LOCAL

Nearly News
Chamber News
King and Queen of Courts Crowned Friday
Pastel, Painting Workshop Enrollment Filling Up Fast
Book on Alzheimer’s May Be Best Resource Ever
Hospice Workshop Set

Nearly News

Nearly News learned, just this morning, that Billie Letts, author of “Where The Heart Is” and a frequent visitor to Ponca City, will be appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, on TV Channel 5. Letts’ book is currently rated No. 2 on the best seller paperback fiction list and No. 1 on the Publishers Weekly list of trade paperbacks. “Where the Heart Is” is also under consideration for a movie contract.

Chamber News

Ponca City To Host Governor’s Small Business Conference

On Wednesday, Jan. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Ponca City will serve as a site of one of the Governor’s Conferences on Small Business. The event will be held at the Pioneer Technology Center. This is an opportunity for small businesses to create a unified voice to impact legislative action in a positive manner. All business owners and operators are encouraged to attend this important session and voice their concerns and suggestions regarding what can be done by the Oklahoma Legislature to improve and enhance the local business climate.

Objectives of the Conference will be to:

* Identify and document small business legislative issues;

* Develop strategies for support of identified issues;

* Voice opinion on previously identified legislative issues;

* Identify gaps;

* Establish relationships with legislators to educate them on small business issues;

* Learn other business ideas on issues.

The overall goal is to unify small business interests for the common cause of small business development in Oklahoma and Ponca City.

Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin will be present during the Conference and will lead discussions which will identify key legislation which is needed to protect and enhance small business. Fallin stated, “Since the Governor appointed me as Oklahoma’s Small Business Advocate earlier this year, we have continued to work in the interest of those businesses which truly drive our state’s economy.”

“The Ponca City Conference will be an excellent opportunity for business operators in Ponca City to let their attitudes and ideas be known. I hope that local business owners and managers will recognize the importance of this meeting and take the time to be a part of the process rather than to assume that someone else will take care of it for them.”

Results of the Ponca City Conference will be transmitted to members of the Oklahoma Legislature during a special “Small Business Day at the Legislature” on Feb. 24 in Oklahoma City. Representatives from small business all across the state will converge on the Legislature to emphasize the needs of small business and ask for their support in addressing needed legislation.

In addition to the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, which is serving as host for the Conference, the chambers of commerce in Blackwell, Tonkawa and Newkirk have been invited to participate in the event.

Jan Jarrett, president of the Ponca City Chamber, noted that: “Our effort to unify the business agenda for needed legislation is county wide in nature. We strongly encourage all businesses in Kay County to be a part of this effort by attending the meeting and expressing your views.”

A light luncheon will be served during the Conference. Reservations for the event are $5 per person, which includes lunch. Those who plan to attend should call the Chamber of Commerce in their community to reserve their space by Wednesday, Jan. 20. Ponca City reservations may be made by calling the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce at 765-4400.

Upcoming Events

Friday, Jan. 15 — Legislative Review Committee, 7:30 a.m. Chamber Conference Room.

Tuesday, Jan. 19 — Ambassador Committee, 8 a.m. Chamber Conference Room.

Wednesday, Jan. 20 — Rodeo Foundation, 5 p.m. Chamber Conference Room.

Friday, Jan. 22 — Chamber Board of Directors Meeting, 11 a.m. Ponca City High School Commons.

King and Queen of Courts Crowned Friday

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

The 1998-99 Queen of Courts will be crowned Friday night, between the girls varsity and boys varsity basketball games at Ponca City High School. The Lady Cats and the Wildcats will play against the Bartlesville Bruins.

Romi Foreman and Thomas Engle will be crowned as Queen and King of Courts. Senior attendants will be Desiree Cries For Ribs, Jeremiah Payne and Paul Broome, junior attendants are Alana Smith and Blake Geubelle, and sophomore attendants will be Jena Birdsong and Tim Frick.

Queen Romi Foreman is the daughter of Gary and June Foreman. She has been named State Champion in tennis and All-State in cheerleading. She is a member of National Honor Society and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She plans on going to college and playing tennis.

Thomas Engle, son of Oliver and Rickey Engle, was named Outstanding Defensive Player in 1997-98 and has been a Homecoming attendant his sophomore and junior years. He is listed in “Who’s Who High School Basketball” and “Who’s Who in American High School Students.” Engle plans to major in sports medicine in college and play basketball.

Desiree Cries For Ribs, daughter of Ivan Cries For Ribs and Sandra Lay, has been chosen at a senior attendant. She is the leading rebounder and scorer, a third year letterman, and is listed in “Who’s Who Among American High School Students.” She plans to attend OSU on a scholarship in basketball and become an accountant.

Jeremiah Payne has been chosen as a senior attendant. He was a member of the 1998 Academic State Champion Team and a second year letterman. He is listed in “Who’s Who Among American High School Students” and is also active in football and golf. He plans to attend NOC and study business management. He is the son of Jim and Karrie Payne.

Senior attendant Paul Broome is the son of Steve and Linda Broome. He has been playing basketball for five years, is a member of the 1998 Academic State Champion Team, and is a varsity letterman. He has participated in chorale for three years, plays soccer and is a member of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ. He plans to attend college and study science.

Alana Smith, daughter of Alan and Judy Smith, has been chosen as a junior attendant. She has played basketball for seven years, has been listed on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll and “Who’s Who Among American High School Students.” She was named Outstanding Sophomore, All-Conference Outfielder and Most Stolen Bases her sophomore and junior year, a sophomore football attendant during Homecoming 1997-98, participates in Hi-Steppers and is a member of First Baptist Church. She plans to attend college and major in business.

Smith’s escort will be Blake Geubelle. He has been involved in basketball for nine years, named All-Conference his freshman year, sophomore basketball attendant last year, letterman in football and basketball, Superintendent’s Honor Roll, and named Outstanding Sophomore Boy. He is a member of the Foreign Language Club and St. Mary’s Church. Blake, son of Bill and Marianne Geubelle, plans to attend OSU.

Sophomore attendant Jena Birdsong is the daughter of Larrell and Virginia Birdsong. She was named All-Conference as a freshman, received an Offensive Player Award at a camp at Northern Oklahoma College, All-Star Outstanding Player at a Wildcat and NOC camp for three years, received first place in a three-point contest in Burbank, and second place in a three-point contest at OSU. She also received an Honorable Mention All-Conference in softball her freshman and sophomore years. She is a member of National Honor Society, Foreign Language Club, and plans to attend college and study law or broadcasting.

Her escort will be Tim Frick, son of Steve and Penny Frick. Tim has been playing basketball for eight years.

Pastel, Painting Workshop Enrollment Filling Up Fast

Enrollment is filling fast for a three-day pastel and painting workshop to be taught by nationally known artist Dale Martin. All classes will be held at the Ponca City Art Center, Jan. 20-22.

The workshop will begin each day at 8:30 a.m. and run to 4 p.m. Fee for the workshop is $60 per student. Class size is limited to 15 students.

“The instruction will primarily be in the pastel medium but students who want to work in oils and water colors will also be welcome,” says Martin.

Although Martin works in several art mediums, his favorite is pastel. “Pastel is pure pigment and the longest lasting of all the painting materials,” he says. “Pastels by the old masters have retained their vibrant colors for hundreds of years.”

Martin is a nationally known pastelist whose works have been shown coast to coast and is included in numerous public, private and corporate collections including General Motors, IBM, Oklahoma Natural Gas, Northwestern University in Chicago and the State of New Mexico’s Art in Public Places project.

He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Sennelier and “Art Times” awards from the Pastel Society of America of New York; the Eileen J. McCarthy award from the Salmagundi Club of New York; the Board of Directors’ award from the Pastel Society of the West Coast of Sacramento, Calif., and numerous awards from the Pastel Society of the Southwest and “The Artist’s Magazine.”

Martin paints a variety of subjects, claiming artists should not be locked in to one theme. He paints plein-air and in studio, preferring to capture the light of landscapes on location. In his studio he paints figures from life.

Students wanting to enroll in the 3-day workshop must be a members of the Ponca City Art Association. Memberships are available at $10 per year.

Enrollment is now open at the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Enrollment is limited to 15 students. For more information about the workshop call the Art Center at 765-9743.

Book on Alzheimer’s May Be Best Resource Ever

No caregiver should be without “Failure-Free Activities for the Alzheimer’s Patient” by Carmel Sheridan. This award-winning book teaches caregivers how to improve the well-being and raise the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease. For so many victims of Alzheimer’s, failure fills their days. Now caregivers can turn to this resource for advice on safe, reassuring activities to help the patient feel capable and involved with everyday life.

The activities are designed to raise self-esteem, relieve boredom, reduce feelings of isolation, develop and use remaining skills, promote involvement and emphasize abilities that remain. From making scrapbooks to holding sing-alongs, from baking to dusting and making life collages, clear illustrations make each activity easy to do. The activities provide a goldmine of ideas for helping relatives and friends interact in a positive way with the Alzheimer’s patient.

In her thoughtful introduction, Sheridan explains that some of the misery and stress endured by people afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease may be alleviated when they can perform simple, satisfying tasks. The author’s straightforward message is that such things as an herb garden, a game of lotto, or a memory book can help a patient regain self-esteem and avoid boredom — two factors important for the well-being of Alzheimer’s patients. Family members visiting or caring for loved ones afflicted with this disease can definitely benefit from these suggestions.

The book walks you step by step through activities that might give new meaning to your relative’s life, and give you the satisfaction of success. It helps to ease feelings of worthlessness and uselessness. Reading and following a few pages from this book each week will make the time you spend with the memory-impaired person more valuable.

A first-of-its-kind book, Sullivan’s “Failure Free Activities For the Alzheimer’s Patient” may pay off for the thousands of people who are trying to decide how best to help people with Alzheimer’s.

Hospice Workshop Set

Hospice of Ponca City will begin a new loss support group starting Feb. 4. The group is designed for anyone who is experiencing the loss of a spouse or significant other. The workshop, entitled “Death of a Mate,” is a six-week educational series in which participants acquire methods for dealing with the loss of a partner.

The course will cover topics familiar to those who are experiencing the loss of a mate. Loneliness, sense of deprivation, freedom, growth, change, and new relationships are among the various issues that will be discussed.

“Losing a spouse can be a life-altering experience. The death of a spouse is considered one of the most stressful events in an individual’s life,” explains Jo Clipson, Bereavement Specialist and coordinator of the workshop.

The workshop is open to the public and registration is encouraged. If you feel you might want to participate please contact Jo Clipson, at Hospice of Ponca City, 762-9102 for more information.

‘Death of a Mate’

Group begins on Feb. 4 and will continue on the following dates: Feb. 11th, 18th, 25th, and March 4th and 11th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Hospice Conference Room, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City.

DEATHS

Shelton D. Kem
A.C. Brown
Mary Kline-Welch
Gladys Kohler
Herman Eugene Sindorf
Omer W. Bottrell
Roby Ola Linn

Shelton D. Kem

CLEARLAKE RIVIERA, Calif. — Shelton D. “Shelly” Kem, father of Bill Kem of Ponca City, died at David Grant Hospital in Fairfield, Calif. on Friday, Jan. 8, 1999. He was 82.

A memorial service will be held at the Clearlake Riviera Yacht and Golf Club at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 16. The family will conduct a private burial in Petaluma, Calif., under the direction of Parent-Sorensen Mortuary in Petaluma.

Shelton D. “Shelly” Kem was born Sept. 18, 1916, in Anderson, Ind., and grew up in Penney Farms, Fla.

He was married to wife Ann for 62 years and at one time the couple made their home in Washington state, where Kem was a pioneer in the field of recreation. He served as president of the Washington State Recreation Society and awarded the first master’s degree in recreation at Central Washington College of Education in Ellensburg, Wash.

Kem entered the U.S. Army Air Corps, during World War II and was stationed in Italy. During his subsequent 34-year career in U.S. Air Force he oversaw recreation programs for his fellow servicemen, including tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1975.

After his retirement, Kem and his wife moved to Clearlake Riviera, Calif., where he was active in community life. He was a member of the Clearlake Riviera Yacht and Golf Club, Clearlake Riviera Mens Club, SIRS 174, Clearlake Lodge 2299 BPOE, Air Force Retired Officers Association, and the AFA. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and playing poker.

Survivors include his wife, Ann R. Kem of Clearlake Riviera, Calif.; two sons, Robert S. Kem of Spokane, Wash., and William R. “Bill” Kem of Ponca City; one brother, Keith E. Kem of Hemet, Calif.; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Kem’s name to the American Heart Association, First National Bank and Trust, Box 1151, Ponca City, OK 74602 or the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 53303, Oklahoma City, OK 73152.

A.C. Brown

ENID — A.C. Brown, brother to Phyllis Ewers of Ponca City, died Friday, Jan. 8, 1999, in Oklahoma City. He was 76.

The funeral was to be held at 2 p.m., today, Jan. 14, at the Garden Chapel of Memorial Park Cemetery in Enid. Dr. Gary Barkman was to officiate. Arrangements were under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home, Cherokee.

A.C. Brown was born Dec. 4, 1922, in Enid, to Clarence and Mable (Hays) Brown. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He served during the Vietnam War and continued his career in the U.S. Air Force. Brown received Bronze Star medal.

He was married to Nellie Grey Harris in Rocky Mountain, N.C. on Sept. 15, 1946. After retirement from the accounting and finance department of the U.S. Air Force the couple moved to Cherokee in 1978, where Brown served as administrator for the Alfalfa County Hospital. He was a member of the Cherokee First Christian Church and the Cherokee Rotary Club.

Survivors include one daughter, Debbie Talley of Winter Springs, Fla.; one brother, Rex Brown of Nash; two sisters, Phyllis Ewers of Ponca City and Glorene Kirk of Stillwater; and one granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his wife on March 24, 1997; his parents; and one sister June Johnston.

Mary Kline-Welch

Mary Kline-Welch, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 1998, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kan. She was 57.

A graveside service is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Galesburg, Ill. Arrangements in Galesburg are under the direction of Watson Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held in Ponca City at the Trout Funeral Home chapel at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 20.

Mary Kline-Welch was born April 3, 1941, in Galesburg, Ill., to Samuel and Dorothy Byers Harris. She was a nurse and had been employed for more than 10 years at St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg. In 1978, she moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where she continued nursing. She moved to Ponca City in 1981 and was employed at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

She was married to Michael Welch in 1986 in Ponca City. Mrs. Kline-Welch was a member of the Day Lily Society, American Iris Society and the Water Garden Club, all in Ponca City.

Survivors include her husband, Michael Welch of the home in Ponca City; four daughters, Loretta Kline of Greenville, Mich., Michelle Kline of Peoria, Ill., Renee Kline of Escondida, Calif., and Jennifer Williams of Temecula, Calif.; one step-daughter, Brandy Welch of Savannah, Ga.; one brother, Jim Harris of Knoxville, Ill.; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a step-grandson.

Gladys Kohler

BRAMAN — Gladys Kohler, longtime Braman-Blackwell area resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 1999, at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell. She was 97.

The funeral will be held graveside at the Braman (Okla.) Cemetery with the Rev. Don Martin, Braman Methodist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.

Gladys (Bosburgh) Kohler was born Dec. 5, 1901, in Porter County, Ind., to Grove and Ida (Eaton) Bosburgh. She moved to Wichita, Kan., in 1914, where she grew up and attended school.

She married C. Raymond Kohler on May 31, 1918, in Wichita and the couple made their first home in Braman after his discharge from World War I. In 1943, the couple moved back to Wichita, Kan. and then back to Braman in 1946. They moved to Blackwell in 1974, where they continued to make their home. Mrs. Kohler was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Helping Hour Club in Blackwell, and the Braman American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include three daughters, Thelma Louise Padgett, Gwendolyn Wilkey and Alyce Kohler, all of Blackwell; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on March 17, 1992; one son, Edward Kohler; her parents; two brothers, Harvey and Milford Bosburgh; one sister, Edna Williams; and a grandson.

Herman Eugene Sindorf

NEWKIRK — Herman Eugene Sindorf, Newkirk resident, died Tuesday, Jan, 12, 1999, at the South Central Kansas Regional Medical Center in Arkansas City, Kan. He was 68.

The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, 1999, at the Miller-Stahl Funeral chapel in Newkirk with the Rev. John Tramel, minister of Newkirk First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery.

Herman Eugene Sindorf was born Feb. 18, 1930, in Sapulpa, the son of Herman Albert and Vivian (Finley) Sindorf. At an early age, he moved with his parents to the Newkirk area where he grew up and attended schools. He graduated from Newkirk High School in 1948.

Sindorf entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952, and received his basic training in Pendleton, Calif., serving a tour of duty in Japan. After his discharge in 1954, he was employed as a gauger with Apco Oil Company and later with Total Petroleum Co. He retired after 48 years in the petroleum industry. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with friends.

Survivors include his mother, Vivian Sindorf of Newkirk; two sons, Rick E. Sindorf of Oklahoma City and Mark Sindorf of Topeka, Kan.; two daughters, Tonya R. Folsom of Sanford, Fla., and Debbie Chamberlin of Kansas; four grandchildren; three nephews and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his father and one sister.

Services Pending

Omer W. Bottrell

Omer W. Bottrell, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 13, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 88. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Charles (Lynda) Smith of Ponca City. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Funerals

Friday

Roby Ola Linn

Funeral will be graveside at 10 a.m. at the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Junior High Night — Free Junior High Night at Grand Central Station 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Open to 7th, 8th and 9th graders; music, movies, games and snacks. Open door — come and go. For additional information call 767-TEEN.

Pauline's Shrimp peel. All you can eat, $11.95, Friday the 8th.

For reservations, call 765-5460. adv.

Healthy Hearts Luncheon — Healthy Hearts luncheon for all interested women 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Ponca City Country Club sponsored by the Ponca City Christian Women’s Club. Cost of the luncheon is $8.50. Call Jeanette, 765-8427, or Denice, 762-2779, for reservations and complementary child care. An open invitation is extended.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday special from 4-? 1/2 BBQ chicken

with 2 vegetables. $4.25. 215 South 14th. 765-7979. adv.

Possible Prowler — A woman in the 1600 block of Lake Road informed police at 9:48 a.m. Wednesday that someone was in her shed. An officer was assigned, however no one was found.

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.

Accident — A police accident report was taken at 10:35 a.m. Wednesday at East Hartford Avenue and Turner Street.

Joins U.S. Army — Viola S. Nixon has joined the U.S. Army under the Delayed Entry Program at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Stillwater. The enlistment gives the new soldier the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $50,000 toward a college education, and also the opportunity to delay entering active duty for up to one year. Nixon, a student at Woodland High School in Fairfax will report to Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., for basic training June 2, 1999. She is the daughter of Clinton E. Nixon of Oklahoma City, and Brien Geraldine of 360 South Fifth in Fairfax.

Tyson Is back! World Heavyweight event, Tyson vs. Botha

coming to Pay Per View. Saturday, January 16th at 8 p.m., $45.95.

Call Cable ONE for your ring side seat 762-6684. adv.

Accident — An accident in the 200 block of West Hartford Avenue was reported at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Gas Drive-Off — At 12:44 p.m. Wednesday a $15.05 gas drive-off was reported at the Sav-A-Trip, 501 West Highland Avenue.

Weigh Down Group to Meet — The Weigh Down Group at First Church of God will hold a 12-week seminar to encourage people to lose weight and draw closer to God. Orientation will be Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. at the First Church of God, 1101 West Grand. If you have questions, call Genelle Smith at 765-8767 or Ann Stanton at 580-362-3563.

Theft — At 7:32 a.m. Wednesday police were advised of the theft of a tail light assembly, reportedly stolen from a pickup truck in the 100 block of West Grand Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country all day Friday special ­ All you can eat, smoked

BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $6.95, all day.

1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 20-year-old man at 11:25 a.m. Wednesday from the 2500 block of Springwood for possession of marijuana.

Used Carpet. A good selection available at Floorcraft. Fifth and

Hartford. adv.

Peeper — At 1:08 p.m. Wednesday a woman in the 400 block of West Cleveland Avenue requested extra patrol due to a juvenile knocking on doors and peeking in windows.

WCW/NWO Souled out coming to Pay Per View. Sunday, January

17th at 7 p.m., $29.95. Call Cable ONE at 762-6684 and get ready to

rumble!!! adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 21-year-old man at 1:25 p.m. Wednesday from the 500 block of South Third Street on two Osage County warrants for failure to appear.

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. adv.

Arrest — A 42-year-old man was arrested at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday from South Fourth Street and East South Avenue for driving under suspension and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes

available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with

appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable,

local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681.

adv.

Accident — A police report was taken at 6:46 p.m. Wednesday after police received a call from St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, reporting that a 9-year-old boy was being treated after he had stuck himself with a needle.

Arrest — At 3:50 p.m. Wednesday an 18-year-old man was arrested on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Clean Carpet. Top of line equipment. Best trained people.

Quality service. Reasonable prices. Call Floorcraft. 762-8383.

adv.

Accident — A minor accident at North Second Street and East Highland Avenue was reported to police at 4:20 p.m. Wednesday.

House Fire — At 8:37 p.m. Wednesday fire units responded to a fire in the 1600 block of Donahoe Drive. The fire was contained to the attic of the house.

Extra Patrol — Extra police patrol was requested at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday in the 300 block of West Broadway Avenue due to an attempted break-in.

Child Abuse — At 4:42 p.m. Wednesday police were advised of possible child molestation in the 1000 block of North First Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — A woman in the 600 block of South Eleventh Street reported at 5:07 p.m. Wednesday the theft of items from the 100 block of West Hartford Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — An accident at North Union Street and Prospect Avenue was reported to police at 10:38 p.m. Wednesday.

Stolen Bike — A man in the 300 block of South Seventh Street reported a stolen bike at 11:38 p.m. Wednesday.

Arrest — At 6:51 p.m. Wednesday police arrested a 33-year-old man from Kay County on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Fire Alarm — At 5:18 p.m. Wednesday fire units responded to a report of a fire in a wall of a house in the 200 block of East Overbrook Avenue. It was a short in the wall.

Welder Theft — At 8:01 p.m. Wednesday police were advised that a welder had been stolen from the 2400 block of East Prospect Avenue. An officer was assigned.

GARDENING

Ornamental Grasses Add Flair to Home Landscapes
Miniature Garden Railroad Enhances Charm, Interest, Movement to Yard
Nutrient-Rich Turf Will Get Rid of Most Insects in Yard, Garden
Mail-Order Plants Through Catalogs Cut Gardening Time

Ornamental Grasses Add Flair to Home Landscapes

There’s a trouble zone in your landscape — a no man’s land between woods and yard, or between pond and garden. It’s a transition area in need of a plant that won’t look out of place. It must be fast-growing, jumping from 2 to 6 feet in one season. You’d like it to be disease and drought resistant, too. It must be attractive, adding color and texture to your yard without costing a fortune. According to the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA), ornamental grasses meet all these requirements.

The trend toward naturalized landscapes is driving the increased use of grasses. From coastal regions to prairies to woodlands, there are grasses indigenous to your area. Many hardy native and adapted grasses will thrive will thrive under

a wide variety of conditions. Plant grasses responsibly, however, since a few varieties can become invasive in some areas. Reserve invasive grasses for urban areas where seeds don’t have as many opportunities to spread. Ask the professionals at your nearby garden center which ones they recommend.

Grasses are a natural choice to stabilize soil and control erosion. Many homeowners use grasses as accents in the landscape, planting one or two as specimens. Achieve a stronger effect with mass planting. Try 20 grasses of one type rather than a few plants of different varieties. Plant grasses as a backdrop for perennials or to screen an unattractive view. In winter, while your garden sleeps, ornamental grasses add color, texture and movement. Backlighting grasses is another way to wake up landscapes.

Ornamental grasses are easy to maintain, but a few pointers ensure their success. Grasses are susceptible to crown rot, especially in winter. The majority prefer well-drained soils in sunny locations. In many regions, grasses fare best if planted in spring, rather than fall. Springtime planting allows grasses time to establish themselves before winter.

Nursery professionals can recommend planting schedules for your area. Cut back grasses to short clumps in early spring; consider dividing clumps every three years to benefit plant health. Maintenance is low, but the rewards are great when grasses grace your landscape.

Miniature Garden Railroad Enhances Charm, Interest, Movement to Yard

Combine America’s two biggest hobbies and you’ll arrive at a unique destination: miniature railroad gardens. These Lilliputian landscapes contribute movement, charm and interest to yards, according to the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA).

How do you get a ticket to ride? The first stop is a garden center or newsstand for Garden Railways magazine. Garden centers with miniature train displays usually have a railway gardener on staff, or can recommend one. Finding a landscape professional with knowledge of railroad gardens is vital, according to Ralph Williams. Williams, who designs and installs railway gardens throughout New England, suggests contacting train clubs and Garden Railways Societies for sources.

Most gardeners hire a railway designer for design, excavation and beginning installations, Williams explains. A level or slightly sloped site is necessary before thejourney to railroad garden can begin. Williams’clients — ranging from young families to older couples — expand their gardens every year, adding track and plants.

A rule-of-thumb for plant selection is slow-growing, small-leafed varieties. Alpine plants, Irish moss, thymes and other ground covers are commonly used. The diminutive charm these gardens portray belies their durability. Well-rooted Alpine plants and rocky hardscapes add strength. Running a spur line into a cellar window or shed protects the train while owners are away.

Williams’ display garden at Weston Nurseries in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, runs all year, rain or shine.

Miniature railways don’t carry freight or passengers, but they do deliver plenty of fun to the garden.

Nutrient-Rich Turf Will Get Rid of Most Insects in Yard, Garden

Editor’s Note: For a gardener, it is never too early to think about solutions to upcoming problems in the yard and garden. This story gives some suggestions for dealing with insects.

By POPULAR MECHANICS

For AP Special Features

When it comes to weed control, a healthy, well-aerated, dethatched and nutrient-rich turf will choke out all but the most stubborn invaders. The rest can often be managed by hand weeding and mowing. Pest management is really a matter of numbers. A few pests won’t make that big a difference and may even signal a healthy lawn. When your lawn is naturally disease and insect resistant, and is kept healthy using the methods discussed above, the degree of damage is often acceptable.

The natural approach pays the biggest dividends in the area of insect and blight control. Natural insect control takes two primary forms. You can use natural substances that attack the body of the insect directly, or release disease causing microorganisms (fungi, nematobes) that burrow into the target insect, killing it in the process.

We’ll take a brief look at those products with the best record of success. These products are offered by a variety of firms. A word of caution is in order, however. Insecticides, of any kind, should be used sparingly and only as a means of last resort. Some beneficial insects will be killed in the process, no matter what you use.

One of the most effective, broad-spectrum insecticides is extracted from the seeds of the African and southeast-Asian neem tree. The active ingredient, azadirachtin, is a growth regulator, which is to say that it causes death. It’s effective on a variety of common pests, including aphids, gypsy moths and webworms.

Insecticidal soap is another proven insect killer. It’s made from fatty acid salts derived from animal fat and plant oils. When sprayed on soft bodied insects, it kills them by breaking down their cell wall membranes. Insecticidal soap works well on sod webworms.

For effective control of hard-bodied insects, such as June bugs and Japanese beetles, pyrethrum, an extract from the chrysanthemum flower, works well. To treat infestations of subsurface grubs, you might try mail-order nematobes, which kill grubs from within, or milky-spore disease (bacillus popillae) which is a fungus that attacks grubs and other soft-bodied subsurface pests. Once established, milky-spore disease remains effective for years. For treatment of bill-bug larvae, diatomaceous earth works. Diatomaceous earth is a sediment taken from the sea floor and is made up of millions of dead, single-cell creatures that dehydrate soft-bodied insects on contact.

Mail-Order Plants Through Catalogs Cut Gardening Time

By GEORGE BRIA

POUND RIDGE, N.Y. (AP) — If you don’t have time to fuss with seeds, you might try ordering ready-to-go transplants by mail.

Established plant mail outlets such as Piedmont in Georgia offer a greater variety of vegetable transplants than you’re likely to get at many nurseries. And venerable seedhouses, like Burpee, are also pushing the business of selling transplants of vegetables as well as annual flowers.

Ornamental perennial plants, of course, have been available by mail for a long time from many outlets. One big reason for the mail trend in annuals is that two-career households are pressed for weekend leisure time.

Piedmont Plant Company (P.O. Box 424, Albany, Ga. 31702, telephone 800-541-5185) offers 19 different vegetables: tomato, pepper, tomatillo, cucumber, sweet potato, eggplant, broccoli, cabbage, kohlrabi, onion, leeks, lettuce, radicchio, Swiss chard, kale, collards, mustard, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. You can also get basil, Alpine strawberry and chives.

There are 12 tomato varieties, most of them highly prized like Brandywine, Celebrity and Better Boy, the last described as probably the best-known garden tomato in the world.

What I like about the Piedmont catalog is that it mentions a plant’s problems, too. For instance, it says Brandywine ‘‘is prone to cracking and off-shapes and is not disease-resistant, but its flavor is unforgettable.’’

The plants are bundled together and shipped bare-root, except for very tender plants. These are wrapped in brown craft paper with peat moss around the roots.

The company claims that bare-root, field-grown plants may look wilted or starting to turn yellowish on arrival, but will usually recover within a week or so and then perform well in the garden.

You should plant them right away, but they’ll hold out for a week if you keep the roots moist and the stems and leaves dry.

Onions and leeks are packed in bundles containing about 100 plants. Most of the Piedmont plants come in bundles of 12 plants or 50 plants. Tomatoes cost $8.95 for a bundle of 12 and $14.95 for a bundle of 50. The same for peppers.

An attractive vegetable offered by Piedmont is a dwarf broccoli called ‘‘Small Miracle’’ designed for gardeners who don’t have the space needed to grow regular sized plants. This pee-wee grows a foot high and eight inches wide and is touted for high yields. They cost $7.95 for a bundle of 12 and $4.95 each for two or more bundles.

As the 1999 catalogs go out to gardeners nationwide, Burpee is making a pitch for transplants with the slogan, ‘‘Leave the growing to us.’’ This means, of course, just to the transplant level. Bringing the plant to maturity is up to you.

Besides its wide assortment of seeds, Burpee (300 Park Avenue, Warminster, Pa., 18991-0001, telephone 800-888-1447) now offers 175 varieties of flowers and vegetables to be shipped as transplants. They’re advertised as timed to arrive for the weekend you want to plant them. They come in containers, not bare-root.

As expected, the range of ornamentals, from abutilon to zinnia, is wide. More interesting is the number of vegetables being offered. There are 20 varieties of tomatoes, including the great-tasting heirloom, Brandywine; nine varieties of hot pepper plants; nine of sweet pepper plants; eight kinds of eggplants; one each of lettuce, okra and tomatillo.

The prices range around $14.95 for six plants. A sampler box of 24 plants — three each of eight varieties of different vegetables — costs $39.95.

Depending on your climate zone, you are given deadline dates for ordering, with the promise you’ll receive the shipment two months later.

What’s the difference, you might wonder, between ordering by mail and going yourself to a nursery to buy plants and thus eliminating shipping costs?

Well, one obvious difference, is that by mail you’re promised fresher plants than those that may have been standing around for a couple of weeks at a nursery waiting for a buyer.

Some of us, especially retirees with more time for the garden, are not abandoning growing from seed. The big plus with seeds is that you have a vastly larger number of varieties to pick from. For example, my favorite pepper is a mild chile called ‘‘Anaheim’’ I’ve found only in seed catalogs.

———

George Bria retired from the AP in 1981 after 40 years that included coverage of World War II from Italy.

SPORTS

Michael Jordan Says Goodbye
Cowgirls Fall Hard to Lady Sooners
Mid-High Basketball

Michael Jordan Says Goodbye

By CHRIS SHERIDAN

AP Basketball Writer

CHICAGO (AP) — Michael Jordan couldn’t say goodbye without one last tiny, tantalizing tidbit of hope for everyone who thought it was a little too early for the greatest athlete in the world to call it quits.

Declaring himself ‘‘99.9 percent’’ retired, Jordan bid farewell Wednesday to the Chicago Bulls, the NBA and the game that made him the quintessential superstar and a millionaire many times over.

‘‘I never say never, but it’s 95, 99.9 percent,’’ Jordan said. ‘‘I’m very secure with my decision.’’

He’s just not 100 percent sure that this retirement, his second, will be his last.

Jordan’s hedge was about the only unexpected event to transpire at his retirement press conference, which was held at center court of the arena where his No. 23 was once again raised to the rafters.

Jordan sat alongside his wife, Juanita, with commissioner David Stern and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf flanking him, and kept his poise and composure except for the brief moment when his eyes got watery watching his number being re-retired.

‘‘I knew it was coming, so I’m happy that I chose to walk away knowing I can still play the game,’’ Jordan said. ‘‘And that’s exactly how I’ve always wanted my career to end.’’

Saying he is content with his accomplishments and his place in the game and is looking forward to a new life, Jordan noted that the NBA will go on without him — even though he knows there will never be another one like him.

He also took a few parting shots at many of his rivals, saying the likes of Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing and Karl Malone will never have the satisfaction of saying they won a championship while Jordan was playing.

‘‘That’s why I was so glad that Magic (Johnson) played and (Larry) Bird played when I won my titles, because I had to go through Boston and L.A.,’’ he said. ‘‘They won’t be able to live with themselves because they never beat Michael Jordan, and I will always hold that in high regard when I see those guys socially.’’

As for the younger generation, he said none of them could match what he accomplished.

And he wasn’t only talking about the six championships, five MVP awards, 10 scoring titles and the endless accolades.

‘‘You can be a Grant Hill, you can be an Anfernee Hardaway, you can be a Kobe Bryant, but Michael Jordan is Michael Jordan,’’ he said.

Jordan looked dapper as always, wearing a dark blue suit and a gold earring dangling from his left lobe. The only thing that looked out of place was the bandage wrapped around his right index finger.

Jordan said he severed a tendon while cutting a cigar, an injury that needs surgery and would have sidelined him for the first two months of the season had he not retired.

The injury had no bearing on his decision, which he said he made several months ago, but waited to announce until the lockout ended.

‘‘Mentally, I’m exhausted. I don’t feel I have a challenge. Physically, I feel great,’’ the 35-year-old Jordan said. ‘‘This is a perfect time for me to walk away from the game.’’

Asked if there was any chance at all that he might one day change his mind, Jordan couldn’t completely turn his back on the game that turned him into a worldwide icon and made him a millionaire many times over.

‘‘Ninety-nine point-nine is as you read it. It’s not really 100 percent, but it’s close. So that’s where I stand. I’m not going to say ‘never, never.’ I’ll say 99.9. Take it for what it’s worth.’’

Pressed on why he wouldn’t say 100 percent, Jordan shot back: ‘‘Because it’s my 1 percent and not yours.’’

Jordan, who has three children, said he looked forward to being a parent and would ‘‘live vicariously through my kids,’’ whether or not they played basketball.

‘‘My life will take a change,’’ said Jordan, adding that he also will tend to his many business interests. He made an estimated $45 million a year from endorsements as a player, although that number could shrink if he stays away from the game.

He prefaced his retirement remarks with words of condolence for the family of a Chicago police officer who was killed in the line of duty, then went on to thank Stern and Reinsdorf for the chance to play a game he so loved.

‘‘I thought about saying two words — ‘I’m gone’ — but I owe the fans and the media more than that,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s tough. I’m doing a good job of trying to hold back the emotions because it’s like taking away something that I truly have loved. I started when I was 12 years old, I’m 36 next month, so for 24 years I’ve been playing the game. It’s sad that I’m leaving the game, but it’s happy because my life is starting to go into a whole other stage.’’

Added his wife: ‘‘I see Michael doing a lot more carpooling.’’

Jordan became emotional as his No. 23 banner — the same one that was hung in the United Center during his first retirement — was raised, forcing a smile to keep the tears that welled in his eyes from rolling down his cheeks.

‘‘Well this a day that I think I hoped would never come,’’ Reinsdorf said. ‘‘It has to be the toughest day in the history of the Chicago Bulls. It’s a tough day for Chicago, it’s a tough day for the NBA, it’s a tough day for basketball fans all over the world and for Michael Jordan fans all over the world.’’

But is it really the end?

Why did he say 99.9 percent?

‘‘Get off of it,’’ Stern said. ‘‘He’s not coming back.’’

Maybe not.

But combine Jordan with the tiniest bit of wiggle room, and — just like countless opponents have learned through the years — one never knows.

Cowgirls Fall Hard to Lady Sooners

NORMAN (AP) — On a night when her team won by 16, Oklahoma women’s basketball coach Sherri Coale pointed to one play.

LaNeishea Caufield opened the second half by stealing the inbounds pass and scoring on a layup, and the Sooners went on to a 74-58 victory.

‘‘That one play was momentum,’’ Coale said after Oklahoma ended a six-game losing streak to the Cowgirls. ‘‘That was the game.’’

Caufield, who had 23 points, scored on a drive to the basket on Oklahoma’s next possession to push the lead to 39-31. Oklahoma State got no closer than six after that.

Caufield was 8-of-11 from the floor, made all six of her free throws and grabbed seven rebounds.

Phylesha Whaley scored 16 points and Michele Workman added 15 for the Sooners, who held Oklahoma State to 22 percent shooting (6-of-27) in the second half and 34 percent (16-of-47) overall.

‘‘We didn’t run an offense,’’ coach Dick Halterman said. ‘‘No balance or type of flow.’’

Jennifer Crow was the only Cowgirl in double figures, with 10 points. She was 4-of-9 from the floor, but the other four starters were a combined 5-of-22.

The victory left Oklahoma 7-7 overall , 1-3 in the Big 12. Oklahoma State dropped to 10-4 and 2-2.

‘‘To be a contender in the Big 12, we had to win tonight,’’ Halterman said. ‘‘We’re 2-2 now, and we have to continue to battle.’’

Mid-High Basketball

Stillwater 30, 8th grade girls Red 23

In their first game back from Christmas break, the girls’ Red (5-3) fell to Stillwater, 30-23.

Stillwater scored 12 of their points off free throws, as foul trouble haunted the Poncans early. With two Ponca City starters picking up three whistles apiece in the first quarter, Stillwater raced to a 16-9 lead at halftime.

“I had three starters in trouble in the second quarter, and had to sit them down,” said coach Tracy Scott. “We didn’t play good defense. Somewhere over the break we forgot how to play D. And the third quarter is still getting us. We’re not playing a full game.”

Ann Ziegenhain had 8 points for the Lady Cougars, Kristina Huddleson had 6, Christin Nicks had 5, while Lauren Cartlidge had 4.

The Reds will start play in the weather delayed Edmond Tournament, Thursday.

Stillwater 56, 8th grade boys’ Red 46

STILLWATER — The boys’ Red team (2-7) couldn’t overcome an early deficit on Tuesday, falling 56-46 to Stillwater.

After going behind 17-5 in the first quarter, the Cougars did make a run at redemption, pulling to within eight, 30-22, at halftime.

Stillwater expanded their lead to 13, 45-32, in the third quarter, and though the Cougars outscored their foes 14-11 in the final period, it was too little too late.

“We just started off too slow, but I think we outplayed them a little after the first quarter,” said coach John Spore.

Nate Macy had 18 points for the Cougars, Brad Turvey had 14, Drew Lancaster had 6, Justin Evens, Adam Jooston, and Sean Lunsford had 2 each, while Casey McClaskey had 1.

The Reds will enter the rescheduled Edmond Tournament in the consolation bracket, Friday. Because of the weather, the Poncans had to forfeit the first game of the tournament.

Monday, the Reds will take on the seventh grade at the Middle school gym, starting at 4.