LOCAL

Driving Examiner Changes Hours
Oklahoma Flag Controversy Put to Rest
PCAA Show Judging Sunday
Cider House Rules at Poncan Theatre
Overcoming Barriers to Substance Abuse Recovery
Letter - Thank You, East Junior High

Driving Examiner Changes Hours

By MARK GALVIN

News Staff Writer

The driver’s license examiner’s days and hours have shuffled at Ponca City’s National Guard Armory and in Blackwell because the local examiner has added Pawhuska to her duties.

Driver examiner Jane Sumner said the schedule change at Kay County’s two offices is more obvious at Blackwell, where the service day switched from Wednesdays to most Mondays at the city utility building downtown.

The Blackwell schedule is from 7 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m. every Monday except the fourth Monday of the month — including the fifth Monday when there is one.

Sumner now covers Pawhuska on the fourth Monday of every month at the police department, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3:45 p.m.

Ponca City, which houses the examiner in the Armory at 1015 West South Avenue, now gets service Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3:45 p.m.

Sumner said the schedule changed Dec. 1, “but most people don’t realize it yet. Change is hard for everyone, so we’re trying to get the word out.”

The change in the local schedules made it easier for the state department of public safety to serve the people of Osage County.

“People in Pawhuska have always been served,” said Sumner, who has 10 years with the department including two with the Kay County offices.

“But the department was working [Pawhuska] out of Chandler, I think, so the other examiner was traveling a long way,” she said.

In Ponca City, written driving tests and tests for learner’s permits are administered by going at the Armory. Appointments are scheduled for driving tests, either in person or by phone. The office telephone number is 580-762-1728.

In Blackwell, the office has no telephone and driver testing appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Oklahoma Flag Controversy Put to Rest

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma flag will continue to bear the state's name, a legislator announced this week.

Rep. Bill Nations said he is withdrawing his proposal to remove the state's name from the flag.

“I said when I filed the bill that I'd listen to the citizens. And, to put it succinctly, the people have spoken,” Nations said. “I've been informed by many, many Oklahomans just how much they like the flag as it is. Therefore, I'm withdrawing the bill.”

A portion of the people who spoke were more than 250 Ponca City residents. They signed “Don’t Mess With the Flag”petitions that were delivered to Nations in the state capital Tuesday by radio personality David May.

The Norman Democrat said he asked Rep. Russ Roach, House Rules Committeechairman, to remove the measure from the committee's calendar.

“It's obvious the people want the world ‘Oklahoma’ on the flag.”

Nations said his intent was to take the flag back to its historic origins.

“I authored the bill for two reasons. One was artistic, the other historic. My idea was to take the flag back to its original, historic 1925 look before the name was added in 1941 as a result of political controversy.”

Nations said he talked to representatives of the state's artistic community who said words on a piece of art dilute the art. “That was my other reason. I wanted people to see the flag in the context of the original art and symbolism.”

While the measure proved controversial, Nations said it did, in fact, show just how much respect state residents have for their symbols.

“Oklahomans are a very proud people. When they look at their flag, they know exactly what it represents. If people have that much love for our flag, then I'm sure not going to be the one to change it.”

Nations said he was pleased by the “great feelings people have” about this state and its symbols.

“I was worried earlier that having the state name on the flag might be a sign of insecurity left over from John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath. I was wrong. It's not a sign of insecurity. It's a sense of pride. It's obvious the issue of art and history will have to take a back seat to the will of the people.”

PCAA Show Judging Sunday

The annual Ponca City Art Association Membership Show is scheduled for the month of February. Judging will be on Sunday. Judith A. Dwornik, a well-known Oklahoma artist, will be the 2000 PCAA judge.

A reception will be hosted by PCAA members from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday following the judging. The public is invited.

Dwornik is from Oklahoma City. She has been an artist for 48 years, publishing her first sketch in a Katy Keene funny book at age 15. Her first job was as an apprentice in silk screen painting, doing film cutting, camera production and layout art. She has also worked for various media including the Army Corps of Engineers as an illustrator, CBS Channel 6 as an art director, and Photo Services International. She has designed displays, brochures, catalogs and advertisements.

Her formal training includes study at the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Sinclair College, Dayton, Ohio; Art Instruction, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.; Art League, Portsmouth, Ohio; private portrait lessons with Ray Lively, Charleston, W.Va., oil painting classes with Ralph Creagor, Dayton, Ohio; sculptor classes, Tulsa; and many additional seminars on painting, framing and selling art.

Dwornik also operated “By Judith Galleri” in Tulsa for 13 years before moving to Oklahoma City. Currently, she continues to work with a variety of media including oils, watercolor, pastels, charcoals and acrylics to produce portraits, florals, and landscapes. Her mini-portraits have become popular because of the inexpensive cost for an original.

Cider House Rules at Poncan Theatre

Cider House Rules is a new film based on a John Irving novel. Irving wrote the screenplay himself, and worked for almost 13 years to find a producer. The lovely film, called “deliciously satisfying” by critic Glenn Loveil, stars Michael Caine, Tobey Maguire and Charlize Theron. Cider House Rules opens Sunday at the Poncan Theatre on Grand.

Tobey Maguire, the young lead performer in Pleasantville, plays Homer, an orphan. Raised in an orphanage, Homer has come under the watchful and protective eye of Dr. Larch (Michael Caine). Caine teaches Maguire about medicine, about birthing babies and, on occasion, about abortion. Dr. Larch hopes that Homer will follow in his footsteps and replace him someday. But Homer disagrees with Dr. Larch on some ethical issues.

Homer leaves the orphanage, striking out with new friends Wally (Paul Rudd) and Candy (Charlize Theron). Soon Homer and Candy have a budding relationship, which develops in upstate Maine around the apple orchards. There the two young people face important questions, important life-choices. There, the apple pickers encounter a sign on a wall that lists the rules of conduct written for pickers by the bosses. Those are the “cider house rules,” the kind of rules that are written by somebody else. They’re the kind of rules that seem irrelevant, the kind of rules that are made to be broken.

This is “hands down, darn fine film making,” writes critic Chuck Schwartz. Michael Caine gives “one of his best performances,” says Roger Ebert. Tobey Maguire gives “an extraordinarily centered performance,” writes The San Francisco Chronicle. The film is “absorbing” and “enchanting,” Ebert says. Irving’s novel, which is really about the need for family, “fits perfectly on the screen,” according to Harvey Karten, the critic for Compuserve. The New York Times calls this “easily the finest film realization of an Irving novel.”

Charles Dickens figures into the film in subtle ways. David Copperfieldis read to the orphans. And the values of the characters are touched by a Dickensian sensibility. The Chronicle writes that the audience is often moved by “simple acts of kindness,” such as one finds in Dickens’ novels. And one of the central themes of the film appears in Dickens’ writing. It is that some real-life rules, such as those on the wall of the cider house, may be irrelevant to people’s lives.

Cider House Rules was directed by Lasse Hallstrom, who rose to celebrity with two very sensitive films, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and My Life as a Dog. “I can’t think of a better filmmaker to guide us” into “Cider House” than Hallstrom, writes The New York Times. The Times adds that the beautiful cinematography “is so intense you can almost taste the sour-apple pungency of the orchard air.”

This is “a sustained meditation on the dream of home sweet home,” says the Times. And it reminds us of a theme in Charles Dickens, that “in a cosmic sense we are all orphans.” Newsday Magazine calls this “a voluptuous page-turner of a movie.” Critic Jon Popick says it’s “a breathtakingly gorgeous film.”

Cider House Rules is rated PG-13. For show times, patrons should consult the Ponca City News or call the theatre at 580-765-0943. The Poncan Theatre is located at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City.

Overcoming Barriers to Substance Abuse Recovery

by GARY W. SMITH

CCDC, Executive Director

Narconon Chilocco New Life Center

(Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series giving information concerning drug addiction. Smith has 25 years of experience as a chemical dependency counselor.)

Cravings, depression and guilt make up the harness that keeps an addict in the downward spiral of drug addiction. In almost all cases these symptoms are generated after a long term of substance abuse.

So then what is the best approach to tear down these barriers to successful recovery? Remember cravings are the first barrier to recovery. These are caused by drug or alcohol residues that store primarily in body fat in the form of metabolites. And as mentioned in an earlier article, metabolites are the byproduct of the body trying to digest and breakdown the toxin once ingested into the system. These metabolites are connected to memories the addict has of the time and experience associated with ingestion of the chemical. These metabolites will activate at times when the addict’s metabolism increases. Once the metabolite activates, an uncontrollable urge to use more drugs overcomes the addict. The active metabolite triggers or reminds the addict at a physical and mental level of drug use.

One of the most effective means of ridding the body of drug metabolites has proven to be the use of aerobic exercise combined with a nutritional program that utilizes Vitamin B3 (niacin) and extended periods of sweating in a dry sauna. This detoxification method was researched and developed by L. Ron Hubbard in 1978 and has helped increase the rate of recovery by eliminating the physical triggers that create drug cravings. It is this process called The New Life Detoxification Program that is utilized at the Narconon drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.

Depression is another one of the barriers to recovery. The depression an addict experiences is twofold. There is a chemical imbalance that drug and alcohol abuse creates in the body. Drug and alcohol abuse inhibits the production of natural body chemicals and in some cases replaces them. This impacts the natural reward system that encourages our physical well being or eliminates pain after an injury. This bio-physical aspect of the chemical imbalance present in drug abusers is driven by nutritional deficiencies that occur when someone uses drugs or alcohol on a regular basis. In most cases the emotional depression that an addict experiences follows after a person comes off drugs or alcohol, not before. This is because of the declining quality of life an addict experiences and a decayed state of health. In most cases an addict has alienated himself from family members and loved ones. There is often criminal behavior that comes about from the need for money to purchase drugs. Depending on the degree and type of drug abuse, an addict frequently find himself in trouble with the law. Addicts don’t want these situations to occur but cannot control the circumstances in their lives. As broken relationships or legal problems develop, the addict feels down or bad about these situations and will display characteristics of depression or lethargy.

Remember that all addicts are basically good people before the addiction begins. They start encountering problems brought on by their addiction. Then they get involved in the arduous task of trying to hide or cover up the deeds that led to these problems. At this point they begin to feel guilty. This guilt then causes the addict to withdraw from family, loved ones and friends or he or she will become antagonistic towards those close to them who do not abuse drugs or alcohol. This anti-social behavior is a direct result of his or her wrong doings and dishonest lifestyle.

In order to remove these barriers to successfully recovery, addicts must experience a positive change in moral values. They must get honest — which is probably the toughest part of recovery. As a general rule people do not enjoy admitting their wrongs. This process is particularly difficult for the person who is addicted. However, the age-old basic premise of effective counseling still holds true — “confession is good for the soul.” This is certainly true in remedying drug or alcohol addiction. If an addicted person can confess honestly his sins and can make up the damage that was done by committing these sins, he will experience tremendous relief. He will not feel guilty any longer and will be able to better calculate how to improve his quality of life.

Letter - Thank You, East Junior High

Before we get too far removed from the Dec. 31 Millennium Celebrations, I would like to say that the Culture Shock Phenomenon presented at the East Junior High Auditorium was just great. It appeared to be a packed house that enjoyed the songs and dances of the decades and by the applause, whistles, hoops and hollers, the audience appreciated this program.

It moved quickly and smoothly and amazed us with the talent and presentation. The ladies who were in charge of this event are to be commended, as well as the participants, for giving us 75 minutes of great entertainment. All for the price of a millennium button!! Thank you.

Donna Evans

DEATHS

Darrell W. Smith
Alma L. Barnard
Brady Scott Bechtel
Doris Mildred Furber Strange
Dorothy Elizabeth Bush
Carrie Dawn Atkinson Allison

Darrell W. Smith

Darrell W. Smith, Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 43.

A memorial service will be held Monday, Feb. 7, 2000, at 10 a.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ron Ledbetter, pastor of Sunset Baptist Church, officiating.

Darrell was born on June 27, 1956, at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, the son of Robert and Betty Jo (DeMoss) Smith. As his father was in the Air Force, he lived in various places. He graduated from Blackwell High School in 1975. He married Kathlyn Ponnequin on Feb. 28, 1978, in Blackwell.

In the fall of 1978, the couple moved to Stillwater, where Darrell attended Oklahoma State University. He received a master’s degree in counseling and guidance. He helped develop programs and guidelines for increased accessibility in the Stillwater community and assisted in the development of the Disabled Student Services Office at OSU. He was also elected president of the Student Handicap Association for two years. He lectured to the seniors of Stillwater High School on the ability of the disabled and also lectured for several architectural design classes at OSU for designing barrier-free structures. He received the highest score in communicating with the deaf at the Deaf World Workshop.

He was a member of the NRA, NRCA, Texas Rehabilitation Association, and the First Baptist Church in Ponca City. He was also a member of the Army National Guard from 1976-77. He enjoyed archery, oil painting, camping, traveling, and was very active on his computer.

He is survived by his wife Kathlyn, of the home; his mother Betty Jo Smith of Ponca City; three brothers, Terry Smith of Land of Lakes, Fla., Alan Smith of Venice, Calif., and J.B. Smith of San Diego, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Alma L. Barnard

FAIRFAX — Alma L. Barnard, longtime Fairfax resident, died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000, at St. Ann’s Nursing Home in Oklahoma City. She was 87.

The funeral service was to be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 4, 2000, in the Hunsaker-Wooten Chapel with the Rev. George Weston, pastor of the First Christian Church of Fairfax, officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairfax Cemetery.

Alma L. Barnard was born Jan. 22, 1913, in Blue Mountain, Ark., the daughter of Willie Yandell and Louise (Fletcher) Yandell. She married Russell S. Lamb in Magazine, Ark., and later married H.L. Barnard on Feb. 14, 1942, in Fairfax, where they lived for many years. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Fairfax, and she enjoyed her family, ceramics, playing bridge, sewing and cooking.

She is survived by a daughter, Pauline Henderson of Oklahoma City; a son, Jack L. Barnard of Lodi Calif.; two brothers, Herman Yandell; a sister, Wilba Welling; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a brother, Glen Yandell; two sisters, Beatrice Pappin and Ersie Endicott.

Casket bearers will be Rick Majors, Larry Henderson, Joy Henderson, Peggy Yawn, Lauren Yawn and Jennifer Yawn.

Brady Scott Bechtel

BLACKWELL — Brady Scott Bechtel of Blackwell died late Wednesday evening, Feb. 2, 2000, in the St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kan., at the age of 21.

The funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, 2000, in the First Christian Church of Blackwell with the Rev. Daryl Donovan officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Brady Scott Bechtel was born on June 29, 1978, in Stillwater to Brad and LeaAnn (Conaway) Bechtel. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Wichita Falls, Texas, and then to Conroe, Texas. In 1983, they moved to Blackwell where he attended Blackwell public schools, graduating from Blackwell High School in 1997. He then furthered his education by attending Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

In December of 1998, he was injured in an automobile accident. After several months of rehabilitation in Denver, Colo., he returned to Blackwell to make his home.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Blackwell and was active in the youth group. He was currently serving as the vice president for the Blackwell Basketball Boosters. He was an avid sports enthusiast, especially for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and ESPN. He enjoyed and loved the many friends who remained faithful throughout his rehabilitation.

The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation for the care Brady received while in Denver as well as his rehabilitation at home. They especially want to thank Dr. D.E. Becker and the staff at Blackwell Regional Hospital as well as his nurses, Pam Savage, Shirley Arnold, Ranola Mattison, Bobbi Jones and Katrina Sinor; and assistants, Holly Tucker and Beth Briggs.

Survivors include his parents, Brad and LeaAnn Bechtel of Blackwell; grandparents, R.C. and Sarah Jane Bechtel and Les and Peggy Conaway, all of Blackwell; great-grandmother, Mamie Robinson of Blackwell; and two brothers, Chad Bechtel and Blake Bechtel, both of Blackwell.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Raymond and Neva Bechtel, Fred and Sarah Bell, Charles and Minnie Conaway and Lloyd Richardson; and step great-grandfather, Bill Robinson.

Casket bearers will be Gary Tucker, Mike Simpson, Scott Mattison, Ross Cline, Alan Reese, Mike Briggs, Mark Grell and Bob Niles. Honorary bearers will be Ryan LeGrande, Nicah North, Josh Patterson, Brent Kasper, Brian Courtney, Chris Chastain, Steven York, Steve Ruby, Jeremy Hulse, Justin Tucker, Jared Grell, Jake Fry, Drew Ihrig, Matt Naeher, Jeff Gigstad, Bert Collingbourne, Luke Winsett, Travis Neal, Josh Nichols and the brothers of Sigma Nu.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the First Christian Church, 306 East Coolidge, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Doris Mildred Furber Strange

TONKAWA — Doris Mildred Furber Strange was born Oct. 20, 1915, in Pawnee County to Elsie Cockrell and Simeon Furber. She passed away on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000, at age 84.

She graduated from Pawnee High School and attended Northern Oklahoma College. In 1937, she married Glen L. Strange. They had two daughters, Gloriana St. Clair and Darla Jean Comeaux.

She was a devoted wife and mother who also had a long, happy and fulfilling career as a medical assistant. She was known for her prize-winning quilts, her delicious hot rolls, and her inventive theme parties.

She was active in PEO, Medical Assistants Association and many First United Methodist Church activities. She also belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Prime Timers.

She is survived by her daughters, Gloriana St. Clair of Pittsburgh, Pa., and her friend Roger Sorrells, and Darla and Guy Comeaux of Houston, Texas; and three grandchildren, Tyler Glen of Denver, Guy Easton, and Dominique Jessie of Houston. Her sisters, Neva Ferguson, Helen Cathey, and Jean Tullos also survive her. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one brother and one sister.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2000, at the First Methodist Church in Tonkawa. Officiating will be Dr. Brian Kovacs. Service will be under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Methodist Church of Tonkawa, 410 East Grand Avenue, Tonkawa, Okla. 74653.

Dorothy Elizabeth Bush

BLACKWELL — Dorothy Elizabeth Bush of Blackwell died Wednesday evening, Feb. 2, 2000, in the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell. She was 76.

The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, 2000, in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Thomas Ramsey of the First Lutheran Church of Ponca City officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home of Blackwell. The casket will open for visitation only at the funeral home.

Dorothy Elizabeth Bush was born on June 16, 1923, in Cherryvale, Kan., to Theodore L. and Sarah Jane (Friley) Moon. She grew up in Cherryvale and attended Cherryvale public schools, graduating in 1940.

She married Raymond F. Bush on Aug. 16, 1941, in Cherryvale, Kan., and they settled there. In 1950, they moved to Blackwell, where she was a devoted housewife and mother. She enjoyed camping, fishing and playing cards. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and the Dorcas Society.

Survivors include her husband, Ray of the home; four daughters, Ralene Patrick and husband Jack of Denver, Colo., Sherry Blubaugh and husband Karel of Ponca City, Sue Parker and husband Dennis of Houston, Texas, and Jeannie Harrold and husband Tom of Oolagah, Okla.; one son, Kent Bush and wife Debi of Blackwell; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Opal Peugh and Marie Rosson; two brothers, Sy Moon and Tiny Moon; and a grandson, Doug Parker.

Casket bearers will be Derek Patrick, Tim Patrick, David Patrick, Mark Blubaugh, Greg Parker, Steve Parker, Jerrod Bush, Phillip Scott and Josh Harrold.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Blackwell Nutrition Center, Meal on Wheels, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

paid obituary

Funerals

Carrie Dawn Atkinson Allison

Saturday

Memorial service at 2 p.m. in the Central Baptist Church.

NEWS BRIEFS

Conservation Talk Scheduled — Former Ponca Citian Mary McIntyre Coley, now Director of Education and Outreach, Oklahoma Chapter of The Nature Conservancy in Tulsa, will be in Ponca City Tuesday, Feb. 15, for a talk at the Ponca City Library at 7 p.m. on the Tall Grass Prairie Reserve. She will show a National Geographic film entitled “Fire and Thunder.” Everyone is welcome to attend.

We Have Afghans — Pioneer Woman Afghans in multicolored jewel tones, also in burgundy, dark green, navy and Wedgewood blue. $40 and $50 - great for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and thank you gifts. First United Methodist Women Project for Missions. Call 765-1956, 762-1681 or 762-1729. We deliver.

Legion Feed Set — The American Legion Pancake & 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 $3.50 for adults, $2 for children under 12 and free to children under 6. Proceeds go to the Rehab Program. Everyone welcome to come and enjoy!

FoodShare Orders — Heartland FoodShare orders will be taken Feb. 10 and 11 again this month. Volunteer two hours a month to qualify to purchase a $16.60 share. Pickup date will be Feb. 26. Orders will be taken Thursdays and Fridays only at RSVP, 113 North Fourth.

In Custody — A 45-year-old female was arrested in the 200 block of East Oklahoma at 8:49 a.m. Thursday on a warrant for a bogus check.

Theft Report — It was reported to police at 9:59 a.m. Thursday that items were taken outside a house in the 500 block of South Perry. A report was taken.

Arrest Made — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department arrested a 54-year-old male on three city warrants at 12:25 p.m. Thursday.

Vandalism — A student at Pioneer Technology Center reported tires had been slashed at 2:14 p.m. Thursday. A report was taken.

Accident — An accident was reported at Union and Hartford Avenue at 5:22 p.m. Thursday. A report was taken on the three-car accident. No injuries were reported.

Report Taken — A two-vehicle accident was reported to police at 5:37 p.m. Thursday at Fourth and South Avenue. A report was taken.

Drive Off — A $39 gas drive off was reported to police at 8:21 p.m. Thursday in the 2500 block of North Fourteenth. A report was taken.

Vandalism — A vandalism report was taken at 9:16 p.m. Thursday in the 2000 block of Lake Road after a vehicle was vandalized.

Hit and Run — A hit and run was reported to police in the 1500 block of East Bradley at 9:52 p.m. Thursday. A report was taken.

Arrested — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department arrested a 31-year-old male at Hazel and Union Street at 12 a.m. Friday for no drivers license, contributing to a minor and destruction of city property.

Several Arrested — Four people were arrested at 1:57 a.m. Friday in the 700 block of South Waverly. They were: 37-year-old male, a 37-year-old female, 32-year-old female and 48-year-old male, all for public intoxication.

Disturbance — A loud music complaint was made at 3:03 a.m. Friday in the 2100 block of North Union. The residents were advised to turn the music down.

LIFESTYLES

Xi Beta Tau Chapter Members Planning For Valentine Dance
Children’s Chorale Concert Feb. 6

Xi Beta Tau Chapter Members Planning For Valentine Dance

Members of Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met in the home of Lois Coats on Jan. 24. Sammie Coats, president, called the meeting to order, and members participated in the Opening Ritual.

June Miller, recording secretary, called the roll, and recipe pages for the Beta Sigma Phi Millennium Cookbook were discussed. The treasurer’s report was presented by Cindy Wardlow.

Chapter members will meet the morning of the Valentine Dance in order to decorate the backdrop for the Valentine Queen. A potluck dinner and pledge ritual for JoAnn Ferguson is planned for Feb. 14. Jan Ellison will be in charge of the pledge training.

The traveling basket was presented to Cindy Wardlow, and each member received a mystery gift. Lois Coats presented each one with a “decorate your own” coffee mug. Lois Coats also presented the cultural program titled “Points To Ponder.”

June Miller will be the hostess for the Feb. 14 meeting, which will include a pledge ritual and a secret sister Valentine gift exchange.

Children’s Chorale Concert Feb. 6

Ponca City Childrens Chorale, a community group, will perform a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6 at the First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Central.

The “Prima Voce” for ages 9-11 will perform “Jubilate Deo,” “Duérmete Mi Niño” (Sleep My Child,” and the “Irish Lullaby.”

“Bel Canto” for ages 12-14 will perform “Ma Bella Bimba (Italian Folk Song) and “Ching-A-Ring Chaw,” a minstrel song arranged by Aaron Copland.

The choirs will combine to perform “Tum Balalaika” (traditional Russian Yiddish song) and “Here’s To Song.” Assisting with the event will be Cathy Byard, founder and director; Sheryl Martin, assistant director; Ann Salmons, assistant director; Vicki Stokke, pianist; David Ritter, guitar, and Sheryl Martin, flute.

SPORTS

Cat Cagers Gain Sweep
Cat Matmen Win Final Home Dual
Cat Swimmers Sweep Meet

Cat Cagers Gain Sweep

BARTLESVILLE — Ponca City’s Wildcat basketball teams got a rare doubleheader sweep — on the road, no less.

The Cat cagers swept Bartlesville, but not by much. The Lady Cats held off the Lady Bruins, 29-28, while the Po-Hi boys held on for a 57-54 win.

It was back-to-back wins for the Lady Wildcats for the first time this season and left them 4-13 on the season, 3-8 in the Frontier Conference.

Before the week started, Po-Hi coach Dana Pulley emphasized the importance of the Poncans’ three games this week. The season records will be sent to the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association for seeding in the regional tournament after tonight.

“I feel we need three wins this week to improve on our seeding,” the coach had said.

The Lady Cats responded with two wins (they beat Owasso 52-47 on Tuesday) and they travel to Sand Springs tonight, trying for a clean sweep.

The Ponca City boys improved to 6-11, 3-8 in the league and may have saved themselves from having to face the top regional seed in the first round of post season tournaments.

Neither win was pretty Thursday night as both teams suffered from cold shooting. However, they made up for it in rebounding and defense.

Laura Sudbury and her teammates shut down Bartlesville’s leading score Ashley Meredith, limiting her to just four points on the night.

The Lady Cats shot just 31 percent from the field (11-of-36) and were a miserable 5-of-17 from the free throw line.

But Bartlesville could do no better in the see-saw battle.

After grabbing a narrow first-quarter lead, the Po-Hi girls managed just two points in the second period and trailed 16-13 at halftime.

But the basket iced up for Bartlesville in the third quarter as the Lady Bruins could managed just two points and the Ponca Citians led 23-18 entering the final period.

They were still in front, 27-22, midway through the final period. Then Bartlesville made a final push, cutting the lead to 29-26.

The Lady Bruins sank a couple of free throws in the waning seconds, but couldn’t get enough of them (5-of-17) to fall to quite catch up.

Jenna Wedd and Jena Birdsong paced the Ponca City scoring with eight and six points

The first three quarters of the boys game was also back-and-fourth with the Wildcats holding a 26-25 edge at halftime.

Bartlesville came back late in the third quarter to lead 40-36.

But then the Wildcats found the range from outside. Billy Broughton, who finished with 14 point, hit a trey to cut the lead to 40-39.

Seconds later, Jeff Petrie (nine points) put back a Ponca City miss to push the Cats in front, 41-40.

Bartlesville regained the lead, 42-41. But Jeff Furnas (11 points) banged in a three with six minutes left and 45 seconds later he hit a lay up and was fouled to push the Poncans to a 47-42 lead.

Bartlesville cut the margin to 47-44, but Brett Skaggs stole a pass on the Bruins’ next possession and Petrie went to the line where he hit two to moved the Ponca City lead to 49-44.

That started the Wildcats on frequent trips to the free throw line. They had only moderate success, but managed to inch the lead to 56-48 with 46 seconds remaining.

That’s when Bartlesville tried to make things interesting.

A pair of 3’s surrounding Tim Frick’s one free throw had the lead down to 57-54.

But the Bruins missed twice from three point range in the final 20 seconds as the Cats hung on.

“I have never seen a high school game where one team had 40 free throws like we did,” coach Ron Arthur said.

That was the good news, The bad news was the Wildcats managed to convert just 25 of them into points.

Cat Matmen Win Final Home Dual

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Ponca City’s Wildcat wrestlers honored their seniors and started to prepare for the upcoming Dual State battle in easing past out manned Sapulpa 55-14 in Robson Field House Thursday night.

All nine of the Wildcat seniors saw action in their final home dual of the season. Well, almost. The only action 160-pounder Kyle Duren saw was walking across the mat to accept a forfeit.

It was one of three forfeits the Chieftains gave up and the Cats did the rest with four falls, two major decisions and two simple decisions.

The Wildcats will officially end the regular season Tuesday night at Newkirk, a make-up dual postponed from the first of the season when the Tigers were still in the football playoffs.

But the Wildcats’ concentration will be on the Dual State Tournament in Yukon next weekend.

The times and pairings have yet to be determined, but Ponca City, seeded fourth in the east, will probably take on West’s top seeded Westmoore,

“It’s going to be a tough match,” said Po-Hi coach Todd Steidley. “But at this time of the year, anything can happen. I understand that Westmoore — like us — is a little beat up.”

The Wildcats are just starting to get their lineup healthy and appear to be peaking at just the right time. The Poncans have won at Stillwater in a crucial dual that secured the Dual State berth, tied Class 6A’s ranked Sand Spring and beaten Class 3A’s rated Blackwell in the past few weeks.

After an emotion pre-dual ceremony to honor the seniors Thursday night, the Wildcats wasted little time in disposing of Sapulpa.

Following a forfeit to Ponca City’s Josh Short at 103 pounds, senior Phillip Brotherton pounded out a 9-5 decision at 112, Mimi Miller and senior Clint Stafford then got major decisions at 119 and 125.

Steven Windler got the Poncans’ first fall of the night in just 1:23 at 130 pounds and Roman RedLeaf continued the roll with a 5-2 decision at 135.

Sapulpa finally got on the scoreboard with a fall at 140, but by then the Wildcats were in charge 26-6.

Michael Osborn countered with a 5:47 pin at 145 before Sapulpa collected a technical fall at 152.

Duren got the second forfeit of the night and senior Blaine Empting made the Chieftains pay for the maneuver with a 2:23 fall at 171.

Senior Jeremy Leavitt collected his fourth fall of the season in 1:07 at 189 pounds. Michael Martin got the 215-pound forfeit and Sapulpa won a 4-3 decision at heavyweight.

Cat Swimmers Sweep Meet

The Ponca City Wildcat swimmers and divers hosted Muskogee last night in an end-of-the-season victory. It was Senior Night at the YMCA Community Pool for Rory Peterson, Shannon Mersman, Crystal Gill and Eric Chambray.

The girls dominated the pool with a smashing 129-36 win, and the boys kept it close all the way with a 73-64 win.

“This was a great way for our seniors to end their career at their home pool. It was a super fun meet for all the kids. Everyone swam great tonight,” said head coach Dave Strah.

Taking first in the 200-medley relay last night were Shannon Mersman, Sunita Chahar, Andra Nuzum and Kayla Mills with a 2:05:24. The girls second place team in the 200-medley relay, Lindsey Mersman, Molly Tomek, Marie Brown and Lindsey Niemann, are all freshmen and they posted a state qualifying time of 2:14:35.

There were a number of one-two finishes for the Lady Cats last night. In the 200-freestyle, sisters Shannon and Lindsey Mersman, grabbed the one-two ending. Marie Brown and Andra Nuzum teamed up for a one-two finish in the 50-freestyle. Freshmen Molly Tomek and Lindsey Niemann finished first and second in the 100-freestyle. Melody Wynn was first in the 500-freestyle, followed by first-year swimmer Maria Acosta in the number two slot. The girls 200-freestyle relay teams also finished one-two.

Posting a new state qualifying time in the 200-individual medley was freshman Kayla Mills with a 2:31:46. Junior Andra Nuzum finished first in the 100-butterfly with a state-qualifying time of 1:09:40. Anita Bilyeu and Crystal Gill were right behind her, finishing second and third in the 100-butterfly.

In another one-two-three finish, senior Shannon Mersman led the pack in the 100-backstroke with a career-best time of 1:05:40, followed by freshmen Kayla Mills and Marie Brown.

Junior Sunita Chahar was the winner in the 100-breastroke and helped anchor the winning 400-freestyle relay team of Lindsey Mersman, Molly Tomek and Lindsey Niemann.

The boys had a tough fight but still came out victorious. Senior and team captain, Rory Peterson, led the way for the Cats. Peterson nailed the 100-butterfly with a time of 53:71, a sweet victory and a strong message to Muskogee swimmer Zach Coburn. Coburn beat Peterson at the state meet last year in the 100-butterfly, but Peterson out-touched Coburn last night by almost two full seconds in the same race.

“It was a great race for Rory and Zach — and it will be fun to watch again in three more weeks (at the state meet),” said Strah. Peterson was also the winner of the 500-freestyle.

Junior Eric Whitebay was a double winner in the 200-freestyle and 100-freestyle, barely missing the state-qualifying time in the 200-freestyle. On the diving side, senior Eric Chambray was in top form last night with his acrobatic performance.

Freshman Matt Dickey had two best times last night. In the 50-freestyle he was just out-touched by Muskogee and placed second with a 25:94. The Wildcats also finished third and sixth in that race with the help of Michael Powers and Michael Gamble. In his first 100-backstroke entry this year Dickey finished second to Muskogee standout Coburn.

Freshman Ashton Herbert was a winner last night in the 200-individual medley with a time of 2:28:84 and finished third in the 100-breastroke.

For the season the Lady Cats ended up 6-4-1, and the boys finished with a record of 6-5.

NEW POOL RECORD: For the first time in 11 years, head swim coach Dave Strah ended up in the pool at the end of the Muskogee meet. The team has unsuccessfully labored for over a decade to trip up the coach and finally did it last night with a simple push from senior Shannon Mersman — Strah was soaked, $117 dollar boots and all.

Current State Qualifiers and Events, including rankings as of Feb. 3, 2000.

SENIORS

Rory Peterson: 50-freestyle, 5th; 100-freestyle, 2nd; 200-freestyle, 1st; 500-freestyle, 2nd; 200-individual medley, 3rd; 100-backstroke, 3rd; 100-breastroke, 4th; 100-butterfly, 1st.

Shannon Mersman: 200-individual medley, 30th; 100-backstroke, 9th.

Eric Chambray: 1-meter diving, 2nd.

JUNIORS

Andra Nuzum: 100-butterfly, 25th.

Sunita Chahar: 100-breastroke, 16th.

Eric Whitebay: 100-butterfly, 16th; 500-freestyle, 13th.

FRESHMEN

Kayla Mills: 200-freestyle, 16th; 500-freestyle, 16th; 100-backstroke, 12th; 200-individual medley, 29th; 100-freestyle, 13th.

Marie Brown: 100-freestyle, 20th; 200-freestyle, 18th; 500-freestyle, 24th; 100-backstroke, 20th; 200-individual medley 15th.

Each swimmer may swim a maximum of two individual events and two relays or one individual event and three relays at the State meet.

EDUCATION

Teachers Earn Extra Bonus While Achieving National Certification
Citizens Urged To Make Mark At Senior High
Quality In Education
Honor Rolls Announced at Vo-Tech
NWOSU Graduates
Students Recognized
Scholarships Given
Spelling Bee Winner
PTSA Meeting

Teachers Earn Extra Bonus While Achieving National Certification

Three Ponca City teachers, Queta Henderson, Pamela Hunter and Mary Sudbury, have earned a $5,000 bonus after achieving national certification.

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett presented the bonus checks to 117 teachers who completed national certification and attended the State Board of Education meeting last week in Stillwater.

Garrett cautioned North Carolina by saying, “We’re right behind you and we’re gaining.” North Carolina is the top state in the nation to produce teachers gaining national certification but Oklahoma is number seven and gaining.

The teachers received the bonus money for going above and beyond the minimum requirements of certification, meeting the highest honor in the teaching profession by obtaining national certification and being a full-time teacher.

“A National Board certified teacher at every school in Oklahoma is a goal for the 21st century,” Garrett said. “The $5,000 bonus is an incentive to encourage teachers to go through the process.”

In 1998 and 1999, a total of 148 teachers completed a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification process requiring them to demonstrate the depth of knowledge in their specific discipline and skill in conveying that knowledge to students. Many teachers who completed the certification said this process makes them more effective and validates what they are doing in the classroom.

National certification requires teachers to go through a comprehensive and rigorous process that takes a year or longer to complete. The certification process requires teachers to spend more than a hundred hours of unpaid time video-taping lessons, writing essays and journals and participating in specific assessments. Teachers work closely with university professors and teacher trainers to complete the process.

Garrett said, “The Legislature appropriated the funds for these teachers to receive bonus money. My thanks go to all the legislators who voted for the bill in 1997, that established the monetary incentive for teachers to pursue this high honor.”

Citizens Urged To Make Mark At Senior High

Now is your opprotunity to become a permanent part of the historical beauty and architecture of Ponca City High School by engraving bricks with important information embedded in the Commons patio area.

Bricks can be engraved for graduation classes, memorials, historical events, veterans, clubs, friends, social occasions, businesses, yourself, loved ones, family trees, birthday and anniversaries.

Bricks with two lines of print cost $30 each with three lines of print costing $35 each. Duplicated bricks are also available for home or office decor for $20.

This brick project is sponsored by the Po-Hi Science Club. The proceeds will go to the Po-Hi Robotics Team in their quest to attend a robotics competition in Orlando.

For further information contact Tonya Scott at 767-9555, ext. 1534

Quality In Education

Superintendent’s Corner

by Dr. Sally Downey, Superintendent PTC

My definition of a quality school is one which places students’/clients’ needs first by doing whatever possible to help them be successful and that same school must be accountable to the taxpayers.

In order to meet the needs of the students/clients, one must employ competent people in each area. The old saying, “You are only as strong as your weakest link” is one of my beliefs. Therefore, in my opinion, one of the primary roles of the superintendent is to assure that students/clients have qualified, competent people instructing/helping them in their quest for success.

In the past, I have worked with teachers who had a very meager grading system, had little written knowledge of the skills the students had attained and said that knowledge was in his/her head, and let students sleep on the floor while giving a presentation, and allowed students to enter late and not ever ask “Why?” This is unacceptable if you are truly working toward having a quality school.

I also feel that it is a main role of a superintendent in a quality school to be accountable to the taxpayers. I feel the taxpayers want high enrollment indicating the need for a program; high retention, including students are returning because of good instruction; and high job placement, indicating that employers have confidence in our instruction and hire our students.

PTC is one of five vocational centers in the state to receive the Gold Star School Award which is reflective of high enrollment, retention and job placement.

Our school has received this prestigious award for the past five years and it is our intention to continue the quality education pattern that will make it six. Again, in the past, enrollment at PTC was low in several classes, and some classes had an average enrollment in the beginning but ended with only four to six students. This is unacceptable if one is to be accountable to the taxpayers.

In a quality school, the superintendent needs to set high standards so the employees will know what the expectations are and then provide help to those employees who may need it in order to meet those standards. Sometimes, a staff member realizes that even after receiving help, he/she is unable to meet the expectations needed in a quality school and either resigns or retires.

I am asked, “Don’t you feel for that employee?” The answer is “Yes, of course I do, but it is my responsibility to serve our students/clients and see that they receive a quality education.” Major decisions must be based on what is best for our students.

If a school is to be a quality one, the superintendent must have a board that agrees with this philosophy. This means that when it is documented that some staff members are not meeting standards, that quality indicators are deficient, or taxpayers are not getting a good return on their investment, the board must support the superintendent in making tough decisions.

If a board has a different philosophy about quality education and is more concerned about the climate of the school, then a superintendent does not try to make changes; he/she just tries to make everyone happy. The result, poor staff members continue employment and few changes are made.

Another essential indicator of a quality school is the empowerment of a competent staff. Being a situational manager, I believe in working with those who need help but empowering the others to do what is necessary to have a quality program/school. PTC has an excellent staff overall, and I believe most staff would say that the administration gets involved very little in setting direction for their program if the results of their program are good.

It is certainly not an easy job to make the decisions that must be made to maintain a high quality of education, but if the end result means that a student/client receives the best education attainable, then the hard work and criticism are lessened because of the good results.

Honor Rolls Announced at Vo-Tech

Approximately 260 students made Pioneer Technology Center’s Superintendent’s and Assistant Superintendent’s Honor Roll.

Achieving the Superintendent’s Honor Roll requires a 4.0 grade point for the semester, with the Assistant Superintendent’s requiring a 3.0 grade average.

Superintendent’s Honor Roll

Full-time adult students making the honor roll include Kyle Adams, Donna Aston, Teresa Bams, Terry Buck, Josie Burris, Stacie Carr, Dennis Carruth, Mary Caughlin, Amber Christian, Librado Flores, Jeremy Freise, Danny Goldman, Paul Gorrell, Deborah Greenhagen, Dawna Henley, Amanda Higgins, Kendra Hubbard, Heather Humble, Michelle Huster, Justin Keel, Holly Lewis, Amy Mabry, Shelly Matthiessen, Glenn Mays, Richard McCurry, Cecilia Myers, Leslie Patton, Susan Ramirez, Charisma Robol, Troy Rowe, Cecilia Shewmake, Dennis Stockton, Jeremy Swinford, Robert Swope, Blossom Terrell, Danielle Ward and David Zimmerman.

Part-time adult students include Kim Barr, John Carr, Robbie Crumm, Lora Davis, Jerord Johnson, Robin Johnson, Deborah Johnstone, Willis Lockwood, Christopher Lovell, Montica Moore, Tyson Morton, Bryan Overman, Henry Patterson, Leslie Patton, Nancy Roe, Tonja Spencer, Kenneth Teske, Stephen Thompson, Flor Vanburen, Beth West, Rachel White and Jenifer Wilkins.

Blackwell students on the honor roll include Edna Avila, Jennifer Bennett, Tonya Clonts, Kristen Dunham, Michelle Fixico, Rachel Jackson, Terry Lablue Jr., Jennifer Looper, Robby Miller, Cody Montoya, Elwood Osburn, Jacob Rains, Desiree Rowe and John Sharp. Also, Brandi Maupin, Braman, and Thomas Crain and Shane Ward, Deer Creek-Lamont. Fawn Silvas, home study, also made the honor roll.

Lincoln Center students on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll were Cassie Carson, Patrick Costello, Crystal Daetwiler, Christy Jones, Kyle Lindsey, Rebecca Miller, Angela Morrow, Chrystal Ramsey, Joe Scholey, Troy Sheets, Raven Vandusen, Tyler Warrior and Julia Welsh.

Medford students were Jesse Frieouf and Latasha Richardson, with Newkirk students including Billie Bannister, Tammy Dwyer, Kellie Krug, Tessa Kubik, Nick Mantz, Shane Oldfield, Brandon Parker, Jennifer Sheik, Benjamin Vap and Brandon Weant.

Ponca City High School students included April Allen, Jeremy Ball, Krista Barnett, Scot Bell, Jay Bellinghausen, Bryan Carleton, Turrena Carnes, John Chamberlin, Cari Chandler, Angel Cobble, Albert Cole, Marsheka Davis, Daniel Denny, Kelle Duckett, Blaine Empting, Josh Farnsworth, John Ferguson, Luke Garrison, Joshua Grimes, Paul Guthrie, Ashley Hardiman, Nikki Harris, Matt Helms, Michael Hicks, Hallie Huffman, Kendi Hutchison, Jeremy Jeanneret, Alison Jones, Tracie Jordon, Brittany Lampe, Lester Lancaster, Dennis Malaska, Ellymay Matsumuro, Brenda Matthews, Toby Meadows, Mindy Neilson, Ronnie Newman, Brenda Reed, Judith Reyes, Jason Rhea, Corey Roberts, Steven Robinson, Amanda Rogers, Krista Roquemore, Nile Sadler, Tracey Shields, Kimberly Soutter, Lindsey Springer, Lakeysta Tipton and Jason Whitfield.

Shidler High School students were Lorena Ancona, Natasha Bryan, Darrell Gregory, Frank Mains, Jerrod Miller and Ray Woods.

Students from Tonkawa included Ariel Branson, Michael Cornell, Josh Fairless, David Followwill, Janelle Griffith, Julie Hough, Charlene Maldonado, Josh Medina, Alex Muniz, Tarah Nelson, Abel Ochoa, Sherry Robbins, Denver Robinson, Chris Ross, Tania Santos and Christina Walton.

Assistant Superintendent’s

Honor Roll

Area adult students on the honor roll were Misty Ball, Marsha Beaver, Jerry Blackwell, Anthony Chiu, Michael Coatney, Kelle Davis, Mary Jackson, Sherri Martinez, Sherri Pollak, Amanda Porter, Sandra Russell, Christy Short, Vena Silvey, Robin Stark, Beckylee Tibbitts, Carleta Tisdale, Keri Wehrle and Venda Wood.

Part-time adult students were Sherene Agha, Ethel Blair, Larry Blakey, Amy Cobb, Mary Colvin, Larry Engle, Milagros Fonseca, Darryl Harris, Janna Hiser, Anthony Ho, Mindi Johnson, Sharon Minnick, Randy Newman, Lili Newport, Rachel Porter, Cody Ramhorst, Jimmie Sheets, Anthony Smith and Vickie Thorpe.

Blackwell High School students included John Bonewell, Zeke Boyer, Dereck Bryant, Matt Dewitt, Joseph Gilner, Brandon Hardin, Matt Jenkins, Damian Johns, Justin Johns, Logan Jones, Terry Lovell, Jared McKee, Jared McMartin, Chris Mills, Beth Mooring, Jorge Mora, Shelly Oneth, Bo Pennell, Erica Roach, Daniel Rush, Danny Ruston, Melissa Sharp, Earleen Sims, Sean Skaggs, Cheryl Taylor, Dustin Ward, Adam Whitehead, Brittany Willbanks and Eusebia Zamudio.

Also, Bristole Constant of Braman, and Tyner Poulter of Deer Creek-Lamont.

Students from the Lincoln Center on the honor roll were Lindsey Bales, Matt Bristow, David Edwardson, Holly Fristoe, Travis Hayes, Mark Jackson, Alicia Koehn, Michelle Kolberg, Tony Qualls, Justin Stocker, Chante Stout and Catherine Todd.

Medford students included Austin Hawkins, Kristy Haynes, Robert Honeyman and Jerod Witt. Also, Jeramy Adams, Tomi Bailey, Justin Banister and Brandi Bibles, Richard Blackwell, Brent Bouthillette, Mark Dillow, Brandon Dowler, Jared Dowler, Matthew Glaser, Josh Holinsworth, Lindsey Kirkendall, Bekah Larchey, Josh Pappan and Stacey Smith, all of Newkirk.

Po-Hi students were Chad Ake, Amber Allensworth, Erik Barnett, Kyle Bateman, Melissa Bradley, Ashly Byers, Lucas Campbell, Brad Carroll, Jennifer Daetwiler, Haley Davis, Charlie Dodson, Jeremy Dulinsky, Justin Edwards, Marquisha Frederick, Kendel Galloway, Mathew Green, Cody Grogan, Robby Harrell, Emily Helm, Justin Hinch, Kinzie Hinton, Laura Hoy, Derek Jackson, Necole Jenkins, Brandy Jester, Sheena Joiner, Brenda Jones, Kelly Jones, Sherman Kessinger, Gene Kugelman, Jordon Lampe, Joe Larue, Samuel Lynn, Jerimiah Marchington, Mandi McGraw, Jennifer McGrew, Danyele Mcintosh, Bethany Miller, Mikel Montgomery, Aaron Morgan, Bobby Morris, Justn Mullennax, Lacsey Oxford, Adam Payne, Angelita Rhodd, Karla Rojas, Amanda Russell, Ashly Sawyers, Samantha Schambron, Nancy Seiley, Richard Shewmake, Cody Simmons, Casey Stavin, Rebecca Sokoll, Leah Stieber, Bryan Stuart, Whitney Thilsted, Heather VanBuren, Michele VanBuren, Tacia Vogt, Daniel Wages, Shaun Walker, Charles Warren, Jacob Webster and Arjura Whitehead.

From Shidler, Stephen Claborn, John Hackney, Bryon Hammer, Tommy Irving, James Kerr, Jesse Long, Sarah Porter and Thomas Withey. Tonkawa students included Mandy Branson, Isha Brown, Cherie Clemons, Joseph Durbin, Ann Gardner, Jesse Marshall, Rachael McCurry, Angela Mandiola, Larry Neeley, James Parker, Lindsa Schatz, Jerrymi Stout and Luke Ward.

School News

NWOSU Graduates

Jennefier Dye, Ponca City, received a bachelor of science degree in December from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva. Steven Gates received a master’s degree in behavioral science.

Students Recognized

The University of Oklahoma H.H. Herbert School of Journalism and Mass Communications recently recognized Daniel Mulligan and Chad Niemann, Ponca City, as being outstanding students.

Scholarships Given

April Roland and Rachel Monger, Ponca City, received Wyatt F. and Mattie M. Jeltz Scholarships for $700. Roland is the daughter of Herbert and Martha Roland, and Monger is the daughter of Robert and Teresa Monger.

Spelling Bee Winner

Lydia Meador, former student at Union Elementary, was named Best Speller at her school in Tulsa. Her parents are Greg and Judy Meador, former Ponca City residents, and grandparents, Juanita Meador and Jess and Sue Clinton, all of Ponca City.

PTSA Meeting

East Middle School PTSA will hold a meeting Thursday, Feb. 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the school library.

RELIGION

First Free Will Baptists Hosting Sunday Concert
City-Wide Bible Classes Start Sunday
“Fighting for God” Is Sermon Subject For First Lutheran
Pioneer Christian Announces Service and Fellowship Opportunities
Free Will Baptists Plan Mortgage Burning
National Right to Life President Scheduled Speaker During 2000 Rose Day Event
Prince of Peace Lutherans Plan Fifth Sunday Service
Good Shepherd Lutherans Announce Services
Tonkawa First Christian Plans Special Services
New Schedule for Assembly Clothing Giveaway
Presbyterians to Hear Guest Minister
CWU Board to Meet
Woodlands Christian Opens ‘Promise University’

First Free Will Baptists Hosting Sunday Concert

Albert E. Brumley Jr. will appear in concert Sunday morning, Feb. 6, 10:45 a.m. at the Free Will Baptist Church, 1900 East Hubbard Road, according to an announcement made by Pastor David L. Bigger.

Albert Jr.’s full time gospel music ministry takes him to churches, theme parks, fairs and other special events across the nation, as well as doing periodic guest TV performances. He is featured daily at the “Precious Moments” tourist attraction in Carthage, Mo.

Brumley’s program will include many of the famous songs written by his late father, Albert E. Brumley. Some are, “I’ll Fly Away”, “Jesus Hold My Hand”, “I’ll Meet You In The Morning”, “If We Never Meet Again” and “Turn Your Radio On”.

The public is invited to attend this special concert on Sunday morning, invited Pastor Bigger.

City-Wide Bible Classes Start Sunday

The first meeting of the City-Wide Bible Class will be held this Sunday at 6 p.m. at Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, in the facilities of the church at 1905 Joe.

The non-denominational, Bible-only study is open to anyone in the community who desires to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith.

“God’s Amazing Grace” — an in-depth study of Romans will be the focus of the class, and will be led by teacher Don Huddleston. The text to be covered during the first meeting is Romans 1:1-7. There is no cost for enrolling in the study, and all materials are provided free of charge, including the follow-up study guides for private, family and small-group studies.

Students should bring their own Bible to the study.

An attended nursery service is provided and transportation can be arranged by calling 765-3610.

Concerning the text for this week’s study, teacher Don Huddleston says, “Students should not think that these verses are only unimportant ‘introductory’ material. These seven verses are literally loaded with truths that must be grasped if one is to fully appreciate the rest of Romans.”

“Fighting for God” Is Sermon Subject For First Lutheran

As all Christians know, God continually fights difficult battles for them. In both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services at First Lutheran Church on Feb. 6 the general theme will be summarized in Pastor Tom Ramsey’s sermon title “Fighting God’s Battles.”

The Christian is given many great examples in the Bible of faithful followers who fought for God. Today there is still a battle that is being waged between good and evil. The entire service speaks about being a part of God’s army. In the 8:30 a.m. service the Senior Choir will sing the anthem “Lead On, O King Eternal.” During the distribution of communion the Cantate Choir will sing the communion anthem “Eat This Bread, Drink This Cup.” During the 11 a.m. service the Cantate Choir will sing the anthem “O Sing to the Lord” with two of the verses being sung in Spanish. Holy communion will be celebrated at both the morning services.

The 6:30 p.m. contemporary evening service will begin a new study on stress management as it relates to the Word of God. This time of worship, study, praise, and prayer is an excellent time for the family to gather informally around the Word. Anyone who feels they would benefit from such a service is cordially invited to attend.

The Lutheran Women’s Guild of First Lutheran is sponsoring their annual Salad Luncheon on Feb. 10 in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets for this delicious luncheon are available from any of the members of the Guild or from the church office.

Pioneer Christian Announces Service and Fellowship Opportunities

The congregation of Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard Road, reminds areas folks that their church offers many opportunities to learn more about the Lord and how to serve Him more effectively. One such opportunity is the weekly Bible study being offered on the Book of Revelation. This study group meets on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and is led by Pastor Bob Weaver. All are welcome.

The Ladies Circle group at Pioneer Christian also offers a chance to serve the Lord and fellowship with other Christian women. The group’s next meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. for a craft night. The monthly service project has the women bringing personal items (shampoo, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, etc.) to be donated to a local shelter. All are encouraged to participate.

The junior/senior high youth group will be serving a Valentine Dinner to the adults of the church on Friday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. This gives the youth an opportunity to put their love of the Lord into action for their elders, Pastor Weaver pointed out. There will be a love offering taken that night and any funds raised by the dinner will be donated by the youth to the building fund for the new structure. The entire youth group of Pioneer Christian, from preschool through college age, has been participating in a number of such service projects recently.

An opportunity for the men to serve the Lord and fellowship with each other will be Feb. 5 when the Men’s Prayer Breakfast will meet at 7 a.m., it was announced. The men will have a prayer time and then eat a breakfast prepared by their peers. The men will also meet together as the Building and Grounds committee and clean the church.

For more information, contact the church at 762-8858.

Free Will Baptists Plan Mortgage Burning

The Ponca City Free Will Baptist Church, 1900 East Hubbard Road, is planning to burn their mortgage papers in a special service this Sunday morning, Feb. 6, at 10:45.

The congregation has planned this special time of thanksgiving and celebration since they were able to completely pay off their 10 year indebtedness in just over five years, as well as construct a new concrete parking lot and complete other remodeling projects.

Due to church growth in the first half of the 1990s, a much needed 9,000 square foot multipurpose building was planned, with construction being completed in 1995.

The membership feels that being debt free will enable the church to enlarge and improve its total ministry and outreach, and to realistically plan toward remodeling and enlarging the present worship sanctuary in the near future.

The public is invited to attend this special service on Sunday, as well as all the other regular scheduled services. Sunday School begins weekly at 9:45 a.m., Sunday worship services are at 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Wednesday night Bible study and youth activities are scheduled at 7 p.m.

National Right to Life President Scheduled Speaker During 2000 Rose Day Event

Author, speaker and professor Dr. Wanda Franz, Ph.D. is the scheduled speaker for the 2000 Rose Day events at the State Capitol, the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma announced this week. Franz, president of the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), joins state representatives during the program on Monday, Feb. 7, 2000 beginning at noon.

A developmental psychologist, Franz is a professor of child development at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. She served as president of West Virginians for Life for 15 years before taking over the head position at the NRLC.

Franz began her work in the right-to-life movement in 1971, teaching students on fetal development. She serves as president of the Association for Interdisciplinary Research in Value and Social Change, and published several articles on post-abortion syndrome.

Rose Day, an annual event, encourages Oklahoma citizens to let their representatives know about their stand for life. Representatives receive roses, symbolic of the stand for life, from their constituents.

Roses will be distributed to legislators beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a noon program that ends at 12:45 p.m., and participants need to bring their own roses. For more information, call (405)942-3800 or KQCV Christian Radio at (405) 521-0800.

Prince of Peace Lutherans Plan Fifth Sunday Service

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA, invites all to come and celebrate with them on the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.

Pastor Bruce Keck said, “On this Sunday, we gather around Christ present in word and meal (sacrament), as we are given the strength to wait for the Lord in the midst of our suffering. Jesus’ ministry reveals God’s compassionate heart in which the lowly are lifted up and the broken hearted are healed; made whole.”

This Sunday the church will also be honoring the Boy Scouts of the church. The worship service, including communion, begins at 10 a.m., with Sunday School at 9 a.m. Fellowship follows the worship service.

You are invited to come and join with the folks at Prince of Peace for study, worship and fellowship. The church is located at 2800 Turner Road in Ponca City. The phone number is 762-7698, Pastor Keck reminded.

Church Briefs

Good Shepherd Lutherans Announce Services

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (AFLC) will hold worship service at 9 a.m. on Sunday, followed at 10:15 a.m. by Sunday School. A nursery is provided.

Preaching again this Sunday will be Missionary Don Sobkoviak of Bartlesville. His topic will be “Are You Ready to Die?”

The motto at Good Shepherd is “Growing and believing that the Bible is the only true Word of God.”

Visitors are always welcome. Good Shepherd is a member of the Association of Free Lutheran Churches.

Tonkawa First Christian Plans Special Services

The First Christian Church in Tonkawa has scheduled special services with Evangelist Rex Carroll for Feb. 6 through 9. Sunday services will be held at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and services Monday through Wednesday are planned for 7 p.m.

The public is invited to come and worship. The church is located at 115 West Grand in Tonkawa.

New Schedule for Assembly Clothing Giveaway

The clothing giveaway at First Assembly of God has been cancelled for Monday, Feb. 7, and folks are reminded to watch for the opening of the new Helping Hands House at a new location.

Presbyterians to Hear Guest Minister

The Rev. Phillip Erwin of Tonkawa will preach Sunday at the 10 a.m. worship service at First Presbyterian Church.

The Rev. Mr. Erwin attended both Tulsa University and Southern Methodist Seminary. He has retired after 45 years serving as a Methodist pastor for various churches throughout Oklahoma.

Visitors are welcome to attend and hear the Rev. Mr. Erwin Sunday morning.

CWU Board to Meet

Church Women United Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 7, at St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South 11, 9:30 a.m., according to an announcement made by Audrey Jones, Publicity Officer for the CWU Board.

Woodlands Christian Opens ‘Promise University’

Promise University begins this Sunday, Feb. 6 at Woodlands Christian Church. All children in grades 1 through 6 are invited to start this exciting new program at that time, it was announced.

There will be some singing, it was noted, but there will also be Sundays devoted to crafts, drama, puppets, and more.

This special “university” is an addition to Sunday morning worship at Woodlands Christian, it was announced.