From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, May
8, 1998
LOCAL
'98 Oklahoma Special Olympics Summer Games Set May 13-15
Job Fair Planned At Ponca Plaza
AmeriCorp President Returns As Graduation Speaker at NOC
Head Country Ranch Rodeo Set May 15-16
Ponka-Wau Pah-tha-Tau Sets Annual Spring Dance for Sunday at White Eagle
P.C. Mid-High Recently Presents Annual Spring Chorus Concert
Computer Theft Backlash Clears Up Criminal Activity
'To Kill a Mockingbird' Set, Cast Exceptional
Friday Nite Live At Word of Life
New Distribution Center To Be Constructed Here
Nearly News
DEATHS
Hallie Marie Avery
Deborah S. Whitehead
Claudine Roberta Simmons
Jesse C. Donovan
Services Pending
Kenneth L. Karnes
Sue Donahoo Gaston
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Music Recital Scheduled Sunday
Event To Honor Georgia L. Miller On 80th Birthday
RELIGION
Local Baptist Churches Give To OBH for Kids
First Lutherans Honor Mothers
VBS Plans Made At Community Christian Church
Church Briefs
EDUCATION
NOC Breaks Cyber-Ground With New Program
First Lutheran To Hold Open House
School News
SPORTS
It's Do-or-Die Now for Cats
State Is Struggle
Netters Win Dual, Look to Regional
Cat Thinchads Together Again
Golf Pairings
STILLWATER - The 1998 Oklahoma Special Olympics Summer Games will be held Wednesday through Friday, May 13-15, on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.
This year the Games will be the largest amateur sporting event held in Oklahoma with 3,700 athletes from all over the state meeting in Stillwater to compete in state finals in six sports - aquatics, athletics, bowling, power lifting, motor activities and Unified Softball. Athletes must train for eight weeks in a sport before competing.
"This event gives Special Olympics athletes a showcase for their determination, courage and athletic ability," said Jim Scott, games director. "The theme for this year's Games is Training For Life. Special Olympics athletes really are training for life each time they train and compete. Our coaches, volunteers, families and sponsors help Special Olympics athletes train for life each time they share their time, resources and talents to keep the Special Olympics torch burning bright."
The Games opening ceremonies will be on 8 p.m. Wednesday in Lewis Field at OSU. The Ceremonies will feature celebrities, parade of athletes, live entertainment and a light and fireworks show. Eddie Sutton, OSU basketball coach; Shawntel Smith, 1996 Miss America; Bob Simmons, OSU football coach; and Barry Switzer will participate in the opening ceremony as VIPs. During the opening ceremonies, Special Olympics honorary head coach Switzer will present the Special Olympics Athlete of the Year award. The event is free and open to the public.
The Summer Games offer athletes and spectators a number of Olympic-type traditions including medal presentations, a parade of athletes and the lighting of the traditional Special Olympics flame. Part of the campus is transformed into an Olympic Village with booths and entertainment for the athletes, coaches, families and volunteers. In addition to the competition, social activities are offered on Thursday evening including a dance, a swim party, a roller skating party and a movie party.
Special Olympics provides year-round training and athletic competition for 7,600 children and adults with mental retardation. For many athletics, this opportunity to train and compete in sports builds confidence, strength, motivation and self-esteem.
The Ponca Plaza Merchants Association will hold its first Ponca Plaza Job Fair at the Plaza Atrium Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
"We're interested in visiting with people who are needing a job, looking to change from one job to another or just seeking summer employment," said Rod King, manager of Maurices and job fair coordinator.
Representatives of many Ponca Plaza merchants will staff interview booths, including Maurices, The Buckle, J.C. Penney, Stage, Albertson's Food and Drug Store, Bank of Oklahoma and Express Personnel.
Other organizations to be on hand include: Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Army National Guard, U.S. Navy and Oklahoma State Employment Service.
"The merchants have worked closely with local employment officials in determining there is a sizable work force in our community that is interested in employment positions available at the Ponca Plaza," King said. "We want to encourage everyone interested in seeking employment to attend our inaugural job fair."
The Ponca Plaza is located on the east side of Fourteenth Street in Ponca City north of Hartford Avenue.
TONKAWA - Bill Plummer, president of AmeriCorp Relocation Management, Inc., will return to his alma mater to give the address at the 92nd Northern Oklahoma College commencement exercises Saturday.
A native of Oklahoma, Plummer grew up in the Tonkawa area, graduating from Tonkawa High School in 1961. He graduated from Northern in 1963 with an associate degree in commerce and continued his studies at Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1966. His first job was in Wichita, Kan., where at the age of 23, he was the youngest Innkeeper for Holiday Inns.
In 1969, he went to work for Republic Bank of Dallas in the Trust Real Estate Department. While there he started the Home Sales program which became known as Relocation. Considered a pioneer in the relocation industry, Plummer started the first regional office for Employee Transfer Corporation in 1977. In 1981 he helped build the Equitable Relocation Service office in Dallas and in 1986 he started the first regional office for Western Relocation.
On Jan. 27, 1989, Plummer and his wife, Gail, founded AmeriCorp Relocation Management. His first desk was a card table and his first client was Bank IV of Wichita. Today, AmeriCorp has more than 130 clients, including Southwestern Bell, Nike, Public Service of Oklahoma, Arkla, Quaker State, Neiman Marcus and TGI Fridays. Last year the company handled more than 3,500 transferring families who moved all over the world. AmeriCorp today has more than 110 employees in three offices located in Wilton, Conn.; Dallas, Texas; and Walnut Creek, Calif.
Plummer has been very active in the Relocation field, serving on many committees and speaking to various groups. However, he has not forgotten the lessons he learned while growing up in Tonkawa. Last year he saw an opportunity to give back to the Tonkawa community by installing over 80 computers in the local school system, making the Tonkawa Schools' computer network one of the best in the state.
Plummer's family roots in the Tonkawa area reach back before statehood. His great-grandfather was the Indian agent for the Tonkawa tribe in the 1880's and his grandfather was a local pioneer. As far as is known, the Plummers are the only family to letter three generations in sports at Northern. Plummer's grandfather lettered in 1902, his father lettered in 1931 and Plummer lettered in 1962.
Plummer and his wife live in the Dallas area and have four children.
Graduation exercises will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Foster-Piper Fieldhouse where Northern President Dr. Joe Kinzer will confer degrees on approximately 300 members of the Class of 1998.
Rev. Richard Thomasson of the First Baptist Church, Tonkawa, will give the invocation and the benediction. Dr. Ron Appleman, vice president for academic affairs, will present the class, and music will be provided by the College Wind Ensemble and College Choir. A reception in Memorial Student Union will follow the exercises.
A two-night competition of the Head Country Bar-B-Q Restaurant Ranch Rodeo will be held next week at the 101 Rodeo Arena, located at North Ash Street and West Prospect Avenue.
Competitors will be representing various ranches throughout the state and area, with the first event at scheduled for the arena on May 15 at 8 p.m., and returning to participate in the May 16 climax, also set for 8 p.m. The May 15 night will be free admission, courtesy of Head Country.
Ranch hands from the various ranches will be competing in stampede race, wild cow milking, team branding (chalk branding), team penning, double mugging and pasture roping.
There will be added events for youngsters and cowhands alike. A free calf scramble for youngsters 12 and under will be held, along with a break away steer roping event for youngsters 12 and under. The cowhands will be competing in match team roping.
The Ponka-Wau Pah-tha-Tau will sponsor its annual spring dance Sunday at the Cultural Center in White Eagle. A Mourner's dinner will be held at noon followed by Scalp dancing, War dancing, supper, White Horse rides, and Gourd dancing.
This Victory dance has always been held in honor of Ponca veterans/warriors. This spring Chloe "Tiny" (Eagle) Rhoads, 1998 Indian Woman of the Year, named by the Oklahoma Indian Womens Federation and Barbara Warner, director of the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission and 1997 Oklahoma Indian of the Year have also been chosen to be honored.
Rhoads, the daughter of Frances and Alice (McDonald) Eagle, resides in Clinton with her husband Arleigh. She is a retired school teacher and has received numerous commendations for work in the field of education, including Indian Teacher of the Year.
Warner is the daughter of Pat and Cynthia (McDonald) Warner. She resides in Oklahoma City with her sons Make' and Louis. As head of the OIAC, Warner has received state and national recognition for her work as well as multiple awards.
Both women have remained active within the Ponca Tribe and serve as role models for current and future generations of Poncas.
Special invited guests are Wa-hun-Thinga, Carter Revard, Osage, internationally known author/poet/lecturer; Sen. Paul Muegge, Tonkawa; Rep. Jim Newport, Ponca City; Sen. J. Berry Harrison, Fairfax; and Sen. E. Kelly Haney, Seminole.
Head Staff for Sunday's celebration are Master of Ceremonies - Rev. Thomas Roughface, Oklahoma City; Head Man Dancer. - Bob Huber, Sand Springs; Head Lady Dancer - Bernadette Huber, Sand Springs; Head Gourd Dancer - Carter Revard, St. Louis, Mo.; Head Singer - Eli Warner, Oklahoma City; and Cook - Mary Hazes, Red Rock.
An open invitation is extended - bring dishes and chairs - arts and craft booths welcome (free setup).
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
The annual Spring Chorus Concert was presented April 30 and May 1 by the eighth and ninth grade Mixed Choruses at Ponca City Mid-High under the direction of Carol Green.
Robin Maril was the student chairman and the Star Spangled Banner was sung by Tracina Jones, Dusty Howery and Jacque Salmons.
Molly Smith read an original poem about the eighth grade and she was followed by the eighth grade portion of the program. The eighth grade program consisted of "Over the Sea to Sky" by Joyce Eilers, "The Sailor's Life," by Mary Donnelly, "Listen to the Radio" by Cynthia Gray, and "For the Beauty of the Earth" by John Rutter.
Other songs included "The Shoop Shoop Song,", "Dreams to Dream," "Top Forty: Believe It or Not," "I'll Be There," and "The Heart of Rock and Roll: It Started With a Guitar."
The eighth grade portion of the program was concluded by the eighth and ninth grade girls chorus singing "All Nature's Works" by Emily Crocker, "Now Is the Month of Maying" by Thomas Morley, and "With a Voice of Singing" by Martin Shaw.
Narrators were: Katherine Lawrence, Lauren Vaughn, Courtney Hoover, Leah Thorp, Keli Ramsey, Lacy Cobble, Nicole Sledge, Kristen Brett, Abby Licata, Rachel Jones and Emily Wisell. Solos included: Emily Jack, Amber White, Lindsay Knox, Nathan Kellert, Chase Kelly, Susan Galvin, Robin Maril, Stephanie Council, Keli Ramsey, Crystina Cochran, Jordan Brown and Myha Wilson. A duet was sung by Kathleen Larrison and Nathan Kellert.
Choreography was done by Audry Conley, Charley Daniel, Beth Dester, Jaimee Neal, Jaime Pettigrew and Errin Rutherford. Chorus choreography was done by Lisa Lichtenberg, Bridget Kreisel, Lacey Pendergraft, Courtney Hoover, Kristen Brett and Susan Galvin.
Other eighth grade chorus members include Shastina Abernathy, Christina Anderson, James Barnett, Caitlin Bearskin, Kristi Bradley, Melissa Bradley, Bryan Buie, Chris Cassidy, Teri Chambray, Angela Comer, Laci Cromwell, Stephanie Dyer, Trista Hannon, Travis Hayes, Tory Hazen, Jennifer Hogan, Casey Johnson, Sheena Joiner, Philis Kellert, Emily Kent, Melissa Kelly, Joseph Kitchens, Sara Lewis, Casey Maultsby, Stephanie Morris, Kyle Newlin, Blake Newton, April Osborn, Amanda Poole, Brenna Reed, Bobbie Rogers, Breia Sober, Deidre Stephenson, Amanda Summers, Emily Thompson, Lakeysta Tipton and Dezri Truyen.
To begin the ninth grade portion of the program, the ninth grade girls chorus sang "All the Pretty Little Horses," a traditional folk tune, and "Canon of Praise" arranged by Hal Hopson.
Other ninth grade selections included "California Dreamin,'" "How Do I Live," "American Pop Forever: the 70's," "Remember Me This Way," "American Pop Forever: the 80's," "My Heart Will Go On," and "Grease: A Medley."
Ninth grade narrators included: Anna Overbey, Micah Thompson, Megan Potter, Nick Ley, Meagan Browning, C.J. Cummings, Teri Geurin, Kelly Stokes, Tim Dancey, Karie Corbin, Adam Dorris, Kami Fleck and Amory Clark.
Ninth grade soloists were Karly Merrifield, Sheena Chance, Shawna Goldman, Meagan King, Heather Brown, Dusty Howery, Jamica Roland, Kia Coburn, Karrie Hraban, Tracina Jones, Jacque Salmons, Whitney Thilsted, Jennifer Long, Nicole Hardy and Adam Dorris. A duet was sung by Heather McMath and Karrie Hraban, and a trio was sung by Meagan Browning, Meagan King and Dusty Howery.
Choreography was done by Matt Littleton, Tara Nelson, Mercedes Avila, Karie Corbin, Kristen Young, Amber Stolhand, Natalie Holmes, Karly Merrifield, Tim Frick, Seth Erkenbeck and Jerimy Cox. A tumbling routine was done by Amber Stolhand and Mitch Bradley. Chorus choreography was done by Tara Nelson, Kristen Young, Natashia Copple, Jacque Salmons, Amanda Shelton and Holly Fristoe.
Other ninth grade chorus members are April Allen, Jennifer Arner, Ashley Atteberry, Kira Barrett, Tamantha Benham, Christina Bookout, Crystal Bounds, Matt Bradley, Talia Ceniti, Mallarie Charles, Ashley Coleman, Christopher Coppock, Rene Cortez, Jennifer Daine, Jamie Durham, Lauramily Fonseca, Abbie Gehlert, Mindy Gray, Alecia Hagerdon, Jessica Hammett, Jolene Hicks, Diana Keeler, Jeff Kellison, Coral Kern, Christin Kirchenbauer, Kayla Kirchenbauer, Tasha Leatherman, Emily Luebecke, Kodi Luis and David Martin.
Also, Rachel Maxon, Meghan McCoy, Laura McDaniel, Lacey Meyers, Kim Miller, Elizabeth Milligan, Jenni Peck, India Poore, Stefanie Reece, Brenda Reed, Hillary Robinson, Lynn Salazar, Ashley Sawyers, Taylor Walker, Summer White, Sarah Whitlock, Alyssa Drumm, Elizabeth Danforth and Laura Todd.
Stage lights were done by Anna Overbey and Erika Wiles. Spot lights were done by Micah Thompson, Jeanne Erickson, Amanda Rogers and Rachel Gilliland. Stage set up and sound were done by Jim Armstrong and Lee Williams.
KAW CITY - The backlash from a computer theft at the county courthouse in Newkirk has begun to clear up a year's worth of criminal activity here, leading to several arrests, officials said this week.
In a bizarre series of interrelated incidents and informants, law enforcement agencies have recovered stolen property from residential burglaries that occurred last June and from other offenses since.
Police Chief Bernie Drowatzky said two area residents have been arrested in connection with the theft and arson of a 1989 GMC pickup truck last November.
One of those suspects was also involved in a March 27 assault with another Kaw City man and a gun was confiscated, the chief said. The arrest led to the implication of three more men and recovered stolen property from residential burglaries.
Drowatzky said an 18-year-old who is charged with lifting a boxed computer last month from the courthouse is also connected with the April 22 break-in and vandalism at Kaw City's Lakeview Lounge.
During that break-in, burglars removed cash, 25 cases of beer, a pool-cue collection and other items from the lounge.
However, through information collected during the various arrests, the stolen merchandise - except for the beer - has also been rounded up via search warrants of suspects' residences.
And charges and arrests are now pending against six young men for breaking into an apartment and beating up a witness they mistook for being a police informant.
"They beat the wrong guy up," Drowatzky said. The witness, with black eyes and other injuries, was treated and released from the hospital.
Chief Criminal Deputy Buddy Thomas of the sheriff's office said Kaw City's flurry of activity is unusual for the quiet town.
"It all escalated for no reason, it seems like," he said.
Based on the previous arrests and the information gathered, Drowatzky said five additional arrests were expected this week.
The chief said the current roundup "is a good example of the mutual cooperation between the smaller police departments and the sheriff's office.
"Kaw City is a vacation community and we're not going to put up with stealing, fighting and carousing," he said.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Before the accolades and credits given to the current performance of "To Kill a Mockingbird," by Ponca Playhouse actors I'd like to express my admiration to the guys and gals in the background - and especially those who build the sets!
I am always amazed at the top-quality construction and creativeness of those wonderful sets at each production. They bring a pleasurable treat to the eye, spark the imagination, and set the tone and mood of every production. The set for "To Kill a Mockingbird," is no exception - four modest 1935 southern-style front porches and doors, flowers, trees, a rockin' chair tell the viewer volumes about the production before the first line is spoken.
Credit for this production's outstanding set goes to Jose Cervantes who "straw bossed" the project with the help of volunteers Gary Owen, Royce Caldron, Cynthia DeMarco, Jeri Seefeldt, Scott Pittman, Jim Halbrook, Pete Sheilds, Kent Carbaugh and others. Throughout the years, almost every Playhouse member has been involved in building those magnificent sets and are to be applauded for adding a delightful dimension.
Not to be outdone for this production, the sound crew provides familiar night sounds of the south, including croaking tree frogs, barking dogs and numerous song birds - bringing subtle memories of soft nights on the porch, and the carefree days of childhood.
Back to the cast!
Charlcy Hermanson as "Scout" dominates the entire production, sometimes talking a little too fast, but making it up to the audience in excellent body language, stage moves and the conveying of meaning and emotion. Never a bobble on her extensive lines, Charlcy has been skillfully cast as a young tomboy in this role by director Jeri Seefeldt.
Chase Kelly as "Jem," the sometimes wizer and quieter older brother, plays his part equally well, depicting his growing realization and understanding of the "why and who" of racial prejudice, his father's hidden strengths, and the unspoken needs of his neighbors.
Another excellent character casting is that of Brian Hermanson, as "Atticus Finch." Calm, easy-going, fair, and painfully aware of his fellow citizen's shortcomings, strengths and traditions in the little southern town of Maycomb, Ala., the part of "Atticus" fits Brian like a glove. Great performance!
Steadily and with quiet dignity, Shawna Rolland as "Calpurnia" appears regularly at the back door of the Finch household to speak her lines. She is comfortable, warm, and natural in this, her debut performance, on the Ponca Playhouse stage. Hope to see a lot more of her in future productions.
My favorite character was "Maudie," played by Linda Cowley. Linda steps out of her in-play character as the Finch's gentle and understanding neighbor "Maudie," and into the role of narrator as comfortably as slipping in and out of a pair of old shoes. Her "aside" talks are marvelous and professional, keeping the viewer updated on happenings between scenes.
Exasperating, gossipy, prejudiced "Stephanie," played by Sue Fleck, and the crochety, aging, Mrs. Dubose, played by the unrecognizable Bayard Casey, expertly portray the prejudices, antiquated traditions, pride, and boredom of the people caught in The Depression era of the south.
It was great to see Bobby Holroyd as the hero sheriff and John Raley as the judge back on stage after lengthy absences from Ponca Playhouse productions. Again - good casting - great acting.
"Dill," played by Gage Rupert, added a bright spot to the drab surroundings of the town, and Gage, even though the smallest trooper on stage, plays his part with excellent memory and great stage presence.
I enjoyed The Rev. Sykes costume and the excellent portrayal of that character by Ivery Allen. Allen's demeanor and understanding of the role of a black pastor in the south was believable and professional.
Dave May as the utterly despicable "Bob Ewell" brings most of the hidden evil of the town out into the open. With harsh language, and uneducated accusations and lies, May expertly elicits anger and disgust from the audience as well as the characters on stage.
His daughter, "Mayella," aptly played by Kate Emig, also puts on a great performance as she speaks her piece from the witness chair in the courtroom.
"Tom Robinson," the subject of the trial and current upheaval in Maycomb, is played convincingly by Ron Arthur in his debut performance. Not many lines spoken but volumes are read in his excellent body language and facial expression of the convicted rapist.
Other characters adding to this great production are Royce Caldron in his debut performance as "Mr. Cunningham," Eric Barley as "Mr. Gilmer," and Gary Owen in his first Playhouse production, playing the shy recluse "Boo."
Our thanks again to all the volunteers who have donated thousands of hours to make this "classic" a pleasure to enjoy, to hundreds of Playhouse donors who support and make the Playhouse possible, the Kay County Bar Association for corporate sponsorship, and the Oklahoma Arts Council.
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Tickets and reservations are available at Ponca Playhouse Box Office, 301 South First Street or by calling 765-5360 or prior to each performance at the Poncan Theatre Box Office. Performances are at 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday and May 15 and 16. A 2 p.m. matinee will be presented on Sunday. All performances are at the Poncan Theatre.
Friday Nite Live will be held this evening at 7 o'clock at Word of Life Christian Center. This special service is a continuation of the "Catch the Fire Revival and Times of Refreshing."
Jere Peterson, Director of Victory Christian Center's Ministry Outreach in Tulsa will be the speaker. He is an anointed teacher whose life style is one of purity and holiness, according to Pastor Bob Innis of Word of Life.
Peterson ministers accurately the prophetic word giving evidence of his time spent with the Lord, Innis said, and this should be a truly delightful evening.
Word of Life Christian Center is located at 3401 North Union. Call 762-4376 for additional details about other services at Word of Life.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Good news happened today for economic development as D&M Distributing Company Inc. was welcomed as a new player to the Ponca City business and industry community with an announcement and a ground-breaking ceremony.
The City Commission and the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB), jointly with the company, announced that the firm, a subsidiary of Oklahoma City based Dallas-Miller Logistics Inc., will be locating here in the near future.
D&M will specialize in providing around-the-clock warehousing of raw materials and finished product for local and area companies. These materials can be delivered either to the customer company, or on their behalf within a two-hour notice.
A 70,000-square-foot warehouse facility is to be built in the Airport Industrial Park by the company. The officials announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art warehousing and distribution center. Construction on the Ponca City facility is slated to begin immediately with the building to be completed in about six months.
Once finished, the project costs, including land and utility extensions will be in the range of $1.4 million. The company projections are to employ about 20 to start up and generate an annual payroll between $350,000 and $400,000.
The "Just in time" delivery capability, along with provision of storage space which would normally have to be built by individual companies, is currently being used to service Thorn Apple Valley, Albertson's and USA Bottling in Ponca City.
"The services offered by D&M make it a real plus to the Ponca City business and industrial community," according to Linda Brown, chairman of EDAB.
Brown said, "I feel what we are about to do today is the fulfillment of a partnership. Actually it is a fulfillment of two partnerships for Ponca City. The first partnership was first formed in July 1997, when the City Commissioners and the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Advisory Board, entered into a partnership and made a pledge to work together to diligently pursue economic development that would grow Ponca City in manner suitable to the desires of the citizens and our environment and today that partnership is going to present its first success."
She added, "The second partnership is of course with Dallas-Miller Logistics out of Oklahoma City. We welcome them today as a family in our new family of companies." Brown pledged continued support for the new firm with the EDAB.
Matt Dallas, CEO and chairman of D&M Logistics, said, "We thank you kindly and we pledge to you that we will be good citizens for you. We are very proud of our company. We do have an association here in the community with our LTL carrier Frontier Express.
"This is a great moment for us to bring our services that we have developed to the market area of north central Oklahoma. We believe that we are going to be an integral part of the infrastructure of Ponca City as we from Ponca City continue to the quest for good manufacturing jobs."
He explained, "What we provide in the market place is what is needed for growth. What we bring to Ponca City and north central Oklahoma is a more efficient and cost effective way for manufacturers to conduct business by reducing or eliminating planned inventories and controlling the flow of vendor materials to meet the needs for just-in-time service."
Dallas was on hand for a full morning of events which included an appearance before the City Commission, a press conference, moderated by Carl Renfro, chairman of EDAB's new industry committee, formal ground-breaking ceremonies at the future construction site in the Airport Industrial District and a luncheon with community leaders.
Dallas stated that the announcement culminated a several-months-long process of working with the local EDAB to structure the project. He complimented Jan Jarrett, Chamber CEO and Economic Development executive for his efforts. Earlier Jarrett had praised the efforts of the City staff in helping to secure the new firm.
Dallas announced that Tim Burg and TNT Construction will be the contractor for the building and plans are to use local sub contractors.
Dallas indicated that not only was the company pleased with Ponca City as an ideal location for warehousing and distribution, they were pleased with the professional and cooperative manner in which local economic development officials worked to assist the company.
Other company officials present were Barry Miller, president, Dallas-Miller Logistics, and Onis Miller, vice president and partner, D-M Logistics, Inc. The manager of the operation, Ray Parks, will be coming to Ponca City from another operation.
The hourly start-up wages are expected to be between $8 and $9 an hour. Jarrett commented on the excellent benefit package for employees.
In Tulsa and OKC
Currently D&M Distribution Services, a Certified Minority Business Enterprise, provides such services as transportation brokerage, public and contract warehousing, storage in transit, consolidated pool shipment distribution, and local cartage in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The firm is headquartered in Oklahoma City.
Those warehouses and distribution capacity exceeds 300, 000 square feet. The company is capable of seven-day a week, 24-hours a day service with computerized inventories and EDI communication via direct interface, Value Added Network, E-Mail or Fax.
Ponca City is well on its way to being known as the "Iris City"
and local gardeners have provided several "beauty spots." The
public is invited to stop by and view the beautiful array of irises in a
natural rock setting at the home of John and Marianna Counter, 4734 Fairway
Lane, past Wentz Golf Course.
DEATHS
BRAMAN - Hallie Marie Avery, Braman resident, died at her home Tuesday evening, May 5, 1998. She was 91.
The funeral was to be held graveside at the Braman Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. today, May 8, 1998. The Rev. Kent Ruebell, First Baptist Church of Billings, Okla., was to officiate. Arrangements were under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Hallie Marie (Petree) Avery was born Dec. 26, 1906, in Abilene, Texas to Luther A. and Lucy (Fort) Petree. She grew up in the Abilene/View, Texas, area. She was married to Ira Butler in 1927, and the couple made their home in the Abilene area.
She married Isaac H. Avery on September 16, 1939, in Abilene, where the couple made their first home. In 1941, they moved to a farm east of Braman, where she served as mother and homemaker as her husband farmed and worked at an oil company. The couple moved into Braman in 1988 and where Mr. Avery died on Sept. 16, 1991. Mrs. Avery was a member of the Braman Methodist Church and the Vernon HOA.
Survivors include one daughter, Sue Ann McDonnell of Tomball, Texas; two sons, Mickey Avery of Braman and Lyndell Avery of Overland Park, Kan.; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Juanita M. Tripp; one brother, Bill Petree; and two sisters, Ruby Wilson and an infant.
Casket bearers will be Mark Avery, Michael Avery, Rickey Avery, Frank Dyer II, Daniel McDonell, Scott Shook, Robert Smith and Jay Tripp.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Avery's name to the Braman Methodist Church, Braman, OK 74632.
WHITEWATER, Wis. - Deborah S. Whitehead, former Ponca City resident, died at Fairhaven Residence, in Whitewater, Wis., on Thursday May 7, 1998. She was 87.
A memorial service is set for 4:15 p.m. Monday, May 11, at Fairhaven Chapel in Whitewater, Wis. Arrangements are under the direction of Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson, Wis.
Deborah S. (Stumpf) Whitehead was born May 3, 1911, in Odessa, Mo., the daughter of Clarence and Marie (Neufeldt) Stumpf. She later moved with her family to Fort Morgan, Colo., where she graduated from high school. She also attended Denver Business College where she completed a business course in 1930.
On March 26, 1932, she was married to Loren E. "Whitey" Whitehead in Big Spring, Texas. The couple lived in Ponca City for several years, while Mr. Whitehead was employed with Continental Oil. Mrs. Whitehead was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Eastern Star Lodge and a charter member of the Ponca City Art Association.
Survivors include one daughter, Ann Stehno of Whitewater, Wis.; one son, Loren Stanley Whitehead of Tucson, Ariz.; and four grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a half-brother and three half-sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Whitehead's name to the Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 44, Whitewater, WI 53190.
WEBB CITY - Claudine Roberta Simmons, Webb City resident, died Wednesday afternoon, May 6, 1998, in Cortez, Colo. She was 79.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Webb City Church of God with the Rev. Charles Richey, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax. Friends may visit at the Shidler Funeral Chapel until 11 a.m. Saturday.
Claudine Roberta (Coleman) Simmons was born May 9, 1918, in Wichita, Kan., the daughter of Edger and Mary (McLehaney) Coleman.
She was married to James Simmons on Aug. 20, 1972, in Webb City. Mrs. Simmons was a homemaker and a member of the Webb City Church of God. She had served as pastor of the Webb City Assembly of God Church for many years. Mrs. Simmons enjoyed playing the tambourine in church and singing with the Praise Makers.
Survivors include five sons, Alvin Rollins of Apperson, Calvin Rollins of Rogers, Ark., Claude Rollins of Jasper, Texas, David Rollins of Seminole, and Lonnie Rollins of Junction City, Kan.; one daughter, Janet Bookless of Cortez, Colo.; one brother, James Coleman of Selah, Wash.; one sister, Helen Workman of Shidler; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James, in 1987; her parents; and four granddaughters.
The family will be at the Simmons home to receive family and friends.
FAIRFAX - Jesse C. Donovan, Fairfax resident, died Thursday, May 7, 1998, at Fairfax Memorial Hospital. He was 57.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, at the Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home Chapel in Fairfax with the Rev. George Weston, pastor of Fairfax Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Fairfax Cemetery.
Jesse C. Donovan was born Sept. 28, 1940, in Shidler the son of Jesse Chouteau and Hallie Frances (Hickman) Donovan Sr. He served in Vietnam with the U.S. Marines.
He was married to Eva I. Wallace on Sept. 15, 1977, in Altus and the couple made their first home in Amarillo, Texas. Donovan moved to Fairfax from Burbank, Okla. in 1991, and was employed as maintenance engineer at Fairfax Memorial Hospital. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and working with his computer. He was a member of the Burbank Baptist Church, a past member of Marine Corps League, American Legion Huff Minor Post 14 and the VFW Post 1201.
Survivors include his wife, Eva, of the home; four sons, Jesse "Reb" Donovan of Stillwater, Scott Donovan of Carney, Kevin Brackett of Tulsa, and Gary Brackett of Guthrie; one daughter, Yvonne Dale Edgin of Emporia, Kan.; one brother, Charles Donovan of Melbourne, Fla.; four sisters, Maxine Hildebrand of Jacksonville, Fla., Jessie Moore and Maxine Moore, both of Burbank; and Frances Vories of Oklahoma City; 12 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, c/o Carole Didlake, P.O. Box 1151, Ponca City, OK 74602.
The family will be at the Donovan home to receive friends and family.
NEWKIRK - Kenneth L. Karnes, Newkirk resident, died at his home today, May 8, 1998. He was 74. Survivors include his wife, Violet, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.
EDMOND - Sue (Donahoo) Gaston, former Ponca City resident, died unexpectedly
at her home in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, May 6, 1998. A memorial service
is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Edmond. Other
arrangements will be announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
Special Notice - There will not be a Senior Citizens dance at the American Legion on Monday, May 11, it was announced. The next dance will be on May 18. Everyone is welcome to come at that time and dance to the music of the Hayriders Band.
Postal Food Drive - The U.S. Postal Food Drive is slated for Saturday. Do not forget to place your sacks of nonperishable, non-breakable foods by your mailbox for your letter carrier to gather during mail delivery. All donations remain in the area to help the community.
Eastern Star Bake Sale - The Order of the Eastern Star will be having a bake sale Saturday at the United Supermarket starting at 8 a.m.
Attempted Burglary - The Communications Center received a report at 7:27 a.m. Thursday that an attempted burglary had occurred at the Ponca City landfill. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Cows on the Loose - The Communications Center received reports of cows loose in two different areas of Ponca City within 25 minutes of each other Thursday. The first call came at 8:10 a.m. concerning two cows out at the intersection of East Hartford Avenue and Kygar Road, and the other was a report of a cow loose around North Waverly Avenue and West Highland Avenue at 8:35 a.m. Animal Control was notified to handle the situation.
Youngster Treated - A person from the 800 block of North Sunset Street called the Communications Center at 10:57 a.m. Thursday that gas had accidentally been spilled in a youngster's eyes. An ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and took the 2-year-old to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 400 block of North Union Street at 12:10 p.m. Thursday that a 41-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for trespassing.
Arrested - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Fifth Street and Greenbriar at 2:11 p.m. Thursday that a 38-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension and speeding.
Auto Burglary - A person in the 500 block of South Pine Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:27 p.m. Thursday that someone had stolen keys from a business vehicle. Two officers were assigned and took into custody a 40-year-old man for burglary of an auto.
Grass Fire - A woman reported to the Communications Center at 2:39 p.m. Thursday that a grass fire was burning along U.S. 177 near the Sooner OG&E Plant. Marland and Red Rock Volunteer Fire Departments were notified to handle the situation.
Accident - A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Pine Street was reported to the Communications Center at 3:33 p.m. Thursday. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.
Collision - A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of East Grand Avenue and Second Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:42 p.m. Thursday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.
Disturbance - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 600 block of West Oklahoma Avenue at 4:18 p.m. Thursday that assistance was needed with a disturbance. Another officer assisted and a report was taken concerning an assault and battery.
Check Stolen - A person from a business in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth Street requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 4:29 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken concerning a stolen check.
Subject Held - A person from the 700 block of North Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:13 p.m. Thursday that a juvenile was causing a problem. Two officers were assigned and a 17-year-old female was held for domestic assault and battery.
Items Missing - A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 6:24 p.m. Thursday to report that some items were missing from a residence in the 500 block of East Walnut Avenue. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken.
Tires Slashed - A woman from the 200 block of North Eighth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:59 p.m. Thursday that some tires on her vehicle had been slashed last week. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Items Missing - A woman from the 500 block of North Third Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:03 p.m. Thursday that some items were missing. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Subjects Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of East South Avenue and South Eighth Street at 10:33 p.m. Thursday that a 22-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman were being held on city warrants for failure to pay.
Arrested - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 900 block of East Hubbard Road at 10:45 p.m. Thursday that a 22-year-old woman was being held on a California warrant for parole violation.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of East Broadway Avenue and North Second Street at 10:49 p.m. Thursday that a 19-year-old female was being held for driving under suspension.
Bicycle Abandoned - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 11:53 p.m. Thursday that a bicycle had been abandoned in some bushes in the 200 block of North Third Street. Information was left or Animal Control to take care of the situation.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department
reported from the 700 block of East Prospect Avenue at 4:30 a.m. Friday
that an 18-year-old male was being held for having no driver's license and
a city warrant for failure to pay.
LIFESTYLES
Piano students of Roberta Motz will present a recital Sunday at the Ponca City Cultural Center at 3 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
Performing in the recital will be Katie Southard, Molly McCloud, Jennifer Christian, Kathleen Larrison, Michelle Hintergardt and Jane Koster.
Joining Mrs. Motz in the final number will be Frances Thompson, a member of the Ponca City Piano Quartet. They will perform George Gershwin's Three Preludes, transcribed for two pianos by Gregory Stone.
Jane Koster, a graduating senior, will be honored for her many years of piano study. Michelle Hintergardt will be recognized for receiving her third gold cup, which represents nine years of superior ratings in piano solo at the National Federation of Music Club's Junior Music Festival.
National Guild Audition pins will be presented to all of the students who performed 4 to 6-piece programs for the Guild judge on April 30 at the Cultural Center.
A reception Sunday, 1:30-3 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church will honor Georgia L. Miller, 2132 Mary. No gifts are requested. The honoree was born May 12, 1918, in Checotah, the daughter of Ray and Lula Cusick Buck.
Georgia Buck and Oscar Miller were married June 1, 1941 in Ponca City. Mr. Miller died in 1968. Mrs. Miller has been a member of the First Lutheran Church since 1941.
The honoree has two children, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Her children are Mike and Marcia Miller, 312 South Flormable, and Oscar
L. Miller of Chesapeake, Va.
RELIGION
Two Ponca City Baptist churches, First Baptist and Sunset Baptist, have been recognized by Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children as among the top 100 churches contributing to the 1997 Mother's Day Offering, an annual missions offering in Oklahoma's Southern Baptist churches. This offering provides support for OBHC's ministries to children and families in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children is a ministry of over 1,600 Southern Baptist Churches in Oklahoma. Sunset Baptist Church ranked No. 45 and First Baptist ranked No. 94 in dollars contributed through this annual missions offering. Ron Ledbetter is pastor of Sunset Baptist and Hance Dilbeck pastors First Baptist. The 1997 offering raised $352,006.05.
OBHC operates four residential campuses: Baptist Children's Homes in Madill, Oklahoma City, Owasso and Boys Ranch Town in Edmond. OBHC is the largest provider of private, non-profit residential child care in the state. Besides residential care, they provide adoption services, foster care, services for unwed mothers, Crisis Pregnancy Centers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and referral services.
"We have the privilege of seeing children move from their formative years into their adolescent and adult years with hope and faith in the future because of the investments being made in their lives, said Tony Kennedy, president of OBHC. "We know that this would not be possible without the financial support of our friends across the state."
Mother's Day, May 10, is the day that most Southern Baptist churches conduct this special offering but many others contribute throughout the year.
"Celebration of Motherhood" is the title given to the section of the service on May 10 at First Lutheran Church in which mothers will be honored for their dedication to their families and to God. In both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services each mother attending will be presented with a special gift from the congregation.
It is very fitting that Mother's Day falls on this particular Sunday when the theme centers around the Christian's love for everyone. In the Gospel lesson for the day Jesus speaks to His disciples about the fact that they would be identified by their love for one another, including both Jews and Gentiles.
The church is not to hoard Christ's love and message, but it is to serve as a tool to spread God's truth throughout the world. Pastor Ramsey's sermon "Journey from Jerusalem: Love That Lasts a Lifetime" will stress both the love within the human family and the love within the Christian family for all. All are invited to join in this moving service.
On May 17 the graduates of the congregation will be recognized. This will include those graduating from First Lutheran School, Ponca City High School, and all college graduates.
Vacation Bible School preparations are underway at Community Christian Church, it was announced this week. Theme for the week will be "Sonlight Island."
The dates for this annual event will be Tuesday through Friday, May 26-29 with the last day being Sunday, May 31 during Sunday School.
Plans are to feature crafts, games, stories, music and snacks as part of the special week planned for the youth of the church and others in the community who wish to attend.
Holly Harpster is chairperson for the special week, and will be assisted by Heather Swinehart, Education Chairperson at Community Christian.
Asbury United Methodist Announces Activities
Saturday, May 9 is the date for the annual Mother-Daughter Tea at Asbury United Methodist. The festivities are scheduled for 2 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Bill Bridges will present his clown show for entertainment.
Priscilla Mullenax will host the Mary Martha Circle on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. Esther Naomi Circle meets at Larri Brack's home on Thursday, May 21 at 2 p.m. These will be the last meetings until September, it was announced.
Mothers will be honored on their special day, May 10, and to honor mothers throughout the country, an offering will be taken for "Birth Choice" of Ponca City.
Other highlights for May will include a time for remembering deceased members on Memorial Day Sunday, May 24 and "Wear Red This Sunday" on May 31, Pentecost Sunday, a day of celebration in the Christian faith - red signifying the flames of the Holy Spirit.
Presbyterians Respond to Great Commission
In faithfulness to the great commission of Jesus, a group of folks from First Presbyterian will go out and share the gospel message both in word and deeds come May 24.
Their trip, coordinated by Presbyterian Elders Ron and Mary Beth Kirk, will take them to Wayne, Neb., Sisseton, SD, the center of the Sisseton Wapheton Lakota Nation, and Palisades National Monument before returning home June 2.
They will be working with the people who make up the membership of the five Presbyterian churches located in that area - their goal being to provide an educational experience, exploring what it means to be Presbyterian in a cross-cultural setting. They will be constructing playground equipment for Ascension Presbyterian Church, part of the Dakota Presbytery. During their evenings they will be providing a time of crafts for children followed by a worship service for the community.
Episcopal Women Plan Fashion Show, Luncheon
A ladies Fashion Show and Luncheon will be held Friday, May 29 at 11:30 a.m. in the Grace Church Parish Hall, it was announced. Marcia Davis is chairman of this event. Cost is $5. Tina Barrett, Carole Johnson, Ann Kennedy, and Betty Whetstone will chair the luncheon.
First Christian Church Celebrates Blanket Sunday
This Sunday First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) celebrates Blanket Sunday in an effort to help Church World Service in relief efforts in times of trouble and disaster.
Whenever tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes strike or wherever war is happening or in refugee camps, Church World Service is there to offer assistance to those in need. Blankets are a part of every relief effort and this Sunday, FCC members will be given the opportunity to make a donation to the blanket fund which enables Church World Service to buy and have blankets ready to ship whenever and wherever disaster strikes.
Wesleyan Church Plans Rummage Sale
The Brookfield Avenue Wesleyan Church will be holding a Rummage Sale this Saturday, May 9 at 8 a.m. The sale will be held in the basement of the church, located at the corner of Third and Brookfield in Ponca City.
Some of the items being sold - four twin size mattresses, crib, walker, hutch, chairs, bikes, and other miscellaneous items.
Proceeds from the sale will go to fund various ministries of the Wesleyan Church in Ponca City, as well as mission needs abroad.
'Come Let Us Reason Together'
The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites you to share God's word with the Hartford folks every week- Sunday Bible classes at 9:30 a.m., worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday evening, 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. There are classes for all age levels - nursery through adult.
Bible thought: The soil produces crops by itself, first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head." Mark 4:28.
When Jesus compared our sharing the Word of God to sowing seed, He said "the seed sprouts up and grows - how he himself does not know." (Mark 4:27). Christians would not argue about how God does many things if they would only admit some times; I do not know, and the Bible does not tell us everything we would like to know about that topic.
God takes time and works orderly to achieve His purposes, as we continue to study and obey the Bible in the Holy Spirit's light, we will grow and mature until we can be a blessing to others. We do not know how God does this, but God and others will witness our spiritual growth.
March for Jesus Sets Volunteer Training
March for Jesus volunteer training will be held for all those who would like to help make May 30 a great day. The training is scheduled at Ponca City Foursquare Church, 700 West Broadway on May 9, 16 and 23 at 10 a.m. Extra flag training is also offered at the same location every Sunday evening, 5 to 6 pm. For more information contact 765-4982 or 762-5167.
Ministers Plan Meeting
The Ponca City Ministerial Alliance will meet Thursday, May 14 at noon in Conference Room C, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, according to the organization's secretary. The program will be announced.
All local ministers are urged to be present.
Announcing A New Bible Study
At 331 S. Lake on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM, there will be a Bible Study held by Bro. Clyde F. McCauley. The intent is to pursue the biblical understanding of New Testament Church with special emphasis on a proper understanding of the subject of the "End of the World".
On these occasions everyone is invited to participate who has an interest in properly determining where we are in God's overall plan for the ages.
Come and bring your Bible and let us reason together.
Car Care Help Being Offered
First Baptist Church, in attempting to meet needs of their church and the community in new and different ways, is beginning a car care ministry led by Scott Rambe, a trained mechanic who will be leading a group of men in providing basic preventive maintenance checks along with oil and antifreeze changes. These men will not replace other services in the community and will not provide car repairs, it was noted.
The only charge will be for the cost of supplies and those participating will receive a car care kit provided by Cory Bowker, it was noted.
The following items are needed for the ministry: floor jacks, jack stands, creepers, drain canisters, old rags, and hand cleaner. Anyone with these items willing to share them are encouraged to contact Scott at 762-2596.
This service is scheduled to begin Saturday, May 16.
EDUCATION
TONKAWA - Northern Oklahoma College leads the nation in offering one of the first programs to prepare students for digital communication skills. The Multimedia and Digital Communications degree program is designed to prepare students for job opportunities in web design and production, computer-based presentations, digital photographic imaging, and computer based art and design.
With the phenomenal growth in the multimedia and digital communication market, industry has resorted to hiring people who are computer literate, but who are self-taught or who receive on-the-job training in web production, presentations, and digital imaging.
Northern seeks to fill the rapidly expanding void in this high-paying job market with Oklahoma's first associate of applied science degree designed to place students in jobs in a variety of positions that require skills in web production, web design, photographic imagery, and presentations. Current entry-level positions have starting salaries that range from $30,000 to $60,000 with some highly technical jobs ranging much higher.
"This is an extremely volatile area of study with computer technology changing at break-neck speeds and with software development following right behind," said Marion Tucker, Northern's vice president for information systems. "We have challenged our instructional staff to stay current with this rapidly changing and expanding market and to stay in the forefront of development. Our administration is committed to providing us with the technology base to make this a viable program where students' skills will be developed on top computer systems with industry standard software."
The MMDC degree allows students to follow individual areas of interest: web and presentation programming, 2-D and 3-D animation, photographic imaging, and computer-based art and design. With the industry standard of team-based production, students will be able to get the overall picture but still be able to focus on a specific area of interest.
Students begin the Multimedia and Digital Communications program with foundation courses and advance to team projects in web production and presentations. Team projects will be given time lines, budgets, and all the normal constraints that one would encounter in the real world. Developing group effectiveness is a high priority in the MMDC program.
"Our students learn that in the real world they may work around the clock to meet a deadline," said Debbie Herren, instructor and curriculum development specialist. "Real projects are rarely packaged into neat 8-hour blocks of work time from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They must learn to work in teams and how to meet budget and time restraints. Students need lifelong learning and team skills in addition to the individual ability to solve problems. This is what we hope to give them here."
"The world of photography is rapidly evolving," said Dr. Glenn Cope, photography instructor. "Photography is quickly adopting digital technology. Current photographers are learning digital imaging and retooling for the new technology. Anyone wishing to enter this field today must be equipped to work in digital as well as traditional photography. Photo specialists are needed to be a part of web and presentation teams."
Four individual areas of focus allows students to concentrate on his or her specific areas while they learn to be a part of a team. The focuses are:
- Programming Focus, skills in web languages for web site production and client/server communications;
- 3-Dimensional Focus, skills in graphics and animation;
- Photography Focus, skills in traditional and digital photography and graphic production;
- Art Focus, skills in traditional art and design and in computer-based art.
The MMDC program involves instructors from eclectic backgrounds for a wider input of philosophy and working backgrounds. Instructors come from language arts, photography, science, business, art and computer areas as well as from industry. Instructors are expected to serve as models for the team-based approach.
For more information on the MMDC program contact Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa, Okla. 74653-0310.
First Lutheran Church and School will have an "open house" May 17 honoring Sylvia Ford, who has taught kindergarten for over three years at First Lutheran School.
Ford will be moving to California with her husband, Bill, and sons Zachary, Matthew and Joshua.
All friends, former students and their parents within the community are invited to come and bid farewell to Mrs. Flood.
The event will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the First Lutheran's Fellowship Hall.
Cards and letters may be mailed to Sylvia in care of First Lutheran Church and School, 1101 North Fourth, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.
Summer Enrollment
Ponca City High School is now taking enrollment for summer sessions. Pre-enrollment is in progress, and forms are available in the Mid-High and Senior High offices. May 27 and May 28 from 8 to 10 a.m. will be the final enrollment dates in the high school cafeteria. Payment for classes will be due at enrollment. Drivers Education enrollment will be held on May 27 at 8 a.m. and enrollment for regular classes will be on May 28 at 8 a.m.
Liggins To Graduate
LaToya Annette Liggins will graduate from the University of Oklahoma this month with a degree in Health and Sport Science with a health emphasis. She plans to attend medical school in the fall. She is the daughter of Anthony and Marilyn Liggins of Ponca City.
UCO Graduates
Local students attending the University of Central Oklahoma will graduate on May 15. Students graduating include: Hollie Adams, Lance Clark, Chris Lighti, Kari Scott, Matthew Shields and Stacey Weber, Blackwell; Michael Chaney, Melissa Schuchman and Gregory Scott, Newkirk; Jennifer Calvert, Richard Clements, Carla Cullison, Todd Pameticky, Brandon Schultz, Lori Shively, Amy Snyder and Sarah Stewart, Ponca City; and Gary Kirtley, Tonkawa. Jamie York, Ponca City, will receive her master's degree in Speech.
O'Mealey Named in Top 10
Jacque O'Mealey, Tonkawa, was named one of the Top 10 Seniors in the College of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma State University. O'Mealey will graduate this month with a French degree. She is the daughter of Dr. Jill Shackleford of Westwood, Kan., and Dr. Gerald O'Mealey of Tonkawa.
Koster Makes Dean's List
Anthony Koster, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Koster of Ponca City, made the dean's list for academic achievement at Washington University in St. Louis.
End of Year
Semester exams will be held in the Ponca City Schools May 18-20. The
last day of school for the 1997-98 school year will be May 20 with graduation
ceremonies on May 22.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
JENKS - For the Cinderella Wildcats, it just got a lot closer to midnight.
After battling through a 3 1/2 hour, come-from-behind, 14-11 marathon win over Jenks, the Muskogee Roughers showed little fatigue in dropping the Wildcats, 12-9, late Thursday night.
The Cats (16-24) and the Roughers will play again tonight in a do-or-die situation for the Regional Championship. Game time is set for 5 p.m.
Though the Poncans struck first, bolting to a 3-1 first inning lead, it was the Roughers unloading for eight runs in a miserable second inning to put the game out of reach. Though the Cats made an impressive come-back attempt in the sixth inning, scoring four runs, it wasn't enough as the Roughers took the win - and the momentum - away from the wily Poncans.
Though the Poncans out-hit the Roughers 14-7, four errors and 10 stranded runners led to their demise.
After Muskogee overcame four home runs and an 11-3 deficit to eliminate defending state champion Jenks, the well-rested Cats took to the field. And for awhile at least, it looked as if the freshest team would survive.
Catcher Jerrod Spears once again got the ball flying for the Cats, slapping a double to center field. Chris Koenig then looped a single, and after a passed ball by pitcher Zach Saunders, both runners advanced into scoring positions.
That brought up Justin Thomas, who sent Spears in with a sacrifice fly. Jay Bentley then brought in Koenig with a single, Michael Quick followed up with a double, and Toby Red Leaf ended the Poncans early effort with a sacrifice RBI.
After a single run by the Roughers in the bottom of the first, and a futile effort by the Poncans in the top of the second, the Roughers again took to the plate.
And that's when things got messy, as Muskogee scored eight runs off three hits and three Ponca City errors.
Consecutive errors by the Cats put two runners on base, and a double steal put those two in scoring position. That brought up horrendously fast lead off hitter Chris Harlin, whose squeeze-play bunt evolved into a 3 RBI home run after a badly overthrown ball to first.
That gave the Roughers a sudden, 4-3 advantage, and they weren't about to cash that in. Consecutive walks, an RBI single, and another walk then brought up Wichita State signee Gary Adair, who blasted a 3 RBI double to give Muskogee a 8-3 lead. After running through the order, another RBI single put the Roughers firmly in control.
A base hit by Michael Quick and an RBI by Marc Smith gave the Poncans one run in the top of the third, but the Roughers came back with a 3-run response to take the lead by eight, 12-4, and threaten a run-rule.
Daniel Denny got on with a walk, and Koenig drove him in after reaching on an error to prevent the run rule, however.
Denny also took over what looked to be thankless pitching duty for the Cats in the third inning and proved to be a bright spot in an otherwise dim evening. Going 3 1/3 innings, the senior hurler struck out an impressive seven batters and gave up just two hits.
Denny's enthusiasm wasn't lost on the rest of the Cats, either, as they took that window of opportunity in the top of the sixth to work completely through the order. Hits by Spears, Koenig, Quick, Red Leaf and Dean Hemenway led to four more runs for the Cats, and put them within striking distance, 12-9.
After Jay Bentley pitched the Cats out of a jam in the bottom of the sixth, however, they couldn't make the come-back in the seventh, going down in four at-bats.
For the game, Spears was 2-for-4 with a walk, Koenig was 3-for-5 with an RBI, Quick was 3-for-4, Red Leaf was 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Hemenway was 2-for-4.
Muskogee 12, Ponca City 9
Muskogee 183 000 x - 12 7 3
Ponca City 301 104 0 - 9 14 4
Saunders, Winkle (6) and Farmer; Hemenway, Red Leaf (2), Denny (3), Bentley (6), and Spears.
EDMOND - Ponca City freshman golfer Jenni Nimmo never quite solved the tough pin placements at Oak Tree during the girls' Class 5A State Championships.
Nimmo finished with a 194 total after shooting a 98 in the final round Thursday.
As expected, Enid's Stacy Prammanasudh won her second straight individual championship, blistering the Edmond course for a 67 on Thursday. That gave her a 139 total for the 36-hole tournament and put her 13 strokes in front of runner up Jennifer James of Edmond North (77-75-152).
However, the Lady Huskies held off Enid for the team title, 622-686. Broken Arrow was third with a 702 and Stillwater finished at 728 in the 12-team field.
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Shidler senior Julie Jacques got close but fell just short in her quest for the Class 3A state title at Oklahoma City's Lake Hefner course.
Jacques fired an 82 Thursday for a 158 total and wound up in a three-way tie with Bradlea Cox of Plainview (82-76) and Hope Edge of Hobart for medalist honor.
Cox won the playoff with a par on the first extra hole.
Sulphur won the Class A team title with a 720, with Plainview second at 728.
Ponca City's Wildcat tennis team warmed up for Monday's regional tournament here with a comeback dual victory over Stillwater Thursday.
The Cats fell behind 2-1 in the doubles play, but stormed back to win five of the six singles matches for a 6-3 verdict.
The Poncans won two of three three-setters in that comeback.
Ponca City finished 4-2 in duals as they head into post season play.
"We have a good chance to qualify for state as a team," coach Steve Larimer said, "If the kids play the way they should and that's a big if."
Daniel Lee and Sterling Foy claimed the two pivotal three-set wins.
Lee scrambled past Stillwater's Robert Kritmeier, 7-5 in the first set, slipped 2-6 in the second but came back to win the third set 6-2.
Foy lost 3-6 in the first set against Jordan Witt but rallied to win the next two, 6-1, 7-5.
The Poncans smashed Stillwater in the JV matches, 14-1.
RESULTS
Ponca City 6, Stillwater 3 (varsity)
Singles
1 - Matt Stuemky d. Mark Simpson, 6-3, 6-2
2 - Bilah Agha d. Chris Campbell, 6-1, 6-4
3 - Micha Alexander lost to Todd Darlington, 6-2, 6-7, 4-6
4 - Daniel Lee d. Robert Kritmeier, 7-5, 2-6, 6-2
5 - Tim Frick d. Brent Tonger, 6-1, 6-1
6 - Sterling Foy d. Jordan Witt, 3-6, 6-1, 7-5
Doubles
1 - Stuemky-Pitts lost to Simpson-Darlington, 3-6, 1-6
2 - Alexander-Frick d. Tonger-Witt, 6-3, 6-2
3 - Agha-Lee lost to Campbell-Kritmeier, 4-6, 0-6.
Ponca City 14, Stillwater 1 (JV)
Singles
1 - Josh Pitts d. Andrew Hong, 6-1, 6-1
2 - Cory Landes d. Eric Ho, 6-0, 6-2
3 - Scot Mitchell d. Daniel Weber, 9-0
4 - Justin Lewis d. Andy Sheller, 9-5
5 - Michael Galbreath d. Sean Morrison, 9-8(7-5)
6 - Mark Goddard d. Mike Higbee, 9-3
7 - Robert Hwang d. Reuben Kiruvilla, 9-7
8 - Alex Kirby d. Jason Shiplett, 9-7
9 - T.J. Murray d. Jay Anderson, 9-4
10 - Brian Geubelle d. Brian Payne, 9-2
Doubles
1 - Foy-Lewis lost to Hong-Ho, 3-6, 3-6
2 - Landes-Mitchell d. Weber-Higbee, 7-6, 2-4, 6-1
3 - Galbreath-Goddard d. Sheller-Morrison, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
4 - Kirby-Hwang d. Kiruvilla-Shiplett, 7-5, 6-4
5 - Murray-Geubelle d. Anderson-Payne, 6-3, 7-5
For perhaps the first time this season, Po-Hi track coach Terry Henderson may have all of his troops when the Cats travel to Bartlesville Saturday for the Class 5A regional meet.
That fact alone gives the coach high hopes to qualify several individuals to the state meet the following week. But Henderson was also buoyed by the performance of his undermanned squads in the Frontier Conference meet last week.
"We had some good things happen," Henderson said of the conference meet. "I also brought up some young kids (ninth graders) who may help us out."
As usual, the Cats were shorthanded at conference with other activities taking their toll. But even with some of his regulars gone, the Cats cut a number of their times.
On the girls' side, Henderson added freshmen Angel Penny and Angela Kana to regulars Tamara Banks and Megan Butts for the 4x100 relay team and the group finished fifth in 56.6, their best time of the season.
Mary Metzger was timed in 2:40 for the 800 meters to take seventh with newcomer Jennifer Niemann right behind with a 2:52.2
Banks had a personal best 13.2 in the 100 and Metzger came right back from the 800 to run a 6:14 in the 1600.
Melissa Alcantra was sixth in the long jump at 13-4.5 while Niemann leaped 13-3.5 for seventh.
For the boys, freshman Kyle Henderson joined Deandre Dewberry, Jamal Williams and Joe Roland for a sixth place finish in the 4x100 relay in 45.5. Henderson was also sixth in the 110 high hurdles in 17:09.
Nathan Zimmerman was seventh in the 800 with a time of 2:04.
Freshman Scott Larrison joined Williams, Dewberry and Zimmerman to improve on their 1600 relay time.
In the field events, Henderson was sixth in the long jump at 18-8 while Joe Roland was just a half inch shorter.
"I plan on taking 22 girls and 21 boys to the regional meet," Henderson said. "It will be one of the first times we've all been together and the kids seem to be peaking at the right time.
"I would like to qualify six or eight boys and four or five girls for the state meet."
The Class 5A state meet will be at Choctaw on May 15-16.
Ponca City Country Club
Ryder Cup Tournament
(Saturday Pairings)
8:48 - Rick Hartman-Dan Williams, Dan Lyhane-Guy Clark
8:56 - John-Tom Green, Brad-Enlow Baumert
9:04 - Wade Lessert-Dale Chapman, John-J.B. Hron
9:08 - Chuck Greenwood-Paul Walker, Bruce Newman-JIm Roth
9:12 - Lynn Hohensee-Bill Rogers, Gary Bintz-Howard Wells
9:20 - A.J. Stovall-Randy Lauritsen, Jason Snyder-L. Epperson
9:28 - Burton Casad-Monte Evens, Max Benefield-Lee Brown
9:36 - Russ-Didlake-Jeff Webster, Jon Hoover-Ted Impson
9:44 - Frank Reyher-Don Rowland, Baloo Subramaniam-Mike Mott
9:52 - Craid Myers-Cory Bowker, Joe Nimmo-Bill Flegler, Larry-Kelly Murphy
10:00 - Kevin Davis-Jon Yocam, Keni Ray-Frank Rogers
10:08 - Roy Swain-Gordon Holland, Pete Dimond-Jack Hudack
10:16 - Bill Greenfield-Byron Brandt, Don Thompson-John Simon
10:24 - Don Stephens-Don Monn, Phil Roberts-Mike Daniels
10:32 - Tom Cowley-George Dickinson, John Counter-Tony Wyatt
10:40 - Andrew-Tom Rigdon, Dick Laramy-Jerry Wimberley