From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, December
7, 1997
LOCAL
Mary Rigdon Seeks Reelection to Board
Nearly News
City Awarded Grant for Dam
Letters
Take Care of Pets
School Board Will Consider Renovation, Construction Bids
School Menus
School Calendar
Ponca Tribe Educational Efforts Boosted by Gift From Member
Fire Station Project Procedures To Start
'Light Up a Life' Theme Of Hospice Fund-Raiser
New Poncan Season Historic for Theater
St. Paul's Kids Special Time Makes Holiday Plans
Robyn Kreger's Film Premieres Saturday
Legion Post Seeking Items For Baskets
Rebecca St. James Concert Here Friday
'Collywobbles' Generate Interest in Name, Subject
Street Projects Determined By Local Weather
City Calendar
Local OBI Recognizes Donors During Dinner
Habitat for Humanity Seeks Applicants
City Officials Mansion Party
DEATHS
Gladys Irene Bullard
Ralph Edward Rouse
Lois McGuckin
Guy Kitchin
Clora Mae O'Connor
Obituaries
Norman Drake
Ann Howell
Services Pending
Lucien L. Clinton
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
AARP Members Help in Community
Christmas Music Will Be Program For 20th Century
Presbyterian Church Women Will Hear Handbell Program
First Christian Church CWF Hosts Holiday Tea
Joy Asbury Named Desk and Derrick Woman of the Year
Several Programs For Christian Club Luncheon Meeting
Cases Celebrate With Tour
Huffs Celebrate 50 Years
Singles Network Names Schedule
Family Dinner for Bradens
Leanne Smith Bride-Elect
Peggy Keith Gives Lilac Club Program
Woman's Club Hears Review
Bambi Mayo is Engaged
National VFW Auxiliary Head To Visit State
Wheatheart Nutrition
Alpha Gamma Planning Party
Anthropological Group Meeting
Engagement is Announced
Bits and Pieces
Garden Club
Couple Weds at TurnerFalls
'Crazy Style Show' for Beta Sigma Phi Tea
Happenings
SPORTS
Mason Building His Case
Wildcats End Ten Year Losing Streak
Lady Cats Get Some Offense
Lou Clinton, Ponca City Baseball Standout, Dies
Lady Cat JV Picks Up Win
Frontier Bombs Shidler
Wildcat JV Give Up Big Late Lead
Incumbent Pioneer Technology Center board member Mary M. Rigdon has announced her candidacy for reelection to Zone 1. The annual school election will be held Feb. 10, 1998.
Rigdon said, "Each member of the current board has a unique background and makes a significant contribution. Not only do I bring experience to the table, but I also bring a determination to understand the issues in order to make informed decisions that help fulfill the purpose of Pioneer Technology Center - to prepare individuals to succeed in the workplace."
Rigdon is a 22-year resident of Kay County, and works at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City as a registered nurse. She is also in constant contact with people who fill occupations for which Pioneer Technology Center provides career education.
"Working with these individuals allows me to have direct insight into the quality of education they receive at PTC. It also offers me an opportunity to monitor real world results and assess our strengths and weaknesses."
A graduate of William Woods College, Fulton, Mo, with a bachelor of science degree in biology and secondary education, she received her associate degree in nursing from Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa, and is now pursuing a second baccalaureate degree in nursing.
Presently, Rigdon is a Medical-Surgical Unit nurse, and has in the past served as district nurse for the Ponca City Public Schools. She also has experience as a teacher and civic volunteer in many county activities over the past 22 years including the Community Clinic, Hospice, St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation, church and youth programs.
She is married to Tom Rigdon, a partner in the Newkirk law firm Ross, McCarty and Rigdon. They have two adult children, Andrew and Emily. They are members of the First United Methodist Church.
Danny Glover is the star and Mike Warren (former UCLA basketball star) will be remembered from "Hill Street Blues," but look for Ponca City's Floyd Campbell tonight in the debut of "Buffalo Soldiers" on TNT (channel 26). Floyd, a former Ponca Citian who is now a professional jockey, will be one of the troopers in this story of a black cavalry company in the old west. The show premieres at 7 p.m. this evening and will be repeated Saturday at 8 p.m. Check the TV Log for other showings.
OKLAHOMA CITY - Ponca City was awarded a $97,727 grant recently to finance repairs to the dam at Lake Ponca, state legislators said.
The announcement was issued by Rep. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City, and Sens. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, and J. Berry Harrison, D-Fairfax.
The community development block grant was awarded by the state Commerce Department.
Scouts Appreciated
I am employed by the City of Ponca City in the maintenance division of the Park Department. One of my responsibilities is to repair damage to facilities and structures within our parks and on other City properties. Sadly, much of this damage is caused by young people, and it ranges from simple graffiti to malicious destruction. But in any case, it costs the taxpayers of our community, in employees' time and in expense for repair materials.
But recently I had a much more pleasant experience. A young man named Scott Lewis called the Park Department. He was preparing to do a community help project as part of the requirements for his Boy Scout Eagle award, and wanted to know if we would allow him to do something in one of our parks. Eventually we provided materials and a small amount of guidance, and Scott and several of his friends repaired, painted, and made safety improvements to the playground equipment at Ambuc Park on Lake Ponca. They spent several weekends on this project, and they didn't quit until they had done a good job.
I hope Scott realizes that there are a great many people who appreciate his efforts. I know I do. And I know that it is too easy to be critical of our youth. We are bombarded by negative stories of young adults and teenagers. We see the terrible tragedies wrought by drugs, gangs, sexually-transmitted disease, unwanted pregnancies, and violence. It would be easy to get depressed, and to have doubts about the future of our nation.
And that may be the more important result of a project like Scott's. It shows us something positive and constructive, and is something not shown often enough. I believe the majority of young people want to do what is right. They go to school and do not cause problems. They are involved in Scouting. They are involved in band or orchestra. They play sports. They are involved with church youth organizations. In short, they make us see that the news is not all bad.
So this letter is in gratitude not only to Scott and his helpers, but to all the good kids out there. It almost always takes more courage and strength to do what is right than to do something mean or destructive. The youth who develop this courage and strength are the leaders of tomorrow. It is a comfort, at least to me, that the future of our nation will probably be in capable hands.
Gary Cohenour
This is a letter from a concerned neighbor who happens to love animals. It is especially directed at pet owners who leave their dogs outside.
I have a few questions that I would like these people to answer to their own satisfaction and mine.
1. Why do you have a dog?
2. Do you think dogs don't feel the cold?
3. Do you think dogs don't need water because the weather is cold?
4. Do you think the patio cement or the cold ground is good enough for your pet?
5. Do you think your pet needs no companionship or a pat on the head now and then?
6. Do you wear earplugs at night?
Again, I ask, WHY DO YOU HAVE A DOG?
The following scenario gives you an inkling as to why this sleep deprived lady is so upset:
Midnight: abruptly awakened by prolonged barking.
1:45 a.m.: another jolt of pathetic barking.
2:40 a.m.: twenty minutes of help-me-somebody barking.
3:45 a.m.: barking - almost a wail for another fifteen minutes.
4:30 a.m.: I finally acquiesced as my inside pets were pacing the floor and wanting out to see what was going on.
It is 5:00 a.m. as I write this letter and I just hope that the guilty party or parties will wake up and take care of their pets and save my sanity.
Mary L. Hagerdon
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Accepting the bids for the Howell Building renovation and construction of the Commons Area at the high school will be discussed Monday night at the regular board meeting for Ponca City's Board of Education.
Bids were received on Dec. 4 for the base bid of the renovation of the Howell Building, and the construction of the Commons Area. The large number of alternates, which would be an additional cost to the original base bid, were also received Dec. 4.
The board will also vote on accepting the bid for the Fine Arts/Howell Canopy Project. Because of the high bid on the project for a canopy to connect the Fine Arts with the Howell Building, the board tabled the item at the November meeting.
The original low bid for the project was for $71,834 and was submitted by Didlake-Ewing Group. Troy Lewis, Lewis Associates Architects, indicated that he could possibly reduce the scope of the project by some $20,000 and still maintain most of the original concept.
Public Hearing
A public hearing for parents of Native American children (including people acting in loco parentis), teachers, students and members of the local Indian tribes will be held. Those that attend will be asked to present their views to the board with respect to Impact Aid Projects and to give the tribal officials and parents of Indian children an opportunity to comment on whether Indian children participate on an equal basis with non-Indian children in the education program and activities provided by the Ponca City Public Schools.
Selling Old Lincoln?
There has been some interest shown in the purchase of the old Lincoln Center Building at 700 West Broadway. An informal appraisal and discussion of selling the building will take place among board members during executive session.
Additional Items
A lease/purchase agreement to purchase seven new vehicles for the district will be discussed. This proposed lease/purchase is a rotation of vehicles recommended by the Board Property Committee. Approximate cost of the least is $200,000 with $100,000 to be paid from the 1995 Bond Fund, and the remaining $100,000 will be paid out of the interest from the 1997 Bond Fund.
If the motion is approved the district will buy two mini buses, two passenger Suburbans, two staff vehicles and a one-ton pickup for vocational agriculture. A Chevrolet station wagon, Ford Taurus, Nissan pickup, Dodge van and a mini bus will be declared as surplus items. The vehicles will either be sold or used as trade-ins.
Renewing an agreement with Maccabees Life Insurance Company (prepared by Jack Mason, Simpson Insurance Agency, Ponca City) to provide life insurance for all support personnel of the Ponca City School District will be voted on.
The item is a renewal of the contract with Maccabees Life Insurance Company to provide life insurance for all support personnel. The summary of the monthly cost will be a $5,000 life amount with a monthly premium of $343. The total number of people to insure is 245.
The Personnel Office has also been developing 63 job descriptions for the district. The board will be asked to give their approval of all job descriptions presented.
Setting the dates for the 1998 board meetings will be discussed. The dates to be presented are: Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 9, April 6, May 11, June 15, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14.
Employee Awards
December Employee of the Month Awards will be given out. This month the awards will go to: Linda Arner, alternative education teacher, for certified employee; Steve Berry, custodian at Washington Elementary, for support employee; and Neal Lawrence, parent volunteer at the high school and Woodlands Elementary, for friend of education.
Elementary Breakfast
Elementary Lunch
Middle School and Mid-High
Breakfast
Middle School and Mid-High
Lunch
Available on Monday through Friday at the Middle School is Pizza Inn, Subway, Carl's Jr., Taco Bell Burritos. Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino's, Subway, Carl's Jr., Taco Bell Burritos.
High School Lunch
Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a Pasta Bar, Baked Potato Bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Hut and Subway Sandwiches.
All American
Training Table
McCord Elementary
Breakfast
Lunch
Pioneer Technology Center
The cafeteria will be open to the public on Tuesday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
School Calendar
Mid-High
Dec. 8
Dec. 9
Dec. 10
Dec. 11
Dec. 12
Po-Hi
Dec. 8
Dec. 9
Dec. 10
Dec. 11
Dec. 12
Dec. 13
Dec. 14
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Roberta (Standsblack) Carver, president and CEO of Four Winds, a contract service business, felt she had to give back to her tribe, the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma. In doing so, she has donated five computers to the Jules Valdez Center, White Eagle, for a tutoring program for kindergarten through 12th graders.
Carver said, "My basic purpose was to give back to the tribe. I felt that by donating computers to the Cultural Center, young people might learn better computer skills. I know how important it is for people, especially young people, to attain computer knowledge and skills.
Isaac Williams, Carver's grandfather from Enid, Okla., is a well-known speaker of Indian Culture and is a religious leader. Williams commented, "We taught all our children and grandchildren to share. We live for something to be proud of and I am very fortunate to have witnessed this kind of generosity. I am very proud of Roberta."
Kinsel Lieb, vice-president of the Ponca Business Committee, said that the Jules Valdez Center houses several kinds of programs that deal with helping people. Some departments at the center are child care, social services, Johnson O'Malley and higher education.
"These donated computers will coordinate with higher education and the Johnson O'Malley program for tutoring. We had a tutoring program, but we only had two computers. Unfortunately, we don't have the resources to purchase computers," Lieb said.
He added, "The Ponca Business Committee is very fortunate. Roberta wanted to help with the future of the generations. We are thankful, obliged and honored that one of our tribal members would think of our people."
Jeffrey Lieb, Education Department director, said, "We would like to especially thank Roberta for thinking of her tribe and the youth of her tribe. The computers will be put to good use in helping our children attain their education goals."
For more information on computer usage for tutoring, people may contact the J.O.M. program for the schedule of computer usage.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
Now that the half cent sales tax has been passed and all in the fire department have found "temporary homes" the business of renovating and remodeling the No. 1 Fire Station can get under way. The first step of the long process will begin Monday night as city commissioners vote on the architectural/engineering contract with Lewis Associates Architects for the fire station renovations.
Among other things, the contract would authorize Lewis Associates Architects to finalize the plans for the renovations, prepare construction documents and assist in the bidding and construction phases of the project. Under the contract, the fee for the architectural/engineering services would be seven percent of the final construction cost.
Commissioners will also be considering a grant application for the renovation of the Attucks School gymnasium. If the grant is approved the proceeds would be used to convert the gym into a community center for youth activities.
The $20,000 grant would require a cash match of more than $13,000 which has already been raised. According to the agenda item summary, Conoco and Pioneer Bank and Trust have each donated more than $6,000 to the project and the Attucks Community Alliance donated more than $600 for a matching total of $14,000.
The City would act as the financial administrator on the project with the authority to receive and disburse the project funds. The grant application will be reviewed and city will be notified before the first of the year.
As a formality, City Commissioners will vote on a resolution which will call for the mayoral election next year. The election will be held April 7, 1998, and candidates must file with the Kay County Election Board by Feb. 4.
Another formality will be voted on Monday night. Commissioners will be voting to approve a project agreement between the City and ODOT for the widening of Union Street from Hartford Avenue to Waverly Avenue. The state will be paying for $1.6 million of the $2 million dollar project. The city will be paying the remaining $400,000.
The standard agreement which commissioners will be considering is required before the letting of the project. The agreement basically summarizes the City's obligation to ODOT including fiances before, during and after construction.
City Commissioners will also be voting on an amendment to a city ordinance which would make life easier for hotel/motel operators. The amendment would change the manner in which operators file their quarterly state tax reports. Presently, the ordinance requires operators to file duplicate copies of their state tax report with the city clerk quarterly. The amendment would simplify the reporting process by eliminating the need for the operators to file the reports with the city.
"Light Up a Life" is the theme of Hospice of Ponca City's annual Christmas fund-raiser, the Tree of Life, which began Dec. 1.
"Even though we've been doing this for nine years, I still get a lump in my throat when I look at the Tree," says Melody Lahann, administrative director. "The Tree of Life is a fund-raising tree, but to me, it is so much more than that. It symbolizes our patients, their families, our staff and volunteers, and everything that is good about Hospice of Ponca City."
The tree, located in the Atrium of Ponca Plaza, is decorated with ornaments that are purchased by donors in memory or in honor of someone special. The names of those remembered or honored are written on the hand-made paper ornaments and hung by volunteers daily.
Lahann explains there is also an outdoor Tree of Life, located at the corner of Fourteenth and Hartford, at Woodlands Christian Church. She explains lights are turned on as donations are received to show the community how the project is progressing.
Chairman of the Tree of Life this year is Betsy Keyes, who says she could not handle this large a project without help from so many people. "It amazes me how many different people are needed to make our project successful," she says.
Volunteers make ornaments, hang lights, decorate the Trees, mail flyers, organize the memorial service and tree lighting, and so much more. Since Hospice of Ponca City provides care to many of the surrounding communities, there are also trees in Blackwell, Newkirk, and Tonkawa with different volunteer chairmen working under Keyes' direction.
Lahann says many people use donations to Hospice of Ponca City as a Christmas gift for those who "have everything" or for gift exchanges. Donors receive a hand-made ornament crafted by Hospice volunteers under the direction of Rose Marie Boggus, as well as a card that can be sent to inform those honored or the families of those remembered.
People who wish to donate to the Tree of Life can pick up a flyer from Ponca Plaza Atrium, clip a coupon from The News, or simply mail a donation to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City 74601. Donors should be sure to indicate if the donation is in honor or memory of someone special and to list the name(s).
Proceeds from the Tree of Life are used to provide hospice care and medical necessities for patients who have no health insurance. Patients and families are never charged for care from Hospice of Ponca City.
Lahann says that in addition to being a remembrance and memorial tree, "the Tree of Life is a symbol of our commitment to terminally ill patients in our community that hospice care will be available to them regardless of their financial status."
The Poncan Theatre has just announced its 1998 Subscription Season, according to director Kenn Wessel.
"This is a terrific package of entertainments," says Wessel. "And at a great value," he adds. The Poncan is offering a subscription membership to its patrons, with four nationally-known acts coming to the Poncan in 1998.
In February, the Poncan will present The Diamonds, a vintage rock and roll group that has sold over 40 million records. Fans will remember "The Stroll," "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," "Silhouettes on the Shade," and other great hits from The Diamonds.
The Poncan will also host Riders in the Sky, the cowboy singer-comics, in March.
Baxter Black, a witty cowboy poet and star of PBS, will perform at the Poncan in May.
In September, the Arkansas Repertory Company will entertain Ponca City with a new show called "Idols of the King." The play is about Elvis and his fans, and the company is the same group that brought "Always, Patsy Cline" to the Poncan.
"This year, we offer two different kinds of membership," Wessel says. One is the Poncan Player's Card Membership that was offered last year. Holders of the Player's Card receive a discount on any ticket they purchase to events presented by the Poncan Theatre. If patrons come with friends or family, everyone in the group receives a discount. Last year, card-holders received a discount on films such as "Shine" and the "Full Monty" and on live events like "1964: The Tribute" and "The Bluebirds" blues group. The Player's Card costs $25.
The second kind of membership is the Poncan Subscription Membership. Subscribers receive admission to all four subscription events at a significant savings. As part of the package, they also receive the Player's Card, according to Wessel. If patrons were to purchase single admissions in the best seats to all four events and also purchase the Player's Card, the cost would be $105. But the Poncan Subscriber pays only $50 for the package, according to Wessel.
"You save over half the cost." "It's just a great deal," he says. "We're really excited about the artists and the value."
"The Subscriber also receives an opportunity for preferential seating," says Wessel. "We will notify our Subscriber Members about tickets before we advertise them to the general public," he says. "Subscribers can select their seats before anyone else has a shot at them."
"The Poncan Board has worked very hard to bring this low-cost, high-quality season to Ponca City," Wessel says. "Artists have a right to charge reasonable fees, but we've found some ways to bring terrific, popular entertainments into the Poncan and still keep admission costs down," he adds.
The Poncan is a not-for-profit company, which means that all the money it receives goes back into the operations of the business. "So far as I can tell, this is the first subscription season in the 70-year history of the Poncan," says Wessel.
"This entertainment package is real sweet. Where else can you see four nationally-famous entertainments for a total of only $50?" Wessel says. "And it includes a discount card, a $25 value, that you can use as many times as you wish!"
Patrons interested in becoming Poncan members or who wish to inquire about membership can call the Poncan at 405-765-0943.
St. Paul's United Methodist Church Kids Special Time has kicked off December Mother's Day Out with Angels, Christmas trees, ornaments, reindeer, and gingerbread men, according to a spokesperson for the organization.
The program's annual Christmas Party will be Friday, Dec. 19, with Santa, Christmas carol singing and listening to everyone's Christmas wishes.
St. Paul's Kids Special Time meets on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon, and they will take drop-ins, which will make it nice for mothers during this time of the year, they predict.
They have room in all their classrooms, nursery to 4 and 5 year olds.
They are currently seeking one teacher to work with the 2-year-olds. If interested in enrolling or teaching, or just dropping by for a day, call 765-7512 or 765-3696 to talk to April Cook.
Robyn Kreger, a graduate of Po-Hi, is bringing her new film, "Kites Toward Heaven," to the Poncan Theatre for its world premiere.
Kreger is a film-maker who has written, produced and directed the movie. The film is based on a short story by Truman Capote entitled "A Christmas Memory."
Kreger's film also features other Ponca Citians in significant roles. Diane Mounts co-stars in the film, which is about a woman and a small boy who are best friends. Charlie Mounts, her husband, is also featured. Max Berry was active behind the scenes, working as a grip.
"Kites Toward Heaven" is a reminiscence that appears to be autobiographical fiction, as was Capote's larger novel "The Grass Harp," which has also been made into a film. Kreger encountered Capote's short story in a high school English course here in Ponca City. It remained in her memory for several years until she was able to turn it into film.
"Kites" tells the story of two people, the woman and the boy, who depend on each other in the absence of other close friends or family. It shows them over the changes of seasons. In particular, it shows them preparing for Christmas. They make Christmas gifts for each other, and the gifts are given with particularly deep, richly felt feelings. The story is a warm, affectionate tale, suitable for families.
"Kites Toward Heaven" receives its world premiere at the Poncan Theatre Saturday at 7:30 pm. The stars and Ms. Kreger will be presented at the event. Tickets are $7, and they are available at the Ponca City banks through Friday and at the Poncan Theatre immediately before the premiere. For more information, patrons may call the Poncan Theatre at 580-765-0943.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, as the song goes, and Commander Chuck Gregg of the American Legion urges all members to bring canned goods and other non-perishable items to the American Legion, 407 West South Avenue for the eight baskets for the needy planned for Christmas giving.
The American Legion sends a "thank you" to all donors of the nine Thanksgiving baskets. The Legion appreciated the hams donated by Albertsons and Buy-for-Less. A special thanks goes to Chuck Gregg, Roselyn Utech and Chuck McCollum for their delivery of the baskets to the needy families in the Ponca City community.
The Legion will have its annual Christmas party at 6 p.m. Wednesday, it was announced. Hors d'oeuvres will be served from 6 to 8 p.m. with a dance to follow from 8 to 11 p.m. with music by "Sonny D."
The Children's Christmas will be held on Monday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. with a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, according to McCollum.
Rebecca St. James and the Christmas Acoustic Tour with String Section will be at the Hutchins Auditorium in Ponca City Friday at 7 p.m.
This is part of ForeFront recording artist St. James' 21-city Christmas tour which opened Friday evening and extends through Dec. 23. Not only is the tour expected to do well, but also her Christmas album released last month is now charting on Billboard's Christmas and Heatseekers Charts
Zach Kelm, operations manager for St. James, had this to say about the Christmas tour, "What continues to make Rebecca's tours so strong is her ministry focus and partnership with the church. She deals with issues that parents want their kids to hear because it reinforces what they are teaching at home. The Christmas tour will just continue to build on the vision that God has given Rebecca and the team around her. The Christmas tour is unique though because we will have a string section out with us that will complete the acoustic set."
The response has been so positive about St. James' first Christmas tour that plans are already under way for a similar and extended tour to take place late November-December 1998.
She is also looking forward to the Christmas tour, "I am probably more excited about this tour than I have been about any other. Part of the reason that I am so thrilled is because I think that the string section adds a whole new atmosphere to the tour. I am also excited because each person on tour is very serious about God. I really hope that each night will be a night of worship and that people will be challenged to go deeper with God."
General admission tickets are available at all Christian bookstores in Ponca City, Enid, Stillwater, and Blackwell. Tickets for all ages are $9 in advance, $8 for groups of 10 or more and will be $11 at the door. Reserved seats are available for $12 at KLVV.
Tickets (including reserved seating) can be purchased by mail to KLVV, P.O. Box 14, Ponca City, OK 74602, or by using Visa/MasterCard/Discover from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at 1-580-767-1400.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Grandma Scearcy's "Collywobbles" have invaded the gift shop at Angel Central in Ponca City and created quite a curiosity about how the unique collectibles came to be named and created, say workers there.
Workers found the fanciful name "Collywobbles," was given to pieces of natural driftwood, artfully painted with Santa Claus faces and other images by 70-year-old Grandma Scearcy. Limited numbered reproductions of the originals are made to keep up with the demand her unique artwork has generated. She has created 27 new items for the 1997 market.
Grandma Scearcy, who lives on the Elk River in the foothills of the Ozarks, is similar to Grandma Moses in that she started her painting later in life with limited eye sight. She has no formal training.
One morning, while walking along the river, she spied an unusual piece of driftwood and saw the face of Santa Claus. She took it home, enhanced it with paints, and really got a laugh out of the creation. From then on, she kept looked along the river for funny-looking pieces with "Santa" faces. Before long she had painted 125 Santas in all sizes and shapes.
Some have happy expressions, others sad, and others stern. A few look like traditional Santa, while others are perhaps a bit bizarre. "I love them all, but I do have my favorites. I've give each Santa a name - some for apparent reasons, some because of what I see in them," she says
She can usually see a face of a Santa in a piece of driftwood if she can locate a nose. Grandma takes the piece home, cleans it and sprays it with sealer, but never carves or whittles on the wood. She just paints what she sees with acrylic paint. After painting the face with flesh color she sets him up on the shelf in the her small laundry room/workshop and studies him for a while. When she's satisfied with his looks, she sprays him with polyurethane and lets him dry thoroughly.
Her son Steve Scearcy is her biggest fan and promotes, and sells the numbered, limited number, resin-porcelain reproductions for her.
Grandma Scearcy has also added Angels, nativity characters, Indians and a few other characters in her collection of Pollywobble tabletop characters and ornaments. The scraggly creatures show up everywhere, and were even in the White House in 1995. Several of the gift shops around Grove, Okla., handle her Collywobbles.
Asked about the unique name, she laughs and credits her husband Jack for it. When she first started painting the driftwood pieces, she stacked the completed creations all over the house.
"They are in the bathroom, in the bedroom, down on the dock! They were everywhere!" says Jack.
Grandma Scearcy recalled, "He was always belly-aching about them. He'd say 'Where are you going to put that one?'"
Later, when she and son Steve were looking for a tradename for the creations, she came across the name "Pollywobble," which meant 'belly-aching!" The corporation's name is also unique - Amazing! - "because that's what Grandma Scearcy kept saying every time Steve told her how well some stores liked her creations.
Currently, the Scearcys have 30-40 completed originals in their homey wood-frame house near Grand Lake. A couple of big baskets and pots of raw driftwood always stand in corners - collected by family members and grandchildren, who enthusiastically encourage her new career.
She says she'll continue to make the unique creations as long as she continues to hear grandsons Nate and Charlie shout "Let's go look for Collywobbles!"
Several "crack seal" and curb replacement projects have been slated for next week by the Street Department if the weather permits, according to Corky Gammon, Street Department.
Starting Monday and continuing through Friday, crack and seal work will take place on Gibson Place from Little Lane to East Hartford; North Seventh Street from East Hartford Avenue to one half block south of East Fresno Avenue; East Comanche Avenue from North Seventh Street to North Sixth Street; East Comanche Avenue from North Fifth Street to North Fourth Street; North Fourth Street from East Emporia Avenue to East Hartford Avenue.
Also, East Detroit Avenue from North Third Street to North First Street; North Fourth Street from Young Avenue to Williams Avenue; North Sixth Street from Young Avenue to East Hartford Avenue; North Seventh Street from Young Avenue to East Hartford Avenue; Jane Street from Young Avenue to Bradley Avenue; Meadow Lane from Queens Avenue to Crawford Avenue; North Woodland Road from East Hartford Avenue to East Woodland Road.
Also, East Woodland Road from North Woodland Road to Northeast Woodland Road; Northeast Woodland Road from East Hartford Avenue to East Woodland Road; East Hartford Avenue to East Woodland Cooley Avenue from North Fourteenth Street to Elmwood Avenue; Parkview Lane from North Fourteenth Street to West End; Poplar Avenue from East Highland Avenue to Elmwood Avenue.
Curb work is slated on Grand Avenue between First Street and Oak Street during the week.
For more information, contact Gammon, Street Department, 767-0410.
Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.
Anytime
FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs).
Today
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
December 7-31
December 13
December 14
December 15
December 16
December 17
December 18
December 19
December 20
December 21
December 22
December 24
December 31
January 9
January 17
January 31
February 7
The Oklahoma Blood Institute, Ponca City Center (OBI) honored blood donors at a Donor Appreciation Dinner Dec. 1 at the Ponca City Country Club.
The dinners are held to recognize the many donors who support patients in the Ponca City area.
"We are grateful to our donors for their special commitment to helping patients," said OBI President and CEO Ronald O. Gilcher, MD. "We encourage everyone to make a difference in the lives of patients in need by becoming blood donors."
Following a presentation by Dr. Gilcher, OBI Ponca City Center Manager Pixie Rowland recognized several Ponca City area donor groups for their contributions to the community blood supply, including Buy-For-Less, Carl's Jr., First Christian Church, First United Methodist Church, Fraternal Order of Police, International Association of Fire Fighters, Outpatient Surgery Center, Pioneer Bank and Trust, Ponca City Hobby Lobby, Ponca City National Guard-Delta Company, Ranch Drive Community and Volunteer Fire Department, Shidler High School, St. Joseph Cancer Center of Northern Oklahoma, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Sertoma, Smith Tool, Thorn Apple Valley, Wal-Mart No. 80823 and Woodlands Christian Church.
Additionally, a very special patient was introduced to dinner guests by Ponca City Pediatrician Jane Thomason, MD. Alex Erickson was only 3 months old when he was diagnosed with liver cancer in January. During his months of chemotherapy, Alex received numerous transfusions of red cells and platelets from volunteer blood donors. Alex recently celebrated his first birthday, and doctors are hopeful that the cancer will not return. Alex's parents, Pam and Dale Erickson, and his sister, Elisa, are thankful to the many blood donors who helped save his life.
"When we see children like Alex, we recognize how precious life is," Pam Erickson said. "We appreciate what we've been given, and we hope everyone will realize the importance of donating blood."
The Oklahoma Blood Institute, Ponca City Center is affiliated with the Oklahoma Blood Institute, a regional, not-for-profit blood center responsible for providing the blood supply to more than 65 hospitals across Oklahoma, including St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph Cancer Center and the Outpatient Surgery Center.
The Ponca City area Habitat for Humanity is currently accepting applications for Habitat housing.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit international organization dedicated to improving the quality of lives and communities by assisting families in building and owning decent and adequate housing.
Basic guidelines for applicants are:
1. Currently employed with an income range of $12,000-25,000 per year depending on number of dependents.
2. Willing and capable of working at least 350 "sweat equity" hours on their own housing project or other habitat projects.
All applications are evaluated on an individual basis and all prospective applicants are encouraged to apply. Interested families can call Habitat for Humanity at 765-2974.
The Ponca City chapter began in 1991, and finished its first building project in March of 1992. Currently, the Ponca City Chapter is finishing its seventh building project on Franklin street. Individuals or groups interested in helping Habitat for Humanity can contact Stan Brown at 762-2301.
Work parties are scheduled for every Friday and Saturday mornings.
The mayor and city commissioners of Ponca City will be holding the third annual holiday open house at the Marland Mansion from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday.
According to Mayor Marilyn Andrews, this is a "wonderful opportunity for the citizens of Ponca City to enjoy the beauty of the Mansion as it is decorated inside for the holiday season."
Refreshments will be served and Santa Claus will give out candy canes
for the children. For more information contact the Mayor's Office at 767-0342.
DEATHS
Gladys Irene Bullard, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday evening, Dec. 4, 1997, at Westminster Village. She was 96.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 1997, in the Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Charles Heyer, associate pastor, First Christian Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Gladys Bullard was born Feb. 2, 1901, in Tecumseh, Kan., the daughter of William Henry and Edith Viola (Brown) Wood. The family came to Oklahoma in 1904. She graduated from the Newkirk High School and went to Beauty College at Chilocco Indian School. She moved to Ponca City in 1925.
She was married to Ethel Burton Andersdon. Following his death, she later married Roscoe Ira Bullard in Newkirk, Okla., on March 4, 1933. The couple made their home in Ponca City. Mrs. Bullard owned and operated the LaBelle Beauty Shop from 1933 to 1942. She later worked in beauty shops in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, returning to Ponca City in 1973.
She was a member of the First Christian Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. She had won many awards at hair styling conventions and was the 1994 resident of the year at Westminster Village.
She enjoyed fishing, reading, crocheting, traveling, camping, and teaching hair styling. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Surviving are a daughter, Violet Reed of Perry; one son, Olen Bullard of Houston, Texas; a sister, Leta Rose Meyers of Richardson, Texas; 15 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 25 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Ethel Burton Andersdon and Roscoe Ira Bullard; her parents, five brothers, Lester, Cecil, Ken, Charles and Bill Wood, and an infant sister, Fern Wood; also one daughter, Thelma Richmond, a son, Melvin Bullard, and a granddaughter, Eve Crutcher.
Casket bearers will be great-grandsons, Owen Bullard, Olek Guier, Adam Reed, Shan Rains, Travis Bullard, and Brad Dolezal. Honorary bearers will be Ron Dwyer and Bryon Whitmore.
Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 711 South Third Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be greeting friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 pm. Sunday evening.
The family will be at 109 Fairview.
NEWKIRK - Ralph Edward Rouse, longtime Newkirk resident, died early Thursday morning, Dec. 4, 1997, as the result of a vehicle accident near Atlanta, Kan. He was 58.
The funeral has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 1997, in Christ's Church, Newkirk, with Danny W. Cornish, minister of the Newkirk Church of Christ, officiating, and assisted by the Rev. J. Craig Ortwein, minister of Christ's Church. Burial will follow in the Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.
Ralph Edward Rouse was born July 27, 1939, in Newkirk to Albert Harold and Nellie Frances (Pond) Rouse. He grew up and received his education in Newkirk where he graduated from high school in 1957. On July 17, 1962, he was inducted into the United States Army. He received his discharge June 25, 1964, and was transferred into the Army Reserves, where he served until being discharged July 16, 1968.
On March 12, 1966, he and Joyce Ann Legg were married in Newkirk where they established their home. He worked for a time at the smelter in Blackwell, and later as a mechanic for Reaf Blair, Williams Truck and Tractor Service, and most recently for Glass Trucking. He enjoyed building up cars and trucks, working on his home, and his grandchildren.
Survivors include two sons, Troy Rouse of Blue Springs, Mo.; and Duane Rouse of Newkirk ; two daughters, Nancy Emery of Blackwell and Julie Kimmell of Ponca City ; one brother, Lester Lee Rouse of Fallon, Nev.; one sister, Mary Ann Carson of Newkirk; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, on Oct. 28, 1994, his parents, and one brother, Richard D. Rouse.
Those serving as casket bearers will be Jerry Blair, Vince Cain, Daniel Harris, Wade Locke, John Randolph and Donnie Williamson.
A memorial fund, which will be designated at a later date, has been established. Contributions may be made through Eastman National Bank, Box. 468, Newkirk, Okla. 74647.
BLACKWELL - Lois McGuckin, longtime Blackwell resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1997, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 95.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 1997, in the Memory Chapel of the Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell, with the Rev. Charles Ryser, minister of the First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home.
Lois McGuckin was born Nov. 3, 1902, in Blackwell, Okla., to William H. and Cora (Rowel) Waugh. She grew up in the Richland Community and attended Richland School. She graduated from the University Preparatory School (now known as Northern Oklahoma College) in Tonkawa, and began teaching in Kaw City at the age of 17. She also taught in Denoya, Three Sands, Deer Creek, Tonkawa and Uncas. She had taught a total of 35 years beginning in 1920. She married Everett C. McGuckin on March 2, 1948, and he preceded her in death on Oct. 29, 1953.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Blackwell. She played piano for both Blackwell Nursing Homes and for various churches. She was a hostess for the Top of Oklahoma Historical Museum and was active with the Retired Teachers Association.
She is survived by two nieces, three nephews, numerous great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, an infant sister and one brother, Rodney Waugh.
The casket will be closed at all times.
PRAGUE - Guy Kitchin of Prague, brother of Ray Kitchen Jr. and Aldena Crumm of Ponca City, died Thursday, Dec. 4, 1997, in Prague. He was 72.
The funeral will be held Monday, Dec. 8, 1997, at 10 a.m. at the Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Prague with the Rev. Bob Duncan officiating. Burial will follow in the Prague Cemetery.
Guy Kitchen was born on Sept. 17, 1925, in Beaver County, Okla. He married Virginia Ruth "Ginny" Johnson on Nov. 4, 1951, in Ponca City. He served in the U.S. Air Force and after retiring worked at Tinker Air Force Base as a civilian. He was a member of the View of the Cross Freewill Baptist Church, Prague.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia "Ginny" Kitchen, Prague, Okla.; one son, Doyle Kitchen, Crofton, Md.; three daughters, Karen Patten of Abilene, Texas, Jerry Kitchen of Midwest City, Okla., and Kathy Ring of Prague; one brother, Ray Kitchen Jr., Ponca City; one sister, Aldena Crumm, Ponca City; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
The casket will remain open until service time only.
Clora Mae O'Connor, mother of Bill O'Connor, Ponca City, died Thursday, Dec. 4, 1997, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 97.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 1997, in the St. Francis Xavier Church with the Rev. James J. Mickus officiating. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Henninger-Allen Funeral Home, Enid.
Clora Mae O'Connor was born Jan. 5, 1900, at Hennessey in Oklahoma Territory to George and Ella Dresher Clark. She graduated from Hennessey High School in 1918 and later married Edward O'Connor in October of 1927 in Enid. They made their home in the Enid and Waynoka communities. Her husband died in January of 1985. She moved to Westminster Village in Ponca City in June of 1997.
An avid bridge player and a member of the Tres Mesa Bridge Club in Waynoka, she also loved traveling, giving book reviews, was the eldest member of St. Francis Xavier Parish and past president of the Ladies' Altar Society.
Survivors include two sons, Jim O'Connor, Helena, Mon., and Bill O'Connor, Ponca City, Okla.; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter and a great-grandson.
Memorials may be made to St. Francis Xavier Pastoral Care with Henninger-Allen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 507, Enid, Okla. 73702 serving as custodians of the fund.
Norman Drake, 2109 Berkshire, died Friday, Dec. 5, 1997 at his home. He was 59.
Born Dec. 16, 1937, at Oakland, Calif., he was the son of Pherrel and Mary Drake. He was raised in Oakland where he attended schools, graduating from high school there.
Norman was a world class roller skating coach in the Bay Area of California. He moved to Ponca City in 1979 and purchased Skate World which he operated until his death. He was a three-time National Artistic Roller Skating Champion. In addition to skating, he also enjoyed H-O Model Trains.
He is survived by his wife, Lynne of the home; a daughter, Corie Drake of Ponca City; two sons, Vince O'Brien and James O'Brien, both of Ponca City, grandchildren James and Samantha O'Brien; and a sister, Gloria Haney, Elsberry, Mo.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
No public services are planned.
Paid Obituary
Olive Ann Howell, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1997 at her home. She was 74.
The funeral was Saturday, Dec. 5, 1997, at the First Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. David Bigger, pastor, officiating. Burial followed in the Round Grove Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born Oct. 12, 1923, in Independence, Kan., she was the daughter of Norman Henry & Ellen LuCinda (Kerley) Frankenfield. She attended elementary school in Wichita, Kan. and graduated from Po-Hi in 1942. As a child, she was a member of the Albright United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Howell attended the St. Joseph School of Nursing and worked at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for more 30 years, retiring in 1981.
On Oct. 21, 1949, she married William Franklin "Bill" Howell in Ponca City. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family especially her grandkids. Her hobbies included cross-stitching, reading Christian books, doll collecting, and sewing. She was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church and the Oklahoma Nursing Association.
Survivors include her husband, Bill, of the home; foster daughter, Billie Jean Horton, of Lawton; brother, Jim Frankenfield, of Marion, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews, including local nieces and nephews Sue Walton, Dale Tague, Delores Andrews, Betty Schwanke, Bill Walton, and Kassie Bridges. Also four grandchildren, Mike and Shana Horton and Tommy and Rachel Shockey; and three great-grandchildren, Wyatt Horton, Lunden Horton, Ryan Shockey survive her.
Casket bearers will be Jay Graham, Rolla Sober, Tom Welch, Bob Hodges, Charles Kirk and Jeff Romines.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Free Will Baptist Church, 1900 E. Hubbard Road, Ponca City, OK 74604.
The family will be at the home, 1510 South Seventh Street.
Paid Obituary
WICHITA, Kan. - Lucien "Lou" L. Clinton, former Ponca City baseball and golfing star, died in Wichita Saturday morning. He was 60.
He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, of the Wichita home.
Funeral arrangements are pending with Lakeview Funeral Home in Wichita
and will be announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
Gas Drive-Off - A business in the 2900 block of North Union Street, reported a gas drive-off to police at 7:13 a.m. Friday.
Accident - Police received a report of a two-vehicle accident in the 1500 block of West Grand Avenue at 7:53 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Juveniles Cited - Several tobacco citations were issued at 8:20 a.m. Friday at the Ponca City Library.
Car Fire - Police received a 911 call at 8:53 a.m. Friday reporting a car fire in the 1100 block of East Otoe Avenue. Fire units responded and extinguished the fire.
Burglary - A business in the 2000 block of East Lake Road reported a burglary at 8:54 a.m. Friday. Three officers responded to the call.
False Alarm - All fire units responded to a fire alarm at Hutchins Memorial at 11:36 a.m. Friday. It was a false alarm.
False Alarm - At 2:04 p.m. Friday all fire stations responded to a false alarm at the Ponca City High School Howell Building.
Illegal Dumping - At 2:37 p.m. Friday the Kansas Police Department requested the Ponca City Police Dept. to contact residents in the 2300 block of Chapel Hill Road regarding illegal dumping.
Arrest - A 23-year-old man was arrested at 3:12 p.m. Friday from the 1900 block of North Fifth Street for driving under suspension, no insurance and no seat belt.
Accident - Police received a report of a two-vehicle accident in the 1900 block of North Union Street at 3:19 p.m. Friday. A report was taken.
Bike Found - A resident from the 200 block of North Pine Street reported to police at 3:29 p.m. Friday that a bike reported stolen had been found at a local pawn shop. A report was taken.
Non-Injury Accident - At 4:01 p.m. Friday police received a report of a non-injury accident at Mary Street and Hartford Avenue. A report was taken.
Non-Injury Accident - A non-injury accident was reported at 6:54 p.m. Friday at Hartford Avenue and Fairview Avenue. A report was taken.
Injury Accident - One person was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 7:54 p.m. after sustaining injuries in an accident at Fifth Street and Highland Avenue.
Theft - A resident in the 800 block of East Prospect Avenue reported to police at 10:24 p.m. Friday that their residence had been broken into and a purse stolen. A report was taken.
False Alarm - All fire units responded to a possible fire at Liberty School at 11:14 p.m. Friday. However there was no fire.
Stolen Bike - Police received a call of a bike stolen from the 2000 block of Lake Road at 1:12 a.m. Saturday. A grand larceny report was taken.
Arrest - A 21-year-old man was arrested at 1:21 a.m. Saturday from the 300 block of Virginia Avenue for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Injury Accident - At 2:08 a.m. Saturday two people were taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after a vehicle hit an electric pole and gas meter in the 2100 block of Turner Street. Electric service was temporarily lost in the area. A report was taken.
Coloring Contest - Main Street is sponsoring a Kids Holiday Coloring Contest. Prizes given in three age groups. Entries available at Main Street Office, Betty's Boutique, Water & Light Billing Office, Water & Light Plant, Master's Touch, Park & Recreation Department & Spray's Jewelry. Deadline is Dec. 12.
Giveaway Set Dec. 13 - Free clothing give away Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. until noon at New Life Baptist Church, 301 South Waverly in Ponca City. Everyone invited.
Clothing Give Away Set - A free clothing give away is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at New Life Baptist Church, 301 South Waverly in Ponca City. Everyone is invited at attend.
Christmas Program Planned - Union Elementary School will present its Christmas program on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Union School auditorium. Family, friends and guests are invited to come and enjoy "Forever Christmas".
Legion Post 38 Meeting - Commander Delbert Cole has called a special meeting of Ponca Indian American Legion Buffalo Post 38 for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Ponca Veterans Affairs office (Room 108) of the Cultural Center in White Eagle. He said a number of important items are on the agenda. He encouraged all members and officers of the post and auxiliary to attend.
PTC Board Meeting - Pioneer Technology Center Board of Education
will meet Monday at 4 p.m. in room A-103. Items to be discussed include
board meeting dates for 1998, financial reports and program enrollments.
LIFESTYLES
Chapter 432 of the American Association of Retired Persons held their December Meeting and Christmas program at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse Tuesday. The meeting was called to order by F. G. Williams, vice president. Capt. Mark Craddock of the Salvation Army gave a brief talk on the importance of the "bell ringers" and noted his appreciation for the AARP chapter handling that duty at WalMart on Dec. 10.
Marie Trenary of RSVP was present and covered the services that organization does for seniors and what seniors do for the organization. She invited chapter members to attend the RSVP open house in their new location at 110 North Fourth. Williams gave a brief report on his November meeting in Albuquerque, N. M.
Information was briefly discussed concerning the annual convention of the American Association of Retired Persons in the Minneapolis-St Paul area in June,1998. Several chartered buses for members from Oklahoma will be available. All members of the local group have been invited to join "Grandmas in Action and Associates." An associate of the group is anyone "who wants to do a good deed that isn't a grandmother." No dues, no regular meetings and no officers just giving of your time and talents when you can and what you can. The main charities of this group are Children's Miracle Network, Children's Medical Research, Boy Scout Golf Tournament, Cherokee Golf Tournament, Opportunity Center as well as community work.
Williams is participating in a meeting at Stillwater exploring ways that smaller AARP Chapters can use help from larger chapters that are experienced in and have an operating Community Action Council. Offers of installation of smoke detectors in senior's homes without charge by the Ponca City Fire Prevention Council was discussed at length. installation of Officers for 1998 will be the program for the next meeting at the Wheatheart Nutrition Center at 1 p.m. on Jan. 6. All members and potential members are invited to attend.
Students of Mrs. Leslie Rardin will present the program when Twentieth Century Club members meet Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Ponca City Cultural Center for a Christmas program.
Entitled "The Happiness Christmas Brings", the program will feature a presentation of 27 of the most popular Christmas songs from some of the earliest ones, such as "Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming", to one of the most popular ones of this century "White Christmas".
Participating in the program will be Margaux Griffith and Robert Maril, both seniors at Ponca City High School; Kevin Goldman, a junior at Ponca City High School; and Yona Wade, a junior class student at Tonkawa High School. Mrs. Rardin will accompany the students.
The business meeting will be conducted by Mrs. A. P. Whipple, president. Greeters will be Mrs. Harold Cogman, Mrs. Bruce Evans, Mrs. Joe Cornelson and Mrs. Jerry Evans.
The Presbyterian Ladies Ensemble will present a handbell Christmas program for the December luncheon meeting of the Presbyterian Women on Thursday, Dec. 11, at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
Hostesses for the luncheon are members of the Elizabeth Reynolds Circle with Frances Waldron, Virginia Brown and Marcia Black as chairpersons. Bernice Walker will ask the blessing and Frances Waldron will present the devotional thoughts.
The Ladies Ensemble, under the direction of Ann Salmons, will play several Christmas songs, including "The First Noel", "O Come Little Children" and "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen." They will also play Christmas carols while the women attending sing along. A handbell duet consisting of Ann Salmons and Jolene Ebbert will play "O Holy Night" and "Go Tell It on the Mountain."
During the business meeting, conducted by Bonita James, moderator, the honorary membership for 1997 will be presented. Frances Mathews, cookbook chairman, will have copies of "Feed My Sheep II" available for purchase.
Guests are always welcome at the luncheons. Cost for the meal is $2. Reservations may be made by calling Frances Waldron at 762-5284.
The Christmas tea and silent auction for the Christian Women's Fellowship of First Christian Church was held at the church Dec. 4. The tea table was appointed in silver and featured a ceramic tree and figurines against a green Christmas cloth. Ethel Jorgenson, CWF president, presided at the silver service.
Guests for the event were Peggy Preston, Sherry Dean, Charles Thompson, Max Leathers, John VanPeenen, Russell Wallace, Jack Snider and members of the church staff. Mary Lois Nield and Betty Blubaugh were in charge of the auction.
Following the auction the group sang several Christmas carols led by Maxine Schneider, accompanied by Sue Laird. Lorraine Shiflet was in charge of the program which included music from a cassette entitled "Christmas Dreams." Lowell Betow wrote the words that were put to music by Neva Balduff. The song was sung by Gary Stephens. The cassette is available for sale at Brace Books & More.
Mrs. Shiflet gave a book review in which she presented excerpts from "Moments for Christmas" by Robert Strand. Worship was given by Mrs. Blubaugh on "Presenting the Magi." Carol McNitt and Frances Patton were in charge of decorations and refreshments were the responsibility of Darlene Brown and Chris Schilling.
The Ponca City Desk and Derrick Club Christmas party was held Dec. 2 at the Ponca City Country Club. There were 17 members and guest, Kathy Jenkins of Tonkawa, present. Table decorations were created by Beth Johnson. Vickie Davis presented a plaque to Joy Asbury honoring her as Member of the Year. Gifts were presented to board members by June Jeffries, president.
Ms. Jeffries was given gifts including a Desk and Derrick Angel from the national convention in Calgary and Ms. Johnson presented her with the club scrapbook.
Mary Fakin conducted a memorial service with lighted remembrance candles for deceased Desk and Derrick members: Dodie Allen, Frances Barnes, Goldie Bass, Wilda Bateman, Edythe Brooks, May Buell, Maude Clarke, Caroline Cline, Gladys Ibach, Alta L. Kepler, Valletta L. King, Elsie Klos, Evelyn L. Ledeker, Deane McCord, Melva McGrew, Barbara Overton, Eleanor M. Round, Irene Parker Sims, Viola Smith, Jane Vance, Fern G. Wagoner, Betty Welch, Zena L. Wise, Perry Woodman and honorary member Don Donohoo.
The Ponca City Christian Women's Club invites all area women to their "Laughing All the Way" luncheon on Dec. 10 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. The cost is $8.50. Reservations for the luncheon and childcare may be made by calling Cindy at 762-2151 or Karen at 765-9835. Reservations must be honored, canceled or used by a friend.
Presenting the special feature "Oh, What Fun It Is To See" will be Barbara Strome, owner of Barbara's Doll House. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Barbara has lived in Ponca City since 1950. She has been making dolls for the past 20 years and has taken several advanced courses in doll making from instructors such as Hildegard Gunzel of Germany and Cynthia Guilette of Michigan. Barbara teaches porcelain doll making at her shop located at 1308 North Seventh.
Vocalist Laurie Graham will sing "Jingle Bells" for the special music. Annette Williams will be playing the background music for the luncheon.
Beverly Bailey of Broken Arrow will be the guest speaker as she presents "Making Spirits Bright". She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and the mother of two married daughters and grandmother to five grandchildren. Married to a Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel, Beverly moved to 22 different homes in the first 24 years of marriage. Her hobbies include traveling, cooking, and party planning. The topic of Beverly's presentation will be how she "deals with stress."
Betty and Calvin Case, 2203 Kyme, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by touring Southeast Asia. Their trip included stays in Honolulu, Singapore, Bangkok and Bali. During the summer the Cases were guests of honor at a dinner party attended by all of their children and grandchildren at the Royal Solaris Caribe Resort in Cancun, Mexico.
Their family includes daughters Brenda Scheer of Cincinnati, Ohio and Nancy Case of Singapore; son Tracy Case of Destrehan, La.; sons-in-law, David Scheer and Larry Perkins; daughter-in-law, Kim Case, and grandchildren, Casey Lightner, Carlotta Scheer, Alec and Taylor Perkins, Danny and Jenny Case.
Calvin Case and the former Betty Walker were married Nov. 23, 1947 in Ponca City where they lived until 1964. The following years they resided in Lawton, Houston, Texas, and Garden City, Kan. before relocating in Ponca City in 1985.
Mr. Case is retired from Conoco's Marketing Department. Mrs. Case was employed by Conoco and in later years by the Ponca City Board of Education. They are active members of Woodlands Christian Church. Their interests include travel, bridge, golf and tennis.
Howard and Betty Huff of Great Falls, Mont., former residents of Ponca City, are visiting family and friends here while celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Huff is the former Betty Mae Potter, daughter of Lula Potter, who resides at the Ponca City Nursing Home, and the late Arthur Potter. Huff is the son of the late Bill and Alice Huff. The honorees have three daughters, one son, five granddaughters and one grandson.
The Huffs were married Nov. 26, 1947 at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Carlton officiating. The couple farmed east of Ponca City until 1953. Mr. Huff was a Conoco Oil Terminal Supervisor until retirement in January, 1991.
The couple's children honored them with a golden wedding anniversary event Nov. 8 in Great Falls with 175 people in attendance at the Moose Lodge. The Huffs' son-in-law, the Rev. Paul Bentley presided at the renewal of wedding vows and then sang "Little Is Much." Angel Turoske sang "I Will Be Here" and Dr. Don Spurgeon sang "The Lord's Prayer."
Mr. and Mrs. Huff honored their children and grandchildren Nov. 6 with a breakfast brunch. The couple's children and grandchildren are Mr. and Mrs. Mike (Pamela) Carroll, Rachel and Courtney of Great Falls; Mr. and Mrs. Jim (Cindy) Horne and Lindsay of Fairfield, Mont.; the Rev. and Mrs. Paul (Barbara) Bentley, Emily and Paul Jr. of Nampa, Idaho and Bruce Huff of Great Falls. Also attending the brunch were Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy O'Neill of Spokane, Wash. Stephanie Horne, a college student, was unable to attend.
The Huffs made a surprise visit to Ponca City on Thanksgiving Day where they had dinner with Mrs. Huff's niece and family, Tom and Connie Pardee and Travis. Also attending was a nephew, Bob Lane and wife Kathy from Edmond, and Mrs. Huff's sister, Mrs. Jerry Lane.
The couple is also visiting with Mrs. Huff's sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Jim Boyer. A luncheon in the couple's honor was held at Furrs. Among those attending were Mr. Huff's sisters and brother-in-law, Mrs. Jean Ziegler, Leora and John Ullery. Also cousins Joan Anderson and L. O. and Helen Fleenor.
Before returning to Montana Mr. and Mrs. Huff will visit Branson and Carthage, Mo. Friends in Ponca City may contact them at the Lane home, 2916 East Hartford.
The Singles Network is a social and support organization for single adults who are divorced, widowed or never married. A monthly calendar is mailed to all members and dues are $10 per year. Members wish to emphasize that the group is not a dating service.
Interested persons may call Betty, 762-9776, or Dorothy, 765-1403, for more information.
Plans for the week include:
Sunday, Dec. 7: "Christmas Tour," $5 charge; Garden Council Open House, 1-4 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. Discussion group meets at First Presbyterian Church with snacks at 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 9: 6 p.m., eat at Furrs. Meet at 7 p.m. at old Homeland parking lot for "Angel Tour."
Thursday, Dec. 11: 6:30 p.m. general meeting at Pecan Place Clubhouse. Bring covered dish to go with "Sloppy Joes." Bring canned goods for Christmas basket.
Saturday, Dec. 13: 4:45 p.m. meet at Lowe's Parking Lot to travel to Redwood Village Restaurant in Arkansas City, Kan. Call Lenora, 767-1417.
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Braden, 1901 Mary, were honored Friday with a family dinner on the occasion of their golden wedding anniversary. Braden and the former Diana Sue Chittum were married Dec. 5, 1947 at the First United Methodist Church. They have resided at their present address for 44 years.
Members of the First United Methodist Church, Mr. Braden owns Braden Packing Company and Mrs. Braden is bookkeeper for the business.
Hosts for the dinner were their children and spouses, Mr. and Mrs. Jack (Becky) Henderson, Ms. Debbie Roland, Miss Patti Braden, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Braden and Mr. and Mrs. Bill (Barbara) Wright. Mr. and Mrs. Braden's grandchildren are Michele Robedeaux, Hillary Wright, Tucker Wright and Madeleine Braden. They have a great-grandson: Austin Roland.
Mr. and Mrs. Leland J. Smith announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Leanne Marie, to Stephen Keith Parr, son of Lt. Col. (Ret.) and Mrs. Gary K. Parr. The couple plans a Dec. 27 wedding at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
A 1983 graduate of Ponca City High School, Miss Smith earned a bachelor of arts degree in English and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Oklahoma State University. She currently teaches English at PCHS.
Parr, a 1981 Po-Hi graduate, received a bachelor of science degree in Marketing from OSU. He is President of Mid-America Fence & Door Company.
Mildred Norris and Anna Shadan hosted the Nov. 19 meeting of the Lilac Garden Club. Brunch was served from a white cutwork linen covered table centered with an arrangement of nandina berries and foliage in a brass bowl.
Helen Bozarth opened the meeting by leading the group in repeating the Gardener's Creed. Florence Riesen called the roll and read the minutes. Neva Onstot gave a financial report. Helen Spore and Peggy Keith reported on the Garden Council meeting they attended. Christmas tray favors and World Gardening contributions are council projects. They also reported on the areas being decorated at the Cann Garden Center for the Christmas Open House. The group will meet for a Christmas luncheon at the Western Sizzlin'.
Peggy Keith presented the program about "Christmas Cactus." She stated that the cactus is native to Brazil and grows on trees and is nourished by organic debris that collects around its roots. The plant is a true cactus but doesn't have "stickers." The speaker said the plant did best with indirect light.
The Dec. 1 meeting of the Ponca City Woman's Club was held in the home of Lorraine Shiflet with Imogene Vineyard presiding at the business session. Roll call response was special moments each remembered about Christmas. Guests were Lovena Toon, Norene Bejcek, Grace Miller and Helen Bozarth.
Lorraine Shiflet presented a review of the book "Moments for Christmas," about reflections on the true meaning of Christmas as written by Dr. Robert Strands. A tape was played that was recorded locally entitled "A Christmas Dream." The words were written by Lowell Betow, music written and played by Neva Balduff and sung by Gary Stephens.
Announcement has been made of the engagement of Bambi Marie Mayo and Robert Wayne Buellesfeld. The couple plans a Jan. 10 wedding at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Third and Bridge Streets in Blackwell. Friends and family are invited to attend the wedding and reception following the ceremony.
Parents of the couple are Garland and Debbie Mayo of San Manwell, Ariz. and Rick and Georgia Buellesfeld of Blackwell. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Peggy Mayo of Ponca City and the late Garland Mayo Sr. The prospective bridegroom is the grandson of Helen Buellesfeld of Blackwell and the late Louis Buellesfeld.
Miss Mayo is a 1997 graduate of Ponca City High School and has attended Northern Oklahoma College where she studied business. Buellesfeld is employed by TIC as a carpenter. The couple plans to reside in San Manwell.
Members of the Ponca City and Newkirk Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts and Auxiliaries will join a delegation from across the state to greet the National President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Connie Atkinson on Dec. 14.
Atkinson, from Conway, Ark., will be honored with a reception at 1 p.m. that day at the Radisson Inn in Oklahoma City. Various activities in her honor have been planned. Her theme for the year is "Catch the Spirit" and she will be placing emphasis on the national joint program of "Operation Uplink" which provides calling cards for service men and women overseas as well as hospitalized veterans.
Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to the home bound participating in the Wheatheart Nutrition Project. For more information call 767-1620. Wheatheart Nutrition Menus for this week are as follows:
Monday, Dec. 8: Sloppy Joe; tomato rice soup; oven fried potatoes; bun with butter; peach crisp.
Tuesday, Dec. 9: Fish krispies with catsup; orange juice; macaroni and cheese; seasoned green beans; muffin with butter; red fruit gelatin with whipped topping.
Wednesday, Dec. 10: Sliced turkey with gravy; mashed potatoes; buttered peas and carrots; whole wheat roll with butter; chilled pears.
Thursday, Dec. 11: Lasagna; tossed salad; sliced peaches; French bread with butter; sugar cookie.
Friday, Dec. 12: Chicken and noodles; buttered broccoli; mixed fruit; biscuit with butter; cherry fluff.
Members of Alpha Gamma Mother's Club met Nov. 10 at the home of Mary Spears with Jean Hess leading the group in the Collect and Aims. Roll call response was each member naming her favorite pie to eat.
Mrs. Hess, Chaplain, read selections from the book "This Is The Day" written by Sue Monk Kidd. Carol O'Rear read the minutes and Pat Koehler gave the treasurer's report. Billie Stepken gave a brief report about the annual craft fair held recently.
The program was presented by Mary Spears on the subject of "holiday stress." The next regular meeting will be Jan. 12.
Members finalized plans for the Dec. 8 Christmas party to be held at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. State board members for the Oklahoma Association of Mother's Clubs and local past state presidents will be guests.
The Kay County Chapter of the Oklahoma Anthropological Society will meet Dec. 11 at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse at 6:30 p.m. for a potluck dinner. Each member is asked to bring a vegetable or salad. Meat, bread, drinks and dessert will be provided.
An election of officers will be held also. The program will be presented by Dr. Don Wyckoff, Curator of Archeology at the Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman. He will speak about "Late Pleistocene Times."
The Foursquare Gospel Church will be the setting for the Jan. 3 wedding of Pamela Sue James and Rodney Kyle Craig. The future bride is the daughter of Marlene Evans, 720 West Highland, and Kenneth Evans of Marland. Craig is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Craig, 1708 Princeton.
The bride-to-be, a graduate of Marland High School, is employed at the Sonic Drive-In North. Craig graduated from Ponca City High School and is employed at Harland's Diesel Service.
Royal Neighbors
The Royal Neighbors of America will hold their Christmas get-together on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Community Christian Church. All members are urged to be present for the 12 noon event
Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club meets at 11 a.m. Dec. 10 at the Cann Garden Home. Maureen Danielson will be hostess assisted by Karen Bogadi. Members are to bring a favorite dish for the luncheon and a gift for exchange
Charles Lowell Baker and Amber Dawn Mauk were united in marriage on Nov. 22, 1997. Their vows were officiated by the Rev. Finis Steelmon at the Turner Falls Chapel near Davis. The bride's children are Brandon Lee and Amber Dawn Mauk. The newlywed couple and family reside at 819 North Seventh. The bridegroom is employed by Ratliff, Inc. and the bride is a student at Pioneer Technology Center and is working part-time for Dr. Houk.
Parents of the bride are Jerald and Shirley Connelly of Eureka Springs, Ark. and Baker is the son of Charlie and Judie Dugan of Ponca City. Grandparents are Thelma Richardson, Ruby Connelly and Mary Baker.
A Beta Sigma Phi sorority Preferential Tea was held Nov. 17 at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. Krista Harbeson, president, introduced new members: Jill Sims, Xi Zeta Lambda; Linda Turner, Lisa Mena, Susan Henshaw, Xi Delta; Natalie Nelson, Jennifer Hoak, Gayla Gelvin; Eta Zeta; Larannah Bartlett, Xi Gamma Sigma.
A "Crazy Style Show" was narrated by Ms. Harbeson. The fashions were described as "unusual and elegant." Kelle Boone modeled the "hospital fashion" with green scrubs, facemask and stethoscope. Danielle Behar wore a rainbow colored "MuuMuu" accented with a teddy bear and puppy dog slippers. Lisa Mena wore seasonal wear with brown fuzzy pants and top with brown antlers and a fuzzy brown nose that "can be changed to red on foggy nights."
Becky Bezdek modeled the latest "Camouflage" outfit, with matching bag and makeup. Terra Martin, Kerri Nichols, and Cynthia DeMarco modeled costumes donated by the Ponca Playhouse from the production of "The King & I." The costumes were made of brocade and satin.
Other models included Debbie Turner, Trish Dilbeck, Bambi Correll, Sue Robertson, Judy Mallory, Sammie Coates, June Miller, Sue Waggerman and Darlene VanDeburgh.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
BY FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
STILLWATER - "He's a heck of a player."
Coming from most coaches that a high compliment. From Oklahoma State's Eddie Sutton - who has seem his share of "heck of" players - it is the ultimate praise.
Cowboy forward Desmond Mason richly deserves that designation from this coach. Mason is Sutton's kind of player, always scrappy, always going full out.
"His body is covered with patches," Sutton said when asked about Mason, who took a hard fall while going after a rebound late in the second half Saturday. "He always plays hard. He's always got floor burns and bruises from going after loose balls. That guy can really play."
Another overused phrase, "he plays taller than he is," is certainly true of Mason.
The 6-6 Mason led the Cowboys with eight rebounds and had three blocked shots in OSU's 81-66 win over the Huskies. One of those blocks came against Washington's 7-foot center Todd MacCulloch.
He is averaging almost nine rebounds a game and 18.4 points a game. He scored 14 points against Washington, including an off-balance dunk that brought the OSU fans to their feet.
Just for good measure, Mason added a career high four steals.
Earlier in the season Sutton said Mason was starting to play like he (the coach) thought he could.
The Waxahachie, Texas, sophomore may be exceeding expectations now.
Mason has an uncanny way of making his presence felt at just the right time.
In last Tuesday's comeback win over ORU, Mason had 21 points, a career high, and 11 rebounds.
Against previously unbeaten Washington, Mason's blocks - and rebounding ability - may have forced the Huskies to abandon their inside game and sit MacCulloch down for most of the second half.
"Their double team on the post was the turning point," Washington coach Bob Bender said. "We sat MacCulloch on the bench in the second half and spread them out in the second half. We cut the lead to 10 or 11 points, but couldn't get any closer. They (the Cowboys) made such big shots."
The Cowboys led by 15 (40-25) at halftime and Bender said it was important that the Huskies get the first basket and start chipping away at that lead.
But instead Mason hit a jumper for the first points of the second half and the Cowboys went on to build a 20-point margin.
Washington finally did make a run at OSU in the second half, a 10-0 spurt that cut the Cowboys' lead to 55-43.
Who ended the run?
Mason canned two free throws after missing his two previous attempts and the Cowboys were off and running again.
On of the reasons the Cowboys are 6-0, "and sometimes play better than I anticipated," according to coach Sutton is the play of Mason.
Another cog in the wheel for the Cowboys is transfer guard Doug Gottlieb. Gottlieb had 11 assists Saturday, his third straight game with double figures in assists.
His no-look passes and pin-point accuracy with those passes has even Sutton shaking his head.
But it appears the Cowboys have found the point guard they have needed so badly in recent years.
The 6-1 sophomore transfer from Notre Dame directs traffic like a seasoned veteran and take great pride in his ability to find the open man.
"I'd like to lead the nation in assists," Gottlieb said Saturday. "But the most important thing is winning. I don't care about the assists as long as we win."
Gottlieb went into the game averaging 4.2 points a game. He gave the Huskies something else to think about when his high arching shot found the mark for eight points Saturday.
Although not playing as consistent as coach Sutton would like, the Cowboys are starting to put all the parts together.
They will need to improve even more as they meet Arizona State in Oklahoma City Wednesday.
This will be the Cowboys' first venture outside the very friendly confines of Gallagher-Iba Arena and they will face their toughest opponent yet,
"Arizona State is a top 20 team," Sutton said, referring to the scare the Sun Devils gave Kansas.
How would he rank his Cowboys?
"About 38th," the coach said after reflecting for a few minutes. "Between 38th and 44th."
Following this brief "road trip" OSU returns home to face Jackson State Dec. 20 and Arkansas State on Dec. 23.
After a non-conference finale at TCU Dec. 3, the Cowboys start Big 12 play at Texas A&M on Jan, 3
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
The Ponca City Wildcats ended 10 years of subjugation by arch-rival Stillwater Friday, out-gunning the Pioneers 76-67 to pick up an all-important Frontier Conference victory and even their record at 1-1.
Like any great battle, it was a game of attrition, punctuated by miniature scoring-runs on both ends of the court that would give one team the momentary advantage.
It was the Cats who struck first, launching to a 20-10 lead late in the first quarter behind a pair of three's by senior Micha Alexander. The Pioneers wasted no time coming back, however. With a 24-9 run of their own, they evened the score, then pulled ahead by five. At halftime, it was the Pioneers with the uneasy lead, 38-34.
Stillwater picked up four free throws and a field goal to start the second half and stretched their lead to eight. But now it was the Cats turn to pour it on, and they did, clawing back into the fight behind a pair of buckets by senior Jason Shelton and yet another Alexander 3-pointer. Yet the Pioneers broke back to hold the lead at the final break, 50-47.
And then came the decisive fourth quarter, which saw the Wildcats outscore the Pioneers, 27-17. Excellent defense and the ability to get the ball inside to their big-men, 6-5 Ryan Treadway (nine points in the fourth) and Shelton, kept it close in the early going.
A dead heat until the five minute mark, the Cats finally went on top with a Kris Shores break away lay-up. Two minutes later, junior Tom Engle - playing with an injured rib - drove the length of the court for two, then converted two fast breaks to put the Cats up by seven with three minutes left in the ball game.
The Pioneers made up a little ground late, but it wasn't enough, and with Alexander dumping in the final basket of the game, the Cats notched their first win of the season.
For Ponca City's Ron Arthur, his first win as head coach of the Wildcats was a cathartic event - for the school, himself, and especially his players.
"I'm so proud of these kids," he said, "they found a way to win. I'm enjoying it. It's my first victory, and I'll always remember the 12 kids who did it for me."
As to the tempo of the game, which was stymied by the back-and-forth lead and a grand total of 79 free-throws (50 by the Pioneers), Arthur said - though not typical - the game was a learning experience.
"I'm glad we had a game like this. You don't usually win when you allow that many free-throws, but we did. At that last time-out we told them to be aggressive, to not slack off with the lead, and they didn't. We can't let teams take us out of our ball game."
For the night, the Cats went 27-of-53 from the field, shot 17-of-29 from the line, and had 28 turnovers. Percentage-wise, those statistics were nearly matched by the Pioneers, who shot 18-of-37 from the field, hit 31-of-50 free's, and had 25 turnovers.
For the Wildcats, Alexander had a career night, finishing with five 3-pointers, 21 points, and four rebounds. Treadway was indomitable under the basket, posting up six times and hitting them all to add 12. Shelton, too, provided great inside pressure and finished with 10. Engle overcame the pain in his rib to score nine, and was praised by Arthur for his courageous effort.
The Cats next go into action at home against Sapulpa, ranked number four in Class 6A, Friday.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
The Po-Hi Lady Cats rebounded from a miserable shooting night last Tuesday to nearly double their offensive output and defeat the Stillwater Lady Pioneers Friday, 69-47.
It was a different ball club on the offensive side of the court, as the Lady Cats buried 50 percent of their shots - as opposed to 23 percent Tuesday - and turned the ball over a respectable 17 times.
Defensively, the Lady Cats' pressure was once again phenomenal, as they dominated the ball in the fourth quarter and rattled off ten unanswered points to assure the win. Senior Natasha Anderson led the way with 21 points, 19 of those coming in the second half.
The Poncans kept things close in the early going, despite the efforts of the Lady Pioneers' Leslie Warner and Shelby Hutchins, who had 24 and 20 points, respectively.
With the game tied mid-way through the second period, the Pioneers proceeded to outscore the Lady Cats 10-2, and leapt to a 31-23 halftime lead.
The Lady Cats wasted no time turning up the heat after halftime, however, and evened the score at 35 apiece. Three straight buckets by Anderson to end the third period then put the Poncans on top, 42-39 for the first time in the game.
And that's where they would stay. Aided by a relentless press, which showcased the feistiness and non-stop foot action of sophomore Alana Smith, the Lady Cats blitzed Stillwater for 25 points - mostly on steals - and took the victory.
"I'm a little elated right now," said Ponca City's Dana Pulley, a little wide-eyed after the game as she savored her first win as head coach of the Lady Cats. Her team was picked to finish last in the Frontier Conference, and the decisive win bodes well - both for the Lady Cats' record, and, more importantly, their confidence.
"They were having fun out there," Pulley continues, "they were playing their game. They did the same thing that Union did to us - they made them tired and made them rush their shots.
"They knew they could do it. We've been saying that hard work pays off, and they work hard."
Next to Anderson's 21 points, Keesha West showed a lot of finesse under the basket to score 11 for the Lady Cats. Julie Schiltz and Desiree Cries For Ribs both had 10. Schiltz picked up four fouls in the first half, and was complemented by Pulley for her smart play in the second to keep herself in the game.
Alana Smith, besides delighting coaches and fans with her defensive energy, also scored nine points, was a perfect 3-for-3 from the line, and grabbed 4 steals in the decisive fourth quarter. Also, Tia Williams had six, and Lesley Schieber added two.
The Lady Cats next take on Sapulpa, ranked number two in the state, Friday at home.
WICHITA - Former Ponca City baseball and golfing standout Lucien (Lou) L. Clinton died Saturday morning in Wichita. He was 60.
Clinton signed a baseball contract with the Boston Red Sox fresh out of high school in 1955. He spend five years in the minor leagues before joining the Red Sox in 1960.
Clinton, whose home runs became legion while he was with the Wildcats, burst upon the major league scene in 1962 when he hit .294 with the Red Sox. His power came into play the next season when he hit 22 home runs and had 77 RBIs.
In 1964 Clinton was traded to the Los Angeles Angels and later played for the New York Yankees.
Clinton went into the oil business in Wichita after retiring from baseball.
He took up golf and was a frequent player in the Ponca City Country Club's Cherokee Strip Tournament. He played in the tournament this past September.
Clinton carried a 2 handicap and played in a number of senior tournaments around the country.
He came within one stroke of qualifiying for the U.S. Senior Tour and in August came close to qualifying for the U.S. Amateur, again missing by a stroke.
He is survived by his wife Eleanor of Wichita, two sons, Kevin of Washington State, and Chris, of Wichita, and several brothers and sisters, including Loren Clinton of Ponca City.
Funeral services are pending with the Lakeview Funeral Home in Wichita.
After a heartbreaking overtime loss Tuesday, the Po-Hi Lady Cat junior varsity capitalized on strong defensive play to bury Stillwater Friday, 34-18.
The Lady Cats held the Pioneers to just two points in the first half, and single digits in the last two quarters to up their record to 1-1.
Laura Sudbury led the team with seven points, while Shari Winters added five. Claire Winterrowd and Allison Stotts both had four, while Alana Smith added three.
To head coach Brad Larimer, it was good for the girls to get a first win under their belts.
"They played really good D. Laura had a good night, she's a good player and she got the job done."
The Lady Cat JV goes into action Friday, here, taking on Sapulpa.
RED ROCK - Frontier's unbeaten Mustangs hit a 100 for the first time this season, blitzing Shidler 114-48 Friday night.
In the early game, the 6-0 Frontier girls came close, topping Shidler's Lady Tigers 83-37.
The Mustangs had five players in double figures. Zac Clouse paced the Mustangs with 17 points while Dee Buxton had 15. Boydd Romero and Robert Regnier each had 13 and Jeremiah Regnier 12.
Frontier broke loose for a 33-11 first quarter lead and all but had the game wrapped up at halftime with a 64-25 margin.
Casey Cargill pumped in 22 points for Shidler while Dennis Pontious added 11.
Frontier's girls set the tone for the night, breaking to a 28-6 first quarter lead and were in front 47-16 at the intermission.
Four Lady Mustangs hit in double figures as Elizabeth Sober popped through 22 points while, Stephanie Romero, Denise Jake and Carolee Bible each finished with 12.
Coe led Shidler with 10 points.
The Mustangs will host the first Frontier Shootout this week. The eight-team boys and girls tournament starts Monday.
The Frontier girls open the tournament at 4:30 Monday against Coyle. The Pawnee and Tonkawa girls are set the battle at 7:30.
The boys games are set for 6 and 9 p.m. Frontier faces Tonkawa in the first game while Oilton and Coyle clash at 9.
Tuesday's schedule calls for Oilton and Garber to play the first girls game at 4:30 with Waukomis facing Newkirk at 7:30. In the boys' bracket, Newkirk vies with Garber at 6 and Pawnee tackles Waukomis at 9.
Frontier 83, Shidler 37 (girls)
Shidler 8 8 11 10 - 37
Frontier 26 21 22 14 - 83
Frontier - Sober 22, Romero 12, Jake 12, Bible 12, S. Jake 8, Dunham 6, Miller 4, Deroin 2, Norman 2. Buffalohead 1, Beck 1.
Shidler - Coe 10, Patton 9, Porter 8, Dungan 6, Davis 2, Fields 2.
Frontier 114, Shidler 48 (boys)
Shidler 11 14 10 13 - 48
Frontier 33 31 25 25 - 114
Frontier - Z. Clouse 17, Buxton 15, Romero 13, R. Regnier 13. J. Regnier 12, Petty 9, M. Clouse 8, M. Sanders 6, Plumley 5, Burk 5, Bible 5, Butler 4, C. Sanders 2
Shidler - Cargill 22, Pontious 11, Woods 7, Clark 4, Cottle 2, Smith 2.
The Po-Hi Wildcat junior varsity fell to 0-2 on the year after a frustrating finish against the Stillwater Pioneers, who topped the Cats, 44-38 Friday night.
After scoring just 11 points in the first half, the Pioneers scored 33 in the second, including 16 points in the final three minutes to erase an eight point deficit and escape with the win. The Cats could only manage three in the same three minutes.
For the Cats, Nathan Zimmerman led the team with nine points, followed by Jeff Furnas with six. Paul Broome and Craig Thulsted both added five, Brian Connelly had four, while Jeremiah Payne had two.
Stillwater's Nathan Hobbs led all scorers with 13 points, followed by Spencer Williams with 11.
The Wildcat JV will next take on Sapulpa, here, on Friday.