LOCAL

Many Homeless Come From Educated, Working Families
School Menu
Santa Letters
City Calendar
Cornerstone Students Involved With Service
Low Bidder for Patching Work Cowboy Concrete of Stillwater
Troubling Racial Issues Subject of Movie
Edwin Fair Center Honors Darla Thomas for Quarter
Best Christmas Pageant Will Be Presented at NOC
Awe-some Organist To Perform Monday
Day-Long Kindergarten on Agenda
November Weather Was Warmer Than Historic Monthly Average
Castro To Face Final Appeal for Clemency
Nearly News
Letters

Many Homeless Come From Educated, Working Families

Editors Note: Many in Ponca City are unaware that we see the face of the homeless about us everyday in our hometown. We would be surprised to know who they are. They may be persons with whom we work, a clerk who waits on us in a store, a student sitting next to our child in the classroom, or the person standing in front of us in a line at the grocery store. This report is the third in a series about the face of the homeless — our friends, neighbors, and their children — in Ponca City.

By KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

The typical homeless family in Ponca City today is composed of a single parent, age 30-35, with two to three children. The average age of the children is 5 (needs childcare). Surprisingly, about 75 percent of these homeless parents have a high school diploma or associates degree. More than 45 percent are employed when they enter the shelter and 37 percent will enter again for the second time before they get enough assistance, new job training or make other adjustments to get back on their feet. It is estimated three times as many families in the area are standing in the wings, just one paycheck away from homelessness as well.

According to those studies the young single working parent’s basic problems stem from the lack of affordable housing and the high cost of child care. In spite of their education, most draw an annual income of less than $11,440 per year (the bottom of the poverty level). Other factors are listed for a minor portion of the causes leading to homelessness in the Ponca City area, but are not the majority cause of the “new homeless.”

Hard to Believe Facts

The Ponca City area has been known for years as one of the most prosperous areas in Oklahoma with the highest per capita income in the state. Ponca City has been referred to many times as a “jewel” of the prairie — full of beautiful homes and fine schools, and blessed with rich resources and opportunity.

It is hard then for most citizens in the area to believe that problems of homelessness and poverty are occurring with increased frequency to our neighbors in the area. According to some civic volunteers who have been assisting the local shelter, many citizens in the Kay County area still have a hard time accepting the reality of the official count of area neighbors who are being served at Ponca City’s Peachtree Landing homeless shelter each month.

According to state records in 1997, Kay County was rated 30th out of 77 counties in poverty, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, food stamp utilization, unemployment and overall deprivation. In a 15-day period in October 1998, Peachtree Shelter for the homeless verified the facts of the poverty survey as they served 135 individuals including three single fathers and their six children, two single mothers and their five children and one couple with one child. Several of the parents were employed, but could not function with the poor economics.

Area Homeless More Educated

According to Carmalita Wesbrook, Peachtree Landing director, a recent study of family homelessness in America by the Institute for Children and Poverty reflects that Oklahoma is about average in number of homeless families per same population rate in the U.S.

However, notable differences in education and age level were reflected in the Oklahoma homeless. The statistics reflected that 75 percent of the state’s homeless had a high school or higher education and averaged five years older than the national parent seeking aid. Yet 54 percent of the homeless working are bringing home $250 or less per week in earnings, as compared to the average earnings of 79 percent of the non-homeless, who have average incomes of $300 or more. Just $50 per week can often make the difference in homelessness for a single parent, needing childcare and housing in Kay County, say authorities.

Local Solutions Needed

Families comprise the fastest growing group of homeless across America today. A whopping 73 percent of homeless adults in Oklahoma have their children with them when they come to the shelter in crisis. Only about 14 percent of single parents have children living with the other parent or other family members, when they seek aid.

According to Leonard N. Stern, founder, and Ralph Nunez, president and CEO, of the Institute for Children and Poverty, “the numbers reflect an increased need to find satisfactory solutions within the community to solve the crisis. As shelters continue to operate at capacity and the demand for shelter continues to increase, families and children will end up living on the streets. Today, hundreds of thousands of families with young children ... are becoming ‘poverty nomads.’”

Wesbrook agrees, “The physical needs of our homeless area children and their parents in Kay County needs to be studied closely by concerned citizens who want to solve the problem. We need to address the issues of employment with a livable income, affordable quality child care, and inexpensive but adequate housing before we can resign the growing homeless problem here.”

Peachtree Landing homeless shelter, opened it doors in 1988 and has offered a “hand up — not a hand out,” to local citizens needing temporary assistance for more than 10 years. Many of those who were assisted now live constructive lives today, and are grateful for the assistance during their time of crisis. Wesbrook frequently gets visitors or letters of thanks from former clients. But statistics show that the demand is growing and families are now being turned away because of lack of space. The shelter houses 16 per night.

Peachtree Landing is funded in large by donations made to the United Way, and is always appreciative of donations and assistance from area businesses, organizations and private citizens to make up the rest. Clubs, organizations, churches, groups or individuals who want to help with a one time project or as an ongoing support unit at Peachtree Landing may contact Wesbrook at 762-3208. Wesbrook also is available for speaking engagements.

Citizens of Ponca City who want to help with a “hand up — not a hand out,” at the shelter may mail contributions to Peachtree Landing, 105 West Hazel Street, Ponca City, OK 74604.

School Menu

Elementary Breakfast

Monday — Cereal or honey bun, apple, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or honey bun, apple, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Cereal or honey bun, apple, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — Eggs/Blueberry or cereal or honey bun, apple, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Cereal or honey bun, apple, assorted juices and milk.

Elementary Lunch

Monday — Cheeseburger or hot dog/bun or assorted sandwiches or chef salad or diet plate, lettuce leaf and tomato slice, peach cups, tatter tots, saltine crackers, dill spears, Oreo cookies, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Taco snack burrito or steakfingers and hot roll, assorted sandwiches, chef salad, diet plate, au gratin potatoes, fresh carrot coins with ranch dressing, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Frito pie or pizza pockets, applesauce, fresh fruit, Jello, refried beans, Mexican rice, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk.

Thursday — Macaroni and cheese/hot roll, green beans, apricots, fresh fruit Christmas tree cake, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk.

Friday — Chicken ringers/hot roll or beef taquito, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed fruit, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk.

Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Toast and eggs and potatoes or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Blueberry muffin squares and sausage and eggs or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — Eggs and sausage and cheesy tots or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Biscuit and gravy or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Middle School

Mid-High

Breakfast

Monday — Toast and eggs and potatoes, orange juice and milk.

Tuesday — Breakfast burrito or cereal, orange juice and milk.

Wednesday — Biscuits and gravy or biscuits and jelly, orange juice and milk.

Thursday — Eggs and tots and toast or toast and jelly, orange juice and milk.

Friday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal, orange juice and milk.

Middle School

Lunch

Available on Monday through Friday at the Middle School is Domino’s, Carl’s Jr., Taco Bell burritos.

Monday — Fried chicken with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Fiesta burrito, corn, salsa, jalapeno, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Soft beef tacos, Mexican beans or Mexican rice, green salad, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate, potato bar, juice and milk.

Thursday — Chicken strips with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, rosey applesauce, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.

Friday — Breaded chicken sandwich, french fries, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, chocolate chip cookies or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate, pasta bar, juice and milk.

Mid-High

Lunch

Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino’s, Carl’s Jr., Taco Bell burritos.

Monday — Fried chicken and hot rolls, scalloped potatoes, seasoned green beans, mixed fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Fiesta burrito, refried beans, corn, Jello, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Mini corn dogs, broccoli and cheese, green salad fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar, juice and milk.

Thursday — Chicken strips with hot roll, whipped potatoes and gravy, fresh fruit, green salad, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.

Friday — Ravioli and garlic bread, seasoned green beans, tossed salad, rosey applesauce, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar, juice and milk.

High School Lunch

Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a pasta bar, baked potato bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Domino’s.

Training Table

Monday- Friday — Pasta bar, potato bar, deli sandwiches and salads, seasonal fruit.

All-American Line

Monday — Cheeseburger, french fries, lettuce, tomato, rocky road, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Burrito with cheese and chili, tossed salad Jello, salsa, jalapeno, sour cream, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Beef ravioli and garlic bread, mixed vegetables, veggie dippers, seasonal fruit, crackers, Jello, juice and milk.

Thursday — Taco hat salads, salsa, pinto beans, jalapenos, applesauce, Jello, sour cream, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Friday — Chicken strips with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

McCord Elementary

Breakfast

Monday — Cinnamon toast, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Oatmeal, toast, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Biscuits and gravy, juice and milk.

Thursday — Scrambled eggs, toast, juice and milk.

Friday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk.

Lunch

Monday — Pizza, cole slaw, okra, pineapple ring and milk.

Tuesday — Baked ham, oven potatoes, peas, cherry crisp, hot rolls and milk.

Wednesday — Turkey pot pie, biscuit, peaches, ice cream and milk.

Thursday — Goulash, corn, french bread, pears and milk.

Friday — Hot pocket, carrot stick, tator tots, orange wedge, cookie and milk.

Santa Letters

Dear Santa, I have been a good girl. Please bring me some games and toys. I will leave you some milk and cookies. Thank you, Santa. I love you. Cadie

Dear Santa, I need a baskitball goll, Super Intiendo and baskitboll goll. I am sending you a string of beeds. Thanks, Santa. Jessica

Dear Santa, I wood like a Radj Robot please and a Volt Roll, and a game of test drive, and a rele tool set, and a hydro strike and I wood like a bord game called lion heart. And a wwf ring warriors fightin game, and an interactive Arthur and a Cookie Cop game. I am your friend. Dwight

Dear Santa, My name is Clint M. I am 3 years old. For Christmas I want a Cho Cho train with a track, I also want gummy worms in my stocking. I pray for snow every night, can you please let it snow for Christmas. I’ll leave you cookies and mile. I love you. Clint

Dear Santa, My name is Sandy and I am 7 years old. I would like for Christmas a Leapfrog Phonics Bus, a Baby Doll and a Teddy Bear. I love you, Santa. Thank you. Sandy. P.S. To whom it may concern: Sandy cannot write, so this has been written by an adult.

Dear Santa, I would like a radio, slippers, robe, dolls. I live in Ponca City.

Michelle

City Calendar

Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.

Anytime

FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs).

November 27-December 27

Festival of Angels, Holiday Lighting Celebration, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly.

December 6-31

Christmas Tree Collage, Wednesdays-Sundays, 1-5 p.m., Ponca City Art Center.

Today

Holiday Open House, 2-4 p.m., Marland Estate Mansion, Cultural Center, Cann Garden Center.

Christmas program, “Birthday Party for Jesus,” 6 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street.

Children’s Choir presents “A Star Is Born,” a Christmas Musical, 6 p.m., Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 North Pecan.

“Gloria,” presented by adult choir First United Methodist Church, will celebrate Advent in song, 6 p.m., 200 South Sixth Street.

“Sing We Now of Christmas,” an evening of music presented by elementary choirs of First Baptist Church including “Christmas in Egypt,” 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church.

ALANO Group Open Discussion meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.

Monday

Hospice of Ponca City Grief Support Group, 10 a.m., 1904 North Union Street, Suite 103; 7 p.m., Westminster Village.

Conoco Retirees Association Christmas Dinner, social at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., Chapel of Marland Estate, cost $14 per person, tickets from Gerry Morgan 762-0601, Bill Locke 762-5473, Louise Skinner 762-5970, Elmore Johnson 762-5086, Andy Longoria 765-6330.

Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center Commissioner’s Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

First Nazarene Choir presents “Heaven’s Child,” 7 p.m., First Church of Nazarene, 1900 West Grand Avenue.

ALANO Group 12 X 12 meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.

Tuesday

Standing Bear Educational Committee, 11 a.m., Pioneer Bank Drive-In, interested citizens encouraged to attend.

Kaw Lake Association Board Meeting, noon, Golden Corral, North Fourteenth Street and Bradley Avenue, Ponca City.

Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Marland Estate Conference Center.

ALANO Group Beginner’s meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.

Wednesday

Christmas Bingo Gathering, 1:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Ponca City Tourism Authority, 2 p.m., Cultural Center, Sun Room, 2000 East Grand Avenue.

ALANO Group Big Book meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.

Thursday

Hospice of Ponca City Grief Support Group, 10 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, Blackwell.

Park and Recreation Advisory Board, 6:30 p.m., Municipal Court Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room A, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City.

ALANO Group Women’s meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.

Friday

Historical Preservation Advisory Panel Work Session, noon, Planning Conference Room, Commercial Federal Building, Room 305, Fourth Street and Central Avenue.

Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Christmas Music Special, 1:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

William Bernhardt autographing “The Midnight Before Christmas,” 5-7 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.

ALANO Group Speaker meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.

Saturday

Hometown Christmas Show, 7 p.m., Poncan Theatre, advance tickets at Master’s Touch Christian Book Store.

ALANO Group Open Discussion (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.

December 20

“Christmas, Sing Noel,” Sanctuary Choir Cantata, 10:30 a.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street.

First Nazarene Choir presents “Heaven’s Child,” 10:45 a.m., First Church of Nazarene, 1900 West Grand Avenue.

Bravo Brass Concert, 2 p.m., Poncan Theatre, free.

Ponca City Holiday Giveaway, 3 p.m., Sullins Stadium.

Christmas Spectacular “A Light Still Shines” and “Holiday Classics,” 6:30 p.m., presented by adult choir and orchestra of First Baptist Church.

December 21

KLVV’s Sixth Anniversary Open House, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., 3.5 miles west of Ponca City on U.S. 60, come and enjoy the refreshments and studio tour.

Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street, call Beth Wright 765-6738 for additional information.

Family Council, 7 p.m., Highland Nursing Home, 1401 West Highland Avenue.

December 24

Christmas Eve Vesper Service, 5:30 p.m., First Baptist Church.

Christmas Eve Communion Service, 5:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street.

December 27

Mini-Concert featuring Max Lyall, pianist, arranger and recording artist, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church.

December 28

Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center Commissioner’s Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

December 29

Ponca City Main Street Authority, 1 p.m., Main Street Office, 117 North Third Street.

December 30

Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning Conference Room, Commercial Federal Building, Room 305, Fourth Street and Central Avenue.

End of Year Bingo Bash, 1:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Cornerstone Students Involved With Service

Students at Cornerstone Community Christian Academy have been actively involved in various service projects this school year.

CCCA coordinated the effort for Operation Christmas Child for Kay County. Operation Christmas Child is a project sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, a nonprofit organization headed by Franklin Graham.

Last year Christmas shoe boxes were delivered to over one million children in 41 countries through the efforts of Operation Christmas Child. CCCA, with the help of local churches and organizations, wrapped and filled shoe boxes for 85 children ages two to 14. Each boxed was filled with school and personal items in addition to toys. The boxes were then delivered to the regional drop point in Tulsa for world-wide distribution. The children will receive their boxes during the week prior to and week of Christmas. Many churches and individuals helped make this project a success.

CCCA students also are involved in several projects for the month of December. A gingerbread house was made and decorated for the children’s wing at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The students also are making placemats and place cards for local nursing and retirement homes. Items have been prepared for distribution to the local jails and Kay County Juvenile Detention Center. In addition, the students have adopted a family for Christmas and will be providing this family with a Christmas meal and gifts.

The Saints Booster Club is sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner and Christmas Gift Wrap Monday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 3401 North Union. The cost of the dinner and gift wrapping will be by donation. Proceeds will enable area youth associated with the Saints and Lady Saints to participate in competitive sports. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of good food and to bring any presents that they may need wrapped. Gifts will be wrapped as you east or may be left for pickup at a later date. Wrapping paper is furnished, or you may bring your own.

Low Bidder for Patching Work Cowboy Concrete of Stillwater

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Repairs to the streets and repairs to curbs and gutters — city commissioners will be considering two separate, but related, maintenance items during Monday night’s city commission meeting.

“Both of these items involve repairs to existing concrete streets throughout the city,” said Public Works Director Ken Parr. “It’s important that these types of repair projects continue so that we can properly maintain the streets and ultimately reduce costs by extending the life of the streets.”

The most expensive and probably most controversial contract is the one involving concrete patching of local streets. While the related work may not be an issue, the low bidder may well be. The lowest bid was submitted by Stillwater contractor Cowboy Concrete and Construction Company in amount of $266,043.

However, Cowboy Concrete was the contractor of the recently completed Phase II of the Hartford Street Project and came under fire by local merchants and residents when the project was not completed in a timely fashion.

The company was fined $500 per day for every day that the project extended past the allotted contract period.

The next highest bidder is local contractor Chitwood Construction Company with a bid approximately 8 percent higher than Cowboy Concrete and Construction Company.

In a memorandum to the commissioners, the bid committee wrote: “Although the bid committee is recommending to accept the low bid from Cowboy Concrete, we do realize, from reviewing the history of recent projects of both of the mentioned contractors, that the project will require more supervision and effort by City staff to ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner and that the end product is of an acceptable quality if Cowboy Concrete is awarded the project.

“On the other hand, engineering staff also realizes that it is our responsibility to ensure a quality product regardless of who the contractor may be and any additional work that may be required on our part due to the nature of a particular contractor.

“In summary, the bid committee is making a recommendation, to the Board of Commissioners, to award the contract to Cowboy Concrete and Construction Inc.”

The other repair contract involves street curb and gutter repairs. City staff is recommending that low bidder Chitwood Construction Company be awarded the contract in the amount of $49,695.

City commissioners will also be considering a lease agreement between the City and the Ambucs regarding the Jack Blevins Motor Cross Track.

A grant application for funds for the construction of a street which would connect Sykes Boulevard to Thorn Apple Valley Drive and create a “truck traffic loop” in the Ponca City Airport Industrial Park will also be voted on Monday night.

A proposed Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority contract amendment regarding the power sales contract relative to the pending electric deregulation is also on the agenda.

Among the items on the consent agenda are:

• The purchase of seven city vehicles including six police patrol vehicles in the amount of $121,389.60.

• A contract between the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Ponca City Library for Fiscal Year 1999 State Aid Allotment.

• A proposal from the Western Center for the Conservation of Fine Arts, Denver, Colorado (WCCFA) to furnish labor and materials to restore art work owned by the Marland Mansion.

• The Pool Committee’s recommendation to accept the bid for the Swimming Pool Filter Tank Replacement for the Community Pool in the amount of $50,721.72 from Cardinal Pool, Oklahoma City.

• The purchase of 80 Rearload Containers in the amount of $26,214 for the Solid Waste Department.

• Disbursements in the amount of $430,616 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, Phase 2.

• Payment to Chapman, Gill & Associates in the amount of $10,202.50 relating to the Turkey Creek Sanitary Sewer Project.

The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday. Because repairs and renovations are under way at the Public Safety Center the meeting will be held at the Otoe Room at the Hutchins Memorial located at Fifth Street and Overbrook Avenue.

Troubling Racial Issues Subject of Movie

“American History X” may receive an Academy Award nomination for acting, according to Boxoffice Magazine. The film deals with the challenging topic of racism. It deals with the subject of a young man who becomes a Neo-Nazi, not for the usual hate motives but rather because of social pressures.

“American History X” plays this afternoon at 4 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre.

The story is about two brothers, Derek (Edward Norton) and Danny (Edward Furlong). The older brother is convicted of killing a man who was trying to steal his car, and he is sent to prison. His father, a fireman, is murdered in the line of duty when he tries to enter a crack house to save the victims. The car thieves and the killer of Derek’s father were both black. Derek slowly becomes a Neo-Nazi, and the pressure builds on his brother also. But this is not a simple, obvious choice. The moral center of the film comes from a black history teacher (Avery Brooks).

This film give “more provocative thought than any American film” on the subject of race in years, says Roger Ebert. ABC says the film is compelling,” and that it works “both as a social treatise and as entertainment,” with “magnetic lead performances.” Boxoffice says it “avoids propagandizing,” and ABC adds that “American History X” is a crash course on how to make a message movie that resonates with crackling power.”

This is “an uncompromising piece of filmmaking, intelligently written and dramatically show,” says TV Guide. The Chicago Tribune says it’s “a very good film with some dazzling moments and one truly outstanding performance!” It’s variously been called “riveting,” “intelligent,” “provocative,” and “compelling” by a large number of critics. Screen It Magazine says it’s “undeniably one of the more powerful films you’ll see this year.”

“American History X,” showing at the Poncan Theatre, is rated R. Patrons should consult The Ponca City News or the theater for showtimes. The theater at 104 East Grand is at 580-765-0943.

Edwin Fair Center Honors Darla Thomas for Quarter

Darla Thomas has been selected as employee-of-the-quarter for the third quarter of 1998 at the Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center.

Bob Hefley, executive director, announced the selection at the November Board Meeting. Darla is the accounts payable clerk for the entire organization with her office in the Ponca City Outpatient Center.

Employees are chosen, one each quarter, for their contribution above and beyond their job duties. Nominations are made by fellow employees and the contribution may be to the Center or to the Center’s clients.

Thomas was chosen for her contribution during the recent independent financial audit.

Her nominator said, “Darla deserves a big thank you for going through the audit without any citations. Accounts payable for all five counties is a big job. Darla is consistent with checking the information submitted, getting the needed signatures, and processing the accounts payable checks on schedule.”

Thomas received an award of $100 and a plaque at the Board Meeting. Her name will be added to the traveling plaque and will hang in the Ponca City office during the next quarter.

The winner lives in Ponca City, and has been an employee of Edwin Fair Center since 1995. She has three children, Patricia Jackson, Phillip and Kyle Thomas.

Best Christmas Pageant Will Be Presented at NOC

TONKAWA — Delta Psi Omega theater fraternity of Northern Oklahoma College is holding “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The play, written by Barbara Robinson, is the story of the incorrigible Herdsman children who volunteer for the Sunday School Christmas pageant and, through their original interpretation of the traditional story, make clear the true meaning of Christmas to young and old alike.

Ponca City youngsters appearing on stage include T.J. Helm as the terrible Leroy Herdman, portraying a wise man; Ali Challis as Shirley, playing an angel; and Blair Turney as Alice, also playing an angel.

Northern sophomores from Ponca City include Trisha Challis, Delta Psi Omega vice president, playing Grace Bradley, director of the Sunday school pageant; Joe Lessert as Grace’s husband; and Marie Beyer as Mrs. Slocum. Ponca City community actress Lois Challis has the role of Mrs. Armstrong.

Brad Ellis, a sophomore from Enid, debuts as director under the name J.V. Starks. Don Sloper of Blackwell plays the Rev. Hopkins, and Cyndi Brewer of Blackwell plays Mrs. McCarthy.

The Bradley children, Beth and Charlie, are played respectively by Kristyn Pickering and Jeremy Pfaff of Blackwell. The remaining Herdman children are played by Stevie Shied of Newkirk as Imogene; Seth Fiscus and Cameron Pickering, Blackwell, as Ralph and Claude; and Paula Smithheisler and Tyler Price, Tonkawa, as Gladys and Ollie.

Other cast members include Northern students Alex Breeding of Bixby as Mrs. Clark, and Andrea Nelson of Enid as Mrs. Clausing.

Blackwell children participating are Julia Bonewell, Lauren Bonewell, Nicholas Love, Kari Ann Wood and Beth Wood. Tonkawa children participating are Rachael Dozer, Tara Johnson, Paige Klinger, Jessica Moore, Jillian Moore and Shelby White. Kayle Sheid of Newkirk also appears. The play is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc.

The production will be in the Northern Performing Arts Center, and admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students.

Awe-some Organist To Perform Monday

A “Liberace of the Organ” will perform in Ponca City Monday. Dennis Awe, one of the most acclaimed organists in the nation, will be presented in concert by Miles Music.

The performance is a benefit for the AMBUCS and for the Salvation Army, and will be in the Poncan Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

“This guy is fantastic,” says Ponca Citian Bill Steuver. “I saw him here in town last year, and he was so exciting that none of us wanted the performance to end.” Ken Miles of Miles Music says “you’ve never seen anything like him. He’s absolutely fabulous. He can play anything.”

Awe certainly has the credentials. At age 16, he appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. He has performed at Radio City Music Hall, Las Vegas, and all over the nation. He was a conductor of many Broadway musicals, including “The Music Man” with Eddie Albert and later with Bert Parks, “Gypsy” with Ethel Merman, and “Wild Cat” with Lucille Ball.

He also has played for live television. When soap operas used an organ for the theme and background music, Awe played for some of the best, including “The Young Dr. Malone” and “Dark Shadows.” He also played the organ on “Who Do You Trust,” hosted by Johnny Carson. His film work includes soundtracks for a number of horror films, including several starring Vincent Price.

Dennis Awe will be playing a state of the art Technics organ, provided for the concert by Miles Music. The concert will be very diverse, including a number of swing era hits such as memorable songs from Glen Miller and Tommy Dorsey. Awe will also play some great music from Hollywood and Broadway. The new capabilities of a digital organ give it the ability of sounding like a full swing orchestra.

Patrons will be asked to make a donation at the door. The concert is timely for the holiday season and the desire to support folks who need help. The proceeds go to the Salvation Army and to AMBUCS, both of whom are charitable organizations. For more information about the concert, patrons may call Miles Music at 580-762-5866.

Day-Long Kindergarten on Agenda

Ponca City Public Schools may go to all-day four-year-old and kindergarten programs next year if the school board goes along with the superintendent’s recommendation.

The board meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the school administration building, 111 West Grand. The meeting is open to the public.

The prekindergarten proposal includes seven teachers, each teaching half-day sessions of 20 students per session for a total of 280 students. The contract with Head Start at White Eagle will serve an additional 20 students. Transportation will be provided for Garfield, Lincoln, Washington and Woodlands students to one of the other sites.

According to the school district, the full-day kindergarten program will be available in all eight schools with two sections of 20-24 students each. Due to space issues, Lincoln would offer one half-day class. All students would have the option of attending half-day or full-day kindergarten.

The district says the additional 4-year-olds would generate enough state aid to pay for the additional classes provided that the surplus teaching positions at Garfield, Roosevelt, Trout and Union are used.

Dr. Bill White, superintendent of schools, has recommended approval of the expansion.

Other items on the agenda include:

— Change order to the Commons Addition and Howell Building Remodel Project at the High School.

— Change order to the Elementary School Remodel Projects of Liberty, Trout and Woodlands Elementary schools.

— Consideration of renewal of insurance agreement with Simpson Insurance Agency of Ponca City for live insurance for district support personnel.

— Agreement with Green Tree Vendor Service to lease to own two phases of software and hardware for the Campus Mart Child Nutrition Services.

— Agreement with Lewis Associates Architects for architectural services for the girls softball lighting and improvement to the senior high’s Anderson Building.

— Approval of 1999 school board meeting dates.

— Consideration of revisions to board policies.

— The board agenda also lists statutory reasons for going into executive session although no specific reasons were given.

— Vote on temporarily suspending board policy concerning the employment of teachers in attempt to resolve objections of the Ponca City Association of Classroom Teachers.

November Weather Was Warmer Than Historic Monthly Average

By MAX STOKESBERRY

News Staff Writer

It doesn’t take a qualified meteorologist to recognize that up to now the autumn of 1998 has been decidedly warmer than the norm. Lowest temperatures in the fall season, as of Saturday, had been only 29 degrees on Dec. 8.

November’s daily temperature at Ponca City Municipal Airport averaged 53.7 degrees, which was 5.4 degrees above normal. Hottest weather of the month came in the final week when five days saw readings in the 70s. These included the month’s top reading of 77 on the 27th and the two warmest nights when the mercury never dropped below 61 degrees on the 28th and 29th.

The 77 reading was considerably under several previous November marks. Hottest figure recorded for the 11th month, dating back to 1954, was 87 degrees in 1980. In seven of the last 31 years the month’s temperatures reached into the 80s, but in 1972 and 1966 they climbed only to 66 and 68.

Universal Weather Station observers at the airport reported temperatures dipping only to 31 degrees last month, on the 11th and 20th. The reading on the 11th signaled the first freeze of the season, and both times climatic conditions became warmer again. In contrast to this year’s balmy weather, Nov. 17, 1959, posted a low of three degrees.

As unusual as that would be, 1998 seems to have a good chance of setting a new local moisture record for the second year in a row. November’s rainfall of 4.92 inches brought the total for 11 months to 49.24 inches, threatening the mark of 51.08 set in 1997. The rain gauge showed 14.91 inches above normal as December arrived. This month has added 1.5 inches to bring the year’s total to 50.74, leaving only .34-inch needed to catch up with last year’s total.

The normal expectation for December this year is 1.69 inches, based on the month’s average precipitation over the last 15 years, the weather station reported. While this year’s November rainfall of 4.92 inches was 2.20 above normal for the month, it was far short of the record, which is 12.14 inches received in 1979. Many people remember the cloudburst of that month when this area was doused with 11.11 inches on Nov. 20.

December has a more modest track record, with 5.31 inches in 1997, its wettest month. In the last 30 years 11 Decembers have produced less than an inch of moisture.

As a result of the extended warm weather, early seeded wheat fields are providing an abundance of pasture for cattle. In fact, growths are so rank that a hard freeze would be welcomed. On the other hand, fields planted late for various reasons have been given time to develop a better root system than would normally be expected at this date.

The weather has permitted an extra cutting of alfalfa, but conditions have not been so good for cotton, soybeans and other crops. The delay in arrival of cold weather has resulted in pecans and some field crops suffering damage by hungry crows and other migrating birds that ordinarily would have gone much farther south by this time.

Castro To Face Final Appeal for Clemency

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

The state courts, the federal courts and the United States Supreme Court have all denied his appeal, and now convicted killer and death row inmate John Walter Castro Sr., is set to plead for his life in what may well be his last chance to escape execution.

Castro was convicted of killing two Ponca City women and is scheduled to die Jan. 7 for one of those murders.

However, on Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. Castro is slated for the performance of his life as he attempts to persuade five members of the Oklahoma State Parole Board to recommend clemency.

“At this time John is scheduled to speak on his own behalf at the hearing,” Castro’s lawyer Steve Presson said from his office in Norman.

Chances are slim that the parole board will vote for clemency, and even his lawyer is doubtful that any reprieve will be granted.

“In this political climate I’m not optimistic about clemency,” Presson said. “But he deserves clemency and we’ll be attempting to get clemency for him.”

Castro was sentenced to death for the 1983 murder of 31-year-old Beulah Grace Sissons Cox. The OSU student’s body was found in a remote area of Noble County four months after Castro shot her in the back of the head with a .25 caliber pistol.

He was also convicted and sentenced to death for the June 1983 death of 29-year-old Rhonda Pappan who was stabbed to death during an armed robbery at the restaurant she managed in Ponca City.

Castro was convicted and sentenced to death for the Pappan murder. However, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the death sentence because the testimony of two expert witnesses was not allowed during sentencing. The case was then placed on hold pending the outcome of the Cox case.

It would take a 3 to 2 vote for the board to recommend clemency to the governor, a feat that has not occurred since the death penalty was reinstated in 1977.

“This is somewhat a last chance after all appeals have been exhausted,” says Parole Director Terry Jenks. “It is the end of the line in some respects.”

An end necessary for some families members of the victims.

“I hope the parole board goes on with what is supposed to happen,” says Douglas Pappan, who was married to Rhonda Pappan at the time of her murder. “He doesn’t need life in prison. He can go under just like the others he put under.”

Nearly News

The word is out! Festival of Angels lighted displays are something to behold and are delighting observers in large numbers. It has been reported to Nearly News that twice as many people to date have visited Lake Ponca Park’s lighted displays as did last year. Don’t miss what people from all over come to Ponca City to enjoy. Lake Ponca Park is open nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 27.

Letters

Beware of Expansion

Will “wonders” never cease?

The Ponca City Board of Education will be presented with a proposal at the Monday, Dec. 24, meeting to extend kindergarten to a full day rather than half-day program. This concept so appalls me (as well as every other parent, teacher, early childhood specialist and former kindergarten teacher that I have contacted) that it is hard to conceive the possibility of it coming to pass. Is it possible that we now seek to further the latest experiment in education with our 5-year-old children?

The current structure of kindergarten serves well, except for those needing full-time day care services or those seeking to gain additional federal funding for the number of little heads on premises at any time. Are these facts-and reasons for promotion — not obvious? It seems such a waste of effort to state what is common sense; but then again, common sense often needs a voice in such matters. If there was any doubt it has been obliterated by the parental option to the full-day program which would allow a child to be picked up after completing a half-day of kindergarten. Take note, taxpayers: You are being asked to fund day care in your public schools.!

Five-year-olds are not equipped to be in a school setting from 8 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. There is no question that learning will not take place after a certain period of time, that a full day program is developmentally inappropriate. These are very young children, with emphasis on “very.” It is NOT the business of public education to mandate what a 5-year-old who should be playing, napping or spending time with a parent or caregiver (not to be confused with teacher) do with their day.

Yes, other states do offer full-day kindergarten programs; but when was the last time we wanted to imitate what the state of Arkansas does in the field of education? Extending the school day of a kindergarten student will not “fix” the high school drop-out rate.

I urge you to contact members of the Board of Education with your concerns prior to the meeting tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m.: Marvin Clark (765-3300), Kyle Keffer (765-1374), Mike Kruck (765-3050), Chris Littlecook (767-1261), Andrea Morris (765-6260), Steve Stalcup (765-7828) and John Young (765-8643).

Elizabeth Nickles

Scary Polls

Poll results showing support for the President may indicate an underlying danger to the country. The danger is that a large part of the American people are willing to sacrifice their principles, accept dishonesty and lack of character in their elected officials if those officials will give them things and do things for them. I think there was a time in this country when the American people held individual liberty paramount and knew they must limit government if they wanted to keep their freedom, because unfettered government and freedom are opposites. Now it seems that many people are willing to trade their freedom for a big, intrusive, tax hungry and controlling government.

There are no free rides, as we get more from government, we also get the strings which restrict our liberty.

Dave White

Favors Golf Channel

Cable One has requested suggestions on filling in two vacant channels they will have at the first of the year. I called them and asked if they would consider the “golf” channel as there are many golfers in this area who would enjoy it besides myself.

The young lady informed me that she would put my suggestion down and that if other golfers would call them and ask for it and they received a sufficient number of requests, that it might go a long way towards receiving it.

So, come on golfers and duffers and interested spectators. Call them.

Bob Oswalt

DEATHS

Edward Leon Green
Luther Lee McGlaslin Sr.
Virginia Mae Beck
Joy L. Copeland
Jaunita L. Allen
Ethal May Harris
Dorothy D. Carruth
William Alexander Jr.

Edward Leon Green

BLACKWELL — Edward Leon Green, resident of Blackwell, died Thursday evening, Dec. 10, 1998, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 84.

Local visitation will be Sunday, Dec. 13, 1998, from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Roberts Funeral Home chapel. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1998, in the West Funeral Home Chapel in Carlsbad, N.M. Burial will follow in the Sunset Gardens Memorial Park in Carlsbad, N.M.

Edward Leon Green was born on Jan. 15, 1914, in Monroe, the son of George Matthew and Alma (Ritter) Green. As a child he moved with his parents to Roswell, N.M., where he attended school, graduating in 1932. He married Lois Evelyn Tabor on Dec. 25, 1935, in Roswell, N.M., and they settled there.

Green entered the United States Army on Feb. 13, 1943, serving in World War II. Following his discharge on Dec. 9, 1945, he moved to Lovington, N.M., and later to Carlsbad, N.M., where he was self-employed. He retired in 1976. In 1991 he moved to Ponca City and to Blackwell in 1997 where he made his home. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge and the Veterans of Foreign War.

He is survived by a son, Mark 0. Green of Ponca City; a sister, Jean Adams of Roswell, N.M.; a brother, George M. Green of Belen, N.M.; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; a brother, Dink Green; and an infant sister.

Luther Lee McGlaslin Sr.

Pawnee — Luther Lee McGlaslin Sr., resident of Enid, died Friday, Dec. 11, 1998, in Oklahoma City. He was 76.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 1998, at the Poteet Funeral Home chapel in Pawnee with the Rev. Max Malone officiating. Burial will follow in the Otoe-Missouria Cemetery in Red Rock.

Luther Lee McGlaslin Sr. was born May 3, 1922, in Red Rock, the son of Charlie McGlaslin and Lena Arkeketa Hartico McGlaslin. On Sept. 13, 1947, he married Juanita Mae Taylor in Winfield, Kan. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Prior to moving to Enid in 1962, he lived in the area where Sooner Lake is now located. Taylor was a carpenter by trade and worked for Bank Lumber Yard in Enid until he was 62 years old. He served as pastor in the Enid area for 18 years. He enjoyed being a silversmith, and he was a member of the First Indian Baptist Church in Enid.

He is survived by his wife of the home; four daughters, Anna Lee Walters of Tsaile, Ariz., Leda Vee Snell of Pawnee, Anita Faye McGlaslin of Santa Fe, N.M., and Jody Marie Pekah of Clinton; one son, Luther Lee McGlaslin Jr. of Enid; one brother, Jonas Hartico of Red Rock; three sisters, Ester Childs Gooden of Red Rock, Thomasine Hayes Davis of Ponca City, and Rebecca McGlaslin of Oklahoma City; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Taylor McGlaslin; two sisters, Lydia Childs Williams and Elizabeth McGlaslin; and one brother, Robert McGlaslin.

Virginia Mae Beck

NEWKIRK — Virginia Mae Beck, longtime Newkirk area resident, died Thursday, Dec. 10, 1998, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 73.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 1998, in Miller-Stahl Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Dennis Wildman, pastor of the Kildare Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery.

Virginia Mae Beck was born Aug. 30, 1925, in Stillwater, the daughter of Roy Samuel and Bertha Ann Howell Van Arsdell. She grew up on the family farm and attended Cherokee School in Payne County. In 1936, the family moved to Glencoe, and later to a farm at Pawnee. She attended Pawnee High School and graduated in 1943. She worked at Douglas Aircraft in Oklahoma City for three years before returning to the family home in Pawnee.

She married Francis James (Pete) Beck on Aug. 18, 1947, in Tulsa. They established their home on a farm east of Kildare.

Virginia attended LPN school at Pioneer Area Vocational Technical School, graduating in 1970. She was employed by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center until 1978. She attended nursing school at Northern Oklahoma College and graduated with an associate degree in nursing in 1980. She continued to work at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center until February 1990.

Beck is survived by two sons, James W. Beck of Newkirk, and Tom H. Beck of Kildare; one brother, Henry Van Arsdell of Durant; two sisters, Nerle Lee of Wichita, Kan., and Bonnie Wilson of Pawnee; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband on March 5, 1981, and her parents.

A memorial fund has been established in her name for the Kildare Baptist Church. Contributions may be made through Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.

Joy L. Copeland

GREAT BEND, Kan. — Joy L. Copeland, resident of Great Bend, Kan., died Thursday, Dec. 10, 1998, in Ellinwood, Kan. She was 80.

The funeral will be held 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1998, at the Bryant-Christians Funeral Home in Great Bend, Kan., with the Rev. William Johnston officiating. Burial will follow in the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation hours will be 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, and 9 a.m. to time of service Tuesday.

Joy L. Copeland was born Oct. 5, 1918, in Welch, the daughter of Joy Claton and Lula Carter Leake. She married Foster “Cope” Copeland on Jan, 11, 1947, in Opelousas, La. They lived in Larned, Kan., and moved to Great Bend, Kan., where they had resided since 1950. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Christian Church of Great Bend, Kan.

She is survived by her husband of the home; one daughter, Billie McVey of Great Bend, Kan.; one brother, J.C. Leake of Ponca City; one sister, Berniece Hayes of Ponca City; one grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Emma Crosley.

Obituaries

Jaunita L. Allen

Juanita Allen, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday morning, Dec. 11, 1998, at Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 86.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 1998, in the Chapel of Trout Funeral Home with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor, First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Dick Simpson, Don Potter, Isaac Coutre, Zachary Coutre, Richard Coutre and Jeremy Coutre. Honorary casket bearers will be Michael Adkins, Bill Murphy, Eddie Griffith, and Toby Griffith.

Juanita was born April 21, 1912, in Chouteau. She was the daughter of John Francis and Josie (Brown) Adkins. After her marriage to Lemuel Allen, the couple moved to Ponca City. They owned and operated a shoe repair shop on West Grand for many years. She was a longtime active member of the First Baptist Church.

Survivors include her brother, Earl Adkins, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one brother.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 218 South Sixth, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

Ethal May Harris

Ethel May Harris, Ponca City resident, died Thursday morning, Dec. 10, 1998, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Enid. She was 84.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 1998, at St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. William Bonee, pastor, officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Memorial Park Cemetery, Enid.

Ethel was born on Nov. 11, 1914, in Kiowa, Kan., the daughter of George and Georgia M. (Hull) Wright. Ethel was married to Walter Eugene “Gene” Martin on June 26, 1933, at Medicine Lodge, Kan. To this union there were born eight children — five boys and three girls. Walter died Aug. 10, 1966, in Enid after a lengthy illness.

Ethel remained in Enid, supporting herself by working in the housekeeping department of St. Mary’s Hospital; she later took a course in practical nursing at O.T. Autry Vo-Tech. She then continued working at the hospital as an LPN until her retirement in May of 1979.

She was married to Merrill L. Harris of Ponca City on May 12, 1979, in Millington, Tenn., and the couple made their home in Ponca City.

Ethel was a member of St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene in Ponca City. She was a volunteer with Hospice of Ponca City for several years until her husband’s failing health necessitated her resignation. Her husband, Merrill, passed away on April 16, 1995. Her hobbies included handicrafts, church activities and traveling.

She leaves five sons, Darrel Martin of Oklahoma City, Kenneth Martin, Charles Martin and Tom Martin Sr., all of Enid, and Harry Martin of Wichita, Kan.; three daughters, Beth Tappen and Pamela Morgaridge, both of Enid, and Karen Smith of Blanchard; one stepson, Arlen Harris of Mannford; one stepdaughter, Shirley Bell of Ponca City; two brothers, Marvin Wright of Platte City, Mo., and Vernon Wright of Wichita, Kan.; three sisters, Leta Schwanz of Caldwell, Idaho, Juanita Akers of Anacortes, Wash., and Joyce Miller of Merced, Calif.; 31 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren.

In addition to both husbands, her parents, two stepsons and three sisters preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1151, Ponca City, OK 74602.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Dorothy D. Carruth

Dorothy D. Carruth, Ponca City resident, died Saturday afternoon, Dec. 12, 1998, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, She was 56. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

William Alexander Jr.

SHIDLER — William Alexander Jr., resident of Shidler, died Friday evening, Dec. 11, 1998, at his home. He was 67. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

American Legion Bingo — The American Legion has announced changes in their bingo schedules. Monday games will begin at 1 p.m., and the doors will open Tuesday at 5 p.m. with early games beginning at 5:50 p.m. and regular games at 7 p.m. Monday afternoon’s pot will be larger.

Need a Treat? — Do you need a special homemade treat for home or the office? Then don’t miss Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Fellowship’s Cookie Sale on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. until noon at K-Mart. But wait, in case you can’t make it to K-Mart, the cookie elves will be in front of Betty’s Boutique at Fourth and Grand downtown from 1 p.m. until the goodies are all gone!

Legion Preparing Baskets — The folks at the American Legion are preparing food baskets for the needy for Christmas, and are asking folks to bring canned goods and other non-perishable goods to the Legion building on South Avenue during this next week. Help make it a Merry Christmas for everyone — share.

Parent Group to Meet — The city-wide Parent Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 15 in the Conference Room at Po-Hi to discuss Alternative Education. All members are urged to attend.

Pilgrimage to Prague and Italy — Father Ben Zoeller from Yukon’s St. John Nepomuk Catholic Parish will lead a 12-day Pilgrimage to Prague, Czech Republic and Italy. Department Oklahoma City on Oct. 8, 1999, the itinerary includes four nights in Prague, five nights in Rome and two nights in Assisi. If you would like more information on Fr. Zoeller’s group, please call John Tagnesi at 405-947-7171 or Fr. Zoeller at 405-354-2743.

Royal Neighbors Plan Yule Meal — Ponca City’s Royal Neighbors of America will entertain with their annual Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday at 12:30 at the Community Christian Church. All members are urged to attend this event.

Overstock Sweatshirt Sale — Need a sweatshirt? We have overstocked large sweatshirts at Village Green Print Shop, located in Opportunity Village. Come by and see our large stock, now on sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sertoma Club Hosting Dinner — The Sertoma Club of Ponca City is asking for support on Monday, Dec. 14 as they host dining at El Chico’s. Anytime between 5 and 10 p.m. on that evening, you will help fund Sertoma’s Community Projects, such as The National Heritage Banquet where the Policeman and Fireman of the Year are honored, and the Children’s Library Bookmobile, if you dine at El Chico’s. For more information, please call Rose Rathbun at 765-0104.

Theft — At 7:21 a.m. Friday a resident in the 50 block of Stoneridge Road called police reporting the theft of Christmas decorations. A report was taken.

Vandalism — Vandalism to playground equipment in the 400 block of South Ash Street was reported to police at 8:14 a.m. Friday.

Missing Money — At 8:44 a.m. Friday an employee at Wendy’s 700 North First Street, reported some missing money. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Car Hit — At 10:25 a.m. Friday a woman in the 700 block of South Sixth Street advised police that her car had been hit in a parking lot. An officer was assigned.

Vehicle Vandalism — At 12:32 p.m. Friday a woman notified police that her vehicle had been “keyed” while parked in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue.

Found Dog — A man in the 200 block of North Birch Street advised police at 12:42 p.m. Friday that his dog had been stolen. However, it was determined that the dog had been picked up by Animal Control.

Arrest — Police arrested a 39-year-old man at 2:20 p.m. Friday from Wal-Mart, 1100 East Prospect Avenue, for petit larceny.

Animals Killed — At woman in the 400 block of East Detroit Avenue called police at 2:44 p.m. Friday reporting that someone had killed her animals. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Stolen Bike — At 3:41 p.m. Friday a bike was reported stolen from Liberty School, 505 West Liberty Avenue. A report was taken.

Stolen Dryer — At 4:09 p.m. Friday a dryer was reportedly stolen out of the laundry room of the Village Green Apartments, 2700 North Fifth Street.

Arrest — A 48-year-old man was arrested at 4:39 p.m. Friday from 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street for two counts of sexual battery, providing alcohol to a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Juvenile Arrest — A 16-year-old boy was arrested at 6:234 p.m. Friday from Hastings, 2900 North Fourteenth Street, for grand larceny.

Bike Theft — At 6:32 p.m. Friday a man in the 500 block of North Elm Street reported the theft of a bike.

Theft — A man in the 700 block of Monument Road called police at 7:31 p.m. Friday to report that his check book had been stolen. An officer was assigned and took a report on an auto burglary and uttering a forged instrument.

Fight — At 9:06 p.m. Friday a fight was reported at Eleventh Street and South Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Arrest — Police arrested a 39-year-old man at 10:56 p.m. Friday from the 2800 block of East Lake Road for driving under the influence and driving under suspension.

Assault — At 2:57 a.m. Saturday an assault was reported in the 500 block of North Fourth Street. An officer was assigned.

Juvenile Arrest — A 17-year-old boy was arrested at 3:05 a.m. Saturday from the 300 block of West Grand Avenue for indecent exposure and curfew violation.

LIFESTYLES

High School Students and Hospice Create Memory Trees
Wedding Plans Announced
Couple Celebrates 50 Years
Your Time Is The Most Precious Gift To Elderly
Sharon Warner Engaged
Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter Planning Luncheon Event
Wheatheart Nutrition
Little News
Enid Woman Wins Pioneer Quilt Guild ‘Museum’ Duplicate
Barkers Observe Anniversary
Fibromyalgia
AARP Officers
Toy Drive
Event Will Honor Bishops
Publishing Company Awards Employees
Newcomers Club To Meet Thursday
R.L. ‘Lee’ Hart Celebrating 98th Birthday
Gingerbread Christmas Luncheon Slated at Country Club by PCCWC
Ponca City Happenings

High School Students and Hospice Create Memory Trees

A joint project involving local high school students and Hospice of Ponca City has attracted national attention. The Ponca City Leadership Class, created with funding from a Learn and Serve America grant awarded through the State Department, is assisting Hospice with its Memory Tree project in the local schools.

The grant was written by teachers Carolyn Berry and Betsy Easley. Hospice administrative Director Melody Lahann and Bereavement Counselor Debra Brock recently were invited to present a workshop on the project to the national conference of the National Hospice Organization in Dallas. The project is unique to Ponca City and has never been attempted in other areas.

The Memory Tree project is in its third year. Christmas trees are placed in local schools along with paper ornaments to allow students (and faculty and staff) to remember friends and loved ones who have died. Students write the name of the person they wish to remember on the ornament, decorate it, and hang it on the tree. Adult Hospice volunteers created tree skirts especially for each school, and the garlands used on the trees are in the school colors.

3000 Ornaments

The Leadership Class students were responsible for cutting out all of the ornaments (over 3000 were made), delivering and setting up the trees, and decorating them. The students were also in charge of contacting the schools to make the arrangements for the trees. The 18 students were assigned specific schools and are also checking that there are always plenty of blank ornaments on hand. As an added benefit to the elementary schools, the high school students are available to explain the project to the students and to help younger children make the ornaments.

“We’re excited about the project for several reasons,” says Lahann. “We are thrilled that so many schools have chosen to participate in the Memory Tree project. The purpose of placing the trees in the schools is to allow children and teenagers who have had a loved one or friend die, to acknowledge, in a non-threatening way, that they miss that person and want to remember him/her.”

Brock adds that the holidays are a particularly tough time for those grieving the loss of a loved one — this is true regardless of the age of the individual. “Children are often the forgotten grievers,” she says “because they grieve differently from adults. Their grief is often not recognized.” Parents of students in the schools participating in the project were sent a letter from the Hospice staff explaining the project and giving ideas for helping their children.

School Participation

Hospice bereavement staff members Lisa Lewis and Brock also spoke to the faculty and students of many of the schools to explain the project and talk about feelings the children might have facing the holidays without a loved one. Schools that participated in the Memory Tree project this year: Ponca City — Garfield Academy, Liberty Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Union Elementary, Washington Elementary, Woodlands, Trout Elementary, Cornerstone Christian Academy, First Assembly School, First Lutheran School, St. Mary’s, Middle School, Mid-High and High School; Blackwell — High School, Middle School, Huston Elementary, Washington Elementary; Newkirk — High School, Middle School and Elementary School; Tonkawa — High School and Elementary School, and Northern Oklahoma College.

“We at Hospice are also very excited to be working with these 18 young people,” says Lahann. “Not only have they done a tremendous amount of work, they have brought such energy and enthusiasm to the project.” Lahann states that several Hospice staff members have spoken to the class, explaining the work of Hospice. Brock also spent several days with the class explaining grief and teaching the students how to talk with children and other teens who are grieving. Lahann says that volunteers are an essential part of Hospice. “We feel that teenagers who learn about volunteering their time now will continue to do so throughout their lives. We’d like to thank Mrs. Berry and Ms. Easley for creating the opportunity for teenagers to work with a community agency.”

Student Leadership

As well as assisting with the Memory Tree the students also worked at the Kids’ Corner at the Cherokee Strip Barbecue and Chili Cook-Off and helped set up and served at the Hospice Volunteer Appreciation dinner in November. The Leadership class is a one-semester class, offered in both semesters. Future projects in conjunction with Hospice include moving medical equipment when needed, participating in a Grief Counseling Program, and creating/distributing care baskets for young children who have lost a family member.

Students enrolled in the Leadership Class who have worked on the Hospice projects are: Joshua Bailey, Misty Baker, Alana Cervantes, Freddy Chavez, Brooke Hines, Stacey Hobbs, Kaleen Horne, Jessica Hubbard, Jerimiah Marchington, Andrew Martin, Heather McMath, Cory Meadows, Fletcher Meister, Audra Ramsey, Amanda Redford, Luis Reyes, Ashley VanHoesen, and Mindy Worley.

Wedding Plans Announced

Announcement of the engagement and approaching marriage of Tonya Annette Bodenhamer and Timothy Craig Wyler has been made by her parents, Glenda Bodenhamer and Jim Bodenhamer of Mountain Home, Ark. Wyler is the son of Quentin and Kathy Wyler of Tonkawa. The wedding will be at 3 p.m. Jan. 26 in Nassua, Bahamas.

Grandparents of the bride-elect are R. J. and Mendy Cowart of Clarkridge, Ark., Doris Berberich of Mountain Home, Ark., and the late D. J. Bodenhamer. Great-grandmother is Naomi Bodenhamer of Mountain Home, Ark. Grandparents of the prospective bridegroom are Wanna Wyler of Tonkawa, Dorothy and Dal McKenzie of Dallas, Texas, and the late Ernest Wyler.

The bride-to-be is a 1992 graduate of Mountain Home High School and a 1996 graduate of the University of Arkansas, where she earned a bachelor’s of science degree in business administration. She is human resources supervisor for Rogers Tool Works in Rogers, Ark.

Wyler is a 1989 graduate of Tonkawa High School. He is a commercial pilot for Comair Airlines, a Delta affiliate, based at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. He resides in Florence, Ky.

Couple Celebrates 50 Years

Mr. and Mrs. Mac McWhorter, long standing Ponca City residents, will be celebrating their golden wedding anniversary with a family dinner on Dec. 23.

The three McWhorter children and their spouses, Philip and Rita McWhorter of Santa Clara, Calif., Diana and Graeme Plum of Oklahoma City, and Deborah Suzanne and John Posey of Houston, Texas, will be hosting a reception honoring their parents.

An open invitation is extended to family and friends to help the couple share this milestone event. The reception will be Dec. 27, 2-4 p.m., in the Ponca City Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand Avenue. The McWhorters have requested no gifts, only “your presence, thoughts, prayers” and something to be added to their “Book of Memories.”

Mac McWhorter and Clara Louise Wailes were married Dec. 23, 1948, in Minden, La. They lived in Santa Fe, N.M., and Lake Charles, La., before moving to Ponca City in October of 1949, currently residing at 3628 Ashbury Road, and formerly residing at 1401 South Eighth.

Mr. McWhorter worked for Conoco 39 years before retiring in 1990. Mrs. McWhorter’s main focus is as a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker; however, over the years she has worked for the USDA, J. C. Penney, the House of Fabric, Security Bank & Trust, and Frontier Federal Savings & Loan.

The McWhorters are charter members of Southside Baptist Church, and both teach senior adults in Sunday School. Mr. McWhorter serves as a church elder, and both have actively participated in all programs and activities of the church since its charter in 1961.

Mr. and Mrs. McWhorter have 10 grandchildren, Jodie, Kirilly and Lyndal Plum of Melbourne, Australia; Jay Dougrey of Auckland, New Zealand; Robert and Philip Posey of Houston Texas; Nicole Turner of Oklahoma City; Melissa McWhorter of Oklahoma City; Tom Greenhow of Citrus Heights, Calif.; and Kim Greenhow of Santa Clara, Calif. In addition, the McWhorters have two great- grandchildren, Ashley and Alana Greenhow of Citrus Heights, Calif.

Your Time Is The Most Precious Gift To Elderly

Editor’s Note: The following story was provided by Anna States, Ombudsman Supervisor, NODA Area Agency on Aging.

How long has it been since you have visited your friend in the nursing home? Recently as I was visiting a nursing home resident, we began talking about the time of year. We talked about the beautiful fall leaves and wonderful smell of the fresh fall air. Mr. Blink (as we will call him) said, “you know I just never get out to smell the air, see the leaves or even just go for a walk or be pushed in my wheelchair any more.” I asked him if he had relatives that ever come by. Mr. Blink ducked his head and thought for a minute before he replied, “you know every one is so busy now they just don’t have the time to come by.”

Mr. Blink began to reminisce about the times when his family was together. He talked about how they spent Halloween, and the big Thanksgiving dinners. We had a wonderful visit, and it was interesting how they spent their holidays when he was a youngster. I just thought, “you know Mr. Blink is now 92 years old — how his friends and family are missing an interesting part of their own lives by not taking the time to help him recall his childhood.” As we continued visiting he began to think about Christmas and how he and his family celebrated those special days.

Mr. Blink then said he yearned for those days when he could just be a part of a family again. I asked, “at Christmas time do you get to go out with your family.” “Oh no,” he said. “That would just be too hard for them; they just wouldn’t have the time to come and get me. You know they have all those festivities going on.” I asked him, “if they had time would you like to go?” He said, “oh yes, more than you know.”

Visiting with Mr. Blink, I just wondered in my mind “do families know how much their friends and relatives in nursing homes would love to go out during the holidays?”

Hence, this news release — “Remember What the Holidays Are Really For.” They are not just to do for ourselves. They are really to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Nursing home residents need you to visit and they need to go out. A ride through the country or by their home place might be nice. Another idea might be to put them in their wheelchair (if they need one) and just push them around the block. Let them again smell the fall air and feel the excitement in the air at Christmas.

Some of you may be trying to think of things to give nursing home residents for Christmas. I think it is important for you to know that nursing facilities are responsible for all the residents’ nursing care and needs. The nursing facility furnishes all the soap, shampoo, powder, Kleenex, tooth paste and tooth brushes. They also are responsible for furnishing all the combs, brushes and personal care items.

Gift Ideas

Some ideas for gifts nursing home residents might enjoy are: Puzzles, crossword puzzles, house slippers, gown/pajamas, perfume, cologne, sugar-free mints or candy. Some of the residents might like you to buy them a permanent; some would like a baby doll or magazines. They may need pictures on the wall. It might be nice to fix a group of pictures of members of their families or of the home, pets or activities they had before moving into the care facility. Some residents would like socks, bed socks or a new dress; while others would like yarn or crafts that are appropriate for them.

Those nursing home residents that write might like stationery, pens, envelopes and stamps. Begin to think about nursing home residents like you think about the rest of your friends and family members. They would like some of the same things you like. Be creative — make the gift bright and cheerful.

According to Ms. States the gift that will mean the most is part of your valuable time. If you would like more ideas, or help getting gifts, or spending time with that special person in the nursing home, please call: Anna States, Ombudsman Supervisor, NODA Area Agency on Aging, 237-2236 or 800-749-1149.

Sharon Warner Engaged

The Oaktree Assembly of God Church in Edmond will be the setting for the 2 p.m., Jan. 9, 1999, wedding of Sharon Lynn Warner and Leeroy Brent Young.

The bride-elect is the daughter of Robert E. and Patricia A. Warner of Edmond, former residents of Ponca City. She is the granddaughter of Howard and Mary Powell and Bob Warner, all of Ponca City, and the late Rosemarie Warner. Young is the son of Dennis R. and Patricia J. Young of Bristow.

Miss Warner is working toward a master’s degree in dietetics at the University of Central Oklahoma. She is presently employed at Mardel’s in Edmond. The prospective bridegroom is majoring in biology at UCO and is employed at the Oaktree Country Club in Edmond.

Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter Planning Luncheon Event

Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met Dec. 8 in the home of Barbara Ashlock. Before the business meeting, the group enjoyed hors d’ouerves brought by each member.

President Darlene VanDeburgh opened the business meeting with the Opening Ritual. Communications were read from Jenny Ullery and an e-mail Christmas greeting from former member, Betty McLaury.

LaRannah Bartlett read from the “Book of Beta Sigma Phi” regarding the objectives of the sorority. Glenda Brown reported a pledge training session had been held.

Social Chairman Leora Simmons discussed the couples’ Christmas party at E.W.’s Restaurant on Dec. 11. Service Chairman Peggy Cookson suggested that the chapter purchase a gift certificate for the family the chapter has adopted for Christmas. Sue Waggerman is to purchase the certificate and deliver it.

There will be a luncheon for Teena Robbins on Dec. 16 at the Amarillo Grill at 11:30 a.m. She is moving to St. Louis. The next meeting will be Jan. 12 at the home of Leora Simmons, who will also be in charge of the program. Birthdays and anniversaries for the month of December were announced by Juni Parks.

Juni Parks conducted a progressive Christmas ornament exchange for the program. Secret Sister Christmas gifts were exchanged, and pictures taken for the scrapbook.

Wheatheart Nutrition

Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to the home bound participating in the Wheatheart Nutrition Project. For more information call 767-1620. Wheatheart Nutrition Menus for this week are as follows:

Monday, Dec. 14: Hamburger steak with beef gravy; mashed potatoes; tossed salad; biscuit with margarine; mixed fruit.

Tuesday, Dec. 15: Beef cabbage casserole; three-bean salad; buttered carrots; whole wheat roll with margarine; molded lime applesauce.

Wednesday, Dec. 16: Chicken patty; buttered broccoli; pineapple and bananas; muffin with margarine; iced raisin peanut butter spice bar.

Thursday, Dec. 17: Swedish meatballs; rice; tomato juice; seasoned green beans; whole wheat roll with butter; peach crisp.

Friday, Dec. 18: Ham; beans; tomato relish; cornbread with margarine; fruit cocktail cake.

Little News

Paul and Jill Butler announce the birth of their first child, Dylan David Butler, at 6:13 p.m. Nov. 19, 1998, at the Jane Phillips Hospital in Bartlesville. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 21 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Ramona Sheldon of Ponca City, and Bliss and Sonia Sheldon of Lamont. Paternal grandparents are Stanley and Alice Wilkins of Eureka, Mo., and David and Sandy Butler of Hendersonville, N.C.

Maternal great-grandmother is Eula Rheam of Ponca City, and paternal great-grandmother is Ethel McAdams of Oquawka, Ill.

Enid Woman Wins Pioneer Quilt Guild ‘Museum’ Duplicate

The highlight of the Pioneer Area Quilt Guild Christmas luncheon meeting was the drawing for the quilt that is an exact copy of the quilt the Guild made for the Pioneer Women Museum only smaller. Betty Miller of Enid was the winner.

The Guild members had made quilted Santas for the table decorations. They were won by Rosemary Ramsey, Lavon Shepler, Donna Humble Emmi Lockard, Wanda Bollman, Beverly Carpenter, Raylene Young, Linda Kay Burg, Tacie Walser, Eleanor Ciskowski, Mary Lou Winters, Donna Broyles, Diane Bradbury, JoAnn Westphalen, Gwen Toews, Phyllis Killenberger, Shirley Hile.

Cindy Wilson reminded members that if they wanted to vote on the quilt blocks at the Oklahoma Quilt Works in Oklahoma City they should do so before Dec. 14.

Norma Kinzie thanked the members for all the Christmas decorations and angels they made for the Oncology floor at St. John Hospital in Tulsa. There were over 150 articles made.

Joyce Clegg drew the names for the winners of the Art Center Christmas Tree decoration. Only members who made the decorations were eligible to win. They were Cheryl Pritchett, Doris Stone, Elaine Hughes, Beverly Carpenter, Mary Lou Winters, Kathy Paczkowski, Joyce Eagan, Maxine Greggs, and Oletta Demaree, who also won the angel top.

Members who brought Show and Share articles were Eleanor Ciskowski, Ruth Traynor, Mary Bryant, Elaine Hughes, Sandee Henderson and Donna Schultz. For additional information about the guild call Kathy Paczkowski at 762- 4546.

Barkers Observe Anniversary

On Dec. 18 Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Barker will observe their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple celebrated, along with her brother and his wife, married 30 years, and a sister and her husband, married 40 years.

Ralph Barker and the former LaVera Barrentine were married Dec. 18. 1948, in Westlake, La. by the Rev. E. C. Harris. They lived in Baton Rouge, La. until he graduated from LSU in 1949. Mr. Barker was employed with Conoco in the Westlake, La. refinery in 1951. He transferred to the Central Engineering Department in Ponca City in 1955. The couple has resided here for 43 years. In 1985 Ralph retired as Director of Project Development in Central Engineering.

In addition to being a homemaker, Mrs. Barker was part-time secretary for the Rev. Evans Moseley at the First Baptist Church. She also attended Northern Oklahoma College and Pioneer Technical Center, where she received her LPN degree in 1978. Mrs. Barker did substitute work in several local doctors’ offices for 10 years.

The Barkers enjoy traveling and have made trips to Japan, Europe, Great Britain and Canada. They have also enjoyed cruises to Hawaii, Alaska, Scandinavia, the Caribbean Islands, and the Panama Canal. They have been members of the First Baptist Church since moving to Ponca City In 1955.

The couple has two sons: Mike, and his wife Marsha of Granbury, Texas; Bob, and his wife Tammy, of The Woodlands, Texas. Grandchildren are Jon Barker of Granbury, Emily and Audrey of The Woodlands.

Bits and Pieces

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia Support Group members will not meet Dec. 21 as scheduled previously. The next regular meeting will be in January.

AARP Officers

The American Association of Retired Persons Chapter 432 met Dec. 7 at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse for a covered dish luncheon to celebrate member birthdays for October, November and December. The 1999 officers installed were Elmeta Kodesh, president; Ruth Bocox, vice president; Lottie Etzel, secretary-treasurer. John Carthel, Silver Hair Legislator, spoke on upcoming legislation. Guests included Mr. and Mrs. Garwood and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Balcer. The next meeting of the chapter will be at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 5, 1999, at the Wheatheart Nutrition Center.

Toy Drive

Just a reminder! The 1998 Toys for Kids drive is still in full swing. Bring a new, unwrapped toy by Dwyer’s Hallmark store or any fire station until Dec. 21. The toys will be distributed to less fortunate Ponca City children with help from WBBZ radio personnel, Dwyer’s Hallmark staff, and Ponca City Firefighters. Toys for all ages are welcomed and needed, and don’t forget gifts for the 12-15 age group. For more information call Wendy at Dwyer’s.

Event Will Honor Bishops

An open invitation is extended to friends and family of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Bishop, 302 South Sunset, to attend a reception in celebration of their golden wedding anniversary. The event will be 2-4 p.m. Dec. 19 in the fellowship hall of the Sunset Baptist Church. They request no gifts.

Alfred Bishop and the former Louise Marrs were married Dec. 24, 1948, in Pawnee with the now deceased Judge Palmer officiating.

The couple made their first home in Pawnee and moved to Ponca City in 1954. They are both retired and are active members of Sunset Baptist Church. The reception will be hosted by their daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Pat Lynch.

Publishing Company Awards Employees

Employees of the Ponca City Publishing Company, and their families, attended a Christmas dinner Tuesday evening at the Ponca City Country Club.

Dave and Lori May provided entertainment with a magic and ventriloquist show, which was well received by youngsters and oldsters alike. Among those assisting them was Elec Rains, director of advertising and assistant to the publisher.

Emcee for the annual occasion was Tom Muchmore, publisher.

Service awards were presented to employees of The Ponca City News and WBBZ. Recognized for 35 years as sports editor was Fred Hilton. A 30-year award was announced for Louise Abercrombie, business editor, and a 25-year pin went to Tom Muchmore.

Neal Luis received a 20-year pin, and Rick Nichols was given a pin in recognition of 15 years. Tony Smith and Mark McGlone each were recognized for 10 years and the five-year employee awards went to Christine Smith and David Jeffries.

Each employee present received a poinsettia plant. Shannon Muchmore assisted with the gifts, and the event was coordinated by Sharon Cooper, office manager for The News.

Newcomers Club To Meet Thursday

The Newcomers Club will be having its December meeting on Thursday.

The meeting will begin with a social time at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and will be immediately followed by a short entertainment program.

Part of the evening will be an optional exchange of cookies (bring three dozen) and a gift exchange (around $5 value). Anyone attending may participate in either, or both, of these options. Boxes will be provided at the end of the evening to transport the cookies.

For further information about the evening, or to make reservations to attend, please contact Joyce Fox at 762-9578.

R.L. ‘Lee’ Hart Celebrating 98th Birthday

R. L. “Lee” Hart, 2105 Wildwood, will celebrate his 98th birthday during an open house Dec. 19, 2-6 p.m. No gifts are requested, but cards would be welcome. Lee is the oldest member of the First Baptist Church, joining in 1925.

Born Dec. 12, 1900, near Greenville, S.C., Lee is the oldest of nine children. The family moved to Oklahoma in 1907 and to Ponca City Jan. 1, 1925.

Mr. Hart was employed with Marland Oil Company and Continental Oil Company from July 6, 1925 to Dec. 31, 1965. After 40 years of service he retired and then went to work as a billing clerk and director for Jack Mertz and sons. R. L. Hart and Gladys Baker were married Sept. 6, 1925. Mrs. Hart died in 1977.

Mr. Hart has a son and daughter-in-law, Gordon and Norma Hart of Stamford, Conn.; two grandsons, Peter and Tom Hart, and a granddaughter, Nicole, and two great-granddaughters. He also has three sisters, Louise of Midland, Texas; Bess and Thelma of Oklahoma City.

Gingerbread Christmas Luncheon Slated at Country Club by PCCWC

All area women are invited to attend a “Gingerbread Christmas” luncheon on Dec. 16, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the Ponca City Country Club. Sponsored by the Ponca City Christian Women’s Club, tickets are $8.50.

A spokesperson says “you will get a treat” as Becky Rothbauer demonstrates how to make a gingerbread house for the holidays as she presents the special feature “Gingerbread Creations.” Born and reared in Louisiana, Becky is a graduate of Spencer College and University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette with a degree in medical technology. She and her husband Joe, manager of Supply and Transportation at Conoco, have one daughter and four grandchildren, two of which they have adopted and are rearing, Christian, age 7, and Camille, age 6. Mrs. Rothbauer stays busy with her children and grandchildren and volunteering at school and church, but lists her hobbies and interests as crafts, sewing, decorating, Ponca Area Chamber Orchestra Board, Helpline Board and Newcomers Club. Having lived in seven different states, she has resided in Ponca City for the past four years. Gingerbread houses that have been made by the Club members will be for sale at the luncheon.

Patty Curl will share “Gingerbread Sweets.” Born and reared in Georgia, she attended Tift College in Forsyth, Ga. Patty received top music honors in trio and solo during high school. A Women’s Conference and Retreat speaker, she is a concert soloist and has several albums.

Her accomplishments include “Most Talented” in the Miss Georgia Pageant, soprano soloist for Handel’s Messiah in Texas, and singing at the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion. A member of the Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma, Mrs. Curl has also appeared in the Ponca City “Hometown Christmas.” She will be featured in 1999 at the stonecroft Conference Center in Branson, Mo., during Women’s Week.

Her hobbies and interest include painting wearable art on clothing with a Victorian theme and bowling. She and husband, Spencer, have two grown children. Annette Williams, local piano teacher and owner of “The Sounds of Music Studio,” will provide background music for the day.

Guest speaker will be Connie Presley of Bixby, who will share what gives “spice to her life” in “Gingerly Speaking.” Since 1991, she and her husband, Jerry, have been involved in parenting international students. She enjoys entertaining and traveling and has been featured at meetings in Panama City and San Josie, Costa Rica.

The luncheon is open to all area women, and there are no membership dues. For reservations and complementary childcare, call Jeanette, 765-8427, or Denice, 762-2779. It is necessary for reservations to be honored, canceled or used by a friend.

Ponca City Happenings

SUNDAY

Marland Estate Mansion, 901 Monument Road, open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Guided tours Monday-Friday, 1:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Special tour information, 767-0420.

Pioneer Woman Museum, open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays.

Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central. Wednesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Ponca City Cultural Center and Museum, 10th and Grand. Home of Ponca City Indian Museum, Bryant Baker Studio, 101 Ranch Museum and DAR Museum. Available for receptions, teas, bridge parties, etc. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. 767-0427.

Ponca City Tourism Office, 10th and Grand. Information about all tourist attractions and events in Ponca City and the surrounding area. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. 763-8067.

11th Step AA meeting — open, 11 a.m.; AA Discussion meeting, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

“Christmas Sing Noel,” sanctuary choir cantata, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 20, Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm.

MONDAY

Al-Anon meeting, 8-9 p.m. Monday, upstairs in the Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Domestic Violence Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays. Programs for women and children of family violence. Babysitter provided. For information call 76A-BUSE.

Fibromyalgia Support Group meets on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the parlor of the First Baptist Church. More information may be obtained by calling Raelene Brown, 765-5756; Mary Beth Guy, 762-3800; Martha Long, 762-5572.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm. Call Beth Wright, 765-6738, for additional information.

New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Monday. Salvation Army Community Support Center, 711 South Third.

Ponca City Rotary Club, noon Monday, Marland Mansion Chapel.

Simple Steps AA — closed, noon; AA Step Study — closed, 8 p.m.; Harmony House, 212 South Third.

TOPS OK 308 members are reminded that the new weigh-in time is 6 to 6:45 p.m. with meetings starting at 6:45 p.m. on Mondays. For more information call Betty Flower, 765-5448.

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Monday, Harmony House basement (use south entrance by parking lot).

Conoco Retirees Association Christmas dinner Dec. 14 at the Marland Estate. Social at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Cost is $14 per person. For information call Gerry, 762-0601; Bill, 762-5473; Louise, 762-5970; Elmore, 762-5086; Andy, 765-6330.

PrimeTimer free movie 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Dec. 14 at Ponca Plaza Twin.

TUESDAY

The American Family Support Group will meet 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 1105 West Highland. The topic will be Child Welfare Services and child abuse.

Kay County Wheatheart Sweet Adelines, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Performing Arts Building (south entrance) Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa. All women welcome. For information call 765-6829, 363-1643 or 762-2885.

Kiwanis Club, noon Tuesday, Marland Mansion Conference Center.

New-Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m., Tuesday, Harmony House (upstairs library).

AA Discussion meeting at noon; AA Big Book Study — closed, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Parent Support Group, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns and frustrations, as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, coping techniques, and introduction to non-punitive parenting styles.

Pioneer Water Garden Society meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Cann Gardens. Anyone interested in water gardens, fish, plants or starting your own pond is welcome to attend. For more information contact Mike Welch, 765-3271, or Ray Moreland, 762-7806.

Preschool storytime for 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Ponca City Library.

Weight Watchers meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Weigh-in begins at 6 p.m.

Fanchon Chapter 53, Order of the Eastern Star, meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 1200 West Grand.

Free pregnancy test is kept confidential at Birth Choice, 700 West Broadway. Hours are 6-8 p.m. Tuesday; 1-3 p.m. Wednesday; 6-8 p.m. Thursday.

Noon, Dec. 15, PrimeTimer Christmas luncheon at American Legion.

WEDNESDAY

Deadline for Happenings and items for Sunday’s edition of Lifestyles is 5 p.m. Wednesday. For Happenings include name of club, time and day of meeting, place and hostess.

New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Salvation Army Support Center, 711 South Third.

Pioneer Toastmasters Club, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, East Auditorium, Conoco Complex, 1000 South Pine. Guests welcome.

Ponca City Bahai Community Discussion Group, 7:15 p.m. Wednesday. For location call 765-5695 or 762-5529.

Simple Steps AA meeting; Step Study — closed, noon. AA Discussion meeting, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Storytime for 2 and 3-year-olds, Ponca City Library, 515 East Grand, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Short stories, songs, use of flannel board. Lasts about 15 minutes.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) support group aids veterans of the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. The group is confidential and meets at the DAV, 401 South Lincoln, Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. If you are a veteran suffering with PTSD or know someone who could use help, contact 762-3851 or Steve Mallory, 762-7561.

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Harmony House basement (use south entrance by parking lot).

Christmas bingo gathering, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at Senior Center, 319 West Grand.

Lilac Garden Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 16 at the Amarillo Grill.

THURSDAY

Al-Anon at Conoco, TBTV 50 on Mezzanine between North and South Towers, 11:30 p.m. Thursday. Call Linda, 765-7045, 767-5328.

AA Discussion meeting, noon; AA discussion meeting, 8 p.m., Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Freedom Group of AA; closed Big Book Study at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Woodlands Christian Church (Room 202), Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. We study and practice tradition. Open meeting the last Thursday of each month for birthdays. Call 762-3345 for more information.

Jaycees, 7 p.m., first and third Thursday, Chamber of Commerce meeting room. Interested persons welcome to attend any meeting.

Model Railroad Club, 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Stephenson Building, 113 North Third. For information call 762-8687 or 765-7996.

Parent Support Group, 9:30-11 a.m., Thursday, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns, frustrations, as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, coping techniques and introduction to non-punitive parenting styles.

Ponca City Newcomers Club meets the third Thursday of each month at the Marland Mansion. For more information contact Joyce Fox, 762-9578.

Story hour for school-aged children Thursday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Ponca City Library.

Young-At-Heart Dance is held every Thursday at the Elks Lodge, 1301 Bradley, 7-10 p.m. A Snack and Hillbilly night is held the first Thursday of each month. Ken Wilson and the Sunshine Playboys Band play.

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Thursday, Harmony House basement (use south entrance by parking lot).

Christmas Eve Communion Service, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm.

Dec. 17, 10 a.m., PrimeTimers meet at United parking lot to travel to Crown Uptown dinner theater in Wichita, Kan.

FRIDAY

Simple Steps AA — open, noon; AA speaker meeting — open, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, Salvation Army Community Support Center, 711 South Third.

Pioneer Rotary Club, 11:45 a.m. Friday, Marland Mansion.

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, Harmony House, 212 South Third, basement (use south entrance). Smoke-free building. For more information call 762-3345 or 765-9459.

1:30 p.m. Christmas Music Special at Senior Center, 319 West Grand.

SATURDAY

AA Discussion meeting at noon Saturday. AA Discussion meeting at 8 p.m., Harmony House, 212 South Third.

New Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m. Saturday, Harmony House (upstairs library). Smoke-free.

Order of the Amaranth meets the first and third Saturdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple.

Reorganized Overeaters Anonymous group meets 11-12 Saturday mornings at Woodlands Christian Church. The meetings are open to “anyone who desires to stop eating compulsively.” For more information call 762-2161 or 765-5958.

SPORTS

Grapplers Rally Hard on Day Two
Cagers Come Up Empty in Sapulpa
Lady Cats Shoot Over 30 Percent
GOLF MEETING
Po-Hi Basketball
Welker of Heritage Hall Lifts Team to 2A Title
Enid To Host Sooner State
Basketball Camp
CHA Splits Pair in Wichita

Grapplers Rally Hard on Day Two

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

TULSA — Ponca City’s Wildcats rallied from a disappointing Friday night round to win six of eight matches late Saturday and place eight wrestlers in the Tulsa Union Classic.

The comeback allowed the Wildcats to hold on to fifth place in the team standings going into the championship finals late Saturday.

“That’s not bad,” said coach Todd Steidley, “considering we didn’t have anyone in the championship final and we had several people hurt and ineligible.”

The Wildcats were void at one weight, meaning they placed eight of their 13 wrestlers they brought to the tournament.

Taking third place were Matt Littleton at 145 pounds, Michael Osborn at 152, and Toby RedLeaf at 171.

Josh Bailey placed fourth at 125 pounds.

Phillip Brotherton and Clint Stafford were fifth at 103 and 135 pounds, while Shawn Lee and Blaine Empting were sixth at 119 and 160, respectively.

Littleton decisioned McDonald of MacAlester 11-6 in the consolation finals. Osborn pinned Meister of Tahlequah and RedLeaf held off Laviolett of Putnam City West, 5-3.

Bailey lost in the consolation finals to Douglas of Tulsa East Central 8-3.

After a good start to the day Friday things went downhill for the Wildcats in the semifinals, once again.

The Poncans went 0-for-4 in championship semifinal matches and it was even more frustrating because all four losses were by two points or less and two were in overtime.

It started at 125 pounds as Bailey engaged in a tight battle with Dave Waller of Jenks. After falling behind 5-4 in the second period, Bailey turned Waller for three points on a near fall. However, the Trojans reversed out in the final seconds to tie the score at 7-7 and send the match into sudden death overtime. Waller got the winning takedown with 20 seconds left in the extra period.

Osborn also went overtime with Union’s Brady. Brady escaped in the first 40 seconds of the third period for the first point of the match. But the Redskin drew a stalling penalty with six seconds left in regulation to let Osborn draw even. In the overtime period, Osborn missed on his takedown attempt and Brady jumped in behind to win just 33 seconds into the OT.

At 145, Littleton got a first-period takedown against Union’s McIntosh and rode that into the final period. However, McIntosh escaped with a minute left in the match and then got a takedown at the buzzer for a 3-2 win.

RedLeaf fell behind Hancock of Wagoner 6-2 early in the third period, but stormed back on an escape and takedown to close the gap to 6-5.

However, RedLeaf had to let Hancock up with 25 seconds remaining to go for a tying takedown. But he couldn’t find an opening as time ran out.

“We didn’t wrestle real well,” coach Steidley said of the semifinals. “But its hard to get up for this many matches in a row. Also you have to give some credit to their opponents. These are all good wrestlers.”

The Cats did better in the consolation rounds as only heavyweight Justin Burns was knocked out of the competition going into Saturday afternoon’s consolation semifinals.

The day started with the Wildcats piling up valuable bonus points.

Brotherton got things rolling with a 25-second pin of Glenpool’s Pickle, but he then lost an 11-2 decision to Schera of Putnam City West in the second round.

At 119 pounds, Lee lost 8-3 to Shipley of MacAlester in the opener, but rebounded with a 5-1 win over Kickendorfer of Glenpool in the consolations.

Bailey blasted into the semifinals with a 1:36 fall over Harvey of MacAlester and then upset Douglas of East Central, 6-5.

At 130, Clint Stafford started the day with a fall over Martin of Rogers in 5:07, but then fell by fall to Ware of Edmond North.

At 135, Scott Steichen lost a fall to Shanks of Glenpool but rebounded with a fall in the consolations.

Littleton reached the semis with 12-0 major over Holland of Inola and a 5-0 shocker over Dick of Wagoner.

Osborn pinned his way into the semifinals by flattening Webster of Rogers in 2:55 and Ragsdale of Glenpool in 4:15.

At 160, Blaine Empting lost by a fall to Smith of Putnam City West, but came back in the consolations by topping Dougherty of Tahlequah 8-4.

Jeremy Leavitt lost a fall to Pickelman of Owasso in the first round at 189, but came back with a 5-2 win over Ervin of MacAlester.

At 215, Jason Neurenberg got a first round bye before losing by a fall to Dean of McLain.

After the first two rounds of action, the Cats were in fifth place in the team standings.

However, the drought in the semifinals dropped them back to eighth place with 74 points by the end of the day. They trailed Wagoner, East Central, Putnam City West, Claremore, Jenks, Union and Wichita West in the 20-team field.

Cagers Come Up Empty in Sapulpa

6-10 Center Shoots, Stuffs Cats

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

SAPULPA — Imagine trying to score on a 6-foot-10 windmill with legs, and you might come close to understanding the problem that faced coach Ron Arthur and the Wildcats, Friday night.

In barely three quarters of play, lanky big-man Brian Cardwell stuffed 11 Wildcat shots in mid-flight, grabbed 10 rebounds and scored 23 points as the No. 6 ranked Sapulpa Chieftains (2-0) sailed past the Cats (2-2), 78-54.

Sapulpa’s Baker brothers, Aaron and David, combined for 28 points.

Though the Cats adjusted and adjusted again, and tried every variation of the inside shot imaginable, the long arm of Cardwell reigned supreme. Blocked shots — and the threat of blocked shots — factored into just 14-of-58 shooting for the Cats, for 24 percent. That figure is tempered slightly by 39 percent shooting (5-of-13) from the 3-point land, the only area outside Cardwell’s sphere of influence.

Still, Arthur said the Cats didn’t go into the game with notions of avoiding the Frontier Conference standout.

“You can’t worry about how big he is,” Arthur said. “If he blocks it, he blocks it. To tell the kids not to try and shoot over him is to tell them to be intimidated.

“But Cardwell is a good player, and last night his timing was just perfect.”

Though Wildcats Paul Broome and Kris Shores banged down 3-pointers to keep the game tied at 6-all in the opening minutes, the Chieftains went on a 12-0 tear to close out the first period. They continued that pace in the second quarter as well, outscoring the Poncans 17-7 behind 9 points from Aaron Baker.

“We didn’t have much intensity. We were just flat,” said Arthur. “I’d hate to think we were intimidated, but that’s what it looked like. We go by that old cliche, ‘fear no one and respect everyone.’”

For all the first half despair, however, the hammer really came down after halftime. Though Arthur says it was one of the best, third quarter efforts the Poncans have had yet, the Chieftains effectively put the game away with a 31 point outburst, nailing 12-of-16 shots from the field, including 5-of-7 from long range. Despite their heightened aggressiveness, the Cats were held to just 14 points in the quarter.

“We picked our game up a level but they played 20 times better,” said Arthur. “Everything — every crazy bounce — went their way. It was just incredible.”

In that run, Cardwell switched to the outside, banging down three straight from the arc. David Baker dumped in seven points.

Except for a slam on a set-play to sate the crowd’s dunk-lust, Cardwell — along with the Baker boys — sat out most of the fourth period, and the Poncans took that opportunity to outscore the Chieftains 23-12.

Shores paced the Cats with 13 points, followed by Broome with 11, Tom Engle had 7, Craig Thilsted had 6, Scott Larrison and Jeremiah Payne had 4 each, Nathan Zimmerman had 3, Bret Skaggs and Jared Brashears had 2 each, while Jeff Furnas and Billy Broughton had 1 each. Broome had the hot hand at the 3-point line, dropping in 3-of-5.

The Chieftains went good on 30-of-56 from the field, for 54 percent. Though they had 20 turnovers to the Cats’ 17, they also led on the boards, 33-19. Jeff Craig had 9 points, while Robert Jaimes had 8.

The Cats get a long week off before playing on Friday, traveling to Sand Springs. Tip off is at 6:15.

“This is as close as we get to a must-win game,” said Arthur. “We need the momentum and the confidence, and it’ll make those Christmas holiday practices go better for us.”

Lady Cats Shoot Over 30 Percent

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

SAPULPA — Okay, it’s not much.

Then again, it’s the little things that take on added significance, especially in this holiday time of the year.

The Lady Cats, who couldn’t break the 30 percent shooting barrier in three previous games, finally broke it, hitting on exactly 30.7692 percent (16-of-52) in a 49-41 loss to Sapulpa, Friday.

So, while not quite enough to overcome a deadly 49 percent shooting showcase by the No. 12 ranked Lady Chieftains (2-0), it is progress. Though the Lady Cats were again a blur on defense, the loss leaves them a disappointing 0-4 on the year.

“Our shots will start to fall,” said coach Dana Pulley, after the game. “We’re going to win one. I’m not sure when, but if we keep working hard, it will come.”

Though down by as much as 11, mid-way through the third quarter, the Lady Cats did stage a comeback, but could never get the run they needed. Though several clutch shots in the fourth quarter seemed to set the Poncans up for an attack, the Sapulpians answered with clutch shots of their own.

Desiree Cries For Ribs singlehandedly dragged the Poncans back into the game to start the final stanza, nailing a 3-pointer and a pair of free throws to narrow a 9-point gap to just four, 36-32.

Laura Sudbury, who led all scorers with 12 points, contributed five straight in the fourth quarter, including an inside bucket on an inbounds pass to pull the Lady Cats back to within six, 44-38, with 2:10 remaining.

Amber Morsey then hit a shot for Sapulpa, but a bucket by Alana Smith, a turnover by the Lady Chieftains and 1-for-2 from the free throw line by Cries For Ribs pulled the Lady Cats to within five, 46-41, with one minute left.

That’s as close as the Poncans would get, however, as Sapulpa’s Jeannine Bennett hit 3-of-4 from the line to put the game away.

“We just couldn’t hit the big shots at the end,” said Lady Wildcat coach Dana Pulley. “And that’s what’s plagued us all along. Our shooting woes got to us again, and it showed at the end.”

Once again, a powerful Ponca City defense nearly won the game for what proved to be a stuttering offense. The Lady Cats beat the Lady Chieftains on turnovers, 22-16, and on rebounds, 26-24. The Lady Cats outrebounded their foes 10-5 on the offensive end.

“The defense kept us in the game again,” said Pulley. “And I’m proud of them when they play that hard. We were getting the steals on the low trap, but we couldn’t transfer those into points.”

After going down 18-11 to open the second quarter, the Lady Cats streaked back into the game with 6-0 run. Jennifer Caughman hit an inside basket, Cries For Ribs drove the baseline for two more, and after Sudbury drew a charge, Cries For Ribs nailed another to put the Poncans within one, 18-17.

Sudbury hit another 2-pointer before halftime, but the Lady Chieftains rattled off eight to take a 26-19 lead at intermission.

After a 4-0 advantage to open the second half, the Lady Chieftains traded shots with the Poncans for the remainder of the third quarter, maintaining a 9-11 point lead until Cries For Ribs’ run in the fourth quarter.

Cries For Ribs, Smith, and Jennifer Caughman all had 10 points, while Aleena Ames and Gina Hile each chipped in 2.

For the Lady Chieftains, Lindsay Hall had 11, Missy Ballard had 10, Jeannine Bennett had 8, Cherie Shaw and Teresa Gloden had 7 each, while Amber Morsey had 6.

The Lady Cats will likely shoot over 40 percent for their first win next Friday, traveling to Sand Springs.

Game Notes — Romi Foreman sat out on Friday due to a sore knee-hamstring-type thing. . . Pulley was slapped with a technical foul for the second straight game, protesting (far out of the coaches’ box) a Sapulpa player dribbling 3 inches out of bounds. . . a steal and fast break to the hoop by Tia Williams was blocked — by a ref. . . the ball fell into a pepperoni pizza (?) by the home bench during the third quarter.

Sport Note

Golf Meeting

There will be a Po-Hi golf team booster club meeting on Monday, at the football dressing room. The Meeting is for both the boys’ and girls’ teams, and will start at 6 p.m.

Po-Hi Basketball

Lady Wildcat JV

SAPULPA — Despite a season-best effort at the free throw line, the Lady Wildcat junior varsity fell in a squeaker to the Sapulpa Lady Chieftain junior varsity, 28-26, Friday.

Down by three, 14-11, at halftime, and 21-16 after three quarters, the Lady Cats nearly staged a successful come-back in the final period, outscoring the Lady Chieftains 10-7.

For the game, the Lady Cats buried 9-of-13 from the charity stripe, including 5-of-6 from Tara Cries For Ribs and 3-of-4 from Lyndsi Frederick.

“We had another good defensive effort, we just couldn’t get it in the hole,” said coach Brad Larimer. “Tara is looking good, especially from the free throw line, and Lyndsi did a great job. She probably had 10 rebounds.”

Cries For Ribs finished with 7, Frederick and Aubrey Kelly had 5 each, Cara Cusick had 3, while Nikki Stuemky, Jena Birdsong, and Erika Wiles had 2 each.

The junior varsity plays again next Friday, traveling to Sand Springs.

Wildcat JV

SAPULPA — As an omen, perhaps, for the varsity game to come, the Sapulpa junior varsity ran over the Wildcat junior varsity, 46-32, Friday.

The Cats fell behind by a 14-9 in the first half and never recovered. Despite good scoring through the game from sophomore Billy Broughton, who finished with 11, the Cats couldn’t keep up with the Chieftains’ athletic attack.

“We had too many turnovers, and we weren’t making the shots we’ve been making,” said coach Joe Matlock. “It seemed like our enthusiasm was there, we just couldn’t shoot.”

James Anno had 6 points for the Poncans, Jared Brashears had 5, Thad Cardwell had 3, Tim Frick, Matt Bond and Blake Geubelle had 2 each, while Josh Pitts had 1.

The junior varsity Cats travel to Sand Springs, Friday.

Wildcat Sophomores

A fourth-quarter letdown proved costly for the Wildcat sophomores as they dropped a 55-41 decision at Stillwater Thursday.

Stillwater outscored the Poncans 26-8 down the stretch to wipe out a Wildcat 33-29 lead.

The Cats led through most of the game, building a 20-17 halftime margin.

“Our defensive play is not very good,” Po-Hi coach Jerry Orr said. “We gave then too many easy buckets in the fourth quarter — simply because we did not give much effort. I promise we are going to get this corrected over Christmas Break.”

John Abel was the only Poncan in double figures with 11 points, however Orr played all 12 players on his bench in an effort to get the right combination.

Stillwater 55, Ponca City 41

Ponca City 7 12 13 8 — 41

Stillwater 7 10 12 26 — 55

Ponca City — John Abel 11, Thad Cardwell 6, James Anno 5, Billy Broughton 5, Tim Frick 4, Matt Bond 4, Tim Rathburn 2, Jared Brashears 2, Josh Pitts 1, Michael Martin 1

Welker of Heritage Hall Lifts Team to 2A Title

STILLWATER (AP) — Wes Welker scored from 2 yards out with 55 seconds left as Heritage Hall defeated Tishomingo 35-34 to win its first-ever Class 2A football championship Saturday.

Heritage Hall (15-0) started its final march at its own 20 after Tishomingo scored with 3:17 to play.

The biggest play in the drive was Graham Colton’s 13-yard pass to Welker on fourth-and-5 from the Heritage Hall 40 with 1:37 to play. Welker also had receptions on the drive of 8, -4 and 16 yards, the latter putting the ball at the Tishomingo 2.

Derek Peet caught a 30-yard pass that put the ball at the 18 two plays before Welker leaped over from the 2 and then kicked the winning point-after.

The game-winning march marked the third time during the playoffs the Chargers scored in the final two minutes to advance. Tishomingo finished the season at 14-1.

Colton, hitting his last 12 passes, broke the state record for one-year passing yardage in 11-man football. He completed 22-of-32 passes for 258 yards, giving him 3,127 on the year.

Tishomingo’s Jeff Harbert, who rushed for 187 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries, suffered an ankle injury midway through the third quarter and never returned.

Welker and Tishomingo quarterback Landon Wood, who rushed for 109 yards on 16 carries, both scored three touchdowns and Welker added a 47-yard field goal, his career best.

Enid To Host Sooner State

Enid will be hosting regionals for the Sooner State Games in basketball Jan. 23-24.

There will be recreational and open divisions for boys and girls third through 11th grade.

For further information concerning the basketball regionals, contact Randy Ray (580-242-2423) or Gary Vick (405-235-4222)

AT&T Sportsfest ‘99 will bring over 5,000 athletes to participate in 21 sports that will be held in various areas throughout Oklahoma, including Bixby, Broken Arrow, Edmond, Enid, Del City, Midwest City, Oklahoma City, Shawnee, Stillwater and Tulsa. Sportsfest will also include the third annual Health & Sports Fair at the Myriad.

Competition for AT&T Sportsfest will start with wrestling in Stillwater on Dec. 19, 1998. Sports that will be held in January include basketball preliminaries on the 22-24, tae kwon do on the 23rd, judo and track and field on the 30th. For the first time ever basketball preliminaries will be held in three different areas including Broken Arrow, Enid and Midwest City.

The main weekend is scheduled for Feb. 6-7 at the Myriad Convention Center. Sports that will be held at the Myriad include archery 3D, archery 600 spot, basketball finals, gymnastics, shooting and tumbling. Other sports scheduled for the main weekend include fencing, figure skating, flag football, ice hockey, karate, ping pong, powerlifting, roller skating (artistic), table tennis and volleyball. Indoor soccer will be held on Feb. 19-21 to complete the 10th annual Sportsfest competition

For more information, contact the Sooner State Games office at 405-235-4222 or fax at 405-232-7723.

Basketball Camp

ARK CITY, Kan. — The Cowley Tiger Winter Baseball Camp will be held at Cowley County Community College Dec. 28-31, conducted by Tigers’ coach Dave Burroughs.

Registration is on Dec. 28 only, at 8:30 for the 9 a.m. session (9-12 years of age) and 11:30 a.m. for the noon session (12-18 years old). The cost is $90 if pre-enrolled by Dec. 15. The enrollment is limited to 30 campers per session.

For information, call 316-441-5225 or 1-800-593-2222, ext. 5225.

CHA Splits Pair in Wichita

WICHITA — The Cornerstone Christian Academy Saints split a pair of close games with the Wichita Adventist Academy Tuesday night in Wichita. The girls won 54-45 while the boys lost in overtime 97-102.

In the girls' game, the Lady Saints fell behind early, but they switched to a full court man-to-man pressure defense and a fast break offense to grab a 23-17 halftime lead.

When the Adventist threatened in the fourth quarter, Alycia Sadok shot 7-for-7 in the period to help the Lady Saints pull away. Alycia finished with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Veronica Busby had 14 points and pulled down 25 rebounds for the Lady Saints. Point guard Gabe Gardner had a team-high 8 assists and scored 9 points. Others scoring for the Lady Saints were Sarah, Orcutt with 5. Jenny, Orcutt with 4 and Jecole Craig with 2.

Coach Ron Watcher described the Lady Saints efforts as their best game of the year and was especially pleased with the hustle and 17 assists. He singled out Jecole Craig for excellent defensive work.

It appeared early in the boys’ game as though the Wichita Adventist team would win easily. With many fast break lay ups and excellent outside shooting, the Wichita team jumped to an early lead. At halftime, the Saints trailed by 17, 48-31.

At the break, coach Tony West instructed the Saints to switch to a full court man-to man defense and to start moving the ball inside to the big men, Josh Watcher and Caleb Denison. Watcher had the best quarter of his career with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals in the third quarter, missing only three of 13 shots from the field. Denison also scored 7 points in the third quarter as the Saints outscored their opponents 38-18 to take a three point, 69-66, third quarter lead. However. Wichita came back in the fourth quarter with outside three-point shooting to forge a tie at the end of regulation at 86-86. The home team was able to hold off the Saints in overtime and claim a 102-97 victory.

Watcher finished with a career-best 51 points and had 21 rebounds for the Saints. Josh Mercer scored 16 points and led the Saints with 7 assists and 4 steals. Denison scored 13 points with 17 board, Tanner Ladd contributed 13 points and Kyle Hoffer finished with 4 points.