LOCAL

Plea Bargain Accepted In Osage County Death
Several Kay County Sentenced Inmates Seeking Early Release
Kim Manning In Lead Role At Tulsa Play
Veterans Can Learn of Benefits During Clinic at Legion Tonight
Yellow Daffodils Aid Cancer Awareness

Plea Bargain Accepted In Osage County Death

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

An Osage County woman, charged with first murder in the death of her husband, will be spending at least several years in a state prison for her crime.

In a plea bargain that was reached last week, only days before her scheduled murder trial, Christine Coffelt Scott pleaded “no contest” to a lesser charge of first-degree manslaughter.

However, according to Osage County District Attorney Larry Stewart, the plea bargain was not formally announced and accepted by the judge until earlier this week.

“She didn’t plead guilty, she plead no contest and then, based upon the evidence presented at the preliminary hearing, the judge found her guilty of the crime,” Stewart explained.

Scott was accused of shooting her husband of two years, Melvin Scott Jr., on July 22,1997, at their home, eight miles east of Ponca City in western Osage County.

“The evidence showed that there was a domestic argument and perhaps some threats were made to her,” Stewart said in April 1998. “She then retrieved a gun from the bedroom, returned and shot her husband between the eyes.”

Although she could have been sentenced to life in prison, under the plea bargain Scott has agreed to a 22-year sentence, 15 of which will be suspended and spent under supervised probation.

“Unless the pre-investigation report recommends otherwise, she will be sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections, but the time she actually serves depends on parole,” Stewart says. “The general rule is that they usually serve one-third of their sentence, but these days it is difficult to know how much time someone will actually do.”

In her court statement Scott stated, “I continue to profess my complete innocence of the commission of any crime charged against me, but I also consider the uncertainty of the outcome of any trial ....

“In choosing this course of action, I do not consider my actions to be an admission of guilt and, in being informed that the Court will consider my plea as the legal basis for entering a Judgment and Sentence against me, I nevertheless know that I am innocent of the accusations against me.”

The plea bargain was seen as a compromise for both the district attorney’s office as well as the family of the murder victim.

“I am never happy to send anyone to the penitentiary, but I feel this was a responsible and fair plea bargain,” Stewart said.

“There could have been a hung jury or she could have been found guilty or innocent. A plea bargain is always a compromise, but there is now a definite deal, and she has definitely been found guilty and will definitely be doing time.”

Prior to being accepted by the judge, the plea bargain was first presented and approved by immediate members of Melvin Scott Jr.’s family.

“A murder trial would be very hard,” said the victim’s stepmother, Jean Anne Scott. “At least she will be serving time although that isn’t much consolation because it won’t bring Melvin back.

“Our hearts go out to her family because we know what it is like to lose a child, but at least she’ll be back — ours never will be back.”

Several Kay County Sentenced Inmates Seeking Early Release

LEXINGTON — Several Oklahoma inmates will be considered this month for parole by the State of Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.

The meeting will be held on Feb. 23, 24, 25 and 26 at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary here. Daily meetings will begin at 8 a.m. each day, with the exception of Tuesday, Feb. 23, when the meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m., and all meeting dates, times and places are subject to change.

All offenders who have been convicted of violent offenses and who are eligible for parole will be subject to a two-stage parole hearing process, as a result of a legislative change so victims and district attorneys will not have to attend the parole hearing as often as in the past. The new procedures have been sent to all district attorneys and victim/witness coordinators.

Comments concerning any inmate on the docket must be submitted in writing and be received by the Pardon and Parole Board at 4040 North Lincoln, Suite 219, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73105-5221 no later than Tuesday, Feb. 16. The phone number is 405-427-8601.

The following inmates sentenced from the District Courts of Kay County are scheduled on the regular parole docket:

Wilfred L. Gibson, incarcerated since June 1996 and serving a 20-year sentence with 10 years suspended on a charge of robbery with a dangerous weapon — knife.

Danny Hurt, incarcerated since July 1986 and serving a 50-year sentence on a charge of uttering a forged instrument after former conviction of two felonies.

Jose L. Loera, incarcerated since July 1998 and serving a 3-year sentence on a charge of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Leslie J. Silvers, incarcerated since September 1998 and serving a 10-year sentence on a charge of second-degree forgery after former felony conviction.

Ronald J. Stark, incarcerated since September 1997 and serving a 5-year sentence on a charge of attempting to obtain a controlled dangerous substance with altered prescription.

Rosina V. Treweek, incarcerated since September 1997 and serving a 5-year sentence on a charge of embezzlement by employee after former felony conviction.

Ezekiel Wegner, incarcerated since March 1996 and serving an 11-year sentence with one year suspended on a charge of assault and battery with a deadly weapon after former felony conviction.

Ronald L. Weidner, incarcerated since March 1997 and serving a 7-year sentence on a charge of second-degree burglary.

Clifford A. West, incarcerated since October 1991 and serving a 20-year sentence on a charge of unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to distribute after former felony conviction.

Scheduled for the February special docket is:

Adrian C. Tamez, incarcerated since January 1997 and serving a 20-year sentence on a charge of trafficking in cocaine.

Kim Manning In Lead Role At Tulsa Play

TULSA — Kim Manning, Ponca City resident and student at the University of Tulsa, is playing the lead role of Kitty Duval in William Saroyan’s play, “The Time of Your Life.” The production began nightly 8 p.m. performances Wednesday and will run through Saturday, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Sunday. The play is shown in Kendall Hall at the University of Tulsa.

Local theater goers will remember Manning in several local productions including Ponca Playhouse “Biloxi Blues” and Homecoming Christmas talent shows.

A 1996 Po-Hi graduate, Manning is also the recipient of numerous talent and beauty titles and awards. She is a junior at TU majoring in musical theater and is the daughter of Kathryn Manning of Ponca City and Thomas Manning of Broken Arrow.

Tickets for the production can be reserved by calling (918) 631-2567 or at the TU box office.

Veterans Can Learn of Benefits During Clinic at Legion Tonight

Thousands of area veterans, doing without medical, eye, hearing and medicine, are not aware that these services are available through the Veterans Medical program, says Post 14 American Legion Commander Chuck Gregg.

Post 14 of the American Legion, Ponca City, will be hosting a Veterans Medical Benefit Clinic at the American Legion Post, 407 West South Avenue, at 6:30 p.m. today, Feb. 11. David Carter, chairman of the Oklahoma Agent Orange Foundation will be a key speaker. All veterans and persons interested in VA benefits are welcome to attend.

A bean feed will begin at 5 p.m. with donations being contributed to the World War II Memorial Fund, Washington, D.C.

Carter and Don Hayden, service officer with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, will provide veteran benefit information to all those attending the clinic.

Basically, every Veteran who served one day of active duty prior to Sept. 7, 1980, and was honorably discharged, is eligible for benefits — regardless of income. Those serving after Sept. 7, 1980, are required to have 24 months continuous active duty service to be eligible, with some exceptions, says Gregg.

Carter has testified on immune system damage in Vietnam Veterans before the U.S. Senate and helped lobby to get the Oklahoma Agent Orange Assistance Bill and Oklahoma Cancer Registry passed. Carter is a 100 percent plus 50 percent service connected disabled Vietnam veteran.

For more information call Gregg at 765-1367 or 765-9073.

Yellow Daffodils Aid Cancer Awareness

The Kay County Unit of the American Cancer Society is currently taking orders for bright yellow daffodil blooms through Saturday. Proceeds from the sale of the beautiful spring bouquets aid local and state cancer patients through education, research and service programs. Sunday, Feb. 21, is national Daffodil Day and recognized in churches, homes and businesses all across the United States.

“We are encouraging churches to order the cheerful yellow blooms for their alters; businesses might like to order the daffodils for customers; and families may want to order flowers in memory or in honor of a loved one who has had or currently is fighting cancer,” says project chairman, Debbie Weatherly.

Kay County ACS volunteers will be bringing the beautiful blooms known as the “First Flower of Spring” and the “Flower of Hope” to residents of Kay County Feb. 18-21. Businesses can receive them in time to present them as gifts to customers on Friday and Saturday.

“We believe the bright yellow Daffodils make the best flower to represent the American Cancer Society, because hope is the key in fighting cancer and surviving — and spring is a time of renewal,” says Weatherly.

Local programs funded in part by the sale of daffodils include tobacco education programs for youth, as well as nutrition, breast care awareness, and skin care education, free materials to physicians and individuals and other patient services are also included.

The daffodil orders will arrive in Ponca City Feb. 18. Buyers may order by the bunch or by the box. One bunch of 10 large daffodils is $5 and a box (50 bunches) is $250.

Orders must be placed by Saturday, by calling Debbie at 765-9913 or Brad Parker at 762-6614. Some blooms may also be purchased Friday and Saturday, Feb. 19-20 at Wal-Mart in Ponca City.

DEATHS

Maurine Janie Johnson
Oran L. Bradford
Peggy D. Densford
Maxine Hilton
Isaac Lynn Clubb

Maurine Janie Johnson

NEWKIRK — Maurine Janie (Janeway) Johnson, longtime Newkirk resident, died Wednesday morning, Feb. 10, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. She was 86.

A memorial service is scheduled for noon, Friday, Feb. 12, at the First Presbyterian Church in Newkirk. The Rev. David Clipson of the First Presbyterian Church, Ponca City, will officiate. A private burial will be held in the Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Home, Newkirk. No viewing will be held.

Maurine Janie (Janeway) Johnson was born in Eufaula on Sept. 17, 1912, the daughter of Desmond Charles and Mayme (Bowman) Janeway. She grew up, attended Eufaula schools and graduated from high school there. She attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Mo., for a year, then the University of Oklahoma for two years.

She was married to Ray Crain Johnson on Sept. 9, 1933, in Oklahoma City. The couple established their home in Newkirk, where they resided until their deaths. Mrs. Johnson served as chairman of the board for Albright Title and Trust; was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School and attended Monday Night Supper Club; a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority at the University of Oklahoma, and a member of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. She had also served as a Camp Fire leader.

She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ray (Froma Jane) Oberkramer of Eureka, Mo., and Mrs. Walter (Jana) Shafer of Newkirk; one sister, Mrs. Roselyn Janeway Bost of Conyers, Ga.; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Roy, on Jan. 11, 1959; her parents; two brothers and one sister.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Johnson’s name to the First Presbyterian Church, c/o Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.

Oran L. Bradford

TONKAWA — Oran L. Bradford, resident of Tonkawa, died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1999, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. He was 72.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at the McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home in Tonkawa with Dr. Don Parsons officiating. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery.

Oral L. Bradford was born Nov. 10, 1926, in Covington to Lawrence and Myrtie (Hicks) Bradford. He grew up in Three Sands and attended Bethany Nazarene College, where he received a BA in journalism.

In 1943 he was married to Delilah Wilson in Tonkawa. In 1944 he entered the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II and acquiring the rank of Seaman 1st Class. He was retired from the DHS Social and Rehabilitation Department, State of Kansas. Bradford was a member of the Nazarene Church in Blackwell. He enjoyed fishing and working with dairy goats in his spare time.

Survivors include his wife Delilah, of the home; one son, Lonnie Franklin Bradford of Ryan, Okla.; one daughter, Vicki Lynn Teeter of Balch Springs, Texas; one brother, Thomas Riley Bradford of California; one sister, Katherine Huntsinger of Winfield, Kan.; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one grandson.

Peggy D. Densford

SEMINOLE — Peggy D. Densford, sister to Virginia Brown, Ponca City, died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1999, at the Shawnee Regional Hospital in Seminole. She was 78.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at the Seminole First United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Karges officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Peggy D. (Tysdal) Densford was born Nov. 23, 1920, in Lucas, S.D. to Knud and Beatrice Tysdal. She was married to Dick Densford on Feb. 14, 1943, in Washington, D.C. The couple moved to Seminole from Washington, D.C. in the late 1940s. Mrs. Densford was a homemaker. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She had served as a leader and board member for the Camp Fire Girls and Boys.

Survivors include her husband, Dick, of Seminole; one daughter, Carla Alexander of Moore; two sisters, Helen Stowell of Sun City West, Ariz., and Virginia Brown of Ponca City; and one granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, c/o Swearingen Funeral Home, 100 West Strothers, Seminole, OK 74868.

Funerals

Friday

Maxine Hilton — Graveside funeral at 2 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery in Ponca City, under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Saturday-

Isaac Lynn Clubb — Graveside service at 2 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.

NEWS BRIEFS

Sweetheart Dance — Giveswater Service Club holds its Valentine Sweetheart Dance at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Building 2 p.m. Saturday; supper at 5 p.m. There will be a sweetheart contest; head singer will be Doug Eagle, and emcee will be Smokey Cole. All are invited to attend.

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 — A 39-year-old woman was arrested at 10:50 a.m. Wednesday at the police station on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Pamper Your Valentine and give her a lasting memory of your

love. See our selection of rings, necklaces, bracelets and other

fine jewelry. Also, we carry heart-shaped soaps, candles, and

other fragranced Sweet Home products. Create your own gift

basket. Call or come by Her Majesty’s Gems, 420 South 14th, 762-

2466. Hours Tuesday-Friday 11-2, Sunday 1:30-3:30. adv.

Bogus Check — At 11:50 a.m. Wednesday a bogus check was reported at United Supermarket, 2800 North Fourteenth Street.

WWF St. Valentine’s Day Massacre! Don’t miss this action-

packed extravaganza. Coming to Pay Per View Sunday, February

14th at 7:00 p.m. Order early, call Cable ONE at 762-6684. adv.

Forgery — A woman in the 200 block of South Thirteenth Street contacted police at 1:31 p.m. Wednesday regarding a forgery.

Gold Plated golf balls $9.95. Can be used on the putting green.

Great Valentine gift for him or her. Christy’s, 3005 North 14th.

Open everyday. adv.

Vandalism — At 6:06 p.m. Wednesday a man reported to police that a person had broken a window out of his vehicle while he was stopped at a red light at East Hartford Avenue and North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

McCord at Brace — McCord School and McCord School Library is sponsoring a “Night at Brace Books” from 4-8 p.m. tonight. McCord will receive a portion of all proceeds, to be used for a computerized circulation system for McCord’s library. All McCord students and families and the public is encouraged to visit Brace Books tonight to purchase books, gifts for Valentine’s Day, and help the McCord Library upgrade.

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.

Arrest — Police arrested a 53-year-old man at 1:34 p.m. Wednesday from West Hazel Avenue and North Lake Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.

De La Hoya faces his toughest opponent Ike Quartey. Don’t miss

this one on Pay Per View, Saturday, February 13th, at 8:00 p.m.

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

Shoplifters — At 1:53 p.m. Wednesday police were alerted that two shoplifters were in custody at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue. An 18-year-old woman was arrested for petit larceny.

Winter Blowout sale at the Caboose. 118 S. 1st Street. adv.

Local Soldier Graduates — Army Spec. Todd G. Pameticky has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at the U.S. Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consisted of basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT). During basic, he received instruction in drill and ceremonies, map reading, tactics, military customs and courtesies, physical fitness, and first aid. During AIT, Pameticky received instruction to qualify as a light-weapons infantryman and an indirect-fire crewman assigned to a rifle or mortar squad. He is the son of Jeff L. and Glenda F. Pameticky of 7725 Ferguson in Ponca City. The specialist is a 1993 graduate of Ponca City High School, and a 1998 graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond.

Assault — At 9:45 a.m. Wednesday police were advised that a student had reportedly been assaulted at South Ash Street and West Oklahoma Avenue on the way to school. A report was taken.

Agent Orange Seminar — Post 14, American Legion will host a Veterans Medical Benefit Clinic at 6:30 p.m. tonight, at American Legion Post, 407 West South Ave. All veterans and persons interested in VA benefits are encouraged to attend. Call 765-01367 for more information.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and

Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Valentine Dance — The Stillwater Ballroom Dance Club is sponsoring a Valentine dance Friday, 8-11 p.m., with music being provided by the Buddy Billen Combo. Admission is $10 per person and is open to the public, all ages. The event will be held at the Park and Recreation Annex Building, 315 East Ninth, Stillwater. For more information call 372-7626, 372-5057, 372-3432.

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.

Senior Citizens Dance — A Senior Citizens Dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday at the Senior Citizens Building, 320 South A in Arkansas City. The Pete Coli Country Band will play for dancing. All senior citizens are invited to attend and bring a favorite snack to share.

Pauline’s Steak and shrimp dinner, $11.95. Friday, February

12th. For reservations, 765-5460. adv.

Completes Basic — AF Airman 1st Class Clifton D. Neamon has graduated from basic military training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and customs and received special training in human relations. In addition, he completed basic training earning credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Neamon is the son of Nancy Hood of Muskogee and brother of Tammy R. Day of 602 Legion Drive in Blackwell.

Dry, Winter skin? Free sample of facial moisturizer to fit

your skin type from Estee Lauder or Clinique at John’s Apparel,

downtown Ponca City. 762-2763. adv.

Stolen Property — At 10:18 a.m. Wednesday Pioneer Rental, 1415 West South Avenue, reported that a customer had rented property and had failed to return it. An officer was assigned.

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

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

Joins U.S. Army — Timothy W. Chrisp has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Salina, Kan. 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. After completion of basic military training, soldiers receive advanced individual training in their career specialty. Chrisp, a student at Haysville High School in Kansas, will report to Fort Sill, Lawton, for basic training May 20, 1999. He is the son of Linda L. Usher of Ponca City, and Michael E. Chrisp of Kansas City, Kan.

Arrest — A 19-year-old woman was arrested at 3:58 p.m. Wednesday from the police station on a city warrant.

Window Vandalism — At 4:02 p.m. Wednesday a woman in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street contacted police regarding a window being broken out of her vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Stolen Bike — A police report on a bike, stolen from the 1500 block of Monument Road, was taken at 4:03 p.m. Wednesday.

Vandalism — At 4:47 p.m. Wednesday police were informed of vandalism to the gymnasium at the Ponca City High School. An officer was assigned.

Juvenile Arrests — Two girls, age 14 and 15, were apprehended by police at 7:47 p.m. Wednesday from Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, for grand larceny.

Arrest — A 39-year-old man was arrested at 12:51 a.m. Thursday from North Fourteenth Street and Hubbard Road for driving under the influence and improper use of lane.

GARDENING

Oklahoma Communities To Celebrate Tree City Program in Oklahoma City
Planting Attractive Foliage, Flowers Enhances Area for Butterfly Watching

Oklahoma Communities To Celebrate Tree City Program in Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY — On March 16, during the annual Arbor Week celebration at the state capitol, Oklahoma Forestry Services and the Oklahoma Urban and Community Forestry Council Inc. will honor three Air Force bases, two utility companies and 17 communities for their contributions to Oklahoma’s urban forests in the Tree City U.S.A. program.

Billed as “Keys to Great Trees,” Arbor Day will include a tree planting ceremony on the capitol grounds, an awards luncheon for the most valuable players in each community, and educational sessions. Four informational speakers will also be present to share advice with Tree City U.S.A. representatives.

Currently, Oklahoma’s Tree Cities include: Ada, Alva, Ardmore, Bartlesville, Bixby, Claremore, Guthrie, McAlester, Midwest City, Muskogee, Nichols Hills, Stillwater, Tinker Air Force Base, Altus Air Force Base and Vance Air Force Base. OG&E Electric Services and Public Service Company of Oklahoma are distinguished as Tree Line U.S.A. utilities.

To achieve Tree City status, Oklahoma’s 17 Tree Cities were required to meet four standards. First, a community must designate a tree board or department to implement an urban forestry program. The tree board is usually a group of concerned citizens with legal status to develop and administer a community action plan. For example, Ada’s Tree Board serves as an advisory board to the city council. The Tree City U.S.A. title gives Ada’s Tree Board credibility with the city government, which helps with budget requests.

The second certification requirement includes developing a city ordinance, which makes the tree board responsible for writing and implementing the annual community forestry work plan. This plan determines public tree care policies for planting, maintenance, and removal of trees. During recent interviews, Tree City U.S.A. representatives from Altus Air Force Base stated that their ordinance helped to organize and determine how the Tree Board would accomplish its goals.

Third, a Tree City’s community forestry program must have an annual budget of at least $2 per capita. Communities often find this is the easiest standard to meet. For example, the Pauls Valley Tree Board added up all costs associated with the city’s tree care program, including dead tree removal, labor and administrative costs.

The final stipulation involves a Tree City’s Arbor Day celebration complete with an official proclamation declaring the observance of the event. As part of their Arbor Day activities, communities often include tree-planting ceremonies with schools, civic groups, and city officials.

This year, Alva, Muskogee, Stillwater, and Vance Air Force Base are also recipients of the Tree City U.S.A. Growth Award, which requires Tree Cities to match or exceed last year’s budget for their current community forestry programs. Additionally, the communities must have implemented new or significantly improved activities within the urban forestry program.

The key to successful Tree City U.S.A. communities is a strong support system from organizations like The National Arbor Day Foundation and partnerships with other entities such as Oklahoma Forestry Services and the Urban Forestry Council. Claremore’s Tree Board considers the resources available from these organizations to be a primary benefit of the program.

Tree City U.S.A. provides many advantages to Oklahoma communities. Not only does the program instill community pride; it also helps communities develop an attractive image and gain financial support for tree care programs. Ada’s Tree Board believes citizen participation makes the program valuable in their community, because it allows special interest groups to work together with input into government planning.

Tree City U.S.A. also allows communities to raise awareness about tree care. Alva’s Tree Board conducts many promotions to inform community members about the value and importance of trees. As a result, urban forestry receives frequent publicity from the local newspaper and the college television station. Obtaining Tree City U.S.A. status means a community takes tree care responsibilities seriously, because citizens recognize the multiple benefits healthy trees provide.

Urban forests in a community are not only attractive. Trees also increase property values and attract new commerce. Business owners often analyze a community’s appearance when scouting a new location. Citizens take pride in a beautiful tree-lined community. Trees offer shade during hot summers, wind-blocks during blustery winter months, and habitat for wildlife.

If you would like more information about how your community can become a Tree City U.S.A., contact Oklahoma Forestry Services in the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, (405) 521-3864, Ext. 296.

Planting Attractive Foliage, Flowers Enhances Area for Butterfly Watching

By GEORGE BRIA

POUND RIDGE, N.Y. (AP) — Butterfly watching ranks as one of gardening’s most delightful perks, and you can enjoy and enhance it even in small places. The secret is planting the right plants rich in nectar and perfume.

Many of us are familiar with buddleia, known as “butterfly bush” for the numbers of the beautiful creatures it attracts. But there are other plants, like plain old milkweed, worth knowing about as butterfly lures.

A variety of such plants and other aspects of this pastime are explored in a revised and updated manual just issued by the Xerces Society in association with the Smithsonian Institution and published by Sierra Club Books. The book ($24, softcover) is titled “Butterfly Gardening, Creating Summer Magic in Your Garden,” and was first published in 1990.

The Xerces Society, a conservationist organization headquartered in Portland, Ore., is named for the now-extinct Xerces Blue Butterfly. Wiped out by urban expansion, the last known specimens were taken in 1941 at the Presidio military base in San Francisco. A French entomologist named the butterfly for the Persian King Xerxes, but with the French spelling “Xerces,” which was retained.

The volume contains fine color closeups of butterflies, a master list of plant species that attract them, seed and plant sources, a bibliography of books and periodicals, essays by experts on ecology, butterflies and other insects and tips on butterfly watching and photography. There are diagrams and designs for small and large butterfly gardens and a key to geographical regions showing which plants are effective where.

The tone is set in an essay by British entomologist Miriam Rothschild of the banking family. Her uncle, Walter, assembled a famous collection of 2.25 million butterflies and moths.

She says, “I doubt a garden can ever be too large, certainly not from the butterfly’s viewpoint. But so many of us are forced to be satisfied with a small patch of ground that it is an agreeable thought that butterflies can be attracted to tiny gardens as well as large ones. A buddleia planted against your house, a patch of red valerian growing out of a wall, or a lavender bush constitutes a true butterfly lure.”

Ms. Rothschild says it is clear that butterflies prefer heavy perfume to delicate scents. The color and perfume advertise the presence of carbohydrates, which the butterflies need to sustain their energy for flight, she explains.

In another essay, author and lecturer Jo Brewer calls milkweed “one of the most important of all butterfly nectar plants” and says that in her Massachusetts garden “we have recorded 18 species of New England butterflies nectaring at this plant, including the female Monarch, which takes nectar from and lays her eggs on milkweed.”

Among other plants she mentions dame’s rocket, garden phlox and New England asters to provide continuous bloom from early spring to autumn. She also had success with red zinnias and orange marigolds.

It’s one thing to attract butterflies, but other talents and expertise are needed to identify them. A good way to start is by estimating size - large like a Monarch, medium like a Painted Lady, small like skippers and blues. Xerces Society founder Robert Michael Pyle gives some tips. Sharp eyes, a net, a good pair of tweezers, a hand-held lens, close-focus binoculars and a notebook are some requirements Pyle lists.

“When observing butterflies, remember to move slowly and fluidly,” he warns. “Rapid movements put butterflies to flight.”

He says “a little practice perfects usage of a net. It is critical to follow through so that the target insect is swept deep into the net bag. If you are gentle and use care and forceps, you can examine butterflies and then release them without harm.”

SPORTS

OU Shoots Down Horns
Buffs Make Pokes Sick

OU Shoots Down Horns

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas coach Rick Barnes knows just why Oklahoma came in and stole a win on the road against the Big 12-leading Longhorns.

‘‘Oklahoma had a great night shooting the ball and we lost the game for lack of execution,’’ Barnes said after Oklahoma defeated Texas 64-63 on Wednesday.

‘‘It shouldn’t have come down to that last shot if we had done a better job of executing. You can’t lose a game like that at this time of the year.’’

Michael Johnson hit a 10-foot fall-away jumper with 5.6 seconds remaining to give the Sooners the victory.

The result tightened the Big 12 race as the Longhorns fell to 14-10 and 9-2 in league play. But Texas remained in first place with Kansas’ 64-57 loss to Nebraska on Wednesday.

Johnson’s winning basket capped an 8-0 run for Oklahoma (17-7, 8-3) over the last 2:47.

‘‘It was on a play designed for Eric Martin, but they had him scouted pretty good and he was covered,’’ said Johnson. ‘‘He came off a screen, but he didn’t have a shot. So, he had confidence in me to make a play and he gave me the ball.’’

Texas got the ball back at halfcourt with 5.2 seconds remaining, but the Sooners’ Ryan Humphrey blocked a baseline drive by Ivan Wagner with one second remaining.

Given one more chance from under the basket, Texas forward Gabe Muoneke missed two tips on a lob pass as time expired.

Johnson also hit 3-pointer with 48 seconds remaining, bringing the Sooners within 63-62. Oklahoma regained the ball with 38 seconds left when Texas center Chris Mihm threw a wild pass out of bounds, setting up Johnson’s game-winner.

‘‘A lot of times, coaches get credit for adjustments, and they get too much credit for that,’’ said Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson. ‘‘But what the game always comes down to is the kids making their own adjustments on the floor.’’

Oklahoma turned an apparent Texas rout into a tie with a steady second-half surge.

Texas shot 54 percent in the first half to take a 36-25 halftime lead. The Longhorns took command with a 9-point run early in the game followed by a 12-point run that put them ahead 32-20.

But Oklahoma blasted ahead with a 16-3 run in the middle of the second half to take a 45-43 lead as the Longhorns made only three of their first 13 second-half shots.

Two baskets by Eduardo Najera and a 3-pointer by Johnson brought Oklahoma within 41-37 with 13:18 remaining.

Johnson tied the game at 43-43 on two free throws with 10:24 left. Ryan Humphrey put the Sooners ahead, 45-43, on a layup with 9:24 left.

Najera led the Sooners with 23 points. Muoneke topped the Longhorns with 16.

OKLAHOMA 64, TEXAS 63

Oklahoma (17-7)

Najera 8-19 2-2 23, Humphrey 4-13 1-4 9, Johnson 3-14 2-2 10, Martin 4-13 0-0 11, Spaulding 0-1 0-0 0, Heskett 4-7 0-0 11, Avila 0-0 0-0 0, Stone 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 23-67 5-8 64.

Texas (14-10)

Muoneke 7-14 1-2 16, Clack 2-7 1-1 5, Mihm 1-4 4-6 6, Wagner 3-8 3-4 10, Vazquez 3-6 1-2 8, McColpin 1-2 0-0 3, Carter 1-2 0-0 2, Clay 4-8 4-4 13. Totals 22-51 14-19 63.

Halftime— Texas 36, Oklahoma 27. 3-Point goals— Oklahoma 13-29 (Najera 5-8, Johnson 2-7, Martin 3-8, Heskett 3-6), Texas 14-10 (Muoneke 1-2, Clack 0-3, Wagner 1-2, Vazquez 1-1, McColpin 1-2, Clay 1-5). Rebounds— Oklahoma 36 (Humphrey 11).

Buffs Make Pokes Sick

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Jaquay Walls wasn’t feeling well Wednesday, but like the rest of the Colorado Buffaloes he wasn’t about to give in.

Walls sparked a 28-10 scoring run with 7:07 to go to overcome a first-half 18-point deficit and lift Colorado (12-12, 3-8 Big 12) to an 83-80 victory over Oklahoma State (16-7, 7-4).

‘‘We never quit,’’ Walls said. ‘‘I always think we have a chance to come back. That’s what I like about this team.’’

Walls scored a career-high 34 points, 25 of them in the second half, to snap a three-game losing streak and lead Colorado to the win.

Oklahoma State dominated in the first half and led by as many as 18 before an ailing Walls sparked a 28-10 scoring run with 7:07 remaining in the game.

Oklahoma State was up 57-39 with 14:31 remaining in the first half, but Colorado (12-12, 3-8) cut the lead to 40-34 going into the break.

Walls, one of three ill Colorado players, hit 18 of 20 from the line, the most free throws made by a Big 12 player this season and the second most in Colorado history.

Oklahoma State, which was second in the conference in free throw shooting before the game, had trouble from the line and hit just 13 of 27. Four Oklahoma State players fouled out.

‘‘In my 40 years of coaching, I have never had such a tough loss,’’ said Oklahoma state coach Eddie Sutton. ‘‘(Colorado Coach Ricardo) Patton should be proud of his team. They didn’t roll over dead.’’

‘‘This was our toughest loss, especially since Texas and Kansas lost,’’ Sutton said. ‘‘We had the game under control. Instead, Colorado delivered a knockout. The last five minutes we just couldn’t score.’’

Walls sank a pair of free throws to give Colorado (12-12, 3-8) its first lead at 74-72 with just minutes to go in the game and hit two more from the line with 1:13 remaining to make it 76-72.

Glendon Alexander hit a three-pointer to end a six minute dry spell for Oklahoma State and cut Colorado’s lead to 76-75 with 46 seconds left.

The teams traded baskets to make it 78-77 when a technical foul was called on Bryan Montonati for knocking the ball out of Jamahl Mosley’s hands as he was trying to inbounds the ball.

Walls sank both technical free throws to give Colorado an 80-77 lead with nine seconds remaining.

Walls hit one more free throw, but Alexander sank another three-pointer to bring the Cowboys to within 80-81.

Walls scrambled for a dunk with less than a second to go to seal the win.

Mosley and Kenny Price each scored 19 for Colorado, a career high for Mosley.

Adrian Peterson led Oklahoma State with 27 points. Desmond Mason added 20, Alexander had 11 and Joe Atkins scored 10.

COLORADO 83, OKLAHOMA ST. 80

Oklahoma St. (16-7) 

Mason 7-10 2-6 20, Adkins 4-9 1-2 10, Webber 1-4 4-4 6, Peterson 11-19 1-6 27, Gottlieb 0-2 0-0 0, Alexander 4-7 1-1 11, Jonzen 0-2 0-1 0, Montonati 1-4 4-7 6, Gilmore 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 28-58 13-27 80.

Colorado (12-12) 

Price 5-15 5-6 19, Mosley 6-10 7-10 19, Renfroe 0-1 0-0 0, Walls 7-13 18-20 34, Jones 2-4 0-0 5, Smith 1-5 0-1 2, Winston 0-3 0-0 0, Carter 1-5 0-0 2, thomas 0-1 2-4 2. Totals 22-57 32-41 83.

Halftime—Oklahoma St. 40, Colorado 34. 3-Point goals—Oklahoma St. 11-21 (Mason 4-6, Adkins 1-5, Peterson 4-7, Alexander 2-3), Colorado 7-15 (Price 4-11, Walls 2-3, Jones 1-1). Fouled out—Adkins, Webber, Jonzen, Montonati, Carter. Rebounds—Oklahoma St. 38(Mason 10), 41 (Mosley 8). Assists—Oklahoma St. 17(Gottlieb 10), Colorado 13(Winston 5). Total fouls—Oklahoma St. 28, Colorado 25. A—3,755.