From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, January
16, 1998
LOCAL
Community To Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.
OSU, Co-Ops Set Soybean Seminar
Two Teenagers Held in Dec. 24 Shooting Incident
DEATHS
Kathleen Emma Herrington
Lt. Col. David W. Mugg
Earl Nathaniel Rayfield
Carl T. Henderson
Virginia Lee Blake
Obituaries
Helen Merrell
Services Pending
Ken. E. Leathers
Essie M. Meyers
Funerals
Thomasine Elizabeth Moore
NEWS BRIEFS
RELIGION
Community Christian Dedicates Leaders
First Nazarenes Pay Off Church Debt
First Lutherans Install Ramsey As New Pastor
Church Briefs
St. Mary's Catholic Church Completes Face-Lifting
Friday Night Live Comes to Church
EDUCATION
Art Work Donated
Candidates To Discuss Races
School News
LIFESTYLES
Keelers Celebrate 25 Years
Little News
Bits and Pieces
MS Support Group
SPORTS
Cat Grapplers Get Fight from Bruins
Cats, Lady Cats Try to Save Face
Mat Scores
Soph Girls Top Bruins
"Ponca City: Community or Chaos" will be the theme of the 1998 community wide celebration in honor of the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The program will be held Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in the Poncan Theatre.
Special speaker for the event will be Dr. George Henderson, Dean of the College of Liberal Studies and Director of the Department of Human Relations Advanced Studies Program, Oklahoma University, Norman.
Dr. Henderson is a pioneer among African American university educators in Oklahoma. He is the first African-American distinguished professor at the University of Oklahoma. In 1985, he was named a David Ross Boyd professor for excellence in teaching, guiding and counseling students. In 1989, he was appointed to a third distinguished professorship, University of Oklahoma Regents' Professor.
This year's program will include Ms. Keesha West, president of the Ponca City High School African-American Club; Mrs. Cathy Ferguson, CEO and president of Ponca City Tomorrow; Chester Anderson, president of Ponca City Network Group (PCNG); musical performances by Ms. Barbara Lee Young and Mrs. Regina Smith as well as musical selections by the New Life Baptist Church Youth Choir under the direction of Mrs. Renee Paul.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Henderson, is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who Among Black American, and Who's Who in the Southwest. Some of his most recent awards include the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award, the C.V. Ramana Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Mental Health of Oklahoma's Children, and Outstanding Professor, University of Oklahoma Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association.
As a civic rights scholar and lecturer, Dr. Henderson has served as a consultant to dozens of state and national organizations. He received his Ph.D degree in education sociology from Wayne State University in Detroit.
The program is made possible by donations from local businesses and volunteers from throughout the community. There is no charge for admission to the program and all citizens are invited to attend this special celebration.
BLACKWELL - Producers may want to spend a profitable day at the Northern Oklahoma Soybean Clinic to be held next month at the Kay Electric Cooperative, 300 W. Doolin Ave., here.
Larry Fleck, OSU Extension Educator for Agriculture in Kay County, said the clinic will begin at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 19, concluding at 3:30 p.m. The day includes a sponsored lunch.
The soybean clinic, sponsored by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and the Farmers Cooperative Association of Ranch Drive and Tonkawa, will feature production and management topics such as cultural practices, tillage practices, weed control and herbicide selection, marketing and fertility, Fleck said.
"There is a great deal of interest in soybean production here in North Central Oklahoma and we feel that a one-day intensive clinic will provide producers with the opportunity to get the most current research information and ask questions in a convenient one-stop format," Fleck said.
A presentation will be made by Dr. Ron Sholar, OSU Extension Crops Specialist, on cultural practices and weed control.
Dr. Jim Stiegler, OSU Extension Soils Management Specialist, will discuss tillage practices. Dr. Kim Anderson, OSU Extension Marketing Specialist, will discuss marketing, and OSU Area Agronomist Roger Gribble will cover fertility.
The meeting will also feature an industry trade show and will include the sponsored meal and break refreshments.
While there is no registration fee, space is limited so producers are requested to pre-register as soon as possible, Fleck said. The pre-registration will also help to provide educational materials and plan the luncheon and refreshments.
Producers can pre-register by sending their name and address to the OSU Extension Center at PO Box 430, Newkirk, OK 74647 by Feb. 13, or by calling 580-362-3194 to register or obtain additional information.
Police have arrested two Ponca City teenagers in connection with the Dec. 24 drive-by shooting in the 700 block of South Fifth Street. The teens, ages 16 and 18, were arrested for shooting with intent to kill. Other charges may be filed.
The shooting is believed to be related to a Dec. 25 shooting which left a 16-year-old pregnant girl hospitalized from a gunshot wound and another man wounded.
Police are still searching for the man believed to be the triggerman in that shooting. A warrant has been issued for the suspect, Todd Coburn, 23, of Ponca City. At the time of the Christmas shooting, Coburn was out on bond for a 1997 charge of accessory to attempted murder.
Police are asking for help in locating Coburn, who is 5 feet 4 inches
tall, 115 pounds with short black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with any information
concerning his whereabouts are urged to call the Ponca City Police Department
at 767-0370 or Crime Stoppers at 762-5100. Callers will remain anonymous
and may receive a reward of up to $1,000.
DEATHS
Kathleen Emma Herrington, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Jan. 15, 1998, at the Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 93.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Community Christian Church with the Rev. Wayne Major, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery, under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
Kathleen (Smith) Herrington was born Dec. 3, 1904, in Tulsa, the daughter of James J. and Julia Ann (McAlister) Smith. The family moved to Ponca City when she was in the eighth Grade.
She was married to Curtis C. Herrington on Oct. 11, 1922, and the couple established their home in Ponca City. Mrs. Herrington was employed by Mid America Garment Factory for several years and later worked at the Landmark Coffee Shop for 13 years, retiring in 1964. She was a member of the Community Christian Church. Her hobbies included knitting and working in her church.
Surviving are two sons, Paul, of Esbon, Kan., and Robert of Orlando, Fla.; two daughters, Peggy Gumm of Broken Bow and Ina Downing of Washington, D.C.; 16 grandchildren; and 24 great and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1946; one daughter, Mary Ann Hankins; one son, Jimmy K.; her parents; and four brothers.
Casket bearers will be Jack Davenport, Gilbert Mackey, Jim Murphy, Wallace Officer, Orville Thornton and Buford Weaver.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Herrington's name to Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City, OK 74601.
EDMOND - Lt. Col. David W. Mugg, Edmond, son of William Everett Mugg of Tonkawa, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1998, in Edmond. He was 64.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Waterloo Church of The Nazarene in Edmond. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery under the direction of Baggerly Funeral Home, Edmond.
David W. Mugg was born Sept., 3, 1933, in Oklahoma City to William Everett and Altha Mugg. He was a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, having served in the air rescue corps in Vietnam, and weather recon with the Air Force Reserves. He was later employed as a civil service employee at Tinker AFB for 13 years in the executive office for the 507th Air Refueling Wing.
Mugg was active in his church, and worked with numerous volunteer organizations, including the Oklahoma Blood Institute, Red Cross and 1996 Olympics. He had also gained notoriety as an amateur bird watcher and World Class Fishing Liar.
Survivors include his wife, Eileen, of the home; two sons, David W. Jr., of Enid and Bill, of Lawrenceville, Ga.; two daughters, Katrina Palan of Peck, Kan., and Molly Bobitt of Rex, Ga.; his father, William Everett Mugg of Tonkawa; one brother, Jessie Mugg of Tonkawa, one sister, Mary Grace Simpson of Tonkawa; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilee, and his mother.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Blood Institute, c/o Baggerly Funeral Home, 930 South Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034.
BLACKWELL - Earl Nathaniel Rayfield, longtime Blackwell resident, died Thursday morning, Jan. 15, 1998, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 88.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at the Blackwell First Baptist Church with the Rev. Gregg Engle of Cushing, officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.
Earl Nathaniel Rayfield was born Feb. 28, 1909, in Thomas County near Colby, Kan., to George and Rosie Rayfield. In early childhood he moved with his parents to Atchison, Kan., where he grew up and attended schools. Following graduation he attended Oklahoma A&M College in Stillwater.
He married Pearl Nipps on Aug. 4, 1934, in Marion, Kan., and the couple moved to Blackwell in 1947. Mr. Rayfield worked in the insurance business, primarily as an independent agent, most of his adult life. He retired in 1980. Rayfield was a longtime member and a deacon at the Blackwell First Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Pearl Rayfield of Blackwell; one son, Shearn Garth Rayfield of Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; one nephew and several nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Roy; and one sister Eva Webber.
Casket bearers will be Mark Meador, David Haney, Morris Brown, Newman Hicks, Mike Creech and Olen Riley.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Rayfield's name to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
Carl T. Henderson, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 84.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Richard Robinson, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery near Tonkawa under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Carl T. Henderson was born Sept. 25, 1913, in Lamont, the son of James and Charlotte (Schlehuber) Henderson. He graduated from Tonkawa public schools in 1932.
On March 12, 1935, he was married to Byrnyce Berkshire in Winfield, Kan., and the couple made their home and farmed near Tonkawa. In 1937, he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier in Tonkawa, then transferred to Ponca City in 1952. He retired in 1968 after 32 years of service. Henderson enjoyed quail hunting, traveling, woodworking, and spending time with his family.
Surviving are his wife, Byrnyce, of the home; one son, Carl L. of Waukegan, Ill.; two daughters, Charlotte Harris and Florence Yvonne Kirch, both of Ponca City; two sisters, Edith Babb of Enid, and Sarah Windsor of Aumsville, Ore.; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Henderson's name to the American Diabetes Association, c/o Lori Hodges, Pioneer Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 111, Ponca City, OK 74602.
Virginia Lee Blake, Ponca City resident, died at her home, Thursday afternoon, Jan. 15, 1998. She was 76.
The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with Bob Innis, pastor of The Word of Life Christian Center, officiating. A committal service will also be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Elmwood Cemetery in Woodward.
Virginia Lee (Poulson) Blake was born July 9, 1921, in Woodward, the daughter of A. Raymond and Alta Mae (Ball) Poulson. She attended Woodward schools.
She was married to Murvel Garland Blake in June 1939, in Woodward and the couple moved to Bristow in the early 1940s. They operated Blakes Bakery in Bristow until moving to Ponca City in 1951. Mrs. Blake was later employed at Whiting Furniture for 14 years, retiring when the store closed.
Survivors include two daughters, Gayle Wood of Smyrna, Ga., and Linda Rogers of Ponca City; two brothers, John Poulson of Lone Grove, and A.R. "Bus" Poulson of Albuquerque, N.M.; one sister Toby Watson of Colombia, Calif.; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on May 31, 1971; her parents; and one sister, Coeta Herod.
TONKAWA - The funeral for Helen Merrell, Tonkawa, will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Tonkawa United Methodist Church. Dr. Brian Kovacs and the Rev. David Burris will be the clergy officiating. Burial will be conducted in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home. She died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1998, in the Greenbriar Nursing Home, Enid. She was 91.
Mrs. Merrell was born Dec. 8, 1906, in Perry to parents W.T. and Luella (Lunsford) Faris. She was raised in Perry and finished school there. After her schooling she taught school for two years in Perry.
Helen married Oscar Merrell in Perry on Dec. 24, 1925. In 1926, they moved to Tonkawa and opened Merrell's Automotive Electric, where she kept books. She took classes at Northern Oklahoma College and extension classes at Oklahoma State University. She taught school in the area as well as in the Tonkawa public schools for nine years. She had taught first-aid for the Tonkawa Fire Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other organizations for 35 years. She had also worked in the business office of the Tonkawa Sales Co., for 10 years.
Mrs. Merrell was active in the United Methodist Church, where she had been a member for 72 years. She served in every office in the United Methodist Women organization. She was a member and past state officer of the DAR, and a member of Gamma Beta Sorority, in which she was named Lady of the Year and received the Order of the Rose. In 1994, she was elected Tonkawa Centennial Queen. Her volunteer work included the American Red Cross board, Kay County Health board and service on Tonkawa Library board for 30 years. He also helped establish the Tonkawa Campfire Girls organization.
Survivors include one daughter, Mary Luella Schmook and her husband John, of Enid; three grandchildren, Lynn Schmook and his wife Candice of Tulsa, Alan Schmook and his wife, Patti, of Oklahoma City, and Helen Faye Wylie and her husband, Sam of Marietta; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Oscar. on Feb. 15, 1976; one grandson; and one brother.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Tonkawa United Methodist Church, c/o McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, 400 East Grand, Tonkawa, OK 74653.
paid obituary
Ken E. Leathers, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Jan. 16, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 59. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. Visitation will not be held.
Essie M. Meyers, former Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Jan. 15, 1998, at the Sterling Park Nursing Home in Redmond, Wash. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Saturday
Thomasine Elizabeth Moore - Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today
followed by a Native American prayer service at the Sacred Heart Catholic
Church in Fairfax. The funeral will be held at the church at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Burial will be in the Grayhorse Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten
Funeral Home, Fairfax.
NEWS BRIEFS
Conoco Retirees - The general meeting for the Conoco Retirees Association will be at 10 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Pioneer Tech Center. Speakers will be Jim Lindsay from Pioneer Bank and Trust, and Gary Bracken, attorney.
Trains at Lackland - Air Force Airman Shawnda M. Hutcheson has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. During the six week of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and customs and received special training in human relations. She also completed basic training, earning credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Airman Hutcheson is the daughter of Elaine L. Farren of Fairfax.
Legion Plans Feed - American Legion Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat) is set for 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. Proceeds will go to the Legion Rehab program.
Genealogy - Pioneer Genealogy Computer Interest Group meets Jan. 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the Ponca City Library.
Accident - An accident in the 400 block of South Fifth Street was reported to police at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Towed - At 8:33 a.m. Thursday a vehicle was towed from North Fifth Street and East Hazel Avenue for a 48-hour parking violation.
Dog Attack - A woman in the 1700 block of North Fourth Street reported at 9:12 a.m. Thursday that a dog attacked her and she was afraid. Animal control was contacted.
Arrest - A 32-year-old woman was arrested at 9:27 a.m. Thursday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Vehicle Towed - A vehicle blocking the alley between Oak Street and Elm Street was towed at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
Accident - At 11:50 a.m. Thursday police received a call reporting an accident in the 200 block of South Pine Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Sign Hazard - At 1:23 p.m. Thursday police were advised of a political sign that was causing a "traffic hazard" at East Highland Street and North Third Street. The sign was moved.
Arrest - Police arrested an 18-year-old man at 2:04 p.m. Thursday for reckless conduct with a firearm.
Accident - At 2:26 p.m. Thursday a woman in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth reported an accident that occurred during the night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - A 26-year-old man was arrested at 3:02 p.m. Thursday from South Twelfth Street and East South Avenue on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Arrest - Police arrested a 20-year-old man at 3:47 p.m. Thursday from South Eleventh Street and Madison Avenue on two Kay County warrants for assault and battery and burglary.
Checks Stolen - A woman in the 100 block of South Ash Street reported to police that a check had been stolen in Tonkawa. An officer was assigned.
Manhole Cover - A motorist reported to police at 6:01 p.m. Thursday that a manhole cover in the 200 block of West Cleveland Avenue was half off. An officer handled the matter.
Arrest - Police arrested a 18-year-old man at 6:07 p.m. Thursday on two city warrants.
Skate Boarding - At 7:38 p.m. Thursday police were advised of three juveniles skate boarding in the teachers parking lot at the high school. An officer was assigned.
Shoplifting Arrests - Two women, ages 16 and 36, were arrested at 7:50 p.m. Thursday for obtaining merchandise by false pretenses after an employee at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported customers changing tags on merchandise.
Pedestrian Hit - A man at Roosevelt School reported to police at 8:32 p.m. Thursday that he had hit a male pedestrian but the man refused help and had walked off. An officer was assigned, however the victim could not be located.
Gas Drive-Off - At 12:24 a.m. Friday a clerk at Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, reported a $12.28 gas drive-off.
Assault - Police received a report at 12:59 a.m. Friday from a man reporting that he had been assaulted in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - Police arrested a 20-year-old woman at 1 a.m. Friday from West Highland Avenue and North Oak Street on a city warrant for failure to obey.
Arrest - At 2:03 a.m. Friday a 46-year-old man was arrested at
from the 900 block of North Ash Street for driving under the influence and
speeding.
RELIGION
The leadership team for 1998 at Community Christian was dedicated last Sunday, it was announced by Pastor Wayne Major, pastor. Those who committed themselves to serve as Elders, Deacons, Committee Chairpersons, Sunday School teachers, and CWF leaders were dedicated to leadership during the morning worship service.
Pastor Majors pointed out that without them, there would be very little ministry or program going forth from Community Christian. With them, he said, the church can anticipate a ministry with vision and purpose, serving the community and bringing glory to God.
Dedicated as Elders were Lois Barr, Keith Burge, Jim Cheek, Chris Hand, Brian Hermanson, Dennis Lebeda, David Lowther, Gib Mackey, Sharon Majors, Janelle Moreland, Hessel Purdy, Roger Sheridan, Joe and Ann Thornburgh and Jan VanBuskirk.
Three teams of deacons were dedicated, including Zoe Burge, Darrell Dorman, L.J. McMahan, Fred Ownbey, Vera Ownbey, Barbara Seabridge, Doug Seabridge, Lavon Shepler, Don Spore, Dolton Timberlake, Colleen Tomlinson and J.D. Tomlinson.
Also Candace Benson, Diann Benson, John Coffman, Tisha Creech, Tommy Crouch, Beverly Fair, Delbert Fair, Audrey Lester, Deanna Lowther, Jeremy Ross, Heather Swinehart and Mike Swinehart; also Dawn Jackson, Bill Krisle, Marie Krisle, Tom McCallick, Jason Ross, Candy Smith, Mary Ann Brown, Susan Crank, Beverly Cunningham, Paul Hart, Robert Hart and Krista Hembree.
Brian Hermanson was dedicated as board chairman, working with Ann Thornburgh, Deanna Lowther, Tony Crouch, John Coffman, David Lowther, Gib Mackey, Zoe Burge and Robert Hart, church officers.
Chairing committees will be Heather Swinehart, Christian Education; Candy Smith, Evangelism; David Lowther, Finance and Stewardship; Sharon Majors, membership; Deanna Lowther, personnel; Doug Seabridge, property; Hessel Purdy, World Outreach and Jan VanBuskirk, worship.
Also dedicated at the service were Sunday School Teachers for Nursery through adult classes, and CWF officers. Teaching Sunday School will be Susan Crank, Heather Swinehart, Paula Hart, Joey Bradford, Diann Benson, Tony and Vicki Crouch, Sharon Majors, Brian Hermanson and David Lowther.
Edith McCallick is president of CWF Officers, working with Jennieve Smith, Betty DeWhitt, Lavon Shepler, Lois Barr, Nett Ellis, Charlene Neidig, Vera Jean Officer and Debbie Ballard.
Working with the pastor on the office staff are Dawn Jackson, secretary; Anne-Marie Webster, pianist; Paula Hart, Nursery; David Webster, Minister of Music and Education; George Qualls, custodian; Trisha Creech and JoArlena McCallick, Nursery attendants.
It was Easter Sunday, 1983 when members of the First Church of the Nazarene gathered at the future site of their new church - 1900 West Grand - to break ground. The weather was inclement, but the groundbreaking was a huge success, and this month that church building is free and clear of debt.
Meeting at 718 South Fourth, the home of the church in April 1983, the membership and friends drove to 1900 West Grand that Easter Sunday to break ground for their new facility. In spite of the inclement weather, Mayor John Raley was on hand to oversee the event and spoke of the future of Ponca City and the importance of her churches to that future, before presenting the official building permit to then pastor Kirby Hughes. Dr. Bill Burch, District Superintendent was on hand for the event, and led the congregation in praise to a powerful, risen Lord. Lots of pictures were snapped that day and the official church board took the reins of a plow being guided by Pastor Hughes. The plow was pulled in a straight furrow to begin the project of raising a new church building at 1900 West Grand.
Today that church building houses a vibrant and busy congregation, a long cry from its beginnings here, all the way back to September 26, 1908. On that day the church here was officially organized. The Ponca City Nazarene congregation was the second Church of the Nazarene to be organized in the new state of Oklahoma, the first being established a few months prior in Durant.
The Rev. Steven Bierly was called as pastor of First Church of the Nazarene in September of 1992 and assumed his duties here on Oct. 4 of that year. Pastor Bierly led the church in marking their 10th year in the new location in April of 1994. All former members, former preachers of the church, along with all new members at the time attended the anniversary celebration.
The Rev. Thomas G. Ramsey will be installed as the minister of First Lutheran Church in a special service on Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. The Rev. Mr. Ramsey comes to First Lutheran from Christ Lutheran in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and received his early education there. He graduated from Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature in 1968. The Rev. Mr. Ramsey served in the U.S. Marine corps and then sold insurance in Hawaii. In 1973 he began work in the claims department of several major insurance companies.
In 1984 he enrolled at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., from which he graduated in 1988 with a Master of Divinity degree.
The Rev. Mr. Ramsey's wife, Peggy, is a teacher and will remain in California to complete the school year. The Ramseys have two sons who are attending college.
The festive installation service will involve officials of the circuit and district of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, as well as area clergy. The public is invited to attend the worship service and the reception which follows in fellowship hall.
The 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services at First Lutheran on Jan. 18 will again be conducted by the Rev. Richard Zabel, retired Lutheran chaplain from Wichita.
First UMC Plans Special Music Program
The Senior Adult Council of First United Methodist Church will present "More Than Music" - A Time of Sharing at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 in the Church Fellowship Hall.
Donna Butler, minister of music, will present a program of vocal and instrumental music at this time. The public is invited to come and hear what a gifted artist can do with sacred music, including some of her original compositions.
Discover what happened to "True Love" gifts in the Twelve Days
After Christmas.
Marland Church Announces Service Schedule
The United Methodist Christian Church in Marland is announcing the schedule for services on Sunday. Pastor Warren Stafford points out that United Methodist Christian Church in Marland is "A casual country church for casual country/city folk!"
Sunday school is scheduled for 10 a.m. and church services at 11 a.m.
each Sunday, Pastor Stafford pointed out.
First Christian Has Part-Time Youth Minister
First Christian Church is starting the New Year out in a great way as Ray Malgt joins the staff as a part-time minister with the youth (Chi-Rho and CYF).
Rayu began his work with Sunday evening groups in December - his first staff position in a church, but, it was announced, he ha been active in Disciples churches all his life. His home church is First Christian in Cushing, and has also been active at First Christian in Perry and has attended numerous Regional Camps and Conferences at Guthrie.
He is described as a high-energy, outgoing youth minister with a passion
for helping youth in their relationship to God. He is a singer with a love
for Contemporary Christian Music.
Grace Episcopal Rector Hospitalized
The Rev. Kenneth Armstrong, rector of Grace Episcopal Church, has been hospitalized at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City following a massive heart attack this past weekend. He is slated for triple by-pass surgery within the next week, according to a spokesperson for Grace Church.
Deacon Steve Mallory will be leading Sunday and Wednesday services until Fr. Armstrong's return. Deacon Mallory has asked the community for their prayers on behalf of Fr. Armstrong.
St. Mary's Catholic Church, located on South Seventh, has undergone some cleaning, repair and general face-lifting in the past few months, in preparation for the Jubilee Year 2000.
According to Fr. John Michalicka, St. Mary's bell tower was the last part of the church exterior that was repaired, restored and cleaned. The scaffolding around the tower came down before Christmas.
Considered one of the most beautiful Catholic Churches in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, the facility was built in the Marian Year, 1954 and has been the center of prayer and faith all these years, Fr. Michalicka pointed out.
Welch Masonry and Construction Co. built the church 43 years ago and two descendants of the five-generation Welch Family Co. from pre-statehood were available to work on this recent cleaning and repair job. Bill and Joe Welch, three other workers, and Jerry Mixon worked with the weather and the many church services to complete this cleaning. Bill Schula, Property Board Chairman, spent many hours also with the details of the project.
Cost of this repair and cleaning was over $35,000. Scaffolding was needed for all the church but the most difficult was the scaffolding for the 98-foot bell tower, Fr. Michalicka explained. This scaffolding brought up material and personnel. The roof was repaired, and badly deteriorated stone mortar was replaced and pointed back in. New eye bolts were anchored through the masonry wall in strategic areas.
Some stained stone was washed with a power wash and a special chemical treatment. Some areas needed two and three applications in order to remove the stain.
Conduits serving the tower lighting were also rusted so new conduits replaced the old ones, and a new lighting system was installed at a cost of $5,940 by McDonald Electric. The glazing of the windows was accomplished.
As Fr. Michalicka pointed out, the exterior repair and cleaning are just a sign of the Millennium preparation which the Roman Catholic Churches have been asked to do in their special effort at spiritual and interior growth in Faith in preparation for the Millennium.
Friday Nite Live returns to the Word of Life Christian Center tonight at 7 o'clock. This special service is a continuation of the "Catch the Fire Revival and Times of Refreshing" with Dave Martin, Evangelist. Dave has just returned from Rwanda on the African Continent where he led a team of five pastors. His travels inland included meetings with those who had participated in the "Shining Ones Revival" earlier in this century.
God has used Dave Martin around the world to bring revival fire with a supernatural outpouring of God's power. You may laugh, cry or be accused of being drunk with the Holy Spirit just like on the day of Pentecost, Pastor Bob Innis said, but more importantly you will leave a changed person.
Pastor Innis invites the public to come and see what others have experienced
and keep coming back for more.
EDUCATION
PIONEER BANK AND TRUST presented Ponca City Public Schools with eight pieces of art work at Monday's regular board meeting. The gift is in response to efforts that have begun to help the school district administrative center reflect a part of the heritage of Ponca City. Carl Renfro, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Pioneer Bank and Trust, expressed a desire to help make that a reality and did so. The art work includes pictures of the Pioneer Woman Statue, the Standing Bear Monument, the Municipal Building, Ponca City Senior High School, Main Street of Ponca City, the Arcade Hotel, the Cultural Center and the Marland Mansion. Renfro (left) is pictured presenting the art work to Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools. (News Photo by Kristi Hayes)
The Kay County Republican Meeting will be on Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Ponca City Public Library Conference Room. Area school board candidates will discuss their perspective races and take questions from the floor.
Incumbent Mike Kruck and Ann Kinsinger are running for Ward 2 position in Ponca City Public Schools. Kruck is a 25-year resident of Ponca City. He worked 24 years for Conoco/DuPont before transferring to the Computer Science Corporation, CSC, this past June. Kinsinger is a 29 resident of Ponca City, and is currently employed at Pioneer Technology Center as the Project Coordinator for Supported Employment, a program which began in July of 1997.
Zane Barham opposes Incumbent Mary Rigdon for the Zone 1 position at Pioneer Technology Center. Barham is a graduate of Ponca City Schools, and is employed at Conoco where he worked in Downstream Information Systems. Rigdon is a 22-year resident of Kay County, and works at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City as a registered nurse.
Each candidate will speak briefly about their backgrounds and reasons for running. Following their comments, questions will be taken from the audience. Area voters are encouraged to attend this meeting in order to cast an informed vote on Feb. 10, 1998, election day.
Following the speakers, county business will be discussed.
Pameticky On Honor Roll
Mindy A. Pameticky was named to the dean's honor roll for the fall semester at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami.
OoKeeHee Meeting
The OoKeeHee Club will be meeting Jan. 20 at Po-Hi in room 4 in the Howell Building from 6 to 7 p.m. All interested students are invited to attend. For more information contact Bethany Roughface, 1997-98 OoKeeHee Princess, at 765-0653.
Mid-High PTSA
The Mid-High PTSA will hold a monthly PTSA and yearbook meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mid-High library. The meeting will be held on Tuesday this month because no school will be held on Jan. 19.
Donald Announced Scholar
The United States Achievement Academy announced that David Donald was named an All-American Scholar. Donald, who attends Ponca City High School, was nominated for this award by Betsy Easley. He is the son of Russell and Peggy Donald, Ponca City, and the grandson of Sharon Glowacki, Ponca City, and Kay Donald, Duluth, Minnesota.
ECU Honor Roll
Jeffrey A. Frieouf, Braman, was placed on the honor roll at East Central University in Ada.
OU Honor Roll
The following students from Ponca City were on the honor roll from the University of Oklahoma: Kari J. Bell, Grant Biedermann, Rhett Butler, Mark Cagley, Jennifer Connelly, Kristen Day, Melissa Donald, Humphrey Hardy, Leah Hooker, Walt Hwang, Angela Luis, Jennifer Martin, Patrick Muchmore, Daniel Mulligan, Kevin Priba, Sarah Schiltz, Jenifer Sharp, Karen Stokke and Eric Wolf.
Hyatt On Honor Roll
Michael L. Hyatt was on the honor roll for the fall semester at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford.
No School
No school will be held for Ponca City Public School students on Monday,
Jan. 19 due to a Professional Day.
LIFESTYLES
An open invitation is extended to friends and family to attend a reception Sunday, 3-5 p.m., honoring Mr. and Mrs. Gary Keeler, 5101 South Union, on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary. The event will be held at the Trinity Church of the Nazarene, 401 South Perry.
Gary Keeler and the former Verline Teter were married Jan. 19, 1973 in Ponca City. The couple resided in Newkirk where he was employed by Glass Trucking until moving to Ponca City. He has worked at Conoco for 20 years. Mrs. Keeler is a homemaker and the couple's hobby is taking care of three Amazon parrots named Barney, Pancho and Bandit.
Danny and Valerie Diamond of Ponca City announce the birth of a son, Tyler Diamond, Jan. 6, 1998 at the Stillwater Medical Center. He weighed 8-pounds, 12-ounces and was 21 1/2-inches long. Tyler has three sisters, Alexandria, 14, Holley, 12, and Victoria, 8.
Grandparents are Ted and Cheri Vassar of Ponca City and Bruce and Joy Snethen of Lahoma.
Genealogy
Pioneer Genealogy Computer Interest Group meets Jan. 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the Ponca City Library.
The MS Support Group will meet at the Senior Citizen Center, 320 South
A, Arkansas City, Kan. 7-9 p.m. Jan. 19. Daren Reese, pharmacist, will speak
about "Medications and MS." For more information contact Dody,
442-0339 or Linda, 442-8295.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
The final score was 59-10 but it wasn't nearly that easy as the Wildcat wrestlers defeated Bartlesville Thursday night in Robson Fieldhouse, picking up their seventh dual win of the season.
"The matches were a lot closer than that score indicates," Po-Hi coach Pat Young said after watching several of his grapplers have to rally to win. "The good thing is the kids learned they can come from behind and win."
That may be a lesson the Cats will need as they take part in the Sapulpa Tournament today and Saturday.
The tournament boast seven teams which are ranked in the two major polls, including the Wildcats who moved back into the top 10 in Class 5A.
Topping the list of entries is No. 1 Broken Arrow along with No. 4 Mustang. No. 6 Muskogee, Ponca City and Tahlequah, who split the No. 10 position, Also attending are Class 3A's No. 2 Bristow and Class 2A's No. 4 Sperry.
The rest of the field includes Bartlesville, Collinsville, Sand Springs and Sapulpa.
However, the Wildcats have something of a point to prove in this tournament, Last year, when it was held in Sand Springs, the Cats were shutout of placers.
"We had seven in the consolation finals and none of won," Young recalls.
The Wildcats' goal for a 10-win season in duals was a little closer after the win over the Bruins Thursday. But it was a battle.
"I knew they would come in here ready to wrestle," Young said.
The most dramatic comeback for the Wildcats came at 135 pounds as Geary champion Matt Dodgen got off his back to beat Bartlesville's Luke Collins in a major decision, 15-7.
Collins caught Dodgen in a head lock and took the Wildcat down to his back early in the first period. After nearly a minute of fighting off the pin, Dodgen got a reverse at the end of that first period.
Collins reversed out to start the second period to build a 7-2 lead. But then Dodgen went to work, reversed back and turned Collins on his back for a three-point near fall to tie the score at 7-7 at the end of the second period.
Dodgen reversed Collins to his back with 55 seconds left in the match and then got another three-point near fall near the buzzer to complete the win.
The Wildcats got another come-from-behind win at 152 pounds. Ponca City's Kyle Duren trailed Mike Grayson 6-4 entering the final period, but turned the Bruin to his back and collected the fall in 4:32.
Ponca City had a warning of what was to come at 119 pounds as Josh Bailey needed a takedown with six seconds left in the second period for a 4-2 lead over Bill Reinke. Bailey hung on for a 4-3 win.
The Poncans got another narrow win at 215. Nick Steichen needed an escape with 35 seconds left in the match to insure a 4-2 win.
Ponca City did get its share of bonus points with a forfeit (at 103 pounds), six falls and two major decisions.
In addition to Duren's dramatic pin, the Cats also got falls from Mark Dodgen at 130 pounds (in 1:02), Lorenzo Jones at 140 (in 3:31), Marciano Villarruel at 171 (in 3:43), Jay Bentley at 189 (in 2:40) and Jason Nurenburg at 275 (in 1:48).
Phillip Gelino got the other major decision for the Cats, scoring four near falls in a 14-2 win over Ben Surghrue at 112 pounds.
Willie Ivie pitched a 7-0 shutout at 125 pounds.
Bartlesville won a fall at 145 pounds and a major decision at 160.
The Wildcats have a chance at 11 dual wins in a season for the first time in a decade.
Following the Sapulpa tournament, the Cats travel to Stillwater to face the much-improved Pioneers on Jan. 22. They close out the dual season at home, against Sand Springs Jan. 30 , Sapulpa Feb. 5 and Tulsa Union Feb. 10.
RESULTS
Ponca City 59, Bartlesville 10
103 - Brotherton (PC) fft
112 - Gelino (PC) md Surghrue, 14-2
119 - Bailey (PC) d. Reinke, 4-3
125 - Ivie (PC) d. Welch, 7-0
130 - Dodgen (PC) p Dunlap, 1:02
135 - Dodgen (PC) md Collins, 15-7
140 - Jones (PC) p Angel, 3:31
145 - Brandon (B) p. Osborn, 3:06
152 - Duren (PC) p. Grayson, 4:32
160 - Angew (PC) md Redleaf, 12-4
171 - Villarruel (PC) p. Boyle, 3:43
189 - Bentley (PC) p. Noland, 2:40
215 - Steichen (PC) d. Taylor, 4-2
275 - Nurenberg (PC) p. Muggenberg, 1:48
How They Scored
Takedowns - Ponca City 16, Bartlesville 9. Escapes - Ponca City 7, Bartlesville 5, Reverses - Ponca City 6, Bartlesville 6. Penalty Points - Ponca City 1, Bartlesville 1. 2-Near Falls - Ponca City 5, Bartlesville 2. 3-Near Falls - Ponca City 8, Bartlesville 1.
Forfeits - Ponca City 1, Bartlesville 0. Falls - Ponca City 6, Bartlesville 1. Major Decisions - Ponca City 2, Bartlesville 1. Decisions - Ponca City 3, Bartlesville 0.
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Mat Notes - All four of the Wildcat JV wrestlers won by falls. Scott Steichen got a fall in 2:41 at 135 pounds, Nathan Scmauch in 3:04 at 140, Blaine Empting in 3:40 at 152 and Jason Leavit in 5:21 at 189.
The Ponca City junior high team beat Bartlesville, 35-33
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
After a double loss to the down-and-out Sandites Tuesday, the Wildcats and Lady Cats return to Robson Fieldhouse for their first home game of 1998, taking on Bartlesville. Like Sand Springs, both Bartlesville teams are looking for their first conference win.
The girls' game will begin at 6:15, while the boys' tip off is scheduled for 7:45. Play by play for both games will be broadcast on WBBZ.
Bartlesville Bruins (2-5, 0-4)
at Ponca City Wildcats (2-7, 1-5)
After a highly determined Sand Springs squad snatched their first win from Ponca City on Tuesday, a win for division winless Bartlesville tonight would give the Wildcats the ignominy of being the fall guys of the Frontier Conference.
It's a distinction they'd like to avoid.
Emotionally, the lowly Sandites played about as furious and determined as they may be capable, hitting just about everything they hurled at the hoop - including 7-of-10 shots from outside the 3-point arc.
And while Bartlesville will roll into town with that same blood-lust born of desperation, the Poncans have learned their lesson: desperate teams do desperate things.
"Basketball is a game of emotion,' said head coach Ron Arthur, before practice Thursday, "they think they can beat us, so we have to keep our confidence level up the whole game. We can't get down on ourselves if we miss a shot or get behind."
And that, says Arthur, is the only way the Cats can make the plays that count, down the stretch.
"We did it against Stillwater," says Arthur, hearkening back to his team's sole conference win, "we got over the hump. We gave ourselves a chance against Sapulpa and Owasso and Sand Springs, but we didn't make the big plays."
And don't be misled by Bartlesville's record, Arthur says. The Bruins dominated 4th ranked Broken Arrow through three quarters on Tuesday, but fell apart late to lose 56-45. Led by 6-3 and 6-1 seniors Cody Hollingshed and Jacob Lawson, who both average about 11 points per game, the Bruins could pose a significant scoring threat. And while they're second to last in the conference in offense, Ponca City is dead last in defense.
Which could spell trouble.
"We have to play solid D," Arthur continues, "and we can't give them second opportunities. And we have to hit our shots.
"Still, they're coming to our house. We gotta go out and protect our palace."
Bartlesville Lady Bruins (2-6, 0-4)
at Ponca City Lady Cats (3-6, 1-5)
Don't be surprised if the first words from the mouth of Dana Pulley's as-yet unborn daughter have something to do with offensive schemes or half-court defenses.
After the Lady Cat's head coach was ordered by doctors not to travel to Sand Springs Tuesday, Pulley - if she's not busy in the delivery room - will be directing her troops on the sidelines of Robson Fieldhouse tonight.
Now that's dedication.
Without Pulley at the helm Tuesday, the off-balanced Lady Cats fell to the Lady Sandites, 60-44. Though their shooting improved a bit, their typically tough defense was wobbly, especially in the fourth quarter.
"It's the same old thing - we need some consistency," Pulley says, "when we play well we look great, and we need to play well for 32 minutes."
After the Lady Sandites punched holes in their press and man-to-man defense, the Lady Cats, Pulley says, have worked on some zone defenses this week which they'll try out against the Lady Bruins. Also, the Lady Cats may go with several of their more aggressive players under the basket to counter the Lady Bruins' height advantage.
"When we're shooting just 31 percent we have to get more rebounds," Pulley says, "we have to get down and dirty."
Like the boys' team, the Lady Bruins - who graduated seven of their players in the off-season - are also winless in conference play. But they did play No. 2 ranked Broken Arrow to a stalemate with one minute left on Tuesday, and have a hot-handed player in 6-2 center Ashley Meredith, who had 15 points in that game.
Still, Pulley is confident of a victory.
"We'll be talking about a win (tonight)," she insists.
That is, unless she happens to be in the delivery room.
Thursday's Results
Ponca City 59, Bartlesville 10
Newkirk 52, Pawnee 21
Blackwell 48, Cleveland 21
Pawhuska 46, Barnsdall 18
T. Union 52, Coweta 19
Edmond Santa Fe 56, OC Casady, 15
Choctaw 73, Lawton 0
Choctaw 66. Norman North 14
Del City 45, Edmond Memorial 24
After a poor showing against Stillwater on Monday, the Ponca City Lady Cat Sophomores came home, put together a complete game, and trounced the Bartlesville Lady Bruins, 37-21, Thursday night.
"We played two times better than we did Monday," said coach Mark Huster, "I was really proud of them, we put together a good game on both ends of the court."
Up 22-10 at halftime, the Lady Cats went on to outscore the Lady Bruins 15-11 in the second half to up their season record to 3-2.
Leading the charge for the Lady Cats was Laura Sudbury with 10 points, followed by Allison Stotts with eight, Brooke Hines with six, Ebony Johnson with four, Lecia Newland with three, Kristl Richardson and Claire Winterrowd with two apiece, while Kami Schieber and Mea Alexander each had one.
The Lady Cat sophomores go into action again at home Monday, taking on
the Frontier junior varsity.