Local News and Sports

From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, September 13, 1996

LOCAL
Chili, Barbecue Competitors Light Cookers To Aid Hospice
Auditor Investigating PTC
News Takes First in Advertising
Fair Wether Friends
United Way Campaign Cabinet Gets Training, Ready for Drive
United Way Update: Domestic Violence Program Gets Help to Abused Citizens
District Court
Letters Say:
Editor, The News:
Kaw City School Getting New Roof
District Court Issues Several Bench Warrants
Prostate Cancer Screening Provides Participants With Immediate Results
Fire Department Lists Curling Iron As Fire Ignition
Clarification

NEWS BRIEFS

DEATHS
Kenneth B. Roach
Services Pending
Irene D. Haines
Funerals
Betty Hilton

RELIGION
Ponca Habitat Joins Others in Day of Prayer
St. Mary's Names New Youth Minister
Disciples of Christ Begin Trek to Tulsa
Woodlands Sets Special Sunday
CMA Schedules
Pentecostal Churches Hosting Revelation Study
Sunday School Starts at Prince of Peace Lutheran
Faith Tabernacle Women Plan Meeting
Revival Continues at World of Life Christian Center
Asbury UMC Looks at Special Day Sunday
Fall Bible Study Begins at Albright UMC
'Buffalo Bill' Coming to First Assembly
First Assembly Plans 'Fun' Time
Martin Temple CME To Honor Pastor, Wife
Speaker Named for Presbyterian Men's Breakfast
Ranch Drive Has Successful VBS Campout

EDUCATION
Education Is Improving Both State and Locally
Board Member Receives Two Awards for Service
Students Enjoy Conoco Volunteers at Luncheon
Increase in Enrollment
Worth Mentioning
Mini Cheer Clinic Held Sept. 23
Upcoming Special Events in PC
Attend Institute

FAMILY LIVING
Fuh Attends OSU Academy
'Houseplants' Topic of Club Program
Little News
Chapter President Given Scrapbook

SPORTS
Tonight's High School Football: Ponca City Hosts Edmond North
Cats Set Lofty Goals For Tonight's Game
Inexperienced North Correcting Mistakes
Area Football
Union JV Parlays Pawnee Mistakes Into Win
Ponca Ninth Graders Gain Second Win With Shutout
Billings Pops SW Covenant
No. 2 Ranked Po-Hi Harriers Hosting Meet
Frontier Evens Baseball Mark at 5-5
Volleyballers Scrambling

LOCAL

Chili, Barbecue Competitors Light Cookers To Aid Hospice

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Doctors, petroleum executives, vo-tech instructors and a number of other individuals will step out of their workplace roles to become chili and barbecue cooks for a day on Saturday.
One of those cooks is Dr. Billy Irons, Ponca City, who with his JR Barbecue team, will be cooking for the benefit of Hospice of Ponca City at the Marland Mansion grounds.
The name JR Barbecue is in memory of a friend of Dr. Irons, the late Ponca City mayor and dentist John Robinson. Irons, Robinson and John Krider had been team entries in the backyard division of the cook-off. And the smoker they built is still a work in progress, according to Irons. JR Barbecue has entered the professional category of the Oklahoma Barbecue Championship for the last three years.
The large red planter and smaller red corn cob elevator wheels give the smoker a unique appearance. The wheels have a state history originating in Kansas and Iowa.
Other members of the team are Krider, Don Whitfield, Sam Johnson, Peggy Krider and Suzanne Robinson. Johnson will also be cooking "Cherokee Chili."
Why do they do it? Irons says he does it for therapy and to help Hospice.
Entries for the Cherokee Strip Cook-off have been rolling in, as are the rigs that haul the cookers. The Marland Mansion grounds will be filled with the wonderful aroma of smoke and barbecue on Saturday.
Some smokers are elaborate two-story jobs, while others are just a simple smoking apparatus. Simple or complicated the cooks entered desire to win a state championship barbecue title or a chili points . But the event is much more than that as it is a benefit for Hospice of Ponca City.
Over 30 entries are already in hand, according to Julie Brown, chairman, and a member of Professionals, hosts of the event. Many of the rigs pull in late tonight for barbecue and early Saturday for the chili competition. The only entry deadline is being here in time to cook.
The defending barbecue champions, The Brew Crew team of Ponca City, is returning to defend its title. Also returning is the 1994 champion Paul Schatte of Ponca City, who won under the Head Country II banner.
Events benefiting Hospice begin this evening with a public dance at the VFW. The Country Mile Band will play from 8 to 10 p.m., and The Impostors, 10 p.m.-midnight. Cost is $5 a person.
Saturday
Saturday's schedule of events calls for a breakfast open to the public from 7 to 9 a.m., for $3.50 for adults and $2 for children, served on the Marland Mansion grounds. There is no admission charge to the grounds for the days' activities.
The chili cooks meeting is set from 9 a.m. and the Kiddie Corner will be open to all kids 10 a.m., to 3 p.m. The activities cost from 50 cents to $2. Admission is by ticket. Tickets booths will be located at near the Unity Gym entrance, at the boathouse and near the conference center.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be "We Dare You Karaoke." Master of ceremonies is Gordon Thompson of KIXR.
Public tasting begins at noon and will continue until the food runs out. People's choice voting will also be held. The tasting kits are $5.
Concessions in addition to the beer garden and chili and barbecue will be available.
The Crystal River Band will be playing from 1 to 3 p.m., and the awards are slated for 3 p.m. Efforts have been made this year to speed up the awards by presenting prize money in cash.

Auditor Investigating PTC

From Staff and AP Reports
The State Auditor and Examiner's office is conducting an audit of Pioneer Technology Center.
The Daily Oklahoman reported today that state auditors also are looking at practices involving superintendent Velta Reed-Johnston's husband.
Sources told the newspaper that Reed-Johnston's husband allegedly used some school office space at no expense for his private business.
At one time, a bookkeeper hired by her husband for his company worked briefly in a room at Pioneer Technology Center, the newspaper said.
Ms. Reed-Johnston told The News this morning that she was asked by state auditors not to discuss the investigation.
''I can only confirm that there's an audit,'' she said. ''They have asked me not to make other statements. We are cooperating to the fullest extent."
Stan Brown, Pioneer Technology's board president, said he wanted to correct the Daily Oklahoman, which indicated he wasn't concerned about the audit. "I am very concerned. Anybody would be if they were being audited."
Ms. Reed-Johnston said in April that she reimbursed the school for using a school vehicle and a school cellular phone for her personal use. The amount was less than $1,000, school board members said at the time.
Also, Ms. Reed-Johnston admitted that she had school employees work at her home. But she later said she paid them with personal checks.
Residents complained to District Attorney John Maddox about Reed-Johnston's practices and questioned whether she paid back the entire amount owed Pioneer Technology Center. Maddox turned the matter over to the attorney general's office, which asked for the audit.
State Auditor Clifton Scott said that two auditors from his office along with at least one agent from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation started a special audit this week.
The investigative audit should take two to three weeks, Scott said.
''The allegations are somewhat limited and if we just stay with those it shouldn't take very long at all,'' he said.
Scott said he has been asked by the attorney general's office not to comment about specifics of the audit.

News Takes First in Advertising

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Ponca City News won first place in Advertising-Sales Promotions today in the Oklahoma Better Newspaper Contest at the State Fair of Oklahoma.
The Muskogee Phoenix, the Miami News-Record and the Chickasha Daily Express won Sequoyah Awards in the daily divisions of the Oklahoma Better Newspaper Contest.
The Sequoyah Award is presented to the newspaper that amasses the most points in each of the eight divisions of the annual contest, sponsored by the State Fair of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Press Association.
The Muskogee Phoenix won in Division 1, comprised of daily newspapers with a circulation of 9,000 or more. It marked the 10th time the newspaper had won, most recently in 1994.
The Miami News-Record won in Division 2, which is for daily newspapers with a circulation between 4,500 and 8,999. The newspaper last won in 1993.
In Division 3, set up for dailies with a circulation of 4,499 or less, the Chickasha Daily Express won for the first time.
The Moore American won the Sequoyah Award for the second year in a row for Division 4, which is for weeklies with a circulation of 3,000 or more.
In Division 5, for weeklies with a circulation between 1,850 and 2,999, the Tecumseh Countywide News won. The newspaper last won in 1994.
The Shawnee Sun won for the first time in Division 6, for weeklies with circulation between 1,200 and 1,849.
The McLoud News won for the first time in Division 7, which is for weekly newspapers with a circulation below 1,199.
The Yukon Review won for the second straight year in Division 8, which is for semi-, twin- or tri-weekly regardless of circulation.

Fair Wether Friends

THE JUNIOR LIVESTOCK BUILDING was active Thursday afternoon at the Kay County Free Fair in Blackwell. Judging of 4-H and FFA wethers occurred during mid-afternoon, with plenty of spectators on hand. The county fair concludes Saturday in Blackwell. (News Photo by Michael Kennedy)

United Way Campaign Cabinet Gets Training, Ready for Drive

The United Way of Ponca City trained its 60th campaign cabinet on Tuesday at Ristorante Bravo. The theme for the 1996-97 campaign is "Keep the Flame Alive for United Way."
"Our first campaign in 1938 raised $19,500 to serve the citizens of Ponca City, and this year's campaign will raise $700,000," said 1996-97 campaign chairperson Eric Kurtz.
This year's campaign cabinet will be headed by the following division chairpersons: major companies/loaned executives is Pam Dickerson from Pioneer Technology Center; business and industry division is Debra Whitener from Loftis Insurance; commerce division is headed by Kim Youngblood from Bowker Ford; Conoco division is Steve Kellert; finance, insurance and real estate division is Bonnie Wetzel from Boatmen's Bank IV; professional division chairperson is Charles Casey, attorney at law; public service division chairs are Sherry Bowers and Everette VanHoesen from the Ponca City police department, H.L. VanArsdale from the Ponca City fire department and Pat Morris from Ponca City schools; heading the retired division is John Stanley from Pioneer Bank and the services division is headed by Larry Bittman from Prudential Securities.
These individuals will solicit a volunteer force of more than 250 to personally try to visit every business and retiree in the community. These volunteers will be asking for community support to "Help Keep the Flame Alive for United Way."
After World War II, United Way of America started the "Loaned Executive" program where businesses in the community "loaned" a high level employee to the local United Way office for a short period of time to concentrate their efforts full-time on major companies to assist them with their campaign. The program has evolved throughout the years, but the concept remains the same. "The United Way of Ponca City is proud to have the following loaned executives on our team this year to assist the 30 major companies in the area," says Kurtz.
This year's loaned executives for the drive include: Mark Brown from Lowe's Home Improvement Center, Gay Hughes from Smith International, Larry Hughes from First National Bank, Roylene Mayse from Evans and Associates, Mike Mott from First National Bank, Mary Stanley from Smith Tool, Danny Thompson from ONG, Jay Vaughn from First National Bank and Don Wood from Ponca City Economic Development Foundation.
"We're behind you 100 percent and willing to do all we can to help make this year's campaign a success," says Pioneer Bank and Trust Chairman of the Board and CEO Carl Renfro. This comment has been echoed by First National Bank President and CEO David Mills and throughout the community, said United Way's new director Helene Schwartz. She continued, "The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. Everyone in the community is touched by one of the 17 agencies supported by the United Way. Where would Oklahoma City have been after the bombing or the hurricane victims on the east coast without the American Red Cross? Would you live in a community without Scouting, the Salvation Army or the YMCA, three of the oldest agencies supported by the United Way." These and many other agencies are supported through the generously of all Ponca Citians.
The success of this year's campaign depends on all of us. United Way funds are raised by the community and for the community. Funds are allocated by a committee of dedicated community volunteers to insure that dollars are utilized in the best possible way.
"We need your help," says Kurtz. "If everyone in Ponca City gave 25 cents a day, we'd raise more than one million dollars. Join us at the official kick off of this year's campaign on Sept. 21, at 10 a.m. in downtown Ponca City. With your help we can "Keep the Flame Alive for United Way" today and in the future."

United Way Update: Domestic Violence Program Gets Help to Abused Citizens

Editors Note: This is the sixth in a series of articles describing the services provided to the community of Ponca City by United Way's 17 member agencies.
The Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma, Inc. is a nonprofit, charitable organization founded in 1979 to provide services for people involved in spousal battering, courtship violence, psychological abuse in the family and sexual abuse. Services are available free of charge to all regardless of sex, creed, or religious beliefs.
Domestic abuse is more common than muggings, auto accidents, and rape combined. It accounts for 40 percent of all serious hospital emergency room injuries.
Domestic violence cuts across race, class, social, and economic backgrounds; it is widespread and occurs as often among upper and middle income families, as it does among lower income families.
"Victims don't stay in battering relationships because they like it or deserve it. They stay for many reasons, among them: economic dependency, religious beliefs, cultural and sex related role expectations, love, fear, and the belief that battering will stop," stated Christy Dulick, executive director of the Domestic Violence Program in Ponca City.
Dulick said, "The causes of family violence are very complex, but most abusers are likely to share these traits: low self esteem; stereotyped view of a family member, emotional isolation; and economic pressure. The individuals become caught in a cycle of abuse, which includes a calm, loving, contrite stage; a tension building stage; and an acute battering stage. The longer the relationship the more intense the battering. After a time the contrite stage becomes nonexistent," she continued.
The Domestic Violence Program offers a variety of services, including: shelter for abused women, their children, and assault victims; 24-hour crisis line, 76A-BUSE; court escort advocate to assist women with protective orders and other legal matters; individual and group counseling; assistance for abusers willing to seek help; referrals to other social services that provide various kinds of assistance to abused women and children; speakers' bureau available upon request; and a volunteer program to offer services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
United Way of Ponca City serves 17 agencies within the community, including American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Bluestem Girl Scout Council, Boy Scouts of America, Bridgeway, Child Development Center, Domestic Violence Program, Golden Villa Adult Day Care Services, Helpline Inc., Hospice, New Emergency Resource Agency, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, Peachtree Landing, ProTeens, RSVP, Salvation Army, and YMCA.

District Court

Ponca City
Divorces Filed
Amie Leanne Soutter vs. Fredrick James Soutter Jr.
Jeffrey Robert Maxon vs. Stella Irene Maxon.
Joby Lynn Sadler vs. Harold Robin Sadler.
Ricky Lee Holder vs. Tammi Renee Holder (Reynolds).
Linda Jean Nye vs. Kit Nye.
Rebecca Susanne Hillhouse vs. Jeffrey Mark Hillhouse.
Allen Doyle Carney vs. Karen Carney.
Justin Leroy Garrison vs. Kristie Kay Garrison.
Kristi Michelle Riley vs. Thomas Mark Riley.
Divorces Granted
Gerald W. Overall vs. Muriel J. Overall. Divorce granted to both.
Pamela Kaye Newman vs. William Louis Newman. Divorce granted to both.
Lisa C. Harp vs. Kenneth E. Harp. Divorce granted to both.
Civil Proceedings
TRJ Enterprises, Inc. vs. Christopher Getto. Default judgment granted to plaintiff in the amount of $2,505.
Personnel Staffing, Inc. vs. Danny Means dba Means Marketing. Default judgment granted to plaintiff in the amount of $2,780.
Valley Lumber Co. vs. Kim Blevins dba Kim Blevins Construction. Plaintiff granted default judgment in the amount of $3,360.31.
Pioneer Auto, Inc. vs. Edward Ross. Plaintiff granted default judgment in amount of $2,513.12.
Jon Misinski dba A to Z Electrical Contractors. Plaintiff seeking judgment in amount of $7,500.
Tommy Dale Grace vs. Ray Max Parker. Plaintiff seeking judgment in the amount of $10,000.
Newkirk
Criminal Proceedings
Guilty Plea - Cory W. Bayless of Ponca City, charged with unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (reverse certified) and possession of a firearm while in commission of a felony (reverse certified). Defendant pled guilty to unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He was sentenced to seven years, to serve three. The incident occurred on July 23, 1995.
Pled Guilty - Hugh Lee A. Terrell Jr. aka "Hugh" of Ponca City, charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana). Defendant pled guilty and sentenced to five years. He is to pay $10,000 fine with $9,000 suspended as well as $1,000 to K-3 Drug Fund. The incident occurred on Oct. 18, 1995.
Plea Docket Set - Frank Urban of Blackwell, charged with assault and battery. Defendant's attorney requested a continuance. Court continued matter for plea on Sept. 18, at 2 p.m. The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 14, 1995.
Plea Entered - Max Merle Berry of Ponca City, charged with speeding in a posted zone and driving under suspension. Defendant entered plea of nolo contendere. Defendant is to pay $100 fine for count one and $400 on count two. The incidents occurred on Jan. 31.
Found Guilty - James Dale French of Blackwell, charged with assault and battery was found guilty. Defendant is sentenced to 90 days, with execution suspended. Defendant placed on unsupervised probation and fined $150. The incident occurred on Sept. 1, 1995.
Attorney Status - Roland Edward Best II of Ponca City, charged with grand larceny from a house after a former conviction of a felony and false pawn declaration after former conviction of a felony. The alleged incidents occurred between March 11 and March 13. Attorney was appointed and matter set for pre-preliminary hearing on Oct. 18, at 9 a.m.
Hearing Set - Robert Farris Turner of Bunch, charged with larceny of auto by fraud after former conviction of two or more felonies and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after former conviction of two or more felonies. The alleged incidents occurred on May 20. Court set matter for preliminary hearing on Oct. 31, at 1:30 p.m.
Preliminary Hearing Set - Beckie Lea Scott of Ponca City, charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The alleged incident occurred on June 3. Preliminary hearing set for Oct. 30, at 9 a.m.
Hearing Continued - Michael Don Page of Ponca City, charged with burglary in the second degree and receiving stolen property. The alleged incident occurred on April 16. Matter continued for pre-preliminary hearing docket on Sept. 27, at 9 a.m.
Arraignment Set - Tiffany Alecia Jones of Ponca City, charged with burglary in the second degree and knowingly concealing stolen property. The alleged incident occurred on April 16. Defendant waived right to preliminary hearing. Formal arraignment set for Oct. 17, at 1 p.m.
Hearing set - Michael Brandon Smith of Kaw City, charged with obtaining property under false pretenses. The alleged incident occurred on June 7. Pre-preliminary hearing set for Oct. 25 at 9 a.m.
Attorney Status Review - Christopher Dale Kerstein of Blackwell, charged with grand larceny. The alleged incident occurred on June 20. Defendant in process of retaining counsel and requested additional time to pay retainer. Court agreed to continue matter for attorney status review on Sept. 25, at 1:30 p.m.
Formal Arraignment - Lee Eugene Berry of Riverdale, Md., charged with seclusion for the purpose of lewd molestation. The alleged incident occurred on June 24. Defendant appeared at pre-preliminary hearing and waived right to preliminary hearing. Formal arraignment set on Oct. 24, at 1 p.m.

Letters Say:

Editor, The News,
I wonder how American, even Christian, is the character assassination of one's political opponent. What seems even more appalling is the seemingly acceptance by the American voter of such behavior.
As I watched the two political conventions this summer I listened to one political analyst who noted that if Senator Dole was behind in the polls come Ocotber he had only one recourse ... "to attack the character of President Clinton." When asked by the reporter if that would be all right, the analyst only shrugged his shoulders and smiled.
I am not so sure that the media, TV and our own Ponca City News, does not contribute to the acceptance of such political behavior under the guise it's news. Example: Shortly after Senator Dole declared his vice-president running mate, the front page top article in the Ponca City News read, something like this ... "Senator Nickles volunteers to be the hatchetman for Senator Dole."
I know not why the editor of the Ponca City News believed it was important news to make the top front page ... could be he was proud of our state Senator Nickles volunteering to be a hatchetman, or maybe as editor he just believed it was newsworthy of reporting, even on the top front page.
Whatever ... the term "hatchetman" was used in a derogatory manner by Senator Dole when asked what he thought of the Vice President Gore's speech - "I would expect that. After all he has always been a hatchetman for President Clinton."
At both political conventions I heard again and again that they expected this year's political races to be the "most visceral" in our recent political history.
Before, we the voters get too smug about dirty TV ads, let us remember they are run because the majority of those who watch buy the visceral messages being sent. Editor-in-chief Mortimer B. Zuckerman of the U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT (8 July 1996) wrote ... "Going negative and partisan is not where the American people are." I hope that is so!
I pray that in all areas of the political arena that we shall hear issues being debated rather than our being bombarded by visceral attacks. I ask Mr. Editor, if such attacks are made by either party's candidates, do they deserve top billing-front-page exposure?
Don Parsons

Editor, The News:

I have a pit bulldog that don't hurt anyone. One is 14 years old, another is 8 months old. The old dog can't hardly even hear and has only four or five teeth in his head. The neighbor can call the law and say Terry Rowe's pit bulls are in his yard and the law is here before he hangs up the phone, although the law's never seen my dogs in their yard.
One morning these people did coach my dogs over in their yard saying "come here doggie." They had a ball bat and told me that it was for killing my dogs with, after I heard them coaching the dogs over their and I went outside.
I called the law and told them what happened, but they wouldn't even go talk to the people about what they did. They just said for me to tell the dog catcher about it. If he thought they ought to take a report about it they would come back, but naturally they didn't take no report.
Where I was brought up, the law is to serve and protect all people, not just people they like.
Another example is these people drive a car every day that has 1984 tags on it. I call about 10 times to stop it and the girl who answers the phone at the police station said why do you call every day. Just mind your own business. Well it is my business, because if the tag is not current, I'm sure there's no insurance. Plus what gives them the right to drive with no tag and no insurance. I know I couldn't, and I'm more than sure you couldn't or we would go to jail. So why don't they? You figure that one out, because I done did. Now is this right or wrong?
Terry Rowe

Kaw City School Getting New Roof

Kaw City Public Schools is currently under new roof construction. Construction began in late August and is scheduled to be completed within about three months.
The contractor installing the new roof is BRB Roofing and Manufacturing from Ft. Gibson, OK. BRB specializes in state of the art standing seam steel roofing for both commercial and residential buildings in the Oklahoma area.

District Court Issues Several Bench Warrants

Kay County District Court has recently approved bench warrants on 13 individuals for failure to appear in court or failure to pay a fine. Some of those listed may have since been taken into custody, or paid fines, since the warrants were issued.
Ieleanag Hernandez, of Des Moines, Iowa, charged with trafficking in illegal drugs (marijuana), did not appear at the pre-preliminary hearing on July 26. A warrant was issued for $100,000. The alleged incident occurred on May 16.
Veronica Uresti, of Des Moines, Iowa, charged with trafficking in illegal drugs (marijuana), failed to appear at her pre-preliminary hearing on July 26. A bench warrant was issued for her arrest. The alleged incident occurred on May 16.
Larry Allen Tarpenning, of Ponca City, charged with four counts of uttering a forged instrument, did not appear at his initial appearance. A warrant was issued for $10,000. The alleged incident occurred on June 29.
Two $5,000 warrants were issued for Talia Esquivel of Mercedes, Texas, for failure to appear. The defendant is charged with trafficking in a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana), which allegedly occurred on Aug. 11, 1995. Additionally, a warrant was issued for bail jumping, which possibly occurred on Aug. 23, 1995.
Alejandro Gutierrez of El Paso, Texas, failed to appear at a plea docket, therefore, a $75,000 bench warrant was issued. The defendant is charged with unlawful possession of narcotic (cocaine). The incident allegedly occurred on Nov. 13, 1995.
Homer Foye Gunter, of Oklahoma City, failed to appear at his pre-preliminary hearing. A $5,000 warrant was issued. The defendant is charged with driving while under the influence and driving while his license was suspended. The incident allegedly occurred on May 13.
Bench warrants were issued on the following people for failure to pay fines: Larry Malaske Sr, John E. Curtis, Irma Eagle Pratt, Kynda Lee Ann Morrison, Melissa Lawson, Cheryl Widener, Joe Eugene Widener, Steve Mederos and Ronald Smith.

Prostate Cancer Screening Provides Participants With Immediate Results

Over 100 men from the Ponca City area participated in the Prostate Cancer Screening hosted by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on Sept. 7.
The 104 participants were provided with on-the-spot test results and follow-up directions for those with positive results.
SJRMC has sponsored Prostate Cancer Screening for men once or twice a year for the past three years. "We have some positive results at every screening," said Janet White, incoming SJRMC wellness coordinator. "The percentage of pathology (positive results) at this year screening differed only slightly from last year's tests."
Prostate cancer screening includes tests for three symptoms: elevated level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood, growths detected by physicians in a digital rectal exam (DRE), and occult blood present in the stool. White said that seven individuals tested positive for elevated PSA, eight had positive digital exams, and three had positive occult blood results. The number of men receiving PSA blood screening was 104, with 94 of that number participating in the DRE and occult blood screens. A total of 130 men participated in the screening last year, with results of 10 positive PSA's, 11 positive DRE's and 14 positive occult blood.
SJRMC sent a letter to each positive-test participant indicating which problem was detected - PSA, DRE or occult blood. Participants were encouraged to quickly contact their personal physicians for follow-up evaluation but were reassured that positive screening results did not always translate to a prostate or colon cancer diagnosis. Copies of the screening results were sent directly to each man's doctor if he provided physician information on the screening registration form.
Ponca City urologists Paul Hagood, MD, and Phillip Winslow, MD performed the DRE screening examinations and emphasized to the participants that follow-up of positive results is critical.
Prostate cancer usually develops with few symptoms, resulting in diagnosis at an advanced disease stage. But when diagnosis is made early, prostate cancer has a high rate of cure and patients have a choice of effective treatments.
SJRMC is a member of the Prostate Cancer Education Council and follows council guidelines for screening and follow-up. Lynda Kelsey, RN, outgoing wellness coordinator, organized the September screening. SJRMC nurses Cheryl Hiebert, RN, Gaye Olson, RN, and Judy Rexford, RN, assisted physicians Hagood and Winslow during the screening. Carla Hobbs, director of SJRMC's lab, and her staff provided laboratory services prior to the screening. Susan Graves, SJRMC's executive secretary scheduled participants for PSA and DRE testing, and registered the participants as they arrived.
SJRMC plans to continue its prostate cancer screening program next fall, furthering its commitment to helping the community achieve a higher degree of wellness. For more information, please call Janet White at 405-765-0594.

Fire Department Lists Curling Iron As Fire Ignition

The fire that gutted a garage apartment in the 800 block of North Birch Street Wednesday was apparently ignited by a curling iron, according to the Ponca City Fire Department.
"This is at least the second incidence of fire resulting from a curling iron within the last year," stated Deputy Chief Dale Hicks.
An emergency call was received at 9:30 p.m. Within two minutes, a Ponca City fire engine arrived at the scene. At 3:10 a.m. Thursday, the fire rekindled and firefighters returned to the scene.
Investigation into the fire revealed a void area invisible to firefighters on the inside or the outside of the structure. According to Hicks, the heat detector didn't pick up the smoldering wall, which was located in an area past the ceiling.
"It was too much area for the detector to sense the heat," Hicks confirmed. "Our number one goal is to get the fire out the first time."

Clarification

The John Wayne Jones, listed in District Court Section of the Sept. 5 issue of the Ponca City News, is not the John Wayne Jones who is employed at Evans and Associates.
The News apologizes for any confusion the similarity in names might have caused.

NEWS BRIEFS

VFW Post - VFW Post 1201 and Auxiliary will hold their family dinner Sunday at 1 p.m. Gold Star parents, POWs and MIAs will be remembered. Roast beef is on the menu. Members are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert.

Fiddlers To Meet - Oklahoma Fiddlers will meet Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at the Salvation Army Community Center, 711 South Third Street. Everyone is welcome.

DUI School Set - The Alcohol and Drug Substance Abuse course known as DUI School will be Sept. 20 and 21 at the Holiday Inn. To pre-enroll for this class, call 765-1998. Walk-ins are welcome. Hours are 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The fee is set by the State of Oklahoma at $85. A payment plan is available.

Senior Citizens Dance - Starting Monday and every Monday thereafter, the Senior Citizens' Monday Night Dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at the VFW Ballroom. Everyone is welcome. "Hayriders" band will play. Sept. 2 was the ninth anniversary of this dance.

Sire Evaluation Report - Mertz Brothers of Ponca City owns one bull listed in the 1996 Fall Sire evaluation report published by the American Angus Association headquartered in St. Joseph, Mo. Issued in both spring and fall, the new report features the latest performance information available on more than 4,800 sires.

Carnival Saturday Night - United Supermarket and Washington Elementary, partners in education, will be having a carnival in the supermarket parking lot Saturday from 6-9 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the carnival at four for $1. Some activities will include: basketball shooting contests, apple bobbing and numerous carnival games. A grand prize will be awarded in the amount of $200 to a person holding the correct ticket. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy.

Southside Neighbors Party - The annual block party of Southside Neighbors will be an ice cream social from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday in the 1100 block of South Eighth. Games are planned for the kids. Maxine Anderson, chairman, says "bring your family and a lawn chair or blanket."

Theft - An employee of Timberlake Construction contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 8:50 a.m. Thursday to report a mobile phone stolen from a work truck at South Fifth Street and East Oklahoma Avenue. An officer took a report.

Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took a report of car vandalism in the 100 block of North Fourth Street at 9:09 a.m. Thursday.

Arrested - A 30-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at the police department at 9:42 a.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear.

In Custody - A 27-year-old woman was taken into custody at the Ponca City Police Department at 12:44 p.m. Thursday for falsely reporting a crime.

Accident - The Ponca City Police Department was advised of an accident at First Street and Grand Avenue which occurred at 3:22 p.m. Thursday. Parties exchanged information.

Burglary - A resident in the 800 block of North First Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 4:13 p.m. Thursday that tools were stolen out of the garage. An officer took a report.

Tires Slashed - A man in the 700 block of North Ash Street went to the Ponca City Police Department to report his tires were slashed. An officer took a report.

Arrested - A 22-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at 4:39 p.m. Thursday in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Hit and Run - The Ponca City Police Department was contacted about a hit-and-run accident a quarter mile east of Pecan Road on Lake Road at 4:41 p.m. Thursday. A 37-year-old man refused assistance from the Ponca City Fire Department ambulance crew. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Kay County Sheriff's Office were advised. OHP had no report of the incident.

Purse Stolen - Four Ponca City police officers responded to the report of a purse stolen in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue at 5:25 p.m. Thursday. A 911 call from a business updated the PCPD that an employee was behind the building with the suspect. An officer went into foot pursuit and took the subject into custody in the 3000 block of Turner Road.

Arrested - A 20-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at North Fifth Street and Williams Avenue at 7:10 p.m. Thursday on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Suspect With Gun - The Ponca City Police Department was advised at 10:24 p.m. Thursday that a man with a gun was in the back yard in the 1000 block of North Second Street. A second call was received from the man who was in the back yard looking for a dog. He reported the resident came out with a gun. Six officers responded and an information report was taken.

Arrested - A man was arrested in the 100 block of North Ash Street by a Ponca City police officer at 11:55 p.m. Thursday for driving under the influence and failure to keep right.

Subject Held - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 30-year-old man in the 800 block of South Fourteenth Street at 1:10 a.m. Friday on a Payne County Warrant for probation violation.

In Custody - At 2:34 a.m. Friday, a Ponca City police officer took a 22-year-old woman, a 20-year-old woman, a 26-year-old man, two 26-year-old men and a 53-year-old woman into custody on warrants for failure to pay.

DEATHS

Kenneth B. Roach

ENID - Funeral services for Kenneth B. Roach, age 76 of Enid will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Anderson-King Funeral Home chapel with Jerry Flynn officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Anderson-King Funeral Home. Mr. Roach died Sept. 10, 1996.
Mr. Roach was born Nov. 27, 1919 in Waukomis, Okla. to Charlie and Lillian Stearn Roach. Later he moved to Bentonville, Ark. where he attended school. In 1941 he served in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater during WW II at New Guinea, Port Morsby at Nabab, Philippine Islands, Lingan Gulf, and Clark Field. He was shot down three times, and while aboard the U.S.S. Liberty he was attacked by Kamikaze Japanese pilots.
After his discharge in 1945 he married Travieta (Jerrie) King on Sept. 22, 1945 in Wellington, Kan. Mr. Roach lived in Enid until 1968, moving to Ponca City and worked for Clean Clothes Rental. Upon his retirement in 1982 he moved to Enid in 1983.
He was a member of the VFW and served as a gate attendant for the Corps of Engineers at Texoma and Kaw Lakes.
Mr. Roach is survived by his wife, Travista of the home; three daughters, Mrs. Denny (Shirley) Lane of Claremore, Okla., Mrs. Curt (Donna) Courtright of Lewisville, Texas, and Ms. Kennie Nelson Roach of Enid; eight grandchildren, Cynthia and Jeffrey Lane, Michael, Cory, Toby, and Dustin Nelson, and Jennifer and C. Ryan Courtright; two great-grandchildren, Keegan Courtright and Tyler Nelson; six brothers, Clinton Roach of Cherokee Village, Ark., Harold Roach of Victorville, Ca., J.N. Roach of Charles Town, West Virginia, Jackie Dean Roach of Moncks Corner, S. Carolina, Melvin Dale Roach of Ingram, Texas, Bob Roach of Broken Arrow, Okla.; two sisters, Ethyl Jarolim of Carthage, Mo. and Mary Ann Threet of Bentonville, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
Memorials may be made in his name to the Garfield County Hospice Circle of Love with the funeral home serving as custodian of the funds.
Kenneth loved camping, boating in his spare time. He was a hard working father and husband. He was a loving husband and father. He loved and adored his grandchildren, and when his great grandchildren were born, he and they shared a special bond.
paid obituary

Services Pending
Irene D. Haines
Irene D. (Tomlinson) Haines, former resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 1996 at her home in Thornton, Colo. She was 75.
Funeral arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home, and will be announced later. There will not be any visitation at the funeral home.
Antoine Roy
Antoine Roy, Ponca City resident, died late Thursday evening, Sept. 12, 1996, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 71.
A prayer service will be held this evening, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Ponca Indian Cultural Center in White Eagle. Other arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home, and will be announced later.

Funerals
Monday
Betty Hilton - Funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, 1996 at the Eastern Heights Christian Church for Betty Hilton, Ponca City resident who died Thursday, Sept. 12, 1996 at her home. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Hilton's name to Hospice of Ponca City, Inc., 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601. The family will be at 1805 Potomac.

RELIGION

Ponca Habitat Joins Others in Day of Prayer

This weekend Habitat for Humanity International and the Ponca City chapter of Habitat for Humanity will be celebrating an international "Day of Prayer" which is intended to make housing a matter of conscience in the Christian community. The day of prayer also offers Ponca Citians an opportunity to join with others around the world in praying for those inadequately housed.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry which brings individuals, churches and synagogues, businesses, organizations and governmental entities together to work in partnership to eliminate poverty housing by putting their faith and concern for others into action to help their neighbors in need.
The Ponca City chapter of Habitat is funded by tax-deductible donations of money and materials and is staffed by volunteers as there is no profit or interest added to the sale price of a home. In addition, Habitat families invest hundreds of hours of their own "sweat equity" into building their homes and their mortgage payments go into a revolving fund that helps finance future houses. Habitat for Humanity seeks to build lives, families and communities as well as houses and help build self-esteem and self reliance while restoring hope for a brighter future.
The members of the Ponca City Habitat for Humanity organization are asking for all of the churches in Ponca City to include Habitat in prayer this weekend during church services.
The Habitat organization in Ponca City has recently completed five homes on South Drummond Street and is currently renovating a house on Cherry Street. Members encourage Ponca Citians interested to drop by and see the houses. If groups or individuals are interested in volunteering to help with the Ponca City Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, please contact Stan Brown 762-2301 or Habitat for Humanity 765-2974.

St. Mary's Names New Youth Minister

Kristi Mohr of Oklahoma City is the new Youth Minister at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Kristi replaces Shelly Bole who held the post for the past three years, and is now the new campus minister at Bishop McGuinness High School in Oklahoma City.
Kristi said the hard part of coming to Ponca City to take the position, was moving from Oklahoma City where she grew up. She said she is the first child in her family to move out of the Oklahoma City area.
She indicated there were a lot of determining factors in her decision to accept the position at St. Mary's. The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building is one, Kristi indicated.
"The Oklahoma City bombing and its affect on me showed me what was valuable - people, my faith, the Church. Money isn't important to me now. I think that was the biggest factor. Reaching the point where I discovered what was most valuable, and Youth Ministry seemed to be the answer."
Kristi has two older sisters, Kelly and Kathy, and an older brother, Charlie. She is the daughter of Leon and Lily Gower of Oklahoma City, and was in pursuit of a lucrative career in the medical field. She was one month away from the official opening of a new health clinic at Shepherd Mall for which she would have been clinic supervisor, but all that changed when she was asked to interview for the position at St. Mary's.
A Catholic school graduate, Kristi says she always considered the possibility of working for the Church. She attended Rose State College in Midwest City in the evenings while working as a secretary in several different types of doctor's offices. She earned her Associate of Arts degree, then went into the Pastoral Ministry program at the Pastoral Center in Oklahoma City.
She indicated she had a really warm feeling about her interview with Fr. Michalicka at St. Mary's - she felt a real sense of hospitality.
She hopes her ability to say goodbye to promotions and money is a witness to the fact that she can be happy without corporate success.
She follows in the footsteps of Shelly, who was very organized and got a lot done while in Ponca City. Bole is now working at McGuinness High with Fr. Philip Seeton, who worked with her for a year at St. Mary's before going to Bishop McGuinness High as Director of Christian Formation Mission. In addition to her campus minister obligations, Bole also teaches two sections of freshman theology. Before her Ponca City assignment, she served in youth ministry capacities at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Houston and St. Mary's Parish in Joplin, Mo.

Disciples of Christ Begin Trek to Tulsa

This Sunday, many members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma will take the first steps toward an October trek to Tulsa for their biennial Regional Assembly. Sept. 15 has been designated as Registration Sunday by Assembly planners.
The 1996 Oklahoma Regional Assembly will meet in Tulsa, Oct. 25 through 27, with East Side Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as the hosting congregation. In addition to the East Side church facility, the Tulsa State Fairgrounds will house some of the weekend's events, including the all-assembly worship service. Over 2,000 church members are expected for the weekend series of meetings, worship and fellowship.
Speakers for the Assembly include the Rev. Alvin Jackson, senior minister of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, Tenn. Featured earlier this year on the ABC network television Easter Sunday worship presentation sponsored by the National Council of Churches, he will preach for the opening worship service on Friday evening. Bible studies will be led by Dr. Toni Craven, Professor of Hebrew Bible at Brite Divinity School. Oklahoma Regional Pastor, the Rev. Thomas R. Jewell will offer the Sunday morning worship message.
The theme for the October 1996 gathering, "Upon This Rock ... Spirit-flame of Grace," figures prominently in a hymn written especially for the Assembly by the Rev. Roger Hellwege, Associate Minister of Worship and Music at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Woodward. Hellwege's hymn, "Fire of Our Soul" will be used both in promoting the regional assembly and as part of the assembly's worship.
A golf tournament will kick off Friday of the assembly. Special activities are planned for youth throughout the weekend, including work on a house for the Habitat for Humanity program. A wide range of adult workshops, from a seminar on writing church by-laws to a panel on cultural diversity, will round out the Saturday schedule.
There are 189 Disciples congregations in the "Oklahoma Region", including three in Ponca City - Community Christian, First Christian and Woodlands Christian.

Woodlands Sets Special Sunday

This Sunday, Sept. 15, will be a unique day at Woodlands Christian Church, Fourteenth and Hartford, according to the pastor, the Rev. Paul Krueger. Theme of the day will be "Family Reunion, A Reunion of the Family of God".
Beginning with the 9:15 a.m. Sunday School hour, all classes are kicking off a month-long attendance campaign entitled, "Get On Board the Ark". At the 10:30 a.m. worship service, the Covenant Players of Oxnard, Calif. will present the sermon through drama, using first Christ's method of preaching through the parables; and second, the tradition of the Medieval Church, using storytelling.
Here is an opportunity for people to see themselves, to examine their faith in today's world, the Rev. Mr. Krueger said. Family fun and games will begin at 5 p.m.; followed by a picnic on the church lawn and a talent show.
All members are encouraged to invite a friend to help worship and celebrate this special family reunion.

CMA Schedules

Breakfast Meeting
Christian Motorcyclists Association has an 8:30 a.m. breakfast meeting scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Osage Kountry Kitchen, east of the New River Bridge. All motorcyclists are welcome to attend. Call 405-765-7000 for more information.
President Chuck Buxton also announced the Association will have Bible study every Monday night at 7 o'clock at 512 North Stephen.
Peckham Church to Show African Film
Ron and Kathy Butram of Body of Christ Ministries, International, a non-denominational ministry based in Zimbabwe, Africa, will present a program of music and show award-winning slides, photographed by Ron in Africa, at the Christian Church in Peckham on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. The Butrams are natives of MIssouri
Body of Christ Ministries, which includes many pastors in six African nations, won over 2,500 persons to Christ in 1995 alone. Ron and Kathy serve churches in four countries, and are ministering to local churches this summer.
Two "Crusade Vehicles" were sent to Africa last year, and they hope to send King James Bible and New Testaments, musical instruments and a generator this year.
A book on end-time prophecy, entitled "Peace Seekers," has recently been published by the couple. A free-will offering will be accepted for their work in Africa. Refreshments will be served following the program.. Peckham is seven miles west of Newkirk.

First Methodist UMW Unit Announces Meeting

Due to the renovation of Fellowship Hall, the UMW unit of the First United Methodist Church will meet in the Youth Room in the Educational Building, it was announced.
For dinner that will begin at 6 p.m., members will bring a favorite pot luck dish of a foreign country. Drink and rolls will be provided.
Members of the Susannah Wesley Group will be hostesses and provide devotional thoughts for the evening.

Pentecostal Churches Hosting Revelation Study

The Ponca City Pentecostal churches are inviting the public to "come join us" for a look at future events as shown in Revelation, presented by the Rev. Terry Tramel and featuring a 16-foot chart.
The study will begin Sunday, Sept. 15 and continue through Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. nightly, meeting at the First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 600 North Union, according to Pastor Steven Webb, host pastor. Also participating will be Trinity Pentecostal with Pastor Paul Holmes and New Life Pentecostal, pastored by Joe Muniz.
For more information, call 765-4093.

Sunday School Starts at Prince of Peace Lutheran

It's time for Sunday School to start at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, it was announced this week. Classes will start this Sunday at 10 a.m.
If your child would like to attend Sunday School at Prince of Peace, and you do not have a church home, please feel welcome.
Howard Butler has some exciting things planned for the youth this year, it was noted.
Keep watching for information on what's coming to POP Lutheran in November.

Faith Tabernacle Women Plan Meeting

Faith Tabernacle Women's Ministries quarterly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.
Mrs. Barbara Sims will give her testimony of her miraculous physical healing while attending the Benny Hinn Crusade in Dallas. Refreshments will be served.
All area women are invited to attend the meeting, which is scheduled for Fellowship Hall, 501 South Fifth.

Revival Continues at World of Life Christian Center

Word of Life Christian Center is in its 12th week of revival with Dave Martin, evangelist from Tulsa. Dave will be at the church tonight at 7 p.m. Come and receive from God, the public is invited. Dave is scheduled to return next Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. for revival service.
Word of Life's Sunday morning service is at 10 a.m. and Sunday evening, 6 p.m. Nursery is provided for infants through five years at all services.
Children's Church is provided Sunday morning and evening with Children's Missions Studies on Wednesday evening. Youth Service is Sunday evening and Wednesday evening. Word of Life Christian Center is located at 3401 North Union in Ponca City. For more information, call the church office at 762-4376.

Asbury UMC Looks at Special Day Sunday

Sunday promises to be a special day at Asbury United Methodist Church, according to Pastor Buddy Bolin. School has started, Labor Day is past and a "round-up" of members took place last Sunday at Lake Ponca Park. This Sunday Asbury folks will be celebrating the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashana during the morning worship service.
Pastor Bolin invites everyone to come and share in this unique New Year's celebration. Also the elementary Sunday School students will be promoted during the service Sunday. Students entering the third grade will be presented a Bible by the United Methodist Women. The choir will also be back in place on this Sunday, it was noted.
Trinity Nazarenes Schedule Revival Meeting
The local Trinity Church of the Nazarene, 401 South Perry, will be in revival meeting beginning Sunday, Sept. 22 and continuing through Sept. 26. The Rev. Wales Lankford, a native of Hennessey will be doing the preaching each evening at 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The Sunday services are 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Rev. Mr. Lankford is a graduate of SMU and has pastored in Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado for the past 34 years. The public is invited to attend these meetings.

Fall Bible Study Begins at Albright UMC

Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. is the first session of a study of the Bible and spiritual formation at Albright United Methodist Church with everyone invited. This study will introduce spiritual formation as an approach to new meaning from the scriptures. It will introduce the basics of spiritual formation, as well as how to become open to a life shaped and formed by scripture.
Along with the Bible, the text for this study will be "Shaped by the Word". This Bible study is for adults wishing for a more vital relationship to God, according to the pastor, Dr. Kip Wright.

'Buffalo Bill' Coming to First Assembly

"Round Up Your World" Sunday through Wednesday at First Assembly of God, 1308 Bradley, right here in Ponca City. Join Buffalo Bill and His Wild West Gang from Missouri for lots of fun each evening, beginning at 6:30 at the church.
First Assembly invites everyone to come join in the fun with clowns, puppets, games and lots of prizes, along with the magic of the Gospel. Meet the whole gang - Buffalo Bill, Indian Becky, "Hygiene" and "Precious".
The word is out that the person bringing the most visitors to meet with Buffalo Bill and his Gang will receive an 8-foot candy bar for their good work.

First Assembly Plans 'Fun' Time

"Round Up Your World" Sunday through Wednesday at First Assembly of God, 1308 Bradley, right here in Ponca City. Join Buffalo Bill and His Wild West Gang from Missouri for lots of fun each evening, beginning at 6:30 at 1308 Bradley.
First Assembly invites everyone to come join in the fun with clowns, puppets, games and lots of prizes, along with the magic of the Gospel. Meet the whole gang - Buffalo Bill, Indian Becky, "Hygiene" and "Precious".
The word it out that the person bringing the most visitors to meet with Buffalo Bill and his Gang will receive an 8-foot candy bar for their good work.

Martin Temple CME To Honor Pastor, Wife

Martin Temple CME Church plans an appreciation service for their pastor and his wife, the Rev. and Mrs. Floyd and Ann Coburn. The event is scheduled for Sept. 15 at 3:30 p.m.
Guest speaker will be the Rev. Roderick Lewis of Greater Galilee Baptist Church, Oklahoma City. Music will be provided by the Greater Galilee Baptist Choir, St. John Baptist Choir, Sister Ora Jackson, a nd Reach Out for Jesus of Ponca City.The public is invited to attend this event honoring the Coburns.

Speaker Named for Presbyterian Men's Breakfast

The Presbyterian Men's organization will gather at First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall for their monthly breakfast Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 a.m.
Guest and speaker for the meeting will be Cory Williams. A former Oklahoma State University and Chicago Bulls basketball player, Williams will be giving his personal testimony, speaking about the trials and tribulations of life through basketball stories.
This program will be of great interest to men and teenage sons. Men are encouraged to bring friends. Information concerning this meeting is available through the church office.

Ranch Drive Has Successful VBS Campout

Ranch Drive Baptists report a successful youth Vacation Bible School Campout in August, using the theme "Go for the Gold - Moral Ethics."
Leaders for the week were Brent and Janey Loney, Brother Larry and Dianne Colvert and Judy Buffalohead, according to Erma Mathes, who reported on the event.
Activities during the special week included opening services, water olympics, movies, and attending Sun 'n Fun. The group also painted the Youth Room at the church with a graffiti wall to continue through the years as a history of their growth in the youth group.
Ranch Drive Baptists are now making plans to make the VBS Campout an annual event for the church.
Attending were Summer White, Krystal Loney, Courtney Calvert, Deidra Stephenson, Carissa Calvert, Marya Wilson, Adam Moore, Amber White, B.J. Loney, Zack Loney, Jason Oswalt, Eric Failing, Stephanie, Dusty Caine, Sarah Buffalohead, and Rosemary Eagle.

EDUCATION

Education Is Improving Both State and Locally

By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
State Superintendent Sandy Garrett told fellow State Board of Education members recently that Oklahoma third and seventh grade students continue to score above the national average on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills achievement tests. Garrett also announced that a significant majority of fifth, eighth, and 11th-grade students performed satisfactory on the Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests.
"The good news for education keeps getting better," Garrett said. "Our boys and girls continue to improve their scores in a number of national tests."
Garrett pointed out the annual identification of "low performing" and "high challenge" schools, which is based in law on the national ITBS tests for third and seventh grade students, show "only one school identified as high challenge and no schools on the terminally at-risk list." In 1991, eight schools were considered "terminally at-risk." The number has since decreased steadily.
Third-grade students scored at the 64th percentile on ITBS tests, compared to the national norm of 50 percent. Last year, third-grade students scored at the 63rd percentile. Seventh-grade students scored at the 57th percentile, the same percentile as the year before. On the ITBS, students are tested in reading, language, mathematics, social studies and science.
The Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests, produced and administered by Harcourt Brace Educational Measurement, are state-mandated exams to help determine how students are performing on the state's curriculum. During the 1994-95 school year, the tests were given for math and science. In the 1995-96 school year, the tests were expanded to include reading and writing. U.S. History, Constitution and government will be added this spring.
Fifth-grade satisfactory scores ranged from 76 percent for reading to 95 percent for writing. Satisfactory scores for eigth-grade students ranged from 70 percent in reading all the way up to 94 percent in writing. While 71 percent and 87 percent of 11th-grade students scored satisfactory in science, reading and writing respectively, the number was 59 percent in mathematics, up from 56 percent in 1995.
According to state law, students who score unsatisfactory in a particular subject must be offered remediation and take the test in that subject again. Students who score unsatisfactory in a subject are not required to be held back or required to take that subject again.
The State Board of Education released a list of 47 low performing schools and one high challenge school. Low performing schools are ones at which students' scores on the ITBS tests were below the national average and in the lowest quality among schools in the state.
Locally, third-graders at Kaw City, Braman, and Newkirk all scored below the national average. Third-graders at Braman scored 26 percent compared to 53 percent in 1995, Newkirk third-graders scored 39 percent last year compared to 47 percent in 1995 and Kaw City scored 38 percent in 1996.
State Superintendent Sandy Garrett said that even though the scores were low last year, she looks forward to those scores improving.

Board Member Receives Two Awards for Service

Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Myriad Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma State School Boards Association selected Fred C. Haub, member of the Pioneer Area Vo-Tech Board of Education, as one of five members of the OSSBA All-State Board of Education. During the same presentation, Haub also received the Buddy Spencer Leadership Award. These presentations took place during the 1996 Joint Conference of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association and the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration.
Criteria for selection to the OSSBA All-State Board of Education include demonstrated leadership skills, excellence in boardsmanship, sound decision-making, consistency in voting, work towards improving overall knowledge of school problems and boardsmanship and a single act or series of acts of significant help to the school system.
Selection for the Buddy Spencer Leadership Award is based on on outstanding leadership in the local school district and the OSSBA.
"His main concern as a board member is to provide opportunities to hlep our students reach their dreams, said Velta Reed-Johnson, Superintendent of Pioneer Area Vo-Tech Center. "Through his 37 and a half years as a engineer at Conoco, Inc., Fred realizes the opportunities are not always that simple. He has a determination to see our school district move toward the modern technology needed in today's workplace."
The Oklahoma State School Boards Association is an association of local school boards formed to promote the importance and responsibility of local lay leadership in education, and to safeguard public education and public schools in Oklahoma. Each year, the association offers numerous workshops to inform school board members of their duties as policy makers for the school districts.

Students Enjoy Conoco Volunteers at Luncheon

By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Picture this: a busy executive taking time out from their busy schedule to have lunch with a local student. How long has it been since you enjoyed milk from a milk carton?
This week several Conoco employees delighted first, second, and third grade students at Garfield Elementary School in the first of many "Lunch Bunch" dates slated for this school year. The lunch dates came about through the Partnership in Education Program, a project of the Ponca City Tomorrow and Chamber of Commerce Education committee.
The P.I.E. (Partnership in Education) program is in full swing with the beginning of the 1996 school year. The P.I.E. program matches a business with a school such as the Garfield/Conoco connection, in an effort to bring businesses and schools together.
"We have P.I.E. partners working with schools throughout the community," stated Cathy Ferguson, Executive Director of Ponca City Tomorrow. "For example, United Supermarket, P.I.E. Partner of Washington Elementary School is sponsoring a carnival on the United parking lot this Saturday.
"We invite all small businesses, organizations or private citizens to become involved with the Partnership in Education program," remarked Ferguson. If you would like more information on the program, please contact Ponca City Tomorrow at 767-0823 or the Chamber of Commerce at 765-4400. One of Ponca City's finest, the future, is waiting to get to know you.

Increase in Enrollment

By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
School is off to a good start so far in Red Rock. As of August 30, Frontier Public Schools enrollment went up. Enrollment by grades were as follows: preschool -33, kindergarten-35, first-29, second-28, third-25, fourth-23, fifth-29, sixth-29, seventh-31, eigth-30, ninth-24, tenth-32, eleventh-26, and twelfth-32. A total of 406 students are enrolled. In 1995 enrollment was 384 and in 1994 it was 381.
Frontier Public Schools would like to remind parents that students must be present at least 90% of the time in order to participate in extra-curricular activities. Saturday school will be offered again this year for students with excessive tardies or for other repeated violations. Attendance when assigned is mandatory with transportation to and from provided by the parent. Failure to attend will result in a Saturday make-up day plus a one day home suspension.
So far this year, Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled for October 24, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and October 25, from 8:00 a.m.-noon.

Worth Mentioning

Catherine Elizabeth Buck of Ponca City graduated from Trinity University in May. A total of 488 students were awarded degrees at the 1996 spring commencement. Buck graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.

Philip Adams of Ponca City has been accepted to John Brown University for fall 1996 classes. Philip is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Adams of Ponca City. His major is Youth Ministries.

Davina Bufford and Paul Lester, both of Ponca City will be attending the Arkansas/Oklahoma State Fair in Fort Smith, AR Sept. 21-23. These two are on the 1996-97 livestock judging team at Connors State College in Warner, OK.

Lindsey Beth Wasson has been named an All-American Scholar from the United States Achievement Academy. Lindsey, a student at Lawton High School, will appear in the All-American Scholar Yearbook. She is the granddaughter of Leon and Geneva Cross and Corinne Wasson of Ponca City.

Kevin Young of Ponca City recently received a Non-Residential Scholarship for the 1996-1997 school year from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Mary Kathleen Hunt recently received her master's degree in Library Science from Texas Woman's University at Denton, TX. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cooksey of Stillwater, OK.

Sara Chamberlin, daughter of Mickey and Nancy Stavinsky of Ponca City will be traveling to Vienna, Austria to study during the Fall 1996 trimester. She attends college at Oklahoma Christian University of Science and Arts.

Justin Gray of Ponca City High School was recently given the award of "Who's Who." This award is only given to 5 percent of high school students. What makes this year so special to Justin is that this will be the second year he has been given the award. He plans to attend Northern Oklahoma College and major in Engineering. Bob and Becky Gray of Ponca City are his parents.

Barbara Johnson, Ponca City, has been selected for the Surgical Technology program at Autry Technology Center in Enid. Only eleven individuals were selected for the program, after completing a pre-entrance assessment and an interview process.
The eleven-month program at Autry Tech is very intensive, with clinical experiences in area hospitals in addition to classroom work. The surgical technologist is a critical part of the surgery team, delivering direct patient care before, during and after surgery under the direction of a physician and a registered nurse.

Woodlands Elementary School will be hosting their annual Family Fun Night Carnival on Friday, Sept. 20, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The schoolyard will become a "Beach Party" with games, food and fun for all. Tacos, burritos, drinks and desserts will be served in the cafeteria, with drinks and snacks.

Mini Cheer Clinic Held Sept. 23

by KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Po-Hi Cheerleaders will be having their annual Mini Cheer Clinic Mon. Sept. 23-Thurs. Sept. 26. Registration will be held Thurs. Sept. 19 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at Robson Field House. Fee for this clinic is $20.00 which includes poms and t-shirts. During the sessions, children will learn cheers, chants, jumps and poms, and routines. Participants of the mini-cheer clinic will perform a cheer routine during half-time of the Ponca City-Stillwater home football game Fri. Sept.27. Mini-cheer participants will also get into the game free that Friday if they wear their clinic t-shirts.
Money raised from the clinic this year will help pay for varsity cheerleading expenses such as spirit goody cups for high school sports participants and lodging at out-of-town tournaments.
For further information please call 762-0035 or 762-7029.

Upcoming Special Events in PC

Ponca City Mid-High Staff and the P.T.S.A. invite all Mid-High parents to "Back to School Night" on Monday, Sept.16th at 6:30 p.m. in the Ralph Lester Auditorium.
Parents will get to rotate through their students six period day and receive a brief overview from each teacher. Parents will need to know their students 1st period class. They will also receive a complete class schedule during this period.
P.T.S.A. will present the 1996-97 budget and slate of officers for general approval. P.T.S.A. will also be providing refreshments throughout the evening in the cafeteria.

The annual Northern Oklahoma College Lady Maverick Swing-a-thon fund raiser will take place Saturday, Sept. 14, at Maverick Field, located on the southeast corner of the campus.
For the third consecutive year, the Northern Oklahoma College women's softball team will hold an inter squad scrimmage beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m. Team members are soliciting sponsors to pledge support for each inning played. Donations will also be accepted. Funds will be used to benefit the softball program.
An added attraction this year is the softball showdown between the Northern faculty/staff and the Lady Mavericks. This game begins at 11:00 a.m.
During breaks in the scrimmage, fans will be able to participate in hitting contests for a nominal charge. Admission to the event is free.

Attend Institute

TEACHERS FROM PONCA CITY High School recently taking part in the Geometry Institute at Oklahoma State University included, from left, Elaine Harmon and Gale Mueller. Pictured with them is the regents professor from the Department of Mathematics at Oklahoma State University, Dr. Douglas B. Anchele.

FAMILY LIVING

Fuh Attends OSU Academy

Edwin Fuh, a sophomore at Ponca City High School and the son of Gun-Fa and Kay Fuh, recently took part in the Summer Academic Futures in Mathematics and Science Program at Oklahoma State University.
The academy, sponsored by OSU, was made possible by funds administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
The residential summer program in mathematics and science was for students of exceptional ability from Oklahoma secondary schools who will be entering ninth or tenth grades in the fall. It was an intellectually rigorous program which emphasized both content and process in the development of the scientist. Students will be expected to attend a one-day follow-up session in the fall.

'Houseplants' Topic of Club Program

Mrs. Leota See, president, gave the program, "Colorful Foliage Houseplants," when Iris Garden Club met Sept. 10 at the home of Evelyn Spiva.
Mrs. See explained how to plant various bulbs indoors, including amaryllis, Easter lilies, paper white narcissus, tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. She said bulbs are just now coming onto the market, and advised members to plant a few and "bring spring around a little early."
Following refreshments, the business meeting was opened with the Gardener's Creed, with 12 members and one visitor, Mrs. Pat Hollingsworth, attending. Roll call was answered with "Summer Successes."
After the secretary and treasurer's reports were accepted, Vincie Paisley gave the Garden Council report. The meeting closed with the Gardener's Benediction.
The next meeting will be Oct. 10 at Cann Garden Center.

Little News

Kyle and Rhonda Benton, 1505 Cleary Drive, announce the birth of a daughter, Jennifer Nicole Benton, at 6:54 a.m., Aug. 25, 1996, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She weighed 8 pounds and 5 ounces, and was over 20 inches in length. She joins a brother, Joshua Benton.
Maternal grandparents are Don and Elaine McNew of Ponca City. Paternal grandparents are Tom and Rowena Benton, also of Ponca City. Great-grandparents are Awynne Wilkey of Morrison, and Dwight and Alice McNew of Ponca City.

Dan and Hannah Nelsen of San Jose, Calif., announce the birth of their first child, a son, Nicholas Hao, born at 8:30 p.m., Aug. 30, 1996. He weighed 8 pounds and 2 ounces, and was 20 inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Wing Kong of San Jose, Calif. Paternal grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. H.K. Nelsen of Ponca City.

Chapter President Given Scrapbook

Gwen Higgins, past president, received a scrapbook of her year's activities from Alice Beman, secretary, when Laureate Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met recently in the home of Elsie Louise Rosenbaum.
Fran Smith presented 12 members yearbooks for the coming year. The Opening Ritual was led by Dorothy Majors, president.
It was announced that Meire Harris, Erma Rusch and Ms. Smith would represent the chapter at the "Grate Spelling Bee." The team was sponsored by Charles and Virginia Starks.
Summer vacation experiences were related by several members. The meeting concluded with the Closing Ritual and Mizpah.

SPORTS

Tonight's High School Football: Ponca City Hosts Edmond North

Where: Sullins Stadium, 1027 North Seventh
When: Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
Rankings: Neither team is ranked.
Records: Ponca City 1-0, North is 0-1.
Last Year: Teams did not meet.
Injuries: None new for Wildcats.
Importance: Edmond North is looking for first win. Ponca City is seeking to go 2-0 for first time since 1986.
Radio: WBBZ (1230 AM), Ponca City.
Weather: Cooler, with the temperature in the 70s under cloudy skies.
Outlook: Ponca City will be favored. The Wildcats are picked to win 28-8 in one state paper and 20-14 in the other. But the Huskies will test the Poncans with an option offense.

Cats Set Lofty Goals For Tonight's Game

#By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Ponca City's Wildcat football team got a wake-up call in last week in their struggle to get past Tulsa East Central.
But head coach Rick Sodowsky said that call sent two messages.
One - It told the players they will have to battle every week.
Two - It told the players they could come back in the fourth quarter.
But now that they have heard the call, Sodowsky doesn't want to hear it again. To that end, he has set some lofty goals for the Wildcats as they take on Edmond North tonight at Sullins Stadium, starting at 7:30.
Goal One is for the Cats to play four solid quarters.
Goal Two is to improve from last week.
Goal Three is to dominate the ball game.
Goal Four is to play everybody who has dressed out.

Goal Five is to have the game over, for all practical purposes, by the middle of the third quarter.

Edmond North is coming off a 1-9 season last year and took a 25-8 licking at the hands of cross-town rival Edmond Memorial in their season opener.

But that doesn't mean the Huskies will come into Sullins Stadium ready to roll over, Sodowsky warns.

The Po-Hi coach acknowledges that North has a good defensive unit that will try to stymie the Poncans early the way East Central did.
"If they watched the film (of the Ponca City-East Central game), they'll be coming at us (defensively) from every direction," Sodowsky said as he set his team through its final workout of the week Thursday.
"We have been working on ways to cut down on the stunts that East Central was able to use last week," the coach said. "I think coach (Terry) Henderson has a good game plan."
Sodowsky was a little disappointed the Poncans did not handle the stunts and blitzes by the Cardinals better in the season opener.
"It's not like we haven't worked on that in practice. We have. Quite a bit," Sodowsky said. "It's just that the players weren't able to handle it at game speed. We are going to have to practice more at game speed.
"I think you'll see a much different team offensively than you saw last week."
One of the things that will make a difference is a more confident Wildcat team.
Sodowsky feels the Poncans gained confidence from the come-from-behind win last week. Not enough to be overconfident against North, but enough to feel they can win.
"They are starting to believe in themselves," the coach said. "I think that comes from some maturity they gained last year."
Another plus for the Poncans is their conditioning.
On a sweltering night last Friday, the Wildcats proved to be in better shape than the Cardinals. They shut East Central down on defense in the fourth quarter while the offense came alive with two touchdowns to pull out the win.
"Our conditioning paid off," Sodowsky said, "and we continue to work on it. We ran Monday and we ran again Tuesday, so we're still trying to get in better condition."
With better weather, Sodowsky is looking for an even bigger crowd tonight.
"We had a good crowd last week," he notes, "but I would like to see an even better one Friday."

Inexperienced North Correcting Mistakes

By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Edmond North fumbled 10 times and lost four of them in last week's 25-8 loss to Edmond Memorial.
"You can not win putting the ball on the ground 10 times in a game," North coach Kyle Heath said of the Huskies' opening loss.
Part of that problem is North's inexperience.
"We had 14 kids who were playing their first varsity game," Heath said. "I think they were a little tight, trying too hard. As a result, we just didn't play well."
The Huskies have been working to correct those mistakes, but Heath says his team faces another problem that is going to be harder to overcome.
"Ponca City is a lot bigger than we are. I think they average something like 6-4, 240 pounds in the line. We don't have a single player that size."
But the Huskies are not exactly little. Center Aaron Young is 6-3, 245. Right guard Bryan Holeman is 6-2, 230 and left guard Truth Toombs is 5-10, 255.
On defense, the North front four weighs 195, 240, 220 and 218.
The Huskies will give the Poncans a different look from most of the teams the Poncans play.
North will use a one-back offense and rely heavily on the option, counter option and base play.
The trigger for that offense is sophomore quarterback Bryan Blew (5-10, 170). The fullback is Chris Frazier (6-0, 190 senior).
The Huskies will use four slotbacks during the game, according to Heath. They include Bryan Coy (5-11, 176 senior), Chris Jackson (5-9, 190 senior), Jared Glover (5-1, 169 senior) and Jason Berry (5-11, 180 senior).
"We are predominately a running team," Heath says. "But we are capable of throwing the ball, too."
Edmond North is a relatively new school that is still trying to find its base.
Heath is hoping that will come partly from the inter-city rivalry with Memorial and Edmond Santa Fe.
"Now that all three schools are 6A, we are trying to build the same kind of rivalry they have in Moore and Del City," he said. "This is a program in the building stages."
It is a program hungry for wins that would like to start feeding that hunger tonight against the Wildcats.

Area Football

Blackwell at Kingfisher, 7:30
Newkirk hosts Mounds, 7:30
Tonkawa hosts Okla. Union, 7:30
Woodland at Drumright, 7:30
Morrison hosts Medford, 7:30
Shidler hosts Wakita, 7:30
Deer Creek-Lamont hosts Freedom, 7:30
Union JV 32, Pawnee 7 (Thurs.)
Billings 34, Southwest Covenant 12 (Thurs.)

Union JV Parlays Pawnee Mistakes Into Win

PAWNEE - The Black Bears of Pawnee fumbled the ball away on their first play of the night here Thursday, the Tulsa Union JV punched it in for a score and Pawnee never recovered, losing 32-7 to fall to 0-2 on the season.
"Union brought a very good football team over here last night," Pawnee head coach Bobby Miller said. "The brought 61 kids and they dominated the football game."
Already weakened by injury before the game, Miller reported that the Black Bears lost two more starters to injury against Union - linemen James Holt (ankle) and Dustin Smith (shoulder).
"That really kept us off balance," Miller said of losing the two key players. "It created a lot of confusion. But it did give some younger kids a chance to play. That's the positive."
Pawnee fumbled eight times in the contest and lost two of those. The Black Bears also threw a pair of interceptions.
Union was turnover free in its 55 snaps. Pawnee snapped the ball 45 times for 232 yards of total offense. Union gained 281 total yards, 212 on the ground.
The JV Redskins led 20-0 before Pawnee got on the board with a 3-yard Ty Burns run late in the second quarter. Josh Wills added the extra points and the Black Bears trailed 20-7 at the half.
But that was all the scoring Pawnee could muster. Union tacked on two more scores on a pair of short TD runs to account for the final 32-7 score.
Burns led Pawnee rushers with 72 yards on 11 carries while Russell Cook added 36 yards on eight carries. Quarterback Barry Bruns was 10-for-16 through the air for 77 yards and two interceptions.
"You just don't give yourself a chance with four turnovers," said Miller. "But the important thing is to try and not get down on ourselves and to get everybody healthy."
Up next, the Black Bears travel to Cleveland next Friday for another tough game.
Union JV 32, Pawnee 7
Union JV 14 6 12 0 - 32
Pawnee 0 7 0 0 - 7

Scoring
Union - Ty Johnson 5 run (Jimmy Stewart kick)
Union - Johnson 2 run (Stewart kick)
Union - Noikel Freeman 2 run (kick failed)
Pawnee - Ty Burns 3 run (Wills kick)
Union - Freeman 1 run (kick failed)
Union - Jeff Yang 8 run (kick failed)

Statistics
Union Pawnee
First Downs 13 10
Rushes-yards 45-212 29-155
Passing yards 69 77
Comp-attempts 5-10-0 10-16-2
Punts 4-39.5 4-39.5
Fumbles-lost 3-0 8-2
Penalties-yards 8-75 5-40

Ponca Ninth Graders Gain Second Win With Shutout

ARKANSAS CITY - Ponca City's ninth grade footballers got their second win and first shutout of the season Thursday, blanking Ark City 21-0.
The Ponca City freshmen shook off a slow start with two second quarter touchdowns and added another in the third period as coach Keith Chronister substituted liberally.
Tailback Ricky Lee got the Poncans on track as he took an option pitch from quarterback Blake Geubelle and rambled 50 yards to the Ark City 6. Lee scored two plays later to put the Poncans on the scoreboard.
Later in the period, Lee capped a drive from 10 yards out for his second TD of the night. Geubelle threw to Matt Morris for the extra points and Ponca City led 14-0 at halftime.
The final Ponca City TD was set up by a 45-yard run by DeAndre Dewberry who carried to the Ark City 10. Dewberry scored two plays later and Scott kicked the extra point.
"We got to play everybody and had a good game," Chronister said. "I don't think the players were as intense as they were for that first game. But the played well.
"The defense did a good job. Evan Rupp had a pass interception and Dewberry recovered a fumble.
"The defense held Ark City for four downs inside the 5 in the second half and then drove the ball out.
"We're 2-0 now and that's a fun spot to be in."
The freshmen varsity is off until Sept. 26 when it plays at Jenks.
Meanwhile, the junior varsity gets into action, playing at Enid Longfellow next Thursday and following with the first home game against Blackwell on Monday, Sept. 23.
"The Thursday-Monday games will give us a chance to look at a lot of players," Chronister said. "We're looking for players who can get more playing time on the varsity team and can fill in and give some of the varsity starters a rest."

Billings Pops SW Covenant

BILLINGS - Kody Rupp got Thursday night's home game against Southwest Covenant off to a good start as he recovered a fumble in the end zone to stake the Bulldogs to a 6-0 first quarter lead and Billings went on to post a 34-12 win.
The victory evens Billings' record at 1-1 and gives first-year head coach Steve Kile his first win with the school.
Billings scored twice more in the first half - on a Matt Lee to Robbie Pittman pass and on a 1-yard TD run by Rupp. Rupp's conversion run following his touchdown gave Billings a 20-0 halftime lead.
A 10-yard Lee touchdown run and conversion run put Billings up 27-0 and then Pittman capped the Bulldogs' scoring with a 36-yard run after Southwest Covenant got on the board with a 48-yard pass play.
Southwest Covenant also scored the final TD of the game on a short run.
"The kids played very well," said Kile. "The defense did a great job, holding them to just 59 yards on 27 carries. We also had six interceptions and two fumble recoveries by the defense."
Kile also singled out the play of senior Pittman, the only senior on the team.
According to Kile, Pittman picked off 3 passes and had 10 tackles from his safety position. Offensively, he gained 82 yards on 10 carries and caught two passes for 41 yards. He also had a rushing and receiving touchdown.
Next, Billings hosts Prue for Homecoming Friday

No. 2 Ranked Po-Hi Harriers Hosting Meet

Po-Hi cross country coach Kelly Chaney is looking for a good size field as the Wildcats host the Ponca City Cross Country Meet Saturday morning.
Chaney has received verbal commitments from 9 other teams and says it's likely one or two others could show up on race day.
The teams expected to join the Poncans in their first meet in several years include Edmond North, Bartlesville, Owasso, Sapulpa, Stillwater, Enid, Midwest City. Broken Arrow and Braman.
The Wildcat harriers have climbed to be ranked No. 2 in the state prior to finishing a strong third to Jenks and Edmond Memorial in the Sapulpa Invitational.
"I look for the team to have some success Saturday," Kelly said of his team, which will be running in front of the home folks. "I hope to see a lot of kids take home a lot of medals."
The meet will start at 9 a.m. at the Ponca Lake Pageant Area with the elementary school 1600-meter race. The junior varsity girls take off at 9:15 and the JV boys start at 9:45 in 3200-meter and 5,000-meter runs. The varsity girls will run (3200 meter) at 10:15 and the varsity boys will line up for their 5,000-meter run at 10:45. The seventh and eighth grade races (1600-meters) go off at 11:15 and 11:45 respectively.

Frontier Evens Baseball Mark at 5-5

RIPLEY - Frontier's baseball team climbed back to the .500 mark on the season, edging out Olive 3-2 in the first round of the Ripley Tournament Thursday.
The Mustangs, now 5-5, are in the tournament semifinals this evening against Oilton.
Frontier pitcher Kevin Fillmore scattered four hits while striking out four and walking four to run his record to 4-1 on the season.
Olive broke a 1-1 tie with a run in the top of the sixth inning but Frontier came back with two runs in the bottom half of that inning and held on for the win.
Martin Sanders had two hits for the Mustangs.

Volleyballers Scrambling

Ponca City's Lady Wildcat volleyball team is seeded No. 1 in its pool for the Broken Arrow Tournament Saturday, but coach Steve McKay is scrambling to fill out his team.
"I've got two or three starters out sick. I've been sick and coach (Steve) Hermann has been out sick," the coach groaned. "It's been a bad week and a half.
"I don't even know who will make it to the bus in the morning."
The Lady Cats carried a 12-1 record into the Bishop Kelley Tournament last week and exited with a 12-5 mark.
"I don't like to make excuses," McKay said. "But I had a bunch of kids sick and we didn't play very well."
The Lady Cats rebounded with a win over Oklahoma City John Marshall Tuesday, 15-6, 15-4.
The Lady Cat JV team also won, 15-6, 15-9 against the Oklahoma Citians.
"Amy Freemin served nine straight points in that JV game," McKay said. "And Ashley Mott played very well."
In the varsity match, "we were down 1-4 when Crystal Suggs stepped up a served 14 straight points, eight of them aces.
"Heather Roth also had a great day, Tiffani Essary is well again and played well. Amanda Hraban and Lauren Brune played well, Aileen Jackson played great defense and Caitlin Lane is starting to hit the ball really well."
The Poncans will get tested at Broken Arrow. Teamed with the Lady Cats in one pool are Edmond North, Bartlesville, Okay and Wright Christian.