Peggy Rhoades Mauk, of Ponca City, died Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, at Integris Hospital, Enid. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Coy Donald Maudlin

PRYOR — Coy Donald Maudlin, formerly of Braman, died Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa at the age of 80 years.

Coy was born on Aug. 15, 1937, in Ponca City, the son of Coy Andrew and Louise Richardson Maudlin. He grew up in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1955. Following graduation he entered the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla. and Vance Air Force Base in Enid. He married Patsy Collings on June 15, 1957, in Ponca City. During his tenure in the military, he served two tours of duty in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Following his Vietnam deployment he returned to Randolph Air Force Base where he retired after 20 years of service. His wife preceded him in death in October of 1970. Following his discharge he returned to Ponca City where he worked at several businesses before attending Cowley County College in Arkansas City, Kan., where he received an associate degree. He married Carol Hobaugh in 1980 in South Haven, Kan. and they made Braman their home. She preceded him in death in August of 2009. He continued to make Braman his home before moving to Pryor.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and South Haven Methodist Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading western novels and, like all men, eating steak.

He is survived by two sons, Calvin Maudlin, of California and Del Maudlin and wife Gabriele, of Spavinaw; two step-sons, Keith Hobaugh and wife Sandy, of Braman and Don Hobaugh and wife Cindy, of Braman; two step-daughters, Debbie Ray and husband Todd, of Braman and Connie McGehan and husband Mark, of Bowling Green, Ky.; a brother, Gene Maudlin and wife Karla, of Sayre; 16 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Darla Logan; a sister, Sue Gingerich and a brother, Wayne Maudlin.

A graveside service is scheduled at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 1, at Braman Cemetery with Darrell Gingerich officiating. Military rites will be performed by Braman American Legion.

Honorary casket bearers will be, Hunter Ray, Parker Ray, Joseph Maudlin, Travis Hobaugh, Matthew Maudlin, Jason Logan, James F. Maudlin and Andrew Maudlin.

A memorial has been established in his honor with Braman American Legion in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.

On-line condolences can be made at www.robertsandsonfh.com.

paid obituary

Norma Jean Murray

BLACKWELL — Norma Jean Murray, of Blackwell, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at Creekside Village in Ponca City at the age of 90 years. Norma was born March 8, 1927, in Cherryvale, Kan., the daughter of Raymond Franklin and Maude Ruby Strong Bush Sr. She received her education in Cherryvale and Blackwell, graduating from Blackwell High School with the class of ’45.

She married Howard Blower in 1945 and later married Ray Smith of Nowata. The marriage ended a few years later due to Ray’s untimely death. Following the death of her husband and after six and a half years of employment with Phillips Petroleum Company in Bartlesville, she and her sons moved back to Blackwell. She then gained employment with Conoco Oil Company in the refinery personnel office. She later met and married Ross Murray, on May 8, 1959. Together they had three sons, Steve, Robert and Glen and a daughter, Kim.

She retired from Conoco in 1985 with 27 years of service. Following retirement, she volunteered for Blackwell General Hospital Auxiliary, the Red Cross Bloodmobile and the Meals-on-Wheels program. She was a member of the Friendship Sunday School class and First United Methodist Church for many years, where she served as a communion steward for 12 years and in other capacities as well.

Some of her favorite activities included weekly card games, Bingo, camping, fishing and trips out on the lake on her brother Ray’s pontoon boat. Following retirement, she enjoyed traveling and spoke often of friends met during her adventures. More than anything, the love for her family was abundant, in which she prepared the most delicious meals for them, always making sure that everyone was cared for before herself. Her spunky personality kept us laughing, her strength through adversity and kind and generous spirit were something we all admired.

She is survived by her son, Steve Smith and wife Vicki, of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; stepson, Glen Murray and wife Nancy, of Morgan Hill, Calif.; daughter, Kim Shoffner and husband Ron, of Braman. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Chris Smith and wife Michelle, Janelle Arsich and husband Jeremy, Adam Smith and wife Kristy, Allison Friden and husband Brian, Ashley Cochenour, Whitney McMahon and husband J.J. and Bron Shoffner and wife Kalyn; as well as 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ross and son, Robert.

A service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 2, at First United Methodist Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Cap McIlnay and Lanny Jobe officiating. Burial will follow in Blackwell Cemetery. Honorary casket bearers are members of the Friendship Sunday School Class. Casket bearers are, Ron Shoffner, Chris Smith, Adam Smith, Bron Shoffner, J.J. McMahon, Brian Friden and Jeremy Arsich.

A memorial has been established in her honor with First United Methodist Church and the American Cancer Society in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.

On-line condolences can be made at www.robertsandsonfh.com.

paid obituary

Chante’ Bringham

Chante’ Bringham, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, at her residence in Tonkawa after a two-year battle with serious health issues. She was born March 26, 1971 to her parents Walt and Deana Bringham of Ponca City. She was 46.

Chante’ graduated from Tonkawa High School with the class of 1989 where she participated in softball and music. She was known to be able to play any musical instrument by ear and loved playing and singing with her guitar at home and in school assemblies. When she was a Junior in high school, she was honored to be selected by her classmates to lead their senior class into the graduation ceremony the following year. After her high school graduation, she married Rob Sweatt and they had one daughter, Kaycee, whom she loved dearly. She always made friends easily and enjoyed visiting with everyone she would meet.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, March 3, at Christian Life Church of Tonkawa.

Arrangements were under the kind guidance of Amy Stittsworth Funeral Service and Cremation Directors, Enid. Memories may be shared online at www.stittsworthfuneralservices.com.

paid obituary

THIS IS WHAT Monument Hill, the burial place of Bill Pickett, looks like at the east side of U. S. 156 near Marland.

Bt DAVID MILLER News Sports EditorSClBThe 2018 Class of inductees to the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame were officially introduced last week and the names had a little more than the usual amount of interest to this neck of the woods.

The nominees include Joe Castiglione, current OU athletic director; Ken Mendenhall, an OU and NFL football player; Robin Ventura, OSU baseball great and later MLB manager; Alan Trimble, the long-time Jenks High School football coach; and Mat Hoffman, a pioneer in bicycle trick riding. I was familiar with all but Hoffman, of whom I intend to inform myself about later.

But there were two more names in the list, ones that do have local connections. One was Larry Coker, a famous coach who won a national championship at Miami. Why does that have local interest? Coker’s first coaching job was at Fairfax, just down the road in Osage County. Coker’s Fairfax Red Devils teams won some state championships back in the 1980s and he is still warmly remembered by folks in that region.

The other name is that of Bill Pickett, the legendary cowboy who made his home in the Ponca City area for many years. Pickett was world renowned for his rodeo skills and became famous as part of the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Show.

I have written about Pickett and would like to resurrect some of the information from the past.

First of all, I want to clarify some of the information released by the Hall of Fame, which says “Bill Pickett was a pioneering rodeo cowboy in the early part of the 20th century, and created the technique of bulldogging, by grabbing a steer by the horns and wrestling it to the ground.”

That is accurate as far as it goes. But it doesn’t say what Pickett did while he grabbed a steer by the horns. The fact is, and I’ve read several places, that Pickett would bite the lip of the steer.

To explain in a little more detail, Pickett quit school after the fifth grade and took a job on a cattle ranch. There he observed bulldogs being used to subdue unruly steers. The dogs’ method was to bite the steer on the upper lip or nose area and hold on with its teeth. Since that is a very sensitive area of an animal’s face, the steer would become docile and manageable as long as the dog had its teeth sunk in. Pickett reasoned that he could do the same thing and after experimenting, found his assumption to be true. It was after he demonstrated his ability to bring a steer to the ground that the rodeo event formerly known as bulldogging and currently known as steer wrestling was born.

I also read somewhere that most other bulldoggers and steer wrestlers since Pickett’s time developed their techniques minus the practice of biting the steer’s lip. I can’t imagine why.

To honor Mr. Pickett’s selection to the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, I will reprint excerpts from a This and That published in Feb. 9, 2011.

———

For those who may not know, Pickett was an African-American who has the distinction of being the only member of his race to be inducted in the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. He was billed during his performing days as the “Dusky Demon from Texas,” and later the “Dusky Demon from Oklahoma.”

His specialty was bulldogging — or as it is known

BILL PICKETT was a world-renowned cowboy who introduced the world to “bulldogging.” He had few peers in the world of rodeo in his day.

How it was done is a matter of debate. There are some accounts that Pickett would allow his hands to be tied behind his back and would bring the steer to the ground using only the weight of his body and his teeth. Others indicated he may have grabbed the steer’s horns wrestling it to the ground and then keeping it down with a bite. Whatever, the image of me sinking my teeth into the upper lip of a steer is not a pleasant one.

If someone had told me about this part of being a cowboy when I was a child and wanted to be another Roy Rogers, I would have changed my mind and looked for something easier, like being a pro football player.

One report I read said that Pickett’s bulldogging technique was hard on his teeth and eventually he lost all of them, which forced him to adopt the style of steer wrestling used universally today.

Pickett was born in the 1860s in Texas. Eventually he was hired by the Miller Bros. at 101 Ranch, a relationship that was to be maintained most of the rest of his life. He lived in a variety of places in the area including in Ponca City. According to the 1977 book “Bill Pickett, Bulldogger” written by Col. Bailey C. Hanes, the Pickett family, which included his wife, Maggie and their six children, moved into a rental property at 515 Southeast 3rd Street in Ponca City, not long after he started working at the ranch.

They lived there for a while before moving to a location nearer the ranch. Pickett became famous worldwide because of his participation in the 101 Ranch Real Wild West Show that toured extensively throughout the United States and other points in the world.

A story that is told in all the accounts I read indicate that one of the Miller Brothers committed Pickett to confront a Mexican fighting bull in a bull ring in Mexico City. That commitment was made as a result of an argument about whether bulldoggers were as fearless and skilled as the matadors of the bull fighting experience. When Pickett was told of the arrangement, he willingly agreed to the challenge.

A bull named Frijole Chiquita (Little Beans) was selected for the contest, which was in the form of a bet. If Pickett could stay in the ring with the bull for a full 15 minutes and be locked in direct combat with the animal for seven and one-half minutes, he would be declared the winner. The Mexicans were betting that Pickett couldn’t last and would be killed by the bull. At stake was 5,000 pesos, the gate receipts and a lot of pride.

There were more than 25,000 bullfighting fans on hand to witness the event, almost all of whom were cheering for Frijole Chiquita. During the event, Pickett’s favorite horse, Spradley was gored in the hindquarters, and Pickett could not get a proper hold on the bull. He spent a lot of time being shaken back and forth by the animal while he was holding onto its horns. Two or three times he narrowly escaped being gored. A bottle thrown by a spectator hit him and broke some ribs. But Pickett survived the ordeal having lasted 38.5 minutes in the ring, 7.5 of which were spent on the bull’s horns. A near riot erupted when a Mexican

THIS INFORMATIONAL plaque stands at the pull out to Monument Hill along U.S. 156 near Marland. It tells about the graves on the hill.

This happened in 1908 and was probably one of the most dramatic events in Pickett’s long and eventful career.

By the way, after being gored by the bull, Spradley’s life was saved by an ancient Mexican, who worked at the bull ring. He thrust a couple of really ripe red, not yellow, bananas into the wound and within 10 minutes the horse was up and walking around. This was mentioned in the Hanes’ book about Pickett’s life.

Pickett retired from working at the 101 Ranch and from bulldogging for a four-year stint during which he moved his family to Oklahoma City. But after working at the stockyards as a drover and then as a mill hand for the Southwestern Oil Mill Co. from 1920 to 1924, he returned to the 101 Ranch.

Bill Pickett would die April 2, 1932, after being kicked in the head by a horse at the 101 Ranch. He was taken to the Ponca City hospital and after being in a coma for two weeks, he passed away. There was a large funeral conducted at the White House on the grounds of the ranch and Pickett was buried near the White Eagle monument, which can be seen from U.S. 156 three miles past the Noble County line. Many, including the renowned Will Rogers, who was a fellow Wild West Show participant, mourned his passing.

Pickett was inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in 1971. A monument in his memory exists at 3rd and Grand in downtown Ponca City. There is not enough room in this space to adequately tell of the impact his career as a showman and a bulldogger had on people all over the world

——

The 101 Ranch Old-timers Association has done some work at the Bill Pickett burial site on Monument Hill and this was described in a This and That on March 13, 2013. The article was prompted by information provided by the late Velma Falconer who was very active in the organization. Monument Hill was named that because the Miller Brothers placed a cairn of rocks on their ranch in 1927 to honor Ponca Chief White Eagle. Pickett had requested to be buried on the prairie and Monument Hill was thought to be a good place.

Monument Hill is located on the east side of U. S. 156 just a little bit north of Marland. The monument to White Eagle is visible from the highway, but one has to walk a short distance to the actual grave site. Mrs. Falconer told me that her group created a pull-out area off the highway which would provide some parking and access the area. She also told me that Pickett’s grave isn’t the only one on Monument Hill. One of the podiums at the gate gives the names of the others. One of those is the horse, Spradley.

“A few years ago the Kaw Nation sent Crystal Douglas and son with a ground search machine. They found seven unmarked graves. Some were buried north and south and some were buried east and west. We knew who was buried there, but we didn’t know where they were. They marked each corner of the graves and later put rocks around the graves. All at once Crystal gave out a yell ‘This is a big one.’ We knew it was Spradley’s grave.”

I visited the site and found that it was a worthwhile visit.

MEMBERS OF THE Piano Workshop seated from left are Vicki Stokke, Jacque Saylor, and Dixie Kuehny. Back row, Gary Voelkers, Kay Anthony Rice, Marylynn Coryell and Bettie Collins. Not pictured are Ann Salmons and Beverly Beaty.

Members of the Piano Workshop, from Ponca City Federated Music Club, will present the March 3 program for members of the Music Club and guests interested in attending the concert. It will be held at 2 p.m. at Marland’s Grand Home. The local club is a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs.

The theme of the concert will be hits from Broadway Musicals. Members performing and the numbers they will play are Kay Anthony Rice, “March of the Siamese Children” from “The King and I” by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein; a duet by Kay Anthony Rice and Bettie Collins, “Love Walked In” from “Goldwyn Follies” by George and Ira Gershwin; Bettie Collins, “What Kind of Fool Am I?” from :Stop the World I Want to Get Off” by Anthony Newley; and two duets by Vicki Stokke and Ann Salmons, “They Say It’s Wonderful” from “Annie Get Your Gun” by Irving Berliin, and ”You’re Just in Love” from “Call Me Madame” by Heitler and Lyke.

Dixie Kuehney will play “Love Will Find a Way” from “The Lion King” by Jack Feldman and Tom Snow ; Beverly Beaty will perform “The Colors of my Life: from “Barnum” by Michael Stewart; and the last number will be accompanied by Kay Anthony, “Oklahoma, the Finale!” from “Oklahoma” by Rodgers and Hammerstein. All in attendance will be asked to stand and join in the singing of the State song.

Refreshments will be served following the concert by Marsha Moore, Jacque Saylor, Fran Matthews Clark, Karen and Keith Hunter,and Elaine Armstrong.

FOUR ART gallery attendees won free artwork at last week’s “Juxpatose” artist reception at the KPAC. The winners are pictured with the artists. The exhibit will be open Monday through Thursday from noon until 4 p.m. through March 15. Pictured from left to right are Janice Mathews-Gordon, Drew Gales, Anna Reed-Raney, Jude Tolar, Marjilea Smithheisler, Candace Brown, Jill Webber. (Photo by John Pickard/Northern Oklahoma College)

ARKANSAS CITY — Those wishing to see more of the amazing work done by Cowley College Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair Mark Flickinger can stop by the new Mark Arts in Wichita, or the Shafer Gallery at Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kansas.

Mark Arts is a new $20 million 40,000-square-foot facility located at 1307 North Rock in Wichita.

The exhibit Flickinger’s work is featured in is the Mark Arts Kansas Invitational. The exhibit opened on January 5 and will close on March 26, 2018. It is free to the public and includes 100 pieces from all over the U.S. and Europe, from artists who have lived or worked in Kansas. It was juried by Mike Michaelis, Sonia Greteman, and Chris Shank.

Flickinger has three landscapes in the show.

“I am very pleased to be included in this wonderful exhibition,” Flickinger said. “The exhibition space at Mark Arts is truly state of the art, and will be an important exhibition/education venue for years to come.”

Flickinger also has an exhibition of 28 paintings

COWLEY COLLEGE Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair Mark Flickinger’s paintings are currently featured in the Mark Arts Kansas Invitational at galleries in Wichita and Great Bend, Kansas.

“Building on the work from my Sabbatical, with some new paintings, this exhibition is centered on the search for the sublime, iconic, American vista and how painting becomes a way of understanding my place in it,” Flickinger said. “I love working on site when possible. Ultimately, I love color, paint, texture, space, air, and light. I have a compulsion to paint and be in these places. I cannot separate my need to transcribe these experiences of place and the experience of painting itself.”

Flickinger jumped at the opportunity to exhibit at the Shafer.

“I had never shown there but had been hearing of their wonderful facility for years,” Flickinger said. “It truly is a terrific space and is giving me some ideas about an exhibition space here at Cowley.”

Flickinger is currently preparing new work for a solo show scheduled March 31 through May 26 of 2019, at the Sandzen Gallery, in Lindsborg.

Every Day

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Harmony House upstairs (use south entrance by parking lot).

Twice a Month

Friday or Saturday

Christian Singles Group meets twice a month, for more information on time and place, call 763-5945 or 762-1295.

Every Sunday

Flea Market At VFW, 6 a.m.-2 p.m., VFW Post, 3001 East Prospect, Ponca City, Vendor Spaces Available, All Proceeds to Charity.

101 Ranch Old Timers Farmers Market, 10 a.m., 101 Ranch Site, Oklahoma 156, Southwest of Ponca City.

11th Step AA Meeting, 11 a.m., Harmony House (HH).

Acceptance Group AA, 8 p.m., Harmony House (HH).

Third Sunday

Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) North Central Chapter, for information call (580) 716-8500.

Monday Through Saturday

Conoco Museum, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Closed Sundays, 501 West South Avenue, Ponca City.

Every Monday

TOPS #308 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), First Presbyterian Church, 1505 East Grand Avenue, Ponca City, 5 to 5:50 p.m. for weigh-ins with meeting following. Contact Donna McCoy 580-362-3961.

After Five Lions Club, 6:30 p.m., Pizza Hut, 2301 North 14th Street, prospective members welcome.

Families Anonymous Support Group, 7-8 p.m., Meeting Entrance, Back of Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 North Pecan Road, Meeting Details and Information at 580-763-0543.

Gamblers Anonymous, 7 p.m., Woodlands Christian Church, Fourteenth Street and Hartford Avenue, contact (580) 761-1770.

Gam-Anon, 7 p.m., Woodlands Christian Church, 14th Street and Hartford Avenue, contact (580) 382-1950.

Friends of the NRA, 7 p.m., Ponca City Junior Rifle Club Range, contact 765-7324.

Dance To Live Bands, Country and Rock, 7-9:30 p.m., Newkirk Senior Center, Large Floor, 729 West 15th Street, Newkirk, $6 per person, Open to the Public of All Ages, Welcome, Line Dance or Dance, Enjoy an Evening of Dance, Fun Laughter or Just Sit and Enjoy, First Monday Buffet Nigh (Bring a Dish or Snack)..

Alano Group AA (Beginner’s Meeting), 8 p.m., Harmony House (HH).

Monday and Thursday

North Central Oklahoma Model Railroad Club, 7 p.m., Basement of Kem’s Gym, 105 East Grand Avenue, More Information, 716-2642, 401-0717 or 765-0005.

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday

Alcoholics Anonymous “Power of We”, 6 p.m., Harmony House, 212 South Third Street, Ponca City.

First Monday of the Month

Oklahoma City Vet Representative Harold Barse, readjustment counseling therapist, 9 a.m.-noon, Otoe-Missouria Tribal Complex Enterprise Building Conference Room.

Lions Vision Support Group, 10 a.m. at Ponca City First Christian Church, using the west entrance. Refreshments are served at 9:45 a.m. For a ride call 762-3263. The meetings are open to visually impaired residents.

Parent Voice Groups, support, education and resources to assist parents in advocating for their children who have behavioral or mental health issues, 6 to 7:30 p.m., 205 East Chestnut Avenue, child care and dinner provided, please RSVP 762-7561 Tammy or Deb.

Christian Motorcyclist Association, 6 p.m., Pizza Hut, 2301 North 14th St.

Pioneer Genealogical Society, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, guests are welcome, call 580-716-2409 or e-mail kdzehr34@yahoo.com for more information.

First Monday and Tuesday

Of Every Other Month

AARP Driver Safety Class, February, April, June, August, October, December, 6 p.m., Pioneer Technology Center, classes intended for older drivers; however, drivers of all ages are eligible to attend. Most auto insurance companies give discount for successful completion of classes, seating limited. Call (580) 716-8277 to register.

Monday-Friday

Alcoholic Anonymous Simple Steps, Noon, Harmony House, 212 South Third Street.

First and Third Monday

Ponca Lodge No. 83 Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Masonic Center, 1200 West Grand Ave.

Second Monday

Ponca City Rifle and Pistol Club, Range Clubhouse At Shooting Sports Complex Southwest of Ponca City, Membership Open, Four Pistol Bays, Three Rifle Ranges, Shotgun Area, Website www.poncarpc.org/ or call 580-762-0103 for more info.

Alzheimer Support and Respite Group Meetings, 1 p.m., Lilly Freeman Facilitator, RSVP Office 445 Fairview Avenue (In the Hospice of North Central Oklahoma Building, Southwest Corner of Complex) Call 580-762-9412.

The Children’s Hour Grief Support Group, 6 p.m., 1904 North Union St., Suite 103, Ponca City, call 580-762-9102 for information.

Pink Heals of Northern Oklahoma, 6 p.m., Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City, All Are Welcome.

Epilepsy Support Group, 7 p.m., AllianceHealth Ponca City Conference Room B, Information: Shirley Bracken, 765-0003.

Cherokee Strip Treasure Hunters, Metal Detecting Issues, 7 p.m., 312 West Cleveland Avenue, just west of Semper Fix It, Ponca City, More Information Terry Anderson 580-716-2638.

Second and Fourth Monday

Kay County Chess Club, 6:30- 9 p.m., Ponca City Library basement.

Ponca City After Five Lions Club, 6:30 p.m., Pizza Hut, 2301 North 14th St. Prospective members welcome, information on club activities, David 765-9595 or Jerry 491-1004.

Third Monday of the Month

Autoimmune Disease Support Group, 6 p.m., Ponca City Senior Center, 319 West Grand Ave. Contact (580) 763-8051.

Every Tuesday

Ponca City Rotary Club, Noon, Ponca City Country Club (downstairs).

Kiwanis, Noon, Evans Fireside Room inside Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 455 Fairview, guests welcome.

Dragon’s Harvest Moon, story time for 3- to 6-year-olds, 1 p.m., Ponca City Library. Space limited, sign up in advance.

DivorceCare, a seminar and support group, 5:45-7:30 p.m., Master’s Touch Christian Book and Gift Store, 312 East Grand Ave., Ponca City, information 767-1054.

Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-Centered Recovery Program Helping to Heal All Life’s Hurts, Habits, and Hang-Ups, 6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 218 South Sixth Street, Ponca City, Information: 765-4427.

Ponca Language Class Taught by Rev. Lewis Headman, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Ponca City Library Lower Level, Everyone Welcome, Info: poncabsmith@gmail.com

Acceptance Group AA, 8 p.m., Harmony House (HH).

Tuesday Through Saturday

Pioneer Woman Museum Open, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Museum Collects, Preserves and Shares the Stories of the Pioneering Women of Oklahoma, 701 Monument Road, Ponca City.

Every Tuesday,

Thursday and Friday

Exercise, 9:30 a.m., Ponca City Senior Center, 319 West Grand Ave.

Second Tuesday

Camp McFadden Board, 6 p.m., Camp McFadden.

Schooners Car Club Dinner and Meeting, 6 p.m., Pizza Hut, 2301 North 14th St.

North Central Oklahoma Mothers of Multiples, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Ponca City Library board room, all parents of multiples welcome.

Northern Central Oklahoma Beekeepers Association, 6:15-8:30 p.m., Pioneer Technology Center, 2101 North Ash Street, Room 100, For Bee Removal or Info Call 580-485-6431 or Visit Our Facebook Group, North Central Oklahoma Bee Association.

Rural Water District No. 1 Monthly Board Meetings, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School Building on Lake Road.

Second and Fourth Tuesday

Children’s Support Group, 6-7 p.m., Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Avenue, Information 762-9102.

Third Tuesday

Kaw Lake Association Board, Noon, Kaw Lake Association Office, 3517 Lake Road.

Transitions — teen support group, helps teens in transition due to death, divorce, deployment or other loss, 6-7 p.m., Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Avenue, information 762-9102.

Po-Hi Leo Club, 6:20 p.m., Ponca City First Christian Church, following Friendship Feast.

Children with Disabilities Family Support Group, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Opportunity Center, 2225 North Union St., Ponca City.

Third Tuesday

Every Other Month

Kay County Detention Center Ministry and Kay County Reentry Ministry, 6-8 p.m., Location May Vary, Open to the Public, Exact Meeting Day, Time, Location, Website www.kaycountyreentryhelp.com.

Fourth Tuesday

The Gadsden League, educates people on the Constitution and The Bill of Rights; 6 p.m., Front Room Of Head Country Restaurant, for more information, sites.google.com/site/poncagadsdenlegue/ or call 762-1494 or 580-628-0371.

Rough and Tumble Rock Club, 7 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm St., Ponca City, call Lee, 765-2074 for more information.

Wednesday-Friday

Ponca City Humane Society, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 900 West Prospect Ave.

Every Wednesday

Ponca City Noon Lions, 11:30 a.m. lunch, noon meeting, Ponca City Country Club.

Overeaters Anonymous, 12-Step Program, noon, 812 West Chestnut Avenue, Arkansas City, Kan., Contact number, 571-285-6498 (Judy).

Ponca City Elks Lodge #2002, 6 p.m., Members and Guests Meet, Reasonably Priced Meals Are Served, 3612 Lake Road.

Alano Group AA, 8 p.m., Harmony House (HH).

First and Third Wednesday

Soroptimist International of Ponca City, a women’s service club, Noon, Pizza Hut, (except July, August and December, first Wednesday only), contact Cindy, 765-2252, or Kathy, 765-8043.

Second Wednesday

General Electric Retirees Association, 9 a.m., V.F.W., Arkansas City, Kan.

Ponca City Area Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Chapter No. 698, 11:30 a.m., Pioneer Technology Center, Room B-131, During January, March May, September, November and December, contact officers Robert Howard, President 718-4239, Rita Gravel, VP 765-9994 or Laurie Wedd, Treasurer 718-9990.

Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme Garden Club, 11:30 a.m., Cann Garden home or members homes, Ponca City, brown bag lunch, Gardening Enthusiasts Welcome, for information call Jan Neylon, 767-1890 or Donna Earnest, 762-5299 or email herbs2@sbcglobalnet

Kay County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, 12 p.m., Eastern Heights Christian Church, 5100 Lake Road.

Wood Carvers, 1 p.m., Ponca City Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue, Information 763-8051.

Ponca City Stamp Club, 6 p.m., location, members’ homes. For information, call John Hedrick, 762-6702, or e-mail john_hedrick2000@yahoo.com.

Fourth Wednesday

Ponca City Habitat for Humanity, Noon, Eastman National Bank, Board Room, Third and Grand, Information, 580-765-2974.

Last Wednesday

of Each Month

International Club, 6:30 p.m., for more information, 765-8723.

Every Thursday

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Representative, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Oklahoma Workforce Office, 1201 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City, any veteran needing assistance or has questions is welcome.

TOPS #725 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Weight Loss Support Group, Confidential Weigh-In 9 a.m.-9:30 a.m., Business Meeting and Program Following, First Presbyterian Church, 1505 East Grand Avenue, Ponca City, More Information Natalie Welch 580-716-3059.

Movie on big screen in the program room of the Ponca City Library at 3:30 p.m. See in-house brochures, or call to find out what’s playing.

“Heavenly Sign” Free Sign Language Classes, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Harmony Missionary Baptist Church, 2230 North Union Street, Ponca City, Information: Sue, 714-588-1873 or Gwyn, 580-401-0362.

Celebrate Recovery for Anyone With Hurts, Habits, or Hangups (That’s All of Us), 6:15 p.m., Otoe Baptist Church, Red Rock.

Open AA Meetings, 7 p.m., Ponca Tribal Social Development Center, all welcome.

Acceptance Group AA, 8 p.m., Harmony House (HH).

First Thursday

Master Gardeners, 9 a.m., Cann Gardens.

Classic Cars of Ponca City Car Club meeting, 7 p.m., Nazarene Church, 1900 West Grand Avenue, Except December, January, February, No Meeting, Prospective Members Welcome, More Information call Carolyn 762-0852.

VFW Post 1201, 7 p.m., East Prospect Post Home, Prospective Members and Guests of the Post and Auxiliary Welcome, Information, 761-2431.

Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, public welcome, contact Ruth 580-401-5569.

Second Thursday

Gold Wing Road Riders Association, a motorcycle club, 6 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m., Pizza Hut, More Information, call Glenna and John Wiles, 716-1515.

Breastfeeding Support Group, 6 p.m., Nursery of First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 West Grand Avenue.

“Lean on Me” Bariatric Surgery Support Group, 6 p.m., AllianceHealth Ponca City, Conference Room B. Contact 762-1186.

Cherokee Strip Chapter of Pheasant-Quail Forever, 6:30 p.m., Evans and Associates, Call 620-287-4724 for more information.

American Legion Post #14 and Auxiliary Unit 14, 7 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Ave., all eligible persons invited. Contact 765-9073.

Second and Fourth Thursday

Ponca City Elks Lodge #2002, Regular Meetings, 7 p.m., 3612 Lake Road.

American Legion Membership Meeting, 7 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Ave.

Third Thursday

Interfaith Dialogue Group of Ponca City, call Jean Chambers for details, 716-4594.

Ponca City Newcomers Club, 6:30 p.m., Ponca City Country Club. Contact Donna Rubio 761-7299.

Kay County Chapter of the Oklahoma Anthropological Society (archaeology), 6:30 p.m., Ponca City Library, call Richard, 765-9661 for meeting programs. Guests welcome.

Line Dancing, Contra Dancing, Square Dancing, 6:30-10 p.m., United Steel Workers (USW) Local 13857 Hall, 1202 West Ponca Avenue, Information: 580-370-0497.

Kay County Democrats, 7 p.m., Pizza Hut, 2301 North Fourteenth Street, Ponca City, Wishing To Be Included in Notices of Meetings and Speakers, Send email to sneal14598@sbcglobal.net.

Vietnam Veterans of America, Northern Oklahoma Chapter 750, regular meetings, 7 p.m., American Legion Post 14, 407 West South Avenue.

Kay County DAV Chapter 16, 7 p.m., 1006 West Ferguson Avenue, Blackwell, Call 580-363-3241 for information.

Every Friday

Prayers for the Nation, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 739 North Fourth Street.

Ponca Language Arts Council, 1:30 p.m., Valdez Building, White Eagle, everyone interested in the Ponca Language invited.

Reformers Unanimous-A Christ-Centered, Bible-Based Recovery and Discipleship Program That Offers Recovery Without Relapse, 7 p.m., Central Baptist Church, 1732 East Coleman Road, Information: Central Baptist Church 580-765-5840.

Alano Group AA (Speaker’s Meeting), 8 p.m., Harmony House (HH).

First Friday

Po-Hi Wounded Warriors, 11:30 a.m., Pizza Hut, Call 762-2838 for Information.

Parkinson Support Meeting, 1 p.m., Van Page Facilitator, Ponca City Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue, Bring Your Questions and Learn from Each Other, 763-8051.

First and Third Friday

Burger & Steak Night, 5-8 p.m., American Legion Post 14, 407 West South Avenue, hamburger/cheeseburger with fries $6, 1-inch thick ribeye with fries $16.

Every Saturday

Flea Market, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Washington School, Blackwell, Money Received Donated To Groups That Help Needy Children of Blackwell, For Questions Call Lawrence Self 580-363-3023 or Keith Snot 580-670-1511.

Ponca City Humane Society, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., or by appointment, 900 West Prospect Avenue.

Story Time for 0-3 Year Olds, 11:30 a.m., Ponca City Library, Children’s Area, Free, Public Welcome.

The Gospel Jubilee, Non-Profit Christian Music and Fellowship, 6:30 p.m., U.S. 60 and Howard Avenue, Just East of Ponca City, $5 Donation Requested Covers Rent, Utilities, Maintenance and Other Expenses, Managers Jay and Melissa Fletcher, Different Program Each Week, For Information www.pcgospeljubilee.org.

First Saturday

of Every Month

Ponca City Regional Airport and Ponca City Aviation Booster Club, Fly-In Breakfast, 7 to 10 a.m., Building 14, Ponca City Municipal Airport.

North Central Chapter of the Oklahoma Dressage Society, Location and More Information, Contact Rainee Boyd 580-761-7951 or Jenna Wright 580-352-2424.

Second Saturday of the Month

Figure 8 Stock Car Races and Demolition Derby, 8 p.m., 77 Speedway north of Newkirk. For information, call (620) 442-3250, or go to badascar.com.

February 27-March 2

89.7 The House FM and 88.7 My Praise FM’s Annual Pledge Drive, Giant Giveaway Every Hour From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each Day, Call 580-767-1400 or Visit TheHouseFM.com To Make Pledge, and view Full List of Giant Giveaway Prizes.

March 3

Nowata Country Jubilee, Guest Singer Bella Hand, Bartlesville, Doors Open 6 p.m., Show 7 p.m., $10 for Adults, Jack R. Ellis Memorial Theater, Downtown Nowata.

March 10

Ostomy Association of North Central Oklahoma, 2 P.m., Tom Dingler, ConvaTec Representative, Enid, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Basement, Classroom C-D.

March 13

McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord Volunteer Fire Department Station, 22 Howard.

March 19

Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, Corner U.S. 60E and Keeler Road, New Volunteers Always Welcome.

WELLINGTON — With construction on Cowley College’s Sumner Campus on track to open the Technical Center in the fall, the new campus is already having a major economic impact on Sumner County according to Stacy Davis, executive director of Sumner County Economic Development.

Speaking at Cowley College’s recent Board retreat, Davis said the county is seeing more interest from outside developers than it has experienced during the past 20 years.

Davis informed the Board that a new company was making plans to relocate to Caldwell, and the move could bring 150 new jobs or more to the community.

“Initially they were only bringing in their manufacturing side,” Davis said. “Now because we have the IT program with the campus, they are going to bring in their IT side.”

Davis then mentioned the new housing development that is being built behind the Wellington Walmart. Davis said due to this, developers from Wichita who would not even visit with her before now want to look at property.

“I met with a developer a month ago that will be signing on two parcels of property to bring in retail,” Davis said. “He also has a plan for the entire eastern corridor.”

Kelly Ford, the Executive Director of the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, said members of Cowley College, including Sumner Campus operations officer Jan Grace, and president Dr. Dennis C. Rittle, are always looking for ways to help the community.

“These two are mingling, networking, looking deep into the eyes of our citizens – both the movers and shakers and those who are still a bit cautious about their feeling regarding the new campus – truly assessing the climate of our community and then addressing the feedback head-on with its leaders,” Ford said.

Ford said all heads turn south when traveling east on 160, hopeful to catch a glimpse of the new campus, proving this project is progressing and promises are coming to life.

“It is evident that you have embraced our community with thoughtfulness and genuine excitement for our future, not only with the new campus, but with initiatives that help to sustain us and launch us into a secure future and put help Wellington back onto the map of Kansas,” Ford said. Cheri Hulse, architect for Agora Architecture, said construction of the new campus was on track and proceeding, with no major issues. She said the technology building is fully enclosed and the climate control systems are fully operational.

Following the opening of the Technical Center in the fall, the Short General Education Center is expected to open on the Sumner Campus in the fall of 2019.

“We are thankful for Cowley College’s investment in our community,” Ford said to those in attendance at the Board retreat. “We are proud of our partnership with Cowley. I know many of you have shed blood, sweat and tears with this new campus. It’s what’s building Wellington’s hopes and dreams.”

United Way of Ponca City is joining forces with Ponca City Chamber of Commerce and Phillips66 to prepare a publication promoting summer activities and services available for children 18 and under in the Ponca City area. Deadline for activity submission is March 26.

There is no charge for organizations, businesses, agencies, churches, schools, etc. to submit information for this publication. For those planning summer activities, services or assistance of any type for families of children under 18 e-mail details to Krista Urioste, United Way Administrative Assistant at uwadmin@cableone.net

Copies of this publication will be sent home with Ponca City students near the end of the 2017-18 school year. Electronic and paper copies of this publication will be made available to families in surrounding communities.

In addition to describing the service or activity that will be offered, also include details such as the age group to be served, fees that apply, dates and times. Also include contact information for parents who have further questions. If final details are not known, send what is available. An opportunity for proofing and editing is possible before printing.

United Way of Ponca City and their partners want families to have safe, educational and fun summer activities for children in the community.

Questions about this publication, may be directed to Urioste at the email address listed above or by calling the United Way of Ponca City at 580-765-2476.

NORMAN — On the hunt for adventure this summer? Students can apply now for the ExplorOlogy program to do research and experience real science.

Students across Oklahoma have the chance to dig for dinosaur fossils, explore Oklahoma streams and ponds, and search for wildlife as part of the 2018 ExplorOlogy program offered through the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

ExplorOlogy gives students in middle and high school a chance to do real field work with scientists and learn more about biology, paleontology and other natural sciences through two programs: Paleo Expedition and Oklahoma Science Adventure. There is no cost to students who are accepted. Deadline for applications is March 30.

“So many students grow up thinking science is something far away, that it’s only for adults and that they can only experience it through school, books or TV,” said Josie Wagoner Garrard, outreach programs coordinator at the Sam Noble Museum. “ExplorOlogy gives them the chance to not only realize that science is something they can do, but that they already are scientists. It gives them the chance to actually become the field researchers and paleontologists they’ve always dreamed of being by letting them actually go out and do it.”

Paleo Expedition is a unique paleontology field experience for Oklahoma high school students currently enrolled in grades nine, 10 and 11. Space is limited, and the application process is competitive.

Twelve participants will begin their 15-day residential adventure, scheduled June 10 through June 24, with scientists from the Sam Noble Museum. The first week of the program will include learning paleontology basics at the museum and travel to Oklahoma geological and paleontological field sites. The second week will include travel to an amazing excavation site in the Black Mesa region of Oklahoma, where students will implement the skills they learned.

“Our students work alongside scientists excavating and studying fossils, including some from dinosaurs,” Wagoner Garrard said. “We’ll head back to the same site this year to see what else is waiting for us to be discovered. It’s always an adventure, and I can’t wait to see what this year holds!”

Students in grades six through eight can apply for Oklahoma Science Adventure, scheduled July 8 through July 14. Participants have the opportunity to make new friends, explore Oklahoma landscapes and enhance their knowledge of the natural world.

Applications and information about both programs are available at samnoblemuseum.ou.edu/explorology, by calling 405-325-8879 or emailing explorology.samnoblemuseum@ou.edu.