LOCAL

Keating Analysis Coming Sunday
A Mouse Possibly Found in McDonalds Cup
Rape Suspect Sought by County Sheriff
POW MIA Monument Approved
Hilarious Film About Families Now Playing at Poncan Theatre
Standing Bear Park Project On Schedule

Keating Analysis Coming Sunday

Earlier this week, News staff writer Louise Abercrombie spent the day with Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating.

Abercrombie traveled with the governor’s entourage to Tulsa for meetings and fund raisers.

Keating’s observations on state issues, the upcoming national elections and his possible role as the GOP vice presidential candidate will be revealed in Sunday’s edition.

A Mouse Possibly Found in McDonalds Cup

BLACKWELL — A lawsuit has been filed in Kay County District Court against a Blackwell fast food restaurant and its corporate affiliation.

Medford resident Branden Berry is claiming he was sold and drank a soft drink from McDonald’s that contained the remains of a decaying mouse in the cup.

The suit, filed by the Enid law firm of Phillips & Outhier, seeks damages for negligence and breach of contract, together with punitive damages, in an amount in excess of $10,000.

According to the petition, the incident occurred Jan. 21.

“I don’t know what happened,. I wasn’t there,” admitted Clement Collogan, a Ponca City resident who owns the McDonald’s restaurants in both Blackwell and Ponca City.

According to Collogan, no one from the Blackwell McDonald’s saw the mouse in the cup.

Berry, who refused comment, apparently bought the drink at the drive through window and consumed approximately three-fourths of it before removing the lid and allegedly finding the remains.

“I’m not saying it happened; I’m not saying it didn’t happen,” Collogan acknowledged. “I’m assuming it happened and this is not a fabrication.”

According to Collogan, he contacted the health department immediately after learning of the incident.

Berry said, “I have no comment at this time. I’ve been advised by my lawyer to direct any questions to him.”

According to the petition, Berry sought medical attention after finding the mouse in the cup.

“The public has to ask themselves the question, ‘How much (would you have to be paid) to drink out of this cup?’”, asked Philip J. Outhier, Berry’s attorney.

The petition states that Berry was damaged “physically and emotionally” by the experience.

Rape Suspect Sought by County Sheriff

BLACKWELL — Kay County sheriff’s deputies are searching for a 54-year-old suspect after an attempted rape and robbery that occurred just outside of Blackwell Tuesday morning.

David Loren Kramer, considered armed and dangerous, is believed to have attempted to rape a 58-year-old Kay County woman at her home northwest of Blackwell.

“We feel like he could possibly still be in the area,” noted under sheriff Buddy Thomas.

According to Thomas, deputies learned of the rape at 10 a.m. that morning. “The suspect went into the woman’s house and attempted to rape her,” he said. According to reports, the rape attempt failed.

“Afterward, the suspect stole a .22 caliber rifle and left the residence in a farm-type truck,” he said. The truck was also stolen.

Thomas said it took officers a while to identify the subject, who they believed had been living in Blackwell for the past few years under several aliases.

“Officers did a lot of back-tracking and traced him down through a long line of aliases,” he said, explaining the time lapse.

During the course of the investigation, officers learned that Kramer was wanted in two other states. He is wanted in Missouri for a sex-related offense and a parole violation in Kansas.

Thomas asks that anyone with information about Kramer call the Kay County sheriff’s office at 580/362-2517 or the police department.

POW MIA Monument Approved

Ponca City’s Park and Recreation advisory board approved a location for a prisoner of war and soldiers missing in action (POW/MIA) monument during Thursday night’s regular session.

The monument’s site request was presented by the Ponca City chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). The board approved an area south of the tennis courts at War Memorial Park during the meeting.

“Basically what we are trying to do is honor the POW/MIA’s of all wars,” explained veteran Lee Keyes during a presentation at last month’s board meeting.

According to Keyes, the “tasteful, low profile” monument would consist of a four-foot Oklahoma rose granite wall lined with seats, depicting a POW/MIA bracelet. A second six-foot wall heading the C-shaped structure would represent the bracelet’s name plate.

The veterans group originally asked for a spot in Cann Memorial Gardens for the monument. But, because of rules concerning the Cann Gardens’ trust, the Park and Recreation advisory board suggested other potential locations for the monument.

War Memorial Park was one of them.

The issue will come before city commissioners in August.

The board also approved a request from St. Joseph Medical Foundation to hold a Walk/Run fund raiser at Lake Ponca area.

Hilarious Film About Families Now Playing at Poncan Theatre

East Is East, a comedy about families and cultures, “appeals to so many people.” So says the San Francisco Chronicle, whose critic thoroughly enjoyed this “wild, farcical comedy.” But the fun is only part of the important issues that are examined in the film.

East Is East opens today at the Poncan Theatre on Grand.

George Kahn is a Pakastani man married to an Englishwoman and living in Manchester, England. Roger Ebert calls him “the Ralph Kramden of Manchester,” alluding to the famous Honeymooners of television history. George is rigid in his religious ways, pressing his values into the culture of his family. But it’s not a neat fit. His sons prefer to select their own spouses rather than submit to forced marriages. In spite of George’s rigidity, “there’s something likable about him,” making the film a winning comedy.

“There’s rich humor” in George’s juggling act, according to Ebert. His large family is clearly out of his control, and he is the only person who really holds to his values. But his attention is so distracted that he forgets to have his youngest boy circumcised. By the time he remembers, it’s long past the ideal moment. His wife and his son have grave doubts, and the scene is hilarious.

The film “does a fabulous job of combining intense family drama” with delightful comic set pieces, says the Chronicle. The question of arranging marriages for the sons becomes the mainspring of the plot. One son clearly loves a young woman, but the father is determined to decide who he shall marry. The eldest son meets his bride for the first time when she is unveiled at the wedding. She’s very pretty, to everyone’s delight except the son, who isn’t equipped to marry at all. To his father’s chagrin, the boy runs from the service saying “I’m not ready for this.” Ebert says this film is “useful for discussions between parents and children.”

The Chronicle says that Om Puri, the Pakastani actor who plays George, gives a performance “so honest and heartbreaking” that the film benefits from added weight and significance. Movies often portray parental authority in a monolithic way, they say. But East Is East shows that “our relationships with our parents are defined by contradictions and unexpected twists.”

East Is East is rated R for some language and some family violence. Roger Ebert writes that “the R rating is inexplicable.” For East Is East show times, patrons may consult the Ponca City News or call the Poncan Theatre at 580-765-0943. The Poncan Theatre is located at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City.

Standing Bear Park Project On Schedule

Phase II of the Standing Bear Park is under way, according to T. L. Walker, executive director. However, there have been some days lost as a result of rain, but work is progressing well and on schedule.

Walker made the report to the Standing Bear Education Committee at its meeting July 18 at the Pioneer Motor Bank.

Walker also reported on the landscaping that has been completed, and plans for the two orientation courts. She also reported that the State of Oklahoma had allocated $800,000 to be used for a building at the park that will be used for offices, a museum and other services.

The committee discussed the recent workshop entitled, “Day of Drums and Flutes,” held June 24. Members considered the event a success and look forward to hosting a similar workshop next year. Funding has been allocated from the Oklahoma State Arts Council for next year’s Native American music workshop.

Funding also has been allocated for the Medicine Bag Lunch series, scheduled for September. Members discussed ideas for guest speakers for the lecture series.

Donna Flood provided information about her book of photographs her family has saved through out the years. She said not only does it provide a visual image of history and culture, but also provides bits and pieces of information and stories passed down through her family that would be relevant to a number of people in this area. The web address is www.elecrticscotland.com/history/america/donna/picturebook.

The Education Committee will meet again, Aug. 15, 2000, at the Pioneer Motor Bank at 2 p.m. Anyone interested in being a part of the Standing Bear Foundation’s education efforts, please contact Walker at 762-1514.

EDUCATION

Lutheran Students Have Bear of a Time
University of Oklahoma Announces Scholars
NOC Expands Course Offerings
Hundreds of Kids Broaden Reading Skills
2000-2001 Calendar for PC Schools
Opportunities Available in Fall

Lutheran Students Have Bear of a Time

Fourth graders at First Lutheran School could be found searching maps and checking sights all around the world before school let out in May.

A social studies project called “Have Bear, Will Travel” was begun in the fall and came to a close in may. Each fourth grader sent a teddy bear, journal and camera on travels that literally took them around the world.

Many bears began their travels with grandparents as the project was launched on the school’s annual Grandparent’s Day.

Travels of the bears were tracked during the school year as postcards were received. Bears began arriving back at the school in April. Some were every carrying baggage they had collected along the way.

The class hosted a formal afternoon tea to welcome home their bears and celebrated their traveling success. The bears made visits to 20 states, 12 countries and five continents.

Photographs documenting their travels included sights from Mt. Vesuvius, Stonehenge, The Rose Parade and the Land Down Under. One bear ever saw the station at the end of the Pony Express in Sacramento and on a later excursion in Missouri visited the beginning of the Pony Express.

Some of the bears experienced a variety of weather from the snows of Pennsylvania and Colorado to suntanning on Waikiki and Copacabana beaches. Some politically-minded bears spent time in Senator Don Nickles’ office and on the campaign trails with Governor George Bush.

The bears were used to expand geography skills.

University of Oklahoma Announces Scholars

NORMAN — Students from 226 Oklahoma communities are listed on the University of Oklahoma honor roll for the spring 2000 semester.

In most colleges, students must earn a minimum 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale to be included on the honor roll. Students in the College of Architecture are recognized with a 3.3 or higher, and students in the College of Engineering are recognized with a 3.0 or better.

Students who earn a 4.0 grade point average earn recognition on the President’s Honor Roll.

Students listed on the President’s Honor Roll from Blackwell were Jim McKain and Allison Whaylen, also Julie Estrada of Braman, Anna Randol of Newirk, and Aaron Gates of Red Rock.

Ponca City students listed on the President’s Honor Roll were Molly Baugh, Rhett Butler, Kristen Day, Carol Ellifrit, Candace Hanson, Toni Hereford, Sarah Hodge, Lisa Lessert, Jennifer Martin, Jeremy Marzuola, Patrick Muchmore, Karen Stokke, Matthew Szabo, Brian Young and Patrick Zehr.

Other area students included on the honor roll were Daniel Garwood of Blackwell, Ana Buller of Newkirk and Scott Butler and Virginia Combrink of Tonkawa.

Ponca City students were Chad Anton, Sarah Armstrong, Alison Bair, Ernie Dixon, Kate Emig, Joey Ferguson, Michael Grubb, Louenda Hadley, Zachary Hodge, Alfred Husen, Amy Johnston, Roy Kelley, Clayton Keyes, Tina Koehn, Jamie McGee, Amie McGugan, Chad Niemann, Andrew Oster, Brent Plaxico, Annette Priba, Julie Schiltz, Wanda Sheehan, Dale Simpson, Chad Soucek and Christopher Westfield.

NOC Expands Course Offerings

As the fall 2000 semester begins, we at Northern Oklahoma College are excited about expanding program offerings to meet the increasing needs of our constituents in the 21st century.

In this column I would like to concentrate on recent developments in the Process Technology program, implemented just one year ago through the efforts of Dr. Virgil Ackerson, chair of the Division of Science, Mathematics and Engineering; Brian Box, physics instructor; and Dr. Roger Stacy, vice president for academic affairs.

As the center for the Process Technology program in Oklahoma, Northern is beaming introductory and safety courses via interactive television to Tulsa Community College West, Tulsa Community College Metro and Murray State College at Tishomingo this fall. Eventually all the core courses will be delivered from Northern through ITV and the Internet to other locations throughout the state. Distance learning students will attend Summer Institutes on the Tonkawa campus for intensive training in hands-on laboratory courses.

Approximately 16 students will begin their sophomore level of core courses on the Tonkawa campus this fall with at least 15 freshmen beginning the program, which leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. Among our instructors, all of whom are qualified process technicians, is Larry Powell, retired Conoco Process Superintendent.

Our graduates will be employable at entry-level positions not only in the petrochemical industry but also in such industries as food processing, natural gas processing, wood pulp processing and agricultural chemical plants. In fact, Dow Chemical Company has already contacted the college, asking for graduates interested in working in its Pittsburg, California, plant.

Also this fall Northern will be part of a pilot program to test a new curriculum developed for quality and systems courses in the Gulf Coast with funding by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education. Northern will give evaluations to the College of the Mainland in Texas City, Texas, to improve the curriculum before it is disseminated on a wide scale.

Thanks in part to a $125,000 grant from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Economic Development Program, we are ordering equipment, computers and other necessary supplies for the Process Technology program.

Conoco will assist us in building a small scale pilot plant on campus which will allow students to take a material safely through a full process just as they would in an actual refinery.

In addition to its invaluable help in implementing the Process Technology program on campus, Conoco has partnered with the college this summer in providing internships for six students. Chris Cornish of Shidler, Scott Dunster of Ponca City and Stevie Lebeda of Medford are interning in Research and Development while Pam Poindexter of Deer Creek and Blackwellites Brian Simunek and Travis Thompson are interning in the refinery. Their salaries are funded by a grant from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST), matched by Conoco. The interns make monthly reports about their experiences to Mr. Box and Dr. Ackerson.

As a member of the MidContinent Process Technology Alliance, a partnership of industry and education to develop a technical work force, Northern is in constant communication with other members, including Conoco, Sunoco and Diamond Shamrock, to ensure that students receive the training required for employment. Industries are impressed with our program, our students and the knowledge that our students bringing to their jobs.

Hundreds of Kids Broaden Reading Skills

Over 270 students, grades three through six, recently completed one month of summer school at Union Elementary and concentrated on improving reading skills.

This was the second year for Smart Camp, which is funded by the Ponca City schools.

Activities were designed to increase skills in the areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, reading strategies, reading comprehension, vocabulary and spelling. Phonics workbooks/activities, reading skill strategy workbooks, skill specific book sets, reading software and novel units provided the basis for instruction. Mathematics was also integrated into the daily lessons and activities.

Teacher assistants were utilized to read one-on-one with students and provide instructional support for teachers. AmeriCorp workers, provided through the United Way, read with many students daily and provided more skill instruction through the use of reading intervention skills.

To ensure accountability and end results, reading skills were tested at the beginning and end of the month of school. The average student made gains of over 2.7 months according to testing done in the computer lab using the assessments of Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC).

Students kept portfolios that included daily samples of their work. All parents were invited to an open house the last week of summer school to view their children’s portfolios and visit the classrooms.

With all of the hard work in reading, students were given a few breaks in their busy schedules. They enjoyed art projects, going to the computer lab, visiting the library and making new friends. Field trips were also taken to Kids Kastle and Wentz Pool.

2000-2001 Calendar for PC Schools

Holidays, services, transportation, food service, important phone numbers and the remaining school calendar for the Ponca City Public Schools are as follows:

Holidays

Nov. 22-24, Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 21-Jan. 2, Winter Break

March 19-23, Spring Break

April 13, Good Friday

Administrative Services

The administrative offices are located at 111 West Grand Avenue. Regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Education are held on the second Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m., at the administrative offices. The phone number is 767-8000.

Transportation

The district provides transportation for rural students, special needs students, and a limited number of in-town shuttle students. For specific information regarding bus routes or the rural attendance area call 767-8088.

Food Service

The district offers a nutritious breakfast and lunch. Free and reduced meal applications can be obtained at each school. For additional information call 767-8027.

Key Phone Numbers

Administration Offices — 767-8000

Athletic Director — 767-8075

Child Nutrition — 767-8027

Federal Programs — 767-8079

Maintenance — 767-8085

Special Services — 767-8019

Transportation — 767-8088

Garfield — 767-8030

Liberty — 767-8040

Roosevelt — 767-8060

Trout — 767-8070

Union — 767-8035

Washington — 767-8080

Woodlands — 767-8025

West Middle School — 767-8020

Homework Hotline — 767-8034

East Middle School — 767-8010

Attendance Office — 767-8015

Homework Hotline — 767-8083

High School — 767-9500

Attendance Office — 767-9523

Counseling — 767-9546

District Voice Mail — 767-9555

1999-2000 School Calendar

Aug. 17 ­ First day of school

Sept. 4 — Labor Day, no school

Oct. 19-20 — Fall Break

Oct. 27 — Parent/Teacher Conferences, no school

Nov. 13 — Work Day and Site Improvements, no school

Nov. 22-24 — Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 21-31 — Winter Break

Jan. 3 — Students return to school

Jan. 15-16 — Strand 3 and 4, no school

Feb. 9 — Zone 10 Day, no school

Feb. 23 — Parent/Teacher Conferences, no school

March 19-23 — Spring Break

April 13 — Good Friday, no school

May 24 — Last day of school

May 25 — Graduation exercises

Senior High

Trimester Schedule

Ponca City Senior High will implement a new trimester schedule this fall. The new schedule will encompass three 12-week sessions.

The first trimester will be Aug. 17 to Nov. 10, the second from Nov. 14 to Feb. 22 and the third from Feb. 26 to May 24.

Opportunities Available in Fall

When school starts, 10 to 12 four-year-old students will begin a new adventure. They will start to school at the new Backpack Academy, a three-day a week preschool program for four-year-olds.

The Backpack Academy, a part of the Children’s Ministries of First Baptist Church, will be open on Aug. 17 and hold classes three days a week while the Ponca City schools are in session.

The classes will meet from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

Carole Keffer has been hired to develop and teach this program. She is already preparing and planning for the children and will use the WEELearn curriculum by Lifeway Christian Resources as well as draw from other developmentally appropriate curriculum and resources as she teaches the children.

This preschool program will endeavor to “meet the children where they are” and take them as far as they can go.

Backpack Academy will be administered by Gayle Young, minister of childhood education, and Carolyn May, Children’s Ministries secretary.

There are very few vacancies in this program. For more information contact Young or May at 765-3435.

LIFESTYLES

Event To Fete Fusselmans
Couple United in Marriage At Kansas Wee Kirk Chapel

Event To Fete Fusselmans

Mr. and Mrs. Milton Fusselman will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a “come and go” reception 1-4 p.m. July 22. Friends are invited to attend the event at 1903 Willow Avenue. Hosts for the occasion will be Mark and Carol Fusselman, Paul and Shawney Fusselman, Dan and Diana Fusselman, and Mike and Annie Ortiz.

Milton Fusselman and the former Frances Smith were married July 28, 1950, in Phoenix, Ariz. where they made their first home, they later moved to Tuscan, Ariz., Nogales, Ariz., El Paso, Texas, and Blackwell before moving to Ponca City. They are members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Their children include Marie and Jim Seymour, Cecilia Vernaci, Milton Jr. and Karen Fusselman, and Elizabeth Graham. Mr. and Mrs. Fusselman have 16 grandchildren.

Couple United in Marriage At Kansas Wee Kirk Chapel

A “Country Style” wedding at the Wee Kirk Chapel in Cedar Vale, Kan. united Carolyn Annette Tate and Jeremy Joseph Magnus in marriage. Their vows were officiated by the Rev. Stanley Upchurch in the chapel courtyard, which was decorated with Shepherd’s hooks holding baskets of ivory and burgundy pansies accented with ivory and burgundy wedding bells.

Parents of the couple are John Ralph Tate and Lucy Annette Tate, both of Stillwater, and Randy and Eldonna Magnus of Ponca City. The bridegroom is the grandson of Eldon and Betty Nelson of Grenola, Kan. and Maxine Magnus of Cedar Vale, Kan.

The bride wore an ivory satin dress with an empire waistline accented in back by a bow. The hemline of the skirt and waistline were adorned with taupe and ivory rosettes. The dress featured a chapel-length train. Her double-tiered veiling was secured by a headpiece of taupe and ivory roses and pearls. she carried a hurricane lamp decorated with ivory tulle and burgundy roses.

Matron of Honor was Cathy Miley of Mesa, Ariz. and bridesmaid was Ashley Anderson of Ponca City. Each wore a floor length embroidered burgundy satin and crepe gown accented at the empire waistline by a satin band and back bow. Each carried an ivory satin basket decorated with burgundy roses and filled with rose petals.

The flower girl, robyn Elizabeth Dethloff, daughter of the bride, wore an ivory satin dress accented at the neckline with burgundy roses. Ringbearer, Joseph Andrew Magnus, son of the bridegroom, carried an ivory satin and lace heart-shaped ring pillow decorated with burgundy roses.

Lee Hesser of Glencoe served as Best Man, and groomsman was Shane Magnus of Ponca City. Lenay Hull of Cedar Vale, Kan. attended the guest book.

The reception was held at the First Baptist church in cedar Vale, Kan. The triple-tiered heart-shaped ivory wedding cake was accented with burgundy roses and topped with a western dressed bride and groom, which was handmade by the groom’s great uncle and aunt, Gerald and Coral Ann Magnus.

Among the guests attending the wedding were the bride’s aunt, LaDanta Foudray of Stillwater, the bridegroom’s brother, Mark Magnus of Ponca City, the bridegroom’s aunts, Marcia Magnus and Ragena Dobney of Cedar Vale, Kan., his uncle, glen Nelson Jr. of Olathe, Kan., and the bridegroom’s grandparents. The newlywed couple resides in Stillwater.

RELIGION

Musical Month Set at Community Christian Church
2000 Ark Avenue Theme At Prince of Peace VBS
‘Tales of Virtues' Tops Agenda of VBS
Shoe a Child Drive Kicks Off
The Reverend Alexander To Be Installed Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church
Church Briefs
Splash Zone

Musical Month Set at Community Christian Church

August is going to be a month of musical celebration at Community Christian located at 2109 West Grand.

At the beginning of each worship service during August, there will be a special sing-along song service with some favorite hymns. The church now has a computer database with over 2100 golden oldy hymns and will take requests for favorites that haven’t been seen in awhile. Call the office or drop us the church a note to have these favorites included in the August Sunday sing-along time.

There will be a musical program at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6. All are invited to bring their favorite dessert (maybe something from the new CWF Recipe Book) and join an evening Singspiration and sing-along with some old-time gospel music and performers. Members of the church are lookin toward a fun August and suggest all bring their friends.

The Rev. Nancy Kouns will occupy the pulpit Sunday, Aug. 13, and will discuss music in worship and the new hymnal. Koans has been well known and appreciated for her leadership in Oklahoma, and in particular for her music leadership skill. She has lead the music for state CWF meetings many times. She will tell some of the stories of favorite hymns and will introduce the congrgation to “hidden treasures” in the new hymnal.

Aug. 20 will be a morning of musical presentations. The choir will be back from its vacation and the will Kid’s Praise Choir will also perform. The evening of Aug. 27 brings another musical event. Denise Purdy and the “Circle of Friends” trio will offer a concert in the sanctuary.

2000 Ark Avenue Theme At Prince of Peace VBS

The family of faith at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is gearing up for 2000 Ark Avenue, this year’s Vacation Bible School program. The Ark will be open Monday through Friday from 6 to 8:15 p.m. All sessions will be at the church at 2800 Turner Road in Ponca City.

2000 Ark Avenue will teach about God’s love and make it a part of their lives. Each evening, kids will learn about God’s promises to us, sing, create a special art project and have a snack made by the church youth. Also, there will be water games, T-shirt designing, field games, and an obstacle course.

Kids attending will also create another reminder of God’s promise to us — a giant rainbow. And, to remember the week, everyone will make a rainbow-colored friendship bracelet. 2000 Ark Avenue will close on Friday, July 28 with a family pizza party. After putting the finishing touches on their friendship bracelet and completing the rainbow, a closing worship service, planned and lead by the youth, will be held. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church invites all children from age three to grade 8 (completed) to join them on the Ark. For questions or to register, please contact the church office at 762 -7698.

‘Tales of Virtues' Tops Agenda of VBS

Vacation Bible School starts Sunday night at Celebration service and runs through Thursday night at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 210 North Fifth Street. VBS will meet each of the five nights from 6 to 8 p.m.

Coordinators Bobbie Getman, Stacy Nichols and Kelli Tucker have chosen “Tales of Virtue” as this year’s theme. During the week those attending will hear from storytellers the value of the virtues of forgiveness, friendship, responsibility, honesty, and loyalty. Storytellers will include Neva Balduff, Kent Dorsey, Roberta Shaffer, Gary Stephens, and Linda Wilson.

Other activities include learning VBS songs, a washboard band directed by Marta Sullivan and Teresa Benson, crafts provided by Lois Corbin, Pat Morahan, Julie Kirchenbauer, Christa Valentine, Betty and Phil Carson, and games by Regina Bookout, Jan Dorsey, Kathy Turner, Jackie Keathly, Kim Stauffer, Arlene Stauffer and Vicki Braden. Bob Corbin is coordinating snacks.

This promises to be a whole lot of fun and of course, is open to any child 4-12 years of age. In addition to the children’s program, parents are invited to attend a short interactive presentation about preserving family history entitled “Remember when ...” following Celebration Service. Practical ideas about how to remember events in the life of a family will be shared.

Shoe a Child Drive Kicks Off

“Shoe a Child” campaign 2000 kicks off Sunday at Woodlands Christian Church. This campaign has put new shoes on more than 440 children in the past six years.

There are still many children who put on the same shoes everyday to go to school — some are hand-me-downs, some are too small or too big, some have holes or the soles are flopping, said a spokesperson. By supporting “Shoe a Child” with a generous gift, many of these children will start school this year with a brand-new pair of shoes.

For additional information or to make a donation, call the church office at 765-8528 or 765-2402.

The Reverend Alexander To Be Installed Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church

BLACKWELL — The Rev. Robert Alexander will be installed as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, 125 Vinnedge in Blackwell at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The Rev. Thomas Ramsey of the First Lutheran Church of Ponca City will deliver the sermon during the services with assistance from the Rev. Gerald Becker of Bartlesville and Bill Doering, retired principal of First Lutheran School of Ponca City, who have served as guest pastors at Trinity during the 14 months of the vacancy.

Michael Loftis, president of the Trinity congregation, and members Beth Fredrick, Linda Forsyth, Molly Ewy and Landon Field will assist during the service. The installation will be done by Rev. William Diekelman, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Osasso and president of the Oklahoma District of Lutheran Churches Missouri Synod. Other area LCMS ministers will assist during the installation ceremony. Organist will be Rachel Kahle, and the choir will be under the direction of Ellen Kerr.

Robert Alexander was born Oct. 21, 1951, in Portage, Wis., the son of Robert T. and Sally Alexander. He lived in Prairie du Sac, Wis. At the age of six, his father died and, four years later, he moved to Wilton, Iowa. His parents are Sally and Gerald Moeller, who live in Portage in the summer and reside in Arizona during the remainder of the year. He has one sister, Lauri, a brother, Stuart, and two half-sisters, Carol and Nancy.

He graduated from Wilton High School in 1969 and attended the institute of Drafting and Technology to become a draftsman, graduating in 1971. In the summer of 1971, he joined the United States Air Force and served until 1975. He worked as an electrician and in factories until 1977, when he entered Concordia College in St. Paul, Minn., graduating in 1981. He then attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., did his vicarage at Kirksville, Mo., and graduated from Concordia in 1985.

His first call was to Palmer, Neb., where he was ordained and installed on Sept. 1, 1985. He served there until October of 1991. He has been pastor at St. John’s in Galva, Iowa, the past eight years and also was the vacancy pastor at Sac City, Iowa. Since 1987, he has been serving God and the United States as a chaplain in the Air Force reserves

Alexander and his wife, Lori, have one son, Robert John. He also has three stepchildren, Stacy, Carissa And Nathan and a step-grandson, Jacob.

The Alexanders reside at 256 Russell in Blackwell.

Church Briefs

Road Race 2000 VBS

“Road Race 2000 — In the Race with Jesus” is the theme adopted by the Second Baptist Church, 1112 West Grand, for its Vacation Bible School. The VBS will run daily from 6 to 8 p.m. next Monday through Friday. The church is looking for young drivers to join in the race and who are prepared for fun, excitement, craft and treats along with lesson and hands-on involvement to help prepare the kids for life.

Sixth Sunday Pentecost

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church ELCA, 2800 Turner Road, will celebrate the Sixth Sunday after the Pentecost on Sunday. Sunday will also be ‘Bring a Friend” Sunday. All are invited to worship. The sermon will be “For Christians, the ministry of peace begins and ends with Christ the Shepherd who gathers the scattered children of the world.” Worship is at 10 a.m.; adult Sunday school is 9 a.m.

Road Rally 2000

Grace Tabernacle Church will hold its Vacation Bible School from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday for children four to 12. The theme for VBS is “Road Rally 2000.” Preregister by calling 765-5775 and leave a message

Church Benefit

The First United Pentecostal Church is hosting a spaghetti dinner in the fellowship hall of the First Christian Church, 210 North Fifth, from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Dinner includes spaghetti, bread, salad and a choice of dessert and drink. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under. The function is a come-and-go event.

New Mount Olive Baptist

New Mount Olive Baptist Church, 520 North Pine in Newkirk, will be sponsoring its regular fellowship service Sunday. Sunday school will begin at 10 a.m. with morning service beginning at 11 a.m. The Rev. Irvin J. Bobb of New Mount Olive will deliver the message. An open invitation is extended to all who wish to attend.

Harmony Vacation Bible School

Harmony Missionary Baptist Church, 2230 North Union, will be having Vacation Bible School from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for children preschool through 6th grade. Phone the church at 765-4501 for van rides.

Hartford Avenue

Church of Christ

Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites all to worship Sunday at its Bible classes at 9:30 a.m. and worship service at 10:30 a.m. The Sunday evening service is at 6 o’clock and one at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Watch the Search program, sponsored by Churches of Christ, at 8 a.m. on Channel 5 or 8. This week’s program is titled “Why be baptized.” They continue the citywide Bible class held at the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street, at 6 p.m. Sunday with an in-depth study of Romans 7:7-13 “The Christian and the Law,” part 2.

Free Car Wash

The youth of First Lutheran Church and School will be sponsoring a free car was on Sunday, July 30, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church parking Lot at Fourth and Liberty (across from the high school). Ice cream will be served as the car is being washed. The free car is a celebration and thanksgiving for 75 years in Ponca City.

Splash Zone

Enid’s waterpark Splash Zone and Christian radio KLVV will host an evening from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 28, with all admission fees to benefit KLVV. Giveaways and swimming will be among the events, and KLVV encourages churches to bring their youth groups.

DEATHS

Lee Roy Hilbert
Mary Irene Mercer
Harold Sherman Cline
Hubert H. Butt
Janet Carol Carpenter Pearson

Lee Roy Hilbert

BLACKWELL — Lee Roy Hilbert, of Ponca City and former Blackwell resident, died Thursday, July 20, 2000, at the Shawn Manor Nursing Home. He was 75.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, July 22, 2000, at 11 a.m. at the Blackwell Cemetery with Rev. Andy Jobe officiating, under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home of Blackwell.

Lee Roy Hilbert was born March 13, 1925, in Shamrock, the son of Jessie and Eva (Seymore) Hilbert. At the age of five, he and his family moved to Depew, where he resided for 15 years. He received his education from Depew schools. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served for two years.

On Oct. 10, 1969, he married Frances Scott in Chandler. They resided in Blackwell. He was employed by the Blackwell Co-op for 20 years and the Ranch Drive Co-op for 16 years as a Grain Elevator operator, retiring in 1987.

Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, Jerry D. Hilbert, Richard G. Hilbert and Michael L. Hilbert all of Ponca City; two daughters, Michelle Hilbert of Springfield, Mo. and Kim Thompson of LaVida, Co; one brother Bill Hilbert of Blackwell; two sisters, Velma Marks of Depew and Mary Jane Whaley of Gypsy; thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandsons. He is preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, two brothers and two grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in his name to the Leukemia Society of America, 5929 N. May St., Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

Mary Irene Mercer

BLACKWELL — Mary Irene Mercer, resident of Blackwell, died Thursday morning, July 20, 2000, in the Stillwater Medical Center in Stillwater. She was 73.

A graveside service in the James W. Roberts Memorial Chapel will be held Monday, July 24, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Rick Longcrier, of the First Baptist Church of Blackwell, officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Mary Irene Mercer was born Oct. 21, 1926, in Blackwell, the daughter of Audie and Letha (Vetter) Turner. She grew up in Blackwell and attended Blackwell Public Schools graduating in 1944. She was employed by First National Bank in Blackwell and later employed by Bell Telephone.

She married Stanton E. Mercer on March 9, 1946, in Miami, Okla., and they settled in Blackwell. Following their marriage she spent her time raising their family and tending to the home. She enjoyed various crafts such as oil painting, knitting and ceramics. She spent many hours of enjoyment cooking for family and friends. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Blackwell.

Survivors include her husband of the home; two daughters, Cathy Whetstine of Blackwell and Karen Horton of Henderson, Nev.; one sister, Joan Judd of Pryor; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother at infancy; and a great-grandchild at birth.

Honorary casket bearers are: Doug Mercer, James Dill, Dale Horton and Dean Bishop.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, First and Bridge, Blackwell, OK, 74631 or St. Jude’s Children Hospital care of the funeral home.

Obituaries

Harold Sherman Cline

NEWKIRK — Harold Sherman “Shorty” Cline, longtime Newkirk farmer and rancher, died Thursday morning, July 20, 2000, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. He was 93.

The funeral has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, July 22, in the Newkirk First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jerry Albright, minister of the Newkirk First Christian Church and the Rev. Jim Hollifield, minister of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial is to follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

Memorial funds have been established with the Newkirk First Christian and First United Methodist Churches. Contributions may be made to either in Mr. Cline’s memory through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk 74647-0468.

Harold Sherman Cline was born January 24, 1907, in Newkirk, one of nine children of William Sherman and Etta Blanche (Roach) Cline. He grew up in Newkirk where he received his early education. While in high school he lettered three years in football.

On March 12, 1927, he and Lucille Allen were married in Arkansas City and established their home in Newkirk. At the time of their marriage he was employed by the Kay and Kaw Mercantile during the day and ran the projector at the Cozy Theatre at night. The fall of that year they moved to Oklahoma City where he attended Hill’s Business College, after which they returned to Newkirk where he went into insurance and management of the Cline farms. During the Depression, he went into the horse and mule business, selling horses, and horse and mule teams to the Government. Later he moved his family to the Kaw Country where he was engaged in farming and ranching for 31 years. In 1972 they retired from their farming and ranching operation and returned to Newkirk where they have since resided.

He was a member of the Newkirk First Christian Church, Lions Club, the Masonic Lodge and the Cattleman’s Association. He enjoyed hunting and fishing around the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as family trips around the United States.

He is survived by his wife Lucille of the Newkirk home; five daughters and their husbands, Patricia and Kerney Graham, Sandra and Don Lockwood, Willetta and Homer Duke, and Marcia and Kenneth Locke, all of Newkirk and Carolyn Rouse of Canton, Kan.; one brother, Wilson Ettason Cline of San Francisco; 27 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; 10 step great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; and two step great-great--grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Harold Cline Jr. in 1976; his parents; and seven brothers and sisters, Everett, Earl, William and his stillborn twin sister, Laverne, Lorena and Warren.

Grandsons serving as casket bearers will be Gary Graham, Steven Cline, John Lockwood, Mark Ford, Rick Rouse and Travis Locke. Grandsons serving as honorary bearers are Curtis Graham, Dana Cline, Jeff Cline, James Lockwood, David Lockwood, Lance Lockwood, Perry Ford and Wade Locke.

paid obituary

Hubert H. Butt

Hubert H. Butt, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, July 18, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 80.

The funeral will be held Saturday, July 22, 2000, at 10 a.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John J. Michalicka, pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, officiating. Burial will be with military honors in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Hubert H. Butt was born Jan. 12, 1920, in Abingdon, Va., to Arthur Scott and Elizabeth Gertrude (Cole) Butt. He grew up and graduated high school in Abingdon. Upon graduation, he joined the Army Air Corps and served as a bombardier in B-17 and B-29 aircraft during World War II. After being honorably discharged, he entered the Air Force Reserves from which he later retired as a Major.

On June 20, 1944, he married Therese M. Tobin of Ponca City at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Together, they moved to Atlanta, Ga., where Hubert attended Georgia Tech University on the GI Bill and graduated in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He traveled with his young family to Ponca City in 1948 and began a career with Conoco, retiring in 1985.

Hubert was a strong supporter of youth activities in Ponca City for many years. In particular, he served as Scoutmaster for Troop 5, Boy Scouts of America for more than a decade. Hubert was a member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Therese of the home; four sons, Mike Butt and his wife, Theresa, of Ponca City; Ed Butt and his wife, Mary Lynn, of Santa Maria, Calif., Tom Butt of Silver Spring, Md., and Paul Butt of Tampa, Fla.; and two daughters, Mary Plank of Ponca City, and Terri Link and her husband, Jim, of Uvalde, Texas. Also a brother, Robert Butt and his wife, Lucille, of Abingdon, Va., and a sister, Virginia Collier of Asheville, N.C. survive him. Additional survivors include 15 grandchildren, Martha Lopez and her husband, Carmelo, Megan Lawver and her husband, Tim, Elizabeth, Emily, Angela, Michael, Stephanie, and Natalie Butt, Gregory, Chele, Glenn and Candace Plank, Laura Butt, and Elizabeth and Val Link; and two great-grandchildren, Ilene Holder and Noel Lawver. In addition to his parents, a son, Don Butt, a grandson, Joseph Hamilton Butt, three brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

Casket bearers will be his sons and grandsons, Mike Butt, Ed Butt, Tom Butt, Paul Butt, Michael Butt, Val Link, Greg Plank and Glenn Plank.

Contributions may be made in his memory to Troop 5, Boy Scouts of America, c/o St. Mary’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1330, Ponca City, OK 74602.

The family will be at the home, 804 S. Fifth.

paid obituary

Funerals

Saturday

Janet Carol Carpenter Pearson

Janet Carol Carpenter Pearson — Memorial service at 10:30 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas.

NEWS BRIEFS

Outreach for Youth — Word of Life Christian Center is sponsoring an outreach for youth Saturday, July 22, in the South of Paradise Apartments parking lot at 3401 N. Union from 4 to 9 p.m. Free food and drinks will be provided. For entertainment there will be two live bands, games for kids, a dance and drama.

Head Country all day Friday special­ All you can eat, smoked BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $7.49, all day. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Vacation Bible School — Crestview Baptist Church will be holding Vacation Bible School on July 23-28 at 6:30 to 9 p.m. each evening, at 3228 Indian Hills Road, 3.5 miles east on U.S. 60 for ages 4 years through sixth grade.

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.

Rodeo Time Near — The 101 Wild West Rodeo dates have been set for Aug. 16-19, with performances at 8 p.m. each night. However, for the true rodeo buff, there will be a rodeo slack and steer roping on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the 101 Ranch arena on North Ash Street at West Prospect Avenue. The 101 Wild West Rodeo parade will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Rodeo officials state that the rodeo ticket office will open Aug. 1.

Star Wars, Return Of The Jedi movie buffs: Close out on one of a kind collector film cels! Also Disney motion cels. Originally $25.00 now $6.50. Christy’s 3005

North 14th. Open every day. adv.

Stolen Vehicle — A man in the 400 block of West Otoe Avenue reported a stolen vehicle to Ponca City police at 7:07 a.m. Thursday. The vehicle was a navy blue 1987 Toyota Camry. The keys were not in the vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Surrounding agencies were advised.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 700 block of North Seventh Street reported a 21-year-old man was taken into custody for driving under suspension, transporting an open container, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at 8:27 p.m. Thursday.

Subject Held — An officer in the 800 block of South Fourteenth Street reported an 87-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication at 10:09 a.m. Thursday.

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

Accident — A minor accident in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 1:25 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned, but no report was taken — subjects exchanged information.

Pauline’s Shrimp peel, all you can eat, $11.95, Friday 21st. For reservations, call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — An officer in the intersection of North Fourth Street and East Highland Avenue reported an officer involved accident to the Communications Center at 3:41 p.m. Thursday. A second officer assisted and a report was taken.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Highland Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 4:04 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned but was unable to locate the vehicles.

Ambulance Run — A small child in Marland was reported to be stuck in a fence with a wire stuck through his/her hand to the Communications Center at 4:15 p.m. Thursday. Ponca City Fire Department’s rescue one and an ambulance and Marland Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene. The child was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the parking lot of a business in the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 5:10 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident was reported to the Communications Center at 5:19 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Kygar Road and Lake Road. Kay County Sheriffs Office and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was advised.

Subjects Held — An officer at the police department reported a 19-year-old man was taken into custody for knowingly possessing stolen property and a 17-year-old boy for second degree burglary at 7:01 p.m. Thursday.

Accident — A hit-and-run accident in the 700 block of North Peachtree Street was reported to Ponca City police at 7:27 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — Someone in the 1400 block of South Sixth Street turned in a stolen bicycle report to Ponca City police at 7:54 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned.

Burglary — A man in the 800 block of East Madison Avenue reported his residence had been burglarized to Ponca City police at 10:58 p.m. Thursday. The resident reported two guns were taken. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Fire Run — Someone in the 100 block of Hillcrest Drive was reported a fire in a back yard to the Communications Center at 1:15 a.m. Friday. The resident believed a tree and a power line had been hit by lightning. Ponca City Fire Department’s emergency one and an ambulance and one unit from the police department responded to the scene.

Fire Run — A clerk at a business in the 700 block of South Waverly Street reported to the Communications Center at 1:31 a.m. Friday that someone had pumped out about 120 gallons of gas onto the parking lot. Ponca City Fire Department and a police unit responded to the scene. A report was taken.

Shoplifting — A clerk at a business in the 200 block of East Highland Avenue reported a woman had walked out without paying for two 18-packs of beer to Ponca City police at 1:57 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

SPORTS

PSST Hosts State Meet

PSST Hosts State Meet

Ponca City’s Sailfish Swim Team will host the Division II state championship meet Saturday and Sunday at the Ambucs’ Pool.

Approximately 200 swimmers, representing 14 teams will take part in the meet.

Division II is an entry level state championship which has both minimum qualifying times and maximum cut off times for all events.

Those swimmers who reach faster qualifying times will compete in the Junior Olympic state championship meet at the Oklahoma City Community College pool July 28-30.

The Division II meet is divided into two age groups, 12-and-under and 13-19.

The younger group will compete Saturday and Sunday mornings, starting at 9 a.m.

The older group will swim in the afternoons, starting at 2 p.m.

Team members include, Billy Locke, Josh Plunk, Judy Mertz, Caitlin Robertson, Robb Lankston, Daniel Robertson, Heather Harris, Kelsey Whitebay, Alyson Sprague, Allison Huckabee, Eric Whitebay, Kelsey Geheb, Maria Hester, Kayla Harris, Jonathan Hester, Caroline Brown, Kayla Mills and Patrick Powers.