to have asked, judging by recent news articles.)
If the sale of the IOOF cemetery were to go through, what can you expect? Even if Loewen took only a "modest" profit of -say - 10 percent on its investment and the rate of 150 burials or so a year continued, each person's bill would have to include an extra $500 to keep the stockholders and investors happy. If Loewen wants to keep up a 30-plus percent rate of profit, however, you'll be paying $1,500 extra PLUS the cost of the grave and the vault and the opening-and-closing - $2,000 to $3,000 total, judging from charges at other locations.
There is a fear among investors that Loewen may go belly-up. What would it mean to local citizens if Loewen were the owner of the IOOF cemetery and that happened? No one else is going to pay an inflated price to take over the cemetery - that seems certain.
Ponca City is fortunate to have some staunch individualists who care about the future, people who are willing to spend time and energy to keep a locally-owned cemetery locally-owned and - hopefully - still nonprofit.
Lisa Carlson
Executive Director
Funeral and Memorial Societies of America
State Officials to Visit Ponca City
The next few days will see visits to Ponca City by two top people from the State of Oklahoma. The Chamber's Second Friday Forum, which will be held at 8 a.m. tomorrow at the Pioneer Technology Center, will feature an appearance by Tom Cole, secretary of state for the State of Oklahoma. We expect that Mr. Cole's presentation should be packed full of timely information as the political season warms up for the next legislative session beginning in January. We hope that you are interested in hearing from Tom Cole and will plan to be at the Second Friday Forum.
Following closely on the heels of the above meeting, Ponca City will welcome Mr. Neal McCaleb, secretary of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. McCaleb will appear at a special luncheon meeting sponsored by the Chamber on Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. This session will be a great opportunity for us to be brought up to date on all highway projects which are under way in our area and to hear plans for startup of other projects which are now on the drawing board.
Reservations are necessary for the Neal McCaleb meeting and can be made by calling the Chamber office at 765-4400. The cost is $6 per person and a light lunch will be served.
Ribbon Cuttings Slated
Grand opening ribbon cutting ceremonies have been slated for First National Bank of Oklahoma on Monday at 3 p.m. and for new facilities at Standing Bear on Wednesday, at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and be a part of these new additions to our community. We're proud of them.
1998 Chamber Program Gears Up
On another Chamber front, we know that it is the Holiday season, but work is already under way on putting the Chamber's Program of Action into high gear for 1998. This next week, those people who have been tabbed as leaders of the various committees of the Chamber will get together to lay out their approach for the coming year. As you know, the Chamber has a broad variety of action groups which work in four primary areas of service to our membership and the community at large: Business and Community Development, Governmental Affairs, Economic and Industrial Development and Membership Services.
Each of the above areas has a major impact on our city, and through the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers who give their time and talents, the Chamber is dedicated to playing a large part in helping build a better community in which we can all work, prosper and enjoy life. At this time of year, we want to express a special thanks to all those who step forward and give of themselves through volunteering. You're appreciated!
One Final Important Announcement
Last minute flash:
The Chamber will be hosting a visit to Ponca City by Sen. Don Nickles on Wednesday, Jan. 7. We just firmed up the date as of press time and details are now being ironed out. Most likely, there will be a "Dutch Treat" breakfast meeting from 7:30 to 9 a.m. With all that's going on at the national level, this should be really interesting. We will let you know as the details are finalized. Everyone is invited to attend.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Katherine Roland, a student at Garfield Academy in Ponca City, was one of 51 students selected to attend the first "Kids Congress on Art" at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. Roland was accompanied by Garfield teachers Lanita Going and Pam Powers.
A hearing on the importance of arts education, a parade of student-made banners representing communities nationwide, and a fact-finding tour through Los Angeles were just some of the highlights. The "Kids Congress" was one of the main opening events held at the Center before the new visual arts and cultural complex opens to the public Dec. 16.
Organized and hosted by the Getty Education Institute for the Arts, the "Kids Congress" brought students - from Littlerock, Calif., to Berwick, Maine - together with community leaders, sculptors, painters, performers, educators and elected officials to celebrate and champion the importance of art in young people's lives. The Getty Education Institute works to improve the quality and status of arts education in the nation's schools.
"The Kids Congress" provided students with a special opportunity to speak out about the importance of the arts," comments Leilani Lattin Duke, Director of the Getty Education Institute. "They were able to discuss with each other, and with national leaders, the significant role the arts play in their communities, in their education, and in their appreciation of different cultures."
The "Kids Congress" was the culmination of a two-year project entitled "Wave Your Banner! Exploring Community Through Art," in which students and their teachers from classrooms across the country worked in teams to create colorful banners from fabric, paint and mixed media. The banners illustrate the unique character and history of the communities they represent. Students at the Lecanto Middle School in Lecanto, Fla., for instance, chose to feature the endangered local manatee on their banner. Ponca City students chose to feature the Native American heritage.
A committee of judges, including artists and educators, reviewed all the banner submissions based on creativity, artistic merit, and the extent to which they reflected a comprehensive approach to learning about art. From the qualified entries, one banner from each state, as well as one from the U.S. Army base at Camp Zama, Japan, was then selected in a random drawing. Each winning classroom chose a delegate to represent their community at the "Kids Congress." Delegates were accompanied by a parent, teacher or administrator.
Katherine Roland was chosen from Garfield Academy to represent her school and Lanita Going and Pam Powers, teachers at Garfield Academy, accompanied her.
The "Kids Congress" commenced with a ceremonial procession of the 51 selected banners. The banners will be on display during the Center's opening weekend festivities and throughout its inaugural year. The banners can be viewed as part of a special on-line exhibition on ArtsEdNet, the Getty Education Institute's World Wide Web site (http://artsednet.getty.edu)
Modeled after the U.S. Congress, the "Kids Congress" featured an opening addressed by Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, and was followed by a mock "hearing" in which student delegates discussed the ways to "Wave Your Banner!"
Television and film actor and recent Emmy award-winner John Lithgow gave the keynote address at the Kids Congressional banquet. The schedule of events for the weekend included an interactive Internet presentation to demonstrate the expanding role of technology in improving access to the arts and a fact-finding tour that took the delegates through Los Angeles to photograph the city's significant cultural sites. On the final day of the Congress, delegates worked with local arts educators and noted artist Elizabeth Harvey.
Cooperating with the Getty in organizing the project were 12 national organizations: the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences; the American Architectural Foundation; the American Association of School Administrators; Americans for the Arts; Binney & Smith, Inc.; the Eastman Kodak Company; the National Art Education Association; the National Association of Counties; the National Association of Secondary School Principals; the National Middle School Association; the National PTA; and Partners for Livable Communities.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
Local merchants are getting their Christmas wish granted compliments of the city, state and a concrete contractor. Early Wednesday morning it was announced that the sidewalk project, scheduled to soon begin along Fourteenth Street in front of the Ponca Plaza, will be postponed.
Local merchants - fearful that the construction would interfere with Christmas sales - had asked the city for help. And in the spirit of Christmas, the city was able to help by making special arrangements with ODOT and the project contractor to postpone the work until after Christmas.
According to Traffic Engineer Director Mike Lane, the contractor was asked to postpone work in the area of the Ponca Plaza and agreed, under the condition that additional time would be given on the project. Lane contacted the project manager, ODOT, who agreed to extension.
"I am pleased that we were able to accommodate the merchants," Lane said Wednesday afternoon after receiving the word from ODOT.
And Lane was not the only one pleased with the special arrangements. "I am very appreciative that the City was cooperative in working with us and I am now a real advocate of the City and Mike Lane too," J.C. Penney Manager Ed Trice said. "The City's action shows that they are real partners with local merchants which is the way it should be." He said he felt the postponement was a "win-win" situation for both the merchants and city because sales generate city tax revenues.
The on-going sidewalk project involves adding handicap ramps, filling gaps, making repairs to the existing sidewalks and constructing new sections of sidewalks along Grand Avenue, Seventh Street and Fourteenth Street. The project is now scheduled to be completed in February.
Gary E. Roth has revealed plans to drill a 650-ft. developmental well in the Tonkawa Field, Kay County.
The operator has designated the venture as the No. 2 State.
Drillsite is two miles west-northwest of Three Sands.
Section 33-township 25n-range 1w-nw-sw.
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A new producer has been brought on line in Kay County's Ponca City Field, with Crawley Petroleum Corp. as the operator.
Located 3.4 miles northwest of White Eagle, the well is designated as the No. 30 S.P. Mississippi Chat.
It pumped oil at the rate of 109 barrels per day.
The well bottomed at 3,905 feet and will produce from a perforated interval at 3,768 to 3,790 feet into the hole.
Section 17-township 25n-range 2e-ne-nw.
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The No. 5 Spess, a 2,400-ft. developmental well, is scheduled to be drilled in Osage County's Worth Field. Spess Oil Co. is the operator. The well will be spudded 5.8 miles southeast of Waynoka.
Section 16-township 24-range 9-sw-sw.
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51 Production Inc. has posted first production data for the No. 851, a newly completed gas well in Osage County's Prue Field.
The well flowed 5,000,000 CF gas per day plus 25 barrels of oil.
Bottomed at 1,914 feet, the well will produce from perforations in the Bartlesville Sand Formation.
Location is 2.5 miles east-northeast of New Prue.
Section 27-township 21-range 10-sw-sw.
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A new producer has been brought on line in Osage County's Ohio-Osage Field, with Sand Hills Exploration as the operator.
Located three miles west of New Prue, the well is designated as the No. 1 Sand Hills.
It pumped oil at the rate of eight barrels per day from the Bartlesville Formation.
The well bottomed at 2,384 feet.
Section 27-township 21-range 9-se-se.
Members of the Ponca City Jaycees will be collecting toys again this year at their annual Christmas party Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. The toys will be donated to the Salvation Army children's toy campaign.
A new perk for donors includes a free meal in exchange for the toy, says Jaycee John Williams. Citizens who plan to bring toys are also invited to make reservations in advance and attend the Jaycee's turkey and fixin's Christmas Party dinner.
Citizens who want to contribute, but not eat are requested to take gift-wrapped toys to the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street between 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday. The toys will then be delivered to the Salvation Army, who will distribute them to needy children for the holidays.
The Jaycee Christmas Dinner is offered to all those who have made reservations and want to bring toys, but reservations in advance are necessary. Call Williams at 765-9719 to make the reservation.
Some of the information in The News on Dec. 9 concerning the public comment at the Ponca City Board of Education meeting was wrong. Tammy Stewart, Ponca City, spoke during public comment concerning the treatment of her senior son. The information should have read that her son was not placed on any roster (varsity, junior varsity or sophomore), and was the only senior this happened to. If the students were not on any roster they were to practice with Coach Orr and the sophomores. Her son had been practicing with the junior varsity and varsity teams before moved.
Rebecca St. James will be presenting her "Christmas" concert at 7 p.m. Friday at the Hutchins Auditorium, North Fifth Street and East Overbrook Avenue, in Ponca City.
St. James, known as a contemporary Christian artist, won her first Grammy nomination in 1997 for the Best Rock Gospel Album of the Year and was nominated 1997 Female Vocalist of the Year by DOVE. She will be accompanied by a band as well as a string section for her concert Friday.
Tickets are $11 at the door or $9 in advance by calling (800) 324-8488.
DEATHS
Benjamin Waters Sr., longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday evening, Dec. 9, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 87.
A prayer service will be held today and Friday at 7 p.m. at the Ponca Indian Nazarene Church at White Eagle. The traditional Indian feast will be held at noon Saturday, followed by a service at 2 p.m. at the Ponca Indian Nazarene Church with the Rev. Louis Headman, officiating. Burial will be in the Ponca Indian Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friends and relatives may visit at the church, where Mr. Waters will lie in state.
Benjamin Waters Sr. was born Sept. 19, 1910, in White Eagle, the son of Frank Dehaven and Martha (Cries For Ribs) Waters. He received his education at the Chilocco Indian School and Pawnee Indian School. During World War II he worked in the California ship yards.
When he returned to Ponca City, he was employed with Continental Oil Co., as a welder, retiring in 1972, after 28 years of service. In earlier years he had won various trophies for bowling and golf and was also involved in rodeo. Waters was a past member of the Ponca Tribal Council and a present member of the Ponca Indian Nazarene Church. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed following the Dallas Cowboys football team. He also enjoyed attending church and spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include six children, Billy George of Edmond, Elizabeth Sharon Waters of Oklahoma City, and Deanna Ruth Rhodd, Deloyce Waters, Ben Waters Jr. and Mary Primeaux, all of Ponca City; twin half-sisters; 36 grandchildren; 62 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna (Cerre) Waters; two sons, Johnny and Charlie Waters; one daughter, Rena Waters; three infant children; his parents; one grandson; and two sisters, Helen Ruth Overland and Augustine Elk Little Warrior.
Casket bearers will be Earl Howe III, Jay Isham, Kenneth Blueback, Darrell Rhodd, Mark Buffalohead and Charles Waters. Honorary bearers will be Damon Waters, Derek Waters, Ray Rhodd, Mike Decorah, Thomas Rhodd and Craig Primeaux.
BLACKWELL - William S. "Bill" Dawson, Blackwell resident, died Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 9, 1997, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 82.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. The Rev. Robert Johnson of the Tabernacle church and the Rev. Dan Kennedy of the Wesleyan Church will officiate. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Friday at the Woodland Hills Cemetery in Cleveland, Okla.
William S. "Bill" Dawson was born Dec. 11, 1914, in Lawrence, Okla., to Isaac Franklin and Ida Bell (Towler) Dawson. He grew up and attended rural schools in the Lawrence/Ada area. He then moved to Cleveland, Okla., with his parents.
He was married to Lucille Potts on Sept. 20, 1934, in Cleveland, where they made their home. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater, receiving the Purple Heart. Following his discharge he returned to Cleveland. In 1950, the family moved to Blackwell, where Dawson began employment as a furnace man with Blackwell Zinc Co. He also served as an auxiliary with the Blackwell Police Department, then became active on the force in 1956. After his retirement as Police Department Captain in 1976, he was employed by the Mobile Villa Co., of Wellington, Kan. and delivered recreational vehicles all across the U.S. He and his wife enjoyed camping and traveled south in the wintertime for more than 20 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post, Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police, Blackwell FOP and various camping clubs.
Survivors include his wife, Lucille Dawson of Blackwell; one daughter, Bonnie Magers of Blackwell; one son, Harold Dawson of Springtown, Texas; one sister, Tinnie Stach of Longview, Texas; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Kenneth Dawson; three sisters; and three brothers.
Casket bearers will be J.D. Duncan, George Morgan, Aaron Morgan, Jack Jeffries, Jack Bookout, and Leon Tarrant.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Dawson's name to Blackwell FOP, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
LAMONT - George Lewis Moore, longtime Lamont area resident, died at St. Mary's Mercy Hospital in Enid, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1997. He was 81.
The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Lamont First Christian Church with the Rev. Ruth Tipps officiating. Burial will be in the Lamont Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
George Lewis Moore was born Dec. 15, 1915, in Spearmore, Okla., the son of Stephen O. and Sara Mertie (Lewis) Moore. He grew up and attended schools at Towanda, Kan. After high school he served 15 months in a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs) in Minnesota. He returned to Oklahoma in 1936.
On Jan. 14, 1939, he was married to Dorothy Maxine Marston, and the couple made their home in Lamont. Moore farmed and was a welder in the Lamont area until his retirement. He was a member of the Lamont First Christian Church, where he served as elder and deacon. Moore was a past master of the Tonkawa Masonic Lodge and a past patron of the Order of Eastern Star. His hobbies included gardening and woodworking.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Dorothy, of the home; one daughter, Georgianna Adams of Ponca City; one son David L. Moore of Tonkawa; one brother Stephen O. Moore of Enid; one sister, Lois Tate of El Dorado, Kan.; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James; and one great-great-grandchild.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Moore's name to the Lamont First Christian Church, 120 North Maple Street, Lamont, OK 74643 or to the Lamont Fire Department, 123 North Main Street, Lamont, OK 74643.
PERRY - Doris Heppler, mother of George Heppler of Ponca City, died Wednesday morning, Dec. 10, 1997, at Health South, Doctors Hospital in Coral Gables, Fla. She was 88.
The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Perry First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Steve Smith officiating. Burial will be in Grace Hill Cemetery at Perry under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.
Doris (Lovell) Heppler was born April 5, 1909, in Hogerman, N.M., the daughter of Ira and Minnie (Gordon) Lovell. She was married to Ignatz Heppler on Feb. 14, 1931, in Enid. Mrs. Heppler was a school teacher and cook for 19 years. She was a member of the Perry First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include one son, George Heppler of Ponca City; three daughters, Nancy Tucker of Niskayvna, N.Y., Gloria Jordan of Poway, Calif., and Ina Ball of Coral Gables, Fla.; one sister, Fannie Powell of Cat Spring, Texas; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents; one daughter, one granddaughter, three brothers, and four sisters.
BLACKWELL - Harry Sanford Hackworth, former Blackwell resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1997 in Lawton. He was 86.
The funeral will be held graveside at the Blackwell Cemetery at 1 p.m. Saturday with the Rev. Rowland Briggs, Immanuel Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.
Harry Sanford Hackworth was born April 2, 1911, in Nickerson, Kan., to Charles Eugene and Harriet Elizabeth (Lee) Hackworth. He grew up and attended schools in Big Bow, Kan., then graduated from Ulysses (Kan.) High School in 1929. He then worked on farms and as a pipe layer for Tom Jones Oil Co.
He married Elsie Mae Duncan on March 18, 1942, in Harrisonville, Ark., and they made their first home in Birmingham, Ala. They moved to Washington state in 1946, then to Blackwell in 1948. Hackworth was employed at Turvey Packing Co., until that plant closed, then worked for Speed King until his retirement in 1975. The couple moved to Lawton in 1992 to live near a daughter. Hackworth was a member of the Blackwell Immanuel Baptist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Evelyn Farmer of Welda, Kan., and Linda Osborne of Lawton; one son, Carl Hackworth of Noel, Mo.; one sister, Hallie June Jones of Tonkawa; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife on Nov. 4, 1994; one son, Harry Lee Hackworth; his parents; seven brothers, Wayne, Clyde, Earl, Cecil, Lloyd, Wesley and Raymond; and one sister, Ellen Hackworth.
Earlee Cornelia Fry, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday evening, Dec. 9, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 94.
A Rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. today at Grace Memorial Chapel. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father John Michalicka serving as celebrant. Burial will be at the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.
Earlee Cornelia Fry was born Dec. 6, 1903, at Marland, the daughter of Joseph Michael and Molly (Vardenman) Tearney.
She was married to Ralph Fry on May 7, 1923, in Perry and the couple made their home in Texas and in St. Elmo, Ill. After Mr. Fry's death in June 1962, Mrs. Fry moved to Ponca City. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. In earlier years, she enjoyed church work, crafts, leather work, canning, sewing and china painting.
Survivors include one daughter, Bonnie Fry of Ponca City; and one sister, Nellie Collins of Oklahoma City. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, William Tearney and Henry Tearney; and two sisters, Louise Bishop and Mammie Bishop.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 421 South Seventh Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Dolores E. Thomas, Ponca City resident, died Monday, Dec. 8, 1997, at her home. She was 67.
The funeral is set for 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Trout Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Jack Adams, New Creation Church, officiating. Burial will follow at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery.
Dolores E. (Pedder) Thomas was born March 25, 1930, in North Huntingdon Township, Pa., the daughter of Ernest and Erna (Saupe) Peddler. She attended school in North Huntingdon Township.
She was married to Ralph A. Webster Jr. On July 14, 1948, in Oakland, Va., and the couple later moved to Oberlin, Ohio. Ms. Thomas moved to Ponca City in 1982 and worked at the Red Barn and the Ponca City Country Club. She also volunteered at the Twice is Good Thrift Shop. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and collectibles.
She is survived by five sons, Ralph A. Webster III and Kevin H. Webster, both of Ponca City, Timothy D. Webster of Austin, Texas, Thomas R. Webster of Marco Island, Fla., and Ed M. Webster of Marco Island, Fla.; two brothers, Henry Pedder of North Versailles, Pa., and Alfred Pedder of Marionville, Pa.; three sisters, Audrey Bartus of Irwin, Pa., Yvonne Duvall of Greensburg, Pa., and Martha Woods of Herminie, Pa.; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by one daughter; her parents; three brothers and four sisters.
BOSWELL, Okla. - Joseph Aubrey Chandler, father of Patrick Chandler of Ponca City, died Thursday, Dec. 4, 1997, at Durant, Okla. He was 76.
The funeral was held on Dec. 9, at the Boswell First Baptist Church with the Rev. Rick Austin and the Rev. Dean Young, officiating. Burial was in the Chandler Family Cemetery at Boswell. Miller and Miller Funeral Home, Boswell, was in charge of arrangements.
Joseph Aubrey Chandler was born Sept. 29, 1921, in Boswell, the son of James S. and Hattie M. (Young) Chandler. He was married to Eva Tarver on Jan. 4, 1941, in Boswell. The couple moved to Bakersfield, Calif. in 1945, where Chandler began employment in the oil business. They moved to various states for 29 years with his career. In 1971, the family moved back to Oklahoma and he and his wife established their present home in Boswell in 1974, where Chandler ranched until his death.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Eva Chandler of the home; three sons, Ronald L. of Bakersfield, Calif., Joe of Boswell, and Patrick of Ponca City; three brothers, Roy and Carl, both of Boswell, and Woody of Hugo; four sisters, Dorothy Sons and Irene Easterwood, both of Boswell, Mary Sue Clements of Hahire, Ga., and Lanell Riggs of Pampa, Texas; 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, JoAnn Osborne, and his parents.
Allan W. Muchmore, Ponca City News editor and publisher, died in Oklahoma City early this morning, Dec. 11, 1997. He was 82. Local survivors include a son, Tom Muchmore. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. The family will be at No. 2 Hillcrest.
Mary Carey Ward, former Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Dec. 11, 1997, in Oklahoma City. She was 75. Survivors include a daughter, Vicki Boecker of Oklahoma City. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Friday
Irene D. Waters - Traditional Indian feast at noon with funeral
at 2 p.m. at Ponca Indian Baptist Church at White Eagle. Burial will be
in Ponca Indian Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca
City.
NEWS BRIEFS
Membership Drive - The Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police is sponsoring its booster membership drive. Representatives will be calling area residents for funds to assist the Association's ongoing law enforcement and community projects including the a children's essay contest. The drug and alcohol abuse essay contest is for eighth grade students. For more information call 1-800-557-1454, ext. 340.
Ranch Drive Dinner - A Christmas Dinner will be served Saturday at the Ranch Drive Fire Station including turkey and ham and covered dishes. The fund raiser is for the Ranch Drive Fire Department. Tickets are $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for children. Everyone is welcome.
Warrant Arrest - Police arrested a 21-year-old man at 6:29 a.m. Wednesday from the 800 block of South Sixth Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Vandalism - At 7:39 a.m. Wednesday a security guard at Ponca City High School reported vandalism to the guard shack. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - An 18-year-old man was arrested at 7:56 a.m. Wednesday from the 1300 block of North Pine Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Loose Fox - Police received a report at 8:28 a.m. Wednesday of a fox running loose at East Central Avenue and South Third Street.
Warrant Arrest - A 26-year-old woman was arrested at 8:58 a.m. Wednesday from the 500 block of Virginia Avenue on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Break-In - At 9:07 a.m. Wednesday Magnum Mini Storage, 4013 Santa Fe, reported 15 units had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Gas Drive-Off - Conoco, 3315 North Fourteenth Street, reported a gas drive-off at 9:56 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned.
Stolen Bike - A man reported to police at 10:16 a.m. Wednesday that his bike was stolen from South Oak Street and West Central Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Burglary - A man in the 2600 block of North Fifth Street reported to police at 10:35 a.m. Wednesday that his vehicle had been burglarized and a stereo stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Burglary - At 11:07 a.m. Wednesday another man in the 2600 block of North Fifth Street also reported that his vehicle was burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - A 24-year-old man was arrested at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Purse Stolen - At 1:41 p.m. Wednesday police received a report from a woman that claimed her purse had been stolen from the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. An officer was assigned a report was taken.
Reckless Driving - Police were advised at 2:08 p.m. Wednesday that the driver of a pickup truck was "doing donuts" around the animal control center at 2501 East Central Avenue.
Suspicious Activity - The Communications Center received a 911 call at 3:11 p.m. Wednesday that a possible robbery and assault in the 200 block of North Pine Street had occurred. Information was logged on a suspicious vehicle and a request for an extra patrol was made.
Illegal Dumping - A clerk at Triple T, 1300 block of West Highland Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:25 p.m. Wednesday that someone had been dumping trash in the dumpster. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Accident - The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 4:03 p.m. Wednesday that an accident had occurred in the 100 block of South Second Street. An officer was assigned and a 40-year-old man was held for driving under suspension. A report was taken.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue at 4:14 p.m. Wednesday that a 47-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Subject Held - A business in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 5:07 p.m. Wednesday stating that a wanted subject was inside. Two officers were assigned and a 24-year-old female was held on a city warrant.
Threats - A woman from the 2500 block of Bluestem was at the Ponca City Police Department at 6:04 p.m. Wednesday to report that threats were made to her son. An officer took a report.
Item Missing - A man at a business in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:48 p.m. Wednesday that a subject had taken an antenna from his truck. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.
Subjects Held - Two teen-agers were at the Ponca City Police Department at 9:20 p.m. Wednesday to see an officer. An officer assigned took a report and held a 15-year-old male and a 16-year-old for first degree burglary.
Injury Accident - A two-vehicle accident in the west-bound lane on the new river bridge of U.S. 60 was reported to the Communications Center at 1:54 a.m. Thursday. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified and three units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded. One subject was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries and the Osage County Department of Transportation was notified that the bridge was slick.
Windows Broken - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:23 a.m. Thursday that two windows had been broken out of the guard shack on the Po-Hi student parking lot. A report was taken.
Subjects Held - The Communications Center received a 911 call at 5:41 a.m. Thursday that subjects were breaking into vehicles in the area of the 400 block of South Peachtree. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and located the identified subjects at the intersection of West Central Avenue and South Birch Street. A 22-year-old man and a 20-year-old man were held for auto burglary.
Auto Burglary - A 911 call was received by the Communications
Center at 5:42 a.m. Thursday from a resident in the 900 block of North Oak
Street that his vehicle had been broken into. An officer of the Ponca City
Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.
SPORTS
Ponca City's Wildcat wrestlers will battle in one of their most important duals of the season here tonight and will be shorthanded again.
The Wildcats host Edmond Memorial in the home dual opener, starting at 7 p.m. in Robson Fieldhouse.
The winner will be a big step up toward winning a berth in the Dual State Championships in February.
However, the Wildcats will likely be without two starters, 103-pounder Patrick Costello and 145-pounder Darren Smith, as they go against the Bulldogs.
State champion Matt Dodgen also missed practice Wednesday due to illness, but is expected to wrestle tonight.
The Cats have no one to cover the 103-pound weight, but coach Pat Young will weigh in freshman Matt Littleton at 145.
Young said he will also have a double weigh-in at 171 with both Jay Bentley and Toby Redleaf ready to go there.
The Wildcats are fresh off a 57-9 drubbing at the hands of Broken Arrow, which is ranked No. 2 in Class 6A in the state and 15th nationally.
"I still think we can compete with Edmond," coach Young said. "This (the rash of illness) just makes it a little harder."
Following tonight's dual, which starts with three JV matches before the varsity clash, the Wildcats are set to enter the Tulsa Union tournament Friday and Saturday.
9th Grade Red Boys
Ponca City 66, Ark City 34
Ponca City's ninth grade Red cagers ended the first segment of their season with a perfect 6-0 mark after blitzing Ark City 66-34 Monday here.
The Red Cougars blew past Ark City 22-8 in the first quarter, led 35-19 at halftime and held the visitors to single digit scoring in the third and fourth quarters.
Tim Frick and Billy Broughton each threw in 14 points and Billy Struble hit for 11 to top the Ponca City win.
John Able added 9 points, Thad Cardwell had 5, James Anno 4, Jacob Biby 3, Anthony Dewberry 2, Jared Beshears 2 and Casey Badley 2. Also playing were Josh Pitts and Mark Martin.
"The kids played a real good game," coach Brad Parent said. "Defense has been our strong point all season and was again in this game."
The Reds are now off until Jan. 6 when they play Enid Waller here.
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9th Grade Blue Boys
Ponca City 46, Enid Longfellow 43
Learning their lessons in a 41-38 loss to Enid Longfellow last week, the Ponca City ninth grade Blue basketball team canned their free throws Tuesday to beat the same Longfellow team 46-43.
"These kids learned how you win," coach Steve Larimer said after watching his team hit 8-of-11 free throws to spell the difference in the game.
"Both teams had 16 two's and two three's," Larimer said of the shooting from the field. "The difference was the free throw shooting.
The Blues had managed just 3-of-13 charity shots in the first meeting.
Kris Upchurch and Matt Bond each had 14 points to pace the Blue Cougars. Travis Delaney had 8 points while Mark Parsons, Matt Myers, Michael Henderson, Josh Kirkpatrick and Jack Barden each had 2. Also playing were Matt Crane, Andrew Kana, Squire Lawrence and Josh Shatte.
The Blues, now 2-5, will return to action Jan. 6 against Enid Waller.