Local News and Sports

From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, October 18, 1996

LOCAL
OU Foundation Names Rodgers To Fill Vacancy
Santa Fe Retirees Attend Luncheon
Police Capture Suspect After Overnight Search
Nearly News
Ranch Drive Blood Drive Saturday
PCTA Allows Promotion Funds For National Event Set in March
P.C. State House Candidates To Address AAUW Saturday
Pecan Advocate Will Autograph Books Here Sunday Afternoon
Marriage Licenses
Square Dance Lessons Sunday
Award Winning Book Author Returns To Ponca City Tonight for Autographing
Listening, Talking With Teen Provides Reliable Answers
Ombudsman Group Addresses Problems In Nursing Facilities
Jaycees Plan Run, Punt, Pass Event Sunday
Letters Say:
Natural Oklahoma Treasure Only Short Drive Anywhere
Pioneer Tech Hosts Seminar On 'Changes'
P&R Helps In Unveiling Preparation

NEWS BRIEFS

DEATHS
Loyd Thompson
Ray Donald Crain
Harriett Puilla Hodges
O.A. Puryear
William O. Smith

Funerals
Mark Reese Penoi
Mildred I. Corzine Storm

FAMILY LIVING
County 4-H Club Elects Officers
Lutheran Women's League Packs Items for the Needy
Prather-Campbell Family Has Reunion
90th Birthday Party Planned

EDUCATION
Public Schools Offer ACT Plan
Students Win Awards at PTC
Rules Broken At High School
Children Denied Chances
Ponca City Resident Attends SMU
King Receives Honor
Students Receive Prizes
Palmer Finishes Assignment
Teachers Receive Honors
Lutheran Holds Conference-
May Visits Schools
The Write Stuff
Po-Hi Band Wins Awards

RELIGION
Eastern Heights Folks Plan Picnic
Hardy To Serve As Missionary
First United Methodists Join Thousands In Observance of Children's Sabbaths
Osage Heights Baptists Set Revival Time
Oak Grove Baptists Ordain Deacons
POP Lutherans Make Announcement
St. Paul Methodists Welcome Forgiven
Crestview Baptists in Revival Meeting
Church of God Sets Revival Services
CWU Schedule Special Worship November First
St. John Baptists in Fall Revival '96
Ponca City Christians Will Join In Concert of Prayer on Saturday
Missionaries Ron and Kathy Buttram Plan Return to Africa In November
Pastor Appreciation Day Set at Faith Tabernacle

SPORTS
Cats Changing Up For Hornet Game
Washington Sitting In District's Catbird Seat
Newkirk Rolls Early Like Braves
Bucs Manhandle Kiefer, 42-6

LOCAL

OU Foundation Names Rodgers To Fill Vacancy

The University of Oklahoma Foundation, Inc. nominated Linda R. Rodgers to the Board of Trustees recently. Rodgers will be considered for election to a three-year term to replace retirees at the Nov. 1 annual meeting of certificate holders of the foundation.
Rodgers currently resides on the Norman campus Provost Search Committee. She serves on the executive committee of the University's Alumni Advisory Council, The Reach for Excellence Campaign Committee, the College of Education Board of Advocates and is a past president of the OU Association.
Additionally, Rodgers is trustee of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence and the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Foundation.
Nominees for the board include Robert S. Kerr Jr., Robert E. Klabzuba, Tom McCurdy, Linda Clarke Anderson, John E. Green, C.D. McDoulette Jr., William R. Patten, John F. Snodgrass and H.E. "Gene" Rainbolt.

Santa Fe Retirees Attend Luncheon

The fifth luncheon meeting of the "Old Oklahoma Division" Santa Fe Railroad Signal Department Retirees was held Oct. 8 at Western Sizzlin.' The next meeting is scheduled at the same location April 22, 1997.
Attending were Jack and Lorene Collins, Yale; Jim and Mary Dexter, Shell Knob, Mo.; G.W. and Louella Franklin, Perry; Pete and Rosalind Hirsch, Newton, Kan.; Don and Sandra Lockwood, Newkirk; Delores and Leon Pulliam, Perry; Rocky and Vera Roberts, Edmond; Edna Tanner and Marguerite Tate, Ralston; Betty Turner, Newkirk; Joe and Bette Wallace, Newton, Kan.; Jim and Betty Wheeler, Independence, Kan., and Charlie Rankin, Nocona, Texas.

Police Capture Suspect After Overnight Search

The 31-year-old suspect in Wednesday's crime spree is behind bars today thanks to the relentless efforts of local law enforcement officials.
Officers arrested Zane Thomas Cavanaugh in the 400 block of South Flormable Avenue at 3:38 p.m. Thursday without incident, according to the Ponca City Police Department. Charges include armed robbery, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of grant theft auto, all after a former conviction.
The former California resident carries a lengthy list of violent criminal convictions, the department confirmed.
Cavanaugh allegedly bound, gagged and beat a 57-year-old Ponca City man in the 400 block of South Peachtree Street. He reportedly took a .38 revolver and cash.
The Kay County Sheriff's Office assisted Ponca City police officers in tracking the subject through the night and into Thursday morning. An Animal Control officer spotted the suspect in a wooded area on the west side of the city and alerted officers to his location.
Cavanaugh was detained at the Ponca City jail awaiting transportation to the Kay County Detention Facility where he will face formal charges by the district attorney.
"All officers should be commended for a job well done," Police Chief Raymond E. Ham noted.

Nearly News

Majir and Mania Kornblit will be at Brace Books and More Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to autograph copies of the second printing of "Until We Meet Again, A True Story of Love and Survival in the Holocaust." Approximately 8,000 copies of the paperback edition have been sold since 1995. The Kornblits and their son Michael who authored the book of his parents many ordeals in World War II were honored by the National Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., earlier this year. Chaim Nagelsztajn of Newcastle, England, Mania's brother, whom she discovered was still alive 40 years after World War II, was also present. Autographed copies may be reserved by those who cannot attend the autographing by calling 765-5173.

Children have one last opportunity to tour the "Fire Safety House" Saturday, at Lowe's, 3500 North Fourteenth Street, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., according to Deputy Chief Dale Hicks of the Ponca City Fire Department.

On Page 7A of today's News is a photograph of Diane Harris, whose pottery is on display along with that of other NOC students in Tonkawa. The photo was taken by art instructor Audrey Schmitz. A panel of News employees determined that the picture is situated properly on the page, although readers may be tempted to rotate the page just to see if another angle looks better. Rotate away.

Ranch Drive Blood Drive Saturday

Members of the Ranch Drive Community and Volunteer Fire Department will be rolling up their sleeves for local patients during a blood drive with the Oklahoma Blood Institute, Ponca City Center, Saturday afternoon.
Area residents may give blood between 4 and 8 p.m. in the Blood Institute donor coach as part of a community chili supper hosted by the fire station.
All area residents who donate at the supper will receive a coupon for a free pint of Blue Bell ice cream, compliments of Buy-for-Less grocery store. Donors also receive a free mini-physical which includes checks on blood pressure, temperature and cholesterol level. Written cholesterol test results are mailed to donors within two weeks of the donation.
Additionally, OBI Ponca City Center offers men a prostate cancer screening blood test for $15 for donors and $20 for those unable to donate.
With support from donor groups throughout the area, the local OBI center serves as a primary blood resource for St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. OBI officers donors a group benefit plan which provides reimbursement for blood processing fees not covered by insurance for donors or their tax dependents. Blood processing fees include the cost of testing and processing blood. The goal to be eligible for this benefit is 25 percent participation from the donor group.
Jim Powelson, drive coordinator, said, "It is important to this group that we can help assure an adequate blood supply for local patients that need blood products. By working together to meet the goal of 25 percent participation for the drive, we can help those patients and each other through the Blood Institute's benefit plan.
For more information, contact Powelson or OBI Ponca City Center manager Pixie Rowland at 768-9488.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute Ponca City Center is an affiliate of the OBI, a regional, not-for-profit blood center responsible for supplying blood to 57 hospitals across Oklahoma.

PCTA Allows Promotion Funds For National Event Set in March

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
A new national event slated for the area was granted $2,000 by the Ponca City Tourism Authority (PCTA) for promotional purposes. The event is Quails Unlimited National Invitational Field Trial slated for March 20-23, 1997.
This will be the first year the event, which will be held at Red Rock Ranch. The presentation was made by Bob Schuster, vice president and chairman of the event of Ponca City.
The event features four persons teams with their dogs. The event is expected to draw about 300 participants from 38 states. Schuster said if the event goes well it could be an annual attraction and the lodging would be in Ponca City.
The grant application requested $3,000, which is the maximum given by the PCTA. Upon the recommendation of Phil Bandy, grants committee chairman, the board awarded $2,000 for the first time event.
In other grant action, the PCTA awarded $750 to the Masque and Gavel Society. The request was for $3,000. Since this is the third year for the event PCTA approved $750, which was the same as 1995. Three years is the limit for requests.
The board entered into executive session about forty minutes into the meeting to discuss personnel. After returning to regular session the board voted to reclassify the position of Missy Morland, coordinator, and to do a performance evaluation.
During her report Morland gave the tourism economic impact statistics for tourism during July and August. The figures for July showed $833,711 and August totaled $592,178. The year to date total is $3,918,324.
During July the PCTA hosted 10 tours and eight in September. The year today number of group tours is 102.
Morland said she is in need of volunteer step-on guides and motor coach navigators. Currently she is working with 18 groups that will be coming to Ponca City for the Festival of Angels.
The step-on guides do the narration, telling visitors about the festival. Navigators are needed to direct the motor coach around town. Volunteers may call Morland at 767-8888. A training session will be held on Nov. 26. The date with the most motor coaches scheduled is Dec. 16.
Daily calls are coming in concerning the Standing Bear celebration. Morland has sent press kits to the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation and Ackerman McQueen, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation advertising firm.
Lisa Austerman, Communications Manager of the Eastern office of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation will be a guest Friday and Saturday. She writes feature stories for the Sunday Travel section of the Tulsa World and the Daily Oklahoman.
David Zimmerman, PCTA chairman, and Morland, escorted the Oklahoma Travel Editor for the Southern Living Magazine. They made the Petroleum Tour, Cann Memorial Gardens, Poncan Theatre, Marland Mansion and Standing Bear Native American Memorial Park. The writer plans to return in the spring with a photographer.
The Governor's Conference on Tourism was held last weekend in Oklahoma City and PCTA won a merit award for the large billboard located on Interstate 35 and also first place for the best brochure in the state with a budget over $15,000. This was for the visitor's guide "Ponca City - Where the 20's Still Roar!"
Reports on the sign projects were made by Jan Prough, who has been working with the traffic department for some time on directional signs. About 20 new signs were put up recently. The attractions signs are blue, recreation signs green and business signs are brown.
The new signs with directional arrows were made by the traffic department, which is headed by Mike Lane. The signs are located in a variety of locations.
There are two on U.S. 60, giving directions to downtown, the airport and the vo-tech, and to the Pioneer Woman, Marland Mansion and Centennial Plaza. A sign on at Pine Street and Grand Avenue gives the same information.
Centennial Plaza has a sign and between Eighth and Ninth the sign tells the direction to the Art Center, Cultural Center, Pioneer Woman and the Marland Mansion.
Other new signs are at Fourteenth and Grand, Fourteenth and Highland, telling about the Pioneer Woman and Marland Mansion. Signs directing visitors to Kaw Lake, Lake Ponca and Wentz Golf Course are at Fourteenth and Highland, Kygar Road and L.A. Cann Drive.
Other directional signs are located on the highways leading to and from Ponca City.

P.C. State House Candidates To Address AAUW Saturday

Candidates vying for the Oklahoma House of Representatives District 37 seat will address members of the Ponca City branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Saturday at the Ponca City Country Club. Speakers will be Democrat Bernie Jackson and Republican Jim Newport.
Jackson is a retired educator. A graduate of Ponca City High School, he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Oklahoma State University. After serving in the Vietnam War, he worked for the Ponca City Public School System until his retirement in 1995. Currently, he serves as a part-time instructor for Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva.
A graduate of Leadership Ponca City and Leadership Oklahoma, Jackson serves on numerous local boards, including the Chamber of Commerce and three committees of Ponca City Tomorrow. He is a member of the Oklahoma Institute of Child Advocacy, Oklahoma Academy for State Goals, and the board for Leadership Oklahoma.
Newport is a small business owner. A native Oklahoman, he moved to Ponca City in 1985. He was previously vice president of administration for Sullivan Trucking Company until their recent acquisition. At Sullivan's, he handled government regulatory compliance, retirement plans, insurance and workers' compensation. He is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma.
An active volunteer, Newport has been involved with the Ponca Playhouse, Hospice, Peachtree Landing, Boy Scouts, and has coached baseball and soccer. He's a member of Kiwanis International and the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce.
The Ponca City branch of AAUW meets the third Saturday of each month at 10 am. at the Ponca City Country Club.
AAUW's mission is to promote equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change. In principle and in practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There are no barriers to full participation in the organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.
Any individual who has obtained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is eligible to join AAUW. Locally, the branch supports women and education through the awarding of a scholarship both to a graduating high school senior woman and an adult woman returning to school.
Individuals interested in joining the organization are invited to attend the monthly branch meetings the third Saturday of each month at the Ponca City Country Club. For information, contact AAUW president Carrie Miller at 765-2680 or 765-6697.

Pecan Advocate Will Autograph Books Here Sunday Afternoon

Wes Rice, Ponca City author of "Pecans - A Grower's Perspective" and "When a Man's Fancy Turns to Cooking" will be on hand to autograph copies of his cook book, Sunday, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Brace Books and More.
Rice will be bringing along a sampling of some of his favorite recipes for tasting at the Grand Opening of the bookstore Coffee Bar. Complimentary coffee and biscotti will also be served to customers and browsers at the new coffee bar.
Rice, who teaches growers about pecans on his nearby pecan farm, will also be featured in a forthcoming issue of Martha Stewart's "Living" magazine. In an issue on cooking with pecans, Rice was consulted for his expertise as a pecan grower and cook. Both of his books will be referenced in the article.
"Pecans - A Grower's Perspective," has become a standard reference book for growers, and Rice has become recognized as one of just a handful of experts in the field. He was asked to E-mail to Stewart's staff several varieties of his own home-grown pecans, which will be photographed for "Living" magazine. Hopefully the issue will be on newsstands within the next few months.
Rice, since retirement from Conoco, has been able to devote more time to two of his longtime interests - cooking and pecan growing. He was recently honored at an author's reception sponsored by the Friends of the Library in Amarillo, Texas.
Some of Rice's recipes are also featured in a cookbook called "The Best of the Best From Oklahoma," which will also be available for autographing on Oct. 20.

Marriage Licenses

Newkirk
Jimmy Marvin Trissell, 53, and Linda Louise Johnson, 46, both of Canute.
William French Stowers, legal age, and Bettie LaVon Howe, legal age, both of Tonkawa.
Robert Dale Irvine, 28, and Angela Kay Boyd, 23, both of Ponca City.
Samuel Romero, 19, and Suhey Lopez, 20, both of Blackwell.
Raymond Edward Merz, 36, Newkirk, and Alauna Robin Smith, 32, Burbank.
David A. Bohon, 22, and Jana Renee Reynolds, 22, both of Ponca City.
Teddy Lynn Cladinos, 46, and Diane Lynn Sawyer, 35, both of Caldwell, Kan.
Mark Allen Wright, 23, and Angela Michelle Ramsey, 20, both of Newkirk.

Square Dance Lessons Sunday

Anyone interested in learning to square dance is invited to join the beginners square dance class to be held at the Kaw City Community Center in Kaw City from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday.
Instructor for the lessons will be Dave Johnson from Sapulpa.
This class on the 20th will be the only time new people will be accepted in this series of lessons, which will all be held on Sunday afternoons, said Johnson. Charge for couples is $5 per session and $2.50 per session for individuals. The first lesson is free.

Award Winning Book Author Returns To Ponca City Tonight for Autographing

Author Billie Letts returns to Ponca City tonight to coincide with the paperback publication of her award winning book, "Where the Heart Is." She will greet the public from 6 to 8 p.m. in the new Coffee Bar at Brace Books, where complimentary coffee and biscotti will be served.
Letts' novel tells the story of a young, unmarried pregnant girl who is abandoned by the baby's father at a Wal-Mart store in a small Oklahoma town. She lives undetected in the store at night for several weeks until she gives birth.
At 7 p.m., Letts will read selections from her book, which her publisher says, "puts a human face on the look-alike trailer parks and malls of America's small towns - and will make you believe in the strength of friendship, the goodness of down-to-earth people, and the healing power of love ... and will make you laugh and cry ... every step of the way."
During a later scene set in a hospital, Sam Walton visits the young mother, hands her some money, tells her the publicity was good for Wal-Mart and gives her a job at his store. That is the only appearance Walton makes in the book.
In a letter to Iris Brooks of Brace Books and More, the Oklahoma author said, "I've been banned by Wal-Mart!" and related that Jamie Raab of Warner Books received word that "the book wasn't going to be purchased by Wal-Mart because it doesn't put Wal-Mart in a favorable light."
Even in the author's home town of Durant, the local Wal-Mart was not allowed to sell the book, although a recent review in a Tulsa magazine stated that, "Wal-Mart should assign sainthood to Letts for this novel."
Stacy Webb, spokeswoman for Wal-Mart Inc.'s corporate office in Bentonville, said, "the decision not to purchase Letts' book was a business one," and "the book does not have enough commercial appeal for mass retail."
Winner of the 1996 Oklahoma Book Award for Fiction, Letts' novel also won the Walker Percy Award for Fiction, the Greater Dallas Writers Award for Fiction, and the Oklahoma Writers Tepee Award for a Novel. It has been nominated for the American Library Association's Best Novel for Young Adults, and the International IMPAC Literary Award, Republic of Ireland.
Publishers Weekly called the novel "a heartfelt and gratifying read." Screen rights have been sold to 20th Century Fox, first serial rights were sold to Good Housekeeping and the book was also chosen as an alternate selection of the Literary Guild and the Doubleday Book Clubs.
Ponca Citians will remember Letts from an earlier to visit to Ponca City when she spoke to the Northern Oklahoma Writers Club. She is a former creative-writing instructor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant and is now working on a new novel.
Brooks commented that people who come to the reading "can expect to be well entertained and amused by this irresistibly warm and utterly honest novel. There is absolutely no obligation to purchase a book, she said, and "the public is invited to just join us for coffee, biscotti, and some fun." She explained that this is the first of several events planned for the weekend, to celebrate the grand opening of the bookstore's new Coffee Bar.
Those who cannot attend, but would like to obtain autographed copies of the book, which is available in both hardback and paperback, can contact the store at 765-5173 or 800-256-5173.

Listening, Talking With Teen Provides Reliable Answers

(Editor's Note: October is Child Health Month for the American Academy of Pediatrics. This informational article is the second in a series brought to you in recognition of Child Health Month by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Pediatrics Unit.)
Make the most of talking to teenagers!
Are you really trying to find out what's on your teenager's mind? Are you willing to take the time to find out what he/she is thinking?
Here are some ideas to help you communicate better with your teenage son or daughters:
* Set aside enough time to deal with the subject at hand - whether it takes 15 minutes or two hours. Don't let the television or the telephone interrupt. Give your teenager all your attention.
* Listen to everything your teenager says. Talk face-to-face and be sensitive not only to his/her words, but to the way he/she looks and how his/her voice sounds as well.
* Ask questions and try to find out why your teenager is feeling the way he/she does. In return, ask your teenager to be patient as you tell him/her your thoughts.
* Tell your teenagers exactly what you mean. For example, if you want your son or daughter home by five o'clock, say "Be home by five" instead of "Make sure you're home before dark."
* Give praise and approval to your teenager often.
* Don't pretend you know all the answers. And when you're wrong, admit it. Don't be afraid to say you're sorry if you make a mistake.
* Set fair rules and limits, and try to enforce them the same way every time.
Finally, never lose sight of who this teenager is - even in the hardest times. Continue to make the extra effort to keep the communication flowing - even when you feel your teenager is not helping much.

Ombudsman Group Addresses Problems In Nursing Facilities

The annual report of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program which advocates for older Oklahomans in nursing homes shows that 94 percent of the nursing home problems addressed by local volunteer ombudsmen in fiscal year 1995 were resolved within the facility.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, a part of the Aging Services Division of the Department of Human Services, is directed by the federal Older American Act to investigate and report on complaints made by or for older individuals in long-term care facilities.
The report, released Sept. 23 at the meeting of the Oklahoma Commission for Human Service in Tulsa, shows Oklahoma's 226 certified ombudsman volunteers contributed 25,048 hours of advocacy assistance to elderly residents of nursing homes and residential care facilities during the annual report period which ended Sept. 30, 1995. A Biennial Report, covering Federal Fiscal Years 1993 and 1994, was also released.
The volunteers and local ombudsman staff addressed 9,077 alleged problems and resolved the majority of them within the nursing home where they were reported. Esther Houser, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, said most of the problems and complaints were resolved by opening communications among the involved parties.
In many cases, Houser said, solutions were achieved by providing nursing home residents or their families information or other assistance they needed to solve the problem for themselves.
Formal complaints counted in the report are those handled by the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, the Department of Health which licenses nursing homes, and the DHS long-term care investigators in the Special Unit on Aging, a separate unit from the ombudsman program.
Of 1,358 formal complaints filed against 310 of the state's 457 nursing facilities and ICFs/MR, 328 complaints, (24 percent) were filed against 24 nursing homes, (5 percent of all facilities.)
"These are the nursing homes against which consumers made the most verified complaints during the reporting period," Houser said. Because the reporting period ended in September 1995, inclusion on the list does not mean the problems complained about still exist, she said. In fact, several facilities have been sold, or are under new management. Potential consumers of nursing home services are encouraged to review complaint and inspection reports at the facilities or through the State Health Department or Ombudsman Program.
Subjects of complaints to Area Ombudsman Program staff are described in detail in the 1995 report. Complaints addressed included: resident care, 33.6 percent; residents' rights, 30.6 percent; administration (policies, staffing, etc.), 13.8 percent; and quality of life (dietary, environment, activities, etc.), 22 percent.
The Ombudsman Report recommends expansion of the use of sanctions against nursing facilities which fail to adequately protect and care for residents. "Federal law and regulations enable states to use a wide range of intermediate sanctions less severe than closure," Houser said. This is a good time for state agencies to capitalize on the current willingness of the industry to support stricter enforcement of quality standards.

Jaycees Plan Run, Punt, Pass Event Sunday

The Ponca City Jaycees will sponsor the annual Run, Punt, and Pass competition Sunday beginning at noon at Sullins Stadium. All boys and girls through age 13 are welcome to compete. Registration forms were distributed through the schools or are available at the YMCA and may be brought to the competition on Sunday or participants may also register Sunday at the games.
The event is hosted annually by the Ponca City Jaycees and is chaired this year by Marisa Harris who says, "Run, Punt, and Pass is free to all youngsters who wish to participate and should be an exciting event for both the kids and their parents."
Participants will compete in appropriate age groups including six and under; seven and eight year olds; nine and 10 year olds; and 11 through 13 year olds.
Each contestant must compete in each event including the 50-yard dash, punting for distance and accuracy, and passing for distance and accuracy. Awards will be presented to each age group immediately following their competition.
The top overall winners will be eligible to participate in the State Competition in Yukon on Nov. 2.
Run, Pass and Punt tee-shirts are also available this year and participants may order the shirts for $10 each when registering on the day of the event.
Contact Jaycees Marisa Harris at 767-1734 or John Williams at 765-9719 for information.

Letters Say:

(Letters appearing in The News do not necessarily reflect the editorial policies or beliefs of The News. Letters will be accepted only with written signatures and must include address and phone number of writer. Unsigned letters will be discarded. All letters submitted become the property of The News. No letter will be returned. We reserve the right to reject or to correct letters considered unsuitable. Letters may be edited to conserve space. We specifically decline letters for or against candidates for office.
Editor, The News:
"Ponca City News, date Wed., Oct. 9, 1996: First, headline - 'Sales Tax for Jobs Rejected by Voters.' Second, headline - '$8.75 million bond election called to fix city complex.' 'The election is scheduled for Dec. 10.' Statement by Martin (city manager) noted that citizens must be aware that should the issuance receive opposition, ... '
Is this a threat, to the 3,226 (more than 60 percent) who voted NO - on Tues., Oct. 8, 1996. I find this an insult and a slap in the face.
'See you at the polls.'
L.E. Smith

Editor, The News:
Recently the city proposed a half-percent sales tax to go to the Economic Development Foundation to entice and enhance new industry and jobs to our area. The way this proposal was introduced, unlike bond issues, it seems to be handing the EDF a blank check.
If you would amend the proposal to guarantee that every dime spent would be published in the news media, I think you would find a very different result at the polls.
With bond issues we at least know ahead of time what the monies will be spent for. Why can't the city guarantee that at least after the fact that we will know where our money went?
Jim Sherrill

Editor, The News:
Not even chants of "we want our band, we want our band," could move Mr. Workman Friday night, to allow the Ponca High School band to play and show school spirit. The scene: It was Homecoming, the Wildcats were down by a score of 13-6, it was the last 37 seconds of the game and the Wildcats were just a few yards from scoring and pushing the game into overtime (the type of scene movies are made of). The crowd from both schools was on its feet cheering, and the Bartlesville band was playing almost non-stop. Where was the Ponca High School band? In the West end zone with their backs to the football field, practicing softly. As the game continued through not single nor double nor even triple, but quadruple overtime, with the score see-sawing back and forth, the Ponca band continued (with their backs to the field) practicing quietly. They finally were permitted to face the field to watch the remainder of the game, but were not allowed to utter one note in support of the football team. The crowd was the 12th man for the football team; the band was silent. Was this the student-band member's fault? Absolutely not! This rests squarely on the shoulders of the director.
Mr. Workman, we heard you loud and clear when you thought the music program was going to be cut. The community (including me) and the students rallied around, but we did not hear you tonight.
Mr. Workman, I hope the band's trophies are enough to satisfy you, because your school spirit stinks! I understand your zeal in preparing for contests, but couldn't you stop for 15 minutes in quadruple overtime and allow the band members to show support for their classmates (the football team)? We have a wonderful school band, and we appreciate your and the student's hard work. We want to hear them at the football games; isn't that why they are there? Again, we want our band, we want our band.
Ginny Galbraith

Natural Oklahoma Treasure Only Short Drive Anywhere

A natural Oklahoma treasure is only a short drive from about anywhere in Oklahoma. "The nice thing about this treasure is that it can be enjoyed for very little cost," according to Mark Moseley, President of the Oklahoma Section of the Society for Range Management, and state range conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The treasure is Oklahoma's native grass rangeland.
Over one-half of the states land surface is rangeland including the short-grass clue grama-buffalograss in the high plains to the bluestem tall grass prairies and savanna's of the eastern part of the state. One of the most visible signs of treasure is Indiangrass, Oklahoma's state grass. In the spring, Oklahoma attributes some of its golden color to ripening wheat, but in the fall, the glowing golden color of the Indiangrass weed heads is a photographer's reverie.
To celebrate this great resource, the Oklahoma legislature has designated October as Range Management Month. They chose this month to publicly recognize what the state's ranchers and wildlife managers have known for a long time, the value of rangeland. The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association is joining the Range Society, NRCS, and others in celebrating Range Management Month.
Rangelands that are kept in a healthy condition by good management benefit all Oklahomans by helping keep the air cleaner by reducing wind erosion, keeping the water cleaner by filtering out sediment and pollutants, and by providing excellent wildlife habitat.
So Moseley suggests that if you want a spirit refreshing experience, grab your camera, find a well managed rangeland, seek out the best angle and take your best shot to capture native bluestem, Indiangrass, and gramas at their very best. If you are not a photographer, just take a lawn chair and find a quiet roadside with a view and simply enjoy the sounds of the rangelands.
For more information, contact the Kay County Conservation District, 115 S. Maple, Newkirk, OK.

Pioneer Tech Hosts Seminar On 'Changes'

Pioneer Technology Center is hosting a seminar "Dealing with Changes and Emotional Behavior" Oct. 24 in the Education Business Center.
The seminar will deal with how to handle change and emotional behavior in the workplace and family personal lives. Clark Staiger, trainer for the seminar from the FOCUS Institute, has developed and conducted training for corporations, universities and governmental agencies. He has trained, supervised and certified trainers for various organizations. Staiger has also developed training for a continuous quality improvement process.
The seminar will be from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and is $5 per participant. To make reservations, contact Bob Wallace, Pioneer Technology Center, 762-8336, ext. 272.

P&R Helps In Unveiling Preparation

By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Using 60 feet of cargo chute and two 20 feet by 30 feet tarps, the Ponca City Park and Recreation Department continues preparations for the unveiling of the Standing Bear statue on Oct. 26, according to Director Jim Sindelar report at the advisory board meeting Thursday. The department was asked to help with this part of the ceremony.
In new business, members agreed to table a request made by Everette VanHoesen. The Lake Committee will review the offer to lease city property on the east side of East Lake Ponca. A formal proposal will be submitted to the advisory board.
In old business, the consent/responsibility form, to assist with record keeping when organizations borrow picnic tables/benches, was approved.
In public requests, the board tabled a request from the North Central Mini Boat Association for more information. The club would like to host a fishing tournament at Lake Ponca in 1997. The association's representative was unable to attend.
Additionally, Rick Vanater asked the board to table his request to establish a Skate Park on city-owned land. The committee agreed.
Paul Krueger, chairman, did not attend the meeting. The next session is set for November 21.

NEWS BRIEFS

School Reunion Oct. 20 - The Delaware, Okla. school reunion will be held Oct. 20 at the north end of the Fair Building in Nowata, Okla. A pot luck dinner will be held at noon and those coming need to bring a prepared food dish. For more information, call Floyd Pomeroy at 762-1880.

Chili Supper - The Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department, 91 Ranch Drive will hold a chili supper fund raiser Saturday evening. The firemen will begin serving chili and trimmings at 6 p.m.. Adult tickets are $3; children 6-12 tickets are $2.50; and under six-years eat free.

Rush Receives Nomination - Gina Rush, 1996-97 Ponca Tribal Princess has been selected as a top candidate for the "Nancy Tsootle Outstanding Indian High School Student of the Year" award by the Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women. Winner of the award will be announced at 2 p.m. Sunday following a luncheon at the Santa Fe Inn, 6101 N. Santa Fe, Oklahoma City. Persons interested in attending may make reservations by calling Jo Grove at (405) 427-8932. Tickets are $15.

Vandalism - A resident in the 100 block of Warwick Road notified the Ponca City Police Department of vandalism to a vehicle. An officer took a report at 7:50 a.m. Thursday.

Arrested - A 20-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at 8:22 a.m. Thursday for failure to appear.

Vandalism - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of a window broken out of a car in the 200 block of Woodbury Road. An officer took a report at 8:56 a.m. Thursday.

Stolen - A resident in the 700 block of East Overbrook Avenue contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 10:18 a.m. Thursday to report the theft of a boy's 26-inch bike.

Accident - The Ponca City Police Department was advised of a minor accident in the 100 block of South First Street at 1:14 p.m. Thursday.

Collision - A minor accident occurred at West Grand Avenue and Pine Street at 2:01 p.m. Thursday, according to a call made to the Ponca City Police Department.

Theft - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a stolen bike at the police department at 2:28 p.m. Thursday. The bike was recovered from the police stockade.

Arrested - A 40-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at South First Street and South Avenue at 4:08 p.m. on a city warrant for fighting in public.

Vandalism - A resident in the 300 block of North Pine Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 5:16 p.m. Thursday that the vehicle and house were egged. An officer took a report.

Shoplifter - An employee of Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, notified the Ponca City Police Department at 7:45 p.m. Thursday that a boy was in custody for shoplifting. An officer arrested the boy for petit larceny.

Vandalism - A resident in the 1900 block of East Hartford Avenue contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 10:02 p.m. Thursday to report a window was broken out of the vehicle. An officer took a report.

Drive Off - A clerk from the Triple T, 1301 West Highland Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 10:07 p.m. Thursday to report an $18.50 gas drive off. The subject reportedly drives an Olds Delta 88 and left northbound on Waverly Street. An officer took a report.

Stolen - A resident in the 300 block of South Franklin Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 10:25 p.m. Thursday to report a 10-speed bike stolen. An officer took a report.

Collision - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of a non-injury accident at North Union Street and West Hartford Avenue at 5:39 p.m. Thursday. Two officers responded. No damage occurred to either vehicle.

Stolen - A resident in the 2800 block of Ames Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:48 p.m. Thursday that the daughter's jewelry was stolen from Po-Hi. An officer took a report.

In Custody - A Ponca City police officer took a 22-year-old man into custody at North Ash Street and West Summit Avenue at 3:33 p.m. Thursday for driving under suspension, no insurance, expired tag and expired inspection.

Larceny - An employee from Beall's Department Store, 2001 North Fourteenth Street, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7:25 p.m. Thursday to report a woman with long black hair, wearing a pink shirt, attempted to steal a pair of jeans. The suspect left northbound in parking lot in a Buick. Two officers responded but were unable to locate the subject. A report was taken.

Subject Held - A 23-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at East Cleveland Avenue and North Second Street at 2:55 p.m. Thursday for driving under suspension.

Stolen - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a stereo and CDs stolen from a vehicle in the 1800 block of El Camino Street at 10:06 p.m. Thursday.

DEATHS

Loyd Thompson

Loyd "Tommie" Thompson, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 16, 1996, at Westminster Village. He was 89.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church Worship Center with the Rev. Larry Heslip, minister of education, officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home until 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Loyd "Tommie" Thompson was born July 30, 1907, in southern Oklahoma to Ralph L. and Lillie F. (May) Thompson. He attended Oklahoma A&M College, where he lettered in track and graduated in 1929 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Thompson served at the rank of Major in the U.S. Army with the Corps of Engineers.
On Jan. 16, 1976, he was married to Era Taylor in the Dallas Theological Seminary Chapel and the couple made their home in Ponca City. Taylor was employed with Conoco Inc. for 35 years. He was an active member of First Baptist Church, serving as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and on the tape ministry for many years. He was remembered as always having an open Bible in his home and frequently quoting scripture pertaining to Christian living. Thompson enjoyed gardening, especially the growing of roses. He also enjoyed music, baking bread, playing ping-pong, and visiting with people.
Survivors include a brother-in-law and wife, Jay and Arlene Taylor, Irving, Texas. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Fern; his second wife Era on June 18, 1994; his parents; three brothers and three sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Thompson's name to First Baptist Church, 218 South Sixth Street Ponca City, OK 74601 or to Westminster Village, 1601 Academy Road, Ponca City, OK 74604; Attn. Sister Toni Marie.

Ray Donald Crain

BLACKWELL - Ray Donald Crain, Blackwell resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 16, 1996, at his home. He was 70.
The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, in the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell, with the Rev. Ruth Tipps, Lamont First Christian Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery.
Ray Donald Crain was born April 28, 1926, in Southerd, the son of Hebron Francis and Orpha (Shanley) Crain. He grew up and attended schools in Blackwell. Crain moved to Wichita, Kan., and began employment at Silks Refuse Co. He later moved to Ponca City and worked for Brown Tile Co.
On March 27, 1955, he was married to Nellie Theodora Meyer in Perry, and the couple made their home in Ponca City. In 1957, they moved to Arkansas City, Kan., where Crain was employed at Crain Tile Co., until 1970. They then moved to Pond Creek, where Crain was employed on a workover rig until retirement in 1983. He moved to Blackwell that same year.
Survivors include his mother, Orpha Crain of Arkansas City, Kan.; three daughters, Mary Johnson of Oklahoma City, Shirley Rutledge of Ponca City and Connie Meritt of Cherokee; three sons, Richard Crain of Lamont, Gary Darr and Roger Darr, both of Arkansas City, Kan.; two sisters, Sue Horinek of Wabasha, Minn., and Nadine Brunner of Wichita, Kan.; two brothers, Keith Crain of Arkansas City, Kan. and Glenn Crain of Plano, Texas; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife on March 20, 1983; his father; and one sister, Naomi Winter.
Casket bearers will be Tony Looper, Tyroon Glass, Virgil Ropp, Bobby Joe Webb, Craig Webb and Johnny Campbell.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Crain's name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Heart Research, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.

Harriett Puilla Hodges

NEWKIRK - Harriett Puilla (Hill) Hodges, former Newkirk-Ponca City area resident, died Oct. 16, 1996, in Albuquerque, N.M. She was 92.
The funeral will be held graveside at 11:30 a.m. Monday in the Newkirk Cemetery with the Rev. Kenneth Armstrong of Grace Episcopal Church, Ponca City, officiating. Local arrangements and burial of cremains were under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.
Harriett Puilla (Hill) Hodges was born March 12, 1904, in Newkirk, the daughter of Roy H. and Anna (Manwarin) Hill. She grew up in Newkirk, graduating from Newkirk High School. She served as Miss Kay County in 1926 and was selected to christen the new Kay County Courthouse. She was a graduate of the University of Oklahoma.
On May 4, 1930, she was married to Dorris Edward "Bill" Hodges in Newkirk and the couple made their home in Ponca City. In 1931 they moved to Oklahoma City and in 1940 to Bartlesville. After the death of her husband on May 30, 1971, she moved to San Antonio, Texas, where she resided for 10 years. She later moved to Albuquerque, N.M. Mrs. Hodges was an active member of the PEO Sisterhood and the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority.
Survivors include one daughter, Elise (Hodges) Weed of Jemez Springs, N.M.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made in Puilla Hodges' name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

Obituaries

O.A. Puryear

O.A. Puryear, longtime area resident, died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 1996, in Ponca City. He was 95.
The funeral service will be Saturday, 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Kent Dorsey, pastor, and the Rev. Charles Heyer, associate pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born April 2, 1901, at Elk Creek, Neb., he was the son of Thomas N. Puryear and Lela Kiplinger Puryear.
On Oct. 2, 1920, he and the former Nina May Ward were married at Enid, where they made their first home. From there they moved to Billings, where they farmed and in 1923 moved to Tonkawa where they went into the produce and grocery business. In 1928, the couple moved the business to Ponca City and became known as Puryear Wholesale Distributing Co., which they ran until 1969. They had a dairy farm and raised registered Black Angus cattle at the Alnia Angus Farm.
Puryear was a longtime member of the First Christian Church, the Knights of Pythias, Agrarian Club and the Moose Lodge. He served as president of the Exchange Club in 1954. The Puryears were also members of the Angus Association, Braman Service Corp., Supervisor position with Shaklee Corp., and a member of Pure Water, Inc. He enjoyed going to the circus, telling humorous stories, and visiting friends at the Wheatheart Center.
Surviving are two daughters, Mae Morgan and Mrs. David (Jerri) Lane, both of Ponca City; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Lucille Sawyer, Cherokee.
He was preceded in death by his wife on March 17, 1991; two daughters, Evelyn Behar and Rena Dunlap; two great-grandchildren; and one sister.
Casket bearers will be Wayne Behar, Bruce Lane, Glen Lane, Chris Morgan, Chuck Morgan and Phil Morgan.
Honorary casket bearers will be Kevin Dunlap, Dale Ingram, Jerry Ingram, Roger Ingram, Donnie Kitchen, Shawn Kitchen, Todd Kitchen, Ed Riffle, Dez See, Rex Senseman and Gus Sharkey.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Ponca City, OK 74601 or the First Christian Church, P.O. Box 270, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at 310 North Flormable and 1012 North Third Street.
paid obituary

William O. Smith

William O. "Bill" Smith, resident of Ponca City, died early Thursday morning, Oct. 17, 1996, at his home. He was 71 years of age.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 1996, at the First Baptist Church, Ponca City. The presiding minister will be the Rev. Larry Heslip, Minister of Education, First Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.
Mr. Smith was born Aug. 15, 1925, at Parkhill, Okla., the son of Walter W. Smith and Bertrice E. Cobb Smith. He received his early education in the Tahlequah area, graduating from Bagley High School of Tahlequah in 1943. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Oklahoma A&M College in 1950 and in the 1960s received his Master's Degree from Oklahoma State University. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in October of 1943 and served with the 339th Airdrome Squadron in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in February of 1946.
He was united in marriage to Thresa A. Montgomery on Sept. 2, 1949, in Tulsa with the couple making their first home in Stillwater. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1966. Smith was employed as an instructor with the Veterans on the farm training in Nebraska in the early 1950s. He was then employed with the Oklahoma State University Extension Service, serving five years as an assistant Agricultural Agent in Kingfisher County. He was then the County Agricultural Agent in Ellis County for 10 years. He was then the district agent in charge of Indian Services for the Kay County and surrounding area, retiring in 1978.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church, The Disciples Class, the VFW and the Masonic Lodge of Ponca City. He had been a member of the Country Music Makers and had played in a Country Western Band that had entertained at various nursing homes and other area events. He also was an avid reader and most enjoyed his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Thresa, of the home; one daughter, Teri S. Murphree and husband, Bill, of May, Texas; one son, Monte Phil Smith and his wife, Laura, of Broken Arrow; one sister, Leona Upton of Hanford, Calif.; two brothers, Harry W. Smith, Bristow; and Fred Smith, Tahlequah; four grandchildren, Kinsey Murphree, Meredith Murphree, Conner Murphree and Meaghan Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Virgil Smith; and one sister, Lillian Anderson.
Casket bearers will be W.E. Taber, Arlen Cales, Gene Hambleton, Greg Taber, Fred Walls and Merle Combest. Honorary casket bearers will be Phil Nowlin and Charley Burns.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Smith to the First Baptist church, Memorial Committee, 218 South Sixth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at the home, 1936 Joe Street.
paid obituary

Funerals

Monday
Mark Reese Penoi - Funeral to be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Ponca City First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Sunday (Oct. 27)
Mildred I. Corzine Storm - Memorial service at 3 p.m. at the Ponca City First United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Shives Funeral Home, Columbia, S.C.

FAMILY LIVING

County 4-H Club Elects Officers

Three new members, Tara Price, Bud Price and Brian Odell, guests of Shawn Alley, were introduced at the Oct. 11 meeting of Kay County Mounties 4-H Club.
The group met at leader Earla Alley's shop, with Hallie Godbehere, outgoing president, conducting the meeting. Elected as officers were Daniel Alley, president; Laura Hoy, vice president; Megan Glenny, secretary; Carlie Godbehere, reporter; Hallie Godbehere, recreational leader, and Shawn Alley, song leader.
Laura Hoy, vice president, led the club members in the 4-H Ritual and flag salute. Shawn Alley, outgoing secretary, called roll and each member gave their captain's report. Alley also read minutes of the previous meeting.
Appreciation was expressed to Dee Glenny, who made the club banner which placed second at the Kay County Free Fair.
A discussion was held about a chocolate sales fund-raiser, but members decided not to do any fund-raisers. A count was taken on how many families would be attending Family Fun Night at McFadden Camp Oct. 26, and the 4-H Banquet at the Moose Lodge Nov. 7. Members decided to participate as a group at the Fun program. Practice times will be set at a later date.
Earla Alley congratulated all those who took projects to the County Fair and the State Fair. The club was well represented with 51 projects going to the State Fair in Tulsa. Hallie Godbehere had five projects, with three fifths, a third and a seventh. Carlie Godbehere sent two projects, placing seventh and eighth.
Cory Ingram sent three projects and received one second; Laura Hoy sent seven projects receiving three seconds, two fourths, one sixth and one ninth. Daniel Alley sent one project and received a third place, and Shawn Alley sent 39 projects receiving six firsts, three seconds, four thirds, three fourths, three fifths, three sixths, five sevenths, one eighth, four ninths, and two tenths.
Megan Glenny gave an illustrated presentation on "How To Carve a Pumpkin and Keep It Fresh." Hallie Godbehere played songs on her guitar, and members had ice cream and cake to celebrate Megan Glenny's and Laura Hoy's October birthdays.
The next meeting will be at the home of Earla Alley Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. Members are to bring canned foods to make a basket for a needy family at Thanksgiving.

Lutheran Women's League Packs Items for the Needy

A packing party preceded the Oct. 8 meeting of Lutheran Women's Missionary League as members boxed three sewing kits, 15 school kits, 21 health kits, 33 pounds of soap, 11 handmade quilts, seven layettes, 46 sweaters, and 171 pounds of men's and children's clothing. The items are to be taken to the Wichita Lutheran World Relief Warehouse. From there, they will be shipped to needy people all over the world.
The devotional for the meeting, "Sweet Hour of Prayer," was given by Jane Miller. Kathleen Chambers presented a program on prayer.
Members who attended the zone rally in Guthrie, including Gina Laramy, Marilyn Laramy, and Dorothy Doering, gave a report. Susan Brunkow was elected Zone vice president; Gina Laramy was elected National Convention delegate, and Cheryl Danek, alternate delegate, to the convention to be held June 26-29 in Charlotte, N.C.
A report on LWML Sunday was given and special thanks went to Betty Lockhart and Deanna Hanly for the new banner.
The LWML Old-Fashioned Church Bazaar, slated Nov. 9 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., was discussed. Eleven booths have been reserved.
The 28 members present will make cookies for Sunday School opening Oct. 27. There will be a special Christian Halloween theme.
Hostesses for the meeting were Betty Lockhart, Karen Wills, Codie Wolf, Diana Vaughn, and Rosemary Steichen.
The November project for LWML is the Food Pantry.

Prather-Campbell Family Has Reunion

The 38 descendants of John W. and Nancy Anna Campbell Prather and one guest met in the Top of Oklahoma Historical Society's club rooms in Blackwell Oct. 6 for their 12th annual family reunion.
On display were genealogical charts of the Prather lineage since 1480.
Also displayed was the McLoud News, the newspaper of McLoud, Okla. The paper announced the owners, editors and publishers, Larry and Dianne Thornton, recently won the Sequoyah Award, plus five other awards, for their newspaper. The Sequoyah Award is presented to the newspaper that amasses the most points in each of the eight divisions of the annual OPA Better Newspaper Contest, sponsored by the State Fair of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Press Association.
A moment of silence was held as a memorial for John Edwin Prather of Pryor, who died Sept. 22, 1995, and for Thomas Byron Prather of League City, Texas, who died Nov. 15, 1995.
Before the covered dish dinner, Doris Anne Leeper gave a prayer of Thanksgiving.
John William Prather and Nancy Anna Campbell were married Sept. 17, 1827, in Rowan County, N.C. They had nine children: Polly, Ruth, Sara, Jane, Nellie, Josephine, Thomas, John Wesley and Eli.
John Wesley and Nannie Isabell Brown Prather had five children: William, Anna, Thomas, Stuart and Ed.
Attending from the Jens and Anna Prather Breinholt family were Martin Kingery, Enid; Linda Holmes Bray, Del City; Chris and Jamie Bray Grass and Jacob, Blackwell; Michelle Bray Johnson Graves and Joshua, Tulsa; Steve and Kris Bray, Sand Springs, and Mark and Robin Bray Price, Oklahoma City.
From the Thomas and Vergie Utterback family were Harold and Lois Moore Prather of Blackwell, and Ron and Chris Prather Clements and Amy of Oklahoma City.
Attending from the Ed and Anna Baker Prather family were Mrs. John (Betty) Vollmer Prather and Cindy Prather Black, Pryor; Scott Prather, Claremore; Bob and Jonna Prather Gardine and Robyn, Chouteau, and guest, John McClain of Tulsa; Paul and Maxine Vollmer Prather, Ponca City; Gene and Anna Lee Prather Thornton, Anga Lee Thornton Everett and Cody, all of Medford; Larry and Dianne Mowdy Thornton, Jessica and Sean, and Jerry and Mary Ann Thornton Bourland, all of McLoud.
From the Charles and Sarah Prather Leeper family were David and Doris Anne Leeper, Protection, Kan., and Charles and Nina Leeper, Wichita.

90th Birthday Party Planned

Ethel Rich Sugg will celebrate her 90th birthday Oct. 25. Her family will host a birthday party Sunday, Oct. 20 at Hillcrest Manor, 1110 South Sixth Street, Blackwell, from 2-4 p.m. All friends and family are welcome to attend.
Those attending the celebration are asked to use the east entrance to the home. Cards may be mailed to Mrs. Sugg at Hillcrest Manor, P.O. Box 949, Blackwell, Ok 74631.
The former Ethel Collmann was born Oct. 25, 1906, in Haven, Kan. Mrs. Sugg taught private vocal, organ and piano lessons for many years. She also bowled with the Senior Citizens League, serving as secretary for many years. Her other interests included china painting and ceramics. Before her illness, she was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, serving as a past president.
She is a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. She has one daughter, Aneita Rich La Fountain of Oklahoma City; a son, Robert Rich of Ponca City; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

EDUCATION

Public Schools Offer ACT Plan

Ponca City Public Schools will have the opportunity to participate in the Oklahoma Educational Planning and Assessment System testing for eighth and tenth grade students. Eighth grade students will be tested using the ACT-EXPLORE Test on the week of Oct. 23, and tenth grade students using the ACT-PLAN Test on the week of Oct. 30. Parents will receive information from the school prior to their child taking the test.
These two tests interlock with the twelfth grade ACT test and a series of predictive research systems used to provide information back to the students, parents, and school district about individual student needs. This information will allow parents and students to begin discussing the direction for selecting courses to help students be successful, not only in their current educational program, but also in college preparation or entry into the job market.
Funding for the testing is being provided by the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education in cooperation with the State Department of Education. According to Dr. John Scroggins, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, "District officials are pleased that our students will have the opportunity to participate in the EPAS program, and we greatly appreciate receiving the funding."

Students Win Awards at PTC

Six students at Pioneer Technology Center have received the Otha Grimes scholarship award provided by the Oklahoma Vocational-Technical Foundation.
Holly Artman, Madge Aytes and Teresa Drury, Practical Nursing; Lisa Burns and Jenny Kelley, Cosmetology; and Carol Orr, Medical Assistant, each receiving a $500.00 scholarship.
The Vo-Tech Foundation provides assistance to students who need financial assistance to learn vocational skills and become productive citizens, said Mike Kastl, foundation president. The Grimes scholarships are unique, Kastle said, because they go to deserving adult students who may not qualify for other scholarships or student assistance programs.
The scholarship honors Otha Grimes, a deceased Oklahoma businessman who was actively involved in agriculture, oil and gas production and civic programs. He was a founding member of the Foundation.
To be eligible for a Grimes scholarship, students must be 18, must be enrolled in and making satisfactory progress in a full-time vocational program, must exhibit need and intend to complete a career objective in a vocational-technical education program.
Adults interested in applying for a scholarship should contact the financial aid officer, Deanna Fruits, Pioneer Technology Center, 762-8336.

Rules Broken At High School

Any vehicle driven for the purpose of attending Ponca City Senior High must be parked on the school parking lot. Citizens living in the vicinity of the school have often found the streets lined with student's vehicles which made trash pick-up, service and maintenance very difficult if not impossible. This year a special effort will be made to enforce the policy requiring students to park on the lot. Disciplinary action will include suspension from school. Continued violation of the policy will result in suspension from classes. Parents are asked to help in this endeavor by checking to see that your student's car has a parking lot sticker on the windshield. All vehicles parked on the senior high lot will be required to have a sticker. Some students park off the lot to drive somewhere for lunch. This is one of the causes of truancy and being tardy to fourth hour. The high school cafeteria offers many choices of food and drink during the lunch hour. Cars are not permitted to leave the lot at any time without the proper sticker or pass. Please help make the high school and surrounding areas safer, cleaner and a better place for the students and homeowners. Please keep others in mind.

Children Denied Chances

Children in Oklahoma's public schools are being short-changed when it comes to physical education. This information is based upon data in the 1996 report issued by the United States Surgeon General.
"We're rearing another generation of couch potatoes who will see in their future a variety of health problems that can be directly attributed to a sedentary lifestyle," said Dr. Roberta Wescott, Chair of Physical Education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and President of the Oklahoma Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. (OAHPERD)
According to Wescott, Oklahoma is one of only six states in the nation that has absolutely no mandates for physical education at any grade level.
At this time, Oklahoma's state legislature neither mandates a minimum requirement of physical activity nor provides specific guidelines for those schools who report having physical education. "Subsequently, many Oklahoma schools, both elementary and secondary, are conducting athletic programs for the gifted athlete in the name of physical education. Moreover, some schools abuse this critical subject area by allowing recess to serve as a substitute," Wescott said.
"What is needed in Oklahoma at this time are well-designed programs in our elementary and secondary schools to increase the physical activity of all students," Wescott added.
Benefits of regular physical activities, according to the Surgeon General's report, include reducing the risks of dying prematurely or dying from heart disease, of developing diabetes or high blood pressure and of developing colon cancer. Other benefits include reducing feelings of depression and anxiety, promoting psychological well-being, controlling weight, and building and maintaining healthy bones, muscles and joints.
Adults who remember with horror the physical education classes they might have had when in school can take heart. The traditional "gym class" has changed over the last generation and probably isn't recognizable to most parents.
Today, leading Oklahoma educators involved in physical education are introducing new programs to promote health and fitness activities as a lifestyle. With the strong support of Superintendent Sandy Garrett, Coordinators from the State Department of Education's Health, Safety and Physical Education sections have been developing teacher training institutes in hopes of implementing new programs throughout the state which meet the physical needs of all children.
To learn more about how to promote physical education classes in your community, call (405) 522-3264.

Ponca City Resident Attends SMU

Sunil Kumar Sahai of Ponca City is a first-year student at Southern Methodist University this fall. Sahai is one of 1,218 members of the Class of 2000. SMU's total enrollment this fall is 9,464, the largest since 1975.

King Receives Honor

Laurie Melissa King of Ponca City, a sophomore public relations major at Oklahoma State University, has been selected to serve on the Student Government Association Executive Board for this academic year. King is the daughter of Dr. D.W. and Dodee King and is a 1995 graduate of Ponca City High School.

Students Receive Prizes

The Kay County Conservation District held its 2nd Annual Speech Contest Oct. 9 at the Peckham Schools. Winners in Division I, 9th and 10th grade were: 1st place, Stacy Schneeberger, Ponca City FFA, 2nd place, Carissa Calvert, Ponca City FFA, and 3rd place, Courtney Hill, Ponca City FFA. Winners in Division 11, 11th and 12th grade were: 1st place Jason Schneeberger, Ponca City FFA, 2nd place Patrick Ireland, Blackwell High School, 3rd place, Kerry Barrows, Blackwell High School.

Palmer Finishes Assignment

Amy L. Palmer, daughter of Robert and Eloise Palmer of Ponca City, recently completed the intern teaching assignments during the fall 1996 semester at the University of Oklahoma. Palmer is a graduate student majoring in Elementary Education.

Teachers Receive Honors

Susan Gready Danbom and Midge Eilene Magstadt, both Washington Elementary teachers, were selected for Who's Who Among America's Teachers. These two teachers were selected by one or more former students who themselves were listed in either Who's Who Among American High School Students or The National Dean's List.

Lutheran Holds Conference

First Lutheran School hosted the annual Oklahoma District Teachers Conference, Oct. 17-18. Approximately 60 teachers from across the state attended the conference. Speakers from Kansas, Indiana and Oklahoma lead topics on outdoor education, art, music, writing and student learning difficulties. The Ladies Guild and Lutheran Women's Missionary League served lunch. An outdoor bar-b-que was served Thursday night. The staff of the local Lutheran School sponsored and coordinated the event.

May Visits Schools

Dave May (Ventriloquist) and Andy (his friend) along with Byron Tribble will be visiting all of Ponca City's public schools next week during Red Ribbon week. The trio will, by weeks end, see all of the 1st through 6th grade students. Byron is a community prevention specialist with Northern Oklahoma youth services. Dave May is a radio personality with WBBZ. The school visits with Andy are made possible by the district attorneys office and John Maddox. May will be visiting a total of eight schools next week to signify the importance of Red Ribbon Week here in Ponca City.

The Write Stuff

Ideas about the best ways to teach children are constantly evolving and hopefully improving.
For example, now we know that it is more effective to teach reading and writing together, with an emphasis on meaning rather than just the technical skills.
In the 1980's education research showed that writing instruction helps children learn reading skills faster. This reversed the notion that young children could not write until they mastered basic reading skills. As a result, reading and writing are now often taught together, improving students' achievement in both areas.
One of the most important parts of knowing how to write well is to feel comfortable doing it. Parents can help preschoolers develop reading and writing skills by encouraging them to write more. Here are some ways to encourage the "write stuff" from the Office of Educational Research and Improvement at the U.S. Department of Education.
* Show children that you write often to make lists, take down messages, write notes to school, write letters to friends
* Write to your child: put a note in a lunch bag, make a birthday poster, send a postcard from work.
For ideas on how you can help your children with their reading and writing, call 1-800-USA-Learn.

Po-Hi Band Wins Awards

The award-winning Ponca City High School Marching Band was awarded top awards over the last two weekends at the Putnam City "Marching Review" Contest and at the Tulsa Union "Renegade Review" Marching Contest.
On Sept. 28, the "Big-Blue" traveled to Putnam City High School and completed with 13 class 5A bands in afternoon and evening marching competitions. The group was awarded a 1st division in the marching competition and rank second place in overall show performance. The Po-Hi percussion line was awarded the outstanding drum line at the evening performance.
On Oct. 12, the Po-Hi Band marched at the Tulsa Union Marching Contest. The band was awarded a 1st division rating in their morning Field Marching competition and after preliminary scores was ranked 7th overall. Ponca City competed with 30 other High School bands in 5 different classifications from Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. In the finals competition that evening the band represented their show performance and was rated 8th place overall.
Drum Majors for the Po-Hi Band are seniors Kathy Cripps and Andy Stewart. Flag Corps Captain is Senior Marcia Berry and Assistant Flag Captains are Juniors Sara Day and Melissa Boelens. Directors for the Po-Hi Band are Steve Workman, Mel Arner and Tricia Bovenschen. Flag Corps supervisor is Mel Arner. Todd Malicoate and Wayne Bovenschen are music arrangers and Glen Hemberger is drill designer. Percussion assistant is Oklahoma Statue University student Kevin MacDonald.
The High School Band will travel to the University of Tulsa for the Oklahoma State Secondary Activities Association State Marching Contest Oct. 30. The Ponca City High School Band practices every morning by the high school on fifth street. The band occasionally travels with the football team to out of town games to keep the spirit of the team up.

RELIGION

Eastern Heights Folks Plan Picnic

Members and guests of Eastern Heights Christian Church will gather at Lake Ponca Park on Sunday, Oct. 20, for their annual picnic following the morning worship service. Shelter Houses 1 and 2 have been reserved from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m.
After the Pot Luck Picnic, the afternoon will be spent in fun and games, including softball, volleyball, horseshoes and visiting.
Eastern Heights is a non-denominational, Bible-teaching church, located three miles east of the Pioneer Woman on Lake Road. One of eight thousand independent Christian Churches in the country, there are no membership requirements other than the desire to be a Christian person. Sunday moring worship begins at 10:30 with Pastors Harold Prough and Mark Berry leading.

Hardy To Serve As Missionary

William L. Hardy, son of Bryant J. Hardy and Stephanie L. Hardy has been called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving for two years in the Quetzaltenango, Guatemala Mission. He will join over 50,000 missionaries who are serving for the church all over the world.
William graduated from Ponca City High School in 1996. He also completed four years of early morning seminary. He plans to attend Brigham Young University at the end of his mission. He received several scholarships that he will use later.
Bill enters the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah on Oct. 23 for two months of language training after which he will travel to Guatemala. He took two years of Spanish in high school so he will have a head start with the language. He is an Eagle Scout and his project was work with Habitat for Humanity.
Bill will be addressing the congregation at 9:30 Sunday morning at the church, 2408 Eat Hartford. All visitors and friends are invited to attend.

First United Methodists Join Thousands In Observance of Children's Sabbaths

This Sunday the congregation at First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Central, is joining with thousands of other congregations across the Nation in the National Observance of Children's Sabbaths. Religious congregations from many faith traditions will stand for children and pray, speak out, and act faithfully for justice for children through worship services, education programs, and community activities.
The national observance of children's sabbaths is sponsored by the Children's Defense Fund in cooperation with more than 175 denominations and religious organizations, including the National Council of Churches of Christ.
The theme this year is "Stand for Children: Pray, Speak Out, and Act". The children at First United Methodist will be taking active rolls in the 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship services, including Sunday School classes singing, and children as greeters, ushers and liturgists.
Karen Sledge, chairing the events for Sunday said, "Our children and youth develop and grow in the faith by walking and celebrating with us. The delightful surprise is that our adult faith too will develop and grow in unexpected ways as we receive gifts of ministry from the children and youth in our midst. Children need the care of adults if they are to survive. Adults need the fare of children if they are to grow. We invited you to join in the celebration of life through the children."

Osage Heights Baptists Set Revival Time

Layman Inc. will be in Ponca City Sunday through Wednesday for Revival Time at Osage Heights Baptist Church, according to Pastor Leon Grider.
Services are scheduled Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Monday will be Good Neighbor Night, it was announced.
A Mini-Concert is set for 6:30 p.m. on Sunday by Reunion Bound, and a nursery will be provided for each service ice, Pastor Grider announced. Radio KBYE 890 AM will be broadcasting at noon on Friday.
Pastor Grider extends an invitation to the public to attend this "layman to layman meeting for dynamic testimonies, preaching and special music."

Oak Grove Baptists Ordain Deacons

Danny Chaney, Larry W. Gardner, Jim Mensch and Ernest Dale Pettit will be ordained in the deacon ministry on Oct. 20 at the Kaw City Baptist Church. Chester Ward, Director of Missions will give the charge to the deacons and Russell Aday of Ponca City will give the charge to the church.
The ordination service will begin at 2 p.m. and there will be a reception following. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend this special event.

POP Lutherans Make Announcement

POP Lutherans' mystery announcement has now arrived - they are getting pews! Thanks to the Northeast Baptists and their beautiful new sanctuary, POP Lutheran Church has been given the opportunity to purchase their old pews, and say "goodbye" to folding chairs.
The pews will be ready on Nov. 1 and the church will need some help getting them to the Lutheran church and installed. They plan to be working on Nov. 1 and 2, and can use all the help they can get. If you can be of assistance, please get in touch with Mike Evans.
They are also planning a council meeting this Saturday at 4 p.m.

St. Paul Methodists Welcome Forgiven

St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Hartford at Pecan, will host the Forgiven quartet this Sunday. This exciting gospel singing group will perform at both the 8:30 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. services, and will present a full concert during the Sunday School hour starting at 9:45 a.m.
St. Paul's will also be celebrating Laity Sunday. Speakers for this event will be members of the congregation. Burton and Norma Casad will share the events of a recent Volunteer in Mission trip to Costa Rica during the 8:30 service. Mark Southard will speak on "The Rest of the Tithe: Christian Volunteers in the Church" during the 10:50 service.
The public is invited to join St. Paul Methodists in worship and for the concert.

Crestview Baptists in Revival Meeting

Crestview Baptist Church, U.S. 60 East and 3 1/2 miles from the new river bridge in the Osage, will be in revival services starting Sunday and continuing through Wednesday. Sunday services are at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., and weekday services will be held at 7:30 p.m.
Evangelist will be Dr. Dan Campbell from the First Baptist Church in Harrah, and Wren Robinson, music teacher at Cowley Community College in Arkansas City, will be Music Director, according to Pastor Virgil M. Swift.
A nursery will be provided for babies up to 3 years old. For more information call 405-765-6730 or 762-7817.

Church of God Sets Revival Services

The First Church of God, 1101 West Grand will be in revival with Evangelist Richard M. Bradley starting Sunday with the 9:30 a.m. morning worship. Sunday evening service is at 6 p.m., and services Monday through Wednesday will be at 7 p.m. Theme for the revival is "A World in Crisis Needs a Church in Revival!"
Pastor Thomas N. Smith of First Church of God invites the public to come and be a part of these revival services.

CWU Schedule Special Worship November First

"Women and Violence and the Church" is the topic for the 1996 World Community Day, an annual national worship service of Church Women United. In this community it will be observed on Friday, Nov. 1, at the First Presbyterian Church at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
World Community Day traditionally focuses on issues of justice, and this year's service deals with violence against women, a national issue that impacts on peace and justice in our communities and that has global implications.
Christy Dulick-Williams of Domestic Violence Program of Northern Oklahoma, Inc. will bring information on how we must take a stand and do what we can to reduce this crime in the Ponca City community.
Offerings from "Women and Violence and the Church" will support the women's ecumenical ministries of CWU for peace and justice, including its commitments to advance the social and economic power of women.

St. John Baptists in Fall Revival '96

St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South 11th, will be in its Fall Revival '96 starting Oct. 21 and continuing through Oct. 24. Theme for this revival is "Christian Family Relationships" - gather to hear (God's word), learn (God's will) and go to do (God's work).
Revival speaker will be Dr. Timothy Jackson, pastor of Greater First Baptist Church of Bartlesville. Services will begin each evening at 7 o'clock. Choirs planning to participate include St. John Brotherhood, Monday night; St. John Gospel Choir, Tuesday night, and New Life Baptist Choir, Wednesday night.
Dr. Jackson,. a native of Denver, Colo., was educated there and received his bachelor's degree at the University of Colorado. He majored in Molecular Cellular Development Biology, with the intention of pursuing a professional medical degree. He has also studied preventive medicine at the University of Colorado Health Services Center and entered Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary where he received his M.A. in Systematic Theology and International Theological Seminary and a doctorate in Theology. This past spring Dr. Jackson received a second doctorate in Pastoral Ministry from Midwestern Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo.
In addition to serving as Senior Pastor, he is director of the Bartlesville Center Ministerial Training Institute, Oklahoma Baptist University. He teaches college accredited Old and New Testament classes and conducts numerous seminars on Church Leadership, Singles Ministry and Discipleship. He is an avid fisherman, hunter, amateur historian, chess player, one who loves the Lord, God's people and the Denver Broncos.
He is married to Michelene Jackson, a Child Health Associate with a specialty in pediatrics, practicing medicine as a P.A. at Bartlesville Free Clinic and the Family Planning Clinic. They have a six year old son, Marquisse Alexander and a four year old daughter, Makayla Renee.
The Jacksons agree that their greatest achievement in life was given them when "Christ died that we might have access to the Tree of Life. Salvation, and the greatest opportunity of all, to serve God by serving mankind."

Ponca City Christians Will Join In Concert of Prayer on Saturday

On Saturday, Oct. 26, thousands of Christians across the nation will join together to prayer spiritual awakening in America at the second annual National Concert of Prayer. A special emphasis this year will be praying for the youth of the nation.
In the Ponca City area, we will gather at 7 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South Eleventh, according to Jeannette Sroufe, spokesperson for the local Concert of Prayer.
During the first National Concert of Prayer last October, thousands of Christians in 163 cities took part in this unprecedented night of prayer. Organizers of these prayer rallies reported that they were thrilled to see different races and denominations coming together in prayer.
"Many believe the acceleration of united prayer for spiritual awakening ad world evangelization is the key evidence that God is ready to pour out His Spirit in an unprecedented way in our cities and among the nations," said David Bryant, founder and president of Concerts of Prayer International.
This national event is co-sponsored by March for Jesus USA and Concerts of Prayer International.
A Concert of Prayer differs from other prayer meetings in several ways - it is a broad-based gathering which includes Christians of many denominations, traditions, and backgrounds.
For Ponca Citians, more information may be obtained by contacting Jeannette Sroufe at 765-4982.

Missionaries Ron and Kathy Buttram Plan Return to Africa In November

Missionaries Ron and Kathy Buttram recently ministered at Faith Tabernacle New Life Christian Center, 501 South Fifth. The Buttrams have been missionaries in Africa the past sixteen years, spending the first six in Kenya and for the last ten they have been affiliated with the Body of Christ Ministry, a full gospel outreach in Zimbabwe, Africa.
The Body of Christ Ministry was begun during the war for independence in Rhodesia, Africa. All foreign missionaries were expelled from the country and a group of native pastors banded together to form an association to continue to preach and teach the Gospel during those war torn years.
According to Kathy Buttram, a native of Arkansas, she and her husband first went to Zimbabwe with another missionary to produce an audio-visual presentation. Once there, they were introduced to the Body of Christ Ministry and felt directed by God to join this ministry. They later learned that the group of native pastors had been praying for one year for God to send missionaries.
The Buttrams return to the United States periodically, as the needs of the ministry dictate. They have been in the U.S for a year now, and in Ponca City since May. While here, they have done painting, plastering and landscaping to raise money for the mission work in Zimbabwe. Their plans are to return to Africa in early November.
While at Faith Tabernacle, Ron Buttram, who is originally from Missouri, gave a slide presentation depicting village and church life in Zimbabwe. He told of the many times they have seen the miraculous hand of God at work in their lives. Kathy Buttram sang and led the congregation in some of her original songs of worship.
During their stay in Ponca City, the congregation of Faith Tabernacle learned of their desire to expand their children's ministry. The Buttrams attended several Kids of Faith services and were impressed with the presentation which includes puppets, clowns and skits. Their present ministry to children has consisted of storytelling which is an important form of communication among tribes of Africa.
The stories center on a native boy named Kaputo and his Christian grandfather. Kids of Faith pastor, Joyce Sherron, presented the Buttrams with teaching material for children and Jody Burries and Jeanne Brownfield presented them with four African puppets and a clown suit that they had sewn. One of the puppets was immediately named Kaputo by Ron Buttram and he said that these gifts will greatly enhance their outreach to children.
Like all missionaries, Ron and Kathy Buttram have given up things most of us take for granted, to follow the call of God on their lives. They have left home, families, and modern conveniences to spend their lives preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. To them it is worth it, because as Kathy says, "Jesus is doing a mighty work, saving souls and setting people free."

Pastor Appreciation Day Set at Faith Tabernacle

On Sunday, Oct. 13, the congregation of Faith Tabernacle New Life Christian Center celebrated Pastor Appreciation Day by honoring the pastors, Don and Norene Stanton, during the evening service. Pastor Appreciation Day is the time congregations across the nation recognize and honor the men and women who serve selflessly throughout the year.
Christy Gonterman served as mistress of ceremonies for the occasion. Pastor and Mrs. Stanton were relieved of all "pastoring duties" for the evening. Lois Fahs led in praise and worship as she played the organ in Mrs. Stanton's place. The song service was followed by three humorous skits presented by the youth group and directed by Marcie Baldwin.
Mickey Baldwin presented a slide show comprised of photographs from the Stantons' 35 years of ministry. The slides were accompanied by the songs, "Old Friends" and "Thank You".
Several friends and parishioners had been asked to write letters of appreciation to the Stantons, telling what their ministry had meant to them. During the service, these letters were read by Linda Sherron, Natasha Alexy for L.G. Cope, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Shook and Lilly Strickland. Joyce Epperson read a poem by her son, Danny.
The service closed as Christy Gonterman sang "Faithful Friend" to the Stantons and the congregation stood together to sing "Bind Us Together".
Following the service, the women of the church served refreshments in fellowship hall for the Stantons, their family and friends.

SPORTS

Cats Changing Up For Hornet Game

By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Ponca City's Wildcats have some new wrinkles and a faith that it just may be their turn as they take on No. 5 Tulsa Washington tonight at S.E. Williams Stadium in Tulsa.
"We have beaten the people we were supposed to beat and lost the game we were supposed to lose - according to the so-called experts," Po-Hi head coach Rick Sodowsky said. "Now we are looking to beat someone we're not supposed to beat - according to the experts.
"As a coach I've always gone into a game thinking we can win. Sometimes we haven't had as much talent as the other team but this team has the talent to do some things out there.
"The kids have been focused in practice this week and the coaches have told them we just have to take care of business on the field."
The Cats are also slowly getting well again. Jason Fowler returns to the offensive and defensive line again after battling the flu last week.
However, tailback/safety Dennis Shields and lineman Aaron Kreger have not fully recovered from injuries.
Sodowsky said he has some surprises planned for the Hornets tonight.
Included in that is a split backfield with the two running backs lined up just a yard and a half off the line of scrimmage.
"We want to run some quick hitters," Sodowsky said. "We are also going to put in some (pass) routes they haven't seen before."
Billy Swygert will be at one running back slot while Stockton Graves and Chance Throop will alternate at the other.
"The kids gained some confidence in the four overtime win against Bartlesville," the coach said.
That may extend to the passing game where quarterback Eric Michael completed 9-of-17 attempts for 112 yards and two touchdowns last Friday. The Cats had managed just eight completions in the first five games.
Tight end Ryan Treadway was the recipient of seven of those passes for 87 yards and a touchdown.
That helped open the running game with Swygert getting his first 100-yard performance of the season.
The quick hitting attack planned by the Poncans will help counteract the speed and size of the Hornets.
Defensively, Sodowsky said the Cats will go to an eight- and nine-man front, "and challenge them to throw the ball.
"I realize that (B.J.) Tiger is a good quarterback and he has some good receivers. But they run better that they throw and since we can't stop both, we're going to gamble a little. We feel our defensive backs can play their receivers one-on-one.
"When you throw the ball, three things cane happen. You can complete it, it will be incomplete or it will be intercepted. We like those odds better."

Also, the Hornets could be overlooking the Poncans. Washington has knocked off two of its challengers for the district title, Sapulpa (20-9) and Stillwater last week (27-14).
The Hornets now have a relatively easy schedule - against Ponca City (4-2, 1-2), Enid (3-3, 2-1) and Bartlesville (1-5, 0-3) before meeting Sand Springs (6-0, 3-0) in a possible title showdown in the last week of the regular season.

However, Sodowsky isn't really counting on the Poncans being overlooked.
"It's like the University of Oklahoma was in the '80s," he notes. "Sometimes you can overlook a team and still win if you've got enough talent."
Washington hasn't shown that kind of talent and the Hornets have been known to stumble in midseason.
Sodowsky and some of his staff watched Stillwater topple Sapulpa 48-28 in Stillwater last night, getting a jump on scouting the Cats' next opponent, Sapulpa.

"Sapulpa is very good offensively, but had some turnovers against Stillwater," Sodowsky said. "Sapulpa is not very good defensively."

That gives the coaches some hope since the Hornets had to struggle before they beat Sapulpa earlier in the season.

The Po-Hi coaches also feel that the Cats are still improving each week.

"These kids are starting to believe, slowly but steadily, in themselves," Sodowsky said. "Maybe it could be our turn."

Washington Sitting In District's Catbird Seat

By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Tulsa Washington is sitting in the District 6A-4 catbird seat.
With nearly half of the district season over, the Hornets are unbeaten (3-0, 5-1 overall) and have apparently regained their sting.
After falling to No. 2 Tulsa Union, 38-12, in the season opener, Washington struggled in the pre-district, edging Tulsa McLain 22-12 before unloading on Oklahoma City Douglas, 40-21.
The Hornets disposed of their first district challenger, Sapulpa, 20-9, and sauntered past winless Shawnee 45-15.
Last week, Washington jumped into the driver's seat in the league race by shelling unbeaten Stillwater 27-14.
Now the Hornets face a relatively easy schedule - Ponca City, Enid and Bartlesville - until the regular season finale against Sand Springs (currently 3-0, 6-0).
The Hornets have their usual amount of talent all over the field.
Quarterback B.J. Tiger has had his ups and downs, but has completed 57 of 109 pass attempts with just three interceptions and seven touchdowns.
He seems to be at his best in the big games, completing 5-of-11 against Stillwater for 43 yards and one touchdown.
Flanker Aaron Lockett is his favorite target. Lockett has 21 catches for 274 yards and four touchdowns. The speedy cousin to former Wildcat Tejuan Lockett has also returned a punt and an interception for TDs.
But what the Hornets do best is run the ball.
Running backs Darian Hall and Donte Pearson each had over 100 yards rushing against Stillwater. Hall has rushed for 518 yards (a 5.8 per yard average) and scored seven touchdowns.
Pearson has rushed for 412 yards (6.0 average) and three TDs.
The Hornets get plenty of push in the running game from their two-tight-end offensive line. Anchored by tackles Marcell Woodward (6-3, 340) and Eric Wallace (6-3, 275), the Hornets average 240 pounds per man.
Defensively, Washington runs a 4-3 alignment and averages 233 pounds across the front.

Newkirk Rolls Early Like Braves

By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
NEWKIRK - In about the same amount of time it took the Atlanta Braves to put a stranglehold on Game 7 of the NLCS Thursday night, the Newkirk Tigers all but wrapped up their key District A-5 high school football game against Drumright.
Newkirk jumped out quickly on the clearly outmanned Wildcats, taking the opening possession and marching 48 yards in nine plays and scoring on a 8-yard Darren Wood run.
By the end of the first half the Tigers led 28-0 and went on to record a 35-0 victory.
The Tigers are now 3-2 in District A-5 and 4-3 overall.
"The kids really came out ready to play," said Newkirk head coach David Caffey. "The first half, we were pretty much unstoppable offensively and the defense shut down the top back in the district (Billy Don Overstreet).
Following Newkirk's opening scoring drive, Drumright was stopped on four downs and gave up possession on its own 45. But Newkirk quarterback Barrett Shupe was picked off following back-to-back first down plays of 11 and 12 yards that put the ball down on the Drumright 22.
The Wildcats could gain just 4 yards out to the 19 following the interception and were forced to punt. The Tigers were hurt by a clipping penalty on the return, however, foiling good field position, and began their third possession from their own 29.
No problem. Two runs netted 10 yards and a first down and on second-and-four from the 45 Shupe hit Chad Dimmick for a 28-yard pass play.
Senior running back Andy Ring, who had a nice first half with 138 yards on 20 carries, went the rest of the way as he powered the final 27 yards in six successive plays. His scoring run came from a yard out and Shupe's second extra point kick made the score 14-0 as the first quarter expired.
Following the kickoff, Drumright fumbled on its first play and Ring recovered at the Drumright 29-yard line.
Ring then busted up inside on second-and-10 and scored from 29-yards out, putting the Tigers up 21-0 after Shupe's PAT.
A 49-yard run by Overstreet kick-started the Drumright offense but it then stalled on downs at the Newkirk 10-yard line.
Newkirk's Cody Pitts was thrown for a 5-yard loss on first down but the next six plays picked up 95 yards.
Ring carried for 3 yards, Wood broke off a 27-yarder and then Shupe hit freshman Sam Free for a 36-yard pass play to the Drumright 29.
Ring picked up another first down with an 11-yard burst and them Shupe and Free connected again, this time for 14 yards.
On first-and-goal from the 4, Shupe found Dimmick in the far corner of the end zone and Dimmick hauled in the reception for the touchdown and a 28-0 lead.
The only score in the second half came on Newkirk's opening drive as the Tigers marched 51 yards on nine plays. Ring, who finished with 213 yards rushing on 35 carries, got the TD on a 2-yard run.
The competition gets better in a hurry for the Tigers as they must now prepare for Woodland, the current A-5 co-leader, along with Tonkawa, with a 5-0 mark. The third-ranked Cougars are also 7-0 overall. That game will take place in Fairfax.
"I was a little worried about us looking ahead to the Woodland game but the kids were ready to play," said Caffey.
Newkirk 35, Drumright 0
Drumright 0 0 0 0 - 0
Newkirk 14 14 7 0 - 35
Scoring
Newkirk - Wood 8 run (Shupe kick)
Newkirk - Ring 1 run (Shupe kick)
Newkirk - Ring 29 run (Shupe kick)
Newkirk - Dimmick 4 pass from Shupe (Shupe kick)
Newkirk - Ring 2 run (Shupe kick)
Statistics
Drum. Newk.
First Downs 6 26
Rushes-yards 28-132 59-327
Passing yards 34 130
Comp-attempts 2-8-1 8-12-1
Punts 5-33.2 1-29
Fumbles-lost 2-1 0-0
Penalties-yards 2-30 4-35

Bucs Manhandle Kiefer, 42-6

By BOB PATTERSON
News Staff Writer
TONKAWA - Scoring four of the five possessions in the first half, the Tonkawa Buccaneers continued their collision course with Woodland by downing Kiefer here Thursday night 42-6.
The Bucs took the first six minutes of the opening period to score and did it methodically, with the Randall brothers splitting duty for the most part. Shane Randall launched the drive on the second play going 25 yards to the Kiefer 44. Another big play came when Chris Bilyeu hit Shane Randall for 6 to the 35.
It was Bilyeu for the score after Kevin Randall put the ball to the 3. On third down, Bilyeu headed around the left side and went untouched at the 5:58 mark. A 2-point pass attempt was knocked down by Kiefer's Patrick O'Malley.
Tonkawa, unable to move into scoring territory, elected to punt the next series and got a key play from punter Shane Randall, when his punt was downed by a Buccaneer teammate at the one-foot mark.
The play kept Kiefer deep in its own territory, where Zac Swords came up with a loose football on the 14 four plays later.
Tonkawa utilized a penalty on Kiefer on fourth-and-one to get the ball to the 4 where Kevin Randall punched it in at the 8:11 mark of the second quarter. Kevin Randall also ran for the 2-point conversion to make it 14-0.
The Bucs were to score two more times in the first half.
Tonkawa marched 61 yards in 11 plays, overcoming a 10-yard holding penalty and a fumble later in the drive. On first-and-goal from the 4, Bilyeu hit wide receiver Steven Wilkerson for the score with with 2:57 left in the half. A kick by J.J. Burris made it 21-0.
Backing Kiefer deep in its own territory once more, the Bucs forced a poor 12-yard punt and took over at the Trojans 26, with but 44 seconds to go in the first half. A Bilyeu pass to Kevin Randall put the ball on the 7, and two plays later Kevin Randall went through a big hole at the left side. Burris' kick made it 28-0 with 21 ticks still left on the clock.
Tonkawa maintained the pressure in the early part of the second half, taking over on downs at the Tonkawa 39 and going 61 yards again, but in only four plays. Kevin Randall got 43 of that on his first effort of the third quarter to the 18. After two Bilyeu passes put the ball on the 1, Shane Randall ran it in with 7:53 to go in the third quarter and Burris made his third straight kick.
The Bucs showed off considerable depth during the rest of the night as they went on to post the easy win.
Tonkawa now takes its 5-0 district record to Drumright next week.
Tonkawa 42, Kiefer 6
Kiefer 0 0 0 6 - 6
Tonkawa 6 22 7 7 - 42
Scoring
Tonkawa - Chris Bilyeu 3 run (pass failed)
Tonkawa - Kevin Randall 4 run (K. Randall run)
Tonkawa - Steven Wilkerson 4 pass from Bilyeu (J.J. Burris kick)
Tonkawa - K. Randall 7 run (Burris kick)
Tonkawa - Shane Randall 1 run (Burris kick)
Tonkawa - Jayton Tautfest 3 run (Burris kick)
Kiefer - Brent Johnson 38 pass from Randy Stapleton (kick failed)
Statistics
Kief. Tonk.
First Downs 7 20
Rushes-yards 22-42 54-262
Passing yards 82 68
Comp-attempts 6-15-0 7-18-0
Return yards 71 51
Punts 6-27 4-29.75
Fumbles-lost 2-1 2-0
Penalties-yards 3-15 6-65
Individual Statistics
RUSHING - Tonkawa: Kevin Randall 19-161, Shane Randall 11-71, Scott Klufa 8-63, Jayton Tautfest 5-14, Josh Day 3-7, Chris Bilyeu 4-6, Eric Greenfield 1-4, Jeremy Bristow 1-3, Jeremy Combrink 1-(-1), Joe Durbin 1-(-3).
PASSING - Tonkawa: Bilyeu 5-14-0 46, Bristow 2-3-0 22, Combrink 0-1-0.
RECEIVING - Tonkawa: Jeremy Soucek 2-28, Jason Estes 2-17, Jody Cornell 1-13, S. Randall 1-6, Wilkerson 1-4.