LOCAL

Ponca City at Center of Conocos Global Celebration
Better Security Slated for Lake Ponca Rec Area
Nearly News

Ponca City at Center of Conocos Global Celebration

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Some 8,000 people are expected to get a bang out of the 125th Conoco anniversary party Saturday.

The event is slated to be a blast from its 1 p.m. beginning to the end — a climax with an unusual daylight fireworks display at Dan Moran Park at 7:30 p.m.

A full arsenal of activities, events and displays will erupt at the Conoco Complex Saturday afternoon to amuse employees, retirees and families at the big blow out.

Mike Fretwell, general manager of the Mid-Continent Business Unit in Ponca City, said, “Our celebration here in Ponca City will have special significance.

“It is a global event with the company’s longest historical roots courtesy of E.W. Marland and also the location with the largest number of Conoco employees and retirees celebrating together.”

According to officials, the Conoco Complex has been “spit and polished” until it sparkles and the “mother of all parties” arrangements have been scrutinized in great detail.

Entertainment on two stages will be a highlight of the gala.

The “under the big top” tent activities on the outdoor stage begins with a Conoco welcome at 1:15 p.m., followed by Calamity Jones. Earl Clark and the official cutting of the anniversary cake is set for between 5:15 and 5:30 p.m. Music by the Bop Cats follows.

These events conclude with Conoco comments beginning at 7:15 p.m. and the fireworks at 7:30 p.m.

On the Atrium Stage, karaoke and impersonators and rock and rock entertainment are slated.

Tupper the Clown is to appear between 4 and 4:45 p.m. More Kids’ Rock and Roll and karaoke will follow. There will be a caricature artist east of the stage throughout the afternoon.

The Real Conoco Challenge for youth features an obstacle course, 24-foot rock wall, bungee run, gladiator joust, 26-foot slide, velcro wall, beep the ball pond, bouncer, Cameron the Caterpillar maze and double shot basketball.

A shuttle will pick up and drop off attendees every 15 minutes inside the complex near Gate F.

The shuttle will also run from the north lot across from the Park building. A large handicapped parking area has been designated in the west parking lot near the registration area.

Special added attractions are the Classic Car Show, and drawings for prizes throughout the day.

The whole town will probably smell like barbecue Saturday evening as Head Country prepares the meal for the event. Brisket, potato salad, baked beans, tea and lemonade and cake are on the menu.

This is not the biggest event Head Country has ever catered, but it is the biggest in Ponca City.

Paul Schattee, is heading the project for Head Country. The meal for Conocoans is to be served under tents from 4 to 7 p.m.

Better Security Slated for Lake Ponca Rec Area

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Guests visiting the Lake Ponca recreation area may see changes in local ordinances designed to help park officials do a better job of securing and monitoring the facilities, according to recommendations made by Ponca City’s Park and Recreation advisory board.

The board voted unanimously Thursday night to send three new ordinances to city commissioners on June 12 to help make the lake area “more secure” and “reduce the amount of vandalism” seen in recent years.

According to Jim Sindelar, Park and Recreation Department director, vandalism at the lake has amounted to “everything from people getting into four-wheel drive vehicles and tearing up the grounds” to defacing property with spray paint to “breaking into cabins.”

The new ordinances, according to board member Don Duren, would give law enforcement “teeth” to deal with some of these issues.

The first area the board considered was the Nature Center.

“Right now at the Nature Center, we are having a lot of people trying to use the facility after dark,” noted Sindelar.

He also pointed out there were a lot of vehicles parked at the Center some nights. “It makes it really hard for us to secure [the area],” he explained.

To help deal with the problem, members voted to set hours for the facility. If approved by the commission, the Nature Center will be open from dawn to dusk.

In an effort to reduce “extra activity, vandalism and property damage,” which usually happens “until the early morning hours,” the board recommended establishing closing the recreation area from midnight to 6 a.m. for anyone “not camping a the campground, fishing or staying at the cabin lots at the lake.”

The ordinance, said Sindelar, would make it easier “to control a lot of our vandalism.”

A third ordinance recommended by the board was the establishment of the campgrounds as a “daily use fee area” and “restricting the use of the facilities to campers only.”

“The problem we have been having is when people who come in [to the campgrounds area] and say they are fishing, and then end up staying the night,” said Sindelar.

He told board members that because of this there was a problem with the campground restrooms being vandalized and people using the area late at night and leaving without paying a camping fee.

The extra activity also puts more of a load on the campground’s facilities, he said.

“It makes it hard on the restrooms,” noted Sindelar. “We’ve had to pump them out before due to the load.”

The actual ordinances will be drawn up by the city attorney and be included with the minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Board meeting for the City Commission to consider.

Also, members considered a request by Tim Arnswald, president of the local frisbee golf club, for the addition of a PDGA sanctioned 18-hole Frisbee golf course at the lake’s “Checkstand Area” on Checkstand Road.

The area is currently used as the spectator area for events like the triathalon and the annual classic car show, according to Sindelar.

Arnswald told the board that the Frisbee course would feature removable baskets, which are used as elevated targets or “pole holes” for the sport, and tee posts to mark each hole.

In response to member concerns about the sport “interfering with other activities” in the area, Arnswald reiterated that the baskets were removable.

Arnswald explained that the baskets would cost around $370 to $480 each and players could “throw from dirt pads for now” and upgrade later to concrete.

The board voted five to one in favor of recommending the request.

Nearly News

At 4:30 p.m. today, Jane Jayroe will be featuring Ponca City on KFOR television on the Discover Oklahoma program, according to Missy Morland, coordinator of the Ponca City Tourism Authority.

DEATHS

NO Deaths
Roy S. Wilson

NO Deaths

Services Pending

Roy S. Wilson

Roy S. Wilson, resident of Ponca City, died Thursday, May 18, 2000, at his home. He was 85. Survivors include his wife, Sally of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

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Dog Bath — The Kay-9 Dog Training Club of Ponca City will hold its first dog bath and dip Sunday, May 21, 1-4 p.m. at the Pioneer Motor Bank located at Lake Road and Fourteenth Street. Cost is $6 per dog.

John Deere gift items and toys for the whole family now in stock at Throop Lawn and Garden, Hwy 177 South. adv.

Checking Out Fossils — The Ponca City Rough and Tumbled Rock and Gem Club will meet Tuesday, May 23, at 7 p.m., in the Albright Methodist Church with Ralph Hoffman giving the program on Fossil Collecting. Visitors welcome.

Come Let us eat bugs and party. Third Annual Bug O’Mania,

10AM-??PM, Saturday May 20th at Parker Pest Control. All proceeds go to Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Call Brad 762-6614 for details. adv.

Burglary — Someone in the 200 block of Virginia Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 7:16 a.m. Thursday that a vehicle had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Accident — A two-vehicle accident just north of Conoco’s Gate C on West South Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 8:04 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

All Canna bulbs 1/2 off reg. price of 69˘ each, while supplies last. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Burglary — Someone in the 100 block of Fairview Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 8:19 a.m. Thursday that a vehicle had been broken into and a money bag was missing. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Burglary — Someone in the 500 block of Glendale Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 11:24 a.m. Thursday that a garage was being broken into. An officer was assigned and responded to the scene. The subject was gone upon arrival and a report was taken.

Burglary — Someone in the 1900 block of Lake Road reported to Ponca City police at 8:31 a.m. Thursday that a vehicle had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Monica’s Tonight come join us and listen to the Zenokie’s, 9 p.m. to close. adv.

Burglary — Someone in the 700 block of North Seventh Street reported to Ponca City police at 11:20 a.m. Thursday that a vehicle had been broken into. 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, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Pauline’s Shrimp peel. All you can eat $11.95, Friday 19th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Theft — Someone at the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:17 p.m. Thursday that a wallet had been stolen from a vehicle last night in the 200 block of Virginia Avenue. A report was taken.

Anyone Who witnessed an accident where a blue four door vehicle struck a man on a bicycle at Highland and 7th Street on April 22, 2000, between 10 and 10:30 pm, please contact Kenneth Jean at 765-9967 as soon as possible. adv.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Burglary — Someone in the 1000 block of North Sunset Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 2:36 p.m. Thursday that a house had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

www.HeartandHealth.com -Buy or sell Rexall natural

health products online. adv.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walk-

way’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 900 block of South Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 5:12 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Jumbo 6 pack Vinca (periwinkle) $9.99 flat. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Memorial Day flower, sprays, baskets, various styles. Come

and see. 3008 East Hartford. adv.

LIFESTYLES

Happy Hilltop Homemakers Hold Meeting
Kristin Bute Is Bride-Elect
Reception To Honor Clouds
Little News

Happy Hilltop Homemakers Hold Meeting

Happy Hilltop Homemakers Club met at the Head Country Restaurant May 10 with Nell Miller reading the creed.

Nadine Thomas was hostess and asked the club members to have a few minutes of silent prayer for members in the club that are ill. She read from the 1944 Guidepost for her devotion entitled “What Prayer Can Do.”

Twelve members answered roll call with “How I Plan To Spend Mother’s Day.” Fran Van Hoesen gave the treasurer’s report. The club donated money and brought paper goods and other items to be given to a needy family with two children. Other paper goods were delivered to Golden Villa by two club members.

The members of Happy Hilltop Homemakers voted to give a “paid up lifetime membership” to Frances Basham, longtime member of the group. Della Daniels won the hostess gift, and Vivian Scott won the free lunch.

Dee Herdee donated a baby blanket that turns into a baby pillow to the Domestic Violence Group.

At the June meeting, members will bring “ditty bags” for the people in the Domestic Violence shelter to store personal belongings. Irene Harden and Della Daniels will be hostesses for the meeting.

The meeting closed with poems read by club members. Vivian Scott read “Mother’s Day.” Irene Harden’s poem was “A Strange Old Lady.”

Kristin Bute Is Bride-Elect

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bute, 516 Foster, are announcing the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Kristin Laurene, to Charlie Lickliter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lickliter of Ponca City. A May 27 wedding at the First Christian Church is planned.

The bride-elect is a graduate of Ponca City High School and is currently enrolled in the registered nurse program at Northern Oklahoma College. she is employed at the Grand Cafe. Lickliter, also a graduate of PCHS, has attended NOC and is a supervisor with United Parcel Service.

Reception To Honor Clouds

Mr. and Mrs. Troy Cloud will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary with a “come and go” reception 2-4 p.m. May 21 at their home, 114 South Olympia. Hosting the event will be a daughter, Lisa Fowler.

Troy Cloud and the former Marilyn Slater were married May 21, 1960, in Sulphur, La. They made their first home in Sulphur and moved to Ponca City in 1961. Mrs. Cloud’s mother is Lucille Slater.

Cloud retired from the Ponca City Fire Department in 1978 and from Conoco in 1985. Mrs. Cloud retired in 1998 from employment with the Ponca City Housing Authority. They are members of the Second Baptist Church.

The couple has two daughters, Shari Dagg of Denver and Lisa Fowler of Ponca City; one son, the late Troy Lee Cloud; a son-in-law, Randy Fowler; and two grandchildren, Kylie and Peyton Fowler.

Little News

Troy Nathan Bodman was born on Mother’s Day at the home of his parents, Philip and Betty Bodman, 164 Fern Drive. The 8 pound, 10 ounce baby measured 21 inches long, and was born at 8:45 p.m. May 14, 2000. He has two brothers, Chris and Jacob, and four sisters, Jessica, Patricia, Rebecca and Theresa.

His maternal grandmother is Sister Anne Immanuel, a Carmelite nun in Santa Fe, N.M., and paternal grandparents are Jack and Corinne Bodman of Conroe, Texas. Paternal great-grandparents are Paul and Cordelia Edwards of Ponca City.

EDUCATION

GED Graduation Exercises To Be Held Tuesday
School News
Senior High Student Earns First Place in Statewide Essay Contest
Freeman To Study at Steel Case University
Budget Approaching

GED Graduation Exercises To Be Held Tuesday

Since 1995, Pioneer Technology Center's GED (General Education Development) program has been providing a means for adult students to prepare and obtain their GED certificate.

Today, the program, now called Adult Basic Education (ABE), has expanded to include new programs and offerings to better meet the needs of individuals in the Kay County area.

Under the ABE program, students have access to several programs that include the GED preparation and testing, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, Family Literacy with Early Childhood programs, and Work-Based Education with Business and Industry.

“With the changes in our education, families, and culture, today's workplace and even our society depends on knowing the basic skills: reading, writing, computation, communication, and problem solving,” said Mary Scott, ABE/GED Director.

“Our ABE program allows individuals to get the help and training they need. Whether it is assisting students who are desiring to improve reading, writing, or math skills, or helping someone prepare for their GED test to get a better job, we can now help them better.”

Scott said the newest addition, the Family Literacy program, is kind of like preventive medicine. “This program helps to provide parents with skills that increase their verbal and math literacy, and to assist parents in promoting their children's educational development. Parents' literacy skills and attitudes about learning have a direct impact on their children's educational achievement.”

“Hopefully, our Family Literacy and Early Childhood programs, will help to break the cycle and improve educational opportunities for more children.”

The Work-Based Education with Business and Industry is another part of the ABE program that can provide onsite training for employees. The programs can be custom-fit to specific workplace needs that will allow workers to get help in becoming more productive and efficient.

Some of the businesses that have utilized the Work-Based training program through Scott's program are Air System Components, Sykes, Inc., and the Ponca City Fire Department.

The ESL program was recently added to assist limited speaking adults. In this program, adults learn speaking, listening, reading, and writing, skills that will help them understand and adjust to a new culture. These classes are available in the daytime and evening.

The GED portion of the program is an opportunity for adults who have not graduated from high school to earn the equivalent of a high school degree. The GED classes are held at PTC, Blackwell Middle School, and the Tonkawa Library and are free to the public. This program is available to students 18 years or older and is an open entry /open exit system where students can work at their own pace. Students also have the opportunity to take the GED test at PTC during the scheduled test times.

“Our GED program is very unique,” said Scott. Every year we hold a special graduation for our GED graduates that have passed the test. Almost all of our students come back to participate in this ceremony. We even provide them with caps and gowns to use during the ceremony! This year, we have a mother and son, Edwinna and Edwin John “E.J.” Bridgeman, who are sharing in a very special success.. Through both the Family Literacy and the GED program, both mom and son will graduate next Tuesday evening. Edwinna will receive her GED certificate at PTC and E.J. will receive his at the Ponca City Head start. It is through accomplishments like this that shows the true benefits of our program.”

According to Scott, Pioneer Technology Center has scheduled the GED 2000 graduation ceremony for this year’s GED graduates, Tuesday, May 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the EBC. She added that letters have been sent to all recent graduates and if there is anyone who did not receive their letter to please contact her at 762-8336, ext. 264.

This years ceremony will also be held in conjunction with the Project SHARE program at PTC. SHARE (Sharing Hope and Redefining Education) that assists students ages 16 to 19, who have left the educational system, an opportunity to earn their high school diploma. These students will be receiving their high school diplomas during this ceremony.

School News

Clark Selected

Kathie W. Clark, daughter of Frances Waldron of Ponca City, was selected was among the 16 finalists selected for Alabama’s Teacher of the Year. Clark teaches at Brewbaker Primary in Montgomery, Ala.

Muret Graduates

Paul Muret, a graduate of Blackwell High School and Oklahoma State University, received his Master of Business Administration Specializing in Information Systems on May 6 from the University of Tulsa. Muret is employed by Williams Gas and Oil in Tulsa as a CPA accountant for the Oracle System. He is the son of Gayle and DeWayne Muret of Newkirk and the grandson of Bessie and the late Wayne Muret. Paul and his wife, Shannon, reside in Owasso.

Pardee Receives Degree

Travis Pardee, a 1995 Po-Hi graduate, graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Music Education degree and a Bachelor of Music Performance degree. He has accepted a position as a graduate assistant at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he will pursue his master’s degree in conducting.

PTSA Officers Needed

East Middle School PTSA for eighth grade needs officers for next year’s PTSA board. If interested, please call Laura Allison at 767-1297.

Hawley Receives Doctorate

Suzanne Hawley has received her Doctorate of Education degree from Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. She is a graduate of Po-Hi and the University of Oklahoma. A former teacher at Garfield Academy, Dr. Hawley currently serves as superintendent of the Benoit (Miss.) School District. She is the daughter of Hubert and Alpha Watts of Ponca City.

Parson Receives Scholarship

Andy Parson of Ponca City was selected as a recipient of a $2,500 Lew Wentz Scholarship for the upcoming academic year. Parson, the son of J.B. and Kathy Parson, is a senior majoring in accounting.

Crisp Honored

Matthew Crisp received a $4,000 Lew Wentz Foundation Project Award for 1999-2000. The title of his project will be “Heavy Metal Sensor,” and he will be working with mentor faculty member Dr. Nicholas Kotov, assistant professor of chemistry. He is the son of Mike Crisp and Cindy Tackwell of Ponca City and is a junior majoring in chemical engineering.

SC Graduates

Michelle Smith, Ponca City, is a member of the 2000 graduating class at Southwestern College in Winfield. Smith graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She is the daughter of Cathy Schieber.

Senior High Student Earns First Place in Statewide Essay Contest

Megan Potter recently placed first in the Sales and Marketing Executives International Academy of Achievement Essay contest.

Her essay was entitled, “Free Enterprise: The Secret of America’s Success.” Potter received an American eagle trophy, a scholarship to the college of her choice and was honored at the 11th annual Pinnacle Awards banquet held at the Cowboy Hall of fame.

This event was co-sponsored by Sales and Marketing Executives International and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

Megan is the daughter of Dr. Donald and Mary Anne Potter and a junior at Ponca City High School.

Sales and Marketing Executives International is a worldwide organization of men and women excelling in careers in selling and marketing. Its specific purpose is to assist such executives in their daily work, to provide the exchange of ideas and techniques, and to improve their professionalism and excellence in these career fields.

Potter’s essay was chosen from hundreds that were submitted. Don Scheirman, chairman of the banquet, said, “Potter’s essay was one of the best we had ever read.”

Students from al over Oklahoma submitted their essays to a committee that awarded Potter first place. Her essay stated that “here in the United States our economy is based on a free market economy. Our form of economy allows Americans the choice of personal gain.” She believes that “individuals work harder for themselves and for their company in the free enterprise system. This is not true in a country where the government decides who sells what and for how much.”

Her essay went on to state that “free enterprise allows individuals on the bottom of the economic system the opportunity to work towards moving up the economic ladder. The choice is in their hands and their own self-interests; the decision is not decided by the government — a government that does not know them, their hopes and their dreams.”

Potter believes that individuals flourish in the American system of free enterprise. Individuals are given the chance to dream what their future may hold for them... and if the government takes away a person’s dreams, that person will die inwardly.

Freeman To Study at Steel Case University

Risa Freeman, an Oklahoma State University interior design senior from Ponca City, will spend part of her summer studying at Steel Case University in Grand Rapids, Mich.

She is the daughter of Lester and Marlena Freeman of Ponca City.

Freeman was selected as one of 24 students in North America to attend the program. Steel Case University is a four-week intensive study for undergraduate students of architecture, interior design and industrial design.

To be accepted to the study program, Freeman had to submit an essay on community settings in the work force, a portfolio and maintain a high G.P.A.

In June of each year, the program admits the top 25 applicants from North America and up to five applicants from the rest of the world. Freeman will interact with recognized design professionals and learn from some of the most influential designers in the industry as well as visit NeoCon in Chicago.

In July she will begin a seven-week internship in Chicago at Gensler, winner of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architecture Firm of the Year for 2000.

As an interior design major, Risa is listed on the National Dean’s List, the President’s Honor Roll and is a member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society, Golden Key National Honor Society, and Phi Upsilon Omicron Honor Society. She is also member of Zeta Tau Alpha social fraternity where she serves on the Executive Council as scholarship officer.

Budget Approaching

The close of a school year is highlighted with awards banquets, spring concerts and graduation. It is also a bustling time for construction of the budget for the next school year. Ponca City school’s budget for FY 2001 will approach $30,000,000.

The money comes from over 40 forms of taxes and fees, with $17,500,000, or 58 percent, coming from state appropriations provided by taxes on auto tags, oil and gas production, and the state’s general fund. The district’s allocation is based on the percentage that Ponca City’s enrollment comprises of the number of students enrolled in Oklahoma.

Three major factors determine how much money comes to the district. First is the amount allocated to Common Education by the legislature. Common Education gets approximately 36 percent of the state’s $5 billion budget.

The second factor is how much money local property taxes produce. Local taxes are called “chargeables.” We lose one dollar of state aid money for every dollar that is collected locally. New houses and businesses pay local taxes, but the district loses the same amount in state aid.

The third factor is student enrollment. The district will be facing a net loss of approximately 70 students next year. This loss will result in a loss of $210,000 in state aid. It is anticipated that new growth in other school districts, called “growth students,” will divert monies from Ponca City, resulting in a budget reduction of $160,000.

The budget will have to be cut further due to an additional fee of $120,000 that must be returned to the state for the teacher retirement fund. Cost of living raises, called “steps” in the employee salary schedules, will require over $200,000. In all, the budget must be cut in excess of $700,000.

The district has a reserve account to cover some of the reduction, but over 90 percent of the budget is in personnel costs. Cuts will be necessary in the number of administrators, teaching positions, as well as reductions in extra curricular activities that support learning in the classroom.

Unfortunately, we anticipate a loss of students each year for the next several years as the graduating class exceeds the new incoming kindergarten class by 100 students per year. As the enrollment decreases, the corresponding loss of revenue means further reduction of staff for programs which will impact learning in years to come.

The board of education will approve a budget that protects the classroom learning environment for the core curriculum of math, science, language arts and social studies. As painful as it will be, extra curricular activities, field trips, staff travel and other electives may be curtailed to keep our resources in the classroom.

RELIGION

Local Youth Hoping to Change the World
First Lutherans Tell Week’s Plan
Church Briefs

Local Youth Hoping to Change the World

Three Ponca City young ladies are planning to join Teen Mania Ministries this summer to “change the world”. Amanda Poole, Amanda Brown and Chrystal Forman, all members of Faith Tabernacle in Ponca City, have been handed the chance of a lifetime, according to Poole — a mission trip with an organization known as Teen Mania, based in Garden Valley, Texas — an outreach totally dedicated to teenagers and their abilities to change the world.

The three young women are busy now gathering donations to make the trip financially possible. Tax deductible donations may be made to Teen Mania Ministries and sent to Linda Sherron, Youth Pastor at Faith Tabernacle, 501 South Fifth in Ponca City, 74601. For questions, you may contact Amanda Brown or her mother, Kim at 762-0043.

By taking part in a Teen Mania missions trip, these young women believe they will be given the life-changing opportunity to participate firsthand in changing the world: sharing Christ with people that may have never heard that God loves them.

Chrystal Forman, a l6-year-old freshman at Ponca City High School, will be going to Venezuela for two weeks in July - a trip costing $1,797. She will be traveling to Juvenile Detention Centers, poverty homes, orphanages and will be doing street evangelism and dramas. Chrystal is the daughter of Mike and Penny Forman and granddaughter of Dorothy Edwardson, all of Ponca City. She plays on the Lady Wildcat Softball Team and is active in the youth group at Faith Tabernacle.

Amanda Brown and Amanda Poole are both going to Romania June 8 through July 9, a trip costing $3,017 each. They will be doing street evangelism and dramas, visiting hospitals, orphanages, prisons and gypsy camps.

Amanda Poole is 15 years old and a sophomore at Po-Hi. She is the daughter of Rick and Melanie Poole and the late Sonya Poole, and granddaughter of Floyd and Claryen Lee of Ponca City and Richard and Lynn Poole of Stillwater. An honor student, Amanda is a Mat Maid for Po-Hi wrestling and active with the church youth group, going to Haiti and the Dominican Republic last summer.

A 15-year-old sophomore at Po-Hi, Amanda Brown is the daughter of Allen and Kim Brown and granddaughter of Richard and Frances Klinger of Ponca City. Her grandparents are Richard and Frances Klinger of Ponca City and Marcia Scroggin of Madison, Ind. and Walter Brown of Fairfax. An honor student, Amanda is a member of 4-H and volunteers three hours per week at Garfield Academy and the Opportunity Center, as well as being active in the church youth group.

All three girls attend Faith Tabernacle and are members of Reflections of Christ Youth Group.

The girls are working hard, doing bake sales and car washes, and are planning an El Chico night and garage sale. For more information about Teen Mania Ministries, contact 1-800-299-TEEN.

First Lutherans Tell Week’s Plan

The 8:30 a.m. worship service at First Lutheran Church on May 21 will be held in the sanctuary. The theme of the service will be centered in the words of the Holy Gospel for the day. In that selection Jesus speaks of Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches. Without Him the branches can do nothing. Pastor Ramsey’s sermon is entitled “Jesus Is the Real Thing.” Holy Communion will be celebrated at that service. Also the congregation will recognize the high school graduates who are members of the congregation. Those students are as follows: Jennifer Correll, John Ferguson, Jerad Going, Heather Herard, Halli Huffman, Heidi Hurd, Andrea Johnson, Angela Kana, Mika Kruck, Keith LeBaron, Lance Linthicum, Cody Smith, Mark Stephen, Andrea Thomas, and Allan Wiehle.

May 21 has been designated at Discipleship Sunday, and the members will be given an opportunity to return their commitment cards expressing their financial support of the ministries at First Lutheran.

The 11 a.m. service will be held at Lake Ponca Park. That service will be led by the Praise Band. Discipleship Sunday will also be emphasized. Within that service those church and school staff members who are celebrating service anniversaries will be recognized. A lunch will follow the service. All who plan to attend this service and lunch are asked to bring their folding chairs and either a salad or dessert to share because of the picnic service there will be no Sunday School or Bible Class hour this Sunday.

The 6:30 Sunday evening worship service will continue the discussion of the Fruit of the Spirit. This Sunday the focus will be on “patience.” These evening services are informal and based on Bible study, prayer, and praise songs. The members of First Lutheran invited anyone in the community to join them for any of the exciting study, worship, or fellowship times.

Church Briefs

Pioneer Christian Announces Summer Youth Groups

Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard Road, will be hosting two youth group nights each week during the summer months. The elementary youth group will meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The junior/senior high youth group will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. on Sundays. The elementary youth will have activities on Sunday night from 6 to 7 p.m., as well.

The entire youth group of Pioneer Christian invites all area youth from ages 3 years to 6th grade (according to next year’s grade) to join them for “the Ultimate Adventure with Jesus” VBS. This exciting Vacation Bible School will take place from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. each evening from June 5 to June 9. For more information, please contact the church at 762-8858.

Grace Church Plans Reception for Graduates

Grace Episcopal Church will honor their Po-Hi Graduates at a reception Sunday, May 21, in the Parish Hall following the 10:30 morning service of Holy Communion.

Graduates being honored are Ashley Armstrong, daughter of Fr. Ken and Ann Armstrong; Jeff Brevitz, son of Alan and Randi Brevitz; Fletcher Meister, daughter of Cary Meister and John and Jana Gardner; Ashley Van Hoesen, daughter of Everette and Sonja Van Hoesen, and Claire Winterrowd, daughter of Bill and Cynthia Winterrowd.

Helping with the reception plans are Ann Kennedy, Karen Howard and Yvonne Holmes, assisted by other members of Grace Church. The cake being served will be inscribed “Congratulations Graduates” and served with punch.

Each graduate will receive a St. Christopher’s Medal from the church. An Episcopal Shield will be presented to Ashley Armstrong in recognition of her service as an Acolyte.

Hartford Avenue Church of Christ Honoring Seniors

“Senior Sunday” is scheduled for this Sunday, the 21st to honor the graduates of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ congregation for this year, which includes Laura Sudbury, Daniel Lee, Carol Stangeland, Po-Hi graduates, and Jolyn Deming, who is graduating from Oklahoma Christian University.

Tim Hunt, youth minister for the Hartford congregation will present a charge to the graduates and other youth during the morning worship hour. A dinner to honor the graduates is scheduled to follow the morning service.

Youth Group Plans Car Wash

The New Life Baptist Youth Group will hold a car wash on Saturday, May 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Pioneer Drive-Thru Bank on Lake Road. A $3 minimum donation will be asked. Proceeds will be donated to Kids Across America, a Christian camping project.

Everyone welcome to participate.

Arkansas City Church Plans Revival

The Gospel Light Church at 1202 South “K” Street in Arkansas City will be in revival with Tommy Scott May 21 through 24, it was announced this week.

According to Pastor Mark Foster, Bro. Scott has been used of the Lord as a conference and seminar speaker, as well as at camp meetings and youth camps. He has also had both radio and television programs. His ministry has taken him across the United States and overseas.

Everyone is welcome to attend, Pastor Foster invited.

Connor Chapel AME Church Sets Special Service

Connor Chapel AME Church will hold their annual Men and Women’s Day service on Sunday, May 21 at 3:30 p.m., it was announced this week by J.L. Roland, Church Steward.

Theme of this service is “Onward Christian Soldiers”. The Rev. Bonell Fields of St. Stephens AME, at Enid, will be the speaker for the occasion, and local choirs will give musical selections.

The Rev. Thomas L. Webb and members invite the community to come and be part of this day of fellowship.

First Baptists To Worship in the Park

Sunday evening, May 28, First Baptist Church will worship in the park — Lake Ponca Park. The picnic supper is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., followed by worship at 6:30 p.m. in Lake Ponca Shelterhouses 1 and 2.

The church will furnish hamburgers, buns, all the fixin’s, drinks and table service. Members are asked to bring: salad, baked beans or dessert — also lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

The invitation — come, enjoy the fellowship and food!

Presbyterians Offer Marriage Building Class

First Presbyterian Church has just started a new class for all ages. The young adult/parenting class taught by John and Sheryl Kline is starting a three month class on marriage building. Three areas will be explored and those are (1) How we feel loved; (2) Problem solving and (3) Connecting.

Tapes for the calls will be “The Sixty Minute Marriage Builder” by Rob Parsons, “Stress and the Healthy Family”, and several Dobson tapes. There will be plenty of time for discussion of each topic. The First Presbyterians invite anyone in the community to join them at 9 o’clock each Sunday morning to learn and have fun!

SPORTS

Cowboys Pray For NCAA Bid

Cowboys Pray For NCAA Bid

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — For the second straight year, Oklahoma State’s baseball team is out of the Big 12 tournament after just two games.

But unlike a year ago, when the Cowboys figured an early exit wouldn’t affect their chances of getting an the NCAA tournament bid, they are left this time to wait and hope.

‘‘I feel empty,’’ coach Tom Holliday said after a 7-5 loss to Nebraska on Thursday. ‘‘I don’t really have a feeling of our chances. With every upset (in other conference tournaments), our chances get slimmer.

‘‘If one of our top teams wins this tournament, we have a chance. If not, I know we don’t have a chance.’’

Aaron Gozart and Jamal Strong hit run-scoring singles in the ninth inning to lead second-seeded Nebraska (43-15) to the victory.

The Cowboys (36-22) had rallied to tie the game at 5 on Carlos Gautreaux’s RBI single in the eighth. But Nebraska loaded the bases in the ninth, then Gozart and Strong produced their back-to-back hits.

Nebraska, which fell into the loser’s bracket by losing to Missouri on Wednesday, gets another crack at the Tigers in an elimination game tonight. Missouri lost to Oklahoma 12-6 on Thursday.

The most dramatic game of the tournament saw top-seeded Baylor beat Texas 3-2 Thursday night on Kelly Shoppach’s home run leading off the bottom of the ninth inning.

Shoppach’s homer to right, his 10th, came on a 2-2 pitch from Beau Hale and ended a pitcher’s duel between Hale and Kyle Evans.

Evans (11-1) gave up five hits and struck out eight, and worked out of a jam in the top of the ninth to keep the score tied. Hale (11-4) struck out 10 and allowed six hits.

Baylor (44-14) is off until Saturday. Texas (40-17) plays tonight against Texas Tech in an elimination game.

Jeff Ontiveros of Texas doubled off the fence in right to start the top of ninth. Evans then struck out Ryan France and got Chris Houser to pop out to the catcher. The Bears walked Matt Rosenberg intentionally before Evans struck out Ryan Hubele swinging.

‘‘We dodged a bullet,’’ Baylor coach Steve Smith said. ‘‘Ontiveras’ ball stayed in the park and Shoppach’s didn’t. That was the difference in the game.’’

In the Oklahoma game, Rick Park had three hits and three RBIs and the third-seeded Sooners got at least one hit from every starter to beat Missouri.

The Sooners (39-19) get today off. They will return Saturday morning to play the Missouri-Nebraska winner.

Austin Coose (5-6) pitched the final four innings for the victory. He allowed just two hits and struck out six after starter Austin Mix had given up 10 hits and five runs in five innings.

‘‘That’s the ball game,’’ OU coach Larry Cochell said. ‘‘If Coose doesn’t stabilize it, it’s back and forth and we can’t get a handle on it.’’

Oklahoma, winner of 22 of its past 27, got 16 hits. The score was tied at 5 after six innings, but the Sooners scored three in the seventh and four in the ninth.

Texas Tech, hoping to earn an NCAA bid, got a complete game from Kevin Tracey to eliminate Texas A&M 8-6. Tracey (9-6) survived 14 hits to finish off his ninth complete game of the season.