LOCAL

Thorn Apple Valley Ending Its Fresh Pork Operations
Nearly News
Chamber News
Excitement of Oil Exploration Evident
United Way Receives Sykes Computers
NOC Summer School Classes Begin June 29

Thorn Apple Valley Ending Its Fresh Pork Operations

PRNewswire

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Thorn Apple Valley Inc. has announced plans to exit its fresh pork operations and focus on its processed meats business as an independent entity.

The company’s decision follows a thorough operational analysis by an outside consultant as well as a comprehensive exploration of strategic alternatives for maximizing shareholder value, which Thorn Apple Valley conducted with investment banker Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc.

Local Plant

In Ponca City the Thorn Apple Valley meat processing plant employs about 600 and is looking for more employees, according to Vice President and General Manager Doug Moore. Currently the plant is producing about 1.4 million pounds of product a week and anticipates going to about 2 million pounds per week in the future. Products include 4-by-6 sliced ham, turkey breast, turkey ham, cooked ham, smoked boneless ham, spiral sliced bone-in hams and ham steaks.

Moore said here Wednesday that there is no truth to the rumor that the plant will be closing. In fact the plant is continuing to expand its production.

In the near future a third slicing line is to be opened adding another possible 26 jobs, plus a second shift spiral ham slicing line calling for another 35 jobs. Currently the company needs about 90 employees, according to management.

Dorfman’s View

Said President and Chief Executive Officer Joel Dorfman, about the exiting of fresh pork operations, “After reviewing a range of strategic options in light of this company’s strengths and weaknesses, the Board has accepted the recommendation of our outside consultant and Nesbitt Burns that shareholder interests may be best served by exiting the fresh pork business and directing all of our energies, talents and resources to growing our branded processed meats operations.

“Thorn Apple Valley’s losses in fiscal 1996 and 1997 primarily resulted from our fresh pork operations. As a processed meats company emphasizing higher-margin products, we hope to return to profitability and achieve more consistent financial and operational performance.”

The company also disclosed that exiting its fresh pork operation will result in a fiscal fourth-quarter charge related to the discontinuation of assets. The charge, which will be principally non-cash, is expected to run between $35 and $50 million. Thorn Apple Valley’s fourth quarter fiscal 1998 ended on May 29, 1998; results are expected to be announced in mid-August.

According to the company, Thorn Apple Valley will enter into a long-term supply agreement with IBP, inc. IBP is recognized around the globe as the world’s leading producer of quality beef and pork products. The intercompany arrangement creates an alliance between Thorn Apple Valley and IBP that provides an assured supply of fresh pork products and raw materials.

Dorfman concluded, “There is tremendous value inherent in our processed meats business and a solid foundation on which to build a profitable, stand- alone company. Our product portfolio includes five No. 1-selling national brands that are processed and distributed through a modern, low-cost infrastructure.

Our expanding international business provides the opportunity for further growth and operational efficiency. And, Thorn Apple Valley has a track record of product and promotional innovation that features the ability to transform niche products into whole new product categories. Over the next few quarters, we will be further refining our processed meats product lines, operations and growth strategy as we work to maximize shareholder value by leveraging these assets to the fullest.”

Thorn Apple Valley is a leading meat processor with a newly modernized, low-cost infrastructure, an extensive product portfolio that includes five No. 1-selling national branded products and an expanding international presence.

Nearly News

NN learned recently that the Daughters of the American Revolution officer picture in last Sunday’s Lifestyles pages had a wrong identity. Our apologies to Audrey Jones, who was listed as Ann Strickland by a member of the organization.

Chamber News

What is Y2K, Anyway? And What Does It Have To Do With Me?

If you haven’t heard by now, or if you thought that Year 2000 Computer Compliance meant everyone but you … it’s time to think again!

Here’s the situation for those of you who don’t know:

When computers were first introduced, the brain trust that developed them forgot one key factor: They made no provisions for the beginning of a new century. When they set up the year fields (i.e. 1994, 1995, 1996, etc.) They only allowed two spaces for each year.

Thus, the computer reads the year as 94, 95, 96, etc. Sounds OK. But what happens when we get to the year 2000? Well … the computer reads that as “00,” which translates to the year 1900 (not 2000). You can imagine the list of problems this creates.

Statements for services, instead of being due for one month, can be looked at by the computer as being past due since 1900. In fact, any date sensitive records can literally be thrown into chaos.

So what do we do?

A. Wait for Bill Gates to come up with a “silver bullet” to fix it for us?

B. Ignore it … It’ll go away by itself?

C. Assume that everyone else but me has a problem?

D. Forget about it. If we send out statements to all our accounts which show they are 100 years past due and even just a few pay them … Hey! We’re set for life!

Actually, none of the above options makes much sense. But the question still remains — What to do?

The Ponca City Chamber, seeing the problem and knowing that local businesses need help, is now in the process of setting up a special Y2K Task Force to help you evaluate your system and offer help.

Here’s the plan:

A special committee comprised of highly trained and knowledgeable computer experts headed up by volunteers from Sykes, Conoco and others are being selected. This team will be charged with the following objectives:

1. Work with any interested business to help them check their computer system hardware to determine if it is Y2K Compliant (that means no problems, everything is set and ready to go).

2. Work to see if a “patch” can be developed to make non-compliant hardware, compliant.

3. Develop a checklist for businesses to follow to determine if their software is ready for the year 2000. Basic systems such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, personnel and budgeting are especially vulnerable to the Y2K problem.

Date sensitive devices should also be included, for example: postage machines, copy machines, time clocks, card access systems, day/date stamps and many more.

This service, and perhaps others to be added by the Task Force, will be provided free or at a minimal cost to all members of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce who wish to use it. The hardware checks will be completed at your place of business, on your system.

Detailed aspects of this program will be furnished to you within 90 days, along with information on what you need to do to participate.

The overall goal is to have a business community that is ready for the Year 2000. So if you aren’t sure about your computer system … stay tuned for more!

Upcoming Events

Friday, June 26, 7:15 a.m. — “Breakfast of Champions,” Marland Estate Chapel.

Friday, June 26, 11 a.m. —ÝChamber Board of Director’s Meeting.

Wednesday, July 1, 8 a.m. — “Give Ponca The Business.”

Excitement of Oil Exploration Evident

Editor’s Note: Earlier this week a drilling rig was erected near the intersection of Fourth Street and South Avenue, for the purpose of oil exploration under the city limits. This is the first in a series discussing oil exploration.

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

The man and his dream:

With the recent erection of the town’s first drilling rig in over 90 years comes the excitement over the possibility of hitting oil and the positive impact it would have on the city, citizens and the local economy.

The exploration currently underway beneath the city limits is the first such exploration ever. Never before has a well been drilled to such depths in the area and never before has the man behind the operation, John Warren, made a decision to drill in such manner.

It was a decision based not on advanced technology nor scientific data. Nor was it one that Warren carefully planned and calculated. Rather Warren’s decision began with a discovery he merely “stumbled onto” during a visit to Ponca City.

“About 8-9 months ago I was drilling west of here and had nothing to do so I came to Ponca City and toured the Marland Mansion,” Warren explained.

It was there that Warren obtained a book about E.W. Marland and began reading about Marland’s life and the history of Ponca City. It was there that he learned that at one time there had been an abundance of gas wells located within the city of Ponca City.

“I had no idea that there had been gas wells here back in the early 1900’s,” Warren said.

It was that discovery that lead Warren to the State Historical Society and to copies of The Ponca City Democrat which dated back to 1903. That was the beginning to his current quest and a $500,000 investment in the exploration he has begun in the southwest part of the city.

While the history of oil and gas exploration in and around Ponca City dates back to the turn of the century, it is to some local residents well known trivia about the city.

The local discovery of oil is what made the city what it was then and has become today. It was oil and gas that brought men like E.W. Marland to this area. It was oil and gas that made men like C.H. Ruby wealthy and created such companies as Oklahoma Natural Gas and Conoco.

In the early 1900’s up to 65 gas wells were drilled in Ponca City. However city commissioners, concerned with the onslaught of drilling within the city, called a special session in September 1906 wherein an ordinance was passed prohibiting further drilling inside the city limits.

“I feel that ordinance prevented Marland from drilling where he originally wanted to drill,” Warren says. It is in that same location that Warren has now chosen to drill.

From all indications, the prospect at that location is a good one, says Sutton Exploration President Earl Sutton.

“That site would have been drilled years ago if the city hadn’t been in the way. If it was on farmland it would have already been drilled,” Sutton stated. “The interesting thing is that they are drilling in the same field where Marland discovered oil in 1911 and I think their prospects are real good.”

To date the Warren Corporation has leased a total of 2,200 acres in and around the city limits, including land owned by individuals, the city of Ponca City and the Ponca City School District.

While he is not quite certain why people are apprehensive about the oil leases he can understand it. “Many people living here in the city have never leased before so they do not understand us, the process or what it is that we are hoping to accomplish and it is natural to be leery of that which you don’t fully understand,” Warren explained. “But this is not costing anyone any money and if we hit— on what I feel is a good prospect — we will then be sharing the wealth with all those property owners involved.”

While drilling has already begun, it will be several days before the outcome is known. In the meantime Warren will have a few sleepless nights and hope his dreams and wishes come true and his optimism and hunch pays off — for all involved.

“I am an eternal optimist and told the drilling contractors not to plan on going home for years because we are going to hit and hit big.”

The oil prospector has been in the oil business for many, many years and has never been as excited or optimistic about the possibilities for oil as he is here in Ponca City. “This type of prospect is a dream and the finest prospect with the greatest potential I have had in over 40 years,” Warren states. “If it does hit, it will change Ponca City and those that live here in a very positive and big way.”

United Way Receives Sykes Computers

When Sykes Enterprises upgraded their computers last month, they donated two used computers to United Way of Ponca City.

Since coming to Ponca City, Sykes employees have supported this community and the United Way not only during the United Way campaign but also through their involvement in the Kick-off parade, Bed Race, and numerous other community-wide activities.

United Way and its member agencies have all benefited from the support of the Ponca City Sykes employees, says Helene Schwartz, United Way director. Sykes employs over 550 people in Ponca City and provides computer technical support throughout the country.

NOC Summer School Classes Begin June 29

TONKAWA — Enrollment to date in Northern Oklahoma College summer classes totals 672 students with nearly half that number attending classes at the NWOSU-Enid site, according to Wanda Webb, registrar.

Students on the Tonkawa campus number 344 while 313 are at Enid and an additional four students are taking classes at both sites. Eleven students are served at Mercruiser. Figures released by Webb show 352 freshmen, 300 sophomores and 20 special students accounting for 3,073 credit hours.

Four-week classes beginning June 29 may pick up a few late enrollees, and Webb says three week-end computer seminars still have openings. Taught by Laura Nicholson on the Tonkawa campus, the seminars include Using the Internet, July 10-11; MS Office (WORD), July 17-18; and MS Office (EXCEL), July 24-25.

Enrollment for the fall session continues with 1,188 already enrolled compared to 1,075 a year ago. Webb encourages early enrollment to ensure a choice of class section times and days.

For enrollment information, contact the Northern Registrar’s Office, located in the Vineyard Library-Administration Building, telephone (580) 628-6220.

DEATHS

Max Donald Waldschmidt
Dorothy Creveling
Faemona Harrold
Elizabeth F. Horsechief
Clara Lehman
Kenneth L. Miller
Rose Donnelly

Max Donald Waldschmidt

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Max Donald Waldschmidt, longtime Arkansas City area resident died Wednesday, June 24, 1998, at his home in Arkansas City, Kan. He was 80.

The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 26, at Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church in Arkansas City with the Rev. Rick Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Parker Cemetery in Arkansas City under the direction of Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Max Donald Waldschmidt was born June 28, 1917, to Henry and Ercell (Graham) Waldschmidt in Arkansas City. He grew up on a farm near Vinton, Kan., where he attended school through eighth grade. He then helped his dad farm and grade roads for the Silverdale Township.

On June 11, 1939, he married Erma Christner and the couple farmed in Cowley County except for three and one-half years spent on a farm in Montgomery County. Due to health, they moved back to the Arkansas City area, where they purchased and lived on his grandfather’s homeplace. In October 1977 he was baptized in the Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church and was very active in building the new part of the church. In 1978, he sold the farm and moved into Arkansas City, where he purchased several homes to remodel and rent. In 1983 the couple purchased 20 acres south of town, where the family lived for 10 years. While living there he joined the IXL Church. They moved back to Arkansas City 1993 and Waldschmidt rejoined Hillcrest, where he was active in the upkeep of the church. He enjoyed being active and keeping up the repairs on his home, the church, and his rental houses.

Survivors include his wife, Erma, of the home; one son, Donald Waldschmidt of rural Dexter, Kan.; one daughter, Sharon Drake of Winfield, Kan.; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his caregivers, Pat Jackson and family and Glenda Brantley and family; several cousins and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sheryl A. Waggoner in 1992; and his parents.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Waldschmidt’s name to Hospice Inc. or Hillcrest Bible Baptist Church, c/o Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 756, Arkansas City, 67005.

Dorothy Creveling

Dorothy Creveling, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday morning, June 24, 1998, at her home. She was 81.

The funeral service will be held Friday, June 26, 1998, at 10 a.m. at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Denny G. Hook, pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. Viewing will not be held at the service; however, friends may call at the funeral home until 9 a.m. Friday.

Mrs. Creveling was born Jan. 25, 1917, in Guthrie, to E.B. and Olive (Huffman) Arthur. She grew up in Guthrie and was a 1934, graduate of Guthrie High School. She attended Arkansas City Junior College. On Aug. 8, 1937, she married Clyde “Bud” Creveling in Guthrie. They made Ponca City their home in 1948. Mr. Creveling preceded her in death Sept. 21, 1994. She was a homemaker.

Mrs. Creveling was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she served as treasurer of the Asbury Circle. She was also a member of the Redbud Garden Club. She enjoyed playing bridge and Mah Jongg and sewing.

She is survived by two daughters, Julie Creveling of Tucson, Ariz., and Jan Heaton of Albany, Ore.; one brother, Bill Arthur of Oklahoma City; sister, Margaret Floyd of Port Arthur, Texas; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.

The family will be at 1301 Donahoe.

Faemona Harrold

Faemona Harrold, 5 Donner Place, died Tuesday evening, June 23, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 73.

No public services are planned. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.

Born Oct. 5, 1924, in Ponca City, she was the daughter of A.T. and Cornelia Brown Nossaman. She attended Ponca City schools and graduated from Ponca City High School.

On Aug. 21, 1947, she married Arch D. Harrold III in Ponca City. The couple resided in Kansas City for 20 years, Omaha, Neb., for 15 years, and returned to Ponca City in 1987. Mr. Harrold preceded her in death on Oct. 7, 1991. Mrs. Harrold was a lifelong homemaker. She enjoyed doing volunteer work at the Joslyn Art Museum and also was interested in Indian art work.

She is survived by two sons, Arch “Dee” Harrold of Lenexa, Kan., and Chris Harrold of Wichita, Kan.; a daughter, Sara Harrold of Omaha, Neb.; six grandchildren; a brother, Marion “Bud” Nossaman; and two sisters, Dorothy Ridley and Audalee Ross.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.

The family will be at 5 Donner Place.

Elizabeth F. Horsechief

PAWNEE — Elizabeth F. (Justice) Horsechief, lifelong Pawnee area resident, died Wednesday, June 24, 1998, in Stillwater. She was 80.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Poteet Funeral Chapel in Pawnee. Burial will be in the North Indian Cemetery at Pawnee.

Elizabeth F. Justice Horsechief was born Oct. 23, 1917, in Pawnee the daughter of Will and Dollie (Sherman) Justice Moore.

She was married to Robert Goodchief Sr., Vance Horsechief Sr., and Delbert Horsechief Jr. They all preceded her in death. Mrs. Horsechief worked as a welder at Tinker Air Force Base during World War II. She later worked as a seamstress in the family dry cleaning business. She was a member of the Jehovah’s Witness and enjoyed playing cards.

Survivors include Justine R. Rice of Topeka, Kan., Christine M. Collins of Pawnee, Betty S. Rice of Okmulgee, Karen M. Horsechief of Pawnee, Vance Horsechief Jr. of Reserve, Kan., Minnie R. Rice of Pawnee, and an adopted daughter, Stella Wilson of Cushing; one brother, Wilson Moore of Pawnee; two sisters, Sadie Gonzales of Pawnee and Regina Wilson of Tulsa; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by one son, Robert Goodchief Jr; one daughter, Darwina Goodchief; two sisters, Dean Littleson and Verone J. White; and two grandchildren.

Clara Lehman

ABILENE, Kan. — Clara Lehman, mother to Marianna Counter of Ponca City died Wednesday, June 24, 1998, at the Abilene Memorial Hospital. She was 96.

The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Danner Funeral Home in Abilene, with the Rev. Robert Frasier officiating. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery south of Holland, Kan. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Clara (Nagely) Lehman was born Nov. 29, 1901, in the Industry Community, the daughter of Kasper and Mary (Schmolzi) Nagely. She grew up in the Acme Community and attended Newbern School.

On June 9, 1932, she was married to William Lehman and the couple spent all their married life farming in the Holland and Carlton Communities. Following Mr. Lehman’s death on Jan. 16, 1976, she was employed as a staff member at the Brown Memorial Home for 14 years. She then moved to Chapman Valley Manor and for the last three years lived with her niece Shirley Strunk. Mrs. Lehman was a member of the Carlton Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. John (Marianna) Counter of Ponca City and Mrs. Dale (Eleanor) Correll of Abilene, Kan.; one son, Dr. Carl W. Lehman of Honolulu, Hawaii; two sisters, Alma Lauer and Ida Roggendorf, both of Abilene; two brothers, Elmer Nagely and Milt Nagely, both of Abilene; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by four brothers, John, Ernest, Arnold, and Walter Nagely.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Lehman’s name to the Carlton Presbyterian Church, c/o Danner Funeral Home, 501 North Buckeye, Abilene, KS 67410.

Funerals

Friday

Kenneth L. Miller

Memorial service at 10 a.m. at Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.

Saturday

Rose Donnelly

Funeral to be held at 10 a.m. at Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City. Other arrangements will be announced later.

NEWS BRIEFS

Farmers’ Market — Ponca City Farmers’ Market is looking for area growers of “home grown” products to become part of the organization. The Farmers’ Market is held Wednesdays at 7 a.m. behind Dollar Saver in the NationsBank parking lot and on Saturdays in the 100 block of South Third. Those interested in becoming members can attend the June 29 meeting at 8 p.m. at the Ponca City Main Street Authority Office, 117 North Third, or call 763-8082.

Senior Citizen Dance — A Senior Citizen Dance will be held 7-10 p.m. Friday at the Senior Citizen Building, 320 South A in Arkansas City, Kan. The Pete Coli Country Band will play. All senior citizens are invited to attend and bring a favorite snack to share.

Burbank Reunion — The Burbank School reunion will be Sunday at the school. Registration is planned for 9 a.m. Those attending are asked to bring folding chairs, salad, sandwiches or dessert, family and friends, and spend the day. For more information call 765-7393.

Rotary Meeting Changes — Pioneer Rotary Club will not meet at noon Friday due to the Friday night’s annual installation banquet. Due to the July 4 holiday weekend, the next meeting of the club will be noon, July 10, at the Marland Mansion Estate.

Arrest — Police arrested a 28-year-old woman at 8:36 a.m. Wednesday from a traffic stop at North Fifth Street and East Highland Avenue for driving under suspension, no insurance and no child restraint.

Business Vandalized — At 9:03 a.m. Wednesday paintball vandalism was reported at Dempewolf Transfer and Storage, 2101 North Union Street. An officer was assigned.

Hit & Run — A woman in the 100 block of South Fourteenth Street called police at 9:28 a.m. Wednesday to report that someone had backed into her vehicle during the night. A report was taken.

Arrest — A 29-year-old woman was arrested at 11:59 a.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Garden Vandalism — At 12:19 p.m. Wednesday a woman in the 1400 block of South Fifth Street advised police that some neighbor children had vandalized her garden. An officer was assigned.

Arrest — Police arrested a 51-year-old man at 1:58 p.m. Wednesday from the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue on two Kay County warrants.

Arrest — At 2:47 p.m. Wednesday a 36-year-old man was arrested on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Arrest — Police arrested a 33-year-old man at 3:05 p.m. Wednesday from the 200 block of North Oak Street on a city warrant for two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Arrest — A 20-year-old man was arrested at 3:31 p.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Arrest — At 8:12 p.m. Wednesday a 22-year-old man was arrested from the 500 block of North Eighth Street for driving under suspension, no child restraint, no seat belt and on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Hit & Run — Police were notified at 10:22 p.m. Wednesday of a hit-and-run accident that occurred earlier in the day in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. A report was taken.

Arrest — A 28-year-old man was arrested at Pine Street and West Grand Avenue at 10:20 p.m. Wednesday for driving under the influence, transporting an open container, no insurance and resisting arrest.

Curfew Violation — At 12:23 a.m. Thursday police issued a curfew violation to a 16-year-old girl in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue.

LIFESTYLES

Local Showplace Garden Keeps Growing ... Growing ... and Growing

Local Showplace Garden Keeps Growing ... Growing ... and Growing

From a simple cow pasture purchased 20 years ago, Jack and Joanne Round have dug, carved, planted and created a unique five-acre garden paradise to enhance their comfortable home east of Ponca City.

The tastefully arranged gardens are ever-changing with the seasons and every year brings new additions. In addition to adding to the existing gardens each ear the Rounds manage to discover another corner or area in which to plant and create new ideas.

Visiting gardeners spend hours in the Round’s yard and are delightfully inspired by the artistically orchestrated array of flora and fauna — photographers find unique groupings, exhibits and delightful micro-gardens around each corner. The picturesque gardens have been featured in “Dun Rovin” magazine and in area newspapers for several years.

Joanne is also very proud of a certificate hanging in their home which certifies the yard as a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, several terrapins (all named Freddie) wander about the premises unafraid. An occasional deer may be seen as it seeks the cracked corn sprinkled from a nearby automatic feeder.

Visitors may wander through the shaded show yard and enjoy numerous well-planned small garden theme areas including the lily/fish pond, the courtyard and terrace, a large picket-fenced herb garden, Grandma’s Secret Garden, the Rabbit Patch, the Weed Patch, and The Land of Oz.

All the beauty is the result of a continuous “labor of love,” says Joanne. The couple usually spends at least six hours every day working in the gardens. At last count, the Rounds had planted more than 500 trees and an uncountable number of blooming perennials in addition to the hundreds of annual flowers added each year. Joanne says she subscribes to “almost every gardening magazine published,” where she gets many of her new ideas.

Joanne plans the layouts or additions in each micro-area, sketches plans for signs, birdhouses and other quaint enhancements. From those drawings Jack builds dozens of rustic bird houses, signs, carts and other enchanting creations to add special charm to the exceptional gardens.

Visitors are welcome to visit the Round gardens, but need to call for an appointment at 762-4643.

SPORTS

For PC Majors, Run Rule Wins Keep Coming

PUTNAM CITY — The American Legion majors team continued on the path of least resistance, Wednesday, run-ruling Putnam City West, 9-1, in five innings. The Royals have now won seven of their last nine games, with six of those seven wins coming by way of the run-rule.

Still, after a disappointing, 8-4 loss to Putnam City Brassfield in an earlier game on Wednesday, the Legionnaires remain two games off the .500 mark, at 13-15.

In the second game, a seven hit, six run first inning put the Poncans in control and they never looked back.

Evan Rupp did yet another fantastic job on the mound, as well, giving up just three hits and a single walk to the Patriots. And though the Royal hurler struck out just three, the Ponca City defense was on the mark, committing no errors en route to allowing their foes just 19 at-bats in the game.

In the first inning, lead off hitter Jerrod Spears was hit by a pitch to get things started. That was followed by a single to right field by centerfielder Toby Red Leaf, and shortstop Justin Thomas followed with an shot to left field to load the bases.

Though Spears came in on the next hit, a double play by Putnam City then threatened to bring the Royals’ half of the inning to a close. The Poncans had other ideas, however.

First baseman Dean Hemenway launched a 1-2 pitch to center field to get the 2-out rally going, and after a walk by left fielder Marc Smith, right fielder Daniel Denny picked up a base hit to load the bases again.

Designated hitter Kevin Reusser then came through for the Royals, powering a 2 RBI double to left field. That was followed by RBI singles by second baseman Justin Ross and Spears to complete the Ponca City assault.

After taking the top of the Putnam City roster 3-and-out in the bottom of the first, the Royals added another run in the top of the second to up the ante to 7-0.

A base hit by Thomas, who advanced to third on consecutive Putnam City errors, came in on a base hit to right field by Smith.

Two hits in the bottom of the third led to Putnam City’s lone run, but the Poncans answered with two more runs in the top of the fourth to get them over the critical, 8-run lead mark.

Those runs came off a single by Thomas, followed by a home run by consistent home run hitter Jason Neff, who took an 0-2 pitch over the left field fence.

Though everyone in the line-up had a hit, only Thomas had multiple hits, going 3-for-4 at the plate.

In the first game, though the Royals out-hit Brassfield, 9-5, eight men left on base and a big fifth inning by the Putnam City boys buried the Poncans. Also, two of those Ponca City hits were solo home-run shots, one — again — by Neff, and another by Spears.

After knotting the game at 3-all on Neff’s homer in the top of the fifth, Brassfield picked up five runs in the bottom of that inning. Though they got just two hits, two errors by the Poncans aided their cause.

Jerrod Spears added his long-ball shot to the Royals’ lost cause, a 2-out solo shot over the centerfield fence in the top of the sixth.

For the game, Spears was 3-for-4, while Hemenway was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The Royals play again on Friday, traveling to Stillwater for a doubleheader. Game time is 5 p.m.

Putnam City Brassfield 8, Ponca City 4

Putnam City 200 150 x — 8 5 3

Ponca City 100 111 0 — 4 9 2

Shaver and Doty; Denny and Spears.

Ponca City 9, Putnam City West 1

Ponca City 610 20 — 9 12 3

Putnam City 001 00 — 1 3 3

Rupp and Spears; Parton, Voutomylm (1) and Voutomylm, Parton (1).

Ponca City Biker On ESPN Xgames

Ponca City’s Arthur Thomason was one of 20 professional riders competing in the bicycle flatland competition of ESPN’s Xgames Wednesday.

Thomason, who has performed in Ponca City several times, graduated from Hendrix College with a degree in Physics in 1997.

He is now riding professionally with Pro Impact and Ride and Grind. Those two stunt teams have performed in 12 states this year.