LOCAL

Kay County Families Honored At Centennial Farm and Ranch Show
First Assembly To Present Dinosaur Seminar, Oct. 13
PTC To Host First Advisory Committee Meeting, Nov. 8
Overcrowded Schools: It’s Not the Baby Boom Echo
High School Students Urged To Take ACT Assessment Test
Kaw Challenge 1999 Draws 152 Entries in Second Annual Event
Forethoughts Video at Noon Lions Recently
State HIV Conference Oct. 18-19

Kay County Families Honored At Centennial Farm and Ranch Show

By KRISTI HAYES

News Staff Writer

ENID — Three Kay County farms and ranches were honored at the 11th annual Oklahoma Centennial Farm and Ranch Awards reception last Sunday at the Cherokee Strip Conference Center in Enid. Those honored included the Hedberg Farm, Kort-Stuever-Schiltz Farm and the Goodson Ranch.

The program, which was presented by the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, is designed to honor all of the families who have farmed for the past 100 years on the same land. To date, there are a total of 589 centennial farms and 67 farms were honored Sunday.

One of the oldest recipients at the reception was Alma Hedberg, daughter of an Oklahoma homesteader, the late Erick Hedberg. She is 95 years old and still lives on her father’s land, just north of Ponca City. Her father, Erick, died in 1929, but Sunday (the day his daughter was honored) would have been his 121st birthday. Hedberg owns the property with Wendell Smith.

Hedberg lives in the house that was built in 1898. Some of the house has been remodeled, but one bedroom, which has the original plaster and windows, has never been changed.

Hedberg, who is a retired Ponca City teacher, said at the reception that a few things have changed. She now has Ponca City water, a telephone and electricity.

According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, the awards have been received by families in 47 different Oklahoma counties.

To qualify for a farm or ranch award, a property must be owned by a family member for at least 100 years and must be operated or occupied by a family member or leased out by a family member for more than 65 years. The property must include a minimum of 40 acres and gross annual sales of at least $1,000.

Awards for structure are given out to properties with four or more buildings remaining for 50 or more years without significant remodeling.

First Assembly To Present Dinosaur Seminar, Oct. 13

The Parent Teacher’s Fellowship of First Assembly Christian School will present “The Truth About Dinosaurs,” by Dr. G. Thomas Sharp as their major fundraiser for this school year. This will be a rare and excellent learning opportunity for anyone interested in learning about dinosaurs. The event will consist of a multi-media, surround sound presentation, a museum collection of dinosaur skulls, and models of some of the world’s most famous dinosaur fossils.

In the news recently has been the decision of the Kansas State Board of Education not to test on the Theory of Evolution. This presentation will be based on the alternative to the Theory of Evolution, Creationism.

“The Trust About Dinosaurs” will be presented on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 14 at 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. at 1308 East Bradley. This event is open to the public, but there is limited seating available. The price of admission for the daytime programs will be $5 in advance and $6 at the door. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Kelly Mayer at 762-3193 or Pam Wilburn at 765-0864.

PTC To Host First Advisory Committee Meeting, Nov. 8

Pioneer Technology Center will be holding their first advisory committee meetings for the school year Nov. 8-12. Advisory committee meetings are held at least two times a year to help provide ongoing evaluation, assistance, advisement, and support for quality programs at Pioneer Tech.

Advisory committee members are made up of a group of volunteers who agree to serve as an advisory to one or more vocational programs. Members include representatives from business and industry, community agencies, students and parents of current and former students.

By serving in an advisory capacity, advisory committee volunteers help by providing information, which can update, modify, expand or improve the quality of programs at Pioneer Tech. The committees can also make recommendations to strengthen or expand the vocational curriculum as well as provide assistance in implementing their recommendations.

Some of the issues and activities that the advisory committee deals with are business and industry needs, curriculum development, equipment evaluation, and student placement through job shadowing experiences or work experiences. Pioneer Technology Center has advisory committees for the following programs: business technology, construction trades, cosmetology, child care, horticulture, electronics, transportation technology, food services, medical assisting, health sciences, practical nursing, respiratory therapy, machine tool, welding, marketing, industry training, agricultural business management, self-employment and small business management, bid assistance, short-term training, public information and administration.

One of the items that will be discussed at this year’s meeting includes information about preparing a career portfolio and passport for Pioneer Technology Center students and staff.

Overcrowded Schools: It’s Not the Baby Boom Echo

Editor’s Note: The following story was written by Steven Camarota, a Director of Research for the Center of Immigration Studies.

As school bells ring across the country this fall, we are hearing a lot about overcrowded schools and severely strained public education budgets. A new report from the Department of Education indicates the reason why - a dramatic increase in the school-age population. President Clinton is using the report to call for more federal funding of education. Unfortunately, the report, "The Baby Boom Echo: No End in Sight," as well as most of the media coverage of the issue misses the point: the growth in the school age population is a direct consequence of recent immigration, not the result of baby boomer's kids entering school.

While the report barely mentions immigration, there is really no debate among demographers who study the issue. Official Census Bureau statistics, estimates done by the National Academy of Sciences, as well as other research show that recent immigration is the reason for the growth in the school age population.

The facts are actually quite straightforward. In 1998 there were 52 million school age children (5 to 17), roughly eight million of whom were either immigrants themselves or the child of an immigrant mother who had arrived since 1965, when the current immigration wave began. We know this because the Current Population Survey, a kind of mini-census taken each month by the Census Bureau, asks respondents if they are immigrants, when they arrived, and if their parents were immigrants. With this data, it is a very simple matter to estimate the impact of recent immigration on public schools.

The Department of Education's report shows that the number of students in public school has grown by about seven million since the early 1980s. Therefore, recent immigrants and their children account for all the increase in the number of students in school. Of course, immigration does not explain rising enrollment in every single school district in the country. But, the national increase in the number of children in school is, without question, a direct consequence of recent immigration.

Perhaps the Clinton Administration and the Department of Education are unaware of these simple demographic facts. It seems much more likely, however, that they point to the "baby-boom echo" and not the real cause because they are reluctant to call attention to immigration's impact.

The administration may fear that the American people would be unwilling to spend significantly more money on education if they knew that recent immigration was the reason. The fact is, these children are here to stay and it is clearly in the long-term interest of our country to educate them. But concern over public reaction does not justify issuing a misleading report about the causes of overcrowding in public schools.

This country needs a rational debate about how to improve public education. It also needs a rational debate about the wisdom of allowing 800,000 to 900,000 legal immigrants and several hundred thousand illegal aliens into the country each year. This surely has significant implications for public schools, especially in many urban districts that are already straining to meet the needs of the students in their care. But, no matter how one feels about education or immigration, the public good is not well served by the kind of information coming out of the Department of Education.

High School Students Urged To Take ACT Assessment Test

High school students seeking early admission to college next year should take the ACT Assessment, a leading college entrance and placement exam, during December. The exam will be administered nation-wide on Dec. 11, 1999. The registration postmark deadline is Nov. 5. Late registration postmark deadline is Nov. 19 (an additional fee is required for late registration.

ACT scores are accepted or preferred by more 4-year colleges than any other college entrance and placement exams. ACT scores are accepted at all the Ivy League colleges. The test fee is $22.

Students can take the ACT Assessment more than once. Students can use test scores to determine academic weaknesses and retake the test later if they choose. Students who take the exam more than once can report only their highest composite score to prospective colleges if they choose.

There are four sections to the ACT Assessment: English, reading, math and science reasoning. The ACT Assessment is designed to measure a student’s academic achievement and the appropriate course level for college placement.

After the Dec. 11 test, the next national test day for the ACT will be Feb. 12, 2000.

Kaw Challenge 1999 Draws 152 Entries in Second Annual Event

Double the number of riders over last year entered the Kaw Challenge ’99 last weekend at Burbank Landing of Kaw Lake.

First place in the Pro/Expert category were Steve Tilford of Topeka, Kan., and Patti Plagmann, formerly of Ponca City, who now lives in Taos, N.M.

Organizers were thrilled with the turnout for the second annual race sponsored by Team X-Stream and the Kaw Lake Association. “We had hoped for over 100 and finished with 152 entries,” said Kathy Tippin, executive director of the Kaw Lake Association.

This year for the first time the race was a part of the Tour de Dirt Oklahoma Championship Mountain Bike Series. The series is coordinated by Tour de Dirt, a state-wide organization dedicated to the enhancement and enjoyment of the sport of off-road cycling through trail advocacy, maintenance, and cooperation with land managers and trail users. This organization works in concert with the Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship and event promoters.

Racers entered in one of 19 categories based upon experience and age. These included six beginner categories, seven sport categories and six expert/pro categories. Those in the beginner category raced one lap, at seven miles. Sport category riders raced two laps and expert/pro riders raced three over the rugged, rocky trail on the southeast end of Kaw Lake just east of Ponca City.

Other cash winners were:

Sport Junior, Steven Spenser, Bartlesville; Sport Senior, Ronnie Cookson, Tahlequah; Sport Master 1, Eddy Reimer, Wichita, Kan.; Sport Grand Master, Dan Perry, Hillsboro, Kan.; Sport Women, Melissa Ruby, Broken Arrow; Sport Clydesdale, Jeff Metcalf, Sand Springs.

Expert Junior, William Quillman, Tulsa, first; Andy Richardson, Edmond, second.

Expert Master 1, Joe Davis, Oklahoma City, first; John LaSora, Lawton, second.

Expert Master 2, Dan Borrell, Edmond, first; John Rahal, second; Jeff Dean, third.

Pro men, Steve Tilford, first; Forrest Smith, second; Steve Ragan, third; Jason Ruby, fourth; Eric Melton, fifth.

Pro Women, Patti Plagmann, first; Marie Ange-Anderson, second; Desiree Margagliano, third.

The purpose of the Kaw Lake Association is to build a region-wide partnership of towns, businesses, service agencies, and local governments within the North Central Oklahoma Kaw Lake area. Its mission includes recruitment of a broad membership base, creation of a financial support system, addressing infrastructure needs, tourism development, broadening the business base, and marketing the region as a whole.

For more information contact the Kaw Lake Association, (580) 762-9494, or 1-888-291-4995, ext. 2920.

Forethoughts Video at Noon Lions Recently

When the Ponca City Noon Lions Club met Wednesday, Sept. 29, Clark Morrell, a representative from Forethought gave a brief talk and a video presentation on the benefits of estate planning, the importance of wills — both living and regular wills — and funeral preplanning.

Morrell, who resides in Goodyear, Ariz., has been with Forethought for over 11 years and has received regional and national honors. Forethought Life Insurance company is part of Hillenbrand Industries, the parent company to Batesville Casket Company, the largest supplier of caskets in the United States.

Student Leos Maria Simpson, daughter of Renee Simpson and Neil Simpson, and Jennifer Matlock, daughter of Cathey McLemore, each gave a brief personal history and told of their activities at Ponca City Senior High. Guests at the meeting included Steve Huston; Mike Lake with Forethought Live of Wichita, Kan.; Leon Teague with Forethought Life of Denver, Colo.; and Bill Frampton of Tulsa.

Jonnie Hollingsworth installed two new members, Homer Nicholson and Chuck Patterson. Dr. Bill Stuever sent a sign-up sheet around for recruitment for workers for the Lions booth at Oktoberfest.

State HIV Conference Oct. 18-19

State HIV Conference The 1999 Oklahoma HIV Conference will showcase new ideas and options to meet HIV/AIDS-related challenges faced by Oklahomans. The conference will be held Oct. 18-19 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 4345 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City.

The comprehensive two-day program will cover such issues as HIV street outreach, healing and humor, current HIV treatments, enhancing HIV counseling skills, grant sources and grant writing, sex and the Internet, STD protection for women, managed care, and more.

“This year’s HIV conference will include excellent information regarding both HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. The relationship of the transmission of HIV and STD makes it vital that these diseases be discussed together,” said J.R. Nida, M.D., state health commissioner.

Conference attendees will be health care professionals, government health officials, educators, community advocates, and consumers from across the state and nation. Speakers will include a wide range of professionals. Interpreters for the hearing impaired will be available for this conference.

Conference registration is $70, which includes the awards luncheon on Oct. 19. Limited scholarships are available, and a respite room will be provided for conference participants. For hotel reservations, call (800) 741-2741.

For more information, call Oklahoma HIV/AIDS Hotline (800) 535-AIDS or send e-mail to hotline@ionet.net.

DEATHS

Sarah L. Earp
Margaret C. Vaden

Sarah L. Earp

WEBB CITY — Sarah L. Earp, former Shidler resident, died Thursday, Oct. 7, 1999, at the Ranch Terrace Nursing Home in Sapulpa. She was 80.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, 1999, at the Webb City Church of God with the Rev. Leroy Sewell officiating. Burial will follow in the Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Sarah Earp was born Sept. 9, 1919, in Wild Horse, Okla., the daughter of Joe and Mabel (McNair) LaRue. She grew up in the Webb City area and graduated from the Webb City High School.

She married Moley Earp on Sept. 19, 1939, in Shidler, and the couple made their home there. She was a homemaker and a member of the Webb City Church of God. She enjoyed caring for her home and family.

Surviving are two daughters, Esther Hall of Beatrice, Ala., and Lovena Norton of Sapulpa; two sons, David Earp of Boatman, Okla., and Jonathon Earp of Tulsa; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one daughter, Mary Horinek.

Margaret C. Vaden

Margaret Caroline Vaden, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1999, at Ponca City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was 75.

The graveside service will be held Saturday, Oct. 9, 1999, at 11 a.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Michael Kear officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. There will be no viewing at the service; however, friends may call at the funeral home until 10 a.m. Saturday.

Margaret Caroline Vaden was born July 26, 1924, in Clayton, the daughter of John and Bertie (Riggs) Boshears. She grew up in the Durant area and graduated from Central High School in Tulsa.

On Aug. 23, 1952, she married William A. “Bus” Vaden in Bentonville, Ark. She had lived in many cities in Oklahoma before settling in Okmulgee. Her husband died on June 6, 1989, and she moved to Ponca City in July of that year. She was a homemaker and, before becoming ill, she enjoyed working crossword puzzles and watching movies.

She is survived by a daughter, Vicki Kay Caffey of Ponca City; a sister, Almeda Simpson of Valliant; and three grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, her parents and three brothers, Johnny Boshears, Willis Boshears and Kenneth Boshears, preceded her in death.

NEWS BRIEFS

VFW Dinner — VFW Post 1201 and auxiliary will hold a family dinner on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the post home. Members are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert, and a Halloween hat for judging.

Kids/Her Review now accepting children’s, women’s fall consignments. 309 E. Grand. adv.

Clothing Sale Canceled — The clothing giveaway at First Assembly of God Church will be canceled Monday due to the holiday.

Weather Lab! Current conditions, forecasts. Fun weather folklore and more! 762-9999. adv.

Requests Assistance — A person at Ponca City High School reported to the Communications Center at 7:43 a.m. Thursday that an extra patrol was needed near the crosswalk on North Fifth Street near the school as a result of vehicles not stopping for pedestrians.

Pauline’s Steak shish-ka-bob served on a bed of rice with mushroom sauce and salad bar $8.95. Friday 8th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Tires Slashed — A woman from the 2200 block of John Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:27 a.m. Thursday that someone had slashed the tires of her vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

20% Off all picture frames, until October 15th. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, downtown Ponca City. adv.

Requests Assistance — A person from the 700 block of North Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:45 p.m. Thursday that four men were fighting. Two officers were assigned and an 18-year-old man was held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue at 10:07 a.m. Thursday that a 19-year-old man was being held on an Osage County warrant for burglary.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Property Found — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 10:43 a.m. Thursday to report that she had found some of her stolen property in the 600 block of South Ninth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North First Street and Hartford Avenue at 11:13 a.m. Thursday that a 30-year-old man was being held for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and possession of stolen property.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Assault — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 11:48 a.m. Thursday to report that she had been assaulted while on North Union Street earlier in the day. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East Prospect. adv.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 1:24 p.m. Thursday that a grass fire was burning five miles west on U.S. 60. A unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to handle the situation.

Po-Hi Stepper Home Coming Dinner. Friday, October 8th, 5 - 7 p.m. at High School. Take-outs available. Cost $5.00. Tickets at the door or from any Hi-Stepper. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident on Lake Road just east of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:41 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Unusual Halloween fiber optic Boo tree, copper jack-o-lanterns, pins, etc. See our fall arrangements or bring your container in Christy’s 3005 N 14th. adv.

Suspicious Activity — A woman from the 300 block of South Franklin Street requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 3:50 p.m. Thursday concerning her cat being killed and her dogs being teased. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A request for an extra patrol was made.

Furr’s Dining Now open continuously 11-8 Sunday-Thursday, 11-8:30 Friday and Saturday. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Walnut Avenue at 3:52 p.m. Thursday that a 15-year-old man was being held on two counts of uttering a forged instrument.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Saturday special 4-8 p.m. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Forgery — A man from the 800 block of North Lake Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 4:21 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken that a forgery had occurred.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street at 4:46 p.m. Thursday that a 43-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant.

Shoplifter — An employee at Maurices, 2101 North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:54 p.m. Thursday that a shoplifter had left the store without paying for a pair of jeans. An officer was assigned, a report was taken, and the jeans were recovered.

Weather Lab! Current conditions, forecasts. Fun weather folklore and more! 762-9999. adv.

Subjects Held — An employee of Wal-Mart requested assistance at 4 p.m. Thursday with two subjects in the store. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded and took into custody, a 19-year-old woman for trespassing, and a 17-year-old girl for trespassing.

New Door County Candles! Peppermint Stick, Cookie Dough, Butter Pecan. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, downtown Ponca City. adv.

Treated for Injury — A man in the 100 block of Riverview Road requested an ambulance at 4:01 p.m. Thursday reporting to the Communications Center that another man had been injured while working on a wheat truck and it had rolled into him. An ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and the victim was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue at 5:56 p.m. Thursday that a 28-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant.

Assault — A man from the 800 block of East South Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:49 p.m. Thursday that an assault and battery had occurred while at the Ponca City Country Club earlier in the day. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of West Grand Avenue at 11:33 p.m. Thursday that a 51-year-old man was being held for trafficking in cocaine.

Check for Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 11:43 p.m. Thursday from the 1400 block of West Grand Avenue that fire alarms were going off. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded along with all stations of the Ponca City Fire Department. There was no problem found.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Comanche Avenue and North Union Street at 2:27 a.m. Friday that an 18-year-old man was being held for DUI and driving left of center.

Subject Held — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:42 a.m. Friday requesting assistance with subjects in the parking lot of 700 South Waverly Street. An officer was assigned and a 20-year-old man was held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Suspicious Activity — A woman from the 1200 block of South Sixth Street called the Communications Center to request an extra patrol at 2:54 a.m. Friday concerning a vehicle driving through several yards. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was notified.

Check the Attic — It was called to the attention of the News that residents who have recently had roofing projects at their house, should check the attic to determine if residue knocked free might cause a fire when furnaces are turned on. Just a tip!.

LIFESTYLES

Professionals Today Boosts Benefit Amount
Little News
Verga Bennett To Celebrate 94th Birthday
Biby Family Holds Reunion

Professionals Today Boosts Benefit Amount

Professionals Today at the Thursday meeting approved giving $11,500 from the proceeds of the annual Cherokee Strip cook-off to Hospice of Ponca City. This is the largest amount raised by the Professionals Today cook-off for Hospice.

Loretta Leathers, cook-off chairman, said the committee chairman for the event had recommended that amount be given. The cook-off sub-chairmen met Wednesday at a luncheon hosted by Karen Furman, 2000 cook-off chairman.

Major sponsors of the cook-off will be hosted to a luncheon by the club on Oct. 21 at Golden Corral. At that time, the funds from the cook-off will be presented to Hospice. This is the 13th year the proceeds have been awarded to Hospice.

During the time the club was meeting and carrying brown bag lunches to Wentz Camp while planning the cook-off, Golden Corral sent complimentary desserts it was announced.

President Ruth Capshaw conucted the business meeting and also read the minutes from the two previous meetings in the absence of secretary Carole Ann Blackwill. The treasurer’s report was given by Liz Cochrane.

Roses and Raspberries were given by Donna Morgan and Tamara Sharp.

Little News

Corey Alan Gentry was born at 11 a.m. Oct. 1, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, to Chris and Sylvia Gentry of Ponca City. He weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces, and measured 21 1/2 inches long. Corey has three brothers, Candrick, Christian and Caleb.

Maternal grandparents are Fidel and Yolanda Reyes of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are David Gentry of Paris, Texas, and the late Alice Roebuck Gentry.

Verga Bennett To Celebrate 94th Birthday

Verga Bennett, a long time resident of Ponca City, will celebrate her 94th birthday among family and friends at a picnic in Pioneer Park on Saturday, Oct. 9.

She was born Oct. 14, 1905, in Portland, Ore., the first child of George and Irene (Pearcey) Carter. Her parents brought her to Enid in 1909 where she grew up and attended school, graduating from Enid High School in 1923. She has resided in Ponca City more than sixty years.

Helping her to celebrate will be her children and their spouses Vernon Finney of PaIm Springs, Calif.; Ted and Chris Finney of Lake Eufala; Dorothy Baker of Ponca City; Curtis and Mary Jo Finney of Corning, Calif.; Robert and Helen Knight of Guilderland, N.Y.; and Gerald and Virginia Loney of Kaw City. Mrs. Bennett has 19 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Many of them will be here to help her celebrate.

Other relatives expected to attend the picnic are Mrs. Bennett’s sister, Cleone Crane of Lawton; a brother and his wife of Enid, Mr. and Mrs. R. Elvin Carter; a sister-in-law from Derby, Kan., Lucille Carter; and several members of each of their families.

Biby Family Holds Reunion

The 67th Biby family reunion was held Oct. 3 at the Wakita Bicentennial building with 37 people present. The oldest person present was Ted Biby of Winfield, Kan., and the youngest was Marissa Goodman of Marland. Traveling the longest distance was Joe Wilson of Chula Vista, Calif.

Those attending were Lyndel and Marjorie Biby of Enid; Clarence and Pat Biby of Pueblo, Colo.; Carl and Norma Adams of Arkansas City, Kan.; Phil and Mary Biby and Cleone Ransom of Wakita; Ted and Lois Biby of Winfield, Kan.

Also attending were Parke Biby, Lyndall Kanelakos, Lavonna McAlister, LaDonna Leon, Dino, Jerrod, LaTasha Leon, all of Ponca City; Dean and Fae Biby of Nash; Harold and Connie Goodman, Amanda, Manning, Marissa Goodman, Cynthia, Martin, Vanessa, Virginia, Alex, Daniel, Heron Rameriz Goodman, all of Marland. Guests were Kenneth and Patty Richardson of Kaw City.

EDUCATION

McCord Elementary Hires Staff for New School Year
Resource Center To Host Family Meeting
Northern Oklahoma Career Alliance Committed to Helping Local STW
Effective Charter Schools Can Only Flourish Under Strong Legislation
Ponca City News Education Guide

McCord Elementary Hires Staff for New School Year

New faces at McCord Elementary for the 1999-2000 school year include Chris Hensley, fifth grade teacher; and Terri Stephenson, prekindergarten teacher. Kimberly Hollis was also hired as the new school nurse.

Chris Hensley will teach one of the fifth grade classes. She graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in May, 1999, and is a graduate of Fairfax High School and Northern Oklahoma College. Prior to returning to OSU, she worked for Pioneer Technology Center as an administrative assistant.

She is married to Felix Hensley and has one son, Ryan, who is a sophomore at Po-Hi.

Terri Stephenson will be the new prekindergarten teacher. She graduated from Po-Hi in 1987 and received an associate’s degree in elementary education from Northern Oklahoma College in 1992 and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from OSU in May. She has worked as a child caregiver for several years. She is a member of the National Education Association and the Oklahoma Education Association. She is married to Tom Stephenson.

The new McCord school nurse is Kimberly Hollis, R.N. She was previously employed by Ponca City Schools, St. Joseph Medical Center and Central Arkansas General Hospital in Searcy, Arkansas. She is married to Kirk Hollis and has a new daughter, Kaylie.

Resource Center To Host Family Meeting

The Family Resource Center, 700 West Broadway, will present a four-part series on teens and their parents called “Surviving Your Child’s Adolescence.” Parents are urged to attend the free classes.

The first series entitled, “What’s Happening to My Child?” will be held Oct. 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with other dates scheduled on Nov. 4, 11 and 18. Child care will be provided.

The series will be provided by Kenny James, a licensed professional counselor with a master’s degree in psychological services.

For more information call the Family Resource Center at 767-9509.

Northern Oklahoma Career Alliance Committed to Helping Local STW

At the first steering committee meeting for the school year, the Northern Oklahoma Career Alliance, Inc. (NOCA) began with introductions of new members that have committed to helping in the local School-to-Work initiative.

New members joining the alliance were Rick McCumber, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center; Steve Linville, Home National Bank; Becky Conner, Pioneer Technology Center; and Gary Parli, Allstate Insurance.

NOCA, formerly known as Project Partners, is beginning this school year by trying to establish more opportunities for students in age appropriate activities, work-site learning, job shadowing, and internships with area businesses.

According to Linda Thompson, STW coordinator, "This year we are hoping to get additional guest speakers that are in nontraditional careers. This would give elementary students an opportunity to learn about a wider variety of careers that are available. Individuals from different occupations could help by explaining their specific duties, the paths they took to land their positions, and any advantages or disadvantages to working in their occupations."

NOCA currently has a career cluster database that is available online and in print. Area teachers that are in the partnership received a copy of the new Business and Industry Resource Guide that included the database of area businesses that have committed to helping students learn about the different careers and occupations in the area.

During the meeting, the eight different sub-committees that included professional development, articulation, safe and healthy environment/sexual harassment, legal and labor, evaluation, work-site learning/mentoring, revenue and resources, and marketing divided into groups to revise their goals and functions for the school year. The eight sub-committees have approximately five members each that are responsible for carrying out their functions for the year.

Before resigning as Chairperson of NOCA, Danny Thompson, gave a recap of some of the highlights that NOCA was recognized for beginning with the following businesses that were honored by the State School-to-Work Careers Sections of the Oklahoma Vocational Association at the recent conference in Tulsa.

They included Express Personnel, Conoco, Inc. and Kay Electric, who all received awards for their participation for the year. During this conference, NOCA was also recognized as the State Award Winner for a medium-sized partnership.

Although Thompson is resigning as Chairperson, he still plans on serving as a committee member for NOCA. The newly elected Chairperson, Chuck Rager, will begin his duties immediately along with Gary Stephens who was elected as the Co-Chairperson of the steering committee.

The group announced plans for their next meeting that will be held November 18.

Effective Charter Schools Can Only Flourish Under Strong Legislation

SAN FRANCISCO — The establishment of charter schools — deregulated public schools run by community groups, including parents and teachers — is a powerful new movement that is expanding the options of parents and students, freeing educators from regulatory burdens, and point to the way to wider choice in education, according to “Expanding the Charter Idea: A Template for Legislative and Policy Reform,” a new study by the Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy.

“Charter schools are given latitude in designing curricula, hiring staff and contracting for services in return for meeting the educational goals of their charter,” explains authors Pamela Riley and K. Lloyd Billingsley. “From zero charter schools in 1991, there are now more than 1,100 charter schools in 36 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. That in itself is proof that the American public wants serious reform.”

The authors caution that charter schools will only be successful in states that produce strong charter-school legislation. Strong legislation, as outlined in the study, enables:

— Multiple sponsors of charter schools, other than local school boards;

— Few or no restrictions on the number of charter schools and long charter terms;

— An appeal process for denied charters;

— A process for private schools to convert to charter status;

— Automatic exemption from education codes and restrictive legislation; full funding, equal with other public schools, along with start-up funds; and

— Legal and financial autonomy.

“Without such enabling legislation, states end up doing nothing more than preserving the status quo,” say Riley and Billingsley. “About 50 percent of current charter school legislation is too weak, including legislation in states such as Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi. On the other hand, strong legislation does exist. For example, Arizona, Michigan, California, and New York have enacted effective charter laws.”

The study also examines the success rate of charter schools. An examination of the surveys about charter schools shows that there are high levels of parental satisfaction and minority participation.

“The charter school movement,” say Riley and Billingsley, “is the first step toward true education reform. The success of these schools confirms that full parental choice in education should be the long-term goal of all policymakers who claim to have the best interests of children and the future of the nation at heart.”

But the authors warn that charter schools are being threatened by “regulatory creep.” If legislators begin to add additional restrictions on charter schools,” the authors caution, “charter schools could wind up being merely standard public schools with a new name, delivering the same second-rate results.”

Ponca City News Education Guide

School news is very important to the citizens of Ponca City. For many it is the only way to find out what’s happening in the local schools. The information you give out should be accurate, complete and timely.

The Ponca City News would like to do everything possible to help the educators (teachers, principals, etc.) that submit articles to The News. Following are several suggestions which may help you in getting the best possible publicity for your school.

Deadlines

Be prompt in meeting deadlines. Deadline for stories and pictures for Friday’s Education section is noon on Wednesday.

Deadline for daily editions is noon the day prior to publication. These deadlines are not set arbitrarily. Stories and headlines must be written and edited on computer and sent to typesetter. Layout sheets for the composing room must be completed. Pages are then set up by hand in the composing room, photographed and printed. These things take time. Deadlines for the Education section are earlier than certain other portions of the newspaper since this section is completed first.

Although reporting on past events at your school is important, keep in mind that upcoming events are considered more newsworthy and thus receive priority. Just as in other sections of the newspaper, Education section readers are interested in NEWS. An event which is 10 days old is not as newsworthy as one which is one day old.

Please try to submit your stories within two days after the event. Please do not ‘save’ stories or pictures and submit two or three at a time. The older the story or picture the more likely it will have to give way to more recent news if an editor is forced to delete copy due to lack of space.

Please keep in mind that the Education section is only one page. It is next to impossible to submit two pictures and a story and expect them to run together on the same page.

Legibility

Be legible. If possible, type or print your news releases. Misspelled names are usually the result of an editor being unable to read handwritten submissions. Because of the hundreds of names which appear in the newspaper, an editor seldom has the time to double check all spellings.

Names

Children like to have their names spelled correctly (as do the parents). We do try our best to be accurate but we need your help.

If there are unusual names, put a small check over each one to let the editor know you have checked them for accuracy. It is important to remember that no name is so simple that it can’t be spelled more than one way.

Pictures

Keep picture possibilities in mind at your school. The News is happy to run pictures you have taken providing the quality of the photo is good. The News will not accept pictures of check passing, honor roll members, scholarship winners or college graduates. The only pictures of college graduates that will run are students that receive at least a master’s degree. Please understand that hundreds of Ponca City students graduate from colleges every year and The News does not have enough room to run everything.

Kristi Hayes, Education Editor, is usually available during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you would like her to take a picture you need to call at least two days in advance. Her schedule is very busy during the school year and it is impossible to call her and expect her to take a picture in ten minutes. Since numerous activities occur at night, it is also impossible for The News to provide a photographer at these events.

Color or black and white photographs are acceptable if they are clear and not too dark. Polaroids can seldom be used since these do not reproduce well. Check with the editor.

Description

All stories submitted will be edited and rewritten in newspaper style after submission to the editor. However, you will find that fewer changes are made if newspaper style is followed.

Check stories in the newspaper for comparison. Tip: the most newsworthy or interesting part of the story comes first. Keep the five Ws in mind: Who, What, When, Where and Why (and, sometimes, how). Newspaper stories use the “inverted pyramid” style of writing. In other words, the most important or interesting facts are used in the “lead” or beginning paragraphs. Space is limited in the Education section. Longer stories will probably be cut so make sure the important information is at the beginning.

Other Information

Please be sure to include a name and phone number (where you can be reached during business hours) at the top of each story.

If you have any questions or if we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to call us at 765-3311.

RELIGION

Presbyterians Announcing Fall Programming
Forgiven Gospel Singing Group Has New Look
Longwood Baptists Schedule Block Party for Community
Pioneer Christian Youth Learning To Serve the Lord in PC
1st Lutherans Tell Theme For A.M. Services
Dr. Charles Dyer to Speak Via Video at Pioneer Christian
Autumn Festival Plans Underway at Albright UMC
Gospel Music Talent Search Scheduled
‘Come Let Us Reason Together’
Clothing Giveaway Cancelled for Monday
Pastor’s Notes
First Christian Will Host Concert Here October 17

Presbyterians Announcing Fall Programming

The Presbyterian Church School is announcing fall programming, now getting underway at the corner of Fourteenth and Grand Avenue.

Church School is being conducted from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. each Sunday morning and offers exciting programs for children and adults. The Fall and Spring curriculum is Bible based and offers a variety of opportunities to study the “Word of God”, according to Larry Williams, Director of Christian Education for First Presbyterian.

First Presbyterian Children’s Church School will be using “The Whole People of God” curriculum for ages kindergarten through high school. This Church School program emphasizes the valuing and nurturing of children and incorporates eight key issues — supporting the family, creating a faith community for children, helping children grow amid diversity, reinforcing a childhood sense of justice, blending Bible and life issues, being advocates “for” as well as ministers “with” children, being the leaders children need and creating truly intergenerational worship.

“The Whole People of God” uses Lectionary based studies that combine intergenerational worship and music, Bible study, interactive games and crafts to teach a foundational understanding of the Bible to the youth of the church.

The First Presbyterian Adult Church School offers a variety of classes which provide several choices in curriculum used and topics discussed. The Builders, TNT & Men’s classes will be using the scripturally based Bible “Discovery Series.”

The overall theme is “From Slavery to Promised Land’ reflecting on the Exodus story. The Disciples class is presently studying “Reopening the Back Door” by Kenneth C. Hauck, founder of Stephen Ministries. The next study will be done on “Spiritual Gifts Inventory”, also authored by Dr. Hauck.

The Pairs N’ Spares class is utilizing a tape program series with Dr. Will Campbell, focusing on faith statements from great Christians throughout the world. The Young Adult/Parenting Class is using the study, “Growing Kids God’s Way.” This focuses on topics like solving sibling conflict, building children’s moral character, true biblical discipline, building trust in family relationships, making the teen years great, and how to say “I love you” and many others.

In the area of children’s church ministry, in addition to the church school area the children have mission projects including the Heifer Project, to assist in the purchase of animals and supplies in Third World areas, and nursing home visits to share treats and talents. Several special events are planned for this fall for the children.

The youth ministry of the church provides faith development and nurturing for Middle School, Mid-High and High School students through the church school curriculum described, plus youth fellowship events that include Sunday evening gatherings with meals, programs, games, activities, fun outings, mission projects in Ponca City, Oklahoma, nationally, outside the borders of the U.S., and retreat/enrichment opportunities.

Activities planned for this fall include football trips, foreign exchange student night, a dreams discussion led by Dr. Bill Hamilton, horseback riding and hayrack rides with campfires, going to Stillwater for Eskimo Joe’s and roller skating, a special Thanksgiving visitation evening, and a Christmas party. Mission and service projects for this fall will include an on-going recycling project at Westminister Village, Trick or Treating for canned goods for a Ponca City service agency, a Rake N’Run for the senior citizens of the church, baking night for shut-ins, and caroling to shut-ins and those in assisted care facilities. Several youth mission trips are planned.

The adult/family ministry provides the church school opportunities previously outlined and also includes the Stephen Ministry Program for training in a caring, supporting and listening Christian ministry to members of the church. The Second Milers program is a caring program that helps those who need assistance with everyday chores and activities who cannot get out into the community because of illness or age. The Mariners are a young/middle age group who gather for fellowship, fun activities, and caring for the church family.

Enrichment Events Ministry, which also includes the work and help of the Nurture Team of the church, includes a mid-week ministry that provides a meal, fellowship, worship, and learning opportunities usually led by the pastors, invited speakers, or community leaders. Opportunities for music ministry including choir and bell choir are provided in advance or after the mid-week program. Studies after mid-week this fall center on two topics: How to study the Bible led by the Rev. David Clipson and The Presbyterian Catechism led by Larry Williams.

The church programs are guided by the session of the church with leadership from the Rev. David Clipson, associate pastor and Larry Williams, Director of Christian Education. They and all the Presbyterian family invite the public to worship and participate in the fun and enjoyment they are having through the life of the church at Fourteenth and Grand.

Forgiven Gospel Singing Group Has New Look

The gospel group Forgiven has been spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through songs and testimonies since July 1981, and now have a new look.

They have performed throughout Oklahoma, as well as Kansas and Missouri, with an emphasis on the smooth harmonies that exemplify Southern Gospel music. The group has appeared in concert with many of the top names in the business, including The Cathedrals, JD Sumner and the Stamps, The Florida Boys, The Nelons, The Lesters, The Brashears, The Telestials, Albert E. Brumley, Jr. and Sherman Andrus.

Mark Brooke is the manager of the group and is the only remaining original member. Mark has been recognized as one of the top tenor singers in this part of the country and serves as the Master of Ceremonies for the group. Currently singing lead, his strong and clear vocal delivery provides a solid basis for the group’s sound. Mark’s sincere love for the Lord and his strong belief in God’s saving grace is evidenced by the feeling that he puts into each and every song that the group performs

Lynda Johnson takes the high harmony and high lead parts on most of the group’s songs. Lynda is a veteran of almost 50 years of singing for Jesus Christ and is well known for being a member of the “Brush Arbor Gospel Band” for several years. She joined Forgiven in September, 1998. Lynda is capable of singing soprano, alto, lead and baritone and her smooth and heartfelt delivery is a blessing to the group. It’s obvious that Lynda has a strong heart for serving the Lord!

Kris Johnson is Forgiven’s baritone singer and is Lynda’s oldest son. He joined the group, with Lynda, in September of 1998 and it is obvious to all that hear him that he has inherited many of the traits that make Lynda such a great singer. Kris has wonderful grasp of harmony and can take the lead, with ease, whenever called upon. His spirit and enthusiasm for God’s work is inspiring!

Stan Long is the group’s sound technician, traveling with them for the past several years. Stan is well known in northern Oklahoma for his expertise in mixing vocals and has a wealth of technical knowledge about the makeup of sound.

Together, the group has one primary goal ... that when you leave one of their concerts or services you will have a clearer picture of the Lord in your mind and a stronger love for the Lord in your heart!

Longwood Baptists Schedule Block Party for Community

It’s a Block Party and you’re invited! Scheduled for Wentz Camp on Oct. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m., there will be free food, great prizes and live entertainment, according to the Rev. Larry Stevenson, pastor of Longwood Baptist Church, sponsors of the event.

Preceding the Block Party, a Crossover is scheduled. What is a Crossover, you ask? Pastor Stevenson explains teams of two will canvass an assigned area of thirty or more homes with these purposes in mind: discover the spiritual condition in that hone, present the gospel if needed, leave a sack containing the gospel of John, a letter from the pastor, and a gospel tract or two, record spiritual status of occupants and invite them to the block party.

Then comes the Block Party where food will be served, groups will be singing, children will be playing, and folks from Longwood Baptist Church will greet guests as they arrive and make an opportunity to share the gospel. Prizes will be given away, and all this will take place at the Wentz Camp from 4 to 6 p.m., following the Crossover.

A special witness training session is scheduled at Longwood Baptist on Oct. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. to train folks for door to door witnessing.

Remember — everyone is invited to attend the Block Party at Wentz Camp near the pool on Saturday, Oct. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. — guests of Longwood Baptist Church.

Pioneer Christian Youth Learning To Serve the Lord in PC

Pioneer Christian Church Youth Director Andrea Sewell, and the youth sponsors at the church, are working with all of the youth in the area of service. Children of all ages are learning that by serving others they are serving the Lord, Sewell pointed out. They are making Christ the center of each of their lives.

An example of this service includes the preschool through sixth grade youth groups. They recently visited the Renaissance Center in Ponca City. On Sept. 15, fifteen children visited with the residents of the Center in order to get to know them better. These kids have been studying the “Fruits of the Spirit” found in Galatians 5.

Another example of this Christ-centered service was the recent car wash held by the Junior High/Senior High Youth Group. All of the money raised at this event went to the new building fund for the church. This youth group is also seeking odd jobs to do for folks as a service project. If any money is earned at the odd jobs it will be put directly into the new building fund, giving the youth a chance to participate in the project.

Other upcoming youth activities at Pioneer Christian include the “Salvation Celebration” on Saturday, Oct. 30. It is an alternative to a Halloween party. More information concerning “Salvation Celebration” will be provided at a later date. The youth will also soon start practicing for their Christmas program.

The Youth group at Pioneer Christian invites all area youth to join them anytime. All ages from preschool on up are welcome. Sunday night youth group meets from 5 to 7 p.m. while Wednesday night All Youth Fellowship meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come catch the fever.

If you have questions or would like a ride to youth group, please contact the church at 762-8858. Pioneer Christian is located at 1701 East Hubbard Road in Ponca City.

1st Lutherans Tell Theme For A.M. Services

“Producing Fruit in Keeping with Repentance” will be the underlying theme of the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services at First Lutheran Church on Oct. 10. This theme is taken from both the Old Testament reading from Isaiah and the Gospel reading from Matthew in which stories of vineyards are related. In these stories Christians are reminded that they are now heirs of the kingdom who are able to produce fruit.

Pastor Ramsey’s sermon, based on the Epistle reading from Ephesians, speaks also on our duty as heirs of the kingdom in “Talking the Talk.” The Christ’s Kids Choir will sing for the first time this season at the 8:30 a.m. service. Their anthem will be “I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord.” The Senior Choir will sing at the 11 a.m. service. They will sing “Lord of All Nations.”

A unique Gospel banner will be introduced at these services. The banner, composed of a symbolic triangle, wind chimes, and bells with streamers, will be brought into the congregation as the Gospel is read by the pastor. It will symbolize the beautiful sound of the Gospel message. The exquisite wooden form was produced by Dale Klinger.

The 6:30 p.m. service theme will be “Responding to the Love of Jesus.” In each of the informal services for several weeks the discussion will center around the duties, responsibilities, and privileges of Christians as they respond to the love that Christ has shown to them. All are welcome to any of these services.

Church Briefs

Dr. Charles Dyer to Speak Via Video at Pioneer Christian

Dr. Charles Dyer will be speaking by video at Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard, this Sunday evening, Oct. 10. The video, “Babylon: Iraq and the Coming Middle East Crisis” will be shown during the evening Bible study from 6 to 7 p.m., and is part of a series entitled “The Road to Armageddon and Beyond.”

Anyone looking for a church whose focus is serving the Lord through diligent search and application of the Bible in everyday life will find it at Pioneer Christian, according to Pastor Bob Weaver.

Sunday services are held each week, beginning at 9:45 a.m. with Bible School, morning worship at 10:45 a.m., Bible studies from 6 to 7 p.m. on Sunday evenings and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. If you need a ride to church or need more information, please contact the church at 762-8858.

Autumn Festival Plans Underway at Albright UMC

Plans are underway at Albright United Methodist Church for the Autumn Festival Costume Party. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 30, at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Sunday School classes will be asked to provide booths for all ages — face painting, ring toss, fishing ponds, etc. There will be a pumpkin decorating contest, a costume contest for different age levels (including adult), and great refreshments.

Mark your calendars!

Gospel Music Talent Search Scheduled

Southern Communications of Nashville, Tenn. is conducting a song and artist search. The Southern Gospel Talent Search will offer grand-prize winners a national release to Southern Gospel Radio. Entry forms are now available. All entries must be received no later than Wednesday, Nov. 10, 1999.

For over 15 years Southern Communications has charted radio hits for such artists as Ricky Skaggs, The Cathedrals, The Gaither Vocal Band, The Martins, and Bruce Carroll, among others.

To receive entry information, call 615-345-2500 or visit Southern Communications on the webb @ www.socompro.mid-tn.com.

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites the public to share God’s word with them every week. Sunday Bible classes 9:30 a.m., worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening 6 p.m. and Wednesday 7 p.m. There are classes for all age levels — nursery through adult. Watch the Search program Sunday 8 a.m. on TV Channel 5 or 8.

We continue to look not at the things which are visible, but at the things that are invisible, for the visible things are temporary, but the invisible things are eternal.” II Corinthians 4:18. A sentence from a new car manual stated: “the automobile has now developed to the point where it is not anticipated there will be further developments or changes.” Can you believe the statement comes from a new car manual dated 1913!

Cars and clothes, businesses and buildings, these will come and go and change over the years. But more important matters, such as personal character, integrity, and Bible-based values — these must be kept intact at all costs, no matter how the world may change around us.

Clothing Giveaway Cancelled for Monday

The clothing giveaway usually held at First Assembly of God Church has been cancelled for Monday, Oct. 11 due to the holiday. Further announcement will be made later.

Pastor’s Notes

I’ve been reading “Tuesdays With Morrie” by Mitch Albom. After twenty years, Mitch renews his friendship and “studies” with his old college professor Morrie Schwartz. They meet every Tuesday for a one-on-one class at Morrie’s home. Morrie had been diagnosed with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Upon learning that he had ALS, Morrie made a profound and life-giving decision. As he left the doctor’s office that day he asked himself. “Do I wither up and disappear, or do I make the best of my time left?” Morrie made the decision to make the best of the time he had left.

Do I wither up and disappear, or do I make the best of my time left? It seems to me that this is a question worth asking for all of us — children, youth and adults. It also seems to me that this is really a “faith” or “soul” issue. We aren’t only saved so that we won’t go to hell or so that we will go to heaven. We are saved for something! That something, in Morrie’ swords, is to make the best of my time left. That something is for us not only to know and believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, but to offer that life to others. We talk of Jesus providing abundant life, but we live as if we are going to wither up and disappear.

There are more and more people who are hungering for that abundant life. They will do almost anything to try and have it. They are so lost and alone inside, that they will seek to be remembered even if it is for something evil. At least they will be remembered. Jesus offers us something much better. Because of the love of God through Jesus in our lives we can be remembered by what we offer to those who are seeking that abundant life. By our lives, we have the power and the authority to change people’s lives.

I would invite you to ask yourself Morrie’s question. Then I would invite you to do things that are necessary to make the best of your time left. Then I would invite you to invite those who are seeking abundant life to be a part of the faith community. Make a decision to have your life remembered for the life-giving qualities that you share with others.

Dr. Sheila Combs-Francis, Pastor

Albright United Methodist Church

First Christian Will Host Concert Here October 17

First Christian Church will host a Christian concert featuring the music of Overton Broadway on Sunday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m. The concert is open to the community.

Kendall Overton and Steve Broadway began collaboration in 1994 and together they are Overton Broadway. Overton has toured with his family, singing, performing and playing keyboards across the country. He has opened for Bob Hope on college campuses. Broadway played in many venues with his former band, and joined with Carmen’s tour while playing guitar. He also shared his talents and studio with the News Boys on the album, “Take Me To Your Leader.”

Overton Broadway has recently completed a CD with Nashville producer Cliff Downs. Some of Downs’ credits include production with Faith Hill, Olivia Newton-John, Bryan White, Chris Willis, Pam Thum, Sierra, and Garth Brooks.

Kendall Overton said, “Now that the CD, titled “EYEWALL” is finished, all the excitement really begins. But, Overton Broadway will stay focused on God’s light and continue feeling blessed and thankful, while spreading the message of Jesus Christ.”

SPORTS

Wildcats Facing Another Rainy Night
OU-Texas Series Has Memorable Games
Cowboys Seek To Stop Slide

Wildcats Facing Another Rainy Night

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

If this is a Wildcats football home game, it must be raining.

For the third time in four home games, the Wildcats will play on a wet field and under the threat of rain as they host Owasso for Homecoming (another sure indicator of rain) tonight at Sullins Stadium, starting at 7:30.

But the Cats have more than the rain to worry about with unbeaten Owasso bringing the state’s No. 5 ranking in Class 6A into the game.

They must find a way to stop — or at least slow — the Rams who are averaging almost 40 points and 400 yards a game.

Owasso boast one of the state’s leading quarterbacks and a dangerous running game.

The Wildcats have been tough against the run but have had problems with passing teams the past few weeks.

The Cats did have some success in stopping the running game and then pressuring the quarterback in the season opener against Tulsa Hale. They hope to repeat that success against Owasso, but it won’t be easy.

“Their offensive line takes very small splits,” Po-Hi head coach Rusty Benson said. “There not much of a gap there and that makes it hard to get any pressure on from inside. We’ll try to get to him from outside and maybe bring some people.

“We may also try some nickel defense. We had some success with that against Tahlequah.

“Also, we’ll rotate six or seven of our linemen. You can get awfully tired rushing the passer.”

But Benson is not as concerned about the Rams’ offense as he is about Owasso’s defense.

“It’s their defense that has made it easy for the offense to score a lot of points,” the coach said. “In the three games films we saw, Owasso had eight drives of 30 yards or less to score. Their defense either forced teams to go three and out or caused turnovers.”

Owasso is not very big defensively, but “they’re fast and aggressive,” Benson notes.

The Wildcats had one of their better rushing games of the season last week against Edmond Memorial, but the Poncans have lacked consistency.

“In several games, we have taken the ball on the first or second possession and driven it in for a score,” Benson points out.

“But then they (the other team) makes adjustments, we make adjustments and the offense just doesn’t get going again.”

While the running game has been improving, the Wildcat passing game has been mostly missing.

“We have gone in to every game expecting to throw the ball 20 times a game,” Benson said. “They we wind up throwing only 10 or 11 times.

“Since I’m the one who calls the plays, that’s my fault.”

The Wildcats have tried various changes to try to get the passing game going and the Po-Hi coaches have some more plays designed to attack the Rams’ small, but aggressive secondary.

The Wildcats have also given extra practice time to special teams this week.

After having a kickoff run back for a touchdown for the first time in recent memory and having a punt blocked for the second time this season, the coaches have made some changes.

“We have changed blocking schemes and we’ve changed personnel,” Benson said. “If that doesn’t work we’ll have to find some more changes to make.”

OU-Texas Series Has Memorable Games

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

Saturday’s game between Texas and Oklahoma will mark the 94th meeting in a storied series that spans a century.

It started in 1900 in Austin, Texas, with Texas winning 28-2. The teams also played in Dallas, Norman and Oklahoma City before settling on Dallas for good in 1929, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the State Fair of Texas. Since 1937, the game has been played in the Cotton Bowl.

The game is one that stirs strong emotion for the players, coaches and particularly the fans. As the final game of the millennium approaches, here is a look at some of the more memorable games in the series:

— 1947. Oklahoma old-timers feel they got robbed by referee Jack Sisco. No. 3 Texas was far better than Bud Wilkinson’s first Oklahoma team, but the score was 7-7 late in the half. Time appeared to expire with Texas at the 1-yard line, but Sisco allowed another play, saying a Texas player had called timeout. The Longhorns fumbled on the play, but Bobby Layne picked up the ball and lateraled to Randy Clay, who scored. With Texas leading 21-14 in the fourth, Clay appeared to be stopped at the Sooner 3-yard line, but he came out of the pile and scored. Oklahoma fans showered the field with bottles. An angry group surrounded Sisco afterward, but he and the rest of the officiating crew were escorted away in a police car.

— 1950. Oklahoma was 2-0 and ranked third. Texas was 2-0 and ranked fourth. The Longhorns led 13-7 late in the fourth quarter but their punter, Billy Porter, got tackled deep in Texas territory. Billy Vessels scored on the next play and Jim Weatherall kicked the extra point to give Oklahoma a 14-13 victory. It was the only loss of the year for Texas. The Sooners finished 10-1 and won the first of Bud Wilkinson’s three national championships.

— 1963. Oklahoma was ranked No. 1, Texas No. 2. The Texas defense, led by Tommy Nobis and Scott Appleton, dominated Joe Don Looney and the Sooners, who were coming off a big victory over Southern Cal. Texas won 28-7 in a game that served as a springboard to the national championship.

— 1968. The game that helped put the wishbone on the map. Texas and its new offense was just 1-1-1 coming in. Oklahoma was 1-1. Neither team was ranked, but Texas scored late to win the game 26-20. The Longhorns wound up 9-1-1 and won a national championship the following year.

— 1971. Oklahoma had unveiled its wishbone against Texas a year earlier and lost 41-9 to the second-ranked Longhorns. The Sooners gained revenge in 1971, winning 48-27. Greg Pruitt ran for 216 yards and Oklahoma finished with 435, the most by any Texas opponent during the Darrell Royal era. ‘‘I’ve never seen such speed,’’ Royal said afterward. ‘‘Their backs look like they are running downhill.’’

— 1976. During the week, Royal accused Barry Switzer of spying. President Gerald Ford attended the game and escorted the coaches to midfield beforehand. ‘‘Ford’s having a conversation with Darrell and a conversation with Barry, but it ain’t a three-way conversation,’’ recalled Bill Little, longtime sports information director at Texas. The game ended in a 6-6 tie when Oklahoma botched an extra point.

— 1977. Earl Campbell had his way against the second-ranked Sooners on his way to the Heisman Trophy, but a defensive stop proved to be the difference. Campbell had 124 yards and a touchdown for No. 5 Texas. The Longhorns preserved the 13-6 victory by stopping quarterback Thomas Lott on fourth down near the goal line.

— 1984. The most famous of the five ties in the series. Texas was ranked No. 1, Oklahoma No. 5. ‘‘The Boz’’ was born that week, when Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth talked openly of his hate for the Longhorns and their ‘‘puke orange’’ colors. On the final Texas drive, safety Keith Stanberry appeared to intercept a pass intended for Bill Boy Bryant in the end zone, but he was ruled out of bounds. It was one of what Oklahoma fans considered three questionable calls in that drive. As time ran out, Jeff Ward kicked a 32-yard field goal in the pouring rain to give Texas a 15-15 tie.

— 1996. The highlight of John Blake’s brief stint as Oklahoma’s coach. The Sooners, three-touchdown underdogs, overcame a 24-13 deficit in the final seven minutes of regulation to force overtime. James Allen’s touchdown run in OT gave the Sooners a 30-27 victory, just their second over Texas in the 1990s.

— 1997. A remarkable afternoon by two tailbacks, Ricky Williams of Texas and De’Mond Parker of Oklahoma. Williams ran for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Parker had 291 yards and all three Sooner TDs as Texas won, 27-24. It was just the third time in NCAA history that two running backs from opposing teams had rushed for more than 200 yards.

— 1929. The start of the series as it is now played. Oklahoma was in the Missouri Valley Conference from 1920-27, and the league prohibited its teams from playing neutral-site games. By 1929, Oklahoma was in the Big Six Conference, which allowed the Sooners to make the trip to Dallas after Texas athletic director L. Theo Bellmont extended an invitation. The teams have played every year since.

Cowboys Seek To Stop Slide

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

STILLWATER (AP) — Last year’s Texas Tech game continued a downward spiral for Oklahoma State. Leading 10-0 early, the Cowboys lost 24-17 in the second game of a stretch that saw them lose five out of six.

Oklahoma State would like to use Saturday night’s game against the Red Raiders as a springboard, not a high dive.

The Cowboys (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) have lost two straight and looked bad doing it. They committed eight turnovers in a loss to Mississippi State, then got steamrolled in the first half of a 38-14 loss to Nebraska.

A season that began with high hopes appears to be teetering. The offensive line hasn’t jelled as well as coach Bob Simmons would have hoped. His two young quarterbacks, B.J. Tiger and Ben Bowling, have struggled since being pressed into action after an injury to Tony Lindsay. And the defense and special teams were suspect against Nebraska.

Because of concerns about Tiger and Bowling, Simmons used a conservative game plan against Nebraska, particularly in the first half when they repeatedly ran the ball between the tackles.

While Cowboy fans and even the players might prefer more variety, Simmons would prefer that his team properly execute the plays that are called.

‘‘What this team has got to realize is that we have to do the correct things to win. Those are things that you talk about a coach,’’ he said.

‘‘Does it play into their psyche? I think that it plays into any team’s psyche. We just flat out have to execute better and get things done the way we want to as a football team. That will help the emotional side of the football team.’’

It has been an emotional ride for Texas Tech so far. The Red Raiders (2-2, 1-0) lost their great tailback, Ricky Williams, to a knee injury in the first game of the year. Then they lost — at home — to North Texas.

But the Red Raiders regrouped and, after an open date that followed the North Texas game, they stunned then-No. 5 Texas A&M last weekend, 21-19.

Texas Tech didn’t score at all in the second half, but also didn’t allow Texas A&M to reach the end zone. Sammy Morris, a reserve running back who had seen little action since 1996, ran for 170 yards on 33 carries. And quarterback Rob Peters played what coach Spike Dykes said may have been his best game as a Red Raider.

Dykes said it was a game his team will cherish for a long while, but that the celebration didn’t last long.

‘‘I think if you’re not careful, if you do win a big game and don’t nip it in the bud, just let it go on and on and on, I don’t think you can get ready to play the next week,’’ he said.

‘‘I think that’s part of the game that you’ve really got to address, and it’ll be interesting to see how we address it.’’

Last year’s victory was Texas Tech’s fourth straight over Oklahoma State. The Red Raiders, who had given up just a single field goal to the Cowboys in their 1996 and ’97 games, clamped down again after falling behind early a year ago.

The defensive performance turned in against Texas A&M would be cause for concern for Oklahoma State even if Lindsay were at quarterback. With Tiger and Bowling coming along slowly, that concern is heightened.

The theme for Simmons is simple — find some way, any way, to get the job done this week.

‘‘I don’t want to say it’s a must-win situation,’’ he said, ‘‘but we definitely would like to come out of here with a win.’’