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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Friday, December 17, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES EDUCATION RELIGION SPORTS LOCALCity Opts to Refinance Loans City Opts to Refinance LoansBy BOB PATTERSON News City Editor In an effort to take the best possible option of refinancing nearly $7 million in loans with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, city officials approved plans in a special meeting Thursday afternoon. The final action on the refinancing will take place at the city manager’s office in city hall when the transactions will be closed next week, probably Thursday morning, according to city clerk Mark LaBossiere. The refinancing is part of the loans obtained to reconstruct portions of the city’s wastewater treatment plant and water treatment plant, at a cost of $18,680,000. Projects were started in 1994 and LaBossiere said that the present time gave the city a “great option to proceed with the refinancing” of two separate loans. Allan Brooks, bond counselor for the city, noted that the issuance of the notes with a principal amount of $2,370,906.99 and another one, for $4,040,000, were the two notes that needed to be refinanced. LaBossiere explained that the permanent financing of 60 percent of the previous loans was the result of the interest being low, but now makes it possible to get an even better interest rate on the other 40 percent, which is allowed. The city clerk said that the ability to refinance the loans comes at an opportune time, and will continue to carry the same stipulations of reporting to the OWRB about the current project construction which is near completion. Brooks noted for the commissioners during the session, that the agreement also provides a section on issuance of the note, designation of the local trustee (the city), execution of documentation, covenants of the borrower, lease, fees and expenses, certificate of designation and necessary action. Brooks made note that the fees and expenses paid at the closing would amount to $143,791.08 as stipulated in the agreement. Action was approved by the commissioners, acting for the city, as the owner of the projects and then by the Ponca City Utility Authority, the user of the facilities. Both votes were 4-0, including Mayor Tom Leonard, and Commissioners Dick Stone, Lyn Boyer and Chris Hand. Kenneth Ray was unable to attend the meeting. Police Solve Rash of Car BurglariesThe recent rash of car burglaries have been solved by the arrest of two suspects. An 18-year-old man is currently jailed on charges stemming from an outstanding warrant for a previous burglary. His accomplice, a 16-year-old boy, was released to the custody of his parents. The burglaries occurred earlier this week. Ponca City police officers have taken over 20 reports from residents living on Birch, Osage and Otoe. Det. Sgt. Richard Brown reports that property from some of these car burglaries has been recovered. Several reports are still being processed. The case information will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s office and the Office of Juvenile Affairs. Magni-Cam Presentation Given at Noon Lions ClubThe Magni-Cam was the subject of the video presentation given by Susan Ladner and Brice Chism at the Dec. 1 Noon Lions Club. The Noon Lions have purchased two units to be loaned to qualified individuals. The Magni-Cam is a lightweight, hand-held electronic magnifier which connects in minutes to any television or computer monitor to provide enhanced reading ability to those with low vision (those suffering from macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy). The Magni-Cam camera weighs only seven ounces and can be held in either hand. This unit also allows low vision individuals to write letters or checks. Individuals who are interested for themselves or for loved ones should call Joanne Hollingsworth at 762-4700 to make application. Guests included eighth grader Leo Mitch Fezer who stated that he had visited the club as a member of the honor choir. Mitch is active in Leo Club. He carried the banner in the Veterans Day parade and was instrumental in planning the Leo/Lion benefit basketball game. His mother is Robyn Fezer, and Norma Brown is his grandmother. Ned Matson, Lion Ted Matson’s twin brother, brought a video tape of the OU/OSU football game for auction with the proceeds going to the eyeglass fund. Bob McCartney gave the invocation, and Russ Allen led the group in song. Plans were made for participation in the Christmas Millennium parade and the basketball game. Street Repairs to Force Closing of Waverly Ave.Starting Monday, motorists will need to take a different route if they have been using Waverly Street from West Highland Avenue. At 8 a.m., Monday, Dec. 20, Waverly Street will be closed to through traffic from the intersection of Highland Avenue northward to the intersection of Highland Avenue, in order for Evans and Associates to begin reconstruction of the street. The street will be closed a minimum of six months. Access to all driveways between Highland and Hartford on Waverly will be maintained with either asphalt millings or temporary asphalt pavement. The truck access to Industrial Boulevard north of Hartford will be by way of Oklahoma 156 extended north on the County Road to Industrial Boulevard. The employees’ access to Industrial Boulevard will be by way of the north half of the Hartford intersection at Waverly, then northward to Industrial Boulevard. Restoration Work Begins on StatueBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Massive restoration and conservation is needed on the Pioneer Woman Statue and pedestal in order for its quality to be maintained. That assessment was provided by Patrick Rice, a sculpture conservator based in St. Louis. He was recently contracted by the Oklahoma state Historical Society (OHS) to conduct the study. As a result, temporary preventative measures were taken Thursday on the statue and base to lessen the damage that could be caused by harsh winter weather. Kathy Dickson, OHS director of Museums, and Darrell Covington of Oklahoma City were here to work on the project. “Our pioneer lady needs a little cleaning and dressing up,” says Jayne Detten, chairman of the Pioneer Woman Museum. The advisory board and the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) are combining forces to apply for a $37,000 grant from Save Our Outdoor Sculpture (SOS), a private conservation group based in Washington D.C., to fund the major project. Total cost of the conservation effort, based on the report by Rice, will be over $65,000 said Dickson. Rice’s contract called for assessment of the needed repair and a plan for restoration and maintenance. Detten commented, “If the grant is received, work will begin in late summer or early fall. It’s a nice millennium present for our Pioneer Woman.” As a temporary measure to thwart further damage to the boy’s shoe, which has a crack in the bronze, Covington drilled a 1/8-inch hole on either side of the crack to reduce the possiblity of its widening. The crack was sealed with caulking as a stopgap effort to prevent further fracturing. Apparently, previous cleaning efforts on the base used salt water, which leeched into the limestone, according to Rice’s report. The salt, along with the missing and cracked mortar that has eroded is causing the limestone to deteriorate. Following the recommendations of Rice, Dickson and Covington patched the mortar on the Millennium Activities Begin at 10 a.m.Millennium celebration activities in Ponca City will provide something of interest for all ages. A 5km Millennium, billed as the Last Run of the Millennium, will jump start the events on Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. The race will start at Sixth and Grand Avenue, near Centennial Plaza. The course of the race will be the perimeter of the original townsite of Ponca City. The race will be administered by Glen’s Road Race, and is a USATF certified and sanctioned course. T-shirts will be available for purchase, and prizes and refreshments will follow the race. Anyone interested in being a participant can call Penny Surber, 580-762-4798, to receive an application form. There is no entry fee, and prizes will be awarded. The 5km Road Race is sponsored by the Ponca City Millennium Commission. Everyone is invited to be a participant. Yellow Hammer At 11:15 a.m. on Dec. 31 at Centennial Plaza the award-winning Yellow Hammer drummers and singers will perform two songs, a Flag Song and a Veterans’ Song, in traditional Native American tongue as a tribute to all veterans. Formally organized in 1993, the Yellow Hammer group has earned numerous awards in national competitions across the United States including the Southern World Singing Championships in 1995 and 1997. The group also plays for educational purposes on various campuses across the U.S. and at many powwows. Members of the group include lead singers Jim Kemble and Jim Grant, Jade Roubedeaux, Perry Botone Jr., Steve Littlecook, Jim Kemble Jr., Kensil Lieb, Wes Hudson, Garland Kent Jr., Patrick Moore, Mike Gawhega and Greg Lieb. Veterans Appreciation At 11:30 a.m. Dec. 31, the Veterans Appreciation Ceremony will take place at Centennial Plaza in downtown Ponca City. Sponsored by the Millennium Commission, the Veterans Appreciation Ceremony will honor veterans of all eras who so proudly served our country. Various color guards representing local veterans organizations will also be in attendance. Attorney General Drew Edmondson will deliver the keynote address. Local vocalist, Mary Jane Barraclough, will sing “God Bless America,” “Kate Smith style.” The Millennium Time Capsule will then be dedicated and buried in Centennial Plaza. Dogma Begins Showing at Poncan Theatre Today“Dogma,” an “extremely funny and quite rewarding film” about fallen angels, begins showing today at the Poncan Theatre on Grand. The movie stars Academy Award winners Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as two angels who have been kicked out of heaven. After a couple of thousand years of exile in Wisconsin, they’re eager to find a way back into heaven. Janet Maslin, chief critic for the New York Times, calls “Dogma” “mercilessly funny,” and says the religious humor of the film is placed “in the context of an obviously devout, enlightened parable.” “Dogma” “makes a big, gutsy leap into questions of faith and religion,” says Maslin. Damon and Affleck find a trendy bishop (played by George Carlin) who easily hands out plenary indulgences. If the two angels simply enter into the bishop’s newly redecorated cathedral, they’ve got a loophole back into heaven. The problem with the loophole is that it raises questions about the fallibility of the Church. To make the problem clear, another angel (Alan Rickman) appears. If the angels poke too much at the question of the fallibility of God, it could bring the end of the universe. While “Dogma” “grows out of an irreverent modern Catholic sensitivity” and has fun with questions of dogma, it also takes church teaching “very seriously indeed,” says Roger Ebert, himself a devout Catholic. The movie “deals with eternal questions in terms of flawed characters who live now, today, in an imperfect world,” he says. Kevin Smith, the writer, “has positioned his comedy on the balance line between theological rigidity and secular reality.” The result is “mature, thoughtful and occasionally dazzling,” says the San Francisco Chronicle. But “it’s a genuine work of faith” and possibly “the most unstuffy religious film ever made,” they say. The film juggles a variety of film approaches “from the silly to the reverent to the fantastic,” but the juggling is accomplished with a “steady grasp” of the overall mission of the film. “Dogma is hardly the work of a lightweight,” says the Chronicle. With heavy star power and a story that “constantly fascinates,” “Dogma” has soared to the top ten grossing films of the season. It is “funny, fast-paced and deliberately provocative,” says the Orlando Weekly. Film.com writes that “Smith has crammed the film with enough genuinely funny moments and insightful bits to make it well worth seeing.” “Dogma” is rated R. It shows over the weekend and through next week at the Poncan Theatre at 104 East Grand. For show times, patrons may call the theatre at 580-765-0943. Government Funds Benefit Kaw TribeKAW CITY — The Kaw Nation is ready to develop a program to decrease the number of Native American juvenile offenses in the area, a tribal spokesperson said today. The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday awarded $250,000 to the Kaw Tribe of Oklahoma to prevent and control youth violence and substance abuse. The money was part of the justice department’s new Tribal Youth Program, which also awarded $99,000 to the Iowa Tribe in Payne, Lincoln and Logan counties. The award will allow the Kaw Tribe’s staff members to develop an intensive case-management program for youthful offenders said Cindy Grounds, grant writer and program developer for the Kaw Nation. “We’ve been waiting for the award because we have people who work with the juveniles,” she said. “I’m just really happy.” The tribe sought the money to develop a resource and referral system to accommodate the courts when they require juvenile Indian offenders to perform community service, Grounds said. She added that the tribe is expecting the staff at its new wellness center and gymnasium east of Newkirk to develop a program of activities. The tribe’s decision was in response to statistics citing a 110 percent increase in juvenile arrests between 1980 and 1994, Grounds said. In Kay County, for every case worker who handles 120 juvenile cases, “50 of those 120 are Indian kids,” she said. Through the justice department’s program, 34 American Indian and Alaska Native tribal communities were awarded nearly $8 million nationwide. “While juvenile crime rates have dropped throughout the nation, they continue to rise in Indian country,” Shay Bilchik, administrator of the department's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, said Thursday. “These grants represent an unprecedented federal investment in tribal lands to address youth violence,” Bilchik said. Both Ponca City News reporter Mark Galvan and Associated Press wire stories contributed to this article. Standing Bear Website ActiveStanding Bear Native American Memorial now reaches to the world on the internet. According to Gael Hancock, website project coordinator, the site is now currently online as a working site of www.north-ok.edu/sb. However, it will soon be at the URL www.standingbear.com. This exciting tool is just another way the memorial is reaching out to share the culture and history of the six local tribes that are represented by the park. Online, the site highlights the history and culture of the six area tribes. In addition to this, it will also be a resource to learn about upcoming tribal and park news and events. The site information was put together by Hancock and the programming of the site was done by Piyush Patel of Northern Oklahoma College. Meal Program Sponsored by HelplineCall Helpline at 765-5551 if you need a Christmas meal delivered or if you can provide a Christmas meal to someone in need. Give Helpline your name, address, phone number, diet restrictions and number of meals needed or number you can provide for. Helpline will match you up! Deadline for calling is Dec. 23. Helpline is a United Way Agency. Letter - School Board Should Deny Trimester PlanThe trimester is another failed experiment in education, and to think that it is even being considered in what was one of the best school systems in our state! Why don't people see the trimester experiment for what it is -- another vehicle for Out Come Based Education, Goals 2000, STW, block scheduling and all of the other programs for social engineering? Have you noticed no one talks about STW anymore, as if it had gone away? I pray that if any of the school board members have the slightest doubt that trimesters will improve education at Po High that they will vote against implementing the trimester. Betty Lowrey DEATHSOmer Charles Tallchief Omer Charles TallchiefFAIRFAX — Omer Charles Tallchief, resident of Mannford, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1999, in Reno, Nev. He was 58. Rosary will be tonight at 7 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, 1999, in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fairfax with the Rev. Ken Lewis officiating. Burial will be in the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home. He will lie in state at the church. Omer Charles Tallchief was born Oct. 8, 1941, in Fairfax, the son of John and Josephine (Butler) Tallchief. He attended Grayhorse grade school and graduated from Fairfax High School. He attended Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore., for two and a half years. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Elks Lodge, the Osage Tribal Council, Osage Tribal Education Committee. He had served as past director of the National Board of County Commissioners, Osage County commissioner for eight years, Grayhorse committeeman, and retired volunteer firefighter for Fairfax. He served in the Army National Guard and enjoyed golfing, steer roping, Tulsa University football and movies. He is survived by three daughters, Leslie Holloway of Ralston, Jo Dawn Tallchief of Fairfax, and Nicole Tallchief of Pawhuska; one sister, Cecelia Tallchief of Fairfax; seven grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother. Casket bearers will be Moe Dilbeck, Billy Joe Dilbeck, Dickie Johnston, Henry Johnston, Everett Waller, Jeff Tucker, Kent Ritchie and Brownie Brownfield. Honorary bearers will be Blackie Ricketts, Clifton Scott and Sonny Abbott. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Osage Tribal Education Committee Fund, c/o First State Bank, Box 427, Fairfax, Okla. 74637-0237. Verna Marie UrbinFAIRFAX — Verna Marie Urbin, resident of Fairfax, died Thursday afternoon, Dec. 16, 1999, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 70. A graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, 1999, in the Bell Cemetery southeast of Ralston with Sister Alyce Nuttle officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home of Fairfax. Verna Marie Urbin was born Feb. 4, 1929, in Blackwell, the daughter of Frank and Margaret Marie (Brown) Ritchie. She had been employed as a key punch operator for Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City. She was a member of the Church of Life Church, and she enjoyed going to church, reading her Bible, and listening to music. She is survived by one son, George Ray Dunkin of Oklahoma City; seven daughters, Mary Lou Killian of Broken Arrow, Margaret Faye Derrick of Fairfax, Rose Ann McCauley of Salem, Ore., Edith Elaine Smith of Huntington, Va., Linda Maxine Kerr of Irving, Texas, Brenda Marie Smith of Bedford, Texas, and Glenda Pearl Ranjbar of Tehran, Iran; 15 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Una Mae Ritchie. ObituariesGerald Francis PaceGerald Francis “Jerry” Pace, Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. He was 61. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 18, 1999, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with the Rev. John J. Michalicka, pastor, officiating. Arrangements will be with the Trout Funeral Home. Jerry was born Feb. 8, 1938, in Wichita, Kan., to Clifford and Evelyn (Hoppe) Pace. Jerry graduated from Chickasha High School and the University of Oklahoma with a master’s degree in chemistry. Jerry was united in marriage Nov. 15, 1980, in Ponca City to Rita Cyann Robbins. He was a chemist with Conoco and was an avid golfer and a member of the Ponca City Golf Association. Survivors include his wife, Rita of the home; two sons, Barton Scott Pace and his wife Anh of Simi Valley, Calif., and Lee Andrew Pace of the home; three brothers, Kenneth Pace of Chickasha, Dick Pace of Oklahoma City, and Gene Pace of Tulsa; five sisters, Angelia Braun of Tulsa, Dorothy Bingham of Chickasha, Pat Goss of Chickasha, Mary Howell of Safford, Ariz., and Jacqueline O’Shea of Colby, Kan.; and mother-in-law, Rita Robbins of the home. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Pace and Patricia Bennett; and father-in-law, Ransom Robbins. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 601 South Third Street, Ponca City, Okla. 74601 or to St. Mary’s School, 415 South Seventh Street, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. paid obituary Louise GreenLouise Green, former Ponca City resident, died Thursday morning, Dec. 16, 1999, at the Manor Care Nursing Home in Oklahoma City. She was 85. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, 1999, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Ron Ledbetter, pastor of Sunset Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Born Nov. 10, 1914, in Russett, Okla., she was the daughter of John and Maggie (Wofford) Potts. She was a graduate of the Tishomingo High School. On Dec. 2, 1942, she was married to Leslie Orville Green in Hondo, Texas. They made their home in Hondo while her husband was in the service. Following his discharge, they came to Ponca City. Mrs. Green was a longtime member of the Liberty Baptist Church and enjoyed crocheting, reading her Bible and being with her grandchildren Surviving are her son, Bob Green and his wife Donna of Oklahoma City; one sister, Marie Richens of Michigan; one brother, Joe Potts, of Ada; three grandchildren, Kim Blackston and her husband Tim, Rebecca Green, and Jeffrey Green, all of Oklahoma City; one great-granddaughter, Halle Marie Blackston of Oklahoma City. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and three sisters. paid obituary Jack BlewJack Blew, former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999, at his home in Oklahoma City. He was 73. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, 1999, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Jim Gladney, pastor of the Putnam City Christian Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Ceres Cemetery in Ceres, Okla., under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Born Nov. 23, 1926, in Ceres, he was the son of Harry and Florence (Crane) Blew. At an early age, the family moved to Red Rock. He graduated from Red Rock High School and played on the baseball team there. Mr. Blew served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1949 to 1951. On Dec. 7, 1952 he was married to Norma Poore in Ponca City. The couple made their home here until moving to Oklahoma City in 1996. Mr. Blew was employed with Midwest Creamery which became Farm Fresh Dairy for 18 years. He then worked for as a sales representative for the Mead Corp. for 18 years before retiring in 1991. He was a member of the Putnam City Christian Church and enjoyed working in his yard, woodworking and spending time with his granddaughter. Surviving are his wife, Norma, of the home; one son, Brian Blew, of Edmond; one granddaughter, Hannah Blew of Edmond; four sisters, Betty Jean Alley of Oceanside, Calif., Marjorie Vannest of Georgetown, Texas, Wanda Butler of Ponca City, and Molly Wright of Norman; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Robert Blew. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mercy Hospice, 4200 West Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73120. paid obituary Services PendingMarlin E. CrowderFAIRFAX — Marlin E. Crowder, longtime resident of Fairfax, died Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999, in the Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa. Services are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home in Fairfax. Byrnyce HendersonByrnyce Henderson, 83, longtime resident of Ponca City, died today at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Service is pending with Trout Funeral Home. Virginia D. LarimerVirginia D. “Ginger” Larimer, Ponca City resident, died early Friday morning, Dec. 17, 1999, at her home. She was 58. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday morning in the First Baptist Church Worship Center. Other arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home. Local survivors include her husband, Steve, of the home. NEWS BRIEFSProvide a Meal — Cooking Christmas dinner? Would you be willing to share with a needy person? Call Helpline at 765-5551. Enjoy The sun, golf in Green Valley, AZ. Furnished two bedroom town house for rent. Utilities included. Available January and February. 762-6813. adv. Church Selling Pecans — Pecan Sale, Natives Only 1999, $1 pound. Saturday 8:30 a.m. to noon, Brookfield Avenue Wesleyan Church, North Third Street and East Brookfield Avenue. More information 762-2367. After 5:00 massage available at Nutri-System. 762-3488. Gift certificates available. adv. Unwanted Dog — A woman from the 600 block of South Fourth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:32 a.m. Thursday that a dog on her porch would not let her out of the house. An officer was assigned and the dog was brought to the police department and placed in the Animal Control pickup. 20% Off sale on Antiques and collectibles. Timeless Antiques. 322 East Grand. adv. Need a Christmas Meal? — Will you be by yourself on Christmas Day? Would you like a home-cooked meal? Call Helpline at 765-5551. 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. Child Taken — The Communications Center received a report from a woman in the 1200 block of East South Avenue at 8:12 a.m. Thursday that a subject was there trying to take a child and was not supposed to have contact with the child. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and both, the child and subject were gone prior to the officer’s arrival. Information was logged 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. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 10:52 a.m. Thursday that a 42-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay. 50% Off all Christmas decoration and toys till Christmas. Twice as Good Thrift Shop. 209 South 2nd. adv. Abandoned Bicycle — A man from the 900 block of North Third Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:58 p.m. Thursday that a bicycle had been abandoned in the yard. Animal Control was contacted to remove the bicycle. Students “Christmas Break” open bowl special, December 17, 1999 thru January 2, 2000 (except on Mondays 12/20 and 12/27). Closed Christmas Day. $1.50 per game 75 cents shoe rental. 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Ponca Bowl, 762-3333. adv. Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 100 block of South Fourth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:31 p.m. Thursday. 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. Accident — The Communications Center received several 911 calls at 6 p.m. that a three-vehicle injury accident had occurred in the 200 block of South Fourteenth Street. Three officers were assigned and a report was taken. Three persons were taken by two Ponca City Fire Department ambulances to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 5:31 p.m. Thursday that a 16-year-old boy was being held for second degree burglary of an auto. Mirror Broken — A man from the 400 block of South Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:53 a.m. Thursday that someone had broken his mirror of his pickup Wednesday night. The 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. Assault — An official at West Middle School requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department concerning an assault that occurred Wednesday. An officer was assigned at 1:13 p.m. Thursday and a report was taken. The information was logged that the incident had occurred at Ponca City High School. Jim Bowen Construction Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv. Subjects Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:53 p.m. Thursday that a 21-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay, and a 23-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 4:34 p.m. Thursday that an 18-year-old man was being held for second degree burglary. Cattle on the Road — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 6:29 p.m. Thursday reporting cattle on the roadway in the 3100 block of West North Avenue. The Kay County Sheriff’s Office was notified to handle the situation. 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. Odor Investigation — A man from the 300 block of South Franklin Street requested a fire unit at 7:05 p.m. Thursday to investigate an odor. A unit from the No. 1 Fire Station responded and handled the situation. Odor Investigation — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 400 block of North Fifth Street at 8:07 p.m. Thursday that an odor investigation in the area was reason for a request to have Oklahoma Natural Gas to investigate. ONG was notified. Need Assistance? — Anyone needing to publicize an event or meeting may contact The News, 765-3311 for an item in News Briefs. Annual Meeting — The Church Women United annual meeting will be held Friday, Jan. 7, at St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South Eleventh Street, at 9:30 a.m. Annual reports will be heard and elections and installations of 2000 officers will be held. Equipment Stolen — A man from the 700 block of East Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:08 p.m. Thursday that some stereo equipment had been stolen out of a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street at 2:57 a.m. Friday that a 40-year-old man was being held on two city warrants for failure to appear and failure to pay. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of East Maple Avenue and South Third Street at 3:36 a.m. Friday that a 39-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant for failure to pay. LIFESTYLESEta Delta Chapter Members Meet Eta Delta Chapter Members MeetSixteen members of Eta Delta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority attended the Christmas dinner, “Secret Sister” gift exchange, and meeting on Dec. 12 in the home of Suzie Allen. Dinner consisted of a “favorite recipe” brought by each member. Wanda Sheehan presided at the brief business meeting, and Betty Wyatt reported that the January chapter social will be the annual beer, bowling and pizza party on Jan. 22. The City Council Valentine Dance will be held on Feb. 5 and the Founder’s Day Dinner will be April 27. Area millennium celebrations and plans were discussed as well as millennium “precautions” people are taking. Betty Wyatt won the door prize. Mrs. Wyatt will host the Jan. 10 meeting. For the program, she asked each member to bring a list of their favorite “pet peeves.” Mrs. Floyd Marks 90th BirthdayMrs. Beulah Floyd of Sallisaw, widow of Sequoyah County Sheriff E.W. Floyd, will celebrate her 90th birthday today. She was born in Akins Dec. 17, 1909, the daughter of James P. and Mary Ellen Wickett. Mrs. Floyd was honored Dec. 11 with a birthday celebration in Sallisaw. She has been a frequent visitor in Ponca City, and her children and their families include Mr. and Mrs. Dale Floyd of Ponca City, Dr. and Mrs. A.D. Floyd of Hot Springs, Ark., and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Rexroat of Ringwood. Little NewsNeil and Lori Morrison are announcing the birth of a son, Connor Ashton Morrison, at 12:50 p.m., Dec. 1, 1999, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and measured 20 3/4 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Jerry and Marilyn Dewey of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Keith and Jill Morrison of Arkansas City, Kan., and Pam Stone of England. Carrot Cardamom Soup Fills ‘Eater-Friendly’ Bowl(AP) — “Bowl food” is a comforting concept. Having every element of a dish cut up into bite-sized morsels is inviting and homey. All you need to do is dig in. “Bowls are eater-friendly. They say, ‘Good stuff inside, sit down and enjoy,’” Lynne Aronson, owner of Lola Bowla in New York, said. Aronson’s eatery serves Asian and Mediterranean cuisine in bowls of all kinds: deep bowls for soups and stews, small bowls for dips and sauces, and shallow bowls for dumplings and stuffed foods. This recipe for Carrot Cardamom Soup comes from “Bowlfood Cookbook: 200 Exciting, Eclectic Recipes to Spoon, Slurp, Twirl & Dip.” It is written by Aronson and Elizabeth Simon. Soup may be the original “bowl food.” Carrot Soup2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium white onion, chopped 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped and peeled 1 tablespoon Cardamom Spice Blend (recipe follows) 5 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch chunks 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch chunks 1 medium Idaho potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks 8 cups chicken stock 2 cups dry white wine 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Lime slices for garnish Heat the olive oil in a large nonreactive stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, spice blend, carrots, red bell pepper and potatoes. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices, then saute until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Add the chicken stock, white wine and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from the heat. Transfer the mixture, in batches, to a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and reheat over low heat. Stir in the lime juice and parsley; add the butter and salt and pepper, and heat until the butter is melted. Serve in individual bowls, each garnished with a lime slice. Serves 4 to 6 as a main dish. Cardamom Spice Blend 2 tablespoons ground cardamom 1 tablespoon ground turmeric 1 tablespoon ancho, or other, chili powder 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Combine all the spices in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan continuously to prevent burning. Cook until the spices are fragrant and just beginning to smoke, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the spices to a bowl to cool. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months. Makes about 1/4 cup. EDUCATIONState Regents Enhance College, University Admission Standards State Regents Enhance College, University Admission StandardsAs part of higher education’s ongoing efforts to better prepare students for college, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have approved college and university admission standards that increase the focus on academic preparation. Specifically, Regents added a third option for college admission based on a high school student’s grade point average in the 15 core high school courses required for college. Institutions must implement the option by fall 2000. Under the new admission standard, students wishing to attend a comprehensive university — Oklahoma State University or the University of Oklahoma — can earn a GPA in the core courses that ranks in the top third of their class, currently a 3.0. Students wishing to attend a regional four-year university can earn a GPA in the top half, currently a 2.7. Also, to encourage students to take rigorous high school courses, such as Advanced Placement courses, institutions can now give additional weight to GPAs of students who take these challenging courses. Additionally, the policy revisions incorporate a writing component into the English courses currently required for college admission and encourage students to take an additional math and lab science course. “Studies show that students who have appropriately prepared for college are more likely to attend and succeed in college — regardless of their race, gender or geographic location,” said Chancellor Hans Brisch. “Due to strengthened admission standards in the early 1990s, today more Oklahoma students from all types of backgrounds are taking core courses in high school, and fewer are requiring remediation in college and dropping out of school. “We expect the new standard to enhance these trends even more because it increases the focus on preparation by encouraging students to take core courses,” he added. In a similar action, Regents also approved policy revisions designed to expand high school students’ access to college-level coursework. The revisions make the ACT score required for high school seniors to take college-level courses the same as the score required for first-time entering freshmen at the comprehensive and regional universities. For fall 2000, that means a senior wishing to attend the University of Oklahoma must have a 24 ACT; Oklahoma State University, a 22 ACT; or a regional university, a 20 ACT. Previously, the required ACT score for high school seniors was slightly higher than the score for first-time entering freshmen. The ACT requirement for a senior taking a course from a two-year college remains 19. Under the policy revisions, high school juniors wanting to take a college course must have a 25 ACT to take a course from a comprehensive university, a 23 ACT for a course offered by a regional university and a 21 ACT for a two-year college course. The policy also adds a second admission opportunity focusing on the student’s high school performance. High school seniors must have a 3.0 GPA and rank in the top 33 percent of their class to attend OSU, the top 30 percent to attend OU and the top one-half to attend a regional university. To attend a two-year college, high school seniors must have a 3.0 GPA. High school juniors must have a 3.5 GPA to take a college-level course; a specific rank in class is not required. “Students who take college courses while they are still in high school can often earn high school and college credit at the same time and cut down on the time and money it takes to earn a college degree,” said State Regents Chairman Bill W. Burgess Jr. “We hope these changes will encourage more students to take advantage of that opportunity.” Regents noted that the policy revisions support “Brain Gain 2010,” their aggressive plan for helping Oklahoma meet or exceed the national average for the proportion of its population with a college degree by 2010. Ponca City Schools Will Serve as Focus School For Gear Up ProgramPonca City Schools will serve as the ribbon-cutting school district for the Oklahoma Gear Up program, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education announced recently. Last August, Oklahoma was awarded a five-year federal grant totaling $20.5 million through Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (Gear Up) to better prepare students, especially those from low-income families, for college. As the ribbon-cutting district, Ponca City will help the State Regents develop student preparation programs and services for eventual implementation in 180 school districts statewide. Through Oklahoma Gear Up, 30 Oklahoma school districts will be invited to participate as focus schools each year. These focus schools will represent districts in various parts of the state that have high participation in the free and reduced lunch program and a proven commitment to student preparation. In addition to Ponca City, 29 other school districts will be selected this year. They will be announced at the State Regents meeting in February 2000. As focus schools, Ponca City and the other participating school districts will conduct a needs assessment to identify gaps and weaknesses in district services designed to prepare seventh through 12th grade students academically and financially for college. Gear Up staff will work directly with the schools to help implement the new programs and services. Additionally, focus schools will be eligible to receive numerous free programs provided by Oklahoma Gear Up partners, organizations that are donating funds and programs to the Gear Up initiative. The schools will also receive $18,000 in direct funding to support fee-based services provided through the program. The federal Gear Up program was established by Congress last year to fund partnerships between colleges and universities, middle schools, community-based organizations and businesses to prepare low-income students for college. In addition to the readiness component mentioned above, the Oklahoma Gear Up program will support two other components that will target the entire state: — college scholarships for students with financial need who demonstrate a commitment to academic success in high school and; — a statewide awareness plan to provide information to Oklahoma students and parents on preparing early for college. Twelve Students Nominated For State Academic HonorPonca City High School has nominated 12 seniors from the Class of 2000 for the Oklahoma Academic All-State Award. The award is given by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence and is given to 100 seniors each year. The award includes a $1,500 scholarship for each recipient. The Ponca City seniors being nominated are Timothy Connelly, Andrew Cooper, Michael Goddard, Angela Goodger, Heather Herard, Brianna Hermanson, Andrea Johnson, Nick Kruckeberg, Jarod Merle, Scott Mitchell, Kathryn Mulligan and Claire Sonnichsen. To be eligible for nomination, each senior had to meet at least one of the four criteria set by the Foundation. The four criteria are an ACT score of 30 or higher, an SAT score of 1350 or higher, a class ranking of first or second in their graduation class, and being named as a National Merit Program Semi-Finalist. Upon accepting the nomination, each student had to submit application materials that included scholastic and extra-curricular information as well as an essay and two letters of recommendation. Selection of the Academic All-State students will be made by an independent committee of distinguished Oklahomans, chaired by Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Marian P. Opala. The awards will be presented at the Foundation’s annual banquet in Tulsa in May 2000 and will be hosted by David Boren, founder and chairman of the Foundation. Superintendent Comments On Fort Gibson ShootingBy SANDY GARRETT I know my fellow Oklahomans join me in extending the deepest sympathies and prayers to the families and fellow students of those injured outside Fort Gibson Middle School last week. Although I am thankful there were no fatalities, it is with deep sadness that we must recognize Oklahoma has joined the list of states which have seen students seeking solutions to their problems with the barrel of a gun on school grounds. As adults, it is our job to do everything we can to ensure this kind of violent action never happens again. It is our job to do whatever it takes to keep our young people safe and ready to learn. In recent years, we have taken many steps to prevent such an incident from occurring but even with all our precautions, violence cannot always be deterred. It is likely that other such acts have been prevented through the use of our anonymous and confidential SAFE-CALL helpline (1-877-SAFE-CALL Ext. 651), the first of its kind in the nation. We’ve had 465 calls to date this school year. We are also proud of the continuing efforts of schools and communities across the state to implement character education programs focusing on teaching such virtues as kindness, responsibility and respect. Schools have made good use of their federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools monies, installing additional security measures such as cameras and automatic locks on school doors. By law every school in our state has in place school policies, crisis management plans and safe school communities. Last week, I announced to the State Board of Education that I will convene a statewide task force to examine the incident at Fort Gibson, the security measures Oklahoma schools have in place and what may need to be done differently to ensure safety. Finally, let me plead with parents to make sure you are staying in tune and in touch with your children. Find out what they are doing and with whom; discuss with them their feelings and day-to-day problems. And, please, keep guns locked away from children of all ages. There is not a single answer for preventing violence at school but by working together, we can do even more to help keep Oklahoma children safe at school and ready to learn. PC News Policy Set Regarding PicturesThe News will no longer accept scholarship pictures. We would be happy to run the information only on the Education Page, but due to a limited amount of space in our newspaper, we do not have room to run pictures of the hundreds of students that receive scholarship money each year. We will also not publish pictures of students that receive a bachelor’s degree, but we would be happy to run the information. We will run photos of students receiving master’s and doctorate degree. Information should be submitted to Kristi Hayes, Education Editor, at The News. For questions call her at 765-3311, ext. 137. Ponca City Senior High Gets Grant Money for CompetitionPonca City Senior High has received a $6,000 grant to participate in the 2000 FIRST Robotics Competition. The grant money will pay for the registration fee into the program, the entry fee for the Lone Star Regional, and travel expenses for a team representative to attend the kickoff meeting in January at the FIRST headquarters in New Hampshire. The FIRST Robotics Competition is a national engineering contest which immerses high school students in the world of engineering. Teaming up with engineers from businesses and universities, students get a hands-on, inside look at the engineering profession. In six intense weeks, students and engineers work together to brainstorm, design, construct and test their “champion robot.” The teams then compete in a spirited, no-holds-barred tournament complete with referees, cheerleaders and time clocks. The partnerships developed between schools, businesses, and universities provide an exchange of resources and talent, highlighting mutual needs, building cooperation, and exposing students to new career choices. The result is a fun, exciting and stimulating environment in which all participants discover the important connection between classroom lessons and real world applications. Each year, the competition is different, so returning teams always have a new challenge to look forward to. However, the details are kept secret until the unveiling at the Kick-Off workshop. This provides a high level of excitement as everyone sees the new challenge for the first time and ideas immediately begin forming in people’s minds. Po-Hi was one of 20 teams selected by the NASA/Johnson Space Center to participate in this year’s program. The group will attend the regional competition March 16-18, 2000, in Houston. RELIGIONMissionaries Speaking Here Sunday at NE Baptist Missionaries Speaking Here Sunday at NE BaptistDr. Larry E. Nigh announces Kerry and Mauri Johnson, missionaries to Mexico City will share their personal experiences with Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road during morning worship this Sunday, Dec. 19, at 11:15 a.m. The Johnsons are members of Northeast Baptist who have been called to missions in Mexico City through International Service Corp. ISC is a branch of the Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board. The Johnson family has a two-year commitment to this assignment, which began in April 1999. Mexico City is the largest city in the world with a population of 26 million plus. The Johnson’s ministry is the area of Ecatepec, where over 1.2 million people live. Kerry’s title is evangelism and church planter. As a missionary working in the field of evangelism and church planting, Kerry helps establish new churches and assists existing churches, as needed. Mauri’s title is church and home. She reaches out to the women of the area, teaches Bible studies, hosts guests in their home and ministers where there is a need. Kerry and Mauri will share the challenges of being missionaries and adjusting to life in another country. Their children, Chris, Ryan and Lindsay attend classes at La Hacienda Christian Academy in Mexico City. Northeast Baptist is partnering with the Johnsons in their mission work in Ecatepec. A team of seven people will be traveling there in January to help on projects and evangelism. There is also a plan to send other teams in March and July. The July team will include youth and possibly the Northeast Baptist Puppet Ministry. Dr. Nigh invites the public to join the Northeast family in this service to hear the Johnsons share their personal experience on the mission field. Morning Worship Service begins at 10:15. Childcare is provided for children five years of age and under. Northeast also has Children’s Worship for children in first and second grades. First Lutherans Announce Plans For 4th SundayThe fourth Sunday in Advent at First Lutheran Church will focus on the mystery of the birth of Christ. At both the 8:30 am. and 11 a.m. services Pastor Tom Ramsey’s sermon is entitled “Mary: Mother of God.” The sermon will be introduced by a hymnic version of “The Magnificat.” Many parts of the liturgy will be sung to the tunes of Christmas hymns. The Senior Choir will sing the anthem “Whoever Seeks the Christ” at the 8:30 a.m. service, and Stephanie Beier will be the soloist for the 11 a.m. service. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. The 6:30 p.m. service will be in the form of the Christmas program “Star of Wonder” presented by the students of the Sunday School. The program is under the direction of Becky Lane, Superintendent. Carol Powell is the accompanist for the children’s songs. First Lutheran will have two services on Christmas Eve. At 7 p.m. there will be a Family Service of Lessons and Carols. Various family groups will be reading the seven lessons. These will be interspersed with Christmas carols. At 11 p.m. the Christmas Candlelight Communion service will be held. All members of the community are invited to attend these beautiful services of joy and praise, Pastor Ramsey invited. Church BriefsPentecostal Holiness Sets Christmas ProgramNew Life Pentecostal Holiness Church, 114 North Oak, will be presenting their Christmas program on Sunday evening, Dec. 19 at 6 o’clock. The program will consist of seven short skits and Christmas music. Everyone is invited to attend. For further information, please call 765-7027. Blackwell Church Hosting Living Nativity SceneFirst Christian Church of Blackwell, located at 306 East Coolidge, invites the public to visit their drive-through Living Nativity Christmas Story, set in six scenes with Bible characters and animals. The scene will be available today, Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The scene includes the announcement to Mary, the Wise Men visiting Herod’s court, the Wise Men journeying to Bethlehem, the Shepherd’s visit from the Angel, and the stable scene with the Christ Child. A final scene with the cross will conclude the presentation. The event will include a choir of carolers. Visitors are invited to contribute an item of non-perishable food to be donated to the local Associated Charities. Pastor Darrel Donovan may be called at 580-363-2532 for more information, if needed. Christmas Music Available on KLVVAs a part of the Advent season, radio station KLVV (88.7) will be playing Christmas music from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays. They will also feature a special Christmas album from 8 to 9 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday evening. Then from 8 a.m. Dec. 22 until Christmas night, they will play all Christmas music. Tune in and celebrate the birth of our Lord! Women’s Bible Study PlannedFirst United Methodist Women are planning a 10-week journey through the Bible with Beth Moore entitled “Breaking Free.” These women’s Bible study groups will be held Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. and Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. beginning Jan. 11 and 12. Every journey through His Word will be a new experience, it was noted, and those wishing to sign up should call the church office — 762-1681. Millennium Afghans Ready for ChristmasRemember — the Millennium Afghans, sponsored by the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, are ready for Christmas giving. The afghans, depicting the highpoints in the Ponca City area, are being offered by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for $50 each, with proceeds going to the church’s building fund. To order or for more information, you may contact Karen Ley at 762-7120 or Amy Furber at 762-0724. Albright UMC Plans Candlelight CommunionAlbright United Methodist Church will hold the annual candlelight communion service at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24, in the sanctuary. Please bring your loved ones and join with the Albright family as they light the Christ Candle and rejoice in the birth of our Savior. Anna Combs-Francis and Cierra Helton will serve as acolytes. Lighting the Advent wreath will be Allan, Paula, Christopher and Courtney Coppock. Baby Jesus will be added to the Nativity by Trey Steele during the Children’s Moments. The homily, “Birth, Adoption, Family”, will take on a special meaning as they celebrate the adoptions of four children and their baptisms. Following communion, the congregation will be invited to take their lighted candle, and form a circle around the perimeter of the sanctuary and join in singing “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Albright UMC is located at 128 South Palm, and an elevator is located at the back entrance for your convenience. Pioneer Christian Announces Christmas ServicesPioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard Road, is planning several opportunities for worshipping the Savior, Jesus Christ, during this special Christmas season. The first such opportunity is during the evening service on Sunday, Dec. 19 starting at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Bob Weaver and his wife, Deanna, will be presenting a Christmas program entitled, “Joseph, a Father to the King.” The second opportunity then comes on Wednesday night, Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. The church will hold a candlelight service. The third opportunity is on Christmas Eve, Friday, Dec. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. This will be a special evening of quiet prayer and meditation where you can come in at anytime and stay for as long as you wish. The congregation at Pioneer Christian invites you to join them in this joyous holiday season commemorating the Savior’s birth. They also wish you God’s blessings! For a ride to any of these worship opportunities or for more information, please call the church at 762-8858. Christmas Musical at First United PentecostalCome celebrate the joys of the Christmas season this weekend with the First United Pentecostal Church of Ponca City, located at 1921 East Hartford. You’ll enjoy the special Christmas musical entitled “It Happened in The Country” Sunday morning in the 10 a.m. service. Don’t miss this outstanding program about the Christmas story. Everyone is invited to attend and participate in this exciting celebration and worship, according to Pastor Rick Hughes. Sunday evening Word and Worship service begins at 6 p.m. For more information, you may contact Pastor Hughes at 767-1482. Woodlands Christian Tells Sunday PlansFourth Sunday in Advent will be observed at Woodlands Christian as all of the Sunday School classes gather together in the sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning and share what they each will “bring to the manger”. Each class has chosen a special way of coming to the manger to show their love for God and His Son, Jesus, according to the pastor, the Rev. Paul Krueger. Sharing, singing and refreshments are scheduled. The Woodlands’ Chancel Choir has prepared a beautiful cantata to share with the congregation, Pastor Krueger said. “In All His Glory” will be presented this Sunday morning at 10:30, under the direction of Marilyn Merle. Lynda Fox and Marty Ladd will be narrators for the cantata. Also on Sunday a Caroling Party and Soup Supper is scheduled for the youth at 5 p.m., starting at the church. After caroling, the group will return to the church for a soup and dessert supper provided by the Open Arms Class — along with a lot of extra cheer for the holiday, it was announced. Church Women to Hold MeetingChurch Women United Annual Meeting will be held Friday, Jan. 7 at St. John Baptist Church, 1009 south 11th, at 9:30 a.m. Annual reports will be heard and election and installation of 2000 officers will be held. First Baptist Invites Public to Festive Celebration SundayThe First Baptist Church of Ponca City cordially invites the public to share in a festive Christmas celebration this Sunday evening, Dec. 19 at 6:30. Over 100 musicians combine their choral and orchestral talents in presenting “Journey of Hope’, a brand new, full length Christmas musical by Tom Fettke and Camp Kirkland. The church Worship Center is located at Fifth and Central in downtown Ponca City. Admission is free. From prophecy to fulfillment to the expectation of our Lord’s return, “Journey of Hope” provides the chronological retelling of God’s eternal purpose in the birth of His Son. This dynamic and creative worship experience promises an evening of joyous praise, poignant drama, and stirring narration. The sounds of the Adult Choir accompanied by full orchestra will offer a very special Christmas time experience for all ages. Pastor Hance Dilbeck will serve as narrator. Minister of Music Larry Masters will be conducting. Music Secretary/Church Organist Marcella Johnson and Church Pianist Carol Green will accompany the choir and orchestra. Playing in the orchestra are: Violin — Robert Hwang, Lance Johnson, Cindy Jones, Fran Manley, Angela Skaggs; Viola — Dan Larson, Erin Land, Rachel Gilliland, Kara Hardy; Cello — Corbin Grimsley, Shara Long, Andrea Land, Stephanie Council; Flute — Kathy Cripps, Katie Salmons; Oboe — Stacy Sherman; Clarinet — Al Summerfield, Jamie Korsmo; Bassoon — Denise Jones; Trumpet _ Connie Ausland, Stan Barraclough; French Horn — James Barraclough; Trombone — Wade Tisdale, Chip Hardy, Jordan Davis; Tuba — Gary Stanley; Percussion — Rhonda Johnson, Kara Long, Ryan Yeakley; Drums — Kyle Enevoldsen. The soloists for “Journey of Hope” are: Susan Smith, David Myers, Craig Myers, Jerry Winkle, Bill Justice, Doug Thompson, David DeVorss, Guy Lyall, and Shannon Mair. Ensemble and trio members include Judy Burnette, Barbara Masters, Mary Jane Barraclough, Lois Lyall, Dianne Clark, Marie Moore, Charlotte Smith, Terry Driesel, Lorrie Layton, and Doyle Brewer. Providing technical support and ushers are Gary Long, Calvin Wolf, Marvin Yost, and Jack Gosting. Don’t miss this opportunity to share “Journey of Hope” with the folks at First Baptist on Sunday evening at 6:30. The First Baptist Worship Center is at Fifth and Central in downtown Ponca City. Admission is free. SPORTSCagers Seek To End on Roll Cagers Seek To End on RollBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor The Wildcats hope they are on a roll. The Lady Wildcats hope to start one. In the final game before the Christmas holidays, the Po-Hi basketball teams play host to Sand Springs tonight in Robson Fieldhouse. The girls’ game is scheduled for 6:30 with the boys taking to the court about 8. The games could be critical for the psychological effect it will have on the Ponca City players as they go into the holiday break. The Wildcats have won their last two outings, in the Blue Valley Tournament at Overland Park, Kan. last weekend, and stand 2-4. Coach Ron Arthur would like to see his cagers continue that roll and pick up their first Frontier Conference victory tonight. Lady Wildcat coach Dana Pulley would like to see her girls pick up their first victory, period. The Po-Hi girls are 0-3 after playing three of the top teams in the conference. Sand Springs was picked to finish seventh in the conference in the preseason poll. The Sandites return three starters from a team that finished 11-14 last year. They are seniors Jenna Kelly, Kyla Davis and Mary Koehler. Po-Hi’s girls have had a week and a half on the practice floor since their last outing and the Lady Cats have been working hard to solve their shooting woes. “I bet each of there girls have shot a 1,000 free throws since the Broken Arrow game (Dec. 7),” Pulley said. Pulley is happy with the extra practice time. “The girls have worked hard on their free throws and our pressure defense,” the coach said. “When you have back-to-back games like we had earlier, you don’t have much time to work on things.” Pulley is hoping that practice pays off tonight. “It would sure be great to get a win going into the Christmas break.” Boys’ coach Ron Arthur also feels its important his team gets a win before getting another break. He feels the four days off has been a two-edged sword for his cagers. “You hate to lose the game momentum we built with the two tournament wins,” he said. “But at the same time, it has given us time to work on some things. “It has allowed us to break down our offense and defense a little more so the kids are learning in smaller pieces. “It has also given the players a chance to concentrate on final exams this week. We always stress academics. That come first.” Arthur also notes that since the Cats have broken into the win column, practices have gone a little better this week. “They’ve gained some confidence, and they also see a little better what we’re trying to do.” The Sandites are fresh off a one-point win over Stillwater, a team that beat the Cats earlier in the season. “They have some good athletes,” Arthur said of tonight’s foe. “They beat Stillwater with speed and getting some easy shots. So we are going to have to block their lanes and at the same time keep a hand in their face on their outside shots.” Cowboy Matmen Top DucksEUGENE, Ore. — Oklahoma State’s third-ranked wrestling team earned bonys points in six matches and easily dispatched the Oregon Ducks 33-9 here Thursday night at McArthur Court. Head coach John Smith's Cowboys improved to 2-0-1 on the season, winning eight of 10 matches. Oregon fell to 2-2 under the direction of head coach Chuck Kearney, The win extended OSU's unbeaten steak to 71; making it the third-longest in school history. The action started at the 165-pound weight class where OSU’s Ty Wilcox major decisioned Oregon's Leif Williams 22-8. Wilcox managed nine takedowns in staking the Cowboys to an early 4-0 lead. Tony Gansen, OSU's 174-pounder, extended the Cowboy lead to 9-0 when he earned a technical fall over Jesse Culp at the 4:40 mark, Oregon put its first points on the scoreboard when fourth-ranked Doug Lee decisioned Pat Popolizio 5-3 at 184 pounds. At 197, OSU’s third-raniked Mark Munoz remained undefeated on the season, running his record to 14-0 with a 20-8 major decision win. Jeff Ragan turned in a fall at 125 ounds over Jason Harless. Ragan pinned Harless at the 6:33 mark pushing the Cowboy leasto 22-3. OSU put things on cruise control from there. Seventh-ranked Charles Walker decisioned Brian Watson 6-2 at 133 pounds, The Cowboys then received major decisioned at 141 and 149 pounds where fourth-ranked Jamill Kelly and third-ranked Reggie Wright both won easily, 14-4 and 13-4, respectively, In the final match of the evening at 157 pounds, Oregon's Eugene,Harris pinned Shane Roller in 6:13. The Pokes will continue their west coast road trip tonight in Corvallis, Ore., when they face Oregon State. The Beavers come into the match with a 1-1 record and ranked 20th in the nation. Oklahoma State 33, Oregon 9 166 — Ty Wilcox (OSU) m. dec. Left Willfarns (UO), 22-8 174 — Tony Gansen (OSU) t.f. Jesse Culp (UO), 4:40 184 — Doug Lee (UO) dec. Pat Popolizio (OSU), 5-3 197 — Mark Munoz (OSU) m. dec. Jake Leair (UO), 20-8 285 — Dave Anderton (OSU) dec. Eiric WebB (UO), 5-3 125 — Jeff Ragan (OSU) fall Jason Harlqss (UO), 6;33 133 — Charles Walker (USU) dec. Brian Watson (UO), 6-2 141 — Jamill Kelly (OSU) m. dec. Kenny Cox (UO), 14-4 149 — Reggie Wright (OSU) m. dec. Mark Castle (UO), 13-4 157 — Eugene Harris (UO) fall Shane Roller (OSU), 6:13
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