September 2025

[PCM+) A New Adventure Begins: Scouting in Ponca City Joins with Last Frontier Council

• •Ponca City Scouting packs and troops joined Last Frontier Council in Oklahoma City on February 1, 2025.
• •Last Frontier Council is now Oklahoma's largest area council after merging with Cimarron Council.
• •Ponca City is part of the 101 District covering Osage, Kay, and Grant counties.

September Book Reviews

• •Michael Wallis debunks the Belle Starr legend with new research revealing a more complex woman than Wild West myth suggests.
• •Belle Starr was only convicted of horse theft, challenging narratives that she was a major criminal or outlaw.
• •Michael Wallis recently visited Brace Books to discuss his new Belle Starr biography and share his historical findings.

LAST CHANCE TO SEE: Ponca Playhouse presents Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple! PLUS - Call for volunteers!

• •Neil Simon's The Odd Couple closes this weekend at Ponca Playhouse after opening to rave reviews.
• •Final performances are September 19-21: Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday matinee at 2pm.
• •Tickets available online at poncaplayhouse.ludus.com, by phone at 580-765-5360, or at the door.

[PCM+) Active Seniors Unite!

• •Ponca City's two senior centers offer affordable lunches and social activities for active adults 50+.
• •PC Senior Center serves lunch weekdays at 11:30 a.m. for $4 with drive-thru pickup available.
• •McCord Senior Citizens Center provides meals weekdays 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with home delivery for homebound residents.

[PCM+) Hispanic Heritage Festival

• •Hispanic Heritage Festival returns downtown Sept. 13 from 3-7 p.m. on Grand Ave.
• •Internationally renowned flamenco guitarist Edgar Cruz headlines the celebration.
• •Festival features music, food, dance, shopping and community connection.

September Letter from the Editor

• •The editor shares top productivity tips including planning ahead before tasks
• •Mental visualization and preparation prevent mistakes and save time overall
• •Skipping the planning phase actually doubles or triples total work time

[PCM+) Welding Into the Future: Pioneer Tech Unveils $1.8 Million Welding Facility Remodel

• •Pioneer Tech invested $1.8 million to modernize its welding facility with safer design.
• •Gas bottles now plumb directly to each booth, eliminating manual movement hazards.
• •Removed walls connect classroom and lab, giving instructors full visibility of students.

Gerald Miller

Miller Stahl Funeral Home

Gerald Miller, 82, beloved Father, Grandfather, and brother was called to his eternal resting place on September 8, 2025. He entered this world on January 28, 1943, in Franklin, PA…

September Chamber Buzz

• •Leadership Ponca City Class 39 launches with 25 participants ready to grow.
• •Three experienced chairs lead the program: Erica Fetters, Sean Grigsba, Molly Kyler.
• •Camp Horizon overnight retreat builds bonds and pushes participants out comfort zones.

[PCM+) Whimsy Kids: Creative Fun

• •Whimsy Kids is the Opportunity Center's newest creative business venture downtown.
• •The Opportunity Center, founded in 1960, now operates three downtown shops including Whimsy Kids.
• •Whimsy Kids offers high-quality, affordable, and unique children's clothing, toys, and gift items.

[PCM+) The Heart of Ponca City Public Schools

• •Ponca City Public Schools maintains a century-long tradition of academic excellence and character development that defines the community.
• •The district blends time-honored values with modern innovation, offering STEM labs, advanced arts programs, and career-tech pathways.
• •Superintendent Adam Leaming emphasizes the "hometown advantage" of personal attention combined with resources typically found in larger districts.

Death Becomes Her

• •Former Ponca City funeral director Annie Owen shares her experiences on TikTok, recently featured in People Magazine.
• •Owen knew at age seven she wanted to work with funerals after attending one and loving the experience.
• •Her father initially discouraged her from becoming a mortician, doubting she was strong enough for the physical demands.