Wednesday

Barbara Ann Wilson Thompson — A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Billings. Burial will follow in

Red Rock Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.

Hubbard Road will close to both directions of through traffic just west of Waverly Street beginning Tuesday, Jan. 9, for approximately six months during a bridge construction project. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has contracted with Bridgeco Construction of Wellston to replace two structurally deficient bridges spanning Bois D’Arc and Kildare Creeks on Hubbard Road, 3/10 of a mile west of Waverly. The $1.5 million project will raise the elevation of the bridges and roadway approaches about three feet to reduce the likelihood of roadway flooding. During construction, Hubbard Road traffic will be detoured around the work site using S Street, Highland Avenue, and Waverly Street.

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Latest Splash Pad Completed

February 13, 2018

By STEVE DYE
News Staff Writer

Lions, tigers, and bears?

No.

Snails, turtles, and frogs?

Yes!

It’s a few cold months shy of swimming wear weather, but Ponca City’s latest splash pad at Attucks Park has been completed.

Parks and Recreation Director Eric Newell showed pictures of the completed play facility at Monday night’s Board of Commissioners meeting at City Hall.

Commissioners unanimously approved a final payment of $20,490 to Benchmark Enterprises LLC for the project. The Attucks Park splash pad’s final total bill was $148,490. The City contributed $94,019 derived from the hotel/motel tax fund with the remaining $54,471 coming from a Community Development Block Grant secured by Grants Administrator Rhonda Skrapke and staff.

“With this, we now pretty much have splash pads all across town now, and that’s great for our community and kids,” said Mayor Homer Nicholson.

READ MORE…..

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Annual Salad Luncheon Held

February 13, 2018

The First Lutheran Women’s Guild held their 24th annual Valentine Salad Luncheon last Friday. The entire congregation gets involved. Tables are set up and decorated in the Fellowship Hall and the Church Narthex. Their popular chicken salad casseroles are prepared for baking. And, early Friday, the casseroles are baked, donated salads are received; and, more volunteers gather add the finishing touches and serve the guests.

This year, approximately 115 salads were donated and volunteers served 260 people. The event was coordinated by Kathryn Ferguson who says “Proceeds from the luncheons have been used primarily to maintain the church kitchen and Fellowship Hall. The Women’s Guild also supports local charities such as Domestic Violence, Friendship Feast, South Avenue Mission, Hospice and others.”

And, may I offer a special thank you to church member Della Rain who helps me while

I put it all together. I’ve been attending these luncheons for many years and they are always a joy to go to and their popular baked chicken salad is a stand-out along with all the other wonderful salads which I’ll be giving you just a small sampling in today’s column.

READ MORE…..

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Accident Hurts One

February 13, 2018

An injury accident was reported at 6:06 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12 on US 77 just south of Canteen Road, approximately 1.2 miles south of Newkirk.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol report, Michael Wolf, 37, Newkirk, was driving a 1993 Ford Ranger northbound on US 77 and departed the roadway to the right. The vehicle overcorrected and departed the roadway to the left. The vehicle then went into a broadslide and rolled approximately one time before coming to rest on its wheels. The driver was ejected an unknown distance from the vehicle.

Wolf was transported by Newkirk EMS to Ponca City then air lifted to OU Medical Center. He was admitted in stable condition with leg injuries.

The OHP lists the cause of the collision as inattention and the condition of the driver as sleepy. Seatbelts were equipped and not in use.

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Luttrell Will Run For State Representative

February 11, 2018

Former State Rep. Ken Luttrell has announced he intends to seek the District 17 House of Representatives seat as a Republican. Luttrell previously held the post as a Democrat. He said he changed his affiliation earlier to vote in the sheriff election.

“When Nancy Rathbun decided to withdraw from the representative post, I decided to enter the primary against Rep. Steve Vaughan,” said Luttrell.

READ MORE…..

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Arts and Humanities Council Plans Concert

February 11, 2018

Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council is excited to host Matt Stansberry and The Romance in concert at the Poncan Theatre on Friday, Feb. 23. The show will start at 8 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m.

The event is free to attend.

READ MORE…..

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New Advocate Sworn In

February 11, 2018

NEWKIRK — On Jan. 25, 2018, the Honorable Judge Bandy swore in Samantha Moran as a CASA volunteers, a court-appointed special advocate for abused and neglected children.

READ MORE…..

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Duo Baldo Sets Performance

February 11, 2018

Violinist Brad Repp and pianist/actor Aldo Gentileschi combine virtuosic musicianship, theatrical humor and pop culture in a critically-acclaimed performance at The Poncan Theatre on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. For more information on memberships, check www.PCConcertSeries.org or call 580-304-5261.

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Grants Available for Organizations

February 11, 2018

Grant funds are available to non-profit organizations through the United Way of Ponca City Manering Endowment, designated gifts program.

The Endowment welcomes proposals from any nonprofit organization in Ponca City with an IRS tax-exempt status and a policy of nondiscrimination.

The Endowment will consider funding for special projects and innovative programs focusing on Education, Financial Stability and Health and Safety. These three focus areas are critical to improving lives in the community, they are the building blocks for a better life. An
endowment committee made up of UW board members and community volunteers manage the funds. Anyone can designate a gift to this endowment fund to help support local non-profit organizations.

The chances of a proposal being funded are substantially increased if the project meets one of the following criterion:

• Proposes practical solutions to community problems.
• Promotes volunteer participation and/or citizen involvement in the community.
• Could not be accomplished with other sources of support.
• Is responsive to changing or emerging community needs.
• Exhibits likelihood of future funding, unless a one time capital need.
• Promotes cooperation among non-profit agencies without duplicating efforts.
• Addresses prevention as well as assistance for a problem.

Applications will be available Monday, Feb. 12 at the United Way office, 205 N. Second Street and on their website at www.unitedwayponcacity.org. For more information, call 580-765-2476.

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Club Monarch Support Group For Kids at Hospice of NCO

February 11, 2018

Hospice of North Central Oklahoma is pleased to announce a monthly support group for elementary children who have experienced a loss or those who are facing a loss.

Club Monarch will meet on Monday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon at Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview.

This will include light pizza, snacks and an art activity designed to help children process their feelings. Club Monarch is an open group to any child in the community who has experienced a loss is welcomed to attend at no cost. “Children are often overlooked during a loss, due to the way they process their grief,” states Cathy Denning Social Worker at Hospice of North Central Oklahoma. “Children will often play and go about their lives keeping busy so that they do not have to think of the loss. Children may also avoid talking to their parents about their feelings due to not wanting to make Mom or Dad sad. This may cause the adults in the child’s life to believe the child is not that upset and coping with the loss.

However, it is at night and/or during down times, the feelings of sadness caused by the loss will often surface. These feelings can cause a child to “act out” or appear “moody” as they search for a means of expressing their grief. Activities of Club Monarch will give children a chance to express their thoughts and feelings in a healthy way.”

“Hospice of North Central Oklahoma is committed to providing services for the bereaved children that we serve, as well as those in the community” states Marta Sullivan CEO. For more information about Club Monarch contact Cathy Denning, Social Worker at Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 580-762-9102.

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District Warrant List

February 11, 2018

NEWKIRK — Law enforcement encourages persons with outstanding warrants to contact the proper officials and resolve the matter.

The following subjects are listed on the Oklahoma District Court Network as having active warrants in Kay County.

April Dawn Miller, 39, Ponca City, larceny of merchandise from a retailer; Jacquelyn Marie Overton, 42, Shidler, traffic warrant; Hugo Jose Aguilar, 43, Ponca City, knowingly concealing stolen property and driving under the influence; Donald Wayne Garmon, 58, Blackwell, possession of firearm after conviction during probation; Jessie James Jett, 53, Glenpool, possession of controlled substance in presence of a minor and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia; Manuel Ortiz Sosa, 61, Ponca City, driving under the influence second offense; Jimmy Carroll Rankin, Sr., 63, Ellsworth, Kan., eluding police; Sheila Rae Crump, 37, Ponca City, child neglect; Christopher Michael Alexander, 30, Ponca City, second degree burglary; Mark Allen Gatz II, 41, Newkirk, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia; Roger M. Ervin, 46, Cleveland, Ohio, use of stolen debit card; Marvin L. Allen, 53, Oklahoma City, possession of controlled substance; Robert Joseph Dwyer, 39, Braman, aggravated DUI; Raufeill Tyewain Carnes, 33, Ponca City, domestic assault and battery; Ryan Lee Hoggard, 33, Tulsa, battery assault and battery on a police officer; David Jerry Scott, 50, Ponca City, knowingly concealing stolen property; Oscar Javier Milla-Archaga, 38, Ponca City, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; Victor Dykes, 49, Ponca City, stalking, after two or more felony convictions; Yancy Brian Wilson, 46, Ponca City, falsely personate another to create liability; Shane Robert Hardy, 45, Ponca City, child abuse by injury; Antonio Hernandez, 29, Ponca City, make, sell, possess, or display false identification card; Derrick Valentino Manzanares, 29, Ponca City, make, sell, possess, or display false identification card; Aaron Wayne Liberton, 41, Ponca City, omit to provide for a minor child; Sydney Wayne Sweet, 34, Ponca City, driving under the influence, second and subsequent offense; Michael David Holland, 47, Ponca City, possession of methamphetamine; Christopher L. Montgomery, 42, Comanchee, Texas, malicious injury to property over $1,000; Ann Rochelle Rohn, 54, Ponca City, embezzlement; Steven Majid Hamidi, 40, New Braunfels, Texas, unauthorized use of vehicle; Job Martinez-Moreno, 31, Ponca City, indecent exposure and solicitation for prostitution; John Carl Watson, 58, Robinson, Texas, possession of firearms after conviction or during probation; Guy Lee Thomas, Jr., 30, Ponca City; assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; Ramon O. Calderon-Rolon, 49, Columbus, Ohio, aggravated assault and battery on a peace officer; Jorge Luis Espinio, 33, Arkansas, City, Kan., furnishing alcoholic beverage to a minor; Deborah K. England, Clearfield, Iowa, obtaining cash and or merchandise by bogus check; Joshua Dean Milligan, 43, Ponca City; second degree burglary; Kenneth David Peloquin, 39, Sulphur, La., defrauding an innkeeper; Georgia Gail Fiarris, 43, cruelty to animals; Ricardo Dukes, Akron, Ohio, obtaining cash or merchandise by bogus check; Norman Wayne Agent Jr., 39, Ponca City, domestic assault and battery by strangulation, and Willson Trenholm Holliday, 48, Cary, North Carolina; possession of marijuana.

Anyone with any information on the location of any of these fugitives is asked to call Ponca City police at 580-767-0370; Kay County Sheriff’s Department, 580-362-2517, Blackwell police,580-363-5490, Newkirk police, 580-362-2414, Tonkawa police at 580-628- 2516, crimestoppers at 580-762-5100, or 911.

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Board To Discuss Surveillance System

February 11, 2018

By KAY BOJORQUEZ
News Education Editor

The Ponca City Board of Education meeting is slated for Monday at 6 p.m. At the meeting the board will discuss regular agenda items including a new surveillance system for the district in the amount of $65,792.

READ MORE…..

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Red Rose Garden Club To Meet

February 11, 2018

The Red Rose Garden Club will meet at Cann Gardens on Monday, Feb. 12 at 1 p.m.

The guest speaker will be Suzie Lenhart. She will be discussing “Monarchs and Milkweed.”

Visitors are welcome.

Hostesses for the meeting will be Bonita James and Barbara Younger.

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DAR Chapter Sets Meeting

February 11, 2018

The Ponca City chapter of the DAR will meet on Friday, Feb. 16 at 12:45 p.m. at Marland’s Grand Home. The guest speaker will be Vandelia Graham.

Hosteses this month are Sue Allen, Marvis Soucek and Betty Schwanke.

Graham will be speaking about the spirit of the American Doughboy, a sculpture by E.M. Visquesney, in front of the VA Hospital in Muskogee.

The Doughboy, now on the National Historical Register, sits atop a five granite stone pedestal dedicated to the Five Civilized Tribes.

The spirit of the American Doughboy was a popular monument after the end of WWI and Oklahoma has two of them. The other Doughboy is in Henryetta. The statue was dedicated in 1924 in honor of Joseph Oklahombi, one of the original 19 Choctaw Code Talkers. The Spirit
of the American Doughboy is the subject of a project by the Reverend John Robinson Chapter, NSDAR in Tulsa, to restore, repair, clean and rededicate it to all soldiers of the WWI on this approaching 100th Anniversary of the end of WWI.

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Democratic Party Sets Meeting

February 11, 2018

The Kay County Democratic Party will be having a meeting on Feb. 15, 2018 in the Seminar Room at Pioneer Tech in Ponca City at 7 p.m. This meeting will be a strategic planning meeting. Democrats in Kay County are invited to attend and participate in planning for futures event in the 2018 Election Cycle. We will also be talking about advocacy opportunities in the 2018 Legislative Session as well as communicating with elected officials. Come with your ideas and a willingness to join with other Democrats in Kay County and across the county.

READ MORE…..

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Patent Attorney Will Present Information To IENetwork Group

The next meeting of the IENetwork is Tuesday, February 13th at City Central, 5th floor meeting room – 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in Ponca City. William Hall, Patent Attorney with McAfee & Taft from Oklahoma City will be presenting information on protecting personal and company intellectual property and how to avoid costly mistakes which can lead to even costlier litigation.

READ MORE…..

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Campaign Suspended

February 08, 2018

Nancy Rathbun, who announced her intent in The Ponca City News last year to file as representative for House District 37, said Wednesday that she was suspending her campaign.

In an email sent to her supporters, Rathbun said, “After many hours of personal reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign to serve as representative for House District 37. It has become clear to me that at this time, seeking political office is not in the best interest of my children or myself. I know that you, my supporters, will be understanding and respect my decision to prioritize my family over political ambitions.”

“Thank you to my family, friends, and community who have shown support during this process through your endless love and prayers. I look forward to spending the next few years continuing to focus my time on my children. Someday, I hope to have the possibility of revisiting my dream of serving our great state at the capitol,” she said.

Official candidate filings for the seat will be held April 11-13 in Oklahoma City.

READ MORE…..

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Narcan Will Be Donated

February 07, 2018

NEWKIRK — Kay County Sheriff Steve Kelley said today it is a good deal that the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association is donating Narcan to all sherriff departments in Oklahoma.

OSA annouced Tuesday at the Capitol that they are supplying every Oklahoma sheriff and their deputies with a dosage of NARCAN® (naloxone HCI) Nasal Spray 4mg, the drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

The donation makes Oklahoma one of the only states to outfit county law enforcement with the opioid counteractive agent.

“Nearly 1,000 Oklahomans are killed by prescription drug overdoses every year,” OSA President and Pawnee County Sheriff Mike Waters said. “There are over 1,800 deputies in the state of Oklahoma. It is our hope that this donation from the OSA will permit our sheriffs and deputies to save lives in the event of an overdose by administering the drug in those emergencies.”

READ MORE…..

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City Reviews Cellular Development

February 07, 2018

By STEVE DYE
News Staff Writer

Ponca City’s Board of Commissioners met at length in work session at City Hall on Monday, discussing challenges created by ever-changing technologies.

As detailed in a presentation by City Attorney Mike Vanderburg, that list includes state legislators challenging the rights of local municipalities on behalf of giant nationwide telecom companies.

Cellular giants AT&T, Verizon, and others are engaged in a race to provide customers 5G cell service — and racing to procure legislation through lobbyists that would require a substantial and largely uncompensated involvement of local municipalities.

READ MORE…..

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Street To Be Reconfigured

February 07, 2018

By STEVE DYE
News Staff Writer

Ponca City’s Planning Commission unanimously approved a recommendation that South Avenue be reconfigured from four lanes to three between 1st Street and 13th Street on Monday night at City Hall.

Traffic Engineering Manager Mike Lane presented the proposal as a capstone to already budgeted street improvements for Fiscal Year 2017-18 before outlining a list of street improvement projects planned for FY 2018-19.

The 12-block section of South Avenue had already been slated for reconstruction, with the current dilapidated surface to be milled and overlayed with fresh pavement.

Though noting the initial reaction might be a negative one, Lane explained that research shows traffic flow will be improved by the change – and that effectively increasing the width of traffic lanes will be an immediately noticeable improvement for drivers.

Most traffic lanes are 12 feet wide. South Avenue’s four lanes are each just under 10 feet wide, often making for a tight mirror-to-mirror fit for motorists traveling the corridor.

With the street reconfigured into single lanes traveling east and west divided by a central left turn lane, the width of each lane would increase to 13 feet.

Due to current traffic patterns, Lane said, traffic light stop times would remain unchanged for drivers and delays created by motorists waiting on other vehicles to make left turns would be reduced.

READ MORE…..

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Challenges in Changing Technologies Discussed

February 06, 2018

By STEVE DYE
News Staff Writer

Ponca City’s Board of Commissioners met at length in work session at City Hall on Monday to consider challenges created by ever-changing technologies.

The first order of business, a presentation on the issues involved in incorporating “Distributed Generation” into the City’s electrical distribution system grid was covered in an extensive presentation by General Manager of Electric Utilities Philip Johnston.

City Attorney Mike Vanderburg’s efforts in forestalling state encroachment onto the City’s utility services infrastructure on behalf of nationwide telecom companies will be detailed in tomorrow’s edition of the News.

READ MORE…..

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For Full News Stories Visit The Ponca City News On-Line

Denver V. Gearhart I

Denver V. Gearhart I, peacefully went to meet his Lord and Savior, on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018. He was 99 years of age. He was born Sept. 21, 1918, in Englewood, Kan., the son of James Franklin Gearhart and Jennie Phelps Gearhart. Upon his mother’s passing 28 days later, he was raised by his grandparents, David Franklin Gearhart and Ella Kennedy Gearhart. He moved to Wichita, Kan., when he was a young man to seek his fortune. He lived with his older brothers, Bruce and Galen, for awhile and worked his first job at the Crawford Theater as an usher. He went to American Business College in Wichita and he met the love of his life, Florence Viola Jones. They were married six months later on Nov. 23, 1938. One year later, they had their first child, Denver Vernon Gearhart Jr. and seven years later they had a daughter, Gila Lou Gearhart. He also went to San Jose Bible College in California and while going to school, he made a living for his family as a tree surgeon.

After moving from California back to Kansas, he worked for the post office as a mail carrier in Wichita, Kan., for 38 years.

In 1996, he and Florence moved to Ponca City. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage together. After the passing of Florence, he and Pug Hargraves became good friends and spent much time together playing dominoes and watching “flicks”.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers, Bruce and Galen; three step sisters, Genevieve, Ladeane and Ella Jane and a half sister, Joann. His wife, Florence passed away on Oct. 6, 2005 and his good friend, Pug Hargraves passed away on Feb. 12, 2017.

He is survived by his son, Denver Vernon Gearhart II and wife Janie, of Ponca City; his daughter, Gila Lou Balman and husband Warren Balman, of Rochester, N.Y.; also three grandchildren, Sonya Gearhart Shepherd and her husband Scott, of Ponca City, Denver Gearhart III and his wife Ana, of Everett, Wash. and Steve Gearhart and his wife Justine, of Tulsa; nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

He had a wonderful sense of humor and had quite a repertoire of funny little songs he learned as a boy, which he entertained us with on many occasions. He was a humble servant of the Lord and lived his life as a faithful Christian. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He leaves behind a host of friends and loved ones who will greatly miss him. He served as a deacon of the church for many years and was an active member of Hartford Avenue Church of Christ in Ponca City.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at Trout Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 and from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday. A funeral to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ. He will be laid to rest at 3 p.m. in Resthaven Cemetery in Wichita, Kan. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.

Memorial donations may be provided to the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe St., Ponca City, OK 74601 or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 N. Fairview, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

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Alma Blanche Hutton

The angels came and escorted Alma Blanche Hutton to heaven on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, at the age of 97 years, nine months and nine days.

Alma was born on April 19, 1920, the daughter of Fred and Blanche Keith Bacher. She grew up in Braman, where she attended school. After graduation, she took nurse’s training at Ponca City Hospital, where she received a diploma in nursing. Following graduation she began working at the old Blackwell Hospital. She also worked for a short time at Ponca City Hospital.

She married Harold Raymond Hutton on Dec. 6, 1941, the day before Pearl Harbor was bombed. When Harold was deployed as a medic in the Marines, she began working for Dr. L. H. Becker as a nurse in his clinic. After three years and Harold’s return from the Pacific in World War II, she became a homemaker caring for her family of five children.

When Harold became the owner of Hutton Drug, she worked as the bookkeeper for more than 10 years until they retired from the pharmacy. Following retirement they enjoyed traveling, playing the occasional golf game and playing pitch with their “pitch club.” Her pastime at home was working crossword puzzles and watching game shows, showing her knowledge as she competed with the television contestants. Her real passion in life was spending time with her children and grandchildren, as she had a great love and pride for her family.

She served as president of the Oklahoma Pharmaceutical Association Auxiliary from 1967-68. She was a member of First Christian Church and taught Sunday School in her younger years. She was also a lifetime member of Top of Oklahoma Historical Society and Blackwell Regional Hospital Auxiliary.

She is survived by her five children, Harold Hutton and wife Carol, of Norman, Danny Hutton and wife Glenda, of Bowling Green, Ky., Dennis Hutton and wife Becky, of Blackwell, Eddie Hutton and wife Kathy, of Edmond and Betty Laughlin and husband Larry, of Blackwell; 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents and two sisters, Perdita Ebert and Helen Cooper.

A service is scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 17, at First Christian Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Jeff Koch officiating. Burial will follow in Blackwell Cemetery.

Casket bearers will be Patrick Hutton, Eric Hutton, Aaron Hutton, Nicholas Hutton, Alex Hutton and Henry “Butch” Zaborowski.

A memorial has been established in her honor with Hospice of North Central Oklahoma in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.

On-line condolences can be made at www.robertsandsonfh.com.

paid obituary

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Services Pending

George Helton

George Helton, died Monday, Feb. 12, 2018. He was 83.
Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.

Deborah Ann LaBlue

BLACKWELL — Deborah Ann LaBlue, died Monday afternoon, Feb. 12, 2018, at Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 63.
Arrangements are pending with Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.

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Funerals

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Barbara Ann Wilson Thompson — A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Billings.
Burial will follow in Red Rock Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.

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For More Obituaries Visit

February 13, 2018

Those booked in the Kay County Detention Center include:

Keith Dwayne Alston, 47, Ponca City, was booked in on drug sanction.

Mary Alice Bay, 39, Ponca City, was booked in on drug sanction.

Jessie Devon Bernhardt, 21, Arkansas City, Kan., was arrested at First Council Casino and held for BIA.

Timothy Burgess, 46, Ponca City, was arrested by police at the intersection of Fifth Street and Bradley on domestic abuse and released on $1,500 bond.

Frederick Louis Burley, 44, Blackwell, was arrested by Blackwell police at the intersection of 13 Street and Chrysler on drug charges.

Kendall Sean Byrd, 49, Ponca City, was booked in on weekend committal.

Jose Canales, 18, Omaha, Neb., was arrested by police at 1400 West Grand and held for Nebraska authorities.

Christian Marie Eggers, 21, Ponca City, was booked in and held for Department of Corrections.

Jesse John Ehrlich, 52, Shidler, was booked in on charges of false report of a crime and transfer firearm to inmate.

Cory Michael Elliot, 27, Sand Springs, was booked in from the Tulsa County on a drug charge.

Trequan Deshawn Elston, 20, Pawnee, was booked in on a writ.

Leroy Eugene Englehardt, 50, Tonkawa, was booked in on community service.

Kyler Scott Farris-Freel, 28, was booked in on drug sanction.

Kenneth Fonseca, 24, Ponca City, was booked in on drug sanction.

Skylar Anthony Fullbright, 27, Shawnee, was arrested by a deputy on Interstate 35 on four charges including possession of stolen vehicle.

Anthony Kalven Furr, 28, Ponca City, was arrested by police for carrying a firearm.

Haley Nichole Gaddis, 18, Tonkawa, was arrested by Tonkawa police.

Wrangler James Gee, 21, Ponca City, was arrested by police in the 500 block of Foster for domestic abuse and released on $5,000 bond.

David Shane Hutchison, 37, Blackwell, was arrested by a trooper at the intersection of Sixth Street and Houston and was held for Osage County.

Brandon D. Juarez, 37, Blackwell, was arrested by Blackwell police in the 1000 block of West Oklahoma.

Megan Sue Kindle, 28, Ponca City, was arrested by a deputy on a grand larceny charge.

Kearsten Dawn Kirtley, was booked in on D.A. Sanction.

Rebekah Jeanne Larchey, 36, Ponca City, was booked in on D.A. sanction.

Cornelius Emmanual LeClair, 37, Red Rock, was booked in a conspiracy charge.

Sparks Shannon Leighty, 45, Ponca City, was arrested by police on a lewd molestation charge.

Tristan Carter Linder, 20, was arrested by a trooper at the intersection of Seventh Street and Highway 177 on a possession of stolen property charge.

Jason Neal Lowman, was arrested by police at 731 North Third Street on three charges and was released on $100,000 bond.

Michael Ryan McCleary, 20, Blackwell, was booked in on weekend committal.

Monica Josefina Ochoa, 30, Ponca City, was arrested by 3B Bail Bonds on six warrants and was held on $76,210 bond.

Terrance Neilson Pratt, 27, Ponca City, was booked in on drug sanction.

Joshua Donald Pursley, 26, Ponca City, was arrested at Walmart on drug charges and held on $3,500 bond.

Henryetta Roberta Rhodd, was booked in on D.A. sanction.

Taylor Allen Rogers, 23, Ponca City, was arrested by a deputy in the 6000 block of U.S. 60 on drug charges.

Kimberly Jo Ropp, 53, Blackwell, was arrested in the 2500 block of East Lake on a warrant and held on $10,000 bond.

Derrick Dewayne Ross, 44, Ponca City, was booked in on a Bridgeway hold.

Jose Daniel Sandoval, 27, was arrested by police at the intersection of 14th Street and Parkview on a DUI Charge and released on $2,500 bond.

Anthony Eugene Talton, 36, Tulsa, was booked in from the Osage County jail and held on $2,500 bond.

Tyler Dean Thorpe, 23, Ponca City, was booked in on D.A. Sanction.

Clinton Jay Wesbrook, 33, Arkansas City, Kan. was booked in drug sanction.

Josiah Morrow Youngbull, 24, Ponca City, was arrested by police at the intersection of Emporia and Union on a domestic assault warrant. He was held on $2,000 bond.

The following were booked in from Standing Rock Correction or Yankton Sioux Correction on BIA Holds.

Michael Devin Azure, 26, Fort Yates, North Dakota; Clarence Irvin Belgarde, 50, Belcourt, North Dakota; Kendall Lee Eagle, 26, Cannonball, North Dakota; Keenan Mark Hollow, 18, Fort Yates, North Dakota; Adrian Paul Martinez, 61, Eagle Butte, South Dakota; Vegas Reno Morin, 19, Belcourt, N.D.; Kyle Allen Red Tomahawk, 23, Fort Yates, N.D; Frankie Lane Standing Bear, 21, Fort Yates, N.D.; Christopher Curis Thennis, 34, Waubay, S.D. and Anthony Bennett Whiteman, 30, Fort Yates, N.D.

HUNDREDS OF students from dozens of area high schools took part in Math & Science Day events held last Wednesday on Cowley College’s main campus in Arkansas City. (Photo by Jenna Nichols/Campus Photographer)

ARKANSAS CITY — A total of 125 students took part in the Math & Science Day events held last Wednesday on Cowley College’s main campus in Arkansas City.

Schools in attendance were: Ark City Christian Academy, Ark City High School, Argonia, Chaparral, Deer Creek (OK), Mulvane, Norwich, Oxford, Rose Hill, South Haven, and West Elk.

The format of the competition consisted of the construction of scientific apparatus testing the skills of the creators (in teams of two) and a scholastic competition for those knowledgeable in the scientific fields.

Seven seniors took home first place in the events and were offered a Natural Science tuition scholarship to Cowley College.

Scholastic event winners:

Algebra: Megan Giger, South Haven

Biology: Eian Roach, Mulvane

Chemistry: Taylor Claar, Mulvane

Geometry: Eleana Messenger, Ark City High School

Physical Science: Danielle Taylor, Ark City High School

Apparatus event winners:

CSI:

1st Place: Garrett Bacon & David Moreland, South Haven

2nd Place: Luis Alata & Callen Shimkus, Oxford

3rd Place: Leah Bowlby & Brionna Byers, South Haven

Puzzlefest:

1st: Hannah Holler, Norwich

2nd: Hunter Fitch, Norwich

3rd: Taylor Claar, Mulvane

Write it, Build it:

1st: Hannah Smith & Kendra Ives, Oxford

2nd: Shantelle Martin & Preston Olson, Chaparral

3rd: Daisy Turner & Jamie Manning, Chaparral

Toothpick Bridge:

1st: Spencer DuMontelle, Ark City High School

2nd: Wyatt Biddle & Kael Pappan, Ark City School

3rd: Preston Olson & Jasmine Trickel, Chaparral

Teacher Demo:

1st: Leah Bowlby, South Haven

Critical Thinking:

1st: Caleb Stanley & Eli Eis, Ark City Christian Academy

2nd: Brittney Byers & Cabrie Dvorak, South Haven

3rd: Kayden Wolf & David Moreland, South Haven

ARKANSAS CITY — Steel Magnolias is a beautiful story of love, friendship, and life. Six longtime friends in the small town of Chinquapin, Louisiana fill Truvy’s hair salon with laughter, gossip, and tears. Truvy’s new assistant, Annelle, sociable M’Lynn, and her pretty daughter bride-to-be Shelby, as well as the hysterical bickering Ouiser and Clairee, support each other with love, laughter, and beauty products. As hair is dried, dyed and styled, women’s lives unfold and show the meaning of true friendship.

A classic favorite in the history of Cowley College, directors Cara Kem and John Dylon Rohr with Julian Cornejo as the student director, have found a new twist. This year’s production will be staged in the round, which brings the audience right into the action. The show plays February 15-17 at the Robert Brown Theater at 7:30 p.m. A limited amount of tickets remain on sale and can be purchased at www.cowley.edu/boxoffice, or by calling 620-441-5570.

In the round means the audience sits all around the stage area, raised similar to stadium seating. The Robert Brown Theatre is being turned into a ‘blackbox” allowing all of the seating to be built onto the stage. Audience members will enter the auditorium as usual, and then they’ll make their way onto the stage. There is also a special path and seating for those needing handicap accessibility.

The ensemble cast includes freshmen Unique Wilson, Antoinette Morris, Raeven Blackbull, Cassidy Harriger, and sophomores Jazmynn Burris and Courtney Wallace.

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ARKANSAS CITY — Keith Humphrey, the president and CEO of Jet AirWerks, LLC in Arkansas City, joined Cowley College foundation coordinator Lena Spencer in presenting Cowley College students Mason Koehn and Clayton Lessert with a pair of $1,000 scholarships during their Non-Destructive Testing class last week.

The scholarships came as a surprise to Koehn and Lessert.

“This is amazing. It will help tremendously,” Koehn said.

Koehn, who is from Enid, is majoring in NDT and Applied Tech. Lessert is from Blackwell. The NDT major graduated from Cowley College’s welding program and is in his first year in the NDT program.

“This is a great surprise,” Lessert said.

Jet AirWerks, LLC began operations as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 145 authorized repair station in 2008 in Arkansas City.

In 2011,

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Humphrey didn’t have an opportunity to immediately attend college out of high school, and, instead, spent a decade as a jet engine mechanic in the United States Navy and, since his honorable discharge, has spent the past 30 years working in private sector aviation repair and aftermarket sales, including for General Electric at Strother Field.

“I had a lot of people help me to get started in this line of work,” Humphrey said. “With this scholarship we try to find kids that need help paying for college.”

Humphrey has hired graduates from Cowley College’s Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) program to work

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“At Jet AirWerks we do our best to give back to the community and we believe this scholarship will be beneficial in helping these students finish their education and enter the workforce,” Humphrey said.

Tina Grillot, Cowley College’s associate vice president for business and industry, was thrilled to have Jet AirWerks step forward and make such a huge impact on these students.

“We hear a lot of businesses urging the community to “shop local” and this is an excellent example of local industry “investing local” for students,” Grillot said in thanking Jet AirWerks and Humphrey.

“Scholarships mean more than just money in the bank. It’s a connection to the community, to a prospective employer, an industry contact, and a resource for mentoring and leadership within their program.”

THE WORK “A Citrus New Year” by Jude Tolar, pastel on sanded paper is one of the exhibits at the Juxtapose Art Exhibit at Northern Oklahoma College through March 15.

TONKAWA — “Juxtapose,” featuring the work of Oklahoma artists Janice Mathews-Gordon, Jude Tolar and Jill Webber is currently on view in the Eleanor Hays Art Gallery on the Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa campus, according to gallery director Audrey Schmitz.

A reception with the artists is planned for Thursday, February 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Artist Talks at 6 p.m.

Schmitz curated “Juxtapose” “with a vision of comparing and contrasting Tolar and Webber’s realistic subject matters with the expressive abstractions of Mathews-Gordon.

All three artists demonstrate technical mastery and experimentation with media and reveal a shared celebration of color. Viewers will find the diverse works strategically grouped to create visual experiences capitalizing on related properties of color, shape and composition.”

“Juxtapose” remains in the gallery through March 15. The gallery, located in the Kinzer Performing Arts Center, is open 12 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and during evening and weekend events in the KPAC Auditorium. Admission is free.

A. LLOYD Gelmers displays some of his memorabilia from his time as a volleyball coach at Ponca City High School. This photo was taken in 2009. (News Photo by Rolf Clements)

By DAVID MILLER News Sports EditorSClBIt was with sadness that I learned last week of the passing of longtime Ponca City High School teacher A. Lloyd Gelmers.

I didn’t know Mr. Gelmers well, in fact our association was limited to two or three telephone conversations. But, based on what I have heard others say about the man, I know that in his many years as a Po-Hi math teacher he impacted many, many young lives.

How I became acquainted with A. Lloyd Gelmers was through his additional role of having been a boys volleyball coach at Po-Hi.

I had written a column about the state champion sports teams that have come from Ponca City High School over the years and in doing so I had stirred up a hornet’s nest of comments.

The list I put forth did not include the many state championships won by the Wildcat boys volleyball team, which just happened to be coached by Mr. Gelmers.

There was a very good reason for the omission. I worked off a list of state championship teams provided by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, which was all fine and good, but the OSSAA list included sports that are currently sanctioned. Boys volleyball ceased to be a sanctioned sport many years ago.

A number of friends very nicely reminded me that Ponca City was a hotbed of volleyball back in the day. Out of their prompting came a column about A. Lloyd Gelmers that first appeared Dec. 30, 2009.

In Mr. Gelmers’ memory, that column is reprinted here today.

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There was a glaring omission in my recent column about state championships earned by athletic teams at Ponca City and area high schools. One only has to look up at the championship banners hanging in Robson Field House to become aware of the extent of the omission. A study of those banners reveals that there are 10, that’s right 10, banners honoring titles won by Po-Hi boys volleyball teams.

The list of winners used in the recent column came from information in the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association archives, but included only those sports that are currently sanctioned by the Association. Boys volle y b a l l ceased to be a competitive sports category in the OSSAA in the 1980s.

According to the Robson banners, Ponca City could boast of having the state champion boys volleyball team in 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1983 and 1985.

After a little digging into the story of obvious Wildcat domination in the sport, all leads pointed in one direction, to A. Lloyd Gelmers, who was the one and only head boys volleyball coach at Po-Hi.

Gelmers is now retired. Perhaps what he is best known for is his skill in teaching math. He was a mathematics teacher at Ponca City High School from 1951 to 1993. He won a number of awards for his

MR. A. LLOYD Gelmers shown here driving a tractor on his farm. This photo came from the 1964 Cat Tale.

The way he tells it, his involvement in volleyball coaching was just a matter of circumstances.

“We had been playing volleyball (at Po-Hi) with home rooms competing against one another,” he said. “We had what we called the World Series of Volleyball each year.”

“Earl Sullins, who was the athletic director at the time, came to me and said ‘Why don’t we get a group of guys who have been playing and go play other schools?’”, Gelmers remembered. “So we went out to Western Oklahoma, Burlington, I think it was, and played a game there. We didn’t win, they called it pretty loose and we were used to a little different rules.

“After that it was decided we would practice a little bit and at the beginning of the second semester that year we started practicing,” he said. The first year Ponca City fielded a boys volleyball team was in 1968. The first state championship came a year later.

Steve McKay, who served as Ponca City girls volleyball coach for 27 years, was a member of that first state championship team.

“I can name the members of that team,” McKay said. “The team included outside hitter Carl Peterson,” he said. “Then we had 6-foot-9 Pat Froreich, Rodney Christie, Jim Gary, Steve McKay and Dick Coates,” he recalled.

McKay and Gary were the setters, while the others were outside hitters. Coates was an especially gifted athlete that went on to play football at Oklahoma State University.

Another player who played in 1968, but missed most of the 1969 season due to injury was Byron Sudberry, McKay recalls.

While the Robson banners would indicate the first championship was in 1970, McKay disagrees.

“They didn’t hang a banner for us,” he said. “But the first championship was in 1969. I have the trophy to prove it.

“We defeated Wynona, which had won the title 11 years in a row before that year,” he added.

After college, McKay came back to Ponca to teach and in the process helped Gelmers coach boys volleyball, before eventually being named the girls coach. McKay was unsure whether there might not be yet another state championship in the mix.

“The last year we played and beat Jenks, but I’m not sure whether that qualified as a state championship,” he said.

Remembering the early years of Ponca City’s run, McKay said there were around 300 teams that competed in the sport.

“Most were smaller schools. Only Ponca City, Jenks and Norman among larger schools had teams. The state didn’t classify in volleyball and the smaller schools began dropping out. At the end there were just two or three teams left playing,” McKay said.

Gelmers said that Title IX mandates partly were responsible

BESIDES COACHING volleyball and teaching mathematics, Mr. A. Lloyd Gelmers found time for other sponsorship duties at Po-Hi. This photo from the 1964 Cat Tale shows that he was the sponsor for the Chess Club at the High School. In the photo, from left, are officers of the Chess Club that year, Bill Morris, vice president; Richard Nearing, president; Clinton Cooper, secretary; Danny Riley, sergeant-at-arms and Mr. Gelmers.

“School districts were looking for ways to equalize the number of sports in which girls and boys could compete,” he said.

“There is wrestling, in which only boys compete. Volleyball only for girls helps even that out,” he said.

Looking back on his coaching experience, Gelmers noted that most of his volleyball players were also his math students.

“Once I figured up how fit they were scholastically,” he said. “They had a 3.59 grade point average as a team. They were easy to coach. You didn’t have to holler at them.”

Both Gelmers and McKay mentioned a team that made a trip to California to participate in the national tournament.

“Since we had won the state championships, one team raised money and went to California,” Gelmers said.

“We won two and lost two in pool play. Then we went to Pauley Pavilion (on the UCLA campus) to watch the finals. That was the one major trip we took.”

McKay, who was an assistant at the time, said that the team that went to California was the best high school volleyball team he has seen.

“In my opinion, we had two or three of the best players in the nation,” McKay said.

Duane Osborne was one of the players on the team and he went on to play at Ohio State and from there into coaching.

Another standout was Dennis Connely, McKay remembered.

“Osborne had a very high vertical jumping ability,” McKay said. “He was the best jumper I’ve seen in 30 years of volleyball. Connely was short, but he could jump.”

McKay, who served as an assistant to the end of the boys’ program, said that he had a men’s team that travelled around to various locations for games.

“One time our men’s team played (the team that went to the nationals) at half-time of a basketball game. I won’t say they won, but we didn’t beat them. They had to call the game because we were taking up too much time. They held their own with a group of men that had 10-years’ experience,” he said.

Gelmers is a 1947 graduate of Po-Hi even though his parents lived in Newkirk and his older siblings attended Newkirk schools.

“They sent me to Ponca City from ninth through 12th grades,” he recounted. “I started out at East Junior High and then finished at Ponca City High.”

After college, Gelmers applied for a job in Ponca City and after interviewing with Supt. J. Win Payne and Principal Homer Anderson, was hired.

“Mr. Anderson was encouraging, but Dr. Payne told me that Ponca City prided itself in hiring teachers with experience, and how difficult it was for an inexperienced teacher to be hired,” Gelmers remembered.

“But later, I got a call from Mr. Anderson telling me I had been hired.”

That was 1951, and for the next 42 years Gelmers taught Ponca City young people about mathematics.

And from 1968 to 1986, he taught winning volleyball to quite a few Wildcat athletes.

TONKAWA — The Tonkawa Alumni Association is requesting nominations for the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award. The recipients will be honored during Homecoming weekend.

The award has been given since 2006 to outstanding THS graduates whose personal lives, professional achievements and contributions to society exemplify the standards of excellence promoted throughout their education at Tonkawa High School.

Nominations will be accepted until May 1, 2018. Forms can be obtained from the Alumni Website at www.tonkawa.k12.ok.us or contact Melinda Glasgow at 580-628-2897 or any Alumni Board member for information.

PONCA CITY’s Steve Broome and granddaughter Cassidy Broome purchased “Feel the Heat” VIP tickets and flew to Cape Canaveral, Florida to watch the first test flight of the Spacex Falcon Heavy rocket.

CAPE CANAVERAL — SpaceX’s big new rocket blasted off last week on its first test flight, aiming for an endless road trip past Mars.

The Falcon Heavy rose from the same launch pad used by NASA nearly 50 years ago to send men to the moon. With liftoff, the Heavy became the most powerful rocket in use today, doubling the liftoff punch of its closest competitor.

For SpaceX, the private rocket company run by Elon Musk, it was a mostly triumphant test of a new, larger rocket designed to hoist supersize satellites as well as equipment to the moon, Mars or other far-flung points.

For two Ponca Citians, it was a day they won’t soon forget.

On Monday, February 5, Steve Broome and granddaughter Cassidy Broome purchased “Feel the Heat” VIP tickets and flew to Cape Canaveral, Florida to watch the first test flight of the Spacex Falcon Heavy rocket.

The Broomes received passes to the VIP viewing area located at the Saturn Five visitor complex, which was otherwise closed to the public.

Steve and Cassidy were treated to a buffet lunch underneath the largest rocket in the world — a display of an actual Saturn Five rocket. Food and drink was followed by moving to the bleacher viewing area, where they listened to Bill Nigh the Science Guy and other guest NASA speakers. Steve and Cassidy also saw Buzz Aldrin, who flew the Apollo 11 moon rocket which was the first to land on the moon.

As time for the Falcon Heavy liftoff approached Cassidy and Steve were nervous because the original launch time of 1:30 p.m. was delayed until 3:45 p.m., which was just 15 minutes before the deadline for launching. The Poncans knew that if the launch was scrubbed on Tuesday that one final chance for a launch would be the following day at the same time.

Experienced rocket watchers assured them that the launch would surely be scrubbed.

As NASA announced “T minus 30 seconds” the crowd erupted into loud applause and screaming hoping that something epic was about to happen.

At liftoff the huge rocket rose slowly and began to pick up speed.

“Cassidy was breathless along with everyone else as the power and noise buffeted the crowd,” Steve says.

At approximately two minutes after launch something happened that has never happened before. The two outside boosters detached from the center booster, flipped around and fired three of their nine Merlin engines and headed back to the landing site which was about four miles away. After a short burst they coasted for a while and when they approached the dense atmosphere they fired three

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Each burn was clearly visible from the ground and the crowd cheered each time. Finally, a short landing burn began with just one engine and both boosters slowly landed on their landing pads side by side.

“Only a few seconds before touchdown we were shook by twin sonic booms which beat the roar of their landing engines by a few seconds,” Steve says. “There are some great YouTube videos but they can’t do justice to the noise and excitement of watching in person.”

The Broomes were surprised by the diversity of the crowd.

“I asked about 20 people where they came from to watch the launch. I became accustomed to saying “I am from Oklahoma. Where are you from?” Only three people I talked to were from Florida,” Steve says. “Everyone else was from other states or China and two were from England. It was truly an international event attended by an international audience.”

For the test flight, a red sports car made by another of Musk’s companies, Tesla, was the unusual cargo, enclosed in protective covering for the launch. Musk’s rocketing Roadster is shooting for a solar orbit that will reach all the way to Mars.

The three boosters and 27 engines roared to life at Kennedy Space Center, as thousands watched from surrounding beaches, bridges and roads, jamming the highways in scenes unmatched since NASA’s last space shuttle flight. At SpaceX Mission Control in Southern California, employees screamed, whistled and raised pumped fists into the air as the launch commentators called off each milestone.

All 3,000 “Feel the Heat” ticket holders were given commemorative Spacex Falcon Heavy hats and a champagne glass plus an “I was Here” poster. Immediately after landing all adults were treated to free champagne.

The talk soon turned to the unique cargo of the Falcon Heavy rocket. Since all new rockets do not carry a satellite on their first flight because they might blow up, Elon Musk decided to put his personal cherry red Tesla sports car on top of the rocket along with concrete blocks to simulate a cargo.

“We witnessed what will surely be the only car ever launched into space,” Steve says. “You can’t make this stuff up.”

As two of hundreds of thousands that watched the launch in person, the Broomes were treated to an unforgettable experience.

“All in all we had a wonderful trip and would not trade it in for the world,” Steve says. “A huge rocket launch, two boosters landing, two sonic booms and a sports car in space was almost too much to take.”

A FUNDRAISER for the Ponca City Humane Society and Animals of Kay County will be held at the Ponca City Country Club on February 24. The theme is “Bark and Wine with your Valentine” featuring a dinner of “SPAYgetti and No Balls.”

Greeting card holidays aside, nothing expresses love on the daily like the companionship of animals.

Sadly, not all companion animals enjoy the health and warmth of a good home.

“Bark and Wine with your Valentine” is a fundraiser supporting Animals of Kay County and the Ponca City Humane Society.

The event will be held at the Ponca City Country Club on Saturday, February 24, hosted by Suzanne and Fred Boettcher with a theme of “breaking the silence on animal overpopulation.

Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m., with a “SPAYgetti and No Balls” dinner to be served at 7 p.m.

Dinner and dance tickets can be purchased for a $100 donation at the Ponca City Humane Society at 900 West Prospect Avenue.

The Humane Society is a no-kill shelter serving the Ponca City area.

For each ticket sold the Humane Society will be able to spay/neuter one pet or provide full vaccines and a heartworm check for one animal

DINNER, DANCING, and knowing your contribution brought comfort to an unloved animal — that’s a bargain.

Financial donations collected from supporters help the shelter continue to operate in every way. Donation funds are used — and needed — to feed, spay/neuter, and vaccinate the animals coming into the shelter, as well as keep them warm and safe with proper housing and facility upkeep.

Pet, kennel, and business sponsorships are available as other ways to contribute to the Humane Society’s efforts.

Every donation directly benefits the continuation of the shelter and the saving of animals in the community.

“Being a private, non-profit organization, these fundraisers are so beneficial in helping people know their donation and their support helps us to continue helping animals in need and finding good homes for homeless pets,” said Humane Society Executive Director Patricia Amadour. “We hope everyone can enjoy a nice night at the Country Club while also providing us with much needed support.”

For more information call 580-767-8877.

Brenda Jean Peterson

Brenda Jean Peterson, age 62, resident of Blackwell, passed away Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, in Oklahoma City.

A memorial will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at First United Methodist Church, 524 W. Coolidge, Blackwell, Pam Cottrill will officiate.

Brenda was born on Nov. 15, 1955, the daughter of Albert and Cleo Seward in Ralston. She worked as a cashier at Walmart and TG&Y and as a cook at Shawn Manor Nursing Home.

She loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, it was her greatest joy. She also enjoyed going to garage sales, thrift store shopping and loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Shalanda Soliz and husband Marty, of Ponca City; five grandkids, Breana, Billy II, Harley, Trevor and Makinze Cassady, all of Blackwell; two great-grandkids, Taliah and Billy Cassady, of Blackwell; one brother, Donnie Seward and wife Julie, of Ponca City; one sister, Linda Pendergraft, of Ponca City and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Crystal Cassady; three sisters, Bonnie Fields, Wanda Cotham and Violet Higgins and three brothers, Johnnie Seward, Bobby Seward and Miles Seward.

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