LOCAL

Snowfall Stuns Sooners
Up to 8 Inches Could Fall Before Friday
Nearly News
Hazardous Conditions Cancel Keating Visit
Local Citizens Oppose Changes to State Flag
Dog Training Club To Begin Obedience Classes
United Way Announces Officers
SJRMC Program Rescheduled

Snowfall Stuns Sooners

By The Associated Press

A second round of snow fell in heavy white showers today on parts of Oklahoma that had escaped wintery weather for years, closing schools across the state and keeping some state office workers home.

And, forecasters predicted it wouldn’t let up all day.

Skies in far southeastern Oklahoma spewed flakes as big as quarters and sometimes freezing rain this morning. Idabel hardware store owner Jerry LeClaire sold a dozen snow shovels in an hour.

‘‘I’m from Minnesota and this is like snow flurries to me,’’ he said. ‘‘But the natives down here are nervous.’’

In Oklahoma City, homeless shelter workers and off-duty Oklahoma County sheriff’s deputies searched abandoned buildings and beneath bridges for people out in the cold.

Thousands of children could focus on sledding and snowmen as schools were closed for the second day. State offices were working with essential personnel only. Federal court in Oklahoma City was closed.

The entire state was in line for frozen precipitation, but nature’s snow machine turned on high across central sections. Nine inches of snow had fallen in Okarche by 10 a.m. today. Oklahoma City had seven inches at Will Rogers World Airport, the most since January 1988, when 12.1 inches fell over a two-day period.

Shawnee had recorded eight inches and Norman had seven inches. Alva, Ada and Coalgate all reported six inches.

As the first wave of the snow storm moved over eastern Oklahoma today, the second round began to push through. The National Weather Service said some areas could have as much as two inches an hour during the day in a corridor along Interstate 40 in the eastern part of the state.

By the time the system moves through, a foot of snow could be on the ground.

Lt. Stewart Meyer, spokesman for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, said road conditions were deteriorating with moderate snowfall or freezing rain falling in most areas of the state.

Through early morning, there had been no traffic fatalities on state roads. Meyer credited the lack of fatal accidents to the response of people to information about the need to slow down and drive carefully.

Meyer said one of the biggest trouble areas today was along I-40 on the eastern edge of Oklahoma City where a couple of tractor-trailer rigs had jackknifed on black ice.

Up to 8 Inches Could Fall Before Friday

By KRISTI HAYES

News Staff Writer

Area residents awoke this morning to a blanket of something white and fluffy: snow.

It’s everywhere — on rooftops, cars, yards, streets, trees ... even people

The fluffy stuff started falling moderately yesterday afternoon and began again early this morning. Accumulations in the Ponca City measured approximately three inches around 11 a.m. today.

Forecasts called for a total between four-to-eight inches before the snow begins to taper off late tonight or early Friday.

Almost all county and area schools were closed with the exception of Ponca City.

Superintendent Dr. Bill White said there was no reason to call off school this morning.

“We had bus drivers out driving in the area very early this morning. They had no problems. That’s the primary reason we decided to have school,” White explained.

He also said there was only a fourth of an inch of snow at 5 a.m. An additional inch had fallen by 6 a.m. “We didn’t feel that was enough snow to call off school,” White said.

He said there were no immediate plans to close schools early today.

“It’s very hard to get the proper notification to parents if we close early. Everybody has an opinion on closing school for snow. We just felt we didn’t have enough snow early this morning to do so,” he said.

A decision concerning possible closing on Friday would not be made until the morning, according to the superintendent.

Elsewhere, Ponca City police are reporting the town roads as slick, hazardous and snow-packed.

Sherry Bowers of the Ponca City Police Department said things were normal this morning. “We haven’t had many accidents this morning, but we anticipate more as the day goes on,” she said.

Communications supervisor Margie Tebow said the police department was involved this morning fielding calls about the weather and accidents.

“We had more accidents last night than we’ve had so far today. There have been no injuries reported with any of the accidents,” Tebow said.

Lieutenant Kevin Ormand said three accidents were reported to police by 9 a.m. “We have normal activity in the city. We’re just urging drivers to slow down,” he said.

Ormand also said the areas around the school have been well maintained with the falling snow. “This could change a lot though when parents go to pick up their children and then drive home from work after it’s snowed all day,” he stated.

The Kay County Sheriff’s Office reported the highway between Newkirk and Ponca City was very slick and drivers should be especially cautious around the overpass.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol cautioned people not to drive on the highways. They also said there were no plans to close any highways leading into Ponca City.

A spokesman for the Oklahoma State Highway Department west of Tonkawa said I-35 into Oklahoma City was extremely dangerous with reports of cars and trucks in the ditch.

Assistant Public Works director Robert Dick said the city is doing everything possible to help make driving easier.

“We sand off the major streets first,” he said. “Residential streets are the last streets to be addressed,.”

Plows were activated this morning around 10 a.m. and will be used only on the main roads (Grand, Hartford and Highland Avenues and Fifth Street).

“Our crews will be working round-the-clock. The roads are snow-packed and very slick in some spots. We advise people to stay home unless they have to get out,” Dick said.

Airport manager Don Nuzum said planes were able to land and take off at the Ponca City airport. “Our runways are in good condition because we are keeping them plowed,” he said.

A spokesman for Big Sky Airlines in Ponca City said planes are not able to land in Dallas because of freezing rain mixed with some snow.

Nearly News

The fund-raising reception scheduled tonight for State Rep. Jim Newport was canceled.

According to Newport’s office, he will meet with representatives of Gov. Keating to reschedule the event for a later date.

Hazardous Conditions Cancel Keating Visit

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Oklahoma’s first major snow storm of the winter prevented Gov. Frank Keating from traveling the icy highways today to speak at the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce’s noon luncheon.

Chamber Executive Jan Jarrett said, “We were certainly looking forward to the Governor’s visit, but we fully understand the reasons for calling it off. We will try to reschedule the event if at all possible.”

Jarrett said that he had been in contact with the Governor’s office several times Wednesday to determine the status of the meeting after predictions of four to eight inches of snow in the Oklahoma City area.

Public safety representatives, who determine if it is safe for the governor to travel, apparently made the final decision.

It was their opinion, in view of potentially hazardous road conditions which had slowed traffic to 20 miles per hour and below in the state capitol, that it was advisable to cancel the Ponca City meeting.

Keating was scheduled to give his overview of the coming legislative session at the luncheon. Over 100 reservations had been made for the luncheon at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, according to Jarrett.

Keating was also slated for an interview at The Ponca City News later in the afternoon and to attend a fund-raiser for Rep. Jim Newport at the Marland Mansion this evening.

A staff member in the Governor’s office called The News late Wednesday afternoon to inform the newspaper that the entire day in Ponca City had been canceled due to the inclement weather.

Keating was last here on Jan. 6, when Conoco officials from the Houston headquarters came to Ponca City to announce the building of a $125 million carbon fibers plant south of the existing refinery.

Local Citizens Oppose Changes to State Flag

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

A flap concerning the Oklahoma state flag is about to erupt in the House of Representatives over a bill introduced by freshman Rep. Bill Nations of Norman.

Nations wants the state name removed from the flag.

The Oklahoma flag was designed in 1925 by the late Louise Fluke, a former Ponca Citian. The state name was added in 1941 and has touted Oklahoma to the world for nearly six decades.

According to Nations, his reasoning is that displaying the state’s name on the flag makes it appear that Oklahomans are insecure.

Local radio station KLOR is sponsoring a petition to keep the state name on the flag.

The petition was left at Grand Avenue Cafe. By 10:30 a.m. Thursday, 73 persons had signed and several had taken whole pages with them to get others to sign, according to owner Dennis Kinkaid.

The petition reads, “We, the undersigned, believe that Rep. Bill Nations should remove his name from his office door as it is a sign of insecurity to display it there. Furthermore — leave our flag alone.”

Rep. Jim Newport, Ponca City, said, “I have no intention of changing our state flag and I don’t think it has much support among Nations’ fellow legislators.”

Newport added, “I’m thrilled that the citizens get to see some of the bonehead ideas that are presented.”

Nations’ bill has been assigned to the House Rules Committee.

Rep. Jim Reese, Naradin, said, “I’m pleased to be asked to comment. I think this is the stupidest idea I ever heard. The word is in our state song and if you look at a flag plaza and you see a lot of flags and you don’t know whose they are, but when they see Oklahoma’s flag there’s no doubt.”

When Mrs. Fluke designed the flag, she lived in Oklahoma City. Her design won the Daughters of American Revolution contest and has flown over the state capitol for 75 years. The same year she moved to Ponca City (1925), her design was adopted as the official state flag.

Mrs. Fluke’s flag replaced an earlier state flag that featured a red background with a white star bordered in blue. But it wasn’t popular, partly because it failed to indicate the Indian background of the state.

Her flag features a shield with eagle feathers, the white man’s olive branch, the Indian’s peace pipe and white crosses. The cross is the Indians’ view of a star or high purpose.

Mrs. Fluke was the 1982 recipient of the Pioneer Woman Award presented here at the Marland Mansion Renaissance Ball by then Gov. George Nigh.

Dog Training Club To Begin Obedience Classes

The Kay-9 Dog Training Club of Ponca City will begin their Spring 2000 obedience classes at the South Avenue National Guard Armory on Monday, Feb. 21, from 7 to 8 p.m. There is no restriction on the age of your dog since dogs of any age can benefit.

The nine-week class begins week one with registration and orientation without the dog and ends week nine with graduation. For everyone’s safety, all dogs must have proof of current vaccinations. Applications may be picked up from your local veterinarians or call Mary Garrison at 762-7360 or Ruth Daugherty at 762-5690.

Trained instructors will teach the owners to train themselves and their dogs. Skills to be learned include giving praise, having a positive attitude and tone of voice, giving proper enthusiastic commands, getting to know their dogs better, and most of all, having fun together.

The dogs will learn to socialize with other dogs and people while remaining confidently at the owner’s side, be quiet and non-aggressive, sit, stay, down, come when called, walk in heel position, about-turn, and much more. Most importantly, the dog will love you for making him responsible and giving him purpose.

Renowned author Robert F. Jones says, “All puppies want to have jobs to do in a family, and it’s up to their human masters to train them for those jobs. Dogs who are not trained for a job, whether simple obedience or something more demanding, such as retrieving, herding sheep, search and rescue, or policy duty, will invent jobs for themselves — and usually get into trouble.

Dogs who dig up yards, dump garbage cans, chase cars, or pick fights with neighborhood cats and dogs are examples of family pets who have made up their own jobs.”

He added, “The secrets of successful training are really quite simple. You must be patient, repeating the lessons over and over until they become second nature to the pup. Whenever the pup does well, reward him with praise. Dogs are very sensitive to tones of voice and you really can’t praise them enough. The more you love your dog, the harder he’ll work to please you.”

The Kay-9 Dog Training Club of Ponca City, Inc. is a non-profit organization. The $40 fee is used for buying equipment, materials, sending instructors and apprentices to training seminars, providing public services, and paying other club expenses. None of the instructors are paid for teaching; they do it because they love dogs and enjoy teaching people to train their dogs. Interested dog owners are invited to attend the club’s meetings held the first Thursday of each month.

United Way Announces Officers

United Way of Ponca City held its annual meeting and awards celebration Jan. 18, honoring those individuals and companies who helped make this year’s campaign a success as well as voting in new members to the board and installing new officers.

Larry Bittman, 1999 president of the board, handed the gavel to Danny Thompson from Oklahoma Natural Gas after finishing a very successful term as president.

Thompson became the new president of the board after serving as vice president and 1999-2000 campaign chairman. Thompson and his campaign cabinet reached 102 percent of goal this year, raising $644,470.

Bill Wetzel, from Wetzel Agency, has accepted the position of vice president and 2000-2001 campaign chairman. Wetzel has been a member of the campaign cabinet, sat on the allocations committee this year and is a member of the United Way board of directors. He is a third generation United Way supporter. Bill’s dad was a campaign chairman in 1965, and his grandfather, Clifford, was a board president in the 1940s.

Don Young from Conoco continues his role on the executive committee as treasurer, and Donna Trewitt has accepted the position as chairperson of the admissions and allocations committee. Larry Bittman, Prudential Securities, remains on the executive committee as past president.

Newly elected members of the board of directors are Mark Detten, Home National Bank; Betsy Carter and Lee Brown, both active community volunteers. Patti Parr was voted in as a new member of the allocations committee as well as Renee Young from First Lutheran Church and School, and Lt. Bob Miller of the Ponca City Police Department.

Board members can serve up to a three-year term. Other members continuing on the board include Diane Anderson, Maxine Anderson, Marilyn Andrews, Carol Bouldin, Kent Dorsey, Ted Freeman, Betty Gibson, Derrin Hiatt, Scott Jackson, Nick Jeffries, Mary Kay Liston, Patti Parr, Tom Quillin, James Roland, John Scroggins, Sherri Tapp, Yolanda Trant and Renee Young.

The United Way of Ponca City board of directors meets the second Tuesday of the month at the United Way office, 205 North Second, and all meetings are open to the public. For more information on becoming a member of the board, committee member or campaign volunteer call 765-2476.

The United Way of Ponca City supports the following 17 member agencies within our community: American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Girl Scouts-Bluestem Council, Boy Scouts Of America-Will Rogers Council, Bridgeway, Child Development Center, Domestic Violence Program, Golden Villa Adult Day Services, Helpline, Inc., Hospice Of Ponca City, New Emergency Resource Agency, Northern OK Youth Services, Peachtree Landing, ProTeens, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), The Salvation Army, and YMCA.

These agencies provide vital services to our community, and your contributions enable these agencies to continue quality services to all Ponca Citians.

SJRMC Program Rescheduled

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center’s “For Women, By Women” program scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29 has been rescheduled due to the bad weather. It will be held Saturday, Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Conference Room “C” on the ground floor of the Medical Center. The topic of the program is “Healthy Eyes” by Pam Poland, Eye M.D., of the Ponca City Eye Clinic.

DEATHS

Jimmy Dean Samples
Floyd E. Browning
Marion Glee Fairchild
Stella Marie Springer
Mary Jane Daniel
George L. Whitehorn

Jimmy Dean Samples

MEDFORD — Jimmy Dean “Jim” Samples, resident of Wakita, died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2000, in Edmond. He was 62.

The funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, 2000, in the Wakita Christian Church with the Rev. Eldon James officiating. Burial will follow in Wakita Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Hills-Ely Funeral Home of Medford. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday at the church, and the casket will be open Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until service time.

Jimmy Dean Samples was born March 29, 1937, in Emporia, Kan., the son of Roy H. and Beatrice Copeland Samples. He graduated from Guymon High School in 1955 and attended college at Oklahoma State Technical College at Seminole and Goodwell College at Goodwell.

On May 8, 1959, he married Peggy Parson in Enid. They made their home in Lyons, Kan., Kaw City and Wakita. He was a charter member of the Wakita Fire Department. He was employed with Williams Natural Gas Co. (formerly Cities Service Gas Co.), retiring in 1994 after 37 years. He enjoyed traveling and visiting with his family.

Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, Keith Samples of Calabasas, Calif., Craig Samples of Long Valley, N.J., and Kent Samples of Edmond; one sister, Patricia Lunsford of Guymon; one brother, Jerry Samples of Fairview, Texas; 10 grandchildren; and numerous other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Community Health Care Center of Wakita, the Wakita Fire Department, or the charity of choice in care of Hills-Ely Funeral Home, 108 West Cherokee, P.O. Box 280, Medford, Okla. 73759.

Floyd E. Browning

Floyd E. “Bud” Browning, resident of Ponca City, died Sunday, Jan. 23, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 87.

The funeral will be Friday, Jan. 28, 2000, at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Charles Heyer, associate pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Floyd E. Browning was born Sept. 4, 1912, in Gas City, Kan., the son of Daniel Edgar and Hattie Ann McGinnis Browning. At an early age, he moved with his family to Ponca City where he attended Ponca City schools, graduating in 1931. He was employed in the refinery at Conoco. On Oct. 26, 1933, he married Ruth Marquardt in Pawnee.

During World War II, he served with the U.S. Army in the European Theater. Following the war, he rejoined Conoco. After more than 30 years of service, he retired in 1978 from a supervisory position over two laboratories.

He was an active life-long member of the First Christian Church. He enjoyed working around the church, around his home, and caring for his sister. In earlier years, he had enjoyed rebuilding cars.

He is survived by a daughter, Denise Browning of Chicago, Ill.; and a sister, Irmal B. Chronister of Ponca City

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Ruth on April 6, 1993.

Casket bearers will be Kevin Murphy, Fenton Morrison, Don Waters, Jim Murphy, Dale Butler and Fred Balduff.

Memorials may be made in his name to the First Christian Church, 210 North 5th, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The family will be at the home, 3604 Mistletoe.

Obituaries

Marion Glee Fairchild

BLACKWELL — Marion Glee “Buster” Fairchild, resident of Blackwell, died Tuesday evening, Jan. 25, 2000, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 77.

The funeral will be 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, 2000, in the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Frank Tepe of Christ’s Church of Blackwell and the Rev. Leland Petersen, retired pastor of Woodlands Christian Church of Ponca City, officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery. A flag presentation will be presented by the Blackwell American Legion and VFW.

Marion Glee Fairchild was born Dec. 25, 1922, in Medford, the son of Ernest and Callie Bonnie (Palmer) Fairchild. He grew up in the Medford area and attended Gore schools. He entered the United States Army on Jan. 22, 1943, serving in the European Theater during World War II. Following his discharge on July 31, 1945, he returned to the Medford area.

He married Wilma Ione Pontius on Sept. 15, 1945, in Anthony, Kan., and they settled in the Medford area until 1948. They then moved to Blackwell where he was employed with the Santa Fe Railroad. In 1952, he began his employment with the Blackwell Zinc Company as well as the John Deere Implement Company. His wife preceded him in death on Nov. 23, 1980. He later married Mary Jane Bovard on Aug. 8, 1984, in Ponca City, and they settled in Blackwell, living here ever since. He was a member of the VFW in Blackwell and enjoyed fishing, bingo and card playing.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane of the home; four daughters, Lujean Hilburn of Melville, La., and Martha Glee Radcliff, Judy Ellen Gregson and Linda Rose Bergman, all of Blackwell; three sons, Ernest Leroy Fairchild of Marlow, Glen Bovard of Tonkawa and Jeffrey Lynn Bovard of Enid; one brother, Orville Fairchild of Lakewood, Colo.; 17 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; one son, Harry Munroe Bovard; and two sisters, Wilma Pauline Postlewaite and Erma Olher.

Casket bearers will be Larry Gregson, Robert Miller, Tim Rutledge, Mike Gray, Kevin Bray and Jimmie Miller. Honorary bearers will be John Parks, Al Darwin, George McGuire, A.C. Pratt, Lawrence Self, Jim Glasgow, Norman Buxton and Leon Woodward.

paid obituary

Stella Marie Springer

Stella Marie Springer went to join the Lord on Jan. 25, 2000. She was 65.

A family-led Rosary will be said Thursday evening, 6:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Trout Funeral Home. Following will be a Vigil Service led by the Rev. John Michalicka, pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, 10 a.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Michalicka presiding. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Stella was born July 24, 1934, in Ponca City to Paul E. and Estelle Focke.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a member of St. Francis and Trinity Guilds.

On April 9, 1951, she married Gene R. Springer at Ponca City.

Stella retired from Anthony’s Department store after 13 years of employment. She enjoyed working with children at the First Baptist Church, Mother’s Day Out Program. She also enjoyed working on crafts, church projects and gardening.

Stella is survived by her husband, Gene R. Springers, of the home; six children, Bernadette and her husband, Kenneth Bowlin of Sapulpa, Theresa Cox of Joplin, Mo., Mary and her husband Steve Gates of Lavern, Rick and his wife Celia Springer of Shawnee, Bill Springer and Joe Springer, both of Ponca City; 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a sister, Rosemary Ramsey of Ponca City; and a brother, Bernard F. Focke of Houston, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul E. and Estelle Focke; father- and mother-in-law, William and Alma Springer; a brother, Paul H. Focke; a son, Jerome Lee Springer; and a granddaughter, Ariel Estep.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1330, Ponca City, Okla. 74602.

Casket bearers will be Chris Estep, Derek Estep, Michael Dulinsky, Jeremy Dulinsky, Devin Springer, Jason Bowlin, Wade Springer, and Brett Springer.

The family will be at 741 North 4th.

paid obituary

Mary Jane Daniel

Mary Jane Daniel, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 25, 2000, at her home. She was 60.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, 2000, at the Albright United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Sheila Combs-Francis, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Born March 11, 1939, in Ponca City she was the daughter of Charlie and Lillie Mae (Stewart) Myers. She grew up in Ponca City and attended the Ponca City schools, graduating from Ponca City High School.

On March 30, 1958, she was married to Jimmie C. Daniel in Ponca City. The couple made their home in Ponca City until 1967. They lived in Okemah and Newkirk before moving back to Ponca City. Mrs. Daniel worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Ponca City from 1981 until her retirement in 1999.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Newkirk. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, embroidery, riding horses and spending time with her family.

Surviving are her husband, Jimmie, of the home; five children, Dekle Daniel and his wife, Durita, Tonya Daniel-Johnston and her husband Jim, and Dan Daniel, all of Ponca City, Tamela Hayden and her husband Jeff of Parker, Colo., and Tina Newlin and her husband Craig of Longview, Texas; eight grandchildren, Jason Johnston, Dustin Johnston, Jacob Daniel, Charley Daniel, Ashley Daniel, Derek Daniel, Hayden Newlin, and Lauren Newlin; four brothers, William “Bill” Myers of Ponca City, Marion Myers of Kansas City, Mo., Charles “Bob” Myers of Ponca City, and James “Jim” Myers of Ponca City; and one sister, Marcella Parker of Dallas, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Dolly.

Casket bearers will be Mike Daniel, Marty Myers, Barry Moreland, Jason Johnston, Dustin Johnston, Jacob Daniel, and Derek Daniel. Honorary casket bearers will be Jim Cooper, Jerry Sweet, Max Payne, and Faron Rourk.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Treatment Center of Tulsa, 2408 East 81st Street, Tulsa, Okla. 74137.

The casket will not opened at the church; however, friends may call at the funeral home until noon Friday.

The family will be at the home, 5001 Lake Road.

paid obituary

Services Pending

George L. Whitehorn

George “Blackhawk” L. Whitehorn, Red Rock resident, died Wednesday morning, Jan. 26, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 74. Evening prayer services will be held 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday night at the Otoe-Missouria Cultural Center. Other arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Music and Movement Class — Oklahoma Parents As Teachers present Music and Movement, a class for one to three year olds taught by music instructor Becky Dye. The Class will be Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Family Resource Center, 700 West Broadway from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call Shawn Krehbiel, 767-7509, for reservations. The class is free to the public.

Head Country all day Friday special­ All you can eat, smoked BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $7.49, all day. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

FoodShare Orders — Heartland FoodShare orders will be taken Feb. 3 and 4, and Feb. 10 and 11 this month. Volunteer two hours a month to qualify to purchase $16.60 share. Pickup date will be Feb. 26. Orders will be taken Thursdays and Fridays only at RSVP, 113 North Fourth.

Concealed Weapons class. Sunday, January 30 at 1pm. 500 S. Rockcliff Road. For information call 765-6677 or 761-4447. adv.

Limbs Down — A call was received at 7:32 a.m. Wednesday from the 300 block of North Birch advising a semi drove down the street and knocked down tree limbs. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded and advised there were only a few small limbs.

Pauline’s Steak and shrimp dinner $11.95 Friday the 28th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Fire Plug — At 10:41 a.m. Wednesday the Water and Light Department advised of the fire plug at Ash and Ponca Street had been run over. A report was taken.

Lost Big black neutered cat. $25 reward. 765-9502 adv.

Reckless Driver — A reckless driver was reported in the 500 block of West Chestnut at 11:04 a.m. Wednesday.

Fake Bake tanning lotion now at Carla’s Hallmark, 4th and Grand, Downtown. adv.

Stolen Vehicle — It was reported at the police department at 11:51 a.m. Wednesday that a vehicle had been stolen. A report was taken.

Antique Shipment- Small oak tables, Pub tables with cast iron base and round oak tops. Dressers, Chests, Chairs, Tea trolleys, and Wardrobes. Super Bowl tasting party through Saturday. Introducing “Stage Coach Dip”. Christy's 3005 N. 14th, Open everyday. adv.

Accident — A minor accident was reported at Ash and Highland Avenue at 12:04 p.m. Wednesday. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department took a report.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Car Fire — It was reported to police at 1:34 p.m. Wednesday that a car was on fire in the 400 block of North Oak. Engine 1 responded.

Head Lice Awareness Class — A free head lice awareness and prevention class will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, in the Family Resource Center, 700 West Broadway. If you have wondered what head lice is or what it looks like or how to prevent it, come to the class and Lori Kelley of the Kay County Health Department will answer your questions. For additional information, call 767-9509.

911 Call — A 911 call was received at 2:23 p.m. Wednesday of a minor backing accident in the 300 block of South Elm. A report was taken.

Budget Bride. Taking consignment wedding dresses and formals. We need larger size dresses. 200 West grand. 718-9934. adv.

I-35 Accident — A cell 911 call was received at 4:43 p.m. Wednesday advising of a non-injury accident on I-35. The call was transferred to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Fight — It was reported to police at 4:27 p.m. Wednesday that several juveniles were fighting and citations were issued.

Cell Call — Two cell 911 calls at 5:33 and 5:43 p.m. Wednesday advised of accidents on the Cimarron Turnpike. The calls were transferred to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Vehicle in Water — A clerk at the Jiffy Trip in Osage County reported a subject came in and said a vehicle was in the water in the Old River Bridge at 6:22 p.m. Wednesday. Ambulance 1, Rescue 1 and Command 1 responded and were unable to locate the vehicle.

Accident — A resident at Central and Fifth Street advised of a two vehicle non-injury accident at 7:53 p.m. Wednesday. A report was taken.

Non-Injury Accident — A non-injury accident was reported at 8:27 p.m. Wednesday at Hartford and Union Street. A report was taken by an officer of the Ponca City Police Department.

Domestic Problem — A resident in the 200 block of North Birch advised of a domestic problem at 9:07 p.m. Wednesday. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department handled the call and advised the matter was not settled.

Having Too Much Fun — A resident near Po-Hi advised of vehicles in the parking lot doing donuts at 9:39 p.m. Wednesday. The driver of the vehicle was asked to leave.

911 Call — A 911 call was received at 10:58 p.m. Wednesday from the 3500 block of North Union advising of a domestic problem. Three Ponca City police officers responded and advised juveniles were fighting and the matter was settled.

Loud Party — At 11 p.m. Wednesday a loud party was reported in the 2100 block of North Union. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department advised he could not hear anything.

Verbal Dispute — A resident in the 200 block of North Third reported a domestic problem. Officers advised the matter was verbal only and settled for now.

I-35 Accident — A cell 911 call at 5:36 a.m. Thursday advised of a semi in the ditch on I-35. The call was transferred to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Completed Pepperette Winter Dance forms and money may be turned in during all lunch periods through Friday. The Pepperettes will have a table located on the upper floor of the Commons Area at the high school cafeteria. Freshmen planning to attend the dance on February 5 must purchase tickets. T-shirts and videos are optional. Tickets are $8.50 an individual or $15 a couple.

GARDENING

Diggin’ in the Dirt
25 Years in Development, New ‘Dream’ Roses
New Garden Book Informative

Diggin’ in the Dirt

By Kathy Zehr

Wellllll the cold finally got here and the fireplace feels great! Now that its too cold to be outdoors I don’t feel so guilty about sitting around dreaming about the upcoming garden and drawing squiggly pictures of how and where to plant it all. But — so many plants — so little space!

Master Gardener Program

This week I’d like to invite all you gardeners to think about taking the Master Gardener Program available through the State Cooperative Extension Service and Oklahoma State University. The program is hosted periodically by county extension agents in various parts of Oklahoma. Twelve area citizens, including myself, just completed the 1999 Master Gardener course in December at NOC, sponsored by Kay and Noble County Extension agents.

We are now qualified to assist with horticulture information to the public through clinics, programs, civic gardening projects, and manning the telephones in area extension offices as well as at the OSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture in Stillwater. In addition to learning how to be the best gardener you can be for your own personal use, gardeners who complete the intensive 60-hour Master Gardner program must also agree to return 40-50 hours of volunteer service to their community.

Those service hours may be earned by manning telephones at county extension offices, providing public horticultural information and assistance through public speaking, event booths, educational programs, volunteering labor at local parks, writing articles, and through hundreds of other community service projects.

In class, detailed information is taught by experts in each field to include plant science, soil analysis, fertilizers, pests and pesticides, annual plants, and perennials including trees, grasses, shrubs and flowers. Also included are vegetables, plant diseases, wildlife, and safety information.

The large Master Gardner Training Book issued to each student also contains detailed information about everything a grower may need to know to grow almost anything in Oklahoma. It also includes more than 100 bulletins and brochures currently issued free to the public by the OSU Department of Horticulture on all gardening subjects. Other free books and periodicals are also issued to students for their personal library. Tax deductions are allowed for most expenses you incur.

Area gardeners who have time to attend the 60 hours of training, and have 40-50 hours to volunteer for public horticulture education or assistance with public gardening projects are encouraged to enroll. Interested persons may request more information about the Master Gardener Program or sign up for the next class by calling the Kay County Extension Office 580-362-3194.

Meeting for Native Plant Lovers

Thanks to two of our readers, information was sent to this column about the Native Plant Society meeting to be held Feb. 5, beginning at 9 a.m., at the Tulsa Garden Center, 2435 South Peoria, in Tulsa (located in Woodward Park). Included in the day-long meeting is a beautiful slide program by Harvey Payne about the Tallgrass Preserve and another program titled “Herbaceous Native Plants for a Shade Garden.”

After lunch at 11:30 a.m. (on your own), participants may visit the park, arboretum and conservatory. Three workshops will be presented in the afternoon from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Participants will have time to attend two of the three classes, which include “Winter Botany,” “Wildflower Photography” and “Seed Collection and Propagation of Native Plants.”

To register in advance send name, address, and telephone number along with a $5 advance registration fee. Make checks payable to ONPS and mail to Mary Korthase, 3926 East 33rd Street, Tulsa, OK 74135. The fee will be $6 at the door. Commercial ($10) and personal exhibits may be allowed. Registration forms are also available at the Ponca City Library.

25 Years in Development, New ‘Dream’ Roses

Are Worth the Wait for Gardeners

GARDENA, CA. — The rose is not only our national flower, it is the most popular American flower. But it has long had a reputation as the peskiest creature in the garden to grow, requiring fancy pruning, lots of care and endless chemical spraying. Now, Dream™ Roses — a new line of roses being introduced nationwide in spring 2000 — promise to change all that. Experts say the new roses — bred for easier care, garden vigor, quick—repeat blooming all season long, and lush colorful blossoms — represent a revolution in the rose garden, offering home gardeners nothing less than “the rose that everyone can grow.”

The roses are being introduced by Anthony Tesselaar, the international plantsman who first shook up the U.S. gardening world in 1995 with his introduction of Flower Carpet groundcover roses. They will bear the Anthony Tesselaar brand and will be widely available in garden centers and home center garden departments coast-to-coast.

Easy to Spot

Unlike many other roses, which are generally sold in spring as bare-root roses, looking like green sticks in a box, the new Dream Roses will immediately set themselves apart by being sold in pots, fully leafed—out and in bud and bloom.

The four patented roses in the collection: Dream Pink, Dream Yellow, Dream Orange and Dream Red are large-flowered, compact garden bushes with hybrid tea-type buds and flowers. But that’s where comparisons with other roses end.

Tesselaar Brand

The Dream Rose collection is the latest introduction to bear the Anthony Tesselaar brand name, following on the heels of the superstar Canna Tropicanna introduced in 1997. Other Tesselaar introductions are in the pipeline.

The criteria include three to five years of observation and selection by Tesselaar and the ATI staff, superlative attributes for natural strength and disease resistance for their type, long—bloom season, big color, easiest maintenance, superior performance in the garden and in containers.

The Dream Rose Collection was bred in the U.S. by San Diego rose breeder Jerry Twomey to be ultimate garden roses. Though himself a two—time All America Rose Selection winner, Twomey wasn’t interested in breeding garden show “greyhounds.” He wanted “best all around” roses that would combine the best of all attributes and yet thrive and give pleasure to the average home gardener, with less fuss and bother.

Twomey hesitates to slap a “category label” on the four roses of the collection. While two might technically be called hybrid teas (Dream Pink & Dream Yellow), the other two might be more technically called floribundas (Dream Orange & Dream Red). But together, they stand as a distinct collection, notable for their compact growth habit, quick-repeat blooming from spring to fall, outstanding hybrid tea-type buds and flowers (excellent on the bush or in the vase) and easy-care pruning.

The collection has been named Dream Roses because they are dream performers in pots, the landscape and garden. the culmination of Twomey’s 25—year effort to breed his personal dream: garden roses that combine a compact bush with repeat blooming hybrid tea-type flowers, great foliage and better than average natural disease resistance.

“Most people love roses but can’t handle all the care involved. They want to grow roses, not become rose experts. Dream Roses are different. They’re bred to be easier, not plastic, not impervious to any disease, but easier,” said Tesselaar. “They’re the rose that everyone can grow.”

Winning Attributes

Dream Roses perform well in USDA Zones 5—11. Plants grown in zones 6 and below, and in harsh microclimates, will require over-winter protection. As with most roses, first winter protection is generally advised in zones 7 and below.

Dream Roses perform beautifully in solo and massed displays in the home garden, patio pots, landscape, median strips, public plantings, traffic circles, and terraced gardens.

A line up of their best features includes a compact bushy growth habit, a height when mature of 3 to 4 feet (3 feet in a patio pot), quick-repeat blooming, providing abundant flowers from spring to fall, classic hybrid tea-type flowers, an ability to establish quickly, achieving fullness in the first season, attractive foliage, top performance in containers and pots, easy-care pruning — a hard cut back to 10 inches in spring is sufficient (no fancy pruning required), easier care due to better than average natural disease resistance, suitable for cut flowers.

A profile of each of the four introductory Dream Roses includes Dream Pink, var. ‘Twojoan’, produces rich bronze foliage and hybrid tea-type flowers on single stems approximately 12—15 inches long. Its flowers are large, with 19 petals each, often reaching up to 6-inches or greater across. Its fragrance is a pronounced soft musk.

Dream Yellow, var. ‘Twoyel’, produces rich, lemon yellow hybrid tea-type flowers, one flower per single stem approximately 12-15 inches long. The blooms are large, approximately 6-inches across with 32 petals on average. The flower has a fresh and fruity fragrance with citrus overtones. It is the most fragrant flower of the collection.

Dream Red, var. ‘Twopaul’, is an early bloomer with deep green foliage and clusters of deep, velvety floribunda—type flowers on single stems, approximately 8 —10 inches long. The blooms average 4-inches across with approximately 24 petals each. This rose has no distinctive scent.

Dream Orange, var. ‘Twoaebi’, produces clusters of striking, vibrant, iridescent orange floribunda-type blooms on single stems approximately 8—10 inches long. The blooms are 4-inches across with approximately 40 petals each. This rose has no distinctive scent. Tesselaar’s Dream Rose collection will be sold during the spring season, in pots and in bud and bloom.

“These are very fast growing, vigorous roses,” explains Tesselaar. “Rather than offer consumers stubby little stalks that look about half dead, as many roses are sold, we are presenting the plants in the most attractive way possible.

New Garden Book Informative

By PATTI CARMACK

News Lifestyles Editor

Did you know that Nettle has the highest chlorophyll content of any land plant? Did you realize that Sage has a splendid reputation for sharpening mental clarity, preventing chronic illness, and promoting a long and vibrantly healthy life?

These facts and more are part of the treasure to be found in a book written by Jillian VanNostrand and Christie V. Sarles titled “Wild Woman’s Garden.”

This small book packs a big punch as it seeks to help women over 40 use a holistic approach to menopause. A combination of information and a postcard for free seeds make this an interesting addition to your home library.

The authors, who are sisters, use their knowledge of herbs to create alternative ways of treating symptoms such as hot flashes during the hormonal ebbs and surges that occur for some women in their later years.

The pair, professionals in several fields, say they “sense a great healing power to be gained in navigating the passage for ourselves, with some help from the wild world of radical weeds.” By radical weed, they mean any plant found in nature that can be cultivated for its “life-sustaining” gifts.

The uses for seven plants, their cultivation and preparation, are listed in an easy-to-read format, illustrated by a black and white drawing of each.

For those of you interested in herbs for medicinal use, this book is helpful — just bear in mind that these remedies are not necessarily approved by the FDA.

Part of the book is devoted to starting seeds indoors and out, harvesting and storage of plants and seeds, and making plant remedies. Additional resource information is offered, and a postcard provided for free seeds.

“Wild Woman’s Garden” is the first of a series that includes “Serenity Garden” and “En Garden!” In a book of primary interest to women, you can appreciate the research and the advice that is given.

The connection with nature’s bounty gives us some insight to the lifestyle our pioneering grandmothers pursued, and in the authors’ words, could indicate “we are meant to cultivate and heal one another.”

SPORTS

High School Sports Canceled
OSU Earns Tie for Lead In Big 12 Play

High School Sports Canceled

All Ponca City high school and junior high sporting events scheduled for today have been canceled by the snow storm, according to Athletic Director Rusty Benson.

That includes the Wildcat wrestling dual against Tulsa Union, and the sophomore basketball game with Bartlesville, which was set here, and the swim team’s meet in Moore.

The ninth grade basketball games with Woodward here and the junior high wrestling trip to the Perkins Quad are also off.

The Big Four-Plus Four wrestling tournament at Robson Field House Friday is still scheduled. It is slated to start at noon.

The Wildcat basketball games at Bartlesville are undecided, Benson said, depending of if Ponca City or Bartlesville have school.

OSU Earns Tie for Lead In Big 12 Play

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Rebounding from its upset loss to Texas A&M, No. 15 Oklahoma State stopped Kansas State 71-56, moving into a four-way tie for first in the Big 12 Conference.

Desmond Mason had 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Cowboys Wednesday as Kansas State lost its fifth in a row, the Wildcats’ longest losing streak since 1997.

‘‘We feel like we should be in first place,’’ Cowboys guard Doug Gottlieb said. ‘‘Being tied for first place is where we are, but not where we want to be. We know we can contend in the league. We just have to keep focusing.’’

The Cowboys had dropped three slots in the rankings after Saturday’s 64-59 loss at Texas A&M. Mason said coach Eddie Sutton had told his team it needed to bounce back.

‘‘Coach told us after the game that all the teams around the country beat the big name teams,’’ he said. ‘‘He talked about the teams that slip up and lose a game like we lost to A&M. We needed to come back and play hard. I think we’ve done that.’’

Mason, who leads the Cowboys in scoring with an 18.8 average, had four 3-pointers Wednesday as the Cowboys (15-2, 4-1) won their fourth straight over Kansas State.

‘‘Desmond’s a great player,’’ Gottlieb said. ‘‘He gives it almost every night. ... He’s pretty much there no matter what happens.’’

The Wildcats (8-9, 1-5) trailed by 12 points at halftime but used a 13-3 run to get within seven with 10:48 left. But Joe Adkins hit a 3-pointer to put the Cowboys’ lead back into double figures.

‘‘I’m not happy,’’ Kansas State coach Tom Asbury said. ‘‘Who would be after losing five games in a row? I’m frustrated about losing. But you have to remember we haven’t had the easiest schedule in the Big 12 so far.’’

No. 15 OKLAHOMA ST. 71,

KANSAS ST. 56

OKLAHOMA ST. (15-2) 

Jonzen 2-6 1-2 5, Montonati 6-10 2-3 14, Mason 8-16 3-3 23, Alexander 4-10 0-0 10, Adkins 3-9 0-0 9, Williams 2-3 0-2 4, Keep 0-0 0-0 0, Gottlieb 1-3 2-3 4, Webber 1-3 0-0 2. Totals 27-60 8-13 71.

KANSAS ST. (8-9) 

Buchanan 3-5 0-0 7, Kitt 4-7 0-2 8, Howell 1-4 0-4 2, Morrison 7-12 2-3 21, Groves 5-19 2-4 14, Kimm 0-0 0-0 0, Reynolds 0-0 0-0 0, Dix 0-1 0-0 0, Leonard 1-2 2-2 4, Wallace 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 21-50 6-15 56.