From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, November
14, 1997
LOCAL
Area Information Center Move Takes Another Step Forward
United Way Over the Top For 1997-98 Fund Drive
Suspect Caught After Morning Chase in Area
Letters
Chamber News
Cold Job Clearing Trash Racks at Kaw Lake
A Review Funny 'Plaza Suite' Opens at Poncan
Community Concert Sunday Afternoon Features Pianists
County Sentencing Panel Sets Meeting
Make Winter Preparations Before It Officially Arrives
District Court
Four Area Teens Hurt In Accident
Thanksgiving Meal Available At The Mission
Cholesterol Screenings Set Monday, Tuesday
Blackwell Youth Planning Benefit To Redo Center
DEATHS
William Carl Hightower
Verna Louise Dobbs
Marjorie Hale
Services Pending
Margaret Epp
Stanton O. Meek
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Dr. William Graham Will Give Program for AAUW
RELIGION
Noted Composer Coming to Church For Weekend Musical Workshop
Northeast Baptist Sets Ordination
Kaw City Sets Gospel Concert
First Lutherans Call New Pastor
POP Lutherans Announce Plans
Lamont Christian Plans Festival
UM Missionaries Visiting 1st UMC
Retired UM Ministers Back at Work
Church Briefs
EDUCATION
School News
Exchange Program Seeks New Hosts For Ponca City Area
Woodworking Trip
SPORTS
Sports Notes
NOC Basketball
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
BLACKWELL - "Travelers want one-stop shopping," Neal McCaleb, director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODIT) heard here Thursday.
The thrust of the meeting of the Far North Central Rural Development Coalition was an effort to move the tourist information center on Interstate 35 from three miles north of Blackwell to the interchange of State Highway 11.
The matter may have cleared another hurdle after citizens met with McCaleb. Previously a meeting was held to get the blessing of the Tourism Department, when it was learned the center is one of the state welcome centers slated to be rebuilt and enlarged.
McCaleb told the Far North Central Rural Development Coalition Thursday in Blackwell that ODOT owns the property at the southwest corner of the interchange and the center could be located there.
Joe Harris, Blackwell, took exception to the location saying the center would be more visible on the northwest corner. McCaleb disagreed saying the sites were the same level.
Harris noted the bridge across SH 11 would obstruct the visibility from the north for visitors coming in from Kansas. At several junctures of the meeting high profile signs to advise travelers of the new center were recommended.
On the subject of signs, McCaleb noted that a number of tourism highway signs have been put up for special attractions to promote tourism because Gov. Keating wants to encourage tourism.
McCaleb suggested if the northwest corner was a preferred site, the coalition could possibly acquire four or five acres at that location. He noted whichever site is used must have accessibility to sewer and water. McCaleb said the north side would make it a little harder for trucks to make the bend, but that ODOT would work with either location.
"Easy on and easy off access" to the center is important according to members of the coalition. Several noted that "times they are a changin'" and travelers want more than just a rest stop, now they want services.
Shea Erickson, Blackwell Chamber executive, said people want "one stop shopping," and besides an information center they also want access to food, gas and other services. She said in addition to easy on and easy off, it should be easy to get into town from the interchange.
Members of the coalition - which range from Alva to Perry, Pawhuska, Medford, Newkirk, Tonkawa, Ponca City, Kaw City, Billings, Tonkawa, and elsewhere - are pushing to move the center in anticipation of drawing tourists off I-35 to visit tourism sites in towns on SH 11.
Primary concern of ODOT is the safety factor, according to McCaleb. The end result of the meeting is that ODOT will come back with some designs for the interchange. McCaleb said the project was off of high center since the state has the land and expects to have the funding.
Apparently funding is expected to be available in a capital improvement bond of the state legislature for building a new center in this area.
McCaleb suggested that marketing research be done before three-quarters of a million dollars are put in the wrong location. Members of the coalition countered that it was hard to "measure missed opportunities."
A Tourism Department spokesman "guesstimated" that currently the site north of Blackwell, which serves those entering Oklahoma from Kansas, is the "third or fourth" highest visited center in the state.
He told about several visitors centers that have moved off of highways and have shown a decrease in visitation, because travelers do not want to get off the main road.
Sen. Paul Muegge, who has been involved for the past five years in attempting to get the center moved to the SH 11 location, said the move would not only help the economy of the area, but the economy of the state as well. He said the coalition group needed to come to a resolution of which corner the center is to be located.
Muegge noted that the state needs to expend some funds in this part of the state for road improvement not only for tourism but for the business that will be coming down I-35 due to NAFTA. A member had pointed out that most of the information centers were located in the southern and eastern regions of the state.
The senator said that he respected ODOT's engineers, but they did not think like travelers do and he expressed the opinion that the engineers "try to get inside the head of the traveler" and to think like they did making the interchange workable.
Rep. Jim Reese suggested that ODOT go back to the drawing board and come back with some creative ideas for the interchange. He observed that the bridge over I-35 and the ramps are overdue for upgrading and this should be done, as well as improving the welcome center.
With the help of hundreds of volunteers and thousands of contributors in Ponca City, the United Way has surpassed its 1997-98 campaign goal of $585,000 by raising $591,000.
The community has been invited to a victory celebration, from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, at ProTeen's Grand Central Station, Fifth at Central.
United Way board of directors approved allocation of those dollars to 17 United Way agencies at last week's board meeting.
"You can be assured, your dollars are spent efficiently and that the allocations committee left no stone unturned learning about where the dollars go and how the dollars are used to help those served by the agencies," said Bob Frankenfield, allocations committee chairman.
Brad Dickey, 1997-98 campaign chairman added, "As Tom Muchmore stated in his editorial several weeks ago in The Ponca City News, 'United Way isn't able to supply enough support to allow the agencies to operate at the level we would all like ...' However, with your help, the campaign was a success and the agencies will be able to continue to provide quality services to its citizens."
"Every dollar donated helped United Way reach its goal and everyone in the community is encouraged to attend the victory celebration on Tuesday," invited Helen Schwartz, United Way executive director.
Ponca City police were involved in an early morning high speed chase that ended with the pursued suspect being caught and detained several hours after the chase began.
According to police, the chase began at 1:37 a.m. this morning when a 28-year-old Ponca City man rear-ended an occupied car at Elm Street and South Avenue with his pickup truck.
"At the point he hit the occupied vehicle he committed an assault with a deadly weapon," explained Police Spokesperson Sherry Bowers. The suspect later "rammed" a police vehicle just west of the Old River Bridge.
An Osage County deputy joined five Ponca City police units as the pursuit continued east into Osage County. The chase ended when the suspect abandoned his truck and fled on foot in the area of Sandy Park Estate just east of town.
He was later spotted on foot and apprehended by police near the intersection of Kygar Road and Lake Road. The man is currently being detained and charges are pending in both Ponca City and Kay County.
Reform Needed
Long after the guilt/innocence of Louise Woodward is decided, whether she looks guilty, whether she emoted, whether the British were supporting her from patriotism, and whether we should check up on our babysitter has quieted, I hope we don't miss the real message of this trial - the need for sound judiciary reform.
The job of a district attorney is to bring appropriate charges. But in this trial the prosecutor was attempting to make the defendant plea bargain with an unreal charge of second degree murder. When the forensic evidence of the case began to cause doubt, the prosecutor asked the judge to reduce the charges to manslaughter in mid-trial. But the defense, thinking they had boxed the jury into an obvious acquittal, argued a lesser charge. The world watched as the USA asked a 19-year-old defendant what she wanted to be charged with. And again it watched as the prosecution, who once argued for manslaughter, argued opportunistically for murder.
The problem with the adversarial role of our district attorneys is that they are tempted to play to the voters with hang-em-high strategies, rather than being the entity hired by the citizens to uncover the truth. Defense lawyers, rather than mere legal advisors, go for broke as well.
A judge is hired by the citizens to make sure that rightful charges, order and decorum and speedy justice are dispensed. The word "judge" means to decide, and this judge should have changed the charge to manslaughter before or during the trial, not belatedly. Why is it so hard to find a judge in American who can decide anything? They play to their colleagues as they angle for appointments to a higher court or think about running for Congress. There are not Solomons, only compromisers.
The jury, if we are to believe their post-trial interviews, had a vendetta against the OJ lawyer, Scheck. Aren't juries supposed to leave those things aside when they examine a case? But it's no wonder the jury acted absurdly. Jury selection often shows a deep cynicism of juries by both prosecution and the defense lawyers. Both sides seek jurors who are "influenceable." Responsible and thinking individuals need not apply. Given a stack of health and sanity reports on prospective jurors, most ordinary people could have picked a reasonable Nichols trial jury in 15 minutes, not the three months it took. But if we are to get this reasonable jury, we must pay them. Juries serve without pay or for a pittance in most parts of the country, trials are eternal, hence most people avoid duty. Thus, many jurors are retired, persons with a macabre curiosity or welfare recipients. Clearly we get what we pay for.
Somebody must be in charge of objectively gathering facts and finding truth. Perhaps the ultimate breakdown in our adversarial system came from the Amarault child abuse case. This case took place in the news media-induced scare over daycare child abuse of the '80s. A politically ambitious prosecutor would not relinquish the case. Later, proof of widespread prosecutorial brainwashing of the purported 4-year-old victims was found. The conviction of Violet Amarault was overturned - but only after an obviously innocent woman had languished in prison for 15 years, lost her life savings, career and health. Yet, even everyday trial proceedings are eternal. Is there any reason why a judge can't set a time limit on arguments? If you can't make your case in about a week, do you have much of a case?
The OJ circus, the McDonald's coffee decision, the Amarault nightmare, the au pair trial, are bothersome because they occurred not in antiquity, but recently. Adversarial attorneys, decisionless judges, spacey juries - no wonder American justice has gone from international admiration to scorn. It's high time for we the people to reclaim our courts.
David Zimmerman
Leadership Ponca City Heritage/History Day
The Leadership Ponca City Class met Wednesday for a Heritage/History Day of Ponca City. They began their day at the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce offices where Bret Carter gave a brief introduction to the Ponca City Historic Preservation Advisory Board. Carter serves as board chairman and he reviewed some of the local history preservation projects currently under way in Ponca City. The class then boarded the city bus to begin their travel back in time.
The first stop for the day was the Standing Bear Memorial Park, where the class met Colonel Zack Miller (John Raley). Col. Miller regaled the group with the history of his family and their journey to Ponca City. He also told of his family's work with the local Native Americans as well as their involvement in the Wild West Shows and the 101 Ranch.
After leaving the park, the group traveled to the spring on South Avenue and Thirteenth Street where they were met by B.S. Barnes (Phil Bandy). Barnes told the story of how he came to Ponca City from Kansas in 1893 to participate in the Land Run. He sold certificates for land and was elected the first mayor of Ponca City. Barnes told the group he chose to settle in Ponca City because free land was available, and there was access to natural springs and the railroad.
Barnes continued to travel with the group as they made their way to Centennial Plaza. There they met several characters from the past, including Cherokee Strip runner Arthur Honnold (Matt Cowley), Barkeep (Larry Bittman), Circuit Rider (Denny Hook), School Teacher Anna Robinson (Janelle Eichor) and businessman's wife Nellie Cooper Atkins (Bayard Casey). Each character told of the aspects of their life in Ponca City during the late 1800s.
After visiting with the characters in Centennial Plaza, the group traveled around Ponca City, viewing a selection of historical sites. The group finished their bus tour at the Marland Mansion, where they were greeted by E.W. Marland (Tom Cowley) who gave the group a tour of his mansion and discussed his experiences while living in Ponca City. He invited the group to join him and a few of his acquaintances for lunch.
During lunch, the class heard from Water Billy (Don Jorgenson), Bill McFadden (Don Bishop), Lew Wentz (Steve Huston) and Ellen Burns (JoAnn Muchmore). Each character told the group about his or her individual legacies and the effect of those legacies in developing the city of Ponca City into the community it is today.
After leaving the Mansion, the group traveled to the Poncan Theatre where they were met by The Brit Flyboy (David Guinn), a RAF airman who was training at the Darr School. The class toured the Poncan Theatre and watched a vaudeville show performed by The Great Lester & Co. (Dave and Lori May).
After traveling back to the Chamber offices, the class was given a quiz on the history of Ponca City. Class member Homer Nicholson won with the most correct answers. He received a Chamber Buck as his prize.
Special thanks to day-chair Sue Boettcher, writers JoAnn Muchmore and Dave May and researchers Kathy Adams and Loyd Bishop for their many efforts. Their hard work made the day an overwhelming success.
Upcoming Events
Nov. 18 - Ambassador Committee Meeting, 7:30 a.m., Chamber Conference Room
Nov. 18 - Ribbon Cutting, 10 a.m., SJRMC Gift Shop, "The Raspberry Thicket"
Nov. 21 - Board of Directors Meeting, 11 a.m., Chamber Conference Room
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
If you think it was cold being outside the last few days you should have been underwater. Divers came as far away as Oklahoma City to dive into the cold waters of Kaw Lake earlier this week in an effort to clean the trash racks located in the deep waters of the lake.
The trash racks are protective devices used by OMPA's hydroelectric generating plant in an effort to keep floating debris and trees from flowing into the turbines intakes at the plant. "We do this once a year as a maintenance measure," explains Plant Supervisor Bill Brown. "There is instrumentation that indicates when the racks need to be cleaned."
It is not spring cleaning but the coldest part of the year when the cleaning is done. According to Brown it is the most convenient time for the work to be done because the plant is run less and the water flows less this time of year. "But it is not a good time for the drivers that is for sure," he adds. "You can bet their faces are blue right now."
The entire job takes two days to complete as the divers are required to dive to depths of 65 feet in order to clean the racks. The divers are a professional team from Oklahoma City and employed by Underwater Services. Owner Mike Clayton says that the company specializes in working on dams and municipal intakes at lakes and have even done diving on the inside of water plants.
Kaw Lake holds a special place in the record books of the company. The coldest job they ever had was at Kaw here in January of this year. "It was 18 degrees outside, there was a 35 mph wind straight out of the north and it was snowing," he recalls like it was yesterday. "The water temperature was 34 degrees."
With a water temperature of a mere 50 degrees this dive must have been considered a heat wave. Two of the three divers, armored against the cold with dry suits, were not bothered with the cold water temperatures. "It is not bad in a dry suit," Mike Hinter said although his face was a candy apple red. Diver Joe Allen agreed with him.
However Chris Napier, wearing a wet suit with the cold water penetrating his skin and causing a loss of body temperature, didn't feel quite as comfortable to say the least. When asked if he was cold he merely gritted his teeth and replied " You better be glad you are a woman - I am very cold right now."
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
"Plaza Suite," a Neil Simon comedy opens tonight at the Poncan Theatre at 8 p.m. A three act rib-tickler presented by members of the Ponca Playhouse, the production promises to be the best "must see" for local theater buffs and the occasional attendee this year.
Simon's play depicts the stories of three sets of patrons who stay in elegant Suite 719 in New York's Plaza Hotel at various times. The patrons whose stories are told in Simons' true-to-life comedy include a middle aged couple celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary, a movie producer and a housewife who were once high school sweethearts, and a nervous bride-to-be who locks herself in the bathroom.
In the first act, Wendy Bersche "Karen" spouts thousands of lines and hops, flits, limps, and tries to remember unimportant details to please her husband. Wendy does a marvelous, plumpish, comfortable, typically romantic homemaker, trying to bring back the romance in a marriage.
Her slim, trim, self-centered workaholic husband, "Sam" played expertly by Cleve Powell is equally impressive. The act, as written by Simon, drags on a little long as the characters seem to repeat and rehash some points of conflict, but our Playhouse actors keep it entertaining with a lot of movement and excellent timing and feedback to each other. The surprise ending to act one was neat! A nice job also by Toma Burgess as the secretary.
Karen Rivers steals the show as "Muriel" in the second act, as the sweet, demure, nervous, housewife, who 'takes only a few minutes' to visit her former high school flame - now turned movie producer - played by handsome, smooth, C.R. Rupert. Rivers' demeanor as a naive housewife and mother of three is flawless - as is her typical preoccupation with the Hollywood gossip scene.
The two keep the audience on seat's edge as they wax and wane with forbidden emotions and occasional passionate kisses. The great lighting crew does a perfect fade-out at the appropriate times during this act and throughout the production.
My favorite for this production was act three. But only because of the hilarious antics and facial expressions of Diana Mills as the flighty, fliberty-gibbet mother "Norma," and the typical money-minded fatherly reactions of George Dickinson as "Roy." The two could easily go on the road as another "Lucy and Desi" - only better!
Visitors at the dress rehearsal Thursday evening guffawed and roared through act three at the great performance presented by these two fine actors. Their action together appears smooth as silk during the act as they try to get their bride-to-be daughter out of a locked bathroom. Typical reactions as parents in a crises is classic - with added hilarity. Again a neat surprise ending adds to the satisfaction.
Dave Guinn as the handsome waiter and the problem-solving bridegroom, Joe Burns as the patient bellhop, and Christy Gonterman as the beautiful bride, add to the great Playhouse production.
As usual, the set, props, lights and sound are A-1 quality and rate better in my book than those of many professional theaters located in the area. Great job everybody!
Much credit goes to the busy Kenn Wessel, who directs the production with professional aplomb. We want to see that guy in that director's seat again soon.
Performances for "Plaza Suite" will be tonight, and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and again on Nov. 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Ponca Playhouse box office Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They may also be purchased at the Poncan Theatre before performances on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and before the Sunday matinee from 1 to 2 p.m.
Ralph Markham and Kenneth Broadway, duo pianists, will provide an exceptional concert for members of the Ponca City Concert Association, Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Hutchins Auditorium.
Markham and Broadway have set new standards of excellence around the world with international acclaim, according to recorded reviews in major publications.
Their magnificent performances are technically immaculate with a wide dynamic range, and their entertaining repertoire almost always results in a standing ovation, say critics.
The two match a Steinway concert grand with a modern Yamaha grand, and get rave reviews in a glorious performance of Schubert's "Fantasy in F Minor." In complete contrast the men play Poulenc's "Sonata for Two" using just about every pianistic device in their colorful and brilliant use of the keyboards.
Recognition for the brilliant and unique talent of the artists is reflected in numerous important orchestral debuts throughout the United States and Canada, and their performance list reads like who's who in major concerts.
In the nationwide tour this last year in the Hungarian Festival Virtuosi in the "Carnival of Animals," the two both played and narrated.
Markham and Broadway, who met while students in the Cleveland Institute of Music have also recently made appearances in London, Berlin, Glasgow and Belfast as well as New York, Los Angeles, St. Louis and Vancouver.
Their playing has been described as "profoundly impressive" and "a rich and emotional reading," by magazine and news critics and Musical America praised them saying they "played with great humor, delicacy and virtuosity."
NEWKIRK - The Kay County Community Sentencing Planning Council will hold its next meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at the Pioneer Technology Center in Ponca City, District Judge D.W. Boyd announced. The meeting is open to the public.
The Community Sentencing Planning Council was created by the Oklahoma Legislature as part of the Truth In Sentencing/Community Sentencing Act enacted in the last session.
The statute provides that District Judge D. W. Boyd, District Attorney John Maddox, Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen and one County Commissioner are automatically members of the council. Commissioner Dee Schieber of District One was selected by the Board of Commissioners to fill this post.
In addition to the statutory members, the Council must have at least three other citizen members. At this time, the other members are: Clayton Johnson, Connie McAbee, Janet Cox, Clarence Palmer and Kelly Morgan, all of Ponca City.
Under the Truth In Sentencing/Community Sentencing Act, most non-violent offenders will not be incarcerated in the Department of Corrections.
Instead, they will remain in the community and receive sentences which address both punishment and rehabilitation.
The role of the Planning Council is to develop sentencing guidelines for these offenders, identify persons or entities that will provide services to the offenders and to develop a budget for the cost of the program.
In addition, the Planning Council will have the ongoing duty of monitoring the sentences imposed by the District Court in determining compliance with the community sentencing plan and budget.
The Planning Council has met previously to elect officers and adopt by-laws. In early November, the members of the Council spent three days in Tulsa learning how to implement the Act.
The Planning Council must submit the county's sentencing plan and budget to the Department of Corrections by February 1, 1998.
The Council anticipates holding a series of meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month through January to accomplish this task. Interested parties are encouraged to attend these meetings.
In addition, a Truth In Sentencing and Community Sentencing Information Workshop, sponsored by the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center, Oklahoma Sentencing Commission and Oklahoma Department of Corrections, will be held on Wednesday at the Pioneer Technology Center, located in Ponca City.
This workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will feature overviews of Corrections Reform Legislation, Truth In Sentencing and Community Sentencing, followed by a question and answer session.
The public is encouraged to attend the informative workshop. Admission is free of charge, and lunch will be on your own.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
Just as the red, orange and yellow of autumn began to dot the surrounding landscape Old Man Winter - ignoring the fact that winter is officially more than a month away - appeared causing the colorful leaves to suddenly fall to the ground. It is as if summer has turned to winter, ignoring autumn all together.
Although early, it definitely feels like winter outside and with the forecast calling for temperatures to drop into the upper teens this weekend it will feel like winter for a least a few days more.
And however short lived these cold temperatures are they will surely return shortly for the season has yet to begin. So it seems now is the time to prepare for Old Man Winter.
The car, the pipes, the heater and the pets - there are winterizing tips for them all.
"Change your antifreeze!" suggests O'Reilly Auto Parts Assistant Manager Larry Fox. "Many people put antifreeze in their cars and then leave it, leave it and leave it." Fox warns that antifreeze will wear out and suggests changing it every two years.
Checking your hoses and belts is not just a "summer thing" Fox says. "Cold weather is just as hard on belts and hoses as hot weather and it only takes one hose to break and then you have lost all of your antifreeze."
Make sure to check your windshield wipers and as a precautionary measure Fox suggests carrying a can of de-ice. "Just follow normal safety tips in the winter and make sure to carry a blanket in your car," he adds.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal warns residences of the danger of space heaters. "Hundreds of home fires occur each year in Oklahoma because of the misuse of space heaters and fireplaces," Shannon Rowland of the State Fire Marshal's office says. "Most home fires caused by heating equipment could be prevented by following instructions and taking simple safety precautions."
When using a space heater Rowland reminds people that "space heaters need their space." She advises keeping heaters at least three feet away from furniture, clothing and all other combustibles. And remember to turn space heaters off before going to bed or whenever the room in unoccupied. Never use space heaters as a method for drying cloths or other items. And keep children and pets away from the heaters.
If your home has a fireplace Rowland suggests having the fireplace inspected by a professional before use and to have it cleaned when necessary. Burning wood causes a chemical build-up that can cause a fire if not properly removed and cleaned. In addition to cleaning the fireplace Rowland advises always using a protective screen to catch flying sparks and rolling logs.
There is a simple way to protect plants. Richard Keathly, owner of Keathly's Nursery suggest applying a three-inch layer of mulch to protect tender perennials and shrubs. Keathly says he prefers cottonseed hulls as mulch but cypress mulch and even straw will also work. Although he says if using straw to use 5-6 inches. He also emphasizes the importance of watering throughout the dry times of the winter months.
Steve Westerman, owner of Westerman Heat and Air, says to make certain your home is insulated with R-30 insulation adding that it is the one recommenced for use in Oklahoma.
Westerman also advises leaving turbine vents on the roof uncovered. "Most people cover them but that creates more problems because it traps moisture inside the attic, in the insulation and in the rafters," he explains. "Leaving them uncovered helps because it allows them to pull the moisture out of the attic."
Oklahoma Natural Gas Company has several winterizing tips. Jim Perry ONG Supervisor suggests having furnaces inspected at the beginning of the season. "ONG will come and light gas pilot lights free of charge and visually look at them but will not inspect them," Perry says. He also suggests using blinds and draperies to keep heat in and cold out and open only to let the warmth of the sun in during the winter.
Weather-striping windows and doors can help cut down on heat costs as will keeping fireplace dampers closed whenever the fireplace is not in use. And lastly Perry warns residents never to use the range or oven as a method to heat your home.
Pipes are at risk during the winter as well. The temperature at which pipes freeze depends on the wind Meade says. "We usually don't see broken pipes until the temperatures drop into the teens and remain there for several days." However precaution should be taken whenever the temperatures drop below freezing because according to Meade an average repair bill for a frozen waterline is $90-$135. Teresa Mead, co-owner of AA Plumbing offers some tips to prevent pipes from breaking during the winter weather.
· Repair any leaking hydrants. If not they could freeze and result in a busted hydrant.
· Leave faucets running a pencil stream in the front and the rear of the house during freezing temperatures.
· Make sure all crawl spaces under houses are covered to protect against the wind.
· Open cabinet doors where pipes are located so that heat can reach them.
· Wrap any outside pipes exposed to the wind with heat tape or insulation. Meade says to always wrap pipes located under trailer houses.
Last but not least, do not forget your four legged friends. Veterinarian Dr. Lisa Good reminds pet owners to check water during cold temperatures to make sure it is not frozen. She also recommends increasing food supply for pets during the winter. "They burn more calories to produce heat," Good says.
Bedding is also essential during the winter. Good recommends a straw bed or blankets as a source of extra protection for pets. And if the temperature drops below 25 degrees she suggests bringing pets into the home or in the garage. "Pets get frostbitten like people do," Good explains. "They can freeze to death if people do not care for them properly."
And finally Good warns vehicle owners that cats seek the warmth of motor engines during the winter and suggests always hitting the hood of your vehicle to make sure a cat is not seeking warmth under your hood.
Newkirk
Marriage Licenses
Brian Lawrence Cadle, 21, and Sallie Lee Hill, 20, both of Ponca City.
David Anthony McMasters, 26, and Deana Lynn Dronberger, 29, both of Lamont.
Billie Macks Glass, 55, and Jeanette Dee Hoover, 49, both of Blackwell.
Michael David Graham, 24, and Melanie Lynn Scott, 26, both of Blackwell.
Leroy Leland Vernon, 34, and Danella Elizabeth Proctor, 29, both of Ponca City.
Ponca City
Divorces Sought
Larry E. McPeak vs. Pamela Sue McPeak.
Marilyn K. Trimmer vs. Wesley H. Trimmer.
Leta Mae Caudill vs. Darrell Dean Caudill.
Ann Marie Fisher vs. James W.B. Fisher.
Robin R. Worley vs. Rebecca L. Worley.
Robert B. Easley vs. Deborah J. Easley.
Kelli Dawn Waggerman vs. Anthony Ray Waggerman.
Tim Smith vs. Sheryl A. Schmidt.
Marla Lynn Wear vs. Adam Charles Wear.
Divorces Granted
Debra A. Elliott vs. Donald G. Elliott.
Jerry Allen Smith from Virginia Lee Smith.
Kim Y. Powers vs. Harold C. Powers Jr.
Chonie Dey Stasyszen vs. Michael James Stasyszen.
Gayle Lynn Turner vs. Benny Murl Turner.
Civil Proceedings
Linda Kuhns, et al, vs. Phylisha Rowe and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co.; plaintiffs seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Gershon Tucker vs. Art Licata; plaintiff seeking judgment for $6,162.85.
Thomas Grey Burton vs. Sue Ann Bradford; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
KAW CITY - Four area teenagers were injured early today in a one-car accident west of here.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said a 1991 Ford driven by Justin A. Wise, 17, Kaw City, was eastbound on Oklahoma 11 approximately three miles west of Kaw City when it ran off the road and overturned 2-1/2 times.
Wise was admitted to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City in fair condition with head, trunk, internal and external injuries, the patrol said.
Two passengers admitted to the hospital and listed in good condition were Tiffany L. Weaver, 17, Ponca City, with trunk, leg, internal and external injuries, and Fancysun J. Hare, 16, Kaw City, with internal and leg injuries, the patrol said.
The fourth teenager, John C. Houser, 17, Shidler, was treated and released from the hospital, the patrol said.
The patrol said seat belts were not in use.
Hazel Riggs of The Mission on South Avenue called The News to remind folks who need a meal on Thanksgiving that The Mission will be serving Thanksgiving dinner from 2 to 4 p.m. on that day.
Opened out of love and concern for the needy in the Ponca City area, Mike and Hazel Riggs continue to meet the needs of Ponca City's needy.
Mike and Hazel are grateful to Ponca Citians who have taken a part in keeping The Mission going since February of 1992. The Riggs may be reached by phoning 765-1426 if there are questions or an offer of assistance.
Cholesterol screenings will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Drug Warehouse in Ponca City.
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease which kills 500,000 Americans each year. It has no symptoms. The good news is that one can survive high cholesterol by taking action to lower it. The first step is to take the test than can save your life.
Preventive Health Management Associates will be conducting total cholesterol with glucose, cholesterol-HDL-glucose and risk ratio and lipid-profile tests. A 12-hour fast is recommended for the total lipid profile. A two hour fast is recommended for glucose. Results are available in five minutes.
A fee is charged for the cost of testing. For more information contact 1-800-330-6223.
BLACKWELL - The youth at Blackwell are busy this week getting ready for their Silent Auction and Salad Luncheon to benefit their Blackwell Youth Center. The event is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, according to Nita Carroll, Director of the Center.
The youth are trying to raise money to renovate their youth center in Blackwell, and are hoping to raise $50,000 within the next few months.
Luncheon will include 30 different salads, Frito chili pie, with dessert and drink for $3. The youth will be doing the serving, Carroll said.
The silent auction will include about 80 memorabilia items from celebrities. Some of the items to be offered are an autographed ballcap from Reba McIntyre, an award-winning MASH script autographed by Alan Alda, a T-shirt from Touched By An Angel, autographed by all three top stars, four reserved seats for a Kansas City baseball game of choice, and numerous other autographed items, Carroll announced.
The public is invited to come, enjoy lunch and participate in the auction
- it's all for the youth of the Blackwell community.
DEATHS
BLACKWELL - William Carl "Jake" Hightower longtime Blackwell area resident, died Thursday afternoon, Nov. 13, 1997, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 56.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Monday at the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Robert Johnson, of The Tabernacle church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.
William Carl "Jake" Hightower was born Dec. 13, 1940, in Eufaula, the son of William Edward and Faye (Rogers) Hightower. As a young boy he moved with his family to Tonkawa, where he grew up and attended school. Following his education he worked for his father at the Texaco Service Station, then was employed for two years at Ray Hamlin Chevrolet in Blackwell.
He was married to Helen Danner on March 9, 1960, in Blackwell, where the couple established their home. Hightower was employed with B&S Construction for several years. He then established H&H Construction and operated it until beginning employment with Boyd Construction where he worked for 10 years. He later formed Hightower Pump and Engine Repair and operated it until ill health forced his retirement in August 1997. He was a member of the Blackwell Tabernacle church.
Survivors include his wife, Helen, of the home; his mother, Faye Lee of Blackwell; one daughter, Deborah Scritchfield of Derby, Kan.; two sons, Jeff and Ronnie, both of Blackwell; two sisters, Shirley Rowe and LaVon Parker, both of Blackwell; two brothers, Donald of Norfolk, Va., and Charles of Blackwell; 11 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his father, and one daughter, Thresa Smith.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Hightower's name to Hospice of Ponca City, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
Verna Louise Dobbs, longtime Ponca City resident, died early Thursday morning, Nov. 13, 1997, in Ponca City. She was 89.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Cliff Fite officiating. Burial will follow in Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Verna Louise (Cain) Dobbs was born Dec. 5, 1907, in Waldron, Ark., the daughter of Francis and Sallie Mae (Crosby) Cain. She grew up and received her education in the Segeeyah, Okla., area.
Mrs. Dobbs was employed as a cook for several restaurants and cafes in Ponca City for more than 50 years. She had also worked as a cashier for Mounts Oil Co. Mrs. Dobbs was a member of the Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, caring for her yard and flowers, fishing and playing cards.
Survivors include one son, Tommy Dobbs of Ponca City; one daughter, Mrs. Marvin (Frances) Lane of Ponca City; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Baxter, Oscar, and Clark Cain; and a sister, Effie Holland and twin sisters Elsie Goddard and Alsie Cafferty.
Casket bearers will be Dan Dobbs, Mark Cross, Ron Branch, Frank Cain, Charlie Mounts, and Johnny Ivers. Honorary bearers will be Gene Cafferty, Floyd Goddard, Bill Gladden, Keith Hambleton, Lewis Rutherford, Rocky Austin and Charles "Bear" Lindsey.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Dobbs' name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, No. 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at the home 1209 El Camino.
FAIRFAX - Marjorie (Harris) Hale, longtime Fairfax resident, died Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 12, 1997, at the Stillwater (Okla.) Medical Center. She was 87.
The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the First Osage Baptist Church in Fairfax with the Rev. Tom Cox of Bartlesville, officiating. Burial will be in the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home.
Marjorie (Harris) Hale was born Aug. 19, 1910, in Guthrie, the daughter of Andrew and Flora Belle Ackerman Harris. She graduated from Guthrie High School and worked as a legal secretary.
She was married to Robert Roscoe Hale on Dec. 31, 1932 in Guthrie and the couple moved to Fairfax in January 1937. They opened an Associated Oklahoma Tire and Supply Store in February 1937 and operated the store until their retirement in January 1970. Mrs. Hale was also a homemaker and a member of the First Osage Baptist Church in Fairfax. She enjoyed playing duplicate bridge and traveling.
Survivors include a daughter, Loretta Porter of Fairfax; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband on Jan. 25, 1992; one daughter Sonja Kay; and her parents.
Casket bearers will be Carl Daley, C.J. Daley, George Weston, Larry Thompson, Herman Rhoads and Gary Madison.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Hale's name to the First Osage Baptist Church, P.O. Box 217, Fairfax, OK 74637.
The family will be at the Hale home.
Margaret Epp, Ponca City resident, died Thursday evening, Nov. 13, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 90. Local Survivors include a sister, Selma Thomas. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Mexican Mission Ministries, Division of Global Outreach Mission, P.O. Box 636, Pharr, TX 78577.
Stanton O. Meek, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Nov. 14,
1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 79. Friends may visit
with family members at Grace Memorial Chapel from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Other
arrangements will be announced later by Grace Memorial Chapel.
NEWS BRIEFS
VFW Thanksgiving - The VFW Post 1201 and Auxiliary will hold their Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 16, at 1 p.m. at the Post Home. Turkey and dressing is on the menu. Members are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert.
Need Volunteers - The Retired Senior Volunteers of Ponca City (RSVP) organization is seeking volunteers. If you are 55 years of age or older and would like to volunteer for a "little or a lot" come by the new RSVP office, 110 North Fourth, or call 762-9412. Marie Trenary serves as project director.
Fashion Consultants on KLVV - With the holidays coming up, everyone wants to look their best. On Nov. 18, from 5 to 6 p.m. full image (from head to toe) consultants Vicki Lessert and Judy McClung will be at KLVV 88.7 FM to take phone calls regarding fashion and makeup. The phone number is 580-767-1400. All calls are free, confidential and not aired.
Thomas To Speak - Dr. Jim Thomas, clinical psychologist will speak on the "Joys and Griefs of the Holidays," at Brace Books and More on Sunday at 2 p.m. The public is invited.
Handgames Benefit - The public is invited to a benefit handgame between the Pawnee Veterans and the Ponca Senior Citizens on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center. The event is hosted by the Ponca Tribal Employees Association whose members will provide pots of chili, crackers and concession items. For more information contact Jeff Lieb or Charlie Primeaux at (405) 763-0120.
Lost Cow - Police received a report of a cow on the roadway at West Hartford Avenue and Kygar Road at 7:01 a.m. Thursday. The owner was contacted and the cow was taken to its field.
Arrest - A 22-year-old woman was arrested at 7:40 a.m. Thursday from the 500 block of North Eighth Street on a Kay County warrant.
Arrest - At 8:07 a.m. police arrested a 41-year-old woman from the 500 block of North Osage Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Arrest - A 31-year-old man was arrested at 11:05 a.m. Thursday from the 1000 block of North Ash Street on a city warrant for assault and battery.
Accident - Police were notified of an accident at 11:20 a.m. Thursday at South Thirteenth Street and East South Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - At 1 p.m. Thursday police arrested a 21-year-old man from the 1500 block of North Osage Street for domestic assault and battery.
Arrest - Police arrested a 33-year-old man at 2:56 p.m. Thursday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Injury Accident - At 6:30 p.m. Thursday police and an ambulance responded to an auto accident n the 3200 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Juveniles Arrested - A 9-year-old boy and an 11-year-old boy were arrested at 6:31 p.m. Thursday from the 300 block of East Cleveland Avenue for burglary. They were later released to their parents.
Kitchen Fire - Three fire units responded to a kitchen fire in the 1100 block of South Eighth Street at 6:42 p.m. Thursday. The fire was extinguished.
Arrest -Police arrested a 37-year-old man at 7:04 p.m. Thursday at South First Street and Oklahoma Avenue for driving under the influence and no insurance.
Shoplifter Arrested - At 8:54 p.m. Thursday police arrested a 15-year-old girl for petit larceny and public intoxication after Miller Market, 904 South Fourth Street, reported a shoplifter in custody.
Theft - Police received a call regarding a vehicle that had been broken into at 10:55 p.m. Thursday in the 2000 block of Lake Road. Several items were taken. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - A 21-year-old man was arrested at 11:24 p.m. Thursday in the 2500 block of North Fourteenth Street for possession of marijuana and public intoxication.
Arrest - Police arrested a 39-year-old man at 4:43 a.m. Friday
from the 300 block of West Grand Avenue on a city warrant for failure to
appear and on a Kay County warrant for failure to appear.
LIFESTYLES
The Ponca City branch meeting of the American Association of University Women will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. A board meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Those interested in attending should contact Barbara Miller, program vice president, 765-6697, for more information or reservations.
Guest speaker for the event will be Dr. William Graham, member of the medical staff of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center of Northern Oklahoma, Inc. William J. Graham, M.D., F.A.C.R., specializes in Radiation Oncology Therapy.
Dr. Graham, a board certified radiation oncologist, was affiliated with the Oklahoma Health Sciences Center University Hospital as a professor for the past 20 years. During this time he also served as a member of the SJRMC consulting staff as a Radiation Oncology Consultant for the Tumor Board.
When Cancer Care Network, Inc., was founded, Dr. Graham was the Radiation Oncologist who worked with the developers to assure a strong radiation oncology program. Today, Cancer Care Network, Inc., manages oncology centers across the country and collectively gathers information about new types of cancer treatment methods.
With the opening of the new St. Joseph Cancer Center, a joint venture of SJRMC and Cancer Care Network, Dr. Graham works with patients on a daily basis in the state-of the-art facility.
A native of Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Graham served as Chief of the Radiation Oncology (Therapy) Department at Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City. He has been published in numerous medical journals, is a Fellow of the American College of Radiology, and is past president of the Central Oklahoma Radiological Society. He and his wife, Allison, also a native of Glasgow, Scotland, relocated to Ponca City in April. Dr. Graham is a member of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Chamber Health and Medical Committee and is an active member of Rotary.
"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to bring Ponca City
residents this kind of sophisticated cancer treatment," says Dr. Graham.
"Not only will it offer cancer patients convenience and the most current
technologies, but it will also open the door for additional treatment alternatives
in the future. "
RELIGION
The choirs and congregation at First Presbyterian will enjoy a musical enrichment event this weekend, Nov. 14-16. Hal Hopson, a noted composer and church music clinician, Dallas, Texas, will provide a music workshop for the chancel choir and bell choir and youth bells. He will also work with the choirs in preparation for the congregation's worship Sunday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m.
Hopson is a nationally recognized musician as a composer, church music clinician, conductor and full time composer arranger. He attended Baylor University where in 1954 he graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1956 he was awarded the Master of Sacred Music degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Hopson has done further study at the University of Erlangen (Germany). the Peabody Conservatory, and Southern Methodist University. Hopson taught at the prestigious Westminster Choir College (1983-84) and the Scarritt Graduate School (1984-88).
Hopson has recently retired as minister of music at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Dallas. He has published thirteen hundred works in almost every musical form in church music. With a special interest in congregational song, he continues to make a significant contribution to the new repertoire of hymn tunes and responsorial psalm settings.
As an active conductor and clinician, he has conducted choir, hymn and psalm festivals and workshops in this country, Europe and Asia. He has recently been included in the International Who's Who in Music, Cambridge, England, and was awarded the esteemed title of National Patron by Delta Omicron, a national professional fraternity of musicians. As a member of ASCAP, Hopson has received an annual award for many consecutive years.
"God With Us," a cantata by Hal Hopson, was selected by The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C., to be placed in a capsule during the American Bicentennial in 1976. The capsule will be opened at the Tercentennial in 2076 and will be heard again as a representative piece of American choral composition of this century.
Members and friends of First Presbyterian Church will enjoy the experience of the variety of music in Sunday's worship. Located at Fourteenth and Grand, First Presbyterian Church welcomes all persons who would like to share this musically enriching worship service.
Northeast Baptist Church will ordain three men to the deacon ministry this Sunday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m., according to Dr. Larry E. Nigh, pastor. The candidates for ordination will be Link Cotham, who will be introduced by Carl Johnston; Dr. Chris Humble, introduced by Brian Reiss, and Dr. Michael Walker, introduced by David Dowd.
John Palmer, who has been ordained at a previous church home, will be introduced to the church by Al Peck. John has been elected to serve on the deacon family ministry at Northeast Baptist.
The candidates will be questioned on their Christian beliefs and biblical knowledge and interpretation during the ordination council at 4 p.m. As part of the ordination service, they will share their testimony of salvation and commitment. Steve Martin, chairman of the deacons, will bring the recommendation from the ordination council and Dr. Chester Ward, Director of Missions for Kay Baptist Association will bring the charge to the candidates.
Pastor Nigh will issue the charge to the church concerning the encouragement and prayer support for the candidates and their families as they enter into this ministry. Alvin Mott, vice chairman of the board of deacons, will bring the ordination prayer and Steve Martin will present the newly ordained deacons with Bibles and ordination certificates. To conclude the service, all ordained men in the service will be asked to participate in the laying on of hands to the new deacons during a time of prayer.
A reception honoring Mr. and Mrs. Link Cotham and their daughter, Kelsey; Dr. and Mrs. Chris Humble, Brandon and Karrah; Dr. and Mrs. Michael Walker, Sarah and Robert, and Mr. and Mrs. John Palmer, Karrah, Hannah, and Nathan will be hosted by the deacons and their wives following the ordination service.
Dr. Nigh invites other men ordained in the Southern Baptist family to join in the ordination council and service.
Kaw City is planning another Old Town Gospel Concert, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m., according to Cindy Russell, chairperson for the event.
Headlining the program will be Vickie Wright of Wright Tract Ministries with her husband, Leroy, residents of Tonkawa, and Richard Epperson of Ponca City, singer from Ponca City, who has been entertaining for the past four or five years, Russell pointed out.
The event will be held at the Kaw City Community Center, and the program will include folks from Fairfax, Kaw City, Ponca City, Newkirk, Arkansas City, and Tonkawa.
Concessions will be available and everybody is welcome, Russell invited.
The Rev. Thomas Ramsey, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in San Pedro, Calif. has accepted the call to serve as pastor of First Lutheran Church and School in Ponca City, beginning next January. This was announced earlier this week by Dr. Paul Volz, Interim Pastor since April 1996. During the interim period the congregation has participated in a process of self-evaluation and futures planning in preparation for the arrival of a new pastor, Dr. Volz indicated.
First Lutheran School is enjoying a good year with 279 pupils enrolled and a full complement of teachers and para-professional staff under the direction of Paul Schatte, principal.
Students from grades six through eight will participate in the 8:30 a.m. worship service next Sunday by singing the anthem "Giving Thanks", accompanied by student flutists Meg McDaniel, Liz Case, Katrina Kirch, and Mandy Bacher.
The message by Dr. Volz entitled "With Eyes Fixed on Jesus - Run!" will be based on the Scripture readings as the end of the Church Year draws near. The service can be heard on Station WBBZ at 11 a.m. (1230 on the AM Radio Dial).
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church will hold their church-wide Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday, Nov. 16 at noon. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share, and the turkey will be provided by AAL, it was announced.
The next meeting of the council will be Monday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at the church, and on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. members of Prince of Peace will be serving at Friendship Feast, First Christian Church. Choir practice is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m., and a call is out for male voices.
Thursday, Nov. 20, at 1 p.m. at the home of Shirley Zimmerman, a Women's Bible Study is scheduled. This is a new Bible study for Prince of Peace women and is already proving a success. For more information, call Shirley at 765-6662.
Pastor Keck has started a class on Lutheranism, classes are being held on Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the church, and anyone interested, is welcome to attend.
Next Sunday is "Bring a Friend Sunday" and T-shirt Sunday - visitors are encouraged to come and worship.
The First Christian Church of Lamont, Okla. will be having a Festival of Gospel Music weekend - a Time of Inspiration - presented by Penny Dowell and Travis Davis. This special time will be Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 22. A reception will follow the singing service, it was announced.
Penny is the Tag Agent for Grant County and Travis is a student at the Deer Creek/Lamont High School, according to the pastor, the Rev. Ruth Tipps.
A "Time of Refreshing" will be presented by The Cooleys, featuring the piano and bass guitar on Sunday morning at 10:30, Nov. 23. The Cooleys are nationally known and will be presenting both vocal and instrumental music.
This musical weekend, Pastor Tipps pointed out, will be ending a six week series in the church called the Gathering, which was a time of calling the church to be in the spirit of gratitude and praise, leading up to a Celebration of Thanksgiving.
Jarrell and Natalie Tyson, United Methodist missionaries to Russia, will visit First United Methodist Church here on Thursday evening, Nov. 20, 1997, to share many of their experiences and concerns, it was announced this week.
Dr. Tyson is the director of new church development for the Russia Annual Conference, and serves as a liaison between the Russian groups and partner churches in the USA.
Ponca Citians are invited to hear the Tysons talk about their missionary experiences.
Former United Methodist ministers in Ponca City, into retirement years, are again "back in the harness", serving the Lord.
Robert and Margaret Montgomery, who ministered in Ponca City to St. Paul's United Methodist in the late '80s, also in Oklahoma City and Enid, and retired as superintendent of the Bartlesville District in August of this year, have moved from Bartlesville to Hawaii. "It's an Abraham and Sarah kind of thing," the Rev. Mr. Montgomery explained. He and Margaret felt God calling them to a new journey of faith, so they are taking an early retirement to move to Hawaii, and begin a new ministry there. Montgomery began his ministry as a home missionary for the National Division of the Hawaii District, serving from 1961 until 1970, primarily to Japanese-American congregations in pineapple and sugar cane plantation areas.
They are Oklahoma natives - Robert from Muskogee and Margaret from Capitol Hill, both graduated from Oklahoma City University. That's where they met, fell in love and were married. But Hawaii is home for them now.
Robert announced his retirement at Annual Conference and it became effective Sept. 1 of this year. They are now in Hawaii, ministering with street people and assisting with a food bank that serves low income people.
To fill the vacancy created by Montgomery's retirement, Bishop Blake chose Howard Plowman - a retired United Methodist Minister who lives in Tulsa, and at one time ministered in Ponca City. Dr. Plowman has been called out of retirement twice previously. He helped complete capital fund campaigns for Camp Egan and for the Methodist Manor in Tulsa. He served Asbury United Methodist Church as pastor from1958 to 1962.
A native of Tulsa and a graduate of Tulsa University and the Perkins School of Theology at SMU in Dallas, Plowman served at Tishomingo before going to the Eighth Street Church in Oklahoma City and then to Ponca City. While serving in Ponca City, he was president of the local Ministerial Alliance.
First UMW Plan Thanksgiving Dinner for Sister Churches
Members of the United Methodist Women at First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Central Streets, cordially invite members of the UMWs at Asbury, Albright, and St. Paul Methodist Churches to Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, Nov. 20, 1997 at noon.
The event will take place in the Fellowship Hall. Special guests will be the Youth of White Eagle who will model Native American Dance Costumes in a Style Show.
Hostesses will be members of the First United Methodist Women Executive Board. Eleanor Smith will present the devotional thoughts.
Reservations should be made by noon on Monday, Nov. 17 to Mary Irons,
762-7833, or Grace Collins, 765-3591.
Harmony Missionary Baptists Tell Schedule
Announcements for coming activities at Harmony Missionary Baptist Church, 2230 North Union are being announced for the next few weeks, according to Pastor Randy Ratliff.
A churchwide prayer service is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 16 at 9 a.m. On Nov. 23 the church will welcome a visiting missionary from the Perry (Okla.) Mission, speaking about his work, and on Nov. 29 a Men's Breakfast will be held, with time to announced later.
A Singspiration is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at the church.
Folks are also reminded that a Faith Breakfast is held each Tuesday at
8:30 a.m. Visitors are always welcome, Pastor Ratliff announced.
LWML Meeting Features Christian Singer
The Nov. 20th meeting of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) of First Lutheran Church will feature Lori White, a local Christian singer who has a ministry of singing and testimony. Lori performs at various local churches, and also appeared at a recent concert in Roanoke, Va. Members are reminded to bring toothbrushes, toothpaste, and Band Aids for the November Lutheran World Relief mission ingathering.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m., preceded by learning new hymns and
praises at 6:30 p.m. All members are urged to attend, and guests are welcome.
Promise Keepers Set Thanksgiving Dinner
The men of Smith International Inc., "Men of Integrity", are planning a Thanksgiving dinner with everyone invited to come and share an evening of good food and fellowship.
Dinner is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 22, 1997 at the Salvation Army Community Center, 711 South Third in Ponca City. A time of praise and worship led by the Damascus Road Praise Band will follow dinner.
Rick Vanater, Area Coordinator for Promise Keepers, and his wife, Becky will be featured speakers for the evening.
For more information or tickets, call Willis Lockwood at 762-9523. Plan
on a good time of fellowship, hosted by the Men of Integrity from Smith
International.
First Christian Celebrates Higher Education Sunday
The Rev. Rick Hendricks will preach at First Christian Church for both
services, 8 a.m. and 10:40 a.m., Sunday, observing Higher Education Sunday.
His sermon will be "An Impetuous Faith." He is the Director of
Church Relations at Phillips University.
EDUCATION
Sunday Workshop
Grand Central Station, 114 S. Fifth, will hold a workshop on Nov. 16 from 2 to 3 p.m. titled "Gingerbread Houses" by Jannie Ross. The workshop is for sixth through 12th graders and parents are welcome.
Blood Pressure Check
Keep your heart pumping with a free blood pressure check from the Pioneer Technology Center Medical Assisting Class Nov. 18, 19 and 20 from noon till 2:30 p.m. in room C-105.
Instrumental Meeting
The Senior High School Instrumental Music Parents Association will have an important meeting Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the orchestra room. All parents of band and orchestra members are encouraged to attend.
Scroggins Named Representative
Jerred Scroggins, son of John and Sharon Scroggins, has been named senior class representative at Oklahoma Christian University for the 1997 Homecoming festivities. Scroggins is a junior majoring in mathematics.
Kildare Christmas Bazaar
The Kildare Parent/Teacher Organization will hold a Country Christmas Bazaar Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Kildare School Gymnasium. Items sold include crafts, gifts, collectibles, baked goods, handmade items and fund raiser items.
Student in OSU Play
Kristin D. Watson was featured in the recent OSU Theatre production of "The Pirates of Penzance." Watson is the daughter of Larry and Marge Watson, Ponca City.
Vienna Studies Program
Misha Stephens of Ponca City is one of 40 students from Oklahoma Christian University who are studying in Vienna, Austria, during the fall trimester. Stephens is the daughter of Gary and Rebecca Stephens.
Trout Sock Hop
E.M. Trout's Annual Sock Hop will be held Nov. 14 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the gymnasium. Live music will be performed by "The Benders." A concession stand will be open from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and bingo will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. No children will be admitted without an adult.
ASSE International Student Exchange Programs (ASSE) is looking for enthusiastic people in the community who like working with young people and learning about different cultures.
When you become an ASSE Area Representative, you provide a valuable opportunity to outstanding high school exchange students who want to experience the American way of life for either a school year or semester.
By finding good homes for these students with local families, you bring an international flavor to the neighborhood and local high school. You will also be able to offer American teens study abroad programs. Area representatives receive training, are reimbursed for expenses and enjoy friendships with people from all over the world.
ASSE invites you to join our family of area representatives. Please call to find out how your adventure can get started at 1-800-473-0696.
JEN NORTHCUTT and Martha Schwanke's third grade classes from McCord School recently visited Wayne Schwanke's woodworking shop. Mr. Schwanke showed the students how he makes wooden cars, trucks and toys.
WHILE AT Mr. Schwanke's farm, the elementary students also went on a
hayrack ride to see a soybean field. Both classes have been studying the
many products made from soybeans in science class.
SPORTS
YMCA Coaches Clinic - The YMCA will hold a coaches clinic for all persons interested in coaching seventh grade basketball Monday and Tuesday at Robison Fieldhouse from 7 to 9 p.m. both days.
The free clinic will be conducted by Ponca City High School coaches Ron Arthur and Joe Matlock to teach skills, drills and strategy.
The NOC Mavericks and Lady Mavericks will be taking on the Westark Lions Saturday in Tonkawa.
The Lady Mavs will begin play at 2 p.m., followed by the mens' game at
4 p.m.