From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, May22,
1998
LOCAL
Po-Hi Class of '98 To Receive Diplomas at Commencement
Woman's Body Found Floating In Lake Ponca
Post 38 Plans Ceremonies
Nearly News
Memorial Day Salute To Civil War Monday At Resthaven Park
Evans, Ratliff Help Poncan Bringing Baxter Black Here
New Les Misérables Opening at Poncan
Stephen Spielberg's 'Amistad' Showing at Poncan Theatre
District Court
GivesWater Service Club Dance Saturday, Sunday
Memorial Day Weekend Signals Need for Safety
Osage Clan Sets Memorial Day Dance Monday
DEATHS
Services Pending
James Wanko
Leota Brown
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Community CWF Installs Officers, Donates Items
Couple Honored
Laureate Phi Meets
EDUCATION
School News
Area Kay County Juniors Tour OSU
Mid-High Teacher Receives Scholarship
Po-Hi Chorale Ends Year With Honors
RELIGION
Lutherans Plan Special Service
Church Briefs
River of Life Schedule
Lutherans Host Friendship Sunday
UPC Revival
SPORTS
Tilley, Lambring Resign
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Nearly 340 Ponca City High School seniors will cross the stage tonight to receive their diplomas and put an end to their high school years. Po-Hi's 97th commencement will begin at 8 p.m. at Sullins Stadium.
The Hutchins Memorial Auditorium will be the alternate location in case of rain.
Leading the processional and recessional will be Stan Hoffmeyer. Participating in color ritual will be Natalie Lindsay, Senior Class president; and Emily Hufnagel, Senior Class vice president.
Several passages will be read during the ceremonies to include: "Ponca City We Love You" from Robert Maril, "Success" from Dane Pryse, "Making a Difference" from Jason Bussey, and "If" from Jane Koster and Jeremy Marzuola. The school creed will be read by Emily Hufnagel.
Musical selections for the ceremony will be "America," "No Man is an Island," and "You'll Never Walk Alone," performed by the Po-Hi Chorale, directed by Cynthia Gass.
Senior members of the Chorale are Sara Day, James DeHaven, Amanda Dickson, Jenny Hardin, Michel Hereford, Cindy Jones, Mindy Jones, Bradley Keirn, Cynthia Lanham, Robert Maril, Charles J. Oster, Emily Phillips, Dane Pryse, Matthew Reaves, Ellen Sprehe, Erin Sylvester and Stacie Wolf.
Molly Baugh will present the salutatorian address and Matthew Szabo will give the valedictorian address.
Senior class officers are: Natalie Lindsay, president; Emily Hufnagel, vice president; and Sarah Merrifield. Senior Student Council officers are: Dane Pryse, president; Jason Bussey, vice president; Brook Didlake, treasurer; and Michel Hereford, historian.
Don Sjoberg, Po-Hi principal, will present the class. Presenting diplomas will be Dr. Bill White, superintendent; Dr. John Scroggins, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction; Dr. Sally Downey, superintendent of Pioneer Technology Center; and board members John Young and Marvin Clark.
Assisting with the class will be assistant principal's John Woody, Kurt Neal and Peg Jordan.
Dr. White, superintendent, said, "We're very proud of all our graduates. We're excited to see what the future will bring for each and every one of them. I believe they are well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead of them."
Po-Hi is asking cooperation in taking pictures. The school asks that all aisles remain open. After the Processional, all aisles, especially the front aisle, will be cleared for everyone to view the ceremony.
In case ceremonies have to be moved indoors, each senior will be issued three tickets to admit guests to the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.
The Great Escape will be held after graduation at Conoco from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. All seniors are encouraged to attend the event and to stay drug and alcohol-free during the night.
The body of a 33-year-old woman was recovered early this morning in the area of Windmill Cove at Lake Ponca.
Police received information from a deputy of the Kay County Sheriff's Office at 3:53 a.m. Friday that a subject in the 2500 block of Lake Road had just reported a woman was missing.
At 5:42 a.m., the subject came to the police department to report that he had located the woman, floating face down in the water at a boatramp of Windmill Cove.
Several officers responded, along with Ponca City Fire Department ambulance personnel, the Kay County Sheriff's Office, the District Attorney's Office and the Medical Examiner.
"The preliminary investigation indicates this is a possible accidental drowning," Police Chief Raymond E. Ham said. The investigation is continuing.
The body will be taken to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Oklahoma City, according to a police report at 10:35 a.m.
Ponca Native American Buffalo Post 38 will make its annual Memorial Day pilgrimage of area Indian cemeteries Monday.
Delbert Cole, Post 38 commander, said, "We need all members of the post to respond with their help and support."
Cole said the group will need assistance with the color guard and the ceremonial firing squad.
The Post will begin the ceremonies at the Kaw Nation Cemetery north of Newkirk at 8:30 a.m. They will then proceed to the Tonkawa Indian Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. before moving on to the Ponca Tribe cemetery at 10:30 a.m. They will conclude the day's activities at the Otoe-Missouria Cemetery at 11:30 a.m.
Cole said those attending will need to car pool to the locations. He said those needing a ride should be at the Florence Cole residence on south Highway 177 between 7:45 a.m. and 8 a.m. Others should be at the Kaw Cemetery at 8 a.m.
Mark your calendars now for Sept. 26, the date for the opening of the new and enlarged Pioneer Woman Museum, according to the Pioneer Woman Museum Advisory Board. Several special events and a well known national speaker are being lined up for the opening.
Memorial Day activities at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery will begin with a ceremony at 10 a.m. and will include a salute to the veterans of the Civil War.
Trans-Mississippi Rifles (TMR), a group of Civil War reenactors representing the North and the South will have a color guard and an encampment at Resthaven.
The featured speaker for the Memorial Day program is Rick L. Harding Jr., captain and commanding officer of the TMR. Harding's address is entitled "Education, Preservation, Remembrance."
Harding served in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1971-72, is a member of the American Legion, a life member of Disabled American Veterans, and a history buff of the Civil War.
In the early 1970s Harding's grandmother sent him a newspaper article about reenactors at Fort Gibson, Miss. Harding contacted them and he has since been actively involved in living history presentations.
At that time, there were no Oklahoma battle reenactments. Therefore, with six members from the Tulsa area, Harding helped establish the Confederate Guard American Living History Association and, later, helped charter the Trans-Mississippi Rifles.
Harding has served as an extra in several movies concerning the Civil War - to wit, "The Blue and the Grey," "North and South," and TNT Production movie "Gettysburg." He has also co-produced an award-winning feature-length documentary on the history of northeastern Oklahoma during the Civil War entitled "The Last Raid at Cabin Creek." This film depicts the battles of Cabin Creek near present-day Vinita where General Stand Watie led his men in combat with the Federal forces from Kansas.
Since Harding has been involved in Civil War enactments, interest in this chapter of American history has increased dramatically. Where once there were no battle enactments in Oklahoma, there are now several historic battles. Nationally, there are reenactments/living history events almost every weekend somewhere in the country - some involving as many as 5,000 to 10,000 reenactors with up to tens of thousands of spectators desiring a better understanding of this tragic time in American history.
The Veterans Court of Honor will display 331 large American flags as a tribute to all military personnel who gave of their lives for our freedom. Small American flags will also be placed on the graves of 742 veterans at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery and 83 veterans at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Resthaven has presented American Revolution and The War of 1812 reenactments during past Memorial Day activities.
Memorial Day ceremony will also include presentation of wreaths from various organizations laid in tribute and remembrance, a roll call of 1997-1998 deceased veterans, a 3-gun black-powder musket salute, and taps.
Fans of Baxter Black may not know how much they owe to Jerry Evans and Ralph Ratliff, two Ponca City businessmen. Evans and Ratliff made Baxter Black's performance possible here in Ponca City. Jerry Evans is president of Evans and Associates Enterprises, and Ralph Ratliff is president of Ratliff, Incorporated. Baxter Black performs with "The Sounds of the Southwest" at the Poncan Theatre Saturday.
"Ponca City is the most delightful community I know," says Evans. The Poncan Theatre is part of the charm. "We enjoy the Poncan Theatre very much," he adds. "It's integral to Ponca City. My wife, Pat, and many of our friends have lasting memories of the Poncan Theatre." Both men feel that high-caliber arts and entertainment are significant to the quality of community life.
And both men value their opportunity to contribute to Ponca City. Ratliff sees support of the Poncan as "an opportunity to give something back to the community. Ponca City has given us so much," he says. Through these sponsorships, the Poncan can reduce ticket prices to the public. The Poncan is a relatively small theater. But larger theaters can sell more seats, so they can bring more expensive acts. "Through corporate sponsorships, the people of Ponca City have a chance to see something that we otherwise might not be able to afford here," says Ratliff.
Both are pleased to support Baxter Black, even though neither has ever seen him. "My friends are ecstatic that Baxter Black is coming," says Evans. "He's multi-talented, a veterinarian and a great entertainer," he adds. Ratliff once bought tickets to see Baxter but was called away just minutes before the show. "But I saw him first on TV over 10 years ago," he says. "He had just won a cowboy poet competition, and now he's the number one cowboy poet in the world. He's just hilarious."
Evans and Ratliff also share a vision of the Poncan Theatre's future. "We want to help bring quality entertainment to Ponca City," says Evans. Ratliff hopes that the Poncan can do for Ponca City what the Brady Theatre does for Tulsa. "I'd hope we could bring acts of the same caliber and the same variety," he says. "Then every citizen of Ponca City can find several events that interest them over the course of a year." "And if it's at the Poncan, they don't have to drive three hours round-trip to see a good show," he adds.
Corporate sponsorships also are good for the businesses. "It's great for my customers," says Ratliff. "My customers will travel long distances to see a quality show, and Baxter Black is highly desirable family entertainment," he says. The two men are pleased to be collaborating. "It's a joy to participate with Ralph," says Evans. "He's a good friend and a very capable guy." Ratliff is equally pleased. "It's an honor for me to do this with Jerry," he says. "He's the old hand" at support of the arts.
Baxter Black's performance with "The Sounds of the Southwest" begins at 7:30 pm. Some tickets are still available, although Ratliff says that "we expect this to be a sell-out." Patrons who want tickets should call as soon as they can. Brace Books will be on hand with a supply of Black's books for him to autograph. Tickets may be purchased at the Poncan Theatre office at 104 East Grand and at the door before performance before 5 p.m. at 580-765-0943.
One of the greatest novels of all time, "Les Misérables," has just been made into a new film The extraordinary epic stars Liam Neeson as Jean Valjean, called "one of the great protagonists in all literature." Geoffrey Rush, the 1997 Oscar winner for his role in "Shine," plays the villain Javert who pursues Valjean relentlessly over decades. The new film opens Friday at the Poncan Theatre on Grand in downtown Ponca City.
In the film Liam Neeson is a "formidable" Jean Valjean according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Danish director Bille August, who won an Academy Award for directing "Pelle The Conqueror," is director of the new film "Les Misérables" has inspired at least a dozen films and the recent musical which is still touring the United States after ten years. The new film has "great technical work," according to Screen It! reviews.
The novel "Les Misérables," by the great French novelist Victor Hugo, is set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary France. It tells the story of a starving man who steals a loaf of bread and then must spend the rest of his life atoning for his sin. It is regarded as one of the great epics of sin and redemption, love and fear, law and justice.
Uma Thurman is widely praised for her portrayal of Fantine, the wronged prostitute. "Thurman is as good as she has ever been," says USA Today. Claire Danes, who recently played Juliet in the exciting film "Romeo and Juliet," plays Cosette, Valjean's daughter. Danes is "radiant," says USA Today.
"Les Misérables," rated PG-13, opens on Friday at the Poncan Theatre. For information or showtimes, patrons should consult the Ponca City News or call the theater at 580-765-0943.
A "monumentally impressive achievement" according to Boxoffice magazine, "Amistad" plays over the weekend at the Poncan Theatre on Grand. "Amistad" is one of the most highly praised films of the year, with 25 nominations from nine different major film festivals in categories such as Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Outstanding Film.
Based on a true story, "Amistad" shows the plight of Africans who were being shipped into slavery on a Spanish vessel called "La Amistad." After breaking free of shackles, the men were able to overtake the sailors. But they were betrayed again by the crew, who sailed toward New York. There the Africans were arrested, bound again, and tried in an American court.
This film is "exceptionally engaging," says Boxoffice. The San Francisco Chronicle says the film has "great poetry and passion." Roughcut Film Review agrees, and adds that Spielberg is "a great, expressive director" who is working here with "an elegantly crafted script." Roger Ebert compares "Amistad" to the quality of work in Spielberg's Academy Award-winning "Schindler's List." Boxoffice calls it "further proof of Spielberg's maturation as an artist."
Anthony Hopkins, who portrays the aging John Quincy Adams, was Oscar-nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Adams, who argued the case before the Supreme Court, is an articulate spokesperson for freeing the African mutineers. The fascinating legal battle, set in the legal values of the 1830s, hinges on the question whether the Africans had a right to mutiny. If the case can be made that they were the children of people who were already slaves, then the Africans would have been regarded as property under the laws of the time. But a young real estate attorney, played by Matthew McConaughey, takes up their case in the early phase of the trial. He argues that the Africans were deprived of their own property. Their property, he claims, is the right to freedom.
Djimon Hounsou, a native African, plays the pivotal character. His performance is called "formidable" by Roger Ebert, and many critics regard his work as one of the best performances of the year. Hounsou was nominated for Best Actor at the Golden Globes and the Golden Satellite Awards. Morgan Freeman is highly praised for his role as an indefatigable abolitionist. He also was nominated for Best Supporting Actor by the Image Awards. The film was produced and commissioned by Debbie Allen, who was nominated for Best Producer.
"Amistad" has also been nominated for other awards, including Best Musical Score, Best Costume, and Best Art Direction. The film plays on Friday and Sunday at the Poncan Theatre at 104 East Grand in Ponca City. For more information, patrons should consult the Ponca City News or call the theater at 580-765-0943.
Ponca City
Divorces Sought
Janet Dionne Harlien vs. John Willard Harlien III.
Marian Sue Lippard vs. Gary Lee Lippard.
Mehku K. Braum vs. Tamering Braum.
Robert Lynn Nesselrode vs. Dana Lynn Nesselrode.
Shawna G. Payne vs. Jesse A. Payne.
Michelle Kay Cerre vs. Raymond Fireshaker Cerre.
Merrilee Rockett vs. Tony Leroy Rockett.
Paula Gayle Bowan vs. John David Bowan.
Rhonda Jean Smith vs. Larry Lee Smith.
Clara June Stettnisch vs. Jerry Stettnisch.
Divorces Granted
Sallie Lee Hill Cadle vs. Brian Lawrence Cadle; plaintiff restored to former name Sallie Lee Hill.
Civil Petitions
Sandra Hamm vs. Kay County and Collette McLaughlin; plaintiff seeks judgment in excess of $10,000.
Ponca City Area Habitat for Humanity Inc. vs. Amy W. Montoya; petition for foreclosure of mortgage.
Jay Warner, doing business as Jay Warner Wrecking Service, vs. John McDonald Smith; plaintiff seeking damages for $11,000.
Eddie Barnett, et al., vs. Charles Cordwell; plaintiffs seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Don Dirksen vs. Jerry Dale Pickens; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
This Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24, the GivesWater Service Club will be holding its 55th Annual Dance in Bois D'arc. A 2 p.m. starting time is slated for both days, with supper being served at or about 5:30 p.m. and war dancing starting by 8 p.m.
The GivesWater Service Club was formed in 1943 to honor, recognize and support family members who were serving in the military during World War II. The founding officers were Francis (Waters) Walkingsky, Bertha (Clark) King, Matilda (Hairyback) Williams, Metha (Barnaby) Collins, and Irene (LeClair) Warrior.
Woolsey Walkingsky served as the first Sergeant at Arms. Over the years, and as the club evolved, it began to support veterans outside the family. The club now recognizes all Ponca Tribal Veterans. The current leadership includes Ed LittleCook as President, Lamont Brown II as Vice President, Mary Brown as Secretary, and Carol LeClair as Treasurer.
The dance has always been held in Bois D'arc and at its current location since 1965. During this year's dance the flag of Eugene Brown will be flown in memory and honor of him.
Serving as head staff for this year's dance are Head Singer, Rudolph Clark; Head Dancer, John King; Head Lady Dancer, Kathy Taylor; Outgoing Princess, Cheryl Brown; Incoming Princess, Rusti Simpson. The Masters of Ceremonies will be Oliver LittleCook and Clarkson LittleCook. Supper will be prepared by the club on Saturday. On Sunday, supper will be provided by Rosetta LeClair in honor of Antoine LeClair.
The GivesWater Service Club extends an invitation to all service organizations, surrounding tribes, craft vendors, and the general public. Bring your chairs and dishes. For more information call Carol LeClair at 765-5258. For those who pledged last year, you may deliver to 2024 Mary in Ponca City.
Memorial Day weekend signals the beginning of Summer.
Children are out of school and everyone is looking forward to family outings, vacations, and having fun. This can end in tragedy, if precautions are not made.
Members of the Ponca City Police Department want to encourage everyone to think safety. "Obey all traffic laws, don't get in a hurry, safety inspect your vehicle, don't drink and drive and always make sure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled up. These simple precautions should apply if you are going across town, across state, or across the nation,"said Police Chief Raymond Ham.
Common sense rules while at the lake or picnicking should always be followed. Again, always obey boating rules and lake regulations. "You are not the only one on the water or at the park. Considerations of others is always a must. Your actions, if improper, may trigger problems with someone else having a good time," said Ham.
"Be aware that you can be a victim of crime. Many victims of thefts, burglaries, and other crime aid the criminal element. Take a few minutes and be sure your vehicle is locked, valuables are out of sight, and basically secure your property. Be aware of your surroundings and don't invite someone to take advantage of you or your possessions," he said.
The Ponca City Police Department and every law enforcement agency wants all citizens to have a safe, crime free, and fun summer. "We are here to aid you in any way possible. We need your assistance to help us help you. Following a common sense approach and following a few of the above tips will help us help you," Ham said.
The Osage Clan of the Ponca Tribe will hold its annual Memorial Day dance on Monday, May 25, at the Cultural Building in White Eagle.
A lunch will be served at noon and war dancing will begin at 2 p.m. The evening program will include a soldier dance and women's dances and the program will close with gourd dancing.
Veteran songs will be sung throughout the day and individual songs will be sung upon request.
The Osage Clan extends an open invitation to neighboring tribal communities, as well as the general public. The committee invites singers, dancers and all veterans to attend. Kensil Lieb is the clan head singer.
Supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. and those planning to attend should
bring their own dinner ware, as well as chairs. Donations for the meals
will be handled by Bronson and Nellie Roughface.
DEATHS
NEWKIRK - James Wanko, Newkirk area resident, died Tuesday evening, May 19, 1998, in St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. He was 24. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service in Newkirk.
Friends may call until 9 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday, at which time the casket will be closed.
Memorial funds for Oklahoma Wildlife and Jim Everest Research Center have been established through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.
Leota Brown, Ponca City resident, died Thursday, May 21, 1998, at her
home. She was 59. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral
Home and services will be announced at a later time.
NEWS BRIEFS
Senior Citizens Dance Canceled - There will not be a Senior Citizens Dance at the American Legion, Monday, May 25, due to the holiday. The next dance is scheduled for Monday, June 1 from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. This will be Cookie Night and everyone is welcome to come and dance to the music of the Hayriders Band.
Reunion Sunday - The W.H. and Ada Payne and John and Elizabeth Howell reunion is planned for Sunday. The event begins at 9 a.m. at Sun 'n Fun east on Lake Road near Kaw Lake.
Thank You - Thanks to all the supporters of the Freshman Dance held at the Ponca City Country Club. They include Hughes Lumber Company, Ponca City Country Club, 7Up-Dr. Pepper Bottling Company, Carmike Cinema, Northpark Cinema 4, A+ Printing, Ponca Plaza Twin Theatre, Jack Bowker Ford, Evans and Associates, KIXR.
Library Closed - The Ponca City Library will be closed Saturday through Monday, May 23-25, for Memorial Day weekend. It will reopen Tuesday, May 26 at 9 a.m. Summer hours at the Library are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Library will be closed on Sundays through Labor Day.
Abandoned Bicycle - A person reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:02 a.m. Thursday that a bicycle had been abandoned in the 900 block of North First Street. Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycle.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 800 block of East Madison Avenue at 9:25 a.m. Thursday that a 27-year-old man was being held for escape from the Department of Corrections.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Walnut Avenue at 9:27 a.m. Thursday that a 13-year-old male was being held for three acts of burglary.
Suspicious Activity - A man from the 1200 block of East Prospect Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:36 a.m. Thursday that there had been an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Burglary - The Communications Center received a 911 call from a resident in the 200 block of South Elm Street at 10:48 a.m. Thursday that someone had just stolen something out of their car. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken on an auto burglary.
Bicycle Stolen - A man in the 400 block of North Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:12 p.m. Thursday that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Subjects Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from Municipal Court at 2:53 p.m. Thursday that three subjects were being held for failure to pay. Two of the subjects were 20-year-old males, and the other was a 20-year-old female.
Suspicious Activity - A woman from the 1500 block of Bradley Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:43 p.m. Thursday that someone had left an obscene message on her answering machine. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - A vehicle reportedly hit a utility pole just east of the drive through of Pioneer Bank, 1600 block of Lake Road, at 6 p.m. Thursday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken that lines were down at the scene.
Swimming Pool Stolen - A female in the 700 block of South Sixth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department reported at 7:13 p.m. Thursday that a swimming pool had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Subjects Held - An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:21 p.m. Thursday that two juvenile shoplifters were in custody. Two officers were assigned and two 17-year-old females were held for petit larceny. A report was taken.
Item Missing - A woman from the 300 block of South Birch Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:01 p.m. Thursday that a license tag had been stolen off her vehicle while parked at the residence. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.
Beer Missing - A clerk at Midwest EZ Stop in the 1100 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:36 p.m. Thursday that a male subject had taken two 12-packs of beer without paying. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Citations Issued - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 11:14 p.m. Thursday from Lake Road Express, 2500 Lake Road, that five curfew citations had been issued. The juveniles were released to parents.
Suspicious Activity - The Communications Center received a report at 11:51 p.m. Thursday that a couple of juvenile males had just shot out the street light with a BB-gun in the 800 block of North Peachtree Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Water and Light Department officials were contacted.
Vehicle Towed - Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Waverly Street and West Grand Avenue at 1:08 a.m. Friday that a 38-year-old woman was being held for driving under suspension. Three other subjects were allowed to leave the scene by way of a taxi service and a vehicle was towed from the scene.
Accident - A one-vehicle accident on the north side of the
old river bridge was reported to the Communications Center at 3:17 a.m.
Friday. The Kay County Sheriff's Office and Oklahoma Highway Patrol were
notified.
LIFESTYLES
The Community Christian Church CWF hosted a successful "Paper Caper" during April with dedication of the items on May 12 during the general meeting. The meeting was also held in memory of members who died during the past year: Billy Blass, Katy Herrington, Thelma Dawson and Kathleen Dixon.
In addition to church members donations to the Paper Caper were made by Bill Mock Fashion Floors, Carpet Specialities and Buy for Less. The donations were divided among The Oklahoma Christian Home in Edmond, The Mission on South Avenue, Child Development Center, Domestic Violence program and Peachtree Landing.
Also recognized during the meeting were members who will represent Community Christian Church at a Quadrennial meeting in June at Perdue University in West LaFayette, Ind. Attending the event, along with 4,400 Disciples of Christ Church women throughout the nation, will be Edith McCallick, Ann Thornburg, Jan Van Buskirk, Sharon Majors and Candy Smith.
Officers installed during the meeting were given individual colored eggs to denote "New Beginnings" which will be the theme for the coming year. New Christian Women's Fellowship officers are Edith McCallick, president; Elaine Davis, vice president; Betty DeWhitt, secretary; Lavon Shepler, treasurer; Elaine Davis, Service chairman; Vivian Stubblefield, assistant; Afton McBride, Study/Worship. Group leaders are Esther, Charlene Neidig; Ruth, Vera Jean Officer; Sarah, Debbie Ballard.
A reception and barbecue honoring Jerome Schneeberger and his fiancee, Shawn Wise, is planned May 24, 4-7 p.m., at the Moose Lodge, 500 West Prospect. The couple will marry May 30 in a ceremony at the First Methodist Church in Vernon, Texas. Because of the distance involved in attending the wedding an open invitation is extended to family and friends to attend the "come and go" event being held locally so they may meet Shawn, said Jerome's mother, Ann Schneeberger.
There were nine members present for the May 12 meeting of Laureate Phi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority in the home of Elsie Rosenbaum. Highlight of the evening was the ritual for installation of new officers.
The hostess led a discussion about conversation. Her subject matter was
titled "The Art of Conversation Lies Not in Talking a Great Deal, but
Rather in Discovering a Great Deal About Others."
EDUCATION
Dickinson Graduates
Mike Dickinson, son of George and Bonnie Dickinson, graduated with honors from Friends University of Wichita, Kan. Dickinson is a 1981 graduate of Po-Hi and resides in Wichita.
Special Thanks
The Junior Class After-Prom Committee would like to thank the businesses in Ponca City for donating items for the After-Prom Party.
Hannum Named Winner
Toni Hannum, daughter of Garth and Peggy Hannum of Ponca City, has been named a United State National Award Winner in English.
String Scholarships
Cindy and Mindy Jones have received String Scholarships to Southern Nazarene University. They also received a Science Heritage Scholarship and a Dean's Academic Scholarship. Mindy received the Kip Mohler-Homer Luther Award and Cindy received the A.H. "Pete" Long Scholarship Award during a concerto concert May 11.
OSU Gives Scholarships
Po-Hi seniors Holly Lynn Ladner, daughter of Kenneth Ladner and Susan Skinner Ladner, and Natalie Lindsay, daughter of Winston and Betty Lindsay, have been awarded a President's Leadership Council Scholarship to OSU. Blackwell seniors Drew Ihrig, son of Jonathan and Barbara Ihrig, and Michal Ward, daughter of David and Lesa Ward, also received the scholarships to OSU.
Ratliff Selected
Ruth Ratliff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Dannemaker of Ponca City, has been selected as a recipient of a scholarship to study in France for one month at the AATF Summer Institute. The scholarship pays all program and living expenses for one month as well as a $300 travel stipend. Ratliff is a French teacher at Broken Arrow High School.
Haines Awarded
Susan K. Haines has been awarded a Lew Wentz Scholarship for $2,500. She is a junior at OSU majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Agronomy. She is the daughter of Max and Sandra Haines.
OBU Scholarship Given
Marci Jo Spore, student at Oklahoma Baptist University, received the Chauncey Scott-Pott County Chapter CPA Accounting Award and Scholarship. The scholarship is given to an OBU junior or senior accounting major with a 3.0 grade point average or above who has a goal of becoming a certified public accountant. She is the daughter of Vester and Mary Spore.
STILLWATER - The Kay County Alumni Association recently took area juniors to visit Oklahoma State University. While there students toured the campus, visited a dorm room, went to a baseball game, had lunch at Eskimo Joe's and dinner at the Hideaway.
Junior that attended from Blackwell were: Dan Garwood, Tyke Greer, Jared Grell, Edgar Jones, Brandon Kahle and Jordan Marquardt.
Also, Nathan Mayer, Shanna McClarnon, Jennifer Reese, Kristen Shepherd, Sarah Stolhand, Jay Wagner and Ashlee Young.
Newkirk participants were: Angie Leven, Luke Lockwood, Kendra Loughridge, Christina Ramey and Barrett Shupe.
Students from Po-Hi were: Jennifer Adams, Anthony Chiu, Gina Hile, Michelle Hintergardt, Mindy Sattre, Caydee Stalcup, Clarence Shear, Misty Lechtenberg, Shari Winters, Mark Whitt, D.J. Nuzum and Collin Talbot.
Students that attended have to be in the upper one-third of their class and have a grade point average of 3.0.
Martha Jane Cronin, Ponca City Mid-High teacher, has been selected as a Foundation Scholar and will study with six other winners in the Molecular and Cell Biology Research Program in the laboratory of Dr. Philip Silverman.
The Fleming Scholar Program was established in 1956. Since that time, more than 300 gifted Oklahoma students have received these coveted scholarships. This was the first program of its kind, and it has served as a model for similar programs nationwide. Each year, as many as 250 applicants vie for approximately 10 scholar positions.
Twenty-five high school science teachers from throughout the state have received Foundation Scholarships since the program began in 1988. Teachers receiving the scholarships return to their classrooms with personal computers, which link them and their students directly to scientists at the Oklahoma City-based Foundation. The computers also provide access to the Internet and communication with other Scholars across the state.
The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to the search for better treatments and cures for human disease. OMRF has earned recognition for its research in heart disease, diabetes, cancer, AIDS, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, lupus and others.
The Ponca City High School Chorale, under the direction of Cynthia Gass, participated in the American Classic Big "D" Festival at the University of Tulsa at Arlington in early May.
Events of the weekend included a two hour clinic at the Southern Methodist University, clinic with Chorale Director Constantina Tsolainou, touring of the West End Market Place and Galleria, and the IMAX Theater Thrill Ride. The weekend was concluded with an award presentation at Six Flags of Texas.
The Mixed Chorale received a Superior rating in Concert and an Outstanding rating in Class Trophy, Chorale Women received a Superior rating in Concert and an outstanding in Class Trophy, and Chorale Men received a Superior rating in Concert. The Mixed Chorale was selected as a finalist for the Texas Grand Champion contest, which took place May 16.
Prior to the competition the Chorale received Superior ratings at the State Chorale Contest in Concert and Sight Reading for the Mixed Chorale, Chorale Women and Chorale Men. Six members were also chosen for the all OMEA Choir.
Awards presented at the recent Chorale concert on May 7 included: Paul
Paschal, Outstanding Chorale Member Boy; Kasey Koster, Outstanding Chorale
Member Girl; Robert Maril, Charles Cunning Memorial Award; Amanda Dixon,
American Chorale Director Award; Sara Day, Departmental Award; and Robert
Maril and Shara Long, Outstanding Accompaniment Awards. Outgoing 1997-98
Chorale Officers were Robert Maril, president; Sara Day, vice president;
and Brad Keirn, secretary/treasurer. Outgoing 1997-98 Chorale Parent Officers
were Marta Maril, president; Paula Lanham, vice president; Linda Turner,
secretary; and Gloria Linville, treasurer.
RELIGION
Memorial Day is a time to remember those loved ones who have died and "gone before us." We generally honor family and friends on that day, Pastor Ramsey of First Lutheran Church pointed out. We, as Christians, should also remember that person who has "gone before us" to prepare a place for us in Heaven - Jesus Christ. He has returned to Heaven, but He still lives within us and comes personally to us in His word and sacraments, Pastor Ramsey reminded. He now leaves us with the mission of telling others of that great sacrifice He made for all people.
The service at First Lutheran Church on May 24 at both the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services will focus on the task of witnessing. Pastor Ramsey's sermon is entitled "Journey from Jerusalem: Witnessing with One Voice." A special anthem, "Come as You Are," will be sung at the 8:30 a.m. service by Angela Kana. At the 11 a.m. service, The Spirit Singers will sing "The Spirit Song." Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services.
A special invitation is given to all in the community without a church home to visit First Lutheran Church. An exciting event will take place on Sunday, May 31, when the first of the church's summer outdoor services will be held at 11 a.m. at Lake Ponca Park. The 8:30 a.m. service will be held in the sanctuary with unique activities for the Pentecost celebration. The story of Pentecost will be read in four different foreign languages.
No Bible Classes or Sunday School will be held on that Sunday in order to prepare for the outdoor service. A picnic will follow the service.
It's Concert Time in Kaw City
Cozetta Hand and the Old Town Gospel Band will open the Gospel Concert at Kaw City on May 30 at 6 p.m., playing until 7 p.m., it was announced this week.
Headlining the event will be the Crossfire Gospel Band, a versatile group who prefers playing Blue Grass music, according to Cindy Russell, spokesperson for the event.
Concessions will be available and admission is free. Everyone is welcome to come, spend the evening and enjoy the music and fellowship.
New Creation Schedules Open House
Pastor Jack Adams of New Creation Church extends an invitation to the public to come to Open House at the church on June 7 from at 4 p.m. "We are opening the doors to anyone who is interested in coming by to see all the changes that are happening at New Creation, and how God is moving," Pastor Adams said.
The church is located at 212 North Third. For more information, call Pastor Adams at 765-7519.
Ponca Indian Methodists Set VBS
"Come to the Storytelling Tree" is the theme of the Vacation Bible School at Ponca Indian United Methodist Church, it was announced today.
The school is scheduled May 26 through May 30 from 9:30 a.m. until noon each day. Children four years old and up are invited to participate - come and hear parables Jesus told and discover what Jesus wants us to be, is the invitation.
Saturday morning, after the last session, a program will be presented for the parents, the children will receive their certificates, and a cookout will follow, to close the VBS.
'Come Let Us Reason Together'
The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites you to share God's word with us every week. Sunday Bible classes are at 9:30 a.m., worship at 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. There are classes for all age levels - nursery through adult.
Bible Thought: "But the righteous live by their faith." Habakkuk 2:4.
Try as we might, things don't always go well. Lots of times, it's just a bunch of minor frustrations. Jeremiah complained about his woes. He had thought right, done right, been right. Still, things were going so wrong for him.
If something is truly good and worth doing, we should persist in the task even if our efforts don't turn out as we have hoped and expected.
To persist faithfully in the pursuit of good, while facing disappointing results, is a true exercise in faith and a true partnership with God.
Glad Tidings Women's Ministry Announces Project
The Women's Ministry of Glad Tidings Assembly of God is announcing an adventure in selling $5 certificates to Classic Color. The certificate is usable for a 10x13 picture, and no obligation to buy more, it was noted.
The picture session will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 30 at the church, U.S. 60 and Victory. For more information, please contact Margaret Carter at 762-9307 or Jean Hoch at 762-0607.
FCC Youth Visit Tulsa Zoo
The Junior Youth Fellowship (JYF) at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) took a field trip to the Tulsa Zoo on Saturday, May 16. JYF is for youth in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades and meets for devotionals and fellowship twice as month during the school year.
Taking the trip to the zoo were Shelli Novotny, Brady Clark, Amanda Dietz, T.J. Tole, Blake Braden, Tiffany Weaver, and Robert Weaver. Sponsors for the trip were Floyd and Angie Novotny and Boyd, Vicki and Brett Braden.
Sen. Nickles Urges Support of Religious Freedom Act
U.S. Senator Don Nickles this week urged the Senate Foreign Relation Committee to support his bipartisan legislation to help America develop appropriate and consistent responses to violations of religious liberty worldwide.
The bill would the creation of a special White House adviser on religious persecution, creates the post of Ambassador at Large for Religious Liberty, and creates a bipartisan commission to investigate religious persecution and make policy recommendations to Congress and the President.
What Is A Christian Ashram?
What is a Christian Ashram? It is Christ centered, music, retreat, quiet time, time away, prayer, self renewal, biblical, inspiring speakers, fellowship, Bible study, time with God, and ecumenical - available to both laity and clergy.
The 1998 Oklahoma Christian Ashram is scheduled July 23, 24 and 25 at Canyon Camp, Hardt Lodge near Hinton. Registration is now under way, and more information may be obtained by contacting the Rev. Phillip Erwin in Tonkawa, Northern Oklahoma Coordinator. He may be reached at 580-628-8667.
First UMC Tells Summer Schedule
Beginning on Sunday, June 7, First United Methodist Church will begin their summer worship schedule. Beginning at 8:45 a.m. there will be coffee and fellowship in the courtyard with Sunday School at 9 a.m. followed by worship services at 10 a.m.
Fashion Show, Luncheon Scheduled
The Women of Grace Church will hold a ladies Fashion Show and Luncheon on Friday, May 29 at 11:30 a.m. in the Grace Church Parish Hall, Thirteenth and Grand. Cost for the luncheon will be $5. Marcia Davis is chairing the style show. Luncheon chairmen are Tina Barrett, Carole Johnson, Ann Kennedy, and Betty Whetstone.
Methodists Set Annual Conference
The Oklahoma Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church will convene on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in Tulsa. Sessions will begin Monday evening with the Opening Communion and Memorial Service, and conclude with the Service of Ordination on Thursday evening.
The Pre-Conference meeting for clergy and lay delegates from the Stillwater District will be Sunday afternoon, May 17, at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist in Stillwater.
River of Life Church of God is holding services at 105 North Second. A Pentecostal church which emphasizes "teaching and preaching the Word of God," the church is currently studying, "The Gifts of the Holy Spirit", by Kenneth Hagen. This study is on Sunday afternoons at the church from 5 to 6 p.m.
The church also has a Bible study each Tuesday night from 6:30 to 7:30. This study is held at 729 North Palm and the group is currently studying the book of I Corinthians. Wednesday night service is at 7 p.m. and dedicated to the teens of the area.
Pastor Rick Jackson realizes how important "power-filled" praise and worship is during each service and because of this, each and every service is filled with contemporary upbeat music. He also realizes the importance of learning what the "Bible" says about the problems you are facing in your life and this is reflected in each sermon he preaches. Pastor Jackson and the congregation of River of Life Church of God invites the public to visit this Sunday. Service times are 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church will observe Friendship Sunday, May 24. Members are being encouraged to bring a friend and wear their POP tee-shirts.
The Sharing Exhibition of different kinds of crosses will be continued through May, it was announced. Anyone wishing to bring a cross to display is encouraged to label it and place it on the table in Fellowship Hall. Pastor Keck's class on Lutheranism continues on Thursday evenings, it was announced.
New members will be welcomed on Pentecost Sunday, May 31, the birthday of the Christian Church, Pastor Keck reminded.
Prince of Peace, located at 2800 Turner, celebrates worship service each Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. Other pastoral care is available by contacting Pastor Keck at 765-7698.
A Holy Ghost Revival is taking place this week at First United Pentecostal Church, 1921 East Hartford, according to Pastor Rick A. Hughes. Special singing, exciting worship, and anointed preaching, all hallmarks of Apostolic Pentecostals, will be featured in these week long meetings, he advised.
Pastor Hughes and the congregation of First Pentecostal invite the public to come and experience a personal Pentecost. Those who have ever wanted to visit a Pentecostal service, Pastor Hughes pointed, this is a great opportunity to come and see for yourself what this phenomenon is all about.
Services will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.
and 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information or a ride to the church, contact
Pastor Hughes at 767-1482.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Roydon Tilley is going back to school and Don Lambring is planning to watch the Aspens turn in Colorado this fall.
Ponca City High School lost two more head coaches this week as baseball-softball coach Tilley and girls' tennis coach Lambring decided to take their lives in another direction. They join two other Wildcat head coaches who resigned this year - wrestling coach Pat Young and football coach Rick Sodowsky.
Both Tilley and Lambring leave with their teams near the top of their games and with good memories.
Tilley took the Wildcat baseball team to the state tournament last season and was one win away from returning this past season.
His Lady Wildcat softball teams have been a perennial power. The Lady Cats have been in the state tournament three of the six seasons Tilley has coached them and finished third in the state this past fall.
Lambring's tennis players were third in the state two years ago and were second this year, one point away from being state co-champions.
One of his three seniors on this year's team, Natalie Lindsay, was name an All-State player this week. Lindsay and partner Abby Frick were fourth in the No. 1 doubles in the state tournament last week.
"I've had a lot of good athletes and good players," Lambring said today. "I have some very good memories."
Lambring came to Ponca City in 1971 and started coaching the following year as assistant junior high golf coach. He then started coaching junior high girls' tennis and junior high girls' basketball. In 1987 he became the high school girls' tennis coach and remained as junior high tennis coach.
His first Lady Wildcat team won the state championship and the Po-Hi girls have been a top-five team since then, "except for a couple of times we finished sixth and were eighth once." he recalls.
Lambring retired from teaching a couple of years ago but remained as coach. When his wife retired from teaching this year, he decided to take the step, "that had been in the back of my mind for some time.
"I have no particular plans. But we wanted to have a little more freedom to do some of the things we have wanted to do. We have two daughters living in Colorado and I have always want to go there to see the Aspens turn. That's what we will do this fall."
Tilley won't have much of a chance to view the changing season this fall. He will remain as a high school math teacher but plans to go back to school to get his administrative certificate, probably at Oklahoma State. He figures it will take about two and half years to get his certificate.
"I don't feel it would be fair to the kids to keep on coaching when I couldn't give it my full time," Tilley said.
"I have really enjoyed my time as a coach. These kids have been wonderful and the parents have been super."
Tilley has been at Po-Hi for nine years, eight as head baseball coach and six as head softball coach.
A rough estimate of his record with the Cats shows a 133-154 mark with the baseball team and 165-102 with the softballers.
Tilley stressed that the success his teams have had have been because of the quality of the players.
"These kids have made coaching worth coaching," he said
"It has been a good run. I just decided to step down and let some one else have a chance while I do some things I've always wanted to do."