July 2025

Jane Payne

Miller Stahl Funeral Home

Life began for Betty Jane Payne in a rock house near Apperson, Oklahoma on September 16, 1927. Born to Ruby and Otho Harvey, and she ascended to Heaven July 30, 2025. As a young gi…

The Journey Part 3: Anchored in Love

• •Couple experiences heartbreak when embryo implantation fails in November 2024
• •Ashley missed chance to surprise husband with pregnancy news for his birthday
• •Family masked their grief publicly while processing loss privately and silently

Voices From the Homestead—Part ONE

• •Liz Threlkeld launches "The Sunny Side" column sharing homesteading expertise and local voices.
• •Technology streamlines modern homestead operations from sales to herd management systems.
• •Local farmers emphasize community resilience and proactive living over fear-based self-sufficiency.

Robert (Bob) Lobsinger

Miller Stahl Funeral Home

Robert W. (Bob) Lobsinger died July 25, after a lengthy illness. Graveside services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in the Newkirk City Cemetery. The family has aske…

July Chamber Buzz

• •Party at the Palace returns August 22 at the historic Marland Mansion with "Hidden Spirits & Local Gems" theme.
• •Live music, local food, handcrafted cocktails and custom memorabilia highlight the evening's entertainment and experiences.
• •Golden Tickets ($100) return with limited availability starting July 7, offering chances to win top-tier auction items.

Legendary Author Michael Wallis to Visit Brace Books for Book Signing and Stories of the Wild West

• •Michael Wallis, three-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and Cars voice actor, visits Ponca City July 26.
• •The legendary author's newest book debunks myths about Wild West outlaw Belle Starr with fresh research.
• •Wallis has written 20+ books and is inducted into multiple halls of fame for his storytelling.

July Book Reviews

• •Katherine Marsh's "Medusa" follows a seventh-grader discovering she's descended from mythological monsters at a Venice boarding school.
• •Ava and friends quest to restore their friend's stolen voice while uncovering silenced goddesses in the Olympian world.
• •"No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding" by Catherine Mack stars Eleanor Dash, author of the Vacation Mystery series.

Mental Health Minute with Mr. Ponca City

• •Ashley manages chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis while balancing family life and personal responsibilities.
• •Relo and Ashley are navigating an unexpected parenthood journey that includes emotional and physical challenges.
• •Ashley has learned to set boundaries with her energy and not feel responsible for others' discomfort.

New ICON Theater to Reopen at AMC Site

• •AMC Theater site will reopen as new ICON Cinema theater location in Ponca City
• •PCDA purchased the property and signed seven-year lease-to-own deal with ICON Cinemas
• •Theater closure in 2020 hurt workforce recruitment efforts in the community

Party at the Palace: Hidden Spirits & Local Gems

• •Party at the Palace happens Friday, August 22 at 6:30 PM at Marland Mansion Estate.
• •Tickets cost $75 and are available now at PoncaCityChamber.com.
• •Explore the historic mansion's two floors while enjoying food from local restaurants.

Marland Estate Furniture Restoration

• •The Marland Mansion has undergone a major furniture restoration project over recent years.
• •Tom, a third-generation antique restorer, and his team have restored over 300 pieces.
• •Fish oil finishes darkened over 150 years, hiding beautiful designs now being revealed.

CRAZY DAYS & DXDT!!

• •DXDT music festival happens Friday Aug 1 at Veteran's Plaza with Hayes Brothers Band 6-9 PM.
• •Crazy Days Sale runs Friday-Saturday Aug 1-2 with tax-free shopping and raffle prizes.
• •Free swag bags available Friday at 5 PM during downtown Crazy Days festivities.

Inside the Strong Dads Program: Building Better Fathers Across Oklahoma

• •Strong Dads program helps fathers improve parenting skills through structured classes and support.
• •Studies show involved fathers lead to better grades, college attendance, and reduced delinquency in children.
• •Program addresses decades of societal pressure that has diminished fathers' roles in child-rearing.

Ponca City Bowmen’s Archery Range:

• •Bowmen's Archery Range offers 33 acres with 30+ 3D targets and courses for all skill levels.
• •The volunteer-run club, operating since 1953, welcomes members and rents space for events and camping.
• •The lakeside location features grills, tent/RV camping, fishing, and hosts groups from law enforcement to families.

Project Transformation:

• •Project Transformation is an eight-week nonprofit literacy program serving elementary students at First United Methodist Church.
• •The program runs Monday-Thursday through June and July with STEM, art, literacy and social-emotional learning activities.
• •Ponca City is one of six Oklahoma host sites chosen for 2025; the program started in Dallas in 1998.