From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, December
12, 1997
LOCAL
Residents Caught by Surprise During Addressing Changes
Ready for Premiere
Official Gift
Kaw Dam Tunnel System Key To Lake Level Control
EDAB Working on '98 Schedule
District Court
Cowboy Poet, and Artist, To Autograph Book Here
ODOT Official Here Monday
DEATHS
Mary Elizabeth Carey Ward
Desmond Ray James
Irene D. Waters
Obituaries
Allan W. Muchmore
Funerals
George Lewis Moore
Doris Heppler
Benjamin Waters Sr.
Harry Sanford Hackworth
Services Pending
Genevieve Anderson
NEWS BRIEFS
RELIGION
First Baptist Plans Christmas Spectacular Sunday
NE Baptist Children's Choir To Present Christmas Music
Choir Chime Ministry Performing For Area Senior Citizens Saturday
KLVV Presenting Rebecca St. James Here Friday Evening at Hutchins
Pastor's Notes
POP Lutherans Start Lutheranism Class on Thursday Evenings
Church Briefs
1st Christian Children To Perform Christmas Musical Sunday P.M.
1st Pentecostal Hosting Revival
First Lutheran Presents 'Gifts of the King'
EDUCATION
First Lutheran Receives Honors at Bug Contest
College Bound Seniors Should Submit Forms
School News
Po-Hi Graduates Honored at OSU
LIFESTYLES
A 'Dolly' Christmas for All
Girardeau Recipe In FCE Newsletter
Angelic Topic For Naomi Class Program, Party
Little News
SPORTS
Wildcats Go For Upset No. 2
Bulldogs Pounded By Cats
Mavericks Giving Gifts Early
Frontier Teams Advance to Finals
Wildcat JV Wins 3-of-4
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
Many rural postal residents were caught by surprise last week by an addressing change implemented to prepare for a county-wide emergency 911 response system.
With 2,000 address changes in the rural Ponca City area alone, letters sent Dec. 1 to notify residents of their new addresses have prompted several phone calls to county emergency officials.
But officials say the move to assign physical addresses to every location in the county has been well worth the effort.
"It's a temporary confusion but a very positive change," explained Kay County Emergency Preparedness Director Patrick Zehr.
On an order last February from the county commissioners, Zehr and a board of addressing volunteers - primarily emergency and postal officials across the county - spent most of 1997 assigning physical addresses to all rural structures county-wide.
The physical addresses were designed for emergency response workers, but the Postal Service agreed to adopt the county's addressing system, as well, Zehr said.
In doing so, the post offices here are doing away with their familiar "rural route number" arrangements, which were based on ever-changing routes of individual postal carriers.
Zehr explained, "In times of emergency, people using the telephone have a tendency in their excitement to give the wrong address."
Minimizing Confusion
To minimize the residents' confusion, the area post offices agreed to use the county's new 911 addresses as the residents' new mailing addresses, he said.
Now every country road has an official name and every section of road between mile markers has its own sequence of "1,000" numbers for the addressing. Every rural postal customer now has the country version of a city street address.
Zehr said Kay County now is divided into directional quadrants for addressing, with the zero point located at the U.S. 77 and State Highway 11 intersection west of Kildare.
"In the past whenever a rural route got too big for the carrier to handle, the post office would change the route for the carrier. Each time the route changed, postal customers' addresses would change," Zehr said.
"Last week, several people called to complain that they've lived in the same house for 20 years but their address has now changed four times or more," he said.
"They would ask, 'Do you know how much of a pain that is?' and I'd have to say, 'Yes, I do.'"
However, Zehr said now that a physical address will stay with each piece of property, the county has effectively ended the confusion of any more address changes.
"This time the addresses are changing for the right reason," Zehr said.
"The new (mapping) system pinpoints a house anywhere in the county to cut response time for the ambulance or the fire department.
"Because at night or during bad weather when you're responding to an emergency call, that's no time to have to be telling the ambulance driver, 'It's three miles west and half a mile south of so-and-so's farm."
Newkirk, Blackwell and Kaw City post offices have already implemented or have started implementing the new addressing. In Braman, Tonkawa and Ponca City, the changes will be effective Jan. 1.
Blackwell and Ponca City currently have emergency 911 service in operation, with Kaw City connected to the Ponca City service.
But while the remaining communities wait to someday get 911 capabilities, emergency personnel in Newkirk, Tonkawa, Braman, Peckham - and the areas of Kildare that don't have a Ponca City prefix - are already using the new addressing maps.
"KITES TOWARD HEAVEN," movie producer/director Robyn Kreger, left, and Diane Mounts, who plays the lead, give a thumbs up under the Poncan Theatre marquee. The movie will premiere here Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Ms. Kreger, Mrs. Mounts, her husband Charles, Marsha Hiskett, all of Ponca City, and youth star Chavis W. Jackson of Louisiana who are in the movie will all be here for the premiere. Tickets are available at the door for the 52-minute film. (News Photo by Louise Abercrombie)
TOM COLE, left, Oklahoma Secretary of State, was presented a Ponca City Chamber of Commerce sweatshirt this morning at the Second Friday Forum by Dave Mueller, chairman of the Legislative Review Committee. Cole was the guest speaker and gave an overview of legislation and other matters of interest across the state. (News Photo by Louise Abercrombie)
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
Although many travel over it few know what lies beneath it. Under the road that thousands of tires track across every year to cross the waters of Kaw Lake, lies a tunnel.
Just getting to the tunnel, into the interior of the Kaw Lake Dam, is a challenge in itself. Under lock, key, and a metal hatch lies the iron stairs and the very narrow, steep stairway that takes you deep inside the dam structure. The opening and the ensuing steps are so narrow that a midget would have trouble getting down and into the dam.
But once inside, the dam offers a different view, a different prospective and a different purpose for the massive concrete structure. The cables, the gates, the catwalk and the tunnel - the entire internal design and structure - lets it be known that the dam is not merely a passage way for land travelers.
The tunnel is 1.5 miles long and runs the entire length of the concrete portion of the dam. "Not many dams have tunnels but this one does," Park Ranger Jim Henderson states.
The concrete tunnel is divided into "monoliths" which allows for an identification system in the tunnel, similar to that of street names and numbers. The tunnel serves several purposes. It is used as an inspection galley for the dam structure. And besides being used for routine maintenance the tunnel is home to some unusual "critters." Henderson says that scorpions and centipedes seek the damp shelter for their homestead. And as if to prove his point, a very large centipede is seen nearby lying in the damp concrete floor of the tunnel.
The control room is strategically located at the west side of the dam out of harm's (and flood's) way. The saying "size doesn't matter" becomes apparent looking into the tiny concrete room. The eight massive flood gates can be controlled from the panels contained in that small room. In addition to the dam gates, the numerous knobs and dials lining the walls control the flow of electricity being generated at the nearby hydroelectric plant.
In the event of a power shortage, an emergency generator is also located in the control room with enough capacity to operate the gates and administrative offices. "We use the gates most during heavy thunderstorms," Henderson explains. "If the power goes out we need a generator." He explains that during a flood watch someone is at the Corps office 24 hours per day, seven days a week until the flooding threat passes and water levels recede.
Up close and personal the eight flood control gates are huge, measuring 50 feet in width and 48 feet in height. In addition to being controlled from inside, they can be and are usually controlled from outside high above the waters of the lake next to the gates themselves. "I often wondered why we had controls inside," Henderson confesses. "But I quickly found the reason in 1993 and 1995 when flood waters reached the catwalk and the inside control were the only way to operate the gates." Henderson says of the 1993 record water level at Kaw Lake. "We usually run the gates from the controls outside, that way we are certain that everything is running properly," Henderson explains. "If the water is too high to use the outside controls then the inside controls are used."
Most people know that the dam is used for flood control but what is not as well known is the fact that there are three ways to release water from the lake. The most obvious way is through the flood gates themselves. However, water can also be released through the two smaller "sluice" gates located below the dam. And the most important method for water release is via the hydroelectric plant, which with the release of water, comes electricity.
Although located near Ponca City, it is not local rainfall that dictates the release of water from Kaw Lake Water but those amounts from away. "Ponca City rainfalls does not effect us," Henderson explains. "Rain falls in Wichita and levels of the Arkansas River up north effect us the most," Henderson says.
It is the Tulsa District through their hydrology branch of the Corps of Engineers that determines when, where and how much water is released not only at Kaw Lake but from other dams within the state. Henderson explains that there are 30 lakes that the Tulsa District controls from their offices in Tulsa. "They know the levels and how much water is coming into the lakes as it rains," he says. "They do a juggling act to maintain a balanced level in all the lakes with the ultimate goal being flood prevention where they have control."
Ultimately water from Kaw Lake flows into the Mississippi River over 150 miles away and therefore what is done at Kaw Lake affects those miles away. "All the lakes below the dam and along the Arkansas River are affected by what we do here," the Park Ranger explains. "There are so many gates to open and in the scheme of things we are just one player."
Maintenance is all that is really required for the dam. "The water of the Arkansas River is very salty and erosion is our biggest problem," Henderson explains. "We therefore paint, grease and lubricate on schedule and often."
And the maintenance has evidentially paid off. According to Henderson there have been no problems at the dam since it was constructed. "The dam structure has performed just as it was designed to," he says. "We have never had any problems with the gates or with cracks in the dam. The structure has been real sound."
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
As this year comes to an end the Ponca City Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) is busy working on next year. During its regular scheduled meeting Thursday the EDAB "geared-up" for the new year by establishing a work schedule and appointing working committee members.
The board approved holding all 1998 EDAB meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 a.m. The meetings will be held at the Chamber of Commerce conference room.
Members of the EDAB Committees are:
Set Policy & Operating Structure: Linda Brown-Chair, Bob Robbins, Lee Brown
Incentives: L.J. Chaufy-Chair, Gordon Thompson, Mark Snead, Henry Noll , Pat Mulligan.
Funding: Larry Atteberry-Chair, Stan Paynter, Jeff Cowan, Ray Shaffer, Steve Linville.
Marketing: Bill Rodgers-Chair, Bill Lundeen, Carol Bouldin, Mark Detten, Tom Quillin, J.B. Smith, Frank Kennedy.
Regional Activities: David Mills-Chair, Joe Kinzer from Tonkawa, Dolley Testerman from Newkirk and Brad Bechtel from Blackwell.
New Industry: Carl Renfro-Chair, Barry Bickle, Bill O'Connor, Sally Downey, Lee Evans, Lee Whitebay.
Existing Industry: George Ferguson and George Packzowski-Chair, Winston Lindsay, Don Young, David Mills, Scott Dean, Sonny Appman, Karen Ross, Ken Parr.
Communications: Tim Burg-Chair, Lynn Hohensee, Homer Nicholson, Janet Tabor, Connie McAbee, Tana Wilson, Carey Head, Dr. John Scroggins, Linda Brown, Lynna Boss, Sandy Dickey.
An orientation for all committee members, in order to familiarize them with the Board, it's function and goals, was tentatively set for Jan. 6 at 7:30-9 a.m.
The Communications Committee Chairman Tim Burg reported that his committee had already met. Burg told the Board that open communication between the EDAB and the public is the major goal of the committee.
"We have set the ground work for establishing an openness for the board in order to get the correct information out there and to stop rumors," Burg explained. "We want an open door policy wherein the citizens feel free to contact any one of us."
EDAB Chairperson Linda Brown agreed with the importance of open communication. "It is important to let the citizens know what is going on as it is going on."
Burg also reported to the board that the communications committee is working on creating an EDAB speaker's bureau.
The next meeting for the EDAB is scheduled for Jan. 13 at 7:30 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce conference room.
Ponca City
Divorces Sought
Janis P. Compala vs. Leon D. Compala.
Virginia C. Orban vs. Howard L. Orban.
Lajo Bee Beadman vs. Kenneth W. Beadman.
Divorces Granted
Robert Ray Wallace vs. Dorothy Roselene Wallace.
Heath Lee Johnson vs. Trisha Gayle Johnson.
Samantha Burris vs. Paul Phillip Burris.
Louis L. Brock vs. Mary F. Brock.
Robert W. Burley II vs. Kristin L. Burley.
Jennifer Lola Robb vs. Theodore Love Robb Jr.; plaintiff restored to former name Jennifer Lola Moneymaker.
Connie Sue Duncan vs. Phillip Wayne Duncan Jr.
Randy Lee Frieberg vs. Rhonda Lee Frieberg.
Lori Christine Fansler vs. Mark Allan Fansler.
Gayla Ann Soucek vs. Glenn Raymond Soucek.
Cindy Seaton vs. Dennis Seaton.
Karna Michelle Harris vs. Brandt Allen Harris Jr.
Russell D. McElroy vs. Susan M. McElroy.
Darrell Gene Cain vs. Nona Gay Patrick.
Steve Jo Dummer vs. Michelle Rene Dummer.
Gloria Renee' Vickery vs. Rodney Earl Vickery.
Arthur Dale Oxford vs. Cheryl Fay Oxford.
Zackery J. Waddell vs. Kristin L. Waddell; defendant restored to former name Kristin L. Jones.
Marla Lynn Wear vs. Adam Charles Wear.
Robert B. Easley vs. Deborah J. Easley.
Robin R. Worley vs. Rebecca L. Worley.
Civil Proceedings
Citibank (South Dakota), N.A. vs. Elton R. Nelson; plaintiff seeking judgment for $5,813.46.
Paige Marsh vs. Farmers Insurance Company, Inc.; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Diane Hasselbring, et al, vs. Gloria Horinek and Allstate Insurance Company; plaintiffs seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Ricky McCready vs. David Williamson; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Pioneer Bank and Trust vs. Frank A. Hall, et al; plaintiff seeking judgment for $15,199.99.
Credit Bureau Services Association vs. Johnny M. Johnson; plaintiff seeking judgment for $8,982.70.
Newkirk
Marriage Licenses
William Ray Rohrs, 46, and Glenda C. Wilkerson, 44, both of Blackwell.
Matthew James Manns, 28, Ponca City, and Jessica Leigh Ashlock, 22, Wichita.
William Andrew Clow, 76, and Wanda Kay Mehojak, 26, both of Newkirk.
Curtis Eugene Ditmore, 35, and Kevin Rae Harper, 42, both of Tonkawa.
Henry Dean Arnold, 42, and Patricia Lynn Allen, 37, both of Tonkawa.
Robert Lee Brandt, 27, and Melissa Lynn Taylor, 15, both of Ponca City.
Lloyd Lee Delano, 44, and Cinda Lou McAlister, 28, both of Ponca City.
Randall Melvin Coffin, 48, and Linda Wadine Darst, 53, both of Ponca City.
Criminal Proceedings
Trial Scheduled - Robert Farris Turner, 50, charged with automobile larceny by fraud and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, both after former felony convictions. Turner is accused of stealing a 1994 Chevrolet pickup from a Ponca City used-auto dealership by telling the representative he needed the pickup for loan approval from his Blackwell banker. He also is accused of taking from a Muskogee woman a 1986 Mercury Cougar that was abandoned at the Ponca City car lot. A Feb. 10 jury trial was scheduled. Turner faces sentences of not less than 20 years on both counts and fines up to $10,000.
Jury Trial Set - Zane Thomas Cavanaugh, 32, charged with robbery by force, kidnapping and two counts of unauthorized motor vehicle use after former felony conviction. He is accused of the kidnapping and robbery of a Ponca City man on Oct. 16, 1996. He also is accused of taking pickup trucks from two other Ponca City men the same day. Cavanaugh faces 10 years to life in prison and fines up to $10,000 on the kidnapping and robbery charges. Judge Page scheduled a 9 a.m. March 3 jury trial.
Hearing Continued - Rodney Meeks, charged with collusion in connection with a February 1997 raid on an alleged gambling casino in the Bois D'Arc community southwest of Ponca City. Special Judge Lois Belden continued the preliminary hearing to 9:30 a.m. Feb. 26 following a legal procedure by defense attorneys, who were attempting to get former first assistant district attorney Lisa Goodspeed removed from the case. Goodspeed is now an assistant attorney general in Oklahoma City.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Cowboy poet, rancher, teacher and longtime Tonkawa resident Joe Kreger has just published his first book, "Lookin' at Life." His longtime friend and artist, Gene Dougherty, also a Tonkawa resident, has illustrated the book. Both will be at Brace Books and More Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. to autograph copies of the new book for interested purchasers.
The philosophical, witty, funny, and insightful poetry is a delightful mix of thoughts about life in general, home, work, politics and many other subjects. Written in the vernacular of the cowboy and - and sounding an "awful lot" like a lot of western Oklahoma folks we know, it is a delightful read. Kreger has been compared to popular cowboy poet, Baxter Black.
The book, easy to understand for anyone, "takes a poke" at many of the idiosyncrasy's in the life of the common man in simple language and most often with a tongue-in-cheek humor.
Kreger was born and raised in Tonkawa, and as a young man worked on ranches in Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. He rodeoed through his college years, but says since he is a slow learner it took a while to learn he was not talented in that field.
With a degree in Animal Science, and some graduate work at OSU in Agricultural Education he taught at Northern Oklahoma College and worked for a while at Continental Oil Co., to keep the wolf from the door.
Kreger's main interest however, has been in the livestock business, both as a self-employed rancher and as an employee of others. For the past 20 years, he has raised purebred Beefmaster cattle and sold ranch equipment.
Kreger began his rhyme writing a couple of years ago at age 56. At at the request of many fans, he has been reading his writings on KOKB 1580 FM radio and has enjoyed enormous popularity. His new hardback book, at $19.95 is available through the radio station and by direct mail, as well as at Brace Books and More.
Dougherty has taught art at Northern Oklahoma College for many years. He maintains a studio in Tonkawa and has won numerous awards and ribbons for his talent.
In addition to the two men autographing the book, Kreger will recite or read some of his limericks for guests. Coffee and sweets from the Brace Book store coffee bar will also be available.
Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Neal McCaleb will be the guest speaker at a Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon 11:30 a.m., to 1 p.m., Monday at the Fourth Street Clubhouse.
McCaleb will give an update on highway projects which are under way in
this area. A light luncheon will be served for $6 and reservations must
be made. Reservations will be taken at the Chamber until 10 a.m., Monday.
To make reservations call 765-4400.
DEATHS
Mary Elizabeth Carey Ward, former Ponca City resident, died at her home in Oklahoma City, early Thursday morning, Dec. 11, 1997. She was 75.
A graveside funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery with Elva Mavis, pastor of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home. The family will be at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Carey Ward was born Jan. 17, 1922, in Ponca City, the daughter of Elijah Prendo and Bertha Louisa (Covill) Smith. She was a graduate of Ponca City High School and attended beauty college. She owned and operated her own beauty shop from her home from 1967-76.
On May 10, 1969, she was married to Erskine Bird "E.B." Ward. The couple moved to the Lake Texhoma area in 1982, then later to Ardmore. In 1993, they moved to Oklahoma City. Mrs. Ward enjoyed spending time with her family, fishing, and playing Scrabble, Dominoes and Bridge.
Survivors include her husband Erskine "E.B." Ward of the home in Oklahoma City; three daughters, Mrs. Dale (Vicky) Boecker of Abilene, Texas, Mrs. Tom (Jo Ann) Mavis of Derby, Kan., and Mrs. Allen (Janice) Dove of Edmond; two step-daughters, Mrs. Tommy (Anna Lou) Tarlton and Frankie Jane Phillips, both of Dallas, Texas; three sisters, Reta Foster of Cleveland, Ohio, Joan Phillips of Mulvane, Kan., and Eula Faye Tetirick of Aurora, Colo.; one brother, Carl Smith of Little Rock, Ark.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jimmy Carey in 1968; and her parents.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Ward's name to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Arthritis Research, 825 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
Desmond Ray James, longtime Ponca City resident, died at his home early Wednesday morning, Dec. 10, 199. He was 64.
No services or viewing were planned. Arrangements were under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Desmond Ray James was born Nov. 6, 1933, in Moundville, Mo., the son of John Edward and Amy Leato (Thomas) James. He attended schools in Missouri and served in the U.S. Army. He was employed as a truck driver for many years until ill health forced his retirement. He enjoyed camping, playing cards and metal detecting.
Survivors include his wife, Anita James of Ponca City; six daughters, Pamela Fredrickson, Dawn James and Cheryl Etter, all of Ponca City, Brenda Boutwell of Kingfisher, Michelle James of Wichita, Kan., and Lori Newsome of Nevada, Mo.; three sons, John and Tim, both of Ponca City and Bryan of Oronocko, Minn.; three sisters, Shirley Heath of Golden City, Mo., Reta Bray of Sheldon, Mo., and Rosemary Hill of Missouri; one brother, John, of Ponca City; 17 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Irene D. Waters, longtime Ponca City resident, died early Tuesday morning, Dec. 9, 1997. She was 78.
Prayer services were held Dec. 11-12 at the Ponca Indian Cultural Center at White Eagle. The Traditional Indian Feast was to be held at noon, today at the Ponca Indian Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Ted Freeman, pastor, officiating. Burial was to be in the Ponca Indian Cemetery under direction of the Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Irene DeLodge Waters was born July 29, 1919 on the Ponca Reservation, the daughter of James and Nellie (Headman) DeLodge. She attended the Pawnee Indian School.
Mrs. Waters was a member of the Ponca Indian Baptist Church. She is survived by two daughters, Delores Terry and Virginia Murray, both of Ponca City; one son, Alan Waters of Shawnee; her sister, Cornelia LeClair of Marland; and one brother, William Jones of Ponca City; 16 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stacey Waters; one son; her parents; and a sister.
Casket bearers will be grandsons: Robert Murray Jr., Donald Murray, Otis Murray, Kirvin Murray Sr., Thomas Terry III, James Terry, Joe Don Waters, Stacy Waters and Alan Waters.
Allan W. Muchmore, longtime Ponca City newspaper publisher died early Thursday morning, Dec. 11, 1997 in Oklahoma City. He was 82.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church with The Rev. Denny Hook officiating. Burial will be at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Allan Winner Muchmore was born Nov. 17, 1915, at Douglass, Kan., the son of Clyde E. and Iola R. Winner Muchmore. The family moved to Ponca City in 1919, when Clyde E. Muchmore became publisher of The Ponca City News. Allan graduated from Ponca City High School and received a degree in business from the University of Kansas. He earned his law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, Calif., and was admitted to The Bar in the State of California.
He was married to Lyntha Carol Weed in Topeka, Kan., on June 3, 1939, and they made their first home in Los Angeles, Calif. Allan served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Lauderdale during World War II, and was discharged at the rank of Lieutenant. He was later promoted to Lt. Commander in the reserves. He then worked for several years as an investigator for the U.S. Civil Service while living in Los Angeles.
At Allan's urging, the Ponca City News negotiated the purchase of Radio Station WBBZ in 1949, and in 1950 Allan and his wife and three children moved back to Ponca City. He and his brother Gareth went into partnership with their father in the Ponca City Publishing Co. Allan acted as business manager of the Ponca City News and general manager of Radio Station WBBZ. After the death of their father in 1959, he and his brother operated the business until Gareth's death in 1983, when Allan became editor and publisher of The News.
Muchmore was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 1981 and won the Oklahoma Press Association Milt Phillips Award that same year. He served as president of both the Oklahoma Press Association, and Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters during his career. He also served as president of the Oklahoma Society for Crippled Children and was a trustee of the Lew Wentz Foundation at Oklahoma State University. He also served on the Oklahoma Heritage Foundation in Oklahoma City, and several other state boards and committees.
An active civic leader, Muchmore was named "1975 Outstanding Citizen" by the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce. He had served as president of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Foundation, Kiwanis Club, Ponca City Welfare Association, and numerous other organizations. Allan was also a charter member of the Marland Estate Commission and a director at the Security Bank and Trust Co. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include three sons Clyde A. Muchmore and John S. Muchmore and wife Jill, all of Oklahoma City, and Thomas C. Muchmore and wife Sherry of Ponca City; five grandsons, Allan H. Muchmore, Joel T. Muchmore, Adam I. Muchmore, Patrick T. Muchmore and Jeffery D. Muchmore; two granddaughters, Rachel K. Muchmore and Shannon T. Muchmore; and one sister, Marjorie M. Crowe of Ormond Beach, Fla. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lyntha in 1996; his brother Gareth; and his brother Harold G. Muchmore in 1995.
Casket bearers will be Mr. Muchmore's nephews, Steven W. Muchmore and Allan G. Muchmore and his grandsons. Honorary bearers will be Elec Rains, Jack Bowker, Jerry Evans, Jim McNeese, Larry Stephenson, Bill Wetzel and Dr. E.C. Yeary, all of Ponca City, Jim Bellatti and Chub Bellatti, both of Stillwater, Frank Hamilton of Oklahoma City, and Forrest Boaz of Dallas, Texas.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Muchmore's name to the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation, 3501 North Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 or to the Oklahoma Society for Crippled Children, 2100 N.W. 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.
paid obituary
Saturday
George Lewis Moore - Funeral set for 2 p.m. at Lamont (Okla.) First Christian Church. Burial will be in the Lamont Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home of Tonkawa.
Doris Heppler - Funeral to be at 2 p.m. at the Perry (Okla.) First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Grace Hill Cemetery under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.
Benjamin Waters Sr. - Traditional Indian Feast at noon and funeral service at 2 p.m. at the Ponca Indian Nazarene Church at White Eagle. Burial will be in the Ponca Indian Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.
Harry Sanford Hackworth - Funeral to be graveside at 1 p.m. at the Blackwell (Okla.) Cemetery. Roberts and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Genevieve H. Anderson, longtime Ponca City resident, died late Thursday
evening, Dec. 11, 1997, at Westminster Village. She was 95. Survivors include
a daughter Deborah N. Anderson. Arrangements are pending with the Trout
Funeral Home. No public viewing is planned.
NEWS BRIEFS
Benefit Dance Canceled - The Benefit Gourd Dance by the Redland Parents Association scheduled for Saturday, at the White Eagle Cultural Center, has been canceled due to the death of an elder in the tribe.
Accident - Police received a report of a one vehicle accident at 6:42 a.m. Thursday on U.S. 60. OHP was contacted.
Accident - Police responded to a report of a vehicle that had slid off the road at 6:42 a.m. Thursday in the 2100 block of North Ash Street.
Injury Accident - An ambulance and police were called to the scene of an injury accident in the 3500 block of North Fourteenth Street at 7:32 a.m. Thursday.
Minor Accident - At 7:40 a.m. Thursday a police report was taken at the scene of a minor accident in the 2100 block of North Ash Street.
Pedestrian Accident - One person was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after sustaining injuries in a vehicle-pedestrian accident at North First Street and Highland Avenue at 7:45 a.m. Thursday. A report was taken.
Break-In - A man in the 500 block of Glendale Avenue reported to police at 7:49 a.m. Thursday that his vehicle had been broken into. A report was taken.
Accident - Police received a report of an accident on Kygar Road south of Hartford Avenue at 7:47 a.m. Thursday. OHP was contacted.
Accident - At 8:09 a.m. Thursday police received a report of a car that had slid off the road at West Highland Avenue and North Waverly Street.
Vandalism - At 9:37 a.m. Thursday a woman reported vandalism to Christmas lights at L.A. Cann Garden. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 41-year-old man at 9:47 a.m. Thursday from the 1000 block of West Hartford Avenue on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Vandalism - At 10:02 a.m. Thursday police received a report of vandalism to the Presbyterian Church at Fourteenth Street and East Grand Avenue.
Arrest - A 38-year-old man was arrested at 11:19 a.m. Thursday from the 600 block of North Union Street for actual physical control.
Burglary - A woman in the 300 block of South Lincoln Street reported to police at 1:06 p.m. Thursday that her vehicle had been burglarized.
Arrest - A 39-year-old woman was arrested at 1:44 p.m. Thursday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Arrest - A 41-year-old man was arrested from court at 2:58 p.m. Thursday.
Accident - Police received a 911 call at 3:24 p.m. Thursday reporting a non-injury accident at South Seventh Street and East Oklahoma Avenue. A report was taken.
Larceny Arrests - Two boys were arrested at 3:41 p.m. Thursday from Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, for petit larceny.
Break-In - A man in the 500 block of South Seventh Street reported to police at 4:08 p.m. Thursday that two vehicles had been broken into during the night.
Juveniles Arrested - Two boys were arrested at 5:09 p.m. Thursday for petit larceny from Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue.
Break-In - A man in the 300 block of South Lincoln Street reported to police at 6:53 p.m. Thursday that his vehicle had been broken into and a stereo stolen. A report was taken.
Vandalism - A resident in the 500 block of Shannon Road reported to police at 10:03 p.m. Thursday that his Christmas lights had been vandalized. A report was taken.
Vandalism - At 4:11 a.m. Friday police received a report that
a window of a vehicle had been broken out while parked in a parking lot
of the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. An officer was assigned and a
report was taken.
RELIGION
Ponca City's First Baptist Church is the site of a "double feature" Christmas spectacular this Sunday evening, Dec. 14 at 6:30. The public is cordially invited to attend this free Christmas program being presented in two parts. Part I will begin in the Worship Center at 6:30 p.m. Part II will begin in the Assembly Center at 7:15 p.m. with free holiday refreshments. First Baptist Church is located at the corner of Fifth and Central in downtown Ponca City.
Part I is the Kathie Hill musical, "The Christmas Family Tree", presented by the combined choirs of Grades 1-6. Some 75 children will blend their singing and acting abilities to tell the beloved Christmas story in a fresh, unique way. Some new neighbors move to town; their last name is Christmas. The Christmases are celebrating the holiday season with their annual family tree-trimming party. The community is introduced not only to the members of "that" Christmas family, but to key members of the original Christmas family. Through this Christmas family "tree", we will learn of Rahab's bravery, Ruth's loyalty, David's repentance, Josiah's wisdom, and Mary and Joseph's obedience. But, most important, we will learn that we all can be adopted into the Christmas family of faith.
Part II will be presented in the Assembly Center after holiday refreshments are served and will feature a cast of 50 Junior High, Mid-High, and Sr. High students in presenting the musical, "Bethlehem A.D." The Youth Choir, Youth Drama Department, and Youth Technical Team will perform a sometimes humorous and always serious look at the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, as it might have happened if Jesus had been born in this day and age. In "Bethlehem A.D.," even though the drama setting is contemporary, these students will show that God still works in remarkable and miraculous ways, and that, as always, He loves and cares for His own. The musical will teach us not to try to figure it all out, but like Mary and Joseph, just simply trust Him.
"Christmas Family Tree" will be under the musical direction of Guy Lyall. Also assisting with direction is Barbara Masters and Lois Lyall along with the Grades 1-6 choir workers. The Technical crew consists of: David Land, Calvin Wolf, Sue Ellen Worstell, and Kenny Orr. Working with staging and props will be Teresa Clark and Kelly Ricketson. The drama cast includes: Lindsey Weems, Jamie Trout, Aaron Worley, Heather Orr, Alex McCumber, Teri Baskin, and Coburn Veal. The soloists are: Kortny Rhodes, April Forcum, Lindsey Weems, Joe Skaggs, Heather Orr, Alex McCumber, Carder Price, Felicia March, Rebekkah Mair, Chris Claypool, Amy Brewer, Shea Newport, Teresa Fox, Sarah Mair, Tiffany Myers, Jonathan Myers, Behren Smith, Aaron Worley, Lacy Baird, Michelle Ricketson, Charles Barraclough, Joshua Bradley, Bradley Council, D.H. Dilbeck, Alaina Deitas, and Lana Brewer.
"Bethlehem A.D." will be under the musical direction of Larry Masters, Minister of Music. The Drama Department is under the direction of Dianne Clark. The Bible Study leader is Danny Ringer, Minister of Students. The Technical Crew is under the leadership of David Land and Kenny Orr. The accompanist is Marcella Johnson, Church Organist/Music Secretary. Cast food is provided by Pama Veal and Barbara Masters. Mary and Joseph will be played by Terese Purkaple and Ryan Smith. Rachel and Nathan will be played by Michel Hereford and Michael Hill. Narrators are Megan Clark and Mindy Worley. Jordan Davis will play the football coach. Britney Parker will play the Motel Night Clerk and Pam Yost will be the waitress at the Bagel Shop. Jennifer Arner and Kodi Luis will play customers at the Bagel Shop.
Kara Hardy will be the TV News Anchor. Congressman Gladhand will be played by Daniel Myers. Shara Long, Rachel Gilliland, and Pam Hill will be news reporters. Playing the auto mechanics Verne and Billy will be Matt Myers and Josh Gilliland, respectively. Scripture readers will be Becky McReynolds, Kara Long, Mandy Wiles, and Jennifer Long. Soloists include: Terese Purkaple, Michel Hereford, Ryan Smith, Michael Hill, Jordan Davis, Jennifer Long and Stephanie Council.
This holiday spectacular is being presented in two parts to enable two different stage sets to be used. It will allow a brief intermission with refreshments while the audience moves down the hall from the Worship Center to the Assembly Center. The entire community is invited to see "A Christmas Family Tree" and "Bethlehem A.D." this Sunday evening, Dec. 14 at 6:30. Admission is free.
Dr. Larry Nigh, pastor of Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, invites the public to attend the performance of "It All Happened in the Country" by Northeast's combined Children's Choirs on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m.
"It All Happened in the Country" is the story of two "city" kids, Chelsea (Jacey Graham) and Daniel (Jesse Allen), who find themselves stranded in the country on Christmas Eve. With nothing "exciting" to do and surrounded by a host of country "cousins" (who could be related to the Clampetts of "The Beverly Hillbillies"), these city slickers will discover that Christmas is more than hustle and bustle, high-priced toys, and shopping mall Santas.
The country "cousins", Cora May (Erin Goddard) and Luther (Chris Johnson) share the true meaning of Christmas through music by the Country Cousin Choir, country cookin' provided by Granny (Hannah Palmer), and the re-telling of the story of Jesus' birth by Uncle Yule (Brian Reiss). Three "Young 'Uns" (Courtney Landis, Micah Graham, and Avery Owens) tag along with Uncle Yule.
The story concludes with the city kids helping the country cousins decorate the Christmas tree with pine cones and popcorn strings and longing to stay in the country rather than go back to the city.
Soloist and other speaking parts are: "Jingle Rap" soloist: Sarah Griffin and Kara Palmer, 'rapper' (Aaron Lewis). "The Ballad of the Shepherds" comments will be Melodie Cooper, Whitney Weir, and Rebekah Martin. "What's a Savior Like You Doin' in a Place Like This?" will be sung by Lauren Degan and Anna Martin. Narration will be: Elizabeth Satterfield as Country Cousin #1, Melodie Cooper as Country Cousin #2, Jessi McGrew as City Kid #1, Lauren Degan as City Kid #2, and Sarah Griffin as City Kid #3. Drama is under the direction of Becky Dye.
Northeast Preschool Choir will bring the nativity to life with Mary being portrayed by Sarah Walker and Joseph by Michael Degan. Wise Men will be Christopher Satterfield, Stephen Bisig, and Craig Keller. Trevor Smith, Nicholas White, and Caleb Landis will portray shepherds and the angels will be Madison Dowd, Brittney Sloan, Darby Medders and Demi Mullin.
Additional cast members are: Fred Landis (traffic cop), Charlie Goodno (shopping mall Santa), Jim and Janna Griffin and Hannah, Brandon and Karrah Humble (shoppers), Russell and Cara Segelquist ("city slicker" parents).
Guy Cooper is minister of music and youth at Northeast Baptist. The Country Cousin Choir is directed by Rhonda Walker, Sherry Palmer, and Kathy Landis. Choir members are: Amber Allen, Joel Allen, Noah Bisig, Stephen Cooper, Heather Goodard, Laura Griffin, Ben Jacks, Lindsay Johnson, Brent Key, Connor Key, Jeffery Larimer, Matthew Larimer, Alex McCollough, Kayla McKain, Ethan Palmer, Kiefer Pruett, Sydney Pruett, Whitney Quiram, Daniel Ramey, Michael Ramey, Sarah Ramey, Alyssa Reiss, Amanda Reiss, Lesa Richardson, Andrea Sanford, Brenden Smith, Taylor Smith, Tyler Smith, Matthew Tarr, Kyle Upchurch, Josh Westerman and Nathan York. Assisting with the choir are Belinda Satterfield, Gene Tarr, Laurie Graham, Carrie Nickles, Leslie Layton and Tami Short.
"It All Happened in the Country" uses drama, comedy, modern and old-fashioned music and charm to tell the true meaning of Christmas. Donita Cooper will accompany congregational singing of Christmas carols.
The public is invited to attend "It All Happened in the Country' and hear the timeless message of Jesus' birth. Childcare will be available for children three years of age and younger.
The newly established Choir Chime ministry at Pioneer Bible Church, corner of Third and Chestnut Streets, will be performing at two area locations this Saturday, according to an announcement made by the Rev. Larry Harris.
At 1:30 p.m., the three choirs included in the ministry will perform an array of Christmas music at the Ponca City Housing Authority at 201 East Broadway and at 3 p.m. they will be presenting their music at the Westminster Village, 1601 Academy Road.
The Choir Chime ministry began earlier this year with the purchase of a two octave set of chimes. Currently there are three active groups which meet weekly including a Fourth-Sixth Grace Choir, composed of Bonnie Blumert, Kent Dennis, Melanie Harris, Luke Lusk, Aaron Martin and Jeremy Schnack; a Youth Choir, made up of Kent Dennis, Karalyn Esyter, Mike Keen, Luke Lusk, Elizabeth Milligan, Daniel Schnackk, and an Adult Choir, which includes Betty Biedermann, Diane Clarida, Ellen Harris, Susan Keen, Sherry Lefebure, Pennie Lusk, Don Sjoberg, Katy Tucker and Jacquie Willis.
The Choirs are under the direction of Katy Tucker and Connie Sjoberg.
Christian radio KLVV 88.7 FM is presenting Rebecca St. James and the Christmas Acoustic Tour with String Section Friday, Dec. 12 at the Hutchins Auditorium in Ponca City. The special guest will be Susie Shellenberger from Focus on the Family's Brio magazine. Susie will open the concert with a humorous talk on handling the stress of the holidays. She will also do an interview segment with Rebecca by using questions taken from the audience.
Susie has been with Focus on the Family since 1989. She left her teaching job to create Brio which is the Focus magazine for Christian teen girls. She has also written 21 books and is a speaker for Compassion International. She feels her greatest gift is helping people become intensely focused on a more intimate relationship with God.
Rebecca St. James and the Christmas Acoustic Tour with String Section will be at the Hutchins Auditorium in Ponca City Friday, Dec. 12 and is presented by KLVV 88.7 FM. 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. The concert is sponsored by Christian Radio KLVV 88.7 FM.
Midway into the first week of Advent, two days past the Thanksgiving weekend, just twenty-two shopping days left before Christmas, half of our decorations were out of the attic. This meant that the other half were yet to find their way to the dining room to join the other boxes that were just sitting there waiting for something miraculous to happen. That miracle would be finding someone who felt like putting them up.
The Gospel calls for us to prepare the way of the Lord. In the Advent preparations of late Twentieth Century America, that involves mini-lights, extension cords, artificial trees and garland. One cannot prepare the way without providing a significant boast to the Chinese economy. Keeping up with the Jones' is a more obvious obsession when your neighbors yards already sparkle, while yours remains a leaf laden plain of autumn's demise.
It is all a matter of time and not having enough of it. To adequately prepare, it takes time. If there was some way to instantly prepare it would miss the point. It is supposed to take time which is the whole point of preparing the way in the first place.
Of course the glitter and electrical wonder of interior/exterior Christmas displays is a rather superficial and non-essential way of talking about the spiritual journey that Advent actually calls for. It is, however, a more visible way of talking about the holiday crunch and the intrusion of preparations on our otherwise, already too busy existence. Finding the time to put up the decor is like finding time to pray, to read scripture, to meditate on what Christ's coming brings into our lives and what giving and receiving of gifts is really all about. It all takes time and time is something that is in more short supply than anything else.
With decorations, you have some measure as to whether you have accomplished your preparations. The stockings are hung, the tree is dressed, the outdoor lighting is racing the electric meter a dozen or so revolutions per minute faster than anyone else on your block. Some time before K-Mart sells out of the last extension cord, you can have a sense that you have arrived. You are ready, except for getting the right type of batteries and assembling that for which some assembly is required.
Spiritually speaking, it is not that easy. How does one prepare the way of the Lord? What is yet lacking? What needs to be done this year that has not been done before? Just exactly what are we preparing for?
Try thinking of it like that part of the house you never decorate. Prepare for Christ where you least expect him. There is the backside of life, the garage, storage closet, the now more empty than usual attic. Prepare where one as never prepared before. Christ is by nature intrusive. Jesus never settled for life on the surface, the public, the obvious. He has a way of shining in the darkness, the hidden, the out of the way place that is far from the decorative front we put up.
We are asked by the prophets to prepare the way of one who goes straight towards that which is not ready. Christ is like that nosey aunt who always manages to open the out of the way closet where all the junk has been stuffed. Prepare there, and you are truly ready.
The Rev. Ed Coy Light
Pastor, St. Paul's UMC
Pastor Keck has started a class on Lutheranism at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. If interested in learning about the Lutheran religion, please plan to attend this class on Thursdays, at 7 p.m. at the church.
Advent services at Prince of Peace are scheduled for Wednesdays at 6 p.m., starting with a soup supper. Service will begin at 7 p.m. and choir practice will follow. The service is open to anyone interested in attending.
Saturday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. is the Women's Christmas party. The party will be at the home of Barb Kegler, 1409 Academy Road. Please bring a salad to share and Christmas ornament for the gift exchange.
The annual congregational meeting and election of officers is set for Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. Pastor Keck reminds the congregation this is an important meeting.
The last Council meeting of 1997 will be the Family Christmas get-together, to be held at the home of Jim and Jannie Ross, 402 North Sixth at 7 p.m. This will be welcoming the new council member and saying good-bye to the old Council members. Bring a dish to share and join the fun and fellowship.
The children's Christmas Celebration is set for the Sunday School hour, 9:45 on Sunday, Dec. 21. Christmas Eve services are scheduled for 7 p.m. with the Family Christmas Worship and 11 p.m. for a Communion Candlelight Worship Service.
Sunday, Dec. 28 will be "Bring a Friend Sunday" and T-shirt Sunday. The congregation is urged to bring a friend to share the Christmas season.
Prince of Peace wishes "Happy Birthday" to Micki Gottlob, Chelsea and Jay Hibbs.
First United Methodist UMW to Meet
The December UMW Unit meeting will be Saturday, Dec. 13, at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall to have the Cookie Sharing Project Each person attending is asked to bring three dozen homemade Christmas cookies to share with shut-in members.
Also there will be Christmas music and installation of the 1998 UMW officers. Co-presidents will be Alice Bland and Mary Ruth Leatherman. Co-vice-presidents will be Carolyn Hook and June Meade.
The Miriam group will host and provide the devotional thoughts.
Clothing Give Away Scheduled
A free clothing give away is scheduled for Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. until
noon at New Life Baptist Church, 301 South Waverly in Ponca City. Everyone
is invited to come.
Plans Under Way for Youth Night
Plans are being made for "Experience Youth Night" at the Kaw City Community Center at 7 p.m. on Jan. 17, 1998 with Spirit Wind and Sky Pilots of Ponca City, Gravy of Perry, and "Light Show" by John Burns.
Free admission and concessions will be available. A love offering will
be taken.
Live Christmas Story Planned Again This Year
The First Church of God will again present "The Christmas Story", a live dramatic pageant with live animals, for the Ponca City community.
They invite the public to come join them for a Ponca City tradition with new music, new drama, and live animals Dec. 14 through 16 between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. with four performances nightly.
Free parking will be available on North Peachtree and watch directly from your vehicle.
The First Church of God invites you to "come, experience the Nativity
in a great new way!"
Woodlands Christian Sonsingers Sing Sunday
What happens when two young people from the city are stuck on Christmas Eve out in the "boonies"?
This is the story the Sonsingers will tell in "It All Happened in the Country" Sunday evening at 6 p.m. at Woodlands Christian Church.
Participating will be Garret Merle, Hannah Garrison, Jason Going, Sarah Goodbear, Gage Rupert and Paul Krueger.
Other Sonsingers are Ashley Boring, Daniel Boring, Michael Casey, Holly Catlin, Jenni Cowan and Kelsey Cowan; also, Same Garrison, Janna Green, Kyle Hoover, Katy Kempenich, Dawn Kruckeberg, Miranda Mollet, John Springer and Ashley Todd.
The public is invited to join with the folks at Woodlands Christian
to discover how city kids find Jesus in the country.
Albright UMC Bells to Ring for Christmas
The Albright United Methodist Church bell choir will present a Christmas program on Dec. 14, 1997 at 7 p.m. The choir will be ringing arrangements of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," "Sing We Now of Christmas," "Away In a Manger," "Jingle Bell Rock," "The Christmas Song," and many more.
The pubic is invited to attend.
The children choirs of First Christian Church of Ponca City, Fifth and Cleveland, invite you to their musical Christmas program, "Free Gift" on Sunday, Dec. 14.
The program will begin at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary and be followed immediately by Chrismon Crafts sponsored by the CWF groups, snacks and singing in Fellowship Hall. There is plenty of parking available of the west side of the church or you may call the church office at 762-1666 to arrange for transportation to and from the program.
"FREE GIFT" is being presented by the Preschool Choir led by Beth Ford and Bobby Getman, Cherub Choir led by Loretta Leathers, and JYF Choir led by Sharon Cooper. This fast paced musical program is being produced and directed by Loretta Leathers, with Stage direction from Gary Stephenson. Max Berry is Stage Manager and Steve Russell and Randy Novotny are running the Sound Board. Others helping with the production are Becki Balli, Kathy Turner, Ethel Jorgenson, Allison Ford, and Roberta Shaffer. David Balli is videotaping the musical and Angie Novotny is the photographer. Sheila Foxworthy and Regina Bookout are handling the programs and publicity.
The cast of "FREE GIFT" includes: Jason Ford as Angel Gabriel, Shelly Novotny as Jenny Angel, Michaela Cavener as Angel Gabriella, Julie Wheeler as Angie Angel, Amanda Dietz as Harriet Van Smythe, Brady Clark as Esther Van Smythe, Tiffany Weaver as Ima Rush, Blake Braden as Mr. Biginton, Madison Bookout as Rapper 1, Brooke Hunter as Rapper 2, Cynthia Nicks as Rapper 3, and TJ Tople as the Human. Others in the Heavenly Tunes Choir are Anna Bookout, Trisha Shannon, Austin Unruh, Austin Keathly Heather Getman, Robert Weaver, Katlyn Ford, London Balli, Coty Getman, Michael Kirchenabuer, and Ross Nichols.
"FREE GIFT" is written by Pam Andrews. Freshman Angels Angie and Jenny Angel are trying to pass Humans 101 by going to earth at Christmas time and getting a human to accept God's FREE GIFT of salvation. With guidance by seasoned Angels of Gabriel and Gabriella they find it is not as easy as it looks. The program is set in Lacy's Department Store on Christmas Eve. Come and join the folks at First Christian Church, Fifth and Cleveland, on Dec. 14 and see if the Angels pass their course. "Free gift for Christmas - it's not for sale, come and join with us and see what a deal," the folks at First Christian invite the public.
A Holy Ghost Revival is taking place this weekend at First United Pentecostal Church, 1921 East Hartford in Ponca City. The Rev. and Mrs. Gary Wardworth, pastor of Abundant Life Church in Northeast Oklahoma City, will be ministering in music and the Word in these power-packed evangelistic services. Special singing, exciting worship, and anointed preaching, all hallmarks of Apostolic Pentecostals, will be featured in these weekend meetings.
Pastor Rick Hughes and the congregation of First Pentecostal invites you to come and experience your personal Pentecost! If you have ever wanted to visit a Pentecostal service, this is a great opportunity to come see for yourself what this phenomenon is all about.
Services will begin at 7 on Friday and Saturday evening, 10 o'clock on Sunday morning and 6 o'clock on Sunday evening. For more information or a ride to church, contact Pastor Hughes at 767-1482.
The Senior Choir of First Lutheran Church will present its Christmas concert entitled "The Gifts of the King" at both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services on Dec. 14. The emphasis in the music and narration is on the gifts our Heavenly King gives us through the gift of His Son at Christmas and throughout our life, Stan Hoffmeyer, director, pointed out.
Nine anthems will be woven into the Scripture texts and narrative of the program. Serving as narrators will be Dr. Paul Volz and Horst Kannenwischer. Jean Hoffmeyer will accompany the choir.
Senior Choir members are Thelma Bley, Jean Hoffmeyer, Marilyn Laramy, Trudi Stigge, Judy Volz, Karen Wells, Alice Wiederrich, Codie Wolf, Judy Fu, Robin Lawrence, Carla McGregor, Carolyn Miller, Pam Rawlins, Fern Smith, Joe Bates, Bob Deitrick, Earl Krieg, Mark Lawler, Jack Rawlins, Charles Austin, John Bley, Bill Doering, Gary Heintz, Danny McDaniel and Randy McDaniel. The choir will open the service with the third portion of "Candles of Advent" singing of the third candle in the Advent wreath - the candle of love.
At 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 the students of First Lutheran School in grades 6 through 8 will present their Christmas program.
You are cordially invited to attend all of these worship opportunities.
EDUCATION
An "ant lion" larva, submitted by First Lutheran School of Ponca City, captured first-place honors in the First Annual Ugly Bug Contest sponsored by the Oklahoma Microscopy Society.
Five second-place finishers also were selected, including: "marbled sawyer," Oklahoma Union Elementary, South Coffeyville, Okla.; "wooly bear caterpillar," Indian Camp Elementary, Pawhuska, Okla.; "acorn weevil," Wesleyan Elementary, Bartlesville, Okla.; "aquatic insect," Delaware Elementary, Delaware, Okla.; and "mole cricket," Washington Elementary, Norman, Okla.
"Elementary students often have a fascination with insects that adults usually have grown out of," said Paige Johnson, a Conoco research scientist and one of five contest coordinators. "Earlier this year, members of OMS, a group of professional microscopists, decided to offer a competition that could channel that youthful natural interest into an opportunity to learn about science."
For the inaugural Ugly Bug Contest, entry packets were distributed to elementary schools in regions of the state represented by OMS membership.
"Next year, we plan to open the contest to all elementary schools in the state," Johnson said.
In recognition of her school's first-place finish, Cheryl Klein, First Lutheran's fourth grade teacher, selected a stereomicroscope as the prize.
Second-place winners of the contest received copies of "Yuck," a book on microscopy that features high-magnification photos of bugs, fungi, slime and other "yucky" things. All participants will receive a poster of the winners and an 8X10 photo of their own respective entry.
Johnson noted that the Ugly Bug Contest evolved out of a two-year-old OMS educational outreach program called SCOPE.
"Our objective is to promote the awareness and use of microscopy and its own science and as an element of science literacy," she said. "The microscope is a fabulous tool for stimulating scientific curiosity and discovery."
OMS' educational outreach effort already includes a loaning of microscopy kits to elementary school instructors, along with member visits to classes and providing laboratory tours. "But demand for the kits became greater than we could fill," said Johnson.
"We wanted something that could reach many more classrooms and students, and that led to the Ugly Bug Contest."
Winning entries are on display on the Internet at the OMS web site at www.ou.edu/research/electron/oms/uglybug.
The Ugly Bug Contest and other programs are made possible by grants from Conoco and Phillips Petroleum Company. Congratulations to the school.
Attention Po-Hi seniors and all those college bound! Please be advised that applications are now being taken for the Thomas Wood Baldridge Scholarship.
This $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to a Jaycee or immediate family member of a Jaycee. There is no age requirement to this scholarship. The application may be obtained through the United State Junior Chamber of Commerce.
To receive a Thomas Wood Baldridge Scholarship application, applicants must submit a self-addressed, business-size, stamped envelope and $5 application fee until Feb. 1 to: Thomas Wood Baldridge Scholarship Program, 4 West 21st Street, Tulsa, Okla. 74114-1116. The check or money order must be made payable to The War Memorial Fund.
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce or have an immediate family member in the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
In Ponca City, the Ponca City Jaycees are members of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at the Fourth Street Clubhouse. Guests are invited to visit the meetings and memberships are being taken.
For information call 765-9719.
Strickland Named Vice-President
Regan Strickland, daughter of Gary and Lilly Strickland of Ponca City, was recently elected as Vice-President of Intellectual Development of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority at Oklahoma City University.
Maddox Named Outstanding Leader
The 1998 edition of "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges" will include the names of 37 seniors from Outchita Baptist University, including Kristin Kay Maddox from Ponca City, who have been selected as national outstanding campus leaders.
Dobson To Graduate
George Dobson of Ponca City is among 125 students scheduled to graduate Dec. 16, during Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee's fall commencement exercises. Dobson is studying industrial electrical technology.
Phi Kappa Phi Inducts Students
The Oklahoma State University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi inducted 135 students into the national honor society, including three from Ponca City. To be invited to join Phi Kappa Phi, a student must be among the top 10 percent of his or her college, according to grade point average, and be within two semesters of graduation. Ponca City inductees were seniors Gabriel Avila, a zoology major and the son of Mrs. Irma Avila; Camille D. Humble, an elementary education major and the daughter of Mrs. Sharon D. Humble; and Phillip W. Thomas, an accounting major and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Pat Alan Thomas.
Ginger Performs Student Teaching
Victoria Ginger of Ponca City is among the senior and post-graduate education majors from Northwestern Oklahoma State University who are performing their practice teaching this semester. Ginger is teaching first grade in the Newkirk school system. Her cooperating teacher is Nancy Chaney.
PTSA Meeting
The Mid-High PTSA monthly meeting will be held Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mid-High cafeteria. Assembling gift bags for teachers will be done at the meeting. A Yearbook Committee meeting, scheduled from Dec. 16, has been canceled and will be rescheduled after Christmas.
Johnson Receives Award
Lance Johnson, Ponca City, was honored as an outstanding writer by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). The 1997 NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing recognizes writing excellence based on the students' samples of their best prose or verse, and on impromptu themes written under supervision.
Paired Reading Strategy
Paired Reading Strategy will be held Dec. 15 from 9 to 9:55 a.m. at the Parent Resource Center, 700 W. Broadway (Old Lincoln School). If you are interested in mentoring a child in reading, contact the Family Resource Center at 767-9507. They will pair you with a child and help set up a convenient time to begin mentoring.
STILLWATER - Several 1997 Ponca City High School graduates had an opportunity to visit with OSU President James Halligan and his wife, Ann, in the OSU residence halls.
The new freshmen are: Michelle Means, daughter of Glea and Vicki Means; Angela Barker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Craig T. Barker; Heather Roth, daughter of Jim and Marlene Roth; and James Knight, son of Barry and Glenda Knight; Risa Freeman, daughter of Lester and Marlena Freeman; William Oldfield, son of Ladd and Sydney Oldfield of Burbank; Heather Matheke, daughter of Edward and Karen Matheke of Lawton; and Andrew Stewart, son of Carolyn Stewart.
Since the Class of 1993, all Oklahoma high school valedictorians have
been eligible to receive virtually the complete costs of tuition for four
years of attending OSU. The scholarship package is worth up to $6,000 per
student.
LIFESTYLES
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Dolls aren't just for little girls anymore. Dolls are for mothers, daughters, daughter-in-laws, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and nieces according to the clients at Barbara's Doll House.
In the shop at 1308 North Seventh porcelain heads of every shape and size sit on the shelf waiting for the next stage of composition. Doll making classes are held several days a week.
And the doll making "fun" comes from molding, glazing, painting, creating and generally loving the miniature people "look alikes." Many long, tedious, but enjoyable hours are tenderly spent grooming the tiny human like dolls.
For the adults the dolls are most often memory-triggered from birthdays or Christmases past - of dolls owned or dolls coveted or dolls of another era. Even in this electronic age there are still dolls to be desired and dolls ready to be held, rocked or dressed in the latest fashions.
Reminiscing is part of the fun of the doll factory at Barbara Strome's doll house. "We have a lot of fun says Barbara. I don't know why someone didn't start a doll house a long time ago."
Working on a set of miniature angel heads for her daughters, mother and daughter-in-law, for Christmas presents is pure joy for one lady. She says one has to make time to do this type of thing and " to do something for yourself."
Hello Dolly!
Some of the doll memories shared by grandmothers involved those of a Shirley Temple doll fashioned in the image of the child movie star of such 1940 films as "The Good Ship Lollipop." This doll had those long brown Shirley Temple curls. The doll was ruined when a girlfriend came over to play and gave the wooden doll water to drink.
Another favorite doll was a brown-eyed beauty. This was back in the days when most of the dolls were blonde and had blue eyes. This one was named Rosemary. Another grandmother was partial to a talking "Chatty Cathey." and of course there were memories of "Rubber Dolly."
Many of the mothers grew up with Barbies, but most of the dolls being turned out lovingly at the doll factor were of the baby-doll species or delicate southern belle styles.
A mother was so enthralled with her favorite doll - a Susie Walker she named her daughter after her. Another grandmother remembers as the first born child she was allowed to pick her own doll and it was a Theodora and one of a kind. Another woman admitted to being a tomboy, but her mother bought her dolls and she remembers naming them all "Sally."
Artist at Work
The level of skills at the Doll House range from those just wishing to start a new hobby to those of professional skill, such as a local artist, who was learning a new skill and creating a doll for her daughter.
A grandmother was busy making dolls to pass along to her five daughters and granddaughters as a cherished legacy. Another client confided that a lot of the fun comes from taking the dolls home and dressing them.
For folks who want to get in the Christmas mood by seeing handmade dolls and all the trappings an open house is slated from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
A Kay County Association for Family and Community Education (FCE) member has received the honor of having a recipe included in the organization's national newsletter. The FCE Today publication, with a circulation of 350,000, is received by members across the U.S., the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
NAFCE President Oarlene Wingate was presented with a copy of the recently printed Kay County FCE cookbook while attending Oklahoma's FCE Annual Conference last July. Through the efforts of Ms. Wingate, the recipe was included in the December issue of FCE Today.
The following recipe, provided by Francis Girardeau and found on page 45 of the cookbook, is entitled:
Skillet Enchiladas
1 pound boneless chicken
8 oz. shredded cheese
1/2 cup salsa
6 flour tortillas, warmed
1/2 head shredded lettuce
1 chopped tomato
sour cream (optional)
1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
Cut chicken into small pieces. Spray or Iightly grease a large skillet. Cook chicken thoroughly. Reduce to low heat and add cheese and salsa. Cook until cheese melts. Pour 1/4 cup of the mixture in each tortilla and roll up or serve with lettuce and tomato. Add the sour cream and onion, if desired. Serves 6.
If you are needing a quick, inexpensive Christmas gift idea, for someone who likes to cook, the new Kay County FCE Cookbook, with seven major categories and 400 recipes, may be just what the cook in your family is looking for says Mary Rhyne, county home economist.
The cookbooks sell for $7 each and can be purchased through any Kay County FCE member or through the Kay County OSU Extension Center in Newkirk. To order by phone contact the OSU Extension Center at (580) 362-2200 or (580) 362-3194. Cookbooks may be mailed for an additional $3.
Members of the Naomi Class met for an afternoon of fellowship and fun on Dec. 2 in the Williamsburg Parlor at the First Baptist Church. The room was accented with traditional Christmas decorations.
Mildred Perry, Outreach leader, opened the meeting and introduced Mary Jane Barraclough who sang a medley of Christmas carols accompanied at the piano by Marcella Johnson. At times she invited audience participation, accepted requests and led the group in a "sing-a-long."
The ensuing program followed a current trend with an emphasis on angels. Several class members volunteered a personal incident relating to angels. Jane Rega read an excerpt from the book "Where Angels Walk," an anthology of true stories collected by Joan Wester Anderson.
Viola Reynolds, class teacher, presented each member a handmade Christmas tree ornament. Each member attending brought a "treat" and the remaining refreshments were put into Christmas sacks for delivery to home-bound members.
Ken and Kerry McGuire of Cincinnati, Ohio, announce the birth of a daughter, Audrey Ruth McGuire, on Dec. 4, 1997. The baby weighed 6-pounds, 12-ounces and was 20 1/2-inches long. She has a sister, Kay, who is 2 1/2-years old.
Maternal grandparents are Bill and Ruthann Greenfield and paternal grandparents are Steve and Judy McGuire, all of Ponca City.
Maternal great-grandparents are Bill and Lucille Greenfield of Hutchinson,
Kan. and Winnie Macklin of Wichita, Kan. Paternal great-grandparents are
Edward and Dorothy McGuire of Beaumont, Texas.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
Victory celebrations, especially in sports, are usually short-lived affairs. A week after their rare double victory over Stillwater, the Wildcats' (1-1) and Lady Cats' (1-1) adrenalin-buzz should be wearing down.
Which is too bad. Both teams could use that adrenalin - plus some - when they take on Sapulpa tonight. The Chieftains are ranked No.4 in the state, while the Lady Chieftains are firmly ensconced in the number-one spot.
Both Ponca City teams beat their respective Stillwater nemesis last week behind late-game scoring bursts. In the fourth quarter, the boys hammered the Pioneers, 27-17, while the girls - with an industrial-strength press - outscored the Lady Pioneers, 25-8.
Can the Wildcats do it again? The question with Sapulpa is not whether or not the Cats can put the pressure on - they can - but whether they can stand the Chieftains' own heat, and still be in the game when the all-important fourth quarter rolls around. Both Sapulpa teams have their share of offensive weapons.
For the boys, assistant coach Joe Matlock says the Cats can't be lulled into playing the Chieftains' game. While the Cats use a free-motion style offense with lots of movement, the Chieftains are more deliberate.
"They don't run the ball up the court, they walk it," says Matlock, "they pass the ball around, and they like to screen a lot."
Which could be to the up-tempo Wildcats' advantage, Matlock says. Should they force enough turnovers (and cope with the Chieftains' own pressure), they should have more than a fighting chance.
The Chieftains are led by point guard David Marshall and 6-8 center Brian Cardwell. "Cardwell isn't real physical, but he's about the biggest we'll see," says Matlock. As for Marshall, Matlock would just as soon he never sees the ball.
"He's a great ball handler. We have to keep the ball out of his hands."
The Lady Cats likely have the steeper of the two uphill battles, taking on a team that went 26-2 last year, were state-runners-up, and return three starters. Two of those starters are likely the two best players in the state.
Senior six-footer Kara Faulk and 5-6 senior Mandy Nightingale have already signed - with OSU and Colorado, respectively - and could give the Lady Cats fits.
"Those two can play," says coach Brad Larimer, who watched the Lady Chieftains roll over No. 11 Jenks last week, "they're just very, very good. And the rest of the team are good role players, they all carry themselves really well on the court."
Larimer also says that Sapulpa had few problems dealing with Jenks' full court press, which is the Lady Cats' forte after two games.
Then again, after watching the Lady Cats' fourth quarter assault on Stillwater last week, one would have to wonder what kind of team, if any, could escape.
"We can put more pressure on them than Jenks," says Larimer, "we'll press them for four quarters, and at some time, something's going to happen.
"We just have to hang with them, that's the thing - whether we can score or not."
Precisely. The Lady Cats shot abysmally in their first game, then nearly doubled their offensive output against Stillwater. Perhaps, tonight, if they were to double it again...
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Ponca City's Wildcat wrestlers bounced back from one of their most lopsided losses to pound Edmond Memorial, 48-22, in the season home opener Thursday.
The win all but assured the Wildcats of a berth in their seventh Dual State Tournament.
Now the Wildcats try to piece together a healthy lineup for the Tulsa Union Tournament. That classic started at noon today and will run through Saturday night.
Two days after absorbing a 57-9 loss to nationally ranked Broken Arrow, the Wildcats were back on track, collecting their second dual win of the season and beating another Top 10 team.
The Wildcats were still without two starters and had a couple more ailing. But a determined performance by the rest of the lineup and some successful moves by coach Pat Young turned a close dual into a runaway.
A fall by Wildcat 119 pounder Josh Bailey, the first of five pins by the Wildcats on the night, may have been the turning point in the dual.
Originally, the Wildcats and Edmond's Bulldogs were set to swap forfeits at the first two weights. But at the last moment Edmond coach Darren Huff elected to force a double forfeit at 103 pounds and send Justin Biggs up a weight to face Ponca City 112-pounder Phillip Gelino.
The gamble worked as Biggs used a five-point move in the second period to gain a 7-2 decision and gain a 9-6 lead in the team scoring.
But Bailey quickly turned the momentum around.
He carried a 3-2 lead over Greg Dickinson into the third quarter of their match. Dickinson got a reversal to regain the lead, but Bailey rolled the Bulldogs over on his back with a minute left in the match and got the pin with 17 seconds remaining.
Edmond tied the score with a 7-4 decision at 125 pounds. But that brought up Ponca City's Dodgen twins. Mark flattened Scott Hopkins in 2:53 at 130 pounds and Matt jumped on Todd McClain for a 49-second fall at 135.
The quick work by Matt Dodgen may be the key to his success in the weeks to come.
After an upset by Broken Arrow's Rafael Maturino on Tuesday, Matt was diagnosed with viral bronchitis, according to coach Young.
"It saps him of his strength," Young pointed out, noting he wasn't sure the defending state champion would be able to compete in the intensive tournament at Union.
But those two falls boosted the Wildcats to a 24-12 lead and Edmond never quite caught up.
Memorial made another lineup change at 140 as Casey Keller won a major decision. But it almost backfired when freshman Matt Littleton stepped in at 145 and took Edmond's John Beard into overtime before losing, 9-7.
With help from an unsportsmanlike penalty and an escape, Littleton had a 5-1 lead midway through the third period. However, Beard came back with a takedown with 17 seconds left, let Littleton up and got the tying takedown with just four seconds remaining in regulation. Beard got a winning takedown at the 1:20 mark of overtime.
The Wildcats and Bulldogs had another close match at 152 as Jacob Beck got a five-point move late in the first period to gain a 7-1 lead. Edmond's Phillip Springer closed the gap to 10-6 by the end of the second stanza.
Springer got an escape and take down to close to within 10-9. He let Beck up with 55 seconds left and the Wildcat held on for an 11-9 decision.
Edmond won an 8-3 decision at 160 to narrow the team scoring gap back to five, 27-22.
But then it was Young's turn to make a coaching choice. He sent junior Toby Redleaf in to his first match of the season at 171. Redleaf, who has been recovering from a football injury, gave away 10 pounds to Edmond's Jeremy Hopkins, but came on strong in the third period with a near-fall for an 8-1 win.
Jay Bentley then moved up to 189 and kept Edmond's Scott Nelson on his back most of the first period before getting a fall in 1:35. That assured the Wildcats a win with a 36-22 lead.
But just to make sure, Nick Steichen pinned Scott Osborne in 3:22 at 215 pounds and Edmond gave Po-Hi regional placer heavyweight Hawley Tsoodle a forfeit.
The win lifted the Wildcat's bid to win the Union tournament title this weekend. The Cats finished second by half a point in last year's tournament and return six of their seven placers.
The Dodgens both won at Union last year with Beck and Bentley finishing second, Gelino fourth and Bailey sixth.
But the prospect of losing Matt Dodgen for the tournament would make the Wildcats bid tougher.
"I know (Tulsa) East Central is tough," Young said Thursday night, "and there are some more good teams. Losing Matt would mean a loss of 20 points."
The Union field also includes Claremore, Coweta, Edmond North, Tulsa Hale, Jenks, Tulsa McLain, Owasso, Putnam City West, Tulsa Rogers, Shawnee, Tahlequah, Vinita and Wagoner.
The Tournament started at noon today with the semifinals set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday's sessions start at noon with the championship and consolation finals starting at 6.
RESULTS
Ponca City 48, Edmond Memorial 22
103 - double forfeit
112 - Biggs (EM) d. Gelino, 7-2
119 - Bailey (PC) p. Dickinson, 3:43
125 - Henry (EM) d. Ivie, 7-4
130 - Dodgen (PC) p. Hopkins, 2:53
135 - Dodgen (PC) p. McClain, :59
140 - Keller (EM) md Jones, 12-0
145 - Beard (EM) d. Littleton, 7-5 (OT)
152 - Beck (PC) d. Springer, 11-9
160 - Kidd (EM) d. Duren, 8-3
171 - Redleaf (PC) d. Hopkins, 8-1
189 - Bentley (PC) p. Nelson, 1:35
215 - Steichen (PC) p. Osborne, 3:22
275 - Tsoodle (PC) fft
Mat Points
Takedowns - Ponca City 12, Edmond 14. Escapes - Ponca City 8, Edmond 7. Reverses - Ponca City 6, Edmond 4. 2-Near Falls - Ponca City 3, Edmond 2. 3-Near Falls - Ponca City 2, Edmond 3. Penalty Points - Ponca City 2, Edmond 0
Falls - Ponca City 5, Edmond 0. Forfeits - Ponca City 2, Edmond 1. Major Decisions - Ponca City 0, Edmond 1, Decisions - Ponca City 2, Edmond 4
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
TONKAWA - The giving spirit of Christmas descended a little earlier than usual in Tonkawa, Thursday, as the NOC Mavericks (14-3) nearly gave away a no-brainer to the Oklahoma Baptist University junior varsity (9-8). The Mavs did prevail, however, 73-58.
Blame it on visions of sugar plums. Thursday's matchup was the Mavericks' last game before a three-week Christmas break, against a physically smaller team that - supposedly - shouldn't have been much of a challenge.
"They're out there wondering what to get mom for Christmas," said head coach Mick Weiberg, "they think 'JV' and assume they must not be good. So they think it's going to happen, instead of making it happen. We kinda fell down tonight."
Lucky for the Mavs, Scrooge showed up in the form of Marlon Towns, who wasn't in any mood to give. The Mavs leading scorer and rebounder was 15-of-24 from the field, had 32 points - including 21 of the Mavs' first 27 - and snagged 16 rebounds to prevent the embarrassing upset. Only two other Mavericks were in double figures, Deshawn Denson with 13, and Jace Turnbull with 12.
"Towns was the difference in the ball game," Weiberg said.
The Bison had little trouble with the Mavs' defenses in the first half, answering them basket for basket, and actually led by as much as eight points, early in the second quarter. A 9-0 spurt to end the half gave the Mavericks a shaky, 35-30 lead.
The opening minutes of the second half were more of the same. The Bison came back to tie the game at 39, mid-way through the third quarter, before the Mavs pulled ahead again, mostly on the strength of Towns' stellar play under the basket.
Down by 18 in the fourth stanza, the Bison strung together a 10-0 run, but that was as close as they would get. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Jace Turnbull broke the Bisons' back, and the Mavericks were free to enjoy the Christmas break.
"It was picturesque," continued Weiberg, who could sympathize with his team's need for holiday, "if you took a picture, no one was moving out there who could create a blur."
The Mavericks are ranked 21st in the latest national Juco poll, and continue their season January 8, at home, taking on Phillips junior varsity.
RED ROCK - Frontier advanced both its boys' and girls' teams to the Saturday finals of the first Frontier Shootout.
The Frontier boys topped Newkirk 72-52 Thursday and will face Pawnee, a 63-49 winner over Oilton, in the boys' finals at 9 p.m. Saturday.
The Frontier girls edged out Garber 60-53 in overtime Thursday and will battle Newkirk, a 43-30 winner over Pawnee, in the girls' finals at 7:30.
The consolation semifinals are slated tonight. In the boys' bracket, Coyle takes on Waukomis at 6 while Tonkawa meets Garber at 9. In the girls' play, Tonkawa faces Waukomis at 4:30 and Coyle battles Oilton at 7:30.
The Frontier boys broke to an 18-9 lead over Newkirk Thursday and were in front 38-22 at halftime before holding off a late comeback try by the Tigers.
Dee Buxton poured in 21 points for the Mustangs and Zac Close had 14.
Troy Pankratz led Newkirk with 15 points and J. R. Ramey had 11.
The Lady Mustangs forged a 31-23 halftime lead only to see Garber go on a 19-4 spree in the third quarter. Frontier battled back to tie the score at 48 at the end of regulation play and then outscore Garber 12-5 in the overtime.
Denise Jake and Stephanie Romero had 16 and 15 points, respectively, for Frontier and Carolee Bible was also in double figures with 10.
Kimmi Hogan had 20 points for Garber, Bethann Bentz has 12 and Piper Beardon 11.
RESULTS
Frontier 72, Newkirk 52 (boys)
Newkirk 9 13 10 20 - 52
Frontier 18 20 20 14 - 72
Frontier - Buxton 21, Z. Close 14, Regnier 7, C. Sanders 6, M. Sanders 6, Bible 5, Burk 4, Petty 3, M. Close 2, Romero 2
Newkirk - Pankratz 15, Ramey 11, Dobson 4, Whitworth 4, Klein 4, Barnes 4, Chastain 4, Shupe 3, Leaming 2, Wood 1
Frontier 60, Garber 53 (girls)
Frontier 16 15 4 13 12 - 60
Garber 11 12 19 6 5 - 53
Frontier - Jake 16, Romero 15, Bible 10, Sober 8, S. Jake 7, Dunham 4
Garber - Hogan 20, Bentz 12, Beardon 12, Cinnamon 6, Bond 4
Saturday's Schedule
1:30 - Girls consolation finals
3 - Boys consolation finals
4:30 - Girls third place game (Garber vs. Pawnee)
6 - Boys third place game (Newkirk vs. Oilton
7:30 - Girls Championship (Frontier vs. Newkirk)
9 - Boys Championship (Frontier vs. Pawnee)
Ponca City's JV Wildcat wrestlers finished their first semester by winning three of four matches against the Edmond Memorial JVs Thursday night.
Earlier in the week, Ponca City went 2-3 in duals in the El Reno Team Tournament.
The Cats beat Woodward 57-36 and Norman North 54-31 while losing to Broken Arrow (12-53), El Reno (45-60) and Choctaw (24-54)
Clint Stafford was 5-0 in the tournament at 130 pounds. J. Michael Sharon was 4-1 at 125 with a fall. Michael Osborn was 3-1 with three falls at 152, Jason Neuerberg was 3-2 with three falls at 215, Steve Steichen was 2-3 with two falls. Marciano Villarruel was 2-2 with a fall at 171, Blaine Empting was 2-0 with a fall at 152.
Thursday's Matches
125 - Sharon (PC) d. Nelson, 10-4
135 - Stafford (PC) d. Stovall, 6-1
135 - Steichen (PC) d. Whitely, 8-6
125 - Rowten (EM) d. Sharon, 7-3