The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

STEM. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The field is exploding faster and with more force than any of us ever dreamed was possible. As a result, it is more important than ever to inspire, educate, develop, and recruit highly-qualified experts into these fields. Schools from PreK through higher education and beyond must provide the educational experiences necessary for the rapidly expanding workforce needs.

Since 2018, the University Center has been a hub for robotics instruction for elementary and middle school students in Northern Oklahoma. With after-school programs and summer camps, hundreds of students have participated in various levels of LEGO robotics, fostering interest, opening the world of possibilities, and encouraging students to pursue education and careers in robotics and other areas of STEM.

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The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

In the United States, April is Child Abuse Awareness Prevention Month. This was first started in the early 1980s with the goals of raising awareness, strengthening families and encouragement in involving the community in preventative efforts that promote well-being of children, the promotion of child safety and alleviating maltreatment of children.

The goal of this month is to highlight the responsibility we all share as individuals, professionals, families and communities in providing care and protection to all children. This observance is to promote the creation of safe and stable spaces that are nurturing to the healthy development of kids. This month is a national reminder that child welfare should be a priority, and systems and efforts should be established and utilized in order to provide and ensure child safety! The national symbol associated with this month and movement are the blue pinwheel and blue ribbon, which represents a healthy and happy childhood that every child deserves to experience. Nationwide, many organizations and communities hold events and activities that raise awareness for child safety. In Ponca City, Oklahoma, the local Child Advocacy Center, The Dearing House will be hosting the 4th annual Child Abuse Awareness Walk on April 17, 2026. This walk has turned into an annual highlight due to significant community involvement and due to the countless students who join the walk!

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On this week’s episode of the Ponca City Monthly Podcast, Andy sits down with Terri Busch, Pioneer Technology Center’s Marketing and Communication Coordinator and a regular PCM contributor.

Terri dives into her latest feature article highlighting PTC’s Partner in Progress program and this year’s distinguished honoree, Tom Riley of Tomco Metal Fab LLC. We explore what truly makes PTC a cornerstone of our community, from their diverse hobby classes to their eagle-eye focus on the evolving economy. Tune in to hear how constant innovation and facility renovations are fueling the future of workforce growth in Ponca City.

Don't miss Terri’s latest article! Grab your copy of Ponca City Monthly to see how PTC and Tom Riley are shaping our community.

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The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

Almost every Texas country boy who grew up in the 1800s dreamed of becoming a cowboy, but only a few became world-renowned rodeo stars. Bill Pickett clearly defied the odds.

William M. Pickett was born on Dec. 5, 1870, in the Jenks-Branch community of Williamson County, Texas. His parents, former slaves Thomas Jefferson Pickett and Mary “Janie” Gilbert, raised 13 children, and Will, the second-oldest, attended school only briefly before becoming a ranch hand to help support his family.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is retracting the public health alert issued on April 1, 2026, for Walmart Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets with “Best If Used By” date “Feb 10 2027” produced by Dorada Foods after confirming that the product does not pose a public health concern.

The public health alert was originally issued based on routine surveillance sampling conducted by the New York State Department of Public Health that indicated elevated trace levels of lead. Because this product is commonly consumed by children, FSIS issued the alert to inform consumers of a potential risk.

Following the alert, additional sampling was conducted by the New York State Department of Public Health and the producing establishment, Dorada Foods. As part of that process, the original lot of product was tested as well as additional lots.

All follow‑up testing, including testing of the original lot, found no elevated levels of lead in the product.

FSIS subsequently reviewed the underlying laboratory data in coordination with the New York State Department of Health and determined that the initial result was a false positive, caused by sporadic lead contamination at the laboratory during analysis, not contamination of the product itself. Follow-up testing confirmed no elevated levels of lead were present in any of the products tested.

FSIS has notified the company and is updating this page to ensure consumers have accurate and up-to-date information.

Independent Book Store day is Saturday, April 25th, stop by Brace Books and More for all their fun activates and buy a book to celebrate!

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The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

“Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life.” ~Albert Einstein

Ponca City Monthly magazine has highlighted many of the resources and helpful organizations found in Ponca City. The great number of organizations and the people who keep them running adds much compassion and shows understanding of others who may need help meeting their needs and desires for a better life. Many of these resources collaborate with one another to ensure families receive the assistance they need. A couple of these are Living Hope Pregnancy Center at their newer location at 425 Fairview and The Family Resource Program, which is housed with NOYS (Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center & Shelter Inc.) at 2203 N. Prospect. Both are examples of the focus on families within the community.

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The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine. Get full access to all online articles, videos and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

It’s easy to appreciate the many qualities that make Ponca City special, with this magazine highlighting the incredible people, organizations, and places that are the heartbeat of this community. We love our local food scene, though the kind of headline-making restaurants that draw national recognition are not on the Ponca City menu. Until now.

Chef Eric Smith began his culinary journey over three decades ago. Chef Smith is currently the executive chef and owner of multiple culinary ventures, including The Crown Room in Oklahoma City. This concept showcases Smith’s passion for and commitment to multi-sensory dining. Each curated dinner is designed to engage all five senses: pairing each course with a beverage, specific aromas, and music to create a memorable experience. In 2025, Chef Smith was named a James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef Southwest, and USA TODAY recognized The Crown as one of the Best Restaurants in the United States.

Chef Smith is introducing an experience to Ponca City that is as forward-thinking as it is grounded. He is bringing a familiar yet ambitious menu to the Ponca City Country Club titled “Before Country was Cool”, which pays homage to his Oklahoma heritage. This immersive event will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 6:30pm. This is a four-course set menu (with vegetarian and gluten-free options available) offered at $175 per person. Beverage pairings and a champagne/caviar pre-party are also available for an extra cost.

Sometimes, it can be easy to think that great meals are confined to major metro areas, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Sometimes all it takes is imagination and the will to try something new. Chef Smith is truly creative with menus that shift with the season and reflect his deep roots in Oklahoma. Take the opportunity to treat yourself to dynamic, flavor-forward dishes just minutes from home. Happy Eating!!

TOP THREE (OR FOUR) FOR ME

• Chef Smith was in Ponca City in 2025 and has been ready to come back. I eat in OKC a lot and it’s wonderful to see an industry forerunner excited about our community.

• Chef Smith’s team brings great energy, real skill, and are as kind as they are capable.

• The creativity in each dish I’ve had from Chef Smith feels genuinely refreshing – and somehow, they deliver every single time.

• BONUS! Fun fact: The Ponca City Country Club hosts guest chef events throughout the year. Catch the latest updates by following The Club on Facebook.

Ponca City Country Club is located at 1101 N. Pecan Rd, Ponca City. Make reservations for this event by calling 580.762.2436.

Discover the benefits of membership at the Ponca City Country Club, including access to other exclusive events, at www.pccclub.com.

The Crown Room is located at 7204 N. Western Ave, Oklahoma City. Phone 405.242.3471. Follow The Crown Room on Instagram at @crownroomokc and Facebook at @thecrownroom

IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN…..

Tulsa…and are craving a creative, fun, delicious set menu, get a spot at FarmBar. Local farmers and artisans play a big role here, inspiring a multi-course tasting menu that celebrates the region and is full of standout dishes. Get the beverage pairing because FarmBar offers both a wine pairing and a non-alcoholic beverage pairing and because regardless of which you choose, the pairings elevate the food. FarmBar offers a’la carte menu options on select nights and options are great and all, but the tasting menu is the move here. Let the kitchen show off a little and trust the chefs. Lean into the unknown – that’s often where the best flavors are hiding:)

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Inside the wrestling room at Ponca City Public School, the sounds are familiar: shoes squeaking across mats, teammates encouraging each other, coaches offering instruction and the steady rhythm of athletes pushing themselves to improve. Wrestling is a sport known for discipline, resilience and grit. But for the Ponca City LadyCat wrestlers, the lessons extend far beyond the mat.

This year, the LadyCats achieved something remarkable. The team was recognized as Academic State Champions, an honor that highlights excellence in the classroom, while competing in one of Oklahoma’s toughest athletic environments: Class 6A girls wrestling.

For Coach Agee, the recognition represents something deeper than a title. It reflects a culture carefully built over time, rooted in discipline, teamwork and personal growth. “We are creating a culture of discipline, both on and off the mat,” Coach Agee said. “This builds well-rounded athletes.” That culture has become the heartbeat of the LadyCat program.

Building Success One Small Habit at a Time

In many sports programs, success is often framed around major victories or dramatic moments. But inside the LadyCat wrestling room, the philosophy is different. Coach Agee believes greatness grows from consistency; small actions repeated day after day. “It’s all about doing the little things right,” he explained. “There’s not one big thing you can do alone.”

That mindset shows up in the way the team approaches academics. Success in the classroom is not left to chance. Instead, it is built through intentional systems and accountability. Grades are checked weekly, and expectations are clearly communicated. Wrestlers are encouraged to support one another through peer tutoring and collaboration. Athletes are also taught how to communicate with their teachers and take ownership of their learning. These strategies may seem simple, but they reflect the same discipline required to succeed in wrestling. Every practice move, every study session, every moment of preparation adds up, and the results speak for themselves.

When Coach Agee learned the team would be honored at the state tournament for its academic achievement, his response was humble. “I was proud and a little surprised,” he said. “We submit grades every year.” Yet the recognition carries an important message for programs across Oklahoma. “We are not one of those big schools, but we can still be successful.” For a community like Ponca City, that message resonates deeply.

A Program Built on Family

Spend a few minutes around the LadyCat wrestlers, and one thing becomes immediately clear: this team is more than just teammates. “These girls are like a family to each other,” Coach Agee said. “They fight for each other; they cheer for each other; and they care about each other.” In wrestling, a sport where athletes compete individually while representing their team, that kind of bond is essential.

Every match can feel intensely personal. Wrestlers step onto the mat alone. But they are never truly alone. Behind them stands a room full of teammates who share the same struggles, sacrifices and victories. That family atmosphere helps the team navigate the inevitable challenges of a demanding season. There are days when athletes are tired, overwhelmed or juggling multiple responsibilities. On those days, Coach Agee adapts his approach. “Recognizing where they are at and running a practice that meets them where they are,” he said. It’s a philosophy rooted in understanding that athletes are people first.

A Coaching Journey That Almost Didn’t Happen

Interestingly, Coach Agee’s path to leading the LadyCat wrestlers was not originally part of his plan. After 26 years of coaching boys’ wrestling, he was considering stepping away from coaching altogether once his sons graduated. But sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin with a simple request. “A couple of the girls I had been working with asked me if I would be the girls’ coach,” he said. That moment changed everything.

What began as a new opportunity soon grew into a thriving program that continues to expand each year. Girls wrestling across Oklahoma has experienced tremendous growth, and Ponca City has been part of that momentum. Interest in the sport continues to rise locally. “Interest in girls’ wrestling has grown in Ponca City,” Coach Agee said. “We have new girls coming in all the time.” The growth reflects a broader shift in athletics as more young women discover opportunities in wrestling.

Community Support That Makes a Difference

No successful program exists in isolation. Behind every thriving team stands a community that believes in its athletes. The LadyCat wrestlers have felt that support firsthand. Community leaders like Ponca City Mayor Kelsey Wagner, Chamber of Commerce CEO Shelley Arrott and City Commissioner Stephanie Austin have taken time to speak with the team, offering encouragement and reminding the athletes that their accomplishments matter not just to the school, but to the entire city. Superintendent Adam Leaming has been there to celebrate several of their victories, including their recent Academic All-State award. Many LadyCat moms also join a mom’s boot camp to experience what it’s like for the athletes.

Ponca City has long been proud of its athletic tradition. The community has produced legendary wrestlers, including Olympic gold medalists Doug Blubaugh and Shelby Wilson, who grew up in the area and helped shape the town’s rich wrestling history. That legacy adds another layer of meaning to the LadyCats’ achievements. They are not only building their own future; they are continuing a tradition.

Lessons Beyond Winning

While competition is an important part of the sport, Coach Agee is quick to remind his athletes that wrestling is about far more than winning. “There are worse things in the world than losses,” he said. “We grow more from losses than wins.” That perspective helps shape how the program approaches both victory and defeat.

Every match is an opportunity to learn. Every mistake becomes a lesson. Every challenge becomes a chance to improve. It’s a mindset that prepares athletes not just for competition, but for life. Coach Agee credits much of his coaching philosophy to the many mentors and programs he has experienced throughout his career. “I’ve been very fortunate to have been in several programs,” he said. “I’ve been able to pick things from each program and each coach that I have built a system from.”

“Hard work, doing things the right way, accept shortcomings and build from there, outwork everyone.”

Leadership From Within

One of the most fascinating aspects of team dynamics is how leadership naturally emerges. In the LadyCat program, Coach Agee believes the strongest leaders reveal themselves through their actions. “Usually, a leader will emerge,” he said. “A coach must try to guide those leaders.” These athletes lead through their work ethics, their encouragement of teammates and their willingness to push through adversity.

Coach Agee is quick to point out that the success of the LadyCat wrestling program is the result of a strong coaching staff working together behind the scenes. “Nobody can do this by themselves,” he said. “I have a lot of help … a LOT.” Assistant coaches Tony Arbona and Anthony Whetstone play an important role in the program’s day-to-day operations. Their work may not always happen in the spotlight, but it is deeply valued.

Looking Ahead: Competing in a Tough Division

While academic success has brought well-deserved recognition, the LadyCats remain focused on continuing to improve on the mat. Competing in Class 6A wrestling means facing some of the toughest programs in the state. “We will continue to expect success in the classroom,” Coach Agee said. “On the mat, 6A wrestling is very tough, and we are trying to keep up and be competitive.” But if the LadyCats have proven anything, it is that determination and preparation can close any gap.

Advice for the Next Generation

For young girls considering wrestling, balancing schoolwork and athletics can sometimes feel overwhelming. Coach Agee offers simple, but powerful, advice. “Prioritize your time, be organized and come give it a try,” he said. Then he adds something that reflects the heart of the program: “There are no failures in the room. Just moments to learn.” Those words capture the essence of wrestling itself. Every athlete stumbles. Every athlete faces setbacks. But growth comes from the willingness to keep stepping onto the mat.

A Coach Who Cares

Ask Coach Agee about the most rewarding part of his career, and his answer isn’t about championships or accolades. It’s about the athletes. “I feel like they are my daughters,” he said. “I am proud of all of them.” It’s a sentiment that explains why the LadyCat wrestling program feels so much like a family. The athletes know their coach believes in them, not just as competitors, but as people. Outside of wrestling, Coach Agee has another passion: cooking. “I like to cook and enjoy feeding others,” he said. In many ways, that small detail reflects the same nurturing spirit that defines his coaching.

The True Goal of the Program

If asked to summarize his coaching philosophy in a single thought, Coach Agee’s answer goes beyond sports entirely. “If we only teach them to win, we have failed,” he said. “Teach them to be good citizens in their community that supports them.” That philosophy shapes every part of the LadyCat program. The wrestlers participate in community service, represent their school with pride and strive to become leaders both inside and outside the gym. Ultimately, the goal is not simply to produce great wrestlers. It is to develop strong, capable young women who carry the lessons of the sport into the rest of their lives.

What Lasts After the Final Match

For most high school athletes, the competitive years pass quickly. Seasons end. Graduation arrives. The routines of practice and competition eventually fade into memory. But the lessons remain. When the LadyCat wrestlers leave Ponca City High School, Coach Agee hopes they carry something far more valuable than trophies.

“A strong work ethic, high trust, building relationships, to feel valued as a person,” he said.

Those qualities will serve them long after their final match. And for the Ponca City LadyCat wrestlers, that may be the greatest victory!

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The next chapter in the successful Po-Hi Alumni Hall of Fame speaker series will set Clayton Johnson center stage. “An Evening With Retired U.S. Marshal Clayton Johnson,” or as Johnson puts it: “True Cop Stories,” will begin at 6:30 p.m., Friday, April 17, at Pioneer Technology Center’s Conference Center. The event will benefit the Ponca City High School Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation Endowment Fund. The proceeds fund scholarships for graduating Po-Hi students.

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We kick off the conversation beginning with Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts. Romey shares why this survivor’s story of strength and advocacy is a perfect read for Women’s History Month. We also dive into the classic Oklahoma-based novel The Outsiders. We explore its enduring legacy, from S.E. Hinton writing it as a teenager in Tulsa to its recent musical adaptation and the historical trivia behind Francis Ford Coppola’s film. Both featured books are currently available at the back desk of Brace Books and More!

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The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

That old saying “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” is so very relevant and true for Ponca City. Ponca City Development Authority (PCDA) is tasked with economic development for the City of Ponca City, funded by a ½ cent sales tax voted on every five years by citizens of Ponca City. Economic development looks very different now than it did 20 years ago. What hasn’t changed is the partnerships, collaboration and teamwork by all the organizations, educational institutions, the City, Chamber, Main Street, regional alliances and so much more. Let us take a stroll through the myriad of ways PCDA forges partnerships to create economic vitality in Ponca City.

Economic vitality: there’s a phrase for you. A little Arnold Schwarzenegger combined with some horn-rimmed glasses, a really techie calculator and piles of reports and files thrown in for good measure. You get the picture? Ponca City’s vitality is because of those partnerships.

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“To provide nurturing, developmentally appropriate childcare that builds a foundation for lifelong learning, with an emphasis on life skills and school readiness.”

~Mission Statement of CDC

Ponca City’s Child Development Center (CDC) has a rich history of taking care of not only children, but families, and they are still growing and going strong today. Director Mary Beth Hunt calls the facility her “happy place.” She says what leads to her favorite moments are when children know her name and are excited to see her. In addition, she is most proud when children meet both their behavioral and educational/knowledge goals.

For the community, the growth has been a tremendous benefit during a time when many daycare providers are either cutting programs or closing their doors. CDC’s mission is important now than it has been in the past.

CDC originally opened its doors in 1967 when a Church Women United group, made up of individuals from a variety of local churches completed a survey and began plans to help the families they discovered needed daycare with assistance in paying the cost. A portion of the cost for families was covered through the contributions and fundraising of this group of women. The program’s first day began with five children, but normal daily attendance soon reached 30.

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The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

“Let us thank all those who teach in Catholic schools. Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life.”

~former Pope Francis

St. Mary’s Catholic School was founded in 1901 and operated by a group of religious sisters to serve the growing Catholic community in Kay County. Over the last 125 years, there have been moves in location with the current Italian Renaissance-style school built in 1954. A community celebration that included alumni, staff and community joining in sharing their memories of a stable past and celebrating hope for the future was held on Feb. 14 at the Marland Mansion. Plans for the event were handled by the Advancement Team in collaboration with Chandler Brown of Something Blue Weddings. Brown is an alumna of the school.

According to Rachel Friess, Director of Marketing/Physical Education instructor, as well as being on the Advancement Team for this celebration, “This milestone is a reminder of all the generations who built our school and all that our school has endured to remain steadfast in providing quality education in a Christian environment.” She explains that the “school and our community have literally grown up together.”

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This week on the Ponca City Monthly Podcast, host Andy sits down for a special conversation with Ponca City Public School Superintendent, Adam Leaming. As the magazine celebrates its sixth year and 72nd issue, the school district is embarking on a bold strategic planning process to envision the future of Ponca City schools over the next decade and beyond. The discussion focuses on a community-wide “thought exchange” survey designed to gather feedback from everyone from parents, business leaders, and students alike to share what skills and values the district should prioritize for future graduates.

The superintendent emphasizes that schools should be a direct reflection of community values, and this anonymous survey allows participants to not only share their own ideas but also rate the feedback of others. Early trends from the data suggest interest in improving the middle school experience and expanding opportunities like e-sports and modern manufacturing skills. Once the listening phase concludes in mid-March, a committee of 31 community members will spend months dissecting the data to build a long-term roadmap for the district.

You can participate in this important visioning process by using the QR code found in the magazine. If you are listening digitally, you can also share your thoughts at the link blow to access the survey directly.
https://www.pcps.us/page/strategic-planning-surveys

Also, check out this month’s Learning With Leaming for more information.

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Ponca Playhouse announces it is time to purchase your tickets for their upcoming production of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, directed by a favorite, Emily Rose Parman. Some of Parman’s recent shows for the Playhouse stage include The Revolutionists, The Humans, and Sense & Sensibility.

William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet opens March 20^th at Ponca Playhouse and will run through March 29^th, with Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. The tale of the world’s most famous star-crossed lovers who are the center of the chaos that comes as a result.

Directed by an area favorite, Emily Rose Parman, this is set to be a production with a great cast, set and costuming. Parman is setting the play in Verona, Italy in the summer of 1938, well within the reign of Mussolini but prior to the start of WWII. Parman explains, “Even though the politics of the time are taking a background role against the main plot of the story, this has given us a way to connect what the characters are living through to a lot of the issues we are experiencing as Americans today, and provides to the central feud between the Capulets and the Montagues.”

The skills brought by Parman and her crew leave nothing to chance. Parman says, “I am so thrilled to have local actors Caden Coffey and Amberlynn Kelly appearing in the roles of Romeo and Juliet, respectively. I first directed Caden and Amber when they were students at Northern Oklahoma College, and then again this past summer in an intensive internship program with Cowley Summer Theatre. It is my delight to be leading them again in what is their first foray into Shakespeare, and what feels like an amazing culmination of all of the work we have done together over the past four years. For characters that are so young on the page, these roles require an incredible depth of emotional intelligence, and these actors are meeting and exceeding the challenge.”

Romeo & Juliet is a perfect example of Shakespeare’s work as timeless and universal. Director Parman tells us, “To enhance this, I wanted to explore the way the original setting underlines this concept. To this day you can walk the stone streets of Verona and find yourself in front of the very buildings referenced in the play. This is a real place, and the families represented are based on real people if not real events. In its own time, Romeo & Juliet could have been considered to be what we would refer to as a ‘ripped from the headlines’ kind of story, even if the central details had been embellished for dramatic effect.”

Tickets can be purchased at poncaplayhouse.com or at our Box Office one hour before showtime. You may call 580-765-5360 if you have any questions or need assistance.

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Editor’s Note: They say that opportunity is a door you must be willing to walk through. In the case of Ponca City Monthly, opportunity walked through my door. I am thrilled for the 6th Birthday of Ponca City Monthly to remind our readers how it all began. I hope you enjoy reading it, as much as we have enjoyed living it.

August 2017

MyMediaMatters Marketing Agency was founded one week after I was given notice of being laid off from a local company. I continued working at that company until my separation date of November 2017. I then took the giant leap to full-time business ownership.

November 2017

Determined to chart my own course, I worked and grew MyMediaMatters for the entirety of 2018 from my home office, slowly building my clientele and establishing my business. At that time,

I designed websites and did graphic design work.

October 2018

After a very successful first year, I realized I was overwhelmed and needed help, so I hired my first employee who helped me exponentially grow our company over the next year, and by April 2019, we knew that we needed an office.

January 2019

I had heard that The Ponca City News owned an extensive portfolio of

domain names and emails, so seeing an opportunity to expand my business, I walked into Tom Muchmore’s office in January 2019 and asked if he would ever consider selling them. Tom looked at me and said he had just sold The Ponca City News a few days before that and that I should talk with the new owner who was in the next office. I was anxious to add email hosting to my list of offerings to my website clients, so we struck a deal, and I became the new owner of PoncaCity.net’s portfolio domain and email clients. As it happened, through my purchase of the emails, I met many local Ponca City citizens who utilized the PoncaCity.net email service, including Robyn Ryan, who at this time was still working at The Ponca City News. Robyn wished me well with the email service. Robyn and I knew of each other because her father, Fred Boettcher, had been a business mentor to me. I found out from a Facebook post that Robyn Ryan officially retired from The Ponca City News in June of 2019.

May 2019

My first employee and I moved into our first teeny tiny 10-ft by 12-ft office in City Central in May of 2019.

October 2019

In October, we hired an office manager. My team and I continued to work on websites and graphic design, but I was looking ahead at this point at how else I could diversify our business.

The Birth of Ponca City Monthly

MyMediaMatters’s first office was in the Link on the first floor of City Central. The Link has a large common area with couches, and it was often used as a meeting location, so we were used to having lots of random visitors. One day in late October, such a meeting took place between PCDA and an Oklahoma tech company. The tech company was working on a project for PCDA. The CEO of the tech company was very familiar with Ponca City and had some ideas on a different project. A staffer from PCDA brought him into the MyMediaMatters office and introduced him to our staff. He explained that his firm, in addition to technology, also produced a hyperlocal magazine and had for a decade. Still, he had always felt that a publication similar to his could do very well in a town like Ponca City.

I sat there, absorbing what he was saying. I was mesmerized by his story and moved that he would take the time to share it with me. As CEO of my own tech company, he asked me if I would ever consider starting a magazine in Ponca City. At that point, I had to just laugh and say, no, I hadn’t, but that I was known for “jumping in headfirst” with crazy ideas and that I would seriously consider it.

I took a few weeks to consider the idea. I talked with several trusted friends, but what I couldn’t help noticing was the feeling in my gut. I had felt it before. The feeling deep, deep down that I knew without knowing that this was something I was supposed to do. I’ve always trusted my gut, and it’s never led me astray.

So, in December of 2019, I decided to start a magazine.

January 2020

I began putting a team together. I sought out monthly columnists who I felt could deliver quality content each month. Rachel Stewart, Paul Muehlberg, and Kat Long were the first people I asked to contribute. Their faith in a magazine that didn’t exist yet still moves me. I decided that the inaugural issue would debut on April 1.

Initially, I did not plan on hiring an Advertising Director, but decided that I would likely need someone at least part-time to ensure a successful magazine launch.

In early January, a chance meeting would change the fate of my life and the magazine forever. Robyn Ryan, wearing workout clothes and in a bit of a hurry, stopped in my office to have her email password changed. Password changes were a common occurrence and didn’t take long. She sat and chatted with me about life while I changed her password.

The feeling in my gut suddenly hit me again. Here was Robyn, someone I knew of but didn’t know well, and something was compelling me to talk to her about the magazine.

“Listen, Robyn, I am working on a project, and I may need someone to sell advertising. I know you are retired, but do you know anyone who might be interested in some part-time work?”

Robyn skeptically looked at me and said she didn’t know anyone that would be a good fit.

At this point, I had told almost no one about the magazine and was hoping to keep it safely under wraps for a while longer, so I was hesitant to disclose the full project with her; however, the gut feeling hit me again.

“Well, would you ever consider selling ads again?” I proceeded to share my vision of the magazine with her, and I watched as she began to understand the full extent of this opportunity.

Robyn and I talked for a long time that day. She told me how much she loved her advertisers during her time at the News. She loved graphic design, and she loved Ponca City, but she just wasn’t sure if she wanted to go back to work full time. I told her I understood but also explained that it would be a fully remote, flexible position. She could work when she wanted, where she wanted, and as much as she wanted. She said she had never had that offered to her before, but she needed time to consider it. Robyn was going on a beach vacation with her family in mid-February and told me she would decide after her vacation.

Robyn recalls the encounter like this, “I remember coming to the MyMediaMatters office for help with my email. After a lot of catching up, Kelsey shared with me that she was going to start a magazine. I remember thinking it was a really great idea, but also realizing that I had only been retired (for the second attempt) for six months and wondered if I really wanted to go back to work. The last thing Kelsey said when I walked out the door was, “I’m going to call you in about a month.” Kelsey had to know she piqued my interest because I don’t have a very good poker face. For a month, I told myself, “The magazine is going to be a hit, and you will regret not being a part of it.” Kelsey called in a month, and the rest is history.”

February 2020

In early February, news had begun buzzing about a new virus in China, one I had never heard of, called COVID-19. I had a previously scheduled trip to Louisville, KY, the same week Robyn was on vacation. While I was in Louisville, the buzz about the virus was gaining a scary amount of momentum. The isolated cases confirmed in the US in January were quickly spreading, and I wondered what it could mean for the future of our magazine.

Robyn returned from her trip, and I called to ask her what she had decided. Robyn, thankfully, agreed to join our team at Ponca City Monthly! I was thrilled. There was so much work to be done, and her decision only reaffirmed my dedication to the launch.

Robyn hit the ground running. We printed up two “mock” covers, and Robyn began her first month of ad sales while I worked on creating content. Robyn says of that first month, selling ads for a magazine that didn’t exist yet felt like she was selling “her reputation and air.” Robyn said she had a few old friends who might be interested in coming on board.

Robyn introduced me to Carey Head, who enthusiastically joined as a staff writer. Patrick Jordan, another long-time friend of Robyn’s, joined and creates custom crosswords for PCM every month and also does copyediting. Beverly Bryant, another friend and associate of Robyn, joined to do copy editing, and later Sherry Cable, also introduced by Robyn Ryan, became our magazine story editor.

We visited local stores and got permission to put our large magazine racks in their places of business, including Walmart, the RecPlex, El Patio, Homeland, Ponca City Discount Foods, and many other smaller locations.

March 2020

By March, we had finalized our first list of advertisers and stories and were beginning to layout the first magazine. I wanted the first issue’s cover to be iconic, so I asked Mayor Homer Nicholson to grace the cover. The mayor has overseen twenty years of growth in Ponca City. He has been present at all the major milestones, the groundbreakings, the ribbon cuttings, the award ceremonies, and he is always there saying the same thing, “It’s Another Great Day in Ponca City.” That’s what I wanted for our first magazine issue because I felt it truly was a historic moment for our town.

March 16, 2020

On Friday, March 13, life was still semi-normal, but by Monday, March 16, the entire world had completely shut down. Our office closed, and everyone in our office was instructed to work entirely remotely. Luckily, Robyn had already completed her in-person visits in February.

March 23, 2020

One week into the worldwide shutdown, and I was beginning to doubt our April 1st magazine launch date. The world was trapped in their houses, no one was leaving, and here I was excitedly launching a local magazine? It felt like the complete opposite of what I should be focused on, but we were too far in to change plans now. I kept wondering how people would even get magazines if they weren’t going to stores? I was worried our magazine was doomed to failure before it even began.

March 27, 2020

The first issue of Ponca City Monthly officially dropped on March 27, 2020. Because of the pandemic, everyone was staying home, so we decided to do home deliveries of the magazine. All my staffers and I delivered to addresses all over Ponca City. Transmission of the virus was still questionable, so we delivered wearing masks and plastic gloves, dropping magazines on doorsteps without directly interacting with anyone. One week into April, and we still had a lot of magazines left to hand out. One afternoon I loaded up a wagon, and along with my two children walked my entire neighborhood, placing one magazine on the step of each house. I had launched a magazine in the middle of a global pandemic, and while I was walking down the road with a wagon full of magazines, I did question if I had made all the right decisions.

After the inaugural issue was released, it was time to start on the second issue, and by the time the second issue was out, we were working on the third. When the world stopped turning in March and April, and the pandemic was raging throughout the world, I was worried that our magazine might flounder. I was worried that people would not care about local news or would not make time to read our local content.

I found out later the opposite was true.

May 2020

When we launched Ponca City Monthly in April of 2020, by fate or by chance, our magazine ended up being a tiny bit of good news in a world of bad. It was a ray of sunshine and hope when hope was needed most. By our second issue, which featured rainbow murals on our COVID-ravaged hospital’s windows with the message “HOPE STRENGTH COMMUNITY,” on the cover, I could feel that the heartbeat of the community had come alive in our magazine. I began to get messages about the stories featured in April and May saying how much people were moved by them and how the good news in our magazine had helped them get through one of the most challenging times of the pandemic.

June 2020

In June of 2021, after moving to larger offices three times in City Central, we purchased a downtown building and officially relocated MyMediaMatters and Ponca City Monthly to the new building. This move was significant because it was owned by Fred and Sue Boettcher. In fact, it was the first building Fred had purchased and renovated downtown. For both Robyn and me, the move felt serendipitous. We both knew that Fred would be so proud to have us working side by side in a building he poured his heart into.

Ponca City Monthly Plus – January 2024

As our print magazine continued to grow, I kept thinking about how we could reach even more readers. Not everyone picks up a physical copy, and I wanted our stories to be accessible to anyone who wanted them, whether they were sitting on their couch or scrolling on their phone during a lunch break. So, in addition to our free e-edition magazine, we launched Ponca City Monthly Plus, our digital platform on Substack. PCM Plus delivers all the stories our readers love from the print magazine directly to their email inbox, but it also gave us something we’d never had before — a place for exclusive, online-only content. Stories that didn’t quite fit the print format, behind-the-scenes looks at our community, and deeper dives into topics our readers cared about. Our print magazine is and always will be free, supported by the incredible advertisers that Robyn works with every month. But PCM Plus gave us a way for readers to directly support local journalism while getting even more of the content they love. We introduced memberships at $8 a month, including a Founding Member tier for businesses and residents who believe in the value of locally-owned journalism. Today, PCM Plus has grown to hundreds of subscribers and continues to expand how we share the stories that make Ponca City special.

Ponca City Monthly Podcast

If PCM Plus brought our stories from the page to the screen, the Ponca City Monthly Podcast brought them to life. In March of 2025, we launched the Ponca City Monthly Podcast, and it felt like the most natural next step for our publication. Andy Hicks, who had already been designing the layout of our magazine for four years, stepped up as our podcast host — and I just love watching him work! Every week on Thursdays, Andy interviews a guest from a story featured in our magazine. Andy’s interviews include local business owners, school leaders, creatives, and everyday people who make Ponca City what it is. Andy’s laughter is contagious, and he’s done such a great job bringing our stories to a brand new audience in a new way. From Kevin Emmons reimagining downtown to Relo Adams sharing how he accidentally became Mr. Ponca City, the podcast lets our readers hear the voices behind the stories. I make guest appearances once a month, and we use the podcast to give listeners sneak peeks at upcoming issues, highlight community events, and shine a spotlight on the people and organizations doing incredible work in our town. During my monthly appearance, I also have a “Mayor Minute” and give a little peek behind the curtain on the goings-on at City Hall. It really has been so much fun, and we are so proud the growth with the podcast since its launch last year.

You can find the Ponca City Monthly Podcast on Substack and Apple Podcasts.The podcast has been one of the most rewarding additions to our publication because it allows us to connect with our community in an entirely new way. Hearing someone’s voice, their laugh, their passion — it adds a new, exciting dimension to storytelling that has been so fun to share.

Current Day

It’s been six years since that pivotal year in 2020 when my staff and I went all in on a crazy idea to start a local magazine. MyMediaMatters is the parent company that produces Ponca City Monthly magazine, and everyone on our team contributes to its success. In April 2021, Andy Hicks joined our team to create the layout and design of the magazine, and he has done a fantastic job for the last five years. All the tiny details and fun layouts are thanks to him. Jill Rowe joined the MyMediaMatters team in September 2022, and in addition to doing social media, she writes our Cocktail of the Month articles, which everyone loves! Fun fact – our very own Jill Rowe and is taking her craft cocktails from the page to the real world and is starting a craft cocktail lounge with her husband Clint in downtown Ponca City! So, if you’ve been a fan of Jill’s cocktail recipes, just wait until you get to taste them at their local bar. Stay tuned for a story in our upcoming issues with all the details of Jill and Clint’s business adventure!

Of all my team members, Robyn Ryan has been by my side the longest. Robyn was in at the ground level and has been such a vocal advocate for her advertisers. She spends her time each month creating beautiful ads to share their products and services with our readers, and it’s a very common occurrence in our office, especially around a seasonal holiday like Christmas, that someone will inevitably say, “Robyn’s ads are so beautiful this month!!” as they flip through the pages looking at ads decked out in holly, Christmas trees and garland. This magazine is truly a labor of love from our staff to you.

Robyn only thought she was going to retire, but when asked if she ever had second thoughts, she said,

“I have the opportunity to work with many clients that I worked with for about 25 years and many new ones. I have no regrets about coming out of my short retirement, and in fact, I’m very glad I did and am very proud of what we’ve accomplished in 6 short years.”

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