Ponca City, Oklahoma
Get the Newsletter →
Ponca City Monthly

Hyperlocal · Independent · Est. 2020

PCM+

December 2023

Everything published in December 2023.

← Back to the full feed
Food Crush·December 29, 2023

January Stew On That

  • •Author and husband nearly divorced over tiny laundry room remodel project.
  • •Disagreements over wood size, design vision and dryer vent cleaning caused conflict.
  • •Couple contacted lawyers during the home improvement dispute midway through.
Read story →
Food Crush·December 29, 2023

January FOOD CRUSH - Enrique's Mexican Resturant

  • •Enrique's has served Ponca City for over 40 years with Cuban-Mexican fusion cuisine owned by the Avila family since 1983.
  • •The famous puffy chips are made fresh to order and puff up when fried, creating an unforgettable take on a classic appetizer.
  • •The Texas Hot and Spicy Burrito features tender chuck roast, beans, cheese, and jalapeño gravy available in two hearty sizes.
Read story →
Book Reviews·December 29, 2023

January Book Reviews

  • •Mary Higgins Clark's "Where Are the Children?" remains a bestseller 48 years after publication with a new sequel.
  • •Nancy's children disappear again, forcing her to relive trauma from her mysterious past in the sequel.
  • •Brandon Sanderson's "Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians" launches a humorous fantasy series for middle-grade readers.
Read story →
Business Spotlight·December 29, 2023

Signs of Excellence: MakeKings Shines in Ponca City

  • •MakeKings Signs designs and manufactures custom signage for businesses across a 100-mile radius from Ponca City.
  • •Owner Justin Schacknies has operated the company for six years on South First Street near Grand Avenue.
  • •MakeKings creates everything from banners to metal signs requiring welding, digging, and concrete installation.
Read story →
Community·December 29, 2023

January Stream It

  • •The Gilded Age follows rival families navigating 1880s New York high society with contrasting wealth backgrounds.
  • •Creator Julian Fellowes, known for Downton Abbey, brings his storytelling talent to this period drama series.
  • •The show features stunning cinematography, elaborate costumes, and meticulously tailored sets that transport viewers to the past.
Read story →

Sponsored

Community·December 29, 2023

January Cocktail of the Month - Bellini

  • •The Bellini, a peach-forward cocktail, originated at Harry's Bar in 1930s Venice, Italy.
  • •Named after Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini, the drink symbolizes elegance and artistic taste.
  • •White peaches are traditional, but peach nectar or frozen peaches work as easy substitutes.
Read story →
College Confidential·December 29, 2023

January Thoughts on Higher Ed

  • •Moe Berg combined baseball stardom with language mastery and Cold War espionage work.
  • •Higher education opens doors to diverse career paths and personal fulfillment beyond expectations.
  • •Ponca City's University Center offers accessible college courses with no age restrictions.
Read story →
Chamber Connection·December 29, 2023

January Chamber Connection

  • •Chamber leadership transitioned in 2023 with new CEO and staff additions supporting operations.
  • •Party at the Palace auction fundraiser succeeded, with 68 new Chamber Investors recruited by year's end.
  • •Chamber social media following grew by 1,000 and event attendance reached record levels in 2023.
Read story →
Community·December 29, 2023

Welcome to Ponca City Monthly Plus

  • •All-new Ponca City Monthly Plus subscription service launching for dedicated fans
  • •Includes all regular monthly articles plus exclusive online-only content and extras
  • •Subscribers get premium access to enhanced coverage of local news and stories
Read story →

Sponsored

Business Spotlight·December 29, 2023

The Story of Brace Books & More: A Local Ponca City Mainstay

  • •Brace Books & More has served Ponca City since 1983, founded by Jean and Jerry Brace as a community gathering space.
  • •The bookstore survived competition from chain retailers and Amazon by offering quality service, events, and a welcoming atmosphere.
  • •After Jean Brace passed away in 2015, the store needed new leadership to continue operating successfully.
Read story →
Community·December 29, 2023

New Year, Slightly (New) Improved Me

  • •Most New Year's resolutions fail; small, sustained changes work better for health.
  • •Oklahoma ranks 45th in health due to drug use, food insecurity, and lack of care access.
  • •Healthy communities require quality education, safe homes, employment, nutrition, and healthcare access.
Read story →
Community·December 29, 2023

United Way of North Central Oklahoma: United We Thrive

  • •United Way of North Central Oklahoma has raised over 30 million dollars since 1938
  • •The organization funds three priority areas: Education, Financial Stability, and Health/Safety
  • •A two-person team efficiently manages programs serving all of North Central Oklahoma
Read story →
Letter from the Editor·December 29, 2023

January Letter from the Editor

  • •Ponca City Monthly offers free and paid subscription options for local content
  • •The editor reflects on how vivid childhood memories shape storytelling and writing
  • •Intentionally "soaking in moments" using all senses helps preserve rich memories
Read story →

You're all caught up