From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, August
1, 1997
LOCAL
Lodge Official Defends Sale of IOOF Cemetery
Inspecting New School
A Review: 'Gypsy' Opens With Cast of 70
District Court
Annual Kaw Powwow Set at Washunga Bay
Motocross Has Hospital Busy Treating Injuries
County Court Clerk Moves Some Offices
DEATHS
Helen Juanita Moore
Obituaries
Albert Ditmore
NEWS BRIEFS
EDUCATION
Ponca City Teachers Acquire Great Expectations
PC Teacher Named State Finalist
Honorable Mentions
RELIGION
First UMC Calls Music Director
Church Briefs
First Church of the Nazarene Closes Caravan Year
Church Editor Seeks Corrections
Petra Coming in Concert
LIFESTYLES
Lisa Gilligan Becomes Bride of David Westberg
Little News
SPORTS
Young Rider Has Big Sweep Going
All-Staters
Golf Pairings
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
A local Odd Fellows Lodge officer says the attempted sale of the IOOF Cemetery south of Ponca City is simply an effort to rejuvenate the fraternal organization.
And he said legal proceedings will guarantee the lodge's traditional standards of upkeep won't deteriorate after the century-old cemetery is sold to the large Canada-based Loewen Group.
Lodge secretary John Miner dismissed as "ridiculous" much of the information being spread by business people and other citizens opposed to the pending sale to Loewen.
A group of local people, including Nancy Pryse, who co-owns the monument company adjacent to the cemetery, has tried to drum up public sentiment against the sale.
Pryse and another local person, Carol Joyal, addressed the county commissioners Monday morning to request they reject the proposed sale, criticizing it as a secretive takeover by "big business."
In a copyrighted story this week in The Daily Oklahoman, Pryse said she is concerned the Loewen Group will not be concerned enough about the cemetery, where several of the city's pioneers are buried.
She said she was also worried what will happen with the cemetery's perpetual-care fund if the cemetery "goes into private hands."
The Odd Fellows lodge has already formally accepted Loewen's purchase offer, and it's still likely the cemetery sale will be subject to approval by the Kay County commissioners board, following a public hearing.
Assistant District Attorney Chuck Bloeser, who assists the county commissioners with legal matters, said there is still a legal interpretation needed for the state statute that addresses cemetery sales.
The statute, which requires applications, public hearings and commission approval for such sales, says the provisions do not apply to fraternal and nonprofit groups.
However, the district attorney's office so far maintains the issue pertains to the purchaser rather than to the seller, and the IOOF Lodge's attorney C.D. Northcutt believes the law exempts the lodge from the commission review, Bloeser said.
Bloeser said the statute, written for public health and safety reasons, seems pointless if it pertains to the seller instead of the buyer.
Miner this week was annoyed because the local campaign against the sale has escalated to an emotional confusion, he said, when the whole intent of the sale was to benefit the community. He said he has been personally insulted and threatened by phone.
"Some of the things they have said are ridiculous," he said.
"No Odd Fellow is going to profit from the sale of the cemetery" and there's been no secrecy in the dealings with the buyer, said Miner, whose father was the cemetery's sexton for years.
The sale will not change the cemetery's relationship with the community because it is already privately owned and the perpetual-care fund is protected by state law, he said.
All decisions regarding the cemetery come from the lodge's seven-member cemetery board, which casually rejected a purchase bid submitted by Pryse Monument since the lodge was approached by the Loewen Group, Miner said.
"Competition is good in our society," he said, explaining the motives behind the opponents' campaign are mostly business-related, and the competition will help make sure the price of cemetery lots does not increase in town.
What the Loewen Group would be buying is the empty lots - the land that is not yet developed at the cemetery - and the corporation "has promised to keep the cemetery in the same good condition" that the Odd Fellows provide, Miner said.
The contract for the sale can and will be worded by Northcutt to legally obligate the buyer to maintain the existing lots and develop future lots at a standard the community deems appropriate, he said.
And because the lodge is nonprofit, the $700,000 offered by Loewen for the undeveloped portions of the cemetery will go into a fund so the lodge can develop new community programs and attract younger members.
Even though the lodge's cemetery upkeep has not diminished, the Odd Fellows' membership has aged and declined because a cemetery program is not enough to interest most modern men, Miner said.
"This (purchase offer) just happened to come at a good time, and will help the lodge's efforts to revitalize its membership and continue to help the community because we want to start new projects," he said.
With the sale, the Odd Fellows - originally formed to provide cemeteries - can start fresh.
Miner said, "Now's the right time to become a lodge member. We're looking for young members who want to get out and do things for this community.
"I hate to see this lodge just go away."
PONCA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL board members Andrea Morriss (middle) and Marvin Clark (right) look over the shoulder of construction worker Winston Ernest as he sands down the cabinets in the Media Center of the new Lincoln Elementary School. The interior and exterior of the new school should be finished within the next few weeks with the contract amount totaling $3,064,863. (News Photo by Kristi Grabeal)
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Ponca Playhouse's "Gypsy" opens tonight at the Poncan Theater directed by Jim Wallace, well-known in theater circles as one of the best "musical directors" on the circuit.
At final dress rehearsal Thursday, the troupe of 70 local actors, actresses, dancers, singers, and technicians presented an entertaining and sometimes "electric" performance to a mid-sized, but very appreciative audience.
The orchestra under the direction of Mel Arner sounded much better than any that Vaudeville every had to offer and played several favorite Broadway tunes before and during the production. The brass was awesome and the piccolo delightful. However, after the show, several viewers noted that some of the music was too loud to hear the lyrics of the singers. I agreed.
Iris Ballou played "Mama Rose" - with all the panache and pizzazz we've come to expect from that talented lady. She did justice to an awesome part to say the least, several solos (Ethel Merman and Rosalind Russell eat your hearts out) some duets with Don Menasco and a couple with Gypsy.
Mama's daughters as children, Shannon Love "Baby June" and Kimberly Evans as "Baby Louise" play their parts and sang without flaw. They were so professional folks noticed! Comments at intermission included many compliments and positive accolades by those 'savvy' in the theater. Watch out world - here they come!
Tom Cowley as "Pop" was excellent - Dave Hart as "Uncle Jocko," Dane Pryse as "Georgie," the bespeckled Marie Beyer as "Miss Cratchit," and Loyd Bishop as the undershirted "Cigar" as well as numerous other bit parts by locals added good acting and believable characters to the production.
I especially enjoyed the Talent Kids in their sparkly and innovative costumes and the young enthusiastic Newsboys. What a crop of enjoyable hams! Some good dancing by the older Farm Boys and a good number by Clayton Keyes "Tulsa."
Watch for a particularly clever transition from childhood to youth performances as the younger and older dancers perform before the curtains. Fascinating! Another scene - the touring car driven by Randy McDaniel is also used in an entertaining passage from one performance to another.
Some favorite scenes, warm and tender, with Menasco and Ballou are their duets "Funny" and "Small, Small, World."
One of the more complete happenings and conveying volumes about the life and times back then, had excellent characterization of Julie Adams (older Louise) and Alana Cervantes (older June) is the birthday party for Louise. Numerous principals are on stage in this busy scene and a well-done musical number "Have an Egg Roll, Mr. Goldstone," was a high point.
Twenty-seven sets were constructed for the numerous scenes by Rod Hand and his crew and were delightful - adding color and place to the scenes. My favorite, much of it painted by local artist, Bobby Holroyd, was the barnyard backdrop - light, bright, and beautiful.
I fell in love with "Herbie" (Don Menasco), theatrical agent and agent for Louise and June, as he patiently waited on and for Mama Rose to say "Yes." Excellent portrayal and characterization of the patient suitor.
Christina Rich-Splawn as "Tessie" the tough wise-cracking stripper, Karen Rivers as "Electra" and Sharon Clark as "Mazeppa," were clearly favorite "stars" with the Ponca Playhouse crowd, as they exhibited their bumps and grinds and "gimmicks" and sang some salty numbers. Not much "skin" is exhibited in the rest of the production for those who do not care for burlesque.
Alana Cervantes' portrayal of the youthful "June" sparkled and all eyes riveted to her performances on stage. Her voice carried to the back of the theater and performances were 100 percent from this trouper.
Casting of Julie Adams as "Gypsy" explains the reputation of the director. Sweet and demure, humble, mousy - Adams does that self-effacing act through most of the scenes. But, when that girl comes out of her shell - Wow! What a performance.
In the interest of space and time I cannot possibly give accolades to all who added to the enjoyment of this production. During the dress rehearsal, there were some awkward pauses, some prop and costume failures, the music was too loud during some solos, but even at that - the three-hours-plus production was very enjoyable and entertaining.
Our Ponca Playhouse volunteers (all 70 of them) are to be commended and applauded for an outstanding performance of a ambitious and difficult production.
Go see it folks - you'll get more than your money's worth on this one!
Reservations may be made by calling Ponca Playhouse at 765-5360, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday 6 to 8 p.m. at the Poncan box office, or 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday prior to the matinee.
Performances begin at 8 p.m., except for the Sunday matinee which begins at 2 p.m.
Ponca City
Divorces Sought
Patricia Ann Payton vs. Jack Russell Payton.
Donna Jane Kennedy vs. Kenneth Ray Kennedy.
Robert Paul Shriner vs. Teresa Gail Shriner.
Kim Y. Powers vs. Harold C. Powers Jr.
Carroll J. Hinman vs. Roy Hinman.
Teri D. Tebow vs. Michael Harlen Diebaum, aka Tebow.
Divorces Granted
Jimmy Dale Plunk vs. Anna Marie Plunk.
Civil Proceedings
Kevin Jenkins vs. Gordon D. Rhodd; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
DeJohn R. Bannister vs. Al Mayfield; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
David Paul Thilsted and Debbie Thilsted vs. Sasha Nicole Lamm and U.S. Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance; plaintiffs seeking judgment for $15,000.
Newkirk
Marriage Licenses
Rodrick Curtis Jackson, 20, and Jocelyn Kim Thicknail, 20, both of Ponca City.
Stephen Holt Heslip, 23, and Heather Michelle Long, 21, both of Ponca City.
Brent Ray Gilliland, 27, and Shauna Faye Sterling, 23, both of Ponca City.
Ezra Sol Smith, 25, and Tara Dawn Burgess, 25, both of Marland.
Timothy Kyle Urban, 34, and Rosalina Morales Cabug, 34, both of Blackwell.
James Edward Deibert, 20, Weatherford, and Laura Beth Weigle, 20, Blackwell.
Skipper Brandon Kistler, 24, Stillwater, and Joy Diane McCarty, 25, Newkirk.
Jeremiah Victor Frazier, 21, Ponca City, and Deanna Marie Emery, 18, Blackwell.
Wilbur Leroy S. Calloway, 80, and Rhona Ardell Sarles, 76, both of Scottsdale, Ariz.
Richard Wayne Rawlings, 34, and Tammy Jo Clark, 35, both of Ponca City.
Amos Warrior Hinton, 31, Marland, and Angela Kay Israel, 27, Ponca City.
Victor Manuel Hernandez, 22, and Tamera Nicholle Hazelwood, 23, both of Ponca City.
Jerry Duane Robinson, 38, and Lenora Marie Johnson, 44, both of Tonkawa.
James Ray Mayden, 44, Blackwell, and Lori Christine Thomas, 34, Newkirk.
James Clifford Fite, 71, Ponca City, and Billie Marie Dickover, 68, Tonkawa.
Jeffery Dale Clinton, 27, and Katherine Ann McClung, 26, both of Ponca City.
Criminal Proceedings
Guilty Plea - Gary Alfred Simmons, 19, charged with two counts of false personation after allegedly representing himself as another person during incidents in January and December of 1995. He also was charged with possession of a firearm after adjudication as a delinquent child in connection with incidents in December 1994 and with uttering a forged instrument - a $257 forged check at a Ponca City grocery - in August 1995. After his guilty plea to the charges before Judge Boyd, the judge sentenced him to prison terms of 10 years and seven years, respectively, with all but two years suspended, pending no further law violations and to be served concurrently. He also faces restitutions to victims of more than $7,130.
The 11th Annual Kaw Powwow starts this evening with gourd dancing beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Washunga Bay on Kaw Lake. The powwow grounds are located 1/4 mile west of the Washunga Bay entrance. The public is invited.
This evening's program includes dancing competition for Tiny Tots, Junior Girls, and Junior Boys Straight and Fancy contests.
Saturday morning a rededication ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at the new Johnnie Ray McCauley Community Building at Newkirk (located 1/4 mile east of Newkirk). Guest speaker will be the last Kaw full-blood tribal member, W.A. Mehojah of Arizona.
Tammy Clark, 15-year old daughter of Elmer and Kitty Clark of Kaw City has been selected as Kaw Tribal Princess. Tammy is a sophomore at Shidler High School, where she enjoys basketball and track.
Saturday evening, the dancing will continue at the powwow grounds and includes Women's Cloth, Women's Buckskin, and Fancy Shawl/Jingle contests. Women's Golden Age (55 and older) will be new this year. A special "Winner Take All" dance will be held for Golden Age Women and will honor the late Mary Stiger. Coordinators for the "Winner Take All" are Clark and Marina Pepper of Stillwater.
Kaw Tribal member Tony Maldonaldo, actor in ABC's recently aired for TV movie "Dead Man's Walk," will be a special guest. Maldonaldo has also appeared in TV movies such as "North and South, Part II" and "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol." Tony's movie credits include "Last of the Mohicans," and "The Dennis Byrd Story."
On Sunday evening, the Men's Straight, Men's Golden Age, Men's Traditional/Grass and Men's Fancy Dancing competitions will be held.
All competitors are reminded they must be in dance clothes to be eligible to accept awards and monies.
Food concessions will be available on the grounds, as well as Native American arts and crafts booths. No drugs or alcohol is allowed on the dance grounds. Security will be provided.
The motocross competition being held this week is keeping ambulance and hospital personnel busier than usual. According to a St. Joseph Regional Medical Center spokesperson there was an 18-year-old taken by helicopter to Wesley Hospital in Wichita Thursday, his injuries in need of specialized care not available locally.
Since the practice runs began Wednesday there have been three people admitted to the hospital with fractures and 18 treated in the emergency room and then released.
Ponca City Fire Department has two ambulances and four personnel on stand by at the motocross track at all times. To date there have been over eight ambulance runs.
With the competition continuing and the finals being held Saturday hospital spokesmen said hey are expecting a busy weekend and "are ready for anything."
NEWKIRK - The locations to get marriage licenses and to pay traffic tickets have moved to a newly remodeled office area on the top floor of the Kay County Courthouse here.
Three of Court Clerk Glenda Coussens Emerson's deputies have been moved to the new office space, which can most conveniently be reached by taking the elevator to the fourth floor. Deputy court clerks Betty Lane and Darlene Testerman will continue issuing marriage licenses and deputy Freda Anderson will continue processing traffic citations.
The county commissioners earlier this year approved the renovation of
a portion of the fourth floor, which years ago housed the county jail.
DEATHS
BORGER, Texas - Helen Juanita Moore, niece to Juanita Welch, Rufus Hall, and Emogene Robinson of Ponca City, died Wednesday evening, July 30, 1997 at St. Anthony's Hospital in Amarillo, Texas. She was 75.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Brown's Funeral Home Chapel of the Fountains in Borger, Texas, with the Rev. Charles Davis, Dallas, officiating. Burial will be in the Westlawn Cemetery in Borger.
Helen Juanita Moore was born in Pawhuska and graduated from High School in Ponca City. She was married to Alton Royce Moore on Sept. 5, 1943, at Borger, Texas. Mrs. Moore had been a resident of Borger for 56 years and had managed the NuWay Cafe, been employed at Barney's Pharmacy, Willard Realty, and with Doctors W.W. and W.G. Stephens. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
In addition to her aunts, uncles and cousins in the Ponca City area, Mrs. Moore is survived by her husband Royce; one daughter, Carolyn Rhea of Runaway Bay, Texas; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Mike Moore and her parents.
TONKAWA - Albert Ditmore, longtime Tonkawa area resident, died Thursday morning, July 31, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 90.
The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Tonkawa First United Methodist Church with Dr. Brian Novacs officiating. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home.
Albert L. Ditmore was born Jan. 5, 1907, in Hereford, Texas, to Seaper and Laura (Ward) Ditmore. He grew up in Texas and moved to Tonkawa with his family in the early 1920s.
On Sept. 29, 1931, he was married to Mary Cain. Ditmore was employed with Southwestern Bell and Shell Oil Company until 1935, then he and his wife purchased a farm west of Tonkawa. He was active in farming until his death. Ditmore attended the Tonkawa First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Gail Ditmore of Tonkawa; five grandsons, Kris and Julie Ditmore, Kent and Dianna Ditmore and Curtis Ditmore, all of Tonkawa, Steve and Terri Thompson of Ponca City and Eric and Connie Thompson of Medicine Lodge, Kan.; one granddaughter, Mrs. Dennis (Valerie) Buss of Tonkawa; eight great-granddaughters; one great grandson; two sisters, Thelma Earls and Dorothy Carr, both of Tonkawa; one brother, Darrell Ditmore of Lovington, N.M.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife on Dec. 22, 1985; one daughter, Pat; his parents; two brothers, Raymond and Mackey; and one sister, Leo.
Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church through the Service Bank of Tonkawa or c/o McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, 400 East Grand, Tonkawa, OK 74653.
Public Relations Workshop - Public Relations Workshop sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Marland Estate Chapel. Lunch will be provided and there is no cost for chamber members. Non-members will be charged $50. For more information contact Lisa Coy, 765-4400.
PrimeTimers - See Jeff Foxworthy on Sept. 12. Dine at Stillwater Bay before the show. $59 pre-paid. More information about the event may be obtained by calling Kate Morton, Pioneer Bank tour director, at 762-5651.
Airman Cox Graduates - Air Force Airman Donald C. Cox has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and customs and received special training in human relations. In addition, he earned credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Dee and stepson of Homer Jones of Rural Route 3, Ponca City, and a 1996 graduate of Ponca City High School.
Ponca Citians Joins Air Force - Steven L. Sims has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Stillwater, giving him the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $40,000 toward a college education. Sims is a 1996 graduate of Ponca City High School and will report to Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., for military basic training Sept. 18, 1997. He is the son of Danny G. and Lucretia I. Sims of 3910 Kelly Ave. in Ponca City.
Stolen Vehicle - At 6:36 a.m. Thursday a resident in the 200 block of South Oak Street reported a stolen vehicle to the communications center. The same vehicle was reportedly involved in a $10 gas drive off at Citgo, 400 East South Avenue at 6:08 a.m. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vandalism - Vandalism at New Pentecostal Life Church, 114 North Oak Street, was reported to the communications center at 9:46 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Non-Injury Accident - The communications center received a call at 1:19 p.m. Thursday reporting an auto/bicycle accident at Hartford Avenue and Gibson Place. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - An accident in the 400 block of South Second Street was reported at 2:17 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Forgery - At 2:39 p.m. Thursday a resident in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a forgery. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - At 5:10 p.m. Thursday police arrested a 21-year-old man in the 1100 block of North Ash Street for driving under the influence, speeding and no insurance.
Police Car Hit - A police officer reported to the communications center at 5:19 p.m. Thursday that he was involved in an accident when a vehicle backed into his patrol unit. A report was taken.
Arrest - At 7:41 p.m. Thursday police arrested a 24-year-old man in the 300 block of South Lincoln on two city warrants for failure to appear and speeding, driving under the influence and attempting to elude, and on a Kay County warrant for failure to appear on a sexual battery charge after former felony conviction.
Arrest - Police arrested a 31-year-old man at 7:26 p.m. Thursday in the 900 block of South Ninth Street on a city warrant for failure to obey.
Arrest - At 11:38 p.m. Thursday police arrested a 42-year-old man on a Kay County warrant.
Arrest - Police arrested a 34-year-old man at 2:06 a.m. Friday at Highland Avenue and Second Street for driving under the influence.
Two Arrested - At 3:02 a.m. Friday in the 400 block of South Lake
Road police arrested a 26-year-old man and a 29-year-old female for violation
for protective order.
EDUCATION
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
A Great Expectations seminar has been held at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah for the past three weeks to instruct teachers about the Great Expectations program.
A total of 70 teachers from Ponca City have attended this program which spans from Monday through Friday.
Great Expectations was founded on the fundamental belief that education is the key to solving the problems of our society, that teachers want to become better educators and that students want to learn.
Great Expectations founders believe that innovation and inspiration, with adherence to time-honored principles, are desperately needed. If America is to have an orderly society and compete effectively in the world, rapid changes must take place in how we education children, particularly the economically and socially disadvantaged children in our inner-city and rural areas.
Starting with 25 Oklahoma schools selected in cooperation with the State Department of Education, Great Expectations began revolutionizing the educational experience of children touched by its program.
In many respects, the educational techniques employed at Great Expectations schools are not revolutionary at all, the ideas aren't new, their use has simply fallen by the wayside. The basic principles are:
- high expectations of students grounded on the premise that all children can learn,
- the establishment of mutual respect between student and teacher,
- establishing respect and order in the classroom,
- recognition that education is an integral process requiring a correlation between subjects rather than compartmentalization,
- fundamentals such as phonics, memorization and recitation are restored to the classrooms through frequent use of the classics, mythology and fables, and
- instilling in the student self-esteem and the belief that he or she can succeed is critical to the demonstrated educational success.
Great Expectations trains both teachers and administrators in its methodology. Training is an important part of what the Foundation does, but providing inspiration may be even more important. What the program seeks is nothing less than transforming experiences in the lives of students, principals and teachers. Follow-up and communication with teachers is provided through a mentor teacher program.
Enthusiasm. It showed on the faces of participants in the Northeastern State University Great Expectations Summer Institute for teachers.
The first Summer Institute was held in 1991 with teachers and principals from charter participating schools. Within three years 32 schools were involved and there was a waiting list of others to join. The numbers for 1997 have been even more impressing.
Great Expectations teachers look forward throughout the school year to a week of exposure to mind-stretching methods aimed at learning new ways to help young people learn. The core curriculum centers around courses in methodology, the basis of the Great Expectations program. It also includes liberal doses of mythology, fables, the classics and phonics.
Teachers pay a fee of $200 to attend the Summer Institute program. Friends of Education, Ponca City, paid for all 70 teachers from the Ponca City School System (a total of $14,000) to attend this institute because they felt that it was in the best interest of children.
Great Expectations is a progressive and innovative teaching program, in many respects it represents a return to simple classroom values that have been overlooked.
While Great Expectations uses traditional classroom methods such as memorization, recitation, the classics, and phonics, the philosophy and goals behind Great Expectations' use of technique differs. In Great Expectations, each exercise in memorization has both an immediate and long-range goal. It is not just memorization for memorization's sake.
Overall, Great Expectations students' test scores have risen dramatically after exposure to the program. Supporters of the program say that good students become outstanding scholars, and "poor" students become cooperative classroom contributors and lifelong learners.
Sandy Pendergraft, Ponca City Public School math teacher at the Senior High School, has been selected as a state finalist in the 1997 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program.
The PAEMST Program was established in 1983 by the White House and is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The program identifies outstanding science and mathematics teachers, kindergarten through 12th grade, in each state and the four U.S. jurisdictions. These teachers will serve as models for their colleagues and will be leaders in the improvement of science and mathematics education.
Pendergraft is one of six teachers of mathematics, three at the elementary level and another three at the secondary level, selected to represent Oklahoma's best. Each state finalist will receive $750 from the (NSF) to be spent for professional development and/or for the improvement of mathematics education in the classroom.
As a state finalist, Pendergraft is automatically a candidate for the national level Presidential Award. As the next part of the selection process, a national committee will select one teacher from each category, elementary and secondary, and the 1997 Presidential Awardees. The teachers selected as the Presidential Awardees will be notified officially by the White House during the 1997-98 school year. Each awardee will receive $7500 from NSF and an all-expense paid trip for two to Washington D.C., where the Presidential Awardees will be honored in a variety of ceremonies over the course of a week.
Sandy Garrett, State superintendent, invented Pendergraft to attend an awards banquet next fall and congratulated her for receiving this honor in recognition of her excellence in teaching mathematics.
Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, stated, "This is just another example of the outstanding quality educators we have in Ponca City. This community is truly honored to have so many talented teachers educating our children. Sandy Pendergraft is not only an excellent teacher, but she is also a leader among her peers. I am very excited for her and feel confident that she will represent Ponca City and the State of Oklahoma well. Ponca City will be proudly supporting her for the national level Presidential Award."
Congratulations to Mrs. Pendergraft.
Roth Awarded Scholarship
Heather Rebecca Roth, a 1997 graduate of Ponca City High School, has
been awarded one of Oklahoma State University's most prestigious scholarships
the President's Distinguished Scholarship. The value of the scholarship
is $8,000. Roth plans to major in pre-med.
Valedictorian Scholarships
Jessica Dawn Wilson and Risa Nicole Freeman, both 1997 graduates of Ponca
City High School, have accepted the 1997 OSU Valedictorian Scholarship.
The scholarship package is worth $6,000 per student. Wilson is the daughter
of Vickie Manek of Anchorage, Alaska, and Richard Wilson of Stuart, Fla.
Freeman is the daughter of Lester and Merlena Freeman.
Walker Listed
Stephanie Sabrina Walker, Ponca City, has been placed on the dean's honor
roll at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO. Walker is a senior majoring
in engineering.
UCO Graduates
Several Kay County residents have graduated from the University of Central
Oklahoma in Edmond. They were: Deanna Shields, Blackwell, Chris Carpenter,
Mindy Foreman, Christy Gonterman, Lacinda Johnston, Amy Schieber, Amber
Woods, all of Ponca City, and Diana Cales and John Legg from Tonkawa.
Hyatt Honored
Michael Hyatt was listed on the dean's honor roll at Southwestern Oklahoma
State University in Weatherford.
Locals Graduate
Mark Bluebaugh and Michael Gawhega, Ponca City, were among some 1,700
students that graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.
Maddox Placed On Honor Roll
Kimber Maddox, Ponca City, was placed on the honor roll at the University
of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha. Maddox's grade point average
was above a 3.5
Honor Roll at Cowley County
Raymond Kirkbride, Newkirk, Bryan Carter, Jon Hoover and Thomas Piel,
Ponca City, were all placed on the honor roll at Cowley County Community
College.
Students Meet with Legislators
Several students attending the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics
in Oklahoma City had the opportunity to meet with their state legislators
during a legislative session. Local students included: Renu Sahai, daughter
of Surinder and Kay Sahai of Ponca City, Scott Butler, son of Scott and
Cathy McBee of Tonkawa, and Ryan Salisbury, son of Thomas and Pam Salisbury
of Tonkawa. Senator Paul Meugge met with the students.
High School Enrollment
Enrollment for Ponca City Senior High classes will start Aug. 5 (A-K)
and 6 (L-Z) for sophomores. Juniors will enroll Aug. 7 (A-K) and 8 (L-Z).
Seniors will enroll the next week, Aug. 11 (A-K) and 12 (L-Z). Enrollment
will be held in the Howell Building, on the second floor. Enrollment will
be held from 7:45 a.m. through 11 a.m. each day.
RELIGION
Ms. Donna Butler will join the staff of First United Methodist this month as their new Director of Music Ministries. Her first Sunday will be Aug. 24.
A native of Ada, Okla., Donna received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Oklahoma Baptist University, and her Masters Degree in Music Theory and Composition from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, both as an honor student.
Over the past 14 years she has served churches in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, Kansas City, and Little Rock, and is currently one of three full-time music professionals at the St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock, responsible for six of their 17 (voice and handbell) choirs.
Her talents include a solo voice, vocal and handbell theory, a keyboard artist, and she is a free-lance composer/musician. She has published 47 original compositions and composes commissioned works for various churches and schools, it was noted.
She has received awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Missouri State House of Representatives, Outstanding Young Women of America and numerous awards while preparing for her degrees.
Donna is a member of American Choral Directors Association, American Society of Composers, Authors and Composers; American Guild of English Handbell Ringers; Choristers Guild, and the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts. In 1996 she was accepted and approved as a candidate for Diaconal Ministry in the United Methodist Church.
Donna succeeds Dolan Bayless, who served as minister of music here for 18 1/2 years before going to the First United Methodist Church in Lake Jackson, Texas in February.
Revival Services Continue at Osage Church of Christ
The Revival meeting continues through Sunday at Broadway & Osage Church of Christ, led by Mike Hall of Lubbock, Texas, Rusty Springer and Felix Garcia, both of Oklahoma City.
Services will be held this evening and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday evening at 6 p.m.
Please address any questions to either Joe Gibson at 762-7155 or Flip
Fleming at 765-7115. Everyone welcome.
Conference on 'Growing Kids' Set in Tulsa
Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo, founders of Growing Families International, will conduct a leadership and parenting conference Aug. 15 and 16 at Grace Fellowship, 9610 South Garnett Road in Tulsa. The conference is for current and potential leaders who want to develop a church-based parenting ministry and will be held Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per person.
The parenting conference is open to parents who are interested in learning biblically-based principles about parenting and other family issues. It is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Cost is $25 per person.
Childcare is available but must be pre-registered. For registration,
call 918-298-3823.
Arson Destroys Pawnee First Christian Church
About two weeks ago, the congregation of First Christian Church in Pawnee lost their sanctuary , parlor and fellowship hall through a fire determined to be arson. The educational and office wing of the building suffered extensive smoke damage. Preliminary damage estimates approach $400,000. The building was insured, but insurance will not cover all the expense related to reconstruction.
The congregation, led by the Rev. Tom Scott, held worship, with over 230 members, community citizens, fire fighters and police personnel, in the shadow of the burned sanctuary on the following Sunday. Nearly 20 different churches and organizations have volunteered their building to host First Christian, and they have accepted the offer of the Church of the Ascension, an Episcopal congregation, to serve as their temporary home.
Contributions for the reconstruction and refurbishing of the building
may be made directly to the First Christian Church, c/o First National Bank,
Pawnee, OK 74058, and the prayers of God's people will strengthen their
resolve to rebuild.
First Lutheran Welcomes Guest Speaker Sunday
The Rev. Richard Zabel will be guest speaker at First Lutheran Church this Sunday for the 9 a.m. worship service. The Rev. Mr. Zabel is a retired Lutheran Army Chaplain and accredited marriage and family counselor, now living in Wichita.
The theme of the service centers around the truth that God invites us to believe in Him and in the mission to which He has called us, the Rev. Mr. Zabel pointed out. "He equips us for that mission, often in the most unexpected ways. He lets nothing - not even our own complaining - separate us from His love," Zabel said.
Special music of praise by the Handbell Quintet is being planned for
the service.
Prince of Peace Lutherans Tell Schedule
Pastor Bruce Keck extends an open invitation to folks to come and join in worship at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Sunday. New worship times, beginning this Sunday will be 8:30 a.m. for morning worship and 11 a.m. for the new later worship time. Text for this Sunday will be "Living Bread or Dread." Fellowship will follow each service until Sept. 7.
This Sunday will be the installation of Pastor Keck with Bishop Floyd Schoenhals here for the ceremony.
Saturday morning will be work day at Prince of Peace to spruce up for the installation. Everyone is encouraged to spend a little or a lot of time helping out.
Prince of Peace wishes "Happy Birthday" to Jennifer Mena.
The First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 West Grand, recently celebrated the close of their 1996-97 Caravan Year with Caravan Sunday, marking the 50th anniversary of the Caravan program - a Bible-based Scoutlike activity for pre-school through sixth graders.
The program is divided into four age groups - Benson's Buddies, pre-school and kindergarten; Searchers, first and second graders; Explorers, third and fourth graders, and Adventurers, fifth and sixth graders.
Ten members of the Searchers and Explorers participated in the "Caravan Round-up" at the close of this year's activity with contests to test knowledge of the Articles of Faith and the I Believes, as well as in sports.
This event was held at St. Luke's Nazarene Church here in Ponca City. Last year's event was in Watonga, and each year a different host church is selected from across the Northwest District of the Oklahoma Nazarene churches.
First Nazarene Caravan Director Robert Jordan presented each child and guide with the appropriate badges, pins, stars, scarfs, and/or T-shirts. Also recognized were Francine Johnson and Faye Hunt for their work with the group this year.
Guides for this year have been Karen Maker, Donna Marlin, Chris and Crystal Noel, Maureen Jordan, Kelly Long and Mary Maker.
Director Jordan was presented a plaque of appreciation from the Guides for his leadership, and a party was held following the Sunday evening church service.
The church editor wishes to apologize to several local ministers for mistakes in the recent Welcome Neighbor tab. The folks at Harmony Missionary Baptist, 2230 North Union, called to let us know their pastor's name is Randy Ratliff and not the one we published in that edition.
Also, the Rev. Rick Hughes advises us his church is the First United Pentecostal Church at 1921 East Hartford, and not First United Pentecostal Holiness on North Union.
The Free Will Baptists now worship at 1900 East Hubbard, pastored by the Rev. David Bigger, and not where and with whom we published in Welcome Neighbor.
The Religion Editor wishes to keep her files up-to-date, so when changes come about in your church, please call us at 765-3311. We always appreciate your in-put.
Christian radio KLVV 88.7 FM is presenting Petra in concert Sept. 18 at the Gallagher-Iba Arena on the Oklahoma State University campus. The Petra Praise Tour '97 highlights Petra's latest album "Petra Praise 2: We Need Jesus." Special guests will be John Cox, Tammy Trent, and Shaded Red. Tickets for this concert go on sale Aug. 7, 1997.
When it comes to Christian music, Petra is one name which stands out in public opinion reflecting integrity, trust, respect and both international and mainstream influence. After more than two decades of touring in nearly 20 countries with an outstanding 22 recordings, Petra stands out in the music industry as the "world's premier Christian rock band." Petra is consistently one of Christian music's most awarded, respected and well-known groups.
The Petra Praise Tour '97 focuses around the group's latest project, "Petra Praise 2: We Need Jesus." "Just as Petra broke new ground by integrating rock and praise with their first offering in the praise category, this long-awaited follow-up is destined to garner similar acclaim," said Lynn Keesecker, VP/ general manager, Word Records.
The Petra Praise Tour '97 will be at the Gallagher-Iba Arena on the OSU
campus in Stillwater on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Aug. 7. General
admission tickets will be available at all Christian bookstores in Ponca
City, Enid, Stillwater, Blackwell, Winfield and at Family Christian Store,
NW 59th and N. May in Oklahoma City. Tickets for all ages are $10 in advance
and $9 for groups of 10 or more. Tickets will be $12 the day of the concert.
Reserved seats will be available for $15 only by telephone using Visa/Master
Card/Discover from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at (405) 767-1400. Tickets
can also be purchased by mail to KLVV, P.O. Box 14, Ponca City, OK 74602.
The concert is sponsored by Christian radio KLVV 88.7 FM.
LIFESTYLES
Lisa Gilligan and David Westberg were united in marriage recently in a double ring ceremony at the home of his parents, Lonny and Connie Westberg. The bride is the daughter of David and Dawn Taylor of Lancaster, England. The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. R. L. (Pete) Summers, grandfather of the bridegroom.
The bride wore a white dress styled with a square neckline and short sleeves. She also wore an antique mother-of-pearl necklace and earrings, a gift from her great-grandmother. She carried an arrangement of silk flowers and greenery created by Annette Hunt, cousin of the bridegroom.
Attending the couple were his sister, Sandra Mills and Michael Graham. The newlywed couple resides in Ponca City where he is employed at Modern Supply and the bride is continuing her nursing studies. A reception is planned for a later date.
Devin Russell Mowrar was born at 5:59 a.m. July 23, 1997 at the Stillwater Medical Center. He weighed 7-pounds, 7-ounces and was 20-inches long. The baby is the son of Amy Hayes and Lindsey Mowrar, rural Ponca City.
Maternal grandparents are John and Luree Hayes of Ponca City and paternal
grandparents are Chuck and Sandra Mowrar of Bartlesville. Great-grandparents
are Orrin and Evelyn Pederson of Ponca City. Anna Hudson of Fairbury, Neb.
is the great-great-grandmother.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Eight-year-old Mike Alessi of Simi Valley, Calif., is at that awkward age in motocross racing.
He can stay in the Pee-Wee division, where he is the returning national champion, or he can race in the Junior Cycle Division.
He's decided to do both and is doing both quite well.
Alessi won four heat races as the NMA National Motocross Championships opened three days of action Thursday at the Jack Blevins Motocross Track, two in each division.
The young veteran was slated to take his first step toward a possible fifth championship this morning in the 50 cc Super Pee Wee Modified division of 6-to-9 year-olds.
In a very busy day on the track Thursday, Alessi won his division heat in the Pee-Wee Stock 7-8 class, then followed with his first win in the Junior Cycle Stock 6-8 class, another division win in the Pee-Wee Modified and finally, in the last race of day, out dueled Dennis Jonon of Tucson, Ariz., to the checkered flag in the Junior Cycle Modified 60 cc class.
In addition to his first run in the Super Pee Wee class today, Alessi will also run his second motos in the Pee Wee Stock and Junior Cycle Stock classes.
The motocross races ran through 37 events Thursday. It was to complete seven more first heats this morning and then start on the second heats this afternoon with champions crowned in several classes. The second motos of 17 events will run Saturday, followed by the run off of those 11 events which have more than one division.
While Alessi was the big winner Thursday, several more rider set themselves up to take home multiple trophies.
Oklahoman Chase Reed of Lone Grove won his first motos in the 80 stock and modified divisions for 12-13 year-olds.
In the pro division, Danny Smith of Eagle, Idaho, won the 125 stock and modified division heats.
Travis Riley of Fort. Lupton, Colo., was the top intermediate rider, winning the 125 Stock and 250 Stock divisions while placing second in the 125 Open through 16 years old.
Billy Payne of Chatsworth, Calif., will challenge Riley for the intermediate crown after winning heats in the 125 stock and modified divisions.
James Stewart Jr., of Winter Haven, Fla., was also a double winner, taking his heats in the 80 stock and modified through 11 years of age classes.
Bruce Rutherford of Marrieta, Ga., won his heats in the Pee Wee stock and modified through age 6 classes.
LADY WILDCAT ALL STATE volleyball players, Heather Roth (left) and Crystal Suggs prepare for their match against the West stars in Tulsa Wednesday. Roth had 11 sets, 10 digs and served two aces for the East team. Suggs added eight sets and two digs but the West won the three-set match, 15-11, 5-15, 15-13. (News Photo by Fred Hilton)
PCCC Club Championship
(Saturday Tee Times)
8:16 - Wade Lessert, Chip Huston, John Hron, Phil Knight
8:24 - Casey Orr, Paul Walker, Jim Self, Tom Green
8:32 - Don Wallace, Roy Swain, Rick Cavener, Dale Chapman
8:40 - Jack Hudack, Joe Alcott, J.B. Hron
8:48 - Greg Carter, David Mills, Robert Sherer, Frank Rogers
8:56 -, Hal Niemann. Dan Lyhane, Jon Hoover, John Yocam
9:04 - Jason Snyder, Rod Pemberton, Lance Murrie, Richard Welborn
9:12 - Chuck Greenwood, Guy Clark, Keni Ray, Clyde Becker
9:20 - John Brown, Enloe Baumert, Mike Starbuck, John Green
9:28 - John Counter, Wendell Wilkins, Steve Pulley, Ben DeLaPaz
9:36 - Wes Nimmo, Tom Chesnutt, Winston Lindsay, Perry Schauvliege
9:44 - Duane Stebens, Jess Haynes, Steve Linville
9:52 -Gale McArthur, Frank Little, Tom Glasscock, Jim Fuller
10:00 - Bob Anthony, Monte Evens, Mac McClain, Tony Wyatt
10:08 - Tom Carter, Lynn Hohensee, R.A. Rogers
10:16 - Jay Morse, Jeff Webster, Joe Paden, Bill Schutte
10:24 - Don Edwards, Bill Greenfield, Don Stephens
10:32 - Tom Rigdon, Clark Nickles, Don Lockwood
10:40 -Leroy Punches, Tom Throop, Don Niemann, Vic Coates