LOCAL

Gas Tax Bill Dies Amtrak Future in Jeopardy
State Workers Raise Approved by House
Venezuela Assuming Larger Role in OPEC Power Picture
Local Man’s Death By Gun Shot Wound
District Court
Relay for Life Set Here on June 2 thru 3

Gas Tax Bill Dies Amtrak Future in Jeopardy

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Lawmakers say election-year jitters and opposition from truckers are the reasons a state House committee derailed a plan to ask voters to raise the gas tax to pay for passenger rail service.

‘‘I’m very discouraged,’’ Rep. Bill Paulk, D-Oklahoma City, said Wednesday after the House Appropriations and Budget Committee voted 17-12 against Senate Joint Resolution 37. ‘‘We should have let the people decide whether they want rail passenger service and whether they want to pay for it.’’

The proposal by Sen. Dave Herbert, D-Midwest City, sought a statewide vote on whether to raise the 17 cents-per-gallon gas tax by one cent for 10 years to expand rail service in Oklahoma. The tax would have raised $180 million over 10 years.

Paulk said the measure was opposed by the trucking industry. He said opponents inflated the amount of government subsidy that additional train service would require.

Herbert, who on Monday outlined a 10-year blueprint to expand passenger rail service in the state, has said the measure might run into opposition from House members concerned about offering a tax proposal during an election year.

The legislation’s defeat leaves the future of the only passenger rail service in the state in doubt. Without the tax revenue, Herbert has said, Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer route between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas, will run out of money in four or five years.

‘‘Then the Heartland Flyer goes away,’’ Herbert said. The service was started in June, ending a 20-year absence in Oklahoma.

Herbert has said ridership on the Heartland Flyer has exceeded expectations.

A key element of his passenger rail service plan would connect Oklahoma City and Tulsa with a high-speed rail line that would accommodate cross-country Amtrak trains as well as intrastate trains serving the state’s two largest urban areas.

The first phase would also expand the Heartland Flyer route to Newton, Kan., where it would tie in with Amtrak’s Southwest Limited line, allowing Oklahomans to reach Kansas City and Chicago to the east and Los Angeles to the west.

The second phase calls for the examination of passenger rail ‘‘feeder’’ lines that would link Oklahoma City and Tulsa with cities across the state. Phase three would explore excursion trains to advance tourism.

State Workers Raise Approved by House

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma House gave final passage to $2,000 state employee pay raises today after a fight to delete hefty pay increases for judges.

Rep. Charles Gray, D-Oklahoma City, whose wife, Twyla, is an Oklahoma County district judge, led the charge to remove judicial pay increases ranging up to $16,000.

He said if judges want a raise, they should come with their own bill.

‘‘I’ll probably be riding the couch this evening, but the fact is she doesn’t need a pay raise,’’ Gray said.

Rep. Mike Mass, D-Hartshorne, said it was wrong for the Senate to secure pay raises for judges on the backs of state workers.

‘‘It’s a disgusting, downright shame,’’ Mass said. ‘‘We ought not to do things like that.’’ Gray wanted to return the bill to conference to delete the raises for judges. But his motion was never considered because the conference committee report was accepted on a 52-40 vote.

House members then approved the bill, 91-4, and sent it to the governor.

The no votes were cast by Gray, Mass, Rep. Lloyd Fields, D-McAlester, and Rep. Bill Graves, R-Oklahoma City.

The Senate voted 46-0 on Wednesday for the Senate Bill 959, which will fund $2,000 annual raises for 36,000 full-time state workers.

In other action, the House and Senate gave final approval to an emergency funding bill costing $9.3 million, with most of the money going to prisons.

That bill provides $500,000 to allow the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to continue its program of destroying methamphetamine labs.

The salary bill would go into effect Oct. 1 and cost $38 million the first year and $51 million on an annual basis. Some employees will be paid out of federal funds.

‘‘There’s no question that state employees are underpaid and deserve a pay raise,’’ said Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor, D-Claremore.

Venezuela Assuming Larger Role in OPEC Power Picture

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — OPEC’s latest meeting has confirmed Venezuela’s higher profile in the oil cartel: its oil minister was named OPEC president and the group approved a Venezuelan proposal to use frequent output changes to counter price instability.

But Venezuela’s share of OPEC’s agreed output hike — about 125,000 barrels a day — may not be enough to rescue the South American nation’s faltering economy. And President Hugo Chavez is being criticized by some oil experts who say he’s courting Arab oil producers at the expense of petroleum investment at home.

‘‘Are your real partners OPEC or are they the partners that are investing money with you?’’ asked Luis Giusti, former president of Venezuela’s state oil monopoly, Petroleos de Venezuela.

Venezuela is a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and a top supplier of oil to the United States.

Venezuelan Oil Minister Ali Rodriguez was a key negotiator in helping bring about Wednesday’s agreement in Vienna, Austria, raising oil output to rein in the prices that have reached nine-year highs.

After Iran reversed a decision not to raise output, the cartel is now likely to increase production by around 1.7 million barrels a day.

Taking into account non-OPEC member Mexico’s decision to increase production — and the probability of continued cheating on quotas by major producers — the total in-crease may reach the 2 million barrels a day sought by the United States and other oil-importing nations who have seen a steep runup in gasoline and heating oil prices.

The Vienna gathering appears to have sealed Venezuela’s new international oil policy stressing cooperation with OPEC. Rodriguez was elected president of the cartel for one year in a move some said was an attempt to reward Venezuela for reversing its long-standing position as OPEC’s perennial quota buster.

The Chavez administration’s decision to reduce output, honor quotas and persuade other major producers to do the same was partly behind the recent tripling of world oil prices from near historic lows a little over a year ago.

Rodriguez said OPEC had unanimously agreed to Vene-zuela’s proposal for an informal system of frequent output changes to keep prices within a set range.

He did not give any indication of what the floor and ceiling of that range might be.

‘‘As far as the present administration is concerned, I would say this (the Vienna meeting) is a big success for them,’’ said Andres Sosa Pietri, another former president of Petroleos de Venezuela.

But Sosa also said the emphasis on cooperation with OPEC is not a substitute for expanding its production capacity be-yond its current 3 million barrels a day.

He called Venezuela’s share of the output hike ‘‘window dressing as far the economy here is concerned.’’

Venezuela, he said, must capitalize on its comparative advantages. They include having the largest oil reserves in the Western Hemisphere, facing relatively low extraction costs and enjoying proximity to the United States, which purchases most of Venezuela’s oil.

Venezuela’s economy shrank by more than seven percent last year, partly because it cut back on drilling and investment to meet its OPEC export limit.

Chavez, a former army paratrooper who tried to overthrow Venezuela’s elected government in 1992, has underscored Venezuela’s independence from Washington — though the South American nation of 23 million people is still considered a moderate within OPEC.

Local Man’s Death By Gun Shot Wound

A 60-year-old Ponca City man was found in his home Wednesday morning, the victim of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound according to the Ponca City Police Department.

Charles Dixon was found dead at the scene in a residence in the 1200 block of South Ninth Street.

Two Ponca City police officers responded to the call, received at 9:51 a.m., as did a deputy from the Kay County Sheriff’s office and two units from the Ponca City Fire Department.

District Court

Newkirk

Marriage Licenses

Raymond Westly McQuerry, 23, and Chrystal Dawn Howard, 21, both of Ponca City.

Terry Neil Jacob, 52, and Monna Lou Jacob, 51, both of Ponca City.

Scott Joseph Moorad, 24, and Mindy Dawn Wright, 25, both of Houston.

Chance Glenn Hankla, 27, and Jennifer Lea Lauver, 23, both of Blackwell.

Richard Aaron Willard, 17, and Katie Ann Hays, 17, both of Stigler.

Charles Heward Smithson, 33, and Rayleene Scifres, 36, both of Ponca City.

Donald Ray Farris, 62, and Lillian May Revels, 65, both of Ponca City.

Ryan Dale Christian, 23, and Jennifer Suzanne Kastendick, 23, both of Tulsa.

Divorces Sought

Lorea Dawn Buesing vs. Michael Wayne Buesing.

Maria Ester Hernandez vs. Francisco Hernandez.

Relay for Life Set Here on June 2 thru 3

Ponca City’s walkers and runners go around the clock in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. This “celebration of life” brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back.

Teams of enthusiastic citizens from all walks of life will gather at the Ambucs Motocross Track for a 12-hour relay against cancer from 7 p.m. on June 2 until 7 a.m. June 3.

Relay for Life is a unique fund raising event that allows participants from all walks of life — patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers — to join together to fight cancer. Relay for Life reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference.

Relay for Life opens as cancer survivors walk or wheelchair the first lap. This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant’s contribution. A festive atmosphere always develops around the track area at these events. As one makes new friends and spends time with old ones, the relay heats up and the campout begins. An atmosphere of camaraderie is created by team members entertaining each other, eating, playing games and, of course, walking or running for a great cause.

Highlighting the evening is the luminaria service held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminaria candles line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.

“Relay for Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund raiser,” said Vicky Morton, co-chair. “Many of the participants will be people who have been cured of cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in cancer cure rates and in the quality of life following cancer treatment.”

“The funds raised will enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through educational programs, research and services to patients,” said Carol Murphy, co-chair. “Due to the generosity of corporate sponsors like Home National Bank, Conoco, Pioneer Bank and Trust, and St. Joseph’s Cancer Center, the money raised by participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs.

Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay for Life is available from the Team Recruitment chairman, Danny Thompson, at 763-2343.

For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour hotline at 800-ACS-2345 or visit the website www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

DEATHS

Thomas Sidney Spore Jr.
Edwin E. Anderson
Frankie Ellen Killman
James Hersel Pemberton
Frankie Ellen Killman
Winifred A. Stewart McManus
Jared Webb Brien Summy
Delbert Lee Robison
Erskine Ward
Charles Dixon

Thomas Sidney Spore Jr.

NEWKIRK — Thomas Sidney Spore Jr., longtime Newkirk area resident, died Wednesday morning, March 29, 2000, at his rural Newkirk home. He was 87.

The funeral has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, March 31, in the Newkirk First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Danny W. Cornish, minister of the Newkirk Church of Christ, officiating. Burial is to follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

Thomas Sidney Spore Jr. was born Dec. 28, 1912, in Kildare, the son of Thomas Sidney and Bertha Elizabeth (Patten) Spore. He grew up in the Kildare and Newkirk areas, and he attended Liberty Rural School and Newkirk High School. He was a member of 4-H, and he served as the first president of the Newkirk FFA his junior year. That same year, 1931, he won the state wrestling championship at 115 pounds. He graduated with the class of 1932. After graduation, he attended one semester at the University of Oklahoma and three semesters at Central State College in Edmond before returning home to farm and operate a dairy.

He served several years on the Kay County Fair Board and was election precinct inspector for the Kildare Township for 25 years. He also served on the ASCS county committee, and he served in the Ark-Kay Soil Conservation District for 22 years. In 1953, he won the national championship in the adult division of the National Land Judging contest. In 1961, he won the national championship for the International Land Judging contest in the adult division. In 1976 he was recipient of the Governors Conservation Award and the Goodyear Award.

In 1987, he was awarded the Newkirk High School Athletic Award for athletic achievement. In 1998, he received the Newkirk Citizen of the Year award. He also received the Newkirk High School Fan of the Year Award 1998-99 for allegiance and overwhelming support.

He is survived by one brother, Franklin Spore of rural Newkirk; two sisters, Helen Spore of rural Newkirk and Eletha Rowell of Newkirk; two nephews and three nieces.

Casket bearers will be David Spore, John Spore, David Lavers, David Engelking, Chris Lavers, Matthew Spore and Toby Lavers.

A memorial fund has been established with the Newkirk High School athletic program, c/o Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk, Okla. 74647-0468.

Edwin E. Anderson

BLACKWELL — Edwin E. Anderson, former resident of Blackwell, died Tuesday, March 28, 2000, in the Integris Bass Memorial Hospital in Enid. He was 78.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 31, in the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Daryl Donovan of the First Christian Church of Blackwell officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. A color guard and honor squad from Vance Air Force Base in Enid will present the flag.

Edwin E. “Ed” Anderson was born Jan. 20, 1922, in Blackwell, the son of Elza “Buck” and Marie (Vervieu) Anderson. He grew up in Blackwell and attended Blackwell public schools, graduating in 1940. He then worked with his father in the family business before entering the United States Army Air Corps. While in the Army Air Corps, he attended officer training school and became a fighter pilot during World War II. While flying a mission over Germany, he was shot down and was a prisoner of war for over a year.

Following his discharge, he returned to Blackwell and attended Northern Junior College in Tonkawa as well as being employed in the oil fields. He married Shirley Casper Oct. 18, 1949, in Edmond, and they settled in Blackwell. In 1950, he began his employment at the Blackwell Zinc Company as a furnace operator, continuing there until the plant closed in 1974. In 1980 he moved to Medford to make his home.

He was a member of the First Christian Church and also held membership in the Blackwell American Legion and VFW.

Survivors include his daughter, Janiece Hammer of Enid; his son, Steve Anderson of Medford; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Urban Anderson and Jacob Anderson.

Frankie Ellen Killman

BLACKWELL — Frankie Ellen Killman, resident of Dexter, Kan., died Tuesday, March 28, 2000, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 59.

A graveside service will be held Friday, March 31, in the James W. Roberts Memorial Chapel in the Blackwell Cemetery. The Rev. Rick Williams of the Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church of Arkansas City, Kan., will officiate. Arrangement are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Frankie Ellen Killman was born June 10, 1940, in Bristow, the daughter of Earl and Lillie (Case) Roe. She grew up in Bristow and attended schools there. In 1954, her family moved to Blackburn to make their home.

She married Ernie L. Killman on Oct. 22, 1971, in Miami, Okla., and they settled in Blackwell. In 1982, they moved to Dexter, Kan., where they currently lived. She attended the Millington Baptist Church in Arkansas City, Kan.

Survivors include her husband of the home; two daughters, Donna Funkhouser of Pawnee and Caroline Hagberg of Tulsa; a son, Rick Dixon of Pawnee; a stepdaughter, Gina Hunter of Larned, Kan.; three stepsons, Lee Killman and Jerry Killman, both of Oklahoma City, and Jack Killman of Larned, Kan.; five sisters, Helen Singer of Broken Arrow, Audrey Vineyard of Sand Springs, Earlene McQuain of Tulsa, Viola Moles of Pawnee, and Louise Killman of Ponca City; a brother, John Roe of Cleveland; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a stepdaughter, Joella Mae Killman, and a grandchild.

Casket bearers will be Jack Killman, Roger Funkhouser, David Michael Killman, Rick Dixon, Nathan Killman, Lee Killman, and Jerry Killman.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Heart Fund, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

James Hersel Pemberton

Newkirk — James Hersel Pemberton, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday morning, March 29, 2000, in Shawn Manor Nursing Home in Ponca City. He was 86.

The funeral has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1, in the Ponca City Grand Avenue Church of Christ with Larry Keirn officiating. Burial is to follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

James Hersel Pemberton was born May 10, 1913, in the rural Uncas area, the son of Troy Bascom and Maude Essie (Ramey) Pemberton. He received his education in Kaw City, graduating from high school there. After finishing school, he began driving a taxi cab in Ponca City. A number of years later, he was employed by Auto Electric.

On March 7, 1937, he married Alice Lucille Armstrong in Braman. They made their home in Ponca City until November of 1941, when he joined the special services. He was sent to Chicago and then to Ogden, Utah, where he received government training to repair radios for the public, enabling them to obtain war information. After completing his training, he returned to Ponca City and opened the Ponca Radio Lab, which he operated until January 1948. At that time, they moved to central Missouri to farm.

In August 1952, they moved to Tulsa where he received training in television repair. They returned to Ponca City in 1953, and he opened Pemberton’s TV and Radio. He operated his repair shop until 1966, when he retired. Later he worked a short time for Page McGrew TV and Appliance.

He was a member of the Grand Avenue Church of Christ where he served as an elder and deacon. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, Cardinal baseball, and playing ball with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of the home; two sons, Troy J. Pemberton of Wichita and Wayne Pemberton of Ponca City; one daughter, Carol Pemberton of Bartlesville; one sister, Vernice Darnall of Bartlesville; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Merle Pemberton; and two sisters, Oleta Stonehocker and Verle Case.

Casket bearers will be Wayne Bass, Bill Bell, Orville Garroutte, Earl Isenberg, George Sheets and Dewayne Simerly.

A memorial fund has been established with the Grand Avenue Church of Christ. Contributions may be sent to the church at 1300 W. Grand, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Frankie Ellen Killman

BLACKWELL — Frankie Ellen Killman, resident of Dexter, Kan., died Tuesday, March 28, 2000, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 59.

A graveside service will be held Friday, March 31, in the James W. Roberts Memorial Chapel in the Blackwell Cemetery. The Rev. Rick Williams of the Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church of Arkansas City, Kan., will officiate. Arrangement are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Frankie Ellen Killman was born June 10, 1940, in Bristow, the daughter of Earl and Lillie (Case) Roe. She grew up in Bristow and attended schools there. In 1954, her family moved to Blackburn to make their home.

She married Ernie L. Killman on Oct. 22, 1971, in Miami, Okla., and they settled in Blackwell. In 1982, they moved to Dexter, Kan., where they currently lived. She attended the Millington Baptist Church in Arkansas City, Kan.

Survivors include her husband of the home; two daughters, Donna Funkhouser of Pawnee and Caroline Hagberg of Tulsa; a son, Rick Dixon of Pawnee; a stepdaughter, Gina Hunter of Larned, Kan.; three stepsons, Lee Killman and Jerry Killman, both of Oklahoma City, and Jack Killman of Larned, Kan.; five sisters, Helen Singer of Broken Arrow, Audrey Vineyard of Sand Springs, Earlene McQuain of Tulsa, Viola Moles of Pawnee, and Louise Killman of Ponca City; a brother, John Roe of Cleveland; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a stepdaughter, Joella Mae Killman, and a grandchild.

Casket bearers will be Jack Killman, Roger Funkhouser, David Michael Killman, Rick Dixon, Nathan Killman, Lee Killman, and Jerry Killman.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Heart Fund, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Winifred A. Stewart McManus

St. Joseph, Mo. — Winifred A. Stewart McManus, former resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, March 28, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 78.

The funeral will be 1 p.m. Friday, March 31, at the Rupp Funeral Home in St. Joseph, Mo., with the Rev. Charles Steele officiating. Burial will be in the Agency Cemetery in Agency, Mo.

Winifred A. Stewart McManus was born Aug. 5, 1921, in Thayer County in Nebraska, the daughter of Fred and Evelyn Russell. She lived most of her life in the Agency, Mo., area. She was retired from the National Federation of the Blind.

Survivors include two sons, Terry Stewart of Newkirk and Dennis Stewart of Brush, Colo.; two daughters, Sharon Salcedo of Ponca City and Connie Gilpatrick of Hemple, Mo.; two brothers, Bob Shubert of Hot Springs, Ark., and Bill Shubert of Waterloo, Iowa; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Raymond Stewart; her second husband, Ernest McManus; her parents; and a son, William Stewart.

Casket bearers will be Hershell Stewart, Shawn Stewart, Jason Stewart, Travis Burgess, Michael Burgess and Kenny Johnstone.

Jared Webb Brien Summy

FAIRFAX — Jared Webb Brien Summy died Wednesday morning, March 29, 2000, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was born March 29, 2000, in Ponca City, the son of Candace Michelle Brien and Francis Fred Summy II.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, March 31, 2000, in the Masham Cemetery with the Rev. George Weston, pastor of First Christian Church, officiating. Service will be under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home of Fairfax.

Survivors include his mother of Fairfax; his father of Pawnee; two brothers, Mason Tallchief and Andrew Tyler of Fairfax; grandparents, Charlene Summy of Pawnee, and James and Geraldine Brien and Marsha Taylor of Fairfax; great-grandparents, Robert and Arlethea Brien of Pawnee and Toy Nelson of Fairfax; and several aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by a great-grandmother and a grandfather.

Obituaries

Delbert Lee Robison

Delbert Lee Robison, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday March 27, 2000, at his home. He was 70.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 31, 2000, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Terry N. Barker, pastor of St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene, officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.

Born April 4, 1929, in DeNoya, he was the son of Lee and Mellie (Besse) Robison. He grew up in northern Arkansas and graduated from high school in Omaha, Ark. On March 4, 1950, he was married to Vera Lou Blevins in Omaha, and the couple made their home in Ponca City.

Mr. Robison was employed by the Transcon Freight Co. in Ponca City and then Oklahoma City from 1950 until the company’s closing in 1971. He then worked for Roadway Freight Co., returning to Ponca City in 1974. He retired from Roadway in 1989. Following his retirement, he worked part time for Sonja’s Flowers.

He was a member of the St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene. Among his enjoyments were talking and visiting with friends and people he came in contact with, listening to gospel music, camping and baseball.

Surviving are his wife, Vera, of Ponca City; three daughters, Connie Thomas and her husband Lawrence of Louisville, Ky., Donna Williams and her husband Randall of Columbus, Ind., and Judy Powers and her husband Steve of Kaufman, Texas; one brother, Bobby G. Robison of Parsons, Kan.; one sister, Nadine Hill of Fall River, Kan.; and four grandchildren, Arrin Williams, Kimberly Thomas, Marcus Powers, and Kristina Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew, Martin Hill.

Casket bearers will be Frank Williams, Frank Allen, Bob Hills, Mark Robison and Terry Hill.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for heart and diabetes research, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73104.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Erskine Ward

Erskine Ward, former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, March 29, 2000, in Oklahoma City. He was 85. Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Charles Dixon

Charles Dixon, Ponca City resident, was found dead Wednesday, March 29, 2000, at his home. He was 60. Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Clothing Giveaway — Free clothing to anyone with a need Monday, April 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. Helping Hands House, 440 Fairview. Lots of spring and summer clothing.

Personalized Crystal for Weddings, Graduation, anytime. Now available at Carla’s Hallmark,405 E. Grand, Downtown. adv.

Millennium Afghan — Standing Bear, 101 Ranch, Wentz, Conoco, etc. $50. Great for Mother’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, graduation, and bon voyage gifts. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Contact Karen at 762-7120.

Cattle on the Road — A motorist reported to the Communications Center at 7:01 a.m. Wednesday that some cattle were on the highway one mile west of Waverly Street on U.S. 60. The Kay County Sheriff’s Office was notified to handle the situation.

Walnut Valley Music — The Walnut Valley Chapter of KOFP&S will meet Saturday, April 1, at 4 p.m. in the senior citizens building in downtown Arkansas City, Kan. Individual music performances will be 4-6 p.m., and snacks will be served 6-7 p.m. Dance bands will perform 7-9:30 p.m. This is a clean environment as no smoking, drugs or alcoholic beverages are permitted, No admission is charged as the WV Chapter is supported by donations and yearly dues for members. Attendance for last month was more than 100 persons. The event is open to performers.

Ordering Times — Heartland Foodshare orders will be taken April 6 and 7, and April 13 and 14. Volunteer two hours a month to qualify to purchase $16.60 share. Pickup date will be April 29. Orders are taken Thursdays and Fridays only at the RSVP office 113 North Fourth Street.

Accident — The Communications Center received a call at 7:16 a.m. Wednesday that a two-vehicle accident had occurred three miles south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded and requested an ambulance and rescue unit from the Ponca City Fire Department, and they responded to the scene.

Becky Gearhart. Perm only $25.Hair Etc. 762-4247. adv.

Accident — The Communications Center received a call a 7:32 a.m. Wednesday that a vehicle accident had occurred four miles eat of U.S. 77 on Oklahoma 11. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Kay County Sheriff’s officers responded and an ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department was also sent to the scene.

Pauline’s Pork Chop Dinner, $11.95. Half order $7.95. Friday,

March 31st. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Bradley Avenue and North Fourteenth Street at 10:11 a.m. Wednesday that a 26-year-old woman was being held for having no driver’s license and speeding.

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.

Accident — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from an entrance to Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, at 11:08 a.m. Wednesday that an accident had occurred. Another officer was assigned and a report was taken. Information was logged that a vehicle was towed from the scene.

Tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, strawberries, rhubarb,

asparagus, onions and garden seed. Jay’s Farm and Ranch, 307 West Grand. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of East Comanche Avenue at 11:10 a.m. Wednesday that a 20-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant.

Spring Fever? Step in and see our selection of bunnies, statuary, and bird houses. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, Ponca Plaza. adv.

Fraud — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at noon Wednesday to report that someone had stolen some checks from her and some had been passed at Wal-Mart and other stores. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect

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

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:44 p.m. Wednesday that a man had taken a 30-pack of beer and left without paying for $5.07 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a White Eagle law enforcement officer stopped the identified vehicle in the White Eagle area. Information was logged that the beer was recovered and returned to the store.

Shoplifter — An employee at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:18 p.m. Wednesday that a man was in custody for shoplifting cigarettes. An officer was assigned and a 71-year-old man was being held for petit larceny and trespassing.

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.

Burglary — An employee at Grand Central Station, 114 South Fifth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:31 p.m. Wednesday that a burglary had occurred. An officer was assigned and 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, $7.49. 215 South 14th,

765-7979. adv.

Accident — An accident at the intersection of Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:21 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was notified and a report was taken.

Shoplifters — An employee at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:24 p.m. Wednesday that two juveniles were in custody for shoplifting. An officer was assigned and a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy were held for petit larceny.

Accident — The Communications Center received a call at 5:29 p.m. Wednesday that a three-vehicle accident had occurred at the intersection of East Highland Avenue and North Tenth Street. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded, as did units from the Ponca City Fire Department. A report was taken and it was logged that vehicles were towed from the scene.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:35 p.m. Wednesday that a subject had driven off without paying for $11 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:12 p.m. Wednesday that he had hit a deer at the intersection of Drummond Avenue and South Seventh Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Forged Checks — An employee at United Supermarket, 2800 North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:47 p.m. Wednesday that some forged checks had been received. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Disturbance — A man from the 700 block of South Waverly Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:24 a.m. Thursday that a subject was in the business causing a disturbance. An officer was assigned, located the subject across the street, and took into custody, a 33-year-old woman for public intoxication and a 29-year-old man for DUI and having no insurance. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

GARDENING

Diggin in the Dirt
Master Gardeners Plant Chinese Pistache Tree
The Fine Art of Tree Selection and Planting
Northern Oklahoma Daylily Society Meets
Picking Pecans

Diggin in the Dirt

By Kathy Zehr

It’s not always easy to know where some plants will do best and we sometimes have to learn by trial and error, but many gardening problems can be avoided by just a little study and thought.

A neighbor of mine, who has the most beautiful yard in the neighborhood, recently said he was going to have to move a whole bed of asparagus because his plants were getting too hot next to a stone wall and not producing well. It takes 2-3 years to get a good asparagus bed established and that’s a lot of work and waiting to then be disappointed. He called to my attention the fact of how important it is to select the right plant for the right place or vice-versa.

To save yourself hours of maintenance, make certain the plants you select like the site where you plan to place them. Careful choosing may prevent years of unnecessary maintenance and discouragement.

Vegetables

Vegetables are really sensitive to the right growing conditions, and the results will show in the yield. Some veggies just do best in sun, or shade, or sandy soil, or temperatures below or above 90 degrees, and so forth. If you have some shady spots in your garden and some heavy clay, the difficulty lies in trying to rotate your tomatoes and potatoes to different locations each year, yet keep them where they “like to be.”

To get the best production from your efforts, first draw a plan on paper where you can juggle the plants’ needs to the right place and saving a lot of trial and error in the dirt. Perhaps running the rows in different directions every two or three years would help. Maybe planning a spring and/or a fall garden would help with crops that can’t stand the heat.

There are several other techniques to compensate for less than ideal conditions. These include heavy mulching around plants that need a lot of moisture, shaders for plants that can’t handle a full day of our hot summer sun, and “fixing” clay soil with compost, straw and sand, etc.

Try Gardening in Beds

Another technique is to place a part of your veggies in beds instead of rows. In a 4 by 4 foot bed, plants usually need less weeding and watering because they are spaced close together. Their touching leaves shade the soil and roots, and more food is usually realized from a smaller space. Smaller vegetables like salad greens, root crops and cole crops do very well in beds. To maximize space in a small garden, use the bedding technique throughout to give more yield for less maintenance.

With a little special effort the first year, beds can be maintained year to year without tilling. If you have a larger garden and want to use both row and bed gardening, place your larger plants like corn and okra in the rows and the small crops in beds.

No-Dig Beds

In Rodale’s Low Maintenance Gardening Techniques, some exciting tips for no-dig bed gardening for both flowers and veggies make it sound easy. It’s ideal for a beginning gardener without a roto-tiller or someone who wants to create a special flower bed in the middle of the yard.

Steps include 1. Mow weeds or grasses as low to the ground as possible. 2. cover the area with six-page-thick newspaper (don’t make the bed wider than four feet so you can reach to the center from both sides without walking on the plants). 3. water the paper well, and cover with two inches or more of compost or good soil mix and add some balanced fertilizer. 4. smooth soil with a rake and water until moist. 5. wait a day or two then plant your seeds. If using bedding plants, cut a hole through the newspaper. Long rooted plants like carrots are not recommended the first year. 6. next year, just add two more inches of compost and plant again. 7. After the third year, you should be able to grow anything, and you can cut back on the compost.

Master Gardeners Plant Chinese Pistache Tree

The Kay County Master Gardeners planted a Chinese Pistache tree in Pioneer Park during Arbor Day events held March 25. The tree commemorates the first group of Master Gardeners in Kay County.

Members will be participating in the garden bonanza April 8 in Newkirk. They will provide horticulture information and answer questions from the public.

On May 12 Master Gardeners will be registering the KAABG group from Kansas who will be visiting several sites in Ponca City. The Master Gardeners will provide registration on the patio of the Cann Garden center at Cann Memorial Gardens, and will provide tours of the garden.

The Kay County Master Gardener program is sponsored by the Kay County Cooperative Extension office. Persons interested in becoming Master Gardeners should contact Dale Goodwin, extension educator. Those needing assistance from the group should contact Goodwin or Helen Widner.

The Fine Art of Tree Selection and Planting

By Al Myatt, Central

and Western Area Forester

Because tree planting is such a popular activity, not only for celebrations such as Arbor Week, but for numerous schools, nonprofit and private groups, I would like to give you some ideas on how to be a wise tree shopper. Tree selection and planting should be done carefully for long-lasting benefit. To find the best tree for your needs, consider these questions posed by the International Society of Arboriculture. I’ve answered many of them in the next section.

1. Why is the tree being planted?

2. What is the size and location of the planting site?

3. Are there overhead or below ground utilities in the vicinity?

4. What types of soil conditions exist?

5. What type of maintenance are you willing and able to provide?

Why is the tree being planted?

When you look at a tree’s function in the landscape, consider the numerous benefits trees provide. What are you most interested in achieving?

For example, a large shade tree provides relief from the scorching summer sun and when properly planted, can reduce air conditioning costs.

Evergreens make excellent windbreaks or can provide natural privacy screens. An ornamental tree gives us beautiful flowers, leaves, bark or fruit. Often that fruit can benefit wildlife or provide food for its owner.

Street trees reduce storm water runoff, filter out pollutants, reduce glare from the pavement and add oxygen to the air we breathe.

What is the size and location of the planting site?

Selecting a tree that won’t outgrow your yard will reduce your maintenance costs and increase the tree’s value to your landscape. Your first consideration should be to answer this very important question: What will the tree’s size be at maturity?

Remember trees grow in a variety of sizes and shapes. They range in

mature height from 15 feet to several hundred feet. Depending on your site restrictions, numerous trees may be appropriate.

Mike Schnelle, OSU Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, and the Oklahoma Urban and Community Forestry Council recommend the ones listed below:

Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)

A large shade tree reaching 60 to 80 feet. Known for attractive foliage in summer and yellow fall leaves. No serious pest problems.

Korean evodia (Evodia daniellii)

A small to medium accent tree reaching only 20-40 feet. Many attractive features, particularly white flowers and red fall fruit. Tolerates alkaline and clay soils.

Osage orange (Maclura pomifera)

A medium shade tree reaching 40 to 60 feet. Very few pests. Glossy foliage with yellow fall color. May have thorns when juvenile on some cultivars;will outgrow later.

Bougainvillea raintree (Koelreuteria bipinnata)

A large shade tree reaching 50 to 65 feet. Has spectacular pink fruits and yellow flowers like golden raintree, but blooms a month later. Fairly pest free.

Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

A large deciduous conifer reaching 60 to 80 feet, thought to be extinct until the 1940s. Pest free tree with fern-like foliage and fluted orange-brown trunk.

Chinkapin oak (Quecus muehlenbergii)

A large shade tree reaching 40 to 60 feet. Drought resistant and relatively pest free foliage.

California incensecedar (Galocedrus decurrens)

A narrow evergreen reaching 40 to 50 feet. Pest free inn most situations, but can have slight bagworm infestation. Good green color in winter months, although winter dehydration may be a problem. Slow to medium grower.

Caddo maple (Acer saccarum)

A large shade tree reaching 50 to 75 feet. Drought resistant, good fall color. Oklahoma’s native sugar maple. Requires better soils.

Chinese pistache (Pisacia chinensis)

A medium to large shade tree reaching 40-45 feet. Exceptional reddish-orange fall color. Fruits are red (sterile) and blue (viable) on the same cluster.

Lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

A medium to large shade tree reaching 35-55 feet. Grown for exfoliating bark. Small attractive foliage. DED resistant.

Cedar elm/winged elm (Ulmus crassifolia and U.alatus)

The cedar elm can grow to 60 feet, although the winged elm will reach only 20 to 40 feet. Corky wings on stems, especially winged elm, are very attractive.

Soapberry (Sapindus drummondii)

A medium shade tree reaching 35 to 50 feet. Pest free foliage except for boxelder bugs in the fall. (These bugs do not harm the tree.) Attractive cinnamon colored bark. Very striking at maturity.

Pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens)

A tall deciduous conifer reaching 50 to 70 feet. More upright than bald cypress. Leaves needle-like rather than feather-like. Doesn’t have to be grown in water.

The trees recommended are a small sampling of the many species that can be grown successfully in Oklahoma. For a more extensive list call 405-288-2385

Are there overhead or below ground utilities in the vicinity?

Again, it’s a matter of doing your homework, so if you aren’t sure where underground utilities are call this toll free number for help:

1-800-522-6593. You can have your lines clearly marked at no cost. And for overhead utility lines, remember to look up!

What types of soil

conditions exist?

In forests, trees exist as a result of natural selection. A healthy tree is usually well matched to its environment. In urban settings, just like human inhabitants, trees are subjected to numerous stressors. According to James Fazio, editor for Tree City Bulletin: Living with Urban Soils, the complexity of urban soils is magnified because of human disturbances through the years. Trees may have been dug up, moved about, built upon, dug up again, and disturbed many times. In any community, the range of soil conditions varies from subsoil that is low in nutrients to topsoil that last year was growing crops.

The life of your tree depends on the soil in its root zone, which is surprisingly shallow and quite large. Ninety percent of all roots are in the top two feet of soil and usually do not extend deeper than three to five feet. The outward spread forms an irregular circle with a diameter roughly one to two times the height of the tree.Near the base of the tree, the vast network of roots narrows into fewer shallower roots, making the area beneath and within the spread of the crown (the drip line) a particularly critical area for the tree.

Within the root zone and especially within the drip line zone, the dangers and problems faced by an urban tree are enormous.

The foundation for your tree’s health begins with the right soil for the right tree. To know more about your soil, obtain a copy of a soil map from the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service). Ask for a copy of the soil survey map of your county.

Locate your tree planting site on the map, then read the description provided about the soil. Remember, it will be different from the description if construction has taken place. You will find useful information about limitations you might encounter, such as shallowness, lack of fertility, and the potential for erosion.

For any questions you may have about tree selection, site preparation, or planting and maintenance call my office at 405-288-2385. We would welcome your interest in keeping great things growing for Oklahoma.

Northern Oklahoma Daylily Society Meets

The Northern Oklahoma Daylily Society will have a meeting Monday April 3, at the Cann Memorial Garden Center at 7:30 p.m. The program will be about daylilies from River City Daylily Gardens in Missouri.

Members invite “anyone who is a gardener and loves flowers to attend.” For further information or questions please call Lillian Williams, (580) 762-3796, or Judy Farabough (580)336-2425, Perry

Picking Pecans

90-YEAR-OLD Hilton Baker of Ponca City says he “really enjoys being outside and staying active.” On this particular day he had been picking up pecans, and had already filled six buckets full. He carefully inspects each to make sure they are “just right.” Hilton says the pecans need to “sit out for about a week so they aren’t too moist.” After the sitting time Baker shells the pecans and stores them in the refrigerator to give to his seven children, 10 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Inset photo shows some of the pecans collected by Baker.

SPORTS

Tulsas Success Growing
Wildcat Netters Win Quad
Lady Cats Win Two
TUs Self Wants Better Conditions for Players

Tulsas Success Growing

By KELLY KURT

Associated Press Writer

TULSA (AP) — The full impact of Tulsa’s best basketball season ever may yet be realized at the university, athletic director Judy MacLeod says.

Thousands of fans packed Tulsa’s arena to watch a team that wasn’t even there play in the televised NCAA tournament regional final. Boosters are raising funds to sweeten coach Bill Self’s contract. And with the spotlight on, recruiting is suddenly looking brighter.

‘‘I’m not sure any of us have been able to grasp how important this season was and the impact it will have,’’ MacLeod said Wednesday.

One indicator may the reported meeting Wednesday of Self with Nebraska athletic director Bill Byrne and chancellor James Moeser. The Tulsa World quoted unnamed sources in reporting today that the two met with Self in Tulsa about the coaching vacancy at Nebraska.

But even with Self’s future up in the air, the Golden Hurricane’s prospects already have been enhanced by the 32-5 season that took the team to the brink of the Final Four, she said.

‘‘It goes a long way into establishing ourselves as a Top 20 program,’’ she said. ‘‘Not just a Top 20 team this year, but a Top 20 program. I truly believe everyone has seen we can go to the Final Four and can win a championship at the University of Tulsa.’’

She said she is confident the teams’ NCAA appearances will bring more financial support to the program and big payoffs in recruiting. ‘‘Every kid wants to go play for a chance to win a national title,’’ she said.

Self also is looking ahead.

Without giving away anything about his talks with Tulsa, he said his own future wasn’t his only concern in contract discussions. ‘‘It’s about giving us the highest chance to compete,’’ he said Tuesday evening.

Self describes a season, however, that might be hard to top. He noted that every player was healthy, their work ethic ‘‘unbelievable’’ and the chemistry, he said, ‘‘was perfect.’’

Eric Coley, with his explosive athleticism, set school and Western Athletic Conference records for career steals. Brandon Kurtz, at 6-foot-10, led the team in rebounding and provided its post defense. Point guard Tony Heard served as a calming presence on the perimeter, leading the team in 3-pointers.

They are all departing seniors.

‘‘You can’t ask freshmen and sophomores to be Coley, Kurtz and Heard,’’ Self said.

But Tulsa will be returning starting junior Marcus Hill, sophomore Greg Harrington and sixth-man David Shelton, who led the team in scoring this season. Dante Swanson, a speedy freshman guard whose 3-pointer gave Tulsa a shot in the final seconds against North Carolina in Sunday’s final game, also will be back.

Hill said this year’s performance offered a glimpse of the squad to come. The starters, he said, never would have been prepared if not for tough practices against the up-and-coming players.

He said he is already looking to take a role in ensuring next season’s team meets the new standard.

‘‘We got a lot of recognition we deserved,’’ Hill said Wednesday. ‘‘I feel like now we’re on the map and we have to stay there.’’

Self, who is 74-27 at Tulsa, said if next year’s team goes as far as the one that went further than any other, it won’t be because of any ready-made replacements for departing players.

‘‘We’ll have to do it collectively,’’ he said.

Wildcat Netters Win Quad

BARTLESVILLE — Ponca City’s Wildcat tennis players may not have been at the top of their game, but it was enough to win the Bartlesville Quad Tuesday.

“It was our depth that won it for us,” coach Steve Larimer said. “Bartlesville had its best people in the singles and Muskogee put its best in the doubles.”

While those two teams were splitting the first place finishes, the Wildcats took second in all four events. That gave them eight team points, good enough to edge Bartlesville by a point. Muskogee had six points and Stillwater three.

Still, Larimer wasn’t pleased with the way his netters played.

“Some of us looked like we haven’t played in 10 days,” the coach said as his team returned after spring break

The Wildcat JVs will play in the Muskogee Tournament Friday while the varsity is in the Shawnee Tournament.

Ponca City Results

No. 1 Singles

Bilal Agha lost to Geoff Pearman (Bart.) 2-6, 6-1, 0-6; def. Sunil Joshi (Still.) 6-2, 6-3; def. Ward Wagner (Musk), 3-6, 6-1, 6-4

No. 2 Singles

Tim Frick lost to Barry Donaldson (B) 4-6, 2-6; def. Andrew Jaco (S), 6-0, 7-5 ; def. Matt Hamilton (M), 6-2, 6-1

No. 1 Doubles

Josh Pitts-Sterling Foy def. Grismore-Kane (B) 7-6, 7-6; def. Shard-Hallman (S), 5-7, 7-5, 6-2; lost to Dickmann-Fuller (M) 1-6, 4-6

No 2 Doubles

Trevor Viljoen-Scot Mitchell def. Hankinson-Patel (B), 6-4, 6-3; def. Chan-Hong (S), 6-3, 6-4; lost to Coburn-Slaight (M) 4-6, 0-6

Lady Cats Win Two

BARTLESVILLE — Ponca City’s singles players Gina Smith and Lillie Vucic collected the Lady Wildcats’ two wins in the Bartlesville Quad Tuesday.

Both Lady Cats defeated Stillwater opponents in three-set matches.

The Po-Hi girls’ JV will be at Muskogee Friday while the varsity travels to Shawnee Saturday.

Ponca City Results

No. 1 Singles

Gina Smith lost to Megan Carter (Bart.) 3-6, 3-6; def. Emily Furman (Still) 7-6, 4-6, 7-6; lost to Mary Maya (Musk.) 1-6, 3-6

No. 2 Singles

Lillie Vucic lost to Christy Walsh (B), 3-6, 3-6; def. JoAnn Hong (S) -3, 4-6, 6-3; lost to Liza Golobollyo (M) 2-6, def.

No. 1 Doubles

Claire Winterrowd-Marci Wilkerson lost to Johnson-Lambert (B) 2-6, 2-6; lost to Kennedy-Martin (S), 2-6, 1-6; lost to Sturm-You, 0-6, 0-6

No. 2 Doubles

Amber Foy-Tiffany Almack lost to Birk-Holbert (B), 1-6, 2-6; lost to Loyer-McKeever (S), 6-2, 5-7, 2-6; lost to Huynh-Robinson, 1-6, 0-6.

TUs Self Wants Better Conditions for Players

By KELLY KURT

Associated Press Writer

TULSA (AP) — Chartered flights to road games and more tutors for athletes are among the topics under consideration in talks involving the future of basketball coach Bill Self, athletic director Judy MacLeod says.

MacLeod met with Self on Monday and said Wednesday that more talks are planned.

While she declined to divulge the details of any offers to Self, she described topics that go beyond salary negotiations.

Along with better travel arrangements, more tutors and other academic support for athletes, the university is considering ‘‘overall what we can do to continue to build the program and make sure he has an adequate budget to recruit,’’ she said.

‘‘We don’t want to say, ‘OK, we had a great year, so we’re fine,’ ’’ she said.

Self, who is 74-27 at Tulsa and the only coach to take the Golden Hurricane to a regional final in the NCAA tournament, said Tuesday that he had not had any serious talks from other institutions and had received no job offers.

But MacLeod confirmed a report that Nebraska athletic director Bill Byrne left a message on an office voice mail saying he intended to talk with Self about the coaching vacancy there. Byrne declined comment Wednesday.

MacLeod has been working with a group of local backers who want to sweeten the pot to keep Self with Tulsa, which went 32-5 this season.

TU President Bob Lawless said he believes Self’s decision will come down to money. He said there is a limit to how much the university can raise, and anything in the ‘‘seven figures’’ would be pushing it.

‘‘The longer he takes to make a deal, the less comfortable I feel,’’ Lawless said Wednesday.

The Tulsa World attributed an unnamed source in reporting a plan Wednesday that would double Self’s current compensation package, now valued at $350,000, and pay him a $1 million annuity if he coaches five more years there.

MacLeod said the university is looking at whether more flights could be chartered to long-distance road games to avoid complicated connections and cut down on missed class time. University-sponsored fan trips also are under consideration, she said.

‘‘I don’t think anything like that is a stumbling block,’’ she said.

Self, 37, who has won more games over his first three seasons than any other Tulsa coach, said Tuesday that he hoped to come to a decision within the week.

Marcus Hill, a junior guard, said he would be disappointed if Self left but was taking comfort in the coach’s assurances that he would tell the team of his plans first.

‘‘He has said so far nothing is going on and he’s looking to stay here,’’ said Hill.

Lawless said the university is committed to having a Top 25 program, and if Self decides to leave, ‘‘Judy always has a list.’’

‘‘We really want Bill Self to stay,’’ he said. ‘‘But if he choses to go on, Judy is sure to find another great coach.’’