From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, January
3, 1996
LOCAL
Man Sentenced To 20 Years In Robbery Case
Police Recover Stolen Pickup Following Tip
County Court Clerk's Office In Blackwell Expands Hours
Four Incumbent County Officers Sworn In Thursday
Traffic 'Lighter Than Expected' At County Assessor's Office
Immunization Clinic For Sixth Graders
Physician Receives Board Certification
Mysteries of Science Set At McCord School Monday
Oil and Gas Report
DEATHS
Paul I. Holcom
George James Kanelakos
Freda H. Reim
Delbert Arthur Maltby
Clara Pagel
Thomasine Gillert
Doyle Wesley Warren
Eva M. Fry
Obituaries
Iris Hocker Whitesell
Funerals
Elizabeth Butler Clark
E.P. Jones
NEWS BRIEFS
RELIGION
Ponca City Churches Have Busy 1996
Epiphany Pageant Planned
Presbyterian Men Schedule Breakfast
Lifesavers for Jesus Coming Soon to St. Paul's UMC
EDUCATION
Area Schools Receive Grants
Union Students Perform in Wichita
Classes Resume
Third Nine Weeks
LIFESTYLES
'Baby' Shower
SPORTS
Getting Clinical
SAVANNAH GRACE CALDWELL was welcomed at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 6:15 a.m. New Year's Day as Ponca City's first baby of 1997. Baby Savannah, pictured here with her mother, Tina Caldwell, weighed in at 7 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 19 3/4 inches long. Rodney Caldwell is Savannah's father. Savannah will be the recipient of a number of prizes as Ponca City's first baby of the year. The prizes will be listed in Sunday's News (News photo by Michael Kennedy)
NEWKIRK - A 19-year-old has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to the Sept. 30 stabbing and robbery of a Ponca City man.
Johnny Little Cook appeared before Associate District Judge Leslie Page on the robbery charge and other unrelated felony charges, including a second-degree burglary charge in connection with an Aug. 10 break-in at a Ponca City restaurant.
In the robbery charge, the 20-year-old victim reportedly drove Cook and a co-defendant to Lake Ponca purportedly to buy marijuana from someone. Instead, the two passengers stabbed the man and took $900 from him, then drove him to St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center and fled in the victim's pickup truck.
A Ponca City police officer stopped the two suspects for speeding on Hartford Avenue, then reportedly matched the vehicle owner's name from his insurance forms in the truck with the name being dispatched on his police radio of a stabbing victim at the hospital.
The officer reportedly searched Cook and found a large wad of money, with blood on it, in Cook's sock. He arrested Cook and a female passenger in the car.
After Cook's guilty plea, Judge Page sentenced him to 20 years with the balance suspended after 10 years pending no further legal problems. Cook also was sentenced to five years, to run concurrently, after his guilty plea for an unrelated burglary case, in which two other men are also charged.
A Ponca City police officer followed a tip which led to the recovery of a stolen pickup Thursday night.
At 10:01 p.m., a Ponca City couple notified the Ponca City Police Department that a 1982 Ford pickup had been stolen. Telecommunication officers notified all police units of the theft.
At 10:52 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of North Ash Street reported a subject in a Ford pickup on the northwest side of True Value, Ash Street and West Grand Avenue, loaded something onto the truck.
Two officers responded and arrested a 28-year-old woman on a Kay County warrant and possession of drug paraphernalia. An officer confirmed the owners were contacted and the truck was released to them.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
BLACKWELL - The Blackwell division of the court clerk's office will expand its hours, effective Monday, because of a "significant increase in case filings" here, particularly traffic citations.
District Judge D.W. Boyd and Court Clerk Glenda Coussens Emerson made the announcement this week that the office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The office was previously closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
They said the new schedule is part of a rearrangement that started 18 months ago to simplify court action for the Blackwell area.
Prior to July 1995, all citations were filed in Newkirk and violators were required to make their court appearances in Newkirk.
With the support of District Attorney John Maddox and Troop K of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, troopers since then have been allowed the option of scheduling violators with county-issued citations to appear at either the Newkirk or the Blackwell court.
Emerson, who originally solicited the arrangement, was pleased with the way it has developed. She said it not only makes access to the court clerk's office more convenient for residents in the area, it also eliminates the need for extra personnel in Newkirk to manage the traffic filings.
Judge Boyd said court in Blackwell will still be held each Friday morning, except on the second Friday of each month, when court is held in the afternoon.
Emerson said staff meetings also will be held in Newkirk on the fourth Friday of each month, so on those Fridays, the Blackwell and Ponca City offices will close at 3 p.m. and the Newkirk office will close at 3:30 p.m.
NEWKIRK - Four incumbent county officers raised their right hands Thursday, sworn in by District Judge D.W. Boyd to new terms in office.
For one officer, County Clerk Pam Goodno, the ceremony marks the start of her first full term. The November election was her first political victory, having been sworn in a year earlier to fill the unexpired term of Mattie Kimbrell. Goodno has served 20 years at the courthouse.
The veteran of county officers this time was Court Clerk Glenda Coussens Emerson, who begins her fourth term at the post. She was first elected as court clerk in 1984, after serving five years as deputy court clerk.
Sworn in for his third term was District Two County Commissioner Wayne Leven, currently distinguished as the senior commissioner on the board, although when first elected in 1989, Leven was the youngest commissioner in county history.
The ceremony also marked Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen's second term as head of his department, continuing his 30-year law enforcement career. Before his election in 1992, Van Hoesen spent four years as county undersheriff, and previously retired as assistant police chief of the Ponca City Police Department with 22 years of service.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - County Assessor Tresa Engle said Thursday was "much lighter than we expected," as the office braced themselves for the beginning of Homestead Exemption season.
Engle said she'd anticipated a crowd, not only because the filing period started for homestead exemptions, but because last November's approval of three state questions changed the rules for property tax assessments.
The new rules include a five percent cap on tax increase per year for all residential, commercial and agricultural property unless title is transferred, changed or conveyed, or property is improved.
The changes also include a special class of "frozen" homestead property, designed to protect retired persons on fixed incomes, Engle said.
To determine where they fit with the new changes, property owners can visit Engle's office in the courthouse. The filing period runs through March 15.
For tax payers' convenience, the assessors office next week also will begin a county-wide meeting schedule on the road to help them file their assessments, beginning with meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday at Tonkawa High School.
Persons who already have a Homestead exemption in place on their property need not file again unless they have changed their deed. Those who still must meet with the assessors are:
* Those filing for a new homestead exemption - these should bring their property description.
* Those filing for a new additional homestead exemption (for those whose income is less than $20,000 a year.)
* Farm machinery owners, agricultural sales tax permit users.
* Persons who have moved a mobile home onto leased land or who have built a structure on leased land.
* Those filing for a valuation freeze on their homestead property. These must be 65 years old and have a verified gross income of less than $25,000.
Homeowners are required by state law to notify the assessor's office if they have moved or are no longer eligible for Homestead exemption.
The assessor's schedule on the road is as follows:
Tonkawa and surrounding area: from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 7-8, at the Tonkawa High School.
Braman and surrounding area: from 9 a.m. to noon, Jan. 9, at the Co-Op elevator.
Blackwell and surrounding area: from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 14-15, at the Blackwell High School.
Kildare and surrounding area: from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Jan. 16, at Kildare School.
Kaw City and surrounding area: from 1 to 3:30 p.m., Jan. 16, at the City Building.
Nardin and surrounding area: from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Jan. 23, at Clyde Co-Op.
For Ponca City and surrounding area: from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 28-30, at Hutchins Memorial.
The Kay County Health Department will be holding a special immunization clinic for sixth grade students to receive their Hepatitis B immunization.
If your child needs their first or second dose, this is an opportunity for them to receive the immunization.
The clinic will be held at St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene at 1715 East Prospect from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9. The location was changed to accommodate more clients.
It is very important that parents bring their child's immunization record.
J. Kent Davidson, MD, recently received board certification from the American Board of Family Practice, Inc., for the period 1996-2003.
After joining the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center's staff earlier this year, Dr. Davidson established his family practice at Ponca Family Medicine. He also has limited office hours at Newkirk Medical Clinic.
Dr. Davidson completed his residency requirements at the University of Oklahoma, Tulsa Campus. He earned his medical degree at the University of Oklahoma in Norman in 1993. In addition, he is a member of the American Medical Association, the Oklahoma State Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Practice.
Born in Sapulpa, Dr. Davidson grew up in Bixby, a small community outside of Tulsa. Dr. Davidson's wife is currently attending Oklahoma State University in Stillwater to complete her teacher certification requirements.
Dr. Davidson is available to see patients at his Ponca City office at Ponca Family Medicine and in Newkirk at the Newkirk Medical Clinic.
The mysteries of science will be explored at McCord Elementary Monday, where ECA Educational Services, in conjunction with the Mr. Wizard Studios, presents "Mr. Wizard's Science in the Home."
New guidelines set by the American Academy for the Advancement of Science ask teachers to use hands-on projects in an effort to improve the science programs in our nation's schools. In keeping with these guidelines, Mr. Wizard Science Assembly Programs demonstrate the science of everyday living using interactive teaching methods.
Don Herbert, better known as "Mr. Wizard" from NBC TV "Watch Mr. Wizard" and Nickelodeon's "Mr. Wizard World," has produced a program to bring this hands-on style of science to Ponca City at 2 p.m. Although Don Herbert himself will be busy exploring new ways to explain science using everyday items, Bill Morgan, his official assistant, will present this fast paced show guaranteed to educate and entertain.
The message of this show is that science is a way of thinking that can lead to understanding. Student volunteers from the audience use learning skills such as observing, predicting, and analyzing to investigate challenges posed during the show. Among other things, students will discover how to push a needle through a balloon, how much gas is in a can of soda, and how to remove the iron from breakfast cereal every morning. In the tradition of the Mr. Wizard television show, the demonstrations in this program illustrate ways items found in supermarkets and around the home can be used to explain everyday living.
A new pool wildcat is scheduled for spudding in northern Kay County with Centrex Operating Co. as the operator. The 4,400-ft. test is designated as the No. 1 Franklin. It is in a lease 2.8 miles north of Peckham and 3.3 miles southwest of Middleton. It will be seeking production in an Arbuckle Formation zone.
Section 2 - township 28n - range 1e-nw-sw.
A pumping oiler has been brought on line in Osage County's Landon Field, 6.3 miles southwest Boulangerville.
It was taken to total depth of 1,595 feet and will produce from the Wayside Sand. It potentialed at five barrels of oil per day.
Lamamco Drilling Co. is the operator.
Section 10 - township 28n - range 9e-se-sw.
Independent operator T.P. Harris Jr. has plugged and abandoned an ill-fated developmental try in the Southwest McCord Field, Osage County. It is designated as the No. 1 Harris. The well probed to a 4,075-ft. bottom with no commercial prospects. Location was 1.6 miles southeast of U.S. Highway 60-Arkansas River bridge.
Section 12 - township 25n - range 2e-c-nw
A 1,700-ft. Burgess Formation test is planned by Eland Energy Co. in Osage County's Avant Field a little over three miles north of Skiatook. It has been designated as the No. 1 Eland.
Section 33-township 23n-range 12e-sw-sw.
Two 1,200-ft. developmental wells are scheduled to be drilled in Noble County's portion of the Orlando Field, 4.5 miles south of Perry. RAF Oil Co. is the operator.
The wells will be known as the Nos. 4 and 5 Bezdicek. They will be aiming for production in the Sams Formation.
Section 20 - township 20n - range 1w-nw-se and ne-se.
First production figures have been posted for a recompleted oiler in the Orlando Field, Noble County' 4.5 miles south of Perry.
Designated as the No. 1 Werner, it pumped 11 barrels of oil per day on an open choke.
Production is from new perforations at 1,055 to 1,061 feet into the hole.
Three Sands Oil Co. is the operator.
Section 20 - township 15n - range 1w-ne-nw.
DEATHS
WICHITA, Kan. - Paul I. Holcom, former Ponca City and Wichita, Kan., resident died Wednesday morning, Jan. 1, 1997, in the Andover Health Care Center, Andover, Kan. He was 81.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the Hillside Christian Church in Wichita, with Dr. William H. McConnell, senior minister, officiating. A private family committal will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery in Ponca City at a later date. Local arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Paul I. Holcom was born Jan. 24, 1915, in Lawrence, Kan., the son of Arthur and Nellie (Pugh) Holcom. He grew up in Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence High School. He attended Kansas University where he played baseball and graduated with a degree in business.
On Aug. 29, 1941, he was married to Deloras Hensley in Wichita. He was employed at Boeing Aircraft from 1939 and retired as production engineering manager in 1977. After retirement he moved to Ponca City where he lived until 1993, when he moved back to Wichita. He was a member of the Hillside Christian Church. Holcom was an outdoorsman and enjoyed playing golf and fishing. He also enjoyed sports.
Survivors include his wife, Deloras, of the home in Wichita; one daughter, Jan Dickey of Elk City, Kan.; one son, Paul M. Holcom of Wichita; five sisters, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Holcom's name to the Louie Holcom Sports Complex, (named in memory of Mr. Holcom's uncle), c/o Lawrence Park and Recreation Department, P.O. Box 708, Lawrence, KS 66044. (Please designate Holcom Sports Complex on donations)
SULPHUR, La. - George James Kanelakos, former Ponca City resident died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1997, at the West Cal-Cam Hospital in Sulphur, La. He was 85.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Clarence Young officiating. Burial will be in the Mimosa Pines Cemetery under the direction of the Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home.
George James Kanelakos was born in 1911, in Ottawa, Canada, and moved to the United States with his parents as a small boy. The family moved to Ponca City about 1916, where Kanelakos grew up and attended schools. He received his citizenship papers at Newkirk in July 1941 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War.
Kanelakos lived in various locations during his military service and 42 years as a supervisor with Cities Service Oil Company. He and his wife Audrey retired in 1975. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Maplewood, La., the National Fishing Lures Collecting Club, and was one of the original Ponca City Bait Carvers Club members.
Survivors include one son, Nick Kanelakos of Sulphur, La.; one daughter, Anne Fontaine of Arnaudeville, La.; two brothers, Sam and Pete, both of Arkansas City; one sister, Sophia Paparonis of Oklahoma City; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey; his parents; and one brother Steve.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Kanelakos' name to the First Baptist Church of Maplewood, c/o Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home, 2051 E. Napoleon Street, Sulphur, La. 70663.
COVINGTON - Freda H. Reim, sister to Carl Durheim of Ponca City, died Wednesday evening, Jan. 1, 1997, at St. Mary's Mercy Hospital in Enid. She was 80.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Covington (Okla.) Christian Church with the Rev. Paul Freeman officiating. Burial will follow in the Covington Cemetery under the direction of Henninger-Allen Funeral Home, Enid.
Freda H. (Durheim) Reim was born May 27, 1916, at Covington, the daughter of Charley A. and Katherine (Metscher) Durheim. She attended St. John's Lutheran School in Covington.
She was married to Oliver J. Reim on March 5, 1938, in Covington, where the couple established their home. Mrs. Reim was employed at the Green Diamond Cafe and Gentry's Variety Store for several years. Mrs. Reim was a homemaker and a member of the Covington Christian Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Mary Kathryn Sansom of Jacksonville, Ark.; three brothers, Carl Durheim of Ponca City and Clarence and Louis Durheim, both of Enid; two sisters, Mildred Bernard of Las Vegas, Nev., and Kathryn Harman of Perry; and numerous nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband on May 8, 1984; an infant son; her parents; and one brother Arthur Durheim.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Reim's name to the Covington Christian Church, c/o Henninger-Allen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 807, Enid, OK 73702.
BLACKWELL - Delbert Arthur Maltby, Blackwell resident, died early Friday morning, Jan. 3, 1997, at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home, Blackwell. He was 78.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Monday in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery, with the Rev. Bill Maxey, chaplain of Blackwell Regional Hospital, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Delbert Arthur Maltby was born Dec. 18, 1918, in Arma, Kan., the son of Arthur and Clara Wilma (Bloomer) Maltby. He grew up in Kansas as a young boy and in 1933, moved to Northern Oklahoma, near Hunnewell, Kan. He then moved to a farm three miles northeast of Blackwell. In 1941 he was employed at the Blackwell cheese plant.
On May 31, 1941, he was married to Darrell Alzine Robinson in Blackwell, where the couple established their home. With the exception of six months in Wichita, the couple lived their entire married lives in Blackwell. In 1942, Maltby began employment at Blackwell Zinc company, then worked at the Wichita Forward Company for 10 years. In 1952 he was again employed at Blackwell Zinc where he worked until 1973. He was a member of the Blackwell IOOF Lodge and the Blackwell First Church of God.
Survivors include two daughters, Wilma Kay Herren and Judith Ann Hurst, both of Blackwell; one son, Robert Arthur Maltby of Winfield, Kan.; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife on May 28, 1995; his parents; one sister, Emma Rinehart; and one grandchild.
Clara Pagel, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday evening, Jan. 1, 1997, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital in Blackwell. She was 82.
The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Ponca City Second Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul Graham, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Grace Hill Cemetery in Perry, under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Clara (George) Pagel was born Feb. 16, 1914, in Marshall, the daughter of William Perry and Lulu Camel (Woodward) George. She attended Potter Country School.
On April 11, 1929, she was married to George Pagel in Perry and the couple established their home on a farm southwest of Ponca City. Mrs. Pagel was a homemaker and a member of the Ponca City Second Baptist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Betty Meyers and Shirley Klinger, both of Ponca City; two grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and three sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Pagel's name to the Second Baptist Church, 1112 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Thomasine Gillert, former Ponca City resident, died early Thursday morning, Jan. 2, 1997, at her home in Owasso. She was 68.
A private family service is set for Saturday at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery, with the Rev. Kent Dorsey, pastor of Ponca City First Christian Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Thomasine (Harris) Gillert was born Oct. 12, 1928, in Ponca City, the daughter of Tom and Lillian (Neff) Harris. She attended Ponca City schools, graduating from Ponca City High School in 1946.
She was married to L.T. "Tom" Gillert on Feb. 7, 1948, in Ponca City. Mrs. Gillert had been employed at Continental Oil Co., as a secretary. She was a member of the First Christian Church and enjoyed collecting antique children's dishes.
Survivors include her husband, Tom, of the home; two daughters, Meredith Olvey of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Marilyn Ross of Owasso; one son, John Gillert of Owasso; and five grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Gillert's name to St. Johns Hospice, 1923 South Utica, Tulsa, OK 74104.
Doyle Wesley Warren, resident of Portland, Ore. and nephew of Velma Falconer and Opal Neal of Ponca City, died Thursday, Dec. 26 , 1996, at his home. He was 58.
No services were to be held and arrangements and cremation were under the direction of Ross Hollywood Chapel in Portland, Ore.
Doyle W. Warren was born Feb. 10, 1938 in Billings, Okla., the son of Albert Lee and Iva (Bozworth) Warren. He attended schools in Tonkawa, Elk City and Weatherford and was a pharmacist by trade.
He and Lenora Mae Sanders were married May 26, 1962. Warren was employed as a pharmacist one time on the Indian Reservation in Poplar, Mont. and later worked in Walla Walla, Wash., and Ainsworth, Wash., before moving to Portland, Ore., in 1970. He had also been employed in the Providence Hospital Pharmacy. He retired in 1993.
He is survived by his wife, Lenora, of the home in Portland, Ore.; one son, Brandon Warren of Athens, Ga.; his mother, Iva Warren of Wewoka; two brothers, Farrell Warren of Lawton, and Earl Warren of Wewoka. He was preceded in death by his father and his parents.
TONKAWA - Eva M. Fry, longtime Tonkawa resident, died Thursday morning, Jan. 2, 1997, in Willow Haven Nursing Home in Tonkawa. She was 92.
The funeral will be held graveside at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Eva (Robinson) Fry was born Sept. 8, 1904, in Southwestern Oklahoma the daughter of Albert H. and Mollie M. (Walker) Robinson. As a child, she moved with her parents to a farm northwest of Tonkawa. She received her early education at Sunnyside Country School and later graduated from University Preparatory School (now Northern Oklahoma College).
On April 11, 1925, she was married to Ivan Fry in Perry and the couple made their home in Tonkawa. Mrs. Fry was a homemaker and engaged in cosmetic sales. She moved to Willow Haven Nursing Home in 1993. She was a member of the Tonkawa First Christian Church.
Survivors include a nephew and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan, on Nov. 26, 1984; her parents; and three brothers, Albert, William and Roy, Robinson.
E. P. Jones, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1997, at the South Central Kansas Regional Medical Center in Arkansas City, Kan. He was 72 years of age.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 1997, at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Arkansas City, Kan., with the Rev. Larry Heslip, Minister of Education, Ponca City First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
E. P. Jones was born June 11, 1924, in Floydada, Texas, the son of James W. and Maudie B. (Dempsey) Jones. He grew up in Seligman, Mo., and received his education in the Seligman schools. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during his senior year of high school on Dec. 1, 1942. He served aboard the USS Phaon as Petty Officer 1st Class. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 1, 1945.
On Jan. 6, 1945, he was united in marriage to Virginia Lee Perkins of Arkansas City. The couple made their first home in National City, Calif., where Jones was stationed. Following his discharge they moved to Arkansas City. He worked as an electrician for Osage Electric until moving to Ponca City in 1951. Mr. Jones worked for Snyder Electric in Ponca City for 37 years until retiring in 1984, due to ill health.
Mr. Jones was a charter member of the Asbury United Methodist Church and was also a member of the IBEW local No. 444, the Ponca Lodge No. 83 AF&AM, the Scottish Rite, and the Eastern Star Fanchon Chapter No. 53. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, golf, traveling and spending time with his family.
Surviving are his wife, Virginia, of the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Deanna and Kenn Orr of Ponca City; a daughter-in-law, Sheryl Jones of Shidler; his step-father, C.W. Ownsby of Amarillo, Texas; one sister, Joye Amyx of Amarillo, Texas; a step-brother, Bill Ownsby of Amarillo, Texas; four grandchildren, Kenny and Cindy Orr, Terri and Tom Stephenson, and Sundy and Travis Van Hauen, all of Ponca City and Jason Jones of Edmond; and two great-grandchildren, Heather and Daniel Orr of Ponca City. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Phillip Eugene Jones; a brother, Walter Jones, and his twin brother, J.P. Jones.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Route 2, Box 990, Arkansas City, KS 67005.
The family will be at the home.
paid obituary
OSAGE BEACH, Mo. - Iris (Hocker) Whitesell, former Ponca City resident, died at her home in Osage Beach, Mo., on Thursday, Jan. 2, 1997. She was 65.
A graveside service will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Lake Memorial Garden Cemetery in Osage Beach. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hedges Funeral Home of Osage Beach.
Iris (Hocker) Whitesell was born Aug. 2, 1931, in Ponca City, the daughter of Dr. Charles R. and Verba (Rice) Hocker. After graduation from Ponca City High School in 1949, she attended and graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Mo.
In 1952, she was married to Bill Whitesell of Wellsville, Mo., and the couple were the parents of one daughter. Mrs. Whitesell was a homemaker.
Survivors include her mother, Verba Hocker of Ponca City; one daughter, Paula and son-in-law, Paul Westhusing, and two granddaughters, Kara and Kelli of Osage Beach, Mo.; one brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Phyllis Hocker of Salem, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.
Iris will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
paid obituary
Saturday
Elizabeth Butler Clark - Funeral at 10 a.m. in the Lone Wolf First Christian Church. Burial will be at 4 p.m. in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.
E.P. Jones - Funeral to be held graveside at 10 a.m. at Memorial Lawn
Cemetery in Arkansas City, Kan. Arrangements are under the direction of
Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.
NEWS BRIEFS
American Legion Feed Set - The American Legion Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat) is scheduled Saturday, from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 407 West South Avenue. Cost is $3 for adults, $1.50 for children under 12 and free for children under 6. All proceeds go to the Children and Youth Activities.
Littlecrow Memorial - The family of Frances K. Littlecrow, who passed away on Jan. 7, 1996, is having a memorial dinner for her at noon Saturday at the Otoe-Missouria Complex in Red Rock. All friends and relatives are invited. Please bring your own dishes and chairs.
Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took a report of vandalism at the Cultural Center at 7:56 a.m. Thursday.
Warrant Served - A 34-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 2600 block of North Ash Street at 8:15 a.m. Thursday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Stolen - A Ponca City police officer took a report of items stolen from a business at North Ash Street and West Prospect Avenue at 12:38 p.m. Thursday.
Theft - A resident in the 700 block of Monument Road notified the Ponca City Police Department at 2:02 p.m. Thursday that items had been stolen. An officer took a report.
Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 20-year-old man in the 900 block of North Seventh Street for driving under suspension.
BB Gun - The Ponca City Police Department received a call at 4:19 p.m. Thursday from a business on West Grand Avenue reporting that a small boy was at the corner shooting at vehicles with a BB gun. An officer responded and brought the gun to the police department. The officer said the gun doesn't work and the mother will handle the child.
Molestation - A 40-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at Gary Avenue and North Union Street at 5:02 p.m. Thursday on a Kay County warrant for lewd molestation.
In Custody - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 36-year-old man at Donner Avenue and North Pecan Road at 8:21 p.m. Thursday for driving under the influence, transporting an open container and defective equipment.
Stolen Bike - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a bike stolen in the 500 block of North Sunset Street at 10:44 p.m. Thursday.
Warrant Served - A 22-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City
police officer in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street at 4:14 a.m.
Friday on a city warrant for failure to obey.
RELIGION
Ponca City churches have been buzzing with activities during 1996 - revivals, building programs, special musical programs, ministry to the needy - all a part of the ministry of the church community in Ponca City.
January - February
To start the year off at Second Baptist Church, the church hosted two gospel singing groups - Apple City Boys from Mortganton, Ga. and Ponca City's own Forgiven, on Jan. 10, and invited the public to join them in worship.
Grace Episcopal Church hosted the 51st Epiphany Pageant and Festival of Lights on Jan. 7, chaired by Cary Emig.
On Jan. 28 all church-going Ponca Citians were asked to participate in the "Souper Bowl", leaving a $1 for the poor and hungry when leaving the church service on that Sunday.
First Church of God called a new pastor - the Rev. Thomas Smith - who came to Ponca City from Tulsa in January.
The local Gospel quartet Forgiven released their 7th recording since their organization in 1981. "It's Not What's Over the Door That Counts" features Mark Brooke, Bill Hadley, Larry East and Chuck Lessert.
St. Mary's Catholic Church sponsored a parish mission with Fr. Emil Fischer, and The Tonkawa Methodists observed their 100th anniversary as a church on Feb. 4.
First Christian hosted John and Renee Carter during February. The Carters were on sabbatical from their mission in Paraguay.
Hartford Avenue Church of Christ called three new deacons in February - Dennis Betterton, Mike Chapman and Ralph Wilcoxson.
Retired minister, the Rev. Darrel Hardy at St. Paul's United Methodist Church led a trip to the Holy Land in February, visiting Tel Aviv, Nazareth, Tiberias, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Caesarea, River Jordan, Jericho, Masada, Qumran, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
The Rev. and Mrs. Mickey M. Ary, formerly with the First Baptist Church here, were named Southern Baptist missionaries to the United Kingdom in February.
A group from Eastern Heights Christian Church accompanied Pastor Harold Prough on a trip to Thailand in early 1996. Eastern Heights totally supports several missions in Thailand, and Pastor Prough makes several trips a year to that area of the world.
March - April
Southside Baptists hosted the Regional Shepherds' Conference in early March for men in church leadership positions. Church leaders from Sun Valley Calif. were in Ponca City to assist with the conference.
Central Baptist Church broke ground for their new church facility in early March, culminating a plan started two years ago. Pastor John Waterloo said the building will be a new auditorium and nursery facility, with the auditorium seating 400 people.
The church anticipates two more phases before their plans are complete.
First Christian Church hosted the Texas Christian University Concert Chorale on a Sunday evening in March.
Chuck Bowman, Oklahoma Director of Development for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes spoke to a special men's breakfast at First Presbyterian Church on March 17.
The Women of St. Mary's Catholic Parish participated in a Women's Retreat in March, led by Mary Kay Liston, CSJ, for a "day of reflection on our relationship with God and a time to be present and focused on this relationship."
Pastor Stephen Earle resigned as pastor of First Baptist Church in mid-March to go to Berea First Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina in April. The church held a reception for the Earle family to say goodbye.
Steel went up at 2200 North Pecan as Northeast Baptists showed their "can do" attitude to construct a $1.4 million, 640-seat worship center, remodeling and expansion project.
Dr. Paul Volz was named interim pastor at First Lutheran Church, coming to Ponca City from Trinity Lutheran Church in Ithaca, New York.
Churches in Ponca City began the journey to Easter with Palm Sunday services in early April.
Allen and Marilyn Todd came to Ponca City's Pioneer Christian Church for revival services in April. Allen is the son of Grady and Donna Todd, pastors at Pioneer. He is the youth minister at Westside Christian Church in Parsons, Kan.
Woodlands Christian Church honored their senior minister, the Rev. Paul Krueger with a sandwich luncheon and reception the last Sunday in March, marking his 30 years as an ordained minister.
Grace Episcopal Church turned dirt for their new Christian Education facility at Fourteenth and Grand in April. The project will contain 7726 square feet and will include a new Narthex, as well as classrooms. The new structure will be Norman Gothic to match the existing church facility which was designed by John Duncan Forsyth in 1950.
Plans were launched in April for the annual March for Jesus event.
St. Luke's Nazarene Church said farewell to their interim pastor and his wife, the Rev. Leon and Mabel Jennings in mid-April and welcomed their new pastor, the Rev. William Bonee.
Glad Tidings Assembly of God hosted the 1996 Missions Convention in mid-April. Lendell Warren, Missions Department Director of Oklahoma District, was here to speak.
May - June
The Episcopal Church Women at Grace Episcopal Church attended the 59th Annual Meeting and Bishop's Day in Tulsa in early May. Bishop Robert Moody addressed the gathering.
First Baptists recognized their Day School teachers in late April with the celebration of Week of the Young Child.
May Fellowship Day, sponsored by Church Women United, was set for May 10 at Albright United Methodist Church.
Ponca City's Foursquare Gospel Church minister, Pastor Blaine Herron, in fulfillment of a promise to the young people of his church to work hard this year for missions, promised to shave his head if they accomplished their goal, beating last year's $1200 contributed for missions. They did and he did at the 10:30 service on Sunday, May 5.
The March for Jesus was deemed a success here May 25, using the theme, "A World to Win Together." The March included Christians from all churches in the area, joining together for the day.
The River of Life Church began holding services at 105 North Second in Ponca City.
At a special dinner on April 28, members of Woodlands Christian Church pledged to finance Phase II of their building campaign.
Good Shepherd Lutherans found a new home at 3109 North Union. Pastor David Kuchta announced services at 9 a.m. on Sunday with Sunday School at 10:50 a.m.
First Church of God hosted Faith Promise Convention May 17, 18 and 19, emphasizing missions, led by Pastor Tom Smith. Russell and Ethel Moss were here to share their experiences in missionary work.
Cary Emig, Christian Education Directoress at Grace Episcopal Church, was surprised with a reception in May, recognizing her years of dedication and service to the Christian Education program at Grace Church.
Asbury United Methodist Church dedicated their newly installed Hammond organ in May.
Crestview Baptists called the Rev. Virgil M. Swift as pastor in May.
Foursquare Gospel Church welcomed the Kola Odejimi family to Ponca City from Nigeria. Kola told the gathering how he became an "overcomer."
The Rev. Norman "Buddy" Bolin came to Asbury United Methodist Church as pastor in May, replacing the Rev. Bill McCaskill who retired.
Pastor Paul Graham celebrated 35 years in Ponca City as pastor of the Second Baptist Church. Pastor Graham began his ministry with Second Baptist Church on June 6, 1961.
VISION '96, a Youth for Christ International seven-member musical team, were in Ponca City for a concert in June at Pioneer Bible Church, Third and Chestnut.
July - August
New Life Baptist Church choir hosted the Rev. Ronald Materre of New Faith Church in Houston for a music workshop in July.
Steven M. Mallory was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons in the Episcopal Church June 23 in Tulsa by the Rt. Rev. Robert Manning Moody, Episcopal Bishop of Oklahoma.
Deacon Mallory is assisting the Rev. Ken Armstrong, rector at Grace Episcopal Church.
Eastern Heights Christian Church missionaries to Thailand, David and Norma Morse and their sons, visited in Ponca City in June. Morse preached at Eastern Heights on Sunday morning, June 28.
Hartford Avenue Church of Christ announced plans in July for a Vacation Bible School, using "Joshua, a Man of Courage" as the theme.
Kateri Circle at St. Mary's Catholic Church hosted a special celebration in honor of Blessed Kateri Tekahwitha in July. This organization strives to empower Indian Catholics to live in harmony with their Catholic and Native spirituality.
The play "Ashes" was presented at First United Methodist Church July 21, a combined effort by members of First United Methodist, New Life Baptist, St. John Baptist, Grace Episcopal and Albright United Methodist churches to provide funds for the First Missionary Baptist Church in Enid, victim of a fire in June.
Eastern Heights Christian Church held Frank Tepe Day in July, marking his retirement as assistant minister.
Nathan L. Barker was called in July to serve as a missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for two years in Helsinki, Finland. The church congregation held an Open House in his honor before he left for training in Provo, Utah.
Nick Wolf and Barbara Arnold received Lamb Awards at First Lutheran, a national recognition in acknowledgement of their service as Lutheran adults fostering special growth in youth. This award came in August.
Northeast Baptists raised the steeple on their new church structure in August at 2200 Pecan Road.
Jeff Northcutt, son of John and Jen Northcutt, completed a 120-week mission in August with Southern Baptist Home Mission Board, assigned to Bakersfield, Calif. where he worked with several churches in Bible studies, worship, VBS and church camps.
Longwood Baptists marked the centennial of their church on August 23. The Rev. Larry Stevenson is the current pastor. Guest speaker for the Friday program was former pastor Tim Russell.
Pastor Larry Harris marked his 10th anniversary here in August. A celebration service was held Sunday, Aug. 25 at Pioneer Bible Church, Third and Chestnut.
September - October
First Lutherans celebrated Rally Day on Sept. 8, marking the beginning of the Sunday School year with the children promoting to third grade given Bibles. At 7 p.m. the folks donned "grungies" and enjoyed a 50-foot banana split.
Rosh Hashannah, the Jewish New Year celebration, was held Sept. 13 to Sept. 23.
St. Mary's Catholic Church announced that Kristi Mohr is the new Youth Director, replacing Shelly Bole, now campus minister at Bishop McGuinness High School in Oklahoma City.
Pioneer Christian Crusaders Chapter 128, CMA made plans to attend the 1996 Biker Sunday at First Assembly of God on Sept. 22.
Northeast Baptist Women's Ministry held the First Women's Retreat on Sept. 20-21 with plans to expand and reach out to minister to all women seeking spiritual growth and fellowship. The evening was held at Prairie View Church Camp near Arkansas City with guest speaker Dorothy Walkup of Dallas leading.
Members of Hartford Avenue Church of Christ put "Sharing and Caring" to practice during October, scouring the city for people in need of food, utilities, repairs, etc.
First Christian Church welcomed their new senior minister, the Rev. Kent Dorsey and his family on Oct. 13. Installation was scheduled for Nov. 17.
Prairie Chapel Church held their 67th Annual Homecoming Sept. 29 with 80 folks attending.
Several Ponca Citians were members of the Singing ChurchMen of Oklahoma and the Singing ChurchWomen of Oklahoma who appeared in concert at the Oklahoma City Myriad Convention Center in November.
Grace Episcopal Church marked the Sixth Annual Blessing of the Animals on St. Francis Day with Fr. Ken Armstrong blessing parishioners' pets, which included dogs of all breeds, cats, African hedgehog, guinea pigs, pet lizards, Beta Fighting fish, etc.
St. Luke's Nazarenes heard Dr. and Mrs. Jim Cooper, missionaries to Brazil, report on their activities.
Woodlands Christians started their Pony Express Run in October, launching their annual Stewardship Campaign.
St. John Baptists held a Fall Revival in October with Dr. Timothy Jackson as guest preacher.
Church Women United held their annual worship service for World Community Day in October at First Presbyterian Church. Christy Dulick-Williams of the Domestic Violence Program here, was the guest speaker.
Missionaries Ron and Kathy Buttram were in Ponca City to minister at Faith Tabernacle New Life Christian Center. They have served as missionaries to Africa for the past 16 years.
The Praise Team from Grace Tabernacle of Praise provided praise and worship music for the 63rd Annual District Convention of Pentecostal Churches of God in October. Chaplain W.W. and Edith Hays of Roland, Okla. visited Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in October. Chaplain Hays coordinates the prison ministry for Oklahoma District Council of Assemblies of God.
The Rev. Bill Kalfas led the revival services at Ponca Indian Church of the Nazarene in early November. He is pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene in Blackwell.
November - December
New Life Baptists celebrated the second anniversary of their pastor and his wife, the Rev. and Mrs. Victor A. Paul with an appreciation service in November.
Prince of Peace Lutherans invited the public to see their new pews, a gift from Northeast Baptists in November.
Northeast Baptists began worship in their new Worship Center, setting a dedication service for Sunday, Nov. 17 with Open House.
The Rev. Kent Dorsey was installed as pastor of First Christian Church on Nov. 17, and "Angels Sent on Assignment" to celebrate Ponca City's Festival of Angels began at First Christian on Dec. 3, led by Pastor Dorsey.
Gina Laramy from First Lutheran Church represented Lutheran Women's Missionary League at a gathering in Milwaukee in November.
Grace Episcopal Church held confirmation the last Sunday in November with the Rt. Rev. John Forsythe Ashby, retired Bishop of Western Kansas, here to administer the Apostolic Rite of Confirmation.
Northeast Baptists honored Dr. Larry Nigh and his family on their 12th anniversary as pastor on Dec. 1. Also at that time, the church hosted Missionaries Frank and Betty Coy and launched their annual Lottie Moon Christmas offering ingathering.
First Assembly of God treated their Sunday School class at a local nursing home with Christmas stockings crocheted by Laura Taylor.
Forgiven, Ponca City's own gospel quartet, sang at Bible Baptist Church the first Sunday in December.
First United Methodist's Bell Ringers were in concert with holiday music, directed by Dolan Bayless, minister of music, Dec. 8.
St. Paul's United Methodist Church Adult Choirs performed the Christmas cantata "The Coming of the Savior" on Dec. 15.
"Sing Gloria" was presented by the Senior Class of First Lutheran Church during worship on Dec. 8.
A group of Ponca City Christians returned home after 12 days in Romania where they witnessed for Christ and distributed 24,000 Bibles.
Archbishop Eusebuis J. Beltran conferred the Rite of Confirmation at St. Mary's Catholic Church Dec. 10 for parish youth of grades 10 through 12.
These are the highlights for Ponca City's churches during 1996, as Christians throughout Ponca City begin plans for 1997.
Epiphany or Twelfth Night is the twelfth day after Christmas and marks the end of the Christmas holiday.
This festival, which is older than Christmas, is celebrated each year at Grace Episcopal Church in Ponca City. This year's celebration will be at 7 p.m. on the evening on Monday, Jan. 6.
The festival originated in the Eastern Church and was mentioned by Clement of Alexandria in A.D. 200. The earliest mention of the observance of Christmas on Dec. 25 is in a list of Roman bishops compiled in 354, according to the Rev. Ken Armstrong, rector at Grace Church.
"Epiphany" is a Greek word for "Manifestation" or "showing forth". In the Eastern Church, by the fourth century, it was considered equal to Easter and Pentecost as one of the three great festivals.
A Twelfth Night or Epiphany cake was baked in honor of the three kings. This is another example of a pagan custom begin given a Christian significance. A coin was placed in the cake and the recipient became king or queen for that night. (T his custom is still observed by members of the Grace Church parish.)
The Epiphany season continues until Lent, but as the Lenten season depends on the moveable date of Easter, it may have from one to six Sundays, each with its own story.
The season of Epiphany begins at Grace Episcopal Church with the annual Festival of Lights and Epiphany Pageant and party at 7 o'clock Sunday evening. Director this year is Laura Hines, succeeding Cary Emig, who directed the event for the past several years. This is the 51st Anniversary of the Epiphany Pageant and party at Grace Church, first begun in 1945.
The Epiphany Pageant features the visitation of the Three Wise Men, who were the first Gentiles to proclaim Jesus as Lord. It signifies the light of Christ in the world. No one knows who the Wise Men were or from where they came. The Bible records only "...there came wise men from the east..." The gifts they brought according to Scripture, "gold and frankincense and myrrh," are symbolic of Christ.
Christ is King and gold was presented to Him by the first Wise Man. Christ is Lord and He was given frankincense by the second wise man. On the Old Testament and pagan altars incense was burned to represent prayer rising to God. Christians offer prayers to Christ as Lord. In his wisdom, the third Wise Man brought myrrh, perfumed oil used to anoint the body of the dead, thereby informing the world that Christ would die to be the Savior of all men.
The public is invited to join with the folks at Grace Church for this Twelfth Night event.
The Presbyterian Men will meet Monday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 a.m. in the Rose Stone Inn for breakfast. Muffins and self-serve coffee will be available. The lesson will be I Thessalonians 4:13-5:11.
All men of the church are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend.
Lifesavers for Jesus, a children's adventure club vor any and all children in grades K through 6th, will begin at St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Lifesavers will meet every Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. at St. Paul's and will include singing, chimes, games, crafts, and experiencing Jesus Lifesaving promise.
The group will gather in Fellowship Hall for opening greetings to start
off each session, according to the Rev. Brad Meredith.
EDUCATION
Ponca City High School and Blackwell High School are among some 214 schools to receive Advanced Placement Grants totaling near $975,000.
In Ponca City, the high school calculus department will receive $5,000 and the chemistry department receiving $4,809. At Blackwell High School, the English department will receive $5,000.
The Advanced Placement Grants were approved by Garrett and her fellow State Board of Education members at their regular monthly meeting. The grants are part of the Oklahoma Advanced Placement Incentives Program, which was established earlier this year.
"We have made a commitment to improve Oklahoma's Advancement Placement Program, and our efforts are paying off," Garrett said. "The 41 percent increase in high schools offering Advanced Placement courses is proof of that. We are pleased with this increase and look forward to building on that progress."
Garrett said the grants were awarded on a competitive basis. The maximum individual grant is $5,000. There were 668 applications. Advanced Placement teachers from across the state read and evaluated the applications in districts other than their own.
"The grants can be used for equipment and materials, to start an Advanced Placement class or to continue offering one," Garrett said. "These grants will help teachers and administrators in their efforts to provide the best possible education for their students.
The Advanced Placement Program is a cooperative effort with secondary schools and colleges and universities. It gives high school students the opportunity to master college-level courses. The program is administered by The College Board, a national organization.
Course offerings from the grant award recipients include calculus, statistics, chemistry, biology and physics. Students who score a three or above on a standardized test .
Forty-eight students recently attended the musical, "A Christmas Carol," at the Wichita Children's Theatre and Dance Center. Alex McCollough, fifth grader, said, "The musical was great. I really enjoyed it and liked the special effects of the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Tiny Tim character." Sixth grader Jarrod Adams said he like the character of Scrooge the best and thought it was staged very well. Mandel Wehr said he was impressed when the carolers sand "Good King Wenceslas." The Union fourth graders learned the play this tune on their recorders earlier this year.
Students also traveled to Town West Square and gave a Christmas performance on the same day. The program began with arrangements of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Winter Wonderland," and "Let It Snow." Announcers were fourth graders Tyler Fender and Candice Bishop. Soloists were Tatia Collins, Amanda Dietz and Ashley Hopkins.
Santa's Frosty Follies announcers were sixth graders Kenneth White and Jenny Rupert. Characters included Jarrod Adams as Santa, Shane Lewis as Frosty, Elizabeth Biby as Suzy Snowflake, and Holley Barnett and Tori Mansfield as the Tumbling Clowns. Follies dancers were Mindy Grimm, Alex McCollough and Brittany Wilson.
Kyle Arnold and Joe Sisco played the part of Jingle and Jangle and Jingle Bell Rock dancers were Kassandra Coldiron, Leah Harris, Rachel Knox, Erin Land, Sean Lunsford and Kenneth White. Rudolph was portrayed by Mechenzie Fender and friends were Jenny Ernst and Ashley Payne. Jenny Rupert sang the Rudolph solo and Stacy Hacker, Melissa Hoffman and LaTisha Hudson were the polka dancers.
Santa's Elves included Kyle Arnold, Kyle Cremers, Amanda Lee, Jordan Lunsford, Joe Sisco, Hope Stimpson, Deitric White and Kimberly Young. Other soloists were Courtney Calvert, D'Vonne Brock, Krystle Loney and Gage Rupert.
The program continued with the honor choir performing "A Caroling We Go," "Joy to the World," and "Silent Night."
Other honor choir performers included Alisha Altman, Devin Anderson, Deidre Arnold, Scott Arterbury, Ashley Cline, Chelsey Delaney, Clint Filson, Krystal Ingram, Jamie Lentz, Mandel Wehr and Sunshine White.
Parents serving as chaperones were Susan Altman, Keland Arterbury, Vickie Delaney, Debbie Dobbs, Phyllis Jackson, Sherre Land, Renee Lee, Brenda Lewis, Annie Mansfield, Terri Wehr and Teresa Wilson.
Parents who taught dances included Peggy Cremers, Karen Lunsford and Teresa Wilson. Nancy Taylor, honor choir director and music teacher at Union, coordinated the trip.
There will be a parent Advisory Council (PAC) meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 10:45 a.m. in the Conference Room (#210) of the Howell Building. The Pac members meet the second Tuesday of every month. All interested parties are invited to attend.
The Ponca City School System will resume classes on Jan. 6 at all public schools. The next break for students will be Jan. 14 and 17 for Professional Day.
The third nine weeks will begin in public schools on Jan. 6. March 14
marks the last day of the third nine weeks.
LIFESTYLES
'Baby' Shower
A "baby" shower is being planned for Jan. 6 honoring Suzette
and Amy Poore, daughters of Tyrone and Donna Poore. The 7 p.m. party will
be held at the PIUMC Fellowship Hall and all friends are welcome to attend.
SPORTS
OSU NATIONAL CHAMPION wrestler Mark Branch demonstrates takedown techniques for a group of area wrestlers during the Wildcat Wrestling Clinic held over the holidays at Robson Fieldhouse. Branch, from Newkirk, won the NCAA title as a freshman in 1994 and has been a national finalist the past two years. Joining Branch at the clinic was Oklahoma State teammate J.J. McGrew, who won a national championship in 1996. (News Photo by Laura Treadway)