From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, October
24, 1997
LOCAL
Letters
City Claims Achievement Award
Sooner Bible Camp Celebrating 40th Birthday at Wentz Saturday
Tonkawa Fall Fest Saturday
EDAB Hammers Out Guidelines
DEATHS
The Rev. Stanford W.T. White Star
Richard K. Batten Jr.
Obituaries
Willie Velma Lackey
Services Pending
Terease E. Hampton
NEWS BRIEFS
RELIGION
Ralston Baptists Celebrate 100 Years of Christian Witnessing
1st Lutherans To Hold Festival Services Sunday
NE Baptists To Host Festival
Dr. Gerald Frank Will Present Recital at St. John's Church Marking Anniversary
Church Briefs
Faith Sunday at First Christian
St. John Baptists Celebrate 104th Year on Sunday
EDUCATION
EDITH
School Education
Community Education
LIFESTYLES
Alpha Gamma Mother's Club Members Meet
Little News
SPORTS
Cats Need Good Offense
Tonight's High School Football
Area Football District Standings
District 4A-2
District 2A-5
District A-5
District B-3
District C-3
District C-4
Eighth Graders Win Two To Stay Perfect on Year
Curfew Irritating
I am a teenager that lives here in Ponca City. I think that this is a nice town to live in, but the one thing that really irritates me is the curfew. I have always been a good student in school and have never made trouble in my neighborhood, but I have a curfew that I didn't earn. I don't think that adolescents like me should be restricted when we don't do anything wrong.
Ponca's officials seem to think that the curfew helps prevent destruction of private property, but I disagree. You see, there were some mailbox bashers in my neighborhood. Everyone seemed to think that it was a bunch of teenagers, but the mailbox bashers were finally caught. It turned out that they were some adults. Why do minors have the curfew when, it seems to me, it's the adults that are causing problems?
The police can't enforce the curfew. They expect us to be inside when they don't even go around and check. I have never seen patrol cars in my neighborhood, so how do I know that they're enforcing curfew? Why should I do my part when they aren't doing theirs?
There are too many teenagers out later for police to catch. Besides, it's really too dark to see anyone at night. Do you know how easy it is to disappear into the darkness?
I think that the police should spend their time doing more helpful things at night. They should be busy catching true criminals, not a couple of minors hanging around. While the police are picking up juveniles, someone's house could be robbed or something worse could happen. How would this help our community?
If teenagers want to make trouble, then they will. The true delinquents are going to stay out late no matter what the curfew is. No one can possibly think that just because there's a rule, everyone is going to follow it. The citizens of this town seem to think that adolescents are out of control, so why do they expect us to follow curfew?
Maybe in the beginning, someone thought that the curfew was a good idea, but I don't think that the curfew is helping much. The law-abiding adolescents will still be respectful, and the delinquents will still be defiant. I don't see the curfew changing anyone's attitude or actions. What's the point?
Nicole Hardy
Skate Park Sought
I am a student at Ponca Mid-High and in my free time I like to aggressive skate. I am addressing the city of Ponca City, on behalf of the skaters, about establishing a skate park in the Ponca City area. I feel that this would be a good investment for the city of Ponca City.
A skate park is a skating rink for street skaters. The park would consist of a number of ramps and rails for the skaters to do tricks on. The park could also have quarter and half-pipes for the skaters to use.
Consider the following things:
-Making a skate park in the Ponca City area would greatly reduce the damage done to public property by skaters. Such as the front stairs of the public library and the south stairs of the High School.
-A skate park would, in time, save the city money. The city would not have to repair the things that the skaters break and war down. Also the city would receive part of the profit of the skate park.
-A skate park would keep young people out of trouble by giving skaters a legal place to skate.
-A skate park would reduce skaters arguing with police officers. Skaters would not have an argument since there is a legal place to skate.
In skating parks across the country an admission fee is charged. In doing so, the cost of construction and maintenance could be offset. Aggressive skating is a sport that should be recognized by Ponca City. I think that it is time that our sport was recognized and we received facilities to carry out our sport.
There are numerous skaters in the Ponca City area and many people would like to learn how to aggressive skate. Building a skate park would give young skaters an opportunity to skate in a safe environment.
Caleb Allison
For the fourth year in a row, Ponca City was awarded the OG&E Superior Achievement Award sponsored by the Oklahoma Good Roads and Streets Association (OGR&SA).
Ponca City was one of nine municipalities and three counties that received the award Thursday night during the 33rd Annual Superior Achievement Awards banquet held in Oklahoma City.
In attendance to receive the award for the city were City Traffic Engineer Mike Lane, City Manager Gary Martin and Public Works Director Ken Parr. Martin was also a panelist at the Fifth Annual Oklahoma Transportation Forum held earlier in the day and in conjunction with the banquet.
Ponca City with over $1.6 in new construction projects (50 percent funded by the City), reconstruction projects totaling over $133,000 and the revision of a major intersection and installation of a new traffic signal was a sure winner for this year's award. "This award belongs to the citizen's of Ponca City who have supported the sales tax over the years," Lane explained. "Without the tax, the extensive improvements to our road and streets would not have been possible."
Judges rated the entries on several items including initiative/innovation, per capita expenditures based on the size of the infrastructure, planning/organization and use of local funds.
"The OG&E Superior Achievement Awards Program is the only one of its kind in Oklahoma," says OGR&SA Executive Director Stephen Lalli. "This program recognizes the road and bridge building efforts and other transportation infrastructure investments at the local level."
Sooner Bible Camp, located at Wentz Camp, is celebrating its 40th birthday Saturday, and is inviting folks in the area to join them in celebration.
Don Norbie, who has been with the camp since 1958, invited area folks who have happy memories of their experience at Sooner Bible Camp, to come and enjoy a relaxing time with some of the others they spent time with at camp.
Norbie points out that Sooner Bible Camp has been showing young people the Glory of God for the past 40 years. On June 1, 1958, Don Norbie and others gathered a group of young people for the first of what has become 40 sessions of Sooner Bible Camp.
Leaders of the camp have planned the reunion and would like to have campers, speakers, counselors, cooks, helpers and those who have been interested in the camp, and their families, come to Wentz Camp on Saturday.
The scheduled program will start at 10 a.m., but folks are invited to come early and get in some visiting with friends from the past at camp. There will be picnic lunch at noon, so please bring a picnic basket for your family. Drinks, napkins and dinnerware will be furnished.
A short program is planned with Don and others speaking of the accomplishments of Sooner Bible Camp over the past 40 years. The celebration will close at 3 p.m. to allow time for travel home for Sunday worship, Norbie said.
Sooner Bible Camp was born June 1, 1958 after much prayer, it was noted. The first camp was a busy one, with Marie Norbie, Joan Patterson and Lorena Smith sharing the cooking for the 39 campers and 13 staff members. Jeannie Burrs and Earlene Marlow helped as the "mess hall girls" that did everything. Edith Bloom, Myrtle Marlow, and Mary Burrs were counselors for the girls' cabins, while Hershel Martindale, Jess Spradlin and Ray Mangum helped the boys make it through the week without their mothers.
Hershel and Don Norbie shared the teaching of the Word of God, and several accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior, Norbie reported.
Sooner Bible Camp was convened again in 1959 with 57 campers and 22 staffers. The Moffitt family made their first appearance this year, and Rosty and Dick Bennett also made their first of many appearances at camp this year.
The years have gone by quickly, Norbie said, and there have been many hours spent in prayer about sharing the Word of God.
Norbie said those planning to attend the reunion should bring pictures and memories and share them with those who will be there. Don will bring his slide projector and show slides from 40 years of camp.
TONKAWA - Food. Fine arts and crafts.
Food. Bargains. Chili cook-off.
Food. Entertainment.
Food. Children's activities.
Food. Classic Car Show.
Sounds fun, doesn't it?
Sounds fattening, too!
It's all part of Tonkawa's 21st annual Fall Fest, slated Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Blinn Memorial Park.
Cynthia Butler Rasche will judge the art show in the park. Over $1,000 in prize money will be awarded.
While crafts entries are still being accepted, Chairman Conelly Wade announced this week over 25 entries so far - including 15 artists.
Most activities will be held in Blinn Memorial Park, Tonkawa.
In addition to the juried art show, there will be a classic car show, children's activities, food booths and crafts festival.
Artists will be vying for $1,000 in prize money.
In addition, it is anticipated there will be over $3,000 in purchase awards that can be used for either arts or crafts.
Over 200 entries are expected for the Classic Car Show to be held on the park grounds. Ken Vogt is chairman. Awards will be given in several categories. The awards presentation will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by a parade downtown.
A Kiddie Costume Parade will be held downtown at 1:30 p.m. Prize money will be awarded. The costume contest is for children ages toddler to five year and six years to 12 years old. Entries should gather in front of Randy's Harris Furniture on West Grand at 1 p.m. The parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. and end at the Centennial Park. Award winners will be announced from the Dorsett Gazebo at 2 p.m. No pre-registration is required.
Among food items offered at Fall Fest this Saturday in the park are cajun pork chops, fried peaches, strawberry newburg, barbecue chicken and rib dinners, Indian tacos, Mo Betta burgers, bloomin onions, spin a spud, homemade pies, popcorn, funnel cakes, gourmet coffees, pizza, cotton candy, nachos, fried cheese and lots more.
Questions? Call the chamber at 628-2220.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
The soon to be official Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) met in a work session Wednesday to hammer out guidelines on "what," "how" and "when" to do future economic development.
All nine members, which will officially go into action on Nov. 11, were in attendance. Members are Bill Rodgers, George Paczkowski Linda Brown, Tim Burg, George Ferguson, L.J. Chaufty, Carl Renfro, David Mills and Larry Atteberry.
The group discussed policy and operation, incentives, funding, marketing, regional economic development activity, new and existing industry and communications. The working session was facilitated by Jan Jarrett, economic development and Chamber executive.
Discussion centered on the Boards' duties and Jarrett suggested that committees in each area of interest be formed with committee members coming from the community.
He encouraged the advisory board to be "inclusive, not exclusive." Jarrett told that 80 percent of new jobs come from existing industry. Much discussion was held on "how to help existing industry."
Jarrett told that he favored ten new companies with 50 jobs rather than one company with 500 jobs. In regard as to finding industries that fit the community, Jarrett said, "We've got to be hunters - not trappers." He said, "Growth for growth sake may not be the best thing. We want growth that will be integrated with the community."
One of discussions centered on the importance of communication between the board members, city officials and the community. Jarrett told the board members he did not feel that economic development stopped at the city limits and some discussion was geared toward an economic development regional organization.
After the work session, Jarrett told The News, "I think we were able to accomplish our primary objective today. We need to find a way to sensitize our directions and actually get down and do some work. It is important that we not lose any time because every day that is lost, is a day that we can't make up.
"Another thing that was key for us, was that we recognized that the base of problems and opportunities that we've got to work on through this board are so broad that is going to be impossible for nine members to do it. We are seeking ways that we can include the leadership that is out in the community in helping us approach working on our job."
One area of clarification asked for by the future EDAB members was the relationship between the Chamber, City and the Board. Jarrett explained it this way, "I work under contract with the City for the Chamber. Sixty to 70 percent of my time is spent on economic development activities. The Economic Development Advisory Board works directly under the City, much the same as any City Advisory Board would work, the Planning Commission or the Utility Advisory Board. They work under the direction of the City and answer to the City."
Jarrett added, "In turn my responsibilities are to staff and administer the operation of this board. The final decisions ultimately will rest with the City Commission. We will be a recommending body to the City Commission."
About communication, Jarrett said, "We recognize the importance of maintaining real close contact with the entire City Commission, both as a group and individually. We are going to do our very best to make sure that we provide all the information that is needed for them as they make their decisions and that we serve as a good reference point for them."
Jarrett concluded. "There is not a doubt in my mind that we all
have the exact same objectives in view of trying to do the best thing for
our community. So it just makes sense to me that we will be able to work
very successfully together."
DEATHS
The Rev. Stanford W.T. White Star, resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday evening, Oct. 22, 1997 at his home. He was 83.
Prayer services will be held at 7 p.m. this evening at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center. The Traditional Indian Feast will be held at noon on Saturday followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. The Rev. David Adair will officiate. Burial will follow in the Ponca Tribal Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Stanford W.T. White Star was born Feb. 5, 1914 in a teepee in rural Kay County. He was the son of Starling and Julia (Yellowberry) White Star. He grew up in the Ponca City area and received his education in the Ponca City schools. He went on to receive a degree from Southern Methodist University.
An ordained Methodist minister, the Rev. Mr. White Star served in many churches in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. He also worked in construction for local union No. 524. The Rev. White Star retired from the ministry in 1976.
He was married in 1938 to Frances King. The couple made their home in many towns where he was serving as pastor. He was the oldest member of the Medicine Clan of the Ponca Tribe, and was the first Yellowberry grandson and the first White Tail grandson. He was also a member of the Native American Church.
Surviving are two daughters, Hope White Star and Julia White Star Pickett of Ponca City; one sister, Florence Cole of Ponca City; 15 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three children, nine sisters, one great-grandson, and one brother.
Casket bearers will be Nathaniel Page Jr., Jeff Little Walker, Davis Kent, Doran Morris Sr., John Withey, and Hank Rhodd. Honorary bearers will be grandsons of the Rev. Mr. White Star.
LA JOLLA, Calif. - Richard K. "Rick" Batten Jr., former resident of Ponca City, died Oct. 19, 1997 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in La Jolla, Calif. after a two-month battle with bone marrow cancer. He was 50.
Memorial service with military honors will be conducted Monday, Oct. 27 at 1:45 p.m. in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma, Calif. The San Diego Crematorium is in charge of cremation.
Richard K. Batten Jr. attended school in Ponca City and Blackwell and the University of Oklahoma before serving four years in the U.S. Navy, including a year in Vietnam. He worked at National Ship Building while earning a Business Administration degree from National University, graduating Cum Laude.
Rick was a Director of Hong Kong-based Regina Trading Co., Ltd. He managed their Taiwan office in 1989-90, and then opened his own computer publishing and consulting company in Taiwan. Returning to the United States, he was an investment broker for USA Landmaster, and worked with the local Cloud Nine Shuttle service. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, Veterans of Foreign Wars and several professional organizations.
Survivors include his parents, Betty and Dick Batten of San Diego, Calif., two sisters, Barbara Davis of Austin, Texas and Juli Batten of Hong Kong, a nephew, several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Memorial donations may be made in Rick's memory to a scholarship fund for hearing impaired children through "Parents of HEAR" at HEAR Center, 301 E. Del Mar Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101.
Those wishing to contact Rick's parents may reach them at 6614 Wandermere Drive in San Diego, CA 72120.
Willie Velma "Bill" Lackey, 341 South Lincoln, died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1997 at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 93.
The funeral will be Saturday, 10 a.m. at the Grand Avenue Church of Christ with Mr. Larry Keim officiating. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. in Lawnview Cemetery, Cordell, Okla., under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born July 21, 1904 at Rocky, Okla., she was the daughter of Lewis E. and Flora Jane Parsons Smith. At age 14 she moved with her family to Sentinel, Okla., where she attended schools.
On Dec. 9, 1924 she married John F. Lackey at Hobart. The couple lived in Cordell, Granite, and Tonkawa before moving to Ponca City.
For a number of years "Bill" was employed as a cook at Wimpy's Diner. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and reading her Bible daily. She was a faithful member of the Grand Avenue Church of Christ.
She is survived by daughter, Dorthy Jeane Chessert, Metairie, La., daughter and son-in-law, Lonna and Warren Baker, 741 North Osage; grandchildren, Cliff and Polly Chesser, Leicle and Jan Chesser, Larry Baker, Jerry and Marla Chesser, Donald Defibaugh, Julia and Scott Sherrel, Deborah Baker, and Frances and Terry Ailey; great-grandchildren, Christy, Matt and Andrew Chesser, Will, Ethan, and Cameron Chesser, Justin and Jondrea Chesser, Jarred Sherrel, Pattie Ann, Marie, and Rene, and Terry, Jr.; great-great-grandchildren, Leo, Shalynn and Sean; and a sister, Avis Holland, Portland, Ore.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, five children, a grandson, two sisters, and a brother.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Avenue Church of Christ, 1300 West Grand, Ponca City, OK 74601.
paid obituary
Terease Edwards Hampton, 825 Sugar Maple, died Thursday, Oct. 23, 1997 at her home. She was 85.
Survivors will include her husband, Jake Hampton of the home.
Services are planned for Monday at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist
Church. Other arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home and will
be announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
Arts and Crafts - The 16th annual McCord Arts and Crafts Festival will be held Saturday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at the McCord school. More than 80 exhibitors will feature herbal crafts, ceramics, needlework, woodcraft, holiday items and more. Admission is free. The festival is sponsored by the parents and teachers at McCord. The school is located three miles east of Ponca City on U.S. 60 and one mile south on McCord Road.
Free Workshop - A free workshop will be held Sunday, 2-3 p.m., at Grand Central Station, 114 South Fifth. Toni Hereford will present a demonstration on Baked Brownie Alaskans.
Halloween Dance Planned - Senior Citizens Halloween Dance will be Monday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the American Legion Ball Room. Prizes for best costume will be awarded and those attending should bring Halloween snacks. Music will be by the Hayriders Band.
Meeting Postponed - The Friends of the Cultural Center Museum Foundation, Inc. meeting with the Matrix Architectural firm Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. has been postponed. It will be rescheduled for another time.
Halloween Handgame Rescheduled - The Ponca Tribal Employee's Association Friday night Halloween Handgame has been postponed due to a death in the tribe. It is rescheduled for Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center in White Eagle.
Arrest - Police arrested a 57-year-old woman at 6:50 a.m. Thursday from the 500 block of South Tenth Street on a city warrant.
Arrest - A 38-year-old woman was arrested at 7:50 a.m. Thursday from the 2600 block of Turner Street on a Kay County warrant for bogus check.
Arrest - Police arrested a 19-year-old man from the 600 block of North Union Street at 9:04 a.m. Thursday on a city warrant.
Stolen Tag - A woman in the 1500 block of East Bradley Avenue reported her car tag stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - At 10:23 a.m. Thursday a 31-year-old man was arrested on a county warrant for failure to appear.
Arrest - Police arrested a 21-year-old man at 11:13 a.m. Thursday from the 3500 block of North Union Street on three Osage County warrants.
Vandalism - At 11:57 a.m. Thursday a man in the 2100 block of North Union Street reported to police that his vehicle had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - A 43-year-old man was arrested at 1:40 p.m. Thursday on a Kay County warrant.
Theft - At 2:25 p.m. Thursday police received a report from a woman reporting that her "Multi-Plexar" had been stolen from her vehicle while parked in parking lot. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Stolen Wallet - At 2:50 p.m. Thursday a woman in the 300 block of Lansbrook Road advised police that a wallet had been stolen. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a woman in the 700 block of Marland Drive at 3:16 p.m. Thursday on a city warrant for dog violation.
Arrest - At 4 p.m. Thursday police arrested a 42-year-old man from the 600 block of East Brookfield on a city warrant for discharge of firearms in the city limits.
Burglary - A woman in the 3500 block of North Union Street reported to police at 4:19 p.m. Thursday that her residence had been burglarized and several items stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Shoplifters Arrested - A 15-year-old girl and 23-year-old woman were arrested for grand larceny at 5:06 p.m. Thursday at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue.
Gas Drive-Off - An employee at Conoco, 3305 North Fourteenth Street, reported a $12 gas drive-off at 6:14 p.m. Thursday.
Stolen Purse - A woman reported to police at 7:34 p.m. Thursday that her purse had been stolen from the 600 block of North First Street. A report was taken.
Attempted Auto Theft - At 7:58 p.m. Thursday police received a report of an attempted auto theft in the 100 block of South Ash Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Assault - A woman reported to police at 8:26 p.m. Thursday that
she had been assaulted while in the 1500 block of Bradbary Lane. An officer
was assigned and a report was taken.
RELIGION
In 1897, just four years after the Cherokee Strip Run opened the area, the Ralston First Baptist Church was organized on Nov. 9. The nine charter members held services in a one-room schoolhouse hear Main Street in Ralston.
On Sunday, Nov. 9, the church will be celebrating one hundred years of fulfilling the mission and message of Jesus Christ. The day of celebration will include the 11 a.m. worship service, a 12:30 p.m. fellowship dinner, the Centennial Observance at 2 p.m., followed by a reception, and "Homecoming Ralston FBC Style" sing-along at 4 p.m. Several former pastors have notified the church of their plans to participate in the 2 p.m. Centennial Observance.
A historical display is being planned. Pictures or any other memorabilia related to the church's history is being sought. Stories have been told of a quilt at least seventy-five years old made by women of the church. Anyone with information about this or other items for the display is encouraged to contact Andrea Clark at 918-642-3632 after 5 p.m.
After the 1897 start, the Ralston church congregation began construction on the church building located at First and Main Streets in 1902. The church body met in this facility for over 60 years following its dedication in 1909. During that time, a bell tower and educational wing were added.
The present building on the corner of First and Garfield Streets was built primarily by volunteer labor. It was dedicated in 1971.
A new relationship was forged in the summer of 1997 when a volunteer building crew from Woodley Baptist Church of Montgomery, Ala., joined with members of Ralston Baptist Church on a new building project. Within one week, the two church crews raised the outer shell of a new, larger fellowship hall.
All friends of the church, former members, and their descendants are invited to attend this day of celebration in the life of the Ralston First Baptist Church.
First Lutheran Church will observe Reformation Day and the 105th Anniversary of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod with festival services on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Included in the services will be special hymns by the congregation and Senior Choir, anthems by the First Lutheran School Choir and the Senior Choir, a selection by the Handchime Choir of First Lutheran School, and trumpet accompaniment by Jessica Hurd. The focus will be on the great blessings God has bestowed on the Lutheran Church beginning with the Reformation and Martin Luther. Following the 11 a.m. service a congregational dinner will be held in the school gym.
First Lutheran forms part of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod which traces its formation to Prussian, Bavarian, and Saxon German immigrants who came to the United States in the 1830s seeking religious freedom.
Through the blessings of God the church body formed by these new Americans grew into one that numbers more than six thousand congregations with more than two and one-half million members. They include many Afro-American Lutheran congregations, as well as a sizeable number of congregations serving Asian, Hispanic, and hearing impaired people.
This church body also presently has 159 full-time missionaries, hundreds of short-term volunteers, and thousands of local workers spreading the Gospel in 40 countries.
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod also operates more than one thousand Christian Day schools, 1,200 early childhood centers, and 62 high schools. This educational system represents the largest one in American Protestantism.
Members of the First Lutheran Church invite anyone to join them Sunday in praising and thanking God for His innumerable blessings.
Northeast Baptist Church will host a Fall Festival for preschool through sixth grade children on Friday, Oct. 31. Fall Fest will be held at Woodlands School gym from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening activities will include carnival games and puppet shows. Northeast Baptist Puppet Ministry will perform several puppet shows beginning at 6:50 p.m.
Northeast has held Fall Fest for the past two years for the church family, but this year has moved it from the church to Woodlands School gym to allow room to open this free, safe alternative to trick or treating to the community. Candy and prizes will be given for each game and there will be games for all ages through sixth grade.
Dr. Larry E. Nigh, pastor, invites the public to join Northeast for this fall celebration and requests that all younger children be accompanied by an adult. If you have questions, please call the church office.
St. John's Lutheran Church, located five miles east of Blackwell and one mile north of Highway 11, will present Dr. Gerald Frank, Organ Professor at OSU, in a recital on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. This event will mark the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the organ.
The records of the Church indicate that the organ was purchased in 1922 from the Hinners Organ Company. The organ was brought to the Church from the train depot in Kildare by horse-drawn wagon. The instrument has served the Church continuously in its original form, although an electric blower has been added to supply the wind that was originally pumped by hand.
The organ at St. John's Lutheran Church is listed in the register of historic organs that is maintained by the Organ Historical Society.
The recital on Oct. 26 will include music by Bach, Mendelssohn, Vierne, Pachelbel, and other composers. Several of the pieces are well known, such as "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." And some of the organ music, based on hymn tunes, will lead to the singing of hymns by everyone attending.
Dr. Frank holds degrees from Valparaiso University, Union Theological Seminary, and the University of Cincinnati, with additional study at the Eastman School of Music. He is recognized for his presentations and recitals at conventions of the International Society of Organbuilders, the American Guild of Organists, the Organ Historical Society, the Music Teachers National Association, and the American Institute of Organbuilders. At OSU he is Chair of Keyboard Studies and teaches organ, harpsichord and music theory.
The recital, sponsored by St. John's Lutheran Church and the Ponca City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, is free and open to the public.
Asbury United Methodists Plan Halloween Fun
The last Family Fun Night of the year, a Halloween party and hayride, will be held by Asbury United Methodist Church on Sunday, Oct. 26.
The youth of the church will host this event which will be held at the
home of Tim and Carol Harden. All members and friends are asked to meet
at 3:30 p.m. at the Harden home for games, volleyball, a weiner roast and
a hayride after dark. Some "spooks" may drop in, so bring a friend,
some hot dogs and plan to be there to greet them.
POP Lutherans Plan Special Event
This month's council meeting at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church will be Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at the church. All council members are urged to attend as it is nearing the end of the year and numerous items need to be discussed.
The POP youth will be hosting a "Family and Friends" hayrack
ride on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Bill and Bambi Correll home, 1300
NE Tower Road. Come for fun and games. They will be serving hot dogs, chips
and drinks at 50 cents each. The hayride will be $2 per person or $5 per
family, it was announced.
First Christians Plan Consecration Day
The first Sunday in November will be Consecration Day and Victory Dinner at First Christian Church. After the catered meal, Pastor Kent Dorsey will lead the program with singing and introduce the all-church survey information. The program will end with an announcement of the total annual pledges made.
The Stewardship Team that has helped plan and arrange for the special day includes Rhonda Dietz, Julian Ford, Perry Pederson, Earlene Condit, Nona Cales, Ethel Jorgenson, Stan Brown, Pastor Dorsey, Bob and Lois Corbin.
First Christian Church CYF and Chi Rho youth, assisted by members of the Junior Youth Fellowship, are preparing to share their faith with the entire congregation of First Christian this Sunday.
Theme of the Day will be "Get Connected with God," which speaks of youth who "get connected" to the world through the network of communication offered by computers and the world wide web.
Through some traditional elements of worship, some original skits, and music there will be opportunities in both worship services Sunday to experience the faith as young people, it was noted.
Helping the congregation "get connected" will be James Anderson, Kelsey Clark, Amory Clark, Andy Cooper, Leslee Cooper, Wes Crosson, Casey Crosson, Jill Dietz, Sarah Dorsey, Gracin Dorsey, Allison Ford, Shawn Gill, Crystal Gill, Luke Gray, and Matt Gray.
Also Randy Heyer, Jeff Hicks, Matt McCleary, Bradley Murphy, Christin Nicks, Randy Novotny, Jason Shelton, Carol Stauffer, Kevin Stauffer, Derek Schneider, Elard Thomas, Stephanie Tole, Emily Wheeler, Amy Ziegenhain and Ann Ziegenhain.
Sponsors of the youth groups are Max Berry, Richard and Jackie Keathly and Kim and Arlene Stauffer.
St. John Baptist Church will be celebrating its 104th year on Sunday, Oct. 26, 1997. Theme for this Sunday will be "Building on the True Foundation" with scripture text from I Corinthians 3:10.
Guest speaker will be the Rev. W.B. Woodberry, pastor of First Baptist Church in Spencer, Okla. The First Baptist Choir will also provide music for the occasion.
Members of St. John's congregation will share their Christian building blocks.
The program will begin at 3 p.m. The Rev. Robert Palmer and the St. John
family issue an invitation to everyone to come and join them in this celebration.
EDUCATION
EDITH stands for "Exit Drills in the Home." Each year, firefighters distribute forms for students to complete, along with the assistance for their parents. The forms include an EDITH drill example; a blank grid area, for mapping family fire exits; and a place for the parents' signature. Upon returning the form, students receive coupons for a free hamburger from McDonalds.
Numerous recycling materials are available through the Solid Waste Division, including handouts, videos, posters, coloring books, puzzles and project ideas. Solid Waste Personnel are also available for school presentations and to assist students in setting up school recycling and waste reduction projects. Field trips to the Recycling Center and the Landfill are available upon request.
Each week a request is made of a civic club, service organization, girl
or boy scout troop or retired citizen group to have an officer from the
Ponca City Police Department speak to the membership of their club or organization.
On an average year, 4000 citizens hear from at least one of the officers
as they reach out to educate the community.
Student Council sponsored "Make a Difference Day" will be Saturday,
1-3 p.m. at Ponca City High School. All interested persons are invited to
help with the "Campus Clean-up."
LIFESTYLES
The Alpha Gamma Mother's Club members met Oct. 13 at the home of Karen Yost. Mary Spears led the group in repeating the Collect and Aims. Ten members answered roll call with a favorite "Gone With the Wind" character name.
Jean Hess, Chaplain, read a devotional entitled "Onward Christian Soldiers" from the book "Amazing Grace." Carol O'Rear read the secretary's report and Pat Koehler gave the treasurer's report.
The Ways and Means committee asked that members continue to sign up and bring food and supplies to the craft fair scheduled Nov. 1 at Unity Gym. The group discussed the state officers' and Christmas party.
Members who attended the meeting in Pond Creek to discuss this year's state convention gave a report. Alpha Gamma Club will be in charge of the luncheon, making "ditty" bags and menus. Each club will provide a minimum of 15 door prizes.
The friendship basket was won by Deb Cordes. Carol O'Rear presented the program which includes information from the book "The Complete Gone With the Wind Trivia Book" by Pauline Bartel. May Roquemore won the hostess gift and announcement was made that the next meeting would be Oct. 27 at the home of Pat Koehler.
Announcing the birth of their first child are Jeff and Tara (Schiltz) Johnson of Fairborn, Ohio. Kori Joanne was born at 2:36 p.m. Sept. 10, 1997 at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio. She weighed 5-pounds, 4-ounces and was 18 1/2-inches long.
Grandparents are Hal and Linda Johnson and Joe and Jennifer Schiltz, all of Ponca City.
Steve and Sandra Mills announce the birth of a daughter, Allyson Raye, on Oct. 7, 1997 at 6:34 p.m. She weighed 9-pounds, 2-ounces and was 21 1/2-inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Lonny and Connie Westberg of Ponca City. Paternal grandparents are Jennifer and Mark Freeman III of Ponca City and the late Charles Mills.
Great-grandparents are Juanita Parker of Chickasha, Pete and Doris Summers
and Don and Maretta Westberg, all of Ponca City.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
The old adage that "the best defense is a good offense," is never more true than it will be tonight as the Wildcats try to stop the Sapulpa Chieftain juggernaut.
Sapulpa, running out of a broken wishbone behind a massive offensive line, is averaging over 300 yards a game rushing. The Chieftains have Class 6A's leading rusher in Jason Broom, who has run for over 1,100 yards in seven games and scored 12 touchdowns
With an injury to starting quarterback J.R. Romine, the Chieftains don't throw the ball much; they don't need to. With Broom (5-9, 205) and fullback Justin Ross (5-10, 190) doing most of the damage, Sapulpa runs out of multiple formations and sets.
There are so many sets the Po-Hi coaching staff, which does extensive scouting of opponents, has not bothered to put all of them in the play book they issue to the players each week on the team they will play next.
"They never seem to run the same play twice," Wildcat head coach Rick Sodowsky said this week.
So Sodowsky and his staff figure the best way to stop, or at least slow, the Sapulpa machine is to deny the Chieftains the ball, "and to not give them a short field to work with."
Except for a spate of turnovers in the fifth and sixth games of the season, the Wildcats have not given opponents easy opportunities. That is a must in this game, according to Sodowsky.
"I've been saying for the last seven or eight weeks, we have to be able to move the ball," Sodowsky said. "You can look at the scores of our games and that tells the story. When we move the ball we win, when we don't we lose."
The Wildcats, 3-4 on the year, 1-3 in the district, are coming off an emotional win over Tulsa Washington in which they were able to move the ball.
But they will have to change tactics somewhat tonight. Sapulpa has a smaller, but very quick defense.
"We can't go wide on them and we can't use much misdirection," Sodowsky said. "They're too quick for that."
So the Cats will rely on a lot of quick hitters, both in the running and passing games.
"We can't throw long because they won't give us that much time," the coach said.
But the Poncans learned the value of short passes against Washington when they went short over the middle to leading receiver Wesley Swygert,
"Washington was taking away the outside passing lane and that left the middle open," Sodowsky said.
Swygert turned that short pass into a 52-yard gain that set up the winning touchdown.
"We are also going to move (tight end) Ryan Treadway out," the coach said. "We'll see how their secondary people (none of whom are over 6-1) will deal with two receivers who are 6-3 and 6-4."
The film of Swygert's catches have already caught the attention of Sapulpa coach Ron Marvel.
"That No. 89 (Swygert) is a good receiver," Marvel said. "He's big and strong and catches the ball well. The quarterback (Eric Michael) also throws a pretty good ball."
The Wildcats will not run a strictly vanilla offense. Sodowsky said they have some no-huddle plays ready, "and we'll go to our bag of tricks."
Perhaps one of the best things going for the Poncans is they will be completely healthy for the first time in weeks.
But sooner or later, Sapulpa will get the ball on offense. So the coaching staff has come up with some ways to slow down the Chieftains.
"We'll use some eight and nine-man fronts," the coach said. "We'll also be bringing the corners. And we'll try to do some things different inside. They like to get those big linemen down field. So we'll cut them. We'll sacrifice four-for-four and let the people behind them make the tackle."
"We want to make it a three yards-and-a-cloud-of-mud for them," line coach Terry Henderson said, referring to the possibility of playing on a wet field.
"If we can have three long drives and score on two of them and keep them to two short drives (in terms of the number of plays) and they score on one, we can be ahead at halftime," Sodowsky said of his game plan.
Ponca City at Sapulpa
Where: Chieftain Stadium, 3 South Mission St., Sapulpa
When: Kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
Rankings: Sapulpa is ranked 15th in 6A. Ponca City is unranked
Records: Ponca City 3-4, Sapulpa is 4-3.
Last Year: Sapulpa won 24-7
Injuries: None new for Wildcats.
Importance: Wildcats must win out to have a chance at the playoffs. Sapulpa is trying to keep pace with Stillwater and Sand Springs
Radio: WBBZ (1230 AM), Ponca City.
Weather: Chilly and damp with temperatures in the mid-60s
District 6A-4
Dist. All
School W-L W-L PF PA
Sand Springs 4-0 7-0 218 44
Stillwater 4-0 7-0 253 107
Enid 3-1 4-3 140 133
Sapulpa 2-2 4-3 200 112
Ponca City 1-3 3-4 98 164
Bartlesville 1-3 2-5 101 183
Washington 1-3 1-6 85 182
Shawnee 0-4 1-6 62 170
This Week's Games
Friday: x-Ponca City at Sapulpa. x-Enid at Washington. x-Sand Springs at Stillwater. x-Shawnee at Bartlesville.
Dist. All
School W-L W-L PF PA
Cushing 4-0 7-0 156 74
McLoud 4-0 7-0 211 32
Blackwell 3-1 6-1 180 125
Cleveland 2-2 4-3 141 113
Glenpool 2-2 4-3 132 164
Tecumseh 1-3 2-5 127 158
Harrah 0-4 2-5 102 165
Mannford 0-4 2-5 114 214
This Week's Games
Friday: x-Cleveland at Tecumseh. x-Blackwell at Glenpool. x-Mannford at harrah. x-McLoud at Cushing
Dist. All
School W-L W-L PF PA
Nowata 4-0 7-0 227 64
Berryhill 4-0 7-0 318 7
Pawnee 3-1 5-2 145 77
Perkins 1-3 4-3 187 171
Caney Valley 1-3 3-4 112 177
Metro Chr. 1-3 2-5 71 191
Hominy 1-3 1-6 63 183
Sperry 1-3 1-6 73 216
This Week's Games
Friday: x-Metro Christian at Sperry. x-Hominy at Perkins. x-Berryhill at Caney Valley. x-Pawnee at Nowata.
Dist. All
School W-L W-L PF PA
Tonkawa 5-0 7-0 319 35
Liberty 4-1 6-1 196 153
Newkirk 4-1 5-2 151 102
Mounds 4-2 4-3 190 192
Barnsdall 3-2 3-4 166 142
Woodland 2-3 2-5 106 173
Okla. Union 1-4 1-6 80 218
Drumright 1-5 1-6 129 237
Kiefer 0-6 0-7 19 249
This Week's Games
Friday: Wyandotte at Kiefer. x-Oklahoma Union at Mounds. x-Drumright at Tonkawa. x-Woodland at Newkirk. x-Liberty at Barnsdall.
Dist. All
School W-L W-L PF PA
Foyil 2-0 7-1 304 66
Copan 1-1 5-2 261 223
Prue 1-1 4-3 248 128
Yale 1-1 4-3 134 154
Morrison 1-1 1-6 153 236
So. Coffey. 0-2 2-5 91 213
This Week's Games
Friday: x-Foyil at Yale. x-Prue at Copan. x-S. Coffeyville at Morrison.
Dist. All
School W-L W-L PF PA
Kremlin 4-0 5-2 179 140
Medford 3-0 6-1 235 82
Ringwood 3-1 4-3 168 81
Pond Creek 1-2 1-5 60 221
Cov-Douglas 1-3 1-6 78 222
Wakita 0-3 3-3 193 188
DC-Lamont 0-3 1-6 104 219
This Week's Games
Friday: x-Covington-Douglas at Wakita. x-Ringwood at Medford. Welch at Kremlin-Hillside. x-Pond Creek at Deer Creek-Lamont.
Dist. All
School W-L W-L PF PA
Bluejacket 2-0 3-4 194 251
Shidler 3-1 4-3 163 217
White Oak 3-1 4-3 256 148
Welch 1-3 1-6 98 220
Midway 0-2 1-3 56 151
Bowlegs 0-2 1-6 90 208
This Week's Games
Friday: Welch at Kremlin-Hillsdale. x-Shidler at Bluejacket. Sallisaw Central at White Oak. x-Midway at Bowlegs.
The eighth grade varsity footballers extended their perfect record this week, rolling over Blackwell on Monday, 28-0, then squeaking by Enid Emerson in the fourth quarter Thursday, 20-14. The varsity is now 8-0 on the season.
Against Blackwell, Micah Johnson ran for four touchdowns and Matt Ellis went 4-4 on extra points to give the Cougars the win.
Johnson's four scores included runs of 52 and 24 yards in the first quarter, a 56 yard run in the second quarter, and a 23 yarder in the third.
"Everyone played great and we got a lot of kids in a varsity game," said head coach Brad Parent, "The varsity defense once again set the tone for the game. This group has played outstanding all year long."
Against Enid Emerson, the varsity came from behind to win, once again behind the strong running of Johnson.
The Poncans got on the board in the first quarter with a six yard run by Johnson. The extra point was no good, and Enid came right back. After a 62 yard run to the Cougars' one yard line, the defense stepped up, holding Enid on three plays, but gave up a touchdown pass on fourth-and-four.
Enid also failed on the extra point and the game was tied, 6-6.
In the second quarter, Enid scored again, this time on a 67 yard run. The extra points-play was good, and Enid went up, 14-6.
The Poncans then patched together a nice drive before halftime, but couldn't beat the clock.
Ellis, at quarterback, completed a third and long pass to James Tapp to get the ball to the Enid 13 yard line. With two seconds left, Ellis again went to Tapp in the end zone, but the throw was knocked away.
It was the first time the varsity had trailed at halftime this season, and things seemed to only get worse in the third as the Cougars fumbled the ball away twice. The defense stepped up, however, and the game went to the fourth quarter with the Poncans still down by seven.
Johnson took control again. With five minutes left, he took the ball in from 24 yards out, then added the extra points to tie the game at 14-all.
The defense again shut down Enid, and Johnson scored on the ensuing possession from five yards out to put the Cougars ahead. The extra points try was no good, but the Poncans held on to win, 20-14
The eighth grade varsity travels to Woodward Oct. 30 for their final
game of the season. The winner of that game will determine conference champs.