LOCAL

Assistant Police Chief To Visit India with Rotary
City Nurse Files for Commission
Local Educators Plan To Attend Feb. 16 Rally at Capital
Keating’s Remark Raises Hackles of OEA President
DOC To Host Job Fair Feb. 15
Boy Scout Troop 5 To Host Chili Dinner
District Court
Sonja Cassity Out of Coma
Caregiver Training Set at NOC
Memorial Set for 1949 Ponca Princess

Assistant Police Chief To Visit India with Rotary

Clayton Johnson, assistant chief of the Ponca City Police Department, is visiting India as a member of a Rotary International study team. He is one of five business and professional leaders relating to Indian professional people with similar backgrounds.

A Rotary team captain and the four non-Rotary team members, all from northwest Oklahoma, are spending five weeks in India.

Johnson was selected for the team because of his leadership role in Ponca City and his background in law enforcement.

Each year a team from RI District 5750, consisting of 42 Rotary clubs, exchanges visits with another country. A team of leaders from India will visit Oklahoma in May and June.

In the past five years, northwest Oklahoma Rotary club teams have exchanged visits with Australia, Venezuela, Japan, Turkey and Mexico. The 2001 team will have an exchange with France.

Ponca City Rotary clubs will be looking for prospects to nominate for positions on the team.

City Nurse Files for Commission

Pamela Johnson became the final person to file for the City Commission when she announced for the No. 4 position Wednesday. The fourth seat is currently held by Keni Ray, who announced earlier in the week he will run for reelection.

Filings for the No. 2 and No. 4 positions closed yesterday.

Johnson, a 46 year-old nurse and mother of one, said, “I am running to represent the average person. I live on the west side of Ponca City and think it should have some representation.”

She lives at 127 South Oak.

Incumbent Chris Hand, 44, who has served a full three-year term, drew no opposition. He will automatically retain his seat on the Commission. Hand resides at 2701 McKinnley Place.

Johnson opposes Ray, 51, who filled the vacancy for the No. 4 position when Tom Leonard was elected Mayor in 1998. Ray was unopposed at that time. He lives at 2109 El Camino.

The filing of Johnson assures a race for the No. 4 post.

The winner of that race and Hand will be swore-in on the first Tuesday in April, according to City Attorney Kevin Murphy. This marks a change from the past when newly elected commissioners or the mayor were installed on the first Tuesday in May.

The election is slated for March 14, which coincides with the Oklahoma primaries. This is a change in policy as the election would normally be held on the first Tuesday.

Earlier the City Commission voted to hold the election the same day as the primary, which will save about $4,700 in city funds. That is because the state will pick up the tab for the cost of the precinct workers.

Local Educators Plan To Attend Feb. 16 Rally at Capital

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Thousands of public education supporters from across Oklahoma will be demanding educational changes from state leaders when they attend the “Put Education First Rally” at the Capitol.

Hundreds of Ponca City teachers, supporters and parents will be among those making the journey on Feb. 16.

The rally, organized by the Oklahoma Education Coalition, will begin at 11 a.m. on the south steps of the state Capitol.

The day was planned to coincide with the Oklahoma Parent Teachers Association’s Lobby Day at the Capitol on the same day.

Locally, school has been cancelled on the 16th. Students will make up the day by attending classes on Feb. 11, formerly slated to be an off day for students but an in-service day for teachers.

Those attending the rally will be asking state leaders to put Oklahoma’s school and children first with adequate funding.

Judy Friess, local president of the Association of Classroom Teachers (ACT), says the coalition is concerned about many educational issues.

“A reform bill passed on to school districts last May had several unfunded mandates and loopholes. No coalition members were even asked for their input on the bill,” she said.

Friess said health insurance premiums are going up at a rate higher than teacher salaries. “Our fringe benefits are lacking compared with other state and federal employees,” she explained.

The group will discuss several issues at the rally — not just teacher salaries — although Friess says that remains a major problem in the state.

“We rank near the bottom in the entire nation regarding teacher pay. That needs to change,” she said. Gov. Frank Keating has promised to include a $2,000 per year pay raise for public school teachers in his upcoming budget.

The rally has the backing of Ponca City schools superintendent Dr. Bill White. He is encouraging everyone from the area — teachers, supporters and parents — to be at the Capitol on Feb. 16.

“Education is not always a top priority — although it should be,” White said. “Oklahoma has so many needs that we get too far behind other states in many areas.”

Having the rally at the beginning of the legislative session was done for a reason, according to Bob Mooneyham, outgoing executive director of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association.

“Many of our members hear a common theme when they visit the Capitol in April and May,” Mooneyham said.

“Legislators tell our members, ‘We’d love to help you, but the money is all gone.’ We’re already hearing reports about additional revenues possibly being available this year. With thousands of our members sharing their stories, we hope to open some eyes on Feb. 16.”

Keating’s Remark Raises Hackles of OEA President

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The president of the Oklahoma Education Association says a quip Gov. Frank Keating made about a deadly way to deal with the teachers union hurts.

When Keating was asked by someone Monday night at Oral Roberts University what he considered the best way to deal with an Oklahoma education union, he paused and grinned and said ‘‘Homicide.’’

Keating had been freely joking with the college audience of 350 throughout the evening.

After his one-word response, Keating then said, ‘‘Seriously, I think teaching, next to parenting, is one of the greatest callings a person can answer.’’

Keating said he was kidding with his comment. He said however that he would not apologize for ‘‘blushes’’ he might utter while being governor.

‘‘It hurts my feelings,’’ OEA President Carolyn Crowder said Wednesday. ‘‘Even if he said it in jest, it hurts me and it hurts teachers and education professionals in Oklahoma who have dedicated their lives to teaching and guiding the state’s children.

‘‘The OEA has tried and will continue to try to show respect for the governor and his position,’’ Crowder said. ‘‘It is regretful that he cannot show that kind of respect to the professionals that are working with our state’s children.’’

OEA member Bob Odle said the governor’s comments were inappropriate in light of school shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado and at Fort Gibson Middle School.

‘‘Talking about homicide about a teacher is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,’’ Odle said. ‘‘It’s a pretty perverse mind that would find that amusing. What would happen if we said that about the governor?’’

John Cox, one of the governor’s spokesmen, said Keating’s comment was made in a humorous fashion and noted it drew a laugh from the audience.

‘‘Obviously the OEA doesn’t have a sense of humor,’’ he said.

DOC To Host Job Fair Feb. 15

PAWHUSKA — The Oklahoma Department of Corrections will be hosting a job fair for the Dick Conner Correctional Center 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 15. The job fair will be located at the Chamber of Commerce building, 222 West Main Street, Pawhuska.

Applications will be accepted for a variety of positions in security, medical. psychology, probation and parole, food service, maintenance, and administrative/clerical. A benefits package is being offered.

On-site testing will be administered for correctional officers and food service supervisors from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Valid driver’s license or photo identification showing date of birth is required. Applicants who have prior military experience should also bring a copy of their DD214 forms.

For further information about career opportunities with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, contact Human Resources, 405-425-2844; the Any Time Job Information Line, 1-877-276-JOBS; or view current job openings on the agency’s web page at www.doc.state.ok.us; or apply in person on Feb. 15.

Boy Scout Troop 5 To Host Chili Dinner

Boy Scout Troop Five members prepare for the troop’s annual chili and soup supper at St. Mary's parish hall Feb. 4. The supper will run from 5 to 8 p.m. and will feature chili, hot dogs, vegetable soup, corn bread and cake. Nachos will be sold by Cub Scout Pack 15 for $1. Tickets can be bought at the door. The annual event is the troop’s major fund raiser.

District Court

Blackwell

Divorces Sought

Nancy J. Lucas vs. Lynn D. Lucas.

Joyce Chambers vs. Craig L. Chambers.

Glen Dale Curtis Jr. vs. Synthia Renea Curtis.

Sherry Bersche vs. Robert Bersche.

Divorces Granted

John L. Towles vs. Theda J. Towles.

Sonja Cassity Out of Coma

Sonja Cassity, a former Ponca city resident and Po-Hi graduate, remains in Oklahoma City’s Baptist Medical Center. She has, however, awakened from a coma which she had been in since Sunday and is responding to family members.

She has been removed from the liver transplant list she was put on last week and is showing signs of improvement.

Cassity, 28, is the daughter of Brad and Helen Cassity. Cards can be sent to her at Integris Health — Baptist Medical Center, Room 701 Transplant ICU, 3300 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73112.

Caregiver Training Set at NOC

Northern Oklahoma College, School of Nursing and NODA Area Agency on Aging will host Caregiver Training. The one-day training, will feature classes on basic daily living skills. Participants will receive instruction and have an opportunity to do hands on training.

There will be two one-day trainings on the Tonkawa Northern Oklahoma College campus. The first session will be Feb. 22, and the second session will be April 6. Both sessions will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Skills Lab in Harold Hall. Lunch will be available for $3.76 at the NOC cafeteria.

The NOC Enid Campus will host a one-day caregiver training March 2. The training will be held in the basement of Zollars Library on the Enid Northern Oklahoma College Campus from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be on your own.

Instructors for all class will be graduating nursing students and the NOC School of Nursing instructors.

There is no charge for the training, but registration is required. For more information or to register, call Judy Rupp at (580) 237-2236 or (800) 749-1149. Each person attending a training session will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion.

Most caregivers are unprepared or untrained for the job. Caregivers often find themselves in a caregiving situation suddenly and unexpectedly. A health crisis can change circumstances overnight and most of us do not plan for such a possibility.

Being a caregiver is a full-time job … and more. It is one that can lead to social isolation and loneliness. Yet, long-term caregivers are far from alone. At any one time, an estimated 22 million Americans are caring for chronically ill family members.

Caregiving 101 training will provide caregivers with a range of skills to ease some of the burdens experienced by family caregivers.

Memorial Set for 1949 Ponca Princess

WHITE EAGLE — A Native American Church memorial service will be held Friday evening for the late Julia Chloe Rhoads, who was a full-blooded Ponca tribal member and the 1949 Ponca Princess. The service will be held at the home of Parrish Williams, south of White Eagle. Williams will conduct the services.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the White Eagle Ponca Indian United Methodist Church with the Rev. Thomas Roughface officiating. The memorial dinner will be served at this time.

Following these events, at 2 p.m., the Rhoads/Whiteagle family will sponsor a dance at the White Eagle Cultural Center with the following agenda.

Gourd dancing will begin at 2 p.m., supper at 5:30 p.m., with women’s dancing following supper and gourd dancing resuming. War dancing will begin at 8 p.m.

The head staff is as follows: head singer, Eli Warrior, a Ponca from Oklahoma City; head man dancer, Dwight Howe of Ponca City; head gourd dancer, Montana Feathers, Ponca from Ponca City; head woman dancer, Lucy Cries-For-Ribs, Ponca from southwest of Ponca City; master of ceremonies, Thomas Roughface, Ponca from Bethany.

The family invites the public to attend and extends an invitation to all princesses.

DEATHS

Juanita Maxine Martin
Jessie Alfred Thele
Ruby Lee Taylor
Dorothy Bush
Brady Bechtel
Alma L. Barnard

Juanita Maxine Martin

NEWKIRK — Juanita Maxine Martin, former Newkirk resident, died early Tuesday morning, Feb. 1, 2000, at Via Christie Regional Medical Center-St. Joseph Campus in Wichita, Kan. She was 80.

The funeral has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 4, 2000, in the Friendship Baptist Church in Wichita, with the Rev. Steve Day officiating. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery, Oak Grove Section in Ponca City.

Juanita Maxine Martin was born July 22, 1919, at Lindsborg, Kan., the daughter of David and Maude (Davis) Ericson. She attended Sunflower Grade School in School district 78, and graduated from Assaria (Kansas) High School. She then attended a business school in Hutchinson, Kan.

She married Lester Guy Martin on Nov. 5, 1946, in South Haven, Kan. They established their first home in Newkirk, moving later to Wichita where her husband was employed by Boeing Aircraft. They also lived in Seattle, Wash.; Denver, Colo.; Long Beach, Calif.; and Tulsa. After he retired in 1968, they returned to Wichita where she has since resided; he died Feb. 14, 1975.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lindsborg and had been a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Arkansas City. For a number of years she lead a country western band and played keyboard and accordion as well as sang. She was also coordinator of the band’s volunteering time at nursing homes, Veterans Administration hospitals and senior citizens centers, playing for holidays, birthdays and other special occasions. She enjoyed crafts of various kinds.

She is survived by one brother, Gayle Ericson of Wichita. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Casket bearers will be Jerry Thompson, Ulis Foyle, Sonny Hummingbird, Jeff Andrews, Bill York and Christopher Everett.

A memorial fund has been established in her name with Friendship Baptist Church, 2209 E. Pawnee, Wichita, KS 67216 or contributions may be made through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.

Jessie Alfred Thele

BLACKWELL —Jessie Alfred Thele, longtime Blackwell resident, died Tuesday morning, Feb. 1, 2000, at the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell. He was 89.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, 2000, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Blackwell with Rev. Joseph Burger officiating. Burial will be in the Resthaven Memorial Park in Ponca City under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home of Blackwell. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000, in the chapel of the funeral home. The family will be at the home of Rick Thele, 8954 East Tower Road, in Ponca City.

Jessie was born March 26, 1910. at Canton, the son of Herman Joseph and Edna (Brannon) Thele. He received his education in Ponca City. He was inducted into the United States Army, serving our country during World War II. He married Gladys Alley in 1937 in Arkansas City, Kan. She preceded him in death. For many years, he worked in the Ponca City Conoco Refinery. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Blackwell.

He is survived by one son, Rick Thele of Ponca City; two daughters, Pat Conine of Oklahoma City and Marilyn Thele of Arkansas City; four brothers; two sisters; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one daughter, Carolyn Thele; one brother; and two sisters.

Ruby Lee Taylor

Ruby Lee Taylor, former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000, at St. Francis Medical Center in Tulsa. She was 82.

The funeral will be graveside 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, 2000, at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Charles Heyer, associate pastor of First Christian Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Ruby Lee Taylor was born April 12, 1917, at Elm Springs, Ark., the daughter of Paul and Daisy Mae Ellenbarger Graham. She attended schools at Springdale, Ark.

She and Marlin D. Taylor were married Aug. 1, 1936, in Springdale.

During World War II, they lived in Wichita where both were employed by Boeing. Following the war, the couple moved to Ponca City where they owned and operated United Window and Carpet Cleaning for 38 years.

She was a member of the First Christian Church. She enjoyed both hand and machine sewing, reading and studying her Bible.

She is survived by a son, Dr. Robert A. Taylor of Tulsa; a daughter, Marlene Bohannon of Tulsa; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a half-brother and half-sister in Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her husband on May 3, 1996.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 6465 South Yale, Tulsa, Okla. 74136.

Friends may call at the funeral home until 11 a.m. Friday.

Services Pending

Dorothy Bush

BLACKWELL — Dorothy Bush, resident of Blackwell, died Wednesday evening, Feb. 2. 2000, in the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell. she was 76. Arrangements are pending with Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Brady Bechtel

BLACKWELL — Brady Bechtel, resident of Blackwell, died Wednesday evening, Feb. 2, 2000, in the St. Frances Hospital in Wichita, Kan. He was 21. The funeral will be 10:30 Saturday in the First Christian Church in Blackwell. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Alma L. Barnard

FAIRFAX — Alma L. Barnard, former longtime Fairfax resident, died Wednesday morning, Feb. 2, 2000, in Oklahoma City. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home in Fairfax.

NEWS BRIEFS

Work Session Canceled — Ponca City Commission set for 2 p.m., Monday at the Public Safety Center has been canceled, according to the City Administration office.

Minor Accident — A minor accident report was taken in the 900 block of South Fourth at 7:23 a.m. Wednesday.

KOFP&S Music Meeting — The Walnut Valley chapter of the Kansas Oldtime Fiddlers, Pickers and Singers will meet Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Arkansas City Senior Citizen’s facility in downtown Arkansas City. Individual performances will begin at 4 p.m. with snacks from 6 to 7 p.m. and dancing at 7 p.m. Local instrumentalists and singers are invited to participate. Clean environment — no smoking, drugs or alcohol permitted. All are invited to pick, sing, and dance. There is no admission charge, but donations are accepted; yearly membership is $10.

Burglary — A business in the 1000 block of West Prospect reported the area had been vandalized. A report was taken at 8:17 a.m. Wednesday.

Singles Plan Meeting — Singles Connection will meet on Saturday, Feb. 5, at 3:30 p.m. for a late afternoon movie at Ponca Plaza Twin, followed by dinner. For more information, call Mary Lou at 762-0578.

Assault — At 9:38 a.m. Wednesday an officer of the Ponca City Police Department took a report after a student was assaulted in the 900 block of North Fifth Street.

Square Dance — The Chikaskia Valley Square Dance Club’s annual “Cherry Pie” dance is slated Feb. 4 at the VFW Ballroom, 2900 East Prospect. Members are asked to bring a favorite cherry dessert. George McElhoe will be the cuer for rounds at 7:30 p.m. and Sonya Savell will be the caller for squares at 8 p.m.

Prisoner in Custody — A 16-year-old juvenile male was arrested at 11:27 a.m. Wednesday in the 1100 block of South Fourth on a Cowley County warrant for aggravated assault.

Boy Scout Chili Supper — Boy Scout Troop 5 will be having their annual chili supper from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall. They will be serving chili, hotdogs, vegetable soup, cornbread and cake. It is all you can eat for $5; kids six and under eat free. Cub Scout Pack 15 will be selling nachos for $1. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Bogus Letter — A bogus letter was reported to police at 12:04 p.m. Wednesday in the 1100 block of South Fifth Street. A report was taken.

Soccer Sign-up starts Sat., Feb., 5th 9-1. Feb 7th, 8th, & 9th, 4-8pm. 4 1/2 years and up. Quantum Computers Systems. 312 East Grand. Call 762-9056. adv.

Intoxicated Subject — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department arrested a 45-year-old male in the 700 block of North Osage for public intoxication at 3 p.m.

50- 75% off. New and used kids clothes, shoes, and maternity. Bearly New. adv.

Canceled — The clothing giveaway at First Assembly of God has been canceled for Monday, Feb. 7. Watch for the new Helping Hands House at a new location soon.

Little Dance Smoke Shop. Marlboros $21.00 carton. GPC $17.50 carton. Gunsmoke $12.00

carton. open 7:30 to o 7:30 Sunday 9 to 6. 3 miles South on Hwy 177. 762-7071. adv.

Shoplifter — A 61-year-old female was arrested at 3:21 p.m. Wednesday in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue for petit larceny.

Concealed Weapons class. Sunday, February 6th at 1pm. 500 South Rockcliff Road. For information call 765-6677 or 761-4447. adv.

Theft — It was reported to police at 6:22 p.m. Wednesday in the 1100 block of El Camino that an urn had been taken from a front porch. A report was taken.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv.

Drive Off — A clerk from the 1300 block of West Highland reported a $13.28 gas drive off at 7:54 p.m. Wednesday. A report was taken.

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.

Arrest Made — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department arrested a 39-year-old male on two city warrants at 5:04 p.m. Wednesday in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street.

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.

In Custody — A 37-year-old female was arrested for driving while intoxicated at Second Street and Highland Avenue at 2:13 a.m. Thursday. Another officer then arrested a 29-year-old female for public intoxication.

Pauline’s Shrimp peel. All you can eat $11.95 Friday the 4th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

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.

Arrested — A 44-year-old male was arrested at 11:49 p.m. Wednesday from the 700 block of North Seventh Street for driving under the influence.

Valentine Salad Luncheon Thursday February 10, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. First Lutheran

Church Fellowship Hall. Adults $5. Preschool $1.50 adv.

Fire Run — A motorist in the 400 block of South Pine reported a grass fire at 12:23 a.m. Thursday. Officers advised they had the fire out before fire personnel arrived.

GARDENING

Squash, a Native American Vegetable
Diggin’ in the Dirt
New Garden Club
Oklahoma Daylily Society
Oklahoma Iris Society
Free Seed Packet Offer for Butterfly Garden Plants

Squash, a Native American Vegetable

Just Right for the Winter Dinner Table

By GEORGE BRIA

POUND RIDGE, N.Y. (AP) — It’s a long way from zucchini to butternut. They don’t look or taste alike, but they’re both members of a wide-ranging family named squash. Right now, in January, the so-called winter squashes like butternut and acorn reign supreme. Not in the garden, of course, but on the table. They got the name “winter” because it takes as long as four months for some to mature from the time they are planted in the spring.

They’re harvested in the fall and may be stored for eating through the winter. Acorn, one of the best of the winter squashes, is delicious stuffed with brown sugar and butter and baked for 40 minutes. To lovers of such traditional dishes as Italian stuffed zucchini it may come as a surprise to learn that squash is a native American vegetable.

Not until Europeans colonized the Americas did they discover such long-cultivated Indian vegetables as squash, tomatoes, potatoes, beans and corn. Massachusetts Indians gave us the word “squash” from their “askutasquash,” meaning “eaten raw or uncooked.” In the mainstream today, it’s usually eaten cooked.

Few vegetables match the variety of squash in looks, harvest time and taste. And yet they’re cultivated quite similarly in the garden, starting with their sowing in warm weather and rich soil. All of them need space to spread out. Butternut takes 75 to 90 days to mature. Buttercup, a similar variety, takes about 100. The summer squashes like zucchini, on the other hand, are ready to harvest in 50 to 55 days.

All squashes belong to the cucurbit family, which includes cucumbers, pumpkins and melons, although we don’t usually think of these as squashes. The variety of squashes is staggering. An inventory of the Seed Savers Exchange contains 33 pages of nonhybrid squash cultivars from the summer through the winter types. Many home gardeners get their first squash experience with zucchini and soon learn, as I did, that less is better than more. Three or four plants should be enough to fill the demand for a family of four.

Plant more and you’re likely to be inundated with zucchini. And it’s hard to pass the surplus on to a neighbor, especially if you try it a second time. I like zucchini picked young and small and eaten as sauteed slices or as fritters dipped in egg. But some people let them swell quite a bit before stuffing them or cutting them up to make squash bread. Left on the vine, zucchini may grow as big as watermelons.

A treat is frying the large flowers on the outside end of zucchini. I’ve found a superb variety of zucchini in the French Arlesa courgette obtainable from Shepherd’s Garden Seeds, 30 Irene Street, Torrington, Conn. 06970, telephone 860-482-3638; Web site www.shepherdseeds.com. Zucchini varieties are usually club-shaped and dark green with light stripes. Other summer squashes have constricted necks and are commonly known as yellow squash.

Still another summer squash is called scallop or patty pan from its shape. All squashes are considered vine crops, but the term seems more applicable to the winter kind. Summer squashes are mostly bush types. Another difference is that winter squash is harvested after the outer skin, or rind, has hardened, sometimes as long two months after the fruit reaches full size on the vine. Summer squash is picked tender.

The winter squashes require no refrigeration and may be stored in basements, barns or root cellars and will keep for months. Butternut peels easily and its deep orange flesh makes a delicious soup. While American Indians first cultivated squash, European breeders adopted the vegetable for their own farms and gardens and bred varieties.

Here’s an Italian winter squash named Marina di Chioggia offered this year by the Cook’s Garden, P.O. Box 535, Londonderry, Vt. 05148, telephone 800-457-9705. The catalog says the vines produce deep gray green warted fruits that weigh 5 to 10 pounds, keep well “and are perfect for squash gnocchi served simply with butter and fresh sage.”

Diggin’ in the Dirt

Plant by the Sign of the Moon?

by Kathy Zehr

Gardeners in the Ponca City area are thankful for the wonderful moisture from the snowfall this week. But, if we aren’t building snowmen or shoveling snow off the walks, many of us are feeling “cooped up” having to stay indoors. Several gardening and planning activities for February are suggested here to prepare for the coming spring.

The Last Freeze Date

We have received several inquiries about the last freeze date in Ponca City. I have hesitated to suggest a date since the weather in the southern plains has been so unstable recently. I will say that in 1998 most gardening calendars suggested that the last hard freeze in our area was expected about the third week in March. Most area gardeners say they usually gear their indoor seed sprouting to be ready for planting outdoors about that time.

Make A Calendar

Speaking of dates and times, I recently read on the web a good way to plan your plantings and other chores. Planning may seem tiresome, but it can save time — lots of it! The article suggested adding a good appointment calendar to our gardening notebooks and writing in the names of the selected plants on the approximate date we want to plant them. If you’re seeding starts indoors, read the information on the back of the seed packet and count backwards to determine when the seeds should be started in indoor flats. It is also a good idea to keep a picture (from the seed packet or the seed catalog) in your notebook so you can refer to it as you work with that variety or next year when you want to order the same variety.

The Sign of the Moon

According to the “Old Farmer’s Almanac” and several successful local gardeners, the best time to plant is by the sign of the moon. They say flowers and vegetables bearing crops above ground should be planted between the day the moon is new to the day it is full (often referred to as the new moon or the light of the moon). Flowering bulbs and vegetables that bear crops below ground should be planted during the dark of the moon (from the day after the moon is full to the day before it is new again).

There is no official proof that planting by the sign of the moon is better, but many of our best local gardeners would not plant their gardens at any other time. If new gardeners want to try following the moon signs to plant, a calendar with the phases of the moon on it would be very helpful for planning.

Greenhouse Gardeners

Winter is a wonderful time for gardeners who are lucky enough to own greenhouses. It is a way to extend all seasons and a place to get out of the house and work on several gardening projects when we get “cabin fever.” One of those projects includes giving the greenhouse a thorough cleaning.

A clean greenhouse deters dangerous fungus and insect problems and provides a healthy environment for both the plants and the gardener. Greenhousers can now start planting seeds in flats for cool-weather vegetables, such as onions, lettuce and cole crops (cabbage, broccoli, etc.). It is a good time to stock up on potting mediums, make repairs and check other supplies in preparation for the upcoming busy season.

Flowers and Ornamentals

Pansies, snapdragons and other winter plants need to be protected now with a mulch against damage from hard freezes. Pine needles or light straw make a good covering. Remove it when the weather warms up. It is also time to fertilize these winter ornamentals as well as dianthus and ornamental cabbage and kale.

Preparation should be made to divide dahlias, gerberas, daisies and other perennials as soon as they start to peep from the ground. Rye grass should be planted soon, and it’s time to prune many trees and shrubs. Call the Kay County Extension office at 580-362-3194 for free detailed information on these late winter activities.

Seed Catalogs

Readers who are not on mailing lists have requested the name and address of several seed catalogs so they can place orders. I have included only a few of the dozens available. Park Seed Co., 1 Parkton Ave., Greenwood, SC 29647, (800-845-3369); Henry Field’s, 415 North Burnett, Shenandoah, Iowa 51602, internet www.henryfields.com, phone 1-800-798-7842; Gurney’s Seed, 110 Capital Street, Yankton, SD 57079, internet www.gurneys.com; Seed Savers Exchange, 3076 N. Winn Rd., Decorah, IA 52101, (319 382-5990); W.A. Burpee Co., 300 Park Ave., Warminster, PA 18974, (800- 888-1447).

For heirloom seeds a catalog may be ordered for $2 from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, P.O. Box 170, Earlysville, VA 22936, (804-973-4703). Many other places to order can also be found on internet.

Over The Fence

New Garden Club

Members of a newly-formed evening garden club will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Cann Garden Center. Members are encouraged to bring guests. A name for the group will be selected and officers elected. For more information call 762-4887, or after five, 762-2273.

Oklahoma Daylily Society

The Oklahoma Daylily Society will meet Monday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cann Garden Memorial Center.

Guest speaker will be Bob Scott, owner of Scott Nursery in Yukon. Bob is a well-known daylily hybridizer of the Top Gun series of daylilies. His introductions are grown nationwide. He will present a slide presentation of his seedlings and introductions.

This is the first meeting of the new year for the organization and all daylily enthusiasts are encouraged and welcome to attend this meeting. For additional information call Lillian Williams, 762-3796.

Oklahoma Iris Society

The Northern Oklahoma Iris Society will meet at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at the Cann Garden Center. The program for the evening will be an iris slide presentation from Schreiner’s Gardens and the American Iris Society. Anyone interested in irises is invited to attend the meeting. If you have any questions about the iris society, please contact Lil Williams, 762-3796, for additional information.

Free Seed Packet Offer for Butterfly Garden Plants

When planning your spring garden, why not include a Butterfly Garden.” It’s easy to entice “Nature’s Flying Flower,” the butterfly, to become a frequent visitor to your garden when you plant a special selection of colorful, nectar rich annuals that have been hand-selected by the Butterfly Garden Club.

These stunning flowers are easy to grow and bloom quickly from spring through summer. You can enjoy the beauty of the butterflies all season long. Butterfly populations are dwindling in both the urban and rural areas due to habitat destruction. The Butterfly Garden Club is dedicated to increasing butterfly habitats in backyard gardens.

If you would like to join in the campaign to help increase butterfly habitats in your backyard, the club will send you a free packet of seeds to plant that will entice butterflies to your yard.

To receive your free seeds and growing instructions send a long, self-addressed and stamped envelope (with 2 stamps) to: The Butterfly Garden Club, P.O. Box 629, Burgin, KY 40310. There is a limit of one free packet per household. Additional packets are available for $1 each.

SPORTS

Prep Basketball
OU Gets Choice State Picks
OSU Shows Winning Poise

Prep Basketball

Junior Varsity Boys

Ponca City JV 55, Owasso 42

Ponca City’s Wildcat JVs broke up a close game with a 17-9 second quarter outburst to claim a 55-42 win Tuesday night.

The Cats turned a 12-10 first quarter edge to a 29-19 bulge at halftime and cruised in for the win.

“This was a very good effort.’ said Ponca City coach Joe Matlock. “The team played great defense and hit the open man on offense and those guys knocked down the shots.

“The kids played very unselfish in the second half which allowed us to really open up the game.”

Kris Upchurch and Matt Meyer paced the Ponca City scoring with 13 and 11 points.

The only problem the Poncans had was in free throws where they were 6-of-18.

Ponca City 55, Owasso 42

Owasso 10 9 12 11 — 42

Ponca 12 17 15 11 — 55

Ponca City — Kris Upchurch 13, Matt Myers 11, James Anno 8, Josh Pitts 8, Jared Brashears 6, Kyle Geheb 5, John Able 2, Matt Bond 2.

Owasso — Morris 10, Dean 7. Sanow 5, Schroeder 5, Hedick 4, Dosset 3, Wiley 3, Bordeaux 3, Tiger 2.

Junior Varsity Girls

Owasso 39, Ponca City Girls 29

Ponca City’s JV girls stayed with Owasso for three period, but the visitors broke away in the fourth quarter to post a 39-29 win Tuesday night in Robson Field House,

The Lady Cats nudged in front 7-4 in the first quarter only to see Owasso to come back to tie the score at 16-all at halftime. The score was still tied, 21-21, and the end of three periods when Owasso broke away.

“We seemed flat all night long,” said coach Brad Larimer. “They (Owasso) stepped it up in the fourth quarter and we didn’t.”

Jenna Wedd was the only Lady Cat in double figures with 15 points.

The JVs join the varsity in traveling to Bartlesville Thursday and to Sand Springs Friday.

Owasso 39, Ponca City 29

Owasso 4 12 4 18 — 39

Ponca 7 9 5 8 — 29

Ponca City — Jenna Wedd 15, Aubrey Kelly 4, Cara Cusick 3, Monica Sawyers 2, Raise Durrani 2, Lyndse Frederick 2, Amanda Summers 1.

Sophomore Boys

Ponca City 44, Enid 26

Gaining revenge for an earlier season loss, Ponca City’s sophomore boys threw a blanket over Enid’s offense in a 44-26 win here Monday.

The Wildcats limited the Plainsmen to single digits in every quarter, getting even for a 48-44 loss to Enid earlier this season.

Coach Jerry Orr was able to empty his bench and nine Wildcats reached the scoreboard.

Kyle Geheb and Joe Rower paced the scoring with 13 and 10 points and the Poncans broke to a 19-15 halftime lead and pulled away in the second half.

The sophomores are next scheduled to play Stillwater here Thursday.

Ponca City 44, Enid 26

Enid 9 6 4 7 — 26

Ponca 9 10 13 12 — 44

Ponca City — Kyle Geheb, Joe Rower 10, Cameron Moore. Robert Bushaw 5, Drew Shelton, Randy Runnels 2, Stephen Wolff 2, Joe Yaffe 2, Nick Hartman.

Enid — Jimieson 6, Merrifield 5, Miranov 4, Cline 3, Richardson 3, Moliter 3, Reed 2.

Sophomore Girls

Ponca City Girls 36, Enid 27

Ponca City’s sophomore girls roared from behind to beat Enid, 36-27 here Monday.

Down 18-14 at halftime the Lady Cats outscored Enid 14-2 in the fourth quarter

“I feel the free throws won the game for us,” said coach Dana Bright, pointing out the girls hit 15-of-21 chances for 71 percent.

Mallory Hodge had 18 points and Amanda Summers 10.

Earlier, the sophomores defeated Frontier 53-21.

The Lady Cat sophomores are 8-0 heading into the game with Stillwater next Thursday

Ponca City 36, Enid 27

Ponca 8 6 8 14 — 36

Enid 6 12 7 2 — 27

Ponca City — Mallory Hodge 18, Amanda Summers 10, Monica Sawyers 4, Jenna Wedd 4.

———

Ponca City 53, Frontier JV 21

Ponca City 11 13 16 13 — 53

Frontier 2 8 5 8 — 21

Ponca City — Amanda Summers 13, Courtney Birdsong 10. Mallory Hodge 8. Jenna Wedd 6, Monica Sawyers 4, Alexander 4, Waters 4, Ingram 4.

OU Gets Choice State Picks

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — If the 2000 recruiting class is any indication, then Oklahoma has re-established itself as the school of choice for the state’s most promising high school players.

The Sooners had lost more than a few home-grown players to Oklahoma State and out-of-state schools in recent years, particularly during the three straight losing seasons from 1996-98.

But 13 Oklahoma high school stars were among the 28 players signing with the Sooners on Wednesday, helping give OU its most highly regarded recruiting class in several years.

‘‘Overall, a very positive group,’’ coach Bob Stoops said. ‘‘I really believe it’s a group, along with the players we already have on this team, that we can certainly have an opportunity to win a Big 12 championship with. That’s what we’re going to push for, and this is a class I believe is going to help us do that.’’

Bristow linebacker Ronbrose Jones, Lawton MacArthur defensive tackle Jammal Brown, running backs Brian Odom of Ada and Renaldo Works of Tulsa Washington, and offensive lineman Wes Sims of Weatherford lead the list of in-state players signing with the Sooners.

The only Oklahoma player the Sooners coveted who chose to play elsewhere was defensive end Adam Doiron of Duncan, who committed to Texas early on and never wavered.

‘‘I’m very happy of the overall athletic ability of our players,’’ Stoops said. ‘‘We wanted to recruit speed at all positions. We needed size at our line positions, size and quickness, and I felt good about that, really, on both sides of the ball. I feel great about the athleticism of our skilled positions.’’

In 1999, Stoops led Oklahoma to an 7-5 record and an appearance in the Independence Bowl. It was the Sooners’ first winning season since 1993.

The Sooners’ top out-of-state commitments included receiver/defensive back Mark Clayton of Arlington, Texas, receiver Will Peoples of Humble, Texas, and quarterback Hunter Wall of Coppell, Texas.

Oklahoma State coach Bob Simmons said he was pleased with the 29 players who signed with the Cowboys.

‘‘As we look at it as a staff, I think this is a class that we wanted to recruit in terms of speed,’’ he said. ‘‘We have a lot of speed in this class with Tatum Bell and D.D. Cox, and the kind of years that they’ve had.’’

Bell is a running back out of DeSoto, Texas, one of 10 players from south of the Red River who signed with the Cowboys.

‘‘In high school, he was faster than (Texas Tech’s) Byron Hanspard,’’ Simmons said. ‘‘He was slowed up a little bit by a hamstring, but he’s got legitimate track speed.’’

Cox is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound running back from Boulder Fairview High School in Broomfield, Colo.

Among the in-state players who signed with Oklahoma State were running back Johnny Bizzell of Carl Albert, offensive lineman Chris Akin of Weatherford and lineman Ben Buie of Broken Arrow.

Named to the job of Tulsa coach in December, Keith Burns had only a month to put together his class of recruits. He said he was pleased Wednesday.

Running back Donte Hart of Garland, Texas, linebacker Jason Wiltshire of Jenks, and quarterback James Kilian of Medford were among a half-dozen recruits from high school teams that reached state championships. Kilian broke national records in passing for eight-man football.

‘‘Not only do they bring athletic ability, they bring a winning attitude,’’ Burns said.

He said Tulsa fans should hear a lot about wide receiver C.J. Scott, a Tennessee recruit who was named a player of the year there. He rushed for 1,353 yards on 182 carries for 16 touchdowns and caught 10 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns as a senior at Glencliff High School in Nashville.

Another strength of this year’s recruiting class is its versatility, he said. Several players, including Scott, have played in a secondary.

‘‘They’re all athletic guys,’’ Burns said.

OSU Shows Winning Poise

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Texas Tech didn’t play like a team that had yet to win in the Big 12, and forced No. 13 Oklahoma State to show the poise of a conference leader.

The Cowboys were able to do just that Wednesday night, making 7-of-8 free throws in the final minute to hold off Texas Tech 63-59.

‘‘I don’t think their players played like a team that’s been on a losing streak,’’ Oklahoma State coach Eddie Sutton said. ‘‘I’m happy to get out of here with a victory.’’

Desmond Mason scored 18 points to lead the Cowboys, who improved to 17-2 overall, 6-1 in the Big 12.

Texas Tech (9-9, 0-7) closed to 56-55 with a minute remaining. But the Cowboys were able to seal the victory at the line.

‘‘We gave a great effort but didn’t make key plays when we needed to,’’ coach James Dickey said. ‘‘That’s what great teams do. That is why coach Sutton is so good. His teams make those plays.’’

Tech forward Mario Layne said it’s not that the Red Raiders aren’t keeping pace. He said the team just isn’t following through during the final minutes.

‘‘We’ve got to get everybody playing right at the end of the game,’’ he said. ‘‘We have been playing on the boards better than we had been. I think we just have to finish out games.’’

Glendon Alexander hit a 3-pointer with 7:20 left that put the Cowboys ahead 47-45. It was Oklahoma State’s first lead of the second half.

Sutton said Tech’s biggest problem is a lack of depth. The Red Raiders’ starters are playing an average of more than 30 minutes per game.

‘‘Tech played the game the only way they had a chance to win,’’ he said. ‘‘They played very smart the way they played offense.’’

The most competition between the two teams came during the game’s final eight minutes, Sutton said. The free throws made the difference.

‘‘We made the most of them,’’ he said. ‘‘If you miss free throws late ... you are asking to get beat.’’

James Ware led the Red Raiders with 20 points, including four 3-pointers. Rayford Young contributed 13 points and Mario Layne 10.

Joe Adkins had 15 points and Fredrik Jonzen 12 for the Cowboys.

No. 13 OKLAHOMA ST. 63,

TEXAS TECH 59

OKLAHOMA ST. (17-2) 

Montonati 1-4 4-5 6, Mason 5-11 6-8 18, Jonzen 4-8 4-5 12, Alexander 2-6 4-4 9, Gottlieb 1-3 1-3 3, Adkins 5-11 2-2 15, Williams 0-1 0-0 0, Keep 0-0 0-0 0, Webber 0-3 0-0 0. Totals 18-47 21-27 63.

TEXAS TECH (9-9) 

Layne 2-8 6-7 10, Kennard 2-8 1-2 5, Phillips 1-2 0-0 2, Young 6-17 0-0 13, Ware 6-9 4-4 20, Malone 1-4 0-0 2, Hobbs 2-5 0-0 5, Mitchell 1-3 0-0 2. Totals 21-56 11-13 59.

Halftime—Texas Tech 29, Oklahoma St. 27. 3-Point goals—Oklahoma St. 6-13 (Adkins 3-7, Mason 2-4, Alexander 1-2), Texas Tech 6-16 (Ware 4-6, Hobbs 1-2, Young 1-5, Mitchell 0-1, Malone 0-2). Fouled out—Montonati, Layne. Rebounds—Oklahoma St. 34 (Mason 10), Texas Tech 37 (Layne 8). Assists—Oklahoma St. 13 (Gottlieb 8), Texas Tech 12 (Young 5). Total fouls—Oklahoma St. 13, Texas Tech 18. A—9,750.