From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, February
28, 1997
LOCAL
Show and Tell
Ponca City Police Officer Given Honor
City Legion Post Hosts Convention
District Court
Scout To Receive Eagle In Court of Honor Saturday
Six Appear in District Court On Various Drug Charges
Citizens Feel Mutual Respect Top Priority of P.C. Tomorrow
DEATHS
Michael Carl Culbreath
Obituaries
Vivian J. Garner
Funerals
Lloyd Corbett Watts
NEWS BRIEFS
EDUCATION
Honoroable Mention
Class Briefs
Mid-High PTSA Board Nominations Needed
RELIGION
C of C Plans Bible Study
Church Briefs
Mike Warnke Appears at CCC Saturday
Pastor's Notes
Missionaries to Speak Here
'Discover the Church' Coming
LIFESTYLES
DAR Essay Winners Are Announced
Jim Murphy Celebrating 100 Years
Andrea Carley Bride-Elect
Party Honors Karen Hunter
Little News
SPORTS
Misfires Lead To PC Loss
Sports Notes
FFA STUDENTS from Tonkawa, Blackwell and Braman were the primary competitors in the Heifer portion of the Kay County Junior Livestock Show. The judge for the Heifer and Steer Shows was Tony Small, an agricultural teacher from Arkansas City. The annual Bonus Sale is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today in the Newkirk Sale Barn. (News Photo by Michael Kennedy)
A Ponca City patrolman was recently honored for his outstanding work related to law enforcement and education related to the drinking driver.
The Ponca City Police Department nominated Patrolman Dale Henshaw for the recognition, which was bestowed at a ceremony in Tulsa on Monday. INOG Tulsa Safe Kids Coalition, MADD and the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office sponsored the award.
Henshaw made more than three times the DUI arrests, compared to other officers in the department. In 1996, the officer made 29 DUI arrests, or 18 percent, of the DUI arrests for the department.
Furthermore, the patrolman has already made 22 DUI arrests in 1997. In addition, Henshaw's traffic enforcement in other areas is above average, according to the PCPD.
The patrolman volunteers his time for special assignments as manpower allows and enjoys working his patrol beat. Moreover, Henshaw represents the department in making public presentations related to DUI and domestic abuse. He is also the liaison and coordinator for the Ponca City Police Chaplain program. Henshaw has been with the department since February 1993.
"He is an outstanding officer and represents our profession with sincerity, compassion and professionalism," said Police Chief Raymond Ham.
American Legion Post No. 14, Ponca City, will host District 8 A & B Convention here Saturday at Post No. 14 headquarters on West South Avenue.
Registration will begin at 8 a.m. with coffee and doughnuts. The opening ceremonies will be at 9 a.m. with members of Post No. 14 leading. Roselynn Utech, Past Department Commander, will give the welcome. Lannie Zoldoske, 8B District Commander will give the response.
District Commanders, John Yeager, 8A and Lannie Zoldoske, 8B will be in charge of the business meeting. A Resolution Committee will be appointed, and reports heard from Lawrence Roy of Stillwater, Charles John of Duncan, Howard Schaffer of Enid, Donald Failes of Watonga, Ken Adams, director of the Children's Home and Don Haden.
Lunch will be served at noon by members of the Ladies Auxiliary, Post No. 14.
Following lunch the Resolutions Committee will report, candidates for office will be heard and reports from National, Department and District will be heard.
Before adjournment a site for the next District Convention will be discussed, followed by the benediction and flag salute.
There will be live music in the Post Lounge, on Friday night and a dance on Saturday night, at a cost of $3.50 per person. The dining room at the Legion is also open for dinner both evenings.
Newkirk
Marriage Licenses
Stephen Matthew Kite, 24, and Julie Ann Red Leaf, 26, both of Ponca City.
Nicholas Andrew Alexy, 26, and Amanda Janean Stocker, 18, both of Ponca City.
Ryan Scott McCune, 20, and Tonya Lynn Kelly, 18, both of Ponca City.
Jarred Nathan Fry, 18, and Jacqueline Nicole Wolfkill, 19, both of Ponca City.
Vincent Valentin Macias, 25, and Amber Christine Jobman, 25, both of Wellington.
Timothy Scott Watkins, 24, and Penny Jo Vannatta, 28, both of Blackwell.
Elmer Lloyd Womack, 84, and Louise Rose Pierce, 81, both of Ponca City.
Porfirio Uribe, 25, and Alishia Renee Keeler, 18, both of Ponca City.
Justin David VanBuren, 19, Kildare, and Florence Marie Bloomer, 18, Kaw City.
James Andrew Townsley, 21, and Jennifer Lynn Letchenberg, 20, both of Ponca City.
Divorces Granted
Kriesha Lynn Silver vs. Marc Damon Silver.
Ponca City
Divorces Sought
Valerie Barnett vs. Darryl Barnett.
Louella Palima Patterson vs. Donald Lee Patterson.
Marninda Eaton vs. Walter Harry Eaton, II.
Norma J. Leon vs. Dino W. Leon.
Monica Coble vs. John L. Coble, Jr.
Monique Ulrich vs. Max Wayne Ulrich.
Samantha Burris vs. Paul Phillip Burris.
Divorces Granted
Richard A. Francis vs. Oralee A. Francis; defendant restored to former name Oralee A. Miller.
Wendy Jo Diaz vs. Jesse Irvin Diaz.
Civil Proceedings
Mid Continent Federal Savings Bank vs. Jim VanDusen, et al.; plaintiff seeks judgment of $27,435.79.
Sterling J. Foy, a freshman at Ponca City Mid-High, will receive the Eagle Scout award in a special Court of Honor at 5 p.m. Saturday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2408 East Hartford Avenue.
Sterling's grandfather Jay A. Riggs, a Silver Beaver, will present scouting's highest rank to him. Riggs traveled here from Panguitch, Utah, for the event.
Sterling began his scouting career in Cub Pack 49, advancing to Troop 49, both sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sterling's mother, Patricia, and Tammy Jorgensen were his Cub Scout leaders. Frank Tracy, Neil Simpson, Craig Barker and his father, Howard were his Scoutmasters. He credits these leaders for his success along the scouting trail.
Sterling has earned 30 merit badges and has attended Pine Tree Leadership Training. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow. His favorite merit badge was aviation and the merit badge from which he feels he learned the most was personal management. Camping is his favorite part of scouting.
For his Eagle project, Sterling widened and improved the ascending part of the nature trail at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Osage County. He also placed four concrete benches along the trail for rest stops and scenic viewing. "Working on the trail with fellow scouts and my family was a great experience. The Preserve has to be one of the most beautiful areas on the earth," he said.
In addition to scouting activities, Sterling plays cello in the ninth grade orchestra and is a member of the tennis team.
Other out-of-town guests planning to attend the Court of Honor on Saturday include his grandmother Foy from Utah, his sister Emily, a student at Brigham Young University, and a childhood friend, Austin White from Topeka, Kan.
NEWKIRK - Five Blackwell residents and a Ponca City woman appeared in District Court this week following their arrests last Friday for various felony and misdemeanor drug charges.
District Attorney John Maddox said what began as routine drug investigative action led to the six arrests by Ponca City, Blackwell and Tonkawa police officers. The North Central Major Crimes Task Force (MCU), directed by Maddox, conducted the investigation.
The charges ranged from felony drug trafficking and possession of cocaine or methamphetamine to misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Two vehicles were seized.
During the defendants' initial appearances in court Tuesday, bonds ranged from $500 for a misdemeanor charge to $50,000 for felony trafficking charges.
Maddox said the investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected.
The following defendants, listed with charges and bond, appeared in court. Unless noted otherwise, the charges were felony charges:
William Massey, Jr., Blackwell, trafficking in controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), $50,000 bond.
Thomas Honeycutt, Blackwell, possession of controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), $20,000 bond.
Michael A. Walker, Blackwell, possession of controlled dangerous substance (cocaine and methamphetamine), $5,000 bond.
Charles Hightower, Blackwell, possession of controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), $20,000 bond.
Rene Lynn Campbell, Blackwell, misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia, $500 bond.
Anita Lynn Morrow, Ponca City, possession of narcotic (cocaine), $20,000 bond.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Education, government, industrial and retail as well as mutual respect remain top priorities for citizens, according to early comments to Ponca City Tomorrow (PCT). Transportation is low on the list.
Board members reviewed citizen input during their meeting Wednesday. Comment cards are available through March 31, for those citizens who have not had the chance to participate.
"We are thrilled about the number of people who have volunteered," said Executive Director Cathryn Ferguson. "The documents are coming in steadily."
In addition, members were curious about the city's announcement not to renew its contract with the Economic Development Foundation. City Commissioner Dick Stone, said the city decided that they would fund EDF through the Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber had to know whether EDF would be included in their search for a CEO. He confirmed the EDF board would continue as before.
"It is a win-win situation," he said. "We don't want anyone to feel forced that they will lose their power or focus. The decision helps to address perceptions and the anger of the public," he continued. "The name fits better for all of us."
Kenneth Ray, past chair, said the issue was not a power struggle, but came from a broader scope. When people want to know general information about Ponca City, they think of the Chamber, he said.
"If it is a viable win-win situation, Ponca City Tomorrow may decide to go under the Chamber," said Chairman Danny Thompson. "If not, we will need to decide how we will fund it."
Members agreed to form a committee to study restructuring PCT and bring recommendations back to the board.
In other business, the Mutual Respect and Community Attitude committee began facilitating a west side alliance. The committee will determine what role they will play in the venture. The west side boundaries include Waverly Street to First Street and South Avenue to Highland Avenue. The Ponca City Police Department will assist in defining a smaller area to initially focus on.
Furthermore, Ferguson expressed concern about losing members of the Local Industrial Council, who were put together by EDF. She reported that the council had not been meeting and thought including the members in the Industrial and Retail Task Force would be a great opportunity to exchange information. She plans to pursue the possibility of combining the groups and establishing several co-chairpersons.
In addition, Ferguson said Lowe's continues to bring in a large group of out-of-town shoppers which Ponca City needs to capitalize on. The Industrial and Retail Committee could look at how to bring those people further into the city to spend more money.
For more information on Ponca City Tomorrow or to provide input into
"revisiting" the vision, contact Ferguson at 767-0823.
DEATHS
Michael Carl Culbreath, lifelong Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Feb. 27, 1997, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. He was 42.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Longwood Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Michael Carl Culbreath was born Dec. 6, 1954, in Ponca City, the son of Carl and Therelene Glennan Culbreath. He attended McKinley Elementary, East Junior High and Ponca City High School. Michael was disabled in an automobile accident in Dallas, Texas in January 1978, and had been a resident of Shawn Manor since that time.
Survivors include his father, Carl Culbreath of Ponca City; five sisters, Pamelia Griffith and Carolyn Mullin, both of Ponca City, Dianne Bowers of Tulsa, Debbie Moore of Edina, Minn., and Monna Loftis of Fort Worth, Texas. He was preceded in death by his mother.
Memorial contributions may be made in Michael's name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at 20 Country East Estates.
Vivian J. "Meamie" Garner, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday evening, Feb. 25, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 81.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 1997, at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with Gerald Graham, officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Ralston, under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Born June 11, 1915, in Noble, Mo., to Charles and Florence (Piland) Ross, she was raised in the Skedee and Pawnee area. She attended school at Skedee.
She was married to Mryle R. Garner on Sept. 13, 1935, in Pawnee. They moved to Ponca City in 1950, where they resided until their deaths. Mrs. Garner was employed at Kinder Care as a teacher of infants for 13 years. She retired in September of 1995. She was a member of the First Christian Church.
She is survived by daughter, Carol Gray, and son-in-law, John, of Ponca City; sister Anna B. Smith of Ponca City; two grandchildren Cheryl Phillips and husband, Doyle, of Arkansas, and Lyman Gray of Idaho; four great-granddaughters, Caroline and Tiffany Goddard, both of Arkansas, and Erin Noble and Alicia Gray, both of Idaho; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one sister and one brother.
The family will be at the home, Route 9, Box 305.
Paid Obituary
Saturday
Lloyd Corbett Watts - Funeral to be held at 2 p.m. at the Otoe-Missouria
Tribal Complex in Red Rock. Burial will be in the Otoe-Missouria Cemetery
under the direction of Strode Funeral Home, Stillwater.
NEWS BRIEFS
Daylily Society - Slides of daylilies and gardens from the national convention for the American Hemerocallis Society in Tennessee will be the topic for the March 3 meeting of the Northern Oklahoma Daylily Society. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Cann Memorial Garden Center. The public is invited to attend. Further information may be obtained by contacting Bill Goldsberry, 765-2390.
Stolen - The manager from Cornerstone, 718 South Waverly Street, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7:48 a.m. Thursday to report an employee stole property. An officer took a report.
Burglary - An employee at the Holiday Inn, 2215 North Fourteenth Street, informed the Ponca City Police Department at 8:52 a.m. Thursday that the housekeeping room was broken into. An officer took a report.
Abandoned - A resident in the 300 block of South Eighth Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 8:55 a.m. Thursday that a boys bike had been abandoned.
Bogus Check - An employee of Dollar Saver, 112 South Second Street, notified the Ponca City Police Department at 9:35 a.m. Thursday the business had a bogus check.
Under Suspension - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 27-year-old man in the 1500 block of North Fourteenth Street at 12:23 p.m. Thursday for driving under suspension.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident at North Fifth Street and East Hartford Avenue at 1:28 p.m. Thursday.
Bike Stolen - A resident in the 200 block of South Elm Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 1:35 p.m. Thursday that a bike was stolen.
Failure to Pay - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 31-year-old man at the police station at 2:11 p.m. Thursday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Found - The Animal Control Department notified the Ponca City telecommunication officers at 2:54 p.m. Thursday that they picked up a girls bike in the 700 block of North Union Street.
Larceny - The Ponca City Police Department received notice at 3:56 p.m. Thursday that a rented Nintendo was stolen from a vehicle in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. An officer took a report.
Arrested - A 38-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue at 4:16 p.m. Thursday for driving under suspension and no insurance.
Subjects Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 20-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman in the 100 block of South First Street at 5:09 p.m. Thursday for knowingly concealing stolen property.
Warrant Served - A 22-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 300 block of El Camino Street at 9:10 p.m. Thursday on a Kay County warrant for failure to pay.
Speeding - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 38-year-old man at North Fifth Street and East Highland Avenue at 12:58 a.m. Friday for an expired driver's license, driving left of center, driving under the influence and speeding.
Failure to Obey - A 42-year-old woman was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at Franklin Street and West South Avenue at 2:05 a.m. Friday on a city warrant for failure to obey a court order.
Without a License - Two Ponca City police officers caught two
girls driving without a license at 2:40 a.m. Friday. The youths were released
to the custody of their parents. A report was taken.
EDUCATION
Lines Selected As Scholar
Sam Lines, a 1992 graduate of Ponca City High School, is a senior at Mississippi State University in Starksville and has been selected as a President's Scholar for the 1996 fall semester. He is the son of Teena Lines and John Lines of Ponca City.
Wallace On Honor Roll
Jeb Michel Wallace, a sophomore at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, was recently included on the honor roll for the fall semester. Jeb is the son of Bob and Luwana Wallace of Ponca City.
Westfield Receives Honor
Christopher J. Westfield, Ponca City, was recently informed he had made the College of Engineering honor roll at the University of Oklahoma.
Ponca City PTSA Dance
The Ponca City PTSA Council will sponsor a 7th grade dance at the Middle School Cafeteria on March 8, 1997 from 7-10 p.m. Tickets cost $5 and will be sold at the door. No dates are required. Dress is "church" style clothing; girls should wear dresses or nice pants and boys should wear a shirt and slacks or good jeans.
Mid-High Library Book Fair
All parents and students are invited to the spring book fair at the Mid-High. The book fair will run from March 4-7. It will be held in the main building in room 101 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. A daily drawing will be held to give away a free book. New student level books and other miscellaneous items will be available for purchase. All profits from the book fair go directly back into the library to benefit all the students.
OoKeeHee Club Meeting
The OoKeeHee Indian Club will be meeting March 4 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the high school in room 104. Refreshments will be served. All interested students in grades 7-12 are invited to attend. The business agenda will include finalizing plans for the annual Spring OoKeeHee Pow-Wow on May 3 at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center. For further information contact Cher Eagle, or a sponsor.
Current 7th and 8th grade parents are needed for the 1997-98 PTSA Mid-High
Board. Nominations are needed for the May election of the 4 nominated board
positions: president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. The board
has had a lot of fun doing projects this year to help both the faculty and
the students. The many committee chairpersons also help the board run easily
and efficiently. However, the 7th grade parents need to jump in and become
involved and 8th grade parents need to continue to be active. The Mid-High
PTSA is made up of parents, teachers and students working as equal partners
in order to make the year successful for everyone. To submit your name for
nomination please call 765-5064. For questions about the board call 762-5177.
RELIGION
Don Huddleston, minister, announces the Spring Quarter Bible Classes for adults at the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ. Theme is "Inspiration for Living."
Sunday morning Bible classes begin at 9:30 a.m., with morning worship service at 10:30, and Sunday evening worship at 6 o'clock. Wednesday evening Bible classes are held at 7 o'clock weekly, Huddleston said.
Classes offered on Sunday morning include "Ephesians" taught by Bob Gibson in Room 111. Gibson explains, "In Christ you are someone special. Ephesians gives an account of our redemption and how it works in our daily lives. See what a difference it can make in your life during the study of Ephesians."
"Hebrews" Part II, taught by John Summers, will meet in Room 112. The study of the book of Hebrews continues. In part two the class will be looking at great Biblical themes such as faith and obedience, as well as exploring exciting stories from the Old Testament, according to Summers.
Don Huddleston will teach "The Fruit of the Spirit" in Room 113. This study reveals the influence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian and helps to conform us to the image of God's Son, he explained. Christ is being "formed" in us. What does that form or image look like? Galatians 5:22-23 identifies nine characteristics that help us evaluate our spiritual development.
Wednesday evening classes include "Nehemiah", "Luke" - Part II and "The Gospel". "Nehemiah" will meet in Room lll, taught by Dean Patterson. As Patterson explains, "There are two kinds of people in the world and in the church - those who talk and those who do! Nehemiah is a book for those who want to learn to 'do.' Nehemiah was a great man of God who was a man of action, and from his life we can learn lessons that will likewise enable us to be greater people for God."
"Luke" Part II, taught by Ron Stangeland and Mike Chapman, contains more interesting facts concerning the life of Jesus. These facts will be discussed with the group by Stangeland and Chapman.
"The Gospel" taught by Don Huddleston, will meet in Room 113. Christians are commanded to "go preach the gospel," Huddleston pointed out, but what is the gospel? This class is an in-depth scripture study of the word "gospel" and will help sharpen the Christian's skills in making a gospel presentation.
Bible classes are also provided for nursery through high school age on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. A nursery is furnished for all services, Huddleston said.
River of Life Church of God Tells Plans
The River of Life Church of God, located at 105 North Second, will hold their monthly Fellowship Dinner immediately following the morning worship on Sunday. This is a covered dish event and anyone interested in eating and visiting with the folks at River of Life is invited to come, bring a dish to share, and enjoy the fellowship.
Morning worship is held at 10:30 on Sunday and evening service at 6 p.m. Bible study is scheduled on Tuesday evenings at 7 o'clock and midweek service at 7 p.m. on Thursdays.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Ranch Drive Baptists Schedule Special Events
A Women's Craft Fellowship is scheduled at Ranch Drive Baptist Church to teach "Beginning Quilting", it was announced this week.
The event will be held at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the church.
For further information, please call 762-0626 or 762-3218.
Prince of Peace Lutherans Tell Lenten Plans
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church has announced all of their Lenten services this year are scheduled on Thursday nights at 7 o'clock.
They plan to serve a soup supper before each service, beginning at 67 p.m. Come and join in the fellowship and stay to worship, it their invitation.
The choir is rehearsing their special Easter music - a song that will be done along with the Children's Choir.
Presbyterians Following Lenten Program
Theme for Lent this year at First Presbyterian is exploring the call of God to his people through the ages.
Along with the regular Sunday schedule of services, Daily Prayer, Soup and Salad is scheduled Monday through Friday at 11:30 pm. Also a Mid-Week Adult Bible Study is held at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, a Men's Monday Breakfast and Study of Jeremiah, meeting at the RoseStone Inn, downtown; and the regular Presbyterian Women Circle groups, on a monthly schedule. They will be focusing on Matthew's encounter with Jesus during this Lenten season.
Dr. Monty Fey's sermon for this Sunday will be Joseph - what it means to believe God, "Discerning the Divine Reason".
Lenten Services Set at Grace Episcopal
Grace Episcopal Church has special services scheduled during the Lenten season. Along with the regular Sunday services at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., with Church School at 9:30 a.m., there are Wednesday services of Holy Eucharist at l0 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
According to the Rev . Ken Armstrong, rector, another service has been added during Lent - a Soup and Stations service on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. Following a meatless soup at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall, Stations of the Cross will be said. All interested persons are invited to participate.
America's No. 1 Christian Comedian Mike Warnke will be "Live" at Covenant Community Church, Sixth and Emporia in Ponca City on Saturday at 7 p.m.
The admission is free and everyone is invited, Please bring a can of food, and a love offering will also be received.
Since Mike's conversion to Christianity in 1966, he has authored four books and recorded 15 live concert appearances and teaching tapes which include two videos.
In June 1996, Mike celebrated his 24th anniversary of full time ministry to the lost. He uses his unique comedic style to gain the attention of his listeners. His own painful past history as a satanist high priest, hippie, drug addict, pusher and Vietnam Marine Corps medic has taught him compassion.
According to Dorothy Murrell of Covenant Community Church, Mike knows, first hand, no one is too tainted for Jesus to care about. Mike is a speaker, teacher, father, grandfather, husband, weird, radical, fun-loving, yet deadly serious minister who will deliver a powerful message to enlighten others to the eternal love of Jesus Christ.
He is associated with Celebrations of Hope, Inc. in Harrodsburg, Kentucky.
Ponca Citians are invited to hear Mike at the Covenant Community Church on Saturday. For more information, you may call the church at 762-8116.
(Editor's Note - I have often wondered the reasoning behind 'lock-ins' that are so popular with young folks and churches today. Associate Minister Marilyn Merle at Woodlands Christian Church has written a "Marilyn's Moment" in the church paper that explains it for me.)
We made it! The second annual Chi-Rho Lock-In is over and everyone survived intact! It was not something that I was looking forward to. The only time I have seen much purpose in pulling an all-niter was in college ... and even that was questionable! The test or purpose of the all-niter usually put the 'thing stayed up for' in jeopardy because of slower reflexes, lessened wit, and sheer lack of energy.
So ... why do we do lock-ins? Because the young people like them! They want extended time fellowshipping and playing with each other ... and ... they want that time in the safety and security of church walls.
What could be more encouraging to our ministry? Youth ... brought together not because they have the same tastes in clothes or music or movies or hobbies, or because they are all the same age or have the same goals in life .. but because they have a common Savior they worship in a common place. They enjoy each other's company! They play games where no one really has to "win" as long as everyone has a good time. They talk of anything and everything , but don't necessarily have to agree. There are times when they give each other space. There are times that everybody has to be included.
And when there is work to be accomplished, there might be a few moans and groans, but ultimately everyone is doing their fair share. Add to all of this ... these young people want all of this to occur in their "common place" ... the place they have called "the House of God" since childhood. Here they have met the Savior and grown closer to Him through their fun and fellowship, their worship, study and service.
Thus ... as much as I dread an all-niter lock-in, I have found that this is really the only time one is necessary ... for here, the "holding everything in common" of the early church is acted out and lived for a short while and thus, we grow!
Preaching and sharing their missionary experiences with the folks at First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 West Grand this Sunday will be the Rev. and Mrs. Robert McCroskey Sr. Service times are at 10:35 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The McCroskeys served as missionaries to the Republic of the Philippines for 34 years, beginning their missionary journey in 1956. Most recently they have served a year in Hong Kong on specialized assignment for the Church of the Nazarene.
Pastor Steve Bierly extends an invitation to the public to come and share in these exciting and interesting services. If there are questions or the need of further information, please call the church office at 765-6060.
A nursery will be provided for small children during the service.
The "Discover the Church" Class is coming soon to First United Methodist. It is designed for visitors and others who are new to the church, and for members of the church who do not presently attend a Sunday School class.
It is a short-term class lasting only four Sundays, it was announced, and is called the "Discover The Church" class because it will explore the origins of the Christian church and the origins of numerous denominations of churches, with special focus on the origins and distinctive characteristics of the United Methodist Church that distinguish it among other denominations.
The class will begin on Sunday, March 9, at 9:15 a.m. during the Sunday
School hour. The Rev. Kerney Graham, the new Associate Minister at First
United Methodist, will lead the class.
LIFESTYLES
Essay winners were announced at the Feb. 21 dessert meeting of the Ponca City chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The subject of the contest was "Trails West." A student could write on any trail that settlers used to travel west. Monetary awards were given to the students.
The seventh grade winners were from St. Mary's School. They are Lauren Detten, daughter of Mark and Jayne Detten, first place; Maggie Garino, daughter of Steve and Betsy Garino, second; Lisa Lechtenberg, daughter of Mike and Anne Lechtenberg, third. Miss Detten won third place in state competition in the seventh grade category.
Sixth grade winners were also from St. Mary's School. They are Stacia Otto, daughter of Sherman and Evelyn Otto, first; Serenity Nicole Becker, daughter of Jim and Michelle Becker, second; Andrew Allen Deathe, son of Harry and Mary Deathe. Miss Otto also won first place in the state competition for sixth grade.
In the fifth grade, first and second place winners were from Washington School and the third place winner from St. Mary's School. They are: Bryan Henning, son of William and Susan Henning, first; Justin Eric Smith, son of Brian and Sheryl Smith, second; Stephanie Marie Garino, daughter of Steve and Betsy Garino, third.
During the meeting Mrs. Virginia Mair summarized the President General's message and Mrs. Vernon Merrifield read the National Defense report. Mrs. Ben Meade read the minutes and Mrs. Carl Coates gave the treasurer's report.
Mrs. Coates will serve as chapter delegate to the DAR state conference to be held in Tulsa Mar. 10-12. Mrs. Hubert Hutchins is an alternate to the conference. Other delegates will be Mrs. Virginia Mair, Mrs. Ben Meade and Mrs. Graydon L. Brown.
Holly LaBossiere, director of the Ponca City Library, reviewed the book "Eisenhower: Soldier and President" by Stephen E. Ambrose. Mrs. Robert Bolene, chaplain, held memorials for three deceased members.
Mrs. Jack Keathley was chairman of the hostess committee. Serving on that committee were Mrs. Homer S. Anderson, Mrs. Paul Kelly, Mrs. Louis McCormick, Mrs. V. C. Merrifield, Miss Nancy Lee Wetzel, Mrs. Virginia Hess, Mrs. E. W. Lindsey Sr., Mrs. Richard McDonald, Mrs. Glenn Peel and Mrs. Charles Tharp.
All friends of Jim Murphy are invited to his centennial celebration, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Mar. 1, at the home of his son, Kevin Murphy, 2405 Meadowbrook.
Mr. Murphy was born Mar. 1, 1897 on a farm near Coffeyville, Kan. He moved to Webb City in the late 1920s where he served as mayor for a number of years before moving to Ponca City in the early 1940s.
In Ponca City he has served as a volunteer with the Opportunity Center, Art Association, and as a deacon for the First Christian Church. As representative to the Silver-Haired Legislature he is most proud of his role in assisting and developing legislation to implement elderly nutrition programs in the state.
Mr. Murphy has a wife, Ermal, two sons, Kevin Murphy, and the late Harold Murphy. He also has three grandsons, Bryan, Tad and Jace.
Dr. and Mrs. James Carley of Stillwater have announced the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Andrea Marie, to Jodie Craig Wilson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Doug Wilson, Route 1, Box 1740, Ponca City. Countryside Baptist Church in Stillwater will be the setting for the April 19 wedding.
The bride-elect is a December,1996 graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management. She is employed by Moore Business Forms in Stillwater.
Wilson, a 1988 graduate of Ponca City High School, wrestled in the sports program at OSU and Iowa State University. He graduated from OSU in December,1994 with a degree in sociology. He is currently employed by Sign Designs, Inc. in Stillwater.
Mrs. Keith Hunter was the guest of honor at a post-nuptial shower recently in the Williamsburg Parlor of the First Baptist Church, Mrs. Hunter, the former Karen Smith, is the daughter of Robert and Mildred Smith of Ponca City.
The lace-covered serving table featured a floral arrangement using the bride's colors of mauve and burgundy. Mrs. Vickie Fancher, sister of the bridegroom, assisted with the gift opening and arranged the bows into a keepsake bouquet. The couple was united in marriage in a Dec. 29 ceremony.
Hostesses for the event were Lee Barker, Randa Bloomfield, Kathy Cagley, Diana Lewis, Laura Pettay, Mary Anne Potter, Denice Shears, Charlotte Smith and Darla Thomas.
Jeff and Debbie Brown of Oklahoma City announce the birth of a son, Tanner Jeffery, born Feb. 19 at 3:06 a.m. The baby weighed 6-pounds, 13-ounces and was 20 3/4-inches long.
Tanner Jeffrey is the grandson of Norman and Diane Brown of Ponca City
and Ann and Jerry Browning of Magnolia, Ark.
SPORTS
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
TULSA - Not many teams can win a basketball game shooting 19.6 percent from the field. That's what the Ponca City Lady Wildcats shot here Thursday night in the Union gym and Tahlequah made Po-Hi pay for its shooting inaccuracy by eliminating the Lady Cats from postseason play with a 41-30 win.
Tahlequah wasn't much more accurate than Po-Hi, as the Lady Tigers made just 22.2 percent of their field goal attempts. But five of the six field goals they did make were three-pointers and Tahlequah was also a sterling 24-for-28 from the free throw line (85.7 percent), hitting 16 of 20 in the fourth quarter.
Ponca City ended up 10-for-51 from the field and 8 of 13 from the free throw line in ending the season with a 9-14 record. Tahlequah (16-7) advanced to play Tulsa Union in the regional finals. No. 10 Union (17-6) eliminated Sand Springs in the second game here Thursday, 69-49.
Ponca City and Tahlequah were cold from the beginning in their game. The Lady Cats were 0-for-10 from the field and the Lady Tigers were 1-for-9. Ponca City did go 3-for-4 from the free throw line, however, and the teams entered the second quarter tied at 3-all.
Tahlequah senior guard Kelly Sisney hit her second trey of the game midway through the period to put the Tigers up 6-3. Then, after 12:26 of the game had elapsed, junior forward Tiffani Essary finally scored Ponca City's first field goal of the game - after 14 straight misses - to narrow the gap to 6-5 with 3:34 left.
Sisney, who led all scorers with 14 points, hit another trey for Tahlequah and teammate Leslie Sheets added a pair of free throws as the Tigers went up 11-5.
Natasha Anderson hit a three-pointer for Po-Hi with 46 seconds left to pull the Poncans within three and then the Cats got the ball back with 29 seconds left after Tahlequah's 11th turnover of the half (the Tigers ended up with 23 compared to Ponca City's seven).
But instead of playing for the final shot, the Cats threw up an ill-advised shot with plenty of time left for Tahlequah to come down and get a three and Ponca City trailed 14-8 at the half.
Essary and 6-3 senior post Lyndsey Warrior combined for two early baskets to start the third period and Po-Hi was down just 14-12. Ponca City again got to within 18-14 a few minutes later but Tahlequah ended the quarter on a 7-0 run to take a commanding 25-14 lead into the final stanza.
The Poncans whittled that lead to six, 27-21, following a three-pointer by Anderson at the 5:49 mark. But Tahlequah continued to hit its free throws and Po-Hi never got closer than eight points the rest of the way.
Anderson led the Lady Cats in scoring with 8 points, Essary had 6, Warrior 5, Tia Williams 5, Julie Schiltz 4 and Desiree Cries For Ribs added 2 points.
Warrior and 5-6 wing Tee West closed out their careers with Ponca City in the loss.
Sisney had 14 and Vanisa Ross 10 for Tahlequah. The Tigers also got 5 points each from Jill Johnson, Kelli Tomblin and Sheets and 2 from Angie Calhoon.
Ponca City's boys' basketball team will try to avoid the fate the Lady Cats suffered when they face Jenks tonight at the Tulsa Memorial gym. That first-round game begins at 6:30.
Other 6A Regional
Girls Scores
East
Region 1
At Sapulpa
Sapulpa 69, T. Rogers 32
Broken Arrow 54, Jenks 47
Region 2
At Muskogee
Owasso 40, Bartlesville 24
Muskogee 61, T. Memorial 37
Region 3
At Edmond Memorial
Edmond Memorial 56, Enid 42
OC Northwest 78, Shawnee 69
Region 4
At T. Union
Tahlequah 41, Ponca City 30.
T. Union 68, Sand Springs 49
Softball Tryouts - All girls 12 to 14 years of age that are interested in a competitive league with teams from Ponca City, Pawnee, Cushing, Stillwater, Guthrie, Perry and Tonkawa are encouraged to attend a tryout Sunday at Dan Moran Park from 2 p.m. until 4, weather permitting. For further information, contact Clyde at 765-4289.
Softball Meeting - The Ponca City Softball Association's second general meeting will be held Tuesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene, 1715 East Prospect. Team sign-up, tournament information and field repairs will be topics of discussion. A schedule of events will also be available.
Softball Tournament - A men's snowball classic open softball tournament benefiting the Ponca City Softball Association will be held March 7-8 at Willow Springs. The entry fee is $85 per team.
Tee shirts will be awarded for first and second place in the ASA-sanctioned event. For further information call Rick at 762-4377 or 762-4745.
Golf Meeting - The annual meeting of the Lew Wentz Men's Golf Association will be held Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Wentz pro shop. Members and those interested in joining the LWMGA are encouraged to attend to elect officers for 1997, approve this year's tournament schedule and to discuss any other business matters.