From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, January
17, 1996
LOCAL
Execution Date Set for Davis
200 Years for Child Molestation
Black Mountain Male Choir Here Sunday
P&R Denies Variance From Cabin Lease
News Staff Writer
Po-Hi Symphony Orchestra Set For Showcase Presentation
EDF Recommending Extension Of City's Encompass Mold Loan
District Court
AAUW Meets Here Saturday
Farmers Union Officers Elected Another Year
Istook Says Superfund Among 'Hot Buttons' of 105th Congress
DEATHS
Vera Erna Hadden
Obituaries
Basil C. Taylor
Services Pending
Leslie C. Haggard
Mollie Williams
Betty J. Trice
Funerals
Danny Ray Thompson
Orpha Frances Crain
Rudolph H.W. Ramhorst
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Winter Storm Survival Topic For Xi Beta Tau
Mu Psi Chapter Selects Queen, Discusses Plans
EDUCATION
Po-Hi Releases Fall Honor Roll
OoKeeHee Club Meeting
School to Work Forum
Indian Education Meeting
PTSA Board Meeting
No Classes
RELIGION
Dr. Schurter Is Recipient Of Christian Service Award
Souper Bowl Needs You!
POP Lutherans Report Good Start for 1997
Grace Tabernacle Sets Mission Project
NE Baptists Set Eight-Week Training for Discipleship
First Place Meet Set for Jan. 19
BBN Network Opens New Outreach Here
Presbyterians Plan Annual Meeting
Woodlands Christians 'Going Bowling'
First Baptist Sets Winter Bible Studies
Change in Meeting Place
SPORTS
B-Ville Games Are Postponed
Blackwell JVs Drop PC Sophs
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - Convicted murder suspect Christopher Howard Davis has been scheduled to die by lethal injection on April 16, in the next step of the county's first death penalty case since District Attorney John Maddox took office.
Davis appeared before Associate District Judge Leslie Page for sentencing Thursday afternoon in District Court to impose the penalty decided by jurors six weeks ago in the first-degree murder case against him.
Jurors found Davis, 22, responsible for the October 1995 murder of his aunt Billie Jo Pollard, who was repeatedly stabbed in the chest and abdomen during an alcohol-related struggle in the home they shared in Ponca City.
Judge Page scheduled the execution for 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, at the state penitentiary in McAlester.
The 90-day scheduling was to honor a request by defense attorney Steve Hess to delay the date as long as possible. The law requires the judge to schedule the execution no earlier than 60 days and no longer than 90 days from the sentencing date.
After the sentencing, First Assistant District Attorney Lisa Goodspeed Tate, who successfully prosecuted the case, said there was a bittersweet element to the proceedings:
"The human side says yes, a life will be taken, and this (the death penalty) is the ultimate punishment in our country," Tate said.
"But I respect the jury system we have. I have to accept the decisions that come out of our system of justice, because I work in it and I believe in it.
"The jury did the right thing," she said.
The execution of Davis is not likely to occur on April 16 because Hess and co-defense attorney Tom Salisbury of Tonkawa said they are preparing an application for a stay of execution.
The murder case has an automatic appeal to a higher court.
When Maddox and Tate presented the case to the jury last Thanksgiving, it was the office's first pursuit of a death-penalty conviction since Maddox became district attorney two years ago.
The jurors delivered the guilty verdict against Davis on Nov. 26 and decided on the death penalty on Dec. 2, rejecting two other options of handing him either life imprisonment or life without possibility of parole. In Thursday's sentencing, Judge Page was required to follow the jury's decision.
For the jury to arrive at the death penalty decision, the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the crime was either atrocious, heinous or cruel and that the defendant posed a continuing threat to society.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - Kay County jurors this week showed "a lot of courage" in recommending a 200-year prison sentence against a Ponca City man convicted of exposing himself to a five-year-old girl, the case's prosecutor said Thursday.
First Assistant District Attorney Lisa Goodspeed Tate said she believed justice was served in the jury's decision Wednesday night in the case against Raymond Joe Wood, 39, who was charged with indecent exposure after two previous sex-related convictions.
In District Judge D.W. Boyd's courtroom, the jurors delivered a guilty verdict against the defendant, then recommended he serve the 200 years in prison. They also assessed a $10,000 fine.
Wood was accused of exposing himself to a 5-year-old girl and then kissing her on the mouth, according to the case file. The alleged incident occurred in June 1995 at Wood's apartment in the 500 block of North Eighth Street in Ponca City.
In August 1989, Wood had received a five-year suspended sentence, convicted on two counts of making an indecent proposal to a child under 16. In November 1990, he was sentenced to 10 years after he was convicted of lewd molestation, according to court records.
The jury's recommendation this week of 200 years was 10 times the minimum prison sentence the law requires upon conviction, because of the prior offenses. The $10,000 fine was the maximum allowed by law.
"It takes a lot of courage for a jury to recommend a sentence of 200 years," Tate said, "but with the evidence that was presented, that was, in their minds, the right thing to do under the circumstances."
Oops! Chris Hand spoke at the school board meeting on Monday night saying that he felt the Hutchins Memorial should be shut down to students at the Po-Hi. John Young, president of the school board, said that the students are up to no good at Hutchins because he has seen them drinking and smoking. The news apologizes for any confusion.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
The Ponca City Community Concert Association officers and committees announce the presentation of the third concert of the 1996-97 concert year, Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. Featured will be the 40 member "Black Mountain Male Choir of Wales."
The large choir of men from Wales "the land of song, the nation of singers," consists of the best of singers selected from more than 200 male choirs in the small nation. The men are selected by internationally eminent Welsh conductor Alun John. Smaller than New Jersey, the country is historically known for its preponderance of male choirs.
"Ponca City is fortunate to have the earthy boisterous and yet gentle and deeply harmonious sound of the Black Mountain Male Chorus of Wales gracing the stage at the Hutchins this Sunday," says Richard Jacobson, president of PCCC.
The tradition of male choirs began with the Celtic bards in pre-Roman days through the religious changes of the Reformation and the Revivalist movements. Choral excellence in Wales has produced a unique sound distinguishing it from all others, say critics from their world wide tour.
The Black Mountain Chorus of Wales will be touring the entire United States during the winter and spring of 1997.
Admittance to the concert is my membership card only, and seats are not reserved.
The 1996-97 Community Concert season is the 61st year for Community Concert Association's history in Ponca City. Other officers for the 1996-97 "Year of the Ensemble" are; first vice president, L. Roger Riggs; second vice president and membership drive chairman, Leslie Rardin; third vice president and publicity chairman, Kay Sahai; secretary, Mary Lois Nield; treasurer, Rod Kutz; corresponding secretary, Barbara Manering; and L Roger Riggs and Marsha Baldridge, programs.
In addition to officers and committee chairman, other members of the board include past president Mary Sunshine Cogman, Joy Asbury, Walter Finch, David Gamble, Bill Heilmann, Marta Maril, Robert G. Nesselrode, Pat Purkey, Elma Robson, Bob Rodgers, Betty Sandy and David Webster.
Ponca City Community Concert members are also reminded of reciprocity concerts available with the Ponca City membership card for concerts at Arkansas City, El Dorado and Bartlesville.
Concerts scheduled in those locations are; Dale Gonyea, pianist and comedian at El Dorado on March 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Jubilant Sykes, baritone and Alan Chow, piano on March 22 at 8 p.m. in Bartlesville; and again Sykes and Chow may be seen on March 24 in Arkansas City at 7:30 p.m.
Laine Nelson singing "White Cliffs of Dover and Songs of World War II," at 8 p.m. in Bartlesville; Max Morath, ragtime piano player on April 10 at Arkansas City at 7:30 p.m.; and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra at El Dorado on April 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Locations for the reciprocal concerts are; Bartlesville at the Community Center Building at Adams (U.S. 60) and Cherokee; in El Dorado at the Middle School at 500 West Central; in Arkansas City at the Middle School Auditorium, 400 East Kansas Avenue.
The fourth and final Ponca City concert for the 1996-97 Year will be held March 9 at Hutchins Memorial at 2:30 p.m. The final performance for the Year of The Ensemble will be "Rhythm in Shoes" - a company of 12 dancers and musicians performing a variety of dances, American, English and Irish Step dances as well as tap and contemporary.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
In a 6-2 vote, the Ponca City Park and Recreation Advisory Board denied a request for variance in the Standard Operating Procedures on Thursday.
Larry Williams and Ron Mersman were opposed and felt that the couple should be able to install a closed system for gray water at their private cabin on the west side of Lake Ponca if it met the Oklahoma Administrative codes declared by the Department of Environmental Quality.
Citizens indicated other closed systems were already in place at private cabins. Member Stan Sledge said the lake users would be in violation if their water system drains into the lake.
"There will be an on-sight inspection before lease contracts will be signed and users must be in compliance," Sledge said.
The majority of the board rejected the request based on the recommendation of Public Works Director Ken Parr. The item is expected to go before the Ponca City Board of Commissioners on Jan. 27.
In new business, members voted not to revise Section 23-34 of the code to exclude two students from the board. Park Director Jim Sindelar indicated concern about keeping a quorum so the board could meet.
"It is hard to take care of business when the board cannot meet. We address very important issues that involve taxpayers' money and help control the operation and structure of department," he said.
Sindelar plans to check to see if a quorum can be based on the number of members appointed rather than the number of slots available.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
The Ponca City High School Symphony Orchestra has been selected as one of the three showcase groups in the state to perform for the Oklahoma Music Educators Convention at the Tulsa Convention Center. The Oklahoma Music Educators association is the state branch of the Music Educators National Conference.
Each January, O.M.E.A. meets in Tulsa to offer workshops for teachers, as well as, featuring select high school, junior high, middle school and elementary music programs from around the state which includes band, orchestra and choral programs. It is the only forum in Oklahoma where a school music program can be heard by other teachers of music including many college faculty. Groups are selected to perform from taped auditions sent to the Vice-President of O.M.E.A. in each category.
The 95 member Po-Hi Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Jeff Fox, will present a 35 minute concert on Jan. 24 at 4:10 p.m. at the Tulsa Convention Center. All parents and patrons of the arts in Ponca City are invited to come and hear the outstanding concert.
The impressive program will include:
Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op. 107, "Reformation," Variations on an Original theme, Op. 36, "Enigma," Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22, "Intermezzo from the Opera, Goyescas" and Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14A, "March to the Scaffold."
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Contingent upon the favorable report of the newly formed finance committee, the Economic Development Foundation Thursday voted to recommend to the City Commission that the guaranteed loan of Encompass Mold be extended another year. The previous commitment was for two years for a working capital loan.
Don Wood, who is working on a six-month, one-day-a-week consultant basis for both the EDF and the Blackwell Industrial Authority while working for Encompass Mold the rest of the week, was asked by EDF Chairman Pat Mulligan to explain the request for the company.
Wood said, "Two years ago in February 1994, when Encompass Mold Company started, the incentive they were given by the community to locate the facility here was collateral security for $175,000 working capital loan.
"When the company was put together you had three individuals and a small group of very minority investors that capitalized the company and that basically provided the equity in the lending portion of it. Where they were short was having the money to do the capitalization for the working capital."
Wood explained, "The two things they were faced with was bringing additional investors in to raise that working capital. What was worked out was the city did a working capital loan guarantee using the Whirlpool site as the collateral for that working capital loan with a two year initial term with a clause in there that term could be extended upon request.
"That two year term will expire in February or March. The company needs that working capital loan for another 12 months and will be requesting the city and the bank to extend that. The capital loan was with Pioneer Bank and the equipment was financed through Pioneer with an SBA 505 program loan."
Wood added, "The company is current on all payments and has performed, but things have not gone as well as they'd like for them to go. They'd hoped they'd be in a position to provide their own working capital within two years. They've done about $4.4 million business in that two years, which is on projections but not as profitable as they wanted it to be and they've made a lot of corrections that will do that."
Wood said there were no other incentives given to the company except running electrical lines to the building. The firm is a heavy electrical user. He said that the company runs 24 hours a day and employs about 30. The average salary is about $15 an hour and employees are averaging about 50 hours a week. Of the $4.4 million in sales, Wood estimated that about $1.7 million to $1.9 million has been paid in salaries in Ponca City.
Encompass occupies the former Edwards Equipment building on a 10-year lease-purchase agreement.
Discussion was held on what would happen if there was some other industry that wanted to buy land in the Whirlpool site. The answer was the value of the land left would go up because of the industry locating there. Currently, according to Wood, the site basically is farm land that has water and sewer lines.
Bill Rodgers, EDF board member, said he was for the company but would like to see a financial committee look into proposals of this nature.
The motion on the Encompass Mold loan extension was approved upon the condition that the finance committee review the matter and report favorably to the board at a special called meeting.
Wood left the room prior to more discussion and the vote and Tom Quillin, president of Pioneer Bank, abstained.
Members of the finance committee include Rodgers, Mulligan and City Commissioner Dick Stone.
Other Action
In other action Mulligan reported that the Blackwell Industrial Authority had indicated that they would rather contract with Wood directly rather than contract with the EDF for his services. The BIA had been paying $2,000 a month to the EDF for Wood's services. The Board approved dissolving the contract with the BIA.
Mulligan said this did not close the door to working with the BIA in the future for economic development.
Compensation to Wood for his one-day-a-week consulting to the EDF is $1,700 a month.
The market study by John Hassenflu on housing in Ponca City was voted down. During Wood's report, he presented an ad to be run in the newspaper asking for volunteers to serve on a variety of task forces include, spec building, operational funding, revolving loan, SCORE chapter and a hospitality task force.
Wood told of working with two prospects that are looking at the available space at Conoco, one of them a nationally known firm.
Other Discussion
About an hour of sometimes heated discussion was held with the EDF Board and Mayor Marilyn Andrews and City Commissioner Dick Stone, ex-officio members of the board, as to the role of the EDF and future funding. Many of the problems appear to be communication.
Mayor Andrews noted that one of the directives to the EDF from the City Commission was that it wean itself off of public money. In recent years the EDF has been funded for operations by the city's general fund. The half-cent EDF sales tax money passed in January 1994 was earmarked for incentives for industry.
Other discussion centered on combining the Chamber of Commerce, EDF, Ponca City Tomorrow and Main Street. Currently the Chamber, EDF and Main Street are without directors.
The discussion apparently came about as the result of funding needed for several different organizations, including public money and contributors such as large corporations, financial institutions, businesses and individuals. By blending some of the entities apparently would save funds in terms of personnel and operation costs.
The study group has apparently been considering bringing these entities under one umbrella if the right CEO could be found. Wood said he had resigned as executive director of the EDF at this time to allow that process to continue.
Blackwell
Divorces Sought
Gloria Lynn Duncan vs. Phillip W. Duncan.
Brenda Kay Kreger vs. Milton Glenn Kreger.
Civil Suits Filed
Greenwood Trust Co. vs. Angele Fitzgerald; seeking judgment for $4,328.53.
Divorces Granted
Samuel Rolland Rhea, Jr. vs. Billy Rae Rhea.
Ponca City
Divorces Sought
Kelli Denise Burgess vs. Mark Anthony Burgess.
Shawn Rene Brown vs. Roger James Brown.
Albert E. McMillan vs. Nancy E. McMillan.
Mark A. Roblyer vs. Julie Renae Roblyer.
David A. Smith vs. Cara A. Smith.
Russell LeNeil Cummings vs. Michele Gentry Cummings.
David Richard Head vs. Sheila Marie Head.
Civil Suits Filed
Raymond and Fern Smith vs. Dewey Kelly; plaintiffs seeking judgment of
$16,898.63.
Phillip Walton Rice vs. Terry Reshawn Hall; plaintiff seeking judgment of
$4,471.87.
Change of Name Sought
Braden Reid Lepore and Rayce Garrett Lepore; petitioners seek names changes to Braden Reid Gentry and Rayce Garrett Gentry, respectively.
"The Role of Hormones Throughout a Woman's Lifetime" will be the topic for the American Association of University Women's meeting Saturday at the Ponca City Country Club. Dr. Robert J. Harder from the Stillwater Women's Clinic will speak at the regular monthly meeting which begins at 10 a.m.
A native of Weatherford, Dr. Harder received his B.S. degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 1992. He specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. He also has advanced training in laparoscopic surgery and surgical reversal of tubal ligation.
He is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Oklahoma State Medical Association, the American Medical Association, and has successfully completed the written certification examination of the ABOG. He is a volunteer at the Stillwater Community Health Center and is the team physician for the Perry High School wrestling team.
Dr. Harder is married to Kathleen McAllister Harder, M.D. who specializes in Internal Medicine in Stillwater. A member of the United Methodist Church in Stillwater, Dr. Harder lists his hobbies as hunting, golf, tennis, theater and travel.
The Ponca City branch of AAUW meets the third Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. The AAUW mission is to promote equity for all women and girls, lifelong education and positive societal change. Any woman who has obtained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is eligible to join AAUW.
Locally, the branch supports women and education through scholarships to a graduating high school senior woman as well as a scholarship for an adult woman returning to school. Individuals interested in joining the organization are invited to attend the monthly meeting or to contact Carrie Miller, president of the local organization, at 765-2680 or 765-6697.
Officers of the Farmers Union Local 708 each got another year in office Thursday night during the group's annual meeting.
Reelected by acclamation were president Ray Schiltz, vice president Leroy Williams and secretary/treasurer Dick Detten. The two dozen members attending the meeting also voted seven delegates and four alternates for the state convention.
The seven new delegates are Ray and Donna Schiltz, Dick and Mary Detten, Janice Bellinghausen, Leroy Williams and Don Schieber.
The alternates are Geneva Williams, Steve Shea, and Elmore and Charlene Bathurst.
Guest speaker was J.D. Elwood, Jr., new county executive director of the Farm Services Agency in Newkirk, who told the members to expect changes to his agency, which is "going through a lot of reorganization."
The FSA, which already had a name change recently from the old Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, may be simply "USDA Services" in a few years, he said.
Elwood also outlined many of the FSA's services and programs available to area farmers.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Congressman Ernest Istook said here Thursday that one of the "hot buttons" for the 105th Congress this year will be the Superfund.
Istook said, "That is going to be one of the hot issues for us. A lot of money has been drained off to handle disputes over who is responsible for legal fees and that sort of thing than has been used from the Superfund than has actually been used to clean up areas that were contaminated. The reauthorization of the Superfund needs to include the provisions to make sure that real money goes to clean up areas. There is also a need to clear up some major problems that are suppressing economic development and normal trade."
He gave as an example that if a bank had to foreclose on a loan and it turns out that the property has potential contamination. "Why should the bank by foreclosing on the loan be made liable for the environmental costs under Superfund. They didn't cause it, they didn't own the property at the time, and yet the current law creates problems such as that. This a major problem for lenders and therefore with businesses."
Another measure of local interest is the compensation time bill the House is looking at that would allow employees to take a choice between overtime and compensation time off. Istook says this will depend on an agreement between the employer and the employee. He said this is an advantage for small businesses.
Other Congressional action issues include some of the same issues as last year. This include amendments for balancing the budget, term limits and religious freedom. Other issues include tax cuts, tax code overhaul, welfare reform, Medicare, Social Security, campaign finance reform, smaller government, Superfund, Partial Birth abortion ban and Indian Trust lands.
Last year the balanced budget amendment passed in the House, but failed in the Senate by one vote. House action is expected in early February to limit terms of all House and Senate members to 12 years. Istook predicted this measure will receive a majority, but a two-thirds margin is doubtful.
A $500 per child tax credit and capital gains tax reduction proposals are going to be introduced, and also proposals to abolish the marriage penalty. The Tax Code over all includes two main proposals, flat-tax and consumption-based or national sales tax. Istook said that Congress plans to closely monitor implementation of the welfare reform that was passed last year, which requires working and responsibility and times limits on receiving welfare payments.
The Congressman said another plan to save Medicare from projected bankruptcy is expected to be introduced. This would increase per-beneficiary benefits and give seniors more health care choices to use private health plans.
On Society Security, Istook said that a variety of changes are proposed
to avoid future insolvency but no clear consensus has emerged, since the
deadline is years later than Medicare's. Istook said that one thing Congress
would not be doing is raising taxes to solve the problem.
DEATHS
Vera Erna Hadden, longtime rural Ponca City resident, died Thursday afternoon, Jan. 16, 1997, at her home. She was 72.
The funeral will be held graveside at 1 p.m. Saturday at Morris Heights Cemetery near Orlando, Okla., located 3/4 mile west of Interstate 35 at the Stillwater exit. Mr. Larry Keirn, minister of Grand Avenue Church of Christ, Ponca City, will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.
Vera Erna (Webb) Hadden was born Oct. 20, 1924, in Orlando, the daughter of George Orie and Effie Lula (Bunney) Webb. She attended Orlando public schools and graduated from Orlando High School.
On Jan. 11, 1951, she was married to Jim Hadden in Ponca City, where the couple established their home and were engaged in the cattle business in rural Osage County. The couple recently celebrated their 46th anniversary. Mrs. Hadden had previously been employed with the Bell Telephone Company. She enjoyed being involved in the community, gardening and bird watching.
Survivors include her husband, Jim; two daughters, Cindy Keirn of Ponca City and Brenda Hadden of Torrance, Calif.; two sons, Bruce Hadden of Tulsa and Jess Hadden of Ponca City; two sisters, Lula Mae Frederick and Anna Belle Wignall, both of Perry; four brothers, Francis Webb of Perry, Lelan Webb of Guthrie, Willis Webb of Ponca City and Thurman Webb of Corpus Christi, Texas; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, W.O. "Jack" Webb and George O. Webb Jr.; and one granddaughter.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Hadden's name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at the Hadden home on Route 3.
Basil C. Taylor, resident of Westminster Village, died Thursday, Jan. 16, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 89.
A vigil service, followed by recitation of the Rosary, will be held at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel at 7 p.m. Friday. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Rev. Anthony Taylor, pastor of St. Monica's Catholic Church, Edmond, and grandson of the deceased, will celebrate the Mass, concelebrated by the Rev. John Michalicka, pastor, St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial and graveside service will be held Monday, 1 p.m. in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Fort Worth, Texas.
Basil C. Taylor was born March 31, 1907, in Ionia, Iowa, the son of Oliver B. Taylor and Rose Rink Taylor. He was raised in Lawler, Iowa. In 1927 he moved to Houston, Texas to attend Rice Institute.
On Nov. 24, 1928, he married Jewel E. Spivey at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Houston. He was employed by the Rath Packing Company. In 1930 he was transferred to Galveston, and in 1938 to Fort Worth, Texas. In 1950 he founded the Taylor Dressed Beef Company in Fort Worth, which is still in operation. He sold his interest in the company in 1984. In 1990 he moved to Ponca City to be with his family. From his teenage years he was an avid outdoorsman, which included trapping, hunting and fishing. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and a life member of the Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include his son, Basil H. Taylor, Ponca City; seven grandchildren, The Rev. Anthony B. Taylor, Edmond, Michael R. Taylor, Memphis, Tenn., Joseph D. Taylor, Fort Worth, Paul C. Taylor, Ponca City, Mary Gamble, Ponca City, Leo C. Taylor, Fort Worth, and Rose Marie Woodard, Fort Worth; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Sister Mary Basil, Dubuque, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jewel, in November 1983, his parents, three brothers, and one sister.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at 1305 DeSoto.
paid obituary
Eugene S. Brown Sr., Ponca City area resident, died Thursday, Jan. 16, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 68. Prayer services will be held today, Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center at White Eagle. Other arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel and will be announced later.
Leslie C. Haggard, Ponca City resident, died Thursday evening, Jan. 16, 1997, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. He was 62. Survivors include a daughter, Trish Creed of Ponca City. A graveside service is planned in Kirbyville, Mo. Arrangements are pending and will be announced later by Trout Funeral Home.
Mollie Williams, Ponca City resident, died Thursday evening, Jan. 16, 1997, at Highland Nursing Center. She was 87. Local survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Denny (Wanda) Hunt. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Betty J. Trice, Ponca City resident, died Thursday evening, Jan. 16, 1997, at her home. She was 73. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Saturday
Danny Ray Thompson - Funeral at 10 a.m. at Ponca City First Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Red Rock Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Orpha Frances Crain - Funeral at 2 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. Burial will be in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery.
Rudolph H.W. Ramhorst - Funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the
Roberts Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery.
NEWS BRIEFS
VFW Dinner- Members of VFW Post 1201 and Auxiliary will meet for a family dinner Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Post home. The menu will include ham and yams. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert.
Senior Citizens Dance Set - The Monday Night Senior Citizens Dance is set for 7 to 10 p.m. at the American Legion Ball Room. Everyone is welcome to dance to the music of The Hayriders Band.
Burglary - The Ponca City Police Department received a call from a resident in the 1400 block of West Grand Avenue at 6:16 a.m. Thursday who said two women were kicking in her door and harassing her. An officer took a report. At 6:40 a.m., the officer arrested a 31-year-old woman in the 100 block of South Pine Street for first degree burglary. In addition, the officer arrested a 19-year-old woman at 8:22 a.m. for first degree burglary.
Forgery - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a burglary in Blackwell at 10:42 a.m. Thursday. The victim reported checks are being forged and used in Ponca City.
Warrants Served - A 19-year-old woman was arrested at a traffic stop at South Ash Street and West Oklahoma Avenue at 2:26 p.m. Thursday on a city warrant for failure to pay and a Kay County warrant for failure to pay.
Theft - A resident in the 600 block of North Pine Street reported a pipe threader stolen at 2:54 p.m. Thursday. A Ponca City police officer took an information report.
Graffiti - An employee at the Mid High contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 4:06 p.m. Thursday to request an officer check graffiti in a bathroom of the annex building. An officer responded and took a report.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street at 4:27 p.m. Thursday. An officer requested an ambulance for a subject complaining of back pain, however, the victim was not taken to the hospital.
Citations Issued - Two Ponca City police officers handled a disturbance
in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue at 1:25 a.m. Friday. A 17-year-old
girl was arrested for trespassing and a curfew violation.
LIFESTYLES
The Jan. 13 meeting of Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority was held in the home of Patsy Bray with June Miller, president, in charge of the business session. Members of the chapter voted to support the International Endowment Fund selections of the Lupus Foundation, Sickle Cell Anemia Gene Study and Down Syndrome work.
A letter of resignation was received from Kathy Kuchta who is moving to Pennsylvania with her family. Brenda Parker is taking a leave of absence as she is returning to school.
Chapter members will receive a Breast Cancer Awareness pin for adding four pledges to the membership roll. Sara King, treasurer, announced that Valentine Dance money would be collected at the Jan. 27 meeting. Tickets for the dance are $5 per person and $10 per couple.
Announcement was made that Sammie Coats and Cindy Wardlow had attended the City Council meeting. Social plans were given by Patsy Bray and Jan Ellison. The group wil meet for dinner at El Chico at 6 p.m. Jan. 25 and then go to the Bray home.
Ms. King announced that the items collected for Christmas had been taken to the Salvation Army. The chapter voted to continue donations to the Humane Society. Members were asked to bring Valentine surprises to the February meeting. The traveling basket was given to Ms. Ellison by Ms. Coats, who received the mystery prize. The next meeting will be at the Coats home at 7 p.m. Jan. 27. Pledges are asked to meet at 6:30 p.m.
The program for the evening was an American Red Cross survival guide on winter storms. A video provided by Susie Bivins, Americore representative, on "Surviving the Cold" was watched. Among the many suggestions given by the speaker was that is a "person is showing signs of hypothermia and medical help is not available, begin warming the person slowly, the body core first." She also gave traveling tips as provided by the American Red Cross.
Members of Mu Psi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Jan. 7 at the home of Jennifer Neisen with Kelly Webb, president, calling the meeting to order. Denise Pappan, recording secretary, read the minutes and the treasurer's report was given by Donna Sodowsky.
Kerry Mullenax gave the social committee report on the upcoming Progressive dinner. Janet Acree reported for the service committee on events being scheduled including the Friendship Feast and ushering for the Ponca Playhouse.
Pam McGovern asked members of the scrapbook committee to meet with her later this month to get organized. She also reminded members of the fund raiser scheduled with Creative Memories.
Kelly Webb gave the report from City Council concerning the Valentine Dance. Mu Psi chapter has selected Donna Sodowsky as their Valentine Queen. The group will honor her with a dinner at the Rusty Barrell preceding the dance on Feb. 15.
Following the business session the program was presented by Donna Sodowsky
who demonstrated how to make snowflakes by folding paper and cutting designs.
EDUCATION
Seniors on the Principal's Honor Roll include: Marcia Berry, Kristy Brotton, Leauna Buck (Constant), Nichole Caine, Christina Cooper, Kathy Cripps, Corie Drake, Adam Evans, Koby Fleck, Eric Foy, Risa Freeman, Andrea Graf, Lacey Gray, Forrest Holland, Jonathan Hooper, Amanda Hraban, Aileen Jackson, Jenny Jones, Jason Jorgensen, Anthony Koster, Jamie McEntire, Kitty McNamara, Michelle Means, David Newland, Michael Newman, Scott Norris, Mark Oblad, Andrew Parsons, Heather Roth, Corey Roussel, Joshua Shafer, Stuart Snyder, Sam Stalcup, Ryan Sullivan, Emily Thomason, Donovan Weems, Joseph Welch, Kerri White and Jeri York
Juniors on the Principal's Honor Roll are: Sarah Armstrong, Molly Baugh, Elizabeth Bednarski, Rachel Beguin, Arthur (Brian) Denson, Brad Brewer, Dana Delaney (Cross), Kate Emig, Jennifer Frantz, Courtney Gingerich, Kathryn Godfrey, Michael Grubb, Shalonda Hardman, Zachary Hodge, Ashley Hollingsworth, Cathryn Jackman, Lance Johnson, Cindy Jones, Mindy Jones, Natalie Lindsay, Erin Love, Jeremy Marzuola, Elizabeth Sablotne, Justin Shurts, Jason Stillwell, Jeremy Stillwell, Matthew Szabo, Nelson Vining, Rusty Wilson, Stacie Wolf and Brian Young.
Sophomores placed on the Principal's Honor Roll include: Krista Arnold, Geoffrey Bliss, Matthew Boies, Lendsi Boyd, Jerry Brooks, Lauren Brune, Melissa Byrd, Bryanna Cobb, Roy Don Coffey, Kristina Copeland, David Donald, Rachel Erkenbeck, Romi Foreman, Edwin Fuh, Amy Glaser, Candace Hanson, Michelle Hintergardt, Sarah Hodge, Elise Jeffries, Amy Johnston, Raymond Lahann, Scott Larrison, Misty Lechtenberg, Brook Marler, Marcus McCloud, Mary Metzger, Joshua Milligan, D.J. Nuzum, Gayle Otto, Melissa Psikal, Teresa Purkaple, Justin Ross, Kati Salmons, Amber Thomas, Patrick Tucker, Mark Whitt, Jennifer Workman and Nathan Zimmerman.
Seniors on the 'B' Honor Roll are: Jared Abramian, Christina Aguilar, Angela Allen, Amanda Anderson, Julie Beckhaus, Angela Barker, Chris Barnes, Jennifer Barton, Niki Batt, Krystal Bay, Andrea Bennett, Amanda Berry, Michael Beyer, Sawyer Blackburn, Zach Blumer, Chris Bolding, Katy Bond, Sheray Bouchard, Leslie Boyd, Chris Brune, Kristy Buck, Terry Burge, Cory Burkett, Cary Cauthon, Triah Challis, Terry Chase, Pamela Ciconte, Jennifer Connelly, Brian Cullison, Erin DeWeese, Melissa Donald, Erik Dunham, Cher Eagle, Kahle Eberle, Olivia Engle, Stacey Epperson, Kristy Essary, Joey Ferguson, Susan Filson, Geoffrey Forbes, Ryan Foster, Larry Fry, April Galindo, Lilian Genaro, Candace Goulden, Jeremiah Gratias, Justin Gray, Marlon Guess, Bryanna Gurley, Dustin Hambleton, Nicole Hanson, Humphrey, Lyndsi Hilbert, Sarah Hilyard, Daniel Hisey, Travis Hollingsworth, Elizabeth Horn, Buffy Houser, Rocky Hughes, Chris Hunt, Alisha Johnston, David Jump, Brian Kanelakos, Cara Kem, Anthony King, Becky Kirchenbauer, James Knight, Larry Knight, Tricia Koehn, Caitlin Lane, Matthew Largent, Michelle Lechtenberg and Richard Lenhart.
Also included are Lisa Lessert, Kendra Lewis, Winston Lindsay, Laura Mabry, Gabriel Maciel, Kennth Maddox, Shane Magnus, Jill Marks, Christopher Martin, Emily Martin, Leanna Maurer, David Metzger, Damon Myers, Derrick Myers, Vandie Newman, Chad Niemann, William Oldfield, Casey Orr, Matthew Orr, Chrystal Pascher, Ramonda Pollard, Adrian Powell, Charlotte Pruett, Yelda Rauda, Crystal Reed, Olivia Reyes, Amber Richardson, Paul Richardson, Jason Ross, Jason Schneeberger, Samantha Schultz, Douglas Scott, Andrea Sharp, Ginny Sherrard, Lauren Silkey, Glen Simpson, Akif Simsek, Kevin Skinner, Kyle Skinner, Tracy Soutter, Andrew Stewart, Crystal Suggs, Shane Swords, Tiffany Tapp, Michelle Thomas, Chance Throop, Kate Tomaszewska, Elmer Uhlig, Casey Vining, Jessica Webb, Mari Wellington, Matthew Whitney, Tamisha Williams, Erin Wilson, John Workman, Crystal Wright and Aaron Zimmerman.
Juniors placed on the Faculty Honor Roll are: David Adams, Melissa Alcantra, Linda Allie, Natasha Anderson, Nikki Andrews, Sarah Anno, Kristi Anthony, Keith Arterbury, Brock Bakke, Casey Barnard, Erinn Barr, Jamie Bellinghausen, Jay Bentley, Shelly Birdsong, Stephanie Blochowiak, Melissa Boelens, Steven Bogadi, Kristi Bouchard, Michelle Branum, Jill Brien, V. Dianne Bryer, Shawn Buller, Jason Bussey, Kristin Bute, Jeremy Buxton, Keli Cain, Lisa Callaway, Tina Chamberlin, Robbi Coffelt, Jennifer Cohenour, Stephen Collins, Jared Colvin, David Crabtree, Greg Cunningham, Jeffrey Daily, Elise Davis, Kristen Davis, Sara Day, Heather Denning, Amanda Dickson, Brook Didlake, Sarah Dorsey, Brian Dove, Elizabeth Dunn, Jacquelin Dyer, Daniel Edwards, Eve Engle, Amy Fremin, Melissa Fuhrman, Nuvia Gamboa, Kristal Gauger, Joshua Glover, Margaux Griffith, Mandy Grover, Travis Hager, Justin Hall, Michael Hall, Jenny Nardin, Mathew Harrison, Amy Hayes, Ginger Hazen, Ute Helbich, Michelle Helms, Kara Hill, Joseph Holder, Emily Hufnagel, William Ivie, L. Shane James, Dustan Johnson, Johanna Jokiniemi, Christa Joosten and Bradley Keirn.
Other juniors included are Melissa Kirchner, Kari Koch, Christopher Koenig, Jane Koster, Marty Kruk, Holly Ladner, Sasha Lamm, Cynthia Lanham, Crissi Loch, Robert Maril, Michael Martin, Zulma Martinez, Calvin McCulley, James McDougal, Mandy Meade, Ryan Meyer, Tessa Mitchell, Eriberto Mora, Michael Murray, Kristi Nash (Kirsch), Candy Norman, Chas Oster, Robert Paczowski, Randy Peters, Emily Phillips, Jenna Plagman, Heidi Rahn, Keri Ramsey, Jessica Rathburn, Amanda Reed, Aracely Reyes, Shotzie Rhea, Jessica Rockett, Jeramy Sawyers, Lesley Schieber, Julie Schiltz, Robert Scott, Jennifer Shears, Jason Shelton, Aaron Siemers, Ginger Skaggs, Jared Smith, Ryan Smith, Shelly Smith, Eric Sponamore, Ellen Sprehe, Jeff Stahl, Nick Steichen, Randy Stolhand, Nikki Terry, Justin Thomas, Kyle Thomas, Kennalee Thompson, Amber Throop, Anthony Tillman, L. Ashley Turvery, Leigh Ann Vap, Kyle Vincent, Reona Walling, Brian Weber, Keesha West, Jason Winters and Darrin Wright.
Sophomores receiving the honor of being on the Fall Honor Roll are: Jennifer Adams, Sandra Aguilar, Joshua Bailey, Amber Baker, Misty Baker, Rebecca Burham, Isaac Beard, Amar Bhakta, Tina Bogner, Amanda Bonham, Jason Bowen, Jennifer Brown, Melissa Bryant, Owen Bullard, Jon Bush, Megan Butt, Tamra Caleb, Brian Connelly, Shea Conner, Carrie Cooley, Clay Cooper, Jill Corbin, Sarah Cowan, Desiree Cries For Ribs, Jonathan Danek, Jennifer Davis, Stephanie Davis, Karla Del Rio, Natalie Dillahunty, Amy Dressen, Amy Dressen, Nichole Duke, Cassie Ellenwood, Lucas Elmer, Kami Enevoldsen, Andrew England, Dick Engle, Thomas Engle, Martin Engster, James Eudy, Carrie Evans, Melissa Evans, Kent Evatt, Joshua Fields, Becky Fisher, Anna Fowler, Abby Frick, Cherie Fry, Robert Galbraith, Danielle Gallagher, Rachel Garlett, Brian Geubelle, Matt Gray, Daniel Harris, Keith Harris, Paula Hart, Jennifer Heidlage, Regina Hile, Desiree Honeycut, Skye Howery, Brian Hraban, Ryan Ives, Kindra Jolly, Shandise Jones, Christopher Keim, Devin King, Lindsey Knight, Marci Lee, Anne Lenhart, Lindsay Licata, James Lindsay III, Shara Long, Casey Luis, Stephanie Mathews, Katie Maurer, Jamie McGugan, Mary McNeese, Monte Meredith, Eric Michael, Kimberly Moore, Kristin Moore, Tarina Morris, Thomas Murray, Wesley Murrie and Amanda Neahring.
Other sophomores include Anthony Oates, Paul Oblad, Carla Osorio, Curtis Oswalt IV, Joshua Ozment, Sarah Pameticky, Elizabeth Parker, Paul Paschel, Lacy Patterson, Jason Pettigrew, Kimberly Phillips, Annette Priba, Theresa Rathbun, Tanner Ray, Justin Rosebeary, Sarah Round, Ashley Roussel, Jennifer Runyan, Mindy Sattre, Jacklyn Sawyers, Staci Schickram, Jacquelyn Schroeder, Sarah Scott, Allyson Shafer, Clarence Shear, Katy Sikes, Bobbi Simmons, Jared Sindelar, Moreio Skinner, Tara Skinner, Erin Slater, Mariah Sneath, Jill Snyder, Christoph Spaich, Sonya Spore, Ricky Staggs, Jr., Caydee Stalcup, Wanda Stocker, Greg Stolhand, John Sudbury, Scott Szabo, Collin Talbott, Craign Thilsted, Megan Tomek, Ronald Tribble II, Trey Walters, Jaima Warren, Karlissa Watson, Emily Wheeler, Melissa Whitney, Tia Williams, Sharon Winters, Mindy Wolff, Pam Yost, Amy Ziegenhain.
The OoKeeHee Club will be meeting Jan. 21 and Jan. 28 at the Po-Hi in Room 104 from 6-7:30 p.m. All interested students in grades 7-12 are invited to attend. Business will include the OoKeeHee basketball tournament on Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and 2, and a guest speaker for the March Meeting. The annual OoKeeHee Pow-Wow will also be discussed. For further information contact Cher Eagle at 765-0971.
A "School to Work" Forum will be held on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Mid-High Library sponsored by the Ponca City Secondary Schools PTSA Councils. The speaker will be Ms. Linda Thompson from PTC. She is the local person in charge of the program. The hope is to address the community about how the "School to Work" will be implemented here. Everyone is invited to attend.
The Title IX Indian Education community wide meeting will be held Jan. 22 at the Fourth Street Conoco Clubhouse from 5-8:00 p.m. Business to be conducted will include election of vacated Title IX Parent-Committee memberships. Mr. Ron West, Director of Indian Education of the State of Oklahoma, will be the guest speaker. A pot-luck supper will begin at 5 p.m. All interested parents and guardians of students are invited to attend. For further information contact Mr. Garland Kent, Jr., Chairman of the Title IX Indian Education Parent Committee, at 762-6861. The community is invited to attend the meeting.
The Mid-High PTSA Board Meeting regularly scheduled for the 3rd Monday of the month has been postponed until Jan. 27 due to the "School to Work" Forum on the 22nd. All board members are encouraged to attend the forum.
There will be no classes on Monday, Jan. 20 in the Ponca City School
System due to Professional Day.
RELIGION
One of two 1996 recipients of the Bethesda Christian Service Award for Professionals, The Rev. Dr. Dennis D. Schurter is the son of Martha Schurter and the late Col. Orie O. Schurter of Blackwell. The award is presented by Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. of Watertown, Wis., and is given for excellence in ministry with people with mental retardation.
The Rev. Mr. Schurter has been a chaplain and director of Pastoral Services at Denton State School in Denton, Texas since 1975. Denton State School is a residential facility serving 680 adults with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.
He has written articles for various journals and published a book of essays and resources concerning ministry with people with disabilities. He has also made presentations at various regional and national conferences.
A 1968 graduate of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., the Rev. Mr. Schurter received his Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) certification at St. Louis State Hospital and Terrill State Hospital in Terrill, Texas. He earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, and was ordained as a Lutheran minister at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blackwell, in 1968.
Following his ordination, Schurter served congregations in Waxahachie and Greenville, Texas. A Fellow of the College of Chaplains, he chairs the American Association of Mental Retardation Religion Division's Certification Committee which grants national certification to pastoral caregivers in the field of mental retardation.
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services is an agency providing residential and other services to persons with mental retardation in various locations including Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas and Texas. Chaplain Schurter's award was presented at Bethesda's annual meeting and banquet on Nov. 9 in Cypress, Texas.
On Nov. 9, four meetings and banquets were held in separate locations simultaneously with the four locations connected to each other through interactive satellite hook-up, the Rev. Mr. Schurter's mother pointed out.
God created us at different times, in different places and with flesh of a hundred different hues, but we are set forth with a common purpose, "to love the Lord our God ... and to love our neighbor as yourself."
Sunday, even as we enjoy the satisfaction of food and drink while enjoying the Super Bowl football game, 34,000 young children around the world will die due to malnutrition and preventable diseases. In the United States, eight million young people under the age of eighteen - each handcrafted by God - live in poverty.
Together, we can make a difference. Give one dollar as you leave worship Sunday. The money will be sent directly to the soup kitchen, food bank or other helping ministry your congregation selects. Your group alone touches the money. Organizers only request that totals be phoned in on game day (1-800-358-SOUP) so that final figures can be promptly announced.
The Souper Bowl is no panacea. However, just as this simple effort shows the good possible when we give of ourselves, we must all continually seek ways to love God and our neighbor.
The Souper Bowl began in 1990 with the Youth Fellowship of a single Columbia, SC church. Last year over $1,300,000 was raised by men, women and children across the country who joined in this act of caring. With your help, this year's total will be even greater!
Worship and Dedication Service for Northeast Baptist's Samick Concert Grand piano will be held Sunday, Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. in the worship center at 2200 Pecan Road. The new piano was purchased from Miles Music.
An interesting note is this 9'2" Samick concert grand was purchased a year prior to the completion of the new worship center. It would not have fit in the old sanctuary, but Northeast took a step of faith and committed to the purchase, knowing that God would provide the completed worship center.
Guy Cooper, minister of music, has scheduled a piano concert featuring Northeast's church accompanists for the program of the Worship and Dedication Service. Performing will be Donita Cooper, Nancy Kahle, Becky Dye, Carol Green, Sheryl Smith, Carrie Nickles, and Jenarold Jones.
The program will consist of many four-hand duets and a six-hand piano trio. Music will include: "Victory in Jesus", "Rise Again", "The New 23rd", "Heaven Came Down", "The Holy City", and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness". Piano solos will also be included in the recital. A formal dedication with a well known artist is presently being scheduled.
Dr. Larry E. Nigh, pastor, invites the public to join Northeast in this evening of worship through music. Childcare will be provided for children three years and younger.
Prince of Peace Lutherans have started the new year in "great shape", according to a spokesperson for the church group. The attendance is growing and plans are being made for numerous activities.
Bambi Correll is heading the youth this year and they are preparing to sell their annual Super Bowl Subs. If interested in buying one of these "creations" from the Lutheran youth, give Bambi a call.
This Saturday, Jan. 18, is the monthly Council meeting at 4 p.m. at the church. All Council members are encouraged to attend.
Saturday is also the monthly "Table for Eight" dinner, and those planning to attend are asked to check with their hostess for time.
The POP license tags are in and considered by the committee to be "great". If interested in purchasing one, contact Angela Correll or any Council member.
Grace Tabernacle of Praise is in the midst of a project for expansion and missions, according to Pastor Tim Burnsworth.
The project, which will raise funds for missions in Belize, in the Guatemala and Honduras area, will also benefit the local church in providing Sunday School rooms, Pastor Burnsworth explained.
Pastor Burnsworth said the church here will be giving away a Porsche 911 Targa for a suggested donation of $2 or more per entry. He suggests folks send their name, address, and telephone number on a 3x5 card with donation to: Grace Tabernacle Expansion/Mission Fund, P.O. Box 1744, Ponca City, OK 74602. Donations and amounts are suggested, not required and all donations are tax deductible, he explained. The drawing will be held on or before March 31 of this year.
Pastor Burnsworth explained the government of Belize, interested in providing education for its youth, is working with the program to provide schools. Less than 20 percent of the children of that area go to school, because there are no schools. The government of Belize, interested in seeing the children are educated, will match any funds that are provided in building schools.
Pastor Burnsworth invites the public to join with Grace Tabernacle in sponsoring the program, both here and in Belize.
Northeast Baptist Church will begin an eight week Discipleship Training session on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m., according to the Rev. Russell Segelquist, Minister of Education.
A choice of three studies will be offered for the adults. "What the Bible says ... about Child Training" by J. Richard Fugate, will be led by Duane Gregory. This study is a unique coverage of the vital subject of child training. In a day when most information is based on man's constantly changing opinions and his limited observations, it is exciting to see the objective truth of God's revelation presented. This truth is information by which man can live his life with confidence that he is right. It is also truth that will produce predictable results when properly utilized.
"When God Speaks" by Henry and Richard Blackaby will be led by Tony Weir. The purpose of this course is to assist folks in knowing when God is speaking to them and what He is saying. God does speak to His servants and gives clear, personal instructions which enable one to experience fully His power, presence, and love. This study helps the Christian to know how God speaks to them through the Holy Spirit, the Bible, prayer, circumstance, and the church.
"Becoming A Contagious Christian" by Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelberg will be led by Russell Segelquist. "Being a Contagious Christian" helps the student discover his or her own natural evangelism style; develop a contagious Christian character; build spiritually strategic relationships; learn to direct conversations toward matters of faith; and how to share biblical truths in everyday language.
Children in grades one through six will study Joseph McDowell's "Truth Works: Making the Right Choices". Steve and Jeanne Martin and Jim Griffin will lead the first through third graders and Debra Goddard and Ken York will lead the fourth through sixth grades. The study will give children a model for making right moral choices through a simple and fun 4-step process. The children will learn how to determine right from wrong applied to moral questions about cheating, lying, getting even, respecting others, pure thoughts and words, forgiving others, self-control, and fairness. "Truth Works" will give the children an opportunity to practice making right choices. The Pre-Kingergarten and Kindergarten children will have children's choir which will be directed by Kathy Landis.
Childcare will be available for children up to three years of age.
Guy Cooper, Minister of Music and Youth, is beginning rehearsal for the Easter musical orchestra at 4 p.m. on Sundays. The Youth Choir will rehearse at 5 p.m.
Orientation for a new First Place session will begin at Sunset Baptist Church Sunday afternoon, Jan. 19, at 4:30 p.m. Each session is a 13-week session and will meet in the east wing of the church in the 5th and 6th grade room from 4:30 to 5:50 each Sunday afternoon. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend this orientation meeting.
First Place is a Christ-centered health plan that follows the American Diabetic Association's food plan. A Bible study is a part of this program, and members are asked to commit to daily Bible study, daily Bible reading, and daily prayer time. Other commitments include exercise, drinking at least eight glasses of water each day, and following a low-fat food program.
Those who commit to this program will be asked to pay the cost of the materials used in this program, which is $60 for new members and $15 for repeating members. For more information, contact Virginia Love at 762=5188; or feel free to come to the orientation meeting Sunday afternoon at 4:30. Child care is available for anyone with children.
Sunset Baptist is located at 915 Greenwood, between Ash and Birch Streets. Evening worship service follows the First Place program at 6 p.m. Other Discipleship Training programs meet at 5 p.m. and the Children's Choir program meets at 4:45 each Sunday afternoon. Everyone is welcome to these programs.
The Bible Broadcasting Network whose headquarters is in Charlotte, NC announces its expanding to the Ponca City area. This FM translator can be heard on 103.5 FM in the Ponca City area.
This new outreach is a satellite fed FM translator that broadcasts BBN's music and programs 24 hours a day. BBN believes this translator will help and encourage the local pastors and church families of Ponca City.
First Presbyterian Church will hold the Annual Meeting of the congregation and the corporation in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Reports will be received, the budget reviewed, officers elected and programs of the church discussed, according to Dr. Monty Fey, pastor.
A catered Midweek dinner will precede the meeting rather than the traditional covered dish dinner. Dr. Fey explained this will be more convenient for persons who work. No set charge is planned, but donations will be accepted.
On Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, the Saturday Men's Breakfast is scheduled. Guest speaker will be Scott Mason, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Newkirk. All men of the church are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend.
The Membership Ministry Team is sponsoring an evening of bowling on Sunday, January 19 at Ponca Bowl. It will be an evening for the entire family - young and old, bowlers and non-bowlers, and three bumper lanes for the little ones.
The fun begins at 6 p.m. Those who don't bowl are invited to come along for the fellowship, and "a few good laughs"!
All Ministry Teams of Woodlands are reminded that on Tuesday, Jan. 21, all Teams will meet at 7 p.m., followed by the Minister's Cabinet at 8 p.m.
Those expected are Terry Watson, Christian Education; Joquita Wallen, Worship; Mary Ann Lincoln, Outreach; Verna Bateman, Stewardship; Patty Ladd, Evangelism; Calvin Case and Tommy Smith, Property; and Leslie Hoover, and Carolyn Kempenich, Membership.
First Baptist Church will be offering an exhaustive choice of classes for personal spiritual growth during the church training hour beginning Jan. 19 at 5:15 p.m.
The basics of "Experiencing God" and the advanced "Heart of the Problem" will be offered. An outstanding Winter Bible Study in Ephesians will be offered, as well as experiences in prayer and discipleship. Everyone is encouraged to sign up as soon as possible in order to allow texts to be purchased.
The First Baptist Thursday morning prayer group which has been meeting
at the Rose Stone Restaurant has moved to the Assembly Center at First Baptist.
Time for the breakfast will be from 6 to 6:45 a.m.
Ponca City High School's scheduled basketball games tonight at Bartlesville have been postponed, according to Bartlesville athletic officials.
Bartlesville Schools have been closed since Wednesday due to bad weather and were closed again today.
The 4-5, 2-4 Lady Cats will next be in action Monday at 4 p.m. against 4A second-ranked Sallisaw in the Catoosa Port City Classic.
If the Po-Hi girls win they will play Thursday at 7 p.m. If they lose they are scheduled to play at 7 p.m. Friday. Metro Christian and Catoosa are also in Ponca City's bracket. Tulsa East Central, Glenpool, Bristow and Claremore are in the other bracket.
The tournament concludes Saturday.
Tuesday, the Cats and Lady Cats host Broken Arrow in a Frontier Conference matchup.
Ponca City's sophomore boys committed eight fourth-quarter turnovers and the Blackwell JV took advantage to turn a two-point lead into an 11-point win here Thursday.
Blackwell led 8-6 after one as the Wildcat JVs missed seven layups, according to coach Ron Arthur. The Poncans came back, though, to forge a 19-all tie at the half.
Blackwell outscored the Cats 11-9 in the third but then pulled away in the fourth, outscoring Po-Hi 17-8.
"The turnovers and long rebounds led to a lot of transition baskets for them," said Arthur of the fourth quarter. "We just made a lot of miscues."
Paul Broome scored 12 points for Ponca City, Jeremiah Payne had 9, Michael Galbraith 4, Brian Connelly, Unique Palmer, Cody Warner, Kevin Reusser and Scott Crabtree all scored 2 points and Tanner Ray had 1.