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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Friday, July 16, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES EDUCATION RELIGION SPORTS LOCALLegally Blind Idabel Student Set To Make Best of Opportunities Legally Blind Idabel Student Set To Make Best of OpportunitiesAfter accepting an invitation to come to the state Capitol to talk to legislators about the educational needs of her high school, Amanda Clawson, of Idabel, was inundated with questions as she toured the building. Politicians and well-wishers approached the teenager at every opportunity. Where was she going to college? What were her future plans? She answered every question with sincerity and spontaneity. After just finishing high school, Amanda Clawson doesn’t have to give concrete answers when asked about her future. Her road ahead is like a bottomless cup — brimming with opportunities. Clawson, who is legally blind, was valedictorian at the Oklahoma School for the Blind (OSB) in Muskogee. After scoring a 33 on her ACT college assessment test, she was inundated with offers to further her education on the college level. She was one of 82 Oklahoma students — and the first OSB student ever — to be named a Robert C. Byrd congressional scholar by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. This fall, she will be attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. She intends to major in music, though, she has expressed varied interest in computers, science and medicine. Clawson first learned of OSB as a visiting adolescent summer school student. Always sharp when it came to academics. Clawson’s poor vision became an increasing problem for her as she grew into her teens. At the urging of her parents, she enrolled full time at OSB during her sophomore year of high school. “I was having problems reading. I can read OK if it’s really large, but some of the encyclopedias, dictionaries and newspapers were really hard to see. I can’t see most math books, either, especially fractions and algebra formulas. Parkview (OSB) was just a better place for me to be,” Clawson said. At OSB, Clawson was able to flourish in an educational environment that provided her an individualized education which helped her develop and maximize her untapped potential. But by no means was Clawson an overachieving high school book worm. She was plenty busy doing other things — she played piano and trumpet in OSB’s jazz band, directed the cheerleading team, worked at a local restaurant after school and took advanced biology and chemistry classes at nearby Muskogee High School. “I learned so much at OSB. It was so beneficial for me to go there. The teachers work so hard and do their best with what they have. They have to put in more work because each of the students has special needs. It definitely helped me get started — to do the things I want to do in my life.” The Oklahoma School for the Blind, which recently celebrated its 100th year of operation, provides residential, pre-school and early intervention education for Oklahoma students who are blind or have visual disabilities. The school also serves as a resource center for Oklahoma students with visual impairments who attend other schools. OSB is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). Nearly NewsAMBUCS has set a fund raiser to be held at Sun N’ Fun waterpark July 23, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Proceeds will go to the K-9 Dog fund to purchase a police dog for the Ponca City Police Department. Advance tickets can be purchased at Home National Bank, Pioneer Bank, First Bank of Oklahoma, Parker Pest Control and Dr. William Stuever’s office. The price includes admittance to the park and a meal catered by Head Country BBQ. Cultural Center Repairs ApprovedBy LAURA CORFF News Staff Writer The Cultural Affairs Commission held its monthly meeting Wednesday at the Cultural Center. Sandy Graves, president of the Friends of the Cultural Center, told members that 1,465 “Not a Dinner” post cards had been sent out to individuals as a fund raiser. The function is not a dinner to attend, but merely an invitation to join the Friends as members and support the Cultural Center. Graves also confirmed the grant application for the HVAC system was submitted. Additionally, Graves said that Kevin Carmack, a new board member, will construct and maintain a new web site for the group. In other reports, Linda Sparks reported on the Friends Sale of the Century. Although she was disappointed in the number of donations received for the sale, she was pleased with the $2,106 proceeds raised. Since there was no new business, Kathy Adams presented the director’s report. She stated that during the budget process she asked the city commission for $50,000 in capital funds for the exterior of the Cultural Center. The board allocated $30,000 for the HVAC system and $20,000 for exterior repairs. Attendance at the Cultural Center during June was up over May figures. The facility received more than 1,600 visitors and revenue in the amount of $1,442. Additionally, Adams reported the second and third floors had been deep cleaned and were now finishing in the first story and basement. While cleaning out the attic, staff discovered three art deco hanging fixtures were discovered in addition to a group of photos from a traveling exhibit. Adams hopes to relocate the fixtures to their original location. Hutchins Memorial Adams also reported that phase two of the lighting project at the Hutchins Memorial was complete. Lighting was permanently installed/mounted to the pipes on the rear wall at a cost of $8,000. In addition, the cleaning and painting at the complex is almost finished. Conoco recently donated 18 eight-foot tables, which will allow staff to replace some of the old tables and chairs. Additionally, a new roof will be applied in September. Almost 2,000 visitors attended events at the Hutchins with revenue received totaling $5,618. Furthermore, Adams reported that the Cann Gardens are now under the Park and Recreation Department and the city will be forming a new board for the facility. Anyone wanting to reserve the building should contact Terri at the Park Department. Furthermore, original photos of the 101 Collection photos have been copied and professionally labeled. The saddles have also been cleaned. At the end of the meeting, Stan Kistler updated members on the Master Gardener program, which is being coordinated through Oklahoma State University. Lake Ponca Lot Variance ApprovedBy Laura Corff News Staff Writer Members of the Ponca City Park and Recreation Advisory Board approved a variance for a lot improvement at Lake Ponca during their meeting Thursday. Gene and Verla Sigle asked the board to extend the deck of lot 16 to the north by twelve feet, which would also extend the northeast corner out over the water. The Sigle’s just purchased the corner lot and asked for the variance because there is very little shore line available with the lot. Although Jim Sindelar, director of Park and Recreation, said the standard operating procedures state that any structure must be one foot above the waterline and five feet set back. The director agreed that the dock was small due to the pie shape of the lot. He indicated that the Sigle’s were working with the building inspector and Jim Eck, of the Park Department. Ron Mersman, chairman, spoke in favor of the variance due to the odd shape of the lot and the water was not usable anyway. The board unanimously approved the change. The recommendation will be taken to the Ponca City Board of Commissioners for final approval. In other requests, the board authorized the TOPS Club to host a walk at Lake Ponca on Sept. 18. The event will promote the club and health. It will begin at 8 a.m. and end mid-afternoon. The board also elected new officers. Lori Nuzum was elected as chairperson and Don Duren is vice president. New members to the board include two student members, Andrea Nuzum and Susan Taylor, in addition to Sonny Apman and Tom Throop. In old business, Sindelar presented an update on the Trails Master Plan. He said that the first steering committee, comprised of 19 members has been formed. A public meeting will be held Thursday at the Fourth Street Clubhouse from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The landscape architect will do a hands-on layout of the trails to gather information from citizens. Afterwards, the committee will be looking to set priorities for the first phase of the project. In September, another workshop will be held for additional input from the community for the second phase. Additionally, Sindelar said staff was following up on a millennium trails project grant which could fund part of the plan. District CourtNewkirk Marriage Licenses Dylan Paul Vowel, 21, and Fay Lauree DeCosta, 20, both of Blackwell. Cameron Todd Fleming, 30, and Kimberlee Lane Cain, 32, both of Ponca City. Emmitt Dean Stephens, 20, Ponca City, and Kindra Maire Fields, 17, Newkirk. Roy Steve Kelley Jr., 30, and Lori Dawn McCullough, 29, both of Ponca City. Don Erik Swopes, 32, Blackwell, and Jamice Irene Lambas, 21, Ponca City. Brian Laile Fredricks, 29, Ponca City, and Bethany Diane Newman, 29, Stillwater. Frank Jack Rowe, 21, and Christy Lynn Rogers, 19, both of Tonkawa. James Vernon Smith, 56, and Ruby Eileen McCombs, 63, both of Newkirk. Divorces Granted Manessa J. Shoats vs. John D. Shoats. Laura Ann Hutchison vs. Darry Dewayne Hutchison. Amanda Kay Glass vs. Brent Lee Glass, Sr. Jeffery Scott Day vs. Trina Mairye Moser-Day. Civil Petitions Credit Acceptance Corporation vs. Jose C. Longoria and Valerie Longoria; plaintiff seeking judgment for $3,838.93. Providian National Bank vs. Earl C. Broyles; plaintiff seeking judgment for $8,882.76. NationsBank, N.A., vs. Brent Clyde Doyal; plaintiff seeking judgment for $5,584.07. Ponca City Divorces Sought Roberta Janie Campbell vs. Charles Ray Campbell. Marvin David Selvey vs. Mandy Lee Selvey. Toy Dawn Bowker vs. Jason Erick Bowker. Monte L. Branson vs. Debra F. Branson. Lacy Harris vs. Matthew Ryan Harris. Danetta White vs. Nick James Braden. Tommia L. Garvie vs. Shawn L. Garvie. Kenda Tennille Richardson vs. William Charles Richardson. Jacqueline M. Baca vs. Joseph M. Baca. Divorces Granted William Joseph Willoughby vs. Jenny Howie Willoughby. Shannon Newlin vs. Kevin Newlin. Charles H. Bryer vs. Barbara D. Bryer. Kevin L. Ferguson vs. Marilyn L. Ferguson. Civil Petitions Steve Mederos vs. Rogers Oil Co., Inc.; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000. Warren Doss, et al., vs. Teresa Colvin; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000. Bank of Oklahoma N.A. vs. C. Stanley Barraclough; plaintiff seeking judgment for $4,197.84. DEATHSThelma Leona Fitzgerald Thelma Leona FitzgeraldBlackwell — Thelma Leona (Walton) Fitzgerald, resident of Blackwell, died Thursday, July 15, 1999, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 94. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday, July 17, 1999, at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Daryl Donovan of the First Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Mound Cemetery in Medford. Thelma Leona (Walton) Fitzgerald was born June 24, 1905, in Lamont, the daughter of Oliver and Pearl (Kennedy) Walton. She grew up in the Lamont-Medford area and attended rural schools before attending Phillips University in Enid for a year. She then returned to teach in the Medford area. She continued her education in the summer months and through correspondence until earning her degree in elementary education. She taught in the rural schools of Grant County, beginning in 1923. She married Franklin J. Fitzgerald on Aug. 9, 1930, in Wichita, Kan., and they settled on a farm east of Medford. She continued teaching in the rural schools until 1957 when they moved to Blackwell, and she began teaching fourth grade at Washington School until 1967 when she retired. Following her retirement, she traveled extensively with her husband, who preceded her in death in 1983. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Blackwell. She also held membership in the National Education Association, the Oklahoma Education Association, and the Kay County Retired Teachers Association. Survivors include three sisters, Ruby Womack of Ponca City, and Gertrude Yadon and Grace Henderson, both of Blackwell; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a sister, Zelma Fitzgerald; and three brothers, Amos, Faye and Wells Walton. Casket bearers will be JoDel Shepherd, Doug McKinney, Lonnie Lively, Paul Love, Floyd Buesing, Travis Coleman and Frank Dyer. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Heart Fund, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 120 Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631. Thomas James HardmanARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Thomas “Tom” James Hardman, resident of Arkansas City, died Wednesday, July 14, 1999, at his home. He was 51. Graveside services will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 17, 1999, at the Riverview Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City. Thomas James Hardman was born Nov. 19, 1947, in Arkansas City, Kan., the son of Melvin and Nila (Mathews) Hardman. He was reared and educated in Arkansas City and graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1965. He later attended Cowley County Community College and Pittsburg State University. He served in the United States Army from Aug. 17, 1970, to Feb. 19, 1972, in Korea during the Vietnam War. He married Helen Moon and later married Elaine Brewer. Hardman worked for the Ponca Indian Tribe for several years and then with the Census Bureau. He had attended the Church of Christ. He had also been the recipient of many visits from missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ — Latter Day Saints. He was a lifetime member of both the Veterans of Foreign War, Spencer-Ralston Post No. 1254, and the American Legion, Shelton Beaty Post No. 18. Survivors include a daughter, Megan Hardman of Deer Creek; his mother, Nila Hardman of Arkansas City; two brothers, Steven and Jerry Hardman, both of Arkansas City; one sister, Maureen Boyd of Roanoke, Va.; and friend, Eileen Lockwood. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Arkansas City Chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous, c/o Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, 100 E. Kansas Ave., Arkansas City, KS 67005. ObituariesMabel WalserMabel Walser, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday morning, July 15, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 91. The funeral will be held Saturday, July 17, 1999, at 10 a.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Thomas N. Smith, pastor of First Church of God in Ponca City, officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. Mabel (Wilson) Walser was born May 19, 1908, in Drummond to Joseph Henderson and Turressa Belle (Bolt) Wilson. She was raised and attended schools in Enid. Additionally, she married Lloyd Albert Walser and enjoyed the birth of two sons in Enid. The family moved to Ponca City about 57 years ago as Mr. Walser was employed with Continental Oil Co., retiring in March 1970. Mr. Walser preceded her in death Jan. 24, 1977. Her motto was “One day at a time.” Mrs. Walser was formerly a member of the First Christian Church in Ponca City and at the time of her death was a member of the First Church of God. She enjoyed doing needlepoint and knitting. She had been a resident of the Ponca City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the past two years. She is survived by her son, Irvin L. Walser and his wife Janie of Houston, Texas. In addition to her husband and parents, a son, Lloyd Alan Walser, three brothers and nine sisters preceded her in death. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. paid obituary NEWS BRIEFSFrontier School Meeting — Parents of Frontier School are invited to attend a 5 p.m. meeting today at the Otoe-Missouria Cultural Center gymnasium. All interested persons are invited, and involved teachers will speak. Kids Review accepting fall/winter children consignments. Fall open, July 31st. adv. Fireworks — A resident on Stoneridge Road advised the Ponca City Police Department at 7:56 a.m. Thursday that fireworks were set off in the mailbox. Sale 20-50-70% savings, Kids/Her Review. 309 East Grand. adv. Graffiti — An employee with the Ponca City Schools advised the Ponca City Police Department that the south side of the Mid High had graffiti. An officer responded and took pictures. Furr’s Dining Now open continuously 11-8 Sunday-Thursday, 11-8:30 Friday and Saturday. adv. Arrest — At 10 a.m. Thursday, a 24-year-old woman turned herself in to the Ponca City jail. She had been committed by the municipal judge to serve time. 20%-60% off new and used clothing. Barely New, 2010 North 14th. adv. Arrest — A municipal judge committed a 21-year-old man to serve time in the Ponca City jail at 1:49 p.m. Thursday. An officer took the subject into custody. Crazy Day Special! Saturday, 20% off all items. Sale table with mark downs up to 50% off. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, downtown Ponca City. adv. Shoplifter — At 1:57 p.m. Thursday, an employee of Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, advised the Ponca City Police Department that a shoplifter was in custody. An officer responded and arrested a 56-year-old woman for petit larceny. Rubber Stampers - Open House. Free “Make and takes” and door prizes. St Paul’s Church. Hartford and Pecan, July 17th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. adv. Warrant Served — At 2:25 p.m. Thursday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 24-year-old man from a traffic stop at North Fourth Street and East Highland Avenue for a Kay County warrant. Little Dance Smoke Shop. 3 miles south on 177. Marlboro- $19.00; Winston-$19.00. Check our prices. 762-7071. Open 7 a.m.- 8 p.m., 6 days. Sunday 10-6. adv. Committed — At 2:52 p.m. Thursday, a Ponca City police officer took a 19-year-old man into custody after a municipal judge committed the man to serve time in the Ponca City jail. 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 500 block of West Chestnut Avenue contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 4 p.m. Thursday to advise four men took something out of a shed. The subjects left westbound. Two officers responded and arrested a 15-year-old boy for second degree burglary. Burglary — A Ponca City police officer received word that two men were walking northbound on Union Street after trying to get into a vehicle parked by Jack’s Grill, in the 200 block of North Second Street. Two officers responded at 11:54 p.m. Thursday and took a report of auto burglary. Arrest — At 5:36 p.m. Thursday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 31-year-old man from a traffic stop in the 1000 block of West Hartford Avenue for driving under suspension, no insurance and an expired tag. 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. Leash Law — A Ponca City police officer responded to the 1000 block of North Third Street at 7:45 p.m. Thursday on a complaint that a dog was loose and the owner was outside with it. The officer issued a citation. Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East Prospect. adv. Balloons — At 9:30 p.m. Thursday, the Ponca City Police Department received notice that an alarm was going off at The Buckle, 2005 North Fourteenth Street. Two officers responded and determined the building was secure. An employee of the business said the alarm was possibly set off by balloons. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv. Larceny — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 16-year-old boy at the police station at 10:05 p.m. Thursday on charges of petit larceny. Jim Bowen Construction Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv. Warrant Served — At 4:02 a.m. Friday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 44-year-old man from a traffic stop in the 2100 block of North Union Street on a Kay County warrant. Three Free cards with purchase of three cards. Large selection. Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv. Pauline's Shrimp peel. All you can eat, $11.95, Friday the 16th. For reservations, call 765-5460. adv. Rooster Lovers! Come check out the big selection of lamps, tea pots and wooden roosters. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, downtown Ponca City. adv. Fight — A resident in the 500 block of West Chestnut Avenue advised the Ponca City Police Department at 1:34 a.m. Friday that two men were outside yelling. Two officers responded but the subjects were gone when the officers arrived. At 2:57 a.m., the resident advised the police department that the men returned and were fighting in the street. Four officers responded to the scene. A 50-year-old man and a 51-year-old man were arrested on charges of fighting and public intoxication. Peaches from Porter, Oklahoma. Fresh picked, order now. 765-1956. adv. 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. 765-9689. adv. LIFESTYLESKatrina Coffelt Bride-Elect Katrina Coffelt Bride-ElectThe engagement and approaching marriage of Katrina Ellen Coffelt and David Brandon Cottrell has been announced. The couple plans an Aug. 1 wedding at 2 p.m. at the Marland Mansion. The bride-elect is the daughter of Kathleen and Lewis Newman of Blackwell, and E.L. Coffelt of Springerville, Ariz. The prospective bridegroom is the son of Kerry and Lisa Cottrell of Tulsa, and Janice Edwards of Edmond. Miss Coffelt was Salutatorian of the graduating class of 1996 at Morrison High School and is presently a senior student at Oklahoma State University majoring in business. She is a member of the OSU Marketing Club and Golden Keys National Honor Society and works parttime at the Laser Research Center. Cottrell, a 1995 graduate of high school in Bixby, is also a senior at OSU, majoring in business. He is vice president of the OSU Marketing Club and works parttime at Staples in Stillwater. Laureate Phi Chapter Hosts Ice Cream SocialTwenty-three members and guests of Laureate Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority attended an ice cream social at the home of Fran Smith, president. Plans were made to cater an auction sale on July 17 at the home of Dorothy Majors. Food and workers are to be at the scene by 9 a.m. Carpooling will help the parking situation. Guests were Katy and Bill Case of Florida, Pauline and Joe Bates of Ponca City, Dean Keating, Jim Rosenbaum, Charles Starks, Bob Case, Ed Hill, Allen Streeter and Dave Smith. The next meeting will be Beginning Day at the home of Alice Beman with Meire Harris as co-hostess. The meeting will begin at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 29. Yearbooks will be distributed and committees will report plans for the year. Little NewsMr. and Mrs. Don Foley Jr. of Aberdeen, N.J. announce the birth of their first child, William Lane Foley, at 5:31 p.m. July 9, 1999. He weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces, and measured 18 1/4 inches long. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Don Foley Sr. of Neptune, N.J. and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Weber of Newkirk. Great-grandparents are Mrs. Edna Wanko of Newkirk, the late Pete Wanko, the late Karl and Mary Lane, and the late Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Weber. Prenuptial Events Honor CoupleBethany Newman and Brian Fredricks will be married in a 2 p.m. ceremony July 17 at Longwood Baptist Church with the Rev. Steve Upshaw officiating. Friends and relatives are invited to attend the event. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Grace of Ponca City and the late Bud Newman. Parents of the prospective bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. Marion Fredricks, also of Ponca City. Pamela Newman will serve her sister as Maid of Honor, and Brian Kay of St. Louis. Mo., will be the Best Man. Kerry Carter, sister of the future bridegroom, will keep the guest book, and seating guests will be Mark Hall of Stillwater and Andy Krider of Tulsa. Prenuptial events include a party with money tree June 19 at the home of Ramona Carr and a barbecue dinner and couple’s shower at the Grace home June 27 hosted by Pamela Newman and Kerry Carter, sisters of the engaged couple. On July 5 a luncheon and shower was held at Mexico Joe’s restaurant in Stillwater hosted by the staff of Stillwater Skyline elementary school and coordinated by Dedra Warren McGruff and Shirley Lewis. The bride-elect has taught for seven years at the Skyline school. A miscellaneous shower was hosted by the women of Longwood Baptist Church July 11. RELIGIONChristian Bands Announced For ‘On Fire ‘99’ Christian Bands Announced For ‘On Fire ‘99’Three local Christian bands unite for the last camp of the summer. “On Fire ‘99” is set for Aug. 2-6 at Ponca City’s very own Wentz Camp located on the eastside of Lake Ponca. Fire Island YOUth Ministries, Inc. in cooperation with area churches are sponsoring “On Fire '99”. Camp Director and FIYM VIce-President, Mickey Baldwin said, “Three local bands will play under the moonlit sky to encourage area youth to take a strong look at building dreams with strong leaders and spiritual guidance.” Baldwin continued, “EPIC is a youth band made up of youth from two different churches. They recently played during the fellowship time in the Garfield Park after the March for Jesus prayer rally.” The Sky Pilots will be returning for their third “On Fire” appearance. Their members come from various backgrounds. Ed Latimer, who plays the keyboard, said, “Playing at the On Fire camp last year was one of our highlights and we hope that youth take advantage of this opportunity with Fire Island YOUth Ministries.” Stephen Phipps is the leader of the Fire Island Praise Band Firestruck. He said, “Our band wants to bring hot new tunes every evening to help set the stage for youth to receive from God encouragement, direction, and healing for their lives. Music is a powerful tool and thanks to Rick and Kris Sadok, drama and music will work together to set the stage for ministry that will have heavy overtones of servanthood and developing personal character. For more information about registration call 580-767-8325 or write to Fire Island YOUth Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 1722, Ponca City, OK 74602. Church BriefsPioneer Christian Garage Sale ContinuesThe Pioneer Christian Church Ladies Circle garage sale, currently underway, will continue on Saturday, July 17 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 431 Prentice (the old Riverside Drive), located three miles east and three blocks south of the Pioneer woman Museum. Everyone welcome. Foursquare Church at Lincoln Center Plans VBSVacation Bible School is scheduled at Foursquare Church at Lincoln Center, 700 West Broadway, for Monday, July 19 through Thursday, July 22, each evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m., first through sixth graders. Theme for the school will be “Journey to Faith Island” with Captain Fair and his crew. Please call 762-2729 to pre-register Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. First Church of God Plans Gospel ConcertSunday, July 18, 1999, at the First Church of God, 1101 West Grand in Ponca City, there will be a Gospel Concert with Chuck Whetstone, according to Pastor Tim Smith. Chuck has been sharing the Gospel in music for many years and will bless the hearts of all who come to hear him, Pastor Smith pointed out. The concert is entitled, “Wake Up America” and will begin at 10:30 a.m. Chuck came out of the Nashville area and makes his home in Shreveport, La. Pastor Smith invites all to come and experience the blessings of the Lord! ‘Come Let Us Reason Together’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 classes for all age levels — nursery through adult. Watch the Search program Sunday 8 a.m. TV Channel 5 or TV Channel 8. “But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made.” Matthew 18:25. In this parable about forgiveness, Jesus related the common practice of selling a man and his family to repay his debts. He said a compassionate king forgave his servant all his debt after his served pleaded: “Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.” Matthew 18:26. The debtor fully expected to have to repay all he owed. The king forgave all his debt. The servant refused to forgive someone who owed him. The king revoked his forgiveness of the servant. God intends His children to reflect His ways and show His divine love, patience, and forgiveness to others. Tonkawa’s First Christian to Hear Jeffrey JamesJeffrey James, Minister and Director of First Stone Ministries, will be speaking at the First Christian Church, 115 West Grand in Tonkawa, this Sunday evening, July 18. The service begins at 6:30 p.m. First Stone, an Oklahoma City based ministry, has brought hundreds of homosexuals out of the lifestyle and into a relationship with Jesus Christ. This ministry also teaches Christian how to minister God’s love and grace to homosexuals. Ponca Citians are urged to join with the Tonkawa congregation and learn how folks can be delivered from the lifestyle. POP Lutherans Schedule Vacation Bible SchoolPrince of Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA, 2800 Turner Road invites children ages 2 through grade 6 to attend Vacation Bible School, July 20-23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Children will “Catch the Spirit” through Bible stories, songs, art classes and games. Registration will be taken any time between now and July 20. For more information, call Lou Anne at 767-1175 or the church office at 762-7698. Everyone is welcome to attend. Transportation is available for anyone needing a ride. Boys Klub is scheduled Saturday, July 17 at 8 a.m. All men of the church are invited to attend this breakfast meeting and Bible study. Work day will follow from 9 to 11 a.m. Anyone seeking a church home is welcome to attend the Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. Sunday school classes are available each Sunday for children pre-kindergarten through adult. Pastor Keck is available for pastoral care by calling the church office at 762-7698. New Life Baptists Plan Car WashThe youth at New Life Baptist Church are planning a car wash for Saturday, July 17, starting at 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Motor Bank. All proceeds will go to benefit the youth of the church who plan to attend summer camp July 31. It’s a good time to get the family car in good shape for the Sunday trip to church. Foursquare Plans Block PartyIt’s another block party and you are invited! The Ponca City Foursquare Church at Lincoln Center, 700 West Broadway will throw a party for Ponca City on the west lawn of the Center. This event will be Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. “We want to get to know you!” is the message from Pastor William Blaine Herron. Plans are to enjoy Moon Walk, Dunk Tank, Games of all kinds, and a live band and crafts during the evening. It will also include good food — free bar-be-que brisket, baked beans and potato salad. You all come! First Christians Host Motivational Speaker SundayCindy Dougherty, motivational speaker for such well-known leadership conferences as the Zig Ziglar Corporation, the Child Welfare League of America, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will be speaking at First Christian Church of Ponca City on Sunday, July 18. Dougherty is currently the president of the National Benevolent Association of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in St. Louis, Mo. NBA is the health and social services division of the Christian Church which helps children, youth, family, older adults, and the differently abled through residential and community-based programs. Dougherty will present the message at traditional services at 8 and 10:40 a.m., and the new contemporary service at 6 p.m. in the Gym. Dougherty's regional ties include graduating with honors from Phillips University in Enid and receiving her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma. She served as dean of admissions and financial aid for Phillips University. Dougherty was awarded the highest honor given by Chapman University, a Disciples of Christ school in Orange, Calif., for her outstanding service to the church and community in literacy, youth and education. As president of NBA, Dougherty supervises a $400 million non-profit corporation, with 77 facilities and programs in 21 states serving more than 27,000 people each year. Two Ponca City residents serve on boards of NBA facilities. Gerald Nield serves Oklahoma Christian Home in Edmond and Dick Stone serves Colorado Christian Home in Denver. “Cindy is the type of inspirational speaker that leaves everyone feeling better,” says Kent Dorsey, senior minister of First Christian. “Many people pay a great deal of money to hear Cindy speak at business and inspirational conference, but Ponca City has a chance to enjoy her wisdom at no cost.” A special invitation has been extended to Woodlands and Community Christian Churches for the 6 p.m. Celebration Worship as Dougherty presents the message along with music from the Praise Band and refreshments. Childcare is available for all three services. The community is cordially invited. Woodlands Will Continue With ‘Shoe a Child’In 1994, the Outreach Ministry Team asked the Woodlands Christian congregation, to help “Shoe A Child” for school, and they responded in a big way, according to their senior minister, Paul M. Krueger. A special offering was taken at Woodlands Christian, and through the Department of Human Services, several children got new shoes for school. This outreach in the Ponca City community has been so enthusiastically embraced by the folks at Woodlands, Krueger points out, that 1999 will be the sixth year for the congregation to participate. In trying to figure how many children have received new shoes since “Shoe A Child” began, figuring approximately $20 per pair of shoes, a minimum of 315 children have received new shoes for school through their anonymous friends at Woodlands Christian Church. Woodlands will be taking their special “Shoe a Child” offering for the next three Sundays in order to keep up their “Shoe A Child” participation — hoping to “shoe more children” this year. First Lutherans Tell Services for Coming WeekIn both the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services at First Lutheran Church on July 18, Jesus’ parable about planting seeds in good ground will be the source of the main theme. That parable will be presented in the drama “Sow What” by Jeff Burkart. Isaiah 55 tells us that God’s Word will produce the purpose for which He sent it. God’s Spirit will cultivate our hearts as He shares His life-giving, life-producing Word with the congregation. Based on that text, Pastor Ramsey’s sermon will be “Living for Jesus: Producing Results That Last.” The anthem "Thy Word” will be sung to further emphasize the need for God’s Word. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. The 6:30 p.m. service will be held at Lake Ponca Park. That service of praise and fellowship will center on Psalm 23. The service will be followed by a picnic dinner. Those planning to attend, need to bring their lawn chairs and either a salad or dessert to share at the picnic supper. Members of First Lutheran warmly invite anyone to attend any of these worship opportunities. Pastor’s NotesThe truth really hit home this week! I get older, but the youth that I work with always stay the same age! As we floated down the headwaters of the Arkansas River and encountered the raw force of rapids through canyons, there were plenty of moments when I thought, “I’m getting too old for this!” But then, a renewed spirit of enthusiasm would catch my heart. Awakening again to the adventuresome spirits of these young people, my “aging” spirit is “captured” and new life is infused into my being. Though the young people I travel with are not “little children”, their enthusiasm and sense of adventure imitates much of the idea of a childlike spirit. Thus, a scriptural principle seemed to emerge. We are to become as little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. With a spirit of adventure, an unbridled enthusiasm for life, energy that never flags, and hearts that never fear, we are to grasp the moment of any day and live life to the fullest with Christ as our guide. Though I may be getting older, the experience of revitalization I see through the eyes of our young people keeps my heart young in the Spirit! Let none of us lag in our zeal for spiritual adventure and a sense of Christ’s presence leading us through the rapids or the calms of our lives. Life is an adventure to be lived with a spirit of thankfulness and childlike sense of faith, trust, hope, adventure, and enthusiasm. The Rev. Marilyn Merle Associate Minister, Woodlands Christian EDUCATIONVan Ausdall Family Selected As Hosts Van Ausdall Family Selected As HostsConstance Van Ausdall of Ponca City will welcome a new “daughter” for the 1999 year — Mareike Susanne Hegler — a Youth for Understanding (YFU) International Exchange student from Germany. Mareike will be a student at Po-Hi this fall. As a member of the Van Ausdall family, Mareike will participate in all family activities, from vacations to household chores. While sharing the culture of Germany with her host family and schoolmates, she will learn about U.S. culture. YFU, established in 1951, is one of the world’s oldest and largest nonprofit international exchange organizations, dedicated to international understanding and world peace. About 4,000 U.S. families open their homes and hearts to YFU international students each year. More information about hosting YFU international students is available from YFU’s volunteer for the Ponca City area, Fred and Judy Krueger at (405) 528-3917 or by calling YFU’s regional office at 1-800-USA-0200. JV Cheerleaders Attend CampThe Ponca City High School Junior Varsity Cheerleaders just returned from an American Cheerleading Association (ACA) summer camp on the Texas Women’s University campus in Denton, Tx. The ACA organization was developed three years ago. Their program takes cheerleading a step beyond the traditional camp atmosphere. The squad not only excelled at cheerleading skills, but grew as individuals. The camp puts an equal emphasis on their leadership program, which is designed to bring the squads closer together as a united team. It will also help each individual make wise choices, develop life skills and learn important leadership skills. While at camp, the squad received two 3 Star Ribbons and two 4 Star Ribbons. They were nominated for the Camp Favorite Award which is voted on by each squad at camp. This award exemplifies friendliness, leadership and hard work. Team members also received the ACA Achievement Award which is voted on by the ACA staff. The squad was in the Camp Champion run-off. The ACA staff selected the squad based on the final morning evaluation of material. Another award received was a Spirit Stick. The ACA Spirit Stick stands for genuine spirit and strong teamwork. The girls received a bid to ACA’s National Championship to be held in San Antonio in January of 2000. Amy Patterson was chosen to be on the ACA All-Star Team. She was also in the finals of the All-Star Jumper and the All-Star Tumbler titles. More Growth Ahead for Home SchoolingEditor’s Note: The following story appeared in the July issue of “School Reform News.” Twenty years ago, home schooling was illegal almost everywhere in the United States. It became legal in all 50 states only as recently as 1993. Yet for the past decade and a half, home schooling has been one of the fastest-growing segments of the K-12 education industry, with a growth rate between 15 and 20 percent a year. Next year, the growth rate could be even higher, according to a recent account in “The Christian Science Monitor,” because of a surge of parent interest in alternative methods of schooling following the massacre of 13 students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. The Columbine incident, coupled with other recent mass killings by students at supposedly safe suburban schools, apparently has sharply raised the concerns of many parents about the safety of their students’ public school environment. An estimated 1.5 million children are being educated at home this year. (By contrast, more than 50 million students are enrolled in public and private schools). Not surprisingly, safety is one of a half-dozen reasons parents give for making the decision to home-school, according to Brian D. Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute. He cites the following factors: * teaching a particular set of values and beliefs; * higher academic performance; * individualized instruction; * closer family relationships; * better interaction with peers and adults, and; * safer environment. The most important of these reasons is the first. Parents desire to teach and transmit specific values and beliefs to their children and to provide them with a particular view of the world. This clearly is driven by dissatisfaction with the learning environment found in public schools. In an August 1996 poll of 696 home schoolers, conducted by the Florida Department of Education, 42 percent of respondents reported that dissatisfaction with safety, drugs, and adverse peer pressure at public schools was their reason for establishing a home education program. But do parents make good teachers? Is instruction from a certified teacher required to elicit high academic performance from students? Students who are taught at home by their parents score significantly higher than their public school peers, according to a new study of 20,760 home-schooled students conducted by Lawrence M. Rudner, director of the Educational Resources Information Clearinghouse on Assessment and Evaluation at the University of Maryland. The March 1999 study, sponsored by the Home School Legal Defense Association, showed that test scores for home-schooled students fall between the 75th and 85th percentile. This compares very favorably with public school test scores, at the 50th percentile, and private school test scores, ranging from the 65th to 75th percentile. Rudner’s peer-reviewed study, “Scholastic Achievement and Demographic Characteristics of Home School Students” in 1998, shows that having at least one parent who is a certified teacher has no significant effect on the achievement levels of home-schooled students. However, the children of college graduates out-perform children whose parents do not have a college degree. This finding contrasts with one from an earlier study, which concluded that the parents’ educational level was not a significant factor in the performance of a home-schooled child. But Rudner points out that, at every grade level, “the mean performance of home school students whose parents do not have a college degree is much higher than the mean performance of students in public schools.” Even without a college degree, parents who home-school their children produce student test scores in the 65th to 69th percentile range, comparable to the level achieved in private schools. SB 588 To Effect ChildrenEditor’s Note: The following is a news release from Senator J. Berry Harrison on the passage of SB 588. Maintaining our children’s safety is necessary to ensure their well being and security. Even under a parent’s watchful eye, children can get hurt, but when they are at school, day care, or somewhere away from parents, problems like molestation and abuse can arise. That’s why the Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act was passed a few years ago to help schools, churches and other organizations keep sex offenders from gaining access to children. Keeping this in mind, we passed SB 588 this year requiring people or businesses who provide services to children or schools to ensure no employee is registered on the Oklahoma Sex Offenders registry or has been convicted of a felony within the last 10 years. For example, if a school district contracts with a business to provide janitorial services, the contractor is required to verify its employees assigned to the schools are not on the Offenders Registry or a recent felon. SB 588 also allows people or businesses to request felony searches through the State Board of Education and prohibits certain convicted felons from working on school property. Even though we can never guarantee our families will be safe in all situations, this legislation is another tool to provide increased security and peace of mind for children and parents alike. If you have a question or comment about state government, you can contact me by writing to Senator J. Berry Harrison, State Capitol, Room 513-A, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73105 or by calling (405) 524-0126. Opportunities Given at Local Pioneer Technology CenterGoing back to school after ten years of a “normal” life can be somewhat traumatic. Excuses and fears go through your mind one after the other. They tell you, “you can’t afford it, you have family obligations, you never liked school before, and you don’t even know how to study!” For Amy Mabry, wife, and mother of three, she is determined to take these excuses and fears and resolve them. Mabry and her husband, Sean, had talked for years about her returning to work. They both agreed she would stay home with their children until they were school age. Now that the children are all in school, Mabry is ready to go to work, but before she does, she wants to do something for herself. “I could probably go out and find a job that would help bring in some money, but I really want to find a job that I will be happy with and one where I can feel pretty good about myself,” she said. “I have made up my mind to go back to school and prepare myself for something in the medical field.” Last week, Mabry began her enrollment process in the career counseling center at Pioneer Technology Center. Mike Wiles, counselor, met with Mabry to schedule the assessment test. According to Wiles, the assessment test is used to provide students with guidance in placement and program selection. “As a counselor, I think it is very important for our students to be in a program that they will not only enjoy, but one they can also be successful in.” Mabry was a little reluctant to take the test fearing she wouldn’t remember some of the things she had learned in high school. “I was definitely nervous when I found out about the test, but yet I was still excited,” she said. “Especially when I got in there and found out that I did remember quite a bit of information. Mike was also very patient and helpful during the whole testing process. The next week he called me right away to come to Pioneer Tech to discuss my test results with him. When I got there, I couldn’t believe how well I had actually done. It really made me feel good about myself and my decision to return to school. It just made it all the more exciting.” Mabry has decided that she wants to go into the health field, but she is unsure of the exact area of study. She is enrolled in the Medical Assisting program where she will learn both the administrative and clinical functions for working in a health care setting. According to Wiles, the statistics reveal more adults are returning to college and vocational schools than ever before. Right now, the enrollment at PTC is approximately 30 percent adult enrollment. Adults who come to PTC are coming due to technological advances and the need to stay competitive in the workplace. Wiles also added that the average person will have a minimum of three careers in their working lifetime and more and more adults are coming to PTC for ongoing training or continuing their education. Meanwhile, Amy Mabry is full of excitement about returning to school and the challenge that lies ahead. “I can hardly wait for school to start, get my education, get a job, and feel good about myself and my accomplishment.” For more information on PTC and the other available programs, call 762-8336. SPORTSTired PC Legion To Get RestBy MATTHEW KOENIG News Sports Writer PUTNAM CITY — It’s a long and lonely road. After 800 miles and too many late-night trips to McDonalds, the American Legion majors team nodded out of the Putnam City Tournament with a whimper, falling 8-0 to Yukon and 13-3 to Putnam City West, Thursday. That second run-ruled game marked the Royals’ fifth contest in three nights at Putnam City’s Dolese Park. “We didn’t play bad, but we were getting worn down,” said coach Jim Sharon. “I think the kids are just glad we don’t have to go back now.” The Royals (14-22), will stay and home and practice over the weekend before traveling to Bartlesville for their final regular season game, Tuesday. They’ll start district play at home on Friday, taking on Woodward. As opposed to Wednesday’s error-strewn loss to Reynolds, shaky pitching cost the Royals in Thursday’s doubleheader. A trio of Ponca City pitchers combined for 18 walks through a total of just 11 innings, six of those walks being RBIs. “That killed us,” Sharon continued. “We started out well (in the first game), but walked in three runs to tie it up. It went downhill after that.” The Royals also committed five errors in the PC West game. Things looked promising in the early going, however, as the Poncans banged out four hits in the first inning to jump to an early, 3-0 lead. B.J. Hays led things off with a walk, followed by consecutive base hits from Jerrod Spears and Toby RedLeaf to load the bases. Matt Johnson — who finished 3-for-5 through both games — then drove in two with a blast to left field, and Chris McCool finished things off with an RBI single to right. That lead quickly evaporated in the top of the second, as three straight RBI walks tied the game. A Ponca City pitching change did little to stop the bleeding, however, as two bases-loaded hits put the Badgers up 7-3. Three more runs in the fourth and a 3 RBI home run from Frankie Lopez in the sixth put the game away for good. The Royals, meanwhile, managed just three more hits in the remaining five innings, and left seven runners stranded. Yukon pitcher Phillip Shall gave up just three hits through five innings in the first game. He also walked no one, while striking out six. “He threw what I thought was a great game,” Sharon said. “He’d throw that curve ball first pitch, get up on ‘em, then use his fast ball. “But I knew they’d be hard to beat after watching them play (the day before).” Wes Day, meanwhile, gave up just four hits to keep things close through four innings, as Yukon nudged to a narrow, 3-0 lead. But two errors and four free bases sent things reeling out of control in the fifth, as Yukon stacked up five more runs on just one hit to get the run rule. Day finished with just four hits, but six walks (and two hit batters), while striking out three. “Wes didn’t throw a bad game,” Sharon continued. “Heck, for a long time it was 3-0; the bottom didn’t fall out until the fifth inning.” Buddy McCoy, Johnson and Day notched the Royals’ random hits. Game Notes — (game one) A gusty south wind, combined with the Sun setting directly opposite left field led to three fly balls getting lost by left fielders (two Ponca, one Yukon) ... Yukon’s coach is the coach at Southern Nazarene College ... catcher Jerrod Spears threw out a stealing base runner in the first ... the Royals blew a double potential double play in the fifth. Yukon 8, Ponca City 0 Ponca City 000 00 — 0 3 4 Yukon 102 05 — 8 5 1 Day (l), RedLeaf (5) and Spears; Shall (w) and Stratton. Putnam City West 13, Ponca City 3 Putnam City 070 303 — 13 7 3 Ponca City 300 000 — 3 7 5 RedLeaf (l), McCoy (2) and Spears; Rainbolt (w) and Ferguson.
Copyright© Ponca City News, 1998 |