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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Thursday, April 27, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS SPORTS GARDENING LOCALNearly News Nearly NewsNancy VanZant of Ponca City’s Sertoma reminds school kids that the annual Better Speech and Hearing Month contest posters should be turned in by 8 p.m. Friday to the Information Desk at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The annual contest is sponsored jointly by Sertoma and SJRMC. Keating Blasts Dems Over Auto Tag ReformOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Republican Gov. Frank Keating says a Democratic Senate budget leader is playing a tired old song by saying schools would be hurt financially by a GOP car tag reduction bill. Sen. Cal Hobson, D-Lexington, released figures Wednesday showing the Republican measure would cost public education $76 million to $84 million a year. ‘‘Given the fact that we rank in the bottom 10 in education funding, we should be working to get more money into our schools, not devising ways to cut their share of the budget pie further,’’ Hobson said. He said while everyone wants a cut in car tag costs, it must be done ‘‘responsibly, without hurting education, road construction or a number of other vital services. The Republican program doesn’t do that.’’ The GOP plan would cost $138 million, although the impact for the first year would be about half that. ‘‘No matter how you look at the Republican tag bill, it still adds up to a huge hit on public schools,’’ Hobson said. ‘‘With one hand, we were able to give teachers a $3,000 pay raise this year, but with the other hand, the Republicans are trying to take a good chunk of school funding that’s needed for classroom expenses,’’ he said. Keating responded that Hobson was ‘‘playing games’’ and using ‘‘the same tired old rhetoric’’ in favor of more government spending. He said Democrats have dragged their feet all session long on tag relief. The governor’s office did not dispute Hobson’s figures. But Dan Mahoney, Keating’s communications director, said he was puzzled how the senator could say schools would receive a cut, since a $164 million teacher pay bill already had been enacted. Mahoney said the auto tag bill by Rep. Ron Kirby, D-Lawton, and Sen. Jim Maddox, D-Lawton ‘‘appears not to be responsible’’ because it would be ‘‘a tax increase for quite a few people.’’ He referred to a bill that has passed the House and Senate and is currently in a joint conference committee. The measure would cut car tag costs by $11 million overall and limit the cost of a tag to $85. It would replace the current 3.25 percent excise tax on newly purchased vehicles with a one-time 4.5 percent sales tax. Son Tries to Bilk Mom With Fake KidnappingTULSA (AP) — The kidnappers demanded $10,000 and promised to harm her son if she didn’t pay. But when a Broken Arrow mother showed up at the drop spot with police, they found her son, Nathaniel Reid Six, 20, in a rented limousine with his friends and an empty bottle of champagne. ‘‘After people were taken into custody and brought down to station, then the plot started to unfold,’’ Broken Arrow Police Lt. Paul Kroutter said today. ‘‘It appears other parties in vehicle had no idea they were supposed to be kidnappers.’’ Six was arrested Monday and remained in custody today on complaints of obtaining money by false pretenses and marijuana possession. Denise Six told police that she gave her son $10,000 on April 19 after he told her that drug dealers were going to kill him without the money. On Monday, she found a ransom note on the front door of her home and answering machine messages indicating he had been kidnapped, police said. ‘‘He apparently called her while she was home and told her he had been kidnapped by some people and they were driving around in a limousine and they needed $10,000 or they were going to do harm to him,’’ Kroutter said. Sgt. Heath Arning said the mother’s concern turned to suspicion, and she called police:‘‘With the kidnappers not giving up and kidnapping him again, she started to think that something doesn’t add up.” They went to the drop spot together and waited a few minutes before the white stretch limousine showed up, police said. Police took everyone to the station under the pretext of investigating a kidnapping. The friends, clueless to any kind of kidnapping plot, were more worried about the baggies of marijuana found in the car, Kroutter said. They were arrested on drug complaints only. Police recovered marijuana, smoking pipes, an empty bottle of Crown Royal, one empty bottle of champagne and a full one. ‘‘It looks like they were partying in the limo,’’ he said. Ponca City Students Art Works FeaturedTONKAWA — Ceramics and paintings by Marty Kruk, Ponca City, are featured in “Statements,” the annual exhibition of art by Northern Oklahoma College students. Among the more than 50 of Kruk’s pieces is a series of large paintings of gorillas, entitled “Monkey Around.” The art department graduate also has numerous three-dimensional works including bowls, urns and coffee sets. Kruk, son of Kenn and Diane Kruk, moved with his family from Philadelphia, Pa., to Ponca City in 1989. A 1998 graduate of Ponca City High School, he is a sophomore art major at Northern where he is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. He has been accepted into the University of North Texas for the fall 2000 semester. Kruk plans to earn his bachelor’s degree and then pursue his master’s degree. Kruk feels that his work directly reflects the teaching of his art instructors through the years, “starting in the third grade with Mr. Otipoby, then Mr. Griffith, Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Becker and Mrs. Kirby.” He credits Audrey Schmitz, head of the Northern Art Department and director of the Eleanor Hays Gallery, for her inspiration and guidance and his parents for their support in his quest in the arts and his endless search for knowledge. More than 350 creations of 87 students enrolled in art, photography and computer imaging classes during the 1999-2000 school year are displayed. Selected art works include watercolors, sculpture, photography, drawings, pottery, computer manipulated images, ceramic tiles, masks, oils and mixed media works. Many items are available for purchase. In addition to Kruk, Ponca City students displaying work include Ted Bellmard, Amy Burdick, Russell Busby, Josh Childers, Rhonda Cobb, Tina Combes, Mike Cranor, Chad Davis, Chad Depperschmidt, Shelley Diemart, Brook Didlake, Glenn Drake, April Estep, Kristal Gauger, Margaux Griffith, Jimmy Haines, Diane Harris, Heather Herard, Drew Jarrett, Marci Lee, Melanie Longmore, Paige Malone, Brad Matson, Tessa Mitchell, Bryan Murphy, Jason Nigh, Ann Powell, Carolina Raley, Theresa Rathburn, Vicki Raudibaugh, Will Rice, Jeremy Ross, Jacquelynn Schroeder, Sarah Stolhand, Shelly Sullivan, Kelli Tucker and David Wittmer. Tamara Campbell of Marland also has work on view. Instructors are Neo Kirby, drawing and painting; Schmitz, sculpture and ceramics; Dr. Glenn Cope, photography and digital imaging; and Cindy Rasche, graphic design and digital imaging. Gallery hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and during evening and weekend performances through May 6 in the Northern Performing Arts Concert Hall. Admission is free. Three Ponca City P.E.O. Chapters Welcome Delegates to State EventWhen the more than 225 delegates to the 92nd annual convention of Oklahoma State Chapter of P.E.O. arrive in Ponca City today they will be greeted by a bevy of “Heavenly Host-esses” from the three Ponca City chapters — EL, FC and FN. P.E.O. chapters are given letters of the alphabet as they are organized within a state, beginning with “A”, which is in Okeene, and going to “GW,” which is in Durant. The theme for each convention is chosen by the one acting as state president at the time. Kathy Stevens, AK, Tulsa, the current president, chose as her them, Heaven’s Gift-Angels in P.E.O. Each chapter has a delegate, but, in addition, each chairman of a project in P.E.O. in Oklahoma, the state board, and past presidents, plus the general chairman and co-chairman of the convention and a few other appointed women are delegates. P.E.O. is a philanthropic educational organization with five international projects. They are the P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund which is a revolving loan fund established in 1907 to lend money to worthy women students to assist them in securing a higher education; Cottey Junior College, a fully accredited liberal arts college for women at Nevada, Mo., owned and supported by the P.E.O. Sisterhood since 1927. Also, P.E.O. International Peach Scholarship Fund, established in 1949 to provide scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada; P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, established in 1973 to provide need-based grants to women in the United States and Canada whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to support themselves and/or their families. And, P.E.O. Scholar Awards which was established in 1991 to provide substantial awards to women of the United States and Canada who are pursuing advanced degrees or are engaged in advanced study and research. Any woman interested in any of the above projects may call the president of her local chapter to inquire as to the procedure for applying. A recipient must be sponsored by a chapter. In Ponca City the presidents are: EL-Alice Mires, 762-6219; FC-Norma Erner, 765-5974; and FN-Jerri Boyer, 762-5832. History of Good Credit Allows For Faster Approval of LoansSo you’re ready to buy a new car, or even your first home. You’ve saved up the money for a down payment and have even figured a monthly payment into your budget. But when you go to apply for a loan, the lender turns you down. You ask, “What went wrong?” The answer: It’s your credit! In order to be approved for a loan, you must have a good credit history. A credit history is a record of how you have paid your credit card debt and other loans — it shows how much debt you have, if you have made payments on time or if you have not paid back your loans at all. “Good credit is important because it gives you a better chance of getting a loan when you want to make a major purchase such as a car or a home,” said Mike Kormos, division sales manager at WM Financial Services, an affiliate of Washington Mutual. “A good credit history shows the lender that you can be relied upon to pay back the loan.” How do you find out if you have a good credit history? You can obtain a copy of your credit report from one of the following national credit-reporting agencies: Equifax (1-800-685-1111), Experian (I-888-Experian), Trans Union Corporation (1-800-916-8800). “It’s important to request a credit report from the major credit agencies each year to examine what is on your report,” Kormos said. “These agencies are required by law to provide one copy per year free of charge to the individual belonging to the report.” What do you do if you find out you have bad credit? Don’t worry. You can contact your local Consumer Credit Counseling Service for free and confidential credit counseling (1-800-750-CCCS). In the meantime, here are some steps for improving your credit and establishing a better rating. 1. Pay your bills first: Put aside money to pay your bills before spending money on luxuries like going out to dinner or seeing a movie. 2. Don’t apply for credit unless you absolutely need it: Many of us apply for credit cards because of a free gift, a discount on a purchase, or just for fun. Each time you apply for credit, it appears on your record. If you apply for credit too often, creditors may be concerned that you are using too much credit. 3. Choose your credit cards wisely: Opt for a credit card that provides a low interest rate and no (or a very low) annual fee. You can shop around on the Internet for credit cards that offer low fees. Avoid credit cards that allow you to pay an upfront fee in order to get a lower interest rate — that’s often a scam! 4. Try to pay off credit cards every month: Don’t use your credit card if you know you can’t afford to pay the balance. Instead, pay cash or write checks for purchases. 5. Avoid charging the maximum amount available on your credit card: Even if you pay the minimum monthly payment, creditors may think you are in too much debt and therefore, will not approve you for a loan. 6. Pay more than the minimum amount due each month: You will end up paying a lot more money in interest charges if you only pay the minimum amount due. For example, let’s say you use a credit card with an 18 percent interest rate to buy a television for $1000 and you only make the minimum payment of 2 percent each month. When you have finally paid off the television, 7 1/2 years later, you will have paid $1,800 for a TV worth only a thousand bucks. 7. Keep track of bills and past-due notices: Just because you no longer receive payment notices does not mean a debt has just vanished into thin air! If you neglect to pay a bill, chances are you’ll be sent to a collection agency. The debt will ‘reappear’ on your credit report and may prevent you from getting a loan. 8. Create and follow a budget: A budget can help you manage your expenses, control your spending and set aside money to pay your debt. So when you’re ready to apply for a loan and the lender asks you how much income you have and what your expenses are, you can refer to your budget for that information. Follow these simple steps and you’re on your way to establishing good credit. Chances are the next time you decide to apply for a loan, you’ll be approved with flying colors! Osage Crash Injures FourFour people were injured Tuesday night in a two-car collision on U.S. 60 east of Ponca City after a driver tried to avoid hitting an animal in the roadway. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said a 1998 Toyota driven by Vickie Lynn Shoemake, 44, of Stillwater, collided with a 1993 Ford driven by Kristel Ann Ducotey, 31, Fairfax, at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday 7.3 miles east of Ponca City in Osage County. Shoemake was westbound on U.S. 60 when she swerved her car to avoid an animal in the road and crossed over to the south side of the two-lane road, the patrol said. The car went into a broadslide and was struck in the driver’s side rear by Ducotey’s eastbound vehicle. Ducotey was admitted to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in fair condition with multiple injuries. Her passenger, Megan Ann Ducotey, 6, Fairfax, was treated at St. Joseph, then transferred in fair condition to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa with multiple injuries. Shoemake was admitted to St. Joseph in fair condition with multiple injuries. Her passenger, Jacqueline Lauren Shoemake, 15, Stillwater, was treated and released from the hospital Conoco Quarterly Earnings Show 371 Percent IncreaseHOUSTON — Conoco has announced the best quarterly earnings in its 125-year history. First quarter net income before special items was a record $391 million, or $.62 per diluted share, up 371 percent compared to the first quarter of 1999, underpinned by strong prices and higher production. Net income was a record $399 million or $.63 per diluted share, versus $83 million or $.13 per diluted share last year, and up 24 percent over strong fourth quarter 1999 results. After-tax operating income before special items of $441 million also was a record, more than three times higher than the $133 million earned in 1999. Revenues of $8.7 billion set a record for the second consecutive quarter, up $3.4 billion or 63 percent over 1999. “Highly profitable production growth allowed us to fully capture the benefits of strong market conditions to deliver outstanding financial results for the quarter,” said Archie W. Dunham, Conoco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We established several earnings records during the quarter, and took major steps to further grow our international upstream operations with key acquisitions in Canada and Vietnam and a new exploration license in Azerbaijan. Approximately 75 percent of operating earnings came from the company’s international operations and 25 percent from outside our traditional core areas of North America and Western Europe, which confirms the effectiveness of our globalization strategy. “Conoco’s downstream operations performed well, given the difficult challenge of rising crude oil prices during the quarter. In particular, international downstream was much improved on the strength of the company’s highly efficient refining operations. Going forward, we expect improvement in downstream earnings from reduced feedstock costs which began to take effect late in the quarter,” he added. Looking to the future, Dunham noted several important new developments. “In the e-business arena, the company is one of 14 founders of a giant global procurement exchange for goods and services used in the petroleum and petrochemical industries. “The combined purchasing power of its participants will give the exchange leveraged buying power of $125 billion in annual expenditures,” he said. “At the same time, we made an equity investment in HoustonStreetcom, the first fully web-based exchange and portal for acquiring and trading crude oil, refined products and natural gas. Ponca City Projects “Other initiatives that hold great promise Include the announcement of a new carbon fiber that will offer a host of high value-in-use applications in a myriad of industries, and a pilot plant to confirm the commercial viability of our proprietary Gas-to-Liquids technology,” he said. “These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to increase shareholder value through innovative and cost-effective ways to acquire, trade or sell goods, services and commodities, and to capitalize on our core competencies in the carbon upgrading and natural gas businesses,” Dunham added. Strategic business highlights during the quarter included: • Continued progress in completing the giant Petrozuata heavy oil production/upgrading joint venture in Venezuela, now producing about 100,000 gross barrels of oil per day (bpd) and expected to reach 120,000 bpd by year-end. Construction of the $1 billion oil upgrader is about 90 percent complete, with first commercial sales of Petrozuata syncrude scheduled to begin in early 2001. • Immediate production and earnings were realized through the acquisition of a large share of the Rang Dong oil producing field in Block 15-2 of Vietnam’s Cuu Long Basin, with further appraisal and development wells planned this year. Conoco has additional exploratory acreage in adjacent Block 15-1, and this summer will drill the first exploration well in this very attractive block, also in the Cuu Long Basin. Additionally, a Heads of Agreement was signed with Petrovietnam and the Korea National Oil Company to explore attractive acreage in Block 16-2, paving the way for Conoco to become operator with a 40-percent working interest in the block. Vietnam is a key element in the company’s strategy to develop Southeast Asia into a care area. • The fast-track U.K. North Sea Vixen natural gas field is advancing toward first production in October 2000. The field is distinguished by its rapid discovery-to-market timetable. Vixen, located between two Conoco-producing fields, will utilize existing processing and transportation facilities. Proved net reserves are about 60 billion cubic feet of natural gas. • Construction is underway on an innovative natural gas processing platform for the West Natuna Sea offshore Indonesia. The platform, a Movable Offshore Gas Production Unit, will be assembled onshore for cost-effective installation and brought on line in mid-2001. This unique facility can be relocated to optimize production within the numerous gas fields discovered in Block B over the past few years. The unit will have a 26-year design life and can process and compress as much as 250 million cubic feet of gas per day. The 28-inch West Natuna transportation trunk line is about 65 percent complete, connecting Singapore to Block B. • Acquired a 20-percent interest in the ExxonMobil-operated Zafar Mashal exploration block offshore Baku, Azerbaijan. This acreage is in the oil-rich Volga Delta play in the South Caspian Basin — an area that includes several mega-discoveries. • Acquired substantially all of Petro-Canada’s natural gas liquids business, including the fifth-largest natural gas processing plant in North America. The purchase, immediately accretive to earnings, will increase Conoco’s processing capacity by 65 percent and reduce overhead and operating costs per processed barrel by 24 percent. The acquisition complements the 1999 purchase of Canadian producing assets from Renaissance Energy that doubled Conoco Canada’s natural gas production and increased proven reserves in Canada by about 60 percent. • Completed the sale of five natural gas processing plants and 2,300 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines in Oklahoma as part of Conoco’s effort to move away from a midstream business of scattered assets in mature basins toward a more profitable business built on centralized, large-scale gas processing systems. • Began construction of a $430 million natural gas development in Syria, the first U.S. hydrocarbon investment in that country in several years. Coupled with Conoco’s longtime presence in Dubai, the service contract in Syria demonstrates the company’s intention to capture an expanded position in the Middle East. • Signed an agreement to design a pilot plant using Conoco’s proprietary Gas-to-Liquids technology. When the process is used commercially, liquid products from gas reserves in remote locations can be easily captured for delivery to the marketplace. • Entered the carbon fiber business to produce a new product utilizing a Conoco developed, patent protected manufacturing process, (an expansion of the company’s carbon-upgrading expertise). The product has excellent market potential and will enable the development of lighter and stronger products with new applications in the electronics, automotive, construction, transportation and other technological markets such as fuel cells. The first plant will be capable of producing eight million pounds of petroleum-based carbon fibers a year and is expected to be onstream in fourth quarter 2001. Special Items First quarter 2000 earnings contained special items that resulted in a net gain of $8 million there were none in the same period of 1999. A $27 million gain was recognized on the sale of certain natural gas processing assets in the U.S., while downstream results were reduced by $19 million for litigation provisions and a write-off of related refinery assets. The following commentary compares segment results for the first quarter of 2000 With the first quarter of 1999, after excluding the earnings impact of special items. Upstream For the quarter, upstream had record earnings of $412 million, almost four times higher than the $108 million earned last year, bolstered by strong crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids prices, along with increased production — especially from Petrozuata. Production costs were 5 percent lower, while exploration expenses were down 20 percent on lower dry hole costs. Earnings from natural gas and gas processing operations were significantly improved, reflecting stronger margins and benefits from previously mentioned portfolio upgrades. U.S. earnings were $115 million, up 188 percent, on higher prices and increased petroleum liquids production. International upstream earned $297 million, more than four times larger than the $68 million earned last year, due to higher crude oil prices and production growth. The company’s worldwide net realized crude oil prices were up 139 percent to $26.29 per barrel. Natural gas prices were up 12 percent to $2.32 per thousand cubic feet (mcl). U.S. natural gas prices climbed 40 cents to $2.11 per mcf, while international prices were relatively unchanged at $2.49 per mcf. Overall, the company had total production of 682,000 barrels-of-oil-equivalent per day for the quarter, up 4 percent versus first quarter 1999. Total petroleum liquids production was up 7 percent to 375,000 bpd. U.S. petroleum liquids production was up 9 percent, as additional volumes from the Ursa field in the Gulf of Mexico more than compensated for the disposition of the Grand Isle field last year and natural declines elsewhere. International petroleum liquids production was up 6 percent to 301,000 bpd due to increased volumes in Venezuela, Norway and Vietnam, partly offset by decreases in the U.K. Worldwide natural gas production rose one percent to over 1.8 billion cubic feet per day. International natural gas volumes jumped 18 percent with strong production from the Britannia and Vampire fields in the U.K., along with the newly acquired Canadian properties. The 14-percent decline in U.S. natural gas volumes was attributable to the reduced drilling program implemented last year in the South Texas Lobo trend and natural declines elsewhere. Downstream Downstream earned $54 million during the quarter versus $40 million in the same period last year, an increase of 35 percent. Worldwide refinery inputs increased 5 percent to 908,000 bpd over the same period in 1999. U.S. earnings of $5 million were down $12 million, as higher feedstock costs continued to impair refining earnings, including lower margins on co-products. International earnings increased 113 percent during the period to $49 million, largely due to improved refining margins, partly offset by lower European marketing and co-product earnings. In addition, in Asia Pacific, the Melaka refinery operated at essentially full capacity, taking advantage of the improved environment in the region. Corporate and Other Corporate and Other operating expenses were $25 million, $10 million higher than last year, primarily due to increased business development costs in the emerging power sector and the introduction of corporate advertising. Interest and non-operating expenses were $50 million, unchanged from first quarter 1999. Other Financial Highlights During the quarter, the company generated $469 million in cash provided by operations, including $14 million in dividends received from the company’s Polar Lights Russian joint venture. This was the first dividend paid by the Russian-American enterprise, reflecting its continued strong operating performance. Total debt at the end of the period was $4.8 billion, down $200 million from March 31, 1999. On April 24, Standard & Poor’s affirmed its ratings for the company’s debt and revised its outlook to stable from negative as a result of progress the company has made in upgrading its capital structure. Capital expenditures and investments of $489 million included the acquisition of Canadian natural gas processing and gathering assets. Conoco’s full-year capital budget for 2000 remains unchanged at $2.2 billion. Conoco is a major, integrated energy company based in Houston and active in more than 40 countries. DEATHSJames Walter Pyle James Walter PyleGIRARD, Kan. — James Walter Pyle, resident of Girard, Kan., died Tuesday afternoon, April 25, 2000, at St. John’s Medical Center in Joplin, Mo. He was 76. The funeral is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the First Baptist Church in Girard. Burial will follow in the Girard Cemetery under the direction of Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard, Kan. James Walter Pyle was born Feb. 1, 1924, on a farm north of Farlington, Kan., the son of Donald. D. Pyle and Nettie Cooper Pyle. When he was 13, the family moved to Grass Valley, Calif., where he graduated from Grass Valley High School in 1941. Following graduation, he moved to Chicago where he was employed with International Harvester until his induction into the United States Army in July of 1942. He married Lucy O’Reilly on May 16, 1944, in Girard. They lived in Texas and Georgia until he was sent overseas in December of 1944. He served in England and Germany and was honorably discharged in March of 1946. The couple lived most of their years in Girard, where he was employed as a mail carrier for 27 years. His retirement was followed by five years with Green Lake American Baptist Assembly in Wisconsin and 10 years with Southeast Kansas Education Service Center at Greenbush. He belonged to the First Baptist Church of Girard and held various offices there. He served the city of Girard as finance commissioner for 16 years. He was an avid fan of Girard High School sports and other area sporting events and enjoyed bowling and golf. He was proud to be given the Honorary Alumni Award by the Girard Alumni Association in 1997. Survivors include his wife of the home; six daughters, Jan Dorsey of Ponca City, Carolyn Mathis of McPherson, Kan., Nancy Fredette of San Marcos, Calif., Valorie Gardner of Pittsburg, Kan., Dianne Mitchell of Independence, Kan., and Kathy Meilahn of Eldorado, Wis.; two sons, Jim Pyle of Kimberling City, Mo., and Don Pyle of Ottawa, Kan.; 15 grandchildren and one great-grandson; his mother; and four brothers, Tom Pyle, Don Pyle and Bob Pyle, all of Girard, Kan., and Jack Pyle of Cape Coral, Fla. He was preceded in death by his father. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Girard High School Scholarship Fund or First Baptist Church of Girard, c/o Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home. 518 West St. John, Girard, Kan. 66743. ObituariesLorraine ShifletMrs. John (Lorraine) Shiflet, a longtime resident of Red Rock and Ponca City, died Tuesday, April 25, 2000, of congestive heart failure at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Christian Church, Ponca City, with the Rev. Charles Heyer, associate pastor, officiating. Friends and family members will also offer memories and scripture readings at the service. Burial will be in the Red Rock Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home. Lorraine was born Aug. 27, 1914, at Uncas, the daughter of Jesse and Hattie Gang Keele. She graduated from Red Rock High School then received her higher education from Central State College in Edmond. Later she was a teacher and principal of the Red Rock schools for several years. Lorraine married John Shiflet June 29, 1936, at Red Rock. The couple made their home on the ranch outside of Red Rock where they formed a true partnership as breeders of registered Polled Hereford cattle. They were instrumental in bringing the first herd of Polled Herefords into Oklahoma. Over the years their cattle went to Canada, Ethiopia, Africa and Australia as breeding stock to improve the cattle of these countries. Lorraine wrote and published a book used in many agricultural colleges around the nation entitled Twenty Years With Polled Herefords. In 1984, in ceremonies at the American Royal, she was given special recognition as the wife of a past director of the National Polled Hereford Association. In the Red Rock Community, Lorraine was a member of the Red Rock Garden Club and was honored in March as a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She served Noble County as the chairperson of the Republican Party during Gov. Henry Bellmon’s term in office. On April 15, 1983, her husband died, and the following year Lorraine moved from the ranch to Edmond. In 1985, she moved to Stillwater to serve as house coordinator of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at Oklahoma State University. While in Stillwater she was a member of the 20th Century Club. Mrs. Shiflet had lived 12 years at the Pioneer Apartments in Ponca City. She was an active member of the First Christian Church and served on the church board, as a deacon, president of the CWF, and was a devoted Sunday school teacher. She taught Sunday school classes for 40 years in Red Rock, Oklahoma City, and Ponca City. Lorraine was active in the Ponca City community as a member of the Mother’s Club, Order of Amaranth, Ponca City Women’s Club, and the Christian Women’s Club. To many, Lorraine Shiflet was known as the “Angel Lady.” She shared her extensive collection of angels as decorations for many community functions so others could enjoy them. Lorraine was often the featured program for churches and organizations with her book reviews on angels and historical subjects. Mrs. Lorraine Shiflet is survived by her son, John Shiflet Jr. of Ponca City and a foster son, David Burns of Oklahoma City; her daughter, Peggie Shiflet Hudiburg of Boulder, Colo.; two grandsons, Jes Shiflet and Doug Hudiburg; one granddaughter, Debbie Hudiburg Haseman; and five great-grandchildren, Morrie, Kaitlyn, and Devon Hudiburg, and Erica and Margaret Lorraine Haseman. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and a granddaughter, Hilary Shiflet, on April 4, 1996. Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Medical Foundation for Congregational Nurse Ministries, Box 1270, Ponca City, Okla. 74602-1270. Friends may call at the Trout Funeral Home until 9 a.m. Saturday. The family will be at 141 Fairview. paid obituary Services PendingHenry F. SpearsHenry F. Spears, resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday, April 26, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 75. Local survivors include his wife Mary of the home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Ruby ConnellyBLACKWELL — Ruby Connelly of Ponca City, died April 26, 2000, at her residence. She was 86. Services are pending with Hackler Funeral Home in Blackwell. NEWS BRIEFSMillennium Afghans for sale — Standing Bear, 101, Wentz, Conoco, etc. $50. Good for Mother’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, Bon voyage. Call Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Karen 762-7120. VFW Post #1201 & Ladies Aux. will be celebrating “Loyalty Day 2000” April 30,2000 at 1:00pm at Post home on East Prospect. It will be a covered dish brisket dinner. Members & guests are to bring a dish to compliment the meal. All are asked to wear red, white & blue. adv. Clothing Give Away — Free clothing to anyone with a need, tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Helping Hands House, 440 Fairview. A ministry of the First Assembly of God Church. Donations needed. Please leave on covered porch. Children’s clothes are especially needed. Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv. Ponca Citian Promoted — Cadet PV2 Mack Garrison Redd, student at St. John’s Military School in Salina, Kan. was recently promoted to the rank of Private First Class. This is Cadet Redd’s first year at St. John’s. He is the son of Paul and Virginia Henke of Ponca City. 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. Property Damaged — A man from the 100 block of Hillside reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:05 a.m. Wednesday that a dog was destroying some property. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T, 201 West Hartford Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:24 a.m. Thursday that a woman had left without paying for $3 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Electric Pole on Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 8:55 a.m. Wednesday that an electrical pole had exploded and was on fire in the 1400 block of North Waverly Street. A unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene, as did the Light Division of the Utility Department, to handle the situation. Pauline Sirloin steak and shrimp dinner $12.95 Friday the 28th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv. Fire Run — Two units and an ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to a fire reported at 10:05 a.m. Wednesday at 11 Sherman Lane. Fire officials reported the incident was brought under control and was a pan on a stove that had overheated. The Circus will be here in 3 days. Buy your tickets now. adv. Suspicious Activity — A woman from the 1100 block of North Peachtree Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:47 a.m. Wednesday that an assault had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Elk’s Lodge open Tuesday through Saturday 4-10. 3612 Lake Road. adv. Items Recovered — A person from the 700 block of East Prospect Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department that at 1:17 p.m. Wednesday two go-carts had been found by the railroad tracks on Prospect Avenue. An officer was assigned and an employee at Country General identified them as having been stolen earlier in the week. The items were recovered. Accident — An accident at the intersection of East South Avenue and South Fourth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:36 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca city Police Department reported from the intersection of North Seventh Street and East Hazel Avenue at 1:31 p.m. Wednesday that an 18-year-old man was being held on a concealed weapon violation. A vehicle was towed from the scene. 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. Check Problem — A person from the 1300 block of Meadowbrook was at the Ponca City Police Department at 1:32 p.m. Wednesday to report a problem on a forged check. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Bearly New- New kids clothes and shoes 20% off. High chair and toy sale! 2010 N. 14th. 10% off used maternity. adv. Accident — A three-vehicle accident at the intersection of East Highland Avenue and North Fourteenth Street blocking the southbound lanes was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:18 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Sportscard Show! Saturday, 9:00-5:00. Free admission! Ponca Plaza Shopping Center. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Oak Street and West Highland Avenue at 2:53 p.m. Wednesday that a 44-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension, having no insurance, not using a seat belt and not using a child restraint. R&G Style shop, Newkirk, Open Sunday April 30th 1 to 4:30 p.m. after Easter clearance. Selected items 25 to 30% off. adv. Hit and Run — An employee at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:52 p.m. Wednesday that a hit and run accident had occurred in the parking lot. 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. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Highland Avenue at 5:08 p.m. Wednesday that a 24-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to obey, and a Washington County warrant. Abandoned Bicycle — A woman from the 1600 block of West Central Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:28 p.m. Wednesday that a man ran from the scene and left a bicycle. An officer was assigned and the abandoned bicycle was brought to the police department. Information was logged also concerning the violation of a protective custody. GARDENINGDiggin in the Dirt Diggin in the DirtAll gardeners have to deal with insects, disease, soil problems and much more. It’s part of the never-ending challenge of gardening. Today’s column will identify some of the symptoms, give possible causes and suggest some corrective measures as suggested in OSU Extension brochure F-6004. Soil Tests Important In almost every case, a “plant doctor” will recommend a soil test (like blood tests for humans) before making an analysis of a plant’s illness. Even though the plant may be infested with fungus or insects, the root of the problem is likely to be an undernourished plant. So, for garden problem solving, first look to the soil! Have it tested at least every three years, or more often if you’re having special problems. A test costs about $10 at the Kay County OSU Extension Office at Newkirk (take two cups of soil from the area to be tested). Most of the corrective measures listed below also first suggested a soil test to determine the pH. Stunted Plants Discolored Leaves Plants stunted in growth may be plagued by several factors. If the leaves are yellow colored, the soil may lack fertility or have incorrect pH amounts; they may be planted in compacted, poorly drained soil; have root knot nematodes; an iron deficiency; or insect or disease damage. To correct soil pH or iron deficiency, use the recommended fertilizer determined by soil tests. In absence of soil tests apply two to three pounds of complete fertilizer per 100 square feet of affected area. If iron is needed it may be applied to soil or foliage. A little goes a long way. If soil is compacted, modify it with organic matter or coarse sand and provide better surface drainage. Damage from insects or disease (including root knot nematodes) should be treated with various recommended control treatments suggested by knowledgeable horticulturists, including nurserymen, OSU Extension offices or Master Gardeners. Retail clerks, though helpful, very rarely have proper training to advise gardeners about the right treatment for the problem. If plants are stunted with purplish colored leaves, the problem may be caused by low temperatures. The plant may have been planted too early or does not need that application of light-colored (hay or rock) mulch until the soil warms up. Another possibility is inadequate phosphorus. Holes in Leaves Distorted Foliage Insects are often the culprits when leaves are full of holes, turn yellow, droop, or become distorted. Examine the plant carefully, identify the pest, if possible, and hand pick them off or use a recommended insecticide treatment. Remember, the insecticides also kill beneficial insects, honeybees, ladybugs, mantis and others, so use it carefully, and only when absolutely necessary. Plant Diseases Spots or dead, dried, powdery or rusty areas on stems and leaves usually identify plant diseases. The best deterrent is to buy and plant only resistant varieties. If a plant is infected, it is best to move it away from other plants and eradicate it completely. Do not put it in the compost pile. Use control treatments recommended by experienced horticulturists. If the plants are tall, spindly and unproductive, they may be getting too much shade or excessive nitrogen. Keep down the weeds and provide more sun by trimming away overhead branches, or move the plants to a sunny location. If plants wilt, even though sufficient water is present, soluble salts in soil may be too high (have soil tested); poor drainage, aeration, or nematodes on the roots may also cause the problem. Add sand and organic matter to the soil, improve it’s drainage, and consider planting in raised beds next year. For nematodes use a nematicide, following all directions exactly. Arbors Give Gardens CharacterBy Kathy Zehr (NAPSA) — Gardeners looking for new ways to make gardens more visually appealing are discovering that arbors add aesthetic pleasure and character to their home landscape. Whether looking to add simple charm or an architectural work of art, arbors provide gardens with style and elegance. Arbors are beautifully designed arches made of lattice. They are available in plastic, wood or metal interwoven to form beautiful patterns and designs. Available in a variety of styles, sizes and colors, arbors add personality to a home or garden, and add support for plants. Arbors are the perfect solution for gardeners looking for a visually appealing garden structure. Try these four ideas to add aesthetic pleasure and personality to a garden: Make an inviting entryway into a garden area with an arbor. Add height and vertical dimension to a garden with an arbor. By planting annual vines such as cardinal climbers and morning glory, as well as other climbing plants, a garden will have brilliant vertical color. Add lights around an arbor to create a stunning evening scene. Complement a natural garden with a bit of architecture, by utilizing an arbor for visual appeal. The arbor is a nice central focal point that captures a visitor’s attention. Projects like these are even easier with plastic arbors. Plastic arbors are durable and long lasting. Its color will not fade in the sun, and chips and scratches will not show because the color goes all the way through. The arbors look beautifully natural and require virtually no maintenance. Plastic arbor kits are available with pre-cut, easy-to-assemble pieces and simple instructions, without the hassle of nails and screws. Wildflower Time Brings Workshop to TahlequahIt’s wildflower time in Tahlequah! Wildflower enthusiasts from Oklahoma and the southwest will gather at the 23rd annual Wildflower Workshop on May 19 and 20 at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. “The Wildflower Workshop has a long history of exciting programs and beautiful field trips, and this year is no exception,” said Joanne Orr, Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) Beautification Coordinator. This year’s workshop will feature speakers from across Oklahoma, as well as a wildflower market, specimens, winning photographs from the Native Plant Society (NPS) Photo Contest and other displays. Steve Dobbs, horticulturist from Morning Star Farms in Vian, will discuss native plants container gardening, and Kim Shannon from the Nature Conservancy in Tulsa will describe the Wildflower Registry Program. Loretta Bowers of Clear Creek Farm and Gardens in Peggs will feature information about wildflowers that attract butterflies. Adam Ryburn, graduate assistant at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, will speak on the history of the coneflower. Russell Studebaker, Tulsa World Garden Columnist, will discuss native herbaceous perennials for the shade, and Orr will address roadside wildflowers and mowing. Collecting and propagating wildflowers is the topic of Joleen Stone of Stonebridge Garden Center in Claremore. Charles LewaRen, Native Plant Society member of Henryetta, will speak about photographing wildflowers, including the use of a digital camera. Paul Buck, Emeritus Professor of Botany at the University of Tulsa, will describe the Cherokee county wildflowers which will be seen on the Saturday field trip. A dinner on Friday evening, May 19, will feature Cherokee Spiritual Leader Crosslin F. Smith of Vian, who will discuss native plants and their uses in Cherokee culture. Awards will be presented to the winners of the NPS Photo Contest and the student winners of the State Garden Club Wildflower Poster Contest. The 1Oth Annual Bess Snodgrass Memorial Award will be presented to an Oklahoman who has exhibited outstanding work in the preservation and promotion of wildflowers. On the field trip May 20, the group will tour the wildflower meadows of the fabled Cookson Hills surrounding Tahlequah, along with river bottom wildflower sites along the Illinois River. The tour also will include Oklahoma’s newest gem, Natural falls State Park. Buck will lead the tour, assisted by other members of the Native Plant Society. Sponsors of the Workshop are the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Garden Clubs Inc., Oklahoma Native Plant Society, North East District State Garden Clubs and Northeastern State University. A Wildflower Workshop brochure and more information can be obtained by contacting the ODOT Beautification Office at (405) 521-4037. SPORTSLady Cats Qualified For State Lady Cats Qualified For StateJENKS — Before the season started, Ponca City’s Lady Wildcat golfers set a goal of qualifying as a team for the state tournament. They reached that goal Wednesday, posing a 352 total to snare the final qualifying spot from the regional tournament at Jenks’ South Lakes course. Jenni Nimmo paced the Lady Cats’s bid with a 77 and took third place in the medalist scoring. Nimmo will be making he third trip to the state tournament, but the previous visits were as an individual. This time she will have plenty of company. Stillwater won the Jenks regional title with a 337 total, edging out Tulsa Union by a single stroke. Tahlequah was third at 341, followed by Muskogee at 342, Bartlesville at 351 and Ponca City. Defending state champion Edmond North paced the west regional qualifying at Oklahoma City Lincoln Park with a 300. Edmond Memorial was second with a 328, followed by Mustang at 350, Enid at 360, Edmond Santa Fe at 362 and Putnam City North at 368. The state tournament will be held next Wednesday and Thursday at Edmond’s Kickingbird course. Cat Netters Place Third In TourneyPonca City’s Wildcat tennis team placed third in the multi-class Tulsa Bishop Kelley Tournament Monday. “This was a tough tournament with some of the better teams in three classes,” said Po-Hi coach Steve Larimer. “There were Jenks, Edmond North, Tahlequah and us from Class 5A, Altus, Claremore and McAlester are the top teams in Class 4A and Metro Christian and Biskop Kelley are the best 3A teams,” the coach said. The Wildcats finished with 29 points, behind Jenks (45) and Claremore (34). Wildcats Josh Pitts and Sterling Foy, unseeded in the No. 2 double, battled through to take second place, losing to Jenks in the finals, 6-3, 6-1 Along thje way, Foy and Pitts defeated No. 3 Cascia Hall, 6-0,7-5 and No. 2 Bishop Kelley, 6-3, 6-4. “I think these kids are staring to learn how winning big matches can help your seeding,” Larimer said. The No. 1 Doubles team of Tim Frick and Daniel Lee, seeded third, finished fourh, losing to Jenks and Metro Christoian. Trevor Viljoen,” did his job,” his coach said, taking fifth in the No.2 singles. Viljoen was unranked going in. Also unranked, and “playing the elite players” in the tournament. No. 1 singles player, Bilal Agha, was seventh. ——— Two Ponca City teams played in the Pryor JV Tournament Tuesday with Ponca City Red finishing first and Ponca City Blue taking fourth. Placing first were Cory Landes in the No. 2 singles, Mustafa Durrani and Matt Caine in the No. 1 doubles and Ben Lundeen and Mark Parsons in the No. 2 doubles. No. 1 singles player Scott Mitchell went 1-2. Playing for PC Blue were Squire Lawrence in No. 1 singles, Kris Upchurch in No. 2 singles, Jay Norris and Robery Hwang in No. 1 doubles and Blaine Petrie and Blake Sylvester in No. 2 doubles. Bishop Kelley Tournament Team Standings Jenks 45, Claremore 34, Ponca City 29, Altus 28, Cascia Hall 27, Bishop Kelley 24, Edmond North 22, Metro Christan 16, McAlester 16, Shawnee 10, Tahlequah 9, Tulsa Edison 6. Ponca City Results No. 1 Singles Bilal Agha — def. Francis (Ed) 4-6, 6-0, 6-4; lost to McCord (J) 1-6, 1-6, lost to Northcutt (Mc) 3-6, 1-6 No. 2 Singles Trevor Viljoen — def. Bates (MC), 6-1, 6-2; lost to Watkins (Clar) 1-6, 5-7; def. Meadows (Ed), 6-1, 6-0; def. Toothaker (Shaw) 6-3, 6-3 No. 1 Doubles Tim Frick-Daniel Lee — def. Auld-Roden (Mc) 2-6, 6-3, 6-3; lost to Neeley-Neeley (J) , 2-6, 1-6; lost to Friend-Schiff (MC) 2-67, 2-6 No. 2 Doubles Sterling Foy-Josh Pitts — def. McIntosh-Presley (Tah) 7-6(3), 7-6 (4); def. Herrmann-Neas (BK), 603, 6-3; lost to Bendana-Gilstray (J), 3-6, 1-6 Po Hi Girls Keep Busy Net ScheduleTULSA — Maintaining their busy schedule, the Lady Wildcat tennis team took part in the Bishop Kelley Tournament and the Pryor JV Quad this week. The No. 2 doubles team and Morgan Mongold and Marcie Wilkinson paced the varsity at Bishop Kelley with a seventh-place finish. Morgan Meister was 10th in the No. 1 singles, Gina Smith 11th in the No. 2 singles and Allison Hufnagel and Claire Winterrowd 11th in the No. 1 doubles. “This was by far the toughest tournament of the season,” said Ponca City coach Brad Larimer, noting the tournament features some of the top teams in three classes. Playing for the JV girls at Pryor were Clair Didlake in the No. 1 singles, Lillie Vucic and Amber Foy in the No. 1 doubles and Tiffany Almack and Danielle Keim in the No. 2 doubles. Bishop Kelley Tournament Team Scoring Bishop Kelley 42, Jenks 34, Claremore 32, Cascia Hall 28, Shawnee 26, McAlester 22, T. Edison 19, Altus 17, Edmond North 15, Tahlequah 14, Ponca City 9, Metro Christian 6 Ponca City Results No. 1 Singles Morgan Meister (10th) — lost to Simmons (Mc) 4-6, 1-6; def, Satarawana (MC) 4-6, 6-3, 6-3; lost to Rosenaeck (MC), 3-6, 3-6 No. 2 Singles Gina Smith (11th) — lost to Gieles (EN) 0-6, 1-6; lost to Eten (A), 1-6, 2-6; def, Sinclare (Tah) 6-0, 6-1 No. 1 Doubles Allison Hufnagel-Claire Winterrowd (11th) — lost to Sixkiller Covington (Clar) 3-6, 3-6; lost to Miggens-Sadler ( BK) 5-7, 4-6 No.2 Doubles Morgan Mongold-Marcia Wilkerson (7th) — beat Keller-Livingston (BK), 6-2, 6-1; lost to Nida-Woods (J), 1-6, 0-6; lost to Mackey-Phipps (Mc) 3-6, 0-6def. Roberts-Truitt (Clare) 6-3, 7-6 TU Wins Womens Golf TitleBROKEN ARROW (AP) — Tulsa got an eagle and birdie on the final hole Wednesday to slip past Texas Christian and win the Western Athletic Conference women’s golf championship. Dani Mallon rolled in the eagle putt and Maiko Senda made the birdie to give the Golden Hurricane a three-stroke margin. ‘‘This is a sweet victory,’’ said coach Dale McNamara, who is retiring this season after 26 years. ‘‘Today I was hoping to see the tenacity that I’ve seen in these kids at times this year. Sure enough, the birdie-eagle finish was indicative of sheer guts.’’ Tulsa finished with a 54-hole total of 911. TCU carded a 914 and San Jose State had the day’s best round, 305, to finish third at 927. Hawaii (957), Texas-El Paso (961) and SMU (965) rounded out the field. The individual title went to TCU senior Angela Stanford, who led from the start. She shot a 4-over-par 76 Wednesday and wound up at 218, 2 over. Senda and Tulsa teammate Stacy Pr Team Results 1. Tulsa 307-296-308 911; 2. Texas Christian 307-298-309 914; 3. San Jose State 315-307-305 927; 4. Hawaii 320-308-329 957; 5. Texas-El Paso 335-308-318 961; 6. Southern Methodist 325-313-327 965
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