LOCAL

Tennessee Fugitives Arrested in Ponca City
Local Sculptor, Joined by Two Other Artists, Will Exhibit Works at Art Center
Two Po Hi Grads Excelling As Kaleidoscope Dancers
Hampton Heights Neighbors In Spring Clean-Up Saturday

Tennessee Fugitives Arrested in Ponca City

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Two fugitives from Tennessee, one of whom was considered armed and dangerous, were arrested outside a local restaurant Thursday evening.

The arrests following a two-day investigation, which began after officials from the Henry County, Tenn., Sheriff’s Office advised police the felons may be hiding out in Ponca City, say Ponca City police.

Arrested were 27-year-old Christopher Allen, on outstanding Tennessee warrants for manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of anhydrous ammonia, and 21-year-old Wendi Caper, on a warrant for manufacturing methamphetamine and for escaping from the Henry County jail where she was being held.

In addition to Tennessee charges, Allen will face local charges of possession of methamphetamine and carrying a concealed weapon. Also arrested was Allen’s 44-year-old mother, Regina Allen, for two counts of harboring a fugitive. She is also from Tennessee.

All three subjects, who police say spent Thursday night in city jail, were to be transferred to the Kay County Sheriff’s Office today where they will await extradition.

“The three Tennessee residents had been staying in a local motel since earlier this week while visiting a relative (whose identity is not being released at this time),” said Sherry Bowers, Ponca City Police Department’s information officer. “Sgt. Don Round, department warrant officer, was doing surveillance and observed these suspects leave a residence in the 1500 block of Hudson” and followed them. This was at 7:19 p.m.

This surveillance led the officer to Enrique’s Restaurant at Ponca City Regional Airport. There the officer called for backup and all three subjects were taken into custody at gun point in the parking lot. “For the safety of the officers and patrons at the restaurant, additional safety precautions were taken because Allen was considered armed and dangerous,” stressed Bowers.

During their search of these suspects, officers discovered Allen was carrying a semi-automatic pistol, a 3.5 inch lock-blade knife and a small amount of methamphetamine.

This investigation is continuing. Police say investigators are currently securing a search warrant for the hotel room where the fugitives were staying.

Local Sculptor, Joined by Two Other Artists, Will Exhibit Works at Art Center

Cynthia Butler Rasche, a local sculptor, will exhibit her work during the month of April at the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central. Kathy Buttry and Connie Seabourn will join her in the exhibition. A Meet the Artists Reception will be held Sunday at the Art Center from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

Rasche is a local artist who works in fiber-reinforced cement and cast glass, and she creates artwork showing barriers often with passageways through them. Her wall-shaped sculptures take the form of the adobe buildings which Southwesterners are familiar. She also creates carved rock-like relief sculptures called “fragments” which hang on the wall. All of the sculptures have rich textures and carved and painted imagery that directs the eye into painted illusionary space.

She is currently exploring the application of digital design and illustration in her artwork.

Rasche received her master’s of fine arts degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, La., in 1987 and her bachelor’s of fine arts degree from the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio.

Rasche teaches graphic design in the multimedia design program at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. She has served on the jury committee for the Artist’s in the Schools program and has judged 3-D for the Run for the Arts in Stillwater in 1998 and 2000, judged the Northern Oklahoma Regional High School Art Association exhibition in 1999 and the Tonkawa’s Wheatheart Festival in 1998. She has, as well, participated in many exhibits and won several awards.

Most recently, Rasche had a one-person show at Artspice Gallery in January and, in February, she had a program where she described the techniques used in making direct cement sculptures.

Two Po Hi Grads Excelling As Kaleidoscope Dancers

EDMOND — Cara Kem and Eric Chambray, Ponca City High School graduates, recently danced in the Kaleidoscope Dancers Company Concert at the University of Central Oklahoma.

This was Kem’s last concert of her college career and Chambray’s first year to perform with the company. Both dancers were on the President’s Honor Roll last semester holding a 4.0 grade average.

Kem will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in music theatre. She will be going to New York City next year. In college, Kem was a member of the Presidential Leadership Council which gave her a full four-year scholarship.

She was a members of two national honor societies — Gamma Beta Phi and Alpha Chi — and selected as the Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Liberal Arts. Professionally, she has performed at Lyric Theatre, Music Theatre of Wichita, Opryland USA, the Performing Arts Center in Tampa under the direction of Ann Reinking, and the New York Lambs Theatre.

Chambray is attending college on a dance scholarship, the Sue and Fred Boettcher Scholarship and the Young Artist Scholarship Fund of Ponca City. He was also awarded a L.A.D.F. convention scholarship in January and most recently a scholarship to study with internationally known Gus Giordano in Chicago. Only the top young dance students are considered for acceptance.

After college, his goal is to dance in a professional company, and he is taking daily classes in ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance to help him obtain his goal. This year he was selected for a piece choreographed by Sean Curran, a guest artist from New York.

Hampton Heights Neighbors In Spring Clean-Up Saturday

The Hampton Heights Neighborhood Watch spring clean-up day will be this Saturday. The focus of the cleanup will be the parameter cleaning of the streets outlining the watch area, primarily Highland, Waverly and Chestnut.

Those able to participate are asked to meet at the corner of Hampton and Chestnut at 10 a.m. Workers are asked to bring a few lawn trash bags, to wear protective clothing and bring a pick-up tool.

The next Hampton Heights Neighborhood Watch meeting will be on Sunday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand. The guest speaker will be Ponca City emergency manager, Tom Montgomery. His talk will focus on severe weather as well as other possible disasters for which residents need to prepare.

After the meeting Marvin Clark will unlock the basement at West Middle School so that attendees can visit and become familiar with the facility before an emergency occurs. Refreshments will be served.

RELIGION

First Christian, New Life Baptist Combine Worship Services Sunday
GSLC Announces Coming Events
Gentleness April Theme at 1st Lutheran
First Christian Church Youth Plan Mission Trip to Scotland
Church Briefs
Religion Page Deadline

First Christian, New Life Baptist Combine Worship Services Sunday

One of Ponca City’s oldest congregations and one of its newest will be reaching out to each other Sunday in an effort to fulfill the message of Galations 3:28.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which celebrates its 108th anniversary this year, and New Life Baptist Church, which will celebrate its seventh anniversary April 8, will combine their congregations Sunday during the 10:30 a.m. service in First Christian’s sanctuary at 210 North Fifth.

Following the worship they will continue the fellowship with a dinner in the church’s fellowship hall.

Galations 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

The Rev. James Williams of New Life will share the pulpit with the Rev. Kent Dorsey of First Christian.

The choirs of the two churches will combine to offer the anthem “I Wanna Be Ready.”

Sunday’s fellowship grew out of a pulpit exchange celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday on Jan. 15. Rev. Williams suggested that the two congregations should do something together rather than waiting for this national holiday to come around in 2002. Noting Dr. King’s observation that “Sunday morning at 11 o’clock is the most segregated hour in America,” the two congregations decided to worship together in the spirit of Gal. 3:28. Rev. Williams asks, “How can we expect the world to live together in harmony if Christ’s church doesn’t show the way?”

Rev. Dorsey responded, “It is our hope in Christ that a combined worship service will be a witness to the world and a special offering to the church universal.”

New Life Baptist Church youth choir had been musical guests for First Christian’s Sunday evening Celebration Service two years ago. The two ministers have worked together in the Conoco Community Choir that has performed for the last two Ponca City MLK celebrations at the Poncan Theater.

Rev. Dorsey said, “What started with a pulpit exchange has progressed to the joint worship service to affirm that our faith in Christ transcends our denominational and racial differences. What we are doing on April 1 is consistent with Kings’ American Dream and it also makes good on the biblical vision of reconciliation and harmony.”

GSLC Announces Coming Events

Members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will gather in the dining hall at Wentz Camp for the sixth year on Easter morning to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Each year they apply a fresh coat of paint to the dining room to represent a “cleansing and a fresh new start, a time to renew their faith,” said a spokesperson.

The members of the congregation invite the public to share in the worship service at 8 a.m., followed by breakfast and an Easter egg hunt for the children.

The youth of the church will head to Branson Friday to attend a Young Christians Weekend. They will attend Friday Nite Alive with Rick Cua and a concert featuring Atlanta recording artist Plus One. Saturday’s Play Away will include rides and attractions from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., music and workshops designed for youth.

The rally will feature guest speaker Ryan Dobson, son of well-known Christian counselor Dr. James Dobson of “Focus on the Family.” The group will attend worship service on Sunday before returning home.

Lenten services are held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. prior to Easter at GSLC, 1085 East Tower Road, 1/4 mile west of U.S. 177.

A Mother’s Day Out Bible study is held from 9 to 11 each Thursday morning at Kid’s Castle.

Gentleness April Theme at 1st Lutheran

Sunday will mark the beginning of a new monthly worship theme at First Lutheran Church. The theme is gentleness.

The Rev. Mr. Ramsey’s sermon at both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services will be “The Gentle Voice of God.” The Senior Choir will sing the anthem “I Lift My Heart to Thee.” Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services.

The 6:30 p.m. evening service will continue the series “Building Strong Families.” The discussion will center on the aspect of communication. The study has been planned with all in mind no matter their family situation. In addition to the study, the service contains the singing of praise songs and prayer.

On April 4, the final mid-week Lenten service will be held at 7 p.m. The theme for that service will be “The Prophets Cry Out: God’s Days.” The students of grades second through fifth of First Lutheran School will serve as the choir. The Youth Group will provide sausage soup for the soup supper beginning at 5:30 p.m.

An information class about basic teachings of the Bible and Lutheran doctrine will be starting the beginning of May. If anyone is interested in attending that class, please call the church office at 762-1111.

First Christian Church Youth Plan Mission Trip to Scotland

After sit empty for over nine years, Earl’s Cross House School Hostel found a new least on life when Charley and Rebecca Christie purchased it to use as a non-denominational Christian hospitality conference center. They have since renamed the house to the Ambassadors House.

The goal of the Ambassadors House is to spread the word of Christ. This will be done through many different forms. The Christies have already started a youth coffee house, a young adult bible study, a weekly adult group, and are working to get the house ready for mission groups.

The house is in need of many repairs at this point. It needs cleaning, painting, gardening, fixing and repairing, and this is where the youth are needed the most. As of this time, there are several groups requesting to stay at the Ambassadors house, but it simply is not ready.

“Not only would our kids get the opportunity to help repair a place for people to learn about God, they will also get to serve the young people of Scotland,” stated Kelli Tucker, youth coordinator. “They will have the opportunity to share in music, drama, and one-on-one discussions with youth from the community.”

The youth will also have the opportunity to visit with a Christian youth group from Scotland — after traveling about an hour.

The dates are of the trip are June 6 through 20. This will allow three days of travel, eight days of mission work, and a short stop over in London for sight seeing and touring. The money raised will cover transportation, housings, and food. We are taking six kids, and three adults Therefore, we are raising money for eight people to take an adventure of a lifetime.

“The need for mission project to Ambassador House is great, and our kids get the opportunity to see things that will change their lives,” said Tucker. “God has an awesome plan for these kids and for this area of the world. We as a youth group thank you for your support of our big plans. Moreover, a huge thanks for allowing us the opportunity to be Ambassadors for Christ.”

For additional information, contact Kelli Tucker at First Christian Church.

Church Briefs

St. Luke’s Service Changes

St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene, 1715 E. Prospect, will be making a permanent change in their Sunday morning Sunday school and worship service. Sunday school will now begin at 9:15 a.m. with morning worship service at 10:30. This change will begin Sunday. The Rev. Terry Barker invites the public to come and be a part of the St. Luke’s family.

Prince of Peace Lutheran

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA, at 2800 Turner Road, will celebrate the fifth Sunday in Lent with Holy Communion. The topic will be Mary’s expression of love and commitment when she anoints Jesus’ feet, found in the 12th Chapter of John. Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. Work Day at the church will be this Saturday. The sixth in the series of midweek Lenten services will be on Wednesday evening entitled “Humiliation Along the Way".” Service at 7 p.m., preceded by a soup supper at 6 p.m. Visit the website at www.princeofpeacechurch.net.

Lincoln Center’s Big Day

Sunday will be the Big Day at the Lincoln Center, home of the Foursquare Church and Uturn youth programs. The day will begin with breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. followed by a multimedia celebration main event at 10. There will also be a cappuccino bar, lunch on tailgates, games and music till 4:30 p.m. The theme is “Mission: Impossible.” the community is invited to attend, with a lawn chair, and join in the day’s activities.

Wesleyan Bible Church

Wesleyan Bible Church, 410 Fairview, is holding its spring revival with the Rev. William Snider speaking. The revival will be held each evening at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and Sunday’s services will be held at 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. The community is invited.

Hartford Avenue Church of Christ

Members of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street, invite the public to share God’s Word each week. Sunday Bible classes are at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday evening worship is at 6 o’clock and Wednesday worship is at 7 p.m. There are classes for all ages. Visitors are invited for lunch in the fellowship center following worship service. Watch the Search program Sunday at 8 a.m. on Channels 5 or 8. Bible thought for the week is from I Samuel 12:23, “Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you.”

New Life Baptist

The New Life Baptist Church will celebrate its seventh church anniversary at 3:30 p.m. April 8. The Rev. James L. Williams will deliver the sermon on Where Jesus Makes a Difference in Lifestyles.

Religion Page Deadline

The Ponca City News publishes a special page on Friday of each week to carry information for and about churches in the area. Information may be brought to the newsroom religion and obituary desk, mailed to The Ponca City News, Box 191, 300 North Third, Ponca City, OK 74602, faxed to 580-765-7800, or e-mailed to religion@poncacitynews.com. Deadline for the Friday Religion page is noon the preceding Wednesday. For more information call 765-3311, extension 138.

DEATHS

Steve Chibitty
Harold Elliott
Franklin P. Privett
Betty Jo Riggs Smith
Arturo Flores Jr.
Carey Dian Craft
William C. Kincaid
Marjorie Louise Bennett
Maude I. Schuneman
Neil Smith

Steve Chibitty

Steve Chibitty, former White Eagle resident, died Monday morning, March 26, 2001, in the Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was 71.

An evening prayer service will be at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Comanche Tribal Complex east of Lawton. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at the Comanche Tribal Complex. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Otipoby Cemetery on the Fort Sill military base under direction of Crews Funeral Home of Apache.

Steven Chibitty was born on April 25, 1930, in Lawton. He grew up around the Apache area and attended Fort Sill Indian School. On Sept. 15, 1963, he married Lena Boyiddle in Wichita Falls, Texas. As a young man, he worked for Elgin public schools as a truant officer.

In 1946, he was ordained as a United Methodist minister and served the church for 48 years, retiring in 1994. As a district superintendent for the Northwest District of the United Methodist Indian Conference, he served in many Indian United Methodist churches in southwest Oklahoma and across the state. In 1975, he moved to Ponca City to serve as pastor for the Phil Deschner Indian United Methodist Church and served until 1978. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Korea from 1946 to 1949. He was a member of the Mount Scott Comanche Indian United Methodist Church, a member of the Comanche Nation as well as the Comanche Indian Veterans Association, where he served as chaplain, the Dirty Shame Gourd Clan and a former member of the Comanche Nation Business Committee.

Survivors include four daughters, Denise Turtle of Elgin, Sharon Horse of Anadarko, Iris Ahhaitty of Lawton and Jemesena Stone of Carnegie; two sons, Clifford Stone of Oklahoma City and Stephen Stone of Cache; two brothers, Mead Chibitty of Indiahoma and Charles Chibitty of Tulsa; 20 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lena Chibitty, six grandchildren, one great-grandson, one brother and two sisters.

Harold Elliott

BLACKWELL — Harold Elliott, resident of Medford, died Friday morning, March 30, 2001, in the Integris Bass Health Center in Enid. He was 86.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 2, in the First Baptist Church in Medford with the Rev. Bob Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Cherokee City Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home of Blackwell.

Harold Elliott was born May 20, 1914, in Cherokee, the son of Thomas and Effie Froggatt Elliott. He grew up on a farm near Lambert, living with his parents until their death. He then moved to Garden City, Kan., in 1961, and in early 1962, he moved to Tonkawa, where he was employed with the Tonkawa public schools and Mary’s Restaurant. He later began employment for Wetmores and caring for various yards in Tonkawa. In 1995, he moved to Ponca City and then to Medford in 1998. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Medford.

Survivors include two nephews, John Schenbery of Wichita, Kan., and Dale Schenbery of Cherokee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Carl, Harvey and John Elliott; and four sisters, Ellen Cushenberry, Margerite Elliott, Matilda Howard and Mary Zahorosky.

Casket bearers will be Randy Turney, Frances Langdon, Jim Killion, David Zachary, Jeff McReynolds and Tim Priest.

Memorials may be made in his name to the First Baptist Church of Medford, c/o Robert and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon. Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Franklin P. Privett

MEDFORD — Franklin P. Privett, resident of Medford, died Wednesday morning, March 28, 2001, at his home. He was 82.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 31, in the chapel of Hills-Ely Funeral Home in Medford with the Rev. Dr. Richard Dunn officiating. Burial will follow in the Rosemond Cemetery in Medford. The family will receive friends and family from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Franklin P. Privett was born Oct. 26, 1918, on the family farm north of Clyde, Okla., the son of John Fletcher and Rekah Johnson Privett. He attended Medford Schools. He was a life-long resident of Grant County where he was a wheat farmer. He married Vivian Northcutt Beggs in 1957; she died in 1981.

Survivors include on son, Ronald P. Privett of Ponca City; one daughter, Marilyn Kay Aldrich of Hunter; two stepsons, Warren Beggs of Medford and Ronald Beggs of Liberty Hills, Texas; one stepdaughter, Roxie Johns of Newkirk; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Medford Fire Department, c/o Hills-Ely Funeral Home, 108 W. Cherokee, Medford, Okla. 73759.

Obituaries

Betty Jo Riggs Smith

GUYMON — Betty Jo Riggs Smith, 80, longtime well-known Guymon resident, died Wednesday morning, March 28, 2001, at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, Kan.

The daughter of John and AnnaBelle Gideon Riggs, she was born Aug. 31, 1920, on the family farm near Kaw City. The family soon moved to Ponca City, where she attended Roosevelt grade school, and Ponca City High School. On Feb. 24, 1940, she was married to Herman H. Smith, also of Ponca City. After Herman’s naval service during World War II, the couple moved to Hobbs, N.M., and then in 1949 to Guymon. Always having a special love and interest in children, Betty Jo started a private kindergarten soon after moving to Guymon.

She was an active member of Victory Memorial United Methodist Church, where she taught children’s and youth Sunday school for many years, and a longtime member of PEO, Chapter FQ. As a wife, mother and friend, she was unparalleled, and will be sorely missed. Her love and devotion to God and family will forever set a standard of excellence for those who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Herman Smith of the home, as well as two sons, Mike G. Smith and family of Oroville, Calif., and John G. Smith and family of Ponca City; and seven grandchildren.

The funeral will be conducted on Monday afternoon, April 2, at 2 p.m. at the Victory Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mike Chaffin and the Rev. Shannon Davis officiating. A graveside will be Tuesday afternoon, April 3, at 2 p.m. at the Longwood Cemetery, outside of Ponca City. Arrangements are by Henson-Novak Funeral Directors of Guymon.

The family has requested that memorials be to the Victory Memorial United Methodist Church children’s ministries and will be accepted at the church office or Henson-Novak Funeral Home, Box 1306, Guymon, Okla. 73942.

paid obituary

Arturo Flores Jr.

Our precious little baby boy, Arturo Flores Jr. went to be with the Lord on March 28, 2001, at Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 1 1/2 months old.

A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. today, March 30, at the Ponca Indian Methodist Church. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2001, at the Ponca Indian Methodist Church with the Rev. Abraham Jackson and Dick Robinson presiding. Burial will be at the Ponca Indian Tribal Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

He is survived by his parents, Cecilia (Rhodd) and Arturo Flores Sr. of Oklahoma City; two brothers, Jordan Rhodd of Ponca City and Julian Flores of the home; three sisters, Mariah Rhodd of Ponca City and Juana and Veronica Flores of the home; paternal grandparents, Pedro and Aurelia Flores of Mexico City, Mexico; maternal grandparents, Charlotte and Lemeul Rhodd Jr. of Ponca City; paternal great-grandmothers, Teofila Toledo and Juana Flores, both of Guanajuato, Mexico; maternal great-grandmother, Aline Roy of Ponca City; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandfathers and maternal great-grandparents.

Casket bearers will be Arturo Flores Sr., Juan Flores, Justo Garcia and Timoteo Toledo. Honorary casket bearers will be Edward Rhodd, Lemeul Rhodd III, Jordan Rhodd, Braulio Garcia, Bonifacio Amador and Antonio Flores.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Carey Dian Craft

BLACKWELL — Carey Dian Craft, resident of Blackwell, died Thursday, March 29, 2001, at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home. She was 52. Services are pending with Hackler Funeral Home.

Funerals

Saturday

William C. Kincaid

William C. Kincaid — Funeral at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Hackler Funeral Home of Blackwell with burial to follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Marjorie Louise Bennett

Marjorie Louise Bennett — Funeral at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Roberts and Son Funeral Home in Blackwell with burial in the Mount Olive Cemetery in Nardin.

Maude I. Schuneman

Maude I. Schuneman — Funeral at 10 a.m. at the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home in Arkansas City, Kan. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. in the Lamont Cemetery.

Monday

Neil Smith

Neil Smith — Funeral at 2 p.m. in Grace Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in the Dexter Cemetery in Dexter, Kan.

NEWS BRIEFS

Democrats To Gather — Noble County Democrats will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Cherokee Strip Restaurant in Perry. The group will elect county officers and approve resolutions to be sent to the district meeting. All Noble County Democrats are urged to attend.

Pauline’s Prime rib special, every Saturday night. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

PCSEA Bingo — PCSEA’s theme for March bingo will be Daylight Savings Bingo to celebrate an extra hour of sunlight to get started on spring cleaning. It will be held Saturday in the Conoco atrium; doors open at 6:30 p.m. followed by bingo at 7 p.m.

The Big Day! Sunday, April 1st at the Lincoln Center, 700 West Broadwy. Tailgate Party includes food, music, games and more from 8:30 am - 4 p.m. For information call 762-2729. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident in the 1900 block of North Union Street was reported to Ponca City police at 7:59 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Onion plants and set seed potatoes, strawberry plants, berry plants, tomato plants, cucumber and squash plants. Keathly Nursery, 2448 Bridge Avenue, 762-2922. adv.

Burglary — A woman in the 1500 block of East Bradley Avenue reported her vehicle had been broken into to Ponca City police at 9:21 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Fake Bake, the 2 minute tan. Great results. We’ll demonstrate at Carla's Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Burglary — A man reported a purse snatching that happened at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on Wednesday to Ponca City police at 9:21 a.m. Thursday. The man had chased the subject for a short distance and the purse was recovered. A description was given. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Pauline’s Steak and shrimp dinner. $11.95. Friday, March 30th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Vandalism — An employee at a business in the 300 block of South Pine Street reported to Ponca City police at 9:28 a.m. Thursday someone had glued some pennies over the business’ locks. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. An extra patrol was also requested for the area.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Accident — A vehicle accident at the intersection of South Fourteenth Street and East South Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 11:30 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Sonic 5th and Hartford will close March 28 for about 10 days to remodel. We apologize for any inconvenience. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 400 block of South Palm Street reported a 37-year-old woman was taken into custody after a traffic stop on two city warrants for dog violations at 12:49 p.m. Thursday.

Kids/Her Review now accepting children’s and women’s spring/summer consignments. adv.

Burglary — A woman in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported her vehicle was burglarized to Ponca City police at 1:16 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free Windchime with any $10 purchase of Morjolein Bastin home accessories or dishes. Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Accident — A vehicle accident at the intersection of Bradley Avenue and North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 1:26 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. 700 West Broadway. Call for hours. 765-9689. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Citgo Short Stop No. 4, 320 West Grand Avenue, reported a gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 2:02 p.m. Thursday. A description was given of the vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

April Fools Day Early Bird Sale! 20-70% off select items throughout. Saturday 9-5. Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of West Otoe Avenue and South Pine Street reported a 47-year-old man was taken into custody of a city warrant for failure to pay at 2:04 p.m. Thursday.

Accident — A vehicle accident in the 900 block of North Fifth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 2:21 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A woman in the 1500 block o East Bradley Avenue reported her vehicle had been broken into to Ponca City police at 2:48 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $8.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of East Ponca Avenue and South Tenth Street reported a 26-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under suspension at 3:41 p.m. Thursday.

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.

Assault — A woman in the 3500 block of North Union Street reported to Ponca City police at 3:44 p.m. Thursday a neighboring juvenile kept coming over and assaulting her two children on Wednesday evening. An officer was assigned and juvenile citations were issued. A report was taken.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

Fraud — A woman in the 500 block of South Seventh Street reported to Ponca City police at 3:46 p.m. Thursday someone was illegally using a credit card she had reported stolen in February. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vandalism — A resident reported to Ponca City police at 6:47 p.m. Thursday seeing five to six juvenile males vandalize one of the metal doors on the north garage at AMBUCS Pool. An officer was assigned and a destruction of private property report was taken.

Accident — A minor, two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Ash Street and West Grand Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 8 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer in the 2000 block of Lake Road reported a 19-year-old man was taken into custody on a Kay County warrant for burglary at 9:20 p.m. Thursday.

Theft — A resident in the 500 block of North Oak Street reported to Ponca City police at 9:28 p.m. Thursday some juveniles had been trying to steal a bicycle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A clerk at Sav-A-Trip No. 15, 207 East Highland Avenue, reported to Ponca City police a subject had just backed in a gas pump at the store at 10:23 p.m. Thursday. Two officer responded to the scene and a 28-year-old man was taken into custody for driving under intoxication, no insurance and leaving a vehicle unattended.

Fire Run — A motorist reported seeing a pumping unit on fire at the intersection of Duck Creek Road and Oklahoma 11 to the Communications Center at 11:40 p.m. Thursday. Blackwell dispatch was advised.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of Edwards Avenue and South Thirteenth Street reported that after a traffic stop a 33-year-old man was taken into custody for driving under suspension and a 30-year-old woman on a city warrant for failure to appear at 11:50 p.m. Thursday.

Subject Held — An officer in the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a 46-year-old woman was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under intoxication, no insurance, driving under suspension and improper movement from a direct course at 12:01 a.m. Friday. The woman’s vehicle was towed from the scene.

EDUCATION

Three Students Prepare for Geographic Bee
Parent Meeting To Be Held April 7
School Textbooks Available for Viewing
Ponca City Senior Named 2001 Academic All-Stater
Alumni Site Launched For Po-Hi Graduates
Brookshier Earns Master’s Degree
President’s Corner

Three Students Prepare for Geographic Bee

WASHINGTON, D.C. — From Anchorage, Alaska, to Arkadelphia, Ark., fourth through eighth grade students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories will pit their geographic wits against each other at the state-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on Friday, April 6.

Local students qualifying for the competition include Jack Zhang from Woodlands Elementary, Dylan Powell from First Lutheran School and Elise Hagood from Ponca City Middle School.

The competition will be held at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond on April 6. The preliminary rounds will be held at 1:30 p.m. and the final round at 4 p.m.

The winner in each region will advance to the national finals in Washington, D.C., on May 22 and 23 to vie for the National Geographic Bee crown and top prize of a $25,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society. The second and third place winners in the national competition receive a $15,000 and $10,000 scholarship. The 2001 bee is sponsored by First USA.

Involving nearly 5 million students this 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 gained importance in the American classroom is that the College Board now offers an advanced placement geography course in high schools.

“The National Geographic Society is proud of its role in getting geography back in the classroom through the bee and outreach efforts,” said Terry Garcia, executive vice president of mission programs. “We believe today’s students must have a sound knowledge of geography to prepare for their role as tomorrow’s stewards of the planet.”

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 on April 6. Each state winner will receive $100 and other prizes, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington with a teacher escort for the May 22-23 finals.

“Jeopardy!” quiz show host Alex Trebek will moderate the national competition for the 13th year. The championship round of the National Geographic Bee will be held at National Geographic Society headquarters on May 23.

The 2000 national winner was eighth grader Felix Peng of Elisabeth Adams Middle School in Guilford, Conn. He correctly answered the question: “Name two of the three largest sections of Denmark, which include its mainland peninsula and two largest islands.” The answer: Jutland, Sjaelland, Fyn.

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

The National Geographic Society developed the National Geographic Bee in response to concern about the lack of geographic knowledge among young people in the United States.

Parent Meeting To Be Held April 7

An ACT parent meeting will be held April 5th, 5:30 ­ 6:30 p.m. at the Central Administration Building located at 111 West Grand Avenue. The purpose of the meeting will be to review with parents the components and contents of the ACT test as well as how best to help their children prepare for the test.

This presentation would be an especially good introduction to parents of high school sophomore and junior students who may be considering taking the ACT for the first time this summer or next fall. Presenters will be Peggy Krider, ACT representative; Linda Stahl, Ponca City High School Counselor; and Dr. Linda Powers, Director of Secondary Curriculum. For more information, call Dr. Linda Powers at 767-8000, Ext. 252.

School Textbooks Available for Viewing

The public is invited to view the textbooks selected for adoption this year at Central Administration, 111 West Grand, from April 2 through April 17. The hours for the display are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Evening times are available on April 3rd, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on April 16th.

There will be feedback forms available for patrons’ comments. Textbooks are on a five-year cycle. This year’s content areas are social studies, art, and music. For more information, contact Dr. Patty Ladd or Dr. Linda Powers at 767-8000.

Ponca City Senior Named 2001 Academic All-Stater

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has announced the 2001 Academic All-State scholars. Sunita Chahar, student at Ponca City High School, was among the students selected.

Each of this year’s All-Staters will receive a $1,500 scholarship, a medallion and a commemorative plaque. The students’ schools will receive an Academic All-State flag to display on campus. Sunita, and the other All-Staters, will be recognized at the Foundation’s annual Academic Awards Banquet, which will be held on Saturday, May 19 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

David L. Boren, chairman and founder of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, describes the selection of the scholars as “Oklahoma’s most rigorous academic competition.”

In order to be nominated for Academic All-State, students are required to meet one of the following criteria: ACT score of at least 30; SAT score of at least 1350; National Merit Semi-Finalist; National Achievement Semi-Finalist; National Hispanic Scholar Awards Semi-Finalist. This year’s All-Staters scored an average of 32.6 on the ACT (3 scored a perfect 36), an average of 1445 on the SAT (4 had a perfect score of 1600), and 61 of this year’s All-Staters are National Merit Semi-Finalists.

Most Academic All-State nominees are in the top one percent academically of all public high school seniors, which makes the selection process very competitive.

The Selection Committee, which is chaired by Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Marian P. Opala, works independently in all other Foundation activities. The committee members are a diverse group of business, education and civic leaders.

Academic All-State Alumni and former Medal for Excellence winners also sit on the Selection Committee. The selection process required that each nomination must be read and rated independently by at least two members of the Selection Committee. Committee members evaluate how nominees have utilized opportunities available to them, not only academically but also interpersonally.

Nominees submit information about leadership experience, participation in extracurricular activities, and community involvement, which are considered in addition to the student’s academic performance. Nominees have the opportunity to express their creativity and ideas in an essay question on the nomination form. A principal or superintendent must submit each nomination, which must also have two letters of recommendation.

Alumni Site Launched For Po-Hi Graduates

A new alumni site for graduates of Ponca City Senior High School has been launched by poncacity.net and the Ponca City News at www.pohialumni.net. It is a free service dedicated to bringing the alumni of the high school together and reuniting old friends.

The site includes areas for each class for members to register their information and post or read news and information about their class. There are also special areas for reunion information as well as general information and calendars for the high school.

Tom Muchmore, published of The Ponca City News, said, “We are thrilled to be able to provide this tool for the graduates of Ponca City High School. It will provide an opportunity for many alumni to find old friends and plan reunions in one place on the Internet.”

To look for a classmate or to enter your information, go to www.pohialumni.net and register.

Brookshier Earns Master’s Degree

JENNIFER BROOKSHIER, daughter of John and Mary Bohannon, has received a master’s degree in biology from Utah State University. Jennifer specializes in wildlife biology, working with bison on Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake. She is a 1989 graduate of Ponca City High School and obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. She is currently a wildlife biologist with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife in Olympia, Wash.

President’s Corner

by Dr. Joe Kinzer

Northern Oklahoma College President

NOC Helps With Financial Woes

As graduating high school seniors finalize plans to further their academic careers, many of them realize that financing their higher education is a major factor to consider. While costs of attending Northern are among the lowest in the state, we realize that many of our students, both first-time enrollees and returning students, need financial assistance to achieve their educational goals.

Now is the time to apply for financial aid for fall 2001 through summer 2002 in order to receive award letters before the fall semester begins. In most cases, students can charge books and room and board when they arrive on campus if their financial aid is already in place.

Financial aid available includes grants (which do not have to be repaid) and loans (which must be repaid with interest) funded by the Federal government and administered through the college, as well as both institutional and private scholarships. Parents may borrow to pay education expenses for dependent undergraduate students.

Students enrolling for the first time at Northern can obtain Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from the Office of Student Affairs in the Vineyard Library-Administration Building. Information from the student's or parent's income tax return is needed to fill out the application completely and correctly. Students may also want to check on the Federal Work-Study Program.

Continuing students who received financial aid for the 2000-2001 school year but have not yet received renewal forms from the Federal government should also pick up a FAFSA application. Director of Financial Aid Linda Brown and Assistant Director Carol Stanfield are happy to explain options and answer questions.

Graduating high school seniors who participated in state early awareness programs such as OHLAP can check with Kerri Gray in Foster-Piper Fieldhouse after August 1 to ensure that paperwork has been processed so they can receive funds.

Some on-campus employment is available for students wishing to work part-time. Student employees must be full-time and can work no more than 20 hours per week. Jobs can range from custodial or grounds work to clerical assistance. Applications are available through the Office of Student Affairs and are filed with Dean of Men Jason Johnson.

Scholarships are awarded to full-time students, those enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours. Institutional scholarships are generally fee waivers; that is, the awarded amount is deducted from a student's college costs.

Private scholarships are cash awards and vary in amount. Many of these have been established or contributed to by alumni and friends through the Northern Oklahoma College Foundation. Others are offered by outside sources who supply information to the Office of Student Affairs.

Some scholarships are available to any student, but most are need-based and earmarked for students enrolled in specific programs. Other restrictions may apply to individual private scholarships. Generally, a scholarships recipient must meet certain requirements to have the award renewed each semester. Kerri can supply detailed information and specific deadlines.

Other assistance includes such sources as Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant, Bureau of Indian Affairs grants and short-term loans. These sources as well as scholarships are listed in various Northern publications available through the Office of Student Affairs, and Kerri can assist students wishing to explore these options.

Students or parents interested in learning more about financial aid options can call the Director of Financial Aid at 580-628-6273 or the Scholarship Clerk at 580-628-6760. At Northern, our aim is to see that no student is prevented from obtaining a quality education because of lack of funds.

LIFESTYLES

Neurobiological Care, Skills Course Offered
Eta Delta Chapter Makes Donation To Robotics Club
Little News
Lexis Alija Dragg

Neurobiological Care, Skills Course Offered

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Oklahoma is offering an education and skills course for families and professionals caring for children and adolescents with neurobiological disorders (mental illness).

The Visions for Tomorrow Education Program is taught by trained individuals and offers up to date, research based information on disorders such as ADHD/ADD, Autism, Tourette’s, Conduct Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Disorders, eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders: PTSD and General Anxiety, Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder.

The course also teaches participants communication, problem solving, and other skills needed to effectively manage the care and treatment of children with mental illnesses.

Classes will be held one night per week for eight weeks and all materials and training are offered to participants free of charge.

Courses will begin April in the following communities: Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Muskogee, Enid, Ponca City, and Lawton.

If you are interested in attending the Visions course please call 1-800-645-5437 to register for class in your community or for more information. Visions for Tomorrow is sponsored by NAMI Oklahoma.

Eta Delta Chapter Makes Donation To Robotics Club

Ten members of Eta Delta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met for a dinner meeting on March 12 at Pizza Hut. Sylvia Smith hosted the meeting, and Judy Branch, president, conducted the meeting. A letter was received from the Robotics Club at PCHS thanking the chapter for its $100 donation to help send the team to Houston.

Individual scrapbook pages are to be completed and returned to Wanda Sheehan. Announcement was made that Founder’s Day is April 26 at the American Legion.

Nancy Taylor and Sylvia Smith will host the March 30 “potato bar” dinner social which will be in the home of Nancy Taylor. She will also host the regular chapter meeting when members will exchange secret sister gifts in addition to conducting election of officers and Girl of the Year for 2001-2002.

Pat Sipe received the Beta Bud Basket. For the program Sylvia Smith shared several readings from the book “Joined at the Heart.”

Little News

Jordan Nicole Byers

Former residents Brent and Jamie (VanGilder) Byers announce the birth of their daughter at 3:10 a.m. March 2, 2001, in Scottsdale Healthcare-Shea in Scottsdale, Ariz. Jordan Nicole Byers weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces, and measured 19 inches long. She has a brother, Joshua, 6.

Maternal grandparents are John and Linda Robinson of Ponca City and Rick and Georgia VanGilder of Bristol, Ind. Great-grandfather is Ralph VanGilder of Yukon.

Paternal grandparents are Arlen and Sonya Byers, Wayne Byers, Thomas and Edna Bradford, all of Blackwell.

Lexis Alija Dragg

Announcing the birth of a daughter are Tom and Tammi (Fryar) Dragg of Broken Arrow. Lexis Alija Dragg was born at 12:48 p.m. March 24, 2001, in St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. The baby weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce, and measured 20 inches long. She has a sister, Aliya Ciarra Dragg.

Maternal grandparents are Garvin and Guarry Fryar of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Bonnie Dragg of Virginia and Charles Dragg of Norman.

SPORTS

Wildcats Rally Past Norman 6 to 3

Wildcats Rally Past Norman 6 to 3

NORMAN — The Ponca City Wildcats defeated host Norman, 6-3, in eight innings Thursday in the first round of the Tigers’ round robin tournament.

Coach Justin Timmerman said it was a big win for the team because Doug Tosh pitched the whole game. Bryan Coppock and Wes Day will both be available to pitch two games today against either Moore or Westmoore and Bartlesville.

“It was a game we should’ve won,” Timmerman said. “And we won it.”

The Cats scored two runs in the second inning and one in the fifth. The Tigers scored two in the second and one in the bottom of the sixth to send the game into extra innings.

Wes Day and Casey Rowe scored in the seventh to pull game out for Ponca City. Day singled to begin the inning. Buddy McCoy flied out before Rowe followed with another single. A double steal put the two Cats on second and third in easy scoring position.

J. Michael Sharon loaded the bases after he was hit by a pitch.

Day helped himself by clearing the bases with a hugh double to drive in three runs.

The Cats went down quietly in the first inning, but took advantage of two second inning errors on the pitcher and third baseman to score Jeremy DeNoya and Wes Day.

Jimmo Ozment reached base on a strike out and a passed ball by the catcher in the top of the fifth. He scored on an Aaron Upshaw sacrifice fly to right field.

The Tigers sent seven batters to the plate in the second. Cox and Graham led off the inning with a pair of singles. They scored on an error by the pitcher and a sacrifice fly to center field. Norman’s sixth inning score came on a walk, a single and a sacrifice fly. A Tiger was on third base when Tosh got the batter to hit a come-backer to the mound for the third out.

The Tigers went down in order in the sixth and could not get a runner past second base in the seventh.

The win raises the Cats’ season record to 10-7.