LOCAL

Conner Named Career Counselor at Vo-Tech
Shadows Of The Law
Playhouse’s ‘A Tuna Christmas’ Easily Provides ‘Laugh a Minute’
King Me Worth Being in Audience
Noon Lions Club Receives Information on Poncan

Conner Named Career Counselor at Vo-Tech

Pioneer Technology Center announces the recent hiring of Rebecca Conner as the new career counselor in charge of guidance and counseling.

Before coming to Pioneer Technology Center, Conner spent 11 years at Canadian Valley Technical Center in El Reno while serving in several capacities with the most recent being a full-time teacher in the business and computer technology program.

During this time, Conner was responsible for curriculum development, classroom management and supervision, co-advisor for the Future Business Leaders of America, and instructional areas that included computer software, job readiness, accounting, and leadership skills.

While serving as a full-time teacher, Conner also served as the facilitator for Canadian County's Youth Family services First Offender program for two years as well as the school-to-work coordinator for the Canadian County Career Connection for six months.

Conner has extensive experience in career counseling. She gained over eight year's experience serving as the job placement specialist. As the job placement specialist, Conner worked with students in resume preparation, interview training, and job search activities. She also provided instruction in an employment retention program for daytime programs, local high schools, and JTPA youth programs. During this time, Conner also worked closely with business and industry leaders and established a local area career/job fair for area schools.

Conner holds a Master's of Education in Guidance and Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from the University of Central Oklahoma.

She has been awarded by the Oklahoma Vocational Association and the American Vocational Association as the Outstanding Educator and Vocational Educator of the Year. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Conner also co-authored the job search guide, Through the Jungle.

Shadows Of The Law

Ponca City High School students take advantage of the job shadow program held Thursday. Senior Caleb Stevenson, right, watches Master patrolman Tom Duroy explain how a citation is filled out in a mock traffic exercise. Taking the gavel in Judge William Kirkpatrick’s, left, courtroom is senior Ashley VanHoesen. Many local businesses and organizations in the community opened their doors for high school students to experience what it is like in the professional sector Thursday. The program matches students with business people in an area in which the student has expressed an interest. The Job Shadowing program is coordinated by Diane Bull at the Ponca City High School. To find out more about the program call 767-9500 extension 136. (News Photos by Thomas True)

Playhouse’s ‘A Tuna Christmas’ Easily Provides ‘Laugh a Minute’

By KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

“A laugh a minute” best describes the newest Ponca Playhouse production “A Tuna Christmas,” starring veteran actors, Dave May and Phil Bandy. Even though the play, written by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams is not a favorite of mine, Bandy and May make this production very entertaining as they pop on and off stage in the personalities and dress of 22 citizens of Tuna, Texas.

Viewers at final rehearsal Thursday evening (those not connected with the production or familiar with the play) suggested a brief introduction might be appropriate to set the place, time and main characters before the first scene. After they figured out the “when,” “where,” and maybe the “why,” the production went uphill in a hurry. The responsive audience giggled, guffawed and clapped at the crazy characters in the small Texas town contending with a “phantom” who wrecks Christmas yard decorating contests, numerous marital problems, UFOs, avoiding jail, animal control, and other hometown problems.

Sometimes lines were spoken too fast to understand at the rehearsal, but portrayal of each unique character and quick-change routines were great. We soon found ourselves anticipating the next “character” in a different costume.

Of course, Dave May is still my favorite hometown thespian, and expectations of a great performance portraying each of his 11 characters lived up to promise. Though hard to choose, my favorite characters, which brought out the best in May, were the little old blue jay shooting Aunt Pearl Burras and the self-assured Tastee Kreme waitress Inita Goodwin.

May also played the major characters of radio station OKKK D.J. Thurston Wheelis, tough homemaker and mother Bertha Bumiller, UFO nut R.R. Snavely, Sheriff “rubber sheets” Givens, and director of the Tuna Christmas play Joe Bob Lipsey. He also played the lesser characters, Elmer Watkins, Ike Thompson, Leonard Childers and Phoebe Burkhalter.

Bandy often “stole the show” and his body language was excellent as young teenage Charlene Bumiller, parolee Stanley Bumiller, the satin-gowned Vera Carp, and town clerk Dixie Deberry. Other main characters were OKKK D.J. Arles Struvie, used weapons dealer Didi Snavely, Tuna Humane Society leader Petey Fish, and waitress Helen Bedd. Minor characters by Bandy were Jody Bumiller, Farley Burkhalter and Garland Poteet.

I still laugh today, remembering scenes where the two old ladies Aunt Pearl Burras and Dixie Deberry shot marbles at the blue jays; the action at the Tastee Kreme restaurant; and the final.

All props, lighting, music, and sound was the usual Playhouse professional quality, but special effects workers outdid themselves with the UFO lighting, smoke and exciting props.

Directed by local Playhouse member Christina Rich-Splawn, as her first main season production, and produced by Karen Waters, the play is wonderful for a laughter filled, very entertaining evening. Language and some scenes are probably not best suited for children.

In addition to tonight’s opening performance, “A Tuna Christmas” will run Nov. 13, 14, 19, and 20. Evening performances are at 8 p.m. and the Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre. Call 765-5360 for reservations.

King Me Worth Being in Audience

By THOMAS TRUE

News Staff Writer

It is not unusual to see a good band in a small location. However King Me was obviously expecting more than the handful of people that turned out for their debut performance in the small Tulsa venue. Those that did turn out were not disappointed though.

After getting through a bit of a glitch of their opening act being changed at the last minute King Me soon took the stage and started giving the people what they came for. They have an edgy sound that the people in the club took for granted. From that response it was clear that this group had seen a few days on stage. If the audience is not thinking about the quality of the music, it must good. And that was what the listeners did. They just responded to it, they didn’t have to think about it.

King Me opened the set with “First One” the first song off their debut release “About Life.” Into the second song “Love Me” they changed up to more of a hard driving beat Lead singer Luke Carter’s vocal style is smooth and makes the sound fill the place with vocals that could remind you of a Pearl Jam or maybe Creed. However his sound is all his own and it isn’t hard to follow, even if the song is new to you.

The other members of the band are also veterans of the stage as well and the whole group works well together. This mini tour is going to be in Stillwater tonight then wrap up Saturday at the Hideout in Newkirk. This is a band that is worth going to see. King Me is based out of Wichita and has been together for about four years. Their web site is www.kingmenet.com.

Noon Lions Club Receives Information on Poncan

The Noon Lions Club met Nov. 3 at the American Legion with Kenn Wessel of the Poncan Theatre presenting the program. Wessel, a lover of both history and theater, told of the historical significance of the calendar as we know and celebrate events and the true age dating according to historical events.

Wessel also gave a brief rundown of the upcoming season at the Poncan Theatre which includes Silver Bells and Diamonds holiday show, the Oak Ridge Boys, the Platters, Gary Lewis and The Playboys and a return of 1964 the Tribute. He distributed brochures concerning their membership drive this year.

Student Po-Hi Leos, Mikel Montgomery and Jessica Felix, gave a report on their Trick or Treating for Canned Goods food drive held on Halloween. They collected 294 cans of food to be used by local needy families.

Two new Lions members were introduced as a result of the October membership drive. They included Steve Tsai, sponsored by Bill Thomason, and Kathy Turner, sponsored by Susan Ladner.

Upcoming Lions projects include helping with the Festival of Angels by decorating trees at Lake Ponca Park and serving as angel hosts two nights a week during the Festival. It also was announced that the Lions would have a float and several convertibles in the Veterans Day parade.

Individuals interested in helping their community and being involved with sight conservation worldwide are invited to join the Noon Lions Club for lunch on Wednesdays at the American Legion.

DEATHS

ˆ

No Deaths

NEWS BRIEFS

Pancake & Sausage Feed Set — American Legion Pancake & Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat) will be Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 407 West South Avenue. Cost is $3.50 for adults, $2 for children under 12, and free to children under 6. All proceeds go to the Children and Youth Activities of the Legion.

New Large selection of Snow-

men and Santas! Stop in and take

a look. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, down-

town Ponca City. adv.

Pilgrim’s Pride — All area women are invited to attend a “Pilgrim’s Pride” luncheon on Nov. 17, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club sponsored by the Ponca City Christian Women’s Club. Cost is $8.50 and reservations for the luncheon and complementary childcare must be made with Jeanette, 765-8427.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday spe-

cial from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat

ribs with beans, potato salad and

coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th,

765-7979. adv.

Bedlam Party — The annual OU/OSU Bedlam party will be held Thursday, Nov. 18, 6-8 p.m. at the Wentz Camp dining hall. Hotdogs, chips and drinks will be provided. There will be a $2 charge to cover rental expenses. To RSVP OU fans can call Michele Jean, 762-5312, or Sue Lunsford, 767-2003; and OSU fans can call Vince O’Brien, 762-3243, or Larry Williams, 762-5847.

Hobby Lobby Store hours Mon-

day thru Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.;

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed

Sunday. adv.

Local Airman Graduates — Air Force Airman Jesse K. Hand has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He is now stationed at Hurlburt Field, Fort Walton Beach, Florida in Tactical Air Control Training. He is the son of Larry and Susan Reynolds of Ponca City and Leon and LaVerne Hand of Kaw City.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Cus-

tom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Tribal Meeting — The Ponca Tribe annual meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 20 at the Tribal Affairs building.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth

Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wed-

nesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-

8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-

9689. adv.

Accident — A minor accident in the 2900 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:38 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Fund Raiser Event — What would you give for a movie poster of John Travolta, an autographed article from your favorite sports or music star, or tickets to a special event? All area residents have an opportunity to purchase, through bidding, the items mentioned, plus a whole lot more, at a benefit auction Saturday, Nov. 20. The event begins at 4 p.m. at Grand Central Station, Fifth and Central Streets, and all proceeds will go to the Korey Smith Cochlear Implant Fund.

Head Country Saturday night

special. All you can eat beef bris-

ket with beans, potato salad and

coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East

Prospect. adv.

Tires Stolen — A man from M & J Tires, 736 South Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:34 a.m. Thursday that some tires had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Accident — The communications Center received a report at 10:39 a.m. Thursday that an accident had occurred in the 400 block of Fairview. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

Pauline’s Steak and shrimp

dinner, $13.95. Friday, November

12th. For reservations. 765-5460.

adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 12:59 p.m. Thursday that a 15-year-old boy was being held for burglary.

Yes, Fried turkey! Call today to

place your order. Snyder’s Gro-

cery. 762-4686. adv.

Accident — The Communications Center received a call at 1:25 p.m. Thursday that a minor accident had occurred in the 500 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A minor accident in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:43 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Union Street and Prospect Avenue at 1:32 p.m. Thursday that a 56-year-old man was held for driving under suspension, speeding and not wearing a seat belt.

Book Your holiday, wedding,

bachelor, etc. parties with the

Hide out 580-362-9905 or 762-0835.

adv.

Suspicious Activity — An employee of McDonalds, 2124 North Fourteenth Street, requested officers of the Ponca City Police Department at 7:47 p.m. Thursday stating that two passengers from a bus were getting ready to fight, and a gun may be involved. Three officers were assigned and a 33-year-old man was held for public intoxication. At 9:40 p.m., an employee at the firm reported a handgun in the weeds. An officer brought the weapon to the police department.

Shoplifter — An employee at Wal-Mart requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 3:46 p.m. Thursday with a shoplifter. An officer was assigned and a 22-year-old man was held for petit larceny.

Subject Held — A juvenile was at the Ponca City Police Department at 5:15 p.m. Thursday to see an officer. The officer assigned took the 17-year-old girl into custody for giving false information to an officer.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Cleveland Avenue at 6:02 p.m. Thursday that a 27-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Accident — A woman from the 1200 block of Bradbary Lane reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:20 p.m. Thursday that her daughter’s vehicle had been involved in a minor accident at Po-Hi earlier in the day. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Park Avenue at 8:56 p.m. Thursday that a 22-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

LIFESTYLES

Trenary Named To State Commission
Bread Bowls Recent Program Topic For Bliss Homemakers FCE Group
Perfect Pasta

Trenary Named To State Commission

Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating has named Marie Trenary of Ponca City as a member of the state Community Service Commission. Her term will expire March 10, 2002.

The National and Community Service Trust Act was signed into law in 1993, creating the Corporation for National Service. The corporation is an independent agency of the federal government which administers three streams of national service — Learn and Serve America, AmeriCorps and the Senior Programs.

Mrs. Trenary is director for the area Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and has been involved in several areas of caregiving activities.

She is married to Martin Trenary, and both are members of Northeast Baptist Church. Mrs. Trenary also serves on the Pioneer Transit board, the Friends of the Library, and the Oklahoma Community Service.

The couple has three children, Warrant Officer Chad Trenary, and his wife, Wendy; Sgt. Justin Trenary; and Tara Trenary, a junior student at Ponca City High School. The couple also has two grandsons, Schuyler and Hunter Trenary.

Mrs. Trenary stated that she is “excited and honored with this gubernatorial appointment.”

Bread Bowls Recent Program Topic For Bliss Homemakers FCE Group

Soni Kodesh, president, called the Bliss Homemakers FCE meeting to order Oct. 13 at the Marland Methodist-Christian Church Fellowship Hall. The money for the quarter drill and pennies for friendship were given before the meeting was turned over to Janell Root.

Root is a Frontier 4-H Club member who has taken bread to the State Wheatheart Contest the past two years. She gave a lesson on making “Bread Bowls.” She showed creative ways to serve soup or salads in bread bowls.

Conie Kodesh, the Frontier 4-H Leader, presented a certificate of appreciation from the 4-H Club to the Bliss Homemakers. These were presented during the local 4-H Achievement Banquet. She also told the group that they would be invited to the county 4-H Achievement Banquet on Dec. 1.

Audrey Serry from Arizona was welcomed as a guest of Catherine Robinson. Members read the homemakers creed in unison before the roll was answered with “will your family eat casseroles, and if so, which are their favorites?” Melanie Williams, the devotional leader, gave “The Senior Sentiments” and “Keeping Your Fork” as devotionals.

All of those present wore their seatbelts to the club meeting and all members present reported either reading a book, magazine, or reading to someone else this past month. The secretary, Burdettya Linn, read the minutes, and the treasurer’s report was given by Catherine Robinson,

The group discussed activities for the Red Ribbon Week. Vicki Oltmann made arrangements for the judges for the picture coloring contest and other activities.

The County Association meeting time was announced, and recognition was given to a new baby in the community, the son of Joe and Rene Williams.

The chili cook-off and carnival plans were announced for Sat. Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. Happy Birthday wishes were extended to Soni Kodesh, Alice Kelly, Maxine Tautfest, and Marilyn Balcer for their October birthdays.

Hostesses for the evening were Maxine Tautfest and Clara Jane Case. The hostess gift was won by Linda Short. The Nov. 10 meeting for the Bliss Homemakers will have Alice Kelly and Pat Sikes as hostesses. Lesson Leader will be Marilyn Gates.

Perfect Pasta

NEW YORK (AP) Some things to bear in mind when cooking up a pot of pasta:

Follow the package directions for best results.

Use a large pot (8-quart capacity is ideal) with lots of water, at least 4 to 6 quarts for every pound of pasta.

Use a timer to keep accurately to the cooking times called for on the package.

Add salt to the water for flavor, about 1 tablespoon per 1 pound of pasta. Add the salt after the water has come to a full boil, just before you add the pasta.

Set your stove temperature high enough to bring the pasta water to a rapid, rolling boil and maintain that boil throughout the entire cooking time.

Stir the pasta when it first goes in the water and occasionally during cooking.

Begin testing for doneness a few minutes before the package directions indicate it will be done. Test by cutting or biting the pasta. If there is a small white dot of uncooked core, the pasta is cooked “al dente,” tender but still firm to the bite. For softer pasta, wait until there is no white core showing.

For hot dishes, add the cooked, drained pasta immediately to the sauce and serve.

Don’t cover the pasta pot it will probably boil over.

EDUCATION

Local Patrons Attend State Conference on Development
Jamal Williams Participates In Awareness Week
Priorities Provide Year 2000 Legislative Agenda
Documents Show Discrepancy Between Words and Actions
First Quarter Honor Rolls Released at First Lutheran

Local Patrons Attend State Conference on Development

Pioneer Technology Center's Sheila Foxworthy, Judith Reyes, and Michael Hicks attended the Success Connection V, the State Chamber's conference on Workforce Development, Oct. 27 and 28 in Oklahoma City.

The statewide conference attracted schools, business leaders, parents, community agencies, students, and members from the media who are looking at ways to help business and education work closer together.

The two-day conference gave the attendees an opportunity to choose between a combination of general sessions and breakout sessions. Judith Reyes, Marketing student, and Michael Hicks, Health Science Technology student, attended two sessions on coordinating and implementing student-led career fairs / career days at their own school.

Both Reyes and Hicks along with the members from the Vocational Student Organization (VSO) at Pioneer Technology Center will be coordinating a job fair in April to help students in planning for their future careers. In conjunction with the career fair session, the students also attended a session on utilizing career portfolios. This session provided them with the "how to's" of developing a career portfolio that could help them in seeking employment and developing the necessary job skills for obtaining the job they want.

Foxworthy, Business Technology instructor, attended the Teachers as Advisors session to learn more about a teacher developed career curriculum that begins during the enrollment process and continues throughout the school year. The curriculum also includes parent participation as well as support from administrators and counselors.

Foxworthy also received the tools for developing a six-year plan of study that could help students in making career choices, setting career goals, and scheduling their high school and post-secondary classes.

Linda Thompson, Northern Oklahoma Career Alliance (NOCA) formerly known as Project Partners, also attended the conference along with Bandy Johnstone, NOCA student advisor. Johnstone is a former Pioneer Technology Center student who completed the Food Services program last year and is now enrolled at Northern Oklahoma College.

Featured speakers for the conference included Steffen Palko, president and co-founder of Cross Timbers Oil Company in Texas and Joan Lloyd, president of Joan Lloyd and Associates in Wisconsin.

In addition to the special meetings and activities held for students, sessions were also available in workforce development, education, and industry/community development.

Next years' Success Connection Conference is scheduled on October 17-18 in Oklahoma City.

Jamal Williams Participates In Awareness Week

Jamal Williams, graduate of Po-Hi and a sophomore at Oklahoma State University, acted as master of ceremonies recently at the sixth annual Project Success for Black Awareness Week at OSU. He is the son of Leonard and Patsy Williams of Ponca City.

About 400 high school students attended the program, which targets black high school juniors and seniors.

Williams, who is the president of the Afro-American Student Association at OSU, said students participated in a set of workshops covering topics like choosing a major and financial aid.

Williams said the project not only tries to recruit students, but “to impress upon them the importance of going to college.” He also said this event has been one of the more successful Afro-American Student Association programs.

Priorities Provide Year 2000 Legislative Agenda

By SANDY GARRETT

State Superintendent

Ten years ago, a special session of the state Legislature addressed the funding crisis facing Oklahoma public schools.

And, despite the efforts of legislators, governors, board members, educators and citizens across our state since then, the main problem which prompted action then still haunts us today: other states and other professions are wooing teachers away from our classrooms.

For this reason, my fellow State Board of Education members and I have requested additional funding for teacher salaries as the No. 1 priority for the upcoming legislative session. Let me brief you on the Board’s top five priorities for the first budget year of the new millennium:

— Teacher pay: The Board has requested funds from the Legislature and governor to move Oklahoma’s average teacher salary nearer the 1998-99 regional average. Our state’s teachers earned significantly less last school year than did teachers in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas.

— Technology: We need to focus on students’ needs for modern technology in the classroom. The goal is to provide at least one up-to-date computer with software, printer, and wiring for each standard classroom or lab in the state, and additional teacher and administrator training.

— More students: As is the case each year, the growing number of students in our state’s schools must continue to be a statewide concern. There are nearly 50,000 more students in Oklahoma public schools today than there were in 1989-90. This, along with new state graduation requirements, has contributed to an ongoing shortage of teachers in a number of subject areas.

— Textbooks: Supplemental funding provided for local schools to purchase textbooks and other instructional materials should be increased. Currently, schools get $32 per student per year to help pay for books; however, the average cost of just one textbook is about $60.

— Alternative education: We need to help the remaining 76 school districts which do not have alternative education programs to meet the state law requiring all schools offer such programs by the 2000-2001 school year. Alternative education helps students at risk of dropping out or who have been disruptive in traditional classrooms.

The crisis that Gov. Henry Bellmon saw in 1989 — the loss of Oklahoma-educated teachers to other states and other professions because of comparatively low pay — has merely been postponed.

Average teacher pay and per-pupil spending rank Oklahoma near the bottom in all national rankings. The crisis haunting this state can grow into a true disaster for Oklahoma’s children if we get even further behind in 2000.

Documents Show Discrepancy Between Words and Actions

When it comes to supporting education, adult Americans talk the talk, but too often fail to walk the walk, according to a new survey.

A national survey by Horace Mann Educators Corporation shows near-unanimous support for the idea that parents should be involved actively in their children’s education, with 96 percent saying that parents should partner with teachers and 93 percent citing increased parental involvement as a needed educational change. In addition, 94 percent of the respondents said that all adults in a community — not just the parents of current students — should volunteer time, resources or expertise in support of teachers and schools.

But when asked about their own actions, fewer than a third of the respondents said they spend time helping in the classroom; only 28 percent donate equipment or supplies; only 26 percent participate in organizations of parents and teachers; and only one in ten help with outside-the-classroom activities. For many, “involvement” begins and ends with buying candy and other goods during school fundraising drives.

More than a third of Americans believe parental involvement is the one thing that could make schools more effective. Respondents from the South indicated they provide more personal and financial support to local schools than do respondents from the Northeast. For example, 37 percent of Southern respondents said they help out in the classroom versus only 21 percent of Northwesteners.

More than three-quarters of Americans believe that the way we educate children needs to change. In addition to increasing parental involvement, other specific suggestions include: greater community involvement with and support for schools (88 percent), smaller class sizes (83 percent), flexible teaching methods that address students’ individual needs (79 percent), additional spending on technology and special student interests (78 percent) and more funding for special education and guidance counselors (70 percent).

The survey was conducted by Market Facts, Inc., an independent research firm, among a national sample of 1,003 adults, aged 18 and older, with a confidence factor of 95 percent.

First Quarter Honor Rolls Released at First Lutheran

The Principal’s and Teacher’s Honor Rolls for First Lutheran School for fourth through eighth grades have been announced. The Principal’s Honor Roll consists of students maintaining a 90 percent grade average in all subject areas. The Teacher’s Honor Roll is for students with at least an 80 percent competency in all curriculum areas. Both Honor Rolls also require that students have no misconduct marks.

Principal’s Honor Roll

Fourth graders on the Principal’s Honor Roll include Melissa Bacher, Jonathan Grimes, Sarah Kelle, Leah Krottinger, Jenny Masters and Reema Patel. Fifth graders are Sherri Beier, Andrew Benyshek, Eric Brunkow, Casey Cashon, Brian Eyster, Hillary Harpster, Kasha Kurtz, Dylan Powell, Jefferson Powell and Wesley Young.

Others include Meredith Inselman and Maddie McDaniel, sixth graders; Shelley Brewer, Sara Heick, Sam McDaniel and Chris Vaughan, seventh graders; and Megan Benyshek, Amanda Bohon, Kim Deitrick, Hannah Hopkins, Kajal Patel and Andrea Penny, eighth graders.

Teacher’s Honor Roll

Students in the fourth grade on the Teacher’s Honor Roll include Joey Adams, Chelsea Cheek, Mitch Cleaver, Reba Dively, Spencer Helton, Mason Meeks, Sally Morris, Brett Renken and Ryan Smith. Fifth graders are Blake Braden, Wilford Collins, Molly Correll, Kammi Frazier, Sarah Graham, Caitlin Owens, Tacie Penewitt, Jon Robertson, Lindsay Roehl, Chelce Rouse, Caleb Silkey and Kirsten Webster.

Also, Heather Harris, Jenna-lyn Piel, Jordan Piel, Travis Stone and Caleb Wynn, sixth graders; Tim Brown, John Penewitt and Steven Vaughan, seventh graders; and Emily Beier, Jamie Garrett, Brandy Hunter, Krystal Hunter, Philip LeBaron, Heather Marlar, Jeremy McConnell, Eric Schatte, Elizabeth Webster and Lauren Wiehle.

RELIGION

First Lutherans Focus on the Return of Christ
Asbury UMC Calls Youth Director
1st Christians Hosting Guest Preacher Sunday
Pioneer Christian Youth Plans Set For This Upcoming Holiday Season
Nazarenes Plan Viewing Friday Of JESUS Video
FWI Plans Meeting at Foursquare Gospel
First UMM Plan All Church Holiday Banquet
Blood Drive Scheduled for Sunday at Foursquare
Sunday Is “I’ll ‘Bee’ There!” at Woodlands Christian
New Life Announces After School Plans
‘Come Let Us Reason Together’
Glad Tidings Plans Special Music Sunday
Millions Fast & Pray This Weekend Led by Campus Crusade for Christ
SleepFast ‘99

First Lutherans Focus on the Return of Christ

November 14 will be the second-last Sunday in the Christian church year. Therefore, the services at First Lutheran Church at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. will both focus on the return of Christ to receive His servants into heaven. With this Sunday the second study on the worship theme passage “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us” begins. It will explore the words “can do.” Pastor Tom Ramsey’s sermon will focus on one of the Old Testament servants, Abraham. During the first service the Christ’s Kids Choir will sing two anthems. The hymn of invocation is “Come! Come! Everybody Worship!” The theme anthem is “The God of Abraham Praise.” In the second service the Senior Choir will sing “We Will Keep Our Faith Alive.”

Following the 11 a.m. service First Lutheran will hold its second annual Bible Bee in the school auditorium. A fellowship dinner will precede the actual contest. All members are invited to compete. Prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants.

The 6:30 p.m. evening service will be discussing the Fourth Commandment. Discussion, praise songs, and prayer requests are included in this informal service. An open invitation is extended to all who would be interested in attending any of the services or activities at First Lutheran.

Asbury UMC Calls Youth Director

A student at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater is the new Youth Director at Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty, according to an announcement made this week by the pastor, the Rev. Steve Bredesen. Nathan Reeder is a junior majoring in history and minoring in religious studies.

After graduation he hopes to attend a seminary school, then work on a church staff, teaching and writing curriculum.

Reeder formerly lived in Stillwater, but moved with his family to Tulsa while in the seventh grade. He has a younger brother and sister. In Tulsa, Reeder was active in the youth program of the First United Methodist Church and graduated from Jenks High School in 1997.

At OSU, he is an officer in the History Club. He has tutored for two years for “street school,” has been a camp counselor, and a sponsor for “Youth Invasion,” a city-wide mission outreach to the needy in Tulsa. He plays guitar in a Tulsa-based band.

1st Christians Hosting Guest Preacher Sunday

Folks at First Christian will have the privilege of hosting the Rev. Titus Siskawa in their Fellowship Hall on Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. He is in Ponca City to prepare for the delivery of a portable gristmill manufactured locally and donated by Bliss Industries, it was announced.

The Rev. Mr. Siskawa is seeking funds to cover the cost of transportation of this unique “tool for ministry.” The gristmill will be used to grind grain for local farmers in the area of his home in Tanzania (eastern coast of Africa) where Titus has established several churches.

In addition to his ministry with these congregations, Titus has established a small school that offers basic education and industrial arts to local children and youth. His vision for ministry includes economic self-development for his people.

Adult Sunday School classes at the church have been invited to attend this special presentation to learn about Christ’s church and his people in a third world country that is predominantly Muslim.

The Rev. Mr. Siskawa graduated from a seminary affiliated with Billy Graham ministries in the Netherlands and is a deeply spiritual, articulate minister who speaks several languages in addition to reading the Bible in Hebrew and Greek.

Interested Ponca Citians are invited to join those at First Christian on Sunday to hear this special guest in our community.

Pioneer Christian Youth Plans Set For This Upcoming Holiday Season

The youth at Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 E. Hubbard Road, are gearing up to serve their Lord during the coming holiday season, according to a spokesperson for the church. The Wednesday night All Youth Fellowship, which meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., recently shared their thankfulness for the Lord by making turkey table decorations for the McCord Senior Citizens Center and the Golden Villa.

On Nov. 17 they will hold a Thanksgiving Celebration, and each child is asked to bring something to share and tell why they are thankful to the Lord. They will have a snack feast, as well.

The Sunday night youth groups, which meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. have exciting things taking place also. “Jesus’ Little Followers,” a preschool youth group, have been learning about showing thankfulness to God and others. They have made autumn wreaths using nuts, grains, and dried fruits to remind them of the bounty God provides for us all. This Sunday, Nov. 14, the preschoolers will be learning to be cheerful givers as talked about in II Corinthians 9:7. They will be making cheerful giver offering banks.

The grade school youth groups are learning that if they stand up to the evil one in God’s name, evil has no choice but to flee from them. And the junior/senior high youth group is studying the parables of the Bible. All youth groups have started preparing for their Christmas program which will be performed on Wednesday, Dec. 15. The kids will also be preparing a float for the Lighted Christmas parade in Ponca City.

An open invitation is extended to those youth in the Ponca City area who would like to join in the excitement of serving the Lord and in the fellowship, as well. For more information contact Pioneer Christian Church at 762-8858.

Nazarenes Plan Viewing Friday Of JESUS Video

The JESUS video will be shown on Friday, Nov. 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 West Grand Avenue, according to an announcement made by the Rev. Cindy Poling, Minister of Outreach.

The JESUS video presents the birth, life, death and resurrection of the most influential and controversial person in history. It answers questions about who he is, gives insights from his teachings and how they continue to impact lives — even today!

Created by award-winning producer John Heyman, the film is so true-to-life that you’ll feel like you’re in first century Palestine with Jesus. According to the Jesus Video Project, “teams of specialists worked five years to produce what may be the most credible film about the life and times of this man. JESUS was filmed at over 200 locations in Israel. Virtually every word is taken directly from the Gospel of Luke. JESUS is the most widely translated film in history and is currently available in more than 260 languages. More than 500 million people around the world have seen JESUS.”

The Rev. Poling extends an invitation — come see JESUS at First Church of the Nazarene on Friday evening.

Church Briefs

FWI Plans Meeting at Foursquare Gospel

The Foursquare Women’s International will be meeting Saturday, Nov. 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. for a Ladies Brunch at the Foursquare Gospel Church, located in Lincoln Center, 700 West Broadway, it was announced this week.

Guest speaker for the occasion will be Dale Henshaw of the Ponca City Police Department, talking about Holiday Shopping Safety.

Child care will be provided, it was announced.

First UMM Plan All Church Holiday Banquet

The Third Annual All Church Holiday Banquet, sponsored by United Methodist Men, will be held Nov. 12 at 6 p.m., honoring First United Methodist junior and senior high students, it was announced this week.

Speaker for the evening will be Kevin Harlan, Executive vice President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Kevin is a native Ponca Citian.

A delicious BBQ meal with all the trimmings will be service for a $6 tickets, it was announced.

Blood Drive Scheduled for Sunday at Foursquare

Ponca Citians are advised that a Blood Drive is scheduled for Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Foursquare Gospel Church in Lincoln Center.

Those wishing to participate should contact Cindy Hendrickson at 762-6327 to schedule an appointment.

Sunday Is “I’ll ‘Bee’ There!” at Woodlands Christian

Sunday at Woodlands Christian Church at 10:30 a.m. Worship “I’ll ‘Bee’ There!” will be the theme, and the question is asked, Will You? Folks are urged to plan to be in church to show love of God and support Woodlands Christian and the church family.

It’s a one-time-a-year event for Woodlands, and the hope is to fill every seat in the sanctuary.

Sunday School begins at 9:15 a.m.

New Life Announces After School Plans

The New Life Pentecostal Holiness Church, 114 North Oak, is announcing its after school hang. All school age children are invited for fun, games, crafts, and snacks. Hours are from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on school days except Wednesdays.

For more information, call Pastor Joe Muniz at 765-7027 or 765-6280.

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

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

“Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.” Psalm 86:2.

Jesus fed 5,000 people from only a handful of food. Their conclusion was that Jesus would make a great king. They were hungry for power and strength; their minds were convinced that they were satisfied. We may think that money, position or pleasure will satisfy the longing for meaningful life. Like the raise that would fix everything or the vacation that would heal all ills. Did we look in the wrong place? Jesus is the bread of life, the one who quenches thirst. He is God’s blessing for all people. Like bread and water are to the body, Jesus is to the spirit.

Glad Tidings Plans Special Music Sunday

Cindy Russell and Family of Kaw City will be providing special music for the 10:15 morning worship service at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Sunday.

The church is located on U.S. 60E and Victory in Ponca City, and an invitation is extended to anyone who wishes to worship.

Millions Fast & Pray This Weekend Led by Campus Crusade for Christ

This week, millions of people will forego breakfast, lunch and dinner in order to concentrate on things more fulfilling than food as they undertake the disciplines of fasting and prayer. Attracting participants from around the world, Campus Crusade for Christ and Mission America will host the sixth annual Fasting and Prayer ‘99 gathering at Houston’s Astroarena, Nov. 11-13. Fasting and Prayer ‘99 is an international gathering of Christians united for corporate prayer and fasting for revival in America and the world.

In addition to the more than 1,700 people expected to gather at the Astroarena, Fasting and Prayer ‘99 will be broadcast live to millions of people in their homes and churches internationally via satellite and the Internet, using the latest technology for video and audio streaming. The gathering will also be carried in English and portions in Spanish by radio and television stations across the U.S., in Puerto Rico, and parts of South America. To date, some 9,000 home, church, and internet sites have registered for Fasting and Prayer ‘99.

SleepFast ‘99

Youth groups from every state will gather for the world’s largest overnight lock-in of the century when they participate in SleepFast ‘99 via satellite, on the Internet, or live at the Houston Astroarena on Friday, Nov. 12 from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. (CST) During SleepFast ‘99, students from coast to coast will simultaneously give up a night’s sleep to participate in a six-hour program of live music and prayer focusing on issues relating to family, school, drugs/alcohol, violence, and our nation.

The Fasting and Prayer ‘99 program will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. (CST) on Thursday, Nov. 11; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CST) on Friday, Nov. 12, and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (CST) on Saturday, Nov. 13. Walk-up registration will be available throughout the event, and all sessions are open to the media. To find a satellite site in your area, call (800) 888-FAST (3278) or access website www.fastingprayer.com.

SPORTS

OU Wants Road Win, OSU Just Want Win
Three State Teams Vying For Playoffs

OU Wants Road Win, OSU Just Want Win

By CHUCK SCHOFFNER

AP Sports Writer

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Oklahoma has been a football team with a split personality this season. The Sooners would like to do something about that at Iowa State on Saturday.

At home, Oklahoma is 4-0 and has been dominant, outscoring its opponents 178-16 and averaging 513 yards. Away from Norman, where the Sooners are 1-3, they’ve been a completely different team. They’re averaging only 357 yards while giving up an average of 33 points.

The caliber of competition has something to do with those numbers. Oklahoma (5-3 overall, 3-2 Big 12) has lost to Texas, Notre Dame and Colorado on the road while beating Indiana State, Baylor, Missouri and Texas A&M at home. The only road victory was at Louisville, 41-21.

But coach Bob Stoops thinks there’s more to it than the opponents.

‘‘I think it just takes the players having a tough mental approach,’’ Stoops said. ‘‘The field’s the same wherever you go. You’ve just got to get out and execute and make plays when you have an opportunity and hopefully we can do that.

‘‘There’s nothing magical about it other than having a tough mental attitude to get it done.’’

Oklahoma has another road game next week, at Texas Tech, before finishing at home against Oklahoma State. Victories in the two road games would put the Sooners in good shape in the jockeying for bowl berths.

‘‘Through this whole season, I think there’s been a lot of areas and opportunities that we’ve learned from, have gained experience from,’’ Stoops said. ‘‘Hopefully we’ll continue to grow and learn how we need to play on the road.’’

Oklahoma will face an Iowa State team that has endured some tough losses but has played well at home. The Cyclones (4-5, 1-5) have lost to No. 5 Kansas State, No. 10 Texas and Colorado by a total of 14 points, all at home, and are coming off a 28-16 loss at Texas Tech.

‘‘Iowa State is really playing good football,’’ said Stoops, who was 6-3 against the Cyclones as a player and assistant coach at Iowa. ‘‘Athletically, they’re a talented team in many areas.’’

Both teams spread the field with wide receivers, though for different reasons. Iowa State does it to try to open things up for running back Darren Davis. Oklahoma does it so quarterback Josh Heupel has plenty targets.

Heupel has completed 61.6 percent of his passes for 2,629 yards and 25 touchdowns. He has impressed Iowa State coach Dan McCarney with his poise.

‘‘He plays like a guy that’s been starting at Oklahoma for three years,’’ McCarney said. ‘‘He looks like a fifth-year senior out there and here he is just months out of a junior college.

‘‘He’s got tremendous talent and he’ll move around with his feet. He’s not a slug back there. He makes a lot of plays outside the pocket when people have flushed him out.’’

Davis, who’ll be playing his final home game, leads the Big 12 in rushing (1,260 yards) and touchdowns (15) and trails only his brother Troy on Iowa State’s career rushing list.

Teams have stacked their defenses to stop him the last couple of weeks and he managed only 67 yards against Texas and 96 against Texas Tech. But he still worries Stoops.

‘‘Anywhere he’s at scares you,’’ Stoops said. ‘‘You’ve got to be able to tackle well and make sure you’re gap responsible in everything you do and be physical enough to get off blocks and make tackles on him.’’

Davis, the first Iowa State back to run for 1,000 yards in three different seasons, has 3,635 in his career. He won’t catch Troy, who ran for 4,382 from 1994-96, but he still feels good about what he accomplished.

‘‘I think I did some pretty good things out there so people will remember me,’’ Davis said. ‘‘I couldn’t catch what my brother did. It was hard to get some of his records. But I think I put a few names in there for people to remember me.’’

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

STILLWATER (AP) — Oklahoma State’s seniors, who expected to enjoy an outstanding final year of football, play their final home game Saturday and need to win it to avoid even more disappointment.

The Cowboys (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) must win their final three games, beginning Saturday against Kansas, to have even an outside chance of playing in a bowl game.

The prospects of pulling off that feat appear slim, given that they have lost three in a row and five of their past six. It’s been the kind of slide that could prompt players — particularly those in their final season — to pack it in for the year.

‘‘I’ve made the comment that either the seniors can take you up or they can take you down,’’ coach Bob Simmons said. ‘‘My impression right now is that the seniors are holding strong. I could be wrong. That’s just my impression.’’

There are 28 seniors who will be playing their final home game. Many were part of Simmons’ first recruiting class, the foundation of Simmons’ five-year plan to turn the program around.

They enjoyed their greatest success two years ago, going 8-4 and playing in the Alamo Bowl. Since then, however, the Cowboys are just 8-11. They began this season expecting to be in the hunt for a Big 12 South Division title, and instead haven’t come close.

Now a game that at the start of the year was expected to be a sure victory would appear to be anything but that. Kansas (4-6, 2-4) has won two of its past three, with the loss coming by a touchdown to Nebraska.

‘‘This is a battle, because they are playing well,’’ Simmons said. ‘‘They’re 4-6 and they feel real good about themselves. That’s what we’re going to have to deal with.

‘‘We’ve reached a stretch where we played emotional games — high and low, high and low. We can’t be high and low in this ballgame because they’re a good football team.’’

Kansas coach Terry Allen said improved defense and the continued emergence of Dylen Smith at quarterback have been the difference in the past three games. The Jayhawks have not given up more than 280 yards in those games; Smith has completed 54 percent of his passes.

Allen also said a 34-17 loss at Texas A&M helped trigger this late surge.

‘‘We didn’t get the win down there, but it proved we could play with some of the better teams on the road,’’ he said.

A victory Saturday would be the Jayhawks’ first Big 12 road victory in Allen’s three years as their coach. He sounded confident it could happen.

‘‘We think we have a very legitimate chance,’’ he said.

And why not? Kansas has improved on defense and Oklahoma State’s offense has been struggling. The Kansas offense had its best rushing performance of the year last week against Baylor. Oklahoma State generally has been effective against the run, although Hodges Mitchell of Texas had 149 yards and three touchdowns last week.

Perhaps most importantly, Kansas enters the game with a lot of confidence. Oklahoma State does not.

‘‘Do they want to finish out on a winning note? Obviously, they do,’’ Simmons said. ‘‘Are they disappointed? I would say yeah, it’s only human to be disappointed when things don’t go the way that you want them to go. What you look for, though, is the response.’’

Three State Teams Vying For Playoffs

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Many college football teams are simply playing out the string at this time of year, resigned to the fact they have little to play for other than pride.

That isn’t the case for three of Oklahoma’s small-college teams.

Northeastern State, Central Oklahoma and Southeastern all have a shot at the NCAA Division II playoffs and need to win their games Saturday to boost their causes.

Central Oklahoma was a lock for the playoffs until last week, when the Bronchos lost to Southeastern, 20-14. That dropped UCO from No. 2 to No. 18 in the rankings, with Southeastern moved into a three-way tie for No. 15.

The top four teams in the West Region make the playoffs. Heading into this week, California-Davis is ranked No. 1, followed by Western Washington, Southeastern, UCO and Northeastern.

Either UCO or Northeastern will likely be be left out, because they play each other Saturday in Edmond. The Bronchos are 8-1 overall, 6-1 in the Lone Star Conference, while NSU is 7-3 and 6-2.

The Bronchos have won the past two games with Northeastern, although one of those was by just one point. The Redmen have one of the league’s best runners in Carlton Booe, and they know that UCO’s banged-up defense wasn’t able to slow Southeastern’s ground game last week.

That was particularly true late in the game. After the Bronchos got within six, Southeastern ran the final 5:06 off the clock.