Ponca City’s Sen. Nickles Vents Frustration With Administration
Keating Issues Executive Order For Assistance
Soggy Holiday Greets Oklahoma Vacationers
Nearly News
Juvenile Court Docket Includes 34 Offenders
Local Girls Among 416 at ECO Participating in ’99 Girls State
Theatre Youth Conference Set for OKC Next Week
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Sen. Don Nickles Thursday vented his frustration with the Clinton administration over the war in Kosovo and the China nuclear espionage disaster in a telephone conference with The News. He also gave an explanation for his recent vote on gun control measures.
About the Kosovo situation Nickles, Assistant Majority Leader of the Senate, said “This whole war has been a disaster. I’m very, very troubled by it. I think the diplomatic discussions in France were not right, the goal was to get peace but obviously Milosevic was not going to sign an agreement to allow NATO to occupy Serbia. He would never sign that accord so basically we became the air force for Kosovo Liberation Army and to me that’s a serious mistake.”
He added, “From a humanitarian standpoint it has been an outright disaster. We turned a guerrilla war into an all out air war and diplomatically it has been a total failure. The administration brags about the fact that they still have the alliance together in NATO, but that is fracturing.
“The Greeks want us to stop. The Italians said we should have a pause, the Germans have said no ground troops in any shape or form.”
Nickles said another comment that came from the British is that “No one has ever surrendered to an airplane before and that is what this administration is hoping to do. They think you can halfway fight a war. I can’t express my frustration at the incompetency of this administration. I have to put it on President Clinton and Secretary Albright for getting us into this mess.”
He said further, “I don’t know that you can ever bomb somebody into signing a peace agreement. I stated that before this operation started and I believe it today as well.”
On the China espionage involving nuclear secrets, which apparently has been going on during administrations, both Democrat and Republican, according to the official reports, Nickles commented on the incompetency of National Security Advisor Samuel Berger and Attorney General Janet Reno.
Nickles commented at length about the espionage saying “I think this has been the most successful espionage conducted against the United States in our history and certainly the most damaging or most dangerous. This advances their program by decades.”
About his recent vote on gun control Nickles explained, “Having the bill up this control to the catastrophe in Denver was probably a mistake. We had already scheduled the Juvenile Justice Bill so went ahead and took it up. We do have a lot of problems with juvenile crime. We had some good things in the bill to help combat juvenile crime. I don’t think a whole lot of control laws are the problem. We have lots and lots of laws., this administration has not enforced them. And has not enforced them particularly with juvenile crime.
“So there are laws on the books. Kids are not supposed to carry guns to school. They can be kicked out of school but the administration has the enforcement. Gun-related crime enforcement with juveniles has gone down by 48 percent by this administration over the last six years. These kids in Denver broke 17 laws, but passing laws is not likely to make that much difference.”
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Gov. Frank Keating has issued an executive order for the state Office of Civil Management to identify public storm shelters available in future storms.
‘‘We must make sure that as many people as possible know the availability and location of the nearest storm shelter,’’ Keating said. ‘‘In the case of the May 3 tornadoes, the only safe place to be in the path of the storm was underground.’’
The twisters earlier this month killed 44 people and damaged or destroyed more than 8,000 homes in central Oklahoma.
Keating issued the order Thursday saying that ‘‘the citizens of Oklahoma need assistance in tornado preparedness.’’
By The Associated Press
In northeast Oklahoma, lakes are literally spreading out to greet visitors this Memorial Day weekend.
Nearly a foot of extra rain has fallen on the Verdigris and Keystone watersheds, causing water levels at some lakes to be raised up to 20 feet above normal to prevent flooding downstream. Some campsites are under water.
‘‘We’re inundated with water,’’ said Mark Day, state ranger at Western Hills on Fort Gibson Lake. ‘‘There’s just a handful of campsites available, and they’re taken. We’re sunk.’’
‘‘From one standpoint, it makes it easier on us because we don’t have so many people to look after,’’ Day said. ‘‘But this is where we get our revenue. It hurts. It hurts.’’
Earl Groves, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ area manager for Kaw Lake, Keystone Lake and Heyburn Lake, said everybody wants to get rid of the extra water before the Memorial Day holiday this weekend. ‘‘But it just won’t work — everybody’s full.’’
‘‘As a general rule, anything over 5 to 8 feet above normal is pretty doggone high,’’ Groves said. ‘‘That starts to put water up on park roads, tables, boat ramps. When you get up to 15 to 20 to 25 feet above normal, your lake recreational facilities are almost wiped out.
‘‘We’re there. We don’t have much open for Memorial Day.’’
The Arkansas River is dumping 174,000 cubic feet of water per second toward Fort Smith, Ark. and gatekeepers at lakes upstream in Oklahoma have had to close their dam locks to trickles to prevent problems downstream.
Groves said the best bet for people planning to go camping or boating this weekend is to call ahead to the individual lake to find out what’s available.
Nearly News has been informed that you can too get to The Windjammer and Kay Landing Marina near the Kaw Dam despite the high water level. Information was received early Friday that a recently installed walkway makes it possible for foot traffic to get to the boats and the restaurant. NN thanks whoever called about the situation, and hope that a number of folks take advantage of the availability.
By LAURA CORFF
News Staff Writer
Two youth charged with assault and battery learned that name-calling is not sufficient grounds to provoke a fight. John Northcutt, Juvenile Court Judge, told the two that it takes action to provoke a fight that would require someone to legally defend himself.
The two were among 34 juveniles on the juvenile court docket last week. Offenders ranged in age from 13 to 17 and were charged with curfew violations, assault and battery, petit larceny and minor in possession of beer. The increase in curfew violations were largely attributed to a party held at one of the local motels, according to Nancy Hunt, municipal court clerk.
During the session, youth were accessed $1,534 in fines and court costs in addition to 70 hours of community service. Four youth were referred to the First Offender Program and two youth lost driving privileges for six months. The municipal court clerk’s office notifies the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety of any revocation.
Hunt noted that juveniles who choose not to appear in court will have one chance before they will lose their driver’s license for failure to comply.
First-Time Offender Program
Youth referred to the First-Time Offender Program will join their parents in a 12-hour program provided through Northern Oklahoma Youth Services. The program is based on the idea that early intervention will have a positive impact on youth and their parents. Keeping youth from becoming a more serious offender is the goal of the program, which is available free of charge to those referred.
At least one parent is required to attend with their child. One counselor, who works with juvenile programs, recognizes a lack of participation on the part of many fathers.
“It has become clear that most fathers of offenders are not involved in counseling, juvenile court or the first offender program,” stated Byron Tribble, prevention specialist.
The First Offender program began four years ago and is funded by a grant through the Oklahoma Department of Juvenile Affairs. According to Tribble, youth are referred from district and municipal court. Additionally, counselors take referrals from parents and school administrators, however, participants don’t have to be in trouble to attend.
Connie Schones, youth and family counselor, says NOYS typically holds one session of six youth each month. Youth and their parents spend three Saturdays learning better decision-making skills, communication skills, anger management and impulse control. In addition, homework assignments are required. If the session is not completed, youth will be called back into court for failure to comply with court orders.
“Although youth feel like they are being punished by attending the First-Time Offender Program, we’re not here to punish them,” said Schones “We focus on improving communication between the parent and child.”
Usually kids act angry and withdrawn during the first session, according to Schones. But before the program is concluded, kids complete their evaluations with positive comments. At the end of the program each participant writes a letter to themselves, including setting short term goals. Schones makes a follow-up evaluation six months after the session ends.
When asked what parents should look for to identify when their youth are headed in the wrong direction, Tribble says key indicators include: trouble in school or a recent downturn in grades, friends unknown to parents, attitude, different clothing, and change in usual activities.
Additionally, a parent must decide if the youth’s behavior is unacceptable and whether that parent is willing to do whatever it takes, to help the child, said Tribble. For more information contact Schones or Tribble at 762-8341.
Local girls are among the 416 high school seniors from across Oklahoma creating and running a model government this week at the 1999 Oklahoma Girls State on the campus of East Central University in Ada.
The 416 delegates are learning the responsibilities of elected and appointed officials through hands-on experiences. They are filing for office, campaigning and holding elections for posts in city, county and state levels of the government. Those elected hold office and pass legislation.
The grass roots experience into the politics and process of a democratic republic is being sponsored and conducted by the American Legion Auxiliary for the 58th year. ECU is hosting the event for the 27th year.
Former Oklahoma Gov. George Nigh delivered the keynote address Saturday, May 22 and was honored for his 50th consecutive appearance at Oklahoma Girls State by a standing-room-only assembly of people wearing commemorative “George Nigh the Good Guy” white cowboy hats. The hats were provided to Oklahoma Girls State in Nigh’s honor by J.C. Penney Co., Inc.
Once called the “boy wonder” of Oklahoma politics, Nigh set several records during his public service career. He was governor more often and longer than anyone and holds several “youngest” and “oldest” titles.
Nigh was a 22-year-old senior at ECU when he was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1950. He was the youngest lieutenant governor in Oklahoma history, and he and J. Howard Edmondson were the youngest lieutenant governor and governor in the nation.
Nigh was the only Oklahoma governor to ever serve four terms, the only governor to hold three successive terms, and the first, in the 1982 election, to carry all 77 state counties. In 1992, at age 65, Nigh was named president of the University of Central Oklahoma, the oldest person ever hired as a college president in Oklahoma.
Current Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating and Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin are among Girls State’s guest speakers. Fallin will speak at noon on Wednesday. Keating will speak at the inaugural ceremony of the new Pontotoc Girls State governor Wednesday night.
The following day, girls elected to state offices will visit their counterparts in the state capitol and county officials will visit the County Courthouse in Ada.
Delegates were selected for Girls State either by their high schools or their local unit of the American Legion Auxiliary, which approves all selections. They are chosen on the basis of personal character, leadership, scholarship, interest in government and devotion to country.
Sponsorships are funded by American Legion Auxiliary units and frequently co-sponsored by local civic and community organizations.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Students, ages 12-18, will be arriving in Oklahoma City for the 2nd annual Youth Conference on Theatre Arts Tuesday through Friday. The four-day event, sponsored by Oklahoma Community Theatre Association, is a learning and performance experience for students from rural and urban areas throughout the state for a fee of $35 per student. Registration is limited, but a few openings are still available.
The conference includes workshops on improvisation, stage combat, script analysis, stage make-up, mime, playwriting, props, auditioning techniques, and movement. Conference activities will include an outdoor musical performance at Jewel Box Theatre, a tour of Oklahoma City area performance facilities, and two evening dinners with performances. The final evening will feature performances developed by the students during the conference.
“With shrinking education budgets, there are fewer opportunities for our young people to experience the excitement and character development that theater provides. Our members value the youth in their communities and appreciate what theater involvement offers in the way of developing discipline, communication skills, and a sense of self worth,” said OCTA’s director, Kay Armstrong. “In this, the Year of Arts in Education in Oklahoma, we feel it an obligation to provide arts opportunities until they are reinstated in all our schools statewide.” Highly qualified and well-known instructors, many who also participate in Oklahoma Arts Council’s Artist-in-Residence program during the school year, will conduct the workshops.
Special guests for this conference will be Errol McLendon, nationally recognized director/actor from Chicago; Dell McLain, chair of the Theatre Dept. of Southeastern Oklahoma State University; and Dr. Susan Proctor, St. Gregory’s University. Jim Brock of Lawton will conduct a movement workshop. Dr. Brock’s background includes the New York stage and television. His workshop will assist the “non-dancer” in auditioning for the school musical. Additional instructors, familiar to many students, parents, and theatergoers throughout the state, are Doobie Potter, Joe Long, Rhonda Clark, Kelly Riha, and Shane McClure.
John F. LeRoy
Marjorie Faye Berry Jackson
Galen F. Gates
John F. LeRoy, resident of Irving, Texas, and former resident of Ponca City, died Thursday, May 27, 1999, in the Baylor Medical Center, Irving, Texas. He was 60.
The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, May 29, 1999, in the Trout Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Ted Freeman, pastor of Ponca Indian Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Ponca Indian Cemetery.
John F. LeRoy was born on Sept. 24, 1938, in Niobrara, Neb. He was an aircraft mechanic for Aviall Aviation for the past 34 years. He served two years in the United States Navy.
Survivors include two daughters, Kristina Williams and Jolene Suthers, both of Irving, Texas, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, Earnest LeRoy and Brent LeRoy.
SHIDLER — Marjorie Faye Berry Jackson, longtime Shidler and Grainola resident, died Wednesday, May 26, 1999, at the Pawhuska Hospital. She was 78.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 29, 1999, in the Shidler United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bill Long officiating. Burial will follow in the Foraker Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Shidler Chapel.
Marjorie Faye Berry Jackson was born near Pearsonia, in Osage County, on Feb. 27, 1921, the daughter of Joe and Frona (Wood) Berry. She attended the Foraker and Grainola schools, graduating from Grainola High School in 1939. She married Clyde Jackson in Newkirk on May 28, 1940.
She was a member of the Grainola Methodist Church and had attended the Shidler Methodist Church since moving to Shidler in 1984. She was a cook for the Grainola Senior Citizens and a substitute cook for the Shidler Schools. She was a teacher’s aide in the Shidler schools. For many years Jackson had sung for church functions and funerals. She was a seamstress, sewing for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and had made her granddaughters’ wedding dresses. She also was a babysitter in her home.
Surviving are a son, Robert “Bob” Jackson of Grainola; two daughters, Linda Mazurier of Shidler and Sharyn Davis of Winfield, Kan.; ten grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1982, her parents, one grandson, and one sister, Irene Yelpon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Methodist Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 999, Gore, OK 74435.
Casket bearers will be Francis Murphy, Paul Kelly, Neal McConaghy, David Harris, Donald Kelsey, and Dee Johnston.
The casket will not be opened following the service; however, friends may call at the Shidler Chapel until 7 p.m. this evening.
Galen F. Gates, rural Ponca City resident, died early Thursday morning May 27, 1999, at his home. He was 62.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 29, 1999, in the Community Christian Church with the Rev. Wayne Majors, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery, south of Stillwater under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Galen Gates was born April 3, 1937, in Okfuskee, the son of Thomas Franklin and Bertha D. (Courtright) Gates. The family moved to the Glencoe area in 1941, and he attended school at the Eureka School and graduated from Glencoe High School in 1955. He was married to Patricia Ruth McCurry at the Community Christian Church on July 1, 1956.
Mr. Gates worked in the oil fields for a few years and as a welder for Continental Carbon for ten years. He had been engaged in farming and ranching south of Ponca City since 1960. In 1973 he opened the Gates Corner Service Station and operated it until 1987.
One of the first Oklahoma breeders of Beefmaster Cattle, he was a member of the National Beefmasters Association. He was also a member of the Community Christian Church and the Marland Roundup Club. In years past he had been a Ponca City FFA Booster, an evening welding instructor at NOC and a little league coach and had participated in the Chuck Wagon races at the Pawhuska Cavalcade.
Surviving are his wife, Patricia, of the home; one son, Brian Neal Gates, of Ponca City; three daughters, Gwendolyn Sue Gates, of Austin, Texas, Shellene Renee Turnipseed, of Marland, and Tracey Lynn Gates, of Tulsa; his mother, Bertha D. Gates, of Glencoe; two brothers, Tommy Dee Gates of Glencoe and Dale Gates of Smithville, Okla.; one sister, Patricia Jolene Gates, of Houston, Texas; two grandchildren, Eric and Geoff Bruce, and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father; a daughter, Teresa Gail Gates; and one brother, Gerald Gates.
Casket bearers will be Charles Caldwell, John Turnipseed, Roy Arthur Case, Dinty Hunt, Tom McCallick, and Eric Bruce. Honorary casket bearers will be Dennis Beyl, Zane Cannady, Whitey Bristow, Dewey Kelly, and R.L. Turnipseed.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, Inc., 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The casket will not be opened after the service; however, friends may call at the funeral home until noon Saturday.
The family will be at the home, 228 Riverview Road.
paid obituary
Get A Haircut — There will be a Haircut-A-Thon at Pro-cuts, corner of North Fourteenth Street and East Prospect Avenue, Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m., with two licensed hairdressers doing the cutting. Haircuts will be available at a donation basis and the proceeds will go to the 1999 Moldvana Missions trip.
Dougan's Bar-B-Q Saturday special 4-8 p.m. All you can eat
beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215
South 14th, 765-7979. adv.
City Holiday — The City of Ponca City will observe Monday as an official holiday for city employees. As a result, residential refuge will not be collected Monday and the Landfill will be closed. Regular service will resume Tuesday.
Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat
ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th,
765-7979. adv.
Burglary — A resident in the 1300 block of South Eighth Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 6:03 a.m. Thursday to report burglary to a vehicle. An officer responded and took a report.
Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.
Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and
Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.
Vandalism — A Ponca City police officer took a report of vandalism to a vehicle at 7:36 a.m. Thursday, in the 200 block of East Emporia Avenue.
Pauline’s Steak and shrimp dinner, $12.95. Friday, May 28th.
For reservations. 765-5460. adv.
Warrant Served — At 9:21 a.m. Thursday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 52-year-old woman from the 200 block of North Third Street on a city warrant.
Spring Is here! Mrs. Brown’s Attic is ready with picture frames
and garden gifts. 300 E. Grand. Downtown Ponca City. adv.
Vandalism — A resident in the 2900 block of North Union Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 10:11 a.m. Thursday that the house had been vandalized. An officer responded and took a report.
Entire Stock 25% off. Including bridal & swimwear. Frocks &
Fashions. 114 N. Main st, Blackwell. adv.
Stolen — An employee of Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 11:18 a.m. Thursday to report the driver of a brown Chevrolet short bed truck drove off without paying for gas. An officer responded and took a report.
Furr’s Dining now open continuously 11-8 Sunday-Thursday,
11-8:30 Friday and Saturday. adv.
Arrest — An 18-year-old man was taken into custody at the Ponca City Police Department by an officer at 12:11 p.m. Thursday on a city warrant.
Canna Bulbs while supply last. 20% off regular price. Keathly
Nursery, 2448 Bridge Ave., 762-2922. adv.
Accident — A Ponca City police officer took a report of a three-vehicle accident at North Fifth Street and East Hartford Avenue at 12:41 p.m. Thursday. No injuries were reported.
Jim Bowen Construction Custom homes, room additions and
remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.
Warrant Served — At 2:25 p.m. Thursday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 21-year-old woman from the 3500 block of North Union Street on a city warrant.
Pre-owned Vehicles. New Hondas, shop at home on the
web.http://www.poncacity.net/mfarris/ adv.
Stolen — A clerk from Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 1:34 a.m. Friday, to report two men stole beer and left southbound. Two officers responded and took a report.
Collision — At 4:45 p.m. Thursday, the Ponca City Police Department was advised of a two vehicle minor accident in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer responded and took a report. No injuries were reported.
Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef bris-
ket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $6.95. 4-8 p.m. 1217 East
Prospect. adv.
Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 39-year-old man in the 2900 block of North Union Street at 6:35 p.m. Thursday for domestic assault and battery.
Correction of E-mail address: Pre-owned Vehicles. New
Hondas, shop at home on the web.http://www.poncacity.net/mfa
rris/ adv.
Stolen — A resident in the 300 block of South Franklin Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7:14 p.m. Thursday to report a lawn mower was stolen out of a shed. An officer responded and took a report.
Line Down — A Ponca City police officer advised the communication officers at 7:16 p.m. Thursday that a power line was down in the alley of the 700 block of South Tenth Street. Cable One was advised.
Stolen — A clerk at Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 11:06 p.m. Thursday to report the driver of a Ford Galaxy took $10.04 in gas and left without paying. An officer responded and took a report.
DUI — At 11:25 p.m. Thursday, a clerk from Jack Griffith’s, 2501 North Fourteenth Street, advised the Ponca City Police Department that a man in a vehicle left the parking lot driving recklessly. An officer responded and stopped the identified vehicle in the 1100 block of Princeton Avenue. The officer arrested a 23-year-old man for driving under the influence, no drivers’ license, no insurance, careless driving and possession of controlled dangerous substance.
Dog Loose — A Ponca City police officer cited a resident in the 800 block of North Pine Street at 11:42 p.m. Thursday for allowing a dog to run loose.
Arrest — At 12:15 a.m. Friday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 36-year-old man at Windmill Cove for actual physical control and three Kay County warrants. A 32-year-old woman was also taken into custody on a Kay County warrant.
Arrest — At 3:06 a.m. Friday, a clerk from Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department to report a woman walked out of the store with a 30-pack of beer and the subject was still in the parking lot. Three officers responded and arrested a 23-year-old woman for petit larceny, public intoxication and a city warrant.
Vandalism — A resident in the 400 block of South Lake Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 4:07 a.m. Friday that a vehicle was vandalized. An officer responded and took a report.
Slashed — At 5:44 a.m. Friday, a Ponca City police officer took a report of three tires that were slashed in the 800 block of West Otoe Avenue. At 5:50 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of South Palm Street also reported tires were slashed. The officer took a second report.
Event Honors Mandy Driesel
Territorial Tour Operators Visit Newkirk Sites
Spend Smart,Save Money
Mandy Driesel, bride-elect of Patrick Ireland, was honored with a bridal shower on May 15 in the Williamsburg Parlor of the First Baptist Church. The wedding will be May 29 at the Marland Mansion.
Special guests were Jane Ireland, mother of the prospective bridegroom; Vivian Davis and Ruby Driesel, grandmothers of the bride-to-be, and Terry Driesel, mother of the future bride.
Hostesses were Marcy Bass, Pat Batdorf, Judy Burnette, Teresa Clark, Marcella Johnson, Lorrie Layton, Shannon Mair, Barbara Masters, Carolyn Mullin, Charlotte Smith, Susan Smith, and Betty Wolf.
NEWKIRK — The Newkirk Main Street board met at Smith Country May 17. The fourth grade elementary students visited the Newkirk Community Museum, participated in a guided walking tour of Newkirk’s historic downtown, and completed the Main Street scavenger hunt. The second grade also did the scavenger hunt on Wednesday, along with their teachers.
On Wednesday the Territorial Tour group visited Newkirk. This is a group of tour operators who book tour groups. While in Newkirk they were treated to cinnamon rolls at Mickael’s and were greeted by many of Newkirk’s “characters.” Joanne Cary led them in singing WCTU temperance songs. Mrs. Garside greeted them in front of R&G Style Shoppe, and Mrs. Endicott was on hand at the Ben Franklin Store. The candy store operator related tales of the terrible fire of 1901. Nehemiah Tubbs pointed out the many buildings he had constructed. Mr. Alberti, former mayor and undertaker, measured them for a coffin, and Newkirk’s very own “soiled dove” regaled them with stories of the oil boom days.
Present-Day Mayor Carol Purdy; Main Street president Dorothy Gilbreath; and Commissioner Wayne Leven also were on hand to greet the visitors. Cinda’s Floral, R&G Style Shoppe, and Rhoads Brothers Pharmacy each gave the group free samples. They also visited Smitty’s Woode Shoppe, Durr’s Antiques, Miller-Stahl Funeral home, and Goad’s Quilting Shop.
Juhree Vanderpool photographed the group while Jana Shafer and Karen Dye were tour guides. Dorothy Midgley, Betty Lane, Walter Shafer, Danny Cornish, Ed Carthel, and Carol Schiltz played Newkirk “characters.”
Main Street ended the week with a board retreat facilitated by Oklahoma Main Street Director Les Hall. Board members reviewed Main Street’s vision statement. Hall encouraged the group to update their logo to match the many successes which have been accomplished by Main Street over the past seven years. Hall also told the board that he had nominated Newkirk Main Street for a National Preservation award. Winners of this will be announced in August.
NEW YORK (AP) — In its May/June issue, Family Money magazine spotlights 15 money-saving products that will trim overall costs over time. A few of these smart buys even cost less than their common alternatives.
Compact fluorescent lamps: Spend $10 to $20 per bulb. Save $75 on electricity for the life of the lamp. Compact bulbs cost just as much as incandescent, but save on electricity.
Energy-efficient refrigerator: Spend about $200 more than less-efficient units. Save $35 to $70 a year on electricity. Such savings can total up to $525 to $1,050 over 15 years, the average lifetime for a refrigerator.
Programmable thermostats: Spend $30 to $150. Save up to 30 percent on heating and cooling expense. For the average family, this savings can total as much as $200 a year. Easy to install and program, these control units let you specify temperatures for various time periods and days.
Whole-house fan: Spend $100 to $350. Save 25 percent to 50 percent on energy used by your air conditioner. A whole-house fan placed in the attic will put hot air out of the home through attic vents.
Structurally insulated panels: Spend about the same as you would on standard 2 by 4 construction. Save 15 percent to 50 percent on energy bills. Some utilities and lenders offer incentives to build with structurally insulated panels.
Lutherans Plan Trinity Sunday
St. Paul’s UMC Plans Memorial Service
‘Come Let Us Reason Together’
New Mt. Olive Baptist Announce Services
Former Ponca City Pastor Earns Doctorate
Christian Women’s Fellowship Plan Installation Coffee
Farewell Reception for the Hooks Sunday
NE Baptist Sets Special Program
Hartford Avenue C of C Announces Summer Bible Classes
Pastor’s Notes with The Reverend Kent Dorsey
Sunday, May 30 is Trinity Sunday in the liturgical church year. This marks the beginning of the “non-festival” half of the church year. During this part of the year the emphasis is on teaching, and the first and most central doctrine of the Christian faith is that of the Trinity.
In both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services at First Lutheran Church on Sunday the worship will begin with a renewal of the vow taken at baptism. In all three Scripture readings for the day there is some reference to the Trinity. The Senior Choir will sing the anthem “Thanks Be to God.”
Pastor Ramsey’s final sermon in the worship theme “Combined in Celebration” is “Commissioned for Ministry.” Included in the service will be the very familiar hymn about the Trinity, “Holy, Holy, Holy.”
The Sunday evening service, which is held at 6:30 p.m., continues to be centered around the passion of Jesus. The Bible study, the praise songs, and the prayers all present the majesty of Christ. The informal service is primarily for those who are not able to attend the morning services; however, this type of setting is ideal for families with young children who are training the children in Bible study and worship. Anyone is cordially welcome.
In addition to the regular service schedule the Bible Class and Sunday School hour begins at 9:45 a.m. There are classes for all ages of children in the school. There are two adult classes presently being conducted in the Fellowship Hall.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church has scheduled a Congregational Memorial Service for Sunday, May 30, included in their morning worship service, according to the Rev. Ed Coy Light.
Worshipers will be asked to lift up the names of those in their family who died during the past year. A candle will be lighted commemorating each life.
The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites the public to share God’s word with them every week — Sunday Bible classes 9:30 a.m., worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening 6 p.m. and Wednesday 7 p.m.
There are also classes for all age levels — nursery through adult. Watch the Search program Sunday at 8 a.m., TV Channel 5 or TV Channel 8.
“If you now these things, you are blessed if you do them.” John 13:17. Jesus revealed that He is our Lord, teacher, Savior and servant. Jesus gave us the responsibilities: to teach others the truth and lead them to God; to serve others no matter how lowly the task; to show the sacrificial love of God for others by our every word and action. Jesus said knowing what to do and then doing it would bring us happiness.
New Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 520 North Pine in Newkirk will sponsor a fellowship service this coming Sunday, May 30, inviting “one and all to come and be filled with the food of life, the way, the truth and the light”, according to their pastor, the Rev. Irvin Joseph Bobb Jr.
Sunday School is set for 10:30 a.m. and church service at 11:30. An invitation is extended to everyone who wishes to attend.
Among those receiving degrees at Phillips Theological Seminary Commencement on May 15 this year, of interest to Ponca Citians, was Scott Beebe, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church here several years ago. He was among the Doctor of Ministry graduates. He and his wife, Kristi now serve in Littleton, Colorado.
The Christian Women’s Fellowship of First Christian will hold an Installation Coffee on June 3 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the church. New officers will be installed by Jan Dorsey, beginning with worship by Leona Ward. The group will be celebrating CWF’s 50th Birthday Celebration Day.
For 50 years the CWF has provided leader training, mission education and spiritual nurturing which has supported service/action for thousands of women in congregations, regions and general ministries.
Past president of First Christian Church’s CWF for the past years have been Mary Lois Nield, Ethel Jorgenson, JoEllen Morrison, Ethel Jorgenson, Lorraine Shiflet, Madelle Hoffman, Chris Schilling and Ruth Stone.
First United Methodist Church will say “farewell” to the Rev. Denny and Carolyn Hook this Sunday, May 30 at a reception in Fellowship Hall from 6 to 8 p.m. The program will begin at 7 p.m.
The Hooks are leaving First United Methodist as the Rev. Denny Hook takes over the position as District Superintendent, located in Stillwater.
Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, will hold an orientation class for anyone interested in participating in a “Weigh Down” program from June 6 through Sept. 12. Although this program developed by Gwen Shamblin has helped many people in their battle with weight control, it is aimed at helping the participant to set priorities and grow spiritually through daily Bible study and a closer walk with God. “Weigh Down” is designed to change your lifestyle.
Belinda Satterfield and Candy Edwards will co-lead “Weigh Down” which will meet on Sunday afternoons at 4:15. Orientation will be held at 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 6. The course will meet for 13 weeks including the orientation meeting. Cost for the course materials is $103.00 for first time participants and $50 for those who continue the class for a second session.
Participants who choose to continue after the second time will already have their materials and will not be charged for participating. You may call the church office at 765-2404, Belinda Satterfield at 765-7148 or Candy Edwards 765-4068 to sign up for the course or come to the orientation meeting on Sunday, June 6, at 4:15 in fellowship hall at Northeast Baptist church, 2200 Pecan Road. There will be no childcare or children’s activities during this course.
Don Huddleston, minister, announces the Summer Bible Classes for adults and teenagers at the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ. Classes are centered around this quarter’s theme, “Putting our Christianity into Practice.”
Sunday morning Bible classes begin at 9:30, with morning worship service at 10:30, and Sunday evening worship at 6 o’clock. Wednesday evening Bible classes are at 7 weekly.
Bible classes are also provided for nursery through high school on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.
A nursery is provided for all services.
Classes are scheduled, as follows:
Sunday Morning, beginning June 6
“ Who do People Say the Son of Man Is?” taught by Dean Patterson in Room 111. In Matthew 16:13, Jesus asked his followers, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” If Jesus asked you the same question, what answer would you give him? Many in our world would respond, "Some say you are a Myth, others call you a Liar, still others say you are a Lunatic.” Peter responded, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” Can we know for sure that Jesus is who he said he is? How can we prove it to others? This class is designed to help us to be able to do those very things.
Missions taught by Paul Priba in Room 112. A key activities of the church is to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Jesus commissioned his followers to spread the gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to ends of the earth. We are engaged in this work just as were the Christians of the first century. This class will study the missionary work of New Testament times, and will discuss the missionary efforts in which this congregation is involved today. Join us as we examine the progress of the gospel around the world.
I and II Timothy taught by Ron Pitts in Room 113. This class will engage in a textual study of two of the four letters the Apostle Paul addressed to individuals. In these fascinating books, the student gains an insight into Paul’s concern for both the young church and his young protege, Timothy. Called “pastorals”, these books focus much attention on ministry. We will explore Paul’s instructions to Timothy and the implications for our lives today.
Wednesday Evening, beginning June 2
Joshua: Conquest and Victories of Faith taught by Dean Patterson in Room 111. God made promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land He was giving to them. The central theme in the book of Joshua focuses on how God, through His people, fulfilled His promises. However, the book of Joshua is so much more than that. In this study, we will be faced with a great challenge. Can we, through looking at historical events that happened in the physical lives of the children of Israel, draw spiritual applications for our lives as Christians in the church today? Make plans to be a part of this insightful study.
I and II Thessalonians taught by Dennis Betterton in Room 112. Paul’s letters to the Christians at Thessalonica provide practical guidance for living, and his instructions are as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. It seems we share some common problems with these first century brethren. How do we live a Christian life? Do we honor God with our lips but not with our lives? Join in as we study together what the Thessalonian letters teach about practical Christian living.
Transformed Lives taught by Don Huddleston in Room 113. This discussion class will utilize daily devotionals to help Christians do what Paul urges in Romans 12:1-2. Students will be challenged, not just to try harder, but to try differently, to re-orient their whole life around God and His Son Jesus, to walk each day by the Spirit. For those whose eyes are dry and whose faith is old, whose heart is hard and prayers are cold, this class is for you. Huddleston will prepare the daily devotionals and facilitate class discussion.
Bible Classes for Teens are scheduled for Sunday and Wednesday, 7th through 12 grades, in the basement of the church.
Living in Two Worlds will be taught by Tim Hunt on Sunday, exploring the values and habits of residents of the physical world and those of the spiritual world. The weekly challenge will be to stand up, stand out, and stand firm as citizens of heaven.
The class on Wednesday for the teens will be Life on the Edge, taught by Ron Stangeland, who will present a video series entitled “Life on the Edge” by James Dobson. Topics addressed will include lifelong decisions, love, sex, and our emotions.
For more information, you may call the church at 765-3610.
Preparing for Sunday’s sermon, I compiled too long a list of the forces of this age that threaten to turn the “living stones” (church) into ordinary stones. Spiritually alive persons face considerable forces in this world that deaden the spirit. I mentioned the familiar “spirit killers” — substance abuse, the materialism of the capitalist age, the media glut of the information age and “workaholism.” There are other spirit-killers.
Militarism is the faith that violence offers a solution to human problems. Since the end of World War II, our American economy has never converted from war time to peace time. Instead, we continue to convert our energies, our attitudes and our hopes into the vain hope that military actions will solve human problems. Most of us have not questioned the current policy of spending up the “peace dividend” earned from the collapse of the “cold war” on million-dollar bombs over Yugoslavia.
Spiritually, few have converted to the gospel of peace. Recently, I have been tempted to defend the policy of resisting the evil of Slobodan Milosovich with the lesser evil of a brutal air assault. Until I talked last week with my long-term pacifist friend, The Rev. Rhodes Thompson, I had forgotten that “living stones” for Christ cannot possibly defend spirit-killing military violence. Weakly, many Americans have insisted that NATO has taken morally higher ground than Milosovich. Tut, there is no moral defense for the deaths of dozens of civilian non-combatants whether we call it “mistakes,” the “accidents of war” or “collateral damage.” The moral difference between an air assault and “ethnic cleansing” is not as great as our militaristic society, State Department and President would have us believe.
Militarism is a spirit-killer. It makes us insensitive to violence in movies, music, television news and electronic games. Two spiritually dead teenagers, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, perpetrated a fantasy-sized military assault on Columbine High School to get even with real world popular kids. Only days later the National Rifle Association brought shame from Denver and the nation by holding their annual meeting. The NRA has a religious devotion to the militarist fantasy that gun ownership guarantees justice.
There is a tiny plot of moral ground occupied by our militant state department that says there is a huge difference between our NATO bombings and the Yugoslavian Army’s genocide. There is a similarly small plot of moral ground that argues loudly that the NRA regrets the murder/suicide of teens and teachers as much as the families of victims at Columbine High. There is no direct correlation between violent movies, television news, video games and Internet web sites, but their family resemblance to an assault on your “social enemies” at high school is real.
There is a much larger moral ground that is grieved by the resemblance between what is happening in Yugoslavia and Americans schools. A society addicted as we are to military solutions, violent movies, music and video games should not be surprised by the resemblance between the death of innocents in Belgrade and Littleton. The church should not be surprised God’s call to vanquish our enemies with love be they Serbians or trench-coated teens.
The Rev. Kent Dorsey, pastor
First Christian Church
“The Poncan” Receives Honors
Rogers State U Graduate
OBU Cum Laude
U of South Dakota Grad
OBU Graduate
Award Winner
Wentz Scholar Winner
Fort Hays Graduate
Hendrix Graduate
Graduate with Distinction
Scholarship Awarded
Northeastern State Graduates
Podalirian Award Winner
Milligan, Garwood Named National Merit Scholars
PTA Violence Prevention Kit Available on Internet
“The Poncan,” Ponca City Senior High School’s newspaper, and its staff received a rating with Honors at the Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association’s 83rd annual spring conference at the University of Oklahoma. Newspapers were critiques for two months in the spring and received ratings of merit, distinguished merit, honors, or highest honors.
Debra Tautfest of Marland recently graduated from Rogers State University. The recent commencement was the first for the new Rogers State University and the 87th for the Claremore institution. The ceremony was held at Soldier’s Field on the RSU main campus in Claremore.
Marci Jo Spore, daughter of Vester and Mary Spore, graduated Cum Laude from Oklahoma Baptist University on May 22. She received the Senior Achievement Award in accounting from the Paul Dickinson School of Business. Spore will be employed in the Global Power Finance Division of Conoco in Houston.
Lance E. Felton recently received a masters of business administration degree from the University of South Dakota.
Holly Dawn Long received her bachelor of science in education, elementary education, from Oklahoma Baptist University May 22.
Alena Mutlová, daughter of Jiri Mult and Ivan Mutlová of Praha, Czech Republic and Connie VanAusdall of Ponca City, was named a United States National Award winner in the field of History and government as well as an All-America Scholar. She will appear in the yearbook for both organizations.
Jennifer Maxson has been selected to receive an Oklahoma State University Lew Wentz Scholarship for the 1999-2000 school year. Mason, a civil engineering senior, is the daughter of Phil and Ann Maxson, now of Houston.
Receiving a bachelor of arts degree in business communications from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kan., this spring was Micah Howery of Ponca City.
Lindsey Coates, a 1995 Po-Hi graduate, graduated with a bachelor’s of arts degree in psychology from Hendrix College in Conway, Ark. May 19. She was named to the Southern Collegiate Athletic conference’s student athletic academic honor roll and will attend the school of law at the University of Arkansas in the fall. She is the daughter of Vic and Marilyn Coates.
Graduating with distinction in sociology and anthropology from Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., May 19 at the Honors Day Convocation is Katie Bryan from Ponca City. Bryan is the daughter of David and Mary Bryan.
Dawn Cook, student at Pioneer Technology Center, has received the 1999 Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee J.C. Crawford Memorial Foundation scholarship. Cook will work towards an associate in applied science in the food management program with an emphasis on baking.
Northeastern State University in Tahlequah held commencement ceremonies May 8, and Ponca City graduates included Summer Hill, Jennifer Jeffries and Juli Thompson receiving their bachelor’s degrees.
Jeff Northcutt, a 1993 Po-Hi graduate, was awarded the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Class of 2001 Podalirian Award. Northcutt, a 1997 graduate of OU, is planning to pursue an internal medicine specialty. He is the son of John and Jen Northcutt and the grandson of C.D. and Ruth Eleanor Northcutt and Robert and Carol Spray. He will be serving his class as vice president and has been active in numerous medical and civic organizations and activities.
Joshua Milligan is among the approximately 100 Oklahoma high school students named National Merit Scholars.
Milligan is a 1999 graduate of Ponca City Senior High School and will be attending Oklahoma State University in the fall where he plans to study computer science and math. While in high school, Milligan was on the National Honor Society two years; a four-year letterman in orchestra and four-years with the North Central Honors Orchestra; co-editor of PTSA newsletter; superintendent’s honor roll; and was involved in numerous school and community activities.
Also receiving a National Merit Scholarship is Daniel Garwood of Blackwell. Garwood will be attending Oklahoma University in the field of law. He was a two-year member of the National Honor Society, serving as president one year; was Regional Scholar-Athlete of the Year; principal’s honor roll; seminary graduate for 2 years and served as president; Boy’s State delegate and state senate page; and active in sports and other various school and community activities.
The National Merit Scholars were announced in April and May with additional scholars to be announced in late July; a total of 4,100 merit scholarships will be awarded in 1999. Approximately 2,400 students won the awards financed by colleges and universities. These college-sponsored awards provide between $250 and $2,000 annually to the recipients for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution providing the scholarship. In addition to the college-sponsored scholarships, approximately 400 business organizations provide scholarships to the finalists with particular interest to that business.
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Littleton, Colo., and the Conyers, Ga., tragedies and their effects on schools across the country, including Oklahoma, are on the minds of PTA leaders in the state as they consider how to help schools deal with violence on campus.
Patty Neuwirth, president of the Oklahoma PTA, said that PTA units across Oklahoma have reported that incidents have occurred directly resulting from the Colorado incident. “The domino effect comes into play here,” she said. “When a tragic event of that magnitude occurs, we find that some students feel the need to copycat or to turn the situation into one that gives them recognition. Unfortunately, it is a negative response that hurts everyone and certainly does not help.”
She pointed out that the National PTA’s Community Violence Prevention Kit, “Kids Need A Future, Not Funerals,” offers a practical guide for communities who are trying to confront the issue of violence in their schools. The kit, which can be downloaded from the National PTA website at www.pta.org/events/violprev/, also gives planning tips and tools to assist communities in outreach efforts.
Neuwirth said the topic of violence in schools will continue to be woven into the fabric of future meetings, strategic planning and other efforts of the PTA.
Legion AA 16’s Split in Opener
Where Are They NOW?
Local Firefighter Ready To Ride In World Police and Fire Games
The American Legion AA Under-16 Royals kicked off their season with a win, edging Tonkawa’s AAA team in extra innings, 9-8, Thursday. The Royals fell in the second game of a doubleheader, however, 11-7.
With the score knotted at 8-all in the first game, center fielder Blake Reed got on base with a hit, and advanced on a walk by second baseman B.J. Hays. After a wild pitch put both runners in scoring position, 9-hole hitter Matt Wilks came though with the game winning hit to score Reed.
Reed was 2-for-4 in the game and scored twice, while catcher Jeremy DeNoya was 3-for-4 and scored twice. Casey Rowe pitched four innings of relief to take the win.
In the second game, Tonkawa pitcher Jones struck out three in a row in the bottom of the fifth inning to negate the Royals’ comeback attempt.
Tonkawa, meanwhile, scored seven runs in the top of the fifth to put the game away, surging back from a 7-4 deficit.
The Royals tied the game in the bottom of the third, as DeNoya got on with a hit, stole second and third, and came in on a walk to Mike Williams.
The AA Under-16’s will start play today in the Stillwater Tournament, which runs through Monday.
EDMOND — Former Ponca City High School wrestling standouts Mark and Matt Dodgen have signed national letters of intent with NCAA Division II powerhouse Central Oklahoma.
The Dodgen twins are transferring to UCO after spending one year at Iowa Central Community College where Mark started all year and Matt sat out as a redshirt. Mark had a 33-4 record at 125 pounds and will compete for the top spot at that weight for the Bronchos next year, while Matt will be at 133 pounds.
“We’re certainly excited about having Matt and Mark join the program and look for them to come in next year and compete for starting positions,” UCO coach David James said. “They are both great competitors who really work hard in the room and we think they’ll fit in well here.”
Mark Dodgen was a three-time Class 5A state finalist at Po-Hi, winning titles as a sophomore and senior while finishing runner-up as a junior. He had a 115-10 career record and was 30-2 as a senior in earning All-State honors. Mark won four tournament titles during his freshman year at Iowa Central.
Matt captured the Class 5A state title as a junior for the Wildcats before finishing second as a senior. He compiled a 110-10 career mark, including a 28-2 finish as a senior.
UCO won its 10th straight NCAA Division II Midwest Regional crown this season and its third place national finish was the 16th straight top four national finish for the Bronchos, who have won 12 national titles since 1979.
Veteran firefighter Jim Socia will represent Ponca City in the 1999 World Police and Fire Games in Stockholm, Sweden this July. The 39-year-old is sponsored by members of the Local 2479 firefighters union, in addition to corporate and individual supporters.
Socia will participate in three cycling events. The two-hour mountain biking competition will be held in Flottsbro, on July 18. In addition, the one-quarter mile street sprints and the 9.5 mile time trial will be later in the week in Frescati. He will compete against about 700 other individuals.
Training since October of 1998, Socia feels his strengths are his endurance and aggressiveness. He says, the longer the race is, the easier it is for him.
Socia is considered new to the sport of cycling, as he has just finished his second year. He competed in more than 21 races during his first 19 months. As a result, he ranked first in the state in his division for mountain biking, last year.
The cyclist recalls one time he had to stop during a race to fix a broken chain, but still placed second. He has only competed about 10 times this year because he is gearing toward the Games.
According to Bryan Jackman, Ponca City training officer, Socia has an excellent chance to place in his events.
“In a world devoid of positive role models, this opportunity generates plenty of community pride that a Ponca Citian is competing at an international level,” said Jackman. “Jim is a highly motivated, eleven-year veteran of the fire service and has been a member in good standing with the local union,” he concluded.
Soon he will break down and pack his Giant MCM2 Carbon Fiber Mountain bike and his Cannodale road bike for the flight to Sweden on July 15.
Though originally from Michigan, Socia has lived in Ponca City for 17 years. Socia and his wife Sharon have one daughter Sarah, 9. He was chosen as Mr. Tulsa in 1992 in the sport of bodybuilding.
The World Police and Fire Games are an Olympic style of competition. The purpose is to stimulate and encourage physical and psychological training for police, fire, customs and prison officials.
Sven-Ake Hjalmroth, chief executive officer of the 1999 games, expects more than 12,000 delegates to participate in 68 different events. Socia could experience a temperature shock with the average temperature expected during the games to be 24 degrees.
The first games were held in 1985 in San Jose, Calif. and are held every two years. This is the eighth competition. The World Games are expected to be in Indianapolis, Ind. in 2001.
“The plan is to develop the community awareness that we can tackle projects of this type to be in a position to possibly sponsor a terminally ill child and family to Disney World or a similar community activity,” Jackman said. “It seems natural, a firefighter is one of the most respected professions and we have a small town representative at an international event.
Those interested in making a donation, to assist with cost of lodging and airfare, can make checks payable to IAFF Local 2479 or call Jackman at 767-0368.