LOCAL

Nearly News

Nearly News

For those needing a little help in getting in the Christmas spirit, the public is invited to the lighting of the City Christmas tree this evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. with Christmas music and gathering at the Civic Center at Grand Avenue and Fifth Street. Santa will arrive atop of fire truck to turn on the lights at 6 p.m.

DEATHS

James Edward Farrar
Dewey Hairyback
Gerald Erin Hill
Leland L Howard
Lella Marie Cotham

James Edward Farrar

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — James Edward Farrar, resident of Arkansas City, died Thursday, Nov. 26, 1998, at his residence. He was 51.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1998, at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Arkansas City. Jesse A. Kindred will officiate, and military honors will be provided by the Spencer-Ralston Post No. 1254 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City is in charge of arrangements.

James Edward Farrar was born April 17, 1947, in Arkansas City, the son of Elsie Mae Farrar. He was raised by his mother and grandfather, Joseph W. Farrar, and later by foster parents, Ruby and Arlo Lewis, in Arkansas City where he received his early education. He later attended Cowley County Community College Vocational School.

He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. James worked at several area businesses including Powers Roofing, New Era Mill, Skyline, Brown and Root Construction. Most recently he had been employed for Robb Carroll Painting and Sandblasting.

He was a life member of the American Legion Shelton-Beaty Post No. 18, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Spencer-Ralston Post No. 1254.

Survivors include three sisters, Mrs. Ed (Mary) Waterman, Jackie Lewis, and Mrs. Lyburn (Helen) Beard, all of Arkansas City; also several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, residing in Ponca City.

He was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents, and foster parents.

Dewey Hairyback

Dewey Hairyback, longtime resident of the Ponca City area, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998 in Ponca City. He was 59.

The funeral service will be Saturday, Nov. 28, 1998, in the Ponca Indian Baptist Church with the Rev. Ted Freeman officiating. Burial will be in the Ponca Indian Cemetery under direction of Poteet Funeral Home, Pawnee.

Dewey Hairyback was born Aug. 28, 1939, in Pawnee, Okla., the son of Joseph Hairyback and Marcella (Arkeketa) Hairyback. A farm laborer, Hairyback never married. He enjoyed horseback riding, and was a member of the Ponca Indian Baptist Church.

Surviving are his father, Joseph Hairyback of Ponca City; a brother, Rueben Hairyback of Ponca City; three sisters, Eleanor LeClain of Ponca City, Tina Youker of Fort Oakland, Okla., and Estelle LeClair of Ponca City; also a number of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, ad other relatives and friends.

Obituary

Gerald Erin Hill

Gerald Erin Hill, longtime Ponca City area resident, died early Thursday morning, Nov. 26, 1998, at his home northeast of Ponca City. He was 75.

Graveside services honoring his life will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m., at the Boulanger family cemetery, located north of Pawhuska in Osage County. Services will be officiated by Charles Lyn McBride with burial under direction of the Trout Funeral Home. The family will be at the funeral home Friday evening to receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m.

Born Dec. 15, 1922, in Boulanger, Okla., he was the son of Ellis M. and Lenora (Boulanger) Hill. His mother was an original Osage Allottee. He attended Boulanger Schools, Bowring, Okla., schools and graduated from Chautauqua High School in Kansas.

He was married to Elsie May Todd on Sept. 6, 1942, in Sedan, Kan., by the Rev. Floyd C. Moss, in the Methodist Parsonage, witnessed by his mothers, Lenora Hill and Dilla M. Todd and Gerald’s “little brother,” Wilbur. The couple celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Gerald’s family members are his wife, Elsie May Hill of the home; his son, Bill L. Hill and his wife, Cheryl of Ponca City; his daughter, Geralyn M. Hill McBride and her husband, Charles Lyn McBride of Stillwater, Okla. Also grandchildren, Mark A. Hill and his wife, Stephanie; their daughters, Maddison and Micah; Michelle L. Hill Hudson and her husband, John; Ronda Lyn McBride Wheeler and husband, John Wheeler; their son, Tristan; Raegan K. McBride; great-granddaughter Mehgan M. McBride; step-grandchildren, Charles L. McBride Jr., and his wife, Janice, Jennifer McBride Huang and her husband, Charles; and Christopher McBride. His brothers, Carrol Gene Hill and wife, Freda; Wilbur D. Hill (deceased) and sister-in-law Christine Hill; sister, Frances M. Huffman and brother-in-law, the late Dean Huffman. Sister-in-laws Margie Myers and Dorothy Blake, brothers-in-laws George Todd and wife, Dorothy, and Billy B. Todd and his wife, Sandy, both deceased. There are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, other relatives and many special friends.

Gerald proudly served in World War II with the Army Air Corps 337th Air Service Group from August 1944 until his honorable discharge in September 1946. He participated in the Pacific Campaign and was stationed 18 months on the islands of EiShima and Okinawa. He was a life member of VFW Post No. 2855, Blackwell, Okla. Gerald worked at the Conoco refinery from 1950 until ill health forced his retirement in March of 1974. He also enjoyed farming and raising cattle on the farm he loved.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, his family will miss his beautiful grin and loving ways.

Contributions may be made in his name to the Ponca City Area Chapter of American Parkinson’s Disease, P.O. Box 743, Ponca City, OK 74602.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Leland L Howard

Leland L. Howard, 110 Westbury Road, died early this morning, Nov. 27, 1998, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 85. Survivors include his wife, Leatha, of the home.

The family will be at 128 Cooley. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home.

Lella Marie Cotham

FAIRFAX — Lella Marie Cotham, longtime Shidler resident, died early this morning, Nov. 27, 1998, in Bartlesville. She was 86. Arrangements are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home in Fairfax.

NEWS BRIEFS

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. adv.

Hit and Run — A resident in the 2700 block of Ames Avenue contacted police at 11:59 a.m. Thursday to report a hit and run. A police report was taken.

Assault — At 9:14 p.m. Thursday police were called to the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street after receiving a report of a woman kicking a door.

Jim Bowen Construction ­ Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes

available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with

appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable,

local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681. adv.

Arrest — A 21-year-old man was arrested from the 3500 block of North Union Street at 11:22 p.m. Thursday on 5 county warrants.

Vandalism — At 7:43 a.m. Thursday police were advised of vandalism to Christmas decorations in the 1400 block of East Hartford Avenue. An officer was assigned and extra patrol was assigned.

Pure Water Wagon. 1717 North 5th. Reverse osmosis water. 25

cents a gallon. adv.

Accident — A two vehicle, non-injury accident 3 miles south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177 was reported to police at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

Child Hit — At 6:18 p.m. Thursday police were advised that a child had been hit by a vehicle at Union Street and Overbrook Avenue and was taken to the hospital by private vehicle.

Gas Leak — At 11:45 a.m. Thursday a gas leak was reported in the 100 block of Howard Street. Oklahoma Natural Gas was contacted.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef bris-

ket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $6.95. 4-8 p.m. 1217 East

Prospect. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A $3.08 gas drive-off was reported at the Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street, at 9:38 a.m. Thursday.

Hit and Run — Police were advised at 4:17 p.m. Thursday that a van in the 1100 block of Brentwood Drive had been hit during the night. An officer was assigned.

Arrest — Police arrested a 30-year-old man at 8:19 p.m. Thursday from the 200 block of West Grand Avenue for actual physical control.

Trio Arrested — Three people were arrested at 12:31 a.m. Friday from Osage Street and Broadway Avenue, in connection to a reported stabbing that occurred north of Ponca City. A 22-year-old man was arrested for public intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia. A 18-year-old man was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and a 20-year-old man was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call

the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv.

Arrest — At 11:28 p.m. Thursday a 19-year-old man was arrested from Central Avenue and Washington for destruction of city property after it was reported that a man was pulling up a stop sign at that location.

Burglary — At 11:39 p.m. Thursday police were called to the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue for a report of a burglary.

Juvenile Arrest — Police arrested a 17-year-old girl at 11:56 p.m. Thursday from the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street for attempting to escape and public intoxication.

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.

Loose Diamond Sale: Going out of business liquidation! Round

1.51ct.; Marquis 1.35ct., 1.06ct; pear shape, 1.31ct., and more!

Cost plus only a small brokerage fee! The Brick House Fine Jewel-

ers, 211 East Grand, 767-1653. adv.

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.

Arrest — Police arrested a 37-year-old man at 1:59 a.m. Friday from the 300 block of South Peachtree Street for domestic assault.

Window Broken — At 2:05 a.m. Friday a broken window at Sutton Rhoads Exploration Inc., 1920 Lake Road, was reported.

Heating Assistance Available — Applications for heating assistance will be taken at the Ponca Tribal Housing Authority, starting Monday, Nov. 30, 1998. Priority will be given to the elderly, disabled and children under 5 years of age. For more information call 762-5909.

Stolen Puppy — At 8:34 a.m. Thursday a resident in the 900 block of Osage Street notified police of a puppy that had been stolen from their yard. A report was taken.

Power Outage — At 12:15 p.m. Thursday a power outage was reported when a squirrel tangled with some electrical lines in Dan Moran Park.

LIFESTYLES

Engagement Is Announced
Carpeted Stairs Are More Attractive, Quieter and Safer

Engagement Is Announced

The First Free Will Baptist Church of Norman will be the setting Dec. 19 for the wedding of Denise Berglan and R. J. Testerman. Parents of the couple are Curtis and Reva Berglan of Norman and Ronald and Dollie Testerman of Newkirk.

The bride-elect graduated from Norman High School in 1988 and from the University of Oklahoma in 1992. She teaches fourth grade for the Norman Public School System.

The prospective bridegroom graduated from Newkirk High School in 1984 and from Oklahoma State University in 1989. He is employed with the Department of Human Services for the state of Oklahoma.

Carpeted Stairs Are More Attractive, Quieter and Safer

By POPULAR MECHANICS

For AP Special Features

Stairs leading directly from a living room or central hallway look more attractive and inviting when carpeted. And, a carpeted stairway will quiet your home by softening footsteps and absorbing sound waves. Carpeted stairs are safer, too, lessening your chances of slipping.

Avoid utility-grade carpeting. Stairways get heavy wear, especially along the tread nosing. Choose an easy-to-clean variety with a dense pile. Carpet with attached cushion backing is cheaper and easier to put down, but isn’t recommended for stairways. Since you want a long, narrow runner, you may be able to buy remnants of high-quality carpeting at much less cost than the going rate for a room-size piece.

The runner need not be one length. Two or more sections can hide the seam under the tread nosing where it will be unnoticeable. Remember, the pile on each piece should always lie facing toward the bottom of the stairs. Both ascending and descending, the pressure of your foot is mostly toward the tread nosing, so unless the pile faces the same way, wear will be excessive — perhaps doubled. Feel pile direction by running your hand lightly across the carpet.

The most common method for carpeting a stairway with a closed wall on one side and open balusters at the other is to roll both edges under. Allowing about 1 inch from the wall with 1 1/4-inch roll-under at the edges.Determine the total length of the runner by measuring one tread and one riser, wrapping the tape measure around the nosing and holding it against the riser below the tread with your thumb. Add 1 inch to allow for the thickness of the padding under the carpet. Multiply this figure by the number of steps.To get width, measure from the wall to the base of the balusters, or whatever portion of the step you will be covering. Add 2 1/2 inches for rolling the edges under — 1 1/4 inches for each side. Since you will probably need to trim at least one edge along the runner’s length, allow an additional inch for this. If your carpeting has irregular edges, be sure you have enough material to trim the full length of both sides straight.

Measure a stairway with a landing as if the landing were one deep step. Ideally, cover the landing and the first riser above it with one piece. If you can’t, include the riser with the steps above it. Winder steps — wedge-shaped steps that turn a corner — require carpeting about 50 percent wider than a straight runner, and waste considerable material. You need a separate piece for each step and the riser above it. The pile on each tread must be at right angles to the nosing and facing downstairs.

EDUCATION

State Vo-Tech Releases Study on School-to-Work
Northwestern Announces New Scholarship Program
NOC Regents Approve New Programs
Title IX Meeting
Honor Society Students
Christmas Music
Students Enroll
Eberle Accepts Scholarship
School Resumes
PC Schools To Receive Learn and Serve Grant

State Vo-Tech Releases Study on School-to-Work

STILLWATER — A statewide survey recently conducted by the Oklahoma School-to-Work office shows Oklahoma’s School-to-Work initiative has won the support of many Oklahoma parents.

The state School-to-Work office recently released the findings of a major survey of the Oklahoma School-to-Work system. The telephone survey, conducted this summer, randomly questioned 500 parents across the state, who had at least one child under the age of 18. The results were compiled by Barry Newton, research director at PGI, Inc., an Oklahoma City-based market research company.

Newton said the survey was the second the state School-to-Work office has conducted. The first was a benchmark, conducted in 1994, before School-to-Work was implemented at the state level.

The 1998 survey shows that 81 percent of parents want their children to be involved with School-to-Work activities and 82 percent would support taxation or state legislative funding to continue School-to-Work activities.

“Parents not only like School-to-Work, they want to make sure it stays in place,” Newton said.

A significant finding of the survey shows parents like School-to-Work activities because they give children a better chance of getting a job after graduation to fund post-high school studies. Parents also believe School-to-Work better prepares students for higher education because it encourages them to take more math and science classes, as well as rigorous academic courses.

Parents feel their children have an academic advantage if they realize education has real work applications, Newton said.

“Survey findings indicate parents think involvement in School-to-Work also helps students become more focused and gives them a sense of purpose and responsibility,” he said. “They (parents) also think that School-to-Work helps cut down on high school dropouts because students are much more interested in what they are learning.”

More than 90 percent of parents in the survey agreed children should be aware of career opportunities, get to work with business and professionals and be able to relate academics with work.

Newton said the survey also indicates children and parents are discussing career choices at an earlier age. Eighty percent of the parents surveyed said they discussed career interests with their children before the ninth grade.

Having a career in mind helps both parents and children choose the appropriate classes in high school to prepare students for future education needs, Newton said.

The survey also indicates most parents wanted to be more involved in planning their children’s courses. A total 32 percent of parents said they currently are involved in establishing a plan of study for their child. However, 86 percent said they wanted the opportunity to be involved.

Plans of study have a positive impact on grades, said Robin Schott, School-to-Work administrator at Putnam City Schools.

Putnam City High School recently compared the scores of freshman students involved in a Health Academy to the scores of the entire freshman class. The Health Academy consisted of students on plans of study which prepared them for careers in the health field.

In the 1995-96 school year Academy freshmen had a grade point average of 3.22, much higher than the entire freshman class’ grade point average of 2.44. The following year, when Academy students were sophomores, their average grade point was 3.26 compared to the entire 1996-97 sophomore class’ grade point average of 2.68.

Students in the Academy also had no dropouts compared to 62 dropouts in the entire sophomore class during the 1996-97 school year, Schott said.

Northwestern Announces New Scholarship Program

ALVA — A new scholarship program and a new room waiver program have been adopted by the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Scholarship Committee, according to David Pecha, scholarship chairman and director of financial aid.

Beginning in spring 1999, the Oklahoma Valedictorian and Salutatorian Scholarships will be made available to all Oklahoma residents who are designated by either of these titles by their respective schools.

The Valedictorian Scholarship will be worth $1,250 per year, while the Salutatorian Scholarship will carry an award of $1,000 per year. Both awards will be renewable up to a total of eight semesters if students carry a grade point average of 3.5 or better.

There is no limit on the number of valedictorian or salutatorians from each school or on the total number who take advantage of Northwestern’s program.

“We realize that schools frequently have two or more students who tie for these honors,” Pecha said. “All will have the opportunity to obtain one of these scholarships.”

The room waiver program will offer a $200 per year reduction in the cost of living in one of Northwestern’s four dormitories.

“All this time, a minimum ACT score of 21 is required for a student to receive an academic scholarship,” Pecha explained. “There are many good students that we would like to have at Northwestern who have a 19 or 20 on the ACT and a high school grade point average of at least 3.0. This program is designed to recognize their achievements and give them incentive to attend the university.”

Anyone with questions can call Northwestern’s financial aid office at (580) 327-8542 or the pre-admissions office at (580) 327-8546.

NOC Regents Approve New Programs

TONKAWA — The board of regents for Northern Oklahoma College met Nov. 18 with all members present. The Regents heard reports from the executive officers, a report on the Community Wellness Center and approved two new programs.

Regent Chair Kathy Lewis reported that all of the NOC regents had attended the Annual Education Regents retreat in Tulsa and found it to be very informative.

Dr. Joe Kinzer, president, reported that the New Learning Site Initiative will be housed at Conoco and that advertising for the coordinator’s position will commence shortly. He also reported that Dr. Ed Johnson of OSU will be working with Northern on the linkage of the two school’s libraries.

Dr. Kinzer also reported that they should receive the funding in February to begin work on the Community Wellness Center. He also mentioned that former athletic director Leo Canaday has been contacted to assist in the design of the center. Dr. Kinzer also announced that the faculty and staff Christmas dinner would be held Dec. 17.

Dr. Roger Stacy, vice president for academic affairs, reported on the Electronic Community College of Oklahoma and that a group of staff and faculty had been assembled to work on Northern’s involvement in the project. Dr. Stacy also commented on two recent events on the campus, the Miss NOC Scholarship Pageant and the Les Gilliam and Joe Kreger concert. Dr. Stacy mentioned that e-mail on the NOC campus works well with faculty reading their e-mail regularly and responding in a timely manner.

Marion Tucker, vice president for information systems, reported that each faculty member is working on their own web pages with their syllabi to be online. Tucker also commented that student enrollment via the Internet is targeted for summer 1999 enrollments.

Mick Weiberg, vice president for student affairs, presented an occupancy report on the residence halls showing a 94 percent occupancy rate. He also reported on the activities scheduled for November and that homecoming activities kept students very active.

The board accepted the resignation of Kevin McCullough, supervisor of auxiliary services, and approved the hiring of Piyush Patel as instructor of Multimedia and Digital Communications.

The board heard reports on a Music Business program presented by Rick Edgington, music instructor and a Process Technology program presented by Dr. Virgil Ackerson, chair of the Science and Math division. The board approved the suggested course sequences for both programs.

The board received a copy of the memorandum of understanding signed by OSU president James Halligan concerning the remedial courses to be taught at OSU. Northern will assume the responsibility for the instruction of remedial courses for OSU effective fall 1999. The board approved the memo.

The next meeting was set for Dec. 16 at 4 p.m.

School News

Title IX Meeting

The Title IX Indian Education Parent Committee will be holding a luncheon meeting at Hunan’s (on Prospect) on Dec. 1 at 11:30 a.m. For further information contact Garland Kent Jr. at 762-5509 or Jo A. Lessert at 767-9500, ext. 128.

Honor Society Students

Nine Ponca City students were inducted into Golden Key National Honor Society at Oklahoma State University. New inductees are Alison Bair, zoology; Karen Blake, accounting; Amy Callaway, zoology; Heather Hohensee, psychology; James Knight, computer science; Amber Long, elementary education; Lorena Massey, general business; Tonja Pappan, physiology; and Heather Roth, microbiology.

Christmas Music

Ponca City Middle School has a month of Christmas music to share with parents and friends. A city-wide fifth and sixth grade orchestra program will be held on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m., the band will have a performance on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., the seventh grade orchestra will perform on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., and the wrap-up performance will be by the sixth grade chorus students on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. The public is invited.

Students Enroll

Several students from Kay County have enrolled at Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee. They are: Melissa Rhodd, Blackwell; and Travis Behara, James Butler, Travis Hager, Buck Jones, Denise Pollard, Raymond Pollard, Cheryl Sanford, and Tamitha Short, all of Ponca City.

Eberle Accepts Scholarship

Erinn Le Eberle, a 1996 Po-Hi graduate, has received a scholarship from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at OSU. She is the daughter of Arlis and Janice Eberle, Ponca City.

School Resumes

Students will return to school in the Ponca City area after their Thanksgiving Break on Nov. 30.

PC Schools To Receive Learn and Serve Grant

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett has announced that Ponca City Public Schools will be receiving a $5,000 Learn and Serve community education grant. The competitive grant will be used for student service projects to benefit the local community.

“Service learning benefits everyone — the local community, the local school and the students involved,” Garrett said. “By giving of themselves and their time, students learn to better appreciate their community and the responsibilities they have as citizens to ensure that the community remains a nice place to live.”

During its regular monthly meeting in November, the State Board of Education approved Garrett’s recommendation of nearly $152,000 in Learn and Serve grants to 35 school districts statewide.

Community leaders, school administrators and State Department of Education staff evaluated the grant proposals on the basis of clearly defined community needs, whether a wide range of organizations and participants were to be involved to assist students in meeting those needs and how well the proposals integrated the service projects into the academic curriculum of the schools.

RELIGION

Ponca Full Gospel Church Tells Services
2nd Annual UMM Banquet Set
Good Shepherd Lutheran Youth Serving Chili
As New As Cool Whip
Southside Baptists Seeking New Location
Bible Broadcasting Network Continuing Christmas Music This Season
Northeast Baptists Plan Christmas Program
Woodlands Christian Plans ‘Hanging of the Greens’
‘Walk by Bethlehem’ This Sunday at First UMC
‘Come Let Us Reason Together’
NE Baptists Present Youth Event
1st Lutherans Tell Worship Theme
New Year’s Eve Plans Under Way

Church Briefs

Ponca Full Gospel Church Tells Services

Fellowship meetings — evening services at Ponca Full Gospel Church have been announced for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, with Pastor Joe Grayson of Stilwell, and 7 p. m. on Sunday evening with Evangelist Willis Backwater of Salina preaching. Everyone is welcome to come and receive a blessing. The church is located two miles south on Highway 177, 1/2 mile East, and the second house 5.

2nd Annual UMM Banquet Set

The United Methodist Men are hosting their 2nd Annual UMM Fall Banquet, Thursday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. The theme is “A Cowboy Christmas.” Supper will be served at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, followed by the featured speaker, Joe Kreger, Oklahoma’s Poet Laureate.

Tickets are $6 and are available by contacting Dale Pontius, Bill Carmichael, or Mike Johnston. Y’all come join us for an evening of good food and great entertainment!

Good Shepherd Lutheran Youth Serving Chili

The youth at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will be serving homemade chili in downtown Ponca City — at Grand Central Station — this evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy!

The proceeds from the sale of the chili will go for the Youth Mission Trip to Mexico. The proceeds will be matched by AAL, it was noted.

As New As Cool Whip

First Christian Church, Fifth and Cleveland invites Ponca Citians to complete Thanksgiving Week by giving thanks at their New Casual Sunday Celebration. The service is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. each Sunday evening.

Try it — you’ll enjoy a service “new as Cool Whip.”

Southside Baptists Seeking New Location

In speaking with Steve Harden, pastor of Southside Baptist Church this week, it was learned the folks at Southside are looking for a new location for their congregational activities.

Whether to build a new facility or find a suitable building it the question. And, as Harden pointed out, the location is not that important since Southside Baptists come from all sections of the city _ not just from the southside area any more.

The congregation is currently meeting at the Marland Mansion.

Bible Broadcasting Network Continuing Christmas Music This Season

The Bible Broadcasting Network will continue a tradition by providing 31 days of non-commercial Christmas Music, starting on Tuesday, Dec. 1, as part of its celebration of Christmas. For 25 years, BBN has been providing sacred programming throughout the year, with the month of December largely dedicated to honoring the birth of the Savior.

BBN is heard in this area on KYFW 88.3 FM. In addition, KYFW will present some special programs during the Christmas season. Cantatas, dramas, Bible stories, and missionaries from around the world will also be sharing the way Christmas is celebrated in their land.

Northeast Baptists Plan Christmas Program

“A Christmas Extravaganza” will be presented by the Northeast Baptist Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. for the community, it was announced this week.

A nursery will be provided for children up to 3 years of age, it was announced.

Woodlands Christian Plans ‘Hanging of the Greens’

Woodlands Christian Church has set ‘Hanging of the Greens” for Sunday, Nov. 29,, the first Sunday in Advent. One of the favorite worship services at Woodlands each year is the “Hanging of the Greens”. The tradition of the poinsettia will be explained, members of the congregation will hang the sanctuary greens and prepare the chancel area. The first Advent Candle will be lighted by the Derric Drake Family, and special music will be presented by the Chancel Choir and the Ladies Ensemble. Christmas carols will be sung, offering will be received, and those present will share a special communion service.

An annual event, it is a wonderful way to begin the season of Advent, according to Senior Minister Paul M. Krueger.

‘Walk by Bethlehem’ This Sunday at First UMC

This Sunday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. the children of First United Methodist Church, under the direction of Keith Conley, will present the play, “Walk By Bethlehem.” The vignettes, or scenes, will be held outside and will depict the events leading up to the birth of the Savior. The play will last approximately 15 minutes, and then folks will all gather in Fellowship Hall to enjoy the Christmas story and Christmas snacks.

Guests are invited to attend this first Sunday evening of Advent activities at First United Methodist Church.

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites you to share God’s word with us every week. Sunday Bible classes 9:30 a.m., worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening 6 p.m. and Wednesday 7:00 p.m. We have classes for all age levels, nursery through adult.

“The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones.” Ezekiel 3 7:1.

The power and spirit of the Lord led Ezekiel to an unpromising place for preaching — a valley of dry bones.

What good could come from preaching to a people who were so dead they did not even have flesh on their bones? A lot of people find themselves in places that do not seem to offer much promise for the future. But if they obey the commands of God, they will see God’s plan fulfilled through them.

NE Baptists Present Youth Event

Scott Richards, Northeast Baptist Church’s minister to students, feels one of the primary pressures our youth face is that of remaining morally and sexually pure until they marry. Scott chose Disciple Now 98 as his tool to teach the youth how to combat these pressures. Northeast Baptist put on a Disciple No 98 weekend Nov. 13 through 15 that was filled with fun, but life changing for the 70-plus youth and adults who participated. Youth were divided up into groups consisting of 7th and 8th graders, 9th and 10th graders, and 11th and 12th graders to enable the leaders to present the message at the best level for each age.

Disciple Now 98 was kicked off on Friday evening with a dinner and concert featuring “Three Stands”, a band from Oklahoma City. David Starry from Miami, Okla., John Elam from Tuttle, and Brandon Adams from Moore led four teaching sessions: “God Created Us for the Best,” “The Value of Virginity,” “The Power of Patience,” and “True Love is Worth the Wait.” The weekend also contained scavenger hunts, praise and worship, lots of fellowship, and great food.

Paul Abner, founder of Worth the Wait Ministries led the Sunday morning worship service with a message for the youth that also challenged the adults in the service. The message, as well as all the teaching sessions, stressed that even if they have made the mistake of being sexually active, they can begin again and remain sexually pure from this moment forward. At the close of the morning worship more than 50 students participated in a commitment service, signing a commitment card stating they will remain sexually pure until they enter a biblical marriage relationship. The service concluded with the students and their parents at God’s altar, praying for strength and accountability to be the Godly examples they need to be to the rest of the community. Adults in the service were challenged to encourage students in this commitment.

Northeast Baptist families provided host homes for the students to stay in for the weekend. This allowed the students to focus on the lessons presented during the weekend.

Scott Richards leads the youth on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 for their Jesus and Me midweek Bible study and directs the Sunday morning Sunday school Joining Our Lights Together at 9 a.m. After church fellowships and other activities are also planned for the students. Parents are encouraged to have an active part in all of the student activities at Northeast Baptist, 2200 Pecan Road.

1st Lutherans Tell Worship Theme

“Bonded by the Birth” will be the seasonal worship theme that will begin on Nov. 29 at First Lutheran Church. The church’s preparation for Christ’s coming both at Christmas and at the end of time is very similar to preparations made for the birth of a baby. Pastor Ramsey’s sermon title is “Receiving New Clothes.” A new comparison will be made each week during the Advent and Christmas season between Christ’s coming and the birth of a baby. In both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services, the choir will sing “Candles of Advent” as the Advent candles are lighted. Their primary anthem for SunDamascus Road Productions will be presenting the New Year’s Eve celebration in Ponca City at Hutchins Memorial Auditorium , beginning at 7 p.m. and lasting until 10 p.m. Cost of this event will be $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Tickets go on sale this weekend at ticket outlets to be announced.

The evening will be kept flowing smoothly by Jeff Denton and Gus (Mark Russell). These two will emcee the evening’s program and both flow well in the gift of laughter.

“The Damascus Road Praise Band” will be introduced at this time, and Russ Reeves from Arlington, Texas, one of God’s funniest creations in the form of a minister will be special guest. Also joining for this special evening will be “One Light”, formerly known as Legacy. This is a Contemporary Christian Quartet from Arkansas City, who have been singing together for over two years.

Concessions will be available and the group will need the help of local ministers to assist with those who respond to the altar call at the end of the evening. For more information or to sign up for any package or as a counselor, please call Debra Lockwood at 580-762-9523.

New Year’s Eve Plans Under Way

day is the advent hymn “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.”

The Sunday evening service at 6:30 p.m. will be in the form of a carol-sing. This will follow an afternoon of decorating the church in preparation for the Advent and Christmas services that will be held during December. On Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. the annual Hanging of the Greens service will be held. This completely new service will again focus on the symbols used to more clearly show God’s plan of salvation in sending the baby Jesus. The Tasting Fair will be held in the Fellowship Hall immediately following that service. On Dec. 13, the Senior Choir will present the Christmas portion of the “Messiah” at both of the morning services. That evening students of grades 6-8 of First Lutheran School will present their Christmas program in the Sanctuary. On Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. the children of the Sunday School will present their Christmas program. All members of the community are urged to join the members of First Lutheran for any of these worship opportunities.

SPORTS

Former Cowboy Finds Home at Rice
DiMaggio Could Leave ICU Soon

Former Cowboy Finds Home at Rice

By MICHAEL A. LUTZ

AP Sports Writer

HOUSTON (AP) — It’s taken Jason Skaer a while to get back home. But he’s happy that he made the trip.

Skaer, a highly-recruited forward from suburban Deer Park, chose Oklahoma State in 1995 to continue his basketball career. Skaer played three seasons for the Cowboys, including their 1995 Final Four team, before returning to Texas.

‘‘Coming out of high school, Rice recruited me; but at the time I wanted to go out and see some of the world,’’ Skaer said. ‘‘I visited Notre Dame, Stanford and Oklahoma State and those were my top choices.’’

Skaer started seeing the world in Stillwater, and it was a good choice as a freshman. Skaer was the second man off the bench for coach Eddie Sutton’s Cowboys.

But dwindling playing time led Skaer to rethink his decision and so he came to Rice. After sitting out last season he’s a key part of the Owls’ hopes of improving on last season’s 6-22 record in the Western Athletic Conference.

‘‘At Oklahoma State, my skills didn’t fit in,’’ Skaer said. ‘‘Their system was made for two guards and a center and I’m a swing man. I was not taking advantage of my abilities.’’

Skaer doesn’t regret his Oklahoma adventure.

‘‘I went to the Final Four as a freshman and coach Sutton is a great teacher,’’ Skaer said. ‘‘It was a fantastic experience because he taught me so much but I wasn’t using it in the games.

‘‘Here I’m working with coach (Willis) Wilson and he is giving me so much more freedom to do what coach Sutton taught me.’’

Skaer, T.J. Armstrong and Robert Johnson are the only seniors. Johnson is the top returning scorer with an 11.6 average. Junior Alex Bougaieff is the top returning rebounder with a 5.9 per game.

Wilson also has added depth with three other newcomers, guard Keenan Holmes, center Ferron Morgan and forward Erik Cooper.

‘‘He is just a hard-nose competitor that may be as hard-nosed a competitor as we have had since Brent Scott,’’ Wilson said of Skaer. ‘‘Combine Jason’s desire to win and his mental and physical toughness, and he will provide us with a constant offensive threat.’’

Scott was a second team All-Southwest Conference pick in 1991-92-93 for the Owls.

Although he’s not complaining about it, Skaer still feels he’s playing out of position.

‘‘We don’t have a lot of depth as far as big men, so I have been playing a little out of position,’’ Skaer said. ‘‘It’s frustrating at times but if I can help the team win, it’s all right with me.’’

Skaer has just one season to help turn the Owls around.

‘‘I’ve got two things pulling me,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m trying to get my feet back because I haven’t played in almost two years and I’m trying to be a leader with guys I haven’t played with that much. But they’re a great bunch and they know I’ve been to the Final Four and I think they respect that.’’

At least, the toughest part of Skaer’s move is over.

‘‘The toughest part was last year sitting out and watching the games,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m a guy who likes to hit the big shots and the pressure situations.

Last year, I watched us lose so many close games and I felt like I could have stepped in and made a difference.’’

Now, he can.

DiMaggio Could Leave ICU Soon

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP) — Baseball great Joe DiMaggio feels well enough to get a bigger room and could leave the intensive care unit altogether soon if improvement continues from lung cancer surgery.

Morris Engelberg, DiMaggio’s attorney and longtime friend, said doctors could decide to move the Hall of Famer out of intensive care during the weekend.

For now, however, DiMaggio will have to make do with a larger room farther away from the nurses’ station.

‘‘They switched rooms on his birthday (Wednesday), and now more of his family can visit at the same time,’’ Engelberg said. DiMaggio, who turned 84 on Wednesday, has been hospitalized since Oct. 12.

Dr. Earl Barron, who heads the six-person team treating DiMaggio at Memorial Regional Hospital, will make the final decision as to when the Hall of Famer can be moved from the ICU.

DiMaggio is recovering from a lung infection, the most serious complication of surgery Oct. 14 to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung.