From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, December
13, 1996
LOCAL
Horns for the Holidays
Iris Angels Hand-Crafted Idea by Young Specialist
No Arrests From FBI Search Here
NOC Fall Fine Arts Festival Sunday
Children's Theater Set At Poncan
'The Wrong Stuff' Author Humors Noon Lions Club
Former County Treasurer Joins Assessor's Staff
Letters Say:
DEATHS
Garry Dean McDaniel
Leothea Mae McDaniel
Obituaries
Stefan Iwanowycz Hercyk
Services Pending
Levi Tillman King
NEWS BRIEFS
RELIGION
Osage Heights Baptist Youth To Present Program
Northeast Baptist Children's Choirs Present 'Candy Cane Lane' Sunday
Christmas Choral Music Sunday at First Methodist
Special Christmas Production Sunday At First Baptist Church Worship Center
Scholarship Set Up In Memory of Hillary Shiflet
First UMC Women Set Meeting
Presbyterians Plan Special Day of Music
Albright UMC Plans Christmas Musical Sunday
Prince of Peace Lutheran Women Plan Holiday Supper
Pentecostal Holiness Churches Join in Christmas Program
St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene Choir Plans Cantata
Renaissance Ringers and Handbell Choir to Give Handbell Concert
Archbishop at St. Mary's For Confirmation Rite Tuesday
United Methodist Presents Musical
Christmas Musical Vespers Planned by First Presbyterians
Community Christian Plans Cantata Sunday
EDUCATION
Students Honored
Music Awards
Reader's Digest Contributes
OoKeeHee Meeting
Church Assembly
No Classes
Early Childhood Programs
Garfield School Wins Award
Po-Hi Booklet
Hepatitis Law
LIFESTYLE
Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Hears Jewelry Program
SPORTS
Sophomore Girls Hold On
Junior High Roundup
Po-Hi Basketballers at Home Tonight
Second Place Finishers
TUBA ENSEMBLE members from Po-Hi bands wear knit hats to help the audience's mood during a holiday concert Thursday night at the Hutchins Memorial. Besides the special tuba ensemble, the concert band, the Po-Hi percussionists, and the jazz and symphonic bands performed, directed by Steve Workman, Tricia Bovenschen and Mel Arner. (News Photo by Mark Galvin)
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
"The Iris Angels combines the Festival of Angels in December and the Iris Festival in the spring," says 14-year-old Maria Simpson as she submits a refreshing new item to the Angel Central Gift Shop this year.
The Angels are each hand-crafted by Maria, who says the idea for the specialized angel came from a picture in RibbonWorks magazine of a fabric doll with iris on her skirt.
"I studied the directions and thought I could make it," Maria said. "My mom helped me with ideas for changes - changes to make it into an angel and changes to make it less expensive. We priced supplies in different stores. I thought the idea of combining angels with the iris theme fit Ponca City," she said.
According to her mother, Renee Simpson, Maria began her craft after taking a silk-ribbon embroidery class taught by Phyllis Stott about two years ago.
"At the time I took the silk ribbon embroidery class, the only embroidery I knew how to do was counted cross-stitch," says Maria. I was a lot younger than all the other people in the class, so I thought I'd gotten myself in over my head - into an adult-thing! I wasn't sure I could learn - but I did - and now I love to do silk ribbon embroidery."
The main reason for Maria's participation as a first-time crafter/contributor to Angel Central is to earn much-needed funds for Camp Fire activities, says her mother.
Maria has been a member of Camp Fire since second grade and has progressed through all levels to her current highest - the "Horizon" level. As a member she has participated in many time-consuming service projects including the popular yearly Stockings for the Needy.
Camp Fire members are currently selling candy as a fund-raiser, a project most successful with younger members. Over the years, Maria has sold a lot of candy to support Camp Fire. This year she decided to try an alternative moneymaker and is hopeful her Iris Angels will produce her fair share of money for the Camp Fire group.
Maria concluded, "I hope everyone likes my Iris Angels. I have enjoyed making them for the citizens of Ponca City who like the Festival of Angels and the Iris Festival."
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation searched a Ponca City residence Wednesday, in connection with a nationwide investigation of distribution of child pornography.
An agent from the Stillwater field office obtained a warrant from the Attorney General's Office before requesting assistance from the Ponca City Police Department the Public Information Officer confirmed. Officers were asked to stand by while the FBI executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 400 block of West Cleveland Avenue, according to the PCPD.
Allegedly, the occupant had been sending and receiving child pornography over the Internet. The subject was not at home during the search; no arrests were made. The PCPD confirmed that agents seized all property allegedly involved in the illegal act.
Dan Vogel, FBI spokesman, noted that this is occurring all over the country.
"Computers are so widespread, people can get access with a computer and a modem through the Internet," he said. "At the very least, a subject will lose their computer and everything physically hooked to it," Vogel stated. "If convicted, a subject will go to federal prison."
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the investigation began as a result of widespread electronic distribution of child pornography that was discovered by agents looking into the disappearance of a 10-year-old who was abducted in 1993.
Investigators uncovered adults across the nation using computer on-line services and the Internet to lure minors into illicit sex with pedophiles. Additionally, pictures of minors showing full frontal nudity and sexually explicit activities were relayed.
"The prior convictions in this investigation have demonstrated that criminals cannot be allowed to hide behind technology to avoid detection," remarked FBI Director Louis J. Freeh.
The FBI confirmed that searches were conducted by FBI Field Offices in New York, New Mexico, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Colorado, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, California, Florida and Washington, D.C.
To date, the investigation has resulted in 80 arrests, 103 informations and indictments, 66 felony convictions and 207 searches.
According to the legal counsel for Electronic Privacy Information Center in Washington, D.C., the probe relied on unprecedented cooperation between the FBI and America Online, including the interception of private e-mail sent by AOL users. He expressed concern about attempts to regulate speech in cyberspace and the need to safeguard the privacy of online communications.
Software to filter out offensive material is currently on the market. These "filters" and "blockers" are programs which filter content and can prevent children from coming into contact with objectionable material.
Internet transmission of obscene communications generally would be prohibited by other federal laws because obscene communications to adults as well as children are not protected by the First Amendment, according to remarks from Roger M. Golden, CLE International, during a Computer Law Conference in September.
Title V, Subtitle A, of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, prohibits obscene and indecent transmissions over Internet.
TONKAWA - An afternoon of musical entertainment is on tap during the Fall Fine Arts Festival Sunday on the Northern Oklahoma College campus. The public is invited to the multiple concerts, featuring NOC students and instructors as well as several guest artists.
At 12:15 p.m. guests at the Maverick Cafeteria hour will be treated to a concert by the NOC JAZZ Combo. The luncheon performance will be followed by the NOC Concert Band performance at 2 p.m. at the Northern Performing Arts Center. Immediately following the band concert, the choir, directed by Jennie Olson will take to the stage and present Vivaldi's "Gloria." Olson will also perform "O Holy Night."
Following that performance the Jazz Band will present a concert beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Arts Center. Marie Beyer, Ponca City, will be featured on vocals.
All performances are free at the Northern Performing Arts Center.
"The Old Oak Tree's Last Dream," and "Aesop In a Box," both directed by writer and director Daniel P. Jones of Linden, Texas. will be presented in two performances at the Saturday night and Sunday matinee productions at the Poncan Theatre. The production features youths from the Ponca City area, playing numerous parts. The Ponca City Children's Theater is sponsored by the Ponca Playhouse.
Tickets for the performances, which will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and again at 2 p.m. Sunday, are $5 for adults and $3 for children. The Poncan Theatre Box Office will be open at 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday for sale of tickets.
Local youth performing in "The Old Oak Tree's Last Dream" are Tara Allison, Lindsay Baird, Luke Baird, Page Ballou, Carrie Collins, Traci Conley, Christopher Coppock, Courtney Coppock, Matt Cowley, Meghan Deathe, Amanda Feathers, Brianna Hermanson, Charlcy Hermanson, Kacey Hogan, Chris Holder, Chase Ledbetter, Megann Longmore, Timber McArthur, Shannon Muchmore, Angela Owen, Shandi Parent, Alyce Phelan, Chad Phillips, Emily Powell, Rosalie Rogers, Gage Rupert, Jenny Rupert, Kate Salih, Stacy Herman and Jennifer Tippin.
In the "Aesop In A Box" production, local youth performing are Tiffany Almack, Caroline Buck, Alana Cervantes, Aliceann Combest, Luke Connally, Thomas Connally, Lauren Detten, Elijah Helt, Josh Helt, Rhemie Helt, Chase Kelly, Jordi Lanis, Chad Longmore, Justin Matthews, Johnie Morris, Ashley Mott, James Rodgers, Kenneth White, and Danielle Keim.
Truman Smith, author of "The Wrong Stuff" spoke to the Noon Lions Club, Wednesday, keeping members and guests in high humor as he tickled the forgotten memories of World War II veterans in the crowd.
Smith told the crowd of 85, of his escapades and experiences as a 22- year old World War II pilot while flying five miles (straight up) over Europe in a B-17.
Introduced by Lion Jerry Brace, who told the group that Smith had soloed his first plane on his 16th birthday in Ponca and flew 35 combat missions during World War II. Smith acknowledged other former World War II Army (and Navy) U.S. Air Corps veterans sitting in the audience.
He talked about the lethal below-zero temperatures which froze exposed skin and left facial scars, the lack of oxygen at the normal flying altitude of the B-17 - bringing humor into several harrowing and human experiences while in combat.
Smith told the group that while trying to categorize the type of book "The Wrong Stuff," he decided it was probably a 'how not to' book about flying and learning how to survive in wartime. He said he determined that "the best way to learn what is 'the right stuff' is by doing all the 'wrong stuff' first." Smith said he takes credit for doing all the wrong stuff, so later generations could do all the right stuff.
He talked about the great losses of the Eighth Air Force and the loss of over 8,000 planes with 10 men on each plane. He also told the group that a memorial for the World War II fliers who gave their lives so generously, had not been built to date.
"We have a Woman's Military Memorial, a U.S. Marine Memorial and a Vietnam Memorial but nothing for those 80,000 plus flyers who died in combat in World War II."
Smith will be honored at Brace Books and More this evening from 7:30 to 9 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception and will be at Brace Books and More from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday to sign copies of "The Wrong Stuff."
NEWKIRK - Another familiar courthouse face - missing for only a month - returned to work this week as former Kay County treasurer Radena Eisenhauer joined the assessor's office.
Eisenhauer, who will now handle deed transfers for county assessor Tresa Engle, vacated the treasurer's office after last month's election loss to new treasurer Pat Schieber. She had been appointed to the treasurer post a year earlier to fill the unexpired term of retiring treasurer Betty Greenwood.
Her new job, at a monthly salary of $1,475, will fill a vacancy that opened last month when former deputy assessor Karen Hobbs left the office to become Schieber's first deputy.
Already with 20 years' experience in the courthouse, Radena said she was happy to be back, mentioning that many people had been asking her how she was doing.
Engle said she was happy, too, because the addition of Eisenhauer restores the assessor's office to 10 full-time employees, at a time when work is so heavy that every hand is welcome, she said.
Radena is "fantastic help. She's quite capable, and she needs no training to do the job," Engle said.
"She was the most qualified person that I've ever had apply," she said.
The assessor, whose office doesn't have much turnover, has seen a sharp increase in her workload following voter approval of state questions affecting property taxes and other matters.
However, Engle said even though the load also gets heavier at the end of the year, she is proud of the way the county officers and courthouse employees band together so smoothly to get the work done.
Editor, the News:
I would like to express a few personal views on the upcoming Ponca Tribal election. We are going to be choosing four individuals, who will be leading us into the 21st century.
Ponca people, please be very critical in your selections. I urge you to look at the character of the four candidates, whom you are casting your vote for. What have these individuals accomplished in their past work history, either within or on the outside of the Tribal realm. If they have served on the Business Committee in the past, what did they accomplish for the Tribe. If they merely sat quietly, never spoke up to or for the people, never helped anyone except their own friends or family, but were faithful to draw their weekly paychecks... what exactly, makes you believe that they are actually going to change their ways now!
If they were or are now program directors, take note of their present programs, some of them are guilty of mismanagement in their programs. Yet, they feel they are now ready to move on to bigger and better things, by running for the Business Committee. I don't know about you, but I sure don't need these type of people managing my business. If they are active alcoholics, drug addicts, or inhalant abusers, how can we allow them to represent our Tribe and families.
We need respected, dignified leaders with the integrity and the sobriety to lead our people. Not a bunch of "yes men," who are barely able to follow, much less lead.
I would like to leave you with this little story:
There was a young Indian man, who was on a journey to see his grandfather, who lived on the other side of the mountain. His journey took him through the high country where it was considerably cooler. As he walked down the path, he noticed a rattlesnake lying very still on the side of the path, as he drew closer the snake said, "Please, help me. I ventured too far up the mountain in search of food, and now I cannot move because I have become too cold. If you do not help me, I will die." The man looked at the snake and said, "You are a rattlesnake, if I pick you up and move you to a warmer area, you will bite me and it is I, who will die."
The snake said, "If you help me, I promise and give you my word, that I will not bite you. Won't you trust me?"
After some time the man gave in. He picked up the snake and put him inside of his coat to keep him warm, then started on his journey once again. As he came to lower and warmer ground, he felt a stinging pain in his side and realized that the snake had bit him. Immediately, he threw the snake to the ground and yelled, "Look at what you have done. I trusted you and now you have bitten me, and surely I will die! You gave me your word!"
The snake looked at the man and said, "You knew I was a poisonous snake when you decided to help me. You knew my bite was fatal, and yet, you still helped me. So now if you die, it will be from your own choosing." And with that the snake slithered away.
Ponca people, within our present Business Committee and among the list of candidates, there lurk the same kind of poisonous vipers ... will you choose to pick them up or leave them where they lay? The choice is yours. Think about it! And please exercise your right to vote.
Sarah E. Primeaux
RALSTON - Garry Dean McDaniel, former Ralston resident, died Sunday, Dec. 8, 1996, at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. He was 39.
A graveside funeral will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Ralston at 2 p.m. Friday with the Rev. Robert Glasgow officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.
Garry Dean McDaniel was born March 1, 1957, in Hereford, Texas, the son of Zack Deton and Velma L. (Kistler) McDaniel. He graduated from high school in Johnson, Kan., in 1976.
McDaniel, who was a resident of Hardesty, was employed as a maintenance man and electrician at the Seabor Packing Plant in Guymon and a member of the Wesleyan Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and working.
Survivors include one son, Christopher, and two daughters, Heather and Ashley, all of Pratt, Kan.; his parents, Zack and Velma McDaniel of Ralston; three brothers, Larry of Fairfax, Deton of Ralston, and Robert of Greenwood, S.C.; and one sister, DeVella Allison of Grayhorse. He was preceded in death by one brother, Lin McDaniel and his grandparents.
Honorary casket bearers will be Pete Reimer, Jimmy Scott, Galen Brown, Marvin McKinney, Gorden Renfro, Bill Jorden and Rey Martinez.
EUFAULA - Leothea Mae McDaniel former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 1996, at the Checotah Manor Nursing Home in Checotah. She was 83.
The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Robert Simons Funeral Home in Eufaula, with the Rev. John Parish officiating. Burial will follow in the Checotah Cemetery.
Leothea Mae (Chappell) McDaniel was born March 20, 1913 in Eakley, the daughter of Richard A. and Nora (Snow) Chappell.
She was married to Stafford McDaniel on Jan. 17, 1967 in Ponca City. Mrs. McDaniel was a bookkeeper and had lived in Ponca City for 33 years and at Yukon for 20 years before moving to the Eufaula area.
Survivors include her husband, Stafford McDaniel of the home; two daughters, Betty Woodward of Olive Branch, Mo., and Patty Nemecek of Yukon; three stepsons, Wayne McDaniel of Yukon, J.W. McDaniel of Ada and Stanley McDaniel of Eufaula; two stepdaughters, Peggy Bunyard of Ada and Carol Ann Heileman of Binger; one sister, Golda Chambers of Oklahoma City; 18 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Stefan Iwanowycz Hercyk
Stefan Iwanowycz Hercyk was born on March 20, 1923 in Werchniaczka, Ukraine, the son of Ivan and Afija Szekmar Hercyk.
One of his fondest childhood memories was of the winters he spent snow skiing in the Carpathian Mountains. As a young boy, Easter was his favorite time of year. It is a festive celebration with families visiting house to house feasting on Ukrainian Easter bread that had been blessed by the Church, along with many other traditional foods. And on Sundays after church, families gathered together for an afternoon of relaxation after dinner.
The last time he saw his parents was Dec. 24, 1939, when he was 16. He left school and his ambition of becoming a doctor in order to enlist in his country's army. In 1940, Russian soldiers captured him and sent him to a Russian labor camp, from which he escaped a year later. Hours after his escape, and unknown to him, World War II began. He was captured again three days later by Germans who thought he was an early Russian army deserter. Once again, he managed to escape and by the war's end was alone in Germany.
Realizing there was no future for himself in a devastated land, he entered a camp run by the International Relief Organization. As a camp photographer, he met the woman who was to become his wife.
Kateryna Makaruk also left Ukraine at age 16, but went directly to Germany where she began work on a farm. She was one of many young people taken from surrounding areas to replete the German working class. The couple married in Tiibingen, Germany on Nov. 24, 1945. He was 22 and she was 20.
On New Year's Day 1946, Russian officers and French troops entered the camp and imprisoned the majority of those in the camp who had refused to return to Ukraine and certain death. That night the French guards got drunk and the prisoners escaped through a window and fled through the deep snow into the Black Woods to Ludwigsburg, Germany, in the American Zone.
While at the displaced persons camp in Ludwigsburg he worked as a carpenter for the United States Army. In March, 1947, he joined the International Police Force in Zufenhausen, Germany. He, his wife and daughter, Anna, born in 1946, remained there until their departure for America. They arrived at Ellis Island, New York, on August 7, 1949, with high hopes for a bright and happy future for their family in a country where they were free.
He originally thought he would be going to Richmond, Va. But upon landing in New York City, he was approached by two men who asked him if he could ride a horse. So he found himself working on Bob Donaldson's ranch near Burbank, Okla. In 1950, he went to work for Gonterman's Dairy and Pioneer Service Station in Ponca City.
Coming from generations of farmers in Ukraine's fertile breadbasket of the world, he dreamed of a farm of his own and through hard work and sheer determination, that dream came true in 1954 when he purchased his first 40 acres and a farm house. In 1955, he went to work for Nickles Machine Corp., from which he retired in 1988. He then worked full-time farming and ranching 875 acres with his sons.
He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1965 and considered America his home but he still had deep emotions and affection for his native Ukraine. He never imagined he would one day see the fall of Communism and the Iron Curtain and freedom for Ukraine. In 1992, Stefan and Kateryna returned to Ukraine for the first time in 53 years. They went again in 1995 to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary with their brothers, sisters and their families.
He enjoyed his family and farming. He was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church since Easter Sunday in 1950. He was a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and a board member of Rural Water District No. 3 for the past eight years.
Stefan Iwanowycz Hercyk died Wednesday evening, Dec. 11, 1996 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center of heart failure. He was 73.
A wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 1996 at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John J. Michalicka, presiding. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with the Rev. John J. Michalicka, pastor, celebrant.
His grandchildren will serve as lectors and in bringing up the gifts at communion. Burial will follow in the St. Mary's Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Survivors include his wife, Kateryna, of the home, daughters and sons-in-law Steve and Anna Henley of Oklahoma City, Jim and Mary Smith of Ponca City; sons and daughters-in-law John and Neta Hercyk and Steve and Teri Hercyk of Ponca City. Grandchildren are Stacey Lewis of Oklahoma City, Derek Henley of Kansas City, Mo., Stefanie Henley of Oklahoma City, Catherine Smith, Brian and Katie Hercyk, Greg Baldwin and Nathaniel Hercyk, all of Ponca City. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Casket bearers will be Bill Church, Joe Coffee, John Kifiak, Cecil Koehn, Harlan Overman and Don Schiltz. Honorary casket bearers will be Bill Flegler, Sr., Dr. Bob Gibson, Hal Hendrickson, Jack L. Jones, Mark Liegerot, Antoni Olejniczak, Ellis Overman, George Paczkowski, Maciej Razowski. Alex Shadan, Joseph L. Schiltz, Jr., and Norman L. Smith.
The Knights of Columbus will present an Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Catholic School Foundation, P.O. Box 1330, Ponca City, OK 74602.
The family will be at the family home on Route 5, Box 521, Ponca City.
paid obituary
MARLAND - Levi Tillman King, Marland resident, died at his home, Thursday
evening, Dec. 12, 1996. He was 55. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral
Home, Ponca City.
NEWS BRIEFS
Girl Scout Fitness Fair - Girls register by Dec. 20 for the Girl Scout Fitness Fair. Call 762-9616 for more information.
Santa Photos Scheduled - Santa Claus will be at the Burbank Store on Saturday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to have photos taken with kids for $2 each or three for $5 with money going to the benefit of the Burbank Fire Department. There will also be other activities at this time under the sponsorship of the Fire Department Auxiliary. Tickets are $1 each. For more information call 918-648-5353 and ask for an Auxiliary member.
CEA Family Night Bingo - The next CEA Bingo will be held on Saturday. A "Country Hoedown" theme has been selected. Wear your favorite Country and Western attire! Cash prizes will be awarded, door prizes will be given away, and lots of fun will be had! Bingo is held in the Conoco Atrium cafeteria (enter through west doors) for all CEA/CRA members. CEA/CRA cards will be checked. Bingo sheets go on sale at 6:30 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m. Come out and enjoy a fun time for the whole family.
Luncheon - A "T'was the Night Before Christmas" luncheon will be held by the Ponca City Christian Women's Club Dec. 18 from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. All area women are invited to attend and may call Cindy at 762-2151 or Karen at 765-9835 for reservations.
Basketball Fund Raiser - The Ponca Tribal Children's Christmas Party 3-on-3 Basketball Fund Raiser will be held Saturday and Sunday at the White Eagle Cultural Center. The event will enter youth and adults in three age group categories, including ages 12-14 boys and girls, age 15-17 boys and girls, and men and women's adult groups. Games will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday. All teams entering must preregister by noon Friday with a $25 entry fee or they may donate a $5 toy (or better) per player for a total of four toys. For more information interested persons may call the Indian Child Welfare Program at 765-2488, 765-2489 or 763-1020. Prizes will be given in all categories.
Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took a report of vandalism to the Farm Bureau building, 1181 North Oak Street, at 2:47 p.m. Thursday.
Accident - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of a non-injury accident at Turner Road and East Prospect Avenue at 3:40 p.m. Thursday. An officer took a report.
Collision - Minor injuries were reported in an accident at South Birch Street and West Central Avenue at 4:13 p.m. Thursday. A Ponca City police officer took details of the incident.
Subject Held - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 27-year-old woman in the 1000 block of North Second Street at 4:50 p.m. Thursday for driving under suspension, no insurance and speeding.
Dog Bite - A nurse at the emergency room, of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, notified the Ponca City Police Department that they were treating a girl for a dog bite that occurred in the 400 block of South Palm Street. Two officers responded and took a report.
Fire - Thirteen Ponca City firefighters responded within three
minutes to extinguish a fire in the 700 block of South Ninth Street at 1:36
a.m. Friday. The floor caught fire when a sheet of paneling fell over on
the floor furnace, according to Assistant Chief Gary Williams. Damage is
estimated at $2,000. The fire report indicated the house was being remodeled.
RELIGION
On Sunday, the Christians in Action youth group of Osage Heights Baptist Church will present their annual Christmas play - "Code Red: an ER Christmas". The play will be performed during the 11 a.m. worship service.
The setting for the comedy is the emergency room, waiting room of a hospital. Four teenage boys have heard a rumor that their long time friend has had an accident and has been taken to a nearby hospital. The production portrays the varied experiences these boys encounter while waiting to see their friend.
Cast members are Derrick Myers as Jim, Casey Badley as Carl, Corey White as Jon, Lindsey Lamm as Nurse 1, Brandon Wayman as Nurse 2, Christy Jones as Patient 6, Lindsey Williams as Patient 7 and Candy Striper, Kyle Vincent as Nick, Justin Mullennax as Pete, Kyle Epperson as Patient 8, Shawn Epperson as Patient 10, Cory Vincent as Orderly and Patient 121, and Kelly Jones as Patient 122.
The production crew includes Judy Bales as stage manager, Larry Lamm as production assistant and Darla Knight, director.
The combined Children's Choirs of Northeast Baptist Church will be presenting their Christmas musical titled "Candy Cane Lane" on Sunday at 6 p.m.
A children's musical, "Candy Cane Lane" teaches the truth that God alone can satisfy hungry hearts. Candy Cane Jane leads characters, Marsha, Mark and Mindy through the Soul Food Forest to Miss Ginger's gingerbread house to learn the recipe for life. They even go for a ride on Casey's train to learn how to grow. They encourage others to celebrate Jesus' birthday.
"Candy Cane Lane" is under the direction of Donita Cooper, Rhonda Walker, and Kathy Landis. Other adult helpers include Carrie Nickles, Sheryl Smith, Becky Dye, Amy Mabry, Donna Ramey and LaVerne Welch.
The main characters include Anna Martin, Kristi Medders, Erek Stone, Jason Nigh, Lauren Degan, Justin Smith, Sarah Griffin, and Sheryl Smith.
Soloists and speaking parts will be taken by Jesse Allen, Rebekah Martin, Brantley Stone, Ashley French, Matt Tarr, Jordan Chronister, Brandon Humble, Heather Smith, Beth Satterfield, Melodie Cooper, Jacey Graham, Laura Griffin, Erin Goddard, Deidre Arnold, Amanda Reiss, Shea Blake and Phoebe Cooper.
Other cast members are Whitney Weir, Sarah Walker, Sydney Pruett, Daniel Blake, Connor Key, Darby Medders, Avery Owens, Sarah Ramey, Michael Ramey, Stephen Cooper, Daniel Ramey, Sara Blake, Cassidy Noble, Joshua Westerman, Jeffrey Larimer, Joel Allen Courtney Landis and Darcy LaRue.
The "Christmas Candy Kids" (choir) is made up of Brent Key, Jessica Noble, Chad Noble, Alyssa Reiss, Blake Mallory, Heather Goddard, Leslie French, Amber Allen, Kristin Anderson, Vincent Bird, Connor Inskeep, Matthew Larimer, Chris Johnson, Ryan Johnson, Lindsay Johnson, Sean York, Nathan York, Karrah Humble, Travis Owens, and Keifer Pruett.
The Northeast Baptist Church family cordially invites the public to attend.
The Chancel Choir and Madrigal Singers of First United Methodist Church will present a program of Christmas choral music on Sunday, at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
Selections to be performed include arrangements of familiar carols, sacred and secular pieces. There will be a variety of aural colors presented by the choir and madrigal group. The Madrigal Singers will perform several chamber music selections including "The First Noel". "Westminster Carol". "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming", and "O Tannenbaum".
The Chancel Choir program will be in sections that focus upon the Coming, the Arrival, and the Joy of Christmas. Pieces and their composers include:
* The Coming, Carol of the Advent by Dietterich, "E'en So Lord Jesus Quickly Come" by Manz, "Every Valley by Beck", "Fling with the Door" (flute and hand drum accompaniment), "Schubler Chorale from Cantata No. 140" by Bach and "Christians, Awake" by Wright.
* The Arrival, "I Shall Know Him When He Comes" by Wagner, "Tomorrow Shall be My Dancing Day" by Gardner, "A Little Child Was Born" (Handbell accompaniment) by Petker, "Away in a Manger" (Violin obbligato) by Peltz, "Carol of the Angels" by Pote, " Still, Still, Still" by Luboff and "Twas in the Moon of Wintertime" (Flute and Handbell accompaniment) by Hobby.
* The Joy of Christmas, "The Jesus Gift" by Martin, "Has Anybody Seen Christmas?" by Marshall, from the Alfred Burt Carols "Caroling, Caroling" and "O Hearken Ye", and "The Very Best Time of Year" by Rutter.
Members of the Chancel Choir include Marla Benyshek, Betsy Carter, Mary Lou Ferguson, Rita Gordy, Arleen Jacobson, Faith Kalback, Donna Larrison and Suzi Lenhart, soprano; Melanie Doppenberg, Becky Hightower, Rhea Howard, Judy Jones, Barbara Manering, Judy Million, Vicki Stokke, Marta Sullivan, Claire Ware, Betty Warren and Sally Wells. alto; Travis Gordy, Billy Irons, Dick Jacobson, Robin McGlynn, Kyle Parks, Keni Ray and Howard Wells, tenor; Wally Doppenberg, David Hester, Walt Kalback, Rod Kutz and James Payne, bass.
Accompanist is Sue Lippert and Dolan Bayless is the conductor and Director of Music at First United Methodist.
The public is invited.
The First Baptist Church of Ponca City cordially invites the community to attend a special Christmas presentation Sunday, 6:30 p.m. A brand new contemporary musical created by Nashville-based Dennis and Nan Allen entitled "The Music of Christmas - Listen With Your heart" will be presented and admission is free. This is the third in a series of three special Christmas productions offered by the Music Ministry of First Baptist. The church Worship Center is located at South Fifth Street and East Central Avenue in downtown Ponca City.
The music staff of First Baptist, Mel Arner, church instrumental director; Marcella Johnson, church organist and music secretary; Lois Lyall, church pianist, and Kenny Orr, church technical director will play vital leadership roles in the production that involves well over 130 volunteer musicians, banner bearers, soloists, narrators, speakers and technicians.
The central theme of "The Music of Christmas" is built around the fact that God's people have always had a song! Music is a gift from the Lord to His people and it became a new language - a language of praise. The program shares the story of how God's "song" has been woven throughout history from the very beginnings of creation, to the founding of His chosen nation, through the glorious birth of His Son, Jesus, and on to today. Even when the children of Israel were held captive in a foreign land, God gave them a song. In spite of their temptation to "hang their harps upon the willows," God told them to keep on singing God's music even when they were discouraged. Just as "the morning stars sang together" and just as "the trees of the field clapped their hands together" in the Old Testament days, and just as the angels sang "glory to God in the highest" to announce the birth of our Savior, so must every Christian sing with their heart the song that the Lord gave them when they became children of God.
The music included in the program is a pleasant mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas selections in a variety of musical styles. The time-honored "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" and a medley of familiar Christmas Carols for Choir and Congregation are examples of traditional Christmas tunes being performed. "The Music of Christmas" by Steven Curtis Chapman and "Our God Is with Us" by Michael W. Smith are examples of contemporary Christmas numbers being performed.
Narrating the program will be Dan Smith and Julia Smith. Sharing personal testimonies of how "God's song" began in their lives will be Betty Graf, Todd Rivers and Teresa Clark. Soloists for "The Music of Christmas" are Guy Lyall, Mary Jane Barraclough, Tammie Barham, Charlotte Smith, Bill Justice, and Susan Smith. Ronda Williams, Sherre Land, Mary Spore and the entire banner ministry team will provide eighteen custom-made worship banners to enhance the program. Over 100 slides on the big screen will deepen the worship experience with beautiful scripture verses and nativity pictures, as well as to assist congregational singing with the lyrics of Christmas carols. The newly-updated greenery, lighting, poinsettias and cluster of Christmas trees will make First Baptist Church a great place to celebrate Christmas '96.
Please come and be a special guest of First Baptist Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in the FBC Worship Center.
On Mother's Day, 1974, God gave Karen and John Shiflet the best Mother's Day gift ever. One of the stipulations to this gift was that they could only keep it with them for 22 years, then they would have to return it. The other stipulation to this gift, is that they weren't aware of stipulation #1.
Garth Brooks sings, in the Song "The Dance," "And now I'm glad I didn't know, the way it all would end, the way it would all go. Our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance."
I'm sure neither Hillary or her parents would have missed the dance if they had known about the stipulations of the gift.
Those who know Hillary, have an appreciation of her strength, sense of humor and sincere interest in children. Regardless of her tribulations, Hillary went about life cheerfully encouraging others. She was one month from graduating from Northern Oklahoma College when she died. Hillary wanted to work in hospitals as a Child Life Specialist, helping chronically ill children.
Hillary's life was a testimonial that life is a gift. She found great satisfaction in helping others to help themselves. She didn't think of helping others as rescuing, but as sharing a gift from her heart with no strings attached.
To honor her courage, we have established The Hillary Shiflet Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to help students in their pursuit of a profession dedicated to children or health care. This scholarship is for members of First United Methodist Church. For more information on the Hillary Shiflet Memorial Scholarship, contact FUMC office at 762-1681.
This month's meeting for the United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church is scheduled for Thursday, Dec.19 at 7 p.m. in the Youth Room at the church.
Christmas Carols will be sung and the main program will be the Cookie Sharing Project. Each member is asked to bring three dozen Christmas cookies which they will pack into containers to take later to shut-in members.
Also there will be installation of officers for the year 1997.
Members of the Miriam Group will serve as hostesses and share the devotional thoughts.
First Presbyterian Church will be having a special day of music this Sunday, Dec. 15. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with a combined Sunday School time where the Children's Choirs will be presenting "What Does Christmas Mean?" This was composed by one of the church members, Mrs. Rhoda Young. The Celebration Quartet which consists of Scott Norris, Kati Salmons, Lisa Lessert and Joe Lessert, will also be singing.
Sunday evening the Christmas Music Vespers will begin at 5 p.m. Music will be presented by the Cherub and Chorister Choirs, the Youth Celebration Ringers, the Adult Jubilation Ringers and the Chancel Choir. Featured soloists will be Lisa Lessert, Katie Salmons and DeWayne Black. Everyone is welcome to join the Christmas Musical celebrations, according to Dr. Monty Fey, pastor.
"Joy Came Down," an inspiring Christmas musical, will be presented by the Sanctuary Choir on Sunday morning, Dec. 15, according to Dr. Kip Wright, pastor.
The musical will make the Christmas spirit soar as the lively, uplifting presentation is presented, including carols, classical excerpts, and contemporary music.
The annual children's program, "The Christmas Story," will be Sunday evening, directed by Tommie Dehn and Carol McGaughey.
It was also noted that the Youth Progressive Dinner is set for Saturday evening, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. with Bill and Mary Brown hosting the main course.
The Women's Annual Christmas Salad Supper and Gift Exchange at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church has been scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held in the home of Barb Kegler, 1409 Academy. All women and young girls are welcome to attend.
The December council meeting will be held in the home of Mike Evans, Council president, in Newkirk. All outgoing and incoming Council members are invited to attend. The meeting is set for Saturday, Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Bring a snack to share. If directions are needed, please call Mike and Karla at 362-3609.
The congregation at Prince of Peace will hold a "going away" party Sunday after church for Howard and Sherri Butler who are moving away and will be missed by members of the congregation.
The Pentecostal Holiness Churches of Ponca City invite the public to "The Reason for the Season", a Christmas pageant to be performed by the youth of Trinity, New Life, and First Pentecostal Holiness Churches.
Performances are scheduled nightly at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13 and 14 at the Trinity Pentecostal Holiness Church, 621 West Grand.
Pastors Paul Holmes, Joe Muniz and Steve Webb of these churches, with their congregations invite the public to come and enjoy this youth program.
St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene adult choir, will be presenting a Cantata entitled "The Gift of Christmas" on Sunday morning, Dec. 15 at 10 a.m., directed by Steve Whitney, Minister of Music.
The Cantata presents Jesus as the Gift of Christmas, we well as the giver of the gift! This poignant theme is the thread that is woven throughout the course of this musical. The Cantata involves narrators, a candlelight service, congregational singing, a children's choir and testimonies, followed by Pastor William Bonee presenting a sermon entitled "The Gift of Christmas" Sunday evening at 6 p.m.
Pastor Bonee and the entire congregation extend an invitation to the community to attend these special gatherings of worship at 1715 East Prospect in Ponca City.
The Renaissance Ringers and the Youth Handbell choir of First Christian Church invite the public to their 1996 Handbell Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 15 at the 10:15 a.m. service in the sanctuary.
Both choirs have been diligently working on some beautiful music and are looking forward to sharing it, according to the Rev. Kent Dorsey, pastor.
Those involved in the handbell program are: Youth Handbells, Sarah Dorsey, Emily Day, Amory Clark, Crystal Gill, Andy Cooper, Elard Thomas, Randy Novotny, and Kevin Stauffer.
Renaissance Ringers are Betty Kreger, Terry Heyer, Patti Ziegenhain, Sharon Cooper, Elizabeth Beman, Shelia Kirkpatrick, Beth Ford, Claire Russell, Linda Wilson, Becca Stephens, Ethel Jorgenson, Bob Stephens, and Gary Stephens. Helping with percussion are Stan Wheeler and Kent Dorsey.
The Rite of Confirmation was held Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Parish youth of grades 10 through 12 were confirmed by Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran. Concelebrants were the Rev. John Michalika and the Rev. Scott Adams, along with the Rev. Mr. Richard Robinson.
This year's confirmation class included Matt Bintz, Cinda Bridges Christopher Buck, Owen Bullard, Bryanna Cobb, Brian Connelly, David Donald, Lucas Elmer, Carrie Evans, Michael Galbraith, Brian Geubelle, Jennifer Heidlage, Whitney Hinton, Christopher Koenig, T. J. Murray, Gayle Otto, Andrew Parsons, Paul Paschal, Ashley Roussel and Allyson Shafer.
Preparatory classes for confirmation included sessions covering various aspects of the church and the Catholic religion. Sessions concerned discussions on God, Tradition and Scripture, Christ and the Church, Sacraments, Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) with emphasis on the Holy Spirit, Christian Life, Morality and Prayer Life. The Confirmandi candidates were also required to be involved with 25 hours of ministry or service to be divided equally between the Parish and the community of Ponca City. They were also asked to read either a biography on the life of a Saint or material dealing with the spiritual life of their Catholic religion, and then write a report on a religious issue, topic, book, or life of a Saint.
The Sacrament of Confirmation included a renewal of Baptism Promises by the Confirmandi, followed by an Imposition of Hands and the Anointing with Chrism and Sign of Peace by the Archbishop.
The joyful celebration of Confirmation continued with a reception for family and friends held in the Parish Hall.
The Sanctuary Choir of Albright United Methodist Church will present the stirring Christmas musical, "Joy Came Down.," in Morning Worship this Sunday, Dec. 15, at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy this blend of traditional, folk, and classical music.
The Sanctuary Choir is directed by Pat Purkey. Soloists for the musical include Pat Lutz, Norma Hurd, Teena Lines, Andy Stewart, and Kip Wright. Joy Asbury is the rehearsal musician.
This Christmas musical is made especially enjoyable by the wide variety of style and pace included. While some is fast and celebrative, it also transitions to some beautiful quiet selections. Readers for the narrative include Cheri Rutledge, Wanda Lee Jones, Bob Ford and Lee Burge.
Sunday evening, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m., the people who are engaged in the music ministry at First Presbyterian will present a Special Christmas Vesper Worship for the church family.
The bell choir will play, the children will sing, and the choir has prepared music for this special occasion. Dr. Monty Fey, pastor, invites folks to come and share in the announcement of Christ's birth.
On Sunday, the 15th, all Sunday School classes will celebrate Christmas together with a special program. The Chorister Coir will perform"What Does Christmas Mean", written by Rhoda Young. There will be songs by the Cherub Choir and the Youth Celebration Quartet. This will take place at 9 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
The Chancel Choir under the direction of David Webster will present
the Christmas cantata, "Light of His Love", Dec. 15 in the morning
worship service at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Wayne Majors will give the narration.
Solos will be sung by Dawn Jackson and David Webster, and Krista Hembree
and Tommy will perform a duet.
EDUCATION
Thirty-three seniors were recently inducted as members of the Ponca City chapter of the National Honor Society in a ceremony conducted by Sam Stalcup, National Honor Society president, Dr. Don Sjoberg, Po-Hi principal and Chuck Bayha, assistant principal.
The following students were inducted: Angela Barker, Jennifer Connelly, Brian Cullison, Corie Drake, Olivia Engle, Stacey Epperson, Candace Goulden, Justin Gray, Lacey Gray, Lyndsi Hilbert, F. Matthew Holland, Aileen Jackson, Jason Jorgensen, Brian Kanelakos, J. Nathan Knight, Caitlin Lane, Ryan Lanman and Lisa Lessert.
Also inducted were: Kenneth C. Maddox, Kitty McNamara, David Metzger, Damon Myers, Chad Niemann, Yelda Rauda, Olivia Reyes, Paul Richardson, Douglas Scott, Joshua Shafer, Glen Simpson, Stuart Snyder, Tiffany Tapp, Donovan Weems and Jessica Wilson.
Chip Hardy, NHS vice-president, Emily Martin, NHS secretary; Michael Newman, and Leslie Boyd assisted in the ceremony by reading the cardinal principles of the National Honor Society. Those are character, leadership, scholarship and service.
The Ponca City High School instrumental music department had 17 students selected for the Oklahoma Music Educators Associations' All-State Band & Orchestra.
Over 2,000 Oklahoma High School Instrumental students audition at Westmoore High School on Dec. 7, for 200 places in the band and orchestra. Ponca City High School led the state in the most students from one school making the band and orchestra.
Selected for the All-State Band were: Kati Salmons, Flute; Lance Johnson, Alto Saxophone; Chip Hardy and Mark Oates, Euphonium; and Justin Shurts, Percussion.
Selected for the All-State Orchestra were: Molly Baugh, Lance Johnson, Cindy Jones, Jamie McGugan and Will Oldfield, flute; Sarah Armstrong, Scott Norris, Matt Szabo and Stacie Wolf for the violin, Mindy Jones and Shara Long, Cellos; and Glen Simpson and Kathy Cripps, Piccolo.
Ponca City students named as alternates were: Robert Maril, Cello; Angie Barker, French Horn; Stephanie Blochowiak and Corey Roussel for Percussion II (Keyboard).
The Oklahoma Music Educators Associations' conference and clinic will be held in Tulsa from Jan. 22 through Jan. 25. The All-State concerts will be held at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center at 2 p.m. on Jan. 25. Guest conductor for the Oklahoma All-State Band will be Eugene Coporaun from the University of North Texas. Guest conductor for the All-State Orchestra will be Michael Morgan
Through an agreement, The Reader's Digest Association has recently contributed approximately $1000 in cash and products to the Ponca City Middle School Student Council. The Council has in turn given the donated books and video's to the school library in the name of the Student Council and will use the money received to fund regular Council projects.
The OoKeeHee Meeting for Dec. 17 has been rescheduled to Dec. 27 at Cher Eagle's home from 1-2:00 p.m. All members need to attend to review and finalize plans for the OoKeeHee dance Dec. 29.
First Lutheran Church will hold their Christmas assembly Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Grades 1 through 5 will participate and the title of the program will be "Joy to You and Me."
Semester exams will be taken at local school's starting Dec. 18 and will continue until Dec. 20. Classes will also be dismissed Dec. 20 and will not resume again until Jan. 6, 1997.
First Lutheran Schools will hold an early childhood program called "Happy Birthday Baby Jesus" Dec. 16 and 17 at 10 a.m. in the church.
Garfield Elementary recently earned national recognition for their outstanding efforts in mentoring at-risk students. The HOSTS (Help One Student to Succeed) Award for quality assurance is presented to high performing schools who achieve exemplary status for their HOSTS Structured Mentoring Program in language arts. The award is based on the HOSTS Quality Assurance Program that measures seven characteristics of an effective structured mentoring program.
HOSTS is a program in language arts, math and Spanish with the objective to help break the cycle of student failure. The program targets students who need assistance in reading, writing, thinking and study skills. HOSTS is not a curriculum, but an instructional strategy that is tailored to state, district and school's language arts, math and Spanish objectives and philosophies.
HOSTS has a 25-year track record of success as a highly recognized, nationally validated Title I program, and is the recipient of the most meaningful and prestigious education awards in America. Among them:
* U.S. Secretary of Education- Selected HOSTS as a national mentoring model.
* U.S. Department of Education- Designated HOSTS as a nationally validated Title I approved system, and a member of the National Diffusion Network.
* National Council of Teachers of English- Cited the HOSTS program in Billings, Montana for effective use and integration of reading into the language arts curriculum.
* National Center for Dropout Prevention- Selected HOSTS as a "national model" for effective mentoring.
The end results of HOSTS is that the cycle of student failure is broken, learning is accelerated, and costs are contained. Student performance increases, while the number of dropouts and grade retention decreases.
Founded in 1971, HOSTS is currently serving over 48,000 children and 72,000 mentors on more than 800 campuses nationwide. Congratulations to all the people who made this award possible. A lot of time and energy was put into Garfield Elementary School's HOSTS program to make it the kind of program it is today.
Po-Hi Booklet
The Po-Hi Guidance Office now has available the "Free Application for Federal Student Aid" (FAFSA) for the 1997-98 school year. Current seniors who plan to apply for federal and state financial aid should pick up the form. Also available is a booklet "Funding Your Education 1997-98" published by the US Department of Education.
Though the forms are available now, students cannot apply before Jan. 1, 1997. It is best to apply as early as possible. Oklahoma colleges recommend students apply for aid using the FAFSA by the first of March for best consideration for state assistance.
All students who will be entering the seventh grade next fall need to begin their series of Hepatitis B Vaccines right away. The Oklahoma State Board of Health approved revisions in the immunization laws that require all students entering the seventh grade in the fall of 1997 to provide documentation of having received 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine. Since completion of the series of 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine requires 4 to 6 months, parents should be notified of this requirement while the students are in the sixth grade.
Students may get these vaccines through their family doctor, or the Kay
County Health Department holds immunization clinics on Thursdays from 8-11:00
a.m. and 1-4:00 p.m. and the first Monday of every month from 4:30-6:00
p.m.
LIFESTYLE
The December 5 meeting of Xi Zeta Lambda chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority was held in the home of Phyllis PLedger. Fourteen members answered roll call by Andra Kasselman. Mrs. Pledger made an announcement from City Council discussing the Christmas party.
Melva Keen, president, announced an executive board meeting and Doretta Jackson, social co-chairperson, reported that members would not be participating in the Christmas parade. A shopping trip is planned for December 7.
Mrs. Jackson won the Traveling Basket which was brought by Jackie Hall. Sue Robertson, service chairperson, stated that meals had been taken to Mrs. Jackson and Lila Logan.
Membership chairperson Francie James congratulated Mrs. Kasselman on completing her Exemplar Ritual.
Following the meeting Mrs. Pledger presented a program on "Heirloom
Jewelry." The next meeting of the chapter will be a "Girl's Christmas
Party" at the home of Judy Watt.
SPORTS
With Allena Ames scoring 11 of her game high 12 points in the second half, Ponca City's sophomore girls held off Enid, 38-34, Thursday in Enid.
"We scored a lot of our points off the press," coach Brad Larimer said. "They had a pretty big team, so we had to after them all over the court. I think our pressure bothered them some.
"Also, we finally got into the flow of our offense."
Ponca City broke for a 13-12 halftime lead to build a 26-20 margin going into the final period.
Following Ames in the scoring was Erin Slater with 6 points, Romi Foreman with 5, Tia Williams 5, Abby Frick 5, Gina Hile 3 and Misty Lechtenburg 2.
The sophomores, now 2-1, do not play again until Jan. 6 at Guthrie.
SS Central 32, Ninth Boys 31
SAND SPRINGS - Ponca City's ninth grade boys basketballers lost their first game of the season here Thursday to Sand Springs Central, 32-31, in the opening game of the Sand Springs Tournament.
Central broke away from a 6-6 first quarter tie to go up 13-10 at the half. The Poncans (3-1) came back to tie the game again at 19-19 at the end of the third but Central was one point better in the fourth to take the one-point win.
Barry Chance led the ninth graders with 9 points. Jeff Furnas had 6, Blake Geubelle and Evan Rupp scored 5 each and Wes Crossen, Brett Skaggs and Ryan Eitzman all had 2 points.
"We just didn't play very well last night," said head coach Keith Chronister. "For some reason we weren't ready to play. The kids played hard, the execution just wasn't there."
The ninth grade boys play Enid Waller in another tournament game this evening.
SS Central 24, Ninth Girls 14
SAND SPRINGS - Sand Springs Central took a quick 7-1 lead over the ninth grade Lady Cougars and went on to record a 24-14 win over the Poncans in the first round of the Sand Springs Tournament.
Central led 15-8 at the half but Ponca City (3-1) closed the gap to 20-14 after three. But that was as close as the Lady Cougars could get as Central won the fourth quarter 4-0 to claim the 10-point win.
Mea Alexander topped the Ponca City scoring with 5 points and was followed by Laura Sudbury, 4; Claire Winterrowd and Alana Smith with 2 each and Kristl Richardson, 1 point.
"We played with a lot of hustle and had at least 15 steals," said head coach Lela McCracken. "We just could not convert."
The Lady Cougars take on Enid Waller at 4 today in another tournament game.
Eighth Girls Blue 21, Waller 16
ENID - Ponca City's eighth grade Blue basketball team won the battle of conference front-runners Thursday, edging out Enid Waller, 21-16, on Enid's home court.
The Blue Lady Cougars are now 3-0 in the conference and 6-0 overall going into the Christmas break. They do not play again until Jan. 9 when they take part in the Edmond Tournament.
The score was tied at 13 entering the fourth quarter of the defensive struggle Thursday, but the Blues prevailed down the stretch, outscoring Waller 8-3.
"The reason for our win was real good defense," Blue coach John Maddox said. "They had a big post girl, but we kept them from getting the ball to her. We intercepted almost every pass they tried to get inside. That's something we worked on all week.
"The girls did a good job. I'm really proud of 'em."
Emily Kuchta paced the Blue scoring with 11 points while Tara Cries For Ribs had 5, Aubrey Kelly 2, Erica Wiles 2 and Jessica Plagman 1.
The Ponca City "B" team also won, 25-13.
JV Ninth Boys 46. Enid Longfellow 45
Ponca City's ninth grade JV boys basketball team ended the first semester on a positive note as they defeated Enid Longfellow 46-45 in overtime in Ponca City Tuesday to improve to 1-3 on the season.
Ryan Eitzman and Aaron Sattre led the Poncans with 16 and 12 points, respectively. Barry Gehab and Fred Scholey added 4 points apiece, Lamont Hamilton and Todd Stewart scored 3 points each and Jason Beguin and Jacob Daniel had 2 points apiece.
Ponca City led 14-5 after one and 24-15 at the half but Longfellow stormed back by outscoring the ninth grade JVs 12-10 in the third period and 14-7 in the fourth to tie the game at 41-all.
In the overtime session, Sattre hit two of three free throws and a basket and Eitzman made one of two free shots.
The ninth grade JVs are now off until Jan. 7 when they travel to Enid Waller.
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
After finding the road a rough place to win basketball games, the Ponca City Wildcats and Lady Wildcats basketball teams will make their home debuts tonight in Robson Fieldhouse against Sapulpa beginning at 6:15 p.m..
Both the Cats and Lady Cats are 0-2 after falling at Tulsa Union and Stillwater in their previous two games. After tonight's action, the two teams close out the first semester with one more road game - Dec. 20 at Jenks. So this will be Ponca City's only chance to show their stuff before the home crowd during the first semester.
Sapulpa's boys are 1-1 on the season and the Sapulpa girls are 2-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state's largest class.
Wildcat head coach Ken Chronister reports that Sapulpa, which returns four starters off a 7-15 team, beat Broken Arrow in a close game and then lost to Jenks by double figures in a low scoring game.
"The tempo should be to our liking in this game but a key for us will be keeping their two 6-7 players off the boards," said Chronister. "We need to avoid giving them second and third shots. Another key for us will be containing their point guard (5-9 junior preseason all-conference pick David Marshall). He really makes them go. When he has a good night they are a very good team."
Chronister is also a little concerned about his young squad will handle playing at home for the first time.
"I think the big thing for us is this is the first home game. If we'll just go out and play like we have been we'll be okay. We've been real focused on the road. Hopefully the kids will maintain that focus."
In the girls game, which follows the boys game at 7:45 p.m., Ponca City will have its hands full.
Sapulpa returns four starters off a state runnerup squad that went 20-4 last season and swept the Lady Cats. Returning for Sapulpa are preseason all-conference selections Kara Faulk (6-0 junior) and Mandy Nightingale (5-5 junior) as well as Cheyenne Lierly (5-3 senior) and Misty Bruner (5-9 senior).
The Lady Cats have their own preseason all-conference player in 6-3 Lindsay Warrior. The senior post had a nice game against Union with 10 points and 8 blocks but never got into the flow of the game against Stillwater Tuesday. She picked up two quick fouls seconds into the third quarter and fouled out with just 2 points and two blocked shots.
Warrior will need a big game if the Cats are to contain Faulk on the inside.
The Ponca City defense played better against Stillwater than it did in the opener and will need another strong effort as Sapulpa has offensive weapons at every position.
WILDCAT WRESTLERS pose with the second place trophy from the Ark City Tournament prior to taking part in the Tulsa Union Tournament today and Saturday. The 14-team field at Union includes Claremore, Coweta, Tulsa East Central, Tulsa Hale, Jenks, McAlester, Tulsa McLain, Ponca City, Putnam City West, Tulsa Rogers, Tahlequah, Union and Wagoner. The Wildcat team members are, from left, (front) Phillip Gelino, Josh Bailey, Willie Ivie, Mark Dodgen, Matt Dodgen, Doug Scott, Jacob Beck, (back) Darrin Smith, Toby Redleaf, Marciano Villarruel, Stockton Graves, Jay Bentley, Nick Steichen and Cory Burkett. Justin Hall will take the place of the injured Smith at 145 pounds for the Union Tournament.