LOCAL

Three Agencies In Ponca City To Get Funds
Nearly News
Tasteless Drummer Comes Back for More
Help Arrives Just in Time in Marland

Three Agencies In Ponca City To Get Funds

State Representative Jim Newport has announced $150,000 funding made available from the state to three Ponca City agencies through the Emergency Shelter Grant Program.

Through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Department of Housing, the Domestic Violence Program, Edwin Fair Mental Health Facility, and Northern Oklahoma Youth Services will receive $50,000 each.

Through the Emergency Shelter Grant program, financial assistance will be provided for social service expenses in these areas. Christy Williams director of the Domestic Violence program, Vearl Caid of Northern Oklahoma Youth Services and Edwin Fair's Bob Hefly agreed the much needed applied for monies will be put to best use. The three Ponca City agencies were among twenty applicants being funded.

Nearly News

The Millennium Celebration in Newkirk, previously reported to be this weekend, will instead be the weekend of May 28.

Tasteless Drummer Comes Back for More

Steve Danbom can’t quite get enough of Taste and Tasteless.

This is his eighth year performing at the yuck-a-minute fund raiser for the Poncan Theatre. Danbom drives up from Houston every year for Tasteless, but he says “I know at least half the cast, and I know them from 20 years back.” Danbom is one of the reasons

Tasteless is so successful. Volunteers make it happen every year. Taste and Tasteless begins tonight at 6:45 with foods under the tents behind the theatre. The tasteless entertainment begins in the auditorium at 8 p.m.

“We’ve really run amuck this year,” says Kenn Wessel, director of the Poncan. “We pride ourselves on political incorrectness, what with men playing women and the like. Of course, Larry Bittman has the best looking legs in town, bar none.

But this year, we’ve opened the cast to a gaggle of females. There are some who complain that we’re even pushing the fringes of respectability.” But Wessel assures the audience that incorrectness is the standard. “Folks should come to Tasteless ready for some belly-laughs,” he says.

Danbom performs in the infamous Tasteless Band, along with Leslie Rardin, David Hart and Cynthia Crowe. He is a recent Conoco retiree, but he still has his feet on the ground of geophysics.

“I have my own consulting firm, Danbom Geophysics,” he says. “But my children were raised in Ponca City, and I love to return to Ponca City to visit old friends.” Incredibly, Danbom makes the annual trek to Tasteless from Houston mostly because the tasteless hilarity is infectious.

Steve calls himself a “hack musician,” which fits in perfectly with Tasteless. But he’s a hack musician with a lot of experience and training.

He had a jazz quintet in college, and he’s been playing drums since age ten. While he lived in Ponca City, he played for the Ponca Playhouse in a dozen musicals. He particularly enjoys playing for Tasteless because there’s an improvisational element.

He calls it “free form improvisation,” which may be scary news to the singers onstage. Actually, Danbom says that the orchestra plays the tunes in an easily recognizable style, so the singers can be free to take liberties. With luck, they all start and finish at the same time. But in Tasteless, they’re not always lucky.

Taste and Tasteless” is now in its eighth year, and it’s been a huge success because it’s hilarious. This is a great opportunity for people to laugh at the celebrities and infamous of Ponca City.

“So many blunderbus things happen all the time that we’ve had trouble finishing the script,” says Wessel. “Every day brings some new and gleeful opportunity to laugh at something.” He promises that Tasteless is current up to the minute.

For tickets to Taste and Tasteless, folks may come to the front door of the theatre at 104 East Grand. Or they’re also available at the tents in the parking lot behind the theatre. Patrons may access the food area from First Street south of Grand Avenue. For only $25, folks make a donation to the Poncan, and also get great eats and an outrageous show. The Poncan Theatre phone is 580-765-0943.

Help Arrives Just in Time in Marland

MARLAND — It was an emergency early Tuesday morning, and the Marland Volunteer Fire Department responded quickly. Just in time! And it was a first for the department!

The Communications Center at the Ponca City Public Safety Center received the first 911 call at 5:54 a.m. from the Marland resident, Lisa Mayes, that she was in labor with her sixth child.

The Marland Volunteer Fire Department was paged, and responded with help quickly to 103 Antelope, which is just on the west side of Oklahoma 156 in Marland.

Assistant Fire Chief David Benham, who has been with the department six and a half years and Karen Buxton, who is secretary for the department, a two-year volunteer, arrived at the scene at 6:10 a.m. and “the baby’s head was just beginning to appear,” Buxton said. She and Benham have been a couple the past seven years.

Buxton said that Benham completed the delivery at the scene, and an ambulance crew from the Ponca City Fire Department arrived to take mother and youngster, Sawyer Haden Davis Morris, on to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City.

As a result, Benham had to sign the birth certificate, for his delivering of the baby.

Making sure the ambulance arrived at the right address was Marland Fire Chief Mickey Robinson, who has been with the department 21 and a half years.

“I knew there wouldn’t be anyone here fast enough, when I made the 911 call, but they arrived just in time,” Lisa Mayes said.

Mother and boy stayed at the hospital 24 hours, and were back with those involved the next day, Thursday.

Also responding to the scene was a first year volunteer, Heath Harman.

DEATHS

Ruby M. Connelly
Lauranetta Frazier

Ruby M. Connelly

BLACKWELL — Ruby M. Connelly, resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday night, April 26, 2000, in her home. She was 86.

Cremation graveside services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2000, at the Newkirk Cemetery with the Rev. Bob Weaver officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home in Blackwell.

Ruby M. Connelly was born July 4, 1913, in Newkirk, the daughter of Bob and Mattie Ramey. They later moved to Arkansas City where she received her education. She married Bud Connelly on July, 19, 1930. In 1946, they made Ponca City their home. He preceded her in death on Oct. 19, 1975. She was a member of the Pioneer Christian Church of Ponca City.

Survivors include one son, Jerald Connelly of Ponca City; two daughters, Lana Reaves of Perry, and Sue Price of Ponca City; one sister, Opal Crumley of Ponca City; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded by her husband, her parents, three brothers, and one sister.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Services Pending

Lauranetta Frazier

Lauranetta “Lolly” Frazier, 138 Hillside, died early Friday morning, April 28, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 71. Survivors include her husband, Jim, of the home. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Trash Clean-Up Day — The Ponca City Main Street Authority will host a Trash Clean Up day Saturday at 4 p.m. The group will be focusing on cleaning up Grand Avenue. Any interested volunteers can meet at the PCMSA office, 307 1/2 E. Grand Ave. For more information, call 763-8082.

Ponds to Koi: We build water gardens or do it yourself, filters, pumps, liners. Koi- goldfish- food

etc. Ray 580-762-7806. adv.

Dance Canceled — Ponka Pathata Scalp dance scheduled for Saturday morning has been canceled due to the death of a family member.

Pauline Sirloin steak and shrimp dinner $12.95 Friday the

28th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Vehicle Towed — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 7:39 a.m. Thursday that an abandoned vehicle was being towed from the 900 block of South Ninth Street.

Invitation to Dinner — The family of the late Jewell McDonald Farmer extends an open invitation to all friends and family to attend a memorial dinner in her honor at the Ponca Indian Methodist Church, White Eagle, at noon April 30, 2000. A special invitation is extended to all elders and veterans. Also, please be advised that due to changes in personal circumstances, Chief Leonard Crowdog will be unable to hold the Native American Church services scheduled for April 29, 2000.

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

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of West Hazel Avenue at 10:22 a.m. Thursday that a 31-year-old man ws being held on a grand larceny failure to appear warrant from Payne County.

Sportscard Show! Saturday, 9:00-5:00. Free admission! Ponca Plaza Shopping Center. adv.

Trailer Stolen — A man at the Ponca City Airport reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:49 p.m. Thursday that his trailer had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Red Dazzle Canna bulb. Reg. 69˘ each sale 39˘ each. adv.

Assault — A man fro the 1500 block of North Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:01 p.m. Thursday that an assault had occurred. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Circus April 30th Shows at 1:30 and 4:30. One Day Only. adv.

Burglary — A man from the 3500 block of Springwood reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:04 p.m. Thursday that a stereo had been stolen from his vehicle. Two officers were assigned and the information was logged.

R&G Style Shop, Newkirk, Open Sunday April 30th 1 to 4:30

p.m. after Easter clearance. Selected items 25 to 30% off. adv.

Vehicle Towed — Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 1:51 p.m. Thursday from Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street, that a vehicle was being towed from the scene of an accident in a parking lot. A 23-year-old man was held for DUI and juvenile citations were issued to a juvenile girl, who was released on a promise to appear.

50% Off Easter ornaments, including Harley Shield, Carla’s

Hallmark, 4th & Grand, Downtown. adv.

Hit and Run — A woman from the 400 block of East Central Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:56 p.m. Thursday that her vehicle had been hit. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Dog Problem — A woman from the 200 block of South Sixth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:20 p.m. Thursday that while an Animal Control officer was removing a dog from the hood of her vehicle, the hood received scratches and the dog messed on the window. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Pine Street and West Summit Avenue at 5:16 a.m. Friday that a 24-year-old man was being held for public intoxication, resisting arrest and throwing human waste on an officer.

Subjects Held — The Ponca City Police Department sent officers to an area in the 300 block of South Ash Street at 4:35 p.m. Thursday to check on a disturbance. A 32-year-old man was held for domestic assault and battery and DUI, and a 37-year-old man was held for public intoxication.

Elk’s Lodge open Tuesday through Saturday 4-10. 3612 Lake

Road. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of East Alma Avenue and South Eleventh Street at 6:34 p.m. Thursday that a 33-year-old woman was being held for public intoxication and a city warrant for failure to pay.

Bearly New- New kids clothes and shoes 20% off. High chair and toy sale! 2010 N. 14th. 10% off used maternity. adv.

Accident — A man reported from the 300 block of East Grand Avenue at 9:20 p.m. Thursday that an air conditioner compressor had fallen out of someone’s truck onto the roadway and his vehicle had hit it. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Court Allen Construction.

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

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Third Street and East Hartford Avenue at 9:53 p.m. Thursday that a 23-year-old man was being held for having no driver’s license. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Custom Framing. 40%-20% off

frame everyday. West End Interiors & Art Gallery. 223 West Grand, 765-8864. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North First Street and Summit Avenue at 10:25 p.m. Thursday that a 22-year-old man was being held for having no driver’s license and having no insurance. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Hanging Baskets, reg. $12.99, now $9.95. adv.

Fight — A man from the 700 block of North Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:37 p.m. Thursday that a fight was occurring involving a ball bat. An officer responded and took into custody, a 20-year-old man for DUI.

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.

Vehicle Vandalized — A man from the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:46 a.m. Friday that his vehicle had been egged. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Kids/Her Review now accepting spring/summer childrens and

womans 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.

Look! Look! Big dart tournament, Saturday April 29, 2000 at the Blue Lite Lounge, 217 South 2nd, 3:30 p.m. Blind draw mixed. Doubles if possible! adv.

My Favorite Things 201 N. 1st

Nice previously-owned clothing

furniture, books, and toys. Donations Excepted. Benefits Hospice and Peachtree Landing. 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.

VFW Post #1201 & Ladies Aux. will be celebrating “Loyalty Day 2000” April 30,2000 at 1:00pm at Post home on East Prospect. It will be a covered dish brisket dinner. Members & guests are to bring a dish to compliment the

meal. All are asked to wear red, white & blue. adv.

Preschool Programs — The Ponca City Library offers preschool story times on Tuesday and Wednesday. May 2 the youngsters from 4-7 years old will enjoy Mother Goos on the Loose at 10 and 11:30 a.m., while the same story time will be held on Wednesday, May 3, for toddlers, ages 2-3 at 10 and 10:30 a.m.

LIFESTYLES

Piano Students To Give Recital At First Christian
Little News
Xi Beta Tau Chapter Meets
Eta Delta Chapter Members Meet
Ponca Playhouse Guest Director Of Carousel Back on Home Stage
Ponca Hethusska Plans Spring Dance

Piano Students To Give Recital At First Christian

Piano students of Kay Sahai and Vicki Stokke will present a recital Sunday, April 30, at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Christian Church, Fifth and Cleveland. Friends and family are cordially invited to attend the program which will feature piano solos and duets.

Special recognition will be given to high school senior Kami Schieber who has studied piano for 12 years, to Kerianne Roggow who won honorable mention in the elementary division Play-Offs of the Northwest District’s Music Club Junior Festival on February 19, to Catherine Smith who will receive her first Gold Cup for participation in the Music Club Junior Festival, to those students who have had outstanding practice records this year, and to the students who participated in music festivals and auditions this year.

Students sharing some of their favorite piano music in Sunday’s recital include Mandi Behar, Michelle Chao, Ashley Davis, Zareen Durrani, Robb Lankston, Danielle McConnell, Jake Munyon, Jamie Reiss, Katelynn Roggow, Kendra Roggow, Kerianne Roggow, Blake Self, Catherine Smith, Kami Schieber, Candice Vandeven, and Jerod Vap.

Little News

Brandalyn and Richard Stanbrough Jr. of Ponca City announce the birth of a daughter at 10:16 a.m. March 10, 2000, at St, Joseph Regional Medical Center. Braelynn Jessie Mae Stanbrough weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces, and measured 19 1/2 inches long. Maternal grandmother is Debra Greer of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Richard Stanbrough Sr. of Ponca City, and Kathleen Rowe of Ponca City.

Xi Beta Tau Chapter Meets

Members of Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met April 10 in the home of JoAnn Ferguson. Following a chicken pot pie dinner, members stood for the opening ritual led by Sammie Coats, president. June Miller, recording secretary, called roll, and read the minutes. A thank you note was read from Lois Coats, Valentine queen.

Tickets for the road trip to the Taste of Home cooking show in Stillwater were distributed. Announcement was made that Xi Beta Tau chapter would introduce new members of each chapter during the Founder’s Day banquet. City council minutes were read by Lois Coats.

The traveling basket was given to Cindy Wardlow from Terri Buesing, and the mystery prize was won by Ms. Wardlow. Lois Coats gave each member a country patchwork table runner and a can of room spray. The program was an installation of officers for 2000-2001. Lois Coats will be the hostess for the next meeting.

Eta Delta Chapter Members Meet

Wanda Sheehan conducted the recent Eta Delta Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, meeting hosted by Paula Harryman. Thirteen members were in attendance. For the May service project, members voted to donate $50 to the AT Children’s Foundation. New chapter officers installed included Judy Branch, president, and Pat Sipe, treasurer.

Janet Hughes will host the May 8 meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. The dinner meeting will conclude with the secret sister birthday gift exchange. Wanda Sheehan received the Beta Bud Basket and Paula Harryman won the door prize.

Ms. Harryman gave an informative program on chronological age verses real age. She presented facts, based on research, on how “we can increase our lifespan by the healthy things we do for ourselves now.” Anyone wishing to complete the real age survey may do so by contacting realage.com on the internet.

Ponca Playhouse Guest Director Of Carousel Back on Home Stage

Roger Thomas is the guest director for Ponca Playhouse’s production of Carousel, opening May 5 at the Poncan Theatre. It will also be playing May 6, 7, 12 and 13. Carousel is a well-known Rodgers and Hammerstein musical and there will be over 60 local singers, actors, and dancers in the Playhouse production.

Roger Haag Thomas was managing director of Ponca Playhouse from 1974 to 1978. After leaving Ponca City, he continued his community theater career directing an additional 100 shows and managing the business affairs of several theaters. Currently, and for the past 14 years, he has served as the executive director of the Victoria Community Theatre in Victoria, Texas, located in south Texas adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico.

Continually interested in children and arts education, Thomas started The Theatrical Academy for Youth in Victoria. Since 1986, hundreds of children have attended classes and performed in productions especially designed for young audiences. Alumni have attended film schools and major universities studying theater. He continues to be supportive of his alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin. Under his direction, VCT has experienced phenomenal growth, and the Victoria Performing Arts Center will be built to house the theater. The four-million dollar complex will seat 475 in a modern up-to-date facility.

Roger and wife Becky have many fond memories of living here in Ponca City. Their fourth child, daughter Erin, was born here while the family lived on Hazel Avenue. The family still regards that house as their home or at least the one affectionately etched in their memories.

“Ponca City is still a wonderful town to live and raise a family,” Thomas commented recently. “I came back because I needed a boost and what better place than the Ponca Playhouse, a group that figures so prominently in my past and the current success I enjoy in Victoria.”

Besides managing and directing, Thomas has pursued acting roles in the burgeoning Texas film industry. He has appeared in commercials, syndicated television series, and most recently in the film It’s in the Water. Always looking to the future, he is planning for retirement by studying the art of puppetry. He hopes to tour productions to schools located in the south Texas area.

Roger is a charter member and governor of Texas Nonprofit Theatres, Southwest Theatre Association, American Community Theatre Association, and the Puppeteers of America.

Call the Playhouse Box Office at 765-5360 for further information or tickets.

Ponca Hethusska Plans Spring Dance

WHITE EAGLE — The Ponca Hethuska Society has announced that its traditional Celebration of Spring Hethuska Dance will be held at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center Saturday. Damon Roughface, head committeeman (Nuda Honga), and the Ponca Hethuska Committee have extended an invitation for one and all to attend this dance celebrating the spring renewal of life.

Preceding the afternoon dance session will be the traditional mourner’s meal at noon. All families who have lost loved ones are invited and encouraged to partake. The afternoon dance session will follow immediately.

Head cook, Alan Blueback, along with family and friends, will be preparing the evening meal served at 5:30 p.m. Following the evening meal will be a session of Wolf Songs. The evening mens dance session will commence at 7:30 p.m.

Head singer Eli Warrior is asking for the welcome assistance of his fellow singers at the drum. Singers are reminded to arrive early as the drum will be closed once the dance begins.

Special guests for this event are the Ponca senior elders (Wahunthinge), elders from neighboring tribes and other invited guests from across the country.

Ponca Hethuska members are reminded to pay their dues, to bring a gift basket of groceries for the elders, and to arrive at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center at 11:30 a.m. for completion of various duties.

EDUCATION

Honor Society Inducts New Po Hi Members
PTC Moving On
Spring Choir Concert To Be Presented by East Students
Parsons Selected New Youth Governor of OK
Frontier TSA Students Attend Mini Conference
Citizens Asked To Serve on BOE
State Reflections Winners Include Three PC Students
State Schools Award 24,822 Spring Degrees

Honor Society Inducts New Po Hi Members

The Ponca City High School Chapter of the National Honor Society recently inducted 43 new members into its organization.

The criteria for induction is based on academic performance (3.75 GPA), leadership, citizenship and character. These new members join the 45 current members.

Officers for the current year are Tim Connelly, president; Tamra Banks, vice president; and Robert Hwang, secretary.

Newly elected officers for the 2000-2001 school year are Abby Roth, president; Katherine Connelly, vice president; and Candace Bensen, secretary.

In addition to academics, the focus of the local chapter is involvement and assistance in various school and community activities.

Inducted senior members for the 1999-2000 school year are Jancy Brewer, Carissa Calvert, T.J. Dancey, Matthew Evans, Heather Kelle, Jessica Leung, Ashley Mott, Kami Schieber and Andrea Thomas.

Juniors inducted were Alicia Allen, Candace Benson, Jena Birdsong, Sunita Charar, Aaron Cohenour, Brandi Combes, Katherine Connelly, Bryan Coppock, Lisa Drouhard, Karalyn Eyster, Timothy Frick, Nicole Hardy, Marieke Hegler, Dusty Howery, Angela Kana, Michael Keen, Jennifer Long, Kendra Love, Michael Martin, Rachel Maxon, Laura McDaniel, Stephen Michael, Elizabeth Milligan, Candice Moses, Jennifer Nimmo, Andra Nuzum, Sheralyn Otto, Mark Parsons, Katherine Paschal, Joshua Pitts, Abby Roth, Jacquelyn Salmons, Susan Taylor and Melody Wynn.

PTC Moving On

Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) is definitely moving forward despite conflict, administrative turnarounds, and newspaper headlines.

The healing process began Wednesday with faculty, staff, and board members coming together to decide that it is time to lay any differences aside and focus on what is best for the school — the students and clients.

As interim superintendent, I am impressed with the school's dedication to the idea that students and clients do come first at PTC. The result of viewing students and clients as the most valuable members of the school system can be seen in the continuous high enrollment for both daytime and short-term training programs in addition to job placement records.

In the Business and Industry Training (BIS) division, client-based programs also continue to have excellent enrollment while new training opportunities are being coordinated by the Management Development Group and the Industry and Safety Training Director.

In a joint effort with Conoco, contractors who also work in the refinery, and other area businesses, PTC has recently expanded their safety training to include a training facility located east of the Conoco refinery. This off-campus site is a first for PTC and has had a tremendous impact on meeting the needs of our clients who require safety training.

Since 1998, PTC has provided our area 6,550 hours of safety training with 9,045 students attending the 1,080 classes. The classes all meet OSHA regulations and are designed to help each company achieve the goal of zero recordable lost-time hours due to work related accidents.

In the area of daytime programs, quality instruction is seen as our students are shining all across the district and state level through recent skill competitions.

This year, more students have participated and placed in skills contests at all levels with more individuals and teams qualifying for upcoming national competition.

Amidst the recent happenings, it is evident that PTC has never lost sight of our mission and purpose for the school. PTC continues to have people coming through the doors on a daily basis. Whether it is a single mother of three needing training and a "fresh start," high school and adult students seeking career counseling and training, or businesses requesting the latest computer upgrade training, PTC remains a vital part of our community.

Pioneer Technology Center's continued commitment to the students, clients, and community sends a powerful message about their mission, to deliver education, training, and services which enhance lives and promote economic growth. The fact that PTC has persevered through the recent happenings only indicates that perhaps the best is yet to come.

Spring Choir Concert To Be Presented by East Students

The East Eighth Grade Chorus students will present a Spring Concert on Thursday, May 4 at 7 p.m. and on May 5 at 8:15 a.m. in the Ralph Lester Auditorium.

The program entitled, “Sing and Celebrate the 20th Century,” will include music from each decade.

The public is invited to attend both performances.

The choir is under the direction of Carol Green.

Vocal soloists will be Jakeb Con, Daak Love, Garrett Merle, Aaron Wright, Jennifer Sherman, Brittney Gilliam, Elizabeth Myers, Audrey Eubank, Shannon Love, Kimberly Evans, Michaela Cavener, Christina Senseman, Lindsay Weems, Laci Baird, Amanda Neal, Elizabeth Pearson, Paula Krueger, John Lowery and Mitch Fezer.

A vocal ensemble will be sung by Elizabeth Myers, Aaron Wright, Shannon Love, Audrey Eubank, Michaela Cavener, Kimberly Evans, Paula Krueger, Andrew Davis, Daak Love, Garrett Merle, Jakeb Coon and Aaron Worley.

Narrators will be Teresa Fox, Sheila Payne, Melanie Harris, Deitric White, Ashley Pemberton, Megan McGuire, Krystle Loney, Sharii Peeples, Emily Viele, Heather Rasor, Amanda Reiss, Lindsey Pruitt and Amy Moriarty.

Choreography will be done by Shannon Love, Mitch Fezer, Gladys Garcia, Sarah Lynn, John Lowery, Kari Lawson, Janna Green, Kimberly Evans, Jarrod Hobbs, Lindsay Weems, Hillary Wright, Ashley Selvidge, Teresa Fox, Paula Krueger, Samantha Bustraan, Mariah Pappan, Shandi Parent, Sheila Payne, Christina Senseman, Kelli Smotone, Sherletha Mathis, Chastity Swindoll, Brett Springer, Jakeb Coon, Lindsey Thomas, Audrey Walker, Joe Stransky, Aaron Worley, Josh Engle, Amanda Neal and Tre Lambeth.

Other chorus members are Tara Allison, Kassie Allmon, Kristin Angle, Haley Bible, Sara Birch, Sarah Blueback, Katherine Burriell, Katie Caudillo, Nikki Cox, Leah Dester, Nichalos Durham, Samantha Durbin, Susan Emmons, Samantha Faulk, Stephanie Garino, Morgan Ham, Nicole Ham, Brandy Homan, Leslie Hudson, Anh Huynh, Amber Jackson, Samantha Johnson, Danielle Kennedy, Lindsay Klick, Jensi Leatherman, Kim Leatherman and Amanda Lee.

Also, Brittnea Lewis, Kyla Lewis, Heather Loggan, Nicole Mansfield, Jennifer McCullough, Kelli Milligan, Nevin Porter, Whitney Quiram, Shanell Robb, Jenny Rutter, Ann Smith, Emily Thompson, Elizabeth Tucker, Tiffany Weaver, Sunshine White and Brian Yerkes.

Parsons Selected New Youth Governor of OK

Mark Parsons was elected Youth Governor of the State of Oklahoma at the Youth & Government state convention April 14th in Oklahoma City. Delegates to the conference represented all regions of Oklahoma

Parsons is a junior at Ponca City Senior High. He is a member of the National Honor Society and will be the yearbook editor his senior year.

He is also listed on the Superintendent's Honor Roll and was a Boys' State Delegate, recipient of Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award, member of the tennis team, municipal court volunteer, Friendship Feast volunteer, Child Development Center volunteer, member of St. Mary's Youth Group and is a Musician for the St. Mary's Youth Masses.

Youth & Government is a national organization sponsored by the YMCA.

Others involved in the Ponca City chapter are Rory Peterson, Amanda Cobb, Grant Potter, Greg Dunham, Brittney Parker, Stephanie Reece, Calyn Snell, and Jennifer Long.

Parson’s term as Youth Governor is for the year 2001. He will take over from Kyle Barnard of Stillwater, the current Youth Governor.

He will represent the state at the week-long National Conference of YMCA Youth Governors in Washington D.C. in June.

He's the 50th Youth Governor of Oklahoma - the program began in 1951. Eight others from Ponca City have been elected to the office of youth governor over the years. The first was Robert M. Young in 1960, and the most recent being Jason Bussey in 1998.

Frontier TSA Students Attend Mini Conference

Frontier Technology Student Association (TSA) members recently attended the Arnett TSA Mini-Conference. This one-day conference provided students with an opportunity to compete against students from twenty-three other schools from around the state.

Frontier was a dominant force in Structural Engineering Bridges. In the High School Division Matthew Caldwell won first place, James Page received fifth place, and Matthew Sayre secured the sixth place position. In the Structural Engineering Bridges Middle School Division, Jeremey Brewer brought home first place and Robert Kiker earned second place. Structural Engineering requires each student to design, construct, and load test a bridge.

Frontier was also prevalent in the Oklahoma T-Shirt Design. In the High School Division, Caldwell again won first place, and Geiger captured second place, Sayre received the fifth place position. In the Middle School Division, Kiker placed fifth.

In High School Problem Solving, the team of Geiger and Sayre received third place and the team of Caldwell and Page took the fourth place honors.

Kiker’s balsa glider earned him the third place position in Flight Challenge. Geiger's car design and performance yielded a fourth place in Research and Design. Matthew Caldwell's artistic and creative skills produced a fourth place Promotional Graphics entry.

The High School Technology Bowl Team of Caldwell, Geiger, and Page took sixth place in the oral competitions.

The Frontier High School and Middle School Team members have earned the right to go to the Oklahoma State TSA Conference.

Citizens Asked To Serve on BOE

Pioneer Technology Center is seeking any interested citizens who would like to serve on the board to complete the unexpired terms in Zone 2 and Zone 4.

Interested citizens must meet the qualifications to be a board member as well as reside within Zone 2 and Zone 4.

The Pioneer Technology Center Board of Education will interview all interested candidates and appoint the new board members.

All interested individuals need to send a letter of application no later than May 19, 2000, to Bruce DeMuth, Interim Superintendent, Pioneer Technology Center, 2101 N. Ash, Ponca City, Okla., 74601.

If you have questions about board qualifications or the boundaries of Zone 2 and Zone 4, please contact Bruce DeMuth at 762-8336.

State Reflections Winners Include Three PC Students

Creative students from across the state will be recognized by the Oklahoma State PTA on April 30 at a special reception for the 2000 winners of the Oklahoma State PTA Reflections Contest.

Areas entered were Literature, Music, Photography and Visual Arts.

Among those to be recognized are Ponca City students Chris Henning of Washington Elementary for an Award of Excellence in Intermediate Literature, Aaron Wright of Ponca City Mid-High for an Award of Merit in Junior/Middle Literature and Drew Barton, Woodlands Elementary, Award of Merit in Intermediate Music.

Over 21,400 entries were submitted in the four areas from students across the state in this year’s contest following the theme, “Anything is Possible.”

The reception honoring the winners will be held at 2 p.m. April 30 at Westmoore High school Auditorium in Oklahoma City.

Students selected as the Award of Excellence winner from each category and age grouping (including Chris Henning of Ponca City) will be sent on to the national competition.

State Schools Award 24,822 Spring Degrees

An estimated 24,822 students will receive academic diplomas during commencement exercises this spring on Oklahoma college and university campuses, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have announced.

Preliminary information relating to degrees awarded in spring 2000 was gathered in a survey of 25 colleges and universities and two technical branches. Official data for the 1999-2000 academic year will be available later.

The most popular fields of study among the 6,818 students receiving two-year associate degrees are business, nursing and general studies.

Business, education, criminal justice and psychology are the programs most frequently selected by the 12,837 students earning bachelor’s degrees.

A total of 4,133 master’s degrees will be awarded in a variety of fields, with the largest numbers of students selecting education, business and counseling.

Some 384 studens have earned doctoral degrees, with 650 others receiving professional degrees in areas such as law and medicine.

Included in those receiving degrees this spring are two 65-year-old graduates — Aaron Donley of Golden, who is receiving an associate degree from Carl Albert State College in Poteau, and Phyllis Jean Nichols of McAlester, who is earning a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University.

“As the State Regents start toward their goal of increasing the number of degree holders in Oklahoma, iti s exciting to see Oklahomans of ala ges achieving their goal of a colege degree and families studying and learning together,” said Chancellor Hans Brisch.

“We also want to congratulate all of the state’s graduates on their accomplishments and wish them great success in their future endeavors,” Brisch added.

RELIGION

Kay Baptists Sponsoring Mission Celebration May 1
Pastor’s Notes
Eastern Heights Hosting Missionaries Here
Church Briefs
Pioneer Christian Church Announces VBS Plans
Trinity Pentecostal Holiness Plans Gospel Sing
‘Come Let Us Reason Together’
Albright UMC Plans Cantata Sunday
First Methodists Plan Bunny Sunday
New Mt. Olive Baptists Announce Services

Kay Baptists Sponsoring Mission Celebration May 1

Kay Baptist Association is sponsoring a Mission Celebration on Monday, May 1 at Northeast Baptist Church in Ponca City. Featured speakers will be Dr. Bob Reccord, President of the North American Mission Board in Alpharetta, Georgia and Dr. Jerry Rankin, President of the International Mission Board in Richmond, Virginia.

The North American Mission Board supports 5,000 full time Southern Baptist missionaries on the North American continent. The International Mission Board supports over 4,500 full time Southern Baptist missionaries around the world.

The Mission Celebration will also recognize 22 missionaries who are now serving in Oklahoma, North America and overseas. Special music will be provided by an Associational Choir, composed from 22 area Baptist churches and under the direction of the Rev. Larry Masters. At 6:15 p.m. missionaries will be available in the foyer for questions and inquiries. A choral prelude will begin at 6:45 p.m. with the Mission Celebration service starting at 7 p.m.

Dr. Chester Ward, Director of Missions for Kay Baptist Association cordially invites the public to attend. Northeast Baptist church is located at 2200 North Pecan.

Pastor’s Notes

Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.

For the next few days, focus on the Cross of Jesus. The Cross stands at the heart of Christianity. Christ’s crucifixion is mentioned in every book of the New Testament except Philemon, Second John and Third John. Matthew mentioned the crucifixion in 141 different verses of his Gospel; Mark gave 116 verses to the crucifixion. Luke devoted two long chapters in Christ’s arrest and crucifixion. John used half his gospel to tell the story of the events immediately before, during and after the Crucifixion.

The late R.G. Lee declared, “taking the cross out of our preaching is like taking heat out of fire, melody out of music, numbers out of mathematics, facts out of history, word out of vocabularies.”

Without the work of Jesus on the Cross, we have no Good News!

Spend time meditating on the Cross. Consider how the depths of your sin and God’s love are both displayed at Calvary. I pray that we, like the Apostle Paul, would learn to glory in the Cross of Jesus. “But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14.

Hance Dilbeck, Pastor

First Baptist Church

Eastern Heights Hosting Missionaries Here

Stuart and Marilyn Cook, from Johannesburg, South Africa, will be special guests at Eastern Heights Christian Church on Sunday, April 30, when Stuart Cook will deliver the sermon, it was announced by Harold “Hap” Prough, minister at Eastern Heights.

The Cooks are the “umbrella” for the mission work Eastern Heights has conducted through the years in South Africa. When they went there in 1966, missionaries were not welcome, but Stuart achieved acceptance by the government. In order to enter the country as missionaries sponsored by funds from other countries, it is necessary to have this recognition and acceptance. When Eastern Heights’ mission field was moved from Malawi to South Africa, it was under Stuart Cook’s umbrella. Because of him, and under his “big umbrella” of direction and protection, many missionaries have been accepted to enter South Africa and establish and continue their work there. When Prough, pastor of Eastern Heights, and his wife, Jan, have made trips to oversee mission work there, they have been guests of the Cooks at Aletheia, the residence and work place established by the Cooks.

When Stuart and Marilyn Cook went to South Africa in 1966, they began a ministry in their home. Johannesburg is a huge city with a population of 60 percent black, 30 percent white, and 10 percent Asian, Hispanic and other. Over the years the home ministry has developed into Aletheia Center, a complex of five buildings and a courtyard. These were old buildings in a “bad” part of town, where a ministry was badly needed. Today, the ninety rooms include living accommodations for eighty people, offices and library, the Berea Christian Church, lecture hall, lounges, dining room, kitchens and more. They have housed people in dire straits while they were getting prepared to live on the outside, orphaned children, anyone in need — and a growing staff needed to carry on this ministry. Since Aletheia is composed of people from many races and backgrounds, it has been called “a world under one roof.”

Stuart Cook is a graduate of Platte Valley Bible College in Wyoming, and during a furlough from South Africa in 1972 he studied at Kansas State University, receiving a Master’s degree in science. In 1987 he received his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of the North in South Africa. After research in the early 1980’s he formed an organization called the International Business Culture. It is a seminar organization based on the belief that a biblical world-view works better. IBC methods teach clear ideas of reality, conceptual thinking skills, self-discipline, leadership abilities and motivation. Business and industry use the IBC seminars, thus “getting us into places that missionaries and ministers are not normally invited.”

Stuart and Marilyn Cook, in addition to this life work, have raised their family of four children and now have grandchildren in South Africa, and cared for both their mothers during their later years, all at Aletheia.

Eastern Heights Christian Church set a goal many years ago, which has been achieved, of giving fifty percent of all income for missions. In addition to this work in South Africa, they also maintain a mission field in Thailand, as well as contributing to mission work in this country.

Sunday morning worship at Eastern Heights, 5100 Lake Road, begins at 10:30. The congregation will remain after the service this Sunday for a pot-luck dinner in order to visit with the Cooks.

Church Briefs

Free Clothing Giveaway Monday

Free clothing give away Monday at the Helping Hands House, 440 Fairview from 6 to 8 p.m. to anyone with a need. This is a ministry of the First Assembly of God. Donations of clothing are needed. Please leave donations on the covered porch. Children’s clothes are especially in demand.

Grace Church Plans Annual Spring Rummage Sale

The Annual Spring Rummage Sale is coming to Grace Episcopal Church on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, scheduled for the Parish Hall on North Thirteenth, Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon.

Proceeds from the sale will go for the Episcopal Church Women’s outreach program within the church and throughout the Ponca City community.

Mark your calendars now and be at Grace Church Parish Hall for this semi-annual event.

Pioneer Christian Church Announces VBS Plans

Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard Road, will be holding “The Ultimate Adventure with Jesus” Vacation Bible School on June 5-9 from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. for children three years old through sixth grade.

Theme of this VBS adventure is centered around Psalm 139. Each night the children will travel to different “adventure destinations” including Truth Mountain, Boundless Beach, Discovery Desert, Reality Rapids, and Follower’s Forest. There will be Bible lessons, crafts, music, snacks, games and prizes.

The youth at Pioneer Christian Church invite all area children (according to the grade they will be in next school year) to join them for this fun and exciting adventure! For more information, please contact Pioneer Christian at 762-8858.

Trinity Pentecostal Holiness Plans Gospel Sing

Trinity Pentecostal Holiness Church, located at 621 West Grand Avenue in Ponca City, welcomes the public to join them April 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. for an afternoon of Gospel singing.

According to Paul and Pam Holmes, pastors, gospel singing is the order of the afternoon, and visitors are welcome to come and also to bring along a gospel song or two to share with others.

This is the Fifth Sunday and the time set aside at Trinity Pentecostal Holiness for an afternoon of singing. Prior, the singing was scheduled for 5 p.m., but the congregation decided afternoon was better, so visitors from other churches could participate, as well.

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

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

Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.” Matthew 4:10. After Jesus committed himself to public ministry, Satan tested His sincerity. He tempted Jesus to prove that He was the son of God by working a miracle to meet His needs, but Jesus refused to act out of doubt. Jesus chose to believe the confirming Word of God at His baptism, rather than test God’s word by trying to work a miracle. Satan tempted to jump to what would be a certain death to others. Satan said to Jesus His heavenly Father would save Him. Jesus refused to take the verses out of context, and said we must live by the Word of God rightly interpreted. Satan tempted Jesus to achieve political power and world domination through serving him, but Jesus chose the way of a suffering servant. Lord God, place Your hand in ours, and guide us through every hour. Thank You for helping us to meet the many challenges that come our way. In Jesus name, Amen.

Albright UMC Plans Cantata Sunday

The Easter cantata, “Risen This Day” will be performed by the Sanctuary Choir of the Albright United Methodist Church under the direction of Pat Purkey on Sunday, April 30, during worship. This cantata beautifully captures the many moods of Easter and Lent while proclaiming the message with classic Easter hymns and exciting new songs. Royce Caldron will be in charge of the sound system for this performance.

Choir members include: Alan Crockett, Charlie Miller, Pete Hurd, Price Thomas, Floyd Stewart, Andy Stewart, Eric Peeples, Donna Evans, Mary Cantrell, Frieda Hill, Phyllis Lansdowne, Jennifer Douglas, Marlene Wittmer, Carolyn Stewart, Sheila Combs-Francis, Pat Lutz, Geri Stewart, Joy Asbury, Norma Hurd, and Kathy Caldron.

First Methodists Plan Bunny Sunday

The Bunny Program, a ministry of compassionate love, was started by Jane Storrusten in 1992 and in 1997 was adopted as a program of the First United Methodist Church congregation. Since its beginning, over 1900 bunnies have been placed in the waiting arms of children in crisis by the Ponca City Police Department, Department of Human Services, District Attorney’s Office, Domestic Violence Shelter and others. Having and holding their bunny helps the children know that someone cares for them and that they are not alone with their pain and fear. Special services of blessing for the bunnies and the children who receive them have been planned at First United Methodist for 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Members and friends of the church may also bring their “special friends,” blanket, stuffed animal, etc. for an individual blessing by the Rev. J.D. Ward or the Rev. Gail Daugherty.

New Mt. Olive Baptists Announce Services

New Mt. Olive Baptist Church at 520 North Pine in Newkirk will be sponsoring its regular Fellowship Service this coming Sunday, April 30 with Sunday School beginning at 10:30 a.m. and morning worship set to begin at 11:30 a.m.

Their pastor, the Rev. Irwin Joseph Bobb will be bringing the message for morning worship, it was announced.

New Mt. Olive Baptist extends an invitation to all and everyone who wishes, to attend their services.

SPORTS

Cats Slide Continues
Wildcats and Plainsmen Split Match
PC Gymnast in National Meet

Cats Slide Continues

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Not even Senior Night could slow the downward spiral by the Ponca City baseball team Thursday night as five crucial errors helped Tulsa Union swamp the Cats 14-4 at the high school diamond.

“When you give up eight unearned runs, you’re in trouble,” complained Ponca City coach Mike Krehbiel. “We struggled tonight. We’ve been struggling for the past two weeks and this is a bad time of the year to be struggling.”

Ponca City is scheduled to complete the regular season tonight at Putnam City North and at Enid on Saturday. The Wildcats will meet this same Union team in the regional tournament at Owasso Tuesday.

The Cats’ losing streak grew to four in a row and the Poncans have now lost 10 of their last 12 games.

“We’ll just have to play our way through this slump,” Krehbiel said, but the coach admitted frustration.

“We’ve worked too hard to be playing like this,” he said.

Ponca City collected six hits off a couple of young Union pitchers and managed to bunch them together enough to stay even with the Redskins in the early going.

But Union had 12 hits off three Po-Hi pitchers — including three home runs — and the Wildcat errors were really more than the ’Skins needed.

Union got on the scoreboard early with a two-run home run by Jordy Rehm in the first inning.

The Wildcats countered with a run of their own in the home half of the inning with the help of two Union errors and a single by Bryan Coppock.

But the Cats left three runners on base.

Union upped the led to 3-1 in the second, but the Wildcats stormed back. Todd Stewart and Buddy McCool collected back-to-back singles to start the rally. Then starting pitcher Jarred Spears cleared the left field wall for a three-run homer.

That gave Ponca City a brief 4-3 lead, but Union tied the score in the third.

Union was quiet in the fourth inning, but found the range in the fifth on a lead off homer by Tyler Gooch and an RBI double by Joe Kissinger.

Ponca City had no answer, but trailed just 6-4 going into the seventh inning.

But the Redskins put the game away with an eight-run explosion on five hits and two Ponca City errors. Six of those runs came after a two-out error by the Poncans, including Rehm’s second home run, a three-run shot over the left field fence.

Wildcats and Plainsmen Split Match

ENID — Playing a tournament style format, Ponca City’s Wildcat tennis team split with Enid’s Plainsmen, 43-4.

Enid won all four singes matches, Ponca City won the doubles play.

But the Cats had to battle through a long afternoon of doubles play with three of those four matches going three sets.

“That should give us some seeding help against Enid in the doubles,” Ponca City coach Steve Larimer said.

Larimer pointed out that in all three three-set wins, the Wildcats came from behind.

“(Sterling (Foy) and Josh (Pitts) lost the first set (6-7) and were down 5-1 in the second,” Larimer said. “But they put it back together and won that set (7-5) and then won the third set on a tie breaker.”

Ponca City finishes off the regular season at Stillwater next Thursday.

RESULTS

Singles

Tony Garrison (E) def. Bilal Agha, 6-0, 6-2

Matt Lopez (E) def. Trevor Viljoen, 6=0, 6-1

Lopez (E) def. Agha, 6-1, 6-3

Garrison () def, Viljoen, 6-0, 6-0

Doubles

Daniel Lee-Tim Frick (P) def. Eduardo Santos-Robert Champlin, 3-6, 6-1, 6-3

Sterling Foy-Josh Pitts (P) def, Kyle Jones-Luke Barron, 6-3, 6-3

Lee-Frick (P) def. Jones-Barron, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6

Foy-Pitts (P) def. Santos-Champlin, 6-7, 7-5, 7-6

PC Gymnast in National Meet

Ponca City gymnast Laura Upshaw will take part in the Level 9 Western National Championship at Bartlesville on Saturday.

The West Middle School seventh grader will compete against 19 state all-around winners from all the states west of the Mississippi River.

A member of the Phillips 66 Gymnastics Club of Bartlesville, Upshaw recently placed second all around in the Level 9 Regional Championships near Fort Worth, Texas.

She was second on the beam with a score of 9.7, sixth in the vault with 9.175, eighth on the floor with 9.5 and 13th on the bars with 9.175