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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Friday, September 24, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES EDUCATION RELIGION SPORTS LOCALNearly News Nearly NewsYou never know whos going to stop by! The News has had several calls wondering why a big plane was trying to land at the airport Thursday evening. Chuck Greenwood of Greenwood Aviation told NN this morning that a training flight aboard a 747 was doing approaches in and out. Edwin Fair Community Center Clients Hear About Oral HygieneDr. Hal Brown, Ponca City dentist, and his wife Nancy were recent guest speakers at Edwin Fair Community Support Center. They spoke to the adult rehabilitation clients at the center on the subject of oral hygiene and demonstrated proper brushing and flossing techniques. Brown answered various questions from the clients regarding preventative dental maintenance and hygiene. This recent presentation was just one of a series of living skills classes being held at the Community Support Center. Activities at the center, in addition to learning basic community living skills, include recreational/therapeutic activities such as pool and other table games, ceramics, craft classes and an occasional field trip. The clients recently held their summer dance at the Moose Lodge in Ponca City. Rehabilitation groups are a daily function at the Community Support Center. Sessions are held daily and include anger and anxiety management, direction for self-esteem building, coping with mental illness, coping with depression, and building better relationships. The Community Support Center Adult Rehabilitation Program is a division of the Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center Inc. of Ponca City. This program is intended for clients 18 and older who are severely mentally ill as defined by the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health. Anyone interested in learning more about the Community Support Center program or the possibility of scheduling a presentation about mental illness may contact Becky Fitzgerald, coordinator, at 762-9109 or the Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center main office at 762-7561 High School Junior Here Making Plans for FutureJeremy Dulinsky is just a junior in high school. But he is busy making plans for his future dream of owning his own real estate business by attending afternoon classes at Pioneer Technology Centers Business Technology program. Dulinsky enrolled in the program with hopes of enhancing and expanding his computer skills. I know that almost all types of careers require some sort of computer training, especially a career in business, said Dulinsky. Dulinsky began mapping out his career a year ago when he decided to study the housing market. After looking at different newspapers, I couldnt believe how many homes were available, said Dulinsky. I realized that this would be a good field to go into plus it would allow me to help a lot of families find a home. The business technology program, under the direction of Sheila Foxworthy is helping to provide Dulinsky with a variety of computer skills ranging from building power point presentations and multimedia presentations, to the Microsoft Office 97 suite that includes word processing, a database, and a spreadsheet program. I really like working with the spreadsheet program, Excel, said Dulinsky. I have some assignments that deal with building and analyzing financial reports. This part will be really helpful to me later on when I get into college. Dulinsky is planning to go on to the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond upon graduation in the year 2001. I realize that I am two years away from college, but I am trying to better prepare myself when the time does come. It is really great knowing that I am learning some of the skills that I will need for my career later on. Even the skills that I am learning about in the job interview part of the business technology program are helping me in my current job as a manager in training for Taco Bell. The business technology program now has seven occupational training areas including the most recently added information services, multimedia services, system management services, and banking services areas. Both Arlene Stauffer and Sheila Foxworthy work closely together in providing students the necessary training in the occupational training areas that are offered. According to Foxworthy, We also have articulation agreements with Northern Oklahoma College and Cowley County Community College (CCCC). These articulation agreements allow students to earn college credit while attending classes at Pioneer Technology Center. A high school student could possibly earn up to 45 hours of college credit at CCCC before going on to college. These agreements could really help reduce their time spent in college as well as the costs of college. Although Dulinsky has started preparing early for his career, he doesnt feel like he is doing anything extraordinary. I am just doing what my day has always told me to do, if you have a goal just go for it! Dulinsky is going for it and has plans to complete the business technology program in another year. He also has a long-range plan of getting his masters degree at UCO. For more information on the business technology program, call 762-8336. Playhouse Production Brings Big Laughs To AudienceBy KATHY ZEHR News Staff Writer Ponca Playhouse season opener, Daughters of the Lone Star State, raises the curtain tonight at the Poncan Theatre with a cast of 12 women, who know how to make you laugh. About 75 family and friends and myself, watched the dress rehearsal of Daughters Thursday evening, and snickered, giggled, and burst into uncontrolled laughter and cheering at the antics on stage. In the exaggerated human situations, the characters (not unlike ourselves or some of our friends or family) make outright opinionated fools of themselves over an issue or for a misguided cause, until someone finally puts them in their place. As in real life, some characters learn quickly, it takes others a little longer (maybe years), and some never learn the error of their ways. But, the optimistic viewer will win this time as the right thing wins out in the end. Director Kenn Wessel calls the play a Comedy of Manners, because its essential source of humor in the social style or manners of its characters. One of the best lines depicting the temperament of one of the main characters goes Shes always been mean, but shes lady like about it! Daughters features ladies of the elite social class of Lowake, Texas, who have worked their way up from poor white trash to become the nouveau rich (because of the oil boom). The other half of the cast, who are still poor white trash and other less socially acceptable citizens, are pitted against the snobs. The elite need more members for their dying club, put the pickins are gettin thin. Intermingled with the delightful fun and laughter is a strong social point about being judgmental of those who are different from us. Four new Ponca Playhouse faces on stage became stars with this production and are to be applauded for excellent premier performances. The novices Vicki McCabe, Betty Hinshaw, Shelly Kennedy and Dolley Rolland cannot be distinguished from the old pros on stage as the play unfolds. Vicki as Liddy Bell, does a professional job, with her wonderful, rich, stage voice and natural stage moves. She plays the prejudiced, opinionated, bossy president of the social club Daughters of the Lone Star State, to a T. Betty Hinshaw as Lois also has a great stage voice, and really gets em told about what is right frequently! Shelly Kennedy, who says shes always wanted to play comedy roles, kicked off her stage career in the right direction. She gets a lions share of the laughter as she portrays Cookie, a former leader of the group. Shelly keeps the audience in stitches with her senile body language and occasional lapses into reality to save the day! Dolley Rolland , plays Doll, the cowering maid and wishy-washy fear-dominated character until she finally stands tall and speaks lines that makes the audience cheer! Regulars to the Playhouse stage include Kris deYoe, Carol Harris, Karen Rivers, Crystal Layton, Ashley Root, Nancy Hicks Taylor and Shawna Rolland. Kris plays a comical Mildred, a nervous, flighty, frustrated opera singer, who agrees with whomever is strongest during a fight. Her high notes, and parts of Christmas Carols, presented at odd times, bring instant life and excitement to a couple of slow passages in the script. Carol Harris as Clara Bell is great as a proper little brainwashed club secretary, who never misses a cue with the proper, Oh mys and Well I nevers, as the group holds their disorganized December club meeting and social in a room at the First Baptist Church in Lowake. Karen Rivers is the rich, angry, pushy, opinionated, drunk - Darlene. She dominates the stage in her flashy mink, glittering gold accessories and sexy stage moves - professional and entertaining as always, an excellent performance! Crystal Layton as Lola Faye, plays my favorite character in the production, as she subtly sets off giggles with every background move. The socially limited, subservient, Lola Faye is calm and controlled until her mothers banana pudding is flushed down the commode because it isnt suitable for the clubs fancy party table then watch out for Lola! Nancy Hicks Taylor is also an audience favorite as she shows up as the rough, tough former member and rodeo performer in her jeans, boots and western gear. Vergie is back with a vengeance and delivers some of the funniest and most important counter-lines in the production directed at Darlene and various club leaders. The play really gets hoppin as she squares off in the middle of the stage and mixes it up with Karen Rivers. Nancys body language for this character speaks volumes. Ashley Root plays the pregnant Ima Jean Gomez, a straight part, and gets very few of the comedy lines. In the end she plays a vital role in the climax and does it very well in her own quiet way. Last, but certainly not least, is Shawna Rolland, who gives a strong performance as Sharon Johnson. She really stirs up the sick little Daughters of the Lone Star State, to boiling point and the results make the audience cheer and applaud. Great performance! Her caustic quips are timed perfectly. I also especially enjoyed the beautifully detailed set, the country and western Christmas mood music played before the production and during intermission; the decorating of a really pitiful Christmas tree; the discussion about God possibly being a Negro; and a story with a good ending! We all need to thank Kenn Wessel for a magnificent directing job, Conoco and the Oklahoma Arts Council for sponsoring the production, each one of the dozens of volunteers who make up the production staff, and especially Clifford the poodle. They all, maybe with the exception of Clifford, make it possible for us to enjoy quality live theater to Ponca City! In addition to tonights 8 p.m. opening, Daughters of the Lone Star State will be presented at the Poncan Theatre at 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday and at 8 p.m. on Oct. 1-2. For ticket information call 765-5360. Dont miss this one! DEATHSMichael D. Sharp Michael D. SharpPERRY Michael D. Sharp, former Ponca City resident, died unexpectedly at his home in Tuttle, Wednesday evening, Sept. 22, 1999. He was 51. The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Brown-Sisson Funeral Home chapel in Perry. Memorial services are also scheduled in Tuttle, with Mr. Bill Murr officiating. Burial will be in the Red Rock (Okla.) Cemetery. Michael D. Sharp was born March 28, 1948, in Ponca City to James Vernon and Elizabeth Frances Betty (Gratner) Sharp. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years and two years in Vietnam, before his honorable discharge. He received the Navy Commendation/Vietnam medal and a Purple Heart. On Aug. 11, 1983, he was married to Cheryl Marie Cooper in Perry. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1983, with a bachelor of science degree in engineering. Sharp had been employed as a senior tooling engineer with Delta Faucet of Chickasha and was president of Manufacturing Solutions Inc. He was a member and past commander of the Tuttle Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9149; retired from the Oklahoma National Guard; a life member of the National Rifle Association and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 58. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans; Tri-City IPSC and Tri-City Gun Club; Mobile Riverine Force Association Units 512 and 572; and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Sharp of the home in Tuttle; his mother, Elizabeth Sharp of Ponca City; two brothers, Chris of Bridgecreek and David of Blackwell; one sister, Nancy Williams of Ponca City; and three nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his father. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Sharps name to Disabled American Veterans of Tuttle, c/o Brown-Sisson Funeral Home, 1010 North Seventh Street, Perry, OK 73077. Joseph H. FranklinFAIRFAX Joseph H. Franklin, died at his home in Fairfax, Thursday morning, Sept. 23, 1999. He was 82. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax. Joseph H. Franklin was born Jan. 25, 1917, in Urbana, Mo., the son of Joseph H. and Pearl Fisher Franklin. He attended schools in Grayhorse and Fairfax. He was married to Pauline Kolb in 1939 in Las Vegas, Nev. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army. Franklin was a machinist and retired from Mertz Inc., in Ponca City. He was married to Ada Kirk Neff on May 24, 1975 in Skiatook. He enjoyed fishing. Survivors include a son, Joseph H. Franklin of Syracuse, N.Y.; one daughter, Mary Ann McNitt of San Diego, Calif.; two sisters, Margie Barnard of Fairfax and Olive Dailey of Riverside, Calif.; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wives Pauline in 1975 and Ida on Feb. 23, 1997; one brother, Denzil Franklin and one sister, Aileen MacMasters. ObituariesFlorence RiesenFlorence Riesen, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1999 at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 91. The funeral service will be Saturday, 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. David Clipson, associate pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home. Born Donna Florence Easley on Oct. 6, 1907, in Newkirk, Oklahoma Indian Territory, she was the daughter of Don and Lulu Myrtle Stanford Easley. She attended Ponca City schools and graduated from Ponca High School in 1926. She married Schiller Rudolph Riesen on Jan. 5, 1927 in Ponca City. Florence was proprietor of the Tyke to Teen clothing store with her sister-in-law Bertha Belle Boots Riesen and later worked at Ruth Druleys Dress Shop. She was well-known and loved by many for her culinary abilities and recipes. Mrs. Riesen was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was an active member of the Ponca City Art Association and was integral in securing and supporting the present Ponca City Art Center. She was also a member of the Lilac Garden Club, where she had served as secretary, and the Soroptimist Club, where she had been named Woman of the Year. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Secrest of Ponca City; three grandsons, Steven L. Taylor of Weatherford, Ken D. Taylor of Yukon, and Mark L. Taylor of Seminole; two granddaughters, Teresa Taylor Dotson of Ponca City, and Connie Gayle Reimers of Geary; 16 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Carmeleda Jackson of Carbondale, Kan. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1977, and a brother, G. W. Bud Easley. Memorials may be made to the Ponca City Art Association, P.O. Box 1394, Ponca City, OK 74602. The family will be at the home, 150 Parkview Lane. Friends may call at the funeral home until 8:30 a.m. Saturday. paid obituary NEWS BRIEFSPancake and Sausage Feed The American Legion is holding a Pancake and Sausage Feed from 6:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the American Legion Post, 407 West South Avenue. Cost for adults is $3.50; children under 12 $2; children under six are free. Proceeds go to the Rehabilitation program. Hunting And fishing licenses available at Shooters Workshop and Pawn, 105 West Grand. adv. PAWS at K-9 Training Meet Visit Ponca Animal Welfare Societys concession stand at the Unity Gym during the Kay-9 dog training meeting Saturday and Sunday. Estate Auction, furniture, antiques, glassware, appliances, automobiles. Saturday, September 25, 530 Virginia. Childers Auction. adv. Rummage Sale Grace Episcopal Church women will be holding a rummage sale 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday at the church parish hall on North Thirteenth. A sack sale will conclude the event. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv. Property Not Returned An employee at Pioneer Rental, 1415 West South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:27 a.m. Thursday that someone had not returned rental property. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A second report was made at 10:16 a.m. Thursday. Cleanest one bedroom garage apartment in town. Lease, deposit and local references. No pets. 313 East Highland. 767-1102 day. 765-1166 evenings. adv. Vandalism An employee at Miller Market reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:59 a.m. Thursday that someone had vandalized the building. An officer was assigned and the information was logged. Trees......now is the best time to plant, excellent selection. Keathly Nursery, open Sundays 1-5, Monday-Saturday 8-5. 2448 Bridge Ave, 762-2922. adv. Cat Shot An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 9:22 a.m. Thursday that a cat had been shot with an arrow in the area of North Third Street and East Broadway Avenue. Another officer was assigned and a report was taken. Licensed Hairstylist Graham Webb educational class. September 27 at 1:00 P.M. Marland Mansion Conference Center. 765-8446. adv. Subject Held An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 9:31 a.m. Thursday that a 17-year-old man was being held for aggravated assault and battery. Paulines Pork chop dinner, $10.95. One half order, $7.95. Friday, Septmeber 24th. For reservations, call 765-5460. adv. Vehicle Damaged A woman from the 100 block of North Eighth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:50 a.m. Thursday that the windshield of her vehicle had been damaged by someone throwing rocks. An officer was assigned and the information was logged. Accident An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 4:52 p.m. Thursday that an accident had occurred at the intersection of North Ash Street and West Highland Avenue. Another officer was assigned and a report was taken. Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv. Subject Held An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Glenside Avenue at 12:54 p.m. Thursday that a 39-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay. Kids/Her Review now accepting childrens, womens fall consignments. 309 E. Grand. adv. Jewelry Missing A woman from the 200 block of West Fresno Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:43 p.m. Thursday that a ring had been stolen from the residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Pool tournament Saturday September 25th. 7:00 p.m. $5.00 entry. Blue Lite Lounge. 217 South 2nd. adv. Subject Held An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 100 block of West Hazel Avenue at 6:39 p.m. Thursday that a 45-year-old woman was being held on two city warrants. Pansies, mums, bulbs, weed preventor for lawns. New shipments of shrubs and perennils- now at Keathly Nursery. 2448 Bridge Ave., 762-2922. adv. Vandalism Two people from the 300 block of South Seventh Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:41 p.m. Thursday that their vehicles had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and reports on the incidents were taken. Furrs Dining Now open continuously 11-8 Sunday-Thursday, 11-8:30 Friday and Saturday. adv. Subject Held An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 4:29 p.m. Thursday that a 39-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to appear. Winter sale 20-25% off clothes and coats. Check out the new maternity. Bearly New. adv. Shoplifter The Communications Center received a call from an employee at Hastings, 2900 North Fourteenth Street at 4:30 p.m. Thursday that a juvenile shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 14-year-old boy was held for grand larceny. Jim Bowen Construction Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv. Accident The Communications Center received a report at 2:06 p.m. Thursday that an accident had occurred in the parking lot of Sykes. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Dougan's Bar-B-Q Saturday special 4-8 p.m. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv. Subject Held An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 4:49 p.m. Thursday that a 19-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay. Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East Prospect. adv. Subject Held An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 12:29 p.m. Thursday that a 16-year-old man was being held for assault and battery. Shoplifter An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:50 p.m. Thursday that an adult shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 20-year-old man was held for grand larceny. Subject Held An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of West Highland Avenue at 7:51 p.m. Thursday that a man was being held on a Kay County warrant for possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell. Subject Held An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 100 block of East Brookfield Avenue at 11:59 p.m. Thursday that a 41-year-old man was being held for DUI and speeding. A vehicle was towed from the scene. Subjects Held An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the Kay County Sheriffs Office at 2:09 a.m. Friday that a 24-year-old man and a 36-year-old man were being held on city warrants. Suspicious Activity The booking officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 3:57 a.m. Friday that a prisoner had set his pants on fire. Three police officers and a unit and ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department responded. The fire was out upon arrival, but when an officer attempted to take the subject to the emergency he escaped custody. Following a short foot pursuit, the subject was nabbed and taken to the emergency room and later returned to the police department. A report was taken. Subject Held An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of South Waverly Street at 4:37 a.m. Friday that a 37-year-old man was being held for actual physical control. A vehicle was towed from the scene. LIFESTYLESMiss Ponca City Candidate Miss Ponca City CandidateEditors Note: Candidates for the title of Miss Ponca City will be announced in The News each day through Sept. 29. They will appear as randomly selected by contestants and contest coordinators, with no preference indicated by date of publication. The Miss Ponca City Queen Contest will be held Friday, Oct. 1, at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. Contestants are Heather Herard, Audra Ramsey, Andrea Johnson, Amanda Cobb, Jennifer Tippin, Adrienne Hines, Jessica Bowen, Halli Huffman, Christy Hassell, and Ashly Sawyers. Tickets are available from the contestants or by contacting Vicki Graves at 765-8679 or 7654736, and Jackie Cutler at 762-0437. The contest begins at 7:30 p.m., and Master of Ceremonies will be KIXR personality R.J. Masters. The winner of the contest will be awarded the traditional crown and sash, a trophy, scholarships and many other prizes. Contestants will be judged on poise, appearance and personality. They will also be judged on the three-to-five minute presentation to include personal resume information, and the answers to the questions of Why I Want to be Miss Ponca City and What Ponca City Means To Me. The contest winner will represent Ponca City as a Visiting Queen in the Arkalalah, Arkansas Citys annual Halloween Festival, slated Oct. 29 and 30. Miss Ponca City also acts as a goodwill ambassador, and attends various functions and speaking engagements throughout her years reign as her personal schedule allows. The title of Miss Ponca City is currently held by Ashley Van Hoesen, daughter of Everette and Sonja Van Hoesen. One of the candidates for the title is Adriane Kay Hines, daughter of James and Lori Hines, 2601 Ames. A senior at Ponca City High School, she is a member of the Po-Hi Track and Cross Country team, and has won honors in French IV. Miss Hines is a waitress at the Amarillo Grill and enjoys collecting whimsical stuffed cows, and enjoys traveling, singing and dancing. Tina Marie Sanders Bride Of Earl Edward BottgerMr. and Mrs. Earl Edward Bottger have established a home in Owasso following their recent marriage. Both are employed with Amoco as computer programmers/analysts. Bottger and the former Tina Marie Sanders were united in marriage in a 3 p.m. ceremony at the First Methodist Church with the Rev. John Stone of Arkansas City, Kan. officiating. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Sanders, 305 North Irving, and the bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bottger of Marland. Grandparents of the couple are Mrs. Lula Sanders of Marland, Mr. and Mrs. L.L. Cox of Ponca City, and Mary Mishoe of Virginia. Tulle, ivy and lace, and burgundy roses and ribbons were used for church decorations. Sue Lippert, organist, presented a program of traditional music and Dawn Jackson sang Your Love. Angie Brumbaugh and Michelle Murphy attended the guest book. Rachel Metzer of Stillwater was the flowergirl and Dalton Maker, nephew of the bridegroom, was ringbearer. Georgetta Presley was the honor attendant. She wore a burgundy georgette and crepe gown with the back bodice accented with covered buttons and matching fabric tie. Dressed in identically styled gowns of Navy blue were the bridesmaids, Lori Allensworth of Ponca City, Deborah Smith of Kansas City, Mo., and Kathy Cookson of Los Angeles. Each attendant carried a bouquet containing a burgundy rose, blush roses, babys breath, navy chrysanthemums and trailing ribbons, beads and lace. Kirk Battles of Perkins served as Best Man, and groomsmen were Dennis Whiting of Ponca City, Charles McCann and Charlie Metzer of Stillwater. Ushers were Shelby Cormier of Ponca City, John Meier of Stillwater, JayDee Brumbaugh and Tim Murphy of Owasso. The bride wore a long white satin designer gown designed with a square neckline and short sleeves accented with illusion appliques, pearls and sequins. The cathedral-length train was embellished with Battenburg lace, illusion appliques, pearls and sequins. The back waistline featured a large bow adorned with pearls. Her illusion veiling was secured by a floral crown adorned with pearls and sequins. She carried a bouquet designed by her mother. It contained a burgundy roses, blush roses and rosebuds, babys breath, navy chrysanthemums, ivy and iridescent ribbons and beads. Following tradition, she wore something old, diamond earrings made from her grandmother Sanders wedding ring; something new, her gown; something old and borrowed, a lace handkerchief from her grandmother; something blue, bouquet and garter. The sixpence in her shoe was a gift from her cousins, Andrew and Michelle Hindmarsh of London, England. The brides parents hosted the reception at the church fellowship hall. Coordinators were Londa Pontius and Kay Johnston. Assisting with the event were Mrs. Violet Nine, Mrs. Deanna Varner, Mrs. Carolyn Hopkins, Mrs. Lois Payne, Mrs. Linda Jantz. The couple left the reception in a horse-drawn carriage, which took them to a dance at the Moose Lodge. Out-of-state guests included Margaret Beavers of Hutchinson, Kan., Chuck and Helen Buxton of Hatfield, Ark., Dion, Sue and Candi Casto of Plano, Texas, Lisa Casto, Joel Witon and Sonia of Plano, Michael and Deanna Garrett of Bemidji, Minn., Aretta Saunders of Houston, Texas, Bill and Beverly Selby of Rogers, Ark., Nobie Stolhand and Ken Rietkirk of Dallas, Texas, the Rev. John and Maggie Stone of Arkansas City, Kan. Little NewsJames and Sharla Pfeifer of Ponca City announce the birth of a daughter, Natalie Therese. She was born at 11:56 a.m. Sept. 7, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces, and measured 19 inches long. Her siblings are Michaela, Jacob, Lauren and Kristine. Maternal grandparents are Larry and Sara Soukup of Ellsworth, Kan., and paternal grandparents are Dale and Gladys Pfeifer of Victoria, Kan. Claire Christine Harris is the name selected by Dr. Paul Harris and Dr. Carla Hoelting-Harris of Jenks for their daughter born at 8:10 p.m. Sept. 20, 1999, at St. Johns Hospital in Tulsa. The baby weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 19 1/2 inches long. Grandparents are Carol Harris, John and Ila McKee, all of Ponca City, Norman and Kay Hoelting of Ohio, and the late Gene Harris. Mildred Jones of Ponca City is the great-grandmother. Announcing the birth of a son are Fred and Debra Gonzales, 11 Bass Drive. Louis Gene Gonzales was born at 12:12 a.m. Sept. 3, 1999, at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. He weighed 4 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 17 1/2 inches long. His brothers and sister are James Kirk, Brian Kirk, Robbie Kirk and Mariah Gonzales. Grandparents are the late Louis Hall and Jean Hall and the late Louis Gonzales and Isabel Gonzales. Boy Scouts Popcorn Sale Topic for KiwanisChuck Rager, Scout executive for the Will Rogers Council of Boy Scouts, told of the success of the Trails End popcorn sold by the regional Boy Scouts, when he addressed the local Kiwanis recently. Expect a Boy Scout to come to your door and ask for your help by buying popcorn. Your support of this project will earn the individual Boy Scout money and points, the Scouting unit a portion of the money from sales, and the local council will also benefit. For instance, last year our local council netted $70,000 from the sale of the popcorn, said Rager. This year is the 16th year for the sales. Just think of having three semi truckloads of popcorn, and you can imagine how excited we feel when the trucks arrive and we have to unload and deliver, Rager expressed. The appetites of those present were whetted with the taste of the new white chocolate caramel crunch popcorn provided by the Boy Scouts. From a newspaper article that Rager cut out, he said that Reality is a crutch for those who cant cope with fantasy. Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) flyers were given to all members to place in their respective businesses with a reminder of the Friday, Sept. 24, segment on IDD that will be shown on the ABC TV newsmagazine program 20/20. The Ponca City High School Key Club postponed their organizational meeting to 6:30 p.m. Thursday. All ninth- through twelfth-grade students are encouraged to attend at the Commons Area of Po-Hi. Plans of the club and IDD and how it can be eliminated will be discussed. The Installation Banquet will be Tuesday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at E.W.s at the Marland Estate. Tuesdays meeting at noon will be a roundtable, brown bag lunch with no scheduled program due to the evening installation. Men and women interested in service are always welcome at the noon meetings on Tuesdays at E.W.s. RELIGIONMiracles Topic for Presbyterian Retreat Miracles Topic for Presbyterian RetreatLinda Simmons gave her testimony that miracles continue to happen when she addressed the women of First Presbyterian Church at their recent fall retreat. She told how her husband, Bob Simmons, head football coach at Oklahoma State University, received a miracle in the form of a kidney transplant; and, how she was the donor. The retreat was held Sept. 18 at the Ponca City Country Club with 60 women present. A brunch was included in the event. When the Simmons first learned of his health problem, she began praying for four specific things: that his kidneys be healed, that he not have any ill side effects from any medication, that he will be able to continue his work throughout this illness, and that he also continue his responsibilities as head of the household and their spiritual leader in the home. Throughout this prayer journey, Mrs. Simmons detailed how God showed his power and how he kept his promises. Communication is the key said Mrs. Simmons. As we develop and deepen our relationship with others through communication, we need to be sure we are communicating with God. This involves taking the time and making the effort to get in touch and then, most importantly, being a good listener. Thats how we make and develop friendships. And, thats how God wants us to come to Him. God desires us to know him personally, through our prayers, through His Word, and through the affirmation of other believers in His Son, Jesus Christ. Merely knowing about Him is not enough. We need to be involved in an on-going, vibrant, personal relationship with Him. Baptist Women Host Centennial Luncheon EventBaptist Women of First Baptist Church met in the Assembly Center for the opening fall meeting with a Centennial Luncheon on Sept. 16 honoring Emma Lee Moseley. Hostesses were the Baptist Women Officers Council. Imogene Vineyard, president, conducted the meeting. Martha Long was a guest and Vivian Davis was a first-time member. Mattie Haynes opened the meeting with prayer. Theme for the year is Ring out the Centennial and in the new Millennium. Louise Trout sang When They Ring the Golden Bells accompanied by Marcella Johnson, church organist. Viola Reynolds gave the prayer pattern. Prayer was focused on Indonesia and the Missionaries who had a birthday Sept. 16. Scripture verses included Love your neighbor as yourself. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Wanza Merrifield gave the tribute honoring Emma Lee Moseley. State season of prayer program was given by Martha Christensen. The state mission theme is Say the Word what word? the life changing message of Jesus to all Oklahoma, is to reach a state takes all kinds of ways. Touching on a few in todays world she listed examples such as: Media Outreach TV campaign you have to see it in Mary Lou Retton, gold medalist gymnast proclaims Jesus as the only perfect 10. Family Ministry is another facet in our effort to reach the State. Oklahoma families are hurting she said. Youth Evangelism; New Church Starts; Disaster Relief, They served 190,000 meals and 500,000 for recent disaster relief. She also discussed the Childrens Home. Church goal for the Edna McMillan mission offering is $5,000, and the state goal of $788,000. New Associate Minister For St. Marys ChurchA poster signed by St. Marys School second-graders adorns the door to the office of Father Babu Bathula, new associate minister for St. Marys Catholic Church. He is focusing on adjusting to the new culture, the new and different foods, and his new job said Barbara Hay, spokesperson for the church. Father Babu, as he prefers to be called, comes to the United States from the coastal state of Andhra Pradesh, situated on the Bay of Bengal in the southern part of India. His family includes his mother, a brother and two sisters. His father is deceased. Father Babu attended first and second grade in his hometown, then went to a nearby village school run by Protestants. For tenth grade he returned to Chirala, and in 1985 he entered St. Josephs Minor Seminary in Nellore. It was there that he began learning to speak English. He spent 10 years in seminary and worked with a printing press with Father Bosco Pudhota, who recently served three years in the Oklahoma City Archdiocese. His last assignment was as associate pastor at St. Marys here. Father Babu enjoys many traditional Indian pastimes, and especially enjoys music. He has undergone several orientation sessions to learn about American culture. He says the food is very different, but his favorite is French fries. He also has a liking for Mexican and Chinese foods. Hays says that Father Babu brings a love of people, a rich cultural experience, and a willingness to serve people to the ministry here. He will be teaching religion in the school and working with the core team for the high school youth ministry. Baptists Focus on Bible ProphecyDr. Gary D. Frazier, founder of Discovery Ministries, Inc. (DMI) will be speaking on The Race to Armageddon: An EndTimes Conference on Bible Prophecy at Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, on Sunday, Oct. 3 through Wednesday, Oct. 6. Sunday, Oct. 3 services will be at 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday services will begin at 7 p.m. Dr. Frazier founded Discovery Ministries, Inc. in 1985. He felt called to a full-time evangelism and education ministry involving pastors and missionaries to the Middle East, with emphasis on Israel. Since 1977, Dr. Frazier has traveled to Israel over 120 times, having made the journey as many as 22 times in a 18-month period. His ministry has taken over 5,500 ministers, along with thousands of believers, from all over the United States to the Holy Land. DMI is a not-for-profit organization founded for the purpose of equipping believers through travel to Israel and promoting Christian support for the State of Israel and its Biblical right to exist. The Israel Government Ministry of Tourism recognizes DMI as one of Americas leading tour operators. Dr. Frazier is a much sought-after speaker on the subject of Bible prophecy. His A Day of Prophecy seminars are advertised as spiritually awakening experiences, giving new insight into current events in these last days with an emphasis on the Middle East. Dr. Frazier speaks in approximately 40 churches a year and is regularly featured at the Bailey Smith Real Evangelism Conferences around the country. He has appeared on numerous Christian radio and television talk shows. Dr. Frazier has recently published a book entitled, Seven Signs of the Second Coming of Christ. He has also completed a video series with the same title filmed on location in Israel. This series has aired on the Odyssey Network and on the ACTS Satellite Network. He is currently working on a book entitled, What Really Happens When Jesus Comes Again. Additional information can be obtained by visiting DMIs website at <discovcryininistfies.com> Dr. Frazier and his wife, Sandra, reside in Arlington, Texas. They have four children and five grandchildren. Dr. Fraziers educational background includes the Criswell Center for Biblical Studies in Dallas, Texas and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Larry E. Nigh, pastor, invites the public to attend this seminar on end-times. Childcare will be provided for children three years of age and younger. New Coordinator for Police Chaplain ProgramBy THOMAS TRUE News Staff Writer The Ponca City Police Department chaplaincy program recently installed a new coordinator for the chaplain program, Dean Patterson. During the meeting Thursday afternoon Police Chief Raymond Ham expressed sincere gratitude for the valuable assistance the volunteer chaplain program provides, and to outgoing chaplaincy coordinator, Steve Upshaw. Upshaw received a plaque recognizing his three years of service. He will remain with the program, still serving as a chaplain with the department. Patterson is now serving as the chaplaincy coordinator. The program is set up nationwide to serve the unique needs of law enforcement. The chaplaincy program takes a look at the spiritual needs of an officer in relation to the duties he performs, as well as serving in a role to visit officers who may be hospitalized in the line of duty. In addition to this, program chaplains also work with the victims of crimes to provide comfort and assistance. The chaplains can be a tremendous resource for victims that are in dire need or just need a place for shelter. The chaplaincy was established in Oklahoma Nov. 1, 1987. Church BriefsPrairie Chapel HomecomingPrairie Chapel United Methodist Church, northwest of Ponca City, will observe its 70th annual homecoming on Sunday, Sept. 26, 1999. Sunday School with Harlan Overman as superintendent will be at 10 a.m. Morning worship will be held at 11 oclock, followed by a basket dinner and informal program in the afternoon. The Rev. Don Martin, Pastor, invites all past members and friends of the church to come and join in the celebration. Fellowship ServiceThe New Mount Olive Baptist Church, 520 North Pine in Newkirk will have its annual fellowship service Sunday. Come one, come all who hope and desire to be filled up with the food of life says the minister. Sunday school begins at 10:30 a.m.; morning service begins at 11:30 a.m. Speaker will be the Rev. Irvin Joseph Bobb Jr. Afternoon service will begin at 3:30 p.m. with special guest speaker, the Rev. L.K. Johnson of Cherryville Baptist Church in Boynton. An invitation is extended to all who wish to attend. Search ProgramThe Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites you to share Gods word with us every week. Sunday Bible classes are at 9:30 a.m. with worship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday evening worship begins at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. The church has classes for all age levels including nursery through adult. Watch the Search program Sunday at 8 a.m. on TV on Channel 5 or 8. There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, give me a drink. John 4:7 To get their attention, God sometimes asks nonbelievers to do something for Him. He will speak to them through the Bible or through the words of a preacher, teacher or friend. Some nonbelievers think they can put off repenting and obeying God by keeping his friends debating about Gods teachings. By obeying God, we learn more about Him and how to serve Him. Road To ArmageddonPioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard Road, will be presenting the third video of the series entitled, The Road to Armageddon and Beyond on Sept. 26. Dr. Mark Bailey will be the featured speaker on the video, The Tribulation: The Worlds Future Time of Trouble. The video will be shown during evening service from 6 to 7 p.m. Pioneer Christian Church invites the public to come and enjoy this video. It is very informative and a good time of fellowship. For further questions call the church at 762-8858. Neighborhood CookoutMembers of Albright United Methodist Church will be hosting the fourth annual Neighborhood Cookout in the church parking lot, located at 128 South Palm, Saturday, Sept. 25. from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The grill chefs will be preparing a free picnic meal with hamburgers and hot dogs for those who live within a few blocks of the church. Sunday School classes and the youth will once again be assisting the Albright Neighborhood Cookout Committee to help make the event a success. Rain or shine Albrights neighbors are invited to come join the fun and meet some new friends. In this annual outreach effort, church members hope to show their appreciation and concern for the families living nearby. Concert of PrayerOn Oct. 2 the March for Jesus and The Oklahoma Concert of Prayer groups will sponsor a two session prayer seminar at the Lincoln Center, 700 West Broadway. Sessions will be 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. An evening concert of prayer will be offered 6-8:30 p.m. A Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for the day sessions by area church women. A nursery will be available for ages four and under for all sessions. CMF District MeetingThe Christian Mens Fellowship District III meeting will be at First Christian Church Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. Spouses are invited to attend and reservations need to be made by Sept. 27. The program will be presented by Joe Kreger, Oklahoma Poet Laureate. Tickets are $5 and can be obtained at First Christian Church, Fifth and Cleveland, 762-1666. Reservations are needed for the barbecue meal. Special music will be provided by Dick Stone, song leader; George Tittworth, pianist; and Charles Thompson, soloist. Crop Walk SundayCome rain or shine, the youth and adults of several local churches will be joining together for the 1999 Crop Walk in Ponca City on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 3 p.m. The 10-kilometer walk will begin and end at the First Christian Church in downtown Ponca City. In addition, the Youth Ministers of many of Ponca City churches, including First Christian, First United Methodist, Community Christian, St. Pauls United Methodist, Albright United Methodist, Woodlands Christian, and First Presbyterian, and the Board of the Friendship Feast have planned a special fellowship event for the youth following the Walk. While the 1999 Crop Walk in Ponca City will center on the participation of local youth, the Friendship Feast Board and the Ponca City Youth Ministers encourage any and all people in the community to participate in the Crop Walk. For more information about the 1999 Crop Walk, you may call 762-4539 or 762-3056. Church Women UnitedThere will be a Church Women United Board meeting at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 4, at St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South Eleventh. Rummage Sale Proceeds from an upcoming rummage sale will go toward missions. The sale is planned 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty. 106th AnniversaryMembers of St. John Baptist church will celebrate the 106th church anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 3. The Rev. Don Echols will provide the 10:45 a.m. message, and the Rev. L.R. Logan Sr. will be the guest speaker for the afternoon service, which begins at 3:30 p.m. All are invited to attend. Sermon Title Is Announced For LutheransPlayers in Gods Mystery Theatre will be the title of Pastor Tom Ramseys sermon at First Lutheran Church at both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services on Sept. 26. The sermon is based on both the Old Testament reading from the book of Isaiah and the Epistle reading from Ephesians. There are times when Gods ways just dont make sense at least by the standards of human reason he says. Isaiah reminds us that God has said, My ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. The Christian must pray that he would be empowered to submit to Gods ways even when he does not fully understand them. The school choir will sing the hymn Father Welcomes at both services. The evening service, held at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary, will continue a study of the book of Psalms. This service is an opportunity for a more informal format in which the family can study Gods Word in a very intimate, and yet a very supportive, atmosphere. The praise songs used are uplifting, and each person is given the opportunity to request special prayers. All who are looking for such a worship experience are encouraged to Join in the service at First Lutheran. Former Tonkawa Minister Authors BookTONKAWA A former pastor of the First Baptist Church in Tonkawa recently published his 21st book. J.M. Gaskin, 81, pastor in Tonkawa during 1944-53, includes a chapter about the town of Tonkawa and the First Baptist Church in Cartersville, Route 1. Gaskins latest book gets its name from the locale in southeastern Oklahoma where he was born, reared, educated and served his first pastorate. The 450-plus page book blends Gaskins family history and autobiography with legend, fore and happenings in the places he served as pastor. In the foreword, the longtime minister, historian and author noted, Some readers will remember and will laugh; others will cry, and still others will become snapping turtle mad. His writing about the churches he served relates the churches beginnings, early years and stories and happenings during his pastorates. The minister recalls the two-day trip from Coalgate to Tonkawa in 1944 when asked to come in view of a call as pastor. The speed limit during World War II was 35 miles per hour and the Gaskins stayed overnight in a tourist court in Shawnee on the trip. They were put up in the Tonkawa Hotel during the visit. The local Catholic priest then, Father Stephen A. Levin, represented the Tonkawa Ministerial Alliance at a welcoming dinner for the new Baptist pastor. The church bought a parsonage at 102 N. Public for $4,000. Another of Gaskins remembrances of Tonkawa is the prisoner of war camp housing 4,000 German soldiers guarded by 700 U.S. Army officers and enlisted men. The church later purchased a building at the closed POW camp for $500 and used it as a mission site. Other events for Gaskin during his Tonkawa years were becoming a 32nd-degree Mason and construction of the Baptist Babyland building for a kindergarten. The Gaskins son, Ray, was born during his Tonkawa pastorate. Gaskin is donating 200 copies of his latest book to the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission. A copy will be given to each person donating at least $20 to an endowment fund to support the Gaskin Baptist Archives and Library, named for him, and located at the Baptist Building in Oklahoma City. The Archives may be addressed at 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. Gaskin began his ministry as a Southern Methodist preacher in 1934. He became a Southern Baptist in 1935 and was called to his first pastorate, Cartersville Church, in April 1936. He founded the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission in 1952, led in organizing the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Society in 1956 and was founding editor of the The Oklahoma Baptist Chronicle, which he edited for 40 years. He was the Baptist General Convention of Oklahomas historical secretary 1953-98 and served as BGCO director of history 22 years. A graduate of OBU, he holds four honorary doctorates, including the Doctor of Divinity from OBU (1959). He and his wife, Helen, reside in Durant where he served as pastor of First Baptist Church, 1962-76. EDUCATIONFrontier School Lists Assemblies Frontier School Lists AssembliesFrontier School opened its season of assembly programs with Dr. Don White, comedian and hypnotist. As the first production began, Dr. White called upon members of the audience to become part of the show. Participants were asked to relax and let the fun begin. This presentation was the beginning of a full year of scheduled assemblies and activities at Frontier. The school would like to extend an invitation to any school that would like to attend these presentations. There is no charge for participating since the Oklahoma Arts Council helps to support these endeavors in part. Upcoming assemblies include: Jim Riley (motivational speaker), Oct. 26 at 1:30 p.m; Mr. Wizard (science), Nov. 15 at 1:30 p.m.; Equilibrium (juggling and magic) on Jan. 5 at 10 a.m.; Oklahoma Childrens Theatre Mischief Maker on Feb. 15, 1:30 p.m.; Ron Cole (pop singer/impressionist) in March; A school play, another presentation by Jim Riley, and storytelling in April; and Call Frontier School and reserve your class a spot to attend any of the productions that fit your schedule. Area Administrators Hold Quarterly MeetingArea superintendents and principals met Wednesday at Pioneer Technology Center for their first quarterly meeting of the school year. Some of the items discussed during the meeting included a "Bring a Friend to School" day where area students would be allowed to attend classes at Pioneer Technology Center on a designated day. This item was presented by Pioneer Technology Center's High School Liaison, Vicki Mallory. Mallory is in hopes that this day would help give students an idea of what goes on in a particular program. Area superintendents agreed that the principals would work with Mallory in getting the day implemented later in the school year. Other items discussed included an update on Tech Prep and Applied Mathematics workshops that will be available to area teachers in Oct., Nov., and Dec. Linda Thompson from Pioneer Technology Center, explained to the superintendents and principals that these workshops will be available at no charge and attendance is limited to 25 teachers. The workshops would include three training options in teaching applied math and algebra. Dr. Brenda Stacey from the University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma (ULC) and Dr. Mike Langenbach from Oklahoma University also gave a brief presentation on a new program offering that could possibly be available next Spring at ULC. According to Dr. Janet Cox, deputy superintendent at Pioneer Technology Center, "The area superintendents and principals meet on a quarterly basis during the school year. These meetings primarily serve as a way for all area administrators to work closer together on issues that impact the educational success of all of our students." Area superintendents and principals that were in attendance for the meeting included, Dr. Bill White, John Scroggins, Jerry Winkle, and Peg Jordan from Ponca City; David Pennington and Dr. Steve Hart from Blackwell; Duncan Coones from Braman; Gary Reed and Carl Barnes from Newkirk; B. Walden and R. Reese from Tonkawa; Ron Gordon from Medford, Steve Cargill and Sam Downs from Shidler; and Chuck Bayha, Steve Waldvogel, Dr. Janet Cox and Dr. Sally Downey from Pioneer Technology Center. Vo-Techs Enhancement Program Visits Cushing Correctional FacilityThe Sophomore Education Enhancement program at Pioneer Technology Center began the first of a series of monthly field trips by visiting the Cimarron Correctional Facility in Cushing. During the visit, the students attended a speak-out session at the correctional facility where the inmates shared some of their reasons for being in prison. The inmates told them how running with the wrong crowd, using drugs, and an accumulation of small crimes can drastically change their lives forever. After the session, the students toured the correctional facility to learn firsthand what it was like to be in prison. The Education Enhancement program, under the direction of Lynnie Bailey, will also be touring local businesses and manufacturing companies which are directly related to the vocational programs at Pioneer Technology Center. Field trips to the Marland Mansion and the Cultural Center are also being scheduled for cultural enrichment and life skills education. The Education Enhancement program is a result of the partnership with Pioneer Technology Center and Ponca City Public Schools that works to identify students currently in the ninth grade who are at-risk of dropping out of school. The Education Enhancement students attend comprehensive classes at Ponca City Public Schools half of the day and spend the other half in a vocational-training program at Pioneer Technology Center. The Education Enhancement students are also provided with career guidance and counseling by the Education Enhancement Coordinator, Lynnie Bailey. Senior Parent MeetingPo-Hi Senior Class Counselor Royce Caldron and Senior Assistant Principal John Woody will host a meeting for senior parents on Tuesday, Sept. 28. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Assembly Center in the Commons. The purpose of the meeting is to share some important information with parents concerning issues that are critical for most seniors. There will also be an opportunity for parents to ask questions about their concerns. Caldron has previously held meetings with senior students during the day at the high school to distribute printed information concerning senior issues. Parents who are unable to attend this meeting should ask their senior student to share the booklet that was given to them by the senior counselor. OEF Kicks Off Mathcounts ProgramThe Oklahoma Engineering Foundation (OEF) and the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) kicked off the 1999-2000 Oklahoma Mathcounts program last week with the mailing of over 700 Mathcounts School Handbooks to seventh and eighth grade math teachers across the state. Mathcounts is a national math coaching and competition program that promotes math achievement with all the challenge and excitement of a school sports program. Beginning in the fall, student mathletes train individually and in teams. The students then have the opportunity to compete in local, state and national competitions. Prizes are awarded at all levels. State winners receive a free trip to Washington, D.C., for the national finals. National winners receive scholarships, trips and trophies. OEF and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) provide the School Handbook free of charge to all seventh and eighth grade math teachers. The information and materials in these handbooks can be used in the classroom with students of all abilities, even if the teacher chooses not to participate in the optional regional competition. The Mathcounts program is staffed nationwide entirely by volunteers. The volunteer coaches are usually the seventh and eighth grade math teachers in the local schools. The Mathcounts Regional Coordinators, who conduct the six regional competitions held in Oklahoma, are volunteers, as well. Costs associated with the Mathcounts programs are funded by contributions from companies, foundations and community organizations, in addition to members of OSPE. If you are a parent of a seventh or eighth grade student and are not aware of the Mathcounts program in your school, please ask your childs math teacher about Mathcounts. If you are a seventh or eighth grade math teacher and have not yet received your free Mathcounts School Handbook, please call OSPE at 1-800-337-6773. Middle, High School Students Urged To Earn College TuitionOklahoma students in the eighth, ninth and 10th grades whose family income is $32,000 or less can now sign up for a scholarship program to earn free college tuition, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education announced. The Regents are currently distributing information and application packets for the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program to middle and high schools throughout the state. OHLAP, which was created by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1992, is designed to help high school students with financial need and a demonstrated commitment to academic success. The scholarship can be used to attend college or specified courses at vocational-technical schools. Last year, the state Legislature raised the family income limit for the program from $24,000 to $32,000. Since students first signed up for the program in 1992, thousands of Oklahomans who did not think college was a reality have pursued their educational and career goals through this scholarship program, said Chancellor Hans Brisch. We hope to see thousands more take advantage of this opportunity to fulfill their long-term goals. Brisch noted that to date nearly 1,900 students from 322 different high schools representing all 77 counties in Oklahoma have earned OHLAP scholarships totaling $2.3 million. The scholarships are paid from funds provided by the Oklahoma Legislature. To earn an OHLAP scholarship, high school students who meet the family income requirement must attend classes regularly, complete homework assignments and attain a 2.5 grade point average in the 15 courses required for college admission plus two additional courses. Students must also stay away from drugs and alcohol and refrain from delinquent acts. For students who fulfill the requirements, the state will pay their tuition at a public college or university or cover a portion of their tuition at a private institution or for select courses accepted for college credit from public vocational-technical schools. Students can use the scholarships through the completion of a bachelors degree or a maximum of five years, as long as the student maintains good academic standing. By rewarding students for hard work and diligence, OHLAP helps students build good habits necessary for success in college and the workplace, said State Regents Chairman Bill W. Burgess Jr. It also broadens students options early, better helping students and parents plan ahead. SPORTSWildcats Give Pioneers Special Attention Wildcats Give Pioneers Special AttentionBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor Ponca Citys Wildcats gave some special attention to special teams this week as they prepared for their District 6A-3 opener tonight against Stillwater. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Sullins Stadium. A look at last weeks games gave good reason for the Po-Hi coaches to take a good look at special teams, especially the punt teams. The Wildcats had their first punt blocked in several years against Tulsa Memorial last Friday. That set up the winning touchdown in a 12-7 loss. On the same night, Stillwater was returning a one punt for a touchdown and blocked another for a safety in a 29-13 win over Choctaw. As a result. the Cats have made some changes in personnel on their punt team. When you get a punt blocked, you either change some personnel or you change your blocking scheme, head coach Rusty Benson said this week. Our blocking scheme is the same one weve had for years and its worked pretty well. So we changed some personnel. If that doesnt work, well have to change the blocking. The concern stems from the fact that the Pioneers boast a very dangerous punt returner in Leonard Jones, who scrambled 85 yards to break open the game against Choctaw. But that is not the only thing the Wildcats have worked on this season as they try to halt the Pioneers who have breezed to a 3-0 start. The closest game theyve had it was 26-0 at halftime, Benson notes. The Pioneers appear to be dangerous on both offense and defense and the two units compliment each other very well, Benson said. I have discovered in all the time Ive been coaching, its a lot easier for the offense to score when the defense is playing well and its easier on the defense when the offense is moving the ball. So far Stillwater has been able to get people down early and then they (the opposition) has to try things to get back in the game. Stillwater will grind it out five or six yards at a time or break one to get on the board early. That makes it a lot easier for the defense to play well. Thats been important for Stillwater since the Pioneers have three new linebackers, three new people in the secondary and two new linemen. But they have been playing very well, so far, although they werent really tested in the first two games (against Tulsa McLain and Guthrie). They did had to hold off Choctaw in the second half last week, but by that time the Pioneers were already up 29-0. Stillwater has been a perennial playoff team for several year, thanks mainly to coach Bill DeFee, Benson said. Your marquee players always play well and Stillwater has had several of them, Benson said, But the key for Stillwater is that he has always gotten his average players to play better than average. We havent beaten Stillwater in 12 years, but we won six years straight before that and in four of those years they never scored on our first defense. Wed like to get back to that. Benson said that speedy receiver J. Michael Sharon has been added to the Wildcats tailback corps and Billy Broughton is expected to see more time at that position this week. At times we do things pretty well, Benson said as the Wildcats try to gain some consistency. But it doesnt last as long as it ought to and it doesnt start as soon as it ought to. Its all just a matter of blocking and tackling. The news continues to be good on the injury front with no new players out of action with injuries or illness, Benson reports. PC Harriers Drop Big Times in ACARK CITY, Kan. They Wildcat cross country teams may be halfway through the season, but they are still hitting their stride. The Ponca City harriers took chunks off their times in the Ark City meet Thursday. The ever-improving Lady Wildcats finished third in the 11-team field and dropped anywhere from 3 to 53 seconds off their times. The young Wildcat boys team continued to learn on the job and bettered last weeks times by an average of 20 seconds. Jessica Jorgenson led the Ladies chase as she finished fourth in the individual standings with a time of 12:35 for the two-mile run, three seconds better than the time she posted at Edmond last week. Jorgensen, a sophomore, is listed in at least one running poll as the fourth fastest girl in the state in cross country. Carol Stangeland, despite battling a severe head cold, bettered her previous mark by 21 seconds, finishing 13th overall in 12:28. Laura Chaney was 22nd, in 13:46, 19 seconds better than last week. Krystal Stevens improved her time by a whopping 53 second to finish 23rd in 13.46. I have never seen runners knock that kind of time off at this stage of the season, coach Kelly Chaney said. Usually, its three or four seconds at a time. Its looking real good for the girls future. The Wildcats were also trimming their time by leaps and bounds. Trevor Viljeun paced the Cats with a 19.38 timing in the three-mile run, finshing 40th overall. Right behind him was Ronny Campbell in 19:43, in 50th place. Given a chance to put his freshmen up against other freshmen, coach Chaney took them out of the JV event for the freshmen run and then Poncans promply too first place with 24 points, five points better than Wichita Bishop Carroll. They only counted the first three runners of each team toward the team score, Chaney said, because most teams dont have more than three or four freshmen. As it was, the Poncans had four runners under 13 minues in the 2-miler. Kyle Karnish led the Cats and was third overall in 12:03. Graden Hardy was 10th inn 12:30, Jon Kempinich 11th in 12:32 and Garrett Hardy 16th in 12:58. Team Scores Freshman Boys Ponca City 24 Bishop Carroll 29 Ark City 38 Wichita North 40 Derby 41 Wichita South 56 Wichita East 58 Winfield 74 KMC 97 Wichita Heights 104 Varsity Boys Wcihita South 59 Bishop Carroll 66 Wichta East 96 Wichita Heights 127 Derby 142 Northwest 149 Ark City 188 Winfield 191 KMC 194 Wichita North 215 Ponca City 274 Varsity Girls Bishop Carroll 35 Derby 82 Ponca City 111 KMC 118 Wichita East 132 Winfield 139 Wichita North 154 Heights 183 Northwest 204 Valley Center 278 Ponca City Results Varsity Girls 4 Jessica Jorenson 12:35 13 Carol Stangeland 13:28 22 Laura Chaney 13:46 23 Krystal Stevens 13:47 49 Mindy Bacher 14:54 50 Melisa Stangeland 14:55 52 Nancy Taylor 15:02 Varsity Boys 48 Trevor Viljeon 19:38 50 Ronny Campbell 19:43 57 KC Corn 20:31 59 Chad Patterson 20:45 60 Jeff Hand 20:59 61 Ben Becker 21:01 66 Patrick Wheeler 22:17 Freshman Boys 3 Kyle Karnish 12:03 10 Graden Hardy 12:30 11 Jon Kempinich 12:32 16 Garrett Hardy 12:58 19 Brent Purkable 13:10 24 David Corn 13:32 25 Josh Gilliand 13:37 27 Patrick Quinn 13:50 35 Bradley Murphy 14:27 Ernest Carpenter 15:30 Christopher Hardiman 20:34 JV Girls 42 Maria Meena 16:21 45 Katie Emmons 16:29 53 Adriana Hines 17:05 67 Cari Roberts 20:05 68 Elizabewth Newman 20:29 69 Ellen Knight 21:06 71 Stephanie Powers 21:43 72 MeKyla Overby 22:12 JV Boys Fabriciol Mages 27:5
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