LOCAL

Petition Filed in Kaw Court For Removal of Secretary
Nearly News
Welding Seminars Offered at Pioneer Tech
Letters
Raggedy Ann, Andy Celebrating Birthday at Brace Books Saturday
Commission Discusses Number Of Marland Estate Activities

Petition Filed in Kaw Court For Removal of Secretary

KAW CITY — Kaw Tribal Chairman Wanda Stone has filed a lawsuit in Kaw Nation District Court seeking the removal of Joann O’Bregon from the council.

The petition was filed Feb. 7.

O’Bregon is the secretary of the executive council.

O’Bregon is accused of voting on a resolution in which she had a personal interest and stood to gain financially in violation of the Kaw constitution.

The defendant allegedly voted on a resolution pertaining to paying back a loan from the tribe that was used to pay the Oklahoma Tax Commission in a test case concerning the taxation and sovereignty interests of the tribe.

The parties apparently agree on the facts of the case but disagree on constitutional interpretation.

A summary ruling of the court includes:

— Grants petitioner Chairperson Stone’s motion for summary judgment.

— Denies respondent executive council member Joann O’Bregon’s motion for summary judgment.

— Grants Chairperson Stone’s request for removal of Ms. O’Bregon from office.

— Denies Chairperson Stone’s request for a declaration that the executive council’s March 11, 2000, resolution regarding the loan is “null and void.”

— Denies Chairperson Stone’s request for attorney fees and costs.

— Stays the effect of this judgment pending an opportunity for any party to appeal. The judgment shall only become final once the time for appeal has expired or, if any party appeals, the appeals have been exhausted.

There was a 30-day appeal period established by D. Michael McBride III, justice, supreme Court of the Kaw Nation, sitting as a specially designated judge for the Kaw Nation District Court.

Nearly News

Becky Krueger of Trout Elementary called The News this morning to report that the one million pop tabs will be counted on March 9 at 9:45 a.m. The proceeds will go to the Ronald McDonald House in Oklahoma City and Ronald McDonald will be at the event. The public is invited.

Welding Seminars Offered at Pioneer Tech

A series of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) seminars are being offered by Pioneer Tech’s Welding Technology program.

The three remaining seminars are scheduled for Feb. 24, March 3, and March 10. The three-hour Saturday seminars will begin at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will be for both the beginner and advanced welder.

Welding instructor, Ted Rowe, will begin by covering processes for mild steel, stainless, and aluminum on plate (all positions). For the advanced welders, processes on mild steel and stainless pipe (all positions) will be covered.

Rowe stated that the special seminars are being offered to meet the needs of the community. “The content that will be covered is the same content being offered in our regular daytime program. Hopefully, by having it on a Saturday this will give individuals the option and flexibility of learning GTAW. This will also allow me to better determine the needs of the surrounding community in planning future welding seminars.”

Other instructors working with Rowe during the seminars are Corey Rowe and Charles Garber. Seminars are limited to 12 students each session and the cost is $250 per person.

For more information on the seminars, contact Ted Rowe at 762-8336.

Letters

Rural Zoning Possible

On. Jan. 6, 2001, some Ponca City individuals went to the Kay County Commissioners meeting in Newkirk asking that a three-mile radius around Ponca City and the other towns in Kay county and a half-mile on each side of the major highways in the county come under zoning and building laws of Ponca City.

Specifically, they want the settlement four miles west of Waverly on New U.S. 60 to abide by Ponca City zoning and building codes.

What is that going to mean?

Grass no higher than 10 inches. The state does a fine job of mowing but sometimes grass gets higher than that between mowings.

All vehicles tagged, inspected and insured. Look in the back pasture of the larger farmers. You will see vehicles they might use one day parked behind the barn.

Getting building permits for out buildings and barns. They did say they would exempt agriculture, but how big an an operation do you have to be? Many of the people in this settlement raise cattle, horses and chickens. The hay meadows are usually mowed three times a year and the hay baled. But to be good hay, it’s going to be higher than 10 inches tall.

What about small businesses, and there are several in the area? Are they to be exempt like agriculture. And how big does the agriculture operation have to be to be exempt?

Who will be next? Pleasant View? Ranch Drive? Bois d’Arc? Will it be you or your little farm?

Please come to the commissioners’ meeting march 5 at 9 a.m.

Beverly Miller

AP Story Slanted

The story in the Ponca City News on Sunday Feb. 18, says as much about the slant of the Associated Press writer as it does about the statements by Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode.

The AP writer says the Commissioner thinks its time the federal government bailed out the energy industry. I don’t doubt that the AP thinks of any relaxing of overbearing regulation as being a bail out of the energy industry, but I don’t think that was the message of Commissioner Bode.

The truth is that most of our energy problems are caused by irrational federal regulation. Removing bad regulation that prevents efficient energy production and distribution should not be called a bail out. We are in an age of double-speak by big government advocates who call reducing taxes spending, call spending investment and call deregulation a bail out.

As Sen. Nickles said in the hearings on the California energy problems, it is a California political and regulatory failure not a market failure. The California Legislature did not deregulate energy, they changed regulations so that market incentives and efficiency were ignored. Regulation that prevents production and distribution of a product is not really regulation, it is prohibition.

The choice of the headline “Energy Expert Says Its Time For Help From The Government” is also more double-speak. Since when is stopping your hurtful policy called help; its like saying you are helping me when you stop beating me.

Dave White

Remember Expenses

I work for the City of Ponca City in the Wastewater Collection and Water Distribution Department. As a supervisor, I have a crew of employees who work hard to keep our water lines maintained so when you turn your shower on in the morning, water is there. We work hard to keep sewer lines clear so that waste doesn’t back up into people’s homes and yards. I wonder how many citizens know that the pipes running across the City are over 80 years old in many cases? My crews have spent nights and weekends repairing those lines in freezing weather. The average firefighter makes over 50 percent more than my crews do, and they don’t get paid to drive City vehicles to pick up pizza, go to Burger King, or rent movies. Firemen even get paid to work out in a City-provided weight room while they’re on duty. Now they demand a 10 percent raise.

If the City has to pay the firefighters union a 10 percent increase, the union says it won’t cost anything extra because the City can use money set aside for emergencies. When a water line breaks, the cost of repairing it is high. What happens when we don’t have any money in the City’s reserve funds to pay for emergency water line repairs and keep the pump stations pumping? Will citizens be willing to wait a few days to have running water again if the City has to take out a loan to pay for repairs? I hope the citizens seriously think about this when they’re asked to decide about the union’s pay increase. Fire and ambulance services are important, but so are electricity, water, sewage systems and trash collection. Everybody needs these too, everyday. Lets not take them for granted.

Charlie Hargraves

City of Ponca City

Water/Wastewater Distribution

Supervisor

Raggedy Ann, Andy Celebrating Birthday at Brace Books Saturday

Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy will celebrate their birthdays at Brace Books and More on Saturday, and children of all ages are invited to attend.

Simon and Schuster, publisher, has made life-sized costumes available to Brace Books and More to enhance every child’s fantasy of meeting Raggedy Ann and Andy. Both characters can also autograph copies of storybooks. The staff at Brace Books and More will photograph each child with Raggedy Ann and Andy and provide the photographs free of charge on the following day.

There are two ways to meet the famous duo. From 2 to 3 p.m., everyone who shows up may have a free photo and, if they choose, an autograph. Those who desire a more personal, close-up experience, may purchase tickets to attend the birthday party, which will be held on Saturday morning.

At the “tickets only” birthday party, children will be entertained by Luann Harris, Ponca City’s Teacher of the Year 2000. Limited to 20 children, the party will feature stories, a game, party favors and free photos. Those who purchase the $10 tickets will also receive a $10 coupon to purchase Raggedy Ann and Andy books and merchandise.

“We do not have an age limit for those who may have the free photos with these childhood friends,” said Jean Brace of Brace Books. “Many of our more mature customers have asked if they can attend, and of course, the answer is a resounding yes!”

For more information about tickets for the party call 765-5173 or 800-256-5173 or online at www.bracebooks.com.

Commission Discusses Number Of Marland Estate Activities

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

There was a lot of discussion — but no action at the Tuesday meeting of the Marland Estate Commission due to the lack of a quorum.

There were three new business action items listed on the agenda requiring action. One was to discuss and take action on expansion of the west gate entrance, as recommended by the buildings and grounds committee.

Randy Lauritsen, acting public works director, presented a drawing of the plan and asked for input. Lauritsen told that the proposed demolition of the Conference Center and anticipated the process to begin about mid-April.

Jon Kennedy, reporting for the Building Grounds Committee, presented a drawing of the west gate and the proposed expansion. The cost of the total project is an estimated $30,000.

Other action items included the closing of south gate, which is the wrought iron gate and a raising of fees recommendation for use of the facilities.

Kathy Adams, director, reported for Lana Jones chairman of the Collections Committee. The committee has been working with Lydie Marland’s room and closet in the Marland Mansion.

Adams, reporting for Sue Ziegenhain, told about programs for the guides. One recent one included the video featuring the late Paul Prather, who donated many hours to the Estate. An upcoming program is to feature Bob Clark, whose mother was a friend of Lydie Marland.

Jim York gave an update on the Marland Oil Museum, which is in the process of being revamped with funds from Conoco. Southwest Museums in Houston is in charge of exhibits.

Conoco has also donated $20,000 from the philantrophic funds of the company to the Marland Estate Foundation.

Adams said that Tom Hester, of Chicago, who was here as a part of the Ponca City Summit, had donated $1,000.

The director presented a list of monies that have been approved from the Marland Estate Foundation for walkways, plumbing repair, improvements at Lydie’s Carriage House and landscaping for Lydie’s Garden.

Requests being made include money for roof repair of the north upper terrace of the Mansion, sidewalks, stone repair on the east side of the Mansion and the expansion of the west gate.

The Fee Committee recommendations will be recommending some changes in fee schedules to off-set the deficit. In 1999, the deficit was $9,167 and $14,583 in 2000.

Visitation to the Estate is down with 24,388 visitors in 2000, and there were 29,893 in 1999.

Gerald Nield, vice chairman, is acting chairman of the Marland Estate Commission, a recommending body to the City Commission.

DEATHS

Cleda W. Hutchinson
Bessie Louise Yeager
Opal Fern Bateman
Josephene R. Newton Taylor
Gladys Pearl Avers
Darla Elaine Selvey
Brandon Hunt

Cleda W. Hutchinson

BLACKWELL — Cleda W. Hutchinson, former resident of Blackwell, died Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2001, in the Powhatan Nursing Home in Falls Church, Va. She was 88.

A graveside service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at the Greenlawn Abbey Mausoleum in Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Gale Izard of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Cleda W. Hutchinson was born Nov. 11, 1912, the daughter of Richard G. and Jessie Johnston Welge. She married Fred A. Hutchinson on Oct. 12, 1940, in Blackwell, and they settled in Washington, D.C., for 15 years before moving to Virginia, where she has lived since. Her husband preceded her in death on Dec. 27, 1980.

Bessie Louise Yeager

TONKAWA — Bessie Louise Yeager, resident of Tonkawa, died Monday, Feb. 21, 2001. She was 77.

The funeral was scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22, at 1 p.m. in the Church of Christ in Tonkawa with the Revs. Mike Marsters and Glenn Cathey officiating. Burial is to follow at 4 p.m. in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Freedom with the Rev. Carolyn Murrow officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson Ridgeway Funeral Home of Tonkawa.

Bessie Louise Yeager was born June 26, 1923, near Braman, the daughter of John and Fannie Wall Cathey. She attended school in Braman and graduated from Tonkawa High School. She married Jim Yeager on Aug. 10, 1942, in Newkirk. They lived in the Blackwell and Tonkawa area before moving to Alva in 1960 where she worked for the Woods County Assessor’s office. In 1969, they moved to Guymon, and she was employed with the government as a federal meat inspector at the Swift Packing facility. She retired in 1975 and moved to Freedom. She returned to Tonkawa in 1991 after the death of her husband.

Survivors include a son, Walter Yeager of Tioga, La.; a daughter, Sherrie Woodard of Freedom; three brothers, Marshall Cathey and Jim Cathey of Tonkawa and Jack Cathey or Jacksonville, Fla.; four sisters, Ona Belle Watson, Josephine Williamson and Betty Campbell, all of Tonkawa, and Madeline Williamson of Phoenix, Ariz.; five grandchildren; and a number of other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one daughter, Carolyn Yeager; one brother, Lewis Cathey; and one sister, Margurette Carter Hudkins.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Freedom Ambulance, Hospice of Ponca City or Cancer Research, c/o Anderson Ridgeway Funeral Home, 505 Thunderbird Road, Tonkawa, Okla. 74653.

Obituaries

Opal Fern Bateman

Opal Fern Bateman, resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday morning, Feb. 21, 2001, at her home. She was 81.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at the Community Christian Church with the Rev. Wayne Majors presiding. Assisting ministers will be the Rev. Paul Krueger and the Rev. Don Parsons. Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Opal Fern Rice Bateman was born Aug. 7, 1919, in Ray County, Mo., the daughter of Ernest Clifton Rice and Bertha Tillie (Rieckhoff) Rice. She graduated from Edmond High School in 1937 and from Central State Teachers College of Edmond in 1941. She then taught school in Gillam, Ark., Texarkana, Ark., and Mulhall. She married Kenneth E. Bateman on May 27, 1945, at her parents home northwest of Edmond. The couple moved to Ponca City in December of 1945. She was a longtime member of the Community Christian Church and the CWF (Christian Women’s Fellowship) where she had held many offices. Her enjoyments included reading, traveling, cooking and collecting salt and pepper shakers.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth, of the home; one daughter, Verna Bateman of Ponca City; one son, Duane Bateman and wife, Carolyn, of Kittery, Maine; one brother, Earl C. Rice of Edmond; two grandchildren, Christina and Alexander Bateman of Kittery, Maine; one sister-in-law, Esther Rice of Norman; two nieces and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Clyde Edward Bateman in 1993; one brother, Elroy Rice; and one nephew, Cliff Rice.

Casket bearers will be Ray Peterson, Paul Krueger, Dennis Lebeda, David Beck, Gib Mackey and Howard McIntyre. Honorary casket bearers will be J.D. Martin and Vern Ellis.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand, Ponca City, Okla. 74601 or to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Josephene R. Newton Taylor

FAIRFAX — Josephene R. Newton Taylor, former resident of Fairfax, died Wednesday morning, Feb. 21, 2001, in the Fairfax Manor Nursing Center. Graveside service 10 a.m. Saturday in Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home of Fairfax.

Funerals

Friday

Gladys Pearl Avers

Gladys Pearl Avers — Graveside service at 2 p.m. in the Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Darla Elaine Selvey

Darla Elaine Selvey — Graveside service at 11 a.m. in the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Saturday

Brandon Hunt

Brandon Hunt — Funeral at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Democrats to Meet — The Kay County Democratic Party precinct caucuses will be held March 8 at 7 p.m. All Ponca City Precincts plus the rural precincts 413, 414, 415, 419, 420 and 421 will meet at the Ponca City Library. Contact Garland McWatters, (580) 765-7690 for other county locations.

Pauline’s Steak and shrimp dinner. $11.95. Friday, February 23rd. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Prospect Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 8:51 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

If you are interested in saving the buildings on the Marland Estate, come to The Elk’s Lodge Monday the 26th of February at 5:30. 3612 Lake Road. adv.

Fire Run — A vehicle fire in the 3500 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Communications Center at 9:03 a.m. Wednesday. Engine four with the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene. Firefighters advised the vehicle was fully involved when they arrived.

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

Accident — An employee with the Water and Light Department requested an officer respond to the 800 block of West Prospect Avenue for a fire plug that had been hit at 9:39 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Modern Appliance, all Whirlpool, KitchenAid and RCA products on sale. 116 North 4th. 765-9847. adv.

Accident — A man came to the front lobby of the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, to reported to Ponca City police at 10:38 a.m. Wednesday a hit-and-run accident that occurred on Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Fake Bake for the Winter Dance. Two- minute tanning. No streaking or orange. We’ll demonstrate! Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. 765-3094. adv.

Accident — A non-injury accident at the intersection of Hartford Avenue and North Union Street was reported to Ponca City police at 12:11 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — A security officer at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, 1900 North Fourteenth Street, reported to Ponca City police at 10:22 p.m. Wednesday an employees tires had been slashed. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported to Ponca City police at 4:17 p.m. Wednesday three juvenile boys were being held for shoplifting. Only two of the boys, a 16-year-old and an 11-year-old, were actually involved in the shoplifting, the other boy was just with them. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The boys were released to their parents.

Texas Sweet Onion and five other varieties of plants. 99 cents a bundle. Onion sets, strawberry plants, five varieties of seed potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and collards. Bulk seed and burpee seed. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Theft — A man in the 1500 block of North Woodland Road reported a stolen bike to Ponca City police at 4:32 p.m. Wednesday. 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 $7.49, all day. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Accident — A hit-and-run accident in the 300 block of East Brookfield Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 4:55 p.m. Wednesday. A description and tag number were given to police. Two officers responded to the scene. The vehicle was located in the 1500 block of North Fourth Street and a man was taken into custody for negligent collision, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, driving under suspension and on a city warrant for failure to pay. A report was taken.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $8.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Stolen Vehicle — A man in the 3500 block of North Union Street reported a stolen vehicle to Ponca City police at 5:23 p.m. Wednesday. A description was given of the vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — A man in the 900 block of South Seventh Street reported a yard ornament was stolen from his front porch to Ponca City police at 7:44 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

GARDENING

Spring-Flowering Plants Favorites
Arts and Crafts Vendors Needed For Iris Festival
Diggin’ in the Dirt

Spring-Flowering Plants Favorites

By Kelley Duncan

Northern Oklahoma

College Horticulturist

Spring is upon us and the telltale signs are showing. The spring flowering shrubs have fat bud swells in anticipation of warmer days. Pictured in the minds of many impatient gardeners are images of lilac, forsythia and hydrangea in full glorious bloom. Only a little over a month before the mind’s image becomes a real picture.

Everyone knows the beauty of lilac (Syringa vulgaris) in aroma and bloom. Some new hybrids do not have the exotic fragrance of the old fashioned lilac. Blooms are cone shaped and available in many shades of purple and white. Flower clusters are 6-8 inches long and most are fragrant.

The lilac foliage is light green and has a tendency to develop powdery mildew. It does not seem to hurt the plant and I leave it untreated. Trim spent flowers and suckers to keep the plant in good form. Even though it may hurt you, trim extra blooms before they open and the remaining blooms will be larger.

Forsythia is one of the first shrubs to bloom. The yellow flowers seem to float in the air. They have no fragrance. Plant yellow daffodil bulbs nearby for a very dramatic effect. Forsythia can be pruned or allowed to sprawl. Selective pruning after the bloom keeps the shrub in good form. If you wait until fall to prune, the number of blooms will be reduced. Forsythia is most popular in yellow, although there is a white variety available.

Last spring the hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) in this area was spectacular. Many were boasting various shades of blue and pink on the same shrub and 5-to-10-inch rounded clusters of tiny flowers covered the plant in midsummer. The color of the hydrangea is dependent on the pH of the soil. Acid soil produces blue flowers - alkaline soil produces pink flowers.

Another type of hydrangea is the oak-leaved hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia). The flowers are 6-inch conical clusters of tiny white flowers in midsummer. The leaves are large and shaped somewhat like oak leaves. Foliage turns red in the fall and it is a handsome plant all year. Trim after the blooms have faded. Both types of hydrangea flowers can be dried for use in crafts and arrangements. Hydrangea prefer mostly shade in north central Oklahoma.

Kerria japonica is not a well-known plant in this area as it should be. The branches are arching and graceful. Yellow flowers appear in mid-May. It also likes shade and is a relatively low maintenance plant.

Cotoneaster used to be a popular plant but for some reason fell out of favor. There are many forms available. On the NOC campus there is Cotoneaster horizontalis, a low growing shrub that can spread to 10 feet. The leaves are small and glossy. Tiny inconspicuous flowers appear in the spring followed by half-inch orange-red berries. Birds use this plant for cover and food.

More information about these shrubs and others can be found at your local public library and on the internet at www.vg.com.

Arts and Crafts Vendors Needed For Iris Festival

Iris Festival 2001 is the place to be for all arts and crafts, antique, food and children’s activity vendors this year. In its 13th year, vendors are encouraged to participate in one of Ponca City’s premier events.

The festival is set for Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grand Avenue will be filled with booths featuring unique items. “We hope this year’s booths will line the streets from First to Fifth street,” said Jerry Cathey, Iris Festival 2001 co-chair.

Vendors will begin set up Saturday morning from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Those booths will then be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many other events are also being planned for that day. Some of the events are: United Way Bed Race, Victorian Chocolate Festival, New Car, Boat and RV show, Ethnic Food Fair, local entertainment, Children’s Festival and Iris Garden Tours. Also scheduled that day are the Iris Society Show and the Community Iris Show.

All those interested in reserving booth space are encouraged to contact the Ponca City Main Street Authority office for registration forms. Please call (580)763-8082, or email pmainst@poncacity. net or come by the office at 307 1/2 East Grand Avenue.

Diggin’ in the Dirt

by Kathy Zehr

Where the Bulbs Are!

Spring is in the air and Monday and Tuesday were a taste of the wonderful days ahead! Since we were not quite ready to plant spuds, onions, and get all the tools out at our house, we spent our time snooping around seed bins, greenhouses and other gardening sections at local garden centers.

We drooled over fat bulbs, colorful onions, dirt-covered spuds, sturdy rose bushes, ornamentals and fruit and berry plants with buds and tiny green leaves already pushing through tender tips.

At Keathly’s Nursery we found an excellent variety of potato sets including Irish Cobbler, Red Pontiac, Yukon Gold, White Kennebec and Red Losada. Onions included red, yellow and white sets and several varieties of bundled plants. They also have a large selection of fresh garden seed and you can select and scoop the amount you want. The greenhouse has flats of tiny tomatoes and other plants peeping through the soil.

At Love Apples we found good garden seed, onion sets, potato sets, perky looking pansies, and onion and other spring plants. Another shipment was expected to arrive today. Owners Kathy and Scott Failing also have 3 to 5 feet ornamental shrubs and trees in five-gallon containers well as larger selections. For those who are planting azaleas this spring, Scott recommends the Girard as the best variety for the Ponca City area.

Jay’s Farm and Ranch had white, red and yellow onion sets, some onion plants and dozens of varieties of fresh garden seed - sold by the ounce or pound. Potato set varieties include Irish Cobbler, White Kennebec, Yukon Gold and reds. Along with the sale of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, owner J.R. dispenses sound advice for the best product for the best results. He can even tell you approximately how many seeds you get in a pound, the length of row a pound of seed should cover, and when to plant by the moon signs. Cole crop plants should arrive there around March 1.

We also visited Lowe’s Garden Center and found an abundance of very healthy looking bulbs, ornamental bushes and trees. Great looking daylillies, clemates, agapanthus, balloon flowers, blueberries, grapes, blackberries, hydrangea, honeysuckle and jasmine were sprouting tiny green leaves or vines. Pin oaks, papershell pecans, tulip trees, red maple and cherry dwarfs were abundant and peach, willow, apple, ash, dogwood, birch and quaking aspen were on special.

Some stores have bulbs sold at a per-each price and I prefer them to the pre-packaged dozen because you can pick out the healthiest ones. Often, in a less expensive prepackaged bag or box, you get a couple of duds. When hand picking your selections, choose the largest and heaviest bulbs for best results. If the bulb has a soft spot or feels light, throw it back!

Planting by Moon Signs

The ancients in history and our American forefathers believed that planting in the correct sign of the moon improved the growing of plants. Several successful gardeners in the community today continue to plant according to the waxing and waning of the moon.

If you want to try the concept with spring crops, plant all above ground crops in March from March 2-9 or 24-27. Root crops should be planted March 10-17, 21-23. Seed beds should be started March 5-8, 14, 15. For more information check the Ponca City Library.

Companion Planting

Some vegetables, herbs and flowers, when planted as companions, provide protection for each other, say many experienced gardeners. Other plants can cause detrimental effects if planted near each other. Take note there is no scientific basis for this theory.

Jay’s Ranch provided a handout listing plants which are said to be beneficial or detrimental to each other. According to the theory, its okay to plant beets with lettuce, onions, garlic and plants of the cabbage family, but keep them away from pole beans. Keep cole crops and tomatoes away from kohlrabi, but they do well with cucumbers, potatoes, spinach, nasturtiums, catnip, mint, tansy and thyme.

Dill retards the growth of carrots and maturing tomatoes, lettuce loves chives and garlic and onions may stunt beans and peas. Potatoes and tomatoes share the same blights if planted together, radishes hate hyssop, and strawberries don’t care for cabbage. Potatoes like marigolds and horseradish.

Other February Chores

Add ashes from the fireplace to add potassium to beds before tilling (not too much). Sow seeds of tomatoes, peppers and other summer bedding plants indoors now. Take cuttings from overwintering plants when they are about four-inches tall. Plant trees, lilies, bulbs, roses, and ornamental shrubs now. Spray fruit and nut trees and berry bushes with dormant oil. Divide and replant overgrown perennials. Pinch back and take cuttings from leggy houseplants. Start caladium bulbs indoors.

Other stores in the area that sell bulbs, plants, and gardening supplies are listed in the telephone directory or can be accessed via internet. The businesses listed above are meant as a sampling of those available.

SPORTS

Senior Mat Leadership Good
Cage Playoffs At Area Sites
NOC Holds Off Norsemen Treys
Lady Mavs Stumble to NEO, 70-55
PCCC Hosting Pro-Am Tennis

Senior Mat Leadership Good

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Wildcat wrestling coach Todd Steidley has credited the senior leadership of Shawn Lee and Matt Littleton with the success the Cats have had this season.

Those two will have the leadership skills tested again this weekend as they lead the Ponca City contingent of five into the Class 5A State Tournament at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Arena.

Joining Lee and Littleton will be juniors Roman RedLeaf and Jasper Lockett along with sophomore MiMi Miller.

The tournament gets under way Friday at 10:30 a.m. with the first round matches. The first round of consolation matches are set at 5:30 p.m. with the semifinals at 7:45.

Saturday’s action starts with the consolation semifinals at 10:30 and the consolation finals will be at 1 p.m. The championship finals will start at 5:45.

Even for Littleton and Lee the state tournament will be a new experience for the Wildcats.

Littleton just missed qualifying last year after finishing sixth in the regional tournament as a sophomore. This year he placed third at 145 pounds.

Lee hopes his rash of bad luck is now over. As a sophomore, he was behind teammate Josh Bailey at 119 pounds and did not wrestle in the regional tournament, Last year Lee suffered a knee injury that kept him out of the regional tournament.

This year he made the regional and came away with the 119-pound championship.

Miller is also a regional champion at 125 pounds, Lockett took first at 152 while RedLeaf was fourth at 140.

“I think all of us are nervous,” Littleton said as the tournament draws closer. “I know I am. But I’m anxious for Friday to get here.”

That feeling was echoed by Lee.

“I’m a little nervous, but all we can do is go down and wrestle as hard as we can,” he said.

Lee will be the first Wildcat on the mat Friday as he goes against Westmoore’s Brian Slater, who finished third in the west regional, but opted to face the East champion Lee. Slater won a close decision against Lee in the Dual State Tournament, but the Poncan said he did not wrestle well that night.

“None of us wrestled very well that night,” he said of the loss to the Jaguars. “We just didn’t wrestle as hard as we can.”

Lee says he doesn’t feel the Poncans will make that mistake again.

Lee also says he is not that worried about meeting Slater again and is even looking ahead to a possible semifinal bout against either Sean Ives of Broken Arrow or Trey Dunlap of Putnam City West. Lee has not met Ives, a third placer at regional, but had beaten Dunlap, 6-2, in the Jenks Tournament.

Miller is scheduled to meet Joe Stover of Westmoore in the 125-pound opener. The Wildcat beat Stover 5-3 at Dual State. A win would put Miller in the semifinals against either Chris Sagely of Broken Arrow, who he defeated in the regional tournament, or David West of Midwest City.

RedLeaf will face West regional champion Kyle Shelton in his opener.

Littleton is pitted against Nick Kendrick of Putnam City West in the first round. The Wildcat owns a win over Kendrick in the Jenks Tournament. A win would pit Littleton against either East champion Josh Pulsifer of Broken Arrow or Cory March of Midwest City.

Lockett goes against Dustin Wood of Midwest City, another West third placer who dropped down to face an East champion. A win over Wood would send Lockett against either David McIntosh of Tulsa Union (who he beat at regional) or Brandon Watkins of Del City.

“I think we have a chance to place all five wrestlers,” Steidley says, “and maybe have a say in who wins the team championship”

“This team really came together after the Sand Springs Tournament,” Littleton recalls. “And with all the young wrestlers on the team and in the junior high, there should e some good Wildcat teams in the future.”

This group of Wildcats would like to set the tone for that bright future.

Cage Playoffs At Area Sites

Area high school basketball fans have their choice of action this weekend.

Ponca City’s Lady Wildcats and the Wildcats are in the Class 5A regional at Broken Arrow. The Lady Cats face the Stillwater girls this evening at 6:30 while boys take on Sapulpa Friday at the same starting time.

Area 1, Region 2 of the Class 2A regional will be in NOC’s Foster-Piper Field House today. In the winners’ bracket tonight, the Newkirk girls take on Pioneer at 6:30 with the Tonkawa boys facing Pioneer at 8.

The losers racket play was this afternoon with the Tonkawa girls going against Crescent and the Newkirk boys against Crescent.

The advancers travel to Cushing for the second round Friday and finals Saturday.

The Class 3A teams coming to Ponca City for the Friday and Saturday rounds will be decided today in Pawhuska and Alva. At Pawhuska, the winners’ bracket play pits the Chisholm girls against Caney Valley and the Perkins boys against Caney Valley. In the losers’ bracket, the Pawhuska girls take on Pawnee and the Pawhuska boys tackle Chisholm.

The teams advancing from Alva include Alva, Hennsessee, Watonga and Oklahoma City Heritage hall.

The losers’ bracket games are on tap in Ponca City Friday with stating times at 1:30, 3, 6:30 and 8 The winners from those game advance to Saturday’s games at 1:30 and 3.

The winners from the winners’ bracket at Pawhuska and Alva battle for berths in the area tournament here at 6:30 and 8.

Morrison’s boys and girls are in the Class A Area losers brackets at Enid with the Wildcats taking on Beaver and the Lady Wildcats trying to stay alive against Mooreland today.

The Frontier boys are in the winners’ bracket at Choctaw Friday, going against Coyle. The Lady Mustangs try to avoid elimination against Cameron tonight,

NOC Holds Off Norsemen Treys

By TED ATCHLEY

NOC Sports Information

TONKAWA — The Northern Oklahoma College Maverick basketball team battled their way to a 49-40 halftime lead over NEO Wednesday night in Tonkawa but it wasn’t over yet. The Mavericks faced a barrage of three-point attempts by the visiting Golden Norsemen in the second half but rose to the occasion for the 85-71 win.

“I don’t think you could find a better college basketball game than this one was,” Maverick Coach Mick Weiberg said after the game. “You have to give NEO credit, they shot very well from outside tonight.”

The Golden Norsemen sank 12-of-21 three-pointers compared to Northern’s single trey by Freshman J.R. Regnier.

“During this up and down season we have faced that kind of shooting before and ended up on the wrong end of the scoreboard,” Weiberg said. “We used to panic when the threes were going in, but tonight we answered inside and it kept us where we wanted to be.”

Sophomore Richie Myers pounded his way inside time and time again for the bucket, coming up with 25 points and 13 huge rebounds for his efforts. Fellow sophomore post Scott Prater added 18 from inside with 12 rebounds. Not to end the inside attack there, 6-feet-10 inches Trinidad Sophomore Akil Gay shot 3 of 4 inside including a key tip-in off a misfired Myers shot to put the Mavericks ahead halfway through the second half.

“Akil came in and did a good job for us again tonight,” Weiberg said. “He hit some big buckets when we needed them.”

The lead bounced back and forth several times in the second half until the Mavericks finally wore down the NEO defense and pulled away with about three minutes on the clock.

“It was definitely a team effort out there tonight,” Weberg said. “Everyone gave great effort and did a good job. We haven’t had five wins in a row for quite a while. This helps move us up the ladder going into the playoffs.”

The Mavericks will travel to Western on Monday and then will be home on Thursday, March 1, for their final home game of the season. Parents’ Night activities including the popular autograph signing party are planned for that night. Fans have a chance to meet the players and receive autographed posters of each member of the team.

“We really need the fans to come and support us next Thursday,” Weiberg said. “They’ve stuck with us this season and we need them there again.”

Other Mavericks scoring Wednesday included guard Greg Wilson with 10, Merrill Andrews 9, Gay, Regnier and C.J. Johnson with 7 and Phillip Knowlton with 2.

Lady Mavs Stumble to NEO, 70-55

By TED ATCHLEY

NOC Sports Information

TONKAWA — The Northern Oklahoma College Lady Mavericks held their own in the first half against the nationally ranked No. 2 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Lady Norse, but fell flat in the end by a margin of 70-55.

The Lady Mavs, who had been sinking about 10 three-point shots a game coming into Wednesday night’s showdown were held scoreless from three-point range all night long.

The Northern team was first on the scoreboard and defense was the name of the game in the first half. The score was tied at 6 after three minutes. Despite an NEO run in the middle of the half, Northern fought back and the teams went to the intermission with a four-point difference, NEO up 35-31.

NEO exploded in the second half and widened the margin to 42-31, holding Northern scoreless for the first two minutes of the half. The Northern defense created turnovers, but the offense couldn’t capitalize and was plagued by turnovers of their own in the second half. Defensive standout and rebounding presence Tia Andrew fouled out with seven minutes left in the game. Andrews, who had been averaging nearly 10 blocks a game, was held to only two.

LaQuiesha Dickerson stepped up her offensive play and garnered 21 on the night. She was joined by insider Erin Goss with 16, but without the three-point shooting of Sophomores B.J. Homer, who was held to 6 points, and Lindsey Shiever with 2, the Lady Mavericks couldn’t gain the lead.

Others scoring for the Lady Mavs included Deidra Dick with 6, and Denise Jake and Adrew with 2. The Lady Mavericks hope to rebound on Monday when they travel to Western before the final home game of the season on Thursday, March 1 against Seminole.

PCCC Hosting Pro-Am Tennis

Ponca City Country Club tennis is hosting the PCCC Men’s Pro-Am Tennis Tournament Friday, Feb. 23, through Sunday, Feb. 25. The tournament will feature players from Oklahoma State University and Barton County Junior College, Kans.

Oklahoma State recently won three of five singles matches and two of three in doubles play to post a 4-2 win over second-ranked Tennessee. Head coach James Wadley said the upset was the biggest win in OSU tennis history.

There will also be five former collegiate players as well as club pros from Oklahoma and Kansas.

Everyone is invited. Admission is free.

The Friday schedule is 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the finals, Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m..

There will also be another USTA Rating Clinic Sunday. The clinic is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m..

For more information, please contact Kevin Milton, Ponca City Country Club, (580) 765-5179.