LOCAL

Missing Bixby Woman Has Ponca City Roots
Nearly News
Local Group in Millennium Celebration Entertainment
Kansas Man Dies in Kay County Crash

Missing Bixby Woman Has Ponca City Roots

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Larry Griffin is doing everything you would expect the father of a missing daughter to do: He’s pulling out all the stops.

Griffin, father of Laci Griffin Hill, 25, of Bixby, who has been missing since Thursday evening, called employer Brad Parker of Ponca City this morning and told him he had hired two private detectives. Parker, owner of Parker Pest Control, reported Griffin also said that the FBI had finally entered the search after he contacted Sen. Don Nickles about his missing daughter.

A $10,000 reward has been posted by the Ponca City family for information about the whereabouts of Laci, who grew up and attended school in the city.

“I’ve known Laci since was a little girl,” said Parker, a guest at the wedding when she and Ron Hill were married in August,1995, at First Baptist Church in Ponca City.

“She was a real polite, sweet little girl. She was considerate and kind,” Parker added.

Another Parker employee, Ray Whiting, said, “My son Jason and Eric Knittel ran around with Laci. They went to kindergarten, McCord School, then to junior high school and graduated from Ponca City High School together.”

The Griffin family was unavailable for comment.

Whiting said that Knittel had gone to Pryor Sunday to hand out and post flyers everywhere in hopes of someone recognizing Laci and having information concerning her location.

Ponca City Police Chief Raymond Ham said he was aware of the disappearance of Mrs. Hill, but had not been contacted by Bixby law enforcement. Ham has been kept apprised of the situation by his granddaughter who lives in Tulsa and is a friend of Laci’s.

Another Ponca City friend of the family, who asked to remain anonymus, related she had been talking to sources in Tulsa who knew Laci. According to her, they said they felt sure Mrs. Hill had been abducted.

A Pryor store surveillance camera videotaped taped an image of a woman using one of Hill’s credit cards sometime after she disappeared.

Ron Hill, manager of a retail store in Bixby, had come home for a break and was supposed to have dinner with his wife about 5:30 p.m.

According to the Tulsa source, the dinner was cooking, but Laci was not home. He called the Bixby police about 8:45 p.m., to report she was missing.

Mrs. Hill often worked out and had talked to a friend earlier in the day saying couldn’t exercise that day because she had someone coming to look at a pool table they had for sale.

According to sources, Laci’s automobile was still parked in the driveway Thursday night and her cell phone and clothes were still in the house.

Nearly News

The 10 additional prizes for the Community Wide Holiday Giveaway will be announced Friday. The Ponca City Chamber of Commerce office will be releasing the winning numbers to the media. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 765-4400.

Local Group in Millennium Celebration Entertainment

Included in the scheduled entertainment for the Ponca City Millennium Celebration on New Year’s Eve Day are The Legends, Country Mile and Zen Okies. Entrance to all entertainment and activities is available with the purchase of a $5 Millennium Button. Children age five and under are free. Buttons can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce, all local banks, and Marland Mansion, and will be available the day of the celebration at the Millennium Information & Sales Center, located at Fifth and Grand.

The Legends

Bob Westmoreland, along with Jack Sherbon and Norm Brown, will be “swinging into the next millennium” with the familiar sounds of Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, and Benny Goodman. With the newer electronic techniques, The Legends are able to play big band swing music with only three musicians.

Bob Westmoreland has worked with or appeared with Liberace, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, Carl Sandburg, Polly Bergen and Stan Kenton. Band member Jack Sherbon has appeared with Glen Campbell, Patsy Cline, Boots Randolph, Charlie Pride, Johnnie Lee Wills, Roy Clark, Chet Atkins and Danny Davis. Drummer Norm Brown has worked with Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Bob Wills, Wayne Newton, Lawrence Welk, Duke Ellington, Louie Prima and Keely Smith. Their outstanding ability and broad experience has given them the capability to perform virtually any style of music said a spokesperson.

The Legends will be performing at Grand Central Station from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31. There will also be a Swing Dance Contest during this time with prizes awarded. If you would like to participate, please be there at 5 p.m. to enter, or you may pick up an entry form at the Chamber of Commerce office beforehand.

Country Mile

Country Mile was founded in 1992 by current members Larry Brake, percussion; Wayne Janda, lead and rhythm guitar; Mike Murray, vocalist; and Bill Wetzel, bass guitar and vocalist. Steve Young, lead and rhythm guitar; joined the band in 1995, and Jeremy Stillwell, keyboard; joined in 1999.

Since 1992, the band has played for audiences and events in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Country Mile performs a variety of music, including traditional and contemporary country, southern rock, rock classics and original music. In 1996, the band recorded a CD of original music in Nashville, Tenn.

The band has gained a reputation for high energy live performances with an aim to involve the audience. Country Mile has opened for national recording artist Radney Foster and performed at a fund raiser for Gov. Frank Keating as well as performing at local Iris Festivals, Oktoberfests, Kawfests and Chili Cook-Off Dances.

Country Mile will be performing 9-11:30 p.m. on the lower level of the Commercial Federal Building on New Year’s Eve.

Zen Okies

Zen Okies are equally at home playing acoustic instruments in intimate settings or blasting out high decibel blues rock on concert stages. The band plays 100 dates a year in Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas. A typical set list will reveal songs from the “Kings,” Stevie Ray Vaughn, Robert Johnson, Eric Clapton, and original compositions.

Members of the group include Jim Suter, lead guitarist; Steve Fields, lead singer and drummer; and Steve Keen, electric bass guitar and backup vocalist. They have performed with Tom Skinner, Beverly Mays, Jimmy La Fave, The Great Divide, Bob Childers, Scott Keaton, and Red Dirt Rangers.

The Zen Okies are currently on the road in support of their new self-titled CD. They will be performing for the Millennium Celebration at Grand Central Station 8-11 p.m. Dec. 31.

Kansas Man Dies in Kay County Crash

A Wichita, Kan., man died early today in a one-vehicle accident on Interstate 35 in Kay County, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said.

The patrol said Kenneth L. Spurgeon, 42, died about 3:30 a.m. when he apparently fell asleep and his van ran off the road, struck a bridge embankment and overpass before coming to rest against a guardrail on the other side of the highway.

Spurgeon was not wearing a seat belt.

The patrol said Tuburcia Solis, 18, of De Queen, Ark., died early Sunday when the pickup truck in which he was riding left U.S. 70 near Broken Bow and hit a tree near a home. Seat belts were not in use.

The patrol said Marlin R. Caddo, 45, died Saturday night on U.S. 62 in Comanche County when his bicycle was hit by a car. The patrol said Caddo was riding in the inside lane of the four-lane highway when the accident occurred.

DEATHS

Eda Maye Smith
Floyd C. Crook
Donald Marion Beavers
Odessa Ann Tucker
Neva Weber
Mary L. Brigham
Addie Marie Harris
Jack R. Osborn
Jerald Dewain Gregg

Eda Maye Smith

Eda Maye Smith, Ponca City resident, died Dec. 24, 1999, in Oklahoma City after a long illness. She was 74.

Mrs. Smith was born Aug. 2, 1925, in Platte City, Mo. She was a resident of Ponca City since March 1953.

The family will plan a celebration of life in the spring, but there will be no immediate services. Local arrangements are through Trout Funeral Home.

Eda Smith was a registered nurse before devoting herself to raising her family. Her favorite pastime was playing bingo with her friends.

Survivors include a daughter, Beverly Bryant, Oklahoma City; two brothers, brothers, Jean Deal, Camden Point, Mo., and John A. Deal, Kerney, Mo.; a sister, Shirley Shugert, Grand Haven, Mich.; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Bill, in Aug. 1976, and her son, Bob, in November 1997.

Floyd C. Crook

TONKAWA — Floyd C. Crook, resident of Tonkawa, died Saturday morning, Dec. 25, 1999, at the Willow Haven Nursing Home, Tonkawa. He was 71.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1999, at the Assembly of God Church in Tonkawa with Rev. Ray Paschen, presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home of Tonkawa.

Floyd C. Crook was born Jan. 31, 1928, at Aline, Okla., the son of Roy Crook and Mable (Lockhart) Crook.

He is survived by one sister, Imogene Cross of Tonkawa; and one brother, Aaron Wilson, Tonkawa; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two children; two brothers and four sisters.

Donald Marion Beavers

Donald Marion Beavers, Ponca City resident, died at his home Friday afternoon Dec. 24, 1999. He was 50.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1999, at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Ponca City with the Rev. Cliff Fite officiating. Services are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Don was born Oct. 7, 1949, in Fort Knox, Ky., the son of Marion and Una Marie (Jones) Beavers. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1967 before joining the Army. While in the military, Don received the Soldier of the Month Award several times. After serving three years in the military, he spent two years studying at Tarrant County Junior College before attending the Okmulgee Vo-Tech and later the Pioneer Vo-Tech in Ponca City.

He was a member the Disabled American Veterans, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1201, a past member of the American Legion and a member of the Sunset Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, camping, watching football.

He is survived by his parents, Marion and Una Marie Beavers of Ponca City; one brother, Ronald Kent Beavers Sr. of Port Arthur, Texas, five aunts, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and one sister, Brenda Leigh Beavers in 1972.

The family will be at 1000 Riviera.

Services Pending

Odessa Ann Tucker

Odessa Ann Tucker, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday morning, Dec. 25, 1999, at her home. She was 76. Local survivors include her husband Gershon A. Tucker of the home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1999, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Other arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Neva Weber

Neva Weber, Ponca City resident, died Sunday evening, Dec. 26, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 83. Survivors include her husband, James. Services are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Mary L. Brigham

Mary L. Brigham, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Dec. 25, 1999, at Westminster Village. She was 94. Services are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Obituaries

Addie Marie Harris

Addie Marie Harris, resident of Ponca City, died Saturday afternoon, Dec. 25, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 81 years of age.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1999, at Sunset Baptist Church, 1000 North Ash with Rev. Ron Ledbetter, presiding. Interment will be at the Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Addie Harris was born Dec. 8, 1918, at Chouteau, Okla., the daughter of Anthony Noble Wilson Stolhand and Sarah Elizabeth (Hooker) Stolhand. She attended the Ponca City Public Schools. She was united in marriage to Earl Bert Harris on Oct. 24, 1936, at Ponca City. Mrs. Harris helped with the family farming operation in the Uncas community for several years. The couple also had lived east of Newkirk and at Cedar Vale, Kan. Mrs. Harris worked at one time for Mid American Manufacturing Company and as a secretary for Bird Sheet Metal and Roofing.

She was a member of the Sunset Baptist Church where she was active in the Sunset Saints Choir and in earlier years the Home Missionary Club. She was also a former member of the Kay County Home Extension Club. Her enjoyments included ceramics, gardening, fishing and sewing.

She is survived by one daughter, Barbara Feil, Ponca City; one sister, Viola Palmer, Pawnee, Okla.; five brothers, Paul Stolhand, Gene Stolhand, Dean Stolhand, Fred Stolhand and James Stolhand, all of Ponca City; three granddaughters, Keli Thrash, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Deidre Smith, Antlers, Okla. and Jennifer Merrill, Broken Arrow, Okla.; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, Gus, Lloyd and Zellis and one sister, Marquetta.

Casket bearers will be nephews, Rick Stolhand, Anthony Stolhand, Bill Palmer, Mike Stolhand, David Stolhand and Herman Ware.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601 or to the Sunset Baptist Church, 1000 North Ash, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The family will be at 1616 Dover.

paid obituary

Jack R. Osborn

Jack R. Osborn, lifelong Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Dec. 25, 1999, at his home. He was 65.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1999, at 10 a.m. at Providence Baptist Church, 1301 E. Bradley, with the Rev. Steve Harden, pastor, officiating, assisted by the Rev. Virgil Swift, pastor of Crestview Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Jack was born Aug. 11, 1934, east of Mannford. He was the son of R.B. “Fritz” and Ethel (Gillock) Osborn. He grew up in Bois D’Arc west of Ponca City and attended Ponca City schools. On Sept. 21, 1956, he and the former Evelyn D. Baird were married at Broadway Baptist Church in Ponca City. In the early 1960’s, he purchased a planing mill and began Osborn Planing Mill, which he owned and operated until his death.

Jack was a member of Providence Baptist Church (formerly Southside Baptist Church) and was a past member of the Carpenter’s Local Union. His life was characterized by integrity, in his work, moral and family ethics. His highest priorities were his children and grandchildren. Jack loved the Lord and demonstrated it in his actions more than words.

Jack collected steam engines and enjoyed studying the history of them. He also enjoyed tractor pulls and antiques.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn of the home; two sons, Ted Eberley and his wife, Anne, of Lewisville, Texas, and Casey Jack Ray Osborn II and his wife, Vicki, of Ponca City; two daughters, Sherri Moyer and her husband, Gary, of Ponca City, and Gina Gray and her husband, Brian, of Copper Canyon, Texas. He is also survived by a brother, Bill Osborn and his wife, Billie, of Lawton; a sister, Peggy Huff and her husband, Buster, of Orlando, Okla.; 15 grandchildren: Shane Schieber and his wife, Cathy, of Glencoe, Okla.; Breece Eberley and his wife, Susan, of Norman; Brett Eberley and his wife, Heather Logan, of Oklahoma City; Kerri Eberley and Shelby Eberley both of Lewisville, Texas; and Colter Moyer, Drew Moyer, Mandy Osborn, Romi Osborn, Vanessa Donaldson, Jack Ray Osborn III, Silas Marc Osborn, and Camenda Osborn, all of Ponca City; and Alexis Gray and Spencer Gray both of Copper Canyon, Texas. Also surviving are six great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Ryan Schieber, Aaron, Megan and Jori Eberley, and Blake Logan; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, a daughter, Nancy Patrick, and three brothers, Jimmie Osborn, Eugene Osborn, and C.R. “Dick” Osborn, preceded him in death.

Casket bearers will be Shane Schieber, Breece Eberley, Brett Eberley, Colter Moyer, Dirk Seabridge, and Johnny Thornburgh. Honorary bearers will be the members of the Men’s Sunday School Class.

Contributions may be made in his memory to Baptist Children’s Home, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, Okla. 73112.

paid obituary

Jerald Dewain Gregg

Jerald Dewain Gregg, resident of Ponca City, died Saturday morning, Dec. 25, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 64 years of age.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1999, at Grace Memorial Chapel with Mr. Dick Robinson, presiding. Interment will be at the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Jerald Dewain Gregg was born Sept. 15, 1935, in Ponca City, the son of George Hayden Gregg and Gladys Emily (Williams) Gregg. He attended school in Ponca City, graduating from Ponca City High School in 1954. He had received various awards for his football and track achievements. He was then drafted into the United States Army, serving a tour of duty in Korea. He served with the Military Police, receiving a honorable discharge in 1957. He then returned to Ponca City and attended Northern Oklahoma College of Tonkawa and worked for Humpty-Dumpty and later Monger Auto Supply.

He was united in marriage to Carol Ann Steckman on Aug. 4, 1958, at Newkirk.

In 1961 he began employment with General Electric at Strother Field in the parts department and was promoted to Field Service Representative. He also worked as an instructor in Saudi-Arabia for 2 1/2 years and later sent to Seattle, Washington for 7 1/2 years. He returned to Strother Field and was medically retired in January of 1991 with 30 1/2 years of service. He then completed 500 hours of volunteer service with St. Joseph Medical Center. His enjoyments included calling bingo at the Moose Lodge and the Pythian Hall. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, the American Legion and the Knights of Pythias Lodge. Jerald was a person that loved to make people laugh and had many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann, of the home; two daughters, Tressa Lynn Winters and husband, David, Ponca City, Christina Stansbery and husband, Keith, also of Ponca City; two sons, Gary Gregg and wife, Dee Dee and Jeff Gregg and wife, Kim, all of Ponca City; six grandchildren, Travis Montgomery, Zackery Stansbery, Jeremy Gregg, Sarah Gregg, Nathan Gregg and Ashley Gregg; two sisters, Mrs. Adolph (Pat) Mollet, Jr., Ponca City, and Carolyn Fee, Newkirk; he is also survived by several nieces and nephews and his mother-in-law, Opal Crumley of Ponca City. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Delbert Gregg.

Casket bearers will be Steve Parr, Harold Cavett, Frank Koster, Leroy Albers, Michael Powers and Warren Adler. Honorary casket bearers will be Jerry Connelly, Bob Saltre, Wilbur Kirkbride, Danny Marchesoni, Bruce Pappan and members of the Moose Lodge.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 3545 Northwest 58th Street, Suite 400C, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73112 or Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The family will be at 313 South 7th in Ponca City.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Luncheon Date — It’ll be the last time for 1999 for ex-employees of Sequoia and Cities Service to gather on Tuesday when they meet for lunch at Furr’s Cafeteria at 11:30 a.m., so be sure to join the others for a final 1999 fling.

For rent: Beautiful condo overlooking the bay, in Ixtapa, Mexico. 1 week or 2 weeks. Jan. 25th to Feb. 5th and/or Feb. 5th to 12th. Very reasonable. For information call 580-762-5319. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at Cityview and Kelly Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:13 p.m. Saturday. Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified and Osage County Sheriff’s Office were on the scene at the time of the call.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Cart Found — A man reported a golf cart in the ditch at the Paladin Apartments, 2100 block of North Union street, at 2:08 p.m. Sunday. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded and found it to be one belonging to Opportunity Center and it was recovered. A report on a burglary of the Opportunity Center garage was taken.

Assault — A woman from the 1000 block of North Waverly Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:12 p.m. that she had been assaulted earlier in the day. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Injury Accident — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol requested assistance from the Ponca City rescue units at a two-vehicle accident 17 miles south on U.S. 177 near the entrance of OG&E at 7:22 p.m. Saturday. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded, but five individuals signed refusal forms for injury situations.

For rent: Gorgeous condo in Sebring, Florida. Sits between 2 golf courses. 1 week, March 11th to 18th, 2000. Lowest rent ever. Call 580-762-5319. adv.

Tree Smoldering — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance from the Ponca City Fire Department at 9:42 p.m. Saturday when a tree was found smoldering behind a residence in the 900 block of North First Street. Two Ponca City Fire Department units responded as did a crew from Water and Light Department to handle the situation.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received several 911 calls at 11:31 p.m. Saturday that a grass fire was burning an eighth of a mile north of Marland on Oklahoma 156. The Marland Volunteer Fire Department responded to handle the situation.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of West Highland Avenue and North Elm Street at 12:39 p.m. Sunday that a 24-year-old man was being held on two city warrants and one Kay County warrant.

Hit and Run — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 8:08 a.m. Sunday that a hit and run accident had occurred at the intersection of North Union Street and Hubbard Road, with a stop sign being knocked down. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of West Grand Avenue at 11:32 p.m. Saturday that an 18-year-old man was being held for fighting in public.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Pine Street and West Grand Avenue at 11:40 p.m. Saturday that a 29-year-old man was being held for DUI, transporting an open container, having an expired tag and a city warrant for failure to pay.

Burglary — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 3:02 a.m. Sunday that a window of the back of a building at PC Sports, 205 East Grand Avenue had been broke. A report on burglary of the store was taken.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T, 1301 West Highland Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:28 p.m. Sunday that someone had driven off without paying for $20.04 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 1:16 p.m. Sunday that a grass fire was burning in the 4000 block of south U.S. 177. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene.

Subject Injured — An employee at the emergency room of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:22 p.m. Sunday that a man was there being treated for head injuries. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on an assault with a deadly weapon.

Bicycle Stolen — A woman from the 400 block of South Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4 p.m. Sunday that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

Accident — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 5:14 p.m. Sunday that an accident had occurred at the intersection of North Ash Street and Riviera Drive. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Items Missing — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 6 p.m. Sunday from a person in the 300 block of East Park Avenue that someone had broken into the residence and stole Beanie Babies. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Citation Issued — A woman from the 700 block of North Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:23 p.m. Sunday that she had been chased by a dog. An officer was assigned and a citation was issued.

Subject Held — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:32 a.m. Monday from a clerk at Sav-A-Trip, 207 East Highland Avenue that a man had taken two 30-packs of beer without paying. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned, located beer in the 700 block of North Fourth Street and took into custody a 19-year-old man for petit larceny and public intoxication.

Burglary — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 5:44 a.m. Monday that a burglary had occurred in the 500 block of East Hazel. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

LIFESTYLES

Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter Slates Jan. 11 Meeting
Edwin Wiles Attends Conference in Thailand
Little News

Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter Slates Jan. 11 Meeting

Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Dec. 14 at the home of Pam Sober, with 17 members present.

A brief business meeting was conducted by Juni Parks, vice president, and included the Opening Ritual, roll call, reading of the minutes and the treasurer’s report.

Margaret Price reported on the Couple’s Christmas Social held Dec. 3. Members and spouses met for the Christmas Parade, followed by a trip to the Golden Corral. Sue Waggerman reported on the chapter donation to The Mission, and their Thank You card was read.

The next meeting will be Jan. 11 at the home of Lynda Voss. Refreshments brought by the members were shared. Pam Sober read a Christmas Story as the members exchanged Christmas ornaments, and Secret Sister gifts were distributed.

Edwin Wiles Attends Conference in Thailand

Former Ponca Citian, Edwin M. Wiles, was one of three librarians from the state of Oklahoma to serve as delegates to the 65th International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Conference in Bangkok, Thailand recently.

Approximately 2,250 delegates from 117 countries were in attendance. The conference theme was Libraries as Gateways to an Enlightened World.

The King of Thailand, His Royal Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was the Royal Patron of the conference, which was held as one of the events in celebration of his 72nd birthday on Dec. 5. This was also the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the IFLA organization.

One of the highlights of the conference was the opening ceremony and dinner featuring the daughter of the King, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirinhorn, who is the Royal Patron of the Thai Library Association who hosted the event.

Wiles is a 1966 graduate of Ponca City Senior High School with graduate degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Central State University. He is currently Associate Professor of Library Science and Coordinator of Public Services at the Dulaney-Browne Library at Oklahoma City University, and the Chairman of the Oklahoma Bibliographic Instruction Council.

He is the son of Mrs. Lova Wiles, 705 South Ninth, and the late William M. Wiles.

Little News

Rob and Ticia Stolt of Kennesaw, Ga., announce the birth of twin daughters Dec. 20, 1999, in Kennesaw. Lauren Elizabeth was born at 6:03 p.m., weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces, and measured 20 inches long. Kristina Marie was born at 6:04 p.m., weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces, and was 20 inches long. They have a sister, Julia Nicole Stolt, 30 months old.

Maternal grandparents are Carl and Rosann Perry of Austin, Texas, and paternal grandparents are Bob and Donna Stolt of Ponca City. Great-grandparents are Stan and Irma Stolt of Casper, Wyo., and Flossie Wollam of Powell, Wyo.

SPORTS

Monday Evening Quarterback
Oklahoma, Ole Miss Arrive For Independence Bowl Date

Monday Evening Quarterback

Behind every great man there’s a woman, they say.

Behind every athlete, great or not, there is a woman who devotes much of her life to being a chauffeur, dietitian, coach, trainer and cheerleader.

Such a woman was Judith “Judy” Wilson who died Friday at age 59.

She was the wife of a two-time All-American wrestler, Doug; the sister-in-law of two more Cowboy grapplers, Steve and Olympic champion Shelby; and the mother of three Wildcat wrestlers, two of whom followed in their father’s footsteps as All-Americans at OSU — Eric, Jody and Cory.

Judy Wilson saw more wrestling matches than some coaches and was more knowledgeable about the sport than many.

Judy Fisher had two brothers, Steve and Larry, who wrestled in junior high and high school in Ponca City. So she knew what she was getting into when she married Doug in 1961.

What she may not have known was the profound effect she would have on the wrestling programs at Po-Hi and Oklahoma State.

In the mid-1950s she was matside to watch and support Doug, brothers-in-law Shelby and Steve Wilson and cousin Bob.

Only slightly later she started a lifelong trek to duals and tournaments across the state and country to back her sons.

“Doug and Judy had a wrestling mat put in the basement of their home,” recalls former Po-Hi coach Bob Wilson. “Doug had his boys on the mat by the time they could walk.”

The long hours on that mat paid off in state championships for Eric and Jody in high school and conference and national honors for the pair at OSU.

That was also the start of the long hours for Judy on the road to out-of-the-way gyms, starting with the YMCA program on through college.

Her involvement didn’t stop after the boys graduated from college.

Eric is a wrestling referee, Jody is the junior high coach at Stillwater while Cory is a teacher in Dallas and a coach in the little league programs there.

Judy Wilson also had a profound affect on members of the wrestling fraternity in Ponca City and elsewhere.

She was not just a wrestling mother. She was also a true wrestling fan.

“When Eric and Todd Chesbro were going against each other in ranking matches,” recalls Linda Wilson, wife of Bob, “She was always rooting for Eric, but if Todd won she was one of the first to congratulate him.”

“Parents of wrestlers become very close with all the trips to tournaments and things,” Bob says. “Judy used to live and die on how the other kids on the team did when they were on the mat.”

Judy Wilson was a presence for good in the state wrestling programs.

She will be missed.

Oklahoma, Ole Miss Arrive For Independence Bowl Date

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — Ole Miss defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy isn’t complaining about returning to the Independence Bowl for a second straight year.

Last year Clancy won defensive honors with seven tackles, as Mississippi won 35-18 over Texas Tech.

Ole Miss will need Clancy, a third-team All-American, to have another big game if they want slow Oklahoma’s passing game. The Sooners allowed only 15 sacks all year. And if Sooner quarterback Josh Heupel has time to throw, it could be a long night.

‘‘If you get to him, it’s going to be easy,’’ Clancy said. ‘‘So you’ve got to get to him.’’

It’s part of offensive tackle Jay Smith’s job to protect Heupel.

Smith hasn’t played in the postseason with the Sooners since the 1994 Copper Bowl, but the sixth-year senior has to step up. He’s the only Sooner on the team with bowl experience.

‘‘We went to a bowl game my first year and it looked like we were on the rise,’’ Smith said. ‘‘And we did just the exact opposite. We went downhill. And I’ve been home every Christmas. It’s been a change and now we’re back on the cycle of winning football games.’’

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops has already seen the benefits of recruiting because of the bowl bid and looks forward to preparing for Ole Miss on Friday.

‘‘We’re excited,’’ Stoops said. ‘‘We’re going to have a good week. We’re going to enjoy whatever the bowl offers and get prepared to play.’’

A year ago, the Rebels were grateful to be playing in any bowl game after losing three straight to end the regular season at 6-5.

They also lost coach Tommy Tuberville to Auburn and David Cutcliffe made his head coaching debut as his replacement.

‘‘It’s great to get back again, I know for our players and our staff and our families, to see old friends and be a part of a bowl game that’s run so well,’’ Cutcliffe said. ‘‘We’re awfully proud to be a part of this.’’

Cutcliffe hopes Clancy will threaten the Oklahoma passing game despite an ankle injury.

‘‘He’s a disruptive force for us,’’ Cutcliffe said. ‘‘He hurt his ankle early in the year and it kind of slowed him down. We’re getting him back.’’

Despite the injury in an Oct. 9 game against Tulane, Clancy still led Ole Miss with seven sacks for 39 yards on the season.

The ankle is fine, Clancy said.

‘‘It stings every now and then. But I can play on it. I believe I can play very well on it. I didn’t really have the season I wanted to have. But I’m not going to put the blame on my ankle.’’