From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, February
14, 1997
LOCAL
Valentine's Wishes
Nearly News
City Police Aid in Capturing Two Fugitives Ending Crime Spree
A Review : Popular Musical Artists Thrill Sold Out Hutchins Memorial
District Court
DEATHS
Christine Rosemary Haymond
Obituaries
Glennora T. Cullen
Funerals
Inez L. Bussey
Emily J. Sherrod
NEWS BRIEFS
EDUCATION
First Lutheran Hosts Interim Day
Briefly
RELIGION
Presbyterians to Hear Boyd Speak on Personal Ministry
Kansas Minister Reaches His Goal
Children's Club 'Going Strong' At St. Paul's United Methodist Church
Church Briefs
Local Churches Celebrate 'Race Relations Sunday
River of Life Church of God Hosting Banquet
Prince of Peace Lutherans Plan Busy Week
Disciples of Christ Churches Observe Special Week
Pastor Bonee Offers Help Tuesday on KLVV
Indian Methodists Plan Special Service
Hartford Avenue C of C Welcomes Huddleston as New Pulpit Minister
Word of Life Hosting Guest Sunday
LIFESTYLES
Gourd Dance Honors Pair
Lover's Knot Quilting Workshop Saturday
SPORTS
Top Western Teams Moving East for 5A Wrestling Regionals
OSSAA Regional Wrestling
9th Grade Varsity Teams Advance
Sophomore Girls Hold On, 33-29
Spring Sports Scrimmage
THERE ARE SO MANY Valentine's Day cards for Dianna Simmons to chose from for her husband, Chris. Valentine's Day is that special time for all romantics, both young and old. (News Photo by Michael Kennedy)
A new basketball talent may be on the horizon if reports from some proud grandparents are any indication. Jack and Patti Bowker's granddaughter, 8-year-old Cressie Bryant, has been playing basketball and baseball since she was 3. After playing on boys' teams the first two years, she has now moved to a girls' team, the Edmond Magic. In the Magic's 19-15 victory last Saturday, Cressie scored 16 points. The proud parents are Pat and Sallilee Bryant of Edmond.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Ponca City police officers helped to end a week long crime spree for two Pennsylvania fugitives early this morning.
Ponca City patrol officer Mike Stasyszen stopped two subjects traveling in a 1989 Dodge pickup for driving without lights on North Fourteenth Street and Princeton Avenue, at 1:04 a.m. The subjects ran southbound toward St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on foot. Three officers searched the area.
A telecommunication officer ran a vehicle registration check on the tag and discovered the tag was stolen from a Ponca City resident's truck. Upon notification, the resident reported a Tennessee tag was now on his truck. The Dodge was stolen from Pemberton Chevrolet, Inc., 3330 North Fourteenth Street.
A vehicle check on the Tennessee tag revealed that two suspects fled from Somerset, Pa., where they were wanted for jumping bond on charges of conspiracy to commit a homicide and aggravated assault.
At 2:48 a.m., patrol officer Don Jump located two boys in a 1992 Ford Explorer, whom he believed were the suspects. Lt. Dwaine Vincent assisted Jump in pursuing the vehicle southbound on U.S. 177. An Otoe Tribal officer also assisted.
Furthermore, the Stillwater Police Department was notified of the pursuit and a roadblock was established. According to Stillwater police Cpl. Kyle Gibbs, the juveniles ran the roadblock, struck a curb and blew out a tire. Vincent and a Stillwater officer apprehended the suspects on foot.
The two were taken into custody and are currently held in Stillwater awaiting extradition. No damage or injuries occurred to law enforcement units, officers or suspects, according to the PCPD.
Butler County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the two stole a 1992 Ford Explorer in Augusta, Kan., however, the officer who investigated the incident was unavailable for comment.
Cpl. Tim Steel, with the Somerset State Police, said the juveniles were allegedly involved in numerous burglaries in Somerset County. He confirmed the two had been arraigned on charges of conspiracy to commit a homicide and aggravated assault and were awaiting their hearing. They had been held in a local jail and released on bond. The two will be charged as adults, he said.
Additionally, Steel said the boys will be charged as juveniles for the burglaries. When the National Crime Information Center was notified that the two had fled, they were considered armed and dangerous. Officials were concerned when the boys had stolen weapons from a sporting goods store and the weapons had not all been recovered.
Authorities believe the two could face charges of auto theft in Somerset, Kingston, Tenn., Augusta, Kan., and Ponca City. Therefore, prosecuting attorneys will have to work out extradition, according to Steel.
Editors Note: The Ponca City News reviewer would like to express appreciation to local citizen Eric Larson for stepping in her absence to review the sold out Saturday night performance of contemporary Christian artists, Kathy Troccoli and Phillips, Craig and Dean at the Hutchins Memorial auditorium. His review of the concert follows.
Larson said, "The popular musical artists (Kathy Troccoli and Phillips, Craig and Dean) appeared within walking distance of my home, and I took advantage by hiking to Hutchins Memorial on a pleasant, but cool evening. Saturday's show was indeed a concert for all ages. This unique atmosphere provided an extremely entertaining and electrical evening last Saturday.
"The bill included two of the most popular acts in a booming Christian music industry: Kathy Troccoli and Phillips, Craig and Dean. KLVV 88.7 FM brought the touring groups to Ponca City and 1,800 fans and residents responded by packing the Hutchins Auditorium to hear the high energy music and upbeat messages.
"To be honest, the hidden gem of the evening was guest artist, Sara Hart. She came to the stage toting only an acoustic guitar, but her riveting vocals got this show off to a great start.
"She splashed a bit of humor among four songs in just her third appearance with this tour. She sang about her "Real Friends" and her hometown of lovely, scenic "Springfield USA." She could have easily substituted Ponca City and the song would still apply.
"Although I could have listened to Sara Hart for another hour, the rest of the audience became impatient for the arrival of Kathy Troccoli.
"When Hart moved to keyboards to back up Troccoli, Kathy delivered with her opening performance of "Sounds of Heaven." After warming up the audience, Kathy tried her own humorous rendition of "Beauty and the Beast." She delighted the crowd by describing her touring partners, Phillips, Craig and Dean, as the three ministers that might come in handy if she met the man of her dreams.
"Troccoli chose a medley of classic songs including "Stubborn Love," written by Amy Grant, to span her career's work. She commanded the attention of the sellout crowd by balancing humor and passion with high impact pop tunes and ballads from her "Sounds of Heaven" album.
"One of the most memorable songs of the evening was "Baby's Prayer," from Troccoli's forthcoming album, for which she received a well-deserved standing ovation. Her articulation of an unborn baby's thoughts was beautiful, emotional and provocative.
"Everything Changes" and the pace of this concert was no exception as she played the hit that landed her on the mainstream pop charts in 1994. Her most widely recognized hit got the place rocking - what a terrific site to see a sellout crowd at Hutchins Memorial standing and enjoying a nationally renowned artist.
"She claimed her final number would be "I Will Choose Christ," but pleased the crowd with an encore of "Jesus Loves Me." Her spirited version of the familiar church song drew immense audience participation.
"Intermission provided a much needed cool down for the crowd that filled every seat, even into the upper seating areas. Nonetheless, everyone warmly welcomed Phillips, Craig and Dean to the stage for the second half of the show. The three practicing ministers, Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean, did not match the stereotypical men of the cloth. They rocked the house with songs like "This Is the Life" and "Christian."
"They wore traditional suits, but left their shirts untucked for a vogue look. Phillips occasionally stole the backup drummer's sticks and showed his ability to keep the beat while Craig provided support on the keyboard.
"The group did not miss the opportunity to poke fun at Kathy Troccoli's "Beauty and the Beast." Phillips and Dean asked Craig to play the melody while they provided the lyrics. The joke ended up on Craig as the duo claimed that the man of Kathy's dreams was indeed their single counterpart, Shawn Craig.
"The trio kept the audience standing and clapping for the majority of the show. The high energy spectacle peaked with "Can I Get a Witness?" when fans on opposite sides of the auditorium alternatively echoed the group's vocals. Finishing with an appealing and spirited "Concert of the Age," the group earned a standing ovation as fans sought an encore.
"The crowd was thrilled when Kathy Troccoli joined them on stage for "Call His Name Jesus" to conclude the evening. Both acts met with fans and signed autographs until everyone was satisfied.
"For KLVV Christian radio station manager Doyle Brewer, the highlight of the evening was when 30 young people came forward to make decisions to follow Christ. Six of those 30 had never made such a decision.
"This concert-goer found the festive fanfare of Saturday night to be an absolute blast. From the soft sounds of Sara Hart to the passion of Kathy Troccoli and the energetic style of Phillips, Craig and Dean, this event was a pleasure and a privilege for music fans in Ponca City."
Newkirk
Marriage Licenses
Kenneth Duane Gaskill, 37, Deer Creek, and Pamela Jean Keltner, 49, Ponca City.
William Edward Tull, 26, and Cally Sue Suggs, 23, both of Ponca City.
Alberto Eugenio Torres, 21, and Cedar An Peckenpaugh, 19, both of Ponca City.
Steven Burnell Morgan, 41, and Vivian Lucille Bruckner, 38, both of Wichita.
Mark Lawrence Pitts, 38, and Marilyn Sue King, 40, both of Ponca City.
Douglas Lee MacDonnell, 43, and Susan Louise Anderson, 44, both of Ponca City.
James Richard Adams, 39, and Debra Marie Morris, 41, both of Ponca City.
Miguel Angel Calderon, 25, and Dora Beltran Perez, 24, both of Blackwell.
Billy Ray Thurman Jr., 21, and Scarlet Nicole Wise, 20, both of Ponca City.
Steven Lee Sims, 18, and Misty Dawn White, 17, both of Ponca City.
Jason David Nicholas Schoemann, 24, and Jennifer Leigh Johanning, 20, both of Wichita.
Divorces Granted
Melvin Bruce Williams vs. Leslie Ann Williams.
Criminal Proceedings
Hearing Set - Ricky Dale Batt, 34, charged with delivering a controlled dangerous substance, methamphetamine, in connection with an alleged distribution of the drug on Aug. 7, 1996, at a Ponca City residence. Judge Welch scheduled a 9 a.m. March 12 preliminary hearing in the case. If convicted, Batt faces a sentence of two years to life and a fine of up to $20,000.
Ponca City
Divorces Sought
Jeremy A. Dent vs. Carolynn M. Dent.
Coeweene Alyn Murie vs. Leo Randolph Murie.
Steven Roy Carberry vs. Shannon Lynn Carberry.
Deanna G. Malaska vs. Larry Don "Sky" Malaska.
Dick H. Campbell vs. Revalee D. Campbell.
Matthew Ryan Harris vs. Lacy Sierra Harris.
Robin Carol Johnson vs. Keith Dewon Johnson.
Divorces Granted
Ora Josephine Kizziar vs. Leo Kizziar Jr.
Sandra F. Potter vs. James Ray Potter; plaintiff restored to former name Sandra F. Stevens.
William Curby Deem vs. Tera Rae McCleary Deem.
Nelda Lynn Stout vs. Anthony Shane Stout.
Amy Louise Hill vs. Charles Daniel Hill.
Amie Leanne Soutter vs. Fredrick James Soutter Jr.
Sherri Kay Bussart vs. Timothy George Bussart.
Mary Elizabeth Field vs. Kenneth Evan Field.
Civil Proceedings
Cheryl Diann Smith, et al., vs. Allstate Insurance Co.; plaintiffs seeking judgment of $17,000.
Leslie S. Hutcherson vs. Marshal O. Morrison, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment of $10,000.
Jessica Ann Shepard, petition to change name to Jessica Taylor Shepard.
Mid Continent Federal Savings Bank vs. Jimmy Leon Davis, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment of $28,545.31.
Commercial Federal Mortgage Corp. vs. Brandtn Jarboe, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment of $23,392.90.
City of Ponca City vs. Anthony Properties Ponca City, Ltd.; plaintiff seeking sanitary sewer easement.
Ford Motor Credit Co. vs. Percy Hall; plaintiff seeking delivery of property
valued at $17,125.
DEATHS
FORT OAKLAND - Christine Rosemary (Horsechief Eagle) Haymond, resident of Fort Oakland, died early Thursday morning, Feb. 13, 1997, at her residence. She was 74.
Prayer services will be held at 7 p.m. each evening at the Tonkawa Tribal Affairs and Cultural Center at Fort Oakland. The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Monday at the Tonkawa Tribal Affairs and Cultural Center at Fort Oakland. The Rev. Thomas Roughface and Parrish Williams will officiate. Burial will be in the Ponca Indian Cemetery, at White Eagle, under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Christiane Rosemary (Horsechief Eagle) Haymond was born Oct. 30, 1922, in Tonkawa, the daughter of David and Sarah (Allen) Horsechief Eagle. She grew up in rural Ponca City, attended Union District 98 School and the Chilocco Indian School, where she graduated in 1941. After graduation, she attended the Arkansas City, Kan. trade school, where she learned the welding trade. She then moved to Wichita, Kan., where she was employed at Boeing Aircraft Company as an aircraft welder during World War II. After the war, she returned to Ponca City, and was married to Russell Rush in 1945 and the couple made their home in White Eagle.
In 1957, she was married to Charles Bay Haymond and the couple made their home in Wichita, Kan. In 1962 the family moved to Winfield, Kan., then to Alva in 1964. While in Alva, they owned and operated the Haymond Upholstery Shop until 1981. Following her husband's death in 1981, Mrs. Haymond moved to Fort Oakland. She was a member of the Tonkawa Scout Dance Society, Ho-Sas-Tahk'-Sone, and the Native American Church. She was an avid Bingo player and enjoyed teaching young children traditional Indian culture and values.
Survivors include one son, David "Jody" Rush of Ponca City; three sisters, Mildred (Horsechief Eagle) Warrior of White Eagle, Vivian (Horsechief Eagle) Cornell and Madelyn (Horsechief Eagle) Norman, both of Fort Oakland; two grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Dawnena Rush.
Casket bearers will be Simon Cornell, Allen Cornell, Larry Warrior, Gordon Warrior, Ralph Haymond and Charles Ernie Norman. Honorary bearers will be members of the Native American Church.
OKLAHOMA CITY - Glennora T. Cullen, mother to Stacy Merrifield of Ponca City, died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 1997, in Oklahoma City.
A wake service will be held today at 6 p.m. at the Smith and Kernke Chapel, 1401 N.W. 23rd Street, in Oklahoma City. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, 7336 West Britton Road. Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Oklahoma City.
Glennora was born Aug. 1, 1921, in Provence, Okla., the second of eight children born to Darrell O. and Ruth G. Thompson, and lived a rich and blessed life. She moved to Oklahoma City in 1938 to attend Hills Business School.
Glennora's career first led her to Magnolia Oil Co., as a secretary, then during World War II she served as secretary for three base commanders at Tinker Air Force Base. Following the war, Glennora moved to New York City to work as executive secretary at 3M Corporation for one of her former base commanders. While in New York, she met and trained with Dale Carnegie and became an instructor of the Dale Carnegie Course. She returned to Oklahoma City in 1947 to teach the Course for C.I. Blackwood Business College.
It was at this time she met her husband, Harold L. Cullen and the couple were married July 19, 1948. Mr. Cullen survives as well as their six children, and their spouses, Patrick and Pam Cullen; John and Laura Cullen; Stacy Merrifield; Mary and Tim Leake; Bill Cullen; and Cecil and Bob Bailey. Also surviving are 20 loving grandchildren, who called her "Mama G.," including Lyndsey, Sarah, and Chelsea Merrifield of Ponca City; three sisters, Doris Fields, Pat Galloway and Peggy Shaw; and two brothers, Jerry Thompson and Gene Ivy Thompson.
Glennora's great faith and calling to honor God through her belief in the power of prayer led her to co-found the sister Barbara Rosary Group in 1961. Glennora was most proud of her conversion and baptism into the Roman Catholic Church in 1965. She was also a grateful friend of the Carmel of St. Joseph and a friend of Bill W.
Following the raising of her children, Glennora reentered the business world and became a successful real estate broker in Oklahoma City. In recent years she had also pursued her creative writing goals and had been published on several occasions.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Cullen's name to Jesus House, 1335 West Sheridan, Oklahoma City, OK 73106 or to the Carmel of St. Joseph, 20000 North County Line Road, Piedmont, OK 73078.
paid obituary
Saturday
Inez L. Bussey - Funeral will be at 11 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene in Ponca City. Burial will be in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Emily J. Sherrod - Funeral will be at 10 a.m. at the Newkirk First
Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in the Newkirk Cemetery under the direction
of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.
NEWS BRIEFS
MS Meeting -The Senior Citizen's Center, 320 South A. Street, Arkansas City, will be the setting Monday, 7-9 p.m., for the MS Support group. Families and friends are invited to attend. The agenda includes two movies about MS. More information may be obtained by calling Dody, 442-0339, or Linda, 442-8295.
Senior Citizens Dance - The original Senior Citizens Monday Night Dance is still held every Monday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the American Legion Ballroom. Everyone is welcome to come and dance to the music of the Hayriders Band.
Drug Taken - An employee of the Middle School requested a Ponca City police officer at 11:51 a.m. Thursday after narcotics were taken from a student. An officer took a report.
Warrant Served - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 27-year-old man from a traffic stop in the 100 block of West Hartford Avenue at 1:33 p.m. Thursday on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Arrested - A 43-year-old man was arrested from Municipal Court by a Ponca City police officer at 2:08 p.m. Thursday on a city warrant.
Vandalism - A resident in the area of North Fourth Street and East Roosevelt Avenue contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 3:22 p.m. Thursday to request extra patrol due to vandalism.
Forgery - A Ponca City police officer took a report of forgery at Citgo, 200 East Highland Avenue, at 3:23 p.m. Thursday.
Contempt of Court - A 21-year-old woman was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 300 block of North Oak Street at 3:28 p.m. Thursday on a city warrant for indirect contempt of court.
Petit Larceny - A Ponca City police officer arrested an 18-year-old woman and a 21-year-old woman at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday for shoplifting. Both were charged with petit larceny.
Forgery - A Ponca City police officer took two reports of forgery at Drug Warehouse, 2211 North Fourteenth Street, at 7:08 p.m. Thursday.
Attempted Forgery - A report of attempted forgery was taken at Anthony's, 1201 East Prospect Avenue, at 7:20 p.m. Thursday, according to a Ponca City police officer.
Dog Poisoned - A resident in the 800 block of North Peachtree Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7:45 p.m. Thursday to request extra patrol due to the possibility that the dog was poisoned.
Illegal Parking - A Ponca City police officer cited a vehicle at East Albany Avenue and North Fourth Street for illegal parking at 8:34 p.m. Thursday.
Illegal Dumping - A 41-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 2100 block of Jane Street at 9:40 p.m. Thursday on a city warrant for illegal dumping and allowing a dog to run loose in the city limits.
Burglary - A Ponca City police officer reported the tail gate ripped off a Blazer parked in the Po-Hi parking lot at 1:34 a.m. Friday. A burglary report was taken of stereo and speakers missing.
Under Suspension - A 43-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City
police officer in the 400 block of South Osage Street at 3:50 a.m. Friday
for driving under suspension.
EDUCATION
First Lutheran School hosted its fourth annual Interim Day, Jan. 23. Adults from northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas were asked to come and share careers, hobbies and other interests. This year, 23 instructors provided special classes with the students. Normal class activities were suspended for the day.
This year's panel of instructors included: Danny Head hosting a tour of the Head Country bottling plant, Gene Daugherty, drew two pictures which he donated to the school, Jeff Boily, showed all the equipment required to do bookkeeping, LeRoy and Vineta Peters talked about their 17 years of African experiences, Captain Jane Morris, Pilot for United Airlines, David Cashon, hosted a tour of his casting plant, Connie Stones let the students make donuts, Game Warden Tracy Daniel talked about Oklahoma's animals, Dr. David Kinkaid talked about how to care for pets, Jake McNeice shared his World War II experiences as a paratrooper, Bill Doering led an experience in decorative paper cutting, Alice Person let the students decorate cakes and cookies, Mike DeKrey demonstrated how to make arrowheads, Stephanie Cole demonstrated wool spinning and dyeing, Don Young talked about Thorne Apple Valley products and Stan Johnson demonstrated dutch oven style cooking.
Others included: Paula McDaniel led a sewing class, Melodee and Becky Gibson talked about caring for horses, Jim Johndrow demonstrated sheerp sheering, Martin Trenary brought in different kinds of non-poisonous snakes for students to handle, Alan Coats discussed model airplanes and Bob Plagmann demonstrated how to make stain glass windows and lamps.
A special thanks goes out to everyone who helped make this day a special and memorable one for the students at First Lutheran School.
NOC honor roll -
Ryan Hintergardt and Kristy Mills, both Ponca City residents, were recently on the Northern Oklahoma College's Vice-President's Honor Roll.
Mid-High Honor Roll -
Erin Shaw and Jonathan Shea, students at Ponca City Mid-High, were accidentally left off the honor roll for the Mid-High. Both students were placed in the Superintendents honor roll.
Brandt on PTC Honor Roll -
Chris Brandt, Ponca City, has been listed on the Superintendents honor roll from Pioneer Technology Center.
There will be no school on Monday, Feb. 17 due to Professional Day at
all Ponca City schools.
RELIGION
Tom W. Boyd will be making a special presentation at First Presbyterian Church Sunday, Feb. 16, speaking during the 10 a.m. worship, at a noon luncheon for Church officers, and at an intergenerational gathering at 6 p.m.
In the 10 a.m. worship service, Dr. Boyd will be focusing on personal ministry, emphasizing the fact that life in the congregation has no room for spectators. The noon meeting, entitled "Ministry in a Post Christian Age," will be presented in a question and answer discussion format. The 6 p.m. program will feature a "Solid Footing for Today," a presentation and discussion on developing personal ministries as a foundation for successful living. All are invited to the 10 a.m. and the 6 p.m. services.
Dr. Boyd is currently Associate Professor and Kingfisher Chair of Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at the University of Oklahoma. He is also an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, USA. He came to the university in 1969 and has continued there except for two interludes. In the Spring of 1988 he was Rockwell Visiting Scholar in Religion at the University of Houston, and from the Fall of 1988 he served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Iowa city, Iowa.
Tom holds four earned degrees, including a PhD in Religion from Vanderbilt University in 1973. His special academic interest is in values, including religious, ethical, social and personal growth values. He seeks to apply the study of philosophy of religion to the concrete public and personal issues of the day, interpreting the traditions of Western religion in light of contemporary conditions and the emerging planetary culture. He is particularly devoted to reflection on this question: how does culture inevitably limit religion, and what is the role of religion in the transformation of culture?
Tom and his wife, Barbara S. Boyd, work together in seminars, workshops, retreats and conferences to help people discover the sources for shaping a humane and spiritually fulfilling future. Barbara recently completed her doctorate in preaching at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, On Sept. 1, 1996, she became pastor of St. Paul Presbyterian Church in Aurora, Colo. In May of 1997 Tom will retire from his regular teaching position at the University of Oklahoma to join his wife. He will continue to do some teaching in the special programs of the university and to lecture and conduct seminars around the country.
In his personal life, Tom nurtures and is nurtured by his red-headed wife and four children, ranging from 37 to 22 years and scattered from Hamburg, Germany to New York City, Indiana and Texas. Two children are completing dissertations, one has just finished a masters program and one is an undergraduate student. With Barbara, Tom thrives on backpacking and mountain biking in the summer, reading novels out loud and long conversations late at night. He enjoys hiking, biking and exercising his imagination. He plays, especially when working, according to those who know him well.
A Methodist minister, with roots in Ponca City and currently pastoring two churches in Kansas, has made a name for himself by accomplishing a goal he set as a New Year's Resolution back on Jan. 1, 1996. He has run 601 miles - for his health and for his Lord.
The Rev. Dennis Hanna, pastor of the Kirwin and Agra United Methodist churches in Phillipsburg, Kan., is the son of Dorothy and John E. Hanna of Ponca City.
Pastor Hanna announced to his wife in January, 1996 that he was going to run 600 miles during 1997, more than twice as far as he, an avid runner, had ever run before.
He shared his plan with his congregations, explaining he planned to accept monetary pledges from families and individuals for the miles run, and use the money raised to benefit the youth of the two churches. He called his 600-mile run a "Run for the Future." He planned to split the money to the Kirwin and Agra Sunday Schools, the combined church youth groups and Vacation Bible School.
One year and 601 miles later, more than $1,700 was raised, and pledge money continues to roll in.
Pastor Hanna's wife, Tricia reports about 30 families from the two churches made pledges - some of the pledges have been overpaid and more keeps coming, Tricia reports.
To meet his goal, Pastor Hanna ran in almost every kind of weather - rain, snow, ice, hot - averaging about four miles per run, and reports his favorite run was around the area lake. Currently taking classes at Fort Hays State University, the preacher reported his running gave him time for being alone with his thoughts, and that was beneficial ... helping him with his university classes and affording him a chance to develop sermon ideas.
He completed his resolution-running on Dec. 31, running the extra mile as a kind of explanation mark, he said. And, as an extra note, Pastor Hanna, who officiates at basketball and football games, didn't count any of that running toward his goal.
As he explains, it took faith in the Lord and the support of his family and churches, to get the running done. Many will benefit from his "Run for the Future" is his prayer.
Pastor Hanna will keep on running, but as for running to help raise money for church missions again ... maybe not. He's trying to come up with a different method to support the youth ministry.
It goes without saying - the Ponca City Hannas are justifiably proud of their son.
It's Wednesday afternoon and 36 children from Kindergarten through the Sixth Grade are singing songs, playing games, eating a snack and experiencing the love of Jesus Christ.
What could this possibly be? It's a new children's club called LIFESAVERS FOR JESUS.
For the past four weeks children have gathered at St. Paul's United Methodist Church every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. for an hour and 45 minutes of food, fun and fellowship in Jesus Christ. It all begins with an opening exercise which includes the singing of their theme songs, "I Am Somebody". Then while the third through sixth graders are in a youth choir, the Kindergarten through second graders play games, run relays and just have fun.
After 30 minutes, the process reverses and the older kids play their games, eat a snack and hear a short story or lesson while the younger children participate in a children's choir. Then the younger children return to eat and hear a story while the older children practice playing chimes and bells. The time passes very quickly and soon the children are headed home, laughing and excited, looking forward to next week.
LIFESAVERS FOR JESUS is a program developed by the Rev. Brad Meredith, Minister of Education at St. Paul's and is aided by parents and William Harrison, St. Paul's director of music.
The club is open to any and all children - Kindergarten through sixth grade. It meets every Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and is free to any who wish to be a part of this ministry for children.
Questions?? Call the church office at 765-7512 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Connor Chapel Serving Dinner
Connor Chapel AME Church at 945 South Twelfth will be serving delicious barbecue ribs and fried chicken dinners on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost will be $3.25 and $5.25 and deliveries may be made by calling 762-9557, according to J.L. Roland, Church Steward.
First UMC Women Plan Meeting
Theme for the February meeting of United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church will be based on the newly published "Our Daily Bread" cookbook from which every member is urged to bring a recipe as they bring a potluck vegetable, salad or dessert dish to the meeting.
Members of the Leta Gorham group will provide meat dishes, bread, and beverages. Members of this group will also bring the devotional thoughts for the meeting which is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Each member of the group is being encouraged to bring a guest to introduce her to the UMW program. All groups should contact Pam Oster at 762-4666, with number of members and guests who plan to attend.
In celebration of "Race Relations Sunday", the pastor, choir and congregation of the New Life Baptist Church will conduct the Sunday evening services at Crestview Baptist Church on Feb. 16. The pastors, the Rev. Virgil Swift and the Rev. Victor Paul extend an open invitation to the surrounding community and to Ponca City to "Come and worship the risen Savior, Jesus Christ."
The Sunday evening service, to be held at 6 p.m., will establish an annual event as Crestview Baptist will conduct the services at New Life Baptist Church next year.
Crestview Baptist is located on U.S. 60 East at Indian Hill Road.
The River of Life Church of God, 105 North Second, will host a Valentine Banquet for teenagers at the church on Saturday evening at 6 p.m., Feb. 15.
The church group is planning to have a speaker, play games and serve food. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy.
The Rev. Rick Jackson, pastor, said services are held at River of Life regularly on Sundays at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. with Bible study scheduled on Tuesdays and prayer service at 7 p.m. on Thursdays.
The youth of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church are alerted to an ice skating trip on Feb. 17. Those planning to go are asked to be at the church at 9 a.m. on Monday to go to Tulsa for ice skating. Any question s should be addressed to Bambi Correll at 762-8823.
The Church Council will meet on Saturday at 2 p.m. _ A change in time, it was noted. All Council members are urged to attend.
Eight tables for diners are planned for this Saturday night at the church, it was announced, and the Lenten services this year will be held on Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Week of Compassion, observed for the next two Sundays by the Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) in Ponca City, is the relief, refugee and development ministry fund of that denomination. The special day offering to the Week of Compassion, gathered this Sunday and next, is used throughout the year to: provide aid to people after hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, droughts, civil war and other catastrophies provide relief to people who have been moved from their homelands by war, famine and natural disaster; support self-help programs of development and rehabilitation that help people rise above hunger, poverty, disease, illiteracy, and other forces that deny human dignity; show special concern for children who frequently shoulder an inordinate portion of the suffering from natural and human disasters.
William Bonee, Pastor of St. Luke's Nazarene Church in Ponca city, will be available to visit with folks privately this Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 18, between 5 and 6 p.m. by calling Ponca City's Christian radio station, KLVV.
The station offers assistance to its listeners each Tuesday through its Encouragement Hour with the support of local ministers and on special occasions with lawyers, doctors, etc.
Listeners will be able to call and talk privately with Pastor Bonee, expressing any questions they may have. The hour can be very busy, but most people are able to get their phone calls in. By listening to 88.7 FM they will be told the number to call and when the line is open for additional calls.
The Ponca Indian Methodist Church at White Eagle will hold a special Lenten service on Sunday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a potluck supper in Fellowship Hall.
Guest speaker for the event will be Pam Harjo, who is a lay leader from the Wichita Indian United Methodist Church. Pam will also be singing and will be accompanied by a singing group from her Wichita church, and by Pastor Scott. The public is invited.
A special time is also scheduled at 7 p.m. for prayer for the Rev. George Miller, pastor of the church, who will be undergoing surgery on Feb. 17.
Members of Hartford Avenue Church of Christ recently welcomed Don Huddleston as the new pulpit minister. Huddleston preached his first sermon at Hartford on Feb. 2. A luncheon and welcome celebration was enjoyed at noon following the morning worship on that day. He joins Dean Patterson, Minister of Evangelism, on the church staff.
Don and his wife, Letha, moved to Ponca City from Madill, where he was pulpit minister for the Madill Church of Christ for five years.
Don received his BA in Bible from Harding University in Searcy, Ark., and his degree in Religious Education, Practical Ministry and Church Growth from Harding Graduate School of Religion in Memphis, Tenn.
His primary interests are personal evangelism and helping families. Don and Letha plan to develop resources for helping families train their children in the Christian faith.
Huddleston previously served churches in California, the Philippine Islands, and in Mississippi.
The Huddlestons are parents of four children. Their three sons, with their wives, are missionaries in Russia, Africa and Japan. Their daughter lives in Oklahoma City.
The Hartford avenue church has an extensive outreach program with two city campaigns in the last two years. In addition, the church distributes food to a number of Ponca City families and has a clothing facility for those needing clothing.
Peter Nash of Winfield, Alberta, Canada will be guest speaker at Word of Life Christian Center on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m.
Peter served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for 21 years in the areas of general duty policing, plainclothes, counter-intelligence, economic crime and personnel. He has the distinction of being the only known member of the RCMP granted a leave of absence to attend Bible school. Peter and his wife, Cathryn attended Word of Life Bible School in Sweden in 1994-95. Since retiring in 1996, they have been serving a local church, whose pastor is a RHEMA graduate.
Peter's message will offer hope to all as they hear about the good plans and purposes God has for each and every person. Come, bring someone with you, and be blessed, Pastor Bob Innis, invited.
Word of Life Christian Center is located at 3401 North Union in Ponca
City. Nursery will be provided and Children's Church (Grades K-6) will be
in session.
LIFESTYLES
Raymond and Dorothy Butler of Red Rock will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with special events this weekend. On Feb. 15 there will be a Native American prayer meeting at their home and a dinner is planned for Sunday at 11 a.m.
Also on Sunday an "All Gourd Dance" will be held in their honor starting at 2 p.m. at the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cultural building. Supper is planned for 5:30 p.m. to be followed by more gourd dancing.
Mr. and Mrs. Butler's children invite family, friends and all gourd clans to come and celebrate the golden wedding anniversary. The couple has five children, 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Patches and Pieces Quilting Guild is announcing a "Lover's Knot" workshop Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
Those attending are asked to have fabric strips cut and ready for sewing.
Participants are also asked to bring a covered dish for lunch.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
The Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association has drawn the ire of the Class 5A wrestling coaches on the east side of the state - again.
Last year the OSSAA made the western coaches unhappy by keeping No. 1 Choctaw and No. 2 Midwest City in the western regional.
So this year OSSAA officials decided to send No. 1 Choctaw to the eastern regional at Jenks Feb. 21-22 where Broken Arrow is firmly entrenched as the No. 2 team in the state. As an added bonus, the association also sent No. 6 Putnam City North east.
Since there are four more 5A teams that are geographically west than there are in the east, the OSSAA tries to balance the two regionals by sending two "west" teams eastward. It seems they seldom make either side happy.
Two years ago the Association sent Choctaw east in an effort "to break up the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the state," according to Ed Shockley of the Association.
They have apparently abandoned that philosophy, trying instead to get a balance of the top 10 teams.
Therein lies the rub - figuring out who the top 10 teams are.
There are two major high school wrestling polls, the Daily Oklahoman and the Tulsa World.
In the polls released just before the regional pairings were announced, the two polls agreed on the top six teams. Both had Choctaw No. 1 and Broken Arrow No. 2. The next three, in different order, were Del City, Midwest City and Edmond Memorial. Both agreed Putnam North was No. 6.
But there was a vast difference in the final four teams in the two polls. The Oklahoman had Norman, Yukon, Mustang and Westmoore (all west teams). The World had Sapulpa, Muskogee, Sand Springs (all east teams) and Yukon.
Going by the Oklahoman poll Choctaw, Broken Arrow and Putnam North are the only ranked teams in the east regional, leaving No. 3 Del City, No, 4 Edmond Memorial, No. 5 Midwest City, No. 7 Norman, No. 8 Yukon, No. 9 Mustang and No. 10 Westmoore in the west regional.
Using the Tulsa poll, there are now six ranked teams, including the top two, in the east regional and four in the west. But the Association chooses to ignore the Tulsa poll.
"The Oklahoman poll is made by a sports writer," Shockley said. "The Tulsa poll is a poll of coaches. Coaches can sometimes be prejudiced. The Tulsa poll may have merit, but we choose to go with the Oklahoman."
Ponca City coach Pat Young may well wish a pox on both polls. He feels neither give the Wildcats enough credit. The Poncans finished with a 9-3 dual record including a win over Sand Springs and showed well in early tournaments. The dual losses were to Broken Arrow, Edmond and Sapulpa.
As it is, the Wildcats will face an uphill battle in the east regional.
"Choctaw will probably have 11 wresters seeded and Broken Arrow about that many," the coach said. "That doesn't leave much room for teams like us. We'll be lucky to get three wrestlers seeded.
"It's going to be a real tough tournament. We'll just have to go down and scrape and fight for everything we get."
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Area Class 3A power Blackwell, ranked No. 2, will travel to Harrah for the regional tournament. The Maroons will compete with No. 3 Marlow, No. 8 Harrah, No. 9 Star Spencer and No. 10 Sulphur.
Class 2A's Newkirk and Tonkawa, ranked Nos. 4 and 5 respectively, are at Sperry along with No. 2 Sperry, No. 3 Perry and No. 6 Berryhill.
Assignments
Feb. 21-22
Class 5A at Midwest City: Del City, Edmond Memorial, Edmond North, Edmond Santa Fe, Enid, Lawton, Lawton Eisenhower, Midwest City, Moore, Mustang, Norman O.C.Northwest, Putnam City, Putnam West, Westmoore. Yukon.
Class 5A at Jenks: Bartlesville, Broken Arrow, Choctaw, Jenks, Muskogee, Owasso, Ponca City, Putnam North, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Shawnee, Stillwater, Tahlequah, T. Memorial, T. Union, T. Rogers.
Class 4A at Chickasha: Altus, Ardmore, Capitol Hill, Carl Albert, Chickasha, Douglass, Duncan, El Reno, Guthrie. John Marshall, Lawton MacArthur, O.C. Northeast, O.C. Southeast, U.S. Grant, Western Heights, Woodward.
Class 4A at Catoosa: Ada, T. Kellev. Bixbyy. T. Washington. Catoosa, T. Central, Claremore. T. Webster. Durant, T. East Central. McAlester, T. McLain. T. Hale, Noble, Pryor, T. Edison.
Class 3A at Harrah: Anadarko, McGuinness, Blackwell. Clinton. Cushing, Harrah, Mannford, Marlow, McLoud, Okmulgee. Pauls Valley, Star Spencer, Sulphur, Tecumseh, Weatherford.
Class 3A at Coweta: Bristow, Cleveland, Collinsville, Coweta. Ft. Gibson, Glenpool, Grove. Jay. Kellyville, Locust Grove. Miami, Oologah, Poteau, Sallisaw, Skiatook, Stilwell, Wagoner.
Class 2A at Deer Creek: Bethel, Comanche, Cordell, Deer Creek, Elgin, Empire Geary, Heritage Hall, Hinton, Hobart, Kingfisher, Lexington, Littie Axe, Mangum, Newcastle, Perry, Piedmont. Plainview, Purcell, Snyder, Tuttle, Watonga.
Class; 2A at Sperry: Barnsdall, Berryhill Chandler, Covinston-Douglas, Henryetta, Hulbert, Inola, Madill, Morrison, Newkirk, Oklahoma Union, Parkview, Pawhuska, Pawnee, Perkins, Salina, Sperry, Tonkawa, Vinita.
Ponca City's ninth grade varsity boys and girls advanced to the semifinal round of the Northern Junior High Conference Tournament being held at the high school.
The Ponca City JV teams both lost Thursday but played well enough to win praise from the coaches.
Ponca City's 11-2 boys rolled past the Stillwater "B" team 53-17.
All nine varsity players reached the scorebook as the Poncans broke to a 22-9 halftime lead and exploded in the second half.
Jeff Furnas scored 10 points, Barry Chance 9, Brett Skaggs 8, Blake Geubelle 6, Wes Crossen and Matt Morris 5 each, Barry Gehab 4 and Aaron Sattre and Evan Rupp each had 2.
The Poncans play Enid Emerson in today's semifinal game at 5:15 at Robson Fieldhouse.
"Emerson has been playing real good ball lately," Ponca City coach Keith Chronister said. "We have our work cut out for us."
The other semifinal game pitted Enid Longfellow against Stillwater "A" at 3:45 in the old fieldhouse.
The Ponca City Blue team, which lost to Stillwater "A", played in the consolation bracket at 1 p.m. today against Enid Longfellow.
In the girls' bracket, Ponca City Red got an outstanding performance from Laura Sudbury, who scored 14 points in her team's 41-20 win over Stillwater's "B" team,
"Laura also played great defense," Ponca City coach Lila McCracken said. "We really concentrate on defense and it showed in this game. Stillwater scored just four points in the second half."
The Poncans, 12-2 on the season, had a 28-16 lead at the intermission.
Following Sudbury in the scoring were Alana Smith with 6 points, Nikki Stuemky with 5, Mea Alexander, Kristl Richardson and Allison Stotts with 4 each and Brooke Hines and Kami Schieber with 2 each.
The Ponca City Blue team lost to Stillwater "A" 30-18, getting 7 points from Gina Osborn.
The Reds played Enid Emerson today at 3:45 in Robson Fieldhouse in one semifinal game. Stillwater "A" meets Enid Waller in the other semifinal at 5:15 in the old fieldhouse.
Ponca City Blue had a consolation game against Waller at 2:15 at Robson.
The championship games are Saturday with the girls playing at 5:45 and the girls at 7:15. Both game are in Robson.
BARTLESVILLE - Despite making just 14 of 40 free throw attempts, Ponca City's sophomore girls held off Bartlesville here Thursday 33-29 to improve to 7-2 on the season.
Ponca City led 8-4 after one and 16-10 at the half but all the missed free throws kept the game close as Bartlesville closed to within three points late.
Romi Foreman topped Ponca City with 12 points, Shari Winters had 8, Tia Williams 7, Gina Hile 4 and Aleena Ames 2.
"This was one of those rough games," said coach Brad Larimer. "We played hard but nothing would go in the hole. But we did get the win."
The sophomore girls are next scheduled to play at Blackwell Thursday.
The weather is slightly spring-like, so its a good time to start some of the spring sports at Po-Hi.
The Wildcat soccer teams start things off here Saturday with a scrimmage against Guthrie. The matches are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. with the boys' team playing at Sullins Stadium while the girls play at the Ponca City Soccer Complex on Lake Road.
The boys were state finalists last year but will have to replace several key players. The girls reached the second round of the playoffs last year and return the nucleus of that team.
In addition, the Wildcat baseball team will see its first scrimmage of
the season Monday at Tulsa Hale.