From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, August
29, 1997
LOCAL
Drivers Education Offered After School
Hot Air Balloons, Colorful Exhibits On Display at Municipal Airport
Noon Lions Climaxing 75th Anniversary With Banquet
Oil and Gas Report
New Anesthesiologist For St. Joseph Med Center
DEATHS
James Eldon Haymaker
Earl Ratliff
Obituaries
Merle E. Jones
Howard Carroll Hulsey
Services Pending
Gary Lynn Bryant
NEWS BRIEFS
RELIGION
St. Paul's Youth Serve in Appalachia
Church Briefs
First Lutherans Plan Rally Day
The Mission Sets Counseling Time For This Fall
POP Lutherans Announce Plans
Free Will Baptists Plan Roundup
New Bible Study For Ladies Set
Hartford Avenue Announces Fall Quarter Bible Study Classes
Pastor's Notes
EDUCATION
Bicycle Safety
PTC Board Members Attend Conference
Drivers Ed Course
School Notes
LIFESTYLES
Little News
SPORTS
Lady Cats Breakout
Cats Hold Scrimmage
Volleyballers Win
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
The fate of offering a drivers education class during school hours at Ponca City High School was decided at a recent Ponca City Board of Education meeting on Aug. 11. At that time the board unanimously denied all requests to offer drivers education during school hours this fall or next spring.
Since that time school personnel have been trying to come up with an alternative solution. A new solution has been found and a drivers education course will be offered at Ponca City High School this fall. This new class will be offered after school on a voluntary basis only and will be taught by Larry Rehl.
This course will not be mandatory for students attending the high school. At this time the question even ascends on whether the drivers education course will be counted as a credit.
Dr. Don Sjoberg, principal at Po-Hi, said that the school is waiting to hear from a regional crediting officer about offering the course as a credit. The answer to the question could be answered as early as next week. Dr. Sjoberg said, "Because the course would be offered after school on a voluntary basis, we must have approval from the state before a credit will be issued. The course will only be based on a pass or fail grading scale.
"I certainly hope that the course will be credit worthy. I know a lot of students attending the high school who would like to have the course count as a credit. The school is working on every possible way to set a credit for the course."
Students Must Pay Full Cost
This new drivers education course will cost a total of $140. The full cost must be paid by Sept. 2 at noon. There will also be no refunds after the first day of the class.
"The reason for the high cost of offering drivers education is simple," said Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools. "During the summer, the state produces a reimbursement to the school for some of the costs. Since the course will be offered after school it is necessary to raise the cost of drivers education because the school will not be reimbursed at all."
The class will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. for 15 days (30 hours) of classroom instruction and then 12 hours of driving during the same time period on an individual basis with Rehl.
"We have had about 15 students that have shown interest in the program," said Dr. Sjoberg. "As of today we only have seven students that have paid their money. We have not set a cap limit on the class, but it would be capable of accommodating approximately 20 students. Unfortunately if the enrollment numbers do not warrant the creation of the class, the class will not be offered and enrollees will be refunded."
Dr. White also stated that, "The school district is very glad that the course has been created and is up and running. I think that this will be a good solution to the problem. Our goal for the Ponca City Schools is to keep the students happy and oblige their needs."
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Brilliant hot air balloons, daring aerobatics, colorful exhibits and much, much more will take-off at the Ponca City Municipal Airport beginning with concessions and games for youths from 6-9 p.m., today.
The highlight of the evening will be the "evening glow," slated from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., when the hot air balloons light up the horizon. This unforgettable event is not to be missed. While enjoying the view, spectators will be entertained musically by ZEN OKIES.
Grounds open at 7 a.m., Saturday and a pancake breakfast will be available from 7-10 a.m. The balloon launch is scheduled from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This will be followed by radio controlled airplanes 9 to 9:30 a.m.
The parade flight of airplanes will follow from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Next on tap will be the ZEN OKIES, who will entertain from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The radio controlled airplanes will return to the spotlight from 11:30 to 11:45 p.m.
A major attraction, aerobatics demonstrations are slated from 11:30 a.m., to 1:15 p.m.
The radio controlled planes will again take to the air from 1:15 to 1:30 p.m., followed by ZEN OKIES, who will play for an hour . Next is another one hour parade of flight and a flyby from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The ZEN OKIES will play from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The next event is the balloon launch from 5 to 6 p.m.
All day events are games for kids; Classic Cars display; powered parachute; helicopter rides, sky diving; balloon rides; static airplane displays and historic military exhibit.
Admission is $3 for adults and children under five, $1.
This week the Noon Lions are climaxing their celebration of the club's 75th anniversary. Wednesday's weekly program featured brief, and mostly impromptu, remarks by 18 past presidents concerning their time in office.
A picnic at Lake Ponca Park last weekend preceded the anniversary banquet being held Saturday evening at the Conoco Cafeteria.
President Vic Andrews noted that the club will be honored Saturday by having Dr. William H., Wunder, Lions International president in 1995-96, as guest speaker. Dr. Wunder, who is an associate professor and director of executive MBA programs at Friends University, Wichita, is expected to be accompanied by his wife, Dorothy.
A retired colonel in the U.S. Army, Wunder is a former president of Marymount College in Kansas. He and his wife are the parents of two sons and a daughter, and have five grandchildren.
The Ponca City Lions Club was chartered in 1922 with E. Marland, then head of the Marland Oil Company here, as its first president.
Johnnie Hollingsworth, first vice president, introduced Wednesday's speakers. Former presidents participating included Ernie Trout, the Rev. Evans T. Moseley, Eddie Davis, Allen Robson, Elbrige Orr, Russ Allen, Brice Chism, Bill McCann, John Krider, Dick Balfanz, Jack Shilling, Sam Sheehan, Danny Thompson, Jerry Brace, Bob Austin and William L. "Beau" Davis.
Among those heading up anniversary committees were Patsy Bray, Bill McCann, Bill Thomason, Johnnie Hollingsworth and Norman Brown. Jack Mason had charge of arrangements for the picnic, and Bob Clark led in the Lions participation in the Rodeo Parade on Aug. 16.
Oil Ventures Ltd. has revealed plans to drill a 3,600-ft. developmental well in Kay County's Blackwell Field. The operator has designated the venture as the No. 1-97 McCluskey. Drillsite is 3.2 miles northwest of Blackwell.
Section 4-township 27n-range 1w-nw-nw.
Hewitt Energy Group Inc. is preparing to conduct a recompletion for extended production in the Braman Field, Kay County.
The No. 8 Bechtel is about 3.3 miles east of Braman.
Hewitt will be seeking new pay at a depth of about 2,570 feet in the Tonkawa Formation.
Section 5-township 28n-range 1w-se-sw.
Production in the Oswego Formation will be the target when Darling Oil Corp. conducts a recompletion at the No. 20 Duncan in the North Braman Field, Kay County, 3.9 miles northeast of Braman.
The well currently bottoms at a depth of 3,650 feet.
Section 21-township 29n-range 1w-ne-sw.
Harry A. Spring has revealed plans to drill a 5,800-ft. developmental well in Noble County's Orlando Field. The operator has designated the venture as the No. 1-18 Margaret. Drillsite is four miles south-southwest of Perry.
Section 18-township 20n-range 1w-ne-se.
Thomas N. Berry and Co. is preparing to conduct a recompletion for extended production in Noble County's Orlando Field.
The No. 2 Fair is about 5.8 miles southwest of Perry.
The operator will be seeking new pay at a depth of about 5,104 feet in the Cleveland Formation.
Section 30-township 20n-range 1w-nw-nw.
The No. 4 Cowboy, the No. 2 Rudman and the No. 1 Pep have been recompleted for extended production in the Billings Field, Noble County, 3.8, 4.3 and 4.5 miles southeast of Billings. The Cowboy well showed ability to pump two barrels of oil per day, while the Rudman and Pep wells pumped 13 and 25 barrels of oil daily plus 6,000 and 44,000 CFD, respectively.
Production is from new perforations, ranging from 2,028 to 2,567 feet into the wellbores.
Hugoton Energy Corp. is the operator.
Section 16-township 23n-range 2w-nw-se.
Section 21-township 23n-range 2w-nw-ne.
Section 22-township 23n-range 2w-nw-nw.
Deeper pay was the target at a re-entry operation in Osage County's Bandwheel Field, one mile north of Hominy.
The well is designated as the No. 7 Midwest with Midwest E.O.R. Inc. as the operator.
It pumped 15 barrels of oil per day from the Mississippi Lime Formation and was plugged back to 2,390 feet.
Section 13-township 23-range 8-se.
A new producer has been brought on line in Osage County's Pershing Field, with Demetrie D. Carone as the operator.
Located 4.5 miles west-northwest of Pershing, the well is designated as the No. 95-4 Demetrie.
It pumped five barrels of oil per day.
The well bottomed at 2,273 feet and produced from the Bartlesville Formation.
Section 28-township 25-township 9-nw.
D.L.B. Oil and Gas Inc. has given up on its efforts to make a producer out of the No. 2 D.L.B. 11-sw. in Osage County's Barnsdall Field. Location was three miles east of Barnsdall. The well probed to a dry bottom at 2,813 feet.
Section 7-township 24-range 11-sw.
Kevin Carter, D.O., recently joined the medical staff of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center as an anesthesiologist, according to Garry England, President and CEO. Dr. Carter is responsible for the surgery anesthesia at SJRMC and oversees a staff of three CRNA's.
After obtaining his bachelor of science degree in zoology from the University of Oklahoma, in Norman, Dr. Carter continued his education at Oklahoma State University of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa. Completing his medical training in 1993, Dr. Carter fulfilled his residency requirements at the University of Kansas-Wichita in June of this year. The KU-Wichita residency program is recognized for providing outstanding training in areas of regional anesthesia and pain management, training Dr. Carter will utilize at SJRMC.
Dr. Carter is a native of the small community of Mounds, Okla., located south of Tulsa. His wife, Deanna, is originally from Sapulpa, Okla., also located near Tulsa. They have two daughters, Karlee, 6 and Kimber, 1. In his free time, Dr. Carter enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family.
"Dr. Carter's expertise in regional anesthesia and pain management
add another dimension to our commitment in providing the highest quality
anesthesia service to the patients we serve," said England. "We
plan to continue the recruitment of new physicians like Dr. Carter to meet
the ever changing demands of health care technology."
DEATHS
BLACKWELL - James Eldon Haymaker, lifelong Blackwell resident, died Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 27, 1997, at his cabin in Kaw City. He was 65.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. The Rev. Paul Hudson, retired pastor of First Baptist Church, Eakly, will officiate. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery, where the Blackwell American Legion and VFW will conduct the Flag presentation.
James Eldon Haymaker was born Feb. 4, 1932, in Blackwell to Art F. and Erma Marie (Alyea) Haymaker. He grew up and attended schools in Blackwell. While in high school he worked for the Hazel-Atlas Glass Plant and continued the employment after graduation in 1950.
He was married to Janet Lee Smith on July 21, 1951, in Blackwell, where they established their home. On Oct. 1, 1952, he entered the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Corporal. Following his discharge on Aug. 27, 1954, he returned to work at the glass plant until it was destroyed by a tornado in 1955.
Haymaker then worked for Blackwell Zinc Company for 18 years until the plant closed in 1973. He began employment through the pipefitters union and continued there until retirement in 1992. Since his retirement, Haymaker enjoyed his cabin on Kaw Lake and square dancing as a member of several area square dance clubs. He was a member of the Blackwell First Baptist Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Pipefitters Union Local 767 of Ponca City.
Survivors include his wife, Janet Lee Haymaker of Blackwell; one son, Tim Haymaker of Blackwell; one sister, Colleen Casebeer of Glendora, Calif.; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Elwood Haymaker.
Casket bearers will be Robert Collyar, Joe Welsh, Wayne Janda, Lowell Brown, Edward McKinnis and Bob Wynn.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Haymaker's name to the Blackwell First Baptist Church, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
RED ROCK - Earl Ratliff, Red Rock resident, died early this morning, Aug. 29. 1997, at Stillwater Medical Center. He was 86.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Perry (Okla.) First Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Ceres (Okla.) Cemetery.
Earl Ratliff was born March 18, 1911, near Red Rock to Albert C. and Bessie (Jones) Ratliff. He attended Marland and Red Rock schools.
He was married to Helen Domeny on May 16, 1937, at their home near Ceres. Ratliff farmed and ranched in the Red Rock area until his retirement in 1995. He was an active member of the Ceres Baptist Church until moving to Perry. At Perry First Baptist Church he was a member of the Men's Fellowship Sunday School Class. He was an honorary member in both the Red Rock and Marland FFA Chapters, and helped establish and served as president of the Red Rock Sportsman Club. Ratliff was also served as a board member of the Northern Oklahoma Hereford Breeders Association.
Survivors include his wife, Helen, of the home in Red Rock; one son, Bobby Ratliff Jr. of Red Rock; one daughter, Mrs. Tom (Carolyn) Davis of Perry; one brother, Keith Ratliff of McAlester; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jay.
Memorials in Mr. Ratliff's name may be made to a charity of choice.
Merle E. "Gene" Jones, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday evening, Aug. 27, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 70 years of age.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, 1997, in the Grace Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Richard Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Merle Jones was born Aug. 21, 1927, in Pawhuska, the son of Claude and Cora (Bass) Jones. He attended Ponca City schools.
On Dec. 2, 1944, he was united in marriage to Frances Lela Short in Ponca City and the couple made their home in Ponca City. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was discharged in 1947 as a Corporal.
Following his military service, Mr. Jones returned to Ponca city and was employed by the Robin Hood Flour Mill, and also as a welder for Ponca Tank for a number of years. He later worked for the Ponca City Park Department as an animal control officer and served as an auxiliary policeman.
A devoted husband and loving father, he enjoyed being with his children and grandchildren, camping, fishing, horseback riding, wrestling, dancing, singing, and playing his harmonica. He also enjoyed watching his horses Chester and Rocky.
Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Frances, of the home; four daughters, Mrs. Larry (Darlene) Young, of Marland, Mrs. Gary (Darla) Gillespie of Ponca City, Mrs. Skeet (Dorene) Baker of Kildare, and Mrs. Gary (Doretta) Simmons of Ponca City; three sons, Rocky and Debbie Jones of Fayetteville, Ark., Stony and Linda Jones of Ponca City, and Dusty and Joy Jones of Oklahoma City; 21 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother, two grandsons; and one granddaughter.
Casket bearers will be Gary Gillespie, Larry Young, Skeet Baker, Gary Simmons, Charlie Jones and Ricky Short. Honorary casket bearers will be Travis Young, Jesse Baker, Matthew Jones, Robert Jones, Dustin Jones, Michael Wilcher, Sammy Simmons, Ronnie Jones, Rocky Jones Jr., James Smith, Eric Bowker, Stephen McClung, Ronnie Wardlow, and Garvin W. Veach.
The family will be at the Jones home, 5401 South Union Street.
paid obituary
Howard Carroll Hulsey, 2701 Larchmont, died Thursday, Aug. 28, 1997, at the Baptist Medical Center, Oklahoma City. He was 77.
The funeral service will be Saturday, 10 a.m. at the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ with Mr. Don Huddleston and Mr. Carl Maples officiating. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. in the Highland Cemetery, Oilton, Okla., under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Born May 8, 1920, at Bower, Okla., he was the son of Orb C. and Bertha Mae Brooks Hulsey. He attended schools in Oilton, graduating in 1941. During World War II he served with the U.S. Army Air Corps.
On Jan. 8, 1942, he and Betty Mikeman were married at Drumright.
Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he joined Cities Service Oil Company. He worked in Pampa, Texas, El Dorado, Kan., and retired as a production foreman in St. John, Kan., in 1982. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1986. He was a member of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ and enjoyed golfing and bowling.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Bill Young, Newkirk; granddaughter, Jami Young, Childress, Texas; grandson, Joby Young, Weatherford; five brothers, Garley Hulsey, Eufaula, Orin Hulsey, Pampa, Texas, Buren Hulsey, Tucson, Ariz., Dr. Ed Hulsey, Mangum, Okla., and Buel Hulsey, Tulsa; and a sister, Oleta Hazlip, Pratt, Kan. His parents preceded him in death.
Casket bearers will be Greg Terrell, Mike Hazlip, Jim Eck, Don Jesch, John Reynolds, and Glen Riley. Honorary casket bearers will be Garley Hulsey, Orin Hulsey, Buren Hulsey, Ed Hulsey, Buel Hulsey, and Oleta Hazlip.
Memorials may be made to the Oilton Church of Christ, Oilton, OK. 74052.
The family will be at the home, 2701 Larchmont.
paid obituary
Gary Lynn Bryant, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Aug.
29, 1997, at Temple, Texas. He was 48. Survivors include his parents, Wayne
and Fern Bryant of Ponca City. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial
Chapel.
NEWS BRIEFS
Genealogy Meet Changed - The Pioneer Genealogical Society meeting has been changed from the regular meeting night to 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Ponca City Library. The club will not hold their meeting on Labor Day.
Red Cross Closed - The American Red Cross Ponca City Blood Donation Center at 525 Monument Drive will be closed Labor Day. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.
Senior Citizens Dance Postponed - Due to the Labor Day holiday, there will not be a Senior Citizens Dance at the American Legion Monday. The next dance will be Sept. 8 from 7 to 10 p.m. This will be cookie night, and the 10th Anniversary of the Monday Night Dance. Everyone is invited to come and dance to the music of the Hayriders Band.
Title IX Meeting - Frontier Public School's Title IX Director Jake Jackson has announced a Sept. 2 meeting at 5:15 p.m. in the school's library commons area. Jackson would like to invite all of those interested to attend the meeting.
Tires Slashed - A man in the 1200 block of West Broadway Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:10 a.m. Thursday that his tires had been cut. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Lawn Mower Missing - A man from the 1100 block of East Oklahoma Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:43 a.m. Thursday that a lawn mower had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Assault - A man from the 700 block of Marland Drive reported to the Communications Center at 10:54 a.m. Thursday that he had been assaulted Wednesday night. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Summit Avenue and North Waverly Street at 11:47 a.m. Thursday that a 39-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Shoplifter - A firm in the 1100 block of East South Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:36 p.m. Thursday that a shoplifter had been in the store earlier. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue that a 37-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Mobile Phone Missing - A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 2:53 p.m. Thursday to report a mobile phone stolen while in the 1100 block of South Fourth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Bicycle Abandoned - Animal Control was notified to pick up an abandoned bicycle from the 100 block of North Pine Street at 2:57 p.m. Thursday.
Forgery - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department took a report at 3:21 p.m. Thursday concerning a forgery at Pizza Inn, 2224 North Fourteenth Street.
Accident - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department took a report at 3:24 p.m. Thursday that an accident had occurred in the Po-Hi student parking lot.
Combative Patient - The Communications Center received a call at 3:50 p.m. Thursday from the emergency room of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center concerning a combative patient. Four Ponca City Police Department officers responded and a 52-year-old man was held on charges of trespassing and resisting arrest.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 4:29 p.m. Thursday that a 20-year-old man was being held on a city warrant.
Vehicle Accident - A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of South Fourth Street and East South Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:29 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Towed - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 6:49 p.m. Thursday from the intersection of East Highland Avenue and North Thirteenth Street that a 27-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension. A vehicle was towed from the scene.
Stereo Equipment Missing - A person from the 1400 block of West Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police department at 7:20 p.m. Thursday that some stereo equipment had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Assault - A woman from the 600 block of North Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:22 p.m. Thursday that her 10-year-old son had been assaulted while at the intersection of East Grand Avenue and Eleventh Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Windshield Broken - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 7:31 p.m. Thursday that a truck had lost some rock and it had broken a windshield of a vehicle while in the 3600 block of North Union Street.
Mail Stolen - A person from the 300 block of North Sunset Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:37 p.m. Thursday that some mail had been stolen. A report was taken.
Assault - A man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 8:54 p.m. Thursday to report an assault. An officer was assigned, a report was taken, and a 25-year-old woman was taken from the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue on a charge of domestic assault and battery.
Subject Held - Two Ponca City Police Department officers responded
to a disturbance at 9:06 p.m. Thursday in the 400 block of East Detroit
Avenue. A 34-year-old man was held on a city warrant for failure to pay.
RELIGION
What required 1100 miles of driving (one way), five days of work in hot August sun, and is considered one of the best experiences of a lifetime? The Appalachian Service Project is the answer!
On Sunday, Aug. 24, six youth and four adults presented a dinner and report on their recent mission trip to Virginia. It was a way of thanking St. Paul's United Methodist Church for supporting them on their project.
The project took place in the western "panhandle" of Virginia, in mountainous Buchanon County. The volunteers were made up mostly of youth, from four churches from the states of Oklahoma, Florida, Massachusetts, and Virginia. Lodging for the week was at Prader Elementary School, which was air-conditioned (some of the centers have no AC) and had showers (some of the centers have none). Being an elementary school, the shower heads were about four foot high! Everyone made the best of them!
This was a typical day's schedule: Rise at 7, devotion at 7:15, breakfast at 7:30. By 8:30 some of the work team were making the day's lunches, others were gathering the tools and materials needed for the day's work. Work teams left for their job site usually by 9:30. Teams worked until about 4:30, returning to the elementary school to do chores (usually cleaning some part of the school) and then take showers. Supper was served at 6, team leaders met at 7, and the whole group met at 8. The Oklahoma group usually traveled to Dairy Queen or Taco Bell, barely making it back by 10:30 when the school doors were locked. Lights out was at 11. After a hard day's work sleep came easy; the snoring usually started soon after 11!
Teams worked in the house of their host family. Redena and her two children live on a rocky and rutty road. Carless, she walked wherever she went. Her home was spotless and she took good care of all she owned. Ed and Ruth Yates lived on the side of a mountain. Though with little income, Ed took special care of his tools. Every week he mowed the path up the mountain to the family cemetery, which he kept in nice condition. The people we met were friendly and welcoming, making the best of their circumstances and proud of their accomplishments. Several projects were completed by the groups. At Redena's house a rotting floor was removed, flooring was laid, the leaky roof was sealed, leaky plumbing was fixed, and a cabinet was installed. At the Yates a bathroom was renovated, linoleum was laid in a small hallway, and a porch was built. Living on the side of a mountain, drainage is very important. A sixty foot ditch was dug to channel water away from a trailer home. At another home, a retaining wall was built so that the children could play in the yard without fear that they would fall over the side. One work team surprised their host by having birthday cake and giving lawn chairs for her newly-constructed porch!
Youth going on the trip were Jacob Bull, Brandon Bull (of Davis, Okla.), Amanda Cobb, Jackie Dyer, Matt Largent, and Claire Sonnichsen. Adults were Diane Bull, the Rev. Rick Cross, the Rev. Craig Dietert, and Jan Largent.
Throughout the week the youth worked hard. They traveled the 1100 miles well (we learned that one Beatles tape could get us about 200 miles!). The level of enthusiasm was high as we experienced the satisfaction of doing something constructive for others. We learned that others really aren't that "other" after all! It was a great experience of attempting to be faithful to God, the Rev. Mr. Dietert pointed out.
So what takes 1100 miles of driving, much hard work in the hot days of August, and is one of the best experiences of a lifetime? The Appalachian Service Project! Virginia - we hope to visit you again next summer!
St. Mary's Begin 'Journey of Faith' Program
St. Mary's Church will begin its 1997-98 "Journey of Faith" program on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Parish Center, 417 South Seventh.
This series of adult education classes is designed to teach the faith of the Roman Catholic Church to those who are interested in becoming Catholic, as well as those who would just like to learn more about the Catholic Church and its teachings. People of all faiths are welcome to attend.
For more information, please call Fr. John Michalicka (765-6029) or the
St. Mary's Parish Center office (765-7194).
All Day Gospel Singing Here Saturday
Ministry of Truth from Muskogee will bring an All Day Gospel Singing event to Ponca City on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre.
Scheduled for appear for the free all day singing are Hallelujah Two, The Proclaimers, Donna Swanner, The Foreman Family, Cross Fire, Johnson Ross Family, The Revelators, Charity, Don Manning and The Heritage Quartet.
The public is welcome to attend, Host Pastor Roger L. Gates pointed out.
St. Paul's UMC Announces New Christian Education Interim
Cathie Gilliland has been named the new Christian Education and Children's
Ministry Interim at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, it was announced.
She will coordinate and oversee the Sunday School program, the puppet ministry,
leadership training events, the Lifesavers for Jesus afternoon program,
the Children's Moment in worship, VBS, Confirmation classes, and other aspects
of children's programs.
First Baptists Schedule Leader Training
All Sunday School workers at First Baptist are encouraged to make Friday, Sept. 5, a special day in their personal schedules. On that evening the church will host a one night training session designed to introduce the new Sunday School year and instruct workers in Sunday School reaching and teaching techniques.
Pastor Hance Dilbeck will speak at a banquet that evening and training
sessions will follow. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. in the Assembly Center
and conclude at about 9 p.m. with the training events, it was announced.
Pilgrimage to Holy Land Scheduled
Global Catholic Tours of Oklahoma City announces another Holy Land departure from Oklahoma City/Tulsa/DFW. Fr. James Stafford from Blessed Sacrament Church in Lawton will be the Spiritual Director for the visit to Israel, Jordan and Egypt. The group will depart on Feb. 2 and return Feb. 16, 1998.
The itinerary includes four nights in Jerusalem, three nights in Tiberias,
two nights in Egypt and two nights in Jordan. At Mt. Sinai, the group will
visit the famous St. Catherine's Monastery. This site was built in the sixth
century to protect what is believed to be the Burning Bush area, where God
first revealed Himself to Moses. For more information, contact John Tagnesi
at Global Catholic Tours of OKC (405) 947-7171 or 1-888-658-9943.
First Lutherans Look Forward to 'Captive Free'
Reserve Sept. 30 for an evening of fun and inspiration at First Lutheran Church provided by a group of young Lutherans from Youth Encounter of Minneapolis, Minn. These youth usually make a one year commitment to Youth Encounter to travel either across the United States or foreign countries sharing their faith with young people and their families.
The specific group that will visit Ponca City is called "Captive Free." Their theme for the evening is "Wide Awake" with sing-a-longs, puppets, skits, contemporary music, and faith sharing. Watch for more details in the coming weeks.
Members of First Lutheran invite all to join them for worship Sunday
at 9 a.m. This Sunday, Aug. 31, will conclude the summer schedule of only
one service. On Sept. 7 there will again be two services - 8:30 and 11 a.m.
Special Afternoon Service at First United Pentecostal
This Sunday, Aug. 31, has been designated as Fifth Sunday Afternoon Service at the First United Pentecostal Church, 1921 East Hartford in Ponca City. The afternoon worship service begins at 2 p.m. and will feature special singing and preaching. The purpose of the Fifth Sunday Afternoon Service is to provide an opportunity for persons presently attending another church to visit an Apostolic Pentecostal church without having to miss the service at their home church.
Immediately following the service everyone is invited to a picnic at the Fifth Street Park, for a time of fellowship and recreation. Pastor Rick Hughes extends a warm invitation to "come visit our exciting, friendly and growing church. Come enjoy the exuberant worship, the inspiring singing, and the evangelistic preaching that are hallmarks of Pentecost."
For more information or a ride to church, contact Pastor Hughes at 767-1482.
Grace Church Celebrates This Weekend
Grace Episcopal Church, corner of Grand and Thirteenth, will be celebrating the completion of their new building addition this week, starting with a Praise and Thanksgiving Worship Service this evening at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Fr. Kenneth Armstrong, rector, said this will be an opportunity for the church members to speak extemporaneously about the new addition to the church facility and have an "old fashioned" praise service together.
On Saturday from 2 o 4 p.m. a Community Open House and Reception is scheduled in the newly completed Christian Education Center, and Ponca Citians are invited to stop by for a tour and some refreshment.
On Sunday an Outdoor Holy Eucharist will be held in the parking lot north
of the Christian Education Center, beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by the
picnic and block party at 11 a.m., also in the parking lot. Hamburgers,
hot dogs, with drinks and all the trimmings will be provided. Those attending
are asked to bring their lawn chairs for outdoor seating. In case of inclement
weather the service and picnic will be moved inside. A nursery will be provided
for all three events.
Free Will Baptists Plan Sunday Night Singing
The Ponca City Free Will Baptist Church will host its bi-monthly church singing this Sunday night, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. Everyone from the church that wishes to sing a special number will be given the opportunity to sing.
The church has many talented singers, and this gives everyone the opportunity
to participate, Pastor David Bigger said. The public is invited to attend.
First Methodist Sets 5th Sunday Songfest
This coming Sunday is 5th Sunday Songfest at First United Methodist Church. Suzie Lenhart will lead songs from a special songbook of "old" sing along hymns - ones that haven't been heard or sung for ages.
The program will start at 6 p.m. followed by refreshments and fellowship
in the courtyard, and a nursery will be provided. Don't miss this songfest
opportunity.
St. Paul's UMC Busy with Fall Plans
St. Paul's United Methodist youth are organizing an ices cream social for Sunday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. on the church lawn.
They plan to serve homemade vanilla, tooty-fruits, and other "favorites",
along with fellowship. Donations will be accepted by the youth, and everyone
is invited.
Community Christian Sets Fall Singspiration
The Worship Committee at Community Christian has scheduled a Fall Singspiration for Sunday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. Vocal and instrumental music, plus some good old-fashioned hymn singing is being planned, according to David Webster, Minister of Music.
The public is invited to attend this special singing event.
Nazarenes Announce Caravan Program
The Caravan Program at First Church of the Nazarene started this past Wednesday evening and will continue through this exciting school year, according to Robert Jordan, director.
Caravan meets every Wednesday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. at the church, 1900 West Grand. All children in first through sixth grade are invited to attend.
Caravan is a scouting-type program with a Christian emphasis, Jordan explained. If questions, please contact the church office at 765-6060 or Jordan at 765-3633.
First Lutheran Church, 1101 North Fourth, will celebrate Rally Day on Sunday, Sept. 7, marking the beginning of the Sunday School year when students promote to new teachers and classes just as in school. Anyone looking for a church home is welcome to attend and begin a new Sunday School year.
This year's Rally Day theme is NOAH FRIEND. If you "Noah friend," bring that friend to church on Rally Sunday.
The day will be full of worship and fellowship beginning at 8:30 a.m. with Rally Day worship. It will include a special Rally Day theme, children's sermon by Paul Schatte and recognition of the Sunday School teachers.
At 9:45 a.m. is the Sunday School hour with an "opening" to transfer the students to their new teachers and to recognize retiring teachers. Carol Powell will lead the singing.
The late Rally Day worship service will be at 11 a.m. and those students promoting to the third grade will be presented with Bibles. Those students are Sherri Beier, Eric Brunkow, Casey Cashon, Kammie Frazier, Justin Kremeier, Kasha Kurtz, Britany Lawrence, Austin Neahring, Dylan Powell, Jefferson Powell, Lindsay Roehl, and Wesley Young.
At 6:30 p.m., get ready for The Big Dog! Noah Friend, bring that friend and some hot dog buns, and join the group for the longest hot dog ever seen at First Lutheran Church. There will be food, games, treats and fellowship.
Consider First Lutheran Church for your church home and start anew with First Lutheran on Rally Sunday.
The Mission on South Avenue is sponsoring a biblical counseling study this fall, according to Hazel Riggs, director.
This course of study was developed at Scope Ministries in Oklahoma City, Hazel said. Scope Ministries was founded 25 years ago by Jim Craddock who developed a counseling model that he called "Pneumanetics". This word means "Spirit led" and is an indication that the Holy Spirit is recognized as the true Counselor in any ministry. It is, at heart, an intensive and directive disciplining ministry. Many people have found that as they prepare themselves to minister to others in this way, their own lives are changed.
The course will be taught by Diane Clarida. She has completed a two year training course at Scope and has been counseling in Ponca City for the last two years. She has been teaching this study in Ponca City, as well as teaching in the program at Scope Ministries.
The study will begin on Sept. 18 and continue for 2 weeks. It will meet from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Thursday evening.
If you are interested, please call Diane Clarida at 762-1357 or Hazel Riggs at 762-7748.
Pastor Bruce Keck extends an invitation to the public to come and worship with Prince of Peace at either an 8:30 or 11 a.m. morning worship service. This Sunday is T-shirt Sunday at Prince of Peace - wear your POP T-shirt, or a favorite other one.
Hats, sun visors and T-shirts are in, it seems, and Prince of Peace will have hats and visors on sale for $5 and T-shirts for $12. If interested, see Angela Correll during fellowship time on Sept. 7, or call 765-5199.
The Sunday School program is set to start on Sept. 7 at 9:45 a.m. A good enrollment is reported for this year for both children and adult classes, and any others interested are welcome to come at 9:45 a.m. on Sept. 7 or call the church office at 762-7698.
Pastor Keck will start confirmation classes for seventh and eighth graders on Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 4 to 5:15 p.m. If you would like to enroll your child in the confirmation class, contact Pastor Keck at the church.
The church is still looking for an additional pianist/organist for the 11 a.m. service. If you know of anyone interested, call the church office or Cathy Davis at 765-6972, This is a paid position and there is no need to be a member of Prince of Peace.
Sunday, Sept. 14 is scheduled for the annual Roundup Sunday at the Ponca City Free Will Baptist Church. A special slate of events is being line up for this day.
The days of yesteryear will be brought back to life as the church will be rounding up all of its members (past and present) and visitors to attend this service. An official Wagon Train will be part of the events of the day. This Wagon Train will be leaving a specific destination on Roundup Sunday going to the Free Will Baptist church. All children attending Sunday School will be invited to ride on one of the covered wagons from a specified location to the church that morning. Plans are underway to host the Wagon Train team. In addition to the Wagon Train, riders on horses will be following the wagons.
Following the morning worship service, dinner will be served. Pastor David Bigger invites the public to attend the worship service and enjoy the dinner afterward. After the dinner, the Wagon Train will be giving rides to any adults wishing to participate
Western attire will be the dress of the day. Everyone is encouraged to wear traditional western clothing on this date. Prizes will be given in every Sunday School class for the best western dressed. In addition, a drawing for prizes will be held in the morning worship service.
David Bigger, pastor, and the congregation of Freewill Baptist church extend an open invitation to the public to attend this special Roundup Sunday and see the Wagon Train. The church is located at 1900 East Hubbard Road.
Ponca Citians are reminded First Baptist Church is offering a Bible Study through its Women's Ministries - open to all of the women of Ponca City. The study begins Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. or Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. and will be held in the church's Assembly Center, located at Fifth and Oklahoma.
The 11-week course will be Beth Moore's work entitled "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place." Beth Moore is a resident of Houston, Texas and has written two widely distributed studies, "A Woman's Heart" and "A Heart Like His: Seeking the Heart of God through a Study of David." She is currently working on a study about the life of Paul.
Moore is a specialist in designing studies for women to be completed through individual study during the week and as groups in once a week small group discussion and large group video presentations. She and her husband Keith are the parents of three children and belong to First Baptist Church in Houston. They serve under Pastor John Bisagno and Beth teaches a Sunday School class which is attended by more than two hundred women. When asked about her gift of teaching, Beth says, "I believe my calling is Bible literacy; guiding believers to love and live on God's Word."
For further information about this Ladies' Bible Study, to preregister, or to purchase your study book ($13) please call or come by the Church offices, 765-4427, 218 South Sixth, Ponca City.
Don Huddleston, minister, announces the Fall Bible Classes for adults at the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ. Classes with this quarter's theme, "Families in Focus," will begin the first week in September.
Sunday morning Bible classes begin at 9:30, with morning worship service at 10:30, and Sunday evening worship at 6 o'clock. Wednesday evening Bible classes are at 7 o'clock weekly.
Bible classes are also provided for nursery through high school age on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.
A nursery is provided for all services.
Sunday Morning
Beginning Sept. 7
Studies from Acts, taught by Paul Priba, is one of the most fascinating studies a student of God's word can ever undertake. Join Paul Priba as he investigates this exciting book with a specific focus on how God's family, the church, came into existence, and how it grew through many times of trial and difficulty. This will be an especially enjoyable class for those who have never studied church history in detail.
Gospel of Matthew will be taught by Steve Broome. This Gospel, written from the Hebrew point of view, is unlike the other gospels. Matthew includes many miracles and stories that help us better understand the life and teachings of the Savior.
That the World Might Know - video series Part II, will focus primarily on the world of the New Testament. Through the medium of video, the group will have the rare opportunity to travel the roads that Jesus himself traveled nearly 2,000 years ago, broadening our understanding of God's holy word and drawing closer to Him in the process.
Wednesday Evening
Beginning Sept. 10
What Did I Say I'd Do? will be taught by Don Huddleston. Do you remember your wedding day? It may have been 50-plus years ago, or 30-something, or 21 or 10. Most can remember that time, and we probably have pictures to jog our memories. However, do we remember what we said on that day that we would do? For many, the words of our wedding vows have been forgotten, and in some cases, broken. This class returns to "memory lane" and with guidance from God's word, challenges folks to reconsider, "What did I say I'd do?"
First Families - Genesis will be taught by Dennis Betterton and Greg McElfresh. Genesis is a book about families and their struggles. In this survey of the book of Genesis, you will study many famous Bible characters and their families. From the first days of Adam and Eve through today, families have struggled with many of the same basic problems. Come and study how specific situations were handled and see if the same approaches can be used today in solving family problems.
That the World Might Know - video series part II is being taught by Dean Patterson. This is a repeat of the Sunday morning study for those who are unable to take it on Sunday.
Psalms 63: O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; they shall be given over to the power of the sword, they shall be prey for jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
David might be considered by some to be a genuine religious fanatic. He thought of God all day, he thought of God all night. He was consumed with a passion for God that most of us will never know. Only a person whose life has been touched by God could live as David did.
It has been said that too often we ignore God all day and then ask Him to bless us all night. Is this a fair appraisal? Do we have our proportions out of balance? Do we live all day in a rush of activities and appointments in which God is not asked to participate? And if we think of Him at all, is it only briefly as we ask for a safe night of sleep? If so, then we have missed the message and meaning of Christianity.
David would probably be spurned by many people today because of his daily devotion to God. How many of us would like David if he were here today? Would he be just too "devoted" for today's standards? Maybe a passionate, fanatic heart totally consumed by God, all through the day and all through the night is what we need.
Wayne Majors, Pastor
Community Christian Church
EDUCATION
THIRD GRADERS from Liberty Elementary are all smiles after learning about bicycle safety from Sgt. Regeneia VanArsdale of the Ponca City Police Department on Wednesday. Free helmets were provided for the students from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. (News Photo by Kristi Grabeal)
Fred Haub, Mary Rigdon, Larry Buck and Larry Cannon, members of the Pioneer Technology School Board, along with Dr. Sally Downey, Dr. Janet Cox, Scott Dean and Lanita Chapman, PTC administrators, attended the 1997 joint OSSBA/CCOSA Conference and Exposition that was held at Oklahoma City's Myriad Convention Center on Aug. 22-24.
"The Future is Now" conference theme was reflected in the selection of topics and speakers.
The conference and exposition were geared toward school board members, school superintendents and school principals, in order to help them function as school leadership teams leading education into the future.
Dr. David Berliner, co-author of the Manufactured Crisis, and Dr. Lowell Catlett, professor at Arizona State University, were the keynote speakers.
Judge Ray Corns, a Kentucky judge and newspaper columnist who ruled that the state's education funding system to be unconstitutional, was the Sunday breakfast speaker.
Highly focused topics such as strategic planning, technology implementation, communications, media relations and special interest groups.
Other sessions included teen suicide, IDEA, non-reemployment, collective bargaining, vocational technical education, legal issues and items educators face every day were the topics of breakout sessions.
In addition, a vocational-technical education forum focused on "Community-based Partnerships for Moving Welfare Clients from Entitlement to Empowerment: Oklahoma's Welfare-to-Work."
Credit toward the fulfillment of mandatory school board membership training was available for those attending the conference.
A new drivers education course will be held this fall after school at Ponca City High School. The instructor for the class will be Larry Rehl.
The course includes:
- The fee will be $140 and must pay by Sept. 2 at noon. There will be no refunds after the first day of the class.
- Classes start Sept. 2 and will be held each school day.
- Classes will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. for 15 days (30 hours) of classroom instruction and then 12 hours of driving during the same period on an individual basis with the instructor.
- This class will be offered on an optional basis. If enrollment numbers do not warrant the creation of the class, the class will not be offered and enrollees will be refunded.
Kerri White, Ponca City, was one of nine recipients of the University
Scholar scholarships at Oklahoma Baptist University. Kerri is the daughter
of Dr. William R. White and Mrs. Patricia A. White. The scholarship will
be a full tuition award.
An invitation is extended to all former Dynamiters in the history of
Ponca City High School to attend a reunion celebration Sept. 19 at the first
home football game. T-shirts are being sold for the Dynamiters reunion at
PC Sports at 205 E. Grand. The shirts are being sold for this special occasion
with $2 for every shirt sold going to the 1997-98 Dynamiters.
Melissa Donald and Kenneth (K.C.) Maddox, 1997 graduates from Ponca City
High School, have been selected as members of the 1997-98 University of
Oklahoma Leadership Class. The program has become one of the most dynamic
scholarship programs in the country. In conjunction with a one-year $1,000
tuition waiver, these two students will have many opportunities to meet
with OU President David L. Boren, university administrators and faculty,
along with local, state and national leaders.
The Ponca City High School FLC magazine sale will run from Sept. 2-17.
The public is also reminded to renew their subscriptions. Subscribers may
use any discount coupons so that the group can offer the lowest price available.
The proceeds will go to audiovisual equipment, computer technology and scholarships
for graduating seniors.
The deadline for submitting articles for the education page is Wednesday noon. Articles and/or pictures that are turned in later than that will not be printed until the following week.
No school will be held Sept. 1 for Labor Day.
LIFESTYLES
Catherine Ann Lane is the name selected by Mike and Theresa Lane, 1704 Bradbary Lane, for their daughter born at 8:34 a.m. Aug. 1, 1997 at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. The baby weighed 7-pounds, 2 1/4-ounces and was 19 3/4-inches long. Catherine has a sister, Vanessa, 19, and two brothers, Joseph, 14, and Patrick, 11.
Maternal grandparents are David and Frances Baur of San Antonio, Texas and paternal grandfather is Charles "Sonny" Lane of Newkirk. Maternal great-grandparents are Ralph and Frances Clark of Santa Clara, Calif. and paternal great-grandmother is Verna Morris of Newkirk.
Greg and Kerry McElfresh, 1803 Princeton Avenue, announce the birth of a son at noon Aug. 22, 1997 at the Stillwater Medical Center. The baby weighed 9-pounds, 6-ounces and was 22-inches long. He has been named Andrew Duncan McElfresh and has a brother, Ian Quin McElfresh.
Maternal grandparents are Mary and Robert S. Quinn Jr. of Lakeland, Fla. and paternal grandparents are Jean and A. J. McElfresh of Richland, Wash. Great-grandparents are Jessie Edwards of Seattle, Wash., Dorothy McElfresh of Granger, Wash. and Lucile Quinn of Tampa, Fla.
Desiree´ Ann Penera´ was born at 4:17 p.m. June 16, 1997 at University Hospital in Oklahoma City to Nick and Sabrina Penera´ of Oklahoma City. She weighed 5-pounds, 2-ounces and was 17 3/4-inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Valda Joe Short of Ponca City and Dennis Lewellen of Oklahoma City. Paternal grandparents are Christopher Enrico Penera´ and Linda Christine Penera´ of Modesto, Calif. Great-grandparents are Don and Amanda Clinton of Ponca City and Kenneth and Yvonne Jack of Oklahoma City.
Announcing the birth of a daughter are Lester and LaWanda Springer of Ponca City. Dani Renee Springer was born at 2 p.m. on Aug. 20, 1997, weighed 7-pounds, 6-ounces and was 20 3/4-inches long. Dani has three brothers, Lucas, Chris and John.
Maternal grandparents are Howard and Frances Pearcy and paternal grandparents
are Marie Springer of Ponca City and the late Millard Springer.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
After a week of frustration, the Lady Wildcats found their batting eye Thursday afternoon to sweep past Sapulpa, 5-1 and 9-1, in a Frontier Conference softball doubleheader here,
Above the .500 mark once more at 7-6, the Lady Cats left this morning for Edmond Classic which will run through Saturday. The Ponca Citians were to play powerful Yukon this morning and take on Moore an Edmond North this afternoon in pool play.
"I saw some signs of improvement," coach Roydon Tilley, who wasn't about to get too excited about his young team breaking out of their slump,
The Lady Cats banged out 10 hits against two Sapulpa pitchers, including the Chieftains' ace.
But the Poncans combined the hitting breakout with good pitching and solid defense. First-game hurler Angie Engle held Sapulpa to four hits and the Lady Cats were flawless in the field behind here.
Robbie Coffelt, who pitched the second game, also scattered four Sapulpa hits while her fielders had just one miscue.
By comparison, Sapulpa had nine errors in the two games.
The Lady Wildcat bats started the explosion of hits in the third inning of the first game, With one out Chris Hinman singled up the middle, Alina Smith singled to left and Engle helped her cause with a triple down the right field line.
The Poncans added a run in the fourth as Coffelt drew a one-out walk, went to second on Nikki Andrews' singled to center and both runners advanced when Lendsi Boyd reached on an error. The Sapulpa pitcher mishandled Hinman's bouncer back to the mound with Coffelt scoring.
If there was a down side to the Lady Cats' performance Thursday it is that they stranded a total of 16 runners, eight in each game.
But they kept adding to the lead with a run in the fifth when Shauntia Feathers reached safely on an error and later scored on Coffelt's single to right to stretch the lead to 4-1,
The final insurance run came in the sixth. Hinman doubled to right center and stole third. She had to hold that base when Smith beat out a slow roller back to the pitcher. But Hinman crossed the plate for the second time in the game when Engle collected her third RBI on a ground out to second.
The Lady Wildcats got off to a stuttering start in the second game. Hinman led off with a double, went to third on a ground out but was out at the plate on Engle's grounder to deep short.
But the Poncans were unfazed. Feathers singled to left and Engle scored all the way from first when the left fielder let the ball roll to the fence.
Ponca City started to put the game away with a three-run third inning.
With one out, Smith beat out another infield single and took second on a passed ball. Engle struck out but the Sapulpa catcher dropped the third strike and then tried to catch Smith going to third. Smith held her base on Feather's single to short right.
But Smith finally scored when Gena Osborne beat out a slow roller to third. Marie Wilson then doubled down the left field line to score Engle and Feathers.
The Poncans added a pair of runs in the fourth. Hinman again reached base on an error and Smith again reached first before the pitcher could handle her slap hit.
With two outs, Feathers was safe when the Sapulpa third baseman let her grounder slip between her feet. Both runners scored.
Ponca City put an end the game with a three-run sixth inning, scoring all three runs with two out. Smith had her fifth single of the twin bill, Osborne drew a walk and both runners scored when the Sapulpa shortstop overthrew first on Wilson's grounder. Coffelt then singles to left for the run-rule run.
Ponca City's Wildcat will conduct their second and final football scrimmage of the preseason at Sullins Stadium, starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Cats will take on Westmoore, a team that is expected to compete for the District 6A-2 title this season. The Jaguars finished 7-4 last year.
Po-Hi head coach Rick Sodowsky and members of his staff traveled to Tulsa Thursday to watch East Central edge Tulsa Memorial 7-0 in the annual All-City Preview.
The Wildcats open the season at East Central next Friday and awill play Memorial in their home opener in three weeks.
"I don't know if we're lucky or a pretty good team." Lady Wildcat coach Steve McKay said after watching his volleyball team struggle to a win over Bartlesville in its home opener Thursday.
"We didn't play well but we still managed to win," McKay said. "I'm not sure if it was the jitters from being at home for the first time or maybe it was because some of the girls weren't feeling well. We missed six serves in that first game."
The slow start cost the Lady Cats as they fell 15-10 in the first game.
Amy Freemin's play was one of the bring spots in that match, according to McKay.
The Po-Hi girls regrouped enough to win the second game, 15-10.
"Megan Tomek saves us in that game," The coach said. "She helped us break out of the slump. She hit the ball real well, She had three or four kills and three aces. And Ashley Mott was all over the place setting the ball up."
The Cats finally broke out in the third game, winning 15-4 behind Lauren Brune and Emmy Hufnagle.
"We should have played the whole match the way we played that third game," McKay said.
In the earlier matches, the ninth graders lost in a three-setter while the JVs won two of three games."
The Lady Cats have the weekend off.
"I'm tired of being on a bus," McKay said. "And I know
the girls are tired. Also a couple of girls have been sick. This will give
them a chance to get well.