From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, May
29, 1998
LOCAL
Istook Opens Defense Of Congressional Seat
Ballots for Mayoral Vote Stay the Same
Autopsy Reveals No Cause For Infant's Death
Nearly News
Muegge's Hog Bill Heading To Keating
'Deliciously Maddening' Thriller Shows at Poncan
DEATHS
Marjorie Benson
Lawrence C. Gillispie
Obituaries
Albert Leterle
Services Pending
Imajeane LeMonnier
Robert F. Taglialatela
Mildred M. Gallagher
Funerals
Johnnie L. Gray Waddelow
NEWS BRIEFS
RELIGION
Church Briefs
Demonstrating the Passion
1st Lutheran Will Celebrate Pentecost
Grace Holds Vacation Bible School
River of Life Church of God Sets Services
Kildare Hosting Play
Grace Episcopal Church Celebrating Centennial This Weekend
LIFESTYLES
Family Gathers For Reunion
Eta Zeta Chapter Members Meet
Little News
Laureate Phi Meets
Luncheon Begins Grace Church Centennial Event
Former Resident Weds in Arkansas
EDUCATION
The American Flag Honored At Patriotic Assembly at Frontier
DARE Program Ends Another Year
School News
First Lutheran Names Honor Roll Students
Title IX Students Spend Time at Woolaroc
SPORTS
Lovell To Attempt Triathlon Repeat
AA Royals Fall Hard To Perry
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
Fifth District Republican Congressman Ernest Istook was in Ponca City Thursday to announce his bid for reelection. The Congressman is eager to mention several accomplishments made during his terms.
"If you look at what has happened since I was first elected in 1992, especially since 1994 when the majority shifted in Congress, the budget is being balanced this year sooner than anyone expected or predicted, and we have made great strides through welfare reform," Istook said.
According to the Congressman, since welfare reform passed, the welfare rolls are down significantly county-wide, state-wide as well as nationally.
"It is not because people are being taken off of welfare, it is because people know that they now have a time limit on how long they can stay on it," he said. "They are required to look for work and so they are looking for work and finding the jobs."
He also cited passage of tax relief as another victory. "We are going to try to pass more tax relief this year," he stated. "I think people are beginning to understand that when you reduce tax rates you actually increase government revenue so it is a win-win situation and better for the taxpayer and better for the government."
Istook was elected to the 103rd Congress in 1992 after being involved in state and local government in Oklahoma. Since his election he has been a member of the House Appropriations Committee, serving on several subcommittees including the Treasury, Postal and General Government subcommittee, National Security subcommittee as well as the subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education.
If reelected, Istook says that he will strive to work towards continual reduction of both the level of taxes and the size of government.
He claims he will also continue to reduce federal government. "I want to continue the efforts to shrink the size of the government and increase the amount of the decisions that people are able to make for themselves without being controlled by the government in what they have to do."
As an example, Istook cites state farmers' complaint of the Federal Wetland Regulation, where the federal government restricts use of their own land. "We have a lot of examples of overkill in those areas and that is just one example, but an important one, especially to those in Kay County."
In addition, Istook plans to focus on the military. "I also think we have a challenge to repair some of our priorities in defense spending," Istook added. "Our military readiness has gone down under the Clinton Administration and its policies and many of us in Congress are wiling to fight the Administration over spending priorities and to put more priority back into the national defense - the first and foremost obligation of the Federal government."
There is one other candidate that has announced candidacy for the Fifth Congressional District race. Earlier, M.C. Smothermon of Edmond announced her intentions to seek the office in the Nov. 3 election.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - They're here! Over 20,00 ballots for the June 9 mayoral special election were delivered to the Kay County Election Board Wednesday. There will be no surprises on them, however. With the exception of the date, the ballots are exactly as they were for the last election - the same names, the same order of those names.
According to Cheryl Howard, assistant Election Board secretary, state law mandates that the order of the names must remain the same for a special election. "We are simply redoing the last election, exactly like it was then," Howard explained.
The special mayoral election will be the third mayoral election in less than three months. The first election, with four candidates, resulted in a runoff. The results of that runoff election was contested based upon irregularities.
After a hearing, wherein it was determined that ineligible voters had indeed cast ballots, the governor called the upcoming special election. This election will once again have two city commissioners on the ballot, Tom Leonard and Richard "Dick" Stone.
However, there will be one change during this election. The polling location of Precinct 533 has been changed from Trout School to St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene, 1715 East Prospect Avenue due to repairs and remodeling work at the school.
Absentee voting is June 4 to June 8.
The results are in from an autopsy on an infant whose body was found at Windmill Cove at Lake Ponca earlier this month and the exact cause of death will never be known.
According to Ponca City Police Detective Dwaine Vincent the results are inconclusive.
"The body was too badly decomposed for an exact cause of death to be determined," Vincent stated. "We will now send the reports to the District Attorney's office for them to determine if any charges will be filed."
Preliminary reports had shown only that the there wasn't any trauma to the infant, but now authorities will never know whether the child died of natural causes or foul play was involved.
The body of the female infant was discovered May 12 after police received a tip. According to Assistant District Attorney Phil Ross, the baby was delivered at home on April 25.
Ross further stated that the 18-year-old mother had attended Ponca City High School in the past but had quit school when she became pregnant and was staying at her parent's home in an effort to keep her pregnancy quiet.
It was the mother's brother that reportedly disposed of the body.
Regardless of the cause of death, Ross had stated earlier that felony charges were still expected to be filed against both the mother and brother for improper disposal of a body.
Drivers Beware! After receiving complaints, the Ponca City Police are on the lookout for those who are ignoring detour signs and driving around barricades at several construction sites throughout the northwest side of the city. Nearly News has learned that the city's director of Public Works was pulled over by a patrolman this morning as he drove through a barricade at Hartford Avenue.
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Jennifer Beets at the Wentz Golf Course has asked NN to remind folks who are calling for Wentz Pool to please call 767-0436 for information. She has been receiving numerous calls at the Golf Course from folks wanting to talk about the Pool. Remember the Pool number is 767-0436. Thanks!
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Attention Seniors! Your diplomas are ready for pick up at the main office at Po-Hi.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A hog bill described by one author as one of the ''strongest regulatory bills that's been passed anywhere in the U.S.'' is headed for Gov. Frank Keating's desk.
''I think agriculture needs a wake-up call,'' Rep. M.C. Leist, D-Morris, House co-author of Senate Bill 1175, said Thursday night shortly before the House approved the bill 73-27. The Senate approved it 39-6.
Keating said he looks forward to receiving the bill, which contains many of the recommendations of his Animal Waste and Water Quality Protection Task Force.
''It is important for us to balance the needs of business in our state with the important need for clean air and water. It appears this bill does just that,'' Keating said.
The bill's author, Sen. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, described it as ''benchmark legislation'' that will help prevent hog waste from contaminating water supplies and fouling homes and communities with odors.
Previous hog legislation has ''worked for the hog producers. It didn't work for the citizens,'' Leist said.
The Legislature approved the bill in spite of fierce opposition from hog producers, who said it will stunt the growth of the swine production industry that has invested $650 million in Oklahoma and employs 20,000 people.
Before finally passing the measure, the House narrowly passed a joint House-Senate conference committee report on the measure 51-49.
''They're going out of business, both poultry and pork,'' said Sen. Gene Stipe, D-McAlester. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed legislation regulating the state's poultry industry.
''They invested in Oklahoma. Now we're singling them out differently than we did any other industry,'' Stipe said. ''Why are we singling out agriculture?''
The bill assesses fees against large hog producers and increases the distance hog farms must be from their neighbors.
''We are not attempting to run the hog industry out of the state of Oklahoma,'' Muegge said. ''The industry's here to stay and they're going to grow. But they're going to have to be more responsible than they have before.''
''It has been a long road,'' said Suzette Hatfield of the Oklahoma Family Farm Alliance, part of a coalition of environmental groups who have pushed for new legislation to beef up hog rules.
''We are for growth in the state. But we want the kind of growth that enhances everybody's future,'' Mrs. Hatfield said.
''There's a lot of people who are very disappointed,'' said Shawn Lepard, a spokesman for ProAg, an organization the promotes growth in the agriculture industry. ''We feel that we did all we could in representing the people who support agriculture in rural communities.''
Opponents said it could stop Oklahoma's growing pork production and processing industry dead in its tracks.
The measure assesses a fee of 80 cents per animal unit - each unit is equivalent to 2.5 hogs - in addition to a licensed managed feeding operation's annual fee, which varies according to the size of the operation. No fee will be charged for farms with fewer than 1,000 animal units.
Fees would raise about half the $935,000 the Department of Agriculture's Water Quality Division says it needs to administer the new hog rules. The rest would be paid by taxpayers.
Opponents said it is unfair to charge fees on hog farms when no fees are assessed against other animal farming operations, including poultry and cattle farms.
''They all pollute. They all stink,'' said Sen. Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta. If one farming operation is taxed, they should all be taxed, he said.
Sen. Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, said the measure contains odor abatement requirements for hog waste lagoons and monitoring requirements to detect waste leaking from the lagoons into streams, lakes and underground acquifers.
''We need to look at quality of life of our residents. We need to look at the quality of our water,'' said Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson, R-Oklahoma City.
''If you think it's bad to smell hog manure, wait till you start drinking hog manure,'' said Rep. Frank Davis, R-Guthrie.
Muegge said the rules encourage smaller swine-feeding operations, which produce less waste and pose less of a threat to water resources and local communities.
Farms with 300 or fewer animal units will have no setback requirements from neighboring homes and communities.
Setbacks for larger farms are one-quarter mile for between 300 and 600 animal units; one-half mile between 600 and 1,000 units; three-quarters of a mile between 1,000 and 2,000 units; 1 1/4 miles between 2,000 and 4,000 units; and two miles for more than 4,000 animal units.
"Exemplary entertainment" is Time Magazine's description of "The Spanish Prisoner," a new film by master writer and director David Mamet. "The Spanish Prisoner," which Time praises as a "diamond-hard, ice-cold thriller," opens tonight at the Poncan Theatre on Grand in downtown Ponca City.
Steve Martin plays a mysterious, wealthy New Yorker who is part of a scheme to confuse and lure young Joe, played by Campbell Scott, into a web of industrial espionage. Scott gives a "complex performance," says the San Francisco Chronicle, and they describe him as an actor who proves that he has been previously under-appreciated. Ben Gazzara is also in the film. The tension mounts as Joe moves deeper into sinister complications and dire possibilities. Roger Ebert, who likes this film a lot, says that the set-up of a magic trick is always more fun than the end, because "we can test ourselves against the magician."
This Hitchcockian thriller is "delightful in the way a great card manipulator is delightful," says Ebert. "It rolls its sleeves above its elbows to show it has no hidden cards." But then "it produces them out of thin air." The title of "The Spanish Prisoner" comes from the name of a classic con game. Mamet buffs will immediately recognize the connection to his earlier works. Mamet is an esteemed American playwright, famous for such plays as "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "American Buffalo." He is also a major writer for Hollywood, having created such scripts as "The Untouchables," "The Verdict," "Hoffa," "Wag the Dog," and "House of Games."
Uncertainty is Mamet's stock-in-trade. He is a master of the shell game, and he often can tantalize and mystify the viewer. His facile manipulation of plot and characters keep the audience off guard. Time calls "The Spanish Prisoner" his "finest" thriller. It has Mamet's fine dialogue and, according to USA Today, "enough visual flair" to be on the cover of American Cinematographer magazine. Boxoffice Magazine calls it a "twisting tale of paranoia" and "the most accessible movie Mamet has written and directed to date."
Steve Martin and Mamet have wanted to work together for some time. Martin loved making this film because of the "great atmosphere on the set" created by Mamet. Mamet enjoys playing practical jokes and writing gags just for the joy of it. It has the value of keeping the cast loose. As Martin says, "you can make a great movie having fun as easily as you can make a great movie having angst."
"The Spanish Prisoner" has been an extremely successful film
so far, and promises to move into the top ten this week. The film shows
at the Poncan Theatre over the weekend, rotating with "Les Misérables,"
but will also continue over the week and into next weekend as well. For
showtimes, patrons should consult the Ponca City News or call the Poncan
Theatre at 580-765-0943.
DEATHS
Marjorie Benson, resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, May 26, 1998. She was 79.
A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 1998, at the Cherokee Municipal Cemetery in Cherokee. Charles Blew will give the eulogy. Arrangements are under the direction of the Goodwin Funeral Home, Cherokee.
Marjorie Benson was born June 22, 1920, at East Mauch Chunck, Pa., the daughter of Morris Patrick and Thelma Mae Klotz Duffy. She grew up in East Mauch Chunck, Pa., where she graduated from high school. She attended Duke University School of Nursing from 1938-1942 and worked as a registered nurse after graduation.
She married Dr. Charles L. Benson on January 1, 1944, at Redding, Pa. They moved to Cherokee in 1947 where Dr. Benson established his medical practice. When he preceded her in death on December 8, 1996, she moved to Ponca City to be near her family.
Benson started the hospital volunteer program at the Alfalfa County Hospital. She was a member of Chapter AZ-PEO and various community organizations.
She is survived by one son, Rusty Benson of Ponca City; two daughters, Kathy Blew of Ponca City and Mary Todd Benson of Tempe, Ariz.; and three grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to either the Cherokee Library or the Cherokee Swimming Pool, c/o Goodwin Funeral Home, 106 West 2nd St., Cherokee, OK 73728.
After the funeral, the family will be at the home of LaWilda Reitz, 1317 South Oklahoma in Cherokee.
PRAGUE - Lawrence C. Gillispie, former resident of Tonkawa, died Thursday, May 28, 1998, in Oklahoma City. He was 79.
The funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 1998, at the First Baptist Church in Prague with the Rev. Tim Emmons officiating. Burial will be 2:30 p.m. in Riverview Cemetery near Tonkawa. Arrangements are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Prague.
Lawrence C. Gillispie was born June 24, 1918, in Hamburg, the son of Lawrence Clay and Martha J. (Mills) Gillispie. He graduated from Blackwell High School in 1937 and lived the majority of his life in Tonkawa.
Gillispie married Wanda Cornwell on August 18, 1940, in Blackwell. He was a retired employee of Kay County. He and his wife moved to Prague in 1995, where he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Prague.
He is survived by his wife, of the home; one son, Ted Gillispie of Prague; two brothers, Harvey Blue of Pawhuska and Alva Gillispie from Missouri; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Albert Leterle, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, May 27, 1998, at his home following an extended illness. He was 76.
The funeral will be held at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m. with Richard Robinson, deacon, St. Mary's Catholic Church, and Pastor John Hereford of the Marland Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.
"Al" was born October 1, 1921, in Perry, Oklahoma, the son of Albert and Nellie Ogden Leterle. He moved with his family to Ponca City at a very young age, attending Ponca City schools. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1939 and attended Cassidy Business College in 1940. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1942 through 1945 in the South Pacific, obtaining the rank of Technical Sergeant.
Following an honorable discharge, he was employed by Continental Oil Company for 33 years, retiring in 1981.
Al enjoyed golf and was an avid bridge player, participating in both tournament and social events. He loved visiting with his family and his many friends. Most of all, he loved caring for his very best friend and companion "Moses."
He was also very devoted to his wife whom he married December 27, 1970.
Al was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Nell Ellen Macomb.
He is survived by his wife, Cleo, of the home; one son, William Leterle, Ponca City; two daughters, Jeanette McGraw and Terri Roady, both of Ponca City; one brother, Jene Leterle, Ponca City; two stepdaughters, Sharon Brantley, Bakersfield, Calif., and Phyllis Salina, Indianapolis, Ind.; ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Casket bearers will be Chester Armstrong, Jerry Evans, Dennis Kincaid, Dean Lawson, Nick Sheldon, and Dick Simpson. Honorary casket bearers will be Bob Askew, Richard Cross, Max Gillogly, Lee Tapp, Sid Thomm, Alfred Lane and Roy Kennedy.
Memorials may be made to Oklahoma Medical Research, for cancer research, 825 N.E. 13th, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 or to the charity of the donor's choice.
The casket will not be opened following the service; however, friends may call at the funeral home until service time.
The family will be at the home, 3708-D Bellflower.
paid obituary
Imajeane L. LeMonnier, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday, May 28, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 74. The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Monday in the First Baptist Church Worship Center. Survivors include her son, Guy LeMonnier Jr., and her daughter, Sandra Kulczycki, both of Ponca City. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to the Friends of the Cultural Center, 1528 Autumn, Ponca City, OK 74601. Viewing will be held today at the funeral home from 5-8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Robert F. "Tag" Taglialatela Sr., longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday afternoon, May 28, 1998, at Westminster Village. He was 78. Survivors include his wife, Esther, of the home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, c/o Lori Hodges, Pioneer Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 111, Ponca City, OK 74604. The family will be at the Hill home, 2215 West Grand Avenue. Services are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Mildred M. Gallagher, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday, May 28, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 84. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home.
Wednesday
Johnnie L. Gray Waddelow - Funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at
Woodlands Christian Church. Memorials contributions may be made to Woodlands
Christian Church, North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue, Ponca
City, OK 74604. Arrangements are pending under the direction of Trout Funeral
Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Senior Citizens Dance Set - The Senior Citizens Dance on Monday is set from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the American Legion Ball Room. This will be Cookie Night, and those planning to attend should bring their favorite cookies to share. Music will be by the Hayriders Band. The Hayriders will also be playing for dancing on Saturday night, 8:30 p.m. to midnight at the Moose Lodge in Enid. Everyone is welcome to both dances.
Attention! - Keith Quiram and Kathy Tippin will be on the KLOR Target 30-minute radio program Saturday from 7 to 7:30 a.m., talking about KawFest. Get up, turn on your radio and hear one of the ways KawFest '98 is being promoted. KLOR is at 99.3 FM on your radio dial.
Arrest - Police arrested a 21-year-old man at 6:34 a.m. Thursday from North Twelfth Street and East Highland Avenue for speeding, driving under suspension and on a city warrant.
Phone Theft - At 8:32 a.m. Thursday a man called police to report the theft of a cellular phone, stolen from a vehicle parked in the 400 block of East Central Avenue. A report was taken.
Arrest - A 48-year-old man was arrested from South Second Street and East Cherry Avenue at 9:34 a.m. Thursday for driving under the influence, driving under suspension and transporting an open container.
Accident - An accident involving two city vehicles at Briar Ridge Road and Wellington Road was reported at 10:21 a.m. Thursday. A report was taken.
Injury Accident - At 11:33 a.m. Thursday an injury accident at Hubbard Road and U.S. 77 was reported. An ambulance was called to the scene however no one was taken to the hospital. A sand truck was needed to clean up a diesel spill at the location.
Burglary - A burglary in the 400 block of South Osage Street was reported to police at 12:26 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned.
Stolen Bike - At 1:36 p.m. Thursday a bike was reportedly stolen from the 1700 block of Little Lane. A report was taken.
Vandalism - Police were contacted at 2:13 p.m. Thursday regarding vandalism at Pioneer Vo-Tech, 2101 North Ash Street. A report was taken.
Bike Theft - At 4:05 p.m. Thursday a woman called police to report the theft of a bike from the 1900 block of Mary Street. A report was taken.
Accident - A two-vehicle accident at East Highland Avenue and North Third Street was reported at 4:39 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned.
Juvenile Shoplifter - At 4:57 p.m. Thursday police arrested a 16-year-old boy for grand larceny at The Buckle, 2005 North Fourteenth Street.
Arrest - Police arrested a 32-year-old man at 6:30 p.m. Thursday from the 200 block of North Seventh Street for domestic assault and battery.
Burglary - At 6:37 p.m. Thursday police were called to the scene of a house burglary in the 700 block of South Thirteenth Street. Reportedly it was mostly prescription drugs taken.
Vehicle Break-Ins - Between 9:40 and 10:10 p.m. three auto burglaries were reported at Willow Springs Softball Park. A wallet was among several items stolen. Grand larceny reports were taken.
Vehicle Burglary - A man in the 500 block of East Hazel Avenue called police at 10:18 p.m. Thursday to report a burglary to his vehicle. An officer was assigned.
Hit and Run - At 11:12 p.m. Thursday a woman advised police that her vehicle had been hit while parked in the 200 block of West Hartford Avenue. A report was taken.
Vehicle Egging - A woman in the 2900 block of North Union Street called police at 12:35 a.m. Friday to report that her vehicle had been egged.
Polite Thief - At 3:35 a.m. Friday a clerk at Sav-A-Trip, 207
East Highland Avenue, called police reporting that two men had entered the
store and attempted to steal beer but put it back when she asked them to.
RELIGION
First Christian to Honor Sunday School Teachers
On Sunday, May 31, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will honor its Sunday School teachers and volunteers with an all-church dinner following the 10:40 a.m. worship service. This event is to celebrate those who willingly take their time to spark God's word and fan the flames of the Spirit in others by teaching classes on Sunday morning.
The Education Department, chaired by Becky Balli, is sponsoring the event and will furnish the meat and the bread. All church members are invited and encouraged to attend and to bring a covered dish.
Mt. Olive Baptists Plan Memorial Service
New Mt. Olive Baptists of Newkirk will hold a Memorial Service on Saturday, May 30 at noon, it was announced. Theme for the occasion will be 'Gone But Not Forgotten".
Everyone is invited and welcome to attend this service.
Woodlands Christian Plans Special Worship Service
One of the greatest privileges as people of God is to join together in praise and worship, according to Pastor Paul Krueger of Woodlands Christian Church.
This Sunday, May 31, the Chancel Choir will join with the congregation to bring an act of worship and praise as a holy testimony of their love of the God of all creation. It has been said that worship is "the 'thank you' that refuses to be silent." Worship involves everyone.
The public is invited to join the Woodlands folks and the Chancel Choir in the corporate act of worship at 10:30 a.m. through song, prayer, sharing of lives, and focusing on the God of Pentecost who dwells with us.
VBS Scheduled at Eastern Heights Christian
Eastern Heights Christian Church will hold its Vacation Bible School June 8 through 12, with Denice Heick serving as director and Charmayne Kolb as her assistant. A volunteer staff of 25 teachers and assistants will make the week a good learning and fun time for Eastern Heights children and their friends. An invitation is extended to any children in the community who would like to attend.
Theme for the week will be "A Passport to the Holy Lands". Rooms of the educational wing of the church will be set up as a Market Place in Jerusalem, a Carpenter's Shop in Nazareth, a Synagogue in Capernaum and a Sheepfold in Bethlehem. Children will wear tunics over their regular clothing, stitched by women of the church, to put them into the spirit of the trip back in time.
Beginning time each day will be 9 a.m. Those planning to attend should be on hand to register at that time Monday morning, June 8. Children will be ready to go home at 11:30 each day. Eastern Heights Christian Church is located at 5100 Lake Road, three miles east of the Pioneer Woman.
New Creation Church Extends Invitation
Pastor Jack Adams is extending an invitation to Ponca Citians to come and share Jesus Christ with the folks at New Creation Church. This Sunday, May 31 a special guest speaker will be on hand from Nigeria, sharing the World of God, Pastor Adams pointed out. Service time is 10 a.m. and the church located at 212 North Third.
Also planned for June 18-20 is the Annual Teen Camp, which promises to be exciting, Pastor Adams said. For more information about the Teen Camp, please contact Pastor Adams at 765-7519.
First Lutheran Sets Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School at First Lutheran Church and School, 1104 North Fourth, will be held June 8 to 12, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Enroll early to ensure a spot for your child by calling the church of school offices at 762-1111 or 762-4342 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lighthouse Adventure promises to be a wonderful journey for children ages 4 through those just completing 6th grade.
Join the crew by calling right away to reserve your spot for this adventure.
Churches Uniting for Praise Service
This coming Sunday evening at 6 o'clock, members of First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 West Grand will host a Praise and Worship service, as folks from several different churches join together for a Singspiration.
There will be a choir made up of members of the various church choirs, also some special songs and musical numbers.
This is the third service of praise that has been held, according to Pastor Steve Bierly of the Nazarene Church, with a goal of one church service each quarter. Everyone is welcome to attend, Pastor Bierly pointed out. A fellowship time is scheduled to follow the singing.
Connor Chapel AME Plans Special Sunday
Connor Chapel AME Church, 945 South Twelfth in Ponca City, will have a Men's and Women's Day program on Sunday, May 31 at 3 p.m., according to the Rev. Thomas L. Webb, pastor.
The speaker for the program will be the Rev. Harvey G. Potts, Presiding Elder of the Lawton District AME Churches. The music will be given by Kenneth Roland and local choirs.
Theme of the afternoon is "Be Always Humble, Gentle, and Patient." The Rev. Mr. Webb invites the community to come and be part of this program.
'Sunday in the Park' Pentecostal Sunday Celebration
Pastor Rick Hughes of First United Pentecostal Church invites the public to come celebrate Pentecost Sunday this weekend with First United Pentecostal Church.
You'll enjoy the special "Sunday in the Park" afternoon celebration at 2 p.m. under the Pavilion at the Fifth Street Park, Pastor Hughes emphasized.
Everyone is invited to participate in this exciting celebration of word and worship. A church picnic and recreation will follow. Experience your personal Pentecost on Pentecost Sunday 1998. For more information, contact Pastor Hughes at 767-1482.
This year's theme calls for extravagant worship and concerned prayer. Through a partnership with Open Doors and Brother Andrew, March for Jesus is calling Christians to pray for the suffering church at prayer rallies held at the close of each March. The event will be the largest prayer gathering for persecuted Christians in history.
Tom Pelton, President of March for Jesus USA, based in Austin, Texas explained why it is important for American Christians to pray for the suffering church. "Scripture says that when one part of the body suffers, we all suffer. During March for Jesus, we unite with every part of the body. When we pray for that part that is suffering persecution, we not only ask that God be glorified in them, we identify with them."
Pelton explained the theme "Demonstrate the Passion" saying, "This is a two-sided coin. We march because we love Jesus and simply want to show that love in a public form of worship. The other side of the coin is Jesus' passion for us demonstrated in His suffering on the cross. We want to remember to pray for those who are suffering because of their love for Him."
Terry Madison of Open Doors with Brother Andrew USA, based in Santa Ana, Calif., stated "Open Doors with Brother Andrew is delighted to be a part of this significant peaceful demonstration of our solidarity with the suffering church and believers worldwide. More than 200 million believers are at risk because of their faith in Christ and their decision to faithfully follow Him. We are thrilled that the focus of prayer on May 30 is for the persecuted church. Our prayer is that Christians who pray for their suffering brothers and sisters on that day will make the desperate needs of the Persecuted Church a matter of daily prayer.
In Ponca City the prayer rally will be led by local pastors and church leaders. The prayer script will be available at the registration table located at West Grand and North Sunset before the March begins. Check at that table also for your church's van assignments.
Ponca City March for Jesus has taken up a love offering, during the prayer rally, the last two years - in 1996 for The Mission and in 1997 for Birth Right. This year the love offering in Ponca City will go to KLVV, the Love Station and will be used, according to Doyle Brewer, Station Manager, for their present expansion program.
Sunday, May 31 will be the celebration of Pentecost, that day on which God bestowed His Holy Spirit on the early disciples. That gift enabled them to preach to the people from many different countries in their own languages. That experience will be reenacted at First Lutheran Church when the Story of Pentecost is read to the congregation in four different languages: Russian, Spanish, Chinese, and Taiwanese. Those reading will be Nadja Flegler, Julie Lawrence, Judy Fu and Bobby Fu.
Pastor Ramsey's sermon is entitled "Spirit Filled Christianity." Special music will be provided by The Spirit Singers who will sing "Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart." The message for young disciples will be given by Stan Johnson. All of these events will occur at the 8:30 a.m. service.
The 11 a.m. service will be held at Lake Ponca Park. The singing will be led by Shelly Schatte. Following the service the congregation will enjoy a picnic lunch and a time for fellowship and games. Those planning to join the congregation for lunch are asked to bring either a salad or dessert to share.
Vacation Bible School will be held June 8 through 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church. With a western theme, the Church will be set up as the "Circle of Friends Ranch", and the participants will learn that Jesus is a friend to everyone.
This free program is for three-year-olds through boys and girls who have completed the fifth grade. There will be crafts, games, lessons and music. Dinner will be served, free of charge, each evening.
Friday, the final evening of the Bible school, will feature a cookout for the entire family. A special treat for everyone will be rides in a buggy pulled by Tom and Jerry, two locally-famous draft horses owned by the Everette VanHoesen family.
"A good time learning is what we're planning for the children this year," said Janie Tiede, director of the program. "I know they'll enjoy it as they move with their age group from the campfire to the general store to the other learning areas." Tiede concluded.
River of Life Church of God is holding services at 105 North Second in Ponca City - a Pentecostal church emphasizing "teaching and preaching the Word of God." The church invites folks of all ages and races to attend.
Pastor Rick Jackson and the congregation will be hosting an "Old Fashioned Pentecostal Singing and Preaching Service" on Friday at 7 p.m. at 105 North Second.
Make plans to attend this special service, Pastor Jackson invites, expecting spiritual renewal, fun and fellowship. Refreshments will be served following the service.
Act One Drama Ministries of Oklahoma City will be presenting the gospel in a unique way at Kildare Baptist Church Sunday, May 31. Services begin at 11 a.m. The church is located at 800 Church Street in Kildare.
The drama group, founded in 1993, communicates the gospel of Christ through drama, presenting the message of hope in an easily understood, yet entertaining and modern way. Act One's original, timeless drama speaks to groups of all ages _ children, youth and adults.
Act One has toured across the United States presenting the gospel of Christ in church services, school assemblies, conferences, banquets and revival services. The drama team is under the direction of Clay Guiltner and his wife, Erin.
For more details, contact the church by calling at 362-2735 during regular business hours. Pastor Dennis Wildman invites everyone to attend this special Sunday morning service. There is no charge, but a love offering will be received.
Grace Episcopal Church in Ponca City is celebrating its Centennial this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Festivities began today with a luncheon and fashion show at 11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. On Saturday, a celebration of music will be presented in the church at 7 p.m. On Sunday, one service of Holy Eucharist is scheduled at 9:30 a.m., followed by a special Centennial brunch in the Parish Hall. Former parishioners from all around the United States have been invited to this anniversary, marking 100 years for Grace Church in Ponca City.
In two prior articles, Grace Church's unique history from 1898 to 1943 has been discussed, concluding with the rectorship of the Rev. Gordon Smith, who went on to become the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Iowa. On Feb. 1, 1944, the Rev. Thomas O. Moehle assumed the rectorship of Grace Church and continued in that position for 30 years. With his leadership, the church flourished and expanded and plans for a new church building were envisioned. Lots were purchased and J. Duncan Forsyth was engaged to design the new church facility.
The original church building, located at Seventh and Central, was sold to the Bethel Tabernacle congregation in 1951. Groundbreaking services for the new church building, located at Thirteenth and Grand, were held April 15, 1951. In August of 1951, the parish house was moved to the new site and used for worship services while the new building was under construction. To facilitate the moving process, this structure was split in the center and moved along Ponca City's brick streets. The parish house was eventually connected to the church building and administrative offices and classrooms were added in 1954.
The long cherished dream of a new church structure in Ponca City was realized and dedication services for the new Grace Church were held on Whitsunday, June 1, 1952, conducted by Bishops Powell and Casady with Father Moehle. The new structure was an immense advancement over the old church structure. However, at the time of dedication it was but a shell with the exception of the altar. Everything placed in it from that time to the present has been memorials or gifts. Finally, on July 25, 1952 the first Sunday services were held in the new building.
Grace Church flourished under Father Moehle's leadership. In 1954, an addition to the south side of the parish house was added. The residence just north of the parish house was purchased and named "Grace House," and land was secured for use as a parking lot directly across the street from the parish house. A new Moller pipe organ, anticipated and planned for in the church's design, was installed in 1967.
1954 marked the first year dance classes, sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women, were held in the Parish Hall of Grace Church. Young people from all over Ponca City learned dance etiquette from that time until the early 1990's.
Following Fr. Moehle's retirement in 1974, the Rev. Franklin Williams became Rector of Grace Church, serving until the summer of 1978. The Rev. Lawrence Boyd was called to Grace Church in 1978 from Wisconsin and returned there in 1983 to become Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Eau Claire. The Rev. Isaac Mason served as Interim Rector until the Rev. John Loving arrived in 1983. Fr. Loving accepted a call to become Rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in San Angelo, Texas in April 1990. The Rev. Richard Allen served as Interim Rector until the Rev. Kenneth Armstrong arrived from St. Luke's Church in Ada, to become Rector of Grace Church on May 15, 1991.
In the years following the dedication of the new church in 1952 many significant additions have improved the appearance of the interior and added necessary space for Sunday School classes. During the 1970's extensive remodeling was done to the Parish Hall. St. Nicholas house, located adjacent to the parking lot, was purchased to accommodate the expanding Sunday School classes. Nationally recognized local sculptor, Jo Saylors, designed and created the Stations of the Cross. The men of the parish constructed the Chapel of the Resurrection, a columbarium, which was dedicated in 1988 to the memory of Fr. Moehle who died in September, 1977. The most outstanding addition to Grace Church in recent years is the Christian Education Center, which was dedicated April 6,1997.
Grace Episcopal Church has progressed from a fledgling congregation of
a few dedicated families in 1898 to a vibrant, and active congregation of
hundreds of families in 1998. "We look forward to our Second Century
With Grace," Fr. Armstrong told The News.
LIFESTYLES
There were 40 members of the Sober Family present for a reunion Sunday at the Ranch Drive Fire Department.
Those attending from out-of-town were Meleah Bouchard of Siloam Springs, Ark.; Bev Bouchard of Havana, Ill.; Fred and Betty Pigg of Lawton; Tommy, Rachel and Ryan Shockey of Dallas, Texas; Kay Zang of Broken Arrow; Don and Nancy Keathly of Garland, Texas; Frank and Billie Horton of Lawton; Mike, Shannon, Wyatt and Lunden Horton of Lawton; Mellonee Penner of Edmond; Harvey and Kathy Jenkins of Tonkawa; Marty, Jamie and LaDonna Steichen of Tonkawa; and Andrea and Jared Padgett of Marland.
Attendees from Ponca City included Rolla Sober, Bert and Margaret Sober, Bob Sober, Reva Butcher, Rusty and Pat Sober, Kent and Donna Hayes, Clark Hayes, Betty and Holly Penner, Bill Howell, and James, Lois and William Whitfield.
The May meeting of Eta Zeta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority was held Wednesday with 11 members in attendance. The minutes were read by the secretary, Debra Bellmard. It was reported that the next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday at Shelter House 1 at Lake Ponca and will be a birthday party. The members also received a copy of the committee groups.
Secret sister name drawings will also be held at the next meeting. Cynthia Wilson, president, reminded the members to notify another member if they were not going to be in attendance. Members were also asked to bring a scrapbook to the next meeting.
During the city council report announcement was made that dues may need to go up to balance budget problems. Gifts for the chapter Valentine queen, Girl of the Year, and the out-going president were approved.
Members discussed what "they got out of being in Eta Zeta" and shared a special thought about one of their chapter sisters.
Shannon and Page Bellamy of Odessa, Mo. announce the birth of a daughter at 9:11 a.m. May 17, 1998 at St. Luke's in Kansas City, Mo. Brook Ainsley Bellamy weighed 8-pounds, 7-ounces and measured 21 1/2-inches long. She has a brother, Brandt Bellamy.
Grandparents are Linda and Larry Brandt of Ponca City, Lou Bellamy of Marshall, Mo. and the late William Bellamy.
Announcing the birth of a daughter at 3 a.m. May 5, 1998 in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center are Tim and Kim Mayhall. 327 South Palm. The baby weighed 7-pounds, 10-ounces and was 19 23/4-inches long. She has been named Kimbree Sue Mayhall. Her brothers are Mason, Conner and Chance, and her sister is Magon.
Maternal grandparents are Ike and Linda Arnold of Ponca City and paternal grandmother is Judy Mickelson of Ely, Nev. Media Neely of Ponca City is the great-grandmother.
Dayton Cain Rickman is the name selected by Shallon Dummer and Charles Rickman for their son born at 6:11 p.m. May 6, 1998 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 5-pounds, 12-ounces and was 19 3/4-inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Gail Dummer and the late Lester Dummer Jr. Paternal grandmother is Karen Rickman and great-grandparents are Vela and Bill Tudor, Lester Dummer Sr., Charles and Clarice Rickman and the late Nora Dummer.
There were nine members and seven guests present for the Birthday Picnic for Laureate Phi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority May 16. The "old-fashioned" picnic, complete with fried chicken, was held at North Park. The Social committee announced events being planned for the summer.
Grace Episcopal Church members began a three day Centennial celebration today. A luncheon and fashion show at the parish hall opened the series of planned events. Episcopal Church Women committee members for the luncheon are Tina Barrett, Carole Johnson, Ann Kennedy and Betty Whetstone.
Fashions were provided by J. C. Penney's with Gloria Andrews, Women's Merchandising assistant, working with models from Grace Church: Gillian Barrett, Marissa Schmauch, Andrea Schmauch, Ann Armstrong, Maxine Hunt, Claire Winterrowd, Cynthia Winterrowd, Jane Worstell and Jamie Worstell. Guest for the event was Gail Tashiro, Manager at J. C. Penney.
A variety of commemorative items for the Centennial are available for purchase said a spokesperson. These include Christmas ornaments depicting Grace Church, designed by Audrey Schmitz; cups and plates showing the church, donated by the Smethers family, and note cards featuring the church, donated by ECW.
An evening of music is planned for Saturday at Grace Episcopal Church, 7-8 p.m. Various artists from the community will perform, using the theme, "Reflections of the Past, Present and Future." Between each performance the church bells will be rung until 100 have been sounded as a total.
Continuing the Centennial celebration will be Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday with the Rt. Rev. Robert Moody, Bishop of Oklahoma; the Rev. Kenneth L. Armstrong and the Rev. Steven Mallory officiating.
Pentecost will be observed by releasing lady bugs in the courtyard at 10:45 a.m. A brunch is planned for 11 a.m. under the direction of Maxine Hunt, Parish Fellowship chairman. Informal tours of the church will be conducted by John Gardner, Senior Warden, and Everette Van Hoesen, Junior Warden.
Marcia Davis, Parish historian, has created posters showing the history of the church 1898-1998. These are displayed throughout the church.
Gina Rae Eudaley and James Pearl were recently united in marriage in a double ring ceremony at the home of Greg and Ruchelle Eudaley in Popular Bluff, Ark. The bride is the daughter of Walter and Donna Eudaley of Popular Bluff, Ark.
The bridegroom, a former resident of Ponca City, is the son of Carson and Martha Pearl, also of Poplar Bluff. Jim Pearl was formerly employed at the Mee-Too-Media weather station at the Ponca City airport and resided here for 13 years. Pearl's sister, Mickey Daniels, resides in Ponca City.
Attendants were Niki Randazzo, daughter of the bride; Greg Eudaley, the
bride's brother; Mindy Pearl, daughter of the bridegroom and Mariah Randazzo,
daughter of the bride. Candlelighters were Lisa West, sister of the bride,
and Teresa Maples.
EDUCATION
Frontier Community Education, the Red Rock Order of Eastern Star 180, the American Red Cross of Ponca City and the Frontier first and second graders provided a Patriotic Program in honor of the American Flag on May 20.
Honored guests were the senior citizens of the Frontier School District and the children's grandparents. Approximately 75 senior citizens were in attendance that included the organizations of the Otoe-Missouri War Mothers, the Otoe-Missouri Senior Citizens, the Red Rock Order of Eastern Star 180, and members from the Oklahoma State Community Education Foundation.
Additional organizations that were represented were the Frontier 4-H Club, the Bliss Homemakers, The Lightspan Corporation, United States Naval Reserve, Americorp division of the Ponca City Red Cross and the Oklahoma Company Cowboys. In addition, many parents and classes from Frontier Elementary School were present.
The program began with Oliver Plumbley, Frontier junior, singing and playing the Native American Flag Song of the Otoe Tribe.
The first and second grade children provided songs, choral readings and speaking parts in honor of the American Flag. The speaking parts were written by the second graders after researching and studying proper flag etiquette on the Lightspan Internet. During their presentation, a special visit was made by Uncle Sam, played by Mike Willigan.
A United States Naval Recruiter, Charles Weakland, spent the morning teaching the children the proper method in folding the American Flag. He and Tyler Cook folded the flag during the program.
The children's part of the program concluded with the children and Lyle Newman, Oklahoma Country Cowboys; singing and playing "This Land is Your Land."
Maxine Tautfest and Clara Jane Case, representing the Red Rock Order of Eastern Star 180, presented Mr. Shiever, Frontier Superintendent of Schools, a plaque and a Flag display for the Frontier School cafeteria. The display included an American Flag, an Oklahoma Flag and a Frontier Flag.
The children in the program also presented hand-crafted baskets filled with candy and toiletries to each of the senior citizens.
David Mickelson, representing the Lightspan Corporation, presented the teachers, students and parents recognition as a Lightspan Model School. Frontier is the only school in Oklahoma to receive this award.
"Frontier Elementary provides an inspiring example of the great strides being made today in K-6 education," said John Kernan, CEO of The Lightspan Partnership. "Frontier is pioneering approaches that other schools will follow, with programs that motivate students to learn all they can and give parents new ways to become more involved in the educational process."
Along with a plaque and a banner commemorating its selection as a Lightspan Model School, Frontier received one full day of professional development for its teaching staff from The Lightspan Partnership.
Lightspan is an interactive educational software that the teachers use in the classroom and then send home with the students, where they continue learning after school hours. The Lighspan Corporation basically provides a two-fold part in curriculum enhancement. The original part was the Lightspan curriculum that is located on Sony PlayStation discs. Skills are taught in the classroom and then the school day is extended by the students working with their discs at home.
Frontier School has purchased one Sony PlayStation per family in grades K-4 and a set of discs for each child.
The second part of the program being used at Frontier School is the Lightspan Internet. Lightspan Internet is an internet site that children and parents may use. It contains a sight for e-mail addresses, Comptons Encyclopedia, ideas for parents and children to use at home, a section for games and activities to reinforce skills, plus there are many more activities that are accessible through Lightspan Internet.
The Lightspan Model School Program was established in 1997 as a way of promoting positive changes in the nation's schools, especially through creative applications of instructional technology.
The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program ends another successful year by graduating 461 sixth grade students that participated in the program. This figure includes sixth graders from the Ponca City Public Schools, McCord, Kildare, St. Mary's and First Lutheran School.
Instructors for this 17 week core curriculum were: Sgt. Regeneia VanArsdale, Sgt. Randy Empting and Patrolman David Hill.
The overwhelming community support shown during the "Drown Out Drugs" event, co-sponsored by Bowker Ford and KPNC Radio last August, raised over $7,000 and enabled this year's seventh graders to be taught the 10 week follow up curriculum at the middle school.
Area merchants including Kentucky Fried Chicken, United Supermarkets and Smith Home Furnishings continued their support for the program by purchasing each sixth grader a DARE T-shirt.
Dave May and his side-kick, Andy, were featured at each sixth grade graduation. This program is funded by the Major Crimes Unit Task Force (MCU). May used student volunteers and magic to demonstrate the consequences of getting 'tied up' with drugs.
The annual DARE graduation dance was held at Grand Central Station on May 8 with 276 students attending. Nearly $500 was raised for the DARE program.
Archer Named Valedictorian
Larry Don Archer Jr., AKA "Donnie," was named valedictorian of the Class of 1998 at Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, Texas. Archer is the grandson of longtime Red Rock resident, Clara Wiseman; nephew of former Ponca residents Elvin and Barbara Wiseman; nephew of Frank and Kathy Wiseman of Perry; and nephew of Midwest City residents, Ed and Sue Archer. His parents Larry and Charlotte Archer live in Bay City, Texas.
Bakkett Offered Scholarship
Brock Bakkett, son of Paula Bakke of Ponca City, has been offered a Trustee's Scholarship and a Leadership Scholarship to attend Hendrix College.
Greenhagen Graduates
Kamille Hardesy Greenhagen has earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, College of Nursing. She will pursue a career in nursing as a registered nurse in the Ponca City area. She is the daughter of Allen and Vicki Hardesy and Diana and David Mills.
Honor Students
Richard Balfanz, Matt Bishop and Christopher Wallen, Ponca City, have been named honor students for the fall semester at Oklahoma State University in Okmulgee. Each earned above a 3.0 grade average on a 4.0 system throughout the 15-week semester.
OSU Valedictorian Scholarship
Melissa Boelens has accepted the 1998 Oklahoma State University Valedictorian Scholarship. She is the daughter of John and Susan Boelens of Ponca City.
Buck Graduates
Chad David Buck, 1994 Po-Hi graduate, graduated from Dallas Baptist University with degree in finance. He is the son of David and Sue Buck and Cassandra and John Kifiak and the grandson of Pauline Rouse, all of Ponca City.
Milligan Named Scholar
Joshua Milligan, son of Stuart and LaNita Milligan, Ponca City, has been named an All-American Scholar.
First Lutheran School has released the names of students on the spring honor rolls.
Those students on the Principal's Honor Roll were: Kristina Kirsch, Michael Lewis, Maddie McDaniel and Brian Masters, fourth graders; Samuel Garlett, David Eyster and Shelly Brewer, fifth graders; Megan Benyshek, Kim Deitrick, Leah Fisher, Andrea Penny and Philip LeBaron, sixth graders; Katie Andrews, Taryn Bradford, Jenny Christian, Bradley Keim, Amanda Lewis and Sean O'Grady, seventh graders; Stephanie Beier, Elisabeth Case, Brandy Herard, Breann Herard, Jennifer Matlock, Meg McDaniel, Asha Patel, Kristen Sievert, Lonna Sisco and Emily Smith, eighth graders.
Honor roll students on the Teacher's Honor Roll were: Tanner Cline, Heather Harris, Merideth Inselman, Anna McElhaney, Jenna Piel, Jordan Piel, Ryan Schwanke and Anna VanCleave, fourth graders; Micah Allyn, Katie Blough, Jennifer Dove, Polly Morris, John Pennewitt, R.T. Rouse, Ryan Scott, Ryan Sands and Kelsey Whitebay, fifth graders; Emily Beier, Alison Bell, Amanda Bohon, Laura Lake, Jeremy McConnell, Amy Patel, Eric Schatte and Elizabeth Webster, sixth graders; Eugen Allyn, Mike Gamble, Ben Johnson, Tim Kana, David Kelle, Scott Poling and Luke Lusk, seventh graders; Amanda Danek, Angela Owen, Robbie Trant, Christy Holick and Michal Justice, eighth graders.
The Ponca City Title IX Indian Education Program coordinated two field trips to Woolaroc Museum for the fourth, fifth and sixth grade students at Roosevelt and Garfield.
The coordinator for the Title IX Program is Jeana Rush. She was assisted by Nellie Roughface, Jo Lessert, Abe Jackson, Chris and Melinda LittleCook, Jana Batt, Anna Adams, Mollie Walkingsky, Chlorine Brown, Jody Rush and Carol Steeprock.
The field trips were funded by the Native American Biological Science Program at Oklahoma State University.
Students that attended the trip from Roosevelt were: Charlotte Brown, Francis Brown, Annette Ella Leclai, Destiny Pollak, Curtis Rhodd, Damon Smith, Stephen Soutter, Staci Adams, Henry Joshua Bradley, Angie Brown, Montana Feathers, Derek Lieb, Cody Morgan and Andrea Rhodd.
Also, Charles Steeprock, Amanda Wilson, Danielle Bales, Nick Batt, Raquel Enloe, Amber Hernandez, Marcus Hinman, Branden Luna, Daniel Pappan, Mariah Pappan, Christine Rhodd, Russell Salvador, James Warrior and Ashley Wilson.
Garfield students attending were: Bill Arkeketa, BreeAnna Jensen, Aria
Lieb, Kayla Malaske, Marcos Amador, James Bullington, Summer Lieb, Mark
Roy, James Waters, Mattie Arkeketa, Isaiah Blueback, Sky Lieb, Margaret
Roy, Skylar Blueback, Anita Rhodd, Lindsay Johnson, Preston Backus, Matt
Overland, Fabian Pratt and Ira Primeaux.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
So you think you're in shape. You run, you bike, you swim some days and you don't smoke. You've almost worked that belly down to how it looked in high school, before the college keg parties and the kids and the desk job took their toll.
You're in shape, right?
Think again. Norman's David Lovell - who will defend his title in the 13th Annual Lake Ponca Triathlon this Saturday - is in shape. Very, very good shape.
And unless there's someone else out there who can cover the 49 kilometer race course (1K swim, 40K bike, 8K run) in substantially less than two hours, Lovell - 23 years old and currently ranked 20th in the nation - will likely humble all pretenders to this most merciless of all sports.
The question for those of us safely ensconced on our sofas this weekend is "how?" How does one develop the sort of killer physique necessary to endure something so brutal?
The answer - make it your job.
"Right now I'm racing pretty much full time," says Lovell, who has a B.A. in economics from Texas Christian University. "Basically, all I do is sleep and work out. And I eat all day long, about every two hours. I'm always grazing."
The voracious diet required to keep an endurance athlete like Lovell fueled up includes copious amounts of pasta, beans and rice, crackers, protein drinks, skim milk, cereal, and as many Power Bars as he can stomach. Power Bar, the company that makes the high-tech energy food of the same name, is one of Lovell's main sponsors.
And it's all that high-carbohydrate, high-calorie food that keeps Lovell going through a weekly workout that seems almost masochistic. Lovell swims around 4000 yards, three times a week. The other four days he spends doing what is known as a "brick" workout - a non-stop biking, running and weight lifting routine that can take upwards of five hours.
While all that work can turn torturous races into bearable suffering, at 6-2 and 190 pounds Lovell has to work even harder to keep up with the typically compact and sinewy triathlete.
"I've got about 30-50 pounds on most guys," he says. "As races get longer I'm definitely at a disadvantage. In the Ironman, someone my size will burn 9-12,000 calories. And you can only replace about half of that during the race."
Lovell recently qualified for that mother of all Triathlons, the Ironman, with a second place finish in Tennessee's "Memphis in May" race two weeks ago. The Ironman will be held on the island of Hawaii, October 3.
At the extreme opposite end of the physical spectrum from Lovell is diminutive athlete Sara Brinkley, a 4-10, 100 pound, 18-year old bundle of energy from Winfield.
Brinkley, ranked No. 1 in the 17-18 age group by the United States Triathlon Association, will attempt to wrest the women's title from 2-time defending champion Amanda Erwood of Joplin, Missouri.
While most winning triathletes come from a strong swimming background (technique in swimming being the hardest to master), Brinkley is a runner. Twice a state cross-country champion in high school, she wins triathlons on the road.
"I'll be somewhere in the middle after the swim," she says. "But I'll hopefully pass a lot of people on the bike and the run."
Brinkley - unlike Lovell who has competed professionally for just three years - has been running triathlons for 11 years, since she was a competitor in the USTA Iron Kids program at the tender age of seven. And though she has the family support of a father who is active in triathloning, and has spent the past several years training with the U.S. Junior National Team at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, the frustration of training off-season in a town known more for its bohemian bluegrass festival is hard.
"Triathlons aren't very big in Winfield," she says, "or this region in general. Sometimes I'll get my friends to run with me, or my boyfriend will bike when I run. He carries my water. But for the most part it gets pretty boring."
Hopefully, that will all change for the recent high school graduate when she heads to the University of Kansas next semester. Brinkley has a scholorship to run cross country in the fall, while in the spring she'll be active in the school's triathlon club.
This will be Brinkley's first appearance in the Lake Ponca Triathlon. And while she's not sure what to expect from the course, she does remember something about a trip to Ponca City, a few years back.
"I remember eating at a restaurant there. It was a really good restaurant."
And if there's one thing restauranteurs like to see coming, it's a hungry triathlete.
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Officials are anticipating around 120 racers for Saturday's event, with participants traveling from as far away as Hawaii to compete. Applications for entry will be available up until race time, or can be obtained at Godfrey's, tonight, from 6-10 p.m.
The Ponca City AA Royals fell hard to the Perry Maroons Thursday night, dropping both games of a doubleheader in run-rules, 17-0 and 8-0.
In a two-game match up that lasted barely three hours, the Maroons blasted out a total of 18 hits and took advantage of strong pitching to take the win.
In the first game, the Royals were stymied by Maroon hurler Mike Houska, who threw a no-hitter through five innings, striking out 11. Houska walked just two in the Royals' order.
Ponca City starting pitcher Tony McGugan got off to a shaky start, walking five of the first seven batters to give the Maroons an early, 7-0 lead. That was followed by another scoring onslaught in the top of the second, as the Maroons picked up seven hits off McGugan and reliever Matt Wilks to up their ante to 17-0.
Though Wilks - assisted by a stepped-up defense - silenced the Maroons' bats to end the game, giving up just one hit through the final three innings, the Royals couldn't make the impossible come-back.
In the second game, starting pitcher Josh Todd had many of the same problems with the potent Maroon bats as his team mates had in the first game. After holding the Maroons to just one run through the first two innings, Todd got untracked in the third and fourth, giving up four more runs on five hits.
In the top of the fifth, after a pair of hit batters, Todd gave way to Tyler Henry.
After a quick strikeout by Henry, then, Houska stepped to the plate and sent a high fly ball to left field. The Royals' fielder lost the ball in the lights, however, leading to two more runs. Houska then came in on a passed ball to give the Maroons their second run rule victory.
Pitcher Duane Reese nearly threw another no-hitter for the Maroons, giving up just one hit to the Poncans. That hit came of the bat of center fielder Aaron Perkins, who knifed a shot to right field in the bottom of the second inning.
The Royals travel to take on Stillwater tonight, followed by a home game against Alva, Monday.
Perry 17, Ponca City 0
Perry 7100 00 - 17 10 1
Ponca City 000 00 - 0 0 2
Houska and Fuller; McGugan, Wilks (2) and Hayes.
Perry 8, Ponca City 0
Perry 013 13 - 8 9 0
Ponca City 000 00 - 0 1 1
Reese and Moser, Fuller (4); Todd, Henry (5), and Reed, Hayes (2).