|
From the pages of The Ponca City News, Thursday, June 15, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS SPORTS GARDENING LOCALThe Airport Runway Extension Is Moving Closer to Reality The Airport Runway Extension Is Moving Closer to RealityBy JEFF POLITTE News Staff Writer Next year could mean the realization of a seven-year dream for the Ponca City Regional Airport. Airport officials have been making plans to build a $3.5 million runway extension since 1993. After seven years of work and determination, mayor Tom Leonard indicated the dream will soon become reality. “This extension is going to put Ponca City on the same level as any other city our size in the U.S.,” predicted the mayor. “It’s important that our city have the ability to accept more commercial aircraft.” Leonard said the project was awaiting funding. “I met with Dr. Bill Miller, director of Oklahoma Aeronautics and Space Administration, and several congressional leaders last year in an effort to move the project to the top of the funding list ... and they agreed,” the mayor said. The need for the extension is a huge safety item, noted airport manager Don Nuzum: “When the temperature gets above 80 degrees, the air becomes less dense, and it takes more runway to take off. “When it’s hot, if the aircraft doesn’t have enough runway, a pilot has to reduce the plane’s weight,” he explained. That creates either a reduction in the plane’s fuel or cargo. “Fuel is usually the pilot’s first choice,” Nuzum said. The airport manager said the 1000-foot runway extension and taxi way will involve two phases. “The first phase, costing around $2.2 million, is the actual dirt work and other preparations ... such as the installation of a double, eight-foot-by-ten-foot concrete drainage box to help control excess runoff,” he explained. The second phase will consist of the concrete work and installation of some new runway lighting. Nuzum recalled the project originally began in July of 1993 with an environmental assessment “... to test the extension’s impact on the environment.” Plans and specifications started over a year later. “We were 90 percent done with this stage when our funding ran out,” he said. Currently, the city intends to have the final inspection of the project’s plans from the Federal Aviation Administration by mid-August. Nuzum said the bidding process will follow soon after. “We have to be ready to accept a grant by September 30,” he stated. Planes like Big Sky Airline’s 19-seat Fairchild Metro-Liner commuter and Conoco’s Gulfstream are among those that use the airport’s present runway. “We even have a Lear 65 that comes in frequently,” noted Nuzum. “Once the dirt work starts, the entire project should take around 12 months,” he predicted. Nearly NewsMallorie Charles, the 17-year-old reported missing in a recent edition of The Ponca City News, returned safely to her Ponca City home last week. The family expresses its gratitude for the concern shown by friends and citizens. The American Legion is apologizing for cancelling the flag burning on Wednesday, but inclement weather forced the postponement. However, the Legion promises to reschedule in the near future. Legion members are remineded of tonight’s meeting at 6:30 p.m. to discuss VA benefits. Spillway Improvements Nearing Halfway PointPonca City’s Public Works department is expected to spend over $500,000 for some much needed improvements to Lake Ponca’s spillway. The improvements, which are approximately 40 percent complete, will make the spillway “work more efficiently” and “protect it from future damage,” commented Chad Morris, project engineer. Phase I of the project began in February. When completed, will involve the west dike and stilling basin earthwork and concrete demolition, west spillway/stilling basin sidewalls and footing, stilling basin scour hole embankment and a new end sill cutoff wall. Morris explained that the storm events of 1995 eroded a near 100-foot “scour hole” beneath the end sill of the spillway. This endangered the stilling basin by undermining the spillway. “All that high speed water ... those gabions couldn’t take it,” he said. “No matter how well a spillway is built ... water, over a period of time, will erode it.” The improvements will not only effect repairs to the storm and erosion damage, but will allow the spillway to dissipate energy of the lake’s runoff more efficiently, emphasized Morris. The engineer described the old trapezoidal design of the spillway’s sidewalls as being inefficient because they directed the energy of the water toward the center. He pointed out the new vertical design of the walls will help the water’s energy be dissipated over a larger area because “the water will spread out over the whole width of the stilling basin.” In addition, Morris noted workers would come back into the stilling basin and put in a new floor and a second hydraulic jump. The third step of phase I will be to reinstall some gabions as a slope protection to prevent erosion to the end of the spillway. The second phase of the project, replacing the east dike, is planned to be completed when funds become available. Youth Police Academy Openings Still AvailableThere are a few openings remaining in the upcoming Youth Police Academy (YPA), says Sherry Bowers, Ponca City Police Department information officer. The free program offers Ponca City High School students, ages 15-18, the opportunity to learn more about police policies and operations. “We are not recruiting these kids to be police officers,” commented deputy chief Clayton Johnson, “We are giving them an opportunity to learn more about our jobs and what it takes to conduct a criminal investigation.” According to Bowers, the classes will be a blend of lecture, demonstrations, tours and practical problems. Topics covered in the program will include emergency communications, jail operations, police careers, patrol functions, domestic violence, traffic enforcement, crash investigation, police pursuits, DUI and alcohol related cases, defensive tactics, juvenile crime, special operations, crime scene investigation, drug investigation, detective functions, firearms and crimes against persons (homicide, assaults and sex crimes). “It is not all lecture, we give these young people lots of hands on opportunities,” explained Johnson. The YPA program will be held June 26-30 at Pioneer Technology Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Applications are available at the police department. For more information contact Clayton Johnson or Sherry Bowers at 767-0370. DEATHSMildred Frances Hackney Mildred Frances HackneyBLACKWELL — Mildred Frances Hackney, former Blackwell resident, died Tuesday, June 13, 2000, in the Maplewood Care Center in Tulsa. She was 86. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 16, at the James W. Roberts Memorial Chapel in the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Gale Izard of the First United Methodist Church of Blackwell officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. Mildred Frances Hackney was born on June 2, 1914, in Bartlesville, the daughter of John M. and Milbra Catherine Birleu Bullick. She attended Bartlesville schools. She moved to Blackwell in the early 1930s. She married Oral Lee Hackney on April 4, 1936. They resided in Blackwell until moving to Mannford in 1972. In 1976, they moved to Almo, Texas. They lived there shortly until their return to Mannford. They moved back to Blackwell in 1997. In 1998 they moved to Tulsa. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell. Survivors include her husband of the home; one daughter, Oralene Sherbon of Tulsa; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary Mitchem; and three brothers, Roy Bullick, Earl Bullick and Harvey Bullick. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601, or St. Francis Hospice, 6600 South Yale, Suite 350, Tulsa, Okla. 74136. Dennis Ray JohnsonNEWKIRK — Dennis Ray Johnson, Newkirk resident, died Wednesday morning, June 14, 2000, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 54. The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Friday, June 16, in the Newkirk First Baptist Church with the Rev. Danny Ringer officiating. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. Dennis Ray Johnson was born Oct. 21, 1945, the son of Orville Augustus and Catherine Marie Kimmell Johnson in Winfield, Kan. He grew up and attended school in Arkansas City, Kan. He then attended Cowley County Junior College in Arkansas City. On June 7, 1975, he married Linda Jean Larssen in Arkansas City. They moved to their present location in Peckham in 1976. He worked for the city of Newkirk, and, at the time of his death, he was employed by the Ponca City Wal-Mart. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, and he enjoyed country music, woodworking and playing cards. Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, Dennis Johnson Jr. of Kansas City, Mo., Kristofer Johnson of Blackwell and Bryan Johnson of Newkirk; one daughter, Stephanie Johnson of Ponca City; one brother, Oscar Johnson of Newkirk; one sister, Connie Albin of Arkansas City, Kan.; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial fund has been established with the American Diabetic Association. Contributions may be made through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk 74647-0468. Marvin Lee HarrisMarvin Lee Harris, Ponca City resident, died Monday, June 12, 2000, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was 61. A memorial will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 16, in the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Richard Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery in Tonkawa. Marvin Lee Harris was born Sept. 28, 1938, in Ponca City, the son of Clio and Juanita Harris. He graduated from Ponca City High School and moved to California, where he was employed as a bank teller for 14 years. He also worked for the city of Ponca City and at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for several years. He married Charlotte Henderson on Feb. 26, 1977, in Ponca City. He enjoyed sports, bowling and traveling. Survivors include his wife of the home; his father; four brothers, Melvin Harris and Louie Harris, both of Blackwell, Marlin Harris of Tennessee and DeDe Harris of California; and three stepchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and his sister, Marilyn. Memorials can be made to the Arthritis Foundation of Oklahoma, 500 North Broadway Suite 200 Oklahoma City, Okla. 73102. There will be no viewing at the Funeral Home. Evelyn Marie Miller ZaitshikEvelyn Marie Miller Zaitshik, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, June 14, 2000, at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was 78. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 16, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Joseph Meyer of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Garber officiating with the Rev. Stephen Lance assisting. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Evelyn Marie Miller Zaitshik was born Aug. 21, 1921, in Houston, Texas, the daughter of Frank Kight and Verna (Clayton) Kight. She grew up in Monmouth, Ill., where she graduated from Monmouth High School. On Dec. 12, 1940, she married Dale Miller in Illinois, where they made their first home. They later moved to Garber where they raised their family and then moved to Ponca City in 1972. They were married until his death in 1983. In December of 1994, she married Morris Zaitshik in Ponca City where they lived until her death. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Athenian Club and the Garber Christian Church. She spent the last 16 years as a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center. She also was involved with Hospice of Ponca City and Meals-on-Wheels. Survivors include her husband of the home; one daughter, Julie Shaw of Enid; three sons, Bob Miller of Garber, Jim Miller of Noble, and David Miller of Oklahoma City; one brother, Bill Lease of Monmouth, Ill.; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband. Casket bearers will be Greg Shaw, Scott Shaw, Brad Shaw, Kyle Miller, Todd Miller, Jason Miller. Honorary bearers will be Adam Shaw, Jeff Miller, Derrick Miller and Matthew Miller. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. Tommy Joe JohnsBLACKWELL — Tommy Joe “Jody” Johns, former Blackwell resident, died late Tuesday evening, June 13, 2000, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 65. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 17, at the First Church of God in Blackwell with the Rev. Jim Hollyfield of the United Methodist Church in Newkirk officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery. Flag presentation will be conducted by the American Legion and VFW of Ponca City. Tommy Joe Johns was born on Sept. 29, 1934, in Blackwell, the son of Victor and Velma (Hendricks) Johns. He grew up in Blackwell and attended Blackwell public schools, graduating in 1952. He then entered the United States Army, serving during the Korean conflict. Following his discharge, he returned to Blackwell and began attending Oklahoma State Tech in Okmulgee, where he studied diesel mechanics and accounting. Following graduation, he moved to Grand Junction, Colo., and then Colorado Springs, Colo., where he was employed for the Western Company as a diesel mechanic. He later moved to Wyoming, where he was employed with Halliburton Company as a diesel mechanic. In 1973, he returned to Colorado Springs and was employed by Mesa Landscaping. In 1978, he moved to Newkirk. On Aug. 26, 1983, he married Lodena “Dee” Fox in Ponca City. While in Newkirk, he established the local Alcoholics Anonymous chapter where he was very active in helping others through the twelve-step program. He was a member of the Church of God and the American Legion and VFW in Ponca City. He also held a lifetime membership in the Disabled American Veterans. Survivors include his wife of the home; one daughter, Jill Johns of Pipestone, Minn.; one stepdaughter, Robin Sattre of Ponca City; one step-son, Mark Fry of Ponca City; his mother; one sister, Clariene Sullivan of Blackwell; three brothers, Marvin Johns of Newkirk, Don Johns of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Lester Johns of Eufaula; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father; and a brother, Terry Johns. Casket bearers are Terry Perkins, John Long, Ron Greer, David Cauley, Rick Thiele and Dennis Crawford. Honorary bearers are R.Q. Spencer, Leroy Jenkins, Jim Creason, Jimmie Jenkins, John Williamson, Joe and Sharla Brown, Ed and Vina White and all AA participants. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. Services PendingOpal E. BarronOpal E. Barron, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, June 14, 2000, at the Tender Heart Nursing Center. She was 88. Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. Cecil StroudFAIRFAX — Cecil Stroud, Fairfax resident, died Wednesday night, June 14, 2000, in the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. He was 81. Services are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home. Annie JezekAnnie Jezek, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, June 14, 2000, at St. Anthony Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was 60. Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. NEWS BRIEFS-- Dog Wash & Dip Scheduled — Ponca City Dog Training Club will hold a Dog Wash & Dip on Sunday, June 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Pioneer Motor Bank, southeast corner of North Fourteenth Street and East Highland Avenue-Lake Road. Humpty Reunion 2000 for former employees. Date, Time June 17, 2000 10 A.M.-6 P.M. Place: Lake Ponca Park shelter house #3. For more information call Kaye 765-9742, Terri 765-8929, or Phil 765-5510. adv. Volunteers Needed — The American Legion Buffalo Post is sponsoring a sale of Indian tacos Saturday. Volunteers and support are needed. If you can help call Delbert Cole, 580-718-9570. Leather Chairs- recliners from $529 at West End Interiors and Art Gallery. 223 West Grand. 765-8864. adv. Mel’s Clothing & shoes. Buy any one item get the 2nd item for half price. adv. Ponca Gourd Dance Society — Members of the Ponca Gourd Dance Society are reminded they are co-host this weekend and encouraged to attend the Iowa Tribe’s Annual Powwow at the tribal grounds south of Perkins Friday through Sunday, June 16-18. Ponca Gourd Dance Society is the host Gourd Dance organization. Oklahoma blueberries and blackberries are ready now, to order call 765-1956. adv. Burglary — A man in the 400 block of West Otoe Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 7:54 a.m. Wednesday that some fishing equipment had been stolen out of his garage. An officer was assigned and a second degree burglary report was taken. Closed For vacation. June 19-23. Lewis Auto Service. 112 East Oklahoma. adv. Office Furniture for sale. 762-7558 or 762-7980. Nice desks in good condition. adv. Community Meeting — The Otoe-Missouria Tribe will host a community meeting on Monday, June 19 at 1 p.m. in the Enterprise Center at the Tribal office complex. Please plan to attend and to meaningfully contribute to the Tribe’s proposal for funding under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth. The Tribe hopes to allocate any awarded funds toward a transitional living facility and providing food, shelter, and a safe supportive environment to runaway, homeless, and street youth. Delight Dad with a copy of the Ponca City History Book! Packed with historical pictures and stories about our town’s rich heritage. Only $34.95 at the Ponca City News office, 300 North Third. But hurry! Friday is your last chance to get one before Fathers Day! adv. Humpty Reunion 2000 — There will be a reunion of all past employees of Humpty Dumpty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Shelterhouse 3 at Lake Ponca Park. Food, games and drawings. Bring a donated item. Cost is $5 for adults, $2 for kids 6-12, younger free. Contact Kaye Harkins (Furber), 765-9742, Terri Buell (Taylor), 765-8929, or Phil Hunter, 765-5510, for reservations or further information. 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. Burglary — Someone in the 1900 block of North Fourteenth Street reported at 2:38 p.m. Wednesday that a vehicle had been broken into. An officer was assigned and an auto burglary report was taken. Concealed Handgun class, June 24, 8:00 am, great Father’s Day gift. More information call Dianne or Grady Rickman, 765-6589. adv. Theft — A man in the 3000 block of Kingston Road reported at 6:03 a.m. Thursday that four flags had been stolen from his yard. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken. Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv. Theft — A clerk at a local business reported to Ponca City police at 4:13 p.m. Wednesday that a customer failed to return some rental equipment. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Great Father’s Day Gift! Pictorial History books still available at The Ponca City News. Filled with pictures and history from 1893 to 1960. $34.95 plus tax. Available at the News Business Office, 300 North Third. A gift Dad will treasure for a lifetime! adv. Subject Held — An officer in the 200 block of South Birch Street reported at 4:53 p.m. Wednesday that a 30-year-old man had been taken into custody on a Kay County warrant. Weather Lab’s 24hr. weather-line, 762-9999. adv. Subject Held — An officer in the 2900 block of North Union Street reported at 7:24 p.m. Wednesday that a 21-year-old man was being taken into custody on Kay County warrants for failure to appear, failure to obey, two counts of uttering a forged instrument and conspiracy to commit a felony. Pauline’s Shrimp peel. All you can eat $11.95, Friday the 16th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv. Subject Held — An officer in the 700 block of North First Street reported at 12:58 a.m. Thursday that a 36-year-old woman was being taken into custody for public intoxication. 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 in the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Prospect Avenue reported at 1:18 a.m. Thursday that a 36-year-old man was being taken into custody for public intoxication. 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. Disabled American Veterans — The third Thursday of the month regular meeting of the Disabled American Veterans McKnight-Printz Chapter 47 will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at 401 South Lincoln Street. -- GARDENINGDiggin in the DirtBy Kathy Zehr In a recent poll, strawberries were listed as the second favorite food of American women (chocolate, of course, was first). The luscious, red berries are highly nutritious and provide the adult recommended minimum daily requirement for vitamin C in one cup. They are the number one fruit crop for home plantings in Oklahoma and are very plentiful during most of the year at the supermarket. So, ladies, eat up and serve them to your family frequently with a clear conscience. Strawberries are also very easy to grow, and with just a little planning and care, a small established bed will provide luscious fruits for a family of four each year. Our strawberry bed is about 12x20 feet and some years, when the bed is cared for properly and fertilized, we have picked from three to five gallons in June. Two Types Available Two main types of bearers are to be considered. The everbearing, which produces a crop in June and another (usually smaller) in the fall and the June-bearer, which only fruits once. Usually the June-bearer is the most popular in Oklahoma, producing larger fruit and less picking. Some growers plant several varieties to provide strawberries for several months. My beds contain the everbearing type, which, if kept watered and fed, are prolific bearers. The fruit is small, but the berries have excellent strawberry flavor — we think some larger fruits are less tasty. The plants we have now are descendants from starts someone gave us over 30 years ago; so, once a bed is established, it can be an easy source of delicious fruit for many years. During the rest of the year, the bright green, blooming, trailing, low growing plants are eye-pleasing, and with a little planning, can be used as ground cover for difficult mowing areas, in flower beds, as hanging plants on the patio, in special arrangements, and in dozens of other landscaping ideas. Over the years, we have divided the plants and shared with neighbors and friends. Establishing A Bed — Start Now Mid-June is a little late to establish a strawberry bed as we are heading into the hot summer months, but planning ahead now for a bed in the fall is smart. If it is to be established where grass now grows, the bed should be prepared now. As the soil is tilled, add sand if soil has too much clay, and generous amounts of compost and other fertilizers. Cover with numerous layers of newspapers and some straw (or other mulch). Keep it watered occasionally and let it “cook” until fall. Avoid establishing a bed where other berries, tomatoes, potatoes or peppers previously grew. Planting a fall strawberry bed allows roots to grow all winter, and plants should be strong enough to produce a crop next year. Plants can also be planted in the spring, but the wise grower removes all spring blooms to allow roots to get established before expending their energy on fruit. So summer-spring planted beds take a year to fruit, October-November plantings produce the next spring! Many different varieties exist within the two strawberry types. In addition to choosing when and how you want your strawberries to bear, choices include varieties that are tart or sweet, have various preservation qualities (freezing), cold-heat weather hardiness, and others. The Kay County OSU Extension office at Newkirk has numerous free publications to help establish and maintain a good strawberry bed. They also list varieties recommend for northern Oklahoma. Beds should not be more than 3-feet wide — narrow enough for easy picking. If you have a large area, allow walkways between beds. If you are establishing a new bed from older plants, remove the rooted runners from mother plants and place them in the new bed about 2-feet apart. This wide spacing allows a place for new runners to set root. Spread the roots out in the planting hole. It is very important to make certain the little pink “ears” at the center base of the stems are not covered with dirt. If set too deeply, the plants will rot; if too shallow, they will dry out and die. Pack the soil around the roots to hold the plant firmly in the ground. Water each plant well after planting. Keep all roots wet during planting process. If roots are excessively long they may be trimmed with scissors. Frequent watering is necessary following planting. If rainfall is not adequate, water at least one-inch weekly (more if needed). Mulching is controversial. I think mulch aids in keeping soil-borne diseases from the fruits, prevents erosion of soil, aids in weed control and makes harvesting cleaner and easier. If mulching with straw or other material, make certain that foliage and flower stalks are never covered. SPORTSNo Local Sports
Copyright© Ponca City News, 1998 |