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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Friday, February 18, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES EDUCATION RELIGION SPORTS LOCALHighway 77 Auto Crash Claims Life Of Blackwell Man Highway 77 Auto Crash Claims Life Of Blackwell ManA one-vehicle accident north of Ponca City Thursday night claimed the life of a 33-year-old Blackwell man. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported the accident involving a 1994 Saturn driven by Timothy Ray, 33, of Blackwell, occurred at 8:20 p.m. on a rain-slickened highway two miles north on U.S. 77. Trooper Randy McCullough, Kay County Detachment of Troop K, reported that the vehicle, south bound on the highway, ran off the road for 375 feet, struck a culvert and rolled two and a half times. It came to rest on its top. McCullough said Ray was pinned in the vehicle approximately 45 minutes before personnel from the Ponca City Fire Department could remove him using the “Jaws of Life” equipment. He was pronounced dead at the scene with head, internal trunk, external trunk and arm injuries. According to the report, McCullough was not wearing his seat belt. Two passengers in the vehicle also received injuries. They were identified as Traci Ranzau, a 20-year-old woman from Arkansas City, Kan., and Susan Snow, a 21-year-old Blackwell woman. Ranzau was taken by Ponca City Fire Department ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries and released. Snow was also taken by Ponca City Fire Department ambulance to SJRMC and admitted in good condition with head, internal trunk, external trunk, arm and leg injuries. Neither passenger was utilizing a seat belt. Keating Inks Teacher Pay HikeOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Gov. Frank Keating signed a record $167 million teacher pay raise bill at a middle school today and called on lawmakers to pass his program of increased academic rigor. Keating signed the measure in teacher Steve Speegle’s seventh-grade civics class after speaking to about 600 Roosevelt Middle School students in the auditorium. In his talk, the governor referred to the recent deaths of former U.S. House Speaker Carl Albert, cartoonist Charles Schulz and former Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry. He said they are examples of what can be achieved from humble beginnings if students pursue an education and have such values as integrity, a strong work ethic and humility. He said the $3,000 raise for teachers was well-deserved but it was not the total solution to improving Oklahoma schools. ‘‘Just spending a lot of money doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to have a better product,’’ he said. He said he would oppose any efforts to dilute his 4-by-4 curriculum program enacted a year ago. Keating said a tougher curriculum and an end of social promotion must accompany funding improvements. When he signed the bill in the classroom, he told the students, ‘‘You are the future of our state. It’s important to focus on education.’’ He urged them not to compromise on truth and not to compromise on hard work. The raises are for certified personnel, which would include teachers, librarians, nurses and principals. Superintendents are not included in the raise package. Thursday Meeting Could Help Amtrak Return to AreaBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Folks who want to hear the whistle of a passenger train in the area after two decades of silence should gather in Tonkawa Thursday evening for a public meeting that could cause that to happen, according to Sen. Paul Muegge. Northern Oklahoma and Southern Kansas communities are teaming with the Tonkawa legislator to get Amtrak train passenger service reinstated on the north /south track from Newton, Kan., to Oklahoma City via Ponca City. Muegge said, “As a part of a plan to enhance the states’s rail service that kicked off last summer with the Heartland Flyer, northern Oklahoma may soon be the newest link to the national railway system.” Muegge’s meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. The meeting had previously been scheduled at the Walcher Center. The presentation is to be made by Tom Shelton of Carter Burgess Consulting, a Dallas firm. He is expected to show some of the findings of the feasibility study of rail service in the state. Ponca City Chamber of Commerce President Jan Jarrett said a delegation from the Chamber plans to attend the Tonkawa meeting. He said that representatives of the chamber have visited recently with the Arkansas City Chamber and it has a high level of interest in developing passenger service in this area. Bill Lundeen, Chairman of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Infrastructure Committee noted, “We are pleased that this meeting will be happening. The chamber had been following developments of Amtrak service in Oklahoma for the past couple of years. Our information indicates that the route segment from Oklahoma City to Newton, Kan., is the most cost effective of any of the proposed routes in the state and we plan to push for its approval.” Muegge said, “A passenger rail line through northern Oklahoma would be great news for the people in these communities. Access to passenger service in this area would open the options for transportation through the state, and I hope everyone will come and participate in this meeting.” Although there are several different corridors being considered for railway provisions, the northern route would include Oklahoma City to Ponca City and north to Newton where it would link with the national rail system. According to reports, other Kansas towns are joining the effort to bring back passenger rail service. Wichita Mayor Bob Knight pledged the support of his city. He said, “I will be as strong an advocate as I can for passenger rail service through Wichita.” Knight appointed a task force to determine where future Amtrak routes in Kansas were feasible. The return of Amtrak to Southern Oklahoma and northern Texas showed that in the first three months of resumed service that ridership exceeded the yearly ridership goal. Oklahoma officials want to extend the service north to Newton to connect with other Amtrak routes to Los Angeles and Chicago. “The very successful opening of the Heartland Flyer route between Oklahoma City and Dallas last year really showed that Oklahomans support rail service and it’s my hope that we can expand service to accommodate more of the sate,” said Muegge. According to Shelton, there are several things to be considered when determining corridor feasibility. The existing railway’s physical condition, the level of daily freight activity, station location and condition, the capital cost for improvement and the estimate of ridership numbers are all factors examined when choosing a new rail route. If the north/south route is approved, it would extend the present route from Oklahoma City through Edmond, Guthrie, Perry and Ponca City in Oklahoma. In Kansas, Amtrak pass through Arkansas City, Winfield, Mulvane, Wichita and Newton. Another option considered for Amtrak service beginning in Kansas City would include stops in Fort Scott, Girard, Baxter Springs before moving into Oklahoma and passing through Afton and Tulsa en route to Oklahoma City. Muegge says he is confident Oklahomans will voice their support for the renewal of rail travel as a viable state option. “Travel by train has dwindled and has been lost in the shadow of high speed commuter trains, airplanes and cars,” he said. “Bringing train service back to the state that will link into the national rail line will bring Oklahoma many rewards in accessibility and economic stimulation.” Nearly NewsThe early childhood program sponsored by United Way that was mentioned in the Feb. 16 MidWeek section of The Ponca City News is funded by Learn and Serve America. The program coordinator is an AmeriCorps member serving at the United Way office. A story in the Thursday edition of The Ponca City News indicated President Clinton was inaugurated in 1992. He was elected president in 1992 and inaugurated in 1993. Nomination Deadline Set For Heritage Hall of FameTULSA — Individuals wishing to propose candidates for the 2000 Oklahoma Hall of Fame induction must have their nominations to the Oklahoma Heritage Association no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 10. The 72nd induction ceremony will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Performing Arts Center in Tulsa. Until this year, only living individuals were eligible for election to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. The by-laws of the association have been modified, however, so that a maximum of one deceased individual may be inducted into the Hall of Fame each year. For 2000, it is anticipated that six living individuals and one deceased individual will be inducted. Living individuals must be a resident or former resident of Oklahoma. In addition, they shall have performed outstanding service to humanity, to the State of Oklahoma and the United States, and be known for their public service. Nominees also may be imminently distinguished in their profession or in literature, science, arts/humanities, industry, statesmanship, or military affairs. In addition to the general criteria for living individuals, deceased nominees must have had a major national or international impact through their accomplishments and contributions. Nominations should be in the form of a letter and should include major points as to why the individual should be selected for induction. Submission of additional information, such as a resume, biographical sketch, newspaper clippings, or other printed materials, is encouraged. Letters seconding the nomination should be sent only if additional information is provided. Nominations should be sent to the Oklahoma Heritage Association, Hall of Fame Selection committee, 201 Northwest 14th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 75103. The Little Red Hen At Medford SundayMEDFORD — The Children’s Theatre of Medford will be presenting a musical production of the popular fairy tale The Little Red Hen. The performance will take place Sunday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. in the Medford Civic Center, 123 S. Main in downtown Medford. The Little Red Hen follows the storyline of the original fairy tale where Little Red Hen is baking some homemade bread. None of her friends seems to have the time (or desire) to help her with all the work involved with making the bread, but they sure want to help her eat it when it’s done. With the help of the audience, Little Red Hen teaches her lazy friends a lesson in friendship and responsibility. The 35-minute musical play was written to especially appeal to children ages two to 10 but has plenty of silly characters and funny situations that will entertain young and old alike. All seats are general admission, no reservation are needed. The doors open at 1:30 p.m. for the 2 p.m. show. For further information, call Kevin Reese, producer at (580) 395-2990 or via email at ctm@playsandmusicals.com. Children Writers Workshop SetOKLAHOMA CITY — “A Day With the Pros,” a children’s book writing workshop, will be held on March 25 starting at 9 a.m. The Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators of Oklahoma will present the workshop. Advanced registration is required, and the deadline is March 15. The workshop will be held in Oklahoma City at 50 Penn Place (Penn and NW Highway) in the Community Room on the third floor. Cost of the workshop to SCBWI members is $65; non-members are $75 by deadline. Sessions at the workshop will include Three Act Structure to Plot Fiction; Jump-Start Your Battery Writing Exercises; Author to Editor, Letters that Worked; and Promoting Yourself. Two critique session; manuscripts required. For additional information, call (405) 340-1032. Oscar Nominated Film Showing at PoncanCider House Rules has been nominated for seven Oscars at this year’s Academy Awards, including “Best Picture.” That ties it for second most nominations behind American Beauty. Cider House Rules is currently showing at the Poncan Theatre at 104 East Grand. The script for this Best Picture nominee was conceived by novelist John Irving. Irving translated his own novel into the film. For over a decade, Irving tried to get a producer to take up the project, and now his underdog jewel of a film is one of the most prestigious films of the year. Irving is nominated for an Oscar for his screenplay. Cider House Rules is also nominated for Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, and several technical awards. They include Oscar nominations for cinematography, original musical score, art direction, and film editing. The director, Lasse Hallstrom, came to national attention for two sensitive films about coming of age, My Life As a Dog and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Cider House Rules continues to build his fame as a fine director of subtle feeling. Hallstrom’s films show a congenial, complex, humanistic spirit. Michael Caine, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, is one of the most visible actors in the world. His resume of over 100 films is remarkable. Caine has been nominated five times by the Academy and won an Oscar for his performance in Hanna and Her Sisters. He played Steve Martin’s nemesis turned partner in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and is frequently a tough guy, as in The Fourth Protocol. His greatest performances include Alfie and Educating Rita, for which he won the British Academy Award. In Cider House, Michael Caine gives “one of his best performances,” says Roger Ebert. Cider House Rules shows a young man, Homer (Tobey Maguire) who has been raised in an orphanage. His mentor, Dr. Larch (Caine), has taught him medical procedures. Homer has learned the physician’s role in birthing. He has learned how to give abortions. Homer opposes Larch’s practice of giving illegal abortions. Larch’s choices seem to be conditioned by his work at an orphanage full of unwanted children. Homer leaves the orphanage, the only home he has ever known, and becomes an apple picker. There he learns something about rules. He learns that absolute principles will be tested in life. He learns that some rules do not apply in every situation. One irony of the film is that, while it suggests that it may be responsible to permit an abortion in a case such as incest, it also highly values human life. In the end, the film raises complex aspects of one of the most challenging issues of our time. This is “hands down, darn fine film making,” writes critic Chuck Schwartz. The New York Times calls it “easily the finest film realization of an Irving novel.” Newsday Magazine says it’s “a voluptuous page- turner of a movie.” Critic Jon Popick calls Cider House “breathtakingly gorgeous.” Cider House Rules, a compassionate and friendly film about responsibility, is rated PG-13. The Poncan Theatre is located at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City. For show times, patrons may call the theatre or consult The Ponca City News. Letter - Money Alone Won’t Fix EducationAfter reading the article in the Ponca City News on Feb. 15 about the teachers’ rally at the State Capitol and Dr. White’s statement urging teachers to take advantage of the “snow day” as a day off to participate, I offer the following thoughts: Most teachers my children have had during their school time have been good and deserve a raise. However, there are a few I have encountered who do not. This brings me to consider the school unions, the OEA and NEA. The article referenced that this was the largest such gathering since the rally to push through HB1017. I don’t know many who would consider, in retrospect, HB1017 a success, but it was pushed as the end all by the education unions. Yes, education needs help, and money, but money won’t fix the problems with education. And we all say our efforts are to help our children. While we debate this issue, let me point out a quote made on national television from the head of the National Education Association, Al Shanker, respecting his union’s interest in our children. He said, “When schoolchildren start paying union dues, that’s when I’ll start representing the interests of schoolchildren.” Considering this statement and that this is a common union sentiment, I am inclined to believe that the best thing we could do for education in Oklahoma, and teachers, is to rid ourselves of the education unions. Deanna Lowther Why She Voted Against Fred HaubI am offended by Mr. Haub's comments in the Sunday, February 13, article by Kristi Hayes. Mr. Haub implies that the reason he lost the election is because the Ponca City News published an anonymous letter and several Letters to the Editor about problems at PTC. Speaking only for myself, of course, I'd like to state that the letters didn't influence me to vote for his opponent, Mr. Haub's response to the letters did! He states in the Sunday, 2-13, article that "The original letter was tough because I didn't know how to respond to it. Then the paper printed Letters to the Editor and that caused even more damage." He did respond to the original letter at the 2nd Friday Forum held at PTC, as well as the "School Board Candidates Respond to Questions" article in the Ponca City News on Sunday, February 6. His initial response was that the letter was anonymous and, therefore, not worth checking into.In the February 6th article, he showed that he obviously did not read the original letter, since he stated that it accused the PTC Board of firing 101 employees. I went back and re-read the article from 1-11, and that is not what it stated. It stated that "that 101 employees have been fired or forced out since Dr. Downey and Dr. Cox took charge in the spring of 1997," and that "the board has not challenged or questioned why the employees left." As I did research into the candidates positions before the election, my thought was that if there are problems and employees are concerned enough about reprisals to have to voice their concerns in an anonymous letter, then something should be done to investigate their concerns. Mr. Haub seemed to have no interest in doing that. Mr. Howard, on the other hand, seemed concerned with the issues and offered suggestions to help confront and resolve them. That is why Mr. Haub lost the election--his lack of concern and positive response. Not the Ponca City News reporting the issues. Gayle Williams DEATHSGenevieve Washington Pollak Genevieve Washington PollakGenevieve “Nazéize” Washington Pollak, resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2000, at her home. She was 70. The traditional tribal feast will be held at noon Saturday, Feb. 19, 2000, followed by the memorial service at 2 p.m. at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center at White Eagle with the Rev. Louis Headman, pastor of the Ponca Indian Church of the Nazarene, officiating. Assisting will be the Rev. Mark Busch, pastor of the Brookfield Avenue Wesleyan Church. Burial will follow at Ponca Tribal Indian Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Mrs. Pollak was born on July 3, 1929, in White Oak, Okla., to Pete and Katherine (Wolf) Washington. She was united in marriage in February of 1958 to Carl L. Pollak in Las Vegas, Nev. At the time of her passing she was an active member of the Wesleyan Church in Ponca City. Being an active civic leader, Mrs. Pollak served both communities of White Eagle and Ponca City. She was the co-founder of the Standing Bear Memorial Park and was chairperson of the Ponca Tribal Council. She was instrumental in procuring several educational and health programs for women, children and the elderly. Because of her efforts, she was presented the President’s Medallion for service. In addition to co-chairing the Standing Bear Native American Park, she was also the charter member of the Native American Foundation. She was presented the prestigious Service to Mankind award from the Serotoma Club. At the state level, she was the first woman to serve as chairman of the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Survivors include her husband, Carl Pollak Sr. and two sons, Carl Lacy Pollak Jr. and Kurt L. Pollak, all of Ponca City; two daughters, Carla Moulton of Ponca City and Cheryl Pendergrass of Skiatook; 12 grandchildren, Robert Warrior, Katrina Warrior, Jeremy Moulton, Destiny Pollak, James Pollak, Tori Pollak, all of Ponca City, Cassie and Chad Irving, Staci Hesler, Mikel Harrison, Samantha Harrison of Skiatook, Keegan Pollak of Burns Flat, and Carl Louis Pollak of Bethany; three great-grandchildren, Natalie Chapman of Ponca City, Robert Keith Chambers and Brett Irving of Skiatook; one step grandson, Chris Moulton; one sister, Evangaline Wedell of Ponca City; and numerous sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews and adopted children. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sons, James Little Warrior and Keith Pollak. Casket bearers will be Carl Lacey Pollak, Kurt Pollak, Robert Warrior, James Pollak, Lance Bohon and Chris Two-Bear. Honorary casket bearers will be Bob Moulton, Nate Johnson, Chad Irving, Paul Pendergrass and Carl Renfro. Memorial contributions may be made to Brookfield Avenue Wesleyan Church, Third and Brookfield, Ponca City, Okla. 74601 or Ponca Indian Nazarene Church, 550 Nazarene Church Road, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. paid obituary Services PendingAdeline SmithAdeline Smith, resident of Oklahoma City and member of the Ponca tribe, died Friday, Feb. 18, 2000. at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was 58. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Jim N. PadgettJim N. Padgett, 4212 Dove Lane, died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 48. Survivors include his wife, Jane, of the home. Services are pending with the Trout Funeral Home. No viewing is planned. FuneralsGordon Vanest KirkbrideFuneral at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church in Valley Center, Kan. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of the Baker Funeral Home in Valley Center, Kan. Harold Kenneth SandbornFuneral at 2 p.m. in the gymnasium of Braman High School. Burial in the Braman Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home of Blackwell. NEWS BRIEFSBedlam Verses Sock Hop — Due to the OSU-OU Bedlam basketball game to be played in Stillwater March 4, the Ponca City Humane Society’s scheduled A Fetching Affair Sock Hop has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 8. The event will take place from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Unity Gym. Dance music will be provided by The Oldies Station KLOR Music Machine, and tickets are $12 and available at the Ponca City Humane Society or from a board member. Check for Fire — The Communications Center received a call from the State Tag Agency, 2101 North Fourteenth Street, at 8:39 a.m. Thursday that lightning had struck nearby and smoke was coming from telephone lines. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded but found no fire. Lost Tag — A man from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police department at 9:49 a.m. Thursday that a vehicle tag was missing from a vehicle. The information was logged. Littering — A man from the 700 block of East Overbrook Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:56 a.m. Thursday that high school youngsters were littering his yard during their lunch break. An officer was assigned and information was logged. A request was made for an extra patrol. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Union Street and Westbury Road at 12:21 p.m. Thursday that a 28-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension and a Kay County warrant. Accident — An accident at the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Hartford Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:35 p.m. Thursday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Accident — An accident at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Prospect Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:15 p.m. Thursday. The Street Department was notified to clear debris from the scene. Assault — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 3:05 p.m. Thursday from a woman in the 1300 block of East Summer Place that an assault had occurred. An officer was assigned and information was logged. Burglary — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 5:42 p.m. Thursday that DLV Lounge in the 1100 block of East Scott Avenue had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Abandoned Bicycle — A woman from the 400 block of South Ash Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:46 p.m. Thursday that a bicycle had been abandoned. Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycle. Suspicious Activity — A woman from the 2900 block of North Union Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department with a problem across the street at 5:55 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and an assault and battery report was taken. Accident — A report to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:43 p.m. Thursday involved a motorist witnessing a vehicle backing over a fire hydrant at the intersection of Bradley Avenue and Rice Street. Two officers were assigned, and one stopped the identified vehicle on North Fourteenth Street. Water and Light was notified of the situation and it was reported that the hydrant had been stolen. A report was taken. Accident — The Communications Center received information at 9 p.m. Thursday that a vehicle was in the ditch along North Waverly Street one-half mile south of Hubbard Road. An officer was assigned and information was logged. Accident — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 9:02 p.m. Thursday that a vehicle was stuck in the median at North Fourteenth Street and East Prospect Avenue. A wrecker was called to remove the vehicle and a report was taken. Theft — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:19 p.m. Thursday that a purse had been stolen from a pickup while at the Plaza Twin. Burglary — A man from the 500 block of North Elm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:51 p.m. Thursday that a burglary had occurred at the residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. LIFESTYLESLaureate Phi Event Honors Velma Case Laureate Phi Event Honors Velma CaseThe Laureate Phi Chapter members of Beta Sigma Phi sorority honored Velma Case, chapter Valentine, with dinner at the Lost Legend recently. Nineteen members and guests attended the celebration. Mrs. Case was presented a yellow rose corsage, a Valentine pin and the chapter tiara. Virginia Starks decorated the tables. Guests included Hazel McGuire of Midwest City, Charles Starks, John Williams, Dave Smith, Dean Keating, Lee Streeter, Bob Case, Jim Rosenbaum and Ed Hill. The Feb. 21 meeting will be held at 7 p.m. and will be hosted by Fran Smith, chapter president. Hats begun at the Millennium party will be judged. South of Border Music Featured At WestminsterMembers of the Ponca City Federated Music Club’s Piano workshop section met Feb. 15 with Francis Wood Thompson at Westminster Village. Kathleen Chambers presented the lesson on music that came from “South of the Border.” Bobbie Motz arranged for the musical numbers which were performed by Kay Anthony, Barbara Manering, Crowder, Ann Salmons, Francis Wood Thompson, and Bobbie Motz. The social part of the meeting was hosted by Mrs. Thompson and Marge Howard. Special guest for the meeting was longtime member of the group, Florence Ott, a resident of Westminster who is unable to attend regular meetings. She and other invited guests from the residence attended the program, which was held in the chapel. Lois Rence, chairperson for the Piano Workshop, announced that the March 21 meeting would be held in the home of Vicki Stokke with Audrey Lee Hall assisting as co-hostess. Barbara Manering will present the lesson on “Folk Music Gone classic” and Dee Nelson will arrange for musical selections to be performed. Sorority Petitioned To Provide Grant For ResearchFourteen members of Eta Delta chapter, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, met Feb. 14 in the home of Carol Mounts. Wanda Sheehan presided, and Betty Wyatt, City Council representative, reported that all Beta Sigma Phi chapter members in Ponca City are being asked to sign a petition, which will be sent to the Beta Sigma Phi International Endowment Fund, asking for a three year grant renewal in the amount of $30,000 to go for research to find a cure for Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT). All members present signed the petition. Additionally, the chapter voted to support research of this deadly disease, with a monetary donation in May. The chapter also voted to contribute once again to the International Endowment Fund. Carol Mounts presented an informative program on the Kaliningrad Project, which is an American religious effort to supply thousands of needy orphans in Russia with clothes, food, toiletries, educational materials and other essentials. Members then exchanged secret sister Valentine gifts. Linda Sparks will host the Feb. 28 meeting which will be held at Angel Central. Linda Paulson received the Beta Bud Basket and Sylvia Smith won the door prize. SPORTSWrestlers Shorthanded in Regional Wrestlers Shorthanded in RegionalBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor The Wildcat wrestlers were probably a little shorthanded going into the East Regional today and Saturday, but coach Todd Steidley is hoping they don’t come out that way. “We’re a little beat up,” Steidley reported Thursday, shortly before the grapplers boarded the bus for Tulsa Union. “Our 103-pounder, Josh Short, is beat up and may not wrestler and both of our heavyweights are beat up.” With top seeded Broken Arrow all but conceded the regional team title, its all about advancing as many wrestlers as possible to next weekend’s state tournament in Norman for the Wildcats and several other teams. An already tough regional tournament got a little tougher when the OSSAA moved another top five team, Yukon, to the East regional. “Yukon is tough where we are tough,” Steidley said of possible match ups with the Millers. “It means there is going to be one more tough wrestler for us to beat to get to state.” The Po-Hi coach figures the Wildcats could advance anywhere from one to seven or eight wrestlers to the state tournament. It all depends on the seeding meeting which was held this morning. “We are going to have several wrestlers who are seeded fourth, fifth or sixth,” Steidley said. “That means there are going to have to pull a couple of upsets to get to state.” The Cats should get pretty good seeding for four 20-match winners. Kyle Duren, at 160 pounds) is 30-3 on the season with 18 falls. He took first in tournament at Perry and the Big Four-Plus Four. He was third and Jenks and Sapulpa. Michael Osborn is 21-5 at 145 with seven falls. He was first in the Big Four, fifth at Perry and Sixth at Jenks. Clint Stafford, 125, is 23-7 and was second at both Perry and the Big Four. He was third at Jenks and fifth at Sapulpa. Blaine Empting, 171, is 21-7 with 19 falls and placed second in the Big Four and sixth at Sapulpa. The rest of the Cats will have to battle from behind. Roman RedLeaf is 18-12 with six falls at 135, MiMi Miller is 14-4 at 119 and Matt Littleton is 14-7 at 140. The rest of the Cats’ lineup will have Phillip Brotherton (12-14) at 112, Short (8-16) if he goes at 103, Jasper Lockett (8-9) at 152, Jeremy Leavitt (8-18( at 189, Jason Neuerburg (11-16) at 215 and either Tyler Fezer (6-8) or Justin McCloud (1-0) at heavyweight. The regional tournament started at noon today with the second session at 6 p.m.. Action resumes Saturday at noon with the finals starting at 6. Senior Night for CagersBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor Eight Po-Hi basketball seniors will be looking to set the stage for an extended season tonight as the Wildcats host Stillwater in the regular season finale. It’s Senior Night for five boys and three girls who will be playing their final game before the home crowd. But they would like nothing more than to see the season extended beyond next week first round of the regional playoffs. Tonight’s game will be all about momentum for senior Wildcats Jeff Furnas, Blake Geubelle, Brett Skaggs, Michael Kirby and Derek Colvin along with Lady Cats Alana Smith, Laura Sudbury and Allison Stotts. The Lady Wildcats would like to continue the late season momentum that has carried them to two straight wins and victories in four of their last six games. Meanwhile, the Po-Hi boys will looking to gain momentum going into the playoffs. The Lady Wildcats will play tough Jenks in the first round of the playoffs next Thursday while the Wildcats will face No. 1 seeded Tulsa Union on Friday. Stillwater and Ponca City meet for the first time this season way back on Dec. 3 and the Pioneers gain a sweep. The Pioneers won the girls’ game 41-32 and the boys’ contest 71-50. But that was a long time ago and both Ponca City teams have improved greatly since then. Tonight’s girls’ game starts at 6:30 with the boys taking to the court at 8. Northern Captures Conference CrownBy TED ATCHLEY NOC Sports Information TONKAWA - The Northern Oklahoma College Mavericks claimed the first Bi-West Conference Championship of the millennium. The Mavs used their signature aggressive defense and a relentless offensive attack to defeat the Seminole Trojans Thursday night 74-60 to claim the NJCAA Bi-West bragging rights. The Mavericks stand at 7-0 in conference play with one game left in their path to claim an undefeated conference season. The team has managed to lengthen their winning streak to eight and improve their overall season record to 22-7. “That’s a conference championship right there,” said men’s head coach Mick Weiberg. “It says a lot about this ball club when we can stay together and get things done when we really have to. We stepped up and did our job.” Edmond freshman Richie Myers led the charge with a 22-point assault from inside. Myers managed to pull down several key rebounds and showed an unselfish devotion to the team with six assists. Scott Prater, another Edmond freshman, also fought hard from the inside for 17 additional points and several big assists. “We got a real good effort out of Myers and Prater tonight,” Weiberg said. “They stepped up to the task and made things happen.” Midwest City sophomore Larry Reid came off the bench to control the offense, earning 20 points and forcing turnovers from the Trojans' side of the ball. “Reid came in and got it done. He controls the ball and makes things happen. Sophomore Sherman Rochell came in off the bench and made things happen as well,” Weiberg said. Rochell, Oklahoma City, didn’t play the first half but added six points and pulled down big rebounds in the second half. “This was a very hard-fought ballgame tonight.” Weiberg said. “Seminole is one of the more physical teams in the region. When you get the effort out of everybody that we had, you get things accomplished that you have to.” Seminole started things off by gaining a two-point lead early in the game but the Mavericks defense took over and clamped down on the Trojans like a vise. The Mavericks went into halftime with a 34-32 lead and started the second period with a good run and kept a narrow lead throughout the remainder of the game. Also scoring for the Mavericks were Krum, Texas, sophomore Chris Arledge, Gate sophomore Jeff Newby, and Fairfax sophomore Tyler Barnard with three points each. The Mavericks will face off against Eastern for the final home game of the season next Thursday at Foster-Piper Fieldhouse in Tonkawa. The game will be followed by the Annual Sophomore Autograph Party when fans will have the chance to ask Northern Oklahoma College sophomore basketball players and cheerleaders to autograph popular collectible posters. The Mavericks will move on to NJCAA Region II Tournament action March 2-5 at the OBU Noble Complex in Shawnee. Lady Cat JVs Try To Keep Roll GoingPonca City’s Lady Wildcats will attempt to continue their roll tonight as they play host to Stillwater in the final game of the season. The JVs had one of their best outings of the season Tuesday,, according to coach Brad Larimer, in a 40-25 win over Broken Arrow. The Lady Cats jumped to an 11-2 first-quarter led and cruise in for the win behind a 15-point performance by Tara Cries-For-Ribs. Ponca City 40, Broken Arrow 25 Ponca City 11 2 13 14 — 40 Broken Arrow 1 2 15 7 — 25 Poncans City — Tara Cries For Ribs 15, Lyndsi Frederick 8, Amanda Summers 5, Mallory Hodge 4, Aubrey Kelly 4, Raisa Durranz 2, Jenna Wedd 1, Cara Cusick 1 Sapulpa 32, Ponca City 26 Ponca City 4 9 5 8 — 26 Sapulpa 6 10 5 11 — 32 Ponca City — Tara Cries For Ribs 8, Jenna Wedd 5, Lyndsi Frederick 3, Amanda Summers 2, Monica Sawyers 2, Mallory Hodge 2, Amanda Ingram 2, Aubrey Kelly 2 Ponca City 38, Sand Springs 23 Ponca City 12 8 12 7 — 38 Sand Springs 8 4 8 3 — 23 Ponca City — Lyndsi Frederick 11, Tara Cries-For-Ribs 8, Cara Cusick 8, Aubrey Kelly 6, Monica Sawyers 3, Amanda Ingram 2. Freshmen Tourney UpdateThe Po-Hi freshmen boys and girls basketball teams are playing in the Northern Conference Tournament in Enid. During Thursday’s games the Lady Cats walked away winners over Enid Emerson and the Cats beat Blackwell, 52-28. Both teams play today, hoping to advance to the finals on Saturday. Both teams are the top seeds in the tournament. Cats Hosting Soccer TourneyPonca City’s Wildcat soccer team will hold a preseason tournament Saturday at the Ponca City Soccer Complex on Lake Road. The Cats will play Cleveland at 9 a.m., Oklahoma City Capitol Hill at 11:30 and Putnam City West at 2:30 p.m. Ponca City held its first scrimmage of the preseason at Stillwater, winning 3-0. The Wildcats got goals from Matt Morris, Jeremy Cox and D.J. Scarborough with assist from Nate McDaniel, Fabrieco Miguez and Scarborough. Coach Marco Castillo lauded the defensive play of Scott King, Jason Begun, Michael Goddard and Colby Payne. The Wildcats open the season March 3 at Jenks. Golf NotesLouise Abercrombie collected her first-ever hole-in-one Tuesday at the Ponca City Country Club. Abercrombie aced the No, 6 hole, driving the 123-yard to the hole with a 9-wood. She was playing with Cheryl Fletcher. EDUCATIONVSO Students Take Action VSO Students Take ActionLocal students in the Vocational Student Organization (VSO) are taking action to prevent violence at school through the One Voice Against Violence campaign. Pioneer Technology Center’s VSO’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA); (FBLA) Future Business Leaders of America/Professional Business Leaders of America (PBL); DECA, Marketing Education; Future Homemakers of America/Home Economics Related Occupations (FHA/HERO); and Skills USA (formerly Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) have joined forces in the statewide student-led “One Voice Against Violence” campaign to stop the violence in schools, said Steve Waldvogel, director of student services. Since the tragic events at Columbine High School last April, and now at Ft. Gibson, violence in the nation’s schools has become a topic of concern for parents, students, faculty and the American public. The statewide campaign, sponsored by Oklahoma’s eight vocational student organizations, ties in closely with a national pilot campaign launched by the family and consumer science education career and technical student organization Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). The organization was formerly known as the Future Homemakers of America. The national campaign is dubbed STOP the Violence! STOP stands for Students Taking on Prevention. “More than 68,000 Oklahoma young people in 2,000 career and technical student organization chapters are potential participants in the statewide campaign,” said Dr. Ann Benson, state vo-tech director. “That’s the combined membership of these eight organizations.” The eight student organizations, and the occupational areas they represent, include: FFA, agricultural education; HOSA, health occupations education; TSA, technology education; SKILLS USA-VICA, trade and industrial education; DECA, marketing education; FBLA and PBL, business education; and FHA/HERO, family and consumer sciences. The Oklahoma School-to-work Student Advisory Council will also be participating in the campaign, Benson said. Oklahoma is the only state with such a student organization. “Adults have discussed, debated — even agonized — over how to address the problem of violence in schools. but, we all know young people are more likely to listen to their peers,” said Alan T. Rains, Jr., Washington, D.C., FCCLA’s executive director. “Working with students get results. Adults can coach, support and advise, but it is ultimately students themselves who will show us how to end violence in their own school communities,” Raines said. Students can learn practical skills to recognize, potential violent behavior, but according to Waldvogel, the most important thing about this campaign is that it is created, run, and evaluated by students. Trimester Schedule DiscussedDuring the week of Feb. 21, Ponca City parents will be given the opportunity to learn about the trimester scheduling and how enrollment will occur for the 2000-2001 school year. Since the state legislature has changed the graduation requirements for the various graduating classes, meetings will be held for each class. On Monday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m., a meeting will be held for parents of current eighth grade students (freshmen in 2000-2001). The next night, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m., a meeting will be held for current ninth grade students (sophomores next year). Since graduation requirements are the same for juniors and seniors in 2000-20001, their joint parental meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. All meetings will be held in the Howell Auditorium and should last one hour. The agenda for the meetings is as follows: introduction, trimester fact sheet, specific subject information (which includes athletics, advanced placement, music and concurrent enrollment for seniors), and enrollment procedures. The staff, faculty and BLT of Ponca City High School invite all parents to come and take part in their children’s education by learning about the trimester and enrollment procedures. Conoco Inc. Hosts 2000 Careeer DayConoco Inc. is hosting Career Day 2000, Tuesday, February 29, 2000. They have added a few options to this year's career day that believe the students will enjoy and be beneficial to them. The program will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and students should arrive between 9:00 a.m.-9:20 a.m. Students will be dismissed no later than 2:00 p.m. The intent in hosting this day is to help student's better select classes in high school that will help them in college, trade school or technical school in accordance with their career choice. With this in mind, the first group of students to target are tenth grade students, followed by eleventh graders and lastly seniors who have not had a chance to participate in prior years. Conoco is limited to the number of students they can accommodate and extend the invitation to students from every school. Lunch is provided. Superintendent’s CornerNo Easy Solution for RetentionDr. Bill White, Ponca City Superintendent The Ponca City Board of Education adopted a new policy this fall to require students to be within one year of grade level in reading to be promoted. The students who are more than one year below grade level must attend summer school to improve reading and math skills. At the conclusion of summer school, the principal will make the determination on promotion for each child. We anticipate that 800 students in first through eighth grade will be required to attend summer school, and that 500 students may repeat the grade in which they are currently enrolled. This is a sharp increase from the 75 students retained this year. The district has also implemented several interventions to help students reach grade level and avoid retention. Tutoring efforts, Saturday school, lowering class size, and one-on-one instruction (i.e., Reading Recovery at Washington Elementary) are being used to increase students’ reading level. Preventing student failure has long been the goal of this district. This year the expansion of the four-year-old, pre-kindergarten, and the all-day kindergarten classes should help students arrive at first grade ready to learn and read. Each school also has increased the emphasis on literacy at each grade level. All students who are reading below grade level have an individual Reading Sufficiency Plan to bring their reading skills up to a level that will permit them to be promoted to the next grade. Great Expectations Although we anticipate a substantial increase in the number of students to be retained this year, the problems associated with social promotion will not soon disappear. The single greatest predictor of student success is parental involvement in the education of their children. When parents expect their children to learn, monitor homework, discuss what the student is learning, and listen to their child read daily, the child succeeds in school. Children live up to our highest expectations. If the parents, in partnership with the school, expect the student to learn and to do well on school assignments, the evidence is clear — children will learn. When we expect great things, and work at them, we achieve great things. Social promotion will only be eliminated when we work together as a community to see that every child comes to school every day ready to learn, motivated to do his/her best, and expected to achieve at a high level. News Changes Policy Regarding Student PicturesThe News will no longer accept scholarship pictures. We would be happy to run the information only on the Education Page, but due to a limited amount of space in our newspaper, we do not have room to run pictures of the hundreds of students that receive scholarship money each year. We will also not publish pictures of students that receive a bachelor’s degree. We would be happy to run the information. However, we will allow photos of students that receive a master’s or doctorate degree. Information should be submitted to Kristi Hayes, Education Editor, at The News. For questions call her at 765-3311, ext. 137. Po-Hi Senior HonoredAndrew Cooper, a graduating senior at Ponca City High School, has been named one of more than 2,600 candidates in the year 2000 Presidential Scholars Program. The Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. They are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. Cooper was selected for his exceptional performance on the ACT and the SAT. Further consideration is based on students’ essays, self-assessments, activities, recommendations and transcripts. Final selection of the scholars will be made by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars. As a senior, he has served as a drum major for the Po-Hi Marching Wildcats as well as having been involved with several music groups at the high school. He was named as a National Merit Commended student and elected to membership in the National Honor Society. In addition, he has been active in local church activities and earned his Eagle Scout award from Boy Scouts. Andrew is the son of Howard and Sharon Cooper. RELIGIONThree Christian Churches Plan Youth Retreat Three Christian Churches Plan Youth RetreatIn a united effort the three Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Ponca City are planning a “Worth the Wait!” weekend retreat for youth (grades 6 through 10). The program encourages young people to make the conscious and advised decision to remain sexually abstinent until marriage. The retreat weekend will be held March 10-11 at the NOC Cove Lodge. Community keynoters will share the topics including: “God Created You for the Best”, “The Value of Virginity”, “The Power of Patience” and “True Love is Worth the Wait". The participants will have opportunities in small group interaction to explore the reasons why sexual purity is the best choice for everyone. Junior and Senior High students will share with the younger participants their own personal commitments to abstinence. A Commitment Service is scheduled for Sunday evening, March 12 at Camp McFadden. “Paul Abner, the creator and author of the ‘Worth the Wait!’ program will join us to wrap up the weekend in celebration and worship as young people make their commitment of faithfulness to God through their choice to remain sexually pure”, Marilyn Merle of Woodlands Christian Church, pointed out. Deadline for registration is Feb. 23 and can be made with any of the participating churches. Cost for the weekend retreat is $30 and scholarships are available through any of the participating churches, Merle advised. For more information concerning this weekend event, call Community Christian Church, First Christian Church, or Woodlands Christian Church, or attend the Parents’ Information Meeting this Sunday evening, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Woodlands Christian Church, 14th and Hartford. Pastor’s NotesListen! What sounds do you hear around youas you read this article? We rarely think about the sounds we hear, but sounds do make a difference. I thought about this when I read a daily meditation from a Cherokee Feast of Days: Little things heal our hurts — sounds, scents, the spoken word, and music that maymean nothing to someone else can reach into our souls and do a work that ordinarymethods cannot touc. Simple remedies can heal the deeper ills — a love that springs from inner wells, the sounds of a bird’s song and the laughter of children at play. Our work is to avid the negative side — to think and speak onlyhealing words, loving words. As I write these words, I am listening to a music that helps me relax and feel close to God. I am listening to Gregorian chants of the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos. I don’t understand a word of the Latin, but the music still ministers to my soul. what can you listen to that will enable you to feel better? What can you listen to that will help you feel closer to God? Let us not forget the importance of listening to music and the delightful sounds of nature. Let us also not forget to be careful about the sounds we make. I am not always careful about the words I use. My words are sometimes too harsh and critical. I need to remember that God wants me to say things that bring healing and affirmation to others. “Lord, help me to celebrate your presence as I hear the wind in the trees, the music of song birds, and the choir that sings your praises. Help me to control my speech and speak words that are pleasing to you and helpful to others. Teach me the importance of silence, and remind me that I learn more by listening than I do byspeaking. Speak to me, Lord, I’m listening. Amen.” Dr. J.D. Ward, Senior Minister First United Methodist Church City-Wide Bible Study Off To Big StartDon Huddleston reported a good start for the City-Wide Bible Class which began Sunday evening, Feb. 6. Meeting in the facilities of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ at 1905 Joe Street, the study attracted over 160 students. The class, entitled “God’s Amazing Grace” is an in-depth study of the book of Romans. The study focused on the first seven verses of chapter one, and combined textual analysis with life applications. Students received lesson outlines and were offered additional study materials for personal, family or small group study. Two home study groups have already formed and are open to anyone in the community wishing to participate. Both the small groups and the Sunday night studies (6 p.m.) are open to anyone, regardless of their religious background or their present beliefs. There is no cost and there is an attended nursery available. For further information people may call 765-3610. First Lutheran Tells Sunday Plans“When the Lions Seem to Be Winning” is the title of Pastor Tom Ramsey’s sermon at First Lutheran Church on Feb. 20 for both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services. The sermon is a continuation of the general worship theme for the year based on the Bible verse, “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” The text for the sermon is from the book of Daniel to be used as the Old Testament reading also. The Gospel reading speaks about Jesus healing the paralytic. Both of these portions of Scripture underscore the fact that God has all power no matter what the situation may be. During both services the Senior Choir will sing the anthem “Trust the Lord.” Holy communion will be celebrated at both services. At the 8:30 a.m. service Mackenzie Wise will be made a child of God through baptism. The topic for discussion at the 6:30 p.m. evening service will be “Managing Stress: Be Ready to Endure.” This is a very pertinent topic for today’s world, it was noted, and the discussion has been very lively and rewarding during the past few Sunday evenings. If anyone feels stress crowding in on them, they will certainly benefit from this evening service — a great way to end a worship. Tim Muniz at Master’s TouchTIM MUNIZ, singer, songwriter and national recording artist, will autograph copies of his new CD, “Styles by Grace”, at the Master’s Touch on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Some of his latest work includes two national tours with the Los Angeles light opera, Opera a La Carte with director Richard Sheldon. While Tim is home he is the owner of Hi-Tone Music Studio in association with Shangai Sound Recording Studio. “Styles by Grace” is Tim’s first completely independent project. Tim says he “dedicates his music to the power of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.” He kicks off his first “styles” concert in Phoenix, Arizona on March 25-26. NE Baptist Will Offer Workshop On Weigh DownNortheast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, will offer a “Weigh Down Workshop” beginning Feb. 27. Orientation for this workshop will be held Sunday, Feb. 20 at 4:30 p.m. Weigh Down will meet on Sunday evenings at 4:15. Weigh Down is a biblically based seminar that teaches people to transfer a love relationship with food to a love relationship with God! Through this seminar, you will learn how you can be delivered from the slavery of overeating and dieting. God can change your heart so that you truly have no desire to eat the second half of a candy bar if you are not hungry. Regardless of your age, size, or means of control — dieting, exercise, bulimia, anorexia — even if you have given up self-control, this program is for you! “Weigh Down” was designed by Gwen Shamblin. Gwen has extensive experience in the field of nutrition, both as a consulting registered dietitian and as an instructor of nutrition at Memphis State University. Since 1980 she has focused her counseling practice in the area of weight control, combining her formal training in dietetics with a strong Christ-centered orientation. These efforts led her to found the Weigh Down Workshop. Belinda Satterfield will lead the “Weigh Down Workshops” at Northeast. For more information concerning “Weigh Down” call Northeast Baptist 765-2404. Cost of the workshops is $103.00 for first time participants and $50 for first time alumni. This cost covers class materials and listening tapes for personal use. Alumni who have completed two complete workshops and choose to continue as a support group may do so free of charge. Church BriefsKaw City Church Plans Fund-RaiserFirst Christian Church of Kaw City is having an all-you-can-eat lunch, including chili, Frito pie, stew, dessert and drink. The cost will be $5 for adults and $3 for children 6 and under. The event will be Saturday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the church. They also plan a Bake Sale and Craft Sale at this time with all proceeds going to finish the new parking lot at the church. Everyone is invited to attend. BYOB Learning Sessions PlannedBring Your Own Bible (BYOB) Learning Sessions are scheduled for Saturday, March 4, 2000 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South Eleventh in Ponca City. The Schedule includes Session A - Spiritual Gifts, the Rev. Wayne Wyatt; Session B — Stewardship and Giving, Bishop Gregory Davis, and Session C — Leadership, the Rev. John Reed. A $10 non-refundable registration fee includes continental breakfast, all sessions, and lunch. Donations will be accepted from those who cannot afford the fee. For more information, you may contact Mary E. Bates at 580-718-0019; the Rev. Robert C. Palmer Sr. at 580-765-1691 or the Rev. Raymond J. Petties or Diane Anderson at St. John, 580-765-5229 (leave a message). New Beginnings SS Class Hosting DanceThe New Beginnings Sunday School Class at First United Methodist is hosting a Post-Valentine’s Day Dance Saturday from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Grand Central Station, Fifth and Central. A nursery is provided by the church by reservation. Attendees are asked to bring a snack food, dessert, or nonalcoholic beverage to share. Music will be provided by Dave and Lori May. Party pics will be taken by Kevin Leven from Photo Pro. Donations will be accepted at the door to cover expenses and a mission project. New Bible Class at Community ChristianA new Bible study Sunday School class is being held each Sunday at 9:15 a.m. at Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand, meeting in the Library of the church. With the help of a book entitled “The Books of the Bible”, Vicki Crouch will lead the class in discussion and study of the Old and New Testaments. If you do not currently attend a Sunday School class, you are invited to join in. Word of Life Christian Center Hosting EvangelistEvangelist Dave Martin will be at Word of Life Christian Center on Friday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. God has used Dave around the world to bring revival fire with a supernatural outpouring of God’s power. You will experience healing in your spirit, soul and body by the gifts of the Spirit and the overwhelming presence of God. You may laugh, cry or be accused of being drunk with the Holy Spirit just like on the day of Pentecost, Pastor Bob Innis pointed out, but more importantly you will leave a changed person. Come and see for yourself what others have experienced and keep coming back for more of! Word of Life Christian Center is located at 3401 North Union. For more information call (580) 762-4376. Nursery is provided. Albright UMC Re-schedules Leadership TrainingThe “Effective Leadership in the Local Church” Workshop, originally scheduled for Jan. 29 at Albright United Methodist Church, has been re-scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 19. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. This workshop, according to Dr. Sheila Combs-Francis, pastor, is designed for leaders in the church, or anyone interested in the work of the church. Janet Parachin will share with the group about effective leadership. There will also be tale discussions that will be helpful to inspire and motivate folks to meet the challenge of leadership in the church for the new millennium. “How To” classes will complete the morning. Prince of Peace Lutherans Announce ServicesPrince of Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA, celebrates the Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany with the Lord’s Supper, as God gives us food and drink for sustenance, it was announced by Pastor Bruce Keck. “Healed and restored, we pray that God’s healing love and forgiveness would be made known in our daily lives.” Also, this Sunday the youth of the church, all ages, will meet at the church at 1 p.m. to go to the YMCA for swimming, fun and fellowship, from 1 to 3 p.m. Prince of Peace welcomes anyone who would like to join in this fellowship. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is located at 2800 Turner Road in Ponca City. Telephone number is 762-7698. Sunday School meets at 9 a.m. and the Worship Service is held at 10 a.m. “We have a fellowship hour following the worship service. Please join us,” Pastor Keck invited. St. John Baptist and First Christian Plan Pulpit ExchangeThis Sunday, Feb. 20, First Christian Church and St. John Baptist Church will exchange pastors for the 8 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. worship services. The Rev. Raymond James Petties of St. John’s will be preaching at First Christian Sunday and the Rev. Kent Dorsey will be preaching at St. John Baptist Church. The Rev. Mr. Petties is the assistant pastor at St. John’s, it was noted. Folks will remember that the Rev. Mr. Petties led the Jan. 16 celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ‘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 at 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. Watch the Search program Sunday 8 a.m. TV Channel 5 or 8. Citywide Bible ClassHartford Avenue Church of Christ on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. Read Romans 1:16-17. Just two verses, but text for this week has long been recognized as the heart of the entire Book of Romans. Read and prayerfully consider these words from God through Paul. They form the foundation for what Paul says in the rest of Romans concerning the gospel, salvation, righteousness and faith. Be sure to thank God for the opportunity to engage in this serious study of His word.
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