LOCAL

Deer Place Subdivision OK By City Planning Commission
NOC Nursing Class of 2000 Receives Pins

Deer Place Subdivision OK By City Planning Commission

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

A controversial preliminary plat for the five-acre Deer Place subdivision received unanimous approval Tuesday night during a special meeting of the Ponca City planning commission.

The plat is located at the southeast corner of Pecan Road and Homestead in northeast Ponca City.

At the meeting, commissioners reviewed a letter written last week by Rex and Gale McKinley along with an attached 33-signature petition. The letter expressed concerns raised by several residents of the Lakewood subdivision over the proposal of an adjacent 14-lot subdivision.

City planner Todd Kennemer told commissioners that this type of response was typical because “people don’t want to change.”

“We are developing an area that residents have been enjoying for a long time,” he explained.

One of the main concerns raised in the letter was drainage.

The writers wondered if the pond, which currently collects and retains much of the runoff from the Lakewood subdivision, would be able to handle the extra load without flooding the road.

Terry Stamback of James Cheek and Associates, engineer for the project, told commissioners the pond would have to be modified.

“The pond itself handles about 40 acres of water,” he said. “What we will do is modify the pond’s concrete spillway.”

According to Stamback, the modification will take the form of raising the spillway six-inches, then adding a v-notch. The notch would allow the water to drain away slowly without flooding the area below the spillway.

Another concern the McKinleys expressed was the positioning of the road. They believed it would detract greatly from the aesthetic beauty of the area if placed directly in front of the pond as shown on the plat.

A solution petitioners proposed was to enter the area from Pecan Road.

As a compromise, Stamback said the entry could be moved to Homestead Street. The new position of the entry would leave less road to block the view of the pond area.

Pat Drake, of Lee Drake Homes, Inc., who purchased the land from the school board last fall, said that she plans to “beautify the area.” Her plans would include landscaping and tree planting around the 14 homes, she explained.

Plans call for the homes to measure between 1,800 and 2,500 square feet.

Other developments by Lee Drake Homes, Inc. over the last 50 years in the Ponca City area include Stoneridge, Meadows, Edgewood, Drake Park, Lakewood and Lakewood South.

Residents of the Lakewood subdivision were also worried about water pressure.

The plat showed the Deer Place water line would tie into tiers, and they believed it would steal pressure.

Kennemer addressed their concern, telling the board that a reduction in water pressure would not be a problem for the residents.

NOC Nursing Class of 2000 Receives Pins

TONKAWA — The Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa Nursing Class of 2000 received their nursing pins from family members or friends in a special ceremony conducted by Division of Nursing Chair Kim Webb for the 27 graduating students.

Ponca City nursing students included Tricia Coffman, pinned by her husband Keith; Jeffrey Fisher, pinned by his fiancée and his mother; and Kim Klopp, pinned by her husband Duane and sons Dustin and Devin.

Also from Ponca City were Sarah Martin, pinned by her sister Susan; Diana Morain, pinned by her mother Atta Londagin; Ashley Smotone, pinned by her husband Kevin and her daughters Kelli and Lindsey; and Renae Woods, pinned by her husband Chris and son Cale.

Teddi Sullins, Ponca City High School alumna currently of Red Rock, received the Spirit of Nursing Award, given to the student who because of her knowledge, attitude and leadership embodies the best example of a nurse. She was pinned by her husband Steve and her children Cody, Adam and Stephanie.

Speaking to the graduating nurses and their guests in the Northern Performing Arts Center, Northern microbiology and chemistry instructor Rex Ackerson advised, “Always remember that fear of trying is not important as long as you try. Don’t be satisfied with doing less than your best but continue to move forward with courage and determination, getting better as you go.”

Sophomore instructor Lisa Briggs was mistress of ceremonies for the event planned by sophomore team coordinator Bobbi Emmons. She introduced special guests Northern President Dr. Joe Kinzer and Pam Kinzer, Vice President for Student Affairs Mick Weiberg, Dean of Women Nevona Kegans and CFO Anita Simpson. Vocalist Becky Dye of Ponca City dedicated her first number, Wind Beneath My Wings, to all who had supported the graduates.

Freshman instructor Sandy Nigh gave the invocation and Division of Nursing secretary Dianna Ditmore read the Nurses’ Prayer.

The graduates received a standing ovation from the audience following the class recitation of the Florence Nightingale Pledge led by Emmons. During the recessional the graduates carried tapers lighted from the flame symbolizing the nursing profession as Dye sang Go Light Your World. A reception in Memorial Student Union followed the ceremony.

In addition to the Ponca City students and Sullins, the Nursing Class of 2000 included Ginger Atchley, Rhonda Ballew, Christy Schovanec and Jody Sim, Perry; Lorie Benes, Morrison; Carol Burnes, Pawnee; Lori Callagher, Lamont; Earl Dethloff and Anna Hamissou, Stillwater; Shannon Johns, Blackwell; Gina Jones, Cushing; C.J. Kinman and Kimberly Millard, Pawhuska; Reda Psikal and Emily Stone, Newkirk; Danielle Roberts, Arkansas City, Kan.; Bambi Stinson, Medford; Michelle Tripp, Braman; and Janelle Williams, Tonkawa.

Nursing faculty and staff for the Class of 2000 were Mary Allan, skills lab instructor, Vicki Beck, sophomore instructor, Ditmore, Emmons, Judy Kirk, sophomore instructor; Susan Lebeda, freshman clinical instructor; Virginia Lessert, sophomore clinical instructor; JoAnna Ware, freshman instructor; and Webb.

DEATHS

Virginia F. Barber
Margaret Klassen
Eric Joseph Cleckler

Virginia F. Barber

Virginia F. Barber, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, May 31, 2000, at the Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 71.

A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2000, at the Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Virgil Swift, pastor of the Crestview Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are with the Trout Funeral Home.

Virginia F. Barber was born Aug. 19, 1928, in Texas, the daughter of John Henry and Bonnie (Williams) McEuin. She married Ralph Ben Barber on June 9, 1943, in Pawhuska. They moved to Ponca City in 1960.

Survivors include one daughter Bonnie Barber of Ponca City; a brother, J.B. McEuin of Webb City; and a sister, Edna Nolan of Ponca City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two grandchildren, one brother, and one sister.

Margaret Klassen

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Margaret Klassen, resident of Dodge City, Kan., died Tuesday, May 30, 2000, at the Trinity Manor Nursing Center in Dodge City. She was 90.

A graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 2, at the Hillside Cemetery in Kinsley, Kan., with the Rev. Dick Robbins officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Swaim Funeral Home of Dodge City, Kan.

Margaret Klassen was born Dec. 19, 1909, in Hillsboro, Kan., the daughter of David B. Duerksen and Maria Friesen. She was reared and attended schools in Hillsboro. She married Herman J. Klassen on Sept. 5, 1928, at Goessel, Kan. After their marriage, they lived at Kinsley, Kan. She moved to Dodge City in 1980.

Survivors include her daughter, Rose Green of Crockett, Texas; six sons, Titus D. Klassen of Ponca City, Amos D. Klassen of Miltonvale, Kan., David L. Klassen of Seligman, Mo., Durward A. Klassen of San Antonio, Texas, Herman James Klassen of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Thomas D. Klassen of Dodge City, Kan.; 13 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband on Dec. 5, 1973; her parents; two sons, Ora Dale Klassen and Raymond D. Klassen; two brothers; and three sisters.

Services Pending

Eric Joseph Cleckler

Eric Joseph Cleckler, former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, May 31, 2000, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. He was 25. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

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Walnut Valley — The Walnut Valley Chapter of KOFP&S will meet Saturday at the Senior Citizen’s Facility in downtown Arkansas City, Kan. Individual music performances will be from 4-6 p.m. Snacks will be served 6-7 p.m. Dance bands will perform 7-9:30 p.m. Musicians, singers, listeners and dancers of all ages are cordially invited to participate. This is a clean environment as no smoking, alcohol, or drugs are permitted.

Pauline’s Shrimp peel. All you can eat $11.95, Friday 2nd For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Children’s Summer Reading Club — Sign up continues at the Ponca City Library for the Children’s Summer Reading Club for children ages 2 and up. Summer hours at the library are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Sundays through Labor Day. For more information concerning the reading program, contact Judy Johnson at 767-0345.

www.HeartandHealth.com -Buy or sell Rexall natural

health products online. adv.

Safe Night Friday — Safe Night will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Kids Kastle. Free admission, food, laser tag, T-shirts and more for youth 11 to 13. Permission slips are required. Transportation provided at these locations — Lincoln Center, 700 West Broadway (west parking lot); YMCA, Seventh and Grand; Attucks Community Center, 1015 South Twelfth; First Assembly of God, 1308 Bradley. Transportation to Kids Kastle begins 6:30 to 7 p.m.; return transportation from 9 to 9:30 p.m.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Accident — An accident in the 1500 block of Crawford Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:01 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Item Vandalized — A man from the 1100 block of North Fourth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:03 a.m. Wednesday that an air conditioner had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Farm-All Cub tractor with implements. 762-0473, 1-580-401-

3436. adv.

Vehicle Vandalized — A woman from the 900 block of East Cleveland Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:12 a.m. Wednesday that her vehicle had been vandalized while in the parking lot of Wal-Mart. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Branson Condo. Fully equipped, lovely, many amenities, two baths, sleeps six. Two night minimum. 580-765-7142. adv.

Bicycle Stolen — A man from the 300 block of North Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:12 a.m. Wednesday that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Accident — An accident in the Buy-For-Less parking lot in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:06 a.m. Wednesday. An officer took a report.

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.

Vehicle Burglarized — A woman from the 900 block of North Pine Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:22 p.m. Wednesday that her billfold had been stolen from her vehicle. An officer responded and information was logged.

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

Assault — A man from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:30 a.m. Thursday that he had been assaulted while on Grand Avenue. An officer was assigned and an assault report was taken.

Items Missing — A man from the 3300 block of Pecan Road reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:54 p.m. Wednesday that tools had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Items Missing — A man from the 1300 block of South Fifth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:14 p.m. Wednesday that items were missing from his house and recreational vehicle. An officer was assigned and a burglary report was taken.

Items Missing — A woman from the 300 block of South Perry Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:33 p.m. Wednesday that a television and two radios were missing from the residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken that the back door had been kicked in.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the northbound lane of the 500 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:09 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Residence Burglarized — The Communications Center received a report from the 900 block of East Cherry Avenue at 6:16 p.m. Wednesday that a residence had been burglarized and several items were missing. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of First Street and Grand Avenue at 1:36 a.m. Thursday that an 18-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension.

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GARDENING

Diggin in the Dirt
Herb Festival

Diggin in the Dirt

By Kathy Zehr

Used since the beginning of man’s creation on earth, herbs have been used to heal and make life more comfortable and pleasant for us.

As we recognize the wisdom and knowledge of our forefathers we are also rediscovering the many uses of easy-to-grow herbs. The powerful little plants are making a big comeback.

Almost every garden in the Midwest contains a few essential herbs today. Used in seasonings, soaps, teas, vinegars, oils, garden decor, scents, and as remedies for every ailment, delightful new uses for herbs are discovered daily by modern man.

Herb Festival 2000

In Ponca City, the first herb festival held a few years ago had about 150 visitors; now thousands attend the festival at L.A. Cann Gardens annually.

Herb Festival 2000 will be held Saturday with free seminars, cooking demonstrations and various exhibits and displays. Hundreds of herb plants and varieties of seed, as well as soaps, oils, vinegars and other interesting products will be for sale, including many new varieties.

Appropriately, today’s column contains some basic instructions about the simple and enjoyable hobby of growing the mysterious and versatile herb.

Previous gardening experience is not necessary to start a few inexpensive favorites. I recently started a new bed with just a song — Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme.

Start with just a few favorites in an established bed or plant a dozen massed in a large planter or window box. They do very well in flowerpots on a windowsill and mixed with other flowers in beds.

The Herb Garden

If establishing an outdoor herb garden, prepare the soil in a location that gets at least five hours of direct sunlight each day. Be careful to select varieties that do well in shade if you do not have a sunny location. For best results, check your soil pH and make certain the acidity is at least 7.2 pH for growing almost everything but lavender, which prefers about 6.5 pH. Till the bed at least 12-inches deep; if it is too heavy, add sand or other organic matter.

Herbs come in both annual and perennial varieties. The best way to start annual herbs you can’t find in the market is to start them from seed in peat pots inside. Follow the instructions for starting seeds indoors as published in the 1-6-2000 Diggin’ column.

Some plants, such as French tarragon and Greek oregano, can only be propagated as cuttings (or starts) from established plants. Call your herbalist friends and acquaintances and ask for a cutting. I’ve never visited anyone’s herb garden yet who didn’t offer me a start of something! It’s tradition to share!

Herbs need less attention than many other types of plants, but you should keep them trimmed, fed and cultivated and remove sickly specimens and weeds. Perhaps the saddest sight I frequently see is a neglected herb garden. It should be kept as attractive as a flowerbed.

Check out herb books from the local library or buy them almost anywhere today to learn the growing condition each variety prefers and if it’s an annual or perennial. Some can be planted in shady spots, some in the hot sun. Remember to label as many look alike!

Basil, chervil, chives, dill, mint and savory enjoy a thin layer of organic mulch. Small gravel is better mulch for herbs like lavender, rosemary and thyme, which prefer a drier, less rich soil. After you take large cuttings (for drying or freezing), fertilize the plant to help it regain vigor.

Most herbs prefer about one-half the water that flowering annuals require. Mints, basil and chives, however, prefer a more moist soil.

Herbs lose some of their flavor after flowering, and annuals begin to die off at this point. Be vigilant and keep buds and flower stalks of edible herbs nipped off. To collect seeds for propagating next spring, allow only one or two plants to go to seed.

Tender perennials, such as bay, rosemary, lemon verbena and scented geraniums must be brought in with your houseplants before the first freeze. You may prefer to plant them in pots originally, but they will need watering more frequently. I find it easier to dig mine up and repot in the fall.

Mints are very aggressive and will take over any flower bed or herb garden if roots are not isolate or contained in a buried pot.

Hardy perennials can be left in the herb bed over the winter. Cover with a thick layer of leaves, straw or light branches.

Little Sprouts

The prolific peppermint herb is a wonderful plant for little sprouts to grow, and they can taste their efforts as well.

Herb Festival

(At Cann Garden)

June 3, 2000

Seminars in Cann Home

9 a.m., Gayle Hancock, “Scents Make Sense”

10 a.m., Jerry Willis of Heaven Scent Soaps & Herbs, Growing Herbs and Making Herbal Soap.

11 a.m., Kay Whitlock, Just Yesterday, “Rosemary — the Herb of 2000,” planting uses, aromatherapy and therapuetic uses.

Noon, T.om Bergey, Golden Trowel Herb Farm, “Growing & Cooking Herbs” Author of Recipes from the Golden Trowel Herb Farm

1 p.m., Mollie Bivin, The Bivin Garden, Shidler, will tell you how to send free greeting cards from her new web site www.thebivingarden.com

2 p.m. Pat Rief, Stain Glass Cutting. Fabrication of glass pieces. Audience participation is encouraged!

3 p.m., Mary Anne Potter, Herban Renewal Farms, will teach easy ways to make herbal vinegars.

Seminars Outside Cann Home

9:30 a.m., Terry Pitts, Teardrop Farm, from Sterling, Kan., “Herb Organic Gardening & Herb Extracts”

10:30 a.m., Brenda Sanders, OSU assistant extension horticulture specialist and host of Oklahoma Gardening will demonstrate “Pots with Pizzaz”

11:30 a.m., Ann Sittler, “Design.” Making bookmarks, pressed flowers, framed pictures & techniques of pressing flowers

12:30 p.m., Susan Henning of Ponca City YMCA, “Shaping You and Your Garden” KSU horticulture graduate

1:30 p.m.,Jerry Cathey — “Mr Iris.” Growing and showing iris

1:30 p.m., (at Booth no. 37) Paula Test, “Enhancements.” Enhancing your home and yard with candles. Decorating ideas and tips on storing, burning and decorating with candles

1:30 p.m., (at Booth) Doug Williams, Lost Creek Mushroom Farm; Health benefits and pharmaceutical properties of shiitakee mushrooms; cooking with and using shiitakee logs as compost.

2:30 p.m., F.G. Williams, Master Gardener; “3rd World Gardening”

Entertainment on the Patio

9:30 a.m., David Ritter and Eric Mata with acoustic guitars performing songs from Eric Clapton’s Unplugged concert

10:30 a.m., Sara Bowen, Bethany Bowen and Alisa Massey

11:30 a.m., David Ritter classical and acoustic guitar pieces

12:30 p.m., T.L. Walker, Take a “Sentimental Journey”

1:30 p.m., Live interviews with various vendors on the patio

2:30 p.m., T.L. Walker

3:30 p.m., Miss Suzi’s singing school and recorder ensembles

SPORTS

Gossett Ties Begwins Mark

Gossett Ties Begwins Mark

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) — David Gossett tied the NCAA record with a 9-under-par 63 to help Texas take an eight-stroke lead Wednesday after the first round of the NCAA Championships.

Gossett, who had a double-bogey on the par-3 third hole, had nine birdies and an eagle on the Grand National Lake Course. Texas freshman J.J. Wall was second after a 65.

‘‘I was able to make a lot of birdies and one eagle,’’ said Gossett, the U.S. Amateur champion. ‘‘I had nine birdies and when I turned the corner I was 4-under. I was also motivated by J.J. Wall’s performance and was fortunate to birdie the last hole.’’

Gossett tied the tournament record set by Oklahoma’s Jim Begwin of Ponca City in 1984 and matched by Arizona State’s Phil Mickelson in 1992. It also tied the course record set by Auburn’s Jason Dufner.

Texas had a 16-under 272 total, with John Klauk shooting a 71 and Matt Brost adding a 73. Georgia Tech was second at 280, followed by Oklahoma State at 281 and Houston at 281.

Georgia Tech’s Matt Kuchar, the 1997 U.S. Amateur champion, opened with a 67 for a third-place tie with Oklahoma State’s Charles Howell and East Tennessee State’s Chris Wisler. Defending champion Luke Donald of Northwestern opened with a 70.

The top 15 teams in the 30-team field will make the 36-hole cut after Thursday’s second round. In addition, the top nine individuals not on those 15 teams also will advance.

Southern California’s Kevin Stadler had a hole-in-one on the 148-yard, par-3 17th. Stadler, who used a pitching wedge, shot a 76.