From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday,
March 27, 1997
LOCAL
City Commission Candidates To Be At Friday Forum
Nearly News
Letters Say:
Unique Assets Now Considered Liability as City Works on Budget
Training Vital To Police But Faces Budget Cuts
District Court
Ponca Indian United Methodists Will Begin Easter Services Tonight
Juvenile Crime Big Problem Facing P.C.
Child Development Center Prepares Child For Kindergarten With Various Activities
Osage Democratic Party Sets Meeting
DEATHS
Ilena May Horton
Ralph G. Smith Jr.
Hazel F. Owen
Services Pending
Carolyn Kay Higgins
Vera H. Johnson
Mary Anna Bland
Funerals
Minnie Wilkerson
NEWS BRIEFS
GARDENING
Garden Guide
SPORTS
Pirates Reassign Clint Sodowsky
PC JV Golfers Place Third In Woodland Tournament
A special public Friday Forum featuring the City Commissioners election is slated from 8 to 9 a.m. tomorrow at the Municipal Court Room, 200 East Oklahoma.
Candidates for Position No. 2 are Dick Bird, incumbent, and Chris Hand. Vying for Position No. 4 are Greg Gregson, incumbent, and Tom Leonard.
The event is sponsored by the Legislative Review Committee of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce. The event is being held at the Safety Center so it can be telecast live by Post-Newsweek Cable TV on Channel 22.
The forum will also rebroadcast at 7 p.m. Monday. The candidates will respond to questions prepared in advance by the Legislative Review Committee chaired by Dave Mueller. The moderator will accept written questions from the audience, which will be answered from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Also on the program will be brief presentations on Proposition 1, which involves extension of the half cent sales tax dedicated to street improvement, and Proposition 2, which deals with whether the City should sell the Cultural Center.
The public is invited and complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served.
For those who missed Jane Braden's health section on the Channel 5 News Wednesday night, Ponca City's own Michele Jean was interviewed about her new insulin pump, which helps to better manage her diabetes. Jean is a communication specialist at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
Editor, The News:
I have been serving on the traffic commission for four years and I am proud of the accomplishments we have made. Sometimes it is a difficult decision which projects have priority over others. The traffic commission relies on the resources of the traffic engineer for data to help us to make sound decisions.
The 1/2 cent sales tax is projected to be over one million dollars annually. We have made great strides improving the streets of Ponca City over the last nine years. We should not be satisfied until all the streets are in good condition.
The citizens of Ponca City have the opportunity to continue the improvement of our streets by voting "yes" to extend the 1/2 cent sales tax April 1.
Orville Wilks Sr.
Editor, The News:
Public safety is vital to our community, whether it be the fire department responding to a 911 emergency call, the police department educating our youth about the dangers of drugs, animal control capturing a rabid animal, emergency management regularly testing our siren warning system, the landfill meeting environmental regulations, or the assurance that our water is safe to drink.
Responsible, dedicated City employees provide public safety services by utilizing available resources to meet our community's needs. As such, many hard decisions often have to be made. It was approximately five years ago, when the Ponca City Fire Department first addressed the fact that their un-certifiable ladder truck and two leaking pumper trucks needed to be either repaired or replaced, in order to provide effective emergency response service.
The fire chief, at that time, recommended that the ladder truck be replaced with a Quint. (Remember that a Quint is a Class A fire response vehicle that provides a pumper capacity of 1,500 gallons of water per minute; provides a 70-foot extension heavy duty platform for rescue and fire fighting operations; allows for a 60-second setup at an emergency scene by one fire fighter; and provides for transport and storage of ground ladders, hoses, and other equipment). Because the fire fighters needed pumper trucks on a daily basis, the decision was made to repair the pumpers and not purchase a ladder truck at that time.
Then, three years ago, under the next fire chief, the decision was made to budget monies for four years to purchase a Quint and replace the old ladder truck. Unfortunately at that time, it was also determined that repairs to the pumpers were found to be not as effective as planned.
When the next, and current, fire chief met with fire fighters, they concluded that even though the ladder truck needed to be replaced their number one critical need was still to replace the pumpers. The Ponca City Board of Commissioners, during a budget meeting in May of 1996, approved the lease purchase of two new pumpers. Bids were then prepared and advertised on September 10, 1996, and bids opened in the City Clerk's office on October 15, 1996. Financing details were worked on until the note was approved by the Ponca City Board of Commissioners in December 1996.
Bond counsel, Allan Brooks, with Fagin, Brown, Bush, Tinney and Kiser, informed the commission that the debt will be structured as a note obligation. Further, the fee quotes were less than those available in the lease obligation, discussed earlier that year. The debt of $440,000 will be repaid over eight years, with a $65,000 down payment. The pumpers are currently being built and should arrive in approximately three months. The note can be purchased by future commissions, if necessary, with the monies originally reserved for the Quint.
Because money for the Quint was used on the pumpers, the Quint was placed in the bond issue. It is unfortunate that the note for the pumpers came up right after the bond issue, however all discussion and actions on the pumpers took place several months before the election. We hope these facts will replace the misconceptions currently being discussed within our community.
Gary Martin,
City Manager
Larry Mullikin,
Fire Chief
Kevin Ivers,
IAFF President
Editor, Ponca City News,
One day in January, 1974, Ponca Citians said good-bye to the Arcade Hotel, a historical landmark. On many occasions I have heard citizens say what a pity that the Arcade Hotel was torn down. The Arcades rooms echoed with the voices of business men like E.W. Marland, Lew Wentz and William McFadden. They made agreements that provided Ponca City and Kay County with a major employer, citizens with good jobs and lifestyles. The rooms they called home for months and years are only a memory in the mind of those who saw the Arcade Hotel.
The year 1916 saw the construction of a fabulous home on the eastern edge of Ponca City. This 22-room mansion included the first indoor pool in Oklahoma. Years have taken away the beautiful formal gardens that stretched for several blocks, the golf course is gone. The home now provides housing for over 4,000 artifacts from the 101 Ranch, Ponca, Kaw, Otoe, Osage and Tonkawa Indian Tribes, and memorabilia dating back to the birth of our Nation provided by the Daughters of the American Revolution. These artifacts provide the many visitors to our city and our own citizens a glimpse of Ponca City's history. The Ponca City Cultural Center, the first Oklahoma home of our states 10th governor, is on Oklahoma's Registry of Historical homes. Residents of Ponca City are being asked to vote on a proposition that could result in the demise of another predominant Ponca City landmark. The Cultural Center could be headed for the same fate as the Arcade Hotel, Jens-Marie, and 101 Ranch, destruction. History provides us with the knowledge to learn from past mistakes. Vote NO on Proposition No. 2, April 1, 1997.
Darlene Platt
Editor, The News,
I am a local business owner downtown and I was fortunate enough to be visited yesterday by students in the Oasis Program. I wish to compliment all persons involved with this program.
The way I understand the program, these students are at risk for dropping out of school and cannot make it in the regular classroom. As a retired special education teacher, I understand the lack of self-esteem and lack of respect and support students like this receive. The young people were well behaved and respectful the entire time they were in my store.
Mr. Nida and Ms. Denton deserve a pat on the back for their hard work with this program. I welcome the students from this program in my store at anytime.
Vickie Bell
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Assets unique to Ponca City and once considered a blessing have become a liability for those trying to create a balanced budget.
City Manager Gary Martin met with the Ponca City Board of Commissioners in a special work session at the Public Safety Center Wednesday to continue discussions on the 1997-98 budget. Aside from city employees, one interested citizen attended the meeting, which was open to the public.
Although the budget and city staff have been reduced each of the last three years, it appears that other cuts could be necessary. Martin has met with department heads to reduce the projected operating expenses to $12.8 million.
Martin told the board, it is very painful to go back. Perhaps the city does not need to be in a hurry to get the electric utility where it needs to be, he said.
Furthermore, the commissioners expressed concern about the citizens' perception that the city does not need more money. Martin suggested developing a finance committee, which would include citizens. The committee could be used to develop long range plans and strategies for the city.
"The city didn't get into this situation overnight," Martin confirmed. "The city prospered well. During those times, Ponca City was able to do things that a city normally can't do," Martin continued. "We are now experiencing the same problems as corporate America."
Another area of concern relates to the Park and Recreation Department. Due to the staggering amount of mowing required to maintain city property, higher-paid, skilled workers are being pulled from other projects to handle the mowing.
Mayor Marilyn Andrew said that other communities had success by contracting out mowing during the summer.
Additionally, Commissioner Greg Gregson mentioned reducing overtime and compensation time. Martin verified that each month, departments are asked to justify any overtime expended.
The group discussed how normal work can suffer when employees take comp time and agreed that overtime can be a less expensive alternative.
Furthermore, Martin plans to eliminate some cellular phones. Also, Martin confirmed that adjustments would be made on the city's cable use at city facilities, to further decrease expenses.
Moreover, a committee is looking at reducing costs of uniforms provided by the city. Providing just shirts and jackets would create a savings.
The city plans to complete the budget process in May, at which time a public hearing will be scheduled for mid-June.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Citizens will need to decide to keep the level of law enforcement or choose what they are willing to give up.
The Ponca City Police Department comprises 24.6 percent, or $3.1 million of the current year's operating budget. According to Police Chief Raymond Ham, the largest liability of the department is its training program.
In his annual report to the Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ham said, the city currently enjoys a high officer-to-citizen ratio of 1/479. However, Stillwater and Bartlesville have approximately 1 officer for every 600 residents.
Although, Ham feels the department needs to retain officers, commissioners must review the possibility of reducing the department. Last year, the chief said the city did not replace an officer and held the line on expenses.
Traffic stops make good criminal offense and are an important part of Ponca City's enforcement program. Ham said more time should be spent on traffic, because it is a crime deterrent. However, the department has beat officers not just officers dedicated to traffic.
Furthermore, 36 percent of traffic citations issued were for miscellaneous moving violations. A total of 7,619 traffic citations were issued, which reflects a decrease of 3,185 issued in 1995.
Ham emphasized that training is not exempt from reduction as money becomes tight. Although training requirements mandated by law and contract were met in 1996, the department's employees completed 2,885 or approximately one-third of the hours competed in 1995.
Last year, officers received training in leadership, fraud, community policing, domestic abuse, search and seizure, firearms, child abuse, juvenile law, crisis negations and drugs that impair. They also attended sessions related to vice, tactical operations, interviews, report writing, breathaliyzer operations, intoxilyzer operations, workplace violence, extremist groups, custody and control, DARE, skid avoidance, managing behavior, facial reconstruction, managing terrorism, and incident command.
1996 Statistics
- Median age of officer is 37.5.
- Ponca City officers have worked an average of 11 years.
- Officers drove 580,636 miles.
- An officer responded to a call an average of every 21 minutes.
- Every 69 minutes a traffic citation was issued.
- An incident report was taken on average every two hours.
- Every 2.6 hours, a warning ticket was issued.
- An accident was worked an average of every 14 hours.
The report was prepared by Capt. Dan Tebow. Copies of the 1996 Annual Police Report are available to the public at the Ponca City Library.
Blackwell
Divorces Sought
Melissa Marie Smith vs. Cary Kenneth Smith.
Civil Proceedings
Trace Well Service vs. Brown Tank & Equipment, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment for $3,140.17.
Mickey Woltz vs. Harlan Overman, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Greenwood Trust Co. vs. Bobby Buckner; plaintiff seeking judgment for $6,330.15.
Greenwood Trust Co. vs. Richard DeYoe and Shirley DeYoe; plaintiff seeking judgment for $5,882.96.
Name Change Sought
Kelly Anne Greenfield, seeking change to Kelly Anne Laipple.
Newkirk
Marriage Licenses
Irvin W. Wright, 71, and Mary Lee Wright, 73, both of Marland.
Qinghua Shen, 32, and Tracie Annette Robinson, 20, both of Clay Center, Kan.
Keith Allen Osburn, 24, and Angela Dee Colvin, 21, both of Ponca City.
William Dewayne Ratliff, 34, and Maribeth Lavoyce Haywood, 30, both of Newkirk.
Divorces Granted
Heath Johnson vs. Trisha Johnson.
Criminal Proceedings
Assault Charge - Pierre Lavont Shade, 28, charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the March 3 shooting of a Ponca City man with a handgun. Judge Galbraith scheduled a 9 a.m. April 25 pre-preliminary hearing in the case. If convicted, the defendant faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Hearing Set - David Yinger, 32, charged with lewd molestation in connection with alleged incident or incidents between June 1 and August 31, 1996 with a girl younger than 16 years old. Judge Galbraith scheduled a 1:30 p.m. April 16 status review in the case. The defendant faces from one to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.
Accessory Charge - Bobbie Jean Jones, 18, charged with accessory to assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with a March 3 shooting of a Ponca City man. Charged with helping another suspect flee from the crime scene, the defendant faces up to five years in prison if convicted. Judge Galbraith scheduled a status review of the case for 1:30 p.m. April 2.
Hearing Set - Ricardo Anthony Vitacolonna, 40, charged with unlawful marijuana possession, second offense, in connection with a Feb. 13 arrest after Ponca City police stopped a vehicle. Judge Galbraith scheduled a status review for 1:30 p.m. April 23. The defendant faces a sentence of two to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.
The Ponca Indian United Methodist Church will hold Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. on March 27 at their church facility in White Eagle, sponsored by members of the United Methodist Women.
On Good Friday the United Methodist Youth will lead the service at the church, and on Saturday an Easter Egg Hunt will be held on the church grounds, beginning at 10 a.m.
On Easter Sunday a Sunrise Service is scheduled to be held at 6 a.m. on the church lawn, followed at 11 a.m. by the regular Sunday morning worship in the church.
An invitation is extended to anyone who wishes to attend.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Juvenile crime is one of the biggest problems facing the Ponca City community, however, it is a problem facing most law enforcement agencies.
According to the Ponca City Police Department, violent crimes committed by juveniles increased approximately 36 percent from 1995 to 1996. Also, juveniles accounted for 11 percent of all arrests for serious crimes committed last year.
"It scares me that our young people are becoming more violent," Ponca City Police Chief Raymond Ham said. "The Ponca City Police Department can't dictate, control and govern children until they break the law."
Police officers issued 322 citations to juveniles in 1996 for the following offenses:
- 40 Alcohol violations;
- 30 Minor in possession of tobacco;
- 97 Curfew Violations;
- 53 Destruction of private property;
- 51 Petit larceny;
- 35 Assault and battery;
- 16 Trespassing.
When a juvenile appears in court, only the parent, victim and court staff are authorized in the preceding due to confidentiality for minors under the age of 17.
According to Juvenile Court Judge John Northcutt, the court is considered a court of records and lawyers can come if they chose to. He confirmed that records are kept by both the judge and court clerk.
Ponca City officers feel the program is working. Since the youths appear before a judge within two weeks of their offense, the program provides also timely consequences.
On Tuesday, 30 juveniles appeared in court on charges of assault and battery, trespassing, minor in possession of tobacco, vandalism, curfew violations, petit larceny and public intoxication. Youths ranged in age from 10 to 17 years old.
Northcutt converted 10 hours of community service to a fine, for a youth who failed to complete the court-awarded hours. In addition, seven juveniles acquired 85 hours of community service.
Two were required to attend the first offender's program and two were sentenced to pay $275 in restitution. According to Nancy Hunt, Ponca City court clerk, a few other youths will also receive restitution once damage estimates are submitted.
Furthermore, the Department of Public Safety will receive notice that seven youths have lost driving privileges.
Additionally, of four trials held, one juvenile was found not guilty, two were found guilty and one changed a plea to no contest. Three youths charged for the same incident were rescheduled for April 1.
The next juvenile court will be Tuesday. Due to spring break, one week was skipped, Hunt said.
When asked about her job description at the Child Development Center, Shari Magee says, "I am a teacher, not a babysitter. Here at the Child Development Center we try to prepare the children for kindergarten. We work on cognitive and motor skills as well as social and intellectual development."
A perfect example of Miss Shari's goal with the children at CDC was the recent participation by her four and five year old class in Saint Patrick's Day activities, which lasted a week.
The class spent the entire week studying about Ireland and the legend of St. Patrick. Under Miss Shari's direction they also made a crystal garden for their science project, and green heart art for their art project.
During the week, Leprechauns from Ireland came to visit the classroom and played with the student's toys and "messed up" their room. With Miss Shari's assistance, the students composed letters to the Leprechauns suggesting proper ways to clean up and leave the room as they found it. The letters served as their English project.
Miss Shari said, "The Leprechauns also left behind some of their 'gold' and after the children went on a treasure hunt and found it, they counted it, which served as a math lesson."
The students made Irish hats, complete with Leprechaun ears to wear for their Saint Patrick's party, decorated and ate cookies with green frosting and enjoyed "Leprechaun" ice cream floats. Miss Shari also painted the students faces with rainbows and shamrocks.
The Child Development Center provides high quality, low cost child care for qualifying children. The Child Development Center is a United Way Agency.
PAWHUSKA - The Osage County Democratic Party will hold its biannual county convention at 10 a.m. April 5, at the Osage County Courthouse here.
Along with other business, the group will elect members of the Osage County Democratic Central Committee and delegates to attend the district and state Democratic conventions. Any Osage County Democrat may be elected to those positions.
Those interested in attending the county convention are urged to contact
county chairman Larry Stuart at 918-287-1510 or 918-885-2329.
DEATHS
Ilena May Horton, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday afternoon, March 25, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 81.
The funeral will be held graveside at 11 a.m. Friday at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. David Bigger, pastor First Freewill Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 10 a.m. Friday.
Ilena May Horton was born May 25, 1915, in Hartford City, Ind., the daughter of Charles E. and Dolly (Atkinson) Shiery. She grew up and attended schools in Independence.
On Oct. 19, 1950, she was married to Chester Horton in Independence and the couple made their home in Neodesha, Kan., for many years. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1970, when Mr. Horton began employment with Conoco. Mrs. Horton was a homemaker. She was a member of the Neodesha First United Methodist Church and the National Camper and Hikers Association. She enjoyed camping, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.
Survivors include one son, Don Horton of Ponca City; one daughter, Mrs. Stephen (Dorothy) Leonard, of Ponca City; one sister, Thelma Bertholf of Albuquerque, N.M.; two grandsons; two nephews and four nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two sisters.
The family will be at the Stephen Leonard home.
TULSA - Ralph G. Smith Jr., former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, March 19, 1997, at a nursing home in Grove, after a lengthy illness. He was 78.
A memorial service was held March 22, at the College Hill Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, with the Rev. Radford Rader, minister, officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove.
Ralph G. Smith Jr., was born Nov. 11, 1918, in Ponca City, the son of Ralph G. and Hazel (Welch) Smith Sr. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1937 and was employed at Goldenstern and Stolpher and Cities Service Oil Co., before moving to Houston, Texas.
During World War II, Smith served in the U.S. Army with a hospital unit on Guam until the end of the war. While living in Houston, he purchased Merit Lawn Equipment in 1981. Upon retirement in 1984, Smith moved to the Beacon Point area in Grove, where he continued his love for fly-fishing, fly-tying and making fly and casting rods. He was a member of the Grove Disabled American Veterans, and a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include two daughters Charlotte Ann Burton and Carolyn Elizabeth Brady of Tulsa; one son, Ralph Garrett Smith III of Yukon; one brother, Philip Truman Smith of Walnut Creek, Calif.; and five grandchildren.
Hazel F. Owen, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, March 25, 1997, at her home. She was 85.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home Chapel in Fairfax with Robin M. Eaton, minister of Ponca City Jehovah's Witness, officiating. Burial will be in the Fairfax Cemetery.
Hazel F. (King) Owen was born Aug. 8, 1911, in Taylor, Mo., the daughter of John and Edith (Upton) King. She attended schools in the Hominy-Fairfax area.
She was married to Robert Stout on Sept. 28, 1940, in Pawnee and he died June 12, 1978. She had been employed as custodian of the Anderson Building at the Ponca City High School for several years.
She was later married to Chester W. Owen on Oct. 23, 1960, in Ponca City and he preceded her in death on Nov. 25, 1978. Mrs. Owen was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses Church.
She is survived by one daughter, Roberta Nephew of Ponca City; two sisters, Elsie Lay of Sand Springs and Dorothy Henderson of Cleveland, Okla.; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to both husbands and her parents she was preceded in death by one grandson, one brother, and two sisters.
The family will be at the home of Roberta Nephew.
Carolyn "Kay" Higgins, rural Ponca City resident, died early this morning, March 27, 1997, at her home. She was 56. Survivors include her husband Richard. Mrs. Higgins will lie in state at Grace Memorial Chapel from 6 to 9 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Turner Funeral Home of Geary, Okla.
FAIRFAX - Vera Hampton Johnson, Fairfax-Pawnee area resident, died Thursday morning, March 27, 1997, in Pawnee Municipal Hospital. She was 95. Arrangements are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.
Mary Anna Bland, former Burbank resident, died Wednesday, March 26, 1997, at the Columbia Medical Center in Borger, Texas. She was 90. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Shidler Chapel, Shidler.
Friday
Minnie Wilkerson - Funeral to be held graveside at 10:30 a.m.
at Blackwell IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral
Home, Blackwell.
NEWS BRIEFS
Humane Society - The Ponca City Humane Society is conducting a membership drive through April 12. Those people or businesses interested in joining should call Jean Barnes at 767-8877.
Date Change - The pecan course being taught by Wes Rice at the Pioneer Technology Center is scheduled for April 22 and 24 at 6:30 p.m. It had been announced previously as April 20. Those attending can learn how to graft pecans and will observe management practice on a proposed field trip.
City Warrant - An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper arrested and took a 22-year-old man to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:46 a.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Arrested - A 24-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at West Liberty Avenue and North Union Street at 9:24 a.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took a report of vandalism in the 2500 block of North Fourteenth Street at 9:40 a.m. Wednesday.
Forgery - A Ponca City police officer took a report of forgery at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, at 11:22 a.m. Wednesday.
Street Sweepers - Two street sweepers from the Ponca City Street Department were out early this morning sweeping Fourteenth Street. According to the department, this type of maintenance is on-going. The department tries to keep the main roadways clear of litter and debris which washes into the streets after high winds or storms.
Fruit Vendor - A subject selling fruit from a truck at South Eleventh Street and East Walnut Avenue was contacted by a Ponca City police officer at 11:50 a.m. Wednesday. The subject was instructed to obtain a permit.
Theft - A Ponca City police officer took a report in the 800 block of East Central Avenue at 2:34 p.m. Wednesday. The resident advised the officer that light fixtures were stolen.
Found - Animal Control Department picked up an abandoned bike in the 1200 block of West Grand Avenue at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The bike was taken to the Ponca City Police Department and put into the stockade.
Disturbance - A resident in the 700 block of North Union Street advised the Ponca City telecommunication officers that subjects were throwing rocks at an abandoned house. An officer contacted the subjects at 5:19 p.m. Wednesday.
Grand Theft Auto - A 22-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 700 block of South Eleventh Street at 5:25 p.m. Wednesday for second degree burglary and grand theft auto.
Burglary - A resident in 2800 block of Rice Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 6:47 p.m. Wednesday that the shed had been broken into. An officer took a report.
Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took an information report in the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street at 9:39 p.m. Wednesday. The officer was told that a truck was vandalized.
Warrants - A 44-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 300 block of South Oak Street at 10:36 p.m. Wednesday for two Kay County warrants.
Youth Detained - Three Ponca City police officers responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of West Cleveland Avenue at 12:42 a.m. Thursday. A 17-year-old boy was arrested for first degree burglary, domestic assault and battery and destruction of private property. The PCPD advised Oklahoma Juvenile Affairs and a judge authorized the youth to be detained.
Roll Over - Ponca City telecommunication officers notified the Osage County Sheriff's Office at 2:28 a.m. Thursday of a vehicle which rolled over in a ditch four miles east of New River Bridge on U.S. 60. A motorist who reported the accident was unable to locate a driver. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said no injuries had been reported.
Burglary of Auto - A Ponca City police officer took a burglary
of auto report in the 1500 block of North Osage Street at 3:38 a.m. Thursday.
The door of the vehicle was open and the driver side window was broken,
however no one was around.
GARDENING
MARCH
Ponca City is located in Zone 6. In the west dry heat and lack of rainfall provide gardening challenges. Good performers throughout Zone 6 are Japanese Maple, common box, Wintercreeper, English ivy, American holly and California Privet.
Plant seeds of beets, lettuce, peas, radishes, spinach and turnips.
Put in plants of cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. Also asparagus, garlic, onions and potatoes.
In the flower garden put out cold-hardy plants like pansies, snapdragons, dianthus and even petunias.
Start perennials.
All gardens benefit from the addition of organic material such as peat moss, manure or compost. In heavy soil add gypsum.
Add all-purpose fertilizer to garden now.
Start a compost pile.
Ponca City High School graduate Clint Sodowsky, a former Detroit Tigers pitcher who was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates during the off-season, has been reassigned to the Pirates' minor league camp.
Sodowsky was trying to make the Pittsburgh club as a middle reliever after being a starter in his two seasons with the Tigers.
The 6-3 right-hander was one of the final cuts for the Pirates as they trim their roster to the 25-man limit.
During spring training with the Pirates, Sodowsky was 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA. He appeared in six games and pitched 10 innings, allowing 11 hits, three runs and three earned runs. He also walked four and struck out five.
Sodowsky has started 13 major league games the past two seasons, all with the Tigers, compiling a 3-5 record with an ERA of 8.59. In 47.2 innings, Sodowsky has given up 49 runs (45 earned), 64 hits, 38 walks with 23 strikeouts.
After starting last season with the Tigers, Sodowsky was optioned to AAA Toledo. He finished out the season with the Mud Hens, going 6-8 with a 3.94 ERA in 19 starts.
In 118.2 innings he allowed 128 hits, 67 runs (52 earned runs), 8 home runs, 51 walks and had 58 strikeouts.
FAIRFAX - Ponca City's Wildcat JV golfers didn't quite repeat the kind of success they had a day earlier, but coach Dan McGregor liked some of the things he saw in their third place finish in the Woodland Invitational Wednesday.
"The course (Kah-Wah-C) is a little short," McGregor said. "But the greens are small and hard to hit. Once you're there it's tough to make a putt."
Fresh from a 9-hole dual victory over Pawnee on their home course Tuesday, the JV's scores were a little higher on their first trip to another layout.
The Poncans fired a 354 total in the 18-hole tournament to finish behind the varsity teams of Blackwell (342) and Perry (344). Alva (382), Pawhuska (399) and Woodland (403) followed the Poncans.
John Hilyard was the Cats' low scorer with an 84. Aaron Hill posted an 88, Jason Pettigrew an 89, Bryant Ferguson a 93 and Lucas Elmer a 93.
Giles of Manford was the tournament medalist at 81 after winning a playoff with Tyler Dyer of Blackwell.
Tuesday, the Wildcat junior varsity golfers saw their first action of the season and made it pay as they beat the Pawnee varsity 168-189 in a 9-hole dual at the Ponca City Country Club.
Lucas Elmer led the way for the Poncans with a 38, which included an eagle 2 on No. 3.
Jason Pettigrew posted a 40, Aaron Hill a 44 and John Hilyard and Bryant Ferguson each fired 46.
A former Ponca Citian, Adam Alley, led Pawnee with a 42. Ryan and Dustin Smith along with Keith Ryan all had 49s.
The JVs are now off until April 4 when they travel to Alva.
The Wildcat varsity takes part in the Enid Red Carpet Tournament Friday.