LOCAL

Nearly News
Wal-Mart Brings Early Holiday Cheer To Area Crime Stoppers
Drugs, Cash From Local Bust Point To Larger Problem
Oil and Gas Report

Nearly News

Oh, my! Nice article, but the wrong day of the week for an event called “Mornings on Main Street,” which will be held Tuesday instead of Monday as announced in Thursday’s News. Wait until Tuesday to go to the Mornings on Main Street event at McGee Jewelers, 219 East Grand, where you can meet the new Main Street Authority director, Michele Jean!

Wal-Mart Brings Early Holiday Cheer To Area Crime Stoppers

As the flurry of holiday shopping begins, Ponca City’s Wal-Mart Supercenter and customers will help give an early holiday gift to the Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers.

On Saturday, Dec. 4, a percentage of store sales from 7 a.m. until noon will be donated to the Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers Program. This season marks the seventh year that Wal-Mart stores across the country have donated a percentage of sales to charities within their local communities.

This year Ponca City Supercenter Store Associates selected the Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers as the beneficiary of their annual holiday fund-raiser because of the positive impact the organization has on the community.

“The holidays are about giving, and Wal-Mart recognizes that there are thousands of charities like the Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers who have tremendous needs,” said Monte Summerlin, Store Manager. “This program is just another way that our Associates give back to the local community.”

Wal-Mart’s tradition of holiday fund-raising began in 1993 with this program. In addition to local charity involvement around the holidays, Wal-Mart also shares a special tie with the Salvation Army as a national sponsor of the Red Kettle Campaign. The Salvation Army collects millions of dollars in front of Wal-Mart Stores and SAM’s Clubs each year. Last year, Wal-Mart Stores’ holiday contributions to local non-profit organizations totaled more than $4.5 million.

Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers began in 1984. Donations to the program are used to pay rewards to anonymous callers who have provided area law enforcement officers with information that leads to an arrest or the recovery of stolen property. For more information about the Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers call Capt. Dwaine Vincent at 762-5100.

Drugs, Cash From Local Bust Point To Larger Problem

By Thomas True

News Staff Writer

A quantity of drug and cash was seized Thursday morning in Ponca City by the Drug Task Force officers after information was obtained about a possible location of the drug meth amphetamine. After having a search warrant sworn out, the officers entered a residence in the 300 block of West Hartford and found more than an ounce of the drug. The search also produced cash totaling $4107, a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia. In addition to this, the suspect’s Ford Bronco was seized and is being held.

According to Assistant District Attorney Brian Surber, the district attorney’s office has not yet been contacted by an attorney on the behalf of the suspect, and the suspect has not yet made bond.

The female suspect operated a local tavern in Ponca City, and due to the drug bust, her liquor license is in jeopardy, Surber said, and because of that, she may not be able operate that business. The district attorney’s office is looking into several options at this time.

The methamphetamine seized Thursday amounted to an ounce, or 28 grams, and for possession of a quantity of more than 20 grams, a suspect can be charged with trafficking. Surber said additional charges are being considered against the local suspect, including distribution of a narcotic substance with intent to sell, and illegal position of narcotics.

According to Surber, 28 grams of “meth” can be broken down into what is referred to as 112 “quarter papers.” Each “quarter paper” is about one quarter of a gram and has a possible street value from $25 to $30 each. That would make the potential street value as high as $3,360 after it was cut and sold.

Surber said Thursday’s arrest was an significant bust in the area; however, he pointed out that “meth” is a real problem all over the Midwest and the Kay and Noble county areas are working to get the problem solved, he said.

Some of the problems with dealing with methamphetamine is that it is such a dangerous drug to produce, and many times, the way the meth labs are discovered is through a fire or when someone dies during its production.

For each one part of the drug that is produced five to six parts of toxic waste are also produced according to a law enforcement handbook on drugs.

The ingredients to make methamphetamine are things most people would not want on their skin, much less in their bodies, he said.

In spite of this, the demand for the drug continues. Production of methamphetamine can produce a phosphine gas of such a quantity that it can kill anyone exposed to it. The measured gas is 33 times more toxic than cyanide.

War on meth in the Kay and Noble county areas has been going well in the past year, according to the district attorney’s office. Surber points to five meth lab busts as well as numerous arrests of meth dealers and distributors in the district. However, with the success, methamphetamine is still the number-one drug problem in the Midwest, he said.

Cash and property seized from drug arrests are used to help fight the war on drugs. Areas that benefit from the convictions include drug resistance education programs and law enforcement agencies which receive new equipment and training to improve enforcement of the drug laws.

Surber asks anyone with information about any suspected illegal drug activity to contact the Eighth District Attorney’s office at 580-362-2571, or your local law enforcement agency.

Oil and Gas Report

Wildcat drilling action is planned in Kay County 4.4 miles southwest of White Eagle Station.

Carrying permit for 1,850 feet of hole, the well will be known as the No. 1 Kayco-State. It is an exploration venture of Oil Ventures Ltd. Production in the Hoover Formation is the objective.

Section 36-township 26n-range 1e-se-nw.

Hegco-Canada Inc. is nearing projected total depth at the No. 3 Nemaha in Kay County’s Tonkawa Field.

Carrying permit for 6,000-ft. maximum hole, the well was spudded on July 29 in a lease about one-half mile northeast of Three Sands.

Section 35-township 25n-range 1w-ne-sw.

The Orlando Field will see more developmental action when the No. 7 Nelson is recompleted in Noble County a little less than six miles south of Perry. Keener Oil and Gas Co. is the operator. The well originally was taken to total depth of 5,075 feet. Added pay is being sought in the Skinner Formation.

Section 30-township 20n-range 1w-se-ne.

Baron Exploration Co. has taken over as the operator at a wildcat well 10.8 miles southwest of Sumner in Noble County. The well is known as the No. 2 A&M Unit. It is a 5,355-ft. Viola Lime test.

Section 33-township 20n-range 1e-ne-ne.

Three Sands Oil Inc. has revealed plans to drill an 1,150-ft. developmental well in Noble County’s Perry Field. Drillsite will be about 1.5 miles south of the Perry city limits. Designated as the No. 2 McCormick, the well will be aiming for production in the Hotson Formation.

Section 33-township 21n-range 1w-se-sw.

Vector Exploration has staked location for a shallow developmental well in the South Ceres Field 1.4 miles northeast of Ceres. With total hole of 800 feet, it is designated as the No. 1 Sullins.

Section 2-township 23n-range 2w-s/2-se.

The same operator has completed a shallow well in the South Ceres Field, Noble County.

Designated as the No. 1 Freeny, it is in a lease 1.8 miles northeast of Ceres.

The well showed ability to flow 65,000 CF gas daily on an unspecified choke. It probed to a 602-ft. bottom and will produce from perforations 520 to 530 feet into the hole.

Section 1-township 23n-range 1w-s/2-nw.

Drilling is nearing projected total depth at the No. 14 Bezdicek “A” in Noble County’s South Perry Field. It carries permit for 1,275 feet of hole and was spudded on Oct. 27. Location is 3.2 miles south-southeast of Perry.

Section 10-township 20n-range 1w-sw-nw.

Vector Exploration is preparing to make hole for a shallow developmental well in the East Echo Field, Noble County, 4.2 miles west-southwest of Ceres. The well will be known as the No. 1 Henry Bellmon. It is slated for 900-ft. TD.

Section 13-township 23n-range 2w-s/2-se.

Carrying permit for 5,150 feet of hole, the No. 1 Mornhingweg is scheduled for spudding in the South Ceres Field. It has production in the Second Wilcox Sand as its target. It is located about one mile northeast of Ceres with Lewis Oil Corp. as the target.

Section 11-township 23n-range 1w-ne-ne.

DEATHS

Elsie Winnifred Christie
Gladys May Glenny

Elsie Winnifred Christie

BLACKWELL — Elsie Winnifred Christie, resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 1, 1999, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 80.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, 1999, in the Kildare Baptist Church with the Rev. Dennis Wildman of the First Baptist Church of Oswego, Kan., the Rev. Jerry Graber of Kildare Baptist Church, and the Rev. Truman Fisher of Ponca City officiating. Burial will take place at 3:30 p.m. in the Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Elsie Winnifred Christie was born Oct. 29, 1919, in Etta community near Tahlequah, the daughter of Charles E. and Alice (Latty) Vanderpool. She grew up in the Etta community and attended Tahlequah schools, graduating in 1940. She then attended Northeastern Oklahoma State University in Tahlequah. She married John Christie on May 16, 1942, in Tahlequah and they settled there. She taught for one year at Hungry Mountain Rural School, and, beginning in 1944, she taught in the Etta school system until 1949. She received her bachelor of science degree in education in 1950 and then taught at New Home School from 1951-52. They then moved to Blackwell and then to Uncas where she taught in Uncas until 1972. They then returned to Blackwell to make their home, and she began teaching at Nardin schools. In 1972, she began teaching in the Blackwell public schools where she taught until her retirement in 1980. In 1984, they moved to their home east of Kildare. She was an active member of the Kildare Baptist Church. She also held membership in the Oklahoma Education Association and the Kay County Retired Teachers Association.

Survivors include her husband, of the home; her daughter, Lynda Severson of Longview, Texas; a son, Jim Christie of Pawhuska; a brother, Gene Vanderpool of Tulsa; three sisters, Maxine Agee of Stillwater, Sue Swepston of Tulsa and Bertie Swepston of Inman, Kan.; three grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Bennie Drake; and a great-grandchild.

Casket bearers will be Paul Swepston, Kevin Swepston, Kent Swepston, Charles Agee, Mike Vanderpool and Jerry Christie.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Kildare Baptist Church, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Gladys May Glenny

Gladys May Glenny, resident of Blackwell, died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1999, in the Share Convalescent Nursing Home in Alva, Okla., at the age of 102.

The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, 1999 in the First Presbyterian Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Geoffrey Pfaff of the First Presbyterian Church, Blackwell, officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery under direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.

Casket bearers will be Stan Glenny, Jeff Glenny, Scott Cormack, David Wilber, Bernard Vowel and Rick Barnthouse. Honorary bearers will be Justin Glenny, Jefferson Glenny, Dylan Vowel, Kyle Vowel, Caleb Wilber, Brandon Glenny, Colby Glenny and Grant Wilber.

Gladys May Glenny was born on Jan. 31, 1897, on a farm southwest of Blackwell, Okla., the daughter of Albert and Jenny (McMurdo) Gummow. Growing up she attended Union District 61 Rural School and then University Preparatory School in Tonkawa, Okla., graduating in 1915. She then furthered her education by attending the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., before teaching one year at Union District 61 School.

She married William Thomas Glenny on July 17, 1918, in Blackwell and they settled on the farm. Following her marriage she gave up teaching to be a homemaker and wife.

Mrs. Glenny was a member of the Loyal Neighbor Club and Bethel Grange. Her membership in Blackwell Eastern Star Chapter 51 extends back over 60 years. She was also a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Blackwell.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1969.

Mrs. Glenny enjoyed ceramics, china painting and gardening, and she had traveled extensively throughout the United States, Hawaii and Europe.

Surviving are a daughter, Ruby Cormack of Cherokee, Okla.; a son, Ray Glenny of Blackwell; five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, and her caregivers, Mary Stafford, Sarah Barnthouse and Mindy Beard.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or Blackwell Home Health Care, in care of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.

NEWS BRIEFS

Accident — A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Fourteenth Street and East Grand Avenue was reported to the Communications Center at 7:53 p.m. Thursday. Three officers were assigned and an ambulance and rescue unit responded from the Ponca City Fire Department. A report was taken that there were no injuries.

Disturbance — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:16 a.m. Friday that a disturbance was occurring in the 2900 block of North Union Street. An officer was assigned and a vehicle was stopped at the intersection of North Union Street and Lora Avenue, where a 44-year-old man was being held for DWI.

Work Session — The Ponca City Utility Authority and the Ponca City Board of Commissioners will be meeting at the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue on Monday for a work session. The PCUA will meet at 1:45 p.m. in the commissioners room, and that will be followed at 2 p.m. with the commissioners meeting.

Meeting Canceled — A meeting of the Cultural Affairs Commission set for Dec. 8 at 11:30 a.m. in the Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand Avenue, has been canceled as a result of a lack of quorum.

Royal Neighbors to Meet — Royal Neighbors of America will meet at 12:30 on Monday for luncheon at the Golden Corral. All members are urged to attend, and guests are welcome.

Cut Christmas trees, decorations, wreaths, roping and Poinsettias. Keathly Nursery. 2448 Bridge Ave. 762-2922. adv.

Bicycle Stolen — A woman from the 2000 block of Joe Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:44 a.m. Thursday that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Fence Damaged — A man from the 500 block of South Waverly Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:49 a.m. Thursday that his fence had been damaged during the night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Ponca City Pictorial History Books have arrived! Pick up your copy today! Will make a great Christmas Gift! Ponca City News Business Office, 8:00-5:00, Monday thru Friday. adv.

Jim Bowen Construction -- Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv

Forgery — An employee at Wal-Mart requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 10:57 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken that a forged check had been passed.

Long distance service, 3 cents/minute off peak or 7 cents/minute all the time, free

pagers! 765-4120. adv.

Vehicle Damaged — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:48 p.m. Thursday that while at the intersection of South Second Street and East Central Avenue his vehicle had been hit. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Home Interiors - Shopping Extravaganza- Saturday, December 4, 10am-4pm, 306 North 1st. adv.

Son Assaulted — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 6:39 p.m. Thursday to report that her son had been assaulted while at Ponca Bowl Wednesday he had been assaulted. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Get mobile with the help of our lift chairs, wheelchairs and walkers. Sale prices now through Christmas on in stock or special order medical equipment at O’Connor Pharmacy, 1113 East Hartford, 765-3055. As always, free delivery. adv.

Billfold Stolen — A woman from Hillcrest Drive reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:51 p.m. Thursday that while at United Supermarket her billfold had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Saturday special 4-8 p.m. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Requests Assistance — A person in the 600 block of South Fifth Street reported at 7:42 p.m. Thursday that subjects had kicked in the front door and an assault had occurred. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East Prospect. adv.

Vehicle Damaged — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:07 p.m. Thursday that her vehicle had been damaged by another at the intersection of Oak Street and West Grand Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 600 block of South Fifth Street at 12:02 a.m. Friday that a 42-year-old man was being held on two counts of domestic assault and battery.

Vehicle Vandalized — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance with a pursuit of a subject in the 600 block of South First Street at 3:20 a.m. Friday. The subject was unable to be located, but officers found that a vehicle parked at the business had been vandalized, the stereo was missing and damaged had been done to the inside of the vehicle. Information was logged.

LIFESTYLES

Xi Gamma Sigma Slates Holiday Event Dec. 14
Ritual of Jewels For Wendy Boyd
Eta Delta Chapter Announces Plans
Little News
Pre-Nuptial Parties Will Honor Couple

Xi Gamma Sigma Slates Holiday Event Dec. 14

Xi Gamma Sigma chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Nov. 23 at the home of Sue Waggerman.

The business meeting was conducted by Peggy Cookson, president, who also led the members in the Opening Ritual, followed by roll call. Cookbooks were distributed, and communications read from Gary Feil and Jane Horne.

LaRannah Bartlett read from “The Book of Beta Sigma Phi.” It was announced that the Beta Sigma Phi Valentine’s dance is to be held at the American Legion on Feb. 5, 2000, and Xi Gamma Sigma chapter is in charge of the door prizes.

Margaret Price announced that a couple’s social would be held on Dec. 3. Members will meet for the millennium parade with a dessert to follow. Discussion was held concerning an additional service project for the Christmas season.

It was also announced that the members’ Christmas meeting would be at the home of Pam Sober on Dec. 14. Members are to bring an ornament for the program, a snack for the group to share, and Christmas gifts for Secret Sisters. Members were also asked to bring a gag gift for a special Sunshine basket.

Sue Waggerman passed a basket containing humorous thoughts, quotes and jokes, and the members took turns reading these to the group.

Ritual of Jewels For Wendy Boyd

A Ritual of Jewels was held for Wendy Boyd at the Nov. 22 meeting of Xi Delta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority in the home of Susan Henshaw. Seven members were present.

Linda Turner, president, conducted the meeting, and communications from International were read. It was announced that Sue May and Jody Sanford are eligible for the Order of The Rose.

Ms. Turner reported on the Valentine dance to be held on Feb. 5 at the American Legion. The chapter is responsible for the Master of Ceremony and the Queens rehearsal.

Ways and Means chairman Becky Bezdek reported on the Santa Picture project on Dec. 11 and 12 to be held at Wal-Mart. Food was collected for the Thanksgiving basket by service chairman Dorothy Leonard.

Wendy Boyd won the traveling basket. The next meeting will be on Dec. 13 in the home of Sue May with Lisa Mena as co-hostess.

Eta Delta Chapter Announces Plans

Thirteen members attended the Eta Delta chapter meeting hosted by Marilyn Jouret on Nov. 22. Nancy Taylor conducted the meeting. As the November service project, a $50 donation was made to The Mission. December’s service project is Domestic Violence.

Plans were made for the Christmas social on Dec. 12. Members and their husbands will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres at the Jourets and attend the Diamonds’ Christmas Show at the Ponca Theater.

Betty Wyatt reported that the Valentine Dance will be Feb. 5 at the American Legion.

Nancy Taylor received the Beta Bud Basket, and Janet Hughes won the door prize. The next meeting, which is the secret sister gift exchange, will be Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the home of Suzie Allen.

Marilyn Jouret presented an informative and entertaining program on her recent trip to Hawaii.

Little News

Aaron Michael Batdorf is the name chosen by Michael and Rebecca Batdorf of Springfield, Ohio, for their son born at 11:19 a.m. Nov. 10, 1999, in Springfield. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and measured 21 inches. Paternal grandparents are John and Pat Batdorf of Ponca City, and maternal grandparents are Doug and Wendy Reames and Lois Weinstein of Peoria, Ill.

Paternal great-grandparents are Don and Ruth Batdorf of Midwest City, and Ethel Mitchell of Oklahoma City.

Juan and Jennie Perez-Vargas of Ponca City announce the birth of a son at 12:42 p.m. Nov. 23, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Joel Encarnacion Perez-Vargas weighed 8 pounds, 14 ounces, and measured 20 1/4 inches long. He has a brother, Juan Manuel Perez-Vargas Jr.

Maternal grandparents are Elizabeth Switch of Ponca City and Doug Switch Sr. of Shawnee. Paternal grandparents are Encarnacion and Guadalupe Perez of Chihuahua, Mexico. Great-grandparents are Juan Vargas of Chihuahua, Mexico and the late Furston and Jennie King.

Pre-Nuptial Parties Will Honor Couple

Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 are the dates planned for bridal showers honoring Laurie King and Robb Taylor, both 1995 graduates of Ponca City High School.

On Dec. 4, 10 to 11:30 a.m., members of the First Baptist Church will honor King and Taylor with an event in the home of Larry and Charlotte Smith. Hostesses include Jerri Boyer, Ona Clegg, Vickie Dodson, Cathy Ferguson, Sandra Harrison, Sharon Maddox, Carolyn May, Marilyn Randel, Charlotte Smith, Mary Spore, Sue Witteman, Karen Yost, and Gayle Young.

A couple’s shower is planned Dec. 11 at the Cultural Center, beginning at 7 p.m.. This event is being hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Lanman, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Kirkpatrick, Dr. and Mrs. Ladd Oldfield, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Everett VanHoesen, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Mackintosh. Mr. and Mrs. Gary Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. Ron Paulsen, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Sheehan, Mr. and Mrs. Neil North, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Collins, Elizabeth Johnston, Dr. and Mrs. Jim Jouret, and Mr. and Mrs. John Young.

King and Taylor have also announced their wedding party. Their Jan. 8 wedding will be held at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church with a reception following at the Marland Mansion. The bride-to-be’s attendants will be Rebecca Brace, Cristie Foreman, Jamy (King) Fisher, Amy Hammond, Stasha McBride and Lindsay Oxford. Attending the prospective bridegroom will be Ryan Taylor, John King, Charlie Young, Shane Henderson, Zach Weigel and Peter Hancy.

Ushers will include Ryan Kirkpatrick, Jerome Schneeberger and Bert Coffman. Candlelighters will be Suzannah and Paul Moore. Flower girls will be Emilie Moore, Shannon Moore and Jessica Smith. Guest book attendants, program attendants and cake servers include Carol Vickers, Paige Hancy, Cimarron Rasmussen, Jesseca Schumacher, Alyson Leader and Jaree Merrifield. Music will be provided by Carol Green, the Fox/Larson string quartet, and Tim Muniz.

Laurie King is the daughter of Dee and Dodee King, former residents now residing in Stillwater. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Bonnie King of Stillwater, and the late Paul and Lois Moore. Taylor is the son of Gary and Nancy Taylor of Ponca City, and the grandson of Joe and Pearl Vickers of Ponca City.

EDUCATION

Local Students Included in Annual Publication
Chelsea Bland To Represent Po-Hi at Leadership Seminar
Pioneer Tech Administrators Share Ideas at Conference
Medford High 2 In Second Place
NOC Regents Approve 1998-99 Audit Report
Chorale, Orchestra To Present Concert

Local Students Included in Annual Publication

Several local students are included in the 33rd Annual Edition of “Who’s Who Among American High School Students, 1998-99.”

“Who’s Who,” published by Educational Communications, Inc., Lake Forest, Illinois, is the largest recognition program and publication in the nation honoring high achieving high school students. Students are nominated by high school principals and guidance counselors, national youth groups, churches and educational organizations based upon students’ academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities. Traditionally, 99 percent of “Who’s Who” students have a grade point average of ‘B’ or better and 97 percent are college bound.

The 33rd Annual Edition of “Who’s Who Among American High School Students, 1998-99,” published in 18 regional volumes, features over 750,000 students or just five percent of the nation’s 14,000,000 high school students. They represent approximately 20,000 of the 24,000 public, private and parochial high schools in the country.

“Who’s Who” students also compete for $200,000 in scholarship awards. The book is distributed to up to 15,000 high schools, colleges, universities and public libraries throughout the country. To learn more about “Who’s Who Among American High School Students,” visit www.honoring.com.

Ponca City students include Carrie Adams, Jennifer Adams, Christal Allen, Caleb Allison, Brandon Altman, Raeshauna Anderson, Ashley Armstrong, Jennifer Arner, Krista Arnold, Mark Barnes, Baylee Bauldrige, Jason Beguin, Cassandra Bereman, Kristen Birdwell, Phil Bogner, Matt Bond, Amanda Bonham, Rodney Bonham, Travis Boxley, Heather Brooke, Lauren Brune, Nicholas Burton, Matthew Caine, Carissa Calvert, Eric Chambray, Sheena Chance, Amory Clark, Kelsey Clark, Kevin Clinton, Amanda Cobb, Lacy Cobble, Brandi Combes, Christopher Coppock, Zack Coutre, Sarah Cowan, Jerimy Cox, Wesley Crosson, Holly Dailey, Jonathan Danek, Stephanie Davis, Melissa Evans, Karalyn Eyster, Christopher Filson, Kami Fleck, Lauramily Fonseca, Brad Fox, Jessica Freeman, Cherie Fry, John Fultz, Rebekah Gibson, Rachel Gilliland, Mark Goddard, Kevin Goldman, Lacy Goodger, Amanda Gray, Mindy Gray, Cody Grogan, Markesha Guess, Lamont Hamilton, Katie Hampton, Jonathon Harrison, Christina Hassell, Carrie Haworth, Billy Hays, Michael Hays, Jessica Hubbard, Toni Hunnum, Jessica Hurd, Amber Irwin, Matthew Johnson, Kari Keating, Erin Keller, Aubrey Kelly, Brian Killingsworth, Michael Kirby, Brandon Knight, Kari Koster, Mika Kruck, Blake Lambert and Cory Landes.

Also, Scott Larrison, Aaron Laughlin, Squire Lawrence, Tasha Leatherman, Misty Lechtenberg, Shawn Lee, Audrey Lester, Jessica Leung, Kendra Love, Sean Love, Tori Luis, Jerimiah Marchington, Buddy McCoy, Meghan McCoy, Laura McDaniel, Joseph McElhaney, Jandy McGuire, Danyele McIntosh, Maria Mendoza, Sattre Mindy, Araceli Mora, Tarina Morris, Candice Moses, Angela Murphy, Adrienne Myers, Amanda Myers, Randy Novotny, Kayla O’Kelley, Becka Orr, Michael Osborn, Gayle Otto, Sheralyn Otto, Angela Owen, Lacsey Oxford, James Ozment, Katherine Paschal, Paul Paschal, Amanda Payne, Joan Penarubia, Tessa Petersen, Rory Peterson, Alison Pickens, Jessica Plagmann, Jennifer Poling, Jenny Pollet, Jamie Price, Marcus Pugh, Keli Ramsey, Krissy Ramsey, Blake Reed, Monica Richards, Justin Ross, Christi Rutledge, Ajulia Sarty, Aaron Sattre, Kami Schieber, Michael Sharon, Amanda Shelton, Bret Skaggs, Angie Smith, Kyle Sneath, Mariah Sneath, Timothy Spielbusch, Caleb Stevenson, Allison Stotts, Michael Stuemley, Susan Taylor, Micah Thompson, Laura Todd, Dustin Topper, Melissa Tweto, Heather VanBuren, Cody Warner, Melissa Whitney, Mark Whitt III, Lee Williams, Lindsey Williams, Jessica Windom, Matt Winters, Sharon Winters and Mindy Worley.

Other Ponca City students include Tara Cries for Ribs, David Steichen and Laura Sudbury. And, John Abel, Alicia Allen, Kellie Anderson, James Anno, Alison Arrington, Ashley Atteberry, Aaron Austin, Casey Badley, Wade Bair, Kallie Beck, Stephanie Beier, Candace Benson, Jena Birdsong, Ryan Bishop, Jackie Bohon III, Jared Brashears, Cinda Bridges, Jennifer Brown, Jacob Bull, Owen Bullard, Brooke Burries, Aubry Clark, Megan Clark, Aaron Cohenour, Shea Conner, Andy Cooper, Bryan Coppock, Karie Corbin, Cara Cusick, Terah Dancey, Jennifer Doughty, Lisa Drouhard, Kelle Duckett, Kyle Duren, Jamie Durham, Mike Duroy, Kami Enevoldsen, Matt Evans, Thomas Evans, Jessica Felix, Jeff Fore, Romi Foreman, Desiree Franseen, Tim Frick, Jeff Furnas, Michael Galbraith, James Gatewood, Blake Guebelle, Louie Girardi, Michael Goddard, Keri Gray, Matthew Gray, Alecia Hagerson, Nicole Hardy, Paula Hart, Jennifer Heidlage, Kyle Henderson, Heather Herard, Brianna Hermanson, Regina Hile, Jessica Hingtgen, Michelle Hintergardt, Tara Hock, Kathryn Holland, Drew Hopkins, Kaleen Horne, Robert Hwang, Andrea Johnson, Amy Johnston, Alison Jones, Kelly Jones, Sean Jones, Mike Keen, John Lee, Scott Lewis, James Lindsay, Matthew Littleton, Jennifer Long, Emily Luebcke, Ashley Luis, Rachel Maxon, Raechel McClain, Erin Megenity, Fletcher Meister, Jarod Merle, Karly Merrifield, Shannon Mersman, Matthew Meyers, Decky Miller, Kim Miller, Elizabeth Milligan, Joshua Milligan, Scott Mitchell, Erin Morris, Kyle Morrison, Ashley Mott, Katie Mulligan, Kambra Nance, Jason Neuerburg, Jennifer Niemann, Jennifer Nimmo, Megan O’Neill, Britney Parker, Mark Parsons, Jennifer Peck, Angel Penny and Joshua Pitts.

Also, Amanda Porter, Grant Potter, Megan Potter, Annette Priba, Michelle Quick, Kip Quiram, ReAnna Ramirez, Audra Ramsey, Kevin Reiss, Jessica Rhoads, Kristl Richardson, Abby Roth, Jeremy Runnels, Mohammad Salama, Shane Sample, Brian Scott, Sarah Scott, Alicia Sensintaffar, Jonathan Shea, Jacee Shepard, Joshua Short, Katy Sikes, Alana Smith, Gina Smith, Kyle Smith, Troy Smith, Jason Snelson, Jill Snyder, Claire Sonnischsen, Heather Staires, Carol Stangland, Mark Stephen, Seth Stewart, Amber Stolhand, Bonnie Swanson, Scott Szabo, Andrea Thomas, Rebecca Thompson, Jennifer Tippin, Tara Trenary, Ryan Trout, Patrick Tucker, Kristopher Upchurch, Ashley VanHoesen, Matthew Waddell, Alisha Walston, Christine Walter, Josh Watson, Jessica Wayman, Emily Wheeler, Eric Whitebay, Erika Wiles, Marcie Wilkinson, Julie Wittmer, Marcie Wilkinson, Julie Wittmer, Ryan Yeakley, Kevin Yerkes, Josh Young and Tanner Young.

Chelsea Bland To Represent Po-Hi at Leadership Seminar

About 150 outstanding high school sophomores representing high schools in Oklahoma will travel to Oklahoma City sometime between mid-March and mid-June for a weekend of Leadership awareness. Students will participate in business, science, government, and other related areas of human endeavor. Miss Chelsea Bland, daughter of June Bland, will represent Ponca City Senior High School.

The two and one-half day seminar is patterned after the Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundations International Leadership Seminar. The Youth Foundation has conducted one-week seminars for outstanding tenth graders for over 25 years. The Oklahoma seminar committee works closely with civic groups such as the Oklahoma Jaycees, Oklahoma Kiwanis, and the Oklahoma General Federation of Womens Clubs to involve as many people as possible.

The Oklahoma Leadership Seminar provides motivation and education for young people who have exhibited outstanding leadership qualities. During the seminar, one boy and one girl will be selected to represent Oklahoma at the Annual International Seminar

Students who attend HOBY learn to better think critically. HOBY motivates students by showing them how to think can be just as important as what to think.

All of Chelsea's expenses, except travel, are paid by donations received from the private sector. The Oklahoma Leadership Committee, and the Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation is particularly concerned that the seminars not result in any expense to the sophomores, their families, or their school. It is only by maintaining this strict policy that students from all economic and social backgrounds are given an equal opportunity to attend the state seminar.

The staff would like to thank Chelsea for representing Ponca City Senior High School at HOBY, and wish her the best of luck in becoming Oklahoma’s representative at the International Seminar. #

Pioneer Tech Administrators Share Ideas at Conference

Pioneer Technology Center staffers Sally Downey, superintendent, Janet Cox, assistant superintendent, and Steve Waldvogel, dropout coordinator, were among the 250 Oklahoma educators, policy makers and business leaders who shared their ideas on improving vocational education during the roundtable on the Future of Oklahoma Secondary Vocational-Technical Education held in Oklahoma City on Nov. 2.

Dr. Ann Benson, state vo-tech director, said the aim of the roundtable was to begin the planning process for taking secondary vocational education into the next century.

Trish McNeil, assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, was one of the two keynote speakers. The other was David Wood, chief operating officer of the Charles Machine Works, Perry.

In her address, McNeil discussed some of the challenges that will face vocational education in the 21st century.

“The skills the worker of the 21st century will need are both vocational and academic,” she said. “The distinction between the college bound and the non-college bound will become blurred.”

She said in new-style American urban high schools — which have smaller classes and are more focused on student learning — there is a blending of vocational education and academic courses.

“Vocational education makes learning more relevant by helping students learn how classroom work is applied in real life,” McNeil said.

Woods echoed McNeil’s comments, noting that many of his firm’s 1,500 employees were trained by Oklahoma’s vo-tech system either in high school or as adults.

Other speakers at the conference included Lisa Milsap, a former agricultural education student at Lexington High School and Oklahoma State University graduate; and Paul Johnson, a graduate of Red River Technology Center, Duncan.

Both Milsap and Johnson attribute their current professional success to vocational education. Milsap, a field sales representative for the ProVet Corporation, said her agriculture education background is a great asset when she makes daily sales calls to veterinarians.

Johnson, who has a learning disability, said in high school he was labeled as a student who could not succeed. Vocational-technical education was the only thing that saved him from dropping out, he said. He is now a highly paid technician for Carrier Heating and Air Conditioning in Oklahoma City and is continuing his education.

Johnson said one of the strengths of vocational-technical education was the individual attention instructors give to students. That allows them to learn more at their own pace, he said.

Medford High 2 In Second Place

The Medford High 2, a team of high school students from Medford High School, have beaten out 3,700 other student teams to place second in this week’s CNBC Student Stock Tournament presented by Lincoln Financial Group.

This is the second week a team of students from Medford High have placed in the top 5 of this national tournament (The Medford High 7 came in first two weeks ago).

NOC Regents Approve 1998-99 Audit Report

TONKAWA — Northern Oklahoma College Regents approved the internal audit report for fiscal year 1998-99 presented by Joe Smith of Baird, Kurtz and Dobson at the November meeting of the Board of Regents. Regent Keith James commended Chief Financial Officer Anita Simpson and her staff for the good reports received on both the internal and external audits.

Northern President Dr. Joe Kinzer said that the college is looking into the possibility of developing an Internet-based series of freshman and sophomore courses which could be taught around the globe, enabling the college to reach students that Northern would not otherwise serve. He announced that the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education would tour the Wilkin Technology Center prior to their meeting on the Tonkawa campus the morning of Dec. 3. The Regents visited the University Learning Center in Ponca City Dec. 2.

According to Dr. Roger Stacy, vice president for academic affairs, employers at Mercruiser Company in Stillwater are interested more course offerings to their employees from Northern, particularly in a broad Associate of Science program. Presently 56 employees are enrolled in Northern classes and 125 employees want to earn their Associate degree.

He noted that student evaluations of faculty are in progress and reported that academic administrators and division heads from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Northern had met one-on-one in a joint enrichment and articulation meeting on the Tonkawa campus.

Marion Tucker, vice president for information systems, said that the state has installed another DS-3 line which expands band width, resulting in greatly improved broadcast quality for ITV classes. She said arrangements have been finalized to partner with Western Oklahoma State College in offering a proposed Computer Information Systems program.

Vice President for Student Affairs Mick Weiberg announced Homecoming activities for the week of Nov. 29-Dec. 4. Dr. Ed Vineyard, dean of instruction at Enid, reported that 376 students had enrolled for spring semester, averaging 10 hours per student. Two new clubs, Single Parents and Psychology, have been formed on the Enid campus.

Resignations were accepted from staff personnel Denise Shupe, secretary to the Director of Foundation and Alumni, and Ollie May, bookkeeper. Employment of an administrative secretary for the Enid campus was approved.

The Board approved the college Administrative Leave Policy and changes to the Leave Policy, updating the Leave Policy to agree with changes enacted by the state legislature. A revision of the Northern Oklahoma College Foundation Bylaws to include representatives from the Enid campus was approved.

Board members also approved Section 13 allocations for various projects including computers and networking and renovation and remodeling of Wilkin Hall, as well as monthly financial reports presented by Anita Simpson, chief financial officer. Major purchases approved included an electronic library catalog system and its hardware support for both campuses and roofing supplies and boiler repairs for the Enid campus.

Regents attending the meeting were Chairman David Trojan, Enid; Vice Chairman Keith James, Pond Creek; Secretary Bill Bridwell, Ponca City; and members Bill O'Connor, Ponca City, and Carl Hamm, Perry. The Board will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16 in the President's Conference Room on the Tonkawa campus.

Chorale, Orchestra To Present Concert

The award winning Ponca City Senior High Chorale and Symphony Orchestra will present a joint Holiday Concert Monday night, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.

The symphony, conducted by Dan P. Larson, will open the program with the holiday favorite “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” “Jingle Bells Forever” by Robert W. Smith is next. This selection is based on melodies of Pierpont and Sousa (“Jingle Bells” and “Stars and Stripes Forever”). Concluding the orchestra portion of the program will be Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival.”

The Chorale will take to the stage next under the direction of Cynthia Gass to present two familiar holiday selections. They will sing the Burgundian Christmas Carol “Patapan” and the Ukranian Christmas Carol “Carol of the Bells.”

Bringing the concert to a close will be two selections performed by the two groups together. The first will be “Nativity Carol” by John Rutter, for chorus and string orchestra, conducted by Cynthia Gass. Following that will be “The Many Moods of Christmas” arranged by Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett. This selection for mixed chorus and symphony orchestra accompaniment will be conducted by Dan Larson.

Bringing the December orchestra concerts to a close will be the East and West Middle School Orchestras under the direction of Valerie Huffman. This concert will take place on Tuesday evening, Dec. 14 in the East Middle School Ralph Lester Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. The West Middle School Seventh Grade Orchestra will open with three selections. These include “Skating” (from the television special “Charlie Brown Christmas”), “Silver Bells,” and “Holiday Sounds for Strings.” The Eighth Grade Orchestra of East Middle School will then present “The Christmas Song” (“Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”), “Christmas Time Is Here” and “Santa at the Symphony.”

The Ponca City community is invited to attend any of these holiday concerts and support these young musicians. There is no admission charge for any of the concerts.

RELIGION

First Lutherans Focus on Gideon Sunday Morning
Annual ‘Live Nativity’ at Webb City Church Dec. 4 and 5
Newkirk Church Plans Fund Raiser
St. John Baptists to Hear Medical Discussion
Pioneer Christian Youth Fellowship Plans Christmas Project
‘Come Let Us Reason Together’
Woodlands Christian Sets Holiday Event
Ark City Church Plans Living Nativity
Pioneer Woman Afghans Available
Free Clothing Available
Ministerial Alliance Plans Meeting
Former Lodge Facility is New Home for Southside Baptists
Youth to Present Yule Program at Pioneer Church
Silvertones Sing Christmas Music
Richard Peters Memorial Toy Run Set for Saturday

First Lutherans Focus on Gideon Sunday Morning

The second Sunday of Advent will be observed at First Lutheran Church on Dec. 5 at both the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services with the theme of preparation for Christ’s second coming. Pastor Ramsey’s sermon will focus on Gideon, one of the Old Testament’s forerunners of Christ. The Senior Choir will sing the anthem "O Jesus, Grant Me Hope and Comfort” at the first service. At the 11 a.m. service the Cantate Choir will sing “Lord Be Glorified.” Holy communion will be celebrated at both services. New members will be received at the second service. The annual Hanging of the Greens service will be held on Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. This beautiful service will incorporate over a hundred participants who will read, sing, decorate, or in some way assist in the service. Many new aspects will be noted in the decorations this year. The Tasting Faire will follow the service. All of the community is invited to join in this exciting time of worship and fellowship.

On Dec. 12 the Senior Choir will present its Christmas cantata “Born a King” at both the morning services. At 6:30 p.m. the students of First Lutheran School in grades 2-5 will present their Christmas program in the school gym. On Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. the Sunday School children will present their Christmas program in the church sanctuary. Again, anyone is welcome to join the members in these times to worship the Christ child.

Church Briefs

Annual ‘Live Nativity’ at Webb City Church Dec. 4 and 5

Remember the annual Real Live Christmas at the Webb City Church of God Dec. 4 and 5 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. both nights. Admission is free to all!

The tours through the outside nativity scenes will be approximately 20 to 25 minutes long, and will feature “One Solitary Life”, “The Ascension”, “Mary’s Heavenly Visit”, “Heavenly Host”, “The Prophet Isaiah” “Joseph’s Dream”, “Bethlehem Inn & Market Place”, “Shepherd’s with their Flock”, “Miraculous Birth of Christ”, “Miracles of Jesus”, “Herod’s Court”, and “Wise Men with Camels”.

Webb City Church of God is located west of Shidler on Highway 11, approximately 2 1/2 miles, then back north two miles, or two miles north of Shidler on Highway 18 to the first blacktop road and 2 miles west.

Remember — everyone is invited to come and enjoy the Real Live Christmas. Dress warm for this “walk through” tour. Handicap transportation is available.

Newkirk Church Plans Fund Raiser

Calvary Temple Pentecostal Church of God is planning a Crafts and Rummage Fund Raiser for Saturday, Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at their church facility in Newkirk. This is a fund raiser for the church, it was noted, and everyone is welcome to come and browse.

They are hoping to raise enough money to purchase new carpeting for the church.

St. John Baptists to Hear Medical Discussion

The WMU of St. John Baptist Church will present Karen Shiflet of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, to discuss medicines on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South 11th Street.

The women of the church invite the public to come and bring your family to participate in this event. Refreshments will follow Ms. Shiflet’s presentation, it was announced.

Pioneer Christian Youth Fellowship Plans Christmas Project

The book of Hebrews in the New Testament is a helpful source of information concerning the necessity of commitment to Christ, according to Bob Weaver, pastor of Pioneer Christian Church. Through the study of Hebrews we learn about “the preeminence, superiority, and significance of Christ”, Pastor Weaver pointed out. The Wednesday night Bible study at the church meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is currently studying this fascinating book of Hebrews, he noted.

The Wednesday night All Youth Fellowship, which also meets from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., is currently preparing for Christmas with a service project. On Dec. 8 they will be making Christmas ornaments to be distributed to local nursing and retirement homes. The congregation of Pioneer Christian invites anyone looking for a Bible-teaching church totally committed to Christ to join them. For more information or for a ride, please contact the church at 762-8858. The church facility is located at 1701 East Hubbard Road in Ponca City.

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites the public to share God’s Word with them every week — Sunday Bible classes 9:30 a.m., worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. There are classes for all age levels — nursery through adult. Watch the Search program on Sunday at 8 a.m. on TV Channel 5 or 8.

New winter quarter adult Bible classes are beginning Dec. 5. Topics to be studied include “Worship that pleases God”, “Exodus”, “The Apostles”. Wednesday evening classes beginning Dec. 1 include “Better Bible Study”, “Concentrated Bible Study”, “II Corinthians”; Teen Bible Classes: Sunday — “Faith Challenge”; Wednesday — “Vital Signs”.

Woodlands Christian Sets Holiday Event

The Membership Ministry Team at Woodlands Christian Church is preparing a Holiday Dinner for the church folks on Sunday evening, Dec. 5. The congregation is encouraged to bring something special for the dessert table.

Entertainment will be provided by the Chancel Choir and the Dayspring Singers.

Following the Holiday Dinner, the annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled to approve the 2000 budget. The gathering will also vote on the new Officers for the 2000 Official Board, as well as the Elders, Diaconate, Associate Diaconate and Trustees.

Ark City Church Plans Living Nativity

Central Christian Church of Arkansas City is presenting a Living Nativity, Dec. 4, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. If you would like to view the scene, travel to Arkansas City (Bethlehem), along with some wise men, to see a new baby. Join the adventure of exploring the miraculous mystery behind the birth of Christ.

There will be plenty of parking space at the church, available so you may walk through the living nativity, pet the animals, hear the story, visit the townspeople, enjoy cider at the Inn and experience the moment, according to an item in the “Ponca City Christian” — or you may just drive through the living nativity.

To drive through, enter at 1821 North 15th St. To wander along a lighted walking path of the streets long ago, enter at 1826 North 15th St.

Sounds like a wonderful experience to set the stage for a wonderful Christmas!

Pioneer Woman Afghans Available

Pioneer Woman Afghans — they are the perfect gift for Christmas giving! The beautiful afghans are available in Williamsburg Blue, Hunter Green, and Burgundy. They are a United Methodist Women’s Missionary project at First United Methodist church, and are available by calling 765-0157, 762-1429 or 762-1681. The Methodist Women will deliver the afghans for Christmas giving!

Free Clothing Available

The women of First Assembly of God are offering free clothing to anyone with a need on Monday, Dec. 6 at the First Assembly of God Church, 1308i Bradley from 6 to 8 p.m.

Please enter by using the furthest northwest doors to the church facility.

It was announced there are lots of winter coats this week.

Ministerial Alliance Plans Meeting

The Ponca City Ministerial Alliance will meet Nov. 9 at noon at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Police Chief Raymond Ham is the scheduled speaker for the meeting. All area ministers are urged to be present.

Former Lodge Facility is New Home for Southside Baptists

Have you noticed the new steeple peeking above the skyline just west of 14th and Bradley? That steeple is at the center of new activity for a longtime Ponca City congregation. With a new location, new facility, and a new name, the former Southside Baptist Church will open its doors Dec. 5 at 1301 Bradley as Providence Baptist Church.

“We are undergoing many new changes for which we are extremely grateful”, says Steve Harden, Pastor, “but, our mission to spread the gospel, strengthen families, and emphasize the truths of Scripture is still the same.”

The church recently purchased the former Elks Lodge building and remodeled it into a worship facility. “The lodge has a large ballroom area and dance floor. This area provided a good starting point for a sanctuary,” says Harden, “but aside from that, the interior has been entirely remodeled to provide classrooms, offices, work areas, and a fellowship hall.”

In addition to major renovations on the inside, the church built a pitched roof and steeple over the covered drive entrance. “We wanted the outside of the building to be recognizable as a church,” explains Pastor Harden. “Additional changes to the exterior include new fencing, and the replacement of pavement on the east end with grass for the children’s playground area.”

Because of the change in location, the name Southside did not fit anymore and the church agreed on the new name of “Providence” this past summer. According to the pastor, “We wanted our name to honor God as our sustaining and guiding hand throughout our history as well as in recent changes the church has undergone.”

Southside Baptist was begun in 1955 as a mission outreach of First Baptist Church. According to Mac McWhorter, an original member of the mission, the church first met in a home, and later built their former building at 1518 South Fifth Street. In 1998 Conoco purchased the building on South Fifth, and since that time, the church has met at the Marland Mansion while construction was completed on the new facility.

“We are very excited about the future and grateful for our new facility,” Pastor Hardin explains, “but as our history shows, buildings and circumstances will change. However, our message, convictions, and service which are based on the unchanging principles of Scripture will not change. The Bible is the bedrock that keeps us grounded, it is free from error, essential for meaningful life, and it is overwhelmingly sufficient for every problem we face in our day. Because of this truth, we look forward to continuing our ministry in the days to come.”

Local ministries of the church include AWANA, JV and AWANA Varsity, programs designed to disciple junior high and high school students through Scripture memorization, group activities, and service projects.

The church has a program of visitation and teaching in several nursing homes including weekly services at Shawn Manor. They also support several missionary efforts, including a ministry that provides clothing, food, and support to churches and orphanages in Romania.

As for teaching, Pastor Harden says, “We place a strong emphasis on the authority of the Bible and teach biblical truth through ‘expository preaching’, a systematic method that progressively teaches through entire books of the Bible. We also have a ‘Fundamentals Class’ designed for those new to the Bible, or anyone having questions about Christianity or truth in general.”

The church will host a combined dedication and open house for the community Jan. 21-23, 2000. Featured speakers of the dedication will include former pastor Doug Shivers, as well as Lance Quinn and Jim Elliff. Lance Quinn is Pastor of “The Bible Church of Little Rock” and Jim Elliff is the director for Midwestern Center for Biblical Revival. Anyone interested in either the open house or the fundamentals class may call the church for more information.

So, will people attending the open house find the church making use of that former dance floor? “Well, we don’t have any dances scheduled,” says Pastor Harden. “Folks should plan to come and see for themselves!”

Youth to Present Yule Program at Pioneer Church

The youth of Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard Road, will present their Christmas program entitled, “Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?” at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 15 — the story of Christmas. The program is under the direction of Marilyn Becker, and everyone is invited to attend.

The youth have also prepared a float for the Lighted Christmas Parade in downtown Ponca City this evening at 6:30 p.m. The float depicts the birth of Jesus Christ through the use of a nativity scene. And every Sunday morning during worship service, a group from the junior and senior high youth present a puppet ministry to the congregation. This ministry will have a Christmas theme throughout the month of December and is under the direction of Deanna Weaver.

While Sunday night youth groups, which meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m., have recently been preparing for the upcoming youth Christmas program, they have also continued their Christ-centered studies. With the help of Youth Director Andrea Sewell the junior and senior high youth group has been studying the parables used during his ministry here on earth. The elementary youth group has been learning about prayer and its significance in an individual’s daily walk with the Lord. And the preschool youth group has been learning about the heavens and the stars in God’s mighty creation.

The youth of Pioneer Christian are focused on Jesus as their Lord and Savior, according to Ms. Sewell, and are excited about being able to share the gospel of Christ with others. They invite other youth in the community to join in on their enthusiasm — it is contagious! For more information and/or a ride to youth group, please contact the church at 762-8858.

Silvertones Sing Christmas Music

First Baptist Church and Pastor Hance Dilbeck are pleased to announce a special Christmas music presentation for the citizens of Ponca City and surrounding areas this Sunday evening, Dec. 5, at 6:30 o’clock, at the Worship Center located at Fifth and Central in downtown Ponca City.

The Christmas musical, “Once Upon a Child”, is being presented by The Silvertones of First Baptist Church. Admission is free to the public.

Larry Masters, Minister of Music, will be conducting. Church Organist, Marcella Johnson and Church Pianist, Carol Green will provide instrumental accompaniment. Esther McKelvey will serve as narrator. Soloists (in order of appearance) are: Verna Wilson, Evelyn Bryan, Lanny Officer, Tom Short, Helen Ivie, Hank Hull, Laura Dodson, Iris Brewer, Marilyn Dorris, and Gale Prather.

“Once Upon a Child” is the ageless story of a mother, angels, shepherds, wise men, and a Baby who became a Hero and the Savior of the world. Brilliant narrations, stirring music, and powerful imagery will touch the hearts of the audience with the essence of salvation. Great stories often begin with “Once Upon a ... Time.” But this, the greatest story ever told begins with “Once Upon a ... Child”. Memorable songs like Welcome to Christmas, Let There Be Light, Best of Both Worlds, Ever After, and A Great Light will be included in this fast-moving, inspirational, and refreshing Christmas production.

Join with the First Baptist Church family this Sunday evening, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the birthday of the King. Admission is free.

Richard Peters Memorial Toy Run Set for Saturday

The Pioneer Christian Crusaders will be holding a Toy Run in memory of Richard Peters on Saturday at 10 a.m. The toys will be given to the children in the local hospitals. The Run will begin at the Western Sizzlin’ at 10 a.m. Everyone who would like to come is advised to meet in the parking lot of Western Sizzlin’ Saturday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m.

All area motorcyclists are invited to participate or anyone who is interested in helping sick children to have a happier holiday season may bring the toys and give them to the CMA members who will be making the Run.

The hospital requests that only stuffed animals or dolls be given, according to Chuck Hoddy, who will be playing Santa Claus for the event.

The Pioneer Christian Crusaders would like to pay tribute to Gary Shindler (known as Ho Ho) who died this past year. Gary played Santa for the first Toy Run last year.

The Pioneer Christian Crusaders will participate in the Christmas Millennium Parade on Friday at 7 p.m.

On Jan. 1 the group will be going on the annual Dresser Jack Run to Perry. They will leave the TTT station on Waverly and U.S. 60 around 11 a.m. All local motorcyclists are invited to join them for the ride. The riders will meet other riders from all over the state at the Sooner Corner Cafe on I-35 at Perry for lunch on that day.

The Pioneer Christian Crusaders will hold their monthly meeting at Western Sizzlin’ on Jan. 1 at 8 a.m. Those interested in motorcycle ministry or who would just like to fellowship with other motorcyclists are invited to come to the breakfast meeting on that day.

Anyone interested in coming to the chapter Bible study is welcome. The study is held on the second and fourth Mondays at the home of Pete and Joyce Myers at 7 p.m. Call 765-3164 for more information.

All motorcyclists are invited to ride with the group on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. and Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. The group meets at TTT Station on U.S. 60 and Waverly. Call Skip Russell at 765-2301 or Rob Zuck at 762-0844 for ride information.

The officers for 2000 are Jeff O’Kelley, president; Rob Zuck, vice president; Judy Peters, secretary-treasurer; Skip Russell, road captain, Joyce Myers and Bud West, co-chaplains, and Barbara O’Kelley, news letter editor.

SPORTS

Cagers Will Test Pioneers
Wildcat Big Win Not Enough

Cagers Will Test Pioneers

Stillwater won’t have any 6-11 players, but the Pioneers will have enough height and plenty of experience when they take on Ponca City’s Wildcats tonight in Stillwater.

The Wildcats had trouble handling Jenks’ height and quickness in their season opener Tuesday. Stillwater doesn’t have that kind of height, but the Pioneers have plenty of quickness.

New Stillwater head coach Michael Davis has four starters back from last year’s 13-13 team.

They include seniors Brian Carter (6-2), Keith Thomas (5-10), Nathan Hobbs (6-4) and Zach Huston (6-0).

The returning lettermen include junior D.D. Neal (6-4), junior Ash Kelly (6-0), junior Leonard Jones (5-11), sophomore Edward Judie (5-9) and sophomore Jordan Russel (6-5).

The Pioneers are picked to finish fourth in the Frontier Conference, behind Union, Jenks and Owasso.

The Lady Pioneers are picked third in the conference, trailing only Jenks and Union.

Second-year coach Rhonda fields also has four returning starters from last year’s 13-10 finish.

They are 6-0 junior Halie Hutchins, 5-10 senior Leslie Warren, who averaged 10 points a game last year, 5-7 senior Jill Ireland and 5-6 senior Carry Keiser.

The girls’ game is scheduled to start at 6:30 with the boys taking to the court about 8.

Wildcat Big Win Not Enough

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

OWASSO — The score was 49-9 and the Wildcat freshmen and sophomores had wrestled well. Still coach Todd Steidley was concerned as he walked out of the Owasso High School fieldhouse Thursday night.

“It looked like it was the first dual of the season,” Steidley shook his head as some of his veteran grapplers did not perform as expected.

“It was probaby first match jitters and it was the first time some of them had been down to weight,” he said. “That makes a whole lot of difference.”

The Wildcat received two forfeits, collected three falls and a major decision. it was enough to garner an easy win against the Rams.

It won’t be the next time out.

“If we wrestle Broken Arrow like we did tonight, we won’t win a match,” the coach groused.

The Wildcats will wrestle the top ranked Tigers Tuesday in Robinson Fieldhouse. Steidley feels like his wrestlers could be a top 10 team this season, maybe even top 5. Tuesday’s dual will go a long way toward telling him if he’s right.

But there were bright spots the coach saw in the Cats’ opener.

The three freshmen did real well,” he said. “Two of them got bonus points (Mimi Miller got a forfeit at 125 pounds and pinned his opponent in an exhibition match while heavyweight James Arbertha got a fall).”

“I expected to give up bonus points at 119,” Steidley said as freshman Daniel Cottman went against Owasso state placer Todd Kercie. “But we only got beat four or five points (8-3).”

The Ponca sophomores won three of four matches. Phillip Brotherton took a 6-2 decision at 112 pounds, Steve Windler won 10-5 at 135 and Roman RedLeaf won a major, 13-5, at 140.

At 120, sophomore Shawn Lee lost a close 13-11 decision to Chris Ferguson.

The other two falls for the Wildcats came from seniors Matt Littleton at 157, in 5:43, and Blaine Empting at 171, in 1:31.

Michael Osborn won 8-4 at 145, Kyle Duren won 12-6 at 160 and Jeremy Leavitt won 6-2 at 189.

The Wildcat JVs, who also won their match easily, are in the Del City Tournament Friday and enter the Winfield (Kan.) Tournament Saturday.

The Ponca City Junior High wrestlers posted a 49-19 decision over Owasso Junior High Thursday night

Ponca City 49, Owasso 9

103 — Short (PC) fft

112 — Brotherton (PC) d. Tumleson, 6-2

119 — Kersie (O) d. Cottman, 8-3

125 — Miller (PC) fft

130 — Ferguson (O) d. Lee, 13-11

135 — Windler (PC) d. Coates, 10-5

140 — RedLeaf (PC) md Tumleson, 13-5

145 — Osborn (PC) d. Mech,, 8-4

151 — Littleton (PC) p. Kory, 5:43

160 — Duren (PC) d. Albona, 12-6

171 — Empting (PC) p. Claymore, 1:31

189 — Leavitt (PC) d. Holman, 5-2

215 — McBee (O) d. Neurenberg, 3-2

Hwt — Arbertha (PC) p. Nash, 2:44