From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, February
20, 1998
LOCAL
Drug Bust Nets 23
Nearly News
Hazardous Materials Accident on Cimarron
Kaw Hydro Plant Down For Specific Procedures
Ponca City Officer Receives State Award
Ponca City Gulf War Veteran Appointed Liaison for Benefits
Two Ponca City Dancers Win Scholarships
Wakita Church Groundbreaking Planned Sunday
SJRMC Hosting Babysitter Basics Course March 7
Luke Cobb To Become Eagle Scout
DEATHS
Olene Adeline Haynes
Edna Marie Connelly
Taylor Rene´ McCullough
Margaret Turner DeLodge
Obituaries
Charles Franklin McFerren
Funerals
Steven Leon Newman
Virginia Jacocks
NEWS BRIEFS
RELIGION
Ponca City Churches Preparing for Easter
First United Methodist Women Plan Two-Day Event
Asbury UMC To Host Karen Blake Sunday, March 1
Lamont Christians Schedule Series For Lenten Season Starting March 1
It's Olympic Fever
Nazarene Youth Will Present Skit Sunday
Church Briefs
Henryetta Newsman Plans Trek to Lviv, Seeks Helpers
NE Baptists Host 'Generation X' Sunday Evening
Woodlands Christian Observes State Flag Day
EDUCATION
DARE Program Helps Students of All Ages
Former PC Band Director Wins State Music Award
School News
First Lutheran School Releases Honor Roll
OSU Names Students To Golden Key Honor Society
LIFESTYLES
Arizona Church Ceremony Unites Couple in Marriage
Albright Church Event Planned
Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Meets
American Hymnody Theme For Meeting
Eta Zeta Chapter Announces Plans
SPORTS
Cagers Test Bartlesville
Matmen in Regional
Mavericks Nab Lead In League
Lady Mavs Stay Right On Course
Frontier Girls Win Shootout
Golf Notes
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
Authorities had arrested 23 individuals as of this morning and more arrests were expected today in an area drug bust that netted an estimated $13,000 in various drugs.
The bust, initiated at 6 a.m. Thursday, led to the confiscation of several kilo bricks and bags of marijuana, along with more than 1,000 pills of various substances, three handguns - including a .44-caliber Derringer - and $1,300 in cash.
Authorities also seized six vehicles allegedly used in drug dealings.
Assistant District Attorney Brian Surber said the multi-agency operation "was one of the most successful - by sheer numbers - with (the arrests of) 29 defendants accused of felonies."
Except for one misdemeanor arrest, all charges were felonies so far, Surber said.
He said officers on Thursday originally executed two search warrants, one in Tonkawa and the other in Blackwell. The day's arrests also prompted five additional searches, each of which produced drug-related items such as scales and paraphernalia, as well as marijuana and methamphetamines.
Authorities eventually gathered information that initiated a third search warrant for a location in Ponca City, where much of the remaining illegal merchandise was discovered and seized, Surber said.
Participating in the arrests were police from Tonkawa, Blackwell, Ponca City and Perry, the Kay County sheriff's department, state Department of Corrections representatives, and six agents from the rural enforcement division of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.
The following people made initial appearances Thursday in District Court, listed with their cities of residence and charges filed by the district attorney's office:
Donald Lee Cook, Ponca City, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; Valda Lee Short, Ponca City, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; John Exton Curtis, Blackwell, possession of controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine).
Christopher M. Davis, Ponca City, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and delivery of marijuana; Shannon K. Hinkle, Ponca City, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Michael Patten Edwards, Ponca City, marijuana possession second-offense, possession of drug paraphernalia, and obtaining controlled dangerous substance (hydrocodone) by fraud or deceit (two counts).
Charles Ford, Tonkawa, delivery of marijuana; Thomas John McConnell, Tonkawa/Blackwell area, delivery of marijuana after former felony convictions (two counts), and attempting or endeavoring to commit a violation of the uniform controlled dangerous substances act.
Michael D. Rollins Jr., Blackwell, delivery of marijuana after former felony conviction and attempting or endeavoring to commit a violation of the uniform controlled dangerous substances act.
Michelle Freeman, Blackwell, delivery of marijuana (two counts), and attempting or endeavoring to commit a violation of the uniform controlled dangerous substances act; Michael Wayne Gaither, Blackwell, delivery of marijuana (three counts).
Bobby Ray Huff, aka Bobby Doyle, aka Bobby Dotson, Blackwell, delivery of marijuana (two counts); Robert Wayne Vick, Ponca City, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; Jimmy Lee Newland, Blackwell, delivery of controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine).
Shane Smith, aka Shane Neeley, Tonkawa, delivery of marijuana, and Desiree Wieland, Tonkawa, delivery of marijuana.
Other suspects were to make initial appearances today in District Court.
NN reminds Ponca TV viewers to tune in Sunday evening at 9 p.m. on OETA for Ponca Citian Leslie Rardin's narration on Oklahoma Magazine. Leslie's husband, John Sr., will also be a part of that segment which will air in the last 30 minutes of the show. It's a fast-paced narrative about Leslie's hometown of Picher, Okla.
An accident this morning has temporarily closed the eastbound lanes of the Cimarron Turnpike at its intersection of U.S. 177 south of Ponca City.
The accident occurred at the Cimarron Turnpike tollbooth, and involves hazardous material (anhydrous ammonia). Traffic traveling north and south on U.S. 177 is currently being permitted, as well as westbound traffic on the turnpike.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
The blades have quit turning, the turbine has quit rotating and the generator has quit generating at the Kaw Dam Hydroelectric Generating Plant. But, it's a normal procedure.
Once a year the generating plant shut downs as the annual inspection of the turbine and generator takes place.
The inspection allows for electrical testing of the generator, the generator transformers and electrical equipment. "The annual inspection also allows us to do preventive maintenance that we normally can't do when the generator is up and running," Plant Supervisor Bill Brown said. "We try to find any problem areas before they get out of hand."
With 40,000 working hours the turbine is still considered relatively new due to its 40-year life expectancy. "There have been no major problems with the turbine in the 10 years it has been up and running here at the plant," Brown said. "As long as we maintain it properly we don't expect any either."
And if it seems the water levels at the river below the dam have been low they have been. When the plant is "down" the water level flowing from the dam is also down.
According to Brown, when the hydroelectric plant is generating, between 1,500 and 5,000 cubic feet of water per/second flow from the plant into the river. However, when the plant is down only 120-200 cubic feet flow into the river. This small amount of water is called "quality water release" which continuously flows so that the aquatic life downstream will not suffer with the drastic change in water levels.
Currently the Corps of Engineers have three of the flood gates open. The flow - or lack of flow - of water during the inspection affects many other plants down stream. The annual inspections are scheduled so that no two power plants on the river are down at the same time.
The inspection is conducted at the same time every year Brown says. It is the time of the year when the river "inflows" are low and therefore the shutdown has less of an impact on water levels.
It takes 2-3 weeks for the entire inspection process to be completed. However electricity supply will not be effected. The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority, who owns the plant, brings electricity from other areas in order to compensate for the shutdown so that service will not be interrupted.
The inspection should be completed, the plant should be up and running and the river levels should return to normal by Feb. 23.
Ponca City Patrolman Dale Henshaw recently received state recognition for his efforts in combating driving under the influence (DUI) offenders.
During the 1998 Buckle Down Awards ceremony, held Tuesday in Tulsa, First Lady Kathy Keating presented Henshaw the Don Byerley Memorial Award. The award was named after a Tulsa police department sergeant who died from injuries he sustained after being struck by a drunk driver in 1980.
The police department was proud and the recipient was very honored of the recognition and award. "An honor like this only comes around once a year," Henshaw said. "I am extremely honored to have received an award of this caliber."
Police Chief Raymond Ham nominated Henshaw for the award. During 1997 Henshaw made 60 DUI alcohol arrests which was approximately one third of the total DUI arrests made in that year. In 1997 he also made a "dent" in the drug DUI arrests making 14 out of the 41 total DUI dru+g arrests.
His efforts in fighting DUI offenders has lead him to becoming a highly sought after speaker in the private sector for the topic of alcohol and drug usage in the work force says Sherry Bowers of the Ponca City Police Department.
The awards ceremony was sponsored by S.A.F.E. in Oklahoma Coalition, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, Tulsa area SAFEKIDS Coalition of Saint Francis Hospital, Oklahoma Safety Council, Indian Nations Council of Government (INCOG) Regional Safe Communities Alliance and the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.
Jerry Wheeler, Ponca City resident and Gulf War Veteran, has been appointed as liaison for Gulf War Veterans to the Ponca City area Huff Minor American Legion Post 14. Wheeler was appointed by Commander Chuck Gregg, to help Vets become aware of any benefits they may have as Gulf Veterans.
To kick-off his position as liaison, Wheeler noted that the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Defense both offer free special registry examination - a complete physical exam - to any Gulf War Veteran. It is called the "registry examination" because the names of Veterans who receive the examination are added to VA's Persian Gulf War Veterans health registry.
VA and DOD have developed a standard protocol for the registry examination. A complete medical history is taken and a complete physical exam is performed and documented in the Veteran's medical record. Laboratory studies include a chest x-ray; complete blood count; blood chemistry and enzyme studies that can detect certain diseases; and urinalysis.
Gulf War Veterans are entitled to free VA out-patient care, in-patient care, in-patient hospital care, and nursing home care, unless VA makes an affirmative finding3 that the veteran's disability was caused by something unconnected with the veteran's deployment to the Gulf.
To make an appointment for evaluation or treatment of a condition that may have resulted from a Vets deployment to the Persian Gulf, he or she may call the local VA Medical Center or 1-800-PGW-VETS (749-8387). Wheeler may be contacted at (580) 765-1367 or at the American Legion Post at (580) 765-9073.
Cara Kem and Daniel Quinn, students of the Suzanne Kem with the Inciardi School of Dance, recently returned home from the Los Angeles Dance Force grand tour in Tulsa, where both won full dance scholarships.
Several hundred dancers attended the workshop from four states.
Cara competed in the advanced level and Daniel in the beginner category. The beginner group was for beginner workshop dances, not true beginning dancers. This was, however, Daniel's first workshop.
The students were given combinations in both jazz dance and ballet. These were memorized at the moment and then presented to the judges. Technique, performance and personality were considered. Cara and Daniel were privileged to meet and visit with Carol Conners of Los Angeles, former bikini girl on Laugh In.
Twenty-one students from the Inciardi School of Dance attended.
WAKITA - A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday by the congregation of the Wakita Christian Church for the building of a new church.
The new facility, which is expected to be a wooden frame and steel structure with some brick, will be near the site of the former church building which was destroyed in a Nov. 2, 1997 fire.
Since the fire, the congregation of 130 has been meeting at the St. Mary's Assumption Catholic Church, which is on the east edge of Wakita. It will continue to meet there until the new church is finished.
The new church should be ready by September or October, according to the Rev. Barry Worcester. It will include several classrooms and an office area, in addition to a sanctuary and fellowship hall.
Early estimates have put the price of a new church at $350,000. Insurance from the loss of the destroyed church has been estimated at $100,000, according to Worcester. Gifts to the building fund can be sent to P.O. Box 426, Wakita, OK 73771.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center is hosting a "Babysitter Basics" course on March 7, to help young people learn more about becoming better babysitters.
Babysitter Basics is a program designed by SJRMC registered nurses to help students in the sixth through eighth grades (ages 11-13) learn the important facets of babysitting. The curriculum includes life-saving techniques, minor-injury first aid, use of the community's emergency medical system, and age-specific information on child care. Class members are also provided tips on managing the "business" aspect of babysitting, and each receives a certificate upon completing the one-day workshop.
The popular babysitter classes are kept deliberately small so that students can work in groups of four or five with one instructor. SJRMC personnel who participate in the session include registered nurses and a childbirth educator.
Limited space is available for the class. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Conference Room "C" at SJRMC. A $35 fee covers instruction, all materials, drinks with lunch and a snack. Please provide your child with a brown bag lunch. To register, please call Janet White, St. Joseph Wellness Department Coordinator, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at (580) 765-0594. The registration deadline is Feb. 26.
An Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony for Luke Cobb will be held on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Grand Avenue Church of Christ, 1300 West Grand.
Luke has been in the scouting program since the first grade, where he joined Pack 53 at Trout School as a Tiger Cub. He then worked his way up through Cub Scouts and earned the Arrow of Light. He joined Troop 90, which is sponsored by St. Luke's Nazarene Church on March 7, 1994.
He has served as Troop Scribe, Chaplains Aide, Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader and is currently serving as assistant crew chief for High Adventure Patrol. Luke has also served on staff as a Den Chief for Cub Scout Day Camp, Patrol Leader for Webelos Residence Camp, and also worked on all of the Cub Scout Parent Pal Weekends. He has earned 23 merit badges.
In addition to Scout activities, Luke is active in the youth group at
the Grand Avenue Church of Christ. His Eagle project was to seal and repair
the cracks in the church parking lot and apply parking stripes. He is the
son of Gary and Tinya Cobb and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Billings,
Ponca City, and Mr. and Mrs. Ty Cobb, Lake Charles, La.
DEATHS
Olene Adeline Owens Haynes, oldest surviving member of the Owens-Eubanks family, died Tuesday, Feb. 17, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, 1998, at 10 a.m. at the St. John Baptist Church, Ponca City with the Rev. John A. Coffee officiating. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Olen Adeline Owens Haynes was the daughter of the late William and Amy Eubanks Owens. Mrs. Haynes' family moved to Ponca City in 1924. She renewed her acquaintance with her childhood friend Willie Haynes and they were married in Davis, in 1925. Mrs. Haynes was a member of the Martin Temple C.M.E. Church, which was started by her father and other members of her family and friends. She attended Martin Temple regularly until her health declined, and was a member of the Stewardess Board and Missionary Society.
She is survived by seven sons: Rev. Elza and Leo Haynes both of Ponca City, Charlie, Mark, and William Haynes all of Oklahoma City, Judge Ted Haynes of Orlando, Fla., and Earnest Haynes of Columbia, S.C.; three daughters, Joanna Morris of Columbia, S.C., Amy Griffin of San Marcus, Calif., and Barbara Rosser of Dayton, Ohio. She is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Alice Booker, Mary Owens, and Minerva Haynes; 42 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Haynes; one son, James Haynes; one daughter, Juanita Blackwell; three grandsons and one granddaughter.
NEWKIRK - Edna Marie Connelly, longtime Newkirk area resident, died Thursday morning, Feb. 19, 1998, in the Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 91.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Newkirk Cemetery with the Rev. Doug Scott officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.
Edna Marie (Wright) Connelly was born Feb. 22, 1906, in Kaw City, the daughter of Jacob C. and Florence Arizona (Lauver) Wright. She grew up and attended school in the Kaw City area.
On Nov. 27, 1923, she was married to Albert Connelly in Winfield, Kan. The couple established their first home on a farm east of Ponca City. In 1928, they moved to Silverdale, Kan., where they lived for a short time before returning to Kay County. In 1949, the family moved to the rural Newkirk area, where Mrs. Connelly lived until recent years. She then moved to Ponca City to live with a daughter-in-law, before moving to the Ponca City Nursing Home. Mrs. Connelly was a member of the Church of Christ and the Deer Creek Social Club. She enjoyed reading and growing flowers.
Survivors include a foster son Gordon Wright of Newkirk; daughter-in-law and caregiver Ardetha Connelly Christensen of Ponca City; four grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert, on April 11, 1981; her parents; two sons, and one great-grandson.
Taylor Rene´ McCullough, infant daughter of Bobby Wayne and April Michelle (Botts) McCullough, died Thursday afternoon, Feb. 19, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City.
A graveside service is set for 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. John Waterloo, pastor of Central Baptist Church, presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Taylor is survived by her parents, Bobby and April McCullough; paternal grandmother, Ethel McCullough and the late W.E. McCullough; maternal grandparents, Van and Fran Norris of Ponca City; and her maternal great-grandmother, Frances Higgins of Pawhuska; three aunts and one uncle.
Honorary casket bearers will be Allen White, J.D. Botts, Tim Ray and Lee Terrell.
WHITE EAGLE - Margaret Turner DeLodge, longtime White Eagle area resident, died Thursday afternoon, Feb. 19, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. She was 75.
The funeral will be held at the Ponca Indian Baptist Church, White Eagle, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, with the Rev. Ted Freeman, presiding. Burial will follow at the Ponca Indian Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.
Margaret Turner DeLodge was born Feb. 5, 1923 in White Eagle, the daughter of Baptist DeLodge and Lizzie (Hairy Back) DeLodge. She was a member of the Ponca Indian Baptist Church. Mrs. DeLodge enjoyed bead work and playing Bingo.
She is survived by five children, Louis DeLodge, and Darlene Ross DeLodge, both of Ponca City, Monica Fonda DeLodge and Pearlie Denise DeLodge, both of White Eagle, and Quinton DeLodge of Tonkawa; three sisters, Josetta Rush of Ponca City, Josephine Grant of White Eagle, and Juanita Payne of Marland; 19 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one uncle and one aunt. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Carl Freeman DeLodge; and two sisters, Marie DeLodge and Thelma DeLodge.
Casket bearers will be grandsons, Tony DeLodge, Baptist DeLodge, Carl DeLodge, Wayne DeLodge, Lee Ray, Quinton DeLodge and Algernon Grant.
KAW CITY - Charles Franklin McFerren, resident of Kaw City, died Feb. 17, 1998, at Via Christie St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kan., following a lengthy illness. He was 87.
A private graveside service was held Thursday, Feb. 19. His son, Dr. Donald Charles McFerren officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Born, Jan. 13, 1911, in Arkansas City, Kan., he was the son of Eugene William and Anna (Pfister) McFerren. He graduated from Arkansas City High School.
On Feb. 2, 1930, in Newkirk, he married Eva Lillian Knedler, also of Arkansas City. Upon graduation from high school he worked for Shell Oil Co., and attended college. The family moved to Artesia, N.M., where he was employed by another oil company. After a short while they moved to Billings, Mont., where he was employed by the Yale Oil Co. The next move was to Tulsa, where he was employed by Sun Co. Inc. While in Tulsa he attended college. On Nov. 30, 1972, he retired and moved to Kaw City.
Charles served as a member of the Kaw City Council from 1973-75. He was Mayor of Kaw City from 1975-79 and again in 1982-87. He belonged to the Kaw City Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Navy Mars since 1932 and a 50-year member emeritus of the American Chemical Society. He was a Quarter Century Wireless member. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ponca City where he served as deacon and elder.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Eva Lillian (Knedler) McFerren of Kaw City; two sons, Dr. Donald Charles McFerren of San Francisco, Calif. and David Franklin McFerren of Norman; one daughter, Marilyn O'Reilly of Muskogee; and six grandchildren, Coleen O'Reilly-Vaughn and Brian O'Reilly, both of Muskogee, Kristin McFerren-Wilcox, Drew McFerren, and Jim McFerren, all of the San Francisco, Calif., area, and Mitchell McFerren of Norman.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Vale and Mary Miller.
Mr. McFerren requested there be no funeral/memorial services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Fourteenth Street at Grand Avenue, P.O. Box 1442, Ponca City, OK 74604.
paid obituary
Saturday
Steven Leon Newman - Service to be held at 10 a.m. at Lakeview Gardens Chapel, 12100 East 13th Street in Wichita, Kan. Burial will be in Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Wichita.
Virginia Jacocks - Funeral to be at graveside at 11 a.m. at Draper
Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Draper, Va. Arrangements are under
the direction of Hahn-Cook Street and Draper Funeral Home, Edmond.
NEWS BRIEFS
Dance Set in Arkansas City - The Sunshine Playboys will be playing for dancing tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Building, 320 South A in Arkansas City, Kan. All dancers are welcome to come and bring their favorite snack food to share.
Mardi Gras Bingo - February's PCSEA bingo will have a Mardi Gras theme. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Conoco's Atrium Cafeteria with play to begin at 7 p.m.
Seventh Grade Winter Dance - The seventh grade winter dance "Starry Nights" is set for Feb. 28 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Grand Central Station with "Poverty's Children" band playing. Cost is $5 and includes party pictures, refreshments and chaperones. Appropriate clothing is required - "Nice clothes", not extremely formal or casual. The dance is sponsored by the PTSA Council and tickets may be purchased in advance. The dance is for all seventh graders in Ponca City.
Arrest - Police arrested a 35-year-old man at 7:40 a.m. Thursday from the 400 block of Lansbrook Road on a Kay County warrant.
Oxygen Theft - A man in the 500 block of North Peachtree Street called police at 8:24 a.m. Thursday to report that an oxygen bottle had been stolen from his front porch. An officer was assigned.
Gas Drive-Offs - At 8:33 a.m. Thursday two gas drive-offs were reported at the Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street, one in the amount of $10.19 and one for $5.02. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 41-year-old man at 8:34 a.m. Thursday from the 2300 block of Turner Street on a county warrant.
Arrest - A 23-year-old man was arrested at 9:47 a.m. Thursday from the 300 block of South Birch Street on a Kay County warrant.
Stolen Stereo - At 9:47 a.m. Thursday a man in the 1500 block of Potomac Drive reported to police that someone had tried to steal his vehicle during the night and in the process the stereo from his vehicle was stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Vandalism - At 10:16 a.m. Thursday Champlain Motors, 401 South Fourteenth Street, reported vandalism to several vehicles. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - An accident in the 300 block of South Ash Street was reported to police at 11:04 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Vandalism - At 1:01 p.m. Thursday a security guard at the high school reported vandalism to a vehicle in the parking lot. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Gas Drive-Off - A gas drive-off was reported at Conoco Convenience, 1613 West South Avenue, at 1:29 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Purse Found - At 2:13 p.m. Thursday a man in the 700 block of North Palm Street called police to report that he had found a purse in his yard. An officer picked it up and took it to the police station.
Arrest - Police arrested a 61-year-old man at 2:35 p.m. Thursday from the 600 block of North Ash Street for possession of marijuana.
Stolen Bike - At 3:22 p.m. Thursday a bike was reported stolen from the 300 block of South Ash Street. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - A 26-year-old man was arrested at 4:24 p.m. Thursday from the 600 block of South Fourth Street on a Kay County warrant for parole violation.
Arrest - Police arrested a 40-year-old man at 4:40 p.m. Thursday from Oak Street and West Grand Avenue on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Accident - A two vehicle, non-injury accident at South First Street and Oklahoma Avenue was reported to police at 4:54 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Tag Stolen - At 5:05 p.m. Thursday a man in the 3000 block of Kingston Road reported the theft of his vehicle tag to police. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - A two vehicle non-injury accident at North Fifth Street and East Prospect Avenue was reported to police at 5:18 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 27-year-old man at 6:08 p.m. Thursday from the 600 block of West Hazel Avenue on a city warrant for failure to obey.
Rocks Thrown - At 6:15 p.m. Thursday a man in the 800 block of North Elm Street called police to report that his son had been hit by rocks thrown by some juveniles. An officer was assigned.
Assault - At 6:29 p.m. Thursday a man in the 700 block of North Lake Street advised police that his son had been assaulted. An officer was assigned.
Bike Stolen - A woman in the 700 block of East Albany Avenue called police at 6:35 p.m. Thursday to report that a bike had been stolen from the yard. A report was taken.
Grass Fire - At 7:03 p.m. Thursday a grass fire one-half mile north of Hubbard Road on U.S. 77 was reported. Fire units responded.
Stolen Bike - A man in the 600 block of North Lake Street called police at 8:45 p.m. Thursday to report a stolen bike. A report was taken.
Beer Theft - At 9:07 p.m. Thursday a clerk at Triple T, 1301 West Highland Avenue, reported the theft of two 18 packs of beer. An officer was assigned and a report taken.
Arrest - A 26-year-old man was arrested at 10:55 p.m. Thursday from North Osage Street and West Highland Avenue on a city warrant for failure to appear, public intoxication, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Arrest - Police arrested a 26-year-old man at 10:55 p.m. Thursday from North Osage Street and West Highland Avenue on a Kay County warrant for failure to pay.
Vandalism - At 11:36 p.m. Thursday police were notified that a
window at a building at the Moto-X was broken out and the air had been let
out of a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
RELIGION
Lent is 40 days of spiritual preparation for Easter - passing over from death to life, according to the Rev. Dr. Monty Fey, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, writing in the PresbyNews.
One being with death. With ashes in fact. In the early era of Christianity, new believers spent the weeks of Lent preparing to enter the community of the church through Baptism at Easter. They studied the prayers and creeds of the church and spent time in personal reflection.
One of the issues those early Christians faced was answering the question, who are our neighbors. The teachings of Jesus challenged their thinking about their world, causing them to consider the Samaritan, the stranger, the gentile in a new way.
During Lent 1998 we too are faced with the same question, Dr. Fey points out - who are our neighbors? You are invited to enter into Lent by asking yourself ... who is MY neighbor? Most Ponca City churches will be exploring this through special opportunities for worship, fellowship and study during these next days before Easter.
As followers of Christ, as ministers together, Christians all over Ponca City will be coming to Lent searching honestly for the answer to the question "Who are our neighbors?" This can be a time of special experience of renewal and hope, Dr. Fey points out.
At First Presbyterian Daily Prayer Soup and Salad is scheduled Monday through Friday, beginning Thursday, Feb. 26, from 11:30 to 1 p.m. These services will continue through the Lenten season with a special Lenten meditation, as well as a soup and salad bar.
An Ash Wednesday Service is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 25, featuring the Chancel Choir and the opportunity to be marked by ash as a symbol to mark the beginning of Lent.
Grace Episcopal Church has scheduled two Ash Wednesday services, the first at 10 a.m. for Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion and again at 5:30 p.m. Also Soup and Stations are scheduled every Friday evening during Lent. The Parish membership is invited to a simple meal of meatless soup, bread/crackers and a drink. The meal will be provided in the parish hall at 5:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross will follow at 6 p.m.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, First Lutheran Church will begin its six-week observance of Lent. This Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. will be a communion service concluding with the ancient ritual of the Imposition of Ashes. The Lenten services each Wednesday will follow the theme, "Catch the Vision." Also, a soup supper will precede each service. Serving begins at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The Women's Guild will serve the first week. The menu will feature chicken noodle soup, drinks, and dessert.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is preparing for the Ash Wednesday Service on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Pastor Keck has announced the theme for Lent will be "The Body of Christ" with the first service emphasizing the mouth. Lenten services will begin March 4 at 6 p.m. with a soup supper followed by the service at 7 p.m. and choir practice at 7:30 p.m.
St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Hartford and Pecan, will hold Ash Wednesday services at 6 p.m. Included in the service will be the imposition of ashes, in which the sign of the cross is made with ashes on the forehead. The Rev. Craig Dietert pointed out, "The ashes remind us of our mortality and that we are made from dust and ashes. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent. It lasts 40 days, much like the 40 years in which the Israelites wandered in the desert or the 40 days in which Jesus was tempted."
Continuing, the Rev. Mr. Dietert said, "The 40 day period of Lent signifies the period in which Jesus talks of the suffering that he must endure on our behalf. The disciples largely do not understand why Jesus is focusing on his upcoming suffering, and they surely don't understand it being seen as a virtue."
Ponca Citians are invited to come experience Ash Wednesday at St. Paul's, and acknowledge again their mortality. In the process, the suffering in which Jesus suffered for us, the Rev. Craig Dietert said.
As Lent approaches, he reminds, many people consider giving up something for the forty days. In such a situation as this, Tuesday is the last day to feast before the experience of Lent begins on Wednesday. It has been called Fat Tuesday.
To help in the feasting, St. Paul's UMC is hosting a pancake breakfast on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Pancakes and sausage will be served from 6:30 through 9 a.m. Donations will be accepted to cover the cost of breakfast. All are invited to come for a good, filling, fat plate of pancakes!
The Worship Committee at Community Christian has prepared a series of special prayer services that will be held on Wednesday evenings, from 6:30 to 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. The service will begin on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, and will continue each Wednesday until Easter.
Each Wednesday's service will include the reading of the three scripture selections from the Lectionary, unison prayers, responsive readings, and silent prayer time, in preparation to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord, Pastor Wayne Majors.
Women throughout the city and surrounding communities are invited to attend a two-day event designed for women by women to be held at Camp Horizon, east of Arkansas City, on Friday, March 27 beginning at 5 p.m. and ending Saturday at 4 p.m.
The Rev. Kathy Leithner from Stroud, and Jan Matheson, LPC, Ponca City, will be guest speakers, encouraging women on their spiritual journey and preparing them for the future as women of faith.
"Both women are gifted speakers who will lead us in renewing, reforming, and replenishing our spirits as Christian women," according to Karen Sledge, a member of the Design Team. "We will come together to learn and celebrate our uniqueness in God's creations; learning how to replace the business of our lives with the power of Christ."
The Design Team of Margie Parker, Betsy Carter, Virginia Bracken, the Rev. Laurie Hyde, Donna Butler and Karen Sledge have chosen the theme, "A Transformation of the Soul, Refilling the Vessel" in hopes that while women are at the retreat they will be able to put aside what is waiting at home for them and focus on their lives as spiritual people.
"The Bible tells of women who had a major role in Christian history. Not unlike those women, we also have many spiritual strengths within our gender that add to the depth of us as individuals," says Sledge. "A woman is lost when she makes an important decision but has no understanding of herself. The retreat is about understanding one's self and becoming whole."
The cost of the two day retreat is $47, including room and board. If you would like to commute, the price is $20, which includes lunch on Saturday. Reservations are a must and spaces are limited. Call Karen Sledge at 762-1681, or 762-4901 evenings.
Karen Blake, wife of Bishop Bruce Blake, will speak on the Lydia Patterson Institute at Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty, on Sunday, March 1, at 10:45 a.m., according to Audrey Jones, president, Asbury United Methodist Women.
Lydia Patterson Institute is the only United Methodist-related, prominently Hispanic educational institution remaining in the United States, according to Audrey Jones, president of the Asbury UMW. Located in El Paso, Texas, LPI presents to the Church an opportunity for the preparation of persons from the U.S., Mexico and Latin America for mission and ministry. The Institute, founded in 1913, includes a College Preparatory School, a Junior High School and a Language Department. One student educated at Lydia Patterson can pull an entire family out of poverty.
Mrs. Blake has chosen as the title of her talk, "LaLydia, A Place of Hope." Since Mrs. Blake serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Lydia Patterson Institute, she has a unique insight into the opportunities for education presented at the Institute which is fondly called, "LaLydia," by the students.
Mrs. Blake's presentation was arranged by Mrs. Jones, president of the United Methodist Women of Asbury Church, in celebration of UMW Day. The public is invited to hear Karen Blake speak at Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty, 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, March 1.
The Christian Church of Lamont, Okla., is again holding a seven-week Lenten series called "A Closer Walk", leading to their Easter Celebration, according to the Rev. Ruth Tipps, pastor.
The church will start their Lenten season with a Commitment Sunday on March 1. On that Sunday, Pastor Tipps pointed out, the Lamont church will have a special worship service with special music. Handmade nail crosses, devotional books and commitment cards will be distributed. Black Lent Banners will hang in the sanctuary, and a Fellowship dinner will follow on this Commitment Sunday.
March 2, 3 and 4, the church will hold a Revival with the Rev. Paul Stetz from Kansas as guest speaker. Lenten sermons leading up to Easter will be The Crossroads of Temptation, Freedom, Misunderstanding, Loneliness, Obedience, and Forgiveness, Pastor Tipps pointed out. There will be a special Palm Sunday Pageant on April 5, featuring the Sunday School children and choir.
Palm Sunday Banners will adorn the church building.
On April 9, the church will have a Maundy Thursday Communion service at 8 p.m. entitled "The Way of the Cross." On April 12, Easter Sunday, there will be a Sunrise Easter Service, a combined service for both the Methodist and Christian Churches, followed by a breakfast with the public invited.
Easter Sunday during the morning worship at 10:30, the Church will have an Easter musical pageant called "Celebration of New Life." This pageant is being written by members of the church, Pastor Tipps pointed out.
The church building will be adorned with Easter Banners. In making these announcements, Pastor Tipps pointed out that Easter always means more if folks prepare their lives through prayer and worship, and the schedule for the next few weeks preceding Easter will prepare the people who participate for a closer walk with Christ.
Olympic fever is catching at Ponca City First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). On Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m. the church is sponsoring the Discipolympic games in the church Fellowship Hall.
Discipolympics is a term coined to describe Disciples competing in Olympic events which will include a jelly bean relay, the discus (paper plate) throw, and the javelin (straw) throw to name just a few.
This all-church indoor winter Olympic event will have opening and closing ceremonies and refreshments will be served. Discipolympics is being sponsored by the Membership Department: Fred Balduff, Ralph Beaty, Otta Lee Beck, Regina Bookout, Nona Cales, Bobbie Getman, Donneta Hicks, Pat Hicks, Carol McNitt, Angie Novotny, Bob Patterson, Theta Pederson, Chleora Stewart, Kathy Turner and Amy Ziegenhain.
Sunday morning at 10:45 a.m., the Youth Group of the First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 West Grand, will present the skit, "Nightmare," as part of the "Light Up Our World" missionary program.
Following the service, the Silver and Blue Banquet will be held for families and friends of children in the Caravan program. Services are open to the public and everyone is invited, according to Pastor Steve Bierly.
Old Town Gospel Concert Planned
Cindy Russell reports an Old Town Gospel Concert is coming to Kaw City on Feb. 28. The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. with concessions available, and admission free.
More details of the event will be announced on next Friday's Religion
page.
Albright UMC Plans Study of Wesleyan Spirituality
An eight week study of the spirituality or "heart religion" of John Wesley began last Thursday at Albright United Methodist Church. The text for the study is, :"As If the Heart Mattered", by Gregory S. Clapper. Other resources will be from scripture and from the sermons of John Wesley. The study is designed to give adults and older youth an opportunity to better understand their personal spirituality from the Wesleyan tradition.
Session leaders will include Bruce Lutz, Jim Scott, the Rev. Grayson
Lucky, and the Rev. Kip Wright. Each week's session will conclude with a
brief time of worship i Evening Prayer and personal prayer. It's not too
late to join the group which meets each Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. at
Albright UMC, 128 South Palm. The church extends a warm welcome to anyone
who would like to be part of this study.
Grace Church Hosting Diocesan Youth Meet
Grace Episcopal Church will be hosting the Diocesan Senior High Youth Conference, Feb. 27 through March 1. Co-chairman Jim Emig, Diocesan Youth Board; Kate Emig, Youth Board; Pauline Jones, Chairman of Good Services; Tina Barrett, Chairman of Housing Committee, and Phyllis Kennedy, Chairman of Publicity are handling arrangements.
The parish will provide food and act as hosts to approximately 100 to
150 young people and their sponsors for this conference.
Hartford Avenue Folks Enjoy Valentine Get Together
"Come Let Us Reason Together" at Hartford Avenue Church of Christ - that's the invitation the church is extending to the public to share God's Word with them every week, beginning with Sunday Bible classes at 9:30 a.m., worship at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., and on Wednesday at 7 p.m. with classes for all age levels, nursery through adult.
The church held the annual Teacher Appreciation Banquet on Feb. 10, with 72 present - teachers and their spouses.
The fellowship center was decorated in a Valentine Day theme, and entertainment was provided by a group of the church's children performing some action songs directed by Steve Hamm.
Don Huddleston, pulpit minister, Carl Maples and John Summers, elders,
spoke of their appreciation of all the teachers and the importance of the
Bible classes.
Week of Laity Planned at First Christian
This Sunday is the annual recognition of the laity at First Christian Church - for hearing things from the perspective of the pew.
Bob Corbin will preach in both the 8 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. services. Assisting
in the early service will be Don Edwards, Teresa Benson and Foster Johnson;
in the late service will be Sonny Apman, Jean Brace, Kevin Stauffer, Julian
and Allison Ford, and Ruth Stone.
First Lutheran Observes Transfiguration
First Lutheran Church will observe Transfiguration Sunday in both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, Feb. 22. Theme of this last Sunday of the Epiphany season will be "Listen".
This theme will be set by the choir singing, "Shine, Jesus, Shine" followed by a drama entitled, "Are You Listening?", presented by six students of Lutheran School - Eugene Allyn, Mandy Bacher, Elizabeth Case, Ben Johnson, David Kelle, and Josh Lawler.
An open invitation is extended to anyone who would like to participate
in the congregation's worship and fellowship.
POP Lutherans Tell Schedule
Prince of Peace Lutheran Home Bible Study group will meet Monday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Zimmerman home to study "In the Grip of Grace" by Max Lucado. For more information call 765-9922. The Ladies Bible Study will meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 26 to continue their study in Ephesians. All ladies are invited to attend.
A church workday has been announced for Saturday, Feb. 28 at 9 a.m. - spring clean up time and lots of helping hands are needed.
The Youth Group is planning a lock-in on Saturday, Feb. 21. For more information call Bill or Bambi Correll at 762-8823.
The church will recognize Mary Ann Day and Beverly Rukino as new members on Sunday, Feb. 22. The church welcomes anyone without a church home to their services, 8:30 and 11 a.m. Fellowship and refreshments are scheduled at 9:30 a.m. followed by Sunday School for pre-schoolers through adults at 10 a.m.
The church has an excess of pews. If anyone is interested in purchasing them, contact the church office at 762-7698.
(Editor's Note - Roberta Shaffer, Director of Education at Ponca City's First Christian Church, brought this information to our attention. It sounds like an exciting and worthwhile effort for our readers to consider. )
Chelsea Cook, news editor of the Henryetta Daily Free-Lance, takes a different kind of summer break than most people. Again this year Cook will be leading a team into Lviv, Ukraine to teach a three week "conversational English" summer school to students there. He is presently looking for people to fill the team.
"We try to get them to be able to use the language in a living way, not just the text book English," Cook said. "The Ukrainians are hungry for English; they know English is the language of the business world and they want their children to be able to use it."
Cook said the teachers who go with him do not necessarily have to be "professional teachers" but they should have had experience working with kids in some capacity. Those activities could include church youth groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Sunday School, or any activity which placed a person in a direct role of instructing children. There will be classes for different ages, ranging from six years old to fifteen years old.
The length of the school is only three weeks but with a concentrated three-hour day, a great deal can be accomplished. American teachers will have time for sight-seeing, shopping for souvenirs, and visiting with Ukranian families.
All necessary materials and curriculum resources will be provided to the teachers. The school's curriculum will include Christian material for teaching, plus a coloring book for art, and tapes for music. Teachers are free to bring other material they know will work if it fits within the program. Some teachers take a great deal of personal material, some take less.
Each classroom will have a Ukranian teacher of English to act as an interpreter when needed. The American teachers usually get very close to their Ukranian counterparts and friendships have lasted for several years. Most Ukrainians are grateful to the Americans coming to help their children.
Americans who have previously accompanied Cook have expressed feelings the Ukranian children must be among the sweetest children on earth.
They come to school to learn and even bring flowers and presents to the teachers - even when they cannot afford them.
The Ukrainian parents invite the Americans into their homes as a show of hospitality and gratitude. The Americans are almost always shocked by how beautiful the inside of the Ukrainian flats (apartments) are, especially when compared to the drabness of the outside.
Cook has seen the progress the country has made in his five trips there. "Ukraine was one of the first countries to break away from the Soviet Union," Cook said, "and they have been struggling to provide the basic necessities for the people since then.
"On each trip back, it seems there are more and more consumer products in the stores. However, our Ukranian friends said it was just like an exhibition, 'People can go in and look but they cannot afford to buy.'"
Lviv is in western Ukraine, near the Polish border, and is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. Many buildings are hundreds of years old. The president's wife, Hillary Clinton, recently visited Lviv and spoke of the beauty of the city. Ukranians say, "Kiev is the capital of Ukraine, but Lviv is the capital of Ukranians.
Cook said he is looking for 15 people to go on the teaching mission. "We just go to plant the seeds and hope 'they fall on fertile ground.' When people ask me why I would give up my vacation to go into such a backward place, I just tell them the verse from Mark: 'Inasmuch as you do this for the least of these, you do it also for me.' Teachers know this, people helping children receive a special blessing."
Lviv is one of the most beautiful cities in Ukraine, but beauty alone can not meet the needs of children. It takes much more, and Americans can provide some of what the children need.
Chelsea Cook can be reached at P. O. Box 1316, Henryetta, Ok 74437; or 918-652-4733; or e-mail chelsea@ionet.net.
Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, will host "Generation X", a quartet from Altus on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. Members of the group are 17, 18 and 19-year-old students. Jacob Smith and Erin Chambers are freshmen at Western Oklahoma State College. Jeremy Brewer, a senior and Clifford Carbone, a junior are at Altus High School. "Generation X" began as a vehicle to share their hope in Jesus, according to their testimony. The name, "Generation X," was chosen because the X is the Greek letter "chi" which was often used in the early church to identify those who belonged to Christ. The group took this symbol to identify themselves as those who belong to Christ and to claim their generation for Him.
During the past two years, they have sung for revivals and services in churches, in nursing homes, for school programs, banquets, youth rallies, and local television programs.
Their message is simple: they not only look forward to heaven, they are excited about living for Jesus now. They each have made a commitment to sexual purity, are involved in their local churches, make Bible study and prayer a priority and love to share these things through their concerts.
Guy Cooper, minister of music at Northeast Baptist, invites the public to join with the Northeast folks in praise and worship with "Generation X this Sunday evening.
Woodlands Christian Church joined with the National Washington Cathedral in an international ministry Feb. 15, honoring the State of Oklahoma.
At the Cathedral, the Oklahoma flag was brought in by an Oklahoman and the Cathedral minister prayed for the people of Oklahoma and the state government.
A member of Woodlands checked out the procedure and located an Oklahoma flag from the VFW. Another member brought the flag to the pulpit and the minister, the Rev. Paul Krueger, offered prayer for the people of Oklahoma.
It will be four years before Oklahoma will again be honored at the National
Cathedral, it was noted.
EDUCATION
The Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (DARE) is taught by uniformed officers at 12 area elementary schools and at the Ponca City Middle School.
The project began seven years ago. For six of those years the Police Department received grant support through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) funneling money down to the District Attorney's Council to local law enforcement agencies. During the 1997-98 school year the Police Department received no grant funds and only had one full-time DARE officer (Regeneia VanArsdale) providing instruction at the elementary schools.
"Sgt. Regeneia VanArsdale's schedule is very rigid. She is very committed, as all the DARE officers are, to the children of our community," according to Chief Raymond E. Ham. The Ponca City Public Schools, as well as the parochial and outlying schools, are financially committed to DARE as they all make contributions that enable the Police Department to retain an officer to provide DARE instruction in the elementary schools.
Since the BJA grant funding had run its course and the schools were no longer eligible to receive their assistance, the community stepped up and came to the rescue. Bowker Ford and KPNC brought the "Drown out Drugs" fundraiser in. With the money raised, two certified DARE instructors were hired. Sgt. Randy Empting and Patrolman David Hill were able to teach at the middle school on their regularly scheduled days off from the department.
The elementary DARE curriculum is concentrated at the sixth grade level and is 17 weeks long. The younger students receive four safety lessons. The middle school curriculum is ten weeks of instruction that reemphasizes the anti-drug and anti-violence messages.
Tricia Bovenschen, assistant band director of Sapulpa Public Schools and former assistant director in the Ponca City Schools, was named the 1997-98 state winner of the Phi Beta Mu "Young Bandmaster of the Year" award.
Mrs. Bovenschen received the award at the Oklahoma Music Educator Convention in Tulsa, Okla. Phi Beta Mu is a national honorary band fraternity that emphasizes quality and professional growth in the public school band programs across the United States.
The "Young Bandmaster" award is given to the outstanding young band director in Oklahoma that demonstrates fine qualities of music education, teaching skills and success at local and regional band contests.
This award is made to promote the outstanding young teachers in the band profession that have been teaching for five years or less. Mrs. Bovenschen is in her first year at Sapulpa, where she is in charge of the high school concert band, seventh grade band at the middle school and teaches sixth grade beginners and percussion students. She taught five years in the Ponca City School System where she taught at all levels of the secondary schools.
She is a 1992 graduate of Oklahoma State University and also attended Michigan State University from 1986-88.
Mrs. Bovenschen has band experiences as an Assistant Percussion Instructor at Oklahoma State University and as Percussion Instructor/Technician with the Black Gold Drum and Bugle Corps of Tulsa, Okla. She has performed with the Oklahoma State University Cowboy Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble and Orchestra.
She has also performed professionally with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, the Northern Aurora Drum and Bugle Corps and Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.
"Tricia is an outstanding music education and band director," state Sapulpa High School Band Director and Instrumental Music Coordinator, Steve Workman.
"We are all very proud of her accomplishments, and I can't think of any other young director that deserves this award more than Mrs. Bovenschen does."
NWOSU Graduates
Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva, has released the names of December graduates. Local students graduating were Anita Hall, Tonkawa; and Cynthia Larmer, Tracy Elliott and Victoria Ginger, Ponca City.
Dean's Honor Roll
Kristi Hauf, formerly of Blackwell, has been named to the Dean's Honor Roll at Tulsa Community College. She is married to Derek Hauf and is the daughter of Dennis E. and Marjorie Cassady of Collinsville, Illinois. Her grandparents are Elma Cassady, Blackwell; Charles and JoAnn Ward and Carl and Luella Pierce, all of Ponca City.
"Who's Who"
Two Peckham School educators have been selected for the "Who's Who Among America's Teachers." The teachers selected were Kimberlee Cain Moore and Gary Young.
Scholars Program
Jeremy Louis Marzuola, son of Louis Marzuola, and a graduating senior at Ponca City High School, has been named one of approximately 2,600 candidates in the 1998 Presidential Scholars Program.
Shasta Jones Selected
Shasta Jones, student at Pioneer Technology Center, was selected to represent PTC as a local winner in the Tools for Tomorrow All-American Vocational Student Awards program.
First Lutheran School has announced second quarter honor rolls.
Students placed on the Principal's Honor Roll were fourth graders Kristina Kirsch, Brian Masters, Maddie McDaniel, Anna McElhaney and Anna Van Cleave. Fifth graders were Shelley Brewer, David Eyster, Samual Garlett and Kelsey Whitebay.
Also sixth graders Megan Benyshek, Kim Deitrick, Leah Fisher, Amy Patel and Andrea Penny, seventh graders Taryn Bradford, Jenny Christian, Bradley Keim, Katrina Kirsch and Amanda Lewis. Eighth graders were Stephanie Beier, Elisabeth Case, Brandy Herard, Breann Herard, Jennifer Matlock, Meg McDaniel, Asha Patel and Kristen Sievert. Fourth graders on the Teacher's Honor Roll were Tanner Cline, Heather Harris, Meredith Inselman, Jordan Piel, Ryan Schwanke and Robert VanArsdale, fifth graders Micah Allyn, Jennifer Dove, Polly Morris, John Penewitt, R.T. Rouse, Ryan Sands and Ryan Scott. Sixth graders were Emily Beier, Alison Bell, Christyna Blough, Amanda Bohon, Hannah Hopkins, Laura Lake, Philip LeBaron, Heather Marlar, Jeremy McConnell, Eric Schatte, Sarah VanArsdale, Elizabeth Webster and Lauren Wiehle.
Seventh graders were Eugene Allyn, Katie Andrews, Mandy Bacher, Mike Gamble, Geoffrey Hopkins, Tim Kana, David Kelle, Rachel Lake, Stephanie Livingston, Sean O'Grady, Scott Poling and Luke Lusk. Also eighth graders Amanda Danek and Angela Owens.
STILLWATER - Several Kay County students were among 628 Oklahoma State University students recently inducted into Golden Key National Honor Society.
Golden Key is one of the nation's most dynamic academic honors organizations. Membership is by invitation only, and no more than 15 percent of all students are eligible to join.
Initiates include: Kristine Turvey, Braman; Virginia Dwinell and Trisha Sandy, Blackwell; and Brett Austin, Scott Einsenhauer and Jessica Lockwood, Newkirk.
Students from Ponca City were Sherri Golliver, Carol Gordon, Susan Haines,
Robert Hardin, Kim Martin, Sara O'Neill, Jamie Rogers, Chadwick Ross and
Christopher Snyder.
LIFESTYLES
The Mormon church in San Manuel, Ariz. was the setting for the recent wedding of Bambi Marie Mayo, former resident of Ponca City, and Robert Wayne Buellesfeld, former resident of Blackwell. The vows were solemnized in a 4 p.m. ceremony by Bishop Scott Sandoval.
Parents of the bride are Garland and Debbie Mayo Jr. of San Manuel, Ariz. and parents of the bridegroom are Rick and Georgia Buellesfeld of Blackwell.
The bride wore a designer gown featuring a lace over satin bodice highlighted with appliques of pearls and sequins. The long lace sleeves were fastened with satin buttons. The back of the bodice featured rosettes and satin loops and the full skirt was bordered with matching appliques of lace, pearls and sequins. The gown was complemented by a semi-cathedral length train and the bride's fingertip length veil of illusion was secured by a headband beaded with pearls and roses. She carried a bouquet of three white roses encircled with purple carnations.
Nathan Smith of Corning, Calif., cousin of the bride, was ringbearer and the bride's aunt, Teresa Smith of Corning, attended the guest book. Mrs. Smith also hosted the reception, assisted by Verna Lockhart of Corning, also the bride's aunt. The newlywed couple reside in San Manuel, Ariz. where he is a carpenter/welder for TIC.
Among the guests attending the wedding were her grandmother Ruth Rhoades and Teresa, Nathan and Blaine Smith of California; Christopher, Verna, Ryan, Heather, Melissa and Jody Lockhart, all of Corning, Calif. and the bridegroom's parents from Blackwell.
On Feb. 22 Albright United Methodist Church will celebrate the work of the United Methodist Women. UMW members will be involved in several aspects of the service. The Rev. Meri Whitaker, Albright's covenant missionary from Cookson Hills, will be preaching. The Cookson Hills Center, located near Tahlequah, is a project of the United Methodist Church. It is the only rural mission program in Oklahoma.
Following the service, a potluck dinner will be held in Fellowship Hall. The Rev. Ms. Whitaker will be available for questions after the meal.
The event will be co-sponsored by the Albright United Methodist Women and the Mission Committee. The two groups will host the dinner.
Albright United Methodist Church is located at 128 S. Palm. Sunday School classes begin at 9:15 a.m. and worship begins at 10:30 a.m. An elevator is available at the back entrance.
Judy Mallory was hostess when 14 members of Xi Zeta Lambda chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Feb. 5. The Valentine dance at the Elks lodge was discussed and gifts for door prizes were selected. Plans were finalized for the sorority "Envoy Award" to be presented Bob Austin, husband of Nida Austin, for his support of the chapter and sorority.
The group will meet at Hero's for a dinner honoring Terri Barnett, chapter Valentine Queen with Lila Logan in charge of the program. A pre-party at the Logan home was planned for Valentine's.
Tobie Neal, Historian, announced a meeting to work on the scrapbook. Dottie Johnstone and Judy Mallory, Service co-chairwomen, announced that the Valentine favors made by the chapter were given to Meals on Wheels for distribution and plans were discussed for making Easter theme favors. The chapter traveling basket was won by Phyllis Pledger. The program was given on "Everyday Stress.:
The Piano Workshop section of Ponca City Federated Music Club met Feb. 17 in the home of Elma Robson. Co-hostesses were Barbara Manering and Cornelia Timberlake. Presiding at the business meeting was Lois Rence, Workshop chairperson.
Barbara Brown presented the narration for the program on American Hymnody, assisted by Marge Howard, who introduced the performers and their selections.
Participants and their talents were Kay Anthony, who sang and accompanied herself for "Amazing Grace"; Alice Crowder, who played two versions of "The Doxology"; Elma Robson, who sang "Ah Lovely Appearance of Death"; Annette Williams, who accompanied the membership as they sang a round "Through North and South"; Kathleen Chambers, who played "Rock of Ages"; and Mary Sunshine Cogman, who played "What Wonderous Love Is This."
Others sharing in the program were Pat Purkey, who played piano arrangements of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Morning Trumpet"; Kathy Wimberley, who played "Simple Gifts"; Cornelia Timberlake, who played "No More Auction Block For Me"; Carolyn Hook, playing "Once To Every Man and Nation"; and Barbara Manering, who accompanied the group's closing hymn, "My Life Overflows in Endless Song."
There were 11 members present at the Feb. 11 meeting of Eta Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority at the home of Krista Harbeson. Debra Bellmard, president, called the meeting to order with the Opening Ritual. Robyn Young called roll and read the minutes and Lori Hambleton gave the treasurer's report.
Ms. Harbeson gave the City Council report and plans for the Valentine Dance were discussed as were plans for the April 21 Founder's Day banquet at the Marland Mansion.
Members were reminded that updated information for the chapter directory
was due by the next council meeting. Kelly Trotter, Social chairperson,
said the pre-party for the dance would be at the home of Kelli Boone and
a social at Kids Kastle was planned Feb. 18. The next regular meeting will
be Feb. 25 in the Bellmard home with Danielle Behar as program leader.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
The Po-Hi basketballers will attempt to bring their regular season to an agreeable close tonight, traveling down the road a piece to do battle with the Bruins of Bartlesville. Though the Poncans match up well with Bartlesville on paper, playing on the Bruins' home court has traditionally been one of the toughest assignments in the state.
The girls' tip off is as 6:15, while the Wildcats tip off at 7:45. With WBBZ covering tonight's regional wrestling match ups, there will be no radio coverage.
Wildcats (7-14, 4-11)
at Bartlesville (6-14, 3-14)
The Wildcats' revenge tour continues tonight, as they look to even the score with yet another Frontier Conference foe. After vanquishing early season party poopers Owasso and Sand Springs, the Cats are now looking to avenge a Jan. 16, 67-59 loss to the then-winless Bruins.
In that game, the Bruins shot about as well as a winless high school team can shoot, burying 67 percent of their shots, including 5-of-10 from 3-point land. The Cats, meanwhile, shot just 35 percent.
To head coach Ron Arthur, the key to Wildcat success tonight is to stick with what works. Against Sand Springs, the Cats got marvelous results from the inside-outside game, which propelled Alfred Delancy and Micha Alexander to a remarkable 55 points, combined.
"We couldn't do that against Bartlesville," Arthur says. "We're gonna have to get the ball up the floor. They'll run a 2-1-2 match up zone, so we'll have to take our time to get the ball inside. We have to take advantage of our easy opportunities."
Also, Delancy had the Bruins' number last time around, notching 28 points, 20 boards, and 7 blocks. With another game like that, combined with even a moderate output from Alexander (or any combination of players, for that matter), the Cats could make this final regular season assignment a walk in the park.
"We're done with the teaching," Arthur continues. "We're doing a good job executing, and we have to keep that up. We just have to continue to succeed."
Lady Cats (7-14, 3-12)
at Lady Bruins (2-13, 7-13)
January 16, after rubbing coach Dana Pulley's pregnant belly for good luck, the Lady Cats pounded Bartlesville 54-43.
And though The Belly is no more, the Lady Cats don't need luck any more. They've gone beyond that - they've gotten better.
"Our shooting has gotten better, especially from the free throw line," says Pulley. "And we didn't run our 1-3-1 half court trap last time, which has been working well for us."
Indeed, that trap has beefed up a defense that was never too lean. The Lady Cats forced 31 turnovers from the Lady Bruins last time around, without the trap. Which means...
"We should win tonight," says Pulley. "I'll be disappointed if we don't. The girls have been really up in practice after beating Sand Springs."
But Pulley also remembers - from her own days as a Lady Wildcat player - that the onus of playing in the Bruins' thunderdome can be unnerving.
"The bleachers go right down to the floor and the students sit there and heckle you endlessly. The girls will have to block them out. We have to just play relaxed."
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Po-Hi wrestling coach Pat Young sees two tough days of wrestling for the Wildcats as they battle in the Class 5A regional tournament in Jenks today and Saturday.
But Young's toughest fight was this morning as he tried to get as many of his wrestlers as possible seeded.
"The Dodgens (Mark an Matt) will probably be seeded," he said before the Cats held a final workout Thursday afternoon. "It's going to be close trying to get three or four more into the top four."
The higher the seed, the easier the early round matches and the more likely a wrestler can finish as one of the top four in his weight. First through fourth places advance to the state tournament in Norman next weekend.
The Wildcats, who are apparently a tougher dual team that a tournament team, finished with a 10-3-2 dual record, including a surprising tie with No. 3 ranked Mustang in Dual State last weekend.
The Poncans failed to advance in Dual State when Mustang was declared the winner on criteria, three falls to two.
The Wildcats have struggled as a tournament team but have been among the top 10 finishers in some tough tournaments.
They started with a third place finish in the Ark City Tournament. Hard hit by injuries and illness, the Poncans were fourth in the Tulsa Union Classic before the Christmas holidays. They returned from the break to place 10th in the unseeded Geary Tournament and finished with an eighth place in the Sapulpa Tournament.
Six of the seven teams which finished ahead of the Wildcats at Sapulpa will be in the regional tournament.
But the Cats had a strong finish to their dual season, beating Sand Springs, Sapulpa and Tulsa Union before tying Mustang.
"Those wins can only help," Young said as he faced the regional seeding committee.
State ranked No. 3 Mustang and No. 7 Midwest City were sent east by the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association. placing five of the state's top 10 Class 5A teams at Jenks.
Broken Arrow, the Dual State champion and nationally ranked, has all but been conceded the east regional title. The Tigers are unbeaten in duals and have won every tournament they've entered. Regional coaches feel Broken Arrow will qualify most of its team to the state tournament.
The race for second place should be tight with Mustang, Muskogee, Midwest City, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Tahlequah and Ponca City given a chance at the runnerup spot.
The other team in the Jenks regional include Bartlesville, Jenks, Stillwater, Tulsa Central, Tulsa Hale, Tulsa Memorial, Tulsa Rogers, Tulsa Union and Tulsa Washington.
The regional opened today at noon with the second session scheduled for 6 p.m. The action resumes Saturday at noon with the championship and consolation finals at 6.
The state tournament will be held at Lloyd Noble Center at the University of Oklahoma Feb. 27-28, starting at 10:30 a.m. each day.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
TONKAWA - The Mavericks of NOC continued to make up lost ground Thursday, taking over sole possession of first place in the Bi-State West standings with a 94-83 romp over the Western State Pioneers.
It's a position the Mavericks, and many Juco odds-makers, never thought they should have lost. But after consecutive defeats to Rose State and Western to start conference play, the Mavs - at one time ranked No. 15 in the nation - tumbled in the standings.
With a win Monday over Rose, followed by Thursday's thrashing of Western, however, the Mavs have made amends.
"Things are coming back for us," says head coach Mick Weiberg. "Our intensity is back to where it was a couple of weeks ago. We're getting big games from a lot of players again, and that's what we want."
Though the score from Thursday's game would indicate the Mavs put a beating on the Pioneers, they didn't. They thrashed the Pioneers to within an inch of their pride.
Knocking down five 3-pointers in the first half, the Mavs went up by as much as 18, and headed into the locker room with a 42-29 lead.
The second half opened with the Mavs ripping out 5-0, 14-2, and 9-4 runs to launch to a 72-43 lead, midway through the half. From there, they stretched it even further, going up by 33, 87-54, with five minutes left to play.
After Weiberg sent in most of the Mavs deep bench, however, the Pioneers put on a 3-point shooting exhibition, knocking down five long range shots in the last three minutes, to make the score belie the reality.
"You want to let all the kids play," said Weiberg, "but you can't give them the three's. We let them back into the game. Not to the danger point, but I kinda hate it that they got 83 points."
In the Mavs' earthshattering, 72-59 upset loss to Western Feb. 2, they shot just 31 percent from the field and 39 percent from the free throw line. Thursday, the Mavs went good on over 50 percent from the field, and sank a respectable 25-of-35 from the line.
Marlon Towns was once again the dominant player on the court, dumping in 27 points, and grabbing 10 rebounds for the Mavs. DeShawn Denson also had an excellent game, knocking down 17 points, and had 5 assists. Zach Cazzelle, one of the players Weiberg praised for playing "like his old self again," had 15 points, followed by Joe Patmon with 12, Josh Regnier and Kyle Dean with 6 each, Jared Weiberg with 5, while Chris Beech, Todd Seibert, and Shere-Khan Jones each had two.
To Towns, who will play with Division I Murray State (Kentucky) next year, the key difference in the ball game Thursday was defense.
"We played the way we're capable of playing," he says. "We knew there was something at stake tonight, to be No. 1 in the conference, and we came through."
The Mavericks go on the road, Monday, to take on Eastern Oklahoma, followed by a final home game Thursday against Seminole.
"Playing Eastern at Eastern is extremely tough," says Weiberg. "They beat Rose there, and any loss is crucial at this point for us."
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
TONKAWA - The Lady Mavericks of NOC remained in the thick of the hunt for a regional playoff berth, Thursday, knocking off the Western State Lady Pioneers with an eleventh hour rally, 67-57.
At 4-4, the Lady Mavs are still in contention. But with conference leading Eastern and Seminole rounding out their regular season schedule, the prospect of a 4-6 finish looms, and may not make the grade.
"I'm not really sure of our playoff situation right now," says head coach Greg Krause. "Ideally, we'd like to win one of our last two games to be a lock for the playoffs, but we will definitely be the underdog in both games."
Thursday, the Lady Mavs did what they needed to do, pouring it on late to escape with the win.
Though the Lady Mavs led through most of the game, Western made a move early in the second half. Down by nine, 43-34, a pair of quick 3-pointers by the Lady Pioneers brought them back to within two, 44-42, with two minutes left in the third quarter.
From there, the Lady Mavs burst ahead again, only to see another lead squandered. Up by one, 52-51, Shannon Hands hit a pair of free throws to put NOC up by three. But on the Lady Pioneers' next possession, Christi Chavez completed the 3-point play to tie the game at 54-all.
Into the double bonus, however, the Lady Mavs hit seven of their last 10 free throws, and used a 13-3 run to close the game and get the win.
In that final five minutes, the Lady Pioneers went 0-of-10 from the field.
"We've been in that position before," said Krause, of Western, "we've been down like that, trying to make the shots late and not having them fall. It's hard.
"But I liked the way we kept the lead, and cut down on the late game turnovers. We had some good defensive possessions and I liked our boardwork. But I've said this before - we're not covering the dribbler as well as we should, we're giving them the penetration, and it hurts us."
Still, Krause is pleased with the way his team is coming along, late in the regular season.
"We've got individuals who are starting to produce, and our rotation is starting to take shape," he says. "Everyone is taking to their new roles without (injured point guard) Brandi in the line-up. They've all responded pretty well."
Also, with the reemergence of three of his best players on Thursday, Krause should feel good going into the final two lynch pin games of the season. Shannon Hands and Stephanie Stovall had 19 and 17 points, respectively, while Mandy Perkins added 16.
Also scoring for the Lady Mavs were Jennifer Williams with 7 points, Danielle Monie with 4, Renee Reese with 3, while Cathy Rogers had 1.
The Lady Mavs will hit the road on Monday looking for that elusive next win, taking on Eastern.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
The Noble County War is over - for now.
The two top guns in Class A girls basketball in that county - Frontier and Morrison - met on the Frontier court Thursday in the first round of the regional playoffs. Frontier, ranked sixth in the state, stood 22-3, Morrison, which couldn't talk the pollsters into a Top 10 ranking, were 20-1.
When the smoke cleared, Frontier's Lady Mustangs showed why they were ranked, winning 59-50.
But it wasn't easy. Frontier forged a 32-21 halftime lead but had to hold off the Morrison girls in the fourth quarter.
But two Frontier juniors, Denise Jake and Carolee Bible, took charge in making sure the Lady Mustangs stayed on their path to the state tournament. Jake poured through 25 points while Bible had 20.
"Denise and Carolee played lights out," Frontier coach Gregg Jackson said. "Combined they were 30-of-34 from the field.
Stafanie Romero added 8 points for Frontier while Elizabeth Sober had 4 and Sara Jake 2.
Morrison got very balanced scoring. Shiever, Hawthorn and Larison each had 13 points. Mitasch and Kerr each had 4 and Ripley 3.
The Lady Mustangs will play Copan in the Regional finals Saturday at Barnsdall.
The Frontier boys almost stumbled in their quest for a third straight Class A state championship.
A fourth-quarter letdown almost cost the Mustangs their winners' bracket advancement as Oklahoma Bible Academy outscored Frontier 21-13 down the stretch to send the game into overtime, tied at 48-all.
But the Mustangs, 23-3, righted their ship, outscoring the visitors 14-4 in the overtime period to move on to the Regional finals at Barnsdall against Fairland.
Dee Buxton led the Frontier charge with a 25-point performance with Zac Clouse hitting for 14. Boydd Romero added 7 points. Jeremiah Regnier had 6, Martin Sanders 5, Albert Plumley 3 and Robert Regnier 2.
In the Class B regionals, the Billings girls start the long road back in post season play after a 69-54 loss to Bluejacket in the winners bracket play.
The Billings boys kept their playoff bid alive, beating White Oak, 70-56, in losers' bracket play at Oilton.
Club Match - Players are still needed for the Wentz interclub match with Wellington scheduled for Sunday at 10 a.m. Players who have a verifiable handicap can signup at the golf shop by Saturday. Then fee is $20, which does not include greens or cart fees.
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Men's Meeting - The Wentz Men's Golf Association will meet Saturday
at 9 a.m. in the clubhouse to elect officers and set the season's tournament
schedule. Membership fee is $20.