LOCAL

Handcuffed
Special Olympics Slated Saturday At Sullins Stadium

Handcuffed

ATOKA (AP) — The head of the state Department of Corrections says he is ultimately responsible for what goes on within the department, and that he needs to set an example.

So Director James Saffle is suspending himself for five days without pay for giving inaccurate information to lawmakers and others regarding inmates who earlier this month were reclassified and transferred to lower-security levels.

‘‘What happens or fails to happen in this agency rests with the agency head, since I am ultimately responsible,’’ he wrote in a four-page report given to state Corrections Board members Thursday.

Saffle had previously reported a smaller number of inmates eligible for lower-security levels, mainly in community corrections and work centers.

But since March 9, the DOC has transferred 25 inmates from maximum security to medium, 259 from medium security to minimum, and 620 inmates from minimum security to community corrections and halfway houses.

‘‘This massive movement was shocking, considering all of the directives that were given to properly classify inmates,’’ he said in his report. ‘‘This has resulted in an overall analysis of why there were so many previously unidentified inmates at minimum security who were eligible for community security.’’

Among the reasons Saffle found for why so many more inmates were transferred than were previously believed to be eligible were: failure to follow some directives, a lack of an accountability system to detect issues at all levels of review, and inconsistency in judgment from facility to facility.

Saffle said his suspension starts Monday. Justin Jones, deputy director for community corrections, will be acting director during the suspension. Saffle also suspended Mary Livers, associate director, for three days without pay, saying she had responsibilities for the chain of command that failed to perform its duties appropriately.

Special Olympics Slated Saturday At Sullins Stadium

Opening ceremonies for Saturday’s Special Olympics program will be at 10 a.m. at Ponca City High School’s Sullins Stadium.

The annual local-level event for the handicapped will include track events such as the 25-meter walk and 50-meter dash, and a number of wheelchair events.

Field events will include the softball throw, the standing long jump, the running long jump and the shot put.

Award ribbons will be presented to the competitors.

In case of inclement weather, the meet will be moved to the girls’ gym at the high school and follow the same schedule of events.

Special Olympics volunteer Paula Sample said this year’s participants have been practicing since February at Washington Elementary School.

“They’re excited,” Sample said. “This is their moment to shine.”

Special Olympians can participate in as many events as they choose.

The opening ceremonies will feature a march around the Po-Hi track that includes all the Special Olympians.

Food and drinks will be available in the concession stand at the stadium.

Ponca City Noon AMBUCS spokesman Dan Sims said all volunteers should arrive at the stadium between 9 and 9:30 a.m.

The local program of events is sponsored by annually by Ponca City’s AMBUCS.

DEATHS

Erskine B. Ward
Everett L. Martin
Virginia E. Stuard Speck
Della Sebor

Erskine B. Ward

Erskine B. Ward, former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday morning, March 29, 2000, at his home in Oklahoma City. He was 85.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2000, at Resthaven Memorial Park with the Rev. Elva Mae Mavis, pastor of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, officiating. There will be visitation Saturday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Grace Memorial Chapel.

Erskine was born Nov. 4, 1914, in Gainesville, Texas, the son of Thomas Bird Ward and Fairy Jane (Nichols) Ward. He spent his childhood in Gainesville, where he attended grade school and graduated from high school.

He married Millie Belle Pierce on Dec. 26, 1935, in Gainesville, Texas, where they made their home.

He served in the U.S. Navy and trained at the U.S. Naval Training Center in San Diego, Calif., and was discharged on Sept. 7, 1944. After his discharge, he went to work for the bus department in Gainesville, Texas. He later moved to Ponca City to work for Cities Services Oil Company, which later became Conoco. He later married Mable Mallicoat in 1944, and she preceded him in death.

On May 10, 1969, he married Mary E. Carey, and the couple made their home in Ponca City. Erskine retired from Conoco on Feb. 14, 1980. They moved to Lake Texhoma in 1982, where they fished, golfed, and traveled the country in their motor home. In 1991, they moved to Ardmore and then to Oklahoma City in 1994, where they lived when his wife died in December of 1997.

Survivors include five daughters, Anna Lou Tarlton of Euless, Texas, Frankie Jane Phillips of Euless, Texas, Vicky Boecker of Abilene, Texas, Jo Ann Mavis of Derby, Kan., and Janice Dove of Edmond; two sisters, Mallie Kizer of Midwest City and Maude Kelley of Ponca City; one brother, Darrell Ward of Lawrence, Kan.; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives; and two brothers, J.C. Ward and William A. Ward.

Casket bearers will be Tracy Mavis, Robin Mavis, Leslie Gray, Cale Dove, Barry Tarlton, and Steve Miller.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hospice of Oklahoma County, 4334 Northwest Expressway, Suite 106, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73116-1515.

Obituaries

Everett L. Martin

CLEBURNE, Texas — Everett L. Martin, 89, a retired oil refinery supervisor, died Wednesday, March 29, 2000, at the Town Hall Nursing Home in Keene, Texas. A graveside services will be Sunday, April 2, 2000, at the Keene Memorial Park in Keene, Texas, which will be presided by his son, Norman L. Martin, a retired Seventh-day Adventist minister.

Memorials may be made to The Keene Animal Shelter, Keene, Texas 76059.

Everett L. Martin was born Aug. 8, 1910, in Skeedee, Okla., the fifth of eight children born to Louis and Otie Martin. He married Norma E. Acton on Aug. 23, 1930, in Denver, Colo., and began working for Continental Oil Company near Denver that same year. While there, he became a head operator. He was transferred to Conoco’s new defense plant being built near Lake Charles, La., in 1941. During World War II, this plant made top priority aviation gasoline because of which he was deferred from military service.

In 1944, he was transferred to the Ponca City refinery, where he became the night superintendent and then supervisor of the alkylasion and feed preparation units. While in Ponca City, he was sent to Gary, Ind., to learn new procedures and to Billings, Mont., to start a new plant. He retired in 1970 after 40 years with Conoco.

His hobby was woodworking. He made furniture, whatnots and built three homes for his family in Ponca City.

He was a true family man having raised two children, cared for elderly parents and in-laws and stayed loyal to one wife for 69 years.

He is survived by his wife, Norma of Keene; son, Norman Martin of Keene; daughter, Jean Jones of Santa Fe, N.M.; brothers, Ralph of Klamath River, Calif., and Forrest of Seal Beach, Calif.; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

paid obituary

Virginia E. Stuard Speck

Virginia E. Stuard Speck, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, March 29, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 86.

The funeral will be Saturday, 10 a.m. at Pioneer Christian Church with the Rev. Bob Weaver, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Born Dec. 12, 1913, in Dilworth, she was the daughter of Edgar and Gertrude Kimes Stuard.

On Dec. 18, 1954, she married William B. Speck in Newkirk. He preceded her in death on Aug. 18, 1980.

Mrs. Speck was a charter member of Pioneer Christian Church. She enjoyed her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her great-great-grandson who she called “a pistol,” cooking and visiting with her many friends.

Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Etta Mae Stuard of Ponca City; granddaughters, Carolyn Stuard of Ponca City, and Dianna Bjornsson of Tulsa; two great-grandchildren, Michelle Campbell and Travis Don Campbell; and a great-great-grandson, Tyler Smith.

Casket bearers will be Jack Snyder, Bill Robison, Cody Warner, Glenn Guinn, Mark Hittle and Fred Smith.

Memorials may be made to Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 E. Hubbard, Ponca City, Okla. 74604.

The family will be at 1412 Donald.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Della Sebor

NEWKIRK — Della Sebor, longtime resident of Newkirk died today, March 31, 2000, in the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. She was 88. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Home in Newkirk.

NEWS BRIEFS

Pancake & Sausage Feed Set — American Legion Pancake & Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat) is scheduled for Saturday, April 1 from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 407 West South Avenue. Cost will be $3.50 for adults, $2 for children under 12 and free for children under 6. All proceeds goes to the Children and Youth activities of the Legion.

25 Cents a gallon drinking water. Pure Water Wagon 1717

North 5th. adv.

Hurt Working on Vehicle — The Communications Center received a call at 11:51 a.m. Thursday from the 500 block of West Grand Avenue that a man was working under a vehicle and it fell on him. An ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and took the injured man to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment and an officer of the Ponca City Police Department took a report.

Fund Raiser Set — The Burbank Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be hosting a Bingo Chili/Stew Dinner fund raiser at the Burbank Fire Department on April 8. Dinner is by donation and Bingo cards will cost $5 each (this is to play all night). The event will be located at the Burbank Fire Department, beginning at 5:30 p.m. for dinner. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. and continues all night. Everyone welcome to come and bring a friend.

Art Center Flea market. Monday, Tuesday, April 3, 4. opens 7a.m. Rain dates April 10, 11. 819 East Central. adv.

Hit and Run — The Communications Center received a report at 5:35 p.m. Thursday that a hit and run accident had occurred in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 12:10 p.m. Thursday that an 18-year-old man was being held for failure to appear and failure to obey.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat

ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th,

765-7979. adv.

Vandalism — A woman from the 500 block of South Fourth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:12 p.m. Thursday that some juvenile boys were taking planks off her wood fence and hammering them onto a garage. An officer was assigned, contacted the juveniles and told them to stay away.

Joke’s On us! Saturday, April 1st. Buy any two candles, get the

3rd free! Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Fire Run — The Ponca City Fire Department sent a unit to a large field fire near the intersection of Oklahoma 11 and Pecan Road at 6:55 p.m. Thursday. Information was logged that approximately 30 acres was involved.

Marjolein Bastin spring wind chimes. Just $4.95 Carla's Hallmark, 405 E. Grand, Downtown. adv.

Accident — The Communications Center received a report at 7:05 p.m. Thursday that a two-vehicle, non-injury accident had occurred at the intersection of East South Avenue and South Fifth Street. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

Grubbies’ Warehouse sale. 514 North Union. Saturday 8 to 5.

Frames, tables, pictures, shelves, miscellaneous. adv.

Collision — The Communications Center received a report at 7:53 p.m. Thursday that a two-vehicle, non-injury accident had occurred at the intersection of East South Avenue and South Ninth Street. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

EC Grow weed and feed. $6.99 bag. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Fight — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:18 p.m. Thursday that several subjects were fighting at the intersection of North Pine Street and West Summit Avenue. An officer was assigned and a 14-year-old boy was held for public intoxication. Information on an assault and battery was logged.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City police Department reported at 8:51 p.m. Thursday that after a pursuit of a vehicle from U.S. 60 and Lucas had ended in the 200 block of South Ninth Street that a 38-year-old man was being held for DUI, attempting to elude, speeding, having no insurance, driving under suspension, having expired inspection and transporting an open container. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk with Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:42 p.m. Thursday that a man had left without paying for $15.60 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Spring Fever? Step in and see our selection of bunnies, statuary, and bird houses. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, Ponca Plaza. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of McFadden Drive and West South Avenue at 1:28 a.m. Friday that an 18-year-old woman was being held for driving under suspension, having no insurance and having defective equipment. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, strawberries, rhubarb,

asparagus, onions and garden seed. Jay’s Farm and Ranch, 307 West Grand. adv.

Theft — A clerk at Triple T, 201 West Hartford Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:26 a.m. Friday that a woman had left with merchandise without paying. An officer was assigned and a petit larceny report was taken. Information was logged that a credit card had been declined.

Hanging Baskets. Large selection. $9.95 each. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Vandalism — A man from the 300 block of South Eleventh Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:13 p.m. that some people outside were breaking windows of a residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect

for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 2900 block of North Union street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:07 a.m. Friday that a man had taken $10 worth of gas without paying. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Information was logged that the officer had spotted a vehicle that matched a description and checked the occupants, but were not the ones taking the gas. However a citation was issued to the driver for having no driver’s license.

Pauline’s Pork Chop Dinner, $11.95. Half order $7.95. Friday,

March 31st. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Kids Review now accepting spring/summer childrens consignments. adv.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East

Prospect. adv.

Don’t Be Foolish! 20% off all merchandise Saturday and Sunday, April 1st and 2nd. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, Ponca Plaza. adv.

It’s No joke! April Fools day save 25% off all birdhouses, bird

feeders, bird cookies and plant boxes! Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

LIFESTYLES

Party Honors Marcy Young
Laureate Phi Meets
Eta Delta Chapter Elects Officers

Party Honors Marcy Young

On March 25 the Williamsburg Parlor of First Baptist Church was the setting for a bridal shower honoring Marcy Young, bride-elect of Randy McConnell. The couple will wed May 20 in First Baptist Church.

The serving table was covered with lace and centered with an arrangement of magnolia blossoms. Homemade cookies, breads, fresh fruit and punch were served. Jenn McConnell, sister of the future bridegroom assisted with the gifts.

Special guests were the bride-elect’s mother, Gayle Young, and maternal grandmother, Ruth Eleanor Northcutt of Ponca City, and Cheryl McConnell, mother of the prospective bridegroom, and Jenn McConnell of Raleigh, N. C., his sister.

Hostesses for the event were Terry Blubaugh, Jerri Boyer, Cathy Butler, Julie Dilbeck, Cathy Ferguson, Martha Gilliam, Sandra Harrison, Marcella Johnson, Sharon Maddox, Barbara Masters, Carolyn May, Sandy Morris, Sara Myers, Deanna Orr, Billie Stepken, Nancy Wetzel, Sue Witteman, Linda Wooters and Karen Yost.

Laureate Phi Meets

Baked potatoes and a variety of toppings were the highlight of the evening when Laureate Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met in the home of Alice Beman. Meire K. Harris was co-hostess for the group’s March St. Patrick’s social. The April 10 meeting will be hosted by Gwen Higgins. Elsie Rosenbaum will be the co-hostess. Ms. Harris will present a program from “Good Stuff.”

Eta Delta Chapter Elects Officers

Wanda Sheehan conducted the recent Eta Delta chapter meeting hosted by Nancy Taylor. Sixteen members were in attendance. As the March service project, the Pharmacy Fund received a $50 donation from the chapter.

Betty Wyatt reported on final arrangements for the city-wide Founder’s Day dinner which will be held at Ponca City Country Club on April 27. Members are also making plans to attend the Branson Getaway Nov. 3-5.

A chapter social will be held March 31 in the home of Nancy Taylor. Susie Allen shared with members her family’s involvement in the high school robotics team which has qualified for nationals in Orlando Florida. The team finished in the top eight at regionals to qualify for national competition.

Named as 2000-2001 officers were Judy Branch, president; Nancy Taylor, vice president; Julie Collins, recording secretary; Carla McGregor, corresponding secretary; Pat Sipe, treasurer; Betty Wyatt, City Council representative.

Linda Sparks reminded members about the WBBZ Lawn and Garden Show at Hutchins. Julie Collins received the Beta Buddy Basket and Pat Sipe won the door prize. Judy Branch will host the April 10 meeting

Nancy Taylor presented an informative program about the Union Elementary choir which was recently selected as one of 20 choirs from around the country to participate in the World’s Largest Concert Broadcast.

EDUCATION

Hi Steppers Compete in Regionals
Early Childhood Education
Ponca City Student To Compete April 7 in Geography Bee
Garfield Academy Gears Up for New Year
Summer Activities

Hi Steppers Compete in Regionals

The Ponca City High School Hi-Steppers participated in the 2000 Regional Competition on March 4 at Robson Fieldhouse.

The Hi-Steppers competed against 13 other teams from Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

This was the second year Ponca City hosted the competition. The competition is scheduled again for next year on March 3, 2001.

The squad received a Sweepstakes award after receiving superior ratings on all routines entered (kick, pom, prop and military). They also received a Gussie Nel Dan’s Award of excellence after scoring a 90 or above from all the judges on four separate routines.

Hi-Steppers were awarded a Judges Award, which meant the team scored the highest in three categories, Best Overall Presentation Award, Best Overall Precision Award, Sportsmanship Award, Best in Class Award and the Director’s Award to Kristin Smith, team sponsor.

Hi-Stepper officers received a Sweepstakes Award, Award of Excellence and Best in Class Award.

Errin Rutherford also received a runner-up award in solo competition.

Early Childhood Education

In the past 20 years we have seen a dramatic increase in the research that points to the importance of early childhood education.

The findings of this research point to two standards now dominating public education.

First, the involvement of parents as the first teacher of their children is vital to future academic success of every child. The second standard is that formal education started at age four and five can play a major role in the child’s learning, especially in the area of language development that leads to reading ability.

In response to the first standard, Ponca City Schools has begun a program called Oklahoma Parents as Teachers (OPAT). This program helps parents of preschool students develop activities that promote learning in young children as the brain is developing.

The language patterns and prereading skills essential for becoming a good reader are initiated in the first three years of a child’s life. The OPAT teacher helps parents design activities that will encourage the child to think and formulate language patterns that make learning fun. Nursery rhymes, picture books, and children’s literature are read to the children in an atmosphere that promotes learning from the earliest age.

The second standard that is now gaining acceptance in Oklahoma is educating four-year-olds and extending the day for kindergarten students.

Ponca City Schools currently offers a prekindergarten curriculum of language development to 264 four-year-olds. This program is completely voluntary, and students can attend either half-day or full-day sessions. The emphasis is on language development to increase the child’s vocabulary. Students who come to first grade with poor vocabulary development have difficulty learning to read. The prekindergarten program, now in its third year, has helped to reduce the number of children experiencing severe reading difficulties.

This year the kindergarten program for five-year-olds was expanded to provide an optional all-day kindergarten. Oklahoma is the last state to adopt full-day kindergarten into the public school curriculum.

Again, kindergarten is a rich language development program designed to prepare students to learn to read in first grade. Students must be able to speak several thousand words to become effective readers. When they lack a large vocabulary, they have trouble learning to read which can lead to school failure and even dropping out. Early childhood education is essential to the success of every child.

Ponca City Student To Compete April 7 in Geography Bee

Kelsey D. Moore, seventh grade student at West Middle School, will compete with students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories at the state-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on April 7.

Moore will compete with other Oklahoma winners at Springlake Metro Tech Conference Center in Oklahoma City.

From student unions in state universities in Arizona, Kansas and Ohio to the rotunda of the state capitol in Pennsylvania and the Hibiscus Ballroom of the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu, fourth- through eighth-grade students will test their geography knowledge and vie for state-level honors and a chance to compete in the National Geographic Bee finals in Washington.

Winners from the state bees will gather at the National Geographic Society’s worldwide headquarters in Washington on May 23 and 24 for the national championships.

Involving as many as million students a year, the National Geographic Bee has coincided with a reawakening of the nation’s interest in geography, which was the Society’s primary objective when it created the competition in 1989.

One sign that geography has returned to the American classroom is the fact that beginning this year, an advanced placement geography course is being offered by the College Board.

The state bees are the second level of the National Geographic Bee, which began last December with contests in nearly 18,000 schools across the country.

As many as 100 students in each state, who won their school bees and then earned a top score on a written exam prepared by the Society, will compete April 7.

Each state winner will receive $100 and other prizes, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington with a teacher escort for the finals.

The 1999 national winner was eighth-grade home-schooler David Beihl of Saluda, S.C. He correctly answered the question: “The condition characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the equatorial region of the eastern Pacific Ocean is known by what Spanish name?” The answer: La Nina.

Visitors to the National Geographic Society Web site can test their geography knowledge with questions from previous National Geographic Bees at www.nationalgeographic.com.

Garfield Academy Gears Up for New Year

Garfield Academy, Ponca City’s only fine arts magnet school, is gearing up for the 2000-2001 school year.

Garfield’s unique learning environment is enhanced with experiences in drama, dance, orchestra, visual arts, piano keyboard and vocal music.

The best part of having a fine arts magnet school in Ponca City is the fact that Garfield is a district-wide school, which means enrollment is open to all students in first through fifth grades.

Garfield offers curriculum classes and opportunities that may not be offered in the other Ponca City elementary schools.

The fine arts team works with each classroom teacher to integrate the arts within the classroom curriculum. Fourth and fifth grade students can also choose electives.

All primary level students are exposed to all fine arts classes, except orchestra, on a weekly basis. In addition to regular weekly classes, Garfield Academy offers extended day classes to grades 1-5 in dance, drama, art, music and physical education. All fine arts classes are offered to students who would like extra enrichment in favorite areas of study.

The school also has the opportunity to bring in fantastic Artists in Residence.

Thanks to the Oklahoma Arts and Humanities Council, Ponca City Arts and Humanities, Conoco and other associations affiliated with the school, Garfield is able to expose the students to other experiences.

Garfield offers several opportunities for their students. Literacy is the top priority in the Ponca City School System, and Garfield takes that very seriously.

All of the classroom teachers have completed or are in the process of being trained in Literacy First. Many of the teachers have also been rained in Literacy First Phase II as well.

Extra tutoring is available during the day and after school for students on the Reading Sufficiency Act.

Garfield offers HOST, a program which offers one-on-one mentoring to enhance students reading experiences. Many volunteers from all areas of Ponca City come to help the second and third grade students develop good reading habits.

The school has updated the Josten’s Computer program, which allows teachers to focus on specific areas of need for each child.

In addition to all these programs, the school believes in teaching “Literacy Through the Arts” as well as traditional experiences.

The success of the reading programs is evident in the CRT scores. A total of 85 percent of students passed the reading sub-test of the CRT on the first try; this is up from 75 percent one year ago.

Student success in learning is critical to all staff and faculty at Garfield. Multiple Intelligences and Dimensions of Learning are two instructional strategies the school uses to help each child be successful.

Teachers are also trained in Great Expectations.

Garfield also offers another type of classroom setting for primary level students. Multi-age classes are offered as well as traditional classrooms. The Multi-age class focuses on continual progress instead of a certain grade level.

Garfield has a great group of volunteers and partners who give time, talent and treasure to the school. These individuals, businesses and associations help our school enhance the learning of all students at Garfield Academy.

Garfield’s nurturing environment is friendly and built on mutual respect where children feel unconditionally accepted, safe and secure, and proud to be part of such a unique school.

Garfield Fine Arts Academy will have an open house on April 13 from 8:05 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. All perspective families are invited to attend.

Visitors may attend the musical production of “Tom Sawyer” at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Families who have applied by April 11 will be Garfield’s guests for dinner.

Students applications for the 2000-2001 school term are now being accepted. Enrollment is open to all Ponca City students grades first through fifth, upon application and acceptance.

For applications and more information call 767-8030. The deadline for applications is May 5, 2000.

Summer Activities

As Elementary Curriculum Director, it has been a pleasure to work with the principals and staff as we plan for activities and programs to meet our students’ needs for the summer.

The next month will be exciting as students are enrolled, summer teachers are hired, and teams begin work on the summer curriculum.

Building upon the success of last year’s “Smart Camp” for elementary students, two programs are being offered to Ponca City’s youth this year.

Students who are completing grades K-2 are eligible for “Summer Bridges 2000” to be held at Liberty Elementary. Students completing grades 3-6 are eligible to attend “Smart Camp” at Union Elementary.

Both programs will run June 5-30.

“Summer Bridges 2000” is new to Ponca City. This will be a half-day program offered in the mornings at Liberty. The goal of this program is to help students strengthen and build reading skills.

Students will be grouped by their instructional levels for instruction in key areas of reading: phonemic awareness/phonics, guided reading, comprehension, and spelling/vocabulary development and writing.

“Summer Bridges” principal Ron Myers holds a strong vision for this program. He explains, “We want to continue to provide opportunities for students to grow in reading through the summer. We believe that “Summer Bridges” will be the way to do that.”

“Smart Camp” will continue as it did last year with some changes. The focus for “Smart Camp” this year is enrichment for students in grades 3-6.

Principal Jean Hastings states, “Smart Camp provides an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their basic skills and to enjoy enriching learning experiences.”

There will be leveled instruction for students in reading. Math skills will be practiced. “Smart Camp” students will experience an integrated curriculum and participate in art, music, library, computer and physical education classes. There will be weekly field trips.

Enrollment for both “Summer Bridges 2000” and “Smart Camp” will be during the week of April 10 at the Administration Building, 111 West Grand.

Enrollment hours will be 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Enrollment forms were sent home with all public school elementary students in grades K-6 during the week of March 27. There is a sliding fee scale with scholarships available.

For more information, please feel free to pick up a brochure at the Administration Building or contact me at 767-8000.

I am so pleased that Ponca City Public Schools will be offering these two excellent programs to our boys and girls.

RELIGION

Theme Told For First Lutheran Sunday Worship
First Presbyterians Call Guilford as Interim Pastor
Asbury Pastor To Be Ordained
Good Shepherd Lutherans Sponsoring Concert By Association of Free Lutheran Bible School
Church Briefs

Theme Told For First Lutheran Sunday Worship

“God’s Work — Our Work” will be the overall theme for the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services at First Lutheran Church on Sunday, April 2. God is always working for His followers: makes alive in Christ, removes all sins, keeps from death and destruction. These are His gifts. The believer’s works, without Christ, as worth nothing. Yet He has prepared the believer to do goods works, which He has also prepared in advance.

The title of Pastor Tom Ramsey’s sermon is “Witnessing to Unbelievers.” At the 8:30 a.m. service the senior choir will sing the anthem “Lord of All Nations.” The Cantate Choir will sing “Lamb of God” at the 11 a.m. service. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services.

The theme for the 6:30 p.m. service is "Managing Stress: Maybe It WAS Friday Night ... but Sunday’s Here!” The lively discussion at these services has proven to be a great educational tool to all who have attended. A general conclusion will take place the next couple of weeks. Then a series on the gifts of the Spirit will begin.

The mid-week Lenten service will be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m. This week’s service centers on Jesus’ activities in the temple on Tuesday of Holy Week. The sermon is entitled, “Contesting, Calling, Condemning the Calloused.” The Jubilate Bell Choir will perform “What Wondrous Love”.

The service will be preceded by a vegetable beef soup supper provided by the Board of Education. The supper is served in the Fellowship Hall from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. The members of First Lutheran welcome any visitors for any of the week’s activities.

First Presbyterians Call Guilford as Interim Pastor

The Session of First Presbyterian Church has announced the hiring of Dr. William “Bill” Guilford as their interim pastor. He and his wife will be arriving in Ponca City today, it was announced this week by the Personnel Committee at First Presbyterian.

Dr. Guilford has been the interim at the Presbyterian Church in Duncan for the past year. Prior to his commitment to the Duncan church, he served as Interim Minister in Durant; as director of Older Adult Ministry, First Presbyterian Church in Norman; part-time, Coordinator, Arts and Older Adults project, Oklahoma State Arts Council, in cooperation with the University of Oklahoma Dept. of Continuing Education; Interim Minister for the First Presbyterian Church in Frederick and part-time pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City, an interracial church.

Dr. Guilford did not commit himself to full time work for the Lord until he was 39 years old, married and the father of two children. He had been a school teacher for two years, then went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad in Kansas City in 1942. He served for three years in World War II, returning to Santa Fe after his discharge. His commitment came when he attended a Presbyterian Men’s meeting in Chicago in 1957 when Billy Graham spoke. In 1959, he attended a Lay Preachers Institute at Ghost Ranch, and came home and resigned from the railroad, and started on his educational preparation for the ministry.

He later studied at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, graduating in 1963, and following his graduation accepted a call as Associate Minister at the Community Church of Great Neck, L.I. New York. He and his family moved to Oklahoma City in 1965 and he joined the staff of KOCO TV, an ABC affiliate.

Before retiring in 1993, he was the pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City for nine years. After receiving his training for interim ministry, Dr. Guilford served as interim pastor in Fredrick and Durant, prior to his work in Duncan.

He worked with the Aging Agency for four years at one time, and discovered there was a real need for ministry to and with older people. After special training, he began to hold statewide conferences on Aging for all denominations. The older people were trained to organize this ministry in their own congregations. When the older Adult Ministry was established by the General Assembly in 1992, he served on the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network board.

Dr. Guilford enjoys using his training in the theater and arts, as well as current world issues, stories and humor to enhance the worship experience. He believes strongly in evangelism and encourages all members to become involved in church growth. He has been particularly successful in his older adult ministries.

Bill’s wife’s name is Ginny and the couple has two children and four grandchildren. They have been married for more than 50 years.

Asbury Pastor To Be Ordained

The Rev. Stephen Bredesen, pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church, recently met with the Board of Ordained Ministry of the United Methodist Church — the final interview for his ordination as an Elder in full connection with the United Methodist Church.

The interview ended with the board recommending the Rev. Mr. Bredesen for ordination. The ordination ceremony will take place on Wednesday evening, May 31 at the annual conference of the United Methodist Church in Tulsa.

The Rev. Mr. Bredesen is pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church here in Ponca City, located at 700 West Liberty.

Good Shepherd Lutherans Sponsoring Concert By Association of Free Lutheran Bible School

The Association of Free Lutheran Bible School will present a concert of sacred music at Grace Episcopal Church, 14th and Grand, on Monday, April 3 at 7 p.m., sponsored by the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Ponca City.

The thirty-seven member mixed choir tours annually, and this year is performing from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The Association Free Lutheran Bible School provides a two-year, college equivalent study of the Bible and related subjects. The courses are designed to prepare students to live committed Christian lives in whatever vocation they choose, and to actively participate in their local congregation. The campus is located on the shores of Medicine Lake, in a northwest suburb of Minneapolis, along with the Free Lutheran Theological Seminary.

The Concert Choir, directed by Jerry D. Nelson, has performed in Norway on three occasions, in New York City and California, and is planning to go to Europe next year for concerts.

Director Nelson, now is his ninth year at AFLBS, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, has taught music in the public schools, performed with both outreach groups and professional choirs, worked full time as Minister of Music in a local church, and taught voice at St. Paul Bible College, has also studied conducting and voice at the graduate School of Music at the University of Minnesota. He is now completing requirements for a MA in music education at the University of St. Thomas.

A spokesperson for the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, said the entire community is invited to participate in this beautiful and meaningful musical event. No admission will be charged — donations will be accepted. For more information, please contact Karen at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 762-7120.

Church Briefs

Easter Services Planned at Wentz Hall

Easter Services are planned at Wentz Hall on Easter Sunday at 8 a.m., April 23. Pastor Mark Homp from Minneapolis, Minn. will be the guest speaker.

Mrs. Homp and daughters, Katy and Rachel will perform special music during the service, with flutes and a piano.

A breakfast of sausage, biscuits and gravy will be served following the church service. The Easter bunny will hide eggs for the children to hunt.

The public is invited to attend.

Community Christian Plans Pastor’s Class

A special “Pastor’s Class” will be held at Community Christian during Sunday School hour April 2, 9 and 16, it was announced this week. All young people in the church who are in the fourth grade through twelfth grade and have not been baptized and joined the church, are invited to attend this special Pastor’s Class. The group will meet at the church during the Sunday School hour.

Topics to be studied include: God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, baptism, communion, the church’s denomination, basic Christian beliefs, church membership and how to make a decision to join the church.

Those wishing to attend should call the church office to enroll.

Church of Christ Sets Clothing Giveaway

Free clothing will be available Monday, April 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. to anyone with a need. The giveaway is scheduled at 440 Fairview, sponsored by the Church of Christ. They will have lots of spring and summer clothing for those in need.

Asbury UMW Schedules Rummage Sale

The United Methodist Women of Asbury United Methodist Church will be sponsoring a Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the church facility, 700 West Liberty in Ponca City.

All proceeds from the sale will go to missions, according to Audrey Jones, president of the organization. Everyone is welcome to come, browse and buy.

St. Paul’s UMW to Hold Spring Salad Luncheon

St. Paul’s United Methodist Women will be holding their Spring Salad Luncheon on Friday, April 14 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the church located at Hartford and Pecan. Cost of the luncheon will be $5 for adults and $2 for children.

An additional attraction will be Cookie Bouquet Centerpieces for sale, or the opportunity to create your own Cookie Bouquet.

Everyone welcome.

Church Women United Board to Meet

The Church Women United Board will meet on Monday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m. in St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South 11th, it was announced this week by Audrey Jones, publicity officer.

Sunset Baptists Plan Spring Revival

Ponca Citians are reminded of the spring revival getting underway at Sunset Baptist Church April 2 with Bro. Marty Ingram, pastor of First Baptist Church, Binger, as the evangelist and Bro. Monty Wright of Sunset leading the music.

Sunday evening service is scheduled for 6 p.m. and Monday through Friday evening services will begin at 7 p.m. Noonday services will be held in fellowship hall with pot-luck meal and devotional time led by Bro. Marty.

Sunset Baptist is located at 915 Greenwood Avenue on the corner of Greenwood and North Ash. Everyone welcome.

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites you to share God’s word with them every week ... Sunday Bible classes 9:30 a.m., worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening service at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. There are classes for all age levels  — nursery through adult. Watch the Search program Sunday 8 a.m. on TV Channel 5 or 8.

You are invited to come to the City-Wide Bible Class, an in-depth study of Romans. This week they are studying Romans 3:1-8. Upon hearing Paul’s message in chapter 2, the Jews especially might object that Paul had just undermined every promise God had made to them as a people. “Not so”, says Paul, and in response to even more objections, Paul continues to vindicate the righteousness of God.

Dear God: Thank you that all people can hear, believe and obey Your plan of salvation in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Beacon in the Heartland

Susie Luchsinger, award winning Country Christian Recording artist, will be the featured speaker at “Beacon in the heartland”, a Christian women’s Conference, Saturday, April 1 in Morrison, at the High School Gymnasium.

All women can be overcomers of any circumstance or situation, through a personal relationship with Jesus, it is pointed out by Luchsinger — it was pointed out — Jesus is the “Beacon of Light” that shines on all women from the lighthouse. All women in the heartland are encouraged to come as Susie speaks and shares her witness in music and teaching.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and is $25. Child Care and lunch is provided. All women are invited to attend.

SPORTS

OUs Coale Second In National Coach Of Year Balloting
Cats Fall to Moore in Tourney
Lady Cats In Top 10 At Edmond

OUs Coale Second In National Coach Of Year Balloting

NORMAN (AP) — Oklahoma’s Sherri Coale finished second in balloting for The Associated Press coach of the year in women’s basketball.

In a vote of AP member newspapers and broadcast outlets nationwide, Coale finished four votes behind Connecticut’s Geno Auriemma, who received 22 votes. The winner was announced Thursday at the women’s Final Four in Philadelphia.

Auriemma, who has turned Connecticut into one of the nation’s strongest and most visible programs, was named coach of the year for the third time. His team is 34-1 and was ranked No. 1 all season.

Coale led Oklahoma to a school-record 25 victories, a share of the Big 12 regular-season title and a trip to the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16. She just completed her fourth season with the Sooners.

Auriemma shared the stage with the player of the year, Tennessee’s Tamika Catchings. Both of their teams are playing tonight in the Final Four.

In a vote of AP member newspapers and broadcast outlets nationwide, Catchings edged Connecticut’s Svetlana Abrosimova 19-16. UConn’s Shea Ralph was third with 12 votes.

‘‘It’s a honor for me to stand up here with Tamika,’’ Auriemma said. ‘‘She’s the only player in the country I’d like to have off another team. I don’t think I’ve ever coached against anybody who plays as hard and is as competitive as she is. She plays hard and does it the right way.’’

Auriemma rose to the top in his profession after growing up in the Philadelphia suburb of Norristown, the son of Italian immigrants who moved to this country when he was 7.

His father, Donato, worked in a candy factory, then took a job building cinder blocks. There wasn’t a lot of money, but they made do.

‘‘The lessons you learn from living in a factory town, getting up every day and going to work, are lessons I think everyone should have,’’ Auriemma said. ‘‘In the end, the way we grow up shapes the way we think.

‘‘If I had a choice, it probably wouldn’t have been my first choice, but I didn’t have a choice. Hopefully, I made the best of it.’’

He has done well enough to compile a 391-95 record with 12 NCAA tournament appearances, three previous trips to the Final Four and a national championship in 1995. His current team is 34-1 and has been ranked No. 1 all season.

Auriemma also was The AP’s coach of the year in 1995 and 1997.

Catchings has led Tennessee to a 32-3 record with her solid and often brilliant all-around play and kept the player of the year award in the Lady Vols’ court for the third straight season.

Former teammate Chamique Holdsclaw won in 1998 and 1999. With Holdsclaw now in the WNBA, opponents turned their attention to Catchings and she could tell the difference. Teams have tried to get physical with her and it was challenge, she said, keeping her cool.

‘‘I’ve had to adjust to it,’’ Catchings said. ‘‘Last year, they put it all on Chamique. Without Chamique here, I’m the only one left.’’

Catchings, a 6-foot-1 junior, leads Tennessee in scoring, rebounding and steals and has been collecting awards throughout her career. She was a second-team All-American as a freshman, when Tennessee won the national championship, and earned first-team honors the past two years. This year, she was the leading vote-getter.

The recognition is nice, she said, but it’s not what she’s after.

‘‘I’m still going to go out there and play ball and play as hard as I can,’’ Catchings said. ‘‘All ever wanted was to win another national championship. If I wouldn’t have gotten any awards, I would still be satisfied if we win the national championship.’’

Cats Fall to Moore in Tourney

NORMAN — Ponca City got good enough pitching and had plenty of hits, but the Wildcats failed to take advantage of that in a 3-0 loss to Moore in the Norman Tigers Tournament opener Thursday.

The Cats were playing Westmoore this afternoon and are scheduled to go against Norman tonight, at 8 p.m., in pool play. The championship rounds are set for Saturday.

Wildcat pitcher Bryan Coppock was touched for two runs on three hits and an error in the first inning against Moore Thursday.

Coppock settled down to limit the Lions to one run on two hits over the next eight innings. The Po-Hi defense also stiffened behind him.

The Wildcats banged out eight hits but couldn’t get them in a timely manner. Ponca City stranded seven base runners and had three runners thrown out.

Wildcat coach Mike Krehbiel praised Coppock’s five-hit performance, but bemoaned the inconsistent hitting and poor base running.

Barry Geheb had a double and single at two at bats while Coppock also went two-for-three at the plate.

The Poncans dropped to 6-6 on the season.

Lady Mavericks Split Against NEO

Lady Cats In Top 10 At Edmond

Ponca City’s Lady Wildcat golfers finished seventh in the 18-team Edmond Classic played on the par-60 Traditions course Tuesday.

It was their second straight top 10 finish, posting a 365 at the Carolyn Hughes Invitational at Cushing Monday for sixth place.

The Ponca City High School girls shot 318 at the shorter Edmond course. Defending state champion Edmond North won at Edmond with a 279, 23 strokes in front of Ardmore.

Jenni Nimmo was sixth in the individual scoring at Edmond with a 70. Kelli Waddell posted a 79, Calyn Snell and Christy Rutledge each had 83 and Heather Staires an 88.

Shannon Thomas of Bartlesville was the medalist with a 62 while Edmond North’s Claire Sturdivan and Ashley Kelly shot 65 and 66, respectively.

Nimmo was also sixth at Cushing with an 84. Snell had a 90, Staires 95, Waddell 96 and Ashley Mott 98.

Team Scores

Edmond Classic

Edmond North 279, Ardmore 302, Stillwater 303, Muskogee 306, Bartlesville 307, Mustang 313, Ponca City 318

Carolyn Hughes Invitational

At Cushing

Edmond Memorial 331, Stillwater 352, Seminole 356, Cushing 360, Ponca City 365, Muskogee 366

Owasso Early Bird

Bishop Kelly 340, Ponca City 3489, Coweta 357. Tulsa Union 359, Jenks 362.

Ponca City Individuals

Jenni Nimmo 80, Heather Staires 86, Ashley Mott 90, Calyn Snell 92, Christy Rutledge 93