LOCAL

Neighborhood Watch Program Formed in Hampton Heights
Commemorative Ceremonies for Korean War Vets Ongoing Through July 27, 2003

Neighborhood Watch Program Formed in Hampton Heights

After an unsuccessful burglary attempt on West Broadway early last summer the residents of the Hampton Heights area decided that it was time to find out how citizens could assist the Police Department in protecting their homes and families.

A block party was held in July and Sgt. Don Bohon of the Ponca City Police Department introduced the nearly 100 attendees to the concept of a Neighborhood Watch organization. After looking further into the program, a fact finding committee made up of residents of the area determined there was much to be gained from banning together and the Hampton Heights Neighborhood Watch Program was formed.

Neighborhood Watch is basically a crime prevention program that works on the concept of neighbors “looking out for each other.” Through meetings, newsletters and various activities spear-headed by residents living within the area the neighbors get acquainted with one another and their families and learn how to reduce the risk of being a victim of crime.

The Hampton Heights Neighborhood Watch Program currently has 65 participating residents. As the residents of the area starting telling their friends about the program, other concerned citizens became interested and two other Neighborhood Watch groups have now started.

Even though the Hampton Heights Neighborhood Watch program has only been in existence for a few months, the families have already had a lot of fun getting to know each other. They have experienced a greater sense of security, well being and reduction of fear of crime because they know their neighbors are “looking out for each other.” According to Sandra Blanton, “the benefits are more than you can put on paper, we feel so good about what were doing to help each other.”

Commemorative Ceremonies for Korean War Vets Ongoing Through July 27, 2003

The 50th anniversaries of the Korean War began on June 25, 2000, and will continue through July 27, 2003.

In preparation for commemorative ceremonies that will be held here in the United States and abroad, Korean War veterans are being encouraged to register with the U.S.-Korea 2000 Foundation. Specifically, the Foundation is looking for anyone who served in the armed forces, including the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine, for at least one day during the period June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1954. Actual service in the Korean theater of operations is not a requirement. Family members of deceased Korean War veterans are also encouraged to participate.

According to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs statistics, less than 25 percent of Korean War veterans belong to any national veterans’ service organization. The foundation seeks to identify and locate surviving Korean War veterans so that it might inform veterans of and, to the extent possible, facilitate their participation in 50th anniversary commemorative activities.

Retired Gen. Raymond G. Davis, USMC, Korean War Medal of Honor recipient, and foundation co-chairman said, “We do not seek to commemorate the war, but rather the veterans thereof and the sacrifices they made to preserve democracy on the Korean peninsula almost 50 years ago.”

Interested parties may obtain additional information concerning the foundation, as well as print a copy of the registration form, from the foundation’s web site. Alternatively, individuals may request an information and registration packet by contacting the foundation as indicated below. Please include your name and complete mailing address.

U.S.-Korea 2000 Foundation is a non-government, publicly supported, nonprofit organization that serves the Korean War veteran community through individual and corporate philanthropic outreach. It is registered as a nonprofit corporation under the Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission.

DEATHS

Mildred Deering
Wayne Lee Tohee
Bill Crawford
Julia Tuttle Aunko Porter

Obituaries

Mildred Deering

OKLAHOMA CITY — Mildred (Jennings) Deering, wife of the late Ferdie J. Deering, an Oklahoma City journalist, died on March 13, 2001 in Oklahoma City. She was born on a farm near Sulphur on Feb. 24, 1910, the daughter of Henry P. Jennings Sr. and Leila (Smith) Jennings.

Mildred was educated in public schools at Denison, Texas, and at the University of North Texas, Denton. She and Ferdie married in 1935, and moved to Oklahoma City in 1937. Mildred was active in Baptist churches for many years, serving as Sunday school officer, establishing the media center of Quail Springs Baptist Church, and serving as librarian for more than a decade. After extensive research in several states she wrote and published a comprehensive history of her family, titled “Mr. Henry, a Twig on the Jennings Family Tree.” Her hobbies included oil painting, flowers, and music. She was a member of CT chapter of PEO.

The Deerings have two children, Cheryl Beth Wilson and husband Dick of Ponca City and Robert Edward Deering and his wife Brenda of Azle, Texas. Grandchildren include Steven Wilson of Ponca City, Carrie (Wilson) Wakeman and husband Randal of Granbury, Texas, Doug Wilson and wife Terri of Ponca City, Kyle Wilson and wife Nikki of Little Rock, Ark., Clay Wilson and wife Alicia of Mabank, Texas, David Deering of Irving, Texas, and Duane Deering of Azle, Texas. Great-grandchildren include Andrew and Allison Wakeman of Granbury, Texas, Luke, Brent, and Leslie Wilson of Ponca City, and Ashley Wilson of Little Rock, Ark.

Mildred has a sister, Grace Newland of Gainsville, Texas, and a brother, Henry P. Jennings Jr. of Lubbock, Texas, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a great-granddaughter, Chloe Wilson; two brothers, Alfred Ray Jennings and Frank Roy Jennings; and her parents.

A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 16, at Quail Springs Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Quail Springs Baptist Church, Library and Media Center, 14613 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, Okla. 73134.

paid obituary

Wayne Lee Tohee

Wayne Lee Tohee, former Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, March 13, 2001, of diabetes and kidney failure.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 15, at 2 p.m. in Anadarko.

Wayne Lee Tohee was born July 11, 1936, the son of William Tohee and Josephine Dugan. He resided in Red Rock with his mother and stepfather, Paul Lindsey. He moved to Ponca City following his graduation from Red Rock School in 1954. He married Anna Sanford Feb. 7, 1959. They had two sons Jerry and Bruce Tohee. He remarried later to June Lucas Jan. 14, 1973 and resided in Weatherford. They had two children, Todd and Brandi, and shared a stepson, Faron. He was a member of the Otoe-Missouria tribe and was employed as a dozer operator for Cookson. He later joined Evans and Throop Associates as a dozer operator and then became an owner of Pro Dozer in Weatherford.

His survivors include his wife, June; two sons Faron and Todd; one daughter, Brandi; three grandchildren, Kaley, Felisha and Bruce Tohee; ten sisters, Fanny Lindsey Wright, Nonie Lindsey Hermes, Ella Lindsey McSmith, Pauline Lindsey Thompson, Mary Lindsey Hill, Martha Lindsey Briner, DeAnna Lindsey Robinson, Norma Tohee, Lucille Tohee Jeans, and Billy Tohee; three brothers, Robert Lindsey, Kenneth Tohee and William Tohee; and numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Josephine and Paul Lindsey; his father and stepmother, William and Dorcas Tohee; two sons, Jerry and Bruce Tohee; and two brothers, Veron Tohee and John Lindsey.

paid obituary

Funerals

Friday

Bill Crawford

Bill Crawford — The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. at the Wilson-Watson and Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa.

Saturday

Julia Tuttle Aunko Porter

Julia Tuttle Aunko Porter — A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at Botone Memorial Chapel, Kiowa Indian United Methodist Church, Fort Cobb.

NEWS BRIEFS

Wildcat Soccer — The Po-Hi Soccer teams will face Sand Springs Friday in their first home game at Sullins Stadium. Game times, JV at 4:30 p.m., girls at 6 p.m. and boys at 8 p.m. Concessions available.

Pauline’s Shrimp Peel, all you can eat, $11.95. Friday, 16th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — A resident reported a minor accident in the 900 block of North Seventh Street to Ponca City police at 7:35 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned, but no report was taken. Both parties involved had already exchanged information.

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

Theft — A resident in the 800 block of East Highland Avenue reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 9:18 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

V.F.W. Post #1201 Ladies Auxiliary, on March 18th at 1:00 p.m., will hold a St. Patrick’s family covered dish dinner with brisket as the meat dish. All who attend are to bring a covered dish and please wear their green. See you there. adv.

Suspicious Persons — A resident reported to Ponca City police at 10:52 a.m. Wednesday seeing three juveniles messing around a vacant residence in the 500 block of North Palm Street. Two officers responded to the scene and a 25-year-old man was taken into custody on a Kay County warrant for failure to obey.

Best Of the Best cookbooks, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexi-co, California, Texas. Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Fire Run — A grass fire at Red Rock Ranch was reported to the Communications Center at 12:42 p.m. Wednesday. Marland Volunteer Fire Department was advised.

Noni Juice now available at Toni’s Westside Healthmart. adv.

Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 15-year-old girl was taken into custody for grand larceny at 12:53 p.m. Wednesday.

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.

Theft — A resident in the 1400 block of Bradbary Lane reported a stolen book bag to Ponca City police at 2:02 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Fraud — A resident in the 1200 block of East Prospect Avenue reported a forged check to Ponca City police at 2:22 p.m. Wednesday. 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, $8.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 17-year-old boy was being transferred in from the Kay County Sheriff’s Office on a city warrant for failure to appear at 2:28 p.m. Wednesday.

Accident — A minor accident in the 400 block of East South Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 5:13 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned, but no report was taken. Both parties had exchanged information prior to the officers’ arrival.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of West Broadway Avenue and North Union Street reported a 21-year-old woman was taken into custody after a traffic stop on a city warrant for failure to appear at 4:21 p.m. Wednesday.

Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 17-year-old boy was taken into custody for possession of stolen property at 4:47 p.m. Wednesday.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 5:07 p.m. Wednesday. One of the vehicles involved left the scene, so it was later classified a hit-and-run. A description was given of this vehicle. Two officers responded to the scene and a report was taken.

Intoxicated Driver — A resident reported seeing a fight near the intersection of West Gary Avenue and North Union Street to Ponca City police at 12:22 a.m. Thursday. One of the subjects, who was reportedly intoxicated, left the scene in a vehicle. Two officers responded to the scene. An ambulance with the Ponca City Fire Department also responded to the scene. The suspect vehicle was stopped and a 25-year-old woman was taken into custody for driving under intoxication.

Fire Run — A resident reported to the Communications Center at 12:57 a.m. Thursday some subjects who had been shooting fireworks near the intersection of U.S. 60 and North Avenue had caused a fire in a hay field. Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department handled the call. The Kay County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene.

Subject Held — An officer in the 1200 block of South Thirteenth Street reported a 41-year-old woman was taken into custody for domestic assault and battery at 1:16 a.m. Thursday.

GARDENING

Diggin’ in the Dirt

Diggin’ in the Dirt

By Kathy Zehr

Build a Pea-Tepee Before Planting

Several vegetables and other plants do best when planted and grown to maturity in the cooler seasons — spring and fall. In previous columns we talked about the best way to plant potatoes, onions, Swiss chard, lettuce, radishes, turnips and spinach. Today we will give some practical hints on the planting and care of other cool crops as recommended by the OSU Extension Service.

Peas

All peas, including snow and sugar snaps, should be planted in north central Oklahoma about one inch deep in the ground before the soil reaches 40 degrees. Space seeds about three inches apart and one-inch deep in single rows about three feet apart. Peas love to climb and they stay a lot cleaner growing on a trellis or fence. If trellising, plant peas about three inches from both sides of the trellis

A unique homemade trellis or “pea-tepee” is free and easy to make. Use six slender five-foot tree branches with plenty of twigs and press each about a foot into the soil in a circle (about 36 inches across) pulling the tops together like a tepee. Plant peas at the base of each branch. (Make certain branches are far enough apart on your pea-tepee to harvest peas growing on the inside.)

Peas like to be watered frequently, but not kept in soggy soil. It seems the sweetest peas come from plants we remember to water frequently. Most varieties stop producing once temperatures reach 70 degrees. When grown in the home garden peas should be harvested while young and tender (almost immature). Use or freeze peas immediately after picking, since the sugar quickly turns to starch.

If they are not already treated, dust all pea seeds (and beans) with a bacterial inoculate powder for better yield. Peas provide rich nitrogen to the soil so plan to plant in the place where you want to grow heavy-yielding hot summer crops later (corn, okra).

Snow and Sugar Snap peas do not have to be shelled and have gained great popularity with gardeners in the United States recently. We have grown both in our garden for stir-fry and salads. They also freeze well. Pick snow peas at about three inches in length, flat and thin, with a tiny seed bulge.

Sugar Snaps have plump regular seeds when mature and the peas as well as the pods are sweet and tender. The sugar snap peas may also be shelled and used raw in salads - umm! Delicious!

Southern peas also known as cowpeas, field peas, blackeyes and Crowders are not cool weather peas and should not be planted until the ground surface is above 75 degrees. These peas can follow the cool spring crops.

Carrots and Turnips

The most important factor in growing good carrots and all deep-rooted veggies is the soil preparation. Soil should be tilled to 12 inches, with rich, loose textured loam. Carrot seeds should be planted about one inch apart. Keep the top of the soil misted to prevent crusting before the emergence of tender seedlings in about three weeks.

Thin young carrot seedlings to two inches. After plants are established mulch them with straw or other material to keep the soil cool and moist. Cooler soil helps carrots develop a sweeter milder flavor. A deep orange color reflects flavor development and determines maturity. If roots start to split, carrots are past their prime. Succession plantings over a three-week period extends fresh carrot harvest to several weeks during the summer. Carrots also do very well as a fall crop.

Most turnips must be seeded now, but not any later, unless you buy the new sweet summer turnips (Brassica Rapa). Sow seed about one-half inch deep in a two-inch band, one inch apart (about 35 seeds per foot). Most varieties take about 45 days to mature. They need cool, mild days to develop a sweet and tender globe and you can start eating them when they reach radish size. Thin, as they grow, to two inches apart. Tops are delicious cooked with turnips or used in salads. Turnips often fare better in fall gardens in Oklahoma.

Parsnips

The spicy parsnip is almost a forgotten delicacy — probably because of its long maturity period. We enjoy it sliced thin lengthwise, dredged in flour and sauted in olive oil or simmered it until tender and covered in white cream sauce.

Parsnips should be planted now about 3-inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. It takes more than three months for the root to mature and their flavor is even better if left in the ground through the first two or three frosts in the fall. They can be left in the ground through the winter if covered by heavy mulch and are delicious when harvested in the spring.

SPORTS

Sampson Knows Anything Can Happen in Tournament
Memories Still Linger for OSU Players Coach

Sampson Knows Anything Can Happen in Tournament

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

NORMAN (AP) — Oklahoma guard Hollis Price told the story this week of seeing coach Kelvin Sampson’s wife, Karen, after last year’s victory over Winthrop in the NCAA tournament.

Price was pleased, but hardly giddy. Karen Sampson told him he needed to smile and enjoy what the team had accomplished.

“You’ve got to understand, Hollis,” Kelvin Sampson explained. “She hasn’t seen a lot of first-round wins.”

Sampson knows how fickle the NCAA tournament can be, and has come to believe that success has far less to do with seedings than it does with how the teams match up. If the matchups are favorable, so are the chances of winning. If not, those chances diminish.

“I’ve never thought basketball was overcomplicated,” Sampson said.

In each of his first five years at Oklahoma, the Sooners made it to the NCAA tournament but lost in the opening round. Sometimes they were the victim of upsets. Other times, they weren’t.

The Sooners were a No. 4 seed in Sampson’s first season, 1995, but lost to 13th-seeded Manhattan. That was an upset in seedings only — Sampson says Manhattan had three players who would have started for his team that year.

Oklahoma’s losses to Temple the next year and to Stanford the year after that were no flukes. Both those teams were better than his, Sampson said.

The Sooners lost in overtime to Indiana in the 1998 tournament after rallying from a big second-half deficit. A break here or there and Oklahoma would have advanced. It didn’t happen.

The one-and-done streak ended the next season, in 1999. Oklahoma was seeded 13th in the Midwest regional but beat No. 4 seed Arizona in the first game, 61-60. The Sooners made big shots, got a break or two and advanced.

Their luck ran out in the regional semifinals when Eduardo Najera got knocked out, literally, of the game with Michigan State. All the Spartans did after that was advance to the Final Four.

The Sooners beat Winthrop in their NCAA opener last year before losing by four points to Purdue in the second round. Oklahoma was up eight in the second half of that game, but missed some crucial free throws. The Sooners never found their outside shooting touch, either, going 2-of-19 from 3-point range.

“You ask me about tournament coaching?” Sampson said. “I’ll tell you what would make me a better tournament coach — if we had gone 4-for-19. That’s how simple it is.”

Oklahoma (26-6) now heads for the South regional in Memphis, Tenn., as the No. 4 seed. The first-round opponent Friday is Indiana State, winner of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. The seedings and the fact Oklahoma excelled in a stronger conference point to a Sooner victory.

But Sampson knows better than to bank on that. All of Oklahoma’s focus this week, he said, has been on trying to win that first game. To do anything else would be foolish.

His game plan is simple: Rebound and defend with abandon, as they have all year, and hope for a good shooting night. If those things happen, he likes Oklahoma’s chances. If not, all bets are off.

“On a given night, in a one-game deal, you can lose or you can win,” he said. “That’s just the way it goes.”

Memories Still Linger for OSU Players Coach

By HAL BOCK

AP Sports Writer

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) — The lines in coach Eddie Sutton’s face, carved by 31 years on the sidelines, seem etched deeper than ever after the tragic crash that killed two players and eight other members of the Oklahoma State traveling party on Jan. 27.

“It was difficult for all of us,” Sutton said Wednesday after his team practiced for its NCAA tournament game against Southern California. “It’s hard to describe. I’ve told friends I hope this never happens. They don’t prepare you for this.”

The team was on its way home after losing at Colorado when a chartered plane crashed, killing all 10 people aboard. Among those killed were redshirt freshman Nate Fleming and reserve Dan Lawson.

In the hours and days after the tragedy, Sutton battled to hold his young team together.

“They focused in and displayed a lot of courage to get to this tournament,” Sutton said. “It was very difficult the first few days. They displayed a lot of character and fought their way through it.”

Teammate Fredrik Jonzen recalled Lawson’s friendship.

“Because I came from Sweden, I didn’t have many friends,” he said. “Nate became one of my best friends. I broke his nose in practice two years ago and this season he had two of his teeth knocked out. It was always a war with Nate.

“Dan always had a smile on his face. Those are the things you remember.”

Andre Williams roomed with both Fleming and Lawson. He said Sutton guided the team through its loss.

“Coach Sutton was the guy who had to lead us through this,” he said. “He did a remarkable job.”

Sutton said the team dedicated the season to those who had died in the crash and that it helped the players gain the strength to go on. There also was an outpouring of support from around the country.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys pressed ahead.

“In the early days, they were like zombies,” Sutton said. “We had very few normal practices for a team in midseason. I don’t know if you ever get over something like this. It seems like it will be with all of us a long time.

“I think I tried to drive home that life is precious and to appreciate it every day. I told them to call home and tell your mom and dad how much you love them. An accident can happen to any of them at any time.”

Still ahead is the offseason, a worrisome time for Sutton. He knows that basketball has served as a diversion from the accident. He also knows one more loss and the Cowboys season will be over.

“It concerns me,” he said. “We need to make sure we keep a close look at our players when the season ends. Now we have basketball to focus on, something we love.”

The players recognize the problem.

“We’ll think about it a little more after the season, when there’s no more basketball,” Jonzen said. “I think about it every day. It’s good to have basketball.”

“We needed a way to get out our feelings,” Williams said of the aftermath of the accident. “Basketball was a way to get it out for us.”

Sutton is confident his players will find a way. They have so far.

“I’m not sure a coach could be any prouder of a team,” Sutton said. “They battled adversity. The fact that they got here with all the things that happened is a tribute to their character.”