|
From the pages of The Ponca City News, Thursday, May 27, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS SPORTS GARDENING LOCALCurbside Recycling Issue Researched by Girl Scouts Curbside Recycling Issue Researched by Girl ScoutsBy LAURA CORFF News Staff Writer Junior Girl Scout Troop 359 accepted the challenge, did the research and developed a proposal for curbside recycling in Ponca City. The proposal was submitted to the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday. The project began as a challenge by Commissioner Chris Hand, who attended a troop meeting several months ago to discuss city leadership and environmental issues. Troop members got busy designing and implementing a survey, which they used to poll local citizens. Information from the poll was compiled and revealed in the proposal presented to the commissioners. In the proposal, the troop believes more of the community would participate if recycling were offered through a city-wide curbside service. Although some households already recycle to some degree, the survey confirmed that more households would consider doing so if the items were picked up at their homes. Jessica Hisey, who made the presentation, told commissioners that most of the citizens polled think curbside recycling is a good idea and would like to see it offered. But, citizens were equally split when it came to paying a fee for the service. A few people did not feel recycling was necessary, according to the poll. Troop members feels the benefits to offering a program include: increasing the number of people who recycle, helping to reduce landfill overuse and reducing litter. For such a program to be implemented, the girl scouts recommended the project be a joint effort between the city and its citizens. Responsibilities for curbside recycling would need to be divided and implemented for the project to become reality. For example, the city would need to set a schedule for pick up of recyclable items, publicize the new service and provide containers to the public. And, citizens would need to separate items to be recycled, clean cans and jars and put items at the curb on pick up day. In conclusion, the troop agrees that if a fee needs to be accessed to subsidize the program, it should be small. City staff will review the information, check with other communities, present the facts and make a recommendation to commissioners at a future work session, said Gary Martin, city manager. Staff will take no further action unless they get direction from the commission. “The mayor is encouraging this type of input from our citizens,” Martin said. “We’ll be asking staff to take the information and see if there is something that we didn’t look at in the past. Martin said recycling works on the east and west coasts because of the high per ton landfill cost. Other than the environmental issue Oklahomans can afford to take recyclables to the landfill. For example, Ken Parr, director of Public Works, said the cost per ton at the Ponca City Landfill is about $23, however, on the east coast it would cost at least $85. Also, with certain items it is still cheaper to use the raw product than recycle a product, said Parr. “The problem with recycling is it doesn’t pay for itself,” said John Meadows, recycling coordinator. “The costs can’t generate the kind of revenue necessary to support the cost for an operations building, trucks, added personnel and recycling containers,” Meadows said. Meadows and Parr confirm the current voluntary recycling center is successful and each year the volume increase. But, the market for recyclables fluctuates. As a result, the city subsidized the recycling center by more than $40,000 for 1998-1999. Parr confirmed that if the commission decides to pursue curbside recycling, the department would require at least a year to budget and plan for such an operation. Citizens wanting to voice their opinion about a curbside recycling program in Ponca City should contact the Solid Waste Department at 767-0411 and speak with Meadows. Troop members who worked on the project include Elizabeth Archiga, Jennifer Bounds, Brady Clark, Brittany Combs, Mellisa Delaney, Abby Fry, Ashley Gropp, Jessica Hisey, Jamie McGaughey, Alicia Miller, Stephanie Pierce, Tiffany Spicer and Lilly Younge. Troop leaders are Glenda Hisey, Jodi Pierce and Carol McGaughey. The members range between 10 to 12 years of age. Junior Girl Scout Troop 359 is sponsored by Community Christian Church and is a part of the Bluestem Girl Scout Council, a United Way Agency. Keating Vetoes Workers’ Comp Citing Increase in State RatesOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The author of a bill that would have paid millions of dollars in delinquent workers’ compensation claims says its veto by Gov. Frank Keating will hurt thousands of Oklahomans hurt in on-the-job accidents. ‘‘I think it is unfortunate that Governor Keating turned his back on those that are in the most need,’’ said Rep. Mike Ervin, D-Wewoka. ‘‘These people haven’t been paid in five years, and they deserve better than this.’’ Keating vetoed House Bill 1771 on Wednesday — one week after hundreds of Oklahomans with work-related injuries appeared at the state Capitol and urged lawmakers to support the bill. It was passed overwhelmingly by the House and Senate. ‘‘I really think the governor is guilty of playing politics with this issue and, in the process, playing with the lives of the injured workers and their families,’’ said Sen. Brad Henry, D-Shawnee. The bill would transfer about $30 million from the State Insurance Fund to the Special Indemnity Fund — enough to pay all of the approximately 5,500 delinquent claims against the fund, plus interest. ‘‘He had a chance to pump million of dollars into our economy and pay off a state debt in the process, but instead he decided to bow to the pressure of a few special interests who were upset because they didn’t get their way with this legislation,’’ Henry said. The measure was opposed by the State Chamber, a business and industry group, who questioned whether the Legislature had fiduciary control over the State Insurance Fund. In his veto message, Keating said he supports payments to the injured workers and their attorneys, but he also wants workers’ compensation reform that will reduce rates to Oklahoma businesses. ‘‘This bill provides a positive result for the injured workers and their lawyers, but is a significant and unwarranted cost increase to all covered Oklahoma businesses,’’ Keating said. The measure would have required the State Insurance Fund to reduce its premium-to-surplus ratio by paying a cash dividend to all of its workers’ compensation policyholders. Authorities said that would return about $150 million to policyholders — $30 million to state agencies and the balance to private companies. The money returned to state agencies would be diverted into the Special Indemnity Fund for payment of claims. But Henry said payments to private firms would be a dividend windfall. ‘‘Basically, the governor killed a $120 million tax cut,’’ Henry said. ‘‘He took money out of the back pocket of business with one hand and slapped injured workers with the other.’’ Keating said the cash dividend threatened the stability of the State Insurance Fund and would increase workers compensation rates by 1.3 percent, as reported by the National Council on Compensation Insurance. Henry said the Republican governor’s claim is ‘‘completely unfounded.’’ ‘‘Gov. Keating is trying to throw up a smoke screen to hide the fact that he killed a bill which would have done great things for Oklahoma,’’ Henry said. ‘‘This legislation would not have raised workers compensation rates, and he knows it.’’ Po-Hi 1999 Spring Honor Roll ReleasedPonca City Senior High School released its honor rolls for spring 1999. Included are the superintendent’s honor roll (4.0 grade point average) and principal’s honor roll (3.0 gpa and above). Student’s must be enrolled in four core courses with no incomplete grade and no grade below a C to be considered. Students on the superintendent’s honor roll and the principal’s honor roll are reported as follows. Superintendent— Grade 12 Lauren K. Brune, Kristina B. Copeland, Sarah E. Cowan, Karla DelRio, Denis K. Dimitrov, David V. Donald, Lucas B. Elmer, Kami R. Enevoldsen, Romi E. Foreman, Rachel E. Garlett, Brian D. Geubelle, Candace J. Hanson, Sarah K. Hodge, Shandise L. Jones, Christopher J. Kana, Kasey J. Koster, Scott M. Larrison, Aaron L. Laughlin, Marcus C. McCloud, Joshua N. Milligan, Wesley M. Murrie, Gayle M. Otto, Sarah J. Pameticky, Annette M. Priba, Justin M. Ross, Ashley E. Roussel, Kati S. Salmons, Heida A. Stava, Megan A. Tomek, Emily L. Wheeler, Melissa A. Whitney, and Nathan M. Zimmerman. Superintendent — Grade 11 Mea S. Alexander, Alison P. Arrington, Brooke A. Boyd, Heather D. Brooke, Terah J. Dancy, Stephanie L. Davis, Matthew L. Evans, Cynthia L. Garcia, Blake W. Guebelle, Michael R. Goddard, Heather L. Herard, Nicole A. Jackman, Heather R. Kelle, Michael H. Kirby, Alexander P. Kolliopoulas, Sean S. Love, Jarod J. Merle, Shannon M. Mersman, Scot P. Mitchell, Ashley D. Mott, Kathryn M. Mulligan, Alena Mutlova, Adrienne M. Myers, Carla R. Perrupato, Rory A. Peterson, Aaron C. Sattre, Kami S. Schieber, Maria E. Simpson, Allison L. Stotts, Laura E. Sudbury, Andrea M. Thomas, Ashley D. VanHoesen, Lacey S. Weaver, Julie L. Wittmer. Superintendent — Grade 10 Alicia G. Allen, Candace K. Benson, Jena M. Birdsong, Clara E. Bowen, Sunita R. Chahar, Brandi K. Combes, Lisa L. Drouhard, Karalyn K. Eyster, April M. Fair, Timothy S. Frick, Amanda S. Gray, Joshua Colt L. Grimes, Dusty L. Howery, Angela R. Kana, Michael D. Keen, Erin M. Keller, Meagan D. King, Christin M. Kirchenbauer, Kendra R. Love, Michael P. Martin, Buddy H. McCoy, Stephen E. Michael, Elizabeth G. Milligan, Andra D. Nuzum, Sheralyn I. Otto, Joshua A. Pitts, Jacqulyn G. Revels, Abby R. Roth, Jacquelyn S. Salmons, Timothy G. Spielbusch, Rustin B. Storie, Dustin M. Topper, Eric A. Whitebay, Melody G. Wynn. Principal — Grade 12 Jennifer K. Adams, Dondi A. Alley, Aleena R. Ames, Ashley D. Anderson, Raeshauna Anderson, Krista Arnold, Joshua D. Bailey, Amber M. Baker, Misty D. Baker, Aaron J. Blazek, Amanda G. Bonham, K. Cinda C. Bridges, Jarrod D. Brown, Jennifer B. Brown, Christopher L. Buck, Owen S. Bullard, Justin D. Burns, Brooke L. Burries, Jennifer R. Caughman, Anthony W. Chiu, Bryanna E. Cobb, Michael A. Colbath, Maria M. Conchos, Brian M. Connelly, Shea A. Conner, Carrie Cooley, Clay D. Cooper, Cory L. Cramer, Desiree L. Cries For Ribs, Jonathan D. Danek, Jennifer D. Davis, Samantha R. Docksey, Amy S. Dressen, Cathrin Durichen, Cassie E. Ellenwood, Andrew S. England, O.R. Engle, Thomas. F. Engle, Rachel R. Erkenbeck, Carrie A. Evans, Melissa A. Evans, Jamie C. Ewing, Becky S. Fisher, Abby L. Frick. Robert M. Galbraith, Matt B. Gray, Markesha D. Guess, James E. Hall, Katie J. Hampton, Daniel E. Harris, Keith A. Harris, Holly B. Harrison, Paula J. Hart, Christopher L. Hatton, Regina D. Hile, Aaron R. Hill, Michelle J. Hintergardt, Whitney M. Hinton, Matthew T. Horinek, Skye M. Howery, Brian R. Hraban, Ryan T. Ives, Kevin A. James, Elise R. Jeffries, Gary Matthew Johnson, Amy M. Johnston, Christopher B. Keim, Devin A. King, Raymond L. Lahann, Adam W. Lake, Austin K. Lamb, Megan A. Lawver (Butt), Misty D. Lechtenberg, Marci J. Lee, James D. Lindsay III, Shara K. Long, Katie E. Maurer, Raechel A. McClain, Jamie L. McGugan, Mary B. McNeese, Mary K. Metzger, Thomas M. Meyer, Daniel J. Meyers, Eric W. Michael, Kimberly D. Moore, Kristin L. Moore, Thomas J. Murray, Amanda B. Neahring, Don J. Nuzum, Joshua P. Ozment, Paul P. Paschal, Jeremiah N. Payne, Kimberly A. Phillips, Amanda C. Porter, Terese L. Purkaple. Theresa B. Rathbun, Tanner A. Ray, Justin W. Rosebeary, Jeremy D. Ross, Sarah D. Round, Jennifer A. Runyan, Charles D. Rutherford, Mindy M. Sattre, Staci L. Schickram, Jonathan M. Schmauch, Sarah K. Scott, Allyson L. Shafer, Clarence L Shear, Katy N. Sikes, Bobbi D. Simmons, Jared K. Sindelar, Erin A. Slater, Mariah T. Sneath, Jill A. Snyder, Christoph W. Spaich, Sonya J. Spore, Caydee L. Stalcup, John M. Sudbury, Scott A. Szabo, Craig K. Thilsted, Amber D. Thomas, Paul M. Thomas, Sydney L. Thompson, Tony D. Turner, Trey M. Walters, Jaima R. Warren, Rachel H. White, Mark B. Whitt, Sharon M. Winters, Pam M. Yost, Amy E. Ziegenhain. Principal — Grade 11 Wade D. Adkins, Ashley Armstrong, Bobby L. Backus, Wade E. Bair, Jeremy L. Ball, Tamra R. Banks, Krista M. Barnett, James W. Barraclough, Kallie E. Beck, Beth A. Berry, Phil A. Bogner, William L. Bouchard, Kris S. Brown, Jacob F. Bull, Barry J. Burk, Nicholas A. Burton, Carissa D. Calvert, Eric M. Chambray, Tracy A. Chambray, Laura C. Chaney, Kelsey L. Clark, Amanda M. Cobb, Angel B. Cobble, Timothy J. Connelly, Andrew L. Cooper, Jennifer L. Correll, Zachary M. Coutré, Wesley F. Crosson. Holly M. Dailey, Peter J. Davis, Kelle M. Duckett, Kyle K. Duren, Tanner J. Eckler, Timothy A. Epley, Anthony J. Evans, John E. Ferguson, Christopher M. Filson, Sterling J. Foy, Courtney L. Fredricks, Harrison M. Freeman, Jessica L. Freeman, Jeffrey L. Furnas, Danielle E. Gallagher, Angela K. Galvin, Christina M. Gerstenkorn, Crystal E. Gill, Mark A. Goddard, Emily A. Goodale, Lacey D. Goodger, Keri L. Gray, Toni M. Hannum, Jonathan C. Harrison, Christina L. Hassell, Anna K. Heagy, Jared A. Heidlage, Monika Herold, Brooke Hines, Isolde N. Hoach, Tara L. Hock, Drew H. Hopkins, Calyn L. Howe, Laura J. Hoy, Robert C. Hwang. Andrea J. Johnson, Kari A. Keating, Brandon L. Keirn, Scott A. King, Lindsey R. Knight, M. Brandon Knight, Mika R. Kruck, Nick A. Kruckeberg, Andrea B. Land, Cory A. Landes, Daniel Y. Lee, Joanna B. Lee, Jessica k. Leung, Samuel J. Lewis, Scott D. Lewis, Ashley L. Luis, Tori A. Luis, Sarah L. McGaughey, Fletcher A. Meister, Maria E. Mendoza, Araceli Mora, Matt E. Morris, Randall L. Morris, Kambra J. Nance, Mindy B. Neilson, Jason C. Neuerberg, Lecia D. Newland. Michael R. Osborn, Britney E. Parker, Joan W. Penarubia, Tina Perryman, Desiree D. Peterson, Alison L. Pickens, Brenna R. Powell, Marcus R. Pugh, Kip Quiram, Audra N. Ramsey, Kevin A. Reiss, Judith E. Reyes, Jessica A. Rhoads, Kristl S. Richardson, Corey L. Roberts, Shawna M. Rolland, Jennifer M. Roth, Katie L. Rutherford, Stacie D. Schneeberger, Alicia P. Sensintaffar, Erin S. Shaw, Bret M. Skaggs, Alana N. Smith, Angela N. Smith, Cody J. Smith, Ryan K. Smith, Tara L. Smith, Claire A. Sonnichsen, Kimberly J. Soutter, Jerrod M. Spears, Clinton J. Stafford, Heather A. Staires, Carol A Stangeland, Mark A. Stephen, Caleb L. Stevenson, Tyler G. Sullivan, Taylor N. Thomas, Ryan C. Trout, Matthew B. Waddell, Joshua L. Watson, Jessica D. Wayman, Chad A. Whitsitt, Claire B. Winterrowd, Mindy M. Worley, Joshua C. Young. Principal — Grade 10 Joseph D. Alcott, Caleb L. Allison, Brandon A. Altman, James T. Anderson, Janes Anno, Jennifer E. Arner, Ashley M. Atteberry. Casey H. Badley, Dustin W. Barden, Baylee M. Bauldrige, Isaac D. Beard, Jeffery D. Beets, Jacob W. Biby, Kristen R. Birdwell, Jackie E. Bohon, Matt D. Bond, Hared W. Brashears, Jessica I. Burgert, Matthew D. Caine, Thad l. Cardwell, Sheena N. Chance, Cari M. Chandler, Amory L. Clark, Aubry L. Clark, Kevin B. Clinton, Aaron T. Cohenour, Katherine A. Connelly, Lisa S. Cooper, Bryan S. Coppock, Karie D. Corbin, Jerimy T. Cox, Cara L. Cusick, Elizabeth A. Danforth, Gabrielle O. Daugherty, Travis L. Deavers, Amber L. Deweese, Benton M. Dickey, Clair D. Didlake, Brandon L. Bilbeck, Jennifer L. Doughty, Alyssa N. Drumm. Thomas S. Evans, Kyle W. Filson, Kami L. Fleck, Colin W. Fleishacker, Lauramily Fonseca, Jeffrey D. Fore, Lyndsi A. Frederick, John A. Fultz, John B. Gaytan, Abbie L. Gehlert, Rachel L. Gilliland, Louis B. Girardi, Hallie R. Godbehere, Alecia J. Hagerdon, Dena J. Hain, Dustin B. Hall, Colleen A. Hanson, Nicole C. Hardy, Carrie A Haworth, James M. Hays, Matthew E. Helms, John D. Hermes, Angela R. Hile, Carisa A. Hines, Jessica L. Hingtgen, Natalie D. Holmes, Karrie C. Hraban, Jessica A. Hubbard, Richard J. Hudson, Jessica L. Hurd, Brett A. Jackson, Sara A. James, Staci N. Jeffries, Matthew C. Johnson, Lindsay N. Kaiser, Mark W. Keller, Aubrey L. Kelly, Tyler L. Klumpp, Kari D. Koster, William B. Lambert, Lindsey D. Lamm, Squire J. Lawrence, Tasha S. Leatherman, John D. Lee, Nicholas P. Ley, Matthew R. Littleton, Jennifer D. Long, Emily D. Luebcke. Jerimiah L. Marchington, Marie C. Masse, Rachel C. Maxon, Michele E. McChristian, Meghan D. McCoy, Laura A. McDaniel, Sara M. McEnany, Mandi D. McGraw, Jandy L. McGuire, Chelsea L. Merrifield, Karly J. Merrifield, Matthew R. Meyers, Decky L. Miller, Kim E. Miller, Kyle A. Morrison, Candice R. Moses, Amanda R. Myers, Chad J. Myers, Tara E. Nelson, Ronnie D. Newman, Jennifer A. Nimmo, Randy L. Novotny, Romi L. Osborn, Lacsey M. Oxford, James A. Ozment, Terry M. Pappan, Mark E. Parsons, Katherine S. Paschal, Jennifer N. Peck, Esther Z. Peckenbaugh, Jessica L. Plagmann, Jennifer L. Poling, Megan K. Potter, Allison M. Powell, Whitney A. Rainville, Stefanie M. Reece, Keith R. Riordan, Tamara R. Rosebery. Nile L. Sadler, Daniel S. Sample, Josh P. Schatte, Philip J. Seeley, Ashley C. Seirer, J. Michael Sharon, Jonathan G. Shea, Amanda L. Shelton, Jacee D. Shepard, Gina M. Smith, Kyle R. Smith, Stefanie D. Smith, Troy E. Smith, Jason R. Snelson, Amber M. Stolhand, Susan D. Taylor, Micah D. Thompson, Janis A. Threestars, Jennifer D. Tippin, Laura E. Todd, Tara M. Trenary, Kristopher D. Upchurch, Cory I. Vincent, Alisha A. Walston, Christine K. Walter, Krystal L. Walters, Erika S. Wiles, Marcie L. Wilkinson, Matthew A. Wilks, Lee A. Williams, Lindsey R. Williams, Jessica R. Windom, Matthew D. Winters, Ryan M. Yeakley, Kevin M. Yerkes, Melissa R. Yohn, Kristen K. Young. Alternative Education Programs Honor RollsThe Alternative Educations programs, to include Teen Pep Students, PVT Students/SHARE students, and Lincoln Alternative high school students, released their honor rolls for spring 1999. Included are the superintendent’s honor roll and the principal’s honor roll. Students named to the superintendent’s hornor roll have received a 4.0 grade point average, and students on the principal’s honor roll maintained a gpa between a 3.0 and 3.99. Superintendent — Grade 12 Sandra Aguilar, Krystal Bringman, Andrea Clipson, Shawna Ewing, Sarah Stone, Sandra Vaillancourt, Kevin Ware, and Alex Wehrle. Superintendent — Grade 11 Clayton Broam, Yonde De Armond, Adam Dickson, Angela Morrow and Heather Rogers. Superintendent — Grade 10 Crystal Daetwiler and Arjuna Whitehead. Principal — Grade 12 Amie Sumner, Misty Robbins, Kiistopher Mackey, Rebecca Lawson, Jose Herrera, Kimberly Bayha, Nathan Walker, Daniel Grimes, Andrea Burris, Luke Northcutt and Summer McCartney. Principal — Grade 11 Casey Smith, Paula Golay, Cassie Carson, Julia Welsh, Christy Jones, Angela Adson, Heidi Hurd, Tianna Youngbear, Heather DeHaven, Melinda Sharon, Misty Leonard and Alana Cervantes. Principal — Grade 10 Brandon Bradley, Alonzo Smith, Sally Rhodd, John Daubert, Emily Rosborough, Heather McMath, Holly Fristoe, Lindsey Bales, Tyler Warrior, Tony Qualls, Bette Marlow, Alicia Koehn, Byian Taylor, Robert Ivie and Rebecca Miller. Principal — Grade 9 Christopher Gibson, Ken Shield, Michael Babb, Ashley Russell, Tasha Miller and Maria Chavez. Osage Clan Sets Memorial Day ObservanceThe Osage Clan of the Ponca tribe has completed plans for their annual observance of Memorial Day. The program is set for Monday, May 31 at the Cultural Building in White Eagle. A noon lunch will be served and the Ponca war dances will begin at 2 p.m. The afternoon program will be devoted to the war dancing but will also include songs for veterans and will honor individual and family songs upon request. Kensil Lieb is head singer, James Roughface is the whipman and tail dancers are Edward Hara, Leslie Hara, Damon Roughface and Randy Roughface. The Osage clan committee invites dancers to come and take part. All singers are invited but are reminded that the drum will be closed when the program opens and will remain closed until the supper break. The evening program will consist of soldier dance songs, women’s dances and the gourd dance. Tyrone and Donne Poore will prepare the evening meal and supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. The Osage Clan extends an open invitation to relatives and friends of neighboring communities. Members of the Ponca tribe are urged to attend and take part. Jacob Bull Receives Eagle Scout AwardJacob Bull, Ponca City Boy Scout, was recently commended at a special Court of Honor and received the coveted Eagle Scout Medal to recognize his many hours of service to God and country. Included in the requirements to reach the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank awarded by the Boy Scouts of America, are numerous hours of community service and the learning of special skills. Bull was also required to plan and supervise a special Eagle project. Bull’s Eagle project included redesigning and renovating the playground at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church located at Hartford and Pecan. Once Bull’s plans were drawn, he had them approved by the church trustees, then coordinated fellow Scouts from Troop 90, Troop 56 and Webelos Den 14 of Pack 17, to complete the needed work. The renovation included removing two existing swing sets and reinstalling one in a new location, installing a new 8-foot yellow slide, bench, chatterboxes, and a sailboat bouncing toy. He also repaired an existing playhouse, replacing nails with screws, applying stain, and replacing a climbing rope and fireman’s pole. In obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout, Bull follows in the footsteps of his father, Terry Bull and two uncles, Nolton Bull and Aven Bull, who participated in the special ceremony. City Annexation Petition Set For Public Hearing TuesdayBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer The corporate boundaries of the City will be extended eastward by about 20 acres if the annexation petition for Wittmer Hills subdivision is approved first by the Planning Commission and then by the City Commission. A public hearing on a petition to annex about 20 acres consisting of all of Wittmer Hill Estates, Sections, 1, 2 and 3 subdivision is slated at the 7:30 p.m., Tuesday meeting of the Ponca City Planning Commission, according to Bill Lundeen, chairman. This subdivision is located east of the City on the north side of Lake Road. Protests against the proposed annexation must be filed at least three days before the public hearing. Protests may be filed with the Planning Department located in Suite 305 of the Commercial Federal Building, 400 East Central. If the annexation is given the green light by the Planning Commission it will then be presented to the City Commission at the 5:30 p.m., June 14 meeting in the Commission Room of the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma. Legal description of the proposed annexation is beginning at the corporate limits 20 feet east, and 32 feet south of the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of Section 30, T26N, R3E of I.M., thence continuing east along the corporate limits; distance 553 feet; thence north a distance of 32 feet to the northern boundary line of Section 30, T26N of I.M.; thence west along this boundary line a distance of 553 feet; thence south a distance of 32 feet to the point of beginning; said tract being 0.41 acres more or less and a trac of land in the southeast quarter of Section 19, T26N, R3E of I.M. and all of Wittmer Hill Estates, Sections 1, 2 and 3. Gives Water Service Club Dance May 29-30The Gives Water Service Club will host a memorial dance May 29-30 at the Gives Water Arbor. Those attending are asked to bring chairs and dishes. In case of inclement weather, the dance will be moved to the Ponca Cultural Center at White Eagle. The dance starts at 2 p.m. Saturday with Gourd dancing, Wolf songs, Soldier dance, and family specials. Supper will be at 5 p.m. Dancing will resume following the supper break and will include War dancing. On Sunday the dance begins at 2 p.m. with Gourd dancing, Wolf songs, Soldier dance and family specials. Dancing will resume after the 5 p.m. supper break and will include War dancing. Alford “Sonny” Waters will be the head singer; Levi Iron, head dancer; Kathy Taylor, head lady dancer; Clarkson LittleCook and Oliver LittleCook, emcees. First Lutheran School Lists Honor StudentsThe First Lutheran School released its list of students named to the principal’s honor roll and the teacher’s honor roll. Students named to the principal’s honor roll include, from fourth grade, Andrew Benyshek, Eric Brunkow, Brian Eyster, Kasha Kurtz, Brandon Pichanick, Dylan Powell, Jefferson Powell, Wesley Young; fifth grade, Meredith Inselman, Kristina Kirsch, Maddie McDaniel, Jordan Piel; sixth grade, Shelley Brewer, David Eyster, Chris Vaughan, Kelsey Whitebay; seventh grade, Megan Benyshek, Andrea Penny, Tiffany Pichanick, Taryn Bradford, Jenny Christian, Ben Johnson, Bradley Keim, Katrina Kirsch and Sean O’Grady. Named to the teacher’s honor roll, from fourth grade, are Sherri Beier, Blake Braden, Casy Cashon, Wilford Collins, Molly Correll, Sarah Graham, Hillary Harpster, Kayla Harris, Caitlin Owens, Jon Robertson, Caleb Silkey; fifth grade, Heather Harris Brian Masters, Jenna-lyn Piel, Ryan Schwanke, Travis Stone, Blair Turney, Robert VanArsdale, Anna VanCleave; sixth grade, Phillip Chapman, Jenni Dove, Sam Garlett, John Peniwitt, Steven Vaughan; seventh grade, Emily Beier, Alison Bell, Amana Bohon, Kimberly Dietrick, Philip LeBaron, Kajal Patel, Eric Schatte; eighth grade, Eugene Allyn, Katie Andrews, Amanda Brown, Marie Brown, Cory Correll, Mike Gamble, and David Kelle. DEATHSElden Novak Elden NovakElden Novak, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, May 25, 1999, at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kan. He was 85. The funeral will be at held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 28, at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Charles Heyer, associate pastor, First Christian Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Elden Novak was born June 27, 1913 in Chicago, Ill., the son of James V. and Bertha Dolezal Novak. At an early age he moved with his family to St. Joseph, Mo., where he graduated from high school and attended two years of business college. In 1934, he moved with his family to Ponca City when his parents purchased Ponca Floral at Third and Grand Ave. In 1939, the family moved the business to the greenhouse location at 420 South Ash. After his parents retired, Elden and his brother Ray continued to operate Ponca Floral until their retirement in 1978. Elden and Nila Fern Webb were married in the First Presbyterian Church in Ponca City on Oct. 26, 1939. He and his wife would have celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary this year. Elden was a member of the First Christian Church, the Odd Fellows Lodge, AMBUC’s, and the Tippers Club. He was an avid bowler, and enjoyed bowling on multiple leagues for more than 50 years. He is survived by his wife, Nila Fern; three daughters, Karol Lynn Novak and Janice Lee Coshow, both of Las Vegas, Nev., and Diana Gayle Smith of Lawrence, Kan.; a brother, Ray Novak of Ponca City; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and an infant son. The family will receive friends at the Trout Funeral Home today from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Melvin Eugene WinnMelvin Eugene Winn, former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday morning, May 26, 1999, at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell. He was 51. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 28, at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Ponca City with the Rev. David Bigger, First Free Will Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City. Melvin Eugene Winn was born Feb. 25, 1948, in Ponca City, the son of Melvin and Ellen Fern (Watson) Winn. He received his education in Ponca City Schools. In earlier years, enjoyed craft work and skating. Survivors include two sisters, Juanita Rhodd of Tonkawa and Mary Pauli of San Antonio, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ellis Leroy Winn. The family will be at the home of Shelly March in Marland. William Franklin SroufeFAIRFAX — William Franklin Sroufe, former Fairfax resident, died Wednesday morning, May 26, 1999, at the Tulsa Regional Hospital. He was 63. The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Friday, May 28, at the Fairfax Cemetery with Dr. Larry Wallace, pastor of Pawhuska First Baptist Church, officiating. arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax. William Franklin Sroufe was born Feb. 2, 1936, in Fairfax, to Everett and Verna (Drexil) Sroufe. He grew up and graduated from high school in Fairfax. At the time of his death he was a resident of Pawhuska, where he was a member of the Pawhuska First Baptist Church. He enjoyed playing Bingo and hand games and attending Osage Tribal Council and culture meetings. Survivors include two brothers, Michael Charles Sroufe of Newkirk and Cecil James Sroufe of Fairfax; one sister, Mary Melton of Ponca City; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and one sister. ObituariesGlenn A. CopeGlenn A. Cope, 1038 North Birch Street, died Tuesday, May 25, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 79. The funeral service will be Friday, 1 p.m., at the Faith Tabernacle in Ponca City with the Rev. Don Stanton, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Byron-Amorita Cemetery, north of Byron. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home. Born May 23, 1920, at Waldron, Kan., he was the son of George Daniel and Nora Anna Kiser Cope. He attended schools in that area and graduated from Spring Township High School in 1938. Mr. Cope then began working with the CCC’s in Utah. On August 5, 1941, he and the former Roena M. Baldock were married at Anthony, Kan., and the couple farmed in the Byron-Amorita area. They moved to Ponca City in 1951 when Mr. Cope joined Continental Oil Company working as a technician in the control laboratory. He retired May 1, 1980. Following his retirement he opened a lawn mower repair and yard care service. He was a member of Faith Tabernacle. He enjoyed gardening, tinkering in his shop, collecting antique tools and family genealogy. He is survived by his wife, Roena, of the home; a son, L.G. Cope of Ponca City; a daughter, Norene Stanton of Ponca City; and Natasha Alexy of Ponca City and Darlene Fry, who were among other children raised in the home; two sisters, Reba Lear and Dorothy Patterson both of Anthony, Kan.; and eight grandchildren Dawndy Delk, Nevona Davison, Bradley Stanton, Sean Stanton, Kim Troutman, Josh Todd Cope, Jake Todd Cope and LaTrica Mach. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, June Cope; a sister, Ruby Armstrong; and three brothers, Jay, Dean and Ralph. Casket bearers will be Zach Martin, Tim Blanton, Jeff Blanton, Steve Stubblefield, Randy Scott, and Gene Cafferty. Honorary casket bearers will be Doc Chandler, Jim Baldwin, Shorty Simmons, Fred Loeser, Merle Combest, Chuy Estrada, C.D. Northcutt, and Swede Swinson. Memorials may be made to Faith Tabernacle Children’s Ministry, 501 South Fifth, Ponca City, OK 74601. The family will be at the home at 1038 North Birch. paid obituary Lloyd H. CarpenterLloyd H. Carpenter, former Ponca City resident, died Monday, May 24, 1999, in Phoenix, Ariz. He was 82. The funeral service will be graveside at 11 a.m. Friday at Ponca City Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home. Lloyd H. Carpenter was born and raised in the Ponca City area, the son of Clarence and Ella Carpenter. Mr. Carpenter attended Ponca City schools, graduating with the class of 1935. After graduation, Lloyd enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He attended flight school in Pensacola, Fla. and proudly served on the old USS Langly, one of the first aircraft carriers. He served and flew with many Oklahoma boys. Carpenter retired as a Lt. Commander, having had a squadron out of the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station during World War II. He attended Air Traffic Control school in Oklahoma City and was an instructor and supervisor in this area, retiring in Corpus Christi, Texas. In his later years, he and his wife Helen, enjoyed year-round travel. A particular highlight for Lloyd was the 50th reunion of his squadron in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. He is survived by his wife, Helen of Sun City, Ariz.; a daughter, Carol Ann Lucas and her husband Dan and two grandchildren, Keith and Amber Marie of Pickerlington, Ohio; two sisters, Bertha Carpenter Villa and her husband Diegnes of Gilliam, Ark., and Dana Carpenter Borden and her husband Duane of El Paso, Texas; a brother, John Carpenter, and his wife Beverly of Ponca City; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Marie Jones Carpenter; and a young daughter, Karen Carpenter. The family will be at the home of John and Beverly Carpenter, 825 Edgewood Drive, Ponca City. paid obituary Orin Clinton PorterOrin Clinton Porter, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, May 26, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 86. The graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, May 29, 1999, at 10 a.m. at Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Charles M. Heyer, associate pastor, First Christian Church, officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. Orin, the son of Frank H. and Hattie E. (Guyler) Porter, was born Sept. 23, 1912, near Ballantine, Mont. He began his education at Custer and Billings, Mont., before moving to Ponca City with his family in August 1923. Here, he attended Sunnyside and Union rural schools as well as Ponca City High School where he graduated in 1931. At the age of 15, he started working as a janitor after school and on weekends for the Marland Oil Company. He later served as a plant operator and coke salesman before transferring to refinery accounting where he remained until his retirement. Orin and Delma Cramer were married July 17, 1937, at the First Christian Church in Newkirk. On Oct. 1, 1977, he retired as accounting supervisor for the Ponca City refinery accounting department with a 50-year service award. He was a member of First Christian Church, Ponca City. He enjoyed playing golf and gardening. In his earlier years, he enjoyed fishing. He is survived by his wife, Delma of the home; daughter, Connie Sue Schultz and her husband Pete of Ponca City; sister, Mildred Maddelein of Redding, Calif.; grandson, Eric Clinton Schultz of Gardner, Kan.; granddaughter, Christy Lynn Schultz of Ponca City; and three great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Kaylin and Bethany. His parents, five brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601. paid obituary NEWS BRIEFSSenior Citizens Dance — A Senior Citizens Dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday at the Senior Citizens Building, 320 South A in Arkansas City. The Pete Coli Country Band will play for dancing. All senior citizens are invited to attend and bring a favorite snack to share. Pauline’s Steak and shrimp dinner, $12.95. Friday, May 28th. For reservations. 765-5460. adv. Tonkawa Bingo Open — Contrary to popular belief, Tonkawa bingo is open. Hours are Monday through Wednesday at 5 and 7 p.m. Starting Monday, it will have a new male caller. 5-Gallon spirea, regular $22.50, sale $17.99. Keathly Nursery, 2448 Bridge Ave., 762-2922. adv. Memorial Day Rites — American Legion Buffalo Post will conduct Memorial Day military rites at local cemeteries Monday. The cemeteries they will visit will be Kaw Nation at 8:30 a.m., Tonkawa Nation at 9:30 a.m., Ponca Nation at 10:30 a.m. and Otto-Missouria at 11:30. Otto-Missouria war mothers will provide members lunch after the ceremony at their cultural center. All Buffalo Post members are urged to be at all locations. 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. Ransacked — An employee at First Baptist Church, 218 South Sixth Street, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 6:10 a.m. Wednesday to report the church had been broken into and rooms were ransacked. Two officers responded and a took a report. One Group 4” geraniums, sale 99 cents each. Keathly Nursery, 2448 Bridge Ave., 762-2922. adv. Warrants Served — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 45-year-old man from 3501 North Union Street at 4:57 p.m. Wednesday for two Kay County warrants. Burglary — At 10:37 a.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer took a report of burglary from a vehicle which occurred in the 400 block of South Lincoln Street. Pre-owned Vehicles. New Hondas, shop at home on the web. http/:www.PoncaCity.Net/MFarris/. adv. Burglary — At 1:04 p.m. Wednesday, the Ponca City Police Department received notice that a vehicle parked in the 400 block of South Elm Street was burglarized. An officer responded and took a report. Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday special from 4-? 1/2 BBQ chicken with 2 vegetables. $4.25. 215 South 14th. 765-7979. adv. Mischief — An employee at Lake Road Express, at Lake Road and North Pecan Road, requested a Ponca City police officer respond to the business as juveniles were asking patrons to buy beer for them. An officer responded. The subjects left the business as the police unit drove through the parking lot. 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. Arrest — A resident in the 400 block of North Pine Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 4:29 p.m. Wednesday, to report a man refused to leave the residence. Three officers responded and took a 20-year-old man into custody for domestic assault and battery. Arrest — At 2:58 a.m. Thursday, a Ponca City police officer responded to the report of a vehicle that had hit a tree at North Eleventh Street and East Hazel Avenue. The officer arrived in time to catch the driver trying to leave the scene. A 27-year-old man was arrested for driving under the influence, driving under revocation, reckless driving and no insurance. Stolen — An employee of Citgo, West Grand Avenue and Oak Street, contacted a Ponca City police officer at 4:28 p.m. Wednesday to report a subject in a full size brown van drove off without paying for gas. The officer took a report. Entire Stock 25% off. Including bridal & swimwear. Frocks & Fashions. 114 N. Main St., Black- well. adv. Arrest — At 6:29 p.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 22-year-old man from a traffic stop at North Fourteenth Street and Princeton Avenue for driving under suspension, no child restraint and a city warrant. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv. Stolen — A clerk at Triple T, 720 South Waverly Avenue, notified the Ponca City Police Department at 6:32 p.m. Wednesday that a subject took two packs of cigarettes and left the business. An officer responded and took information for a warrant request. Bike Stolen — A resident in the 700 block of North Elm Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 5:06 p.m. Wednesday that a bike was stolen. An officer handled the call. Stolen — At 8:54 p.m. Wednesday, the Ponca City Police Department received notice that a girl’s bike was stolen from the 2900 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer responded and took a report. Warrant Served — A 42-year-old woman was arrested by a Ponca City police officer from the Blackwell Police Department at 10:56 p.m. Wednesday, on a city warrant. Vandalism — An employee at Old West Liquor, 3211 North Fourteenth Street, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 2:32 a.m. Thursday, for vandalism to lights on the building. An officer responded and took a report. Special Attention — Get results for that special happening, or something you want to get rid of that’s been sitting around for awhile. Put the item in the News Briefs column of The Ponca City News by calling 765-3311 and asking how it’s done. GARDENINGTry Tabletop Fountain Try Tabletop FountainBy Chandra Orr Copley News Service It’s the latest fad in relaxation therapy: the tabletop fountain. From the simple Zen-like rock fountains, to more elaborate falling water fountains with miniature bonsai trees, these home accessories are commanding prices of $100 and up. However, the peaceful sound of running water need not be expensive. For as little as $20, a small tabletop fountain can be created using a low-volume pump and items collected on walks through the woods or on the beach. To make the fountain you will need: A small pump designed for fountains. Remember, you won’t need a lot of pressure for a small fountain and too much pressure may produce the ambience of Old Faithful rather than a serene bubbling brook. For best results, select a pump with a flow control lever. A watertight bowl. Any glass, ceramic, terra-cotta, metal or plastic container will work, as long as it is at least 5 inches deep. Test the bowl for water tightness by filling it and leaving it on a counter overnight. If your container leaks or if moisture collects on the outside of a porous ceramic bowl, use a spray-on water sealant on the inside. Rocks, seashells, marbles or other natural materials for the water to flow over. This is where your creativity and personal style come into play Try a mixture of gray and black polished stones with a few brightly colored iridescent marbles for a dark and dramatic look, or a collection of seashells and coral chunks for a nautical theme. Be careful when choosing rocks, as some minerals, such as mica, dissolve in water and may clog your pump. Stick with solid, nonflaking rocks and you’ll be fine. To assemble the fountain: Be sure your container is watertight. If you have used any sealant, be sure it is completely dry. Rinse any debris off rocks and shells. Set the pump in the bottom of the bowl and secure it. Most pumps have suction cups on the bottom that should hold it in place. Fill the bowl with enough distilled water to submerge the pump. Regular tap water is fine, but mineral deposits may reduce the performance of your pump over time. Turn the pump on and adjust the water flow. You want the water to shoot high enough to create a lulling sound, but not so high that water sprays from the container or splashes out. Turn the pump off and begin adding the elements you’ve chosen. Place rocks or shells around the pump first, then begin building up over the pump, being careful not to obstruct the spout. The higher you build, the louder the water will be. If you wish to pile rocks or shells higher than the pump nozzle, attach a short piece of clear plastic tubing (available at most hardware stores) to the spout and build up around the tube. When you are done arranging your elements, try adding a few clippings from an ivy plant or philodendron for a more earthy feel. Musk Thistle Declared Public NuisanceMusk thistle weeds have been declared a public nuisance In all counties across Oklahoma. Jim Stritzke, Forage Weed Control Specialist at Oklahoma State University, states that musk thistle, Carduus nutans L., was accidentally introduced into the United States and was first recorded in 1853. It originated in Europe and has spread from the eastern seaboard throughout most of North America. It has become a weed of considerable economic importance, especially in range and pasture lands. Musk thistle was first identified in Oklahoma (Payne County) in 1944. During the 1950s, additional plants from several eastern counties were identified. By the 1960s, musk thistle was common in many northeastern counties, particularly around abandoned mine sites. It has spread over much of Oklahoma and is currently a serious weed problem in many central and northeastern counties. In 1994, musk thistle was declared a noxious weed in four northeast counties (Craig, Delaware, Ottawa, and Mayes). The 1994 law has been amended twice. Roger Mills County was added to the law in 1995, and in 1998, musk thistle was designated a noxious weed in all counties of Oklahoma. In a public notice published in The News March 4, 1999, according to Oklahoma Statutes, Canada, Scotch and musk thistles are a public nuisance and “it is the duty of every landowner to eradicate such thistles growing on any property owned by the landowner.” To receive assistance for the removal of thistles contact the Kay County Extension office, 580-362-3194, or Kay County Conservation District, 580-362-2438. The thistle seed is spread by birds, wind, water and mulch hay, from uncleaned imported feed oats and from bird feeders. This weed should be eradicated whether it is on farm ground, right-of-way along state roads and highways, or in residential areas. Spread and proliferation of musk thistle are caused by movement of seed-contaminated hay to uninfested areas and dissemination of airborne seed from mature plants along waterways. Control Measures Control measures include herbicides, biological control — such as head weevils and rusts which attack the plants — and mowing and digging individual plants. Specific information on thistle control is available through local OSU Cooperative Extension offices throughout the State. The Kay County Conservation District has a musk thistle plant on display in the office for anyone interested in seeing what the noxious weed looks like. Recognizing the Problem Musk thistle is generally classified as an aggressive biennial (two growing seasons needed to mature and produce seed). Seedlings can emerge anytime during the growing season when moisture conditions are favorable. In most years, primary emergence of seedlings occurs in September and October. During the first season, plants normally stay in the rosette stage of growth. In the spring of the second season, plants usually start bolting by mid-April, produce flower heads from May through June, then die after seed is produced. Musk thistle solitary flower heads are borne on long bending stems, and the colorful flowers are usually deep rose to violet or purple. Like other thistles, musk thistle is covered with sharp spines but has no hairs on its leaves, while all other thistles in Oklahoma have hairs on their leaves. Musk thistle can also act like a cool-season annual in Oklahoma when it emerges in late summer or early fall and growing conditions are favorable. Evidently, these plants are able to store enough root reserves in the fall to enable them to bloom the following spring according to an OSU extension fact sheet. Association Offers Gardening Ideas for BeginnersBy Cindy Cain Copley News Service Does the word “hosta” conjure images of an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie? Would you guess a columbine is something farmers use to harvest corn? You’re not alone. Though gardening interest continues to grow in this country, a great number of Americans wouldn’t know a snapdragon if it bit them in the nose. About half of the 101 million households in the United States have a vegetable or flower garden, according to the National Gardening Association. Just drive around your block. It will become clear immediately which neighbors have green thumbs and which neighbors are all thumbs when it comes to gardening. But there is help for the horticulturally challenged. IDG Books, which publishes computer and business “for Dummies” books, branched out into “Gardening for Dummies” and “Perennials for Dummies.” And Simon & Schuster published “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Gardening.” The editors of the National Gardening Association helped write the “for Dummies” gardening, books. They had an ulterior motive, according to Bruce Butterfield, the association’s research director. “That’s our business, to get more people into gardening,” he said. Recruiting more gardeners is good for the environment and it’s good for the people themselves. “A lot of people feel that they can’t affect what’s happening outside in the world,” Butterfield said. “Through gardening, they begin to see how everything is interconnected. “ Bill Aldrich, editor of Chicagoland Gardening magazine, agrees. “This is one of the easiest things you can do to be a steward for your planet,” he said. “I can go out in my yard and give back to the planet a little bit.” Good Exercise Gardening is good exercise as well, and it’s a great stress reducer. But gardening isn’t always easy, unless you’re Martha Stewart. Even Butterfield and Aldrich have had their share of problems. “In the early days, I erred on the side of planting too much stuff,” Butterfield said. “One year I put in a ton of plants and I look back and think, ‘What was I thinking?”’ Then there’s the year he had zillions of zucchini sprout in his veggie garden. “It’s one thing to grow it, it’s another to deal with it.” Butterfield lives in New England, where veggies ripen all at once during two to three weeks in August. “Just about the time you’d think of taking a vacation, you’re a slave to the garden,” he said. Butterfield also has learned to watch and make sure the plants he buys are hardy for his growing zone in Burlington, Vt. For instance, a local home store was recently selling holly hardy to Zone 5. “We can’t grow holly here, this is Zone 4,” he said. The United States is divided up into 11 growing zones based on how cold the winters get. You have to know your zone to have a successful garden. Nothing can guarantee success 100 percent of the time, however. Aldrich himself has a front lawn that refuses to grow. The sod he had planted years ago died and he ripped it out and seeded the lawn. That, too, is thin and patchy Aldrich also battled to save his wife’s mealybug-infested jade plant for many years. “My wife threatened to divorce me if I killed her jade plant,” he said. The plant eventually lost its battle of the bugs. “I failed to keep that plant growing, but at the same time, I still have the offspring so I can keep my marriage going,” Aldrich said. Aldrich recommends beginners start off with plants that are hardy and easy to grow. You can’t go wrong with tomatoes and zucchini in the vegetable garden or petunias, impatiens and sunflowers for a little color. A lot of gardeners make the mistake of buying perennials thinking they will be maintenance free. Perennials grow back year after year, unlike annuals which live only one season. But perennials require maintenance, Aldrich said. They should be divided every year to stay healthy And some perennials can be invasive, spreading to areas you don’t want them. They also have a shorter blooming season than annuals. No matter what you try, don’t be surprised when something doesn’t work. “Beginning gardeners who meet failure a couple of years in a row, they’re going to get discouraged and not want to come back to it,” he added. But they have to stick with it to learn, Aldrich warned. It’s like buying a puppy. You have to promise to water, feed and care for your plants. The majority of gardeners are “dabblers” who rush out in a frenzy to load up on plants in May. But once the heat, mosquitoes and weeds appear, the novices retreat back into the safety of their homes. Do a little soul searching before you start investing in plants this spring, Aldrich warned. “The question should be: Are you willing to take care of (your garden) for the rest of the summer?” Beginner tips Start with an idea. Decide what colors you want and when you want your plants to be in bloom. Figure out if you want a cottage garden, a formal garden, a low maintenance shrub border or a highly structured herb garden. Start small and use easy, reliable plants that are easy to grow. Easy perennials include: yarrow, bugle weed, lady’s mantle, wormwood, goat’s beard, milkweed, garden spirea, alyssum, daisy, tickseed, foxglove, daylilies, coralbells, hosta, iris, Russian sage, sedum and phlox. Easy annuals include: impatiens, snapdragon, cockscombe, bachelor’s button, spider flower, larkspur, sunflower, petunia, salvia, marigold, verbena, pansy and zinnia. Keep the garden under 50 square feet. This is plenty of room for any of the gardens mentioned above and it’s manageable. Don’t plant a garden in a high traffic area or in the middle of the lawn where your kids play. Figure out how much money and time you have for the garden. Know your property. Know where pipes, underground lines, cables, wells and septic fields are before you dig. Place your garden within 40 feet of your outside water faucet. Tool Tips Start by buying a steel-tempered spade, spading fork, hoe, trowel, pruning shears and hat. Keep all your tools clean; keep sharp-edged tools both clean and sharp. Bring tools indoors when not in use. Plants However easy some annuals are to grow, watch any growing plant to be sure it’s healthy and doing well. Deadhead and prune plants to stimulate new growth. Taller perennials on single stems and plants with heavy flowers, like peonies, need to be staked. Divide perennials only in the spring or fall when the soil temperature is cool. SPORTSLegionnaires Capitalize On Royal Errors Legionnaires Capitalize On Royal ErrorsBy MATTHEW KOENIG News Sports Writer STILLWATER — A lack of hitting, combined with a faltering bullpen were all the American Legion Majors didn’t need, as they fell to the Stillwater Legionnaires, 9-2, Wednesday. Like their opening day loss to Perry on Monday, however, the Royals didn’t surrender until late in the game. Through 4 1/2 inning, the Poncans were within one run, 3-2. But the Legionnaires — who needed just four hits to notch the win — piled up six runs in the fifth inning on a 3-run homer by Brent Wadley, an RBI single by Wyatt Stanfield, and scored two more runs on an error and a passed ball. Two walks, a hit batter, and a fielding error gave Stillwater all the ammunition they needed in batting through the order in that inning. The Legionnaires, capitalizing on just one hit and a pair of walks, leapt out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, scoring once on a delayed steal, and twice more after a costly throwing error by the Royals. The Royals could manage just two hits in the game, but translated those into two runs in the second and third innings to keep things close in the early going. Catcher Matt Johnson slammed out his third double in two games to start off the top of the second, and came in to score on a sacrifice fly by third baseman Buddy McCoy. With two outs in the top of the third, shortstop J. Michael Sharon and starting pitcher Bryan Coppock drew consecutive walks, and center fielder Toby RedLeaf sliced a ball through the infield to score Sharon. Coppock did a nice job of neutralizing the Stillwater bats through four innings, giving up just one hit and four walks, while striking out five. But a pair of costly errors, combined with late pitching miscues by the Poncans made the difference in the game. Facing a new Ponca City pitcher, J.W. Pate got the fifth inning scoring barrage started by drawing a walk, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and came in to score on a fielding error. After a another walk to the Legionnaires, Wadley then slammed a ball over the right center field fence. Things continued to come apart for the Royals, as a hit batter, an RBI single, a fourth error in the infield and a passed ball led to two more runs. Wadley then took over on the mound and made those runs stick, striking out three and sending the Poncans 3-and-out in the final three innings. The Legionnaires also turned a double play in the seventh. The Royals, now 0-2 in the young season, will travel to Bartlesville on Friday. Game Notes — Stillwater’s seniors just graduated on Tuesday...Jerrod Spears and Jeff Furnas — who should give the Poncans some valuable hitting — will return from Boys’ State in time for Sunday’s game with Woodward...first baseman Jimmo Ozment made an acrobatic catch on a pop-up near the fence, in foul territory, in the fifth. Stillwater 9, Ponca City 2 Ponca City 011 000 0 — 2 2 4 Stillwater 300 060 x — 9 4 0 Pate (w), Wadley (5, s) and Birdwell; Coppock (l), Day (5), RedLeaf (5), and Johnson.
Copyright© Ponca City News, 1998 |