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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Friday, January 15, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES RELIGION SPORTS LOCALRumors Over Fatality Accident Squelched Rumors Over Fatality Accident SquelchedBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer A week after the fatality accident on U.S. 60 that claimed the lives of three people including that of a 5-year-old child, rumors regarding the wreck are still running rampant in Ponca City. Last Thursday evening a westbound car, driven by 26-year-old Nicole Drummond of Pawhuska, went left of center and struck an oncoming vehicle which happened to be a hearse. The driver of the hearse, Wilfred Dommer, 57, of Edmond, as well as Drummond and her 5-year-old son, Jacob, were all pinned in their vehicles for over an hour. They were then pronounced dead at the scene. It was soon afterwards that the speculation began. Because of several factors — including the timing and location of the accident, as well as the description of the hearse — the telephone began ringing and the questions started arising. The circumstances turned a tragic situation into a possible frightening situation as the number one question centered around the identity of the body in the hearse. Only hours earlier the body of convicted and executed death row inmate John Walter Castro, Sr. had been sent to the Medical Examiner’s office in Oklahoma City and then released to his attorney. “Was that Castro’s body in the hearse in that accident,” one person after another asked. The questions and comments came and came, and still a week later, they continue to circulate around the courthouse, around the coffee shops and throughout the city and around the county. “It sounds like something out of a Stephen King novel,” one man commented. Inquiries as to the exact identity of the body contained in the hearse were unsuccessful. However, the Tulsa company that owns the hearse has verified — for the second time in a week — that the body was “definitely not that of Castro.” OBI Blood Supply GoodAmid reports of blood shortages across the nation, the Oklahoma Blood Institute reports a good blood supply for patients in Oklahoma hospitals. “Providing the blood supply for nearly 75 percent of the state’s hospitals, the Oklahoma Blood Institute is in a position to assist all hospitals in the state in need of blood,” says Suzanne McCombs, spokesperson. “We can thank the generous blood donors in Oklahoma for keeping our blood supply where it needs to be,” says Ronald O. Gilcher, MD, FACP and president and CEO of the Oklahoma Blood Institute. “Oklahoma blood donors should be commended for donating at twice the national average. Additionally, we have planned very carefully for this difficult time of year and our weather has not been as devastating as many cities have experienced. All of these things contribute to an adequate blood supply.” “Blood centers around the nation are reporting blood shortages resulting in surgeries being canceled. that is a situation that Oklahomans have not had to face since September 1981, when the Oklahoma Blood Institute reached self-sufficiency. As long as Oklahoma blood donors continue to give blood at their current rate, patients in Oklahoma hospitals will not have to worry about the blood supply,” concluded Gilcher. The Oklahoma Blood Institute is a state-wide, non-profit blood center providing the blood supply for 73 hospitals in 46 Oklahoma counties, including all Oklahoma City hospitals. The Oklahoma Blood Institute maintains blood centers in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Enid, Lawton, Ardmore, Ada, and Ponca City. For more information about donating blood call toll free 1-800-827-5693. Nearly NewsRegardless of what you may have read in this space yesterday, Billie Letts, author of “Where The Heart Is” and a frequent visitor to Ponca City, will be appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show at 4 p.m. today on Channel 5. Obviously, today, doesn’t always mean TODAY, but this time it does. If it isn’t 4 p.m. by the time you see this, tune in to Oprah. New Holly Hunter Film Shows at Poncan TheatreDanny DeVito and Holly Hunter team up in a charming and funny comedy, “Living Out Loud.” They are “two of the most intensely interesting actors in the movies today,” says Roger Ebert. In “Living Out Loud,” they play an oddly matched but charming pair of misfits, working through their lives with a crackling friendship. He is a short, pudgy elevator operator. She is recently dumped by her highly successful doctor-husband. They’re on the loose, and they bump into each other. The film has a number of fantasy sequences, based on the wishes of each character. Salon Magazine says that the writer, Richard LaGravenese, “is hip to the melancholy romantic fantasies” of his characters. So part of their lives is living out some of those fantasies. Salon writes that “there’s something simultaneously funny and delicious about letting yourself slide into the sort of luxuriant funk where cocktails and torch songs are your most trusted companions.” The result is often hilarious. Liz Bailey, played by Queen Latifah, appears at one of the nightclubs, and she becomes a bosom buddy of the Holly Hunter character. In fact, she becomes a kind of guide for life, helping Judith (Hunter) adapt to her new situation with a kind of relish. The story often focuses on the simple need for human contact in times of trouble. The contact doesn’t need to last forever. We know all along that Pat (DeVito) and Judith don’t belong together, and Liz Bailey leads Judith into a life that we sense will never be permanent, but it’s there for the moment. And the moment is good. LaGravenese is the successful playwright of such fascinating films as “The Bridges of Madison County,” “The Fisher King,” and “Beloved.” This is his first film from original materials and his first directing project. Ebert calls him a “gifted” screenwriter. In “Living Out Loud,” he avoids some of the conventional cliches of other writers. The ending isn’t forced or contrived, even though it leaves a happy, pleasant sensation. Ebert says LaGravenese “aims for the kind of bittersweet open ends that life itself so often supplies.” The writer gives Hunter and DeVito “good sharp writing” that seems appropriate to their characters, according to Salon. One scene with Hunter taking over the dance floor is praised as a fulfillment of fantasies. Salon writes that “it’s a fulfillment of one of the loveliest potentials of movies, the unexpected connections people find in chance encounters.” It’s charged with erotic intensity, but it’s much broader than that. “It’s one of the most beautiful moments in any movie this year,” Salon writes. Holly Hunter has an amazing ability to take on unusual roles and still stay in the mainstream. Her work in “Living Out Loud” is charming, full of life, challenged but hopeful, private but connected. Salon writes that some of the best moments of the film are when Hunter is by herself, simply watching people. The captivating, passionate and quirky “Living Out Loud” opens tonight at the Poncan Theatre on Grand. For show times, call the Poncan at 580-765-0943. Rated R. DEATHSEdna Lorene Bookout Edna Lorene BookoutBLACKWELL — Edna Lorene Bookout, Blackwell resident, died Wednesday evening, Jan. 13, 1999, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 74. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. The Rev. John Newland, House of Prayer in Blackwell and the Rev. Vernon Stone of Midwest City, will officiate. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery. Edna Lorene Bookout was born May 10, 1924, in Creek County, to Eugene and Sarah (Strickland) Hart. She married Lloyd G. Bookout on Dec. 20, 1939, in Creek County. Mrs. Bookout was a homemaker and held membership in the House of Prayer in Blackwell. Survivors include her husband, Lloyd Bookout of Blackwell; three daughters, Phyllis Morrison and Lorelei Shultz both of Blackwell and Brenda Felix of Washington; two sons, Leland Bookout and Don Bookout, both of California; one sister, Alma Phillips of Sheldon, Mo.; two brothers, Gus Hart of Sheldon, Mo., and Neal Hart of Springfield, Mo.; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother Joe Hart; and a grandson. Casket bearers will be Bob Hart, Steve Hart, Ken Sneed, Kevin Bookout, Darrell Steelman and Mark Steelman. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Bookout’s name to the House of Prayer, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631. ObituariesOmer W. BottrellOmer W. Bottrell, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday afternoon Jan. 13, 1999, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 88. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, 1999, at the First Christian Church Chapel with the Rev. Charles Heyer, associate pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Newkirk Cemetery in Newkirk under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Omer Bottrell was born Jan. 31, 1910, in Garfield County, southeast of Enid. He was the son of John Daniel and Nellie Narcissus (Parish) Bottrell. In November of 1910, the family moved to a farm eight miles northeast of Ponca City . He grew up there and attended the Foster School. On Sept. 9, 1933, he was married to Alice Azalia Jones in Newkirk and they made their first home with his father on the family farm. On March 4, 1935, he started employment with the Continental Oil Co. refinery. Mr. Bottrell worked in the pipefitter craft until his retirement on Jan. 31, 1975. Shortly after beginning work with Continental the couple moved to Ponca City and had made their home here since that time. A longtime member of the First Christian Church, he was also a member of the Friendly Sunday School Class, the Kay Campers camping club, the Pitch Club and the Good Sam Club. While working in the refinery he instructed evening blueprint reading courses at the Ponca City High School. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, and bowling. He also enjoyed meeting his friends every morning for coffee at local restaurants and eating lunch every day at the Senior Citizen Center. Surviving are a daughter and her husband, Lynda and Charles Smith, of Ponca City and two grandchildren, Lori Smith and Chad Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice in 1989; his parents; a granddaughter, Michelle; three brothers, Dwight Bottrell, George Bottrell and Benjamin Bottrell; and two sisters, Dorothy Kingry and Pauline Streeter. Casket bearers will be Jim Hall, Jeff Hall, Jerry Hall, Frank Walker, Tommy Music, and John Reynolds. Honorary casket bearers will be Chad Smith, Jim Morgan, Joe Hall, Red Coatney, Glen Ray Riley, Tom McCallick, Danny Goldman, Cleo Anderson, Pug Thorp, and Nick Sharp. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friendly Sunday School Class, c/o First Christian Church, 210 North Fifth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601. The family will be at 2524 Briar Ridge Road. paid obituary FuneralsSaturdayShelton D. KemMemorial service at 1:30 p.m. at Clearlake Riviera Yacht and Golf Club in Clearlake Riviera, Calif. Private family burial will be in Petaluma, Calif., under the direction of Parent-Sorenson Mortuary. Mary Kline-WelchA graveside service will be at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery in Galesburg, Ill. Arrangements are under the direction of Watson Funeral Home, Galesburg. A memorial service will also be held at Trout Funeral Chapel in Ponca City at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 1999. NEWS BRIEFSMemorial Dinner — A memorial dinner for the Rev. John Stoneroad will be held Sunday at noon at the Ponca Indian Baptist Church. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6- 8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv. Accident — A two-vehicle accident at South Pine Street and West South Avenue was reported to police at 6:54 a.m. Thursday. Two officers responded and a report was taken. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv. Vandalism — At 7:33 a.m. Thursday Mounts Texaco, 215 North Fourteenth Street, advised police of vandalism to a vending machine. An officer was assigned and an attempted burglary report was taken. Dougan's Bar-B-Q Saturday special 4-8 p.m. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv. Assault — At 10:26 a.m. Thursday a woman in the 3000 block of Kingston Road called police regarding her son being assaulted on his way home from school. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Come One, Come All! To the Blue Lite Lounge. Saturday, Jan- uary 16th, 3:30 p.m. for the first dart tournament of 1999. Guaran- teed pay out plus house percent. adv. Assault — A man reported to police at 10:44 a.m. Thursday reporting that he had been assaulted at Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue earlier in the morning. An officer was assigned and information was logged on an assault and battery. Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef bris- ket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $6.95. 4-8 p.m. 1217 East Prospect. adv. Assault — At 2:02 p.m. Thursday police were advised that a man was being treated at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Emergency Room for injuries received during an assault that reportedly occurred Wednesday night in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. Pauline's Shrimp peel. All you can eat, $11.95, Friday the 8th. For reservations, call 765-5460. adv. Accident — A two-vehicle accident in a parking lot in the 1400 block of North Waverly Street was reported at 3:07 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Used Carpet. A good selection available at Floorcraft. Fifth and Hartford. adv. Arrest — Police arrested a 21-year-old man at 4:15 p.m. Thursday from North Fourth Street and East Highland Avenue for driving under suspension and no inspection. Clean Carpet. Top of line equipment. Best trained people. Quality service. Reasonable prices. Call Floorcraft. 762-8383. adv. Extra Patrol — A woman in the 300 block of East Grand Avenue requested extra police patrol at 5:15 p.m. Thursday due to vandalism to a vehicle. Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv. Coat Theft — At 5:44 p.m. Thursday a woman in the 1600 block of Acoma Place contacted police reporting the theft of coat from the 100 block of South Fifth Street. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken. Jim Bowen Construction - Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv. Arrest — Police arrested a 24-year-old man at 7:27 p.m. Thursday from South Ninth Street and East Oklahoma Avenue for three counts of assault on an officer, destruction of city property and public intoxication. 30-50-75% Off winter clothing. Currently buying spring/summer. Bearly New. 1804 North Fifth. adv. House Fire — At 8:02 p.m. Thursday all fire units of the Ponca City Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire in the 1400 block of South Seventh Street. The fire, which was a burning blanket, was out upon arrival. Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable, local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681. adv. Arrest — A 44-year-old man was arrested at 8:10 p.m. Thursday from the 900 block of East South Avenue for trespassing. Attempted Theft — An attempted theft of cigarettes was reported at 8:14 p.m. Thursday at the Triple T, 1301 West Highland Avenue. An officer was assigned and the information was logged. Arrest — A 31-year-old woman was arrested at 9 p.m. Thursday from the 1100 block of Peachtree Street for assault on an officer and public intoxication. Arrest — Police arrested a 37-year-old man at 9:11 p.m. Thursday from the 900 block of East South Avenue for trespassing. Escaped Horses — At 10:56 p.m. Thursday police received a report of two horses running loose near South Waverly Street and West South Avenue. The horses had escaped when their fence had been hit. Arrest — Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 11:30 p.m. Thursday from the 800 block of South Ninth Street for domestic assault and battery. Arrest — A 19-year-old man was arrested at 11:52 p.m. Thursday from the 2300 block of North Fourteenth Street on three Kay County warrants. Arrest — Police arrested a 40-year-old man at 2:10 a.m. Friday from West Grand Avenue and Oak Street for driving under the influence. LIFESTYLESCooked Right, Pork Can Be Lowfat, Nutritious, Delicious Cooked Right, Pork Can Be Lowfat, Nutritious, DeliciousBy The Associated Press Crispy Pork with Sweet-and-Sour Vegetables has a crisp, low-fat rice-cracker crumb coating in place of the traditional deep-fried batter coating. And if you cook it in a skillet rather than a wok, it allows all the pork to come into contact with the surface of the pan so it browns evenly. You are advised to brown the meat with a minimum of turning. This is the context for the recipe as it’s presented in ‘‘Betty Crocker’s Best of Healthy and Hearty Cooking’’ (Macmillan, $24.95), an attractive collection of some 400 recipes characterized as low-fat, nutritious and tasty. The book includes pages of sensible information and tips, and lots of good-looking color photos. Recipes range from sophisticated but unpretentious appetizers such as Crispy Chili Twists and Marinated Balsamic Pasta and Vegetables, through Savory Zucchini Frittata to Chocolate Orange Angel Food Cake. Crispy Pork with Sweet-and-Sour Vegetables 1/2 pound pork tenderloin 1 egg white, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon water 34 crisp rice crackers, crushed (1/2 cup) 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (dry) Nonstick cooking spray 1 teaspoon sesame or vegetable oil 1-pound, 5-ounce package frozen stir-fry vegetables with sweet- and-sour sauce and pineapple (see note) Trim fat from pork. Cut pork crosswise into 1/4-inch slices; stack slices and cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch strips. Mix egg white and water in medium bowl. Stir in pork until well coated. Mix crushed crackers, garlic powder and mustard in plastic bag or glass bowl. Add a few pork strips at a time; toss to coat evenly. Spray a 12-inch nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat until cooking spray starts to bubble. Add sesame oil; rotate skillet to coat bottom. Reduce heat to medium. Place pork strips flat in skillet; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until brown on bottom. Turn pork. Cook 2 to 3 minutes more or until no longer pink in center. Remove pork from skillet. Wipe skillet clean. Add frozen vegetables and sauce. Cover and cook 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are crisp-tender and sauce is hot. Gently stir in pork strips just until well coated with sauce. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings. Note: Frozen stir-fry vegetables without sauce and 1/2 cup purchased sweet-and-sour sauce can be substituted for the vegetables with sauce. Nutritional facts per serving: 240 cal., 17 g pro., 33 g carbo., 6 g fat, 35 mg chol., 710 mg sodium. Busy Bee Club Holds MeetingThe Busy Bee Club met Jan. 6 at the home of Helen Hiskett, 3901 North Union. Beulah McCartney led the business meeting. Helen Taylor led the group in the flag salute and The Lord’s Prayer. She also gave the devotional “God’s Winter Wonderland” by Loise Pinkerton Fritz. Reports were given concerning visits to nursing homes and stocking stuffers delivered to The American Legion Home School. Helen Hiskett gave the treasurer’s report. The meeting was adjourned. Helen Taylor and Beulah McCartney won the games played, and Vivian Davis won the mystery bowl prize. Refreshments were served. The next meeting will be held at the home of Beulah McCartney, 1029 Brentwood. Little NewsCory and Mandy Gann of Ponca City announce the birth of a son, Kaleb Estal Joseph Gann, born at 10:18 p.m. Nov. 29. 1998, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 20 inches in length. Maternal grandparents are Harland and Debbie McClaskey. Paternal grandparents are Gene and Jensi Gann and Laile and Julie Stagner. Maternal great-grandparents are Betty McClaskey and the late Estal McClaskey and Eddie and Charlene Barnes. Paternal great-grandparents are Katy Theobald and the late Joe Theobald and Lora Gann and the late Mel Gann, all of Ponca City. Stacy and Juan Diaz Cortez of Blackwell announce the birth of a daughter, Rosabella, on Jan. 5, 1999, at Blackwell Regional Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 14 1/4 ounces, and measured 19 inches in length. Grandparents are Clifford and Suzanne Mills of Ponca City and Emma Cortez and Marcelino Diaz of Juarez, Mexico. Great-grandparents are John and Virginia Miller of Newkirk, Dorothy Mills of Webb City and Tomasa Lopez of Durango, Mexico. RELIGIONWeigh Down Group Sets New Workshop Church BriefsWeigh Down Group Sets New WorkshopThe Weigh Down Group at the Ponca City First Church of God is about to start a new workshop — a 12-week seminar to encourage people to lose weight and draw closer to God. The Church of God group found that God healed hearts when they began turning to Him for comfort and encouragement instead of food. The group has lost an average of 16.9 pounds in the 12 weeks just completed. A spokesperson for the group said, “It is so wonderful to see people having their eyes opened and find that worship of God can replace excess food in their lives.” Orientation for the new 12-week seminar will be Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. at the church, 1101 West Grand. Enter the church at the north door — come join in learning a true relationship with God and food. If you have questions, call Genelle Smith at 765-8767 or Ann Stanton at 580-362-3563. Group to Attend Canonization of Padre PioThe canonization of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina will take place on May 2, 1999. Global Catholic Tours of Oklahoma City has an eight-day program to Italy for this important event. The group will travel to Italy on April 25, 1999 and return May 3, 1999. The total cost of the package is $2160 and includes air fare from OKC/DFW, first class hotels, and most meals. Call 947-7171 or toll free 1-888-544-4461 for information and reservation forms. Seats for this special event are limited ‘Come Let Us Reason Together’The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites the public to share God’s word with them every week. Sunday Bible classes are set for 9:30 a.m., worship at 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening service at 6 p.m. and Wednesday service at 7 p.m. There are classes for all age levels — nursery through adult. “And He said to them, ‘Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possession.’” Luke 12:15. How do we determine the self-worth of others or ourselves? If we think money and possessions determine self-worth, we will tend to feel good, bad or secure depending upon how much we possess. The world tends to measure a person’s worth based upon beauty or intelligence or athletic ability or financial assets. On the other hand, the Bible says God created every person with value by creating each person in His image. As God’s children, our lives consist of submitting to God, learning from God to do what God wants — using our God-given talents to bless others and reveal God’s love for them to develop an eternal perspective. Martin Luther King Jr. Day SetA musical celebration: “A Man Who Stirred the Nation” is scheduled to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church’s Assembly Hall. The observance is for the entire community. Featured guests will be Keith Norris and The Workshop Chorale from Wichita, New Life Baptist Church, Garfield Academy and Ms. Lakesta Tipton and Ms. Katherine Roland, all of Ponca City. The community is invited to participate in the evening remembering Dr. King. Admission is free. Mormons Schedule Missionary Open House A Missionary Open House is being scheduled at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2408 East Hartford on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. It is organized by the leaders of the LDS Church and will be broadcast live by Satellite all across the world. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, please contact missionaries Elder Wilfert and Elder Hansen at 765-8943 or Sister Ostler and Sister Smith at 765-4157. “As certainly as there is a God in heaven, this gospel will hold forth unto the ends of the earth.” Elder Gordon B. Hinchley. Wesleyan Bible Church Issues InvitationWesleyan Bible Church invites those without a church home to come, join them in their study of the works of grace that the Bible instructs folks dealing with sin. This study involves the seven churches of Revelation, and is dealt with on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. On Sunday morning at 10:45 the study is on the parables of the Lord Jesus Christ, and on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. a prayer service is conducted. Pastor Terry Jackson invites the public to “come, let us grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.” For more information, you may reach Pastor Jackson at 765-7212. First Lutherans Continue Epiphany Theme of LightThe Epiphany Theme of light is continued in both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services at First Lutheran Church on Jan. 17. The Old Testament reading from Isaiah is often called “the great commission of the Old Testament.” We are to be “a light to the Gentiles.” The Gospel reading speaks of Jesus as the Lamb of God calling His disciples to follow Him. In Pastor Tom Ramsey’s sermon, entitled “Wedded for Witness: Issuing the Invitation” the admonition is now to us to be lights and witnesses to invite others to come to the true light of salvation. The Senior Choir's anthem for the day is “Come and Praise the Lord.” Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. Feb. 14 will be Friendship Sunday at First Lutheran. A very special day has been planned. The Fitz Family, a Lutheran evangelistic family, will present both services that morning. The members of this family use skills of acrobatics, juggling, and balance to proclaim the Gospel message. This fantastic group has previously been in our community to present their program for the students of First Lutheran School. Now the public is invited to share the Christian message of this family in this very entertaining form. NE Baptists Set Commissioning ServiceNortheast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, will hold a missionary commissioning service for Jim and Janna Griffin on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 10:15 a.m. Dr. Larry E. Nigh, pastor, scheduled the service as a time for the Northeast church family to express their support and encouragement for the Griffins who will be serving as career missionaries in Mexico City, Mexico. During the commissioning service, Dr. Nigh will bring a message on missions, “Here Am I, Send Me” based on Isaiah 6:1-8. Dr. Chester Ward, director of missions for Kay Baptist Association will issue the charge to the Griffins. Jim and Janna Griffin were among 90 people appointed by the Southern Baptist International Mission Board on Nov. 17 during a service at Greater Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. They will spend seven weeks in Rockville, Va. for orientation, then move to Costa Rica for language school. After spending a year in language school, the Griffins will move to Mexico City where Jim will serve on a church-planting team and Janna will be involved in a variety of outreach ministries. Jim and Janna have three daughters, Laura, Sarah and Hannah. Jim is the son of LeRoy and Arnell Griffin of Bartlesville and Janna is the daughter of Fred and Peggy Lyon of Ponca City. Presbyterian Youth Have Balanced Events ScheduleThe youth of First Presbyterian Church have scheduled for the winter/spring semester a very balanced schedule of events. The balance is set up for a mixture of mission, Bible study, discussion, and fun. To accomplish the mission and nurture ideals the group will start in January with Adopt-a-Grandparent night honoring the seniors of the church, and then in mid-March the spring break venture will be a retreat to Camp McFadden where each day for four days the young people will work with different agencies in Ponca City (i.e. the Mission, Salvation Army, Peachtree Landing, Habitat for Humanity, Friendship Feast, etc.). The youth and sponsors will continue to offer in-church mission to those members who are homebound and need help or assistance. Bible Study is done at youth fellowship meetings once a month under the leadership of Mary Jo Baldwin, church member and Stephens Ministry leader. Also, the youth utilize the curriculum, “The Whole People of God” for church school in Bible study and discussion. Discussion events this winter and spring include College night with college age youth from the church giving advice on going to college; Drug Intervention and Prevention night with Byron Tribble, “What Do Presbys Believe” led by Dr. Monty Fey and the Rev. David Clipson and discussion of spiritual and secular issues through church school and retreats. The fun events include Laser Questing in Tulsa, Super Bowl Fun night, Winter Break Trip to Springfield, Mo. for barnswinging, ice skating & Bricktown, Rock Climbing, ad cookouts. The Spring Break in-town mission trip will include many fun things including a ropes course at McFadden. Sprinkled in, also, are Cut/Stain Glass night led by Ann Salmons and a Presbytery-wide youth retreat hosted by the Ponca City youth. The youth, this summer, will be traveling to Fort Collins, Colo. on the campus of Colorado State University for an event called Montreat West. This is a Christian Enrichment event that includes Bible study, music, discussion, worship and fun with approximately 400 other youth from many Christian denominations. Bill Salmons, Ann Salmons, and Larry Williams are the youth sponsors with Dr. Fey and the Rev. Mr. Clipson as resource advisors. Any youth from 7th grade through 12th grade is most welcome to join the learning and fun experiences had at First Presbyterian. First UMWomen to Hear Director of Campus MinistriesThe Rev. Michael R. Bartley of Bartlesville will show slides and talk about mission trips made through the Wesley Foundation Student Center each year at the next meeting of UMW of First United Methodist Church. Goal of the Wesley Foundation, according to the Rev. Mr. Bartley, is to open the eyes of students to the magnificent wonders of God’s grace and work permanent change in their lives. The new UMW officers will host the Jan. 21 meeting at 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. All women interested are invited to attend. First Assembly Launches Their 1999 World Missions ConventionThe Rev. Loren Triplett will be the featured speaker this Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. as Ponca City’s First Assembly of God begins its 1999 World Missions Convention. Triplett is the former Executive Director of Assemblies of God Foreign Missions, an enterprise that involves almost 2,000 missionaries ministering in more than 150 nations around the world. “We have lived to see the beginning of the greatest spiritual harvest in the history of the church” says Triplett. “The world is more accessible than ever before. It is now technologically possible to tell the whole world about Jesus. The dramatic question of this powerful moment is whether or not the church will accept the challenge.” The convention continues in the Sunday evening service at 6 p.m. as the Rev. Cecil Culbreth, Executive Director of Book of Hope, USA will be the guest speaker. Culbreth is nationally known as one of the finest motivators for the cause of missions, both stateside and foreign. “This is a Sunday you will not want to miss as we celebrate this generation’s opportunities to positively impact the entire world,” according to Pastor Tom Greene. First Assembly of God is located at 1308 East Bradley, one block west of 14th street. The public is invited to attend the 1999 World Missions Convention. SPORTSCat Cagers Seek to Recover With Bruins Cat Cagers Seek to Recover With BruinsBy MATTHEW KOENIG News Sports Writer Woe-wiz the Wildcats; or, rather, woe-was the Wildcats. After a pair of shattering losses to Owasso, Tuesday, the Po-Hi cagers fell into a depressive funk, not a person was left smiling, and rockin’ Robson Fieldhouse was about as cheery as a Siberian gulag. But that was then. Happily, everyone is on the recovery trail, including head coaches Ron Arthur and Dana Pulley, who were back to their typical, high-spirited selves by Thursday. Both said their players’ attitudes have improved to “excellent” since the Owasso Incident, and practices have been good. Tonight, the cagers will go for a full recovery as they take on Highway 60 rival, Bartlesville. The Bruins are 1-3 in conference play, while the Lady Bruins — after a big win against Sapulpa on Tuesday — are also 1-3. The boys’ game will start at 6:15, while the girls will tip off at 7:45. Tonight is also homecoming, with the Queen of Courts ceremony to be held between the games. Bartlesville Bruins (1-3, 2-5) at PC Wildcats (3-3, 4-5) The Cats stuck to their game plan on Tuesday, forced the pokey Rams to run the court, and Owasso responded by bombing the Poncans with 74 points — a full 20 points over their average output. To Arthur, it came down to one thing: a lack of half court defense. “We’re good in transition, and we’re good in full court defense,” he says. “I thought we played good half court defense, but obviously we’re not if we’re giving up that many points.” While Arthur says they’ve been drilling the short court defense the past two days, the Cats have some offensive kinks to iron out as well. For one thing, in two of their past three losses, the Cats’ bountiful bench has accounted for over 50 percent of their scoring. While that’s all right with Arthur, he’d like to see more from his starters. “That’s what we want (from the bench), but we need the other kids up to their potential,” he says. “We need about 30 points from the bench, and 40 points from our starters.” Unlike Owasso, the Bruins run a Wildcat-like, 4-out, 1-in, and 5-man motion offense. “They’ll push the ball up the floor,” says Arthur. “They’re not a slow-down team at all.” While that suits the Cats’ coach just fine, he’s also quick to warn anyone, namely this reporter, to ignore conference records. Owasso was winless coming into Tuesday’s game, after all. “I told you Owasso was good,” he says. “I’m no prophet — the Frontier is just always competitive, day in and day out. (Bartlesville) is quick, and they’re athletic.” The Bruins also have the conference’s third leading scorer in 6-3 senior forward Chris Turner, at 18.2 ppg, while 6-3 senior forward Jon Thompson averages 12.0 ppg. Bartlesville Lady Bruins (1-3, 2-5) at PC Lady Cats (0-6, 2-7) If everyone could see the world through the eyes of coach Pulley’s daughter Kaylyn, the Lady Cats would be riding high. Asked what she thought of Tuesday’s tear-jerking loss to Owasso, the 8-year old, future All-stater said she thought it was “good.” “Did you see who won?” prompted the elder Pulley. “They did,” said Kaylyn, grinning wildly, “but it was close.” If close counted in basketball, the Lady Cats could add any number of close contests to their record. As it is, they’ll take their black-and-white, winless conference record against the 1-3 Lady Bruins in a game that reeked of a likely win four days ago. In a stunning upset, however, the Lady Bruins blasted 3-2 Sapulpa on Tuesday, 44-29. Though they can’t take anyone lightly at this point, that ominous outcome portends an even greater uphill battle than the Lady Cats likely supposed. “Their starting lineup is 5-10, 5-9, 6-2, 5-11, and 5-4,” says Pulley. “They got a lot of their points (against Sapulpa) on second, third and fourth shots.” To the Lady Cats’ coach that means one thing: the vertically impaired Poncans will have to play the hardest, and smartest, game they can play. While Pulley says they’ll try to go with a taller lineup, the key — in this game, at least — could be rebounding. “We definitely have to block out,” says Pulley. “We preach it and preach it in practice, but sometimes it doesn’t always work. Actually, our rebounding has been about average; at least, it hasn’t hurt us much.” What hurts the Lady Cats is a 31 percent shooting stat. Though Desiree Cries For Ribs carried the scoring burden against Owasso, with 26 points, Pulley is aching for someone else to step up. “One out of five isn’t going to cut it,” she says. Also, when it comes to the Lady Bruins, the Lady Cats will have to be wise in their shot selection. “We can penetrate, but when we shoot we have to keep the girls at our back, because we can’t shoot over tall girls.” The Lady Bruins have three conference scoring leaders on their roster: 5-11 senior forward Sandra Jones (10.2 ppg), 5-10 senior guard Catina Barnes (9.0 ppg), and 6-2 junior center Ashley “the Big One” Meredith (8.5 ppg). Grapplers Get WarmupBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor BARTLESVILLE — Ponca City’s wrestlers got nearly the perfect warmup for this weekend’s Sand Springs tournament in a 55-21 win over Bartlesville Thursday. “We had a pretty good workout,” Wildcat coach Todd Steidley said following the dual. “We got some wins, got some additional confidence and we’ll get out of here early and into the motel (at Sand Springs) for some sleep early.” The dual was over in just over an hour with the help from two forfeits by Bartlesville and six falls from the Wildcats. The Cats won 10 of 14 matches, getting bonus points in seven of the eight that were wrestled. But the Cats face a much sterner test today and Saturday at Sand Springs. Six ranked teams top the 12-team field. The Class 5A powers include No. 1 Broken Arrow, No. 4 Mustang, No. 5 Muskogee and No. 8 Sand Springs. Also in the mix are Class 3A’s No. 1 Bristow and 2A’s No. 3 Sperry. The other teams are Bartlesville, Collinsville, Sallisaw, Sapulpa, Tahlequah and Ponca City. “It is a tough, tough tournament,” Steidley, who is well aware the Wildcats have not done well in the Sand Springs-Sapulpa Tournament in recent years, said. “We have our work cut out for us.” But the Poncans appear to be on a roll, having crushed their last two dual foes. Bartlesville gave the Cats a forfeit at 103 pounds but grabbed an early win when Ben Sugarel edged out Phillip Brotherton, 6-5 on an escape with 14 seconds left. Brotherton had come from behind with a reverse with 1:02 remaining to tie the score and was trying to turn the Bruin when he escaped. But that was the last time Bartlesville was even close. Josh Bailey started the Wildcat surge with a 3:32 fall at 119 pounds and Clint Stafford took a major 25-11 decision at 125. The Wildcats then got back-to-back falls by Jacob Bailey (2:45), Scott Steichen (1:20) and Matt Littleton (1:44). Bartlesville tried to stop the spree at 145 pounds as Luke Collier gave Ponca City’s Michael Osborn a battle. However, the Wildcat got a winning reverse with 1:49 remaining for a 6-5 decision. Bartlesville’s Brent Remington got a fall over Wildcat newcomer Kyle Henderson at 152 pounds, but Blaine Empting got those points right back with a 52-second fall at 160. Toby RedLeaf got the second Bartlesville forfeit at 171. Bartlesville got consecutive falls at 189 and 215 but heavyweight Justin Burns closed out the win for the Wildcats with a 1:45 pin. The only downside to the dual for Steidley was the fact the Poncans gave up three falls, two when the Wildcats were ahead on points. “The kids were ahead and then just got caught,” the coach said. “The only way to get out of those slumps is just to wrestle through them.” The Cats will get plenty of chances to do that over the next two days. The first session at Sand Springs started at noon today with the semifinals tonight at 6. The scheduled sessions Saturday are also noon and 6. Ponca City 55, Bartlesville 21 103 — Swindall (PC) fft 112 — Sugeral (B) d. Brotherton, 6-5 119 — Bailey (PC) p. Campbell, 2:32 125 — Stafford (PC) md Dunlap, 25-11 130 — Bailey (PC) p. Hightower, 2:45 135 — Steichen (PC) p. Burk, 1:20 140 — Littleton (PC) p. Miller, 1:44 145 — Osborn (PC) d. Collier, 6-5 152 — Remington (B) p. Henderson, 3:51 160 — Empting (PC) p. Angle, :52 171 — RedLeaf (PC) fft 189 — Bradley (B) p. Leavitt, 1:19 215 — Raymond (B) p. Neurenberg, 3:10 Hwt — Burns (PC) p. Barney, 1:44 Mat Stats Takedowns — Ponca City 2, Bartlesville 4. Escapes — Bartlesville 14, Ponca City 3. Penalty Points — Bartlesville 1, Ponca City 0. Reverses — Ponca City 4, Bartlesville 2. 2-Near Falls — Ponca City 2, Bartlesville 2. 3-Near Falls — Ponca City 2, Bartlesville 0 Forfeits — Ponca City 2, Bartlesville 0, Falls — Ponca City 6, Bartlesville 3. Major Decisions — Ponca City 1, Bartlesville 0. Decisions — Ponca City 1, Bartlesville 1. Cat Swimmers Surprise MooreRiding a sweep of the top four spots in diving, the Wildcat swimmers ended 15 years of subjugation to Moore, Thursday, nipping the Top-10 ranked Lions in dual action, 94-89. The win also lifts the Cats to a 4-4 duel record, their best mark since 1989. The Lady Cats (2-6 in duels) fell to stronger and deeper Lady Lions squad, however, 109-60. “It is so nice to beat one of the bigger schools in the state,” said coach Dave Strah. “Our guys really came ready to swim, and it’s great to have the divers. I can’t say enough about these four boys.” Those four boys were Eric Chambray, Lucas Elmer, Daniel Stransky, and JD McElhaney, who finished 1st through 4th, respectively, and combined to outscore the Lions 15-1 off the board. DJ Nuzum picked up a first place finish and qualified for state in the 200 freestyle, finishing with his best time in that race in over two years. Rory Peterson won both the 200 IM and the 100 breast, while Chris Kana came in first in the 100 free. Ben Dickey also qualified for state with a lifetime best mark in the 100 back, good for third place. The Wildcat “A” relay team also won the 200 medley, the 200 free and the 400 free. Going without the services of two key swimmers, who left the team after Christmas break, the Lady Cats couldn’t overcome a much stronger, deeper Moore team. Megan Tomek won the 50 free and 100 fly, posting a state qualifying time in the 50. “It was great to see Megan qualify,” said Strah. “She’s a senior, and she’s been worrying about getting that time. Now the pressure is off. She should have a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.” Shannon Mersman also had a pair of nice swims for the Lady Cats, winning both the 100 back and 100 free, while the Lady Cat relay team also won in the 200 medley. Including the points awarded in the relay, Mersman and Tomek accounted for over half of the Lady Cats’ total. “Andra Nuzum and Sunita Chahar were a little off last night, and we just don’t have the depth to get the job done against a top five team like Moore,” Strah said. The swimmers will return to duel action Jan. 21, as they host Putnam City North. The meet will start at 5. PC Sophs Get Best Of FrontierRED ROCK — Ponca City’s Wildcat sophomores had what coach Jerry Orr termed their best game of the season Thursday in downing the Frontier JVs, 59-29. Thew sophomore jumped in front, 31-18 in the first half and really clamped down on the Mustangs in the second half, limiting te JV to just 11 second half points. “This was one of our better efforts in all parts of the game we have had all year,” Orr said as the sophomore won their third straight game. “The coaches were very proud of the effort and execution of all the sophomores playing tonight.” Three Wildcat players finished in double figures. Anthony Dewberry had 15 points, Matt Meyers 14 and Billy Struble 11. Michaerl Martin and Stephen Michael each finished with 5 points, Brandon Roberts had 4, Tim Rathburn 3 and Mark Pearson 2. Ninth Grade Girls Pound StillwaterShaking off a slow start, the Ponca City ninth grade Red girls sped to a 47-22 win over Stillwater in the mid-high gym Thursday, chalking up their eighth straight win. “We got off to a slow start,” said coach John Maddox after the Lady Cougars struggled to a 7-7 first-quarter tie. “But then got into our press and had a real good second half. The Ponca Citians forged a 18-12 halftime lead and then threw a blanket over the visitors. “Our defense opened up the offense for some easy baskets,” Maddox said. “And we put them away like we should.” Mallory Hodge led the Lady Cougars’ scoring with 12 points. Courtney Birdsong, Amanda Summers, Jamie Neal and Jamie Leach all had 6 points, Janna Wedd added 5, Kristen Sievert 4 and Monica Sawyers had 2. The freshmen girls, now 8-0, are at home Tuesday against Enid Emerson. PC Dugout Club Meets TuesdayThe Po-Hi Dugout Club will hold their first meeting of the baseball season on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m., in room 101 of the Howell Building. All parents of Wildcat baseball players are encouraged to attend. For additional information, call Rick McCool, at 762-8857.
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