From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, December
19, 1997
LOCAL
More Than A Banker
'Hometown Christmas' Saturday Features Award Winning Talent
Festival of Angels Tours Bringing in Many Visitors
Theft of Gas Log-Splitter Hurts Two Ways
Red Cross Has 'Holiday Hero' Pins
Oil & Gas Report
Tree Ornament Will Feature Dog and Cat
Ponca Tribe Youth Christmas Party Set
DEATHS
Floyd Marvin Riley
William Eugene Feemster
Obituaries
Nancy Lluella McDaniel
Funerals
Wanda Long Brown
Porter Leroy Boyer
Regina Floreine Burge
NEWS BRIEFS
RELIGION
Lutherans To Install Officers
Church Briefs
First Baptist Invites Public to Yule Program
Pioneer Bible Church Presenting Chime Ministry,Choirs on Sunday
Jesus Revealed In Muslim Quran
Faith Tabernacle Hosting Annual Christmas Celebration on Sunday
Community Christian Choir Sings Christmas Musical on Sunday A.M.
1st Assembly, Foursquare Join Forces to Present Yule Drama
Nazarene Choir to Present Cantata
EDUCATION
Surfin' Santa
School News
LIFESTYLES
Holiday Blues Can Be Offset Says Rhyne
Eta Delta Chapter Attends Premiere
Laureate Mu Meets
Book Club Hears Marjorie Parker
Gifts Exchanged By Laureate Phi
Little News
SPORTS
Wildcats, Lady Cats Try to Even Records
Cat Wrestlers Losing Ground
CHRISTMAS MUSIC at Home National Bank's open house at the main bank was played by Robert Brown, 84-year-old, chairman of the board. Lorraine Pond looks on. Brown resides in Arkansas City and has been with Home National Bank for 60 years. He is also the chairman of HNB Corp. Holding Company. In addition to being an accomplished pianist, Brown is a golfer of such merit that the bankers' association in Kansas has named their tourney the Robert Brown Tournament. Brown is well known in civic circles and the arts and science building at Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City is named in his honor. (News Photo by Louise Abercrombie)
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
The Fourth Annual "Hometown Christmas" show will be presented Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre. Ponca City's own award winning entertainers will be featured singing favorite Christmas songs and performing Branson style comedy, music, and other acts.
Special local performers include the popular Forgiven Gospel Quartet; Shannon Love from the movie "Child Again;" Mark Love, Silver Dollar City and Branson performer; Patty Curl, recording artist; Kevin Goldman, who has performed with the national show "The Will and the Wind;" Tim Muniz, Branson performer; Dana Poulson-Nesselrode, veteran Ponca Playhouse performer; Don Menasco, NOC and Ponca Playhouse star; and others with local and professional stage and musical credits.
John Taylor, former WBBZ D.J. will emcee the Hometown Christmas Show always well-known for its Branson family style entertainment, including comedy acts and lots of variety. The show is put together by Mark Love, who grew up in Ponca City and has been a performer in Branson and Silver Dollar City and the Christy Lane Theater. Mark has been playing saxophone for about 30 years and has performed all over Oklahoma in addition to the Branson area appearances. He was a member of the 1977-78 Roustabouts at Northern Oklahoma College.
"I put this show together every year because of my love for music, performing, and Christmas. I am happy to say the show is fast becoming a Ponca City tradition," says Love.
Also a top favorite box-office draw is the "Forgiven" gospel quartet which has several recorded cassettes featuring music from numerous concerts. They have averaged a singing performance once a week since 1981, throughout Oklahoma and Kansas. Members of the quartet are Mark Brook, Larry East, Bill Hadley and Scott Layton.
Shannon Love, daughter of Mark and Lisa Love, is a sixth grade student at Trout Elementary. She has performed in the show every year since its beginning. In the 1996 Christmas season she was cast in the Lyric Theater, Oklahoma City, "A Country Christmas Carol" and was cast as "Young Nanna" in the movie "Child Again," filmed in Oklahoma City in May. She also appeared in the recent Ponca Playhouse production, "Anything Goes."
Tickets for the show are $5 each. Ages five and under are free. Tickets are available in advance at the Masters Touch Christian Book Store in Ponca City and will also be available at the same price at the box office the night of the show.
Other performers in the show include Sweet Harmony Trio with Donita Cooper, Becky Dye and Rhonda Walker; a Kids Medley with Kimberly Evans, Blair Turney, Melissa Bacher, Nikki Brock, Daak Love and Shannon Love; and many others.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Missy Morland, coordinator for Ponca City Tourism, reported there were 31 Festival of Angels tour tours with 986 visitors this year. A total of 315 spent the night in Ponca City.
She told the Ponca City Tourism Authority ( PCTA) that the day impact of the day visitors amounted to $21,026, while the overnight visitors' impact was $26,381 for a total economic impact of $47,407.
Four of the tours were from Oklahoma City, there were three from Kansas, two from Tulsa, two from Enid, and one each from Texas and Missouri. The rest were from Oklahoma. The groups ranged in number from 12 to 105. The Farm Bureau Women were the largest group.
Glen Mair, board member and store owner, said the tours had been beneficial to his business and others in the downtown area. Morland said that overnight lodging arrangements are made by the tour groups and she does not enter in to determining what motels or hotels are used.
The PCTA, an advisory board to the City Commission, entered into executive session for about an hour. Afterwards David Zimmerman, chairman, called for a report on discussion of the executive session.
Action taken as a result of the discussion in executive session was the unanimous decision of the advisory board to recommend to the city commission that Morland receive a $150 a month raise plus a $50 a month gasoline allowance for travel. If approved by the City Commission this is to go into effect Jan. 1.
Tourism is funded by a three-percent motel/hotel tax. This year's budget was $105,500.
The board also decided to consider additional compensation for secretarial support prior to the end of the fiscal year.
In other action the request of providing financial assistance to the Martin Luther King Celebration to be held Jan. 17 was denied on the basis it did not bring participants in from out of town to spend the night.
Zimmerman reported on the opening of the Standing Bear Information Center at the Standing Bear Memorial Park. He said he had been asked to teach another elderhostel program.
In April, Zimmerman and others will be presenting an elderhostel program featuring Ponca City and Northern Oklahoma.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Because a thief stole a gas-powered log-splitter Christmas will be a little bleaker and probably a lot colder for the Spicy and Bill Dunn family, 217 South Osage.
The Dunns acquired the house about six months ago, but it does not have a furnace and the only heat is by a wood stove. Bill has emphysema and had been splitting the wood by hand resting in between licks.
When his neighbor across the street, Darrell Redmond realized the situation, he lent Bill his trailer mounted gas-powered log- splitter. During the night about two weeks ago, thieves pushed the trailer by hand to the alley behind Dunns, hooked on to it with a vehicle and pull it off.
Now Bill is back splitting the wood by hand. The matter was turned over to the police and Redmond had flyers printed up offering a reward for the $900 plus splitter. The unpainted splitter is powered by a Honda 5 horse power engine. The trailer has a pipe axle, no springs, and the hubs and wheels are from an import car.
"It kind of ruins Christmas for both of us," Redmond said. "I was trying to help someone and it's like the Grinch Stole Christmas." The Dunns feel terrible about the matter, but aren't in much of a position to do much about it.
Bill is on disability, but works as much as he can doing delivery for Precision Tool and Die. Spicy was recently layed off at her job, but does crafts including seasonal floral arrangement to help support the family.
The couple came back to Oklahoma about a year ago from California to be near Spicy's family and to watch the grandchildren grow up.
With limited funds they acquired the house they live in on a deed for contract arrangement with no money down. They have been furnished wood by their son Doug Beathard, who is a tree trimmer ... but the supply is beginning to run low.
"We've been lucky the last few days it has been warm, but it is supposed to get bad over the weekend," Spicy said.
"We came back to Oklahoma to be near my family. My father and a sister were killed in a car wreck 20 years ago and my sisters were raised in the American Legion Home. For 20 years I have been trying to get back," Spicy said.
One thing the Dunns gave up when they came here was medical help as Bill was on Secured Horizons, which is not available in Ponca City. The inhalers and other medicine are expensive and the couple are on a fixed income.
Their son gave them a furnace that will go in the attic, but they need coupling and other fittings to hook it up and then they hope they can pay the fuel bills. But more pressing expenditures for food and medicine come before warmth.
There is a look of happiness in Spicy's eyes as she talks about being with her family for the second Christmas. "We were always close, even though we were miles apart," she says. She was 18 and already married when the family accident happened.
One of her sisters, Jennifer Schiltz, lives across the street and helped them find the house, which had set vacant for a year after the owner died and the widow went to live with her children.
Saturday will be a big day for the Dunn household as her sisters, Jennifer and Debra Spaulding and families of Ponca City, and another sister, Pam Nelson of Olathe, Kan., and her brother Rick Nelson of Ponca City and their families will get together.
But things could be brighter for the Dunns if the log splitter was returned and for Redmond the owner, who was just doing a good deed before a thief spoiled the act.
A "Holiday Hero" pin will be awarded to all donors at the American Red Cross Ponca City Blood Donation Center, 525 Monument Road, through Jan. 7.
"Holiday Hero's" are individuals who commit to donating blood during designated holidays, says Jeff Sneed, Red Cross regional recruitment director.
"During the holiday season, many people get busy with holiday plans and blood donations decline. Community members must make blood donation a part of their holiday schedules to help ensure that hospital patients have an adequate blood supply," he said.
Special holiday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each Thursday. Donors must be 17 years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. They cannot have a history of viral hepatitis after age 10 and cannot be a member of an AIDS at-risk behavior group.
For more information about becoming a blood donor and how to get registered as a "Holiday Hero," call 765-6605 or 1-800 GIVE LIFE.
Pace Exploration Partnership has revealed plans to drill a 5,200-ft. wildcat well in Kay County. The operator has designated the venture as the No. 1 Victory. Drillsite is 7.2 miles west of Tonkawa.
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Warren Corp. is preparing to conduct a wildcat re-entry in Kay County, 4.6 miles east-southeast of Tonkawa. Involved in the operation is the No. 1 Kay. Warren is planning to take the well to a new 5,200-ft. bottom in the Arbuckle Formation.
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The No. 2 Clara May, a 5,000-ft. developmental well, is scheduled to be drilled in Kay County's West Autwine Field. Spess Oil Co. is the operator. The well will be spudded about one-half mile west of Ponca City.
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Ballard Petroleum Partnership has revealed plans to drill a total of three wells in Kay County's Blackwell Field, from one mile to 1.8 miles north of Blackwell.
The wells will be known as the No. 11-12 Otstot Unit.
Section 9-township 27n-range 1w-nw-nw.
Section 16-township 27n-range 1w-ne-nw.
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Three Sands Oil Inc. has filed for permit to drill the No. 1-33 Waltermire, a 1,200-ft. developmental well 1.5 miles south of Perry.
Location is in Noble County's Perry Field.
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A 650-ft. developmental well is planned by Three Sands Oil Inc. at a drillsite 2.2 miles southwest of Three Sands, Noble County.
The well is designated as the No. 2-97 Clavin.
It is in the Northeast Happy Star Field.
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Robertson Milford has posted first production data for the No. 1 Carolyn, a newly completed gas well in Noble County's Southeast Whiterock Field.
The well flowed 35,000 CF gas per day.
Bottomed at 600 feet, the well will produce from perforations at 538 to 548 feet into the hole.
Location is four miles southeast of Billings.
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Drillsite has been staked for the No. 3 Capital, a 3,200-ft. developmental well in Osage County's Fairfax Field. The operation will be located 6.1 miles south of Burbank. Capital Programs Co. is the operator.
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The No. 4 Burbank "A", a 3,050-ft. developmental well, is scheduled to be drilled in Osage County's Burbank Field. Burbank Petroleum Co. is the operator. The well will be spudded about one-half mile west of Little Chief.
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A 2,100-ft. developmental well is planned by Marmac Resources Co. at a drillsite 2.1 miles southeast of Pershing, Osage County. The well is designated as the No. 11 Marmac. It is in the Pershing Field.
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A new producer has been brought on line in Osage County's Southwest McCord Field, with Coronado Petroleum Corp. as the operator.
Located 17.6 miles southwest of Burbank, the well is designated as the No. 2-24 Coronado.
It pumped oil at the rate of 23 barrels per day and will produce from a perforated interval in the Mississippi Lime Formation.
Total depth is 4,200 feet.
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The distinctive Ponca City Humane Society collectible Christmas ornament is now available at Angel Central to purchase for gift giving. All proceeds from the unique ornament benefit the animals in the care of the Ponca City Humane Society.
Created by Audrey Schmitz, art instructor at Northern Oklahoma College, the original mold for the ornaments take approximately 20 hours to create. Schmitz uses razors, needles, Exacto knives and other small tools to create the minute details on the original miniatures.
When the original is perfected Schmitz casts a master mold as well as a backup mold. Clay is hand-pressed into the mold to catch the details of the original, then air-dried and fired at 1700-plus degrees Fahrenheit. It later receives a final firing of more than 2200 degrees for permanence.
After the firing, each piece is individually washed in an iron oxide solution. This gives the piece the appearance of antiquity.
All of Schmitz's ornaments become treasured collectibles and can be preserved and enjoyed by the recipient for many years.
The Ponca City Humane Society collector's ornament is also available at the Humane Society office, 900 West Prospect, Christy's at 3005 North Fourteenth, and Just Yesterday at 324 South Fourteenth.
The Ponca Tribe Youth Outreach Program will be sponsoring a Christmas party on Monday at the Ponca Cultural Center in White Eagle. The party starts at 6:30 p.m.
The party will feature Christmas carolers, the telling of the Christmas story, presents for the children (14 years old and younger), and the chance to visit with Santa Claus.
Cookies and punch will be served as refreshments. The children will also
receive Christmas candy in stockings. Volunteers are needed to hand out
the gifts. Anyone interested in helping please call Chris LittleCook at
767-1261.
DEATHS
BLACKWELL - Floyd Marvin "Bud" Riley, longtime Blackwell resident, died early Monday morning, Dec. 18, 1997, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 87.
The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Blackwell First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Charles Ryser, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.
Floyd Marvin "Bud" Riley was born Aug. 12, 1910, in Rocky Ford, Colo., the son of James Harvey and Lora B. (Hart) Riley. As a child he moved with his family to Shawnee, where he attended schools and graduated from high school in 1927.
He married Francine Barlow in Sept. 6, 1936, in Howe, and the couple made their first home in Shawnee. Riley was employed by Central Dairy Products, who transferred him to Blackwell in 1947 to manage their Southwest Ice and Dairy Products business. The company transferred him to Ada in 1950, then later to Enid. They family later returned to Blackwell, where Riley was employed as bookkeeper for Luther Edwards. He later worked as a car salesman for Ray Hamlin Chevrolet-Cadillac for 27 years, retiring in 1972.
Riley served as club secretary for the Blackwell Kiwanis Club for 17 years with perfect attendance. He also served at Lt. Governor of Kiwanis Division 16, which included Texas and Oklahoma. He was also founder and organizer of the local Kiwanis Little League Basketball Program.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Kum Dubl Sunday School Class and the men's gym class. Riley was a member of the Toastmasters, Blackwell Jaycees, Chikaskia Lodge No. 109, and served as past Worshipful Master of the Elks Lodge. He was an avid golfer and became a member of the "Hole-in-One Club" at age 82.
Survivors include his wife, Francine Riley of Blackwell; one daughter, Betty Worrell of Minneapolis, Minn.; three sisters, Mary Stephenson of Leesburg, Fla., Velma Fox and Lela Greer of Lake Eufaula; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Darla Rae Riley; his parents; and one brother, Cecil Riley.
Casket bearers will be Tom Hamlin, Max Smyth, Russ Quinn, Jim Rodgers and L.J. Chaufty. Honorary bearers will be Lew Howard, Leonard White, Kent Randall, Dr. Bob Morgan, Vernon McGrew, Earl Tolle, and Raymond Cooley.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Riley's name to the Blackwell First United Methodist Church, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
FAIRFAX - William Eugene "Bill" Feemster, former Fairfax resident died Saturday, Nov. 30, 1997, in Warr Acres, Okla. He was 69.
The funeral was held Dec. 4, at the Lutheran Church of our Savior in Bethany. Arrangements were under the direction of Demuth Funeral Home, Oklahoma City.
William Eugene "Bill" Feemster was born Dec. 7, 1927, in Medford. He grew up in the home of Carl and Inez (Bradfield) Jones and attended schools in Fairfax. Feemster served in the U.S. Marines during World War II and attended the University of Oklahoma.
He was married to Sarah "Bobbi" Davis in 1953 in Texas. Feemster had retired as a petroleum engineer after 27 years with Amoco Production Co. in Oklahoma City. He had worked with the Boy Scouts, serving as the Will Rogers District training chairman and in various other capacities, and was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Bethany, where he served as head elder for many years.
Survivors include five sons, William Kirk of Redding, Pa., Steven Mack of Littleton, Colo., John Michael of Gans, Kenneth Wayne of Broomfield, Colo., and Michael Brooks of Oklahoma City; two sisters, Lou Ann Garrison of Fairfax and Wanda "Tudy" Jones of Tulsa; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1996; his parents; and one infant brother.
Nancy Lluella McDaniel, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Dec. 18, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 86.
No funeral service is planned and a private graveside service will be held later by the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Butler-Stumpff, Bartlesville.
Nancy Lluella McDaniel was born Feb. 19, 1911, to Joseph and Nancy (Lippencott) Anderson in Pawhuska. She received her education in Ponca City graduating from Ponca City High School in 1931. After graduation she was employed by J.C. Penney and the late Dr. Worwag.
On Nov. 24, 1937, she was married to John T. McDaniel in Altus, and the couple lived numerous places in Oklahoma and Colorado, always returning to Ponca City, which was home. Mrs. McDaniel was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and a 50-year Eastern Star.
Survivors include one nephew and three nieces, Jim and Luci Page, her care givers, and Betty St. Clair, all of Ponca City, and Ann Martin of Edmond; two grandchildren, Scott McDaniel and his wife Heather of Lakewood, Colo., and Shelley McDaniel of Pine, Colo.; four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Josh, Bryson and Taylour McDaniel, all of Colorado; one sister-in-law, Joyce Peters of Billings, Mont.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John, in December 1996; an infant daughter, Charloy; one son Johnny; her parents; one sister and one brother.
paid obituary
Saturday
Wanda Long Brown - Memorial Service to be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Baptist Church in Ponca City. Burial was to be in the Maramec (Okla.) Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home, Sulphur, La.
Porter Leroy Boyer - Funeral to be at 2 p.m. in the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home in Arkansas City, Kan. Burial will be in the Newkirk (Okla.) Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Regina Floreine Burge - Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at
St. Francis Catholic Church in Newkirk. Burial will follow in the Newkirk
Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
NEWS BRIEFS
Ponca Dinner - The Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma will host a Christmas dinner for Ponca Tribal members at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center on Monday at noon. Those attending are asked to bring dishes and chairs.
Open Swim - The "School's Out" Open Swim session at the YMCA Community Pool will be 1-3 p.m. daily for $1 per child and $3 per family. The pool will be closed Christmas and New Year's.
Senior Citizens Dance Set - A Senior Citizens Dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday in the Senior Citizens Building, 320 South A in Arkansas City. The Sunshine Playboys will be playing for dancing and all seniors are invited to come for an evening of fun, and bring a favorite snack to share.
Airman Bullington Graduates - Air Force Airman Michael D. Bullington has graduated from the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration apprentice course at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas. Bullington is the son of David L. and Sara L. Bullington, 418 East Brookfield, Ponca City.
Library Closing - The Ponca City Library will be closing for the holidays at 3 p.m. on Dec. 24 and will reopen at 9 a.m. on Dec. 29.
Open House - The Ponca City Library will be having an Open House on Dec. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served, children's holiday movies will be shown at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Santa will be there.
Arrest - Police arrested a 23-year-old man at 8:55 a.m. Thursday at South Seventh Street and East South Avenue for driving while intoxicated and transporting an open container.
Juvenile Shoplifter - At 9:42 a.m. Thursday a shoplifter was reported at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue. The juvenile was cited and then released to parents.
Accident - An accident was reported at 10:19 a.m. Thursday at the intersection of East Grand Avenue and Fourth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Gas Drive-Off - At 10:47 a.m. Thursday Jack Griffith's, 2501 North Fourteenth Street, reported a $13 gas drive-off.
Arrest - Police arrested a 30-year-old woman at 1:45 p.m. Thursday from the 300 block of South Elm Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Arrest - At 2:13 p.m. Thursday police arrested an 18-year-old woman on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Arrest - A 24-year-old woman was arrested at 2:28 p.m. Thursday from the 2700 North Fifth Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Arrest - At 3:13 p.m. Thursday a 22-year-old man was arrested from the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Money Stolen - A report was taken at 3:29 p.m. Thursday when a person reported money stolen from a locker in the 1900 block of North Fourteenth Street.
Juvenile Arrest - A 17-year-old man was arrested at 4:18 p.m. Thursday from the 1700 block of Clark Street for assault and battery after police received a 911 call reporting a fight between two men.
Accident - At 4:52 p.m. Thursday an accident in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported. A report was taken.
Arrest - A 44-year-old woman was arrested at 5:54 p.m. Thursday from the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue for embezzlement.
Arrest - At 7:02 p.m. Thursday a 34-year-old man was arrested for injury to a child.
Marijuana Found - At 7:15 p.m. Thursday police found marijuana in a house in the 1200 block of South Ninth Street. A report was taken.
Family Theft - A woman in the 700 block of South Fourth Street reported to police at 8:19 p.m. Thursday that her daughter's Christmas money was stolen by her brother. A larceny report was taken.
Juvenile Arrest - At 8:31 p.m. Thursday police arrested a 14-year-old boy from Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, for larceny from a person and giving false information to a police officer after attempting to steal a customer's purse.
Arrest - Police arrested a 20-year-old man at 8:37 p.m. Thursday from the 2000 block of Lake Road for failure to obey, intimidating a state's witness, two counts of auto burglary and destruction of private property.
Accident - At 8:41 p.m. Thursday an accident was reported in the 2400 block of Eagle Road. A report was taken.
Assault - An assault victim from South Fourth Street and East South Avenue was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 10:14 p.m. Thursday. A report was taken.
Hit and Run - A man in the 1100 block of South Eighth Street reported a hit and run to police at 10:19 p.m. Thursday. A report was taken.
Injury Accident - At 11:47 p.m. Thursday one person was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after sustaining injuries in a one vehicle accident five miles west of Waverly Street on Hubbard Road.
Vandalism - A report was taken at 12:56 a.m. Friday after it was learned that a window at Crafter's Mall, 318 East Grand Avenue, had been broken out.
Deer Hit - At 2:41 a.m. Friday it was reported that a deer had been hit at Blake Drive and East Hartford Avenue.
Vandalism - At 2:49 a.m. Friday police discovered that the door
of the Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 North Pecan Road, had been broken
out. A destruction of property report was taken.
RELIGION
First Lutheran Church will observe the Fourth Sunday in Advent on Dec. 21 at both the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. The choir will sing the entire anthem "Candles of Advent", now including all four candles - hope, faith, love and peace. They will be accompanied by Heidi Hurd on the flute.
Also during both services the elected officers of the congregation will be installed for the coming year. They are Floyd Treiber, president; Dave Mueller, vice president; Thelma Bley, recording secretary; Carla McGregor, assistant secretary; David Krottinger, treasurer; Jane McKinzie, assistant treasurer; Brad Brunkow, evangelism chairman; Jim Hinton, stewardship chairman; Don Kelle, board of education chairman; Cecile Johnson, Don Matthews, Janet Ebbesson, Jan Deitrick, and Davie Cashon, Board of Education committee; Diana Vaughan, Sunday School superintendent; Debbie Sievert-Renbarger, assistant Sunday School superintendent; Tammy Beier, Barb Hanson, Kathryn Horton, and Susie Cashon, Sunday School Adult Education committee; Matt and Lynn Dassow, Youth Board chairmen; Aaron Gard, Church Foundation chairman; Marilyn Laramy, School Foundation chairman; Lloyd Gelmers, Joe Bates, Ellwyn Thomas, Bob Wyckoff, David Helton, Dan McGregor, John Bley, Eric Kurtz, Jerry LeBaron, Earl Krieg, Glenn Bacher, Ray Hasselwander, and Glen Hoecker, Elders.
At 7 p.m. the Sunday School will present its Christmas program entitled 'Listen to Christmas." The program will tell the well known story of Christ's birth in a very unique way. Not only will the traditional lambs and cows be present, but a spider, dove and robin, among other creatures will tell of how they learned of Christ's birth and the roles they played at the manger that night. One will tell how she was able to spread the story to God's creatures and how it changed her forever.
The program will include the children making the sounds that the shepherds, wisemen and Mary and Joseph may have heard on that glorious night. Two narrators and readers from grades 7 through 12 will assist in the story telling. One feature will be the song "The Friendly Beasts" sung by a quartet.
After the unusual program, a birthday part for Jesus will be held in Fellowship Hall. All are invited to join the Sunday School children in this celebration of the Lord's birth.
Grace Episcopal Announces Christmas Week Schedule
Christmas Week services at Grace Episcopal Church, Thirteenth and Grand, have been announced by the rector, the Rev. Kenneth Armstrong.
On Wednesday, Dec. 24, the Family Holy Eucharist will be held at 4 p.m. A special instrumental music program of Christmas music is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, followed at 11 p.m. by the Christmas Midnight Mass.
Fr. Armstrong said the regular Services of Holy Eucharist are scheduled for 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday following Christmas, with Church School at 9:15 a.m.
Ranch Drive Youth Plan Christmas Play
The Youth Group at Ranch Drive Baptist Church will present their Christmas play, "The Littlest Angel" on Sunday evening, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. at the church.
Judy Buffalohead and Carol Moore are directing. A reception will follow
the presentation by the youth, and everyone is invited to come celebrate
Jesus' Birthday with the folks at Ranch Drive.
Woman of Excellence Meet Postponed
The Women of Excellence Conference that was scheduled for Jan. 25 and
24, 1998, has been postponed to a later date to be announced. All women
who signed up will be receiving their money back. Thank all of you for singing
up and we will be letting you know when the new dates are scheduled.
New Life Baptist Plan Christmas Program
The New Life Baptist Church invites the public to join with them for their 1997 Christmas Program, "It's All About Christ!" on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. The church is located at 301 South Waverly.
There will be recitations, music and drama. The Rev. Victor A. Paul,
pastor, invites the public to come and be blessed. "O, come let us
adore Him."
POP Lutherans Tell Week's Services
Advent services at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church are being held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. starting with a soup supper. Service begins at 7 p.m. and choir practice follows.
The last council meeting of 1997 will be the Family Christmas get together at the home of Jim and Jannie Ross, 402 North Sixth at 7 p.m. This will be welcoming the new council members and saying good-bye to the old members. Bring a dish to share and come join the fun and fellowship.
The Children's Christmas Celebration is planned for the Sunday School hour, 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21. Theme for the program this year is "Happy Birthday, Jesus".
Christmas Eve service will be held at 7 p.m. for the Family Christmas Worship and 11 p.m. for a Communion Candlelight Worship Service.
Sunday, Dec. 28 is "Bring a Friend Sunday" and T-shirt Sunday. Bring a friend to share the Christmas season.
Happy Birthday this week to Hunter Reeves and Cheryl Goldman.
Albright UMC Presents Christmas Cantata
The Albright United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir will present its Christmas Cantata, "How Great Our Joy", on Sunday, Dec. 21, during the worship service.
Created and arranged by Tom Fettke, the Christmas message is told with excerpts from some of the most traditional music, along with contemporary selections. The musical selections also include pieces from various ethnic traditions. Arranged in chronological order, each section seeks to celebrate the coming of the Messiah, as it would have been by those who were there - by Mary, His mother; by the shepherds of the fields; and by the angels from on high.
"How Great Our Joy", directed by Pat Purkey will feature three
soloists: Frieda Hill, Jennifer Caldron, and Norma Hurd. Worship begins
at 10:30 a.m. and the public is cordially invited to attend.
First UMC Plans Christmas Eve Services
First United Methodist Church will be having Christmas Eve services at 6 and 11 p.m., according to the Rev. Denny Hook, pastor.
There will be a children's sermon at the first service, special music, communion, scripture and singing at both. The entire family is invited to be a part of this service of worship. The nursery will be available for the 6 p.m. service.
The Christmas at the Keyboard event will take place this Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. All piano and organ players are invited to participate by playing a solo or duet. Contact Sue Lippert or Donna Butler at the church office or Carolyn Hook at 765-6136 for further information.
Christmas Eve services will be at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. with Communion and special music by Suzi Lenhart. Also participating will be Krista Harbeson, flute at 6 p.m. and Carolyn Hook, piano at 11 p.m.
The First Baptist Church of Ponca City cordially invites the public to attend the free production of "Behold This Child" this Sunday evening, Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The church's worship center is located at the corner of Fifth and Central in downtown Ponca City. This multi-media program includes a spectacular Christmas concert by the First Baptist 80-voice Adult Choir with full orchestra. Narrations by Pastor and Mrs. Hance Dilbeck, twelve soloists, orchestral overture, and a special audience sing-a-long entitled "Festival of Carols" enhanced with the lyrics projected on the big screen. The program is under the direction of Larry Masters, Minister of Music.
"Behold This Child" tells the Biblical account of the Christmas story beginning with Old Testament prophecies and running chronologically through the birth of Jesus, the Shepherds, and the Wise Men. Powerful songs of praise and reflective scriptural narrations capture the true meaning and emotions of the Holy Season. Notable composers, arrangers, and orchestraters such as Bruce Greer, Don Marsh, Richard Kingsmore, Tom Fettke, Carman, Otis Skillings and Tanya Goodman Sykes have teamed up to provide an outstanding, stirring, and heart-warming presentation. "Behold This Child" is an eclectic array of several styles, offering a variety of moods and musical traditions. Versatility is required of the musicians as they move from a Caribbean calypso rhythm to the traditional Christmas carols to contemorary songs in pop style like "Wise Men Still Seek Him" and "Ten Thousand Joys" to traditional spirituals such as "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "Amen" to A capella pieces that require great artistry on the part of the vocalists. The titled song, "Behold This Child" summarizes the life of the Savior, Jesus Christ as He is portrayed as The Child, The Man, The Lamb, and The King of kings and Lord of lords.
Hance Dilbeck and Julie Dilbeck will serve as narrators. The soloists are: Guy Lyall, Susan Smith, Craig Myers, Doug Thompson, Doyle Brewer, Bill Justice, Debora Gooch, Lois Lyall, Charlotte Smith, Shannon Mair, Judy Burnette, and Mary Jane Barraclough. Marcella Johnson will play the pipe organ and the electric keyboard; Carol Green will play the grand piano. Suzette Morris will run the audio; Dave Land will run the recording equipment; Deanna Orr and Marvin Yost will run the lights; and Ron Johnson will run the slide projector. Kenneth Orr is the crew chief for the staging and setup.
The Orchestra players are: (by instrument) Strings - Christopher Johnson, Elisabeth Heslip, Lance Johnson, Cindy Jones, Jamie McGugan, Robert Hwang, Linda Berger, Holly Daily, Dan Larson, Staci Wolf, Lisha Purkaple, Jenny Davis, Rachel Gilliland, Corgin Grimsley, Shara Long, Terese Purkaple, Pam Yost, Jenifer Arner, Stephanie Council, Kara Long; woodwinds - Sara Day, Kathy Cripps, Sarah Round, Don Sjoberg, Al Summerfield; brass - James Barraclough, Kyle Thomas, Connie Ausland, Amy Dressen, Stan Barraclough, Mel Arner, Dennis Reust, Stephen Heslip; percussion, Connie Sjoberg, Rhonda Johnson, and Kyle Enevoldsen.
This evening promises a memorable experience of worship and praise for the community. Folks are encouraged to come and bring the entire family for this inspirational program.
A special Christmas Eve worship service is planned for the general public at 5:30 p.m. Beautiful Christmas instrumental music will begin at 5:15 so please come a little early. Included will be a special time for the children to sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and hear about the meaning of Christmas and the traditions of Advent by Pastor Dilbeck.
The Pioneer Bible Church, corner of Third and Chestnut Streets, invites the public to attend a special Christmas service at 9:30 a.m. this Sunday. The worship service will consist of the adult choir chime ministry, Christmas carols, the adult choir's presentation of the mini-Christmas carols, the adult choir's presentation of the mini-Christmas musical "This Day is Born Emmanuel" and a Christmas message by the pastor, the Rev. Larry Harris, entitled "Christmas Questions - Why Shepherds?"
The adult choir chime ministry, directed by Connie Sjoberg, includes Betty Biedermann, Diane Clarida, Ellen Harris, Susan Keen, Sherry Lefebure, Pennie Lusk, Don Sjoberg, Katy Tucker, and Jacquie Willis.
The adult choir, directed by Ellen Harris, consists of Betty Biedermann, Traci Biedermann, Diane Clarida, Kevin Dennis, Sue Frederick, Diane Harris, Randy and Susan Keen, Larry and Sherry Lefebure, Eric Lusk, LanIta Milligan, Don and Connie Sjoberg, and Jacquie Willis. Sue Mertz is the pianist.
A nursery will be provided for newborn to two years and children's church for ages two to five. For more information call 762-5669.
Dr. Mamdouh Salama, author of "Your Reflections in the Mirror of Islam", reveals Jesus in the Muslims' scripture, The Quran. Dr. Salama is a founding member of the Islamic Society of Ponca City.
A Senior Research and DuPont Fellow in Conoco's Exploration and Production Technology Department, he holds a Bachelor degree from Ain-Shams University, Egypt, and Master of Science and Doctor of Science degrees in Mechnical Engineering from Massachursetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Dr. Salama has written several articles about Islam that were published by the local newspapers in Oklahoma and has given many lectures to both Muslim and Non-Muslim groups on the subject. He is one of the founders of the U.S. Muslims Advancement Association that administers a merit based scholarship program.
It may be surprising to many Christians that it is an article of faith for the more than one billion Muslims around the world to believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus and in his special place in the history of prophethood, Dr. Salama pointed out. In addition to providing a glaring account of Jesus' birth and message, the Muslims' holy book, the Quran, that was revealed to Prophet Mohammad more than 1400 year ago through the Holy Spirit, the Archangel Gabriel, provides an unique insight on the birth and upbringing of his mother, Mary. This insight explains the unprecedented acceptance of her and her people of the concept of virgin birth, Dr. Salama points out.
Joy to the World, the Lord is come!
Faith Tabernacle, 501 South Fifth, will host their annual Christmas celebration on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m.
"The Chosen One", a musical montage by Pastor Don Stanton, is a presentation of Kids of Faith, Friends on Fire, Praise Team and Pastors Don and Norene Stanton and Mickey and Marcie Baldwin.
The play opens with a child's inquisitive request, "Tell me the story of how Jesus was born in a manger on Christmas morn." The story of Jesus' birth unfolds through songs and dance. The music ranges from traditional favorites such as "Away in the Manger" to the contemporary songs of Ray Boltz, all proclaiming the birth of the Chosen One, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Stanton says, "Christmas is heaven's announcement of how greatly our Father God loves us." He continues, "God doesn't focus on our failures, but on the treasure of possibilities He has put in each of us." Pastor Stanton concludes, "The Christmas gift of His glory is to burn away any darkness that blinds us or keeps us from His loving purpose. Joy to the World, the Lord is come!"
The community is invited to join the congregation of Faith Tabernacle for this celebration of Christmas.
The Chancel Choir at Community Christian, under the direction of David Webster, will present a musical for Christmas by Dave Clark and Russell Mauldin entitled, "Near to the Heart of God." This cantata for choir and congregation will be presented at the 10:30 a.m. worship on Sunday.
Brent Bradford will be the narrator. Highlights include a solo by Brian Hermanson, a duet by Dawn Jackson and David Webster and some fresh arrangements of favorite Christmas carols, according to Webster.
The Friendship Company and Praise Patrol combine to sing at the Christmas Eve service Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 5:30 p.m. They will sing "Tell Me the Story of Jesus."
Pastor Wayne Majors invites the church family and the public to attend this special service of carols, communion, lighted candles, special music and hear the story of Jesus once again.
The Adult Choir and Drama Ministry of First Assembly of God will be joined again by members of Ponca City Foursquare Church in presenting "I Have Seen the Light ... A Search for Christmas", on Sunday, Dec. 21, 1997 at 6 p.m.
The combined choir will be under the direction of Mark Green with Barbara Young directing the drama and Erin Love as the Stage Manager. The dialogue will be through narration by Brian Wiseman and Camille Denton.
Other cast members are Rick and Lori Lewis, Meghan Kelly, Etop Esen, Robert Russell, Ray Sensintaffar, Mark Russell, Julius and Mary Hockers, Mandy Osborn, Derek Meyer, Della Blackstar, Morgiana Williams and Sameul Gomez.
Pastor Bray Hill of First Assembly of God and Pastor Blaine Herron of Ponca City Foursquare invite the public to join the combined congregations of First Assembly and Ponca City Foursquare in celebrating the Light of Jesus Christ, Dec. 21, 6 p.m., at the Family Life Center of First Assembly of God, Ponca City.
The sanctuary choir of First Church of the Nazarene will be presenting the cantata "Born A Savior, Born a King", created and arranged by Stan Pethel. The presentation is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 15 at the Newkirk Church of the Nazarene, and again at the 10:45 a.m. service at Ponca City's First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 West Grand.
Kelly Long is directing the cantata, and readers will be Harold Mullins and Crystal Noel. Muriel McFarland is the soloist. The choir extends an invitation to the public to come and enjoy the message of the coming of the Christ Child.
The Caravan children and teens of First Church of the Nazarene will be caroling on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at Ponca Nursing Home. They are to meet at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall of the church.
Friends and relatives of residents are invited to join them in hearing the songs of Christmas.
Candlelight Communion will be shared at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve at First
Church of the Nazarene, 1900 West Grand.
EDUCATION
SIXTH GRADERS Sarah Edens, Josh Engle and Amanda Neal (from left) enjoy some "fun in the sun" during the Christmas program at McCord. The fourth and fifth grade classes helped the sixth graders put on the annual program. (News Photo by Kristi Hayes)
Drawing Contest
Nat Stanbrough, a fifth grader at Garfield Academy, was announced as the Ponca City area winner of this year's Stained Glass Drawing contest at the Tulsa State Fair. Open to children aged five to eighteen, the state-wide contest is judged in four age groups, with all entries going on display at the Fair.
UCO Graduates
Area students received their bachelor degrees from the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, on Dec. 13. They were: Sean Morgan, Blackwell, Lori Ramey, Newkirk, and Amy Bivin, Jennifer Calvert, Matthew Frisby, Virginia Galbraith, John Hodgson, Lacey Hutchinson, Bradly Royster, and Ericka Stout-Nygard, Ponca City. Scott Shook also received his masters degree in Education.
Military Academies
Senator James Inhofe has announced that he has nominated area high school and college students to compete for scholarships at the U.S. military service academies. For the U.S. Naval Academy they are Tolin "Bex" Boyd, Blackwell, and Kate Emig, Ponca City, and from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Kori Jeffries, Blackwell.
OU Graduates
The University of Oklahoma has released the names of area recipients that are eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies in May. They are Walt Hwang, Melissa Johnson and Laurie Powell, Ponca City, and Dennis Coates, Tonkawa.
Christmas Vacation
Students attending Ponca City Public Schools will be on Christmas vacation
starting Dec. 19. School will resume again on Jan. 5, 1998.
LIFESTYLES
While the holiday season brings feelings of joy for many people, others may suffer from the holiday blues.
Understanding why the holidays can make some people feel "blah" is the first step in being able to turn around those feelings, said Mary Rhyne, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Kay County.
"Experts agree that holiday depression often is caused by the way we believe this time of year ought to be and the way real life actually is", Rhyne said. "There's a direct relationship between what we feel and what we think we're supposed to feel."
Although the holiday season sends the message that everyone should be happy and cheerful, reality is that many people just want to escape.
While some families may reflect on the idealized images of sharing stories by the fireplace or singing Christmas carols, other families experience stress.
Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean tension doesn't exist. Pressure from over-extended checking accounts, job-related worries and family conflicts still exist. For some people who have visions of the 'perfect' family life, the reality of their situation can lead to frustration and anger."
Another cause of "holiday blues" is many families no longer live close together. Jobs, school or other factors have put families in situations where they cannot come home for the holidays.
One method that might help off-set feelings of depression is to help other people. Many cities and towns across the state have soup kitchens and other community-sponsored centers where people who are down on their luck can come get a hot meal. Volunteers are almost always needed to help prepare or serve meals, or cleanup during and after these functions.
"Simply being around other people can combat depression and help you realize how fortunate you really are," Rhyne said. "Look for others who are lonely and offer friendship."
Everyone experiences stress at one time or another, especially this time of year, but steps can be taken to control these feelings.
Sixteen members and guests of Eta Delta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority attended the world premiere showing of "Kites Toward Heaven," written, directed and produced by Ponca City's Robyn Kreger. Following the show Jim and Marilyn Jouret hosted a dessert for the chapter.
On Dec. 15 the chapter Christmas dinner and Secret Sister gift exchange was hosted by Betty Wyatt with 16 members present. Announcement was made that Christmas gifts for four residents of Highland Nursing Home had been purchased and delivered.
Mrs. Wyatt will host the "Beer, Bowling and Pizza party" in January. The City Council Valentine dance will be Feb. 14. Sylvia Smith will host the Jan. 12 regular chapter meeting. Nancy Pryse was the recipient of the Beta Bud Basket and was the winner of the door prize.
Four members of Laureate Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met at the Ponca City Country Club for a Christmas luncheon with Ann Slief as hostess. Pat Smith of Kaw City was a guest. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have recently moved to Kaw City from Raleigh, N. C. and Mrs. Smith is transferring her sorority membership.
Following the luncheon surprise gifts from Santa Claus were opened. One of the Laureate Mu members, Flossie Elkouri, has a broken hip and is being cared for at the Westminster Village Care Center. Following the luncheon members met in the Joe Lewis Hospitality room to visit with Ms. Elkouri and deliver a gift.
During a brief business meeting communications were read and members donated a gift to the Friendship Feast in memory of Betty Endicott. The January luncheon meeting will be held the second Wednesday of the month.
Members of the Tuesday Review Book Club met Dec. 16 at the home of Mrs. Charles Yeakley. Thirteen people attended the holiday luncheon.
Officers for 1998 will be Ruth Stone, president; Margaret Yeakley, vice president; Esther McKelvey, secretary-treasurer; Frances Waldron, reporter.
The book review presented by Marjorie Parker was entitled "A Cup of Christmas Tea" by Tom Hegg. The story centers on an elderly aunt who invited him to her home for a cup of Christmas tea. The woman was know as the "life of the party" in her younger days and has had a stroke and he hesitates to visit. While there, according to the reviewer, the man is "amazed at his feelings of remembrances of Christmas in the past."
Dean Keating acted as Santa Claus and distributed gifts to 12 members and seven guests when Laureate Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met recently. The dinner and gift exchange was held at the home of Dave and Fran Smith.
Elsie Louise Rosenbaum, president, presided during the business session when the names of new secret sisters were chosen. The January meeting will be hosted by Virginia Starks. Carl Renfro will speak about "Volunteerism."
Guests for the holiday occasion were Dean Keating, Jim Rosenbaum, John Williams, Ed Hill, Allen Streeter, Charles Stark and Dave Smith.
Frank E. and Angela A. Kennedy of Blackwell announce the birth of a son at 3:08 a.m. Dec. 5, 1997 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. The baby weighed 8-pounds, 7-ounces and was 21 1/2-inches long. He has been named Blake Elliott Kennedy.
Grandparents are Roy and Ann Kennedy, Sue Luedeman and the late Don Luedeman.
Great-grandparents are Clara Rutherford and Silma Luedeman, the late Eddie
Rutherford and the late Arthur Luedeman.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
Ask any coach and they'll tell you there's more than a one- game difference between being 1-3 and 2-2. A 2-2 team is in contention, a 1-3 team is in decline.
Both Wildcat basketball teams are 1-2 right now, and would love the psychological (not to mention statistical) boost of evening their records tonight against the Jenks Trojans.
And once again - as with every game in the preeminent Frontier Conference - it won't be easy. The Trojans (1-2) return two starters to their lineup against the Cats, while the Lady Trojans (1-2) are coming off a rough loss to Owasso and are out to prove they're worthy of a No.12 state ranking.
The Lady Cats tip off is scheduled for 6:15, and the boys' game will follow at 7:45.
Jenks (1-2) at Ponca City (1-2)
A mythical aura hovers around the Trojans these days - at least around their football team and its pantheon of gridiron gods. But what about their basketball team? Well, they're 1-2.
Wait, forget that. Those two losses (one to Owasso, the only team ranked lower than Ponca), came before the Trojans reassumed the services of 6-1 cornerback/point guard and preseason All-Conference player Brett Butler, as well as 6-4 linebacker/big forward Rocky Calmus.
Unfortunately for the Poncans, Butler and Calmus make their roundball debut in tonight's game, and along with 6-1 guard Matt Frazier, could be a deadly combination. While his teammates were out decimating football foes, Frazier has been taking up the slack - which included a 31 point performance against Bartlesville, two weeks ago.
"We can't let him (Frazier) go crazy on us," says Wildcat head coach Ron Arthur, "or anyone else. They're all good shooters, they're a very disciplined ball club. They'll work the ball around and look for the easy shot."
Discipline may be a trait the Cats could borrow from Jenks. Last week they took a full three quarters to get warmed up before staging a come-back to make it close with No.1 Conference-ranked Sapulpa. The Cats could manage just 26 points in those first three quarters, but poured in 25 in the fourth.
So, 'tis the season to be highly aggressive. If the Cats can ignite a little earlier, they should have a better-than-average chance at evening their record.
"We have to cut down on turnovers (23 last week), and play our game," Arthur concludes, "but we know we can win."
Don't discount the fan-factor, either. Jenks athletics (football, at least) may be approaching omnipotence, but the Trojans are traveling to the Wildcat's Valhalla of Robson Fieldhouse tonight. The litany of taunts from the student section traumatized at least two Sapulpa players last week.
Jenks Lady Trojans (1-2) at P.C. Lady Cats (1-2)
Like the Wildcats, the Lady Cats are looking to improve to .500, against a team with the same record.
Fortunately, the Lady Cats don't have nearly the same Goliath to contend with that they did last week, when they took on state No.1-ranked Sapulpa and a pair of NCAA Div. I signees.
In fact, against the No. 12 ranked Lady Trojans, the Poncans line up quite nicely.
"They're not very tall," says Lady Cat head coach Dana Pulley, "no one really stands out; they don't have a (Sapulpa stars) Nightengale, or a Faulk. It's a good match up. And, they lost by about the same to Sapulpa as we did."
That's 22 points, to anyone keeping track.
The Lady Trojans have only one six-footer, senior Destini Kirkpatrick, but she averaged 13.2 points last year, and leads the team this year in both scoring and rebounds. The rest of the team averages a stately 5-7, about the same as the Lady Cats.
Last week against Sapulpa, the Lady Chieftains' dizzying array of pressure defenses took its toll on the normally resilient Lady Cats. So, as opposed to her normal six or seven-man rotation, Pulley says this week she's going to go deeper on the bench, mix it up, and see what happens.
"They all want to play, they want to show me what they can do," says Pulley, "so I told them this is my Christmas gift to them.
"Aleena Ames has been doing well in JV, and we'll play more of our tall girls - Jennifer Caughman, Sharon Winters, and Lesley Schieber."
Pulley also says that instead of their normal man-to-man defense, they'll try a variation of the half-court trap, something Sapulpa uses quite effectively.
Also, the Lady Cats can ill-afford to give away 76 points as they did last week.
"They know they can do it," Pulley concludes, "but we have to shoot over 50 percent, we have to play four full quarters, and we have to play tough D."
For the Lady Cats, 'tis the season to be stingy.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Tonight's wrestling dual between the Wildcats and Shawnee's Wolves, which will kickoff a wrestling-basketball tripleheader in Robson Fieldhouse, was almost the dual that wasn't.
During the Tulsa Union Wrestling Classic last weekend, a Shawnee assistant coach ask if it was possible to delay the upcoming dual between the Cats and Wolves.
With the plans for a special day of activities, Po-Hi coach Pat Young was reluctant to make the change. By the middle of this week, Young almost changed his mind.
The Wildcat matmen will be without four and maybe five starters when they take to the mat at 5 p.m.
Once again the Cats will be vacant at 103 pounds. Both Mark and Matt Dodgen are out at 130 and 135, respectively. Jacob Beck is out with a shoulder injury at 152 and Union Tournament 275-pound champion Hawley Tsoodle may not be in the lineup.
All that leaves Young scrambling to find replacements and the Wildcats facing the chance of losing what is usually a sure-win dual.
Shawnee has improved its wrestling program and figured to give the Wildcats a tough workout in their final dual before the Christmas break.
Young acknowledged a Wildcat team at full strength could probably handle Shawnee as the Poncans seek their third dual win of the season.
But having to give up a forfeit at 103 pound and with as many as four newcomers in the lineup means, "its going to be close, very close," according to coach Young.
Clint Stafford will make his second varsity start, going at 130 pounds, and Darrin Smith breaks back into the line up at 152.
Scott Steichen and Michael Osborn are scheduled to make their varsity debuts at 135 and 145, respectively. Jason Neuerberg is penciled in at 275.
That leaves the rest of the Wildcat regulars to hold down the fort. Phillip Gelino will be at 112 pounds, Josh Bailey at 119, Willie Ivie at 125, Lorenzo Jones at 140, Kyle Duren at 160, Toby Redleaf at 171, Jay Bentley at 189 and Nick Steichen at 215.
"We can't give up any big bonus points," Young said of today's clash. "We are going to have to wrestle real well."
Shawnee's strength appears to be at the middle weights. Mike Hawkins and Chris Bennett both finished third in the Union Tournament at 130 and 135. The Wolves finished 11th in the team standings with 91 points.
The tentative Shawnee lineup shows a vacancy at 119 pounds, but the Wolves fill out the other weights,
Matt Vandingham is listed at 103, Ty Caruthers at 112, Luke Carson at 125, Wade Brown at 140, D.J. Reeves at 145, Jacob Scarberry at 152, Matt Miller at 160, Daniel Waldron at 171, Brandon Grossman at 189, Trevor Smith at 215 and Rob Morris at 275.
Following tonight's dual, the Wildcats will concentrate on getting healthy again before resuming the season after the first of the year.
They will need to be at full strength early as they face a tough schedule
early in January. The Wildcats travel to the Jenks Quad on Jan. 3, where
they will face Muskogee, Putnam City North and Jenks. They entertain Enid
on Jan. 6 in an effort to wrap up their seventh Dual State berth. They finish
the week at the Geary Tournament Jan. 12-13.