LOCAL

Bradley Makes It Official
McCain Withdraws, Too
Conoco GM, Evans React to Questions
Nearly News
6-Year-Old Shooter’s Punishment: Expelled
UW Promise Fellow Position Filled
High Schoolers Adopt Po-Hi Crime Stoppers

Bradley Makes It Official

WEST ORANGE, N.J. (AP) — Bill Bradley quit the Democratic presidential campaign today and said he will support Al Gore despite their sometimes bitter rivalry because ‘‘now it is time for unity’’ to win the White House.

His withdrawal comments retained traces of their campaign fight, as he said Gore’s efforts against him had included ‘‘distortions and negativity.’’ He added, ‘‘I hope that he’ll run a better campaign in the general election.’’

Bradley ended his presidential campaign as Republican Sen. John McCain suspended his against Texas Gov. George W. Bush. Both Gore and Bush emerged from the Super Tuesday primaries with their nominations assured.

‘‘It certainly shows that when you do battle with entrenched power that it’s very difficult and, indeed, I think that’s what the story of the campaign was,’’ Bradley said.

The former New Jersey senator telephoned the vice president to pledge support. But at a withdrawal news conference, he said he will not release the delegates he did win, saying they had earned a voice at the Democratic National Convention. He had 412 — more than 1,000 behind Gore.

Bradley rejected the idea of running for vice president on a Gore ticket. ‘‘I’ve said no, I will not be a candidate for vice president,’’ he said.

‘‘We have been defeated, but the cause for which I ran has not been defeated,’’ Bradley told supporters and reporters. He said he will speak for his brand of new politics, including broadened health care insurance, gun controls, and campaign finance reform.

‘‘The vice president and I had a stiff competition and he won,’’ Bradley said. ‘‘I will support him in his bid to win the White House.’’

McCain Withdraws, Too

SEDONA, Ariz. (AP) — John McCain suspended his insurgent presidential campaign today, conceding the Republican presidential nomination to George W. Bush but vowing to remain ‘‘a force for change.’’

After absorbing a Super Tuesday drubbing by Bush, the Arizona senator said GOP voters had spoken, ‘‘and I respect their decision. I am no longer an active candidate for my party’s nomination for president.’’

McCain pointedly offered Bush his ‘‘best wishes’’ but not his endorsement after a bitter campaign that pitted a self-styled political reformer against the Texas governor and his allies in the GOP establishment. McCain rode waves of independents and Democrats to victories in New Hampshire and Michigan, posing an unexpected threat to Bush.

Bush, campaigning in Colorado, congratulated his former rival ‘‘for fighting the good fight’’ and he said he appreciated McCain’s kind words.

‘‘I also agree with John McCain about the need to reform Washington D.C.,’’ Bush said. ‘‘In order to reform Washington D.C., it’s important to get rid of Clinton-Gore.’’

In the end, Bush’s organization was too much to overcome, and McCain’s message got muddled in a debate over negative campaign tactics, his advisers said.

Standing alongside his wife, McCain addressed reporters shortly after Bill Bradley quit the Democratic presidential campaign, setting the stage for a fall showdown between Bush and Vice President Al Gore.

While Bradley made a clean break, the Arizona senator opted to put his campaign on hold in order to leave his options open. Aides said the tactic gives him leverage against Bush as he urges the GOP nominee to adopt his political reform agenda.

Conoco GM, Evans React to Questions

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Two major issues surfaced at the Tuesday informational meeting held by Evans and Associates on the proposed 160-acre Prentice Estates housing subdivision across L.A. Cann from Wentz Municipal Golf Course.

About 75 people attended the meeting at the Wentz clubhouse.

The two major questions were “Does Ponca City need housing?” and “Why mess with the golf course?”

One of the proposals of the Prentice Estates concept is to move two holes (No. 3 and No. 4) from their present sites to across L.A. Cann and to build houses bordering the new holes.

Those 25-acres “of prime real estate” (according to developer Jerry Evans) for the two holes would be given by Evans and Associates to the city in exchange for water and other enhancements.

This would free space at the municipal course for a driving range. According to information provided, there has not been a golf course built in 25 years without a driving range.

Evans, owner of Evans and Associates, explained the project is being undertaken to “kick-start” housing development in Ponca City.

He bought the land from Bill Cleary. The plans for the subdivision and moving the two golf holes came from one Cleary had developed, according to Evans.

Evans pointed out that few new houses have been built in the past 20 years in Ponca City. He also said the housing development was in response to needs for housing for personnel being brought here by Conoco expansion, such as the new carbon fibers plant.

Evans and his sons, Bruce and Lee, and Linda Brown fielded the questions. Evans indicated the housing project would be built, whether the golf course exchange is completed or not.

Mike Fretwell, General Manager of the Conoco Mid-Continent Business Unit responded to both issues.

He said, “This is the first time I’ve been to your clubhouse and I would like to congratulate all of you golfers. You have a fantastic facility and a beautiful golf course and I’m going to make sure I put it on my priority list to get out here and play this course.

“I can understand after seeing this facility about some of your concerns about messing around with it.”

On the need for housing, Fretwell said, “I really don’t think it is just a Conoco position, but also some other businesses that are represented in the town and the whole effort we have in many quarters to try and get economic development.”

Speaking about Conoco’s position on lack of housing, Fretwell said, “It’s fair to say over the years that it has been a constant thorn in the side of our company. One of the reasons why people have been reluctant to move to Ponca City is the lack of choice in housing.

“I can’t tell you, because I haven’t been here long, whether that is a perception or a reality. But, what I can tell you, is that it is very real in people’s minds and it represents a considerable barrier to people moving here, such as when Conoco was faced with the choice of where to place our carbon fibers plant.”

Fretwell said two of the obvious reasons to locate in Ponca City were the support of the research facility and the “centergies” that are here with the refinery. “Those were pluses,” Fretwell said.

“On the negative side,” he added, “the company weighed hard and long about the disadvantages of locating in Ponca City. These had to do with the remote location and the fact that there had been a lot of feedback over the years by employees about lack of resources [in Ponca City] that we need in order to bring people here from around the world.”

He explained, “One of those key areas was housing — the lack of choice of housing.

“I don’t have the exact numbers, but we do have five or six employees that accepted jobs here with Conoco in the business unit and research area who have chosen to live in Stillwater because of the perceived lack of housing opportunities. So that shows perception is a reality This is not something alone that is represented by Conoco. It is much bigger than that.”

Opposition

Opposition, especially to the trading of golf course land, was expressed several times by Tom Lane. He said he had a petition with 200 signatures opposing the plan. Jim Wall and others also were against the plan, urging the golf course to remain the same.

Speaking for the housing project was former Mayor Carl Balcer, who said the project had been discussed in the past. He said he was for it and that there is a need for the driving range.

Several others supported the project. Realtors C.W. Barber and Bob Askew provided handouts on the number of homes for sale in the price range over $100,000 and concluded housing of this type is needed. The houses Evans is proposing are in the $100,000-plus range.

Questions were raised as to how the golfers would get across the road, and about using taxpayer money.

Evans responded there was no taxpayer money involved at this point and that this was a preliminary plan.

Brown, a former chairman of the Planning Commission, said the plan would go through many phases before coming to fruition. The company is putting together estimates on costs.

Nearly News

Mayor Tom Leonard called Wednesday to say that percentage figure mentioned in the “City Considering Cable TV” story in the Tuesday edition of The Ponca City News was incorrect.

Leonard said costs had increased 31.4 percent, not 14 percent as reported.

The Rusty Barrell Supper Club, recently named one of the best steak houses in the state by Discover Oklahoma, is located behind the Ponca Plaza Twin on E. Hartford Avenue.

It is open six nights a week from 5-10 p.m., but closed on Sundays. Lunch is available Monday-Friday.

6-Year-Old Shooter’s Punishment: Expelled

MOUNT MORRIS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — School officials plan to expell the 6-year-old boy accused of fatally shooting a first-grade classmate.

Beecher School District Superintendent Ira Rutherford recommended the expulsion in accordance with Michigan’s school anti-weapons law, said Donald Bonato, a school attorney.

If school officials approve a request for readmission, the boy could return to school after 90 days. Officials have said they consider reinstatement unlikely.

‘‘The districts have no recourse on expelling if you bring a weapon to school. The statute is very clear,’’ he said Wednesday.

Authorities say the boy killed 6-year-old Kayla Rolland on Feb. 29 after he brought a stolen .32-caliber handgun into class.

No criminal charges are expected against the boy, who authorities have said is too young to understand what happened. A 19-year-old man living at the house where the boy had been staying has been charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly leaving the gun around.

The boy, his 5-year-old sister and 8-year-old brother are in the temporary custody of their maternal aunt and are getting educational services at home.

A district official said the board likely would vote on the expulsion on March 15, though the vote could be delayed until April. The parents could demand a hearing to challenge the action, Bonato said.

Doug Theodoroff, an attorney representing the boy, said he hoped other arrangements could be made for the boy’s education.

‘‘It’s pretty clear he’s going to be suspended. If he is, I want to see (that) this kid isn’t sitting home all day watching TV,’’ Theodoroff said.

UW Promise Fellow Position Filled

United Way of Ponca City and the Ponca City Alliance for Youth announces that Katina Combes has filled the position of AmeriCorps Promise Fellow. Combes is an honors student at Northern Oklahoma College and will graduate in May with an associates degree in multi media and digital communications. She has two children ages 10 and 14 and is an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts.

The Promise Fellow Program was an outgrowth of Colin Powell’s National Youth Summit, America’s Promise, held in 1997. The premise of the summit was that every child is entitled to the five fundamental resources — a safe place, a caring adult, a marketable skill, a healthy start and the opportunity to serve. The Fellows supply communities with additional and unique support to help carry out their plans to provide children with these five fundamental resources.

United Way sponsors the Promise Fellow, and the Oklahoma Community Service Commission funds the Promise Fellow position with matching dollars from the local community.

Carl Renfro, CEO of Pioneer Bank, was a delegate to the national summit and is a strong supporter of youth in our community. Conoco has always supported youth and youth programs with their time and funds. Both these businesses strongly endorse the Youth Alliance and have agreed to again contribute the matching funds for 2000.

“We are so lucky to have individuals and businesses actively involved in the future of our youth,” says Combes.

As the United Way/AmeriCorps Promise Fellow, her main objective will be to help the community fulfill the goals of the Ponca City Youth Summit now known as the Ponca City Alliance for Youth. One of the overriding themes of the task forces this past year was the need for mentors. With the help of a Mentoring Advisory Committee, Combes will also be helping develop a community-wide mentoring clearinghouse.

Combes will be housed in the new United Way office at 205 North Second. For more information about the Ponca City Alliance for Youth, call the United Way office at 765-2476 or e-mail Combes at uwvolctr@poncacity.

High Schoolers Adopt Po-Hi Crime Stoppers

The students of the Ponca City High School have a new program in place to help them maintain a safe school environment.

Sponsored by the Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers, the program is called “Po-Hi Crime Stoppers,” and is designed to give the students an avenue to report information they have which concerns crime or violations of school policy without the fear of reprisal.

The Po-Hi Crime Stoppers Board is made up of a diverse group of students, and has an adult advisor, which was appointed by the administration.

A student having information regarding a crime on campus or a violation of school policy can call Po-Hi Crime Stoppers at 763-0366. The student will remain anonymous and can earn a reward up to $100.

“In light of school violence across the nation, the willingness of these students to step forward and take a leadership role in keeping our school safe is admirable,” says Det. Capt. Dwaine Vincent, Ponca City Police Department Crime Stoppers Coordinator.

DEATHS

Noel Lewis Clonts
Mary Kay Lolley
Charles A. Herrington
Kevin Eldridge Manering
Ophelia Denise Tillman

Noel Lewis Clonts

BLACKWELL — Noel Lewis Clonts, resident of Blackwell, died early Wednesday morning, March 8, 2000, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital in Blackwell. He was 60.

The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2000, in the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. John Newland of House of Prayer of Blackwell officiating. Burial will be 3:30 p.m. in the Oakdale Cemetery in Paden under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Noel Lewis Clonts was born Sept. 22, 1939, in Milfay, Okla., the son of Alfred Lewis and Erma Irene (Tucker) Clonts. He grew up in Milfay and attended schools there until 1951, when the family moved to Blackwell. He then attended Blackwell public schools until he entered the United States Army, where he served on the aircraft carrier USS Shangra-la for four years.

Following his discharge, he returned to Blackwell before moving to Wichita, Kan., where he worked for Beech Aircraft. In 1965, he returned to Blackwell and began driving a truck for various trucking companies. In 1970, he moved to Oklahoma City and drove a truck for Lee Way Motor Freight. He was employed there for ten years until ill health forced his retirement. In 1994, he returned to Blackwell to make his home, living there ever since. He was a member of the Blackwell American Legion and VFW.

Survivors include two sons, Sonny Clonts of Blackwell and Timothy Clonts of Richmond, Va.; two sisters, Velma Contreras of Merced, Calif., and Nelda Margerum of Anderson, Mo.; three brothers, Melvin Clonts and Terry Clonts, both of Blackwell, and Darrell Clonts of Anderson, Mo.; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Casket bearers will be James Clonts, Christopher Clonts, Perry Avra, Brent Young, Chris Mills and Neal Clonts.

Mary Kay Lolley

BLACKWELL — Mary Kay (Graham) Lolley, formerly of Blackwell, died early Wednesday morning, March 8, 2000, in Tulsa. She was 68.

The funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2000, in the First Presbyterian Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Geoffrey Pfaff of Blackwell and the Rev. Rad Rader of Tulsa officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Mary Kay Lolley was born Jan. 7, 1932, in Blackwell, the daughter of Ethan and Virginia (Adams) Graham. She grew up in Blackwell and attended Blackwell public schools, graduating in 1949. She attended Hockaday School for Girls in Dallas, Texas, before attending the University of Oklahoma in Norman, where she graduated in 1953 with a degree in music education. While in college, she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

Following graduation, she taught elementary school music for two years. She lived in Blackwell, Norman, Santa Fe, N.M., and Kerrville, Texas, before moving to Tulsa, where she lived at the time of her death. While living in Blackwell, she was a member of the Blackwell Hospital Auxiliary, the Blackwell Country Club, and was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was a supporter of many charitable organizations and worked as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels in Norman.

She is survived by a daughter, Patricia Thompson of Tulsa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Thompson; a son, Ethan Thompson; and a daughter, Ginny Thompson.

Casket bearers will be Don Ganer, Dale Wheeler, Jim Rodgers, Marvin Allbaugh, Bill McKenzie and Robert F. Morgan.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the First Presbyterian Church, First and Bridge, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Charles A. Herrington

TOPEKA, Kan. — Charles A. “Chuck” Herrington, former resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, in a Topeka hospital. He was 81.

A private memorial service is planned following cremation.

Charles A. Herrington was born April 16, 1918, in Altoona, Kan., the son of Guy and Alma Henderson Herrington. He had been employed as an office machine technician, having worked in Ponca City, Topeka and Wichita, Kan. He married Naomi Ashbaugh on Dec. 29, 1961, in Lyndon, Kan.

Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Charles Leroy Herrington and Mark A. Herrington, both of Wichita, Kan.; three stepsons, Robert Ashbaugh of Kansas City, Mo., and Charles Ashbaugh and Lesley Ashbaugh, both of Topeka; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Obituaries

Kevin Eldridge Manering

PAWHUSKA — A few days ago, a child of Pawhuska for nearly 18 years, Kevin Eldridge Manering, changed his residence from here to a heavenly home, therein to dwell forever with his Lord. His Lord is no stranger to Kevin as he has known Him all his life.

He is the beloved son of Larry and Keitha Manering, who watched him grow in these Osage hills into a wonderful young man, just beginning his life’s journey. His sister Michelle played with him, guided him, sometimes quarreled with him, but always adored him.

He loved his home here on a wooded plot of land next to a pond, which provided all the things a boy would like to do. He fished, played with his animals, hunted, even built a nine-hole golf course around the pond.

Kevin has lots of good friends, special among them are Melanie, Brett, Josh, Philip, Travis, Bill Joe, Ryan, Jason, Paul and Jacob. The entire wrestling team and the cheerleading squad, together with his teachers, all call him friend. One special friend, Michael Smoot, for whom Kevin grieved deeply, is waiting now in eternity for him.

He loved his church, the First United Methodist Church here in Pawhuska, and he loved scouting and won many merit badges. His dad Larry taught him outdoor things, and he went deer and turkey hunting from the time he was old enough to carry a shotgun. He was nearly always successful, too. A very special time for Kevin and his mother Keitha is the time they shared deer hunting together. She also instilled in him a loving-kindness that endeared him to all who knew him.

As a student at Pawhuska High, Kevin always tried to do his very best. Monday night at the Honors Banquet, he was awarded a medal, certificates, and even a leather briefcase. This was his fourth year as an honor student. He won’t graduate with this first class of the new millennium year 2000, but in the hearts and minds of all the other seniors, he will be right at the top. All the faculty and administrators will miss him — all of Pawhuska will miss him.

Kevin has four grandparents who adore him — he is indeed a beloved grandson. Maxine and Eldridge Manering of Ponca City attended almost all of the activities in which he participated and were very proud of his successes and of the way he handled his failures. They have an infinite, abiding love for him that will always comfort them.

He has another set of grandparents, Lillian and Charles McCluskey, who love him deeply as well. They live in Carmi, Ill., where Keitha and Larry met and went to school. While distance made it impossible for them to attend many of Kevin’s activities, they were always there in spirit with him. Grandma and Grandpa McCluskey were especially fond of Kevin since he was the only grandson in their family.

Kevin died very suddenly in a tragic accident beyond Pawhuska Lake on Highway 60. The extent of grieving at his death spans the entire continent of which the center is Pawhuska. He was born here April 10, 1982, and he called Pawhuska home.

On Friday, March 10, at 2 p.m. in the First Baptist Church, which is located at Sixth and Prudom in Pawhuska, he will be remembered and memorialized. His pastor, the Rev. Mark Smith, will serve him one last time. His interment will be in the Pawhuska Cemetery following the service under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.

Many friends and relatives will mourn him. He has an aunt, Mrs. Sue Goodpaster of Mowequa, Ill., and an uncle and aunt, Alex and Carla Manering of Oklahoma City. His cousins are Beth Johnson of Evansville, Ind., and Brenna, Erin, and Jason Manering of Oklahoma City, who with his grandparents, sister, and parents can’t help but ask, “Why, Lord?” There is only silence, but comfort will come from God’s Word.

Others who will miss him are his great-aunts and -uncles. They are Bea and Cuma Blazier of Evansville, Ind., Bob and Edith Blazier of Lake Placid, Fla., Jesse and Barbara Manering, Edith Hobbs, Billie and Don Carder, all of Ponca City, and Lois and Jose Puig of Oklahoma City.

Close cousins are Joe and Connie Carder of Ponca City, Dana and Gary Castleberry of Oldsmar, Fla., Byron and Kelly Manering of Bellingham, Wash., Michael Manering of League City, Texas, and Cheryl and Ken Jennings of Winfield, Kan.

Others are Jeffery and Elaine Masters of Ponca City, Virginia and David Burrows of Houston, Texas, Benton Masters, Terry and Nancy Masters, and Karen and Kent Dorr, all of Oklahoma City.

The family has established an endowment memorial in Kevin’s name at the First National Bank of Pawhuska, 100 West Main, Pawhuska, Okla. 74056. Those who wish may contribute to this memorial which will benefit some Pawhuska students.

Vaya con Dios, Kevin.

paid obituary

Ophelia Denise Tillman

Ophelia Denise Tillman, Red Rock resident, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 57.

A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. this evening at the Otoe Baptist Church in Red Rock with the Rev. Joseph Black, pastor of Otoe Baptist Church, officiating. The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2000, in the Otoe Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Otoe-Missouria Cemetery in Red Rock with arrangements by the Trout Funeral Home. A lifelong friend, Alberta “Blondie” Vetter is in charge of the funeral. Special music will be provided by Edward Robinson.

Denise was born March 28, 1942, in Fairfax to Charles Owen and Ella (Koshiway) Tillman. She graduated from Red Rock High School in 1960 and attended Wayland Baptist College, Draughns Business School, Oklahoma State University and Northern Oklahoma College. She was a retired computer technician from IBM.

She was a member of the Native American Church and the Otoe Baptist Church of Red Rock. She enjoyed horses and traveling.

Survivors include her father and step-mother, Charles Owen and Mildred Tillman of Tonkawa; three brothers, Charles Owen Tillman Jr. and his wife Barbara of Tulsa, Owen Tillman of Ponca City, and Stephen Tillman and his wife Bonnie of Oklahoma City; and four sisters, Nancy Kyle of Fairfax, Diane Tillman of Red Rock, Angela Lauffenburger and husband Ken of Carrolton, Texas, and Mary Galcatcher of Ponca City.

She was preceded in death by her mother Ella, two brothers, Rodney Tillman and John Morrell; and one sister, Lillie Robedeaux.

Casket bearers will be Roy Childs, Leroy Enloe, Jeff Littlecrow, Curtis Burgess, Buddy Grimm, and Ted Hall.

Honorary casket bearers will be Harry Hall, Donald Doyle, and Emmett Hall.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Bicycle Stolen — A woman from the 2000 block of North Fourth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:02 a.m. Wednesday that a bicycle had been stolen from the residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 10:02 a.m. Wednesday that a fire was occurring in the 1600 block of Shirlee Avenue. The Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene, entered a residence, and found a pan had been left on the stove and handled the situation.

Onion Plants, and sets, asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, rhubarb, strawberry plant, bulk seed and bulbs now available. Open Sunday. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Vandalism — A man from the 900 block of East Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:13 a.m. Wednesday that someone had broken into the basement of the building. An officer was assigned and a destruction of private property report was taken.

25 Cents a gallon drinking water. Pure Water Wagon 1717 N. 5th. adv.

Abandoned Bicycle — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 11:51 a.m. Wednesday that a bicycle had been abandoned in the 1700 block of North Fourth Street. Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycle.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 300 block of East Central Avenue at 11:51 a.m. Wednesday that a 19-year-old man was being held for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and not using a seat belt.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 200 block of East Highland Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:03 p.m. Wednesday that someone had driven off without paying for $10 worth of gas. The information was logged.

Affairs To Remember, 212 North Third. Open house Saturday, March 11, 11-3:00. adv.

Vehicle Vandalized — A woman from the 900 block of North Fifth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:59 p.m. Wednesday that her vehicle had been vandalized. 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.

Threats — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1000 block of West Hartford Avenue at 2:53 p.m. Wednesday that information had been received that a threat had been made with a firearm. Information was logged.

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

Vehicle Stolen — A woman from the 3200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:54 p.m. Wednesday that a subject had left the business to try out a vehicle and never returned. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Love the lodge look? Check us out for new lodge and hunting decor. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, Ponca Plaza. adv.

Attempted Burglary — A woman from the 700 block of North Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:12 p.m. Wednesday that someone had attempted to break into the residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Threats — A woman from the 200 block of South Seventh Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:18 p.m. Wednesday that some threats of harassment had been received. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A woman from the 1000 block of North Waverly Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:16 p.m. Wednesday that a shed had been broken into. Two officers were assigned and reports were taken that four separate break-in incidents had occurred in the area.

Chair Caning- Hand weave and Fiber rush weaving, also handmade Nantucket baskets. Call Floyd Stewart 765-6785. adv.

Bicycle Stolen — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 4:21 p.m. Wednesday that a bicycle had been stolen from a residence in the 900 block of East Central Avenue.

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.

Vehicle Stolen — A woman from the 2600 block of Rice reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:36 p.m. Wednesday that a vehicle had been taken out of the garage. Police sent the information to the Stillwater-Perkins area and the vehicle was located in Cushing at 11:45 p.m. and a subject was in custody.

Special 40 lb. cow manure, 99 cents each. Limit 10 bags. Open

Sunday. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Vandalism — A resident in the 1600 block of Donahoe reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:14 p.m. Wednesday that the residence had been burglarized and vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. An extra patrol was requested.

Pauline Steak and shrimp dinner $11.95 Friday the 10th. For

reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Bicycle Theft — A woman from the 500 block of East Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:44 p.m. Wednesday that a bicycle had been stolen from the Library. Information was logged.

Shoplifter — An employee at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, requested assistance with a shoplifter at 8:34 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and an intoxicated man was taken into custody.

GARDENING

Pioneer Water Garden Society Meeting
Moonflowers Gaden Club
Expect To Pay More At the Garden Center
Digging in the Dirt
Landscaping Important Element for Rural Fire Defense Program

Pioneer Water Garden Society Meeting

The March 21 meeting of the Pioneer Water Garden Society will begin at 7 p.m. at the Cann Garden center. Conrad Kleinholz of Stillwater will present the program about the “breeding of goldfish in your pond.”

All area residents who are interested in water gardens are urged to attend the meeting. For more information call Marsh, 765-8249, or Bill, 765-2390.

Moonflowers Gaden Club

A newly formed garden club in Ponca City, the Moonflowers Garden Club, met in February at the Cann Gardens. During this meeting, officers were elected and installed. Renee Taylor was elected president, and Jeanie Waller was elected secretary/treasurer.

Helen Widener, Herb Festival chair and member of the Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden club, gave an overview of the Master Gardener program she recently completed. The group also shared ideas for fundraising projects, discussed the upcoming trip to the Wichita Lawn and Garden Show, and a luncheon to be held March 22, featuring Oklahoma celebrity Jane Jayroe as the keynote speaker.

The newly formed garden club will meet on the second Tuesday of each month. The group will hold their next meeting on March 14 at 7 p.m. at the Cann Gardens.

Mitch Yancey, retired owner of The Farm Greenhouse, will speak to the group. He will be instructing the club in starting seeds for early spring plants. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the club is encouraged to attend. New members are welcome. For more information, contact Jeanie Waller, 765-8500.

Expect To Pay More At the Garden Center

The booming economy and drought conditions the past two growing seasons have created a shortage of landscape plants, and have forced the price up to an all time high for nursery stock. Many plants are in very short supply. The list includes Crimson Pygmy Barberry, Burning Bush, Viburnums, Dogwoods, Rhododendrons Gold Thread Cypress and many others.

“Having Burning Bush in short supply is an indication of how strong the market for plants is. Burning Bush is easy to grow and is being grown in large quantity by thousands of growers, yet there’s still a shortage.

“This combination of events is creating a tremendous opportunity for people who would like to grow plants at home for profit. Many people think you need 50 acres or more for a nursery operation. My backyard nursery is 1/20 of one acre, it’s tiny!”, says McGroarty. “Of course I can’t raise 100,000 full grown plants in that small area, but I can raise over 5,000 plants, and that’s enough to bring in several thousand dollars each year.”

McGroarty enjoys sharing the joy of growing plants with others. He has a website that is loaded with free plant propagation information, and he also has a booklet for those that do not have internet access. His website is http://www.freeplants.com or you can order his booklet “The Secret of Growing Landscape Plants from Cuttings” by sending $2.00 to McGroarty’s Booklet, P.O. Box 338, Perry, Ohio 44081

According to McGroarty you can root several thousand cuttings in an area no larger than your kitchen table. He also says that there is a market for a plant as small as a rooted cutting, with wholesale buyers purchasing thousands of them each year. “It’s a fun and rewarding home business”, says McGroarty. “When people visit our little 1/20 acre nursery they are completely in awe of what we do here. They are like kids in a candy store, and are delighted to buy our little plants for $4 each.” 1/20 of an acre is an area 45 feet by 50 feet. You can take an electronic tour of McGroarty’s Nursery when you visit his website.

Digging in the Dirt

By Kathy Zehr

Even though it feels like spring — and some things in the yard just can’t wait to bloom — don’t get in a hurry to plant anything that will be damaged by frost unless you want to race outside to cover them each time the weather changes. A wise man said, “It ain’t over ‘till it’s over!” and that includes frosts and freezes in Oklahoma. There is still plenty to do while we wait to plant.

How’s Your Lawn?

If your lawn was weed-free last year and your neighbors were diligent gardeners, you may not need to apply a late winter herbicide to prevent crabgrass, foxtail and other weeds. Usually though, at least one loveable neighbor has them, and if so, it’s time to apply treatment before they get a foothold in your lawn. If using a spreader be sure to avoid any skips or misses by setting the spreader at half the recommended setting (directions on the bag) and make two passes over the area — the second one at right angle to the first. It’s also time to fertilize bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass. Some grasses are ready to mow with blades set at 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches.

Other Pesky Weeds

Pesky perennial weeds and small trees are beginning to crop up everywhere, and a diligent gardener should be ruthless in eradicating the little pests as soon as possible. A favorite place to hide is under shrubs and hedges where seeds may have been dropped by birds. The best tool I’ve found to eradicate little trees is a pair of pliers applied to the stem close to the ground and pulled straight out.

The most difficult weeds to control in this area seem to be bindweed, climbing milkweed, poison ivy and wild onion. I prefer hand weeding but if the problem is excessive then herbicides may be used very carefully.

Some favorite herbicides used by local growers include Roundup or Kleenup, which contain glyphosate. The most important thing to remember is that herbicides are killers and not selective to plants and can be harmful to mammals. Application should be very controlled on a non-windy day and applied only to target plants. Follow all instructions on the package and only use it for the purpose intended. Be “super careful” about winddrift carrying the mixture onto a neighbor’s prized plants!

After application, it is important to clean up all containers and destroy all leftover mixtures according to instructions on the package. Do not add discarded plants sprayed by herbicides to the compost pile.

Other Early Spring Chores

If your peach trees (or related fruits) exhibited leaf curl disease last year and/or if it had cytospora canker, a widespread bark disease of peaches and cherries in our region, consult with your local garden center and purchase a good dormant oil spray made especially for that problem and apply now. Follow all instructions carefully.

Other time-consuming gardening problems include perennial grasses growing in flower clumps such as tulip, iris or ground covers. The only permanent solution, according to experienced gardeners, is to lift the flower clump or ground cover, turn it over and pull every blade and root of the grass out, then replant and water thoroughly. It is also a good opportunity to divide and thin those plants if needed.

Speaking of dividing, its about time to divide and reset small late blooming perennials. Decide now and prepare beds where you want to plant those extra chrysanthemums, hardy asters, summer phlox, ornamental grasses, coralbells, daylilies, yarrow, globe thistles, sedums, lythrums and any other late bloomers which may be showing growth in the beds now. Wait until late summer to divide and reset early spring bloomers.

“Spring is almost here” is heralded by emerging bulb foliage in almost every yard in Ponca City. Some experts believe a bulb fertilizer high in phosphorus (the middle number in the fertilizer formula) is beneficial to older established bulb beds right now. Trowel the phosphorus mix in gently around the plants. Those who recommend it claim bulbs will bloom better and last longer than unfertilized plants.

Prune roses just before growth starts and begin a regular disease spray program as the foliage appears.

Use That Miracle Compost

It’s time to begin spreading that wonderful compost you have created from all the leftovers. If the waste on the top of your pile has not decayed to a fine dark dirt-like material and ingredients are still recognizable, just toss that part aside to start a new pile and get to the good stuff at the bottom. If the compost is compacted, break it up with a sharp shovel. Put it around everything — it’s food!

The problem is — we never have enough to go ‘round so, thanks to Ben Chaney and his crew, we plan some trips to the free leaf compost pile, located between Ponca City Water Treatment Plant and the Animal Control Center on East Central. Thanks Ben!

Landscaping Important Element for Rural Fire Defense Program

By Jim Pitts,

Area Forester

When Jim and Laura bought their “piece of heaven” on a wooded acreage tucked quietly away from the urban bustle, they never considered the danger they created for themselves and their children. They built a beautiful 4,000-foot square home with every conceivable fire precaution. What they didn’t understand was that the landscaping outside the house with its towering pines and soft grasses had an equal if not greater potential for encouraging the fire they were so careful to prevent inside.

Within three years, parcels of nearby acreages were quietly claimed by other exhausted urbanites. Unfortunately, as more of the forest and outlying grassland was subdivided, the looming danger of wildfire multiplied. At the end of the fourth year after Jim and Laura built their dream home, the disaster struck.

That summer had been one of the driest and hottest in Oklahoma’s history. Cloaked in tinder-dry brush and grass, a brush hog sparked a wildfire on the vulnerable land surrounding the development. It burst into a rapidly moving inferno within less than five minutes. Like a game of connect-the-dots, flames danced from one rooftop to another through the tree canopy, while another blanket of grass fire rolled forward below.

Since most of the neighborhood was away at work in the city, the firefighters were not notified until the fire had raced through three houses.

The fire department had difficulty getting to the fire. The development lacked clear identification, the roads were narrow and at points it was almost impossible for the truck to proceed. Like upright matchboxes, the houses toppled one by one.

Of the seven homes in the newly developed area, only one survived. It belonged to a recent newcomer, who understood the power a wildfire could have. He had taken the necessary landscaping precautions to ensure his home was protected.

The greatest tragedy is that much of the destruction could have been avoided if the developer and homeowners had followed simple landscaping techniques, which start with trees—especially those within 100 feet of each house. With sufficient defensible space, several of the homes could have been saved in the crucial minutes it took for the fast moving fire to spread.

What Caused the Inferno?

Any plant can burst into flame during severe fire danger weather. Most plants accumulate excess woody material and shed seasonal foliage. Branches spread out toward one another, which can set off a chain of fire. Forestry Services recommends that you actively reduce this accumulation of potential fuel by regularly pruning, mowing and raking, followed by proper disposal.

The less accumulation of plant debris, the slower the fire will spread. Reducing the amount of fuel limits the fire’s intensity and buys time until firefighters can directly attack the flames. We also suggest that you rid your trees of abandoned nests, dead limbs and other flammable material.

Check your roof, gutters and other areas surrounding the houses. Remove limbs that extend over your roof or those directly above or within 15 lateral feet of a chimney. In the following section, I have outlined the landscaping and house maintenance approach we recommend you use to protect your home from any of the hundreds of wildfires Oklahoma experiences each year. These suggestions are especially important if you live in a rural area away from readily accessible firefighting services.

Creating a Defensible Space

Minimize early maturing grasses to reduce the potential for rapid surface fires. Mow and rake grasses during the growing season.

Remove or thin shrubs. A good rule of thumb is to keep space between plants at least five times their height. Prune shrubs to maintain an open structure and prevent dense branching.

Prune tree branches to 10 feet or more above the ground to reduce the possibility of surface fires spreading into tree crowns. Thin trees to maintain at least 10 feet between the crowns. Remove understory trees or space widely.

Look for these characteristics in fire retardant plants: open branches, high moisture content in leaves, drought tolerant, little or no seasonal accumulation of dead vegetation, and slow growing (requires less pruning)

Three Zones of Defense

Three zones of defense are recommended against encroaching wildfire. Maintain a minimum distance of 100-150 feet around your house. Greater distances are recommended for homes on steep slopes or windswept exposures. The transition between zones creates breaks in the path to slow advancing flames. Plants in each zone have a distinct function.

Zone One has a 30-foot minimum from the perimeter of the house. Plant low-growing, fire resistant plants including perennials, annuals, groundcover and grasses. Water regularly, especially during droughts and burn bans. Remove all dry plant litter.

Zone Two (30-60 feet from the house) includes slow growing drought tolerant shrubs and ground covers to keep fire near ground level.

Zone Three (60-150 feet from the house) requires removing over-growth and major pruning every three to five years. Native trees should be thinned. Specimen trees can be planted at the edge of the zone if they are well tended. Keep an eye on any limbs that may come in contact with power lines. If you are not equipped to trim them, call the power company and let them know about the hazard.

A Checklist of Fire Hazards

Around your home make sure emergency vehicles will have easy access. Two-way roads with parking lanes allow fire trucks and emergency vehicles to get in and out.

Any bridges leading to your home should be wide enough to support firefighting vehicles.

If your site has a cul-de-sac make sure the radius is a minimum of 45 feet—wide enough for a fire truck to turn around without having to backup. Do not allow parking.

If your entrance gate is often locked, leave a key with the fire department.

U-shaped driveways are preferred, whenever possible.

Make certain road signs and house addresses are readily visible for arriving firefighters. In the case of approaching wildfire, turn off the main gas line.

The number one cause of home loss in wild land fires is from untreated wood shingles. Check the condition of your roof. Call your local fire department if you have questions or need assistance in evaluation.

All flammable materials such as propane tanks and woodpiles should be moved away from buildings. Sparks from a grass fire can quickly ignite firewood stacked near the house or anything combustible, including fences. Never store firewood uphill. When on fire, logs will roll toward the house.

Install spark arresters on small engines and equipment. Weld inside the shop or in a cleared area with fire tools at hand.

Obtain a permit to burn is obtained from local authorities. Burning should be done only in a cleared area away from overhead branches. Don’t pile debris on the ground. It is easily blown, increasing the danger. Place a screen over the incinerator while it is burning. Keep a hose or water truck nearby in case a spark starts a grass fire. The fire should never be left unattended.

Clearly mark access routes. Design two exits from the property. Discuss a planned emergency evacuation route with your family in case of house fire or wildfire.

Equipment for firefighting is reliable and readily available. Keep rakes, shovels and axes within easy access, along with a ladder that will reach your roof.

Screen chimneys with noncombustible wire mesh screening. (Sparks will melt nylon or plastic screening.) Cover exterior attic and under floor vents with wire mesh to prevent sparks from being drawn in.

Safely dispose of stove, fireplace and grill ashes. First place in metal bucket, soak with water, then bury in mineral soil.

Have a coiled hose attached to faucets on the opposite sides of your house. Install faucets near outbuildings and in any areas of the yard where fire hazards exist.

TIP: Check out information online at www.firewise.org. This web page is designed for people who live and/or vacation in areas susceptible to wildfire. It features a variety of topics including the Firewise Landscaping Checklist and the booklet Protecting Your Home from Wildfire.

SPORTS

Texas Tips OU Women In Big 12
Najera, Avila Eligibility Okay

Texas Tips OU Women In Big 12

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Edwina Brown scored a lay-up and a free-throw with less than 17 seconds to play to give Texas a 71-68 upset of No. 18 Oklahoma in the second round of the women’s Big 12 Conference Tournament.

In other quarterfinal games Wednesday, top-seeded Iowa State defeated Oklahoma State 93-58, Nebraska beat Kansas 80-67 and Texas Tech beat Colorado 76-60.

The Longhorns (20-11) scored 17 of the final 20 points as Brown outdueled Big 12 Player of the Year Phylesha Whaley.

Brown scored 26 points, including 16 in the final 8:35. Whaley scored 21 points but her night ended with a traveling call in the final seconds.

The Sooners (23-7) led 65-54 with 5:45 remaining. But Texas scored nine straight points, seven by Brown, to draw within two.

Stacey Dales hit a 3-pointer with just under two minutes left, but those were the last points the Sooners would score.

Nicole Kubik scored a tournament-record 32 points to lead Nebraska (18-11) to yet another victory over the Jayhawks (20-9). The Huskers swept Kansas in conference play during the regular season.

Kansas led by as many as 14 points, 35-21, late in the first half before Nebraska went on a 16-6 run to cut the Kansas lead to 41-37 at halftime. The teams traded the lead early in the second half before a 3-pointer by Brooke Schwartz put Nebraska ahead to stay.

‘‘Fourteen points down? That’s nothing,’’ Kubik said of the Jayhawks’ biggest lead. ‘‘We can make that up in a minute and a half.’’

Kubik, who scored 18 points in the first half, was 10-of-20 from the field and 10-of-11 on free throws.

Iowa State (23-5) held Oklahoma State (14-16) to just 13 percent shooting and set tournament records for margin of victory, 3-point baskets and attempts, and field goal defense for a half and a game.

‘‘I am very ecstatic that we won and that our kids played well,’’ said Cyclones coach Bill Fennelly. ‘‘I think everyone was a little nervous coming out. Once we got it going, we were hard to stop.’’

Aleah Johnson scored 18 points as Texas Tech built an early lead and cruised past Colorado. The Lady Raiders (25-3) led by as many as 20 points in the first half before taking a 43-29 lead at halftime.

Colorado (10-19), with only eight players on its roster, appeared to run out of gas against Texas Tech. Colorado beat Missouri in the first round on Tuesday, while the Raiders had not played in more than a week.

‘‘It was a tough ball game,’’ Tech coach Marsha Sharp said. ‘‘I thought we came out and played well in the first half. I was pleased with the intensity level. We went on a run midway through the first half where we got a bunch of 4- and 5-foot jumpers, because we were able to get out and run.’’

In semifinal games today, No. 6 Iowa State plays Nebraska at 5 p.m. and Texas Tech plays Texas at 7:30 p.m.

TEXAS 71, No. 18 OKLAHOMA 68

Texas (20-11) 

Cook 3-6 7-8 13, Brown 9-24 8-10 26, Littleton 5-7 3-5 13, Woods 2-7 0-0 4, A.Hill 0-6 0-0 0, Sare 3-8 0-0 7, Dillard 0-1 1-2 1, Godfrey 1-4 3-4 5, Johnson 1-2 0-0 2, Ryan 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 24-65 22-29 71.

Oklahoma (23-7)

C.Hill 3-11 4-5 11, Whaley 8-16 3-6 21, Hardeman 4-10 1-2 11, Caufield 1-5 2-2 4, Dales 4-9 2-2 12, Taylor 0-0 1-2 1, Cunningham 1-2 1-3 3, Seeley 2-5 0-0 5. Totals 23-58 14-22 68.

Halftime—Texas 35, Oklahoma 33. 3-Point goals—Texas 1-6 (Sare 1-2, A.Hill 0-4), Oklahoma 8-17 (Whaley 2-2, Dales 2-3, Hardeman 2-8, C.Hill 1-1, Seeley 1-2, Caufield 0-1). Fouled out—C.Hill. Rebounds—Texas 46 (Brown 14), Oklahoma 39 (C.Hill, Whaley 10). Assists—Texas 9 (Brown 4), Oklahoma 17 (Hardeman 6). Total fouls—Texas 21, Oklahoma 21. A—3,614.

Najera, Avila Eligibility Okay

NORMAN (AP) — A review of high school financing for basketball players Eduardo Najera and Victor Avila found nothing that would affect their eligibility, the University of Oklahoma says.

Najera and Avila, both seniors, attended Cornerstone Christian School in San Antonio.

‘‘Any aid they received was provided by the school and was part of the school’s aid program available to all students at the school,’’ the university said in a statement Wednesday. It said the school’s program was consistent with NCAA rules.

OU reviewed the issue as a result of a question posed by a reporter at the San Antonio Express-News.

Najera, a native of Mexico, attended Cornerstone Christian during the 1994-95 school year. The newspaper said an official of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools said the tuition was subsidized by the Mexican National Basketball Federation.

OU said its information confirmed that neither Najera nor Avila received any financial assistance of any kind from the Mexican Basketball Federation or from any other people or organizations to attend the school.

OU said the review involved the Big 12 Conference, the NCAA, Cornerstone Christian and the Mexican Basketball Federation.

This season, the NCAA has penalized basketball players who have had third parties outside their immediate family pay for prep school tuition. Oklahoma State freshman Andre Williams missed five games as the result of such an investigation.