LOCAL

City Departments Set Goals for Future
Keating Declares Disaster Emergency
Two Streets Scheduled For Repairs
Safety Comes First When Barbecue Grills Are in Use
Safety Tips Listed For Fireworks
Area Oil and Gas Report

City Departments Set Goals for Future

By LAURA CORFF

News Staff Writer

Following its mission, the City of Ponca City departments not only reviewed their accomplishments during the fiscal year 1999-2000 budget process, but they set goals for the coming year.

The focus remains to provide citizens with quality public services in the most efficient and effective manner, utilizing qualified and dedicated employees, with accessible, well-maintained facilities and infrastructure.

Ultimately, the objectives are part of a larger, strategic plan or vision for the year 2010, which was adopted by the Ponca City Board of Commissioners on Jan. 11. The vision is comprised of thirteen strategic goals related to capital improvements; development of revenue; constructing a Civic Center Complex; revitalizing the downtown area; developing a recreation complex; developing a competitive electric utility or exit strategy; fostering community relations and promoting inclusion for people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

This article will look at each city department beginning with the city commission, whose Fiscal 2000 objective includes ensuring that departments groups develop work to gain citizen approval to continue a half-cent sales tax to meet the structural needs of City Hall and the Civic Center. Additionally, the board will continue to review the relevance, value and cost-effectiveness of city programs and departments.

Under the heading, Central Municipal Activity Department, the city will pursue supporting outside agency funding and work towards implementing the strategic plan, including organizing the Fourth of July and Millennium community celebrations.

The Finance Department has set goals to include completing procedure manuals for finance positions; updating the city records management policy, and increasing the average yield on investments by 10 basis points over fiscal 1999. Additionally, the department will work with the city attorney to re-codify the city code of ordinances. In addition, the department will submit the 1999-2000 budget book for a first time entry to the Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program.

Better Collection of Fines

The Municipal Court division plans to implement a new court computer software program to enhance record keeping. Additionally, the division will try to decrease the number of outstanding warrants by five percent and attempt to increase collection of all delinquent fines by ten percent.

Working to support the revitalizing the downtown area is one goal set by the Planning and Community Development Department. Others include working with the west side residents to revitalize the neighborhood; developing a cost-benefit analysis to annex areas into the city limits; and providing mediation training for inspectors. Additionally, the department plans to collect information on land use, zoning, housing stock and building conditions to update and revise the master plan.

During 2000, the Police Department has established several objectives such as providing advanced officer training to selected officers; transitioning the color of uniforms; continuing the fleet replacement schedule; upgrading departments with improved software for records management and beginning a juvenile police academy program.

The Animal Control Department will continue to enforce ordinances in the coming year. In addition, the department will continue training personnel and maintaining the facility. Also, staff will review, research and suggest changes to current city ordinances to enhance enforcement pertaining to animals and pets.

Among various objectives determined by the Emergency Management Department are: update and maintain emergency operation plan and comprehensive emergency resource list; study mitigation methods to reduce potential damage and loss; evaluate alternate sources for operating the weather information network for quality and cost effectiveness; initiate an education program for elementary students; coordinate emergency efforts with city departments as well as the county, state and federal agencies; and continue to cross-train and certify volunteer staff.

The Communications/911 Department plans to continue training of communication officers; maintain an update list of emergency call outs for local business and prepare communication personnel for public speaking engagements.

Educating the Public on Safety

Promoting public education in fire safety, is a priority of the Ponca City Fire Department. Additionally, the division plans for the transition to the new Fire Station; increase the networking with all fire rescue services within Kay County and will continue with a three minute response time average with the city limits.

Under the department, administration will also evaluate the need and feasibility of Emergency Medical Care Program. The department will also complete the transition from smaller ambulances to the larger units and place an automatic early defibrillator on each front line fire engine.

Furthermore, the Street Administration established objects to include continuation of preventive maintenance of streets and alleys and increase the maintenance of drainage structures and channels. In addition, keeping the Fire Station construction and the realignment and signalization of Ash and Hartford on schedule and budget, will be the focus for the Engineering Administration. Also, they will compete the GIS contract for system mapping for electrical and waste-wastewater systems and implement it into the city staff. Additionally, engineers will kick off the Waverly Street corridor projects, and complete programming the rest of the Civic Center and complete the design documents to be ready for bidding. Lastly, the department plans to implement the new Paving Management Program into the street maintenance area.

Traffic Engineering has established goals of reducing the number of No Parking signs, increasing the percentage of pavement markings laid in long-life material and updating and standardizing traffic signal controllers.

Park and Recreation Department

Under Park Maintenance, objectives include adopting a project plan with identified funding sources for a recreation complex; work on the federal grant to provide a multi use trails master plan; work toward development a board to address trees; and initiate a more efficient mowing program.

At the AMBUC pool, the department decided to increase the public safety; comply with new and existing state bathing code requirements; work with schools to provide water safety education and explore the feasibility of pool rental.

Also under the park department are recreational programs. Fiscal 2000 objectives are to incorporate active programs for seniors; initiate a training clinic for basketball players and coaches and continue recruiting corporate sponsors of recreation events.

Personnel at Wentz Camp plan to continue renovation of cabins with interior vinyl wall panels; increase usage of facilities and upgrade bathrooms in dining hall to meet health codes, as well as to replace mower.

At the Hutchins Memorial, administrators expect to continue preventive maintenance, cleaning and painting the interior of the building. Also, objectives include replacing original tables and chairs and pursuing Phase II of the sound and lighting update.

The Ponca City Library goals contain plans to maintain a collection, of which 30 percent is less than five years old; provide reference service to meet the informational needs of the community; continue to provide adult, children and young adult programming on educational and leisure topics.

For more information, on the 1999-2000 fiscal year budget, check out the budget book in the reference section of the Library. The budget goes into effect on July 1.

Keating Declares Disaster Emergency

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Gov. Frank Keating has declared a disaster emergency in six Oklahoma counties hit hard by storms and flooding in April and May.

The executive order declared Wednesday covers Garfield, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Pottawatomie, Woods and Choctaw counties. Surveys also will conducted in surrounding counties.

Keating said a survey is being made of Choctaw County to determine the extent of damages from severe storms and flooding that occurred May 11 through May 17.

The survey in the other counties covers damages from tornadoes, severe storms and flooding that occurred on April 13 and between April 21 and April 26.

Two Streets Scheduled For Repairs

Sections of Gibson Place and Little Lane are scheduled for pavement reconstruction and waterline work beginning Monday. Chitwood Construction Company, Inc. was awarded the contract, according to the Ponca City Engineering Department.

Sober Brothers, Inc., subcontractor for the project, will be the first crew on site. Workers plan to replace water mains on both sections of the street. The streets will be limited to local traffic only, during the waterline construction.

Afterwards, work will begin on the pavement reconstruction portion, which includes: Gibson Place from Hartford Avenue to Little Lane and Little Lane from Seventh Street to Hartford Avenue. The project is scheduled to be complete within 120 calendar days, barring any delays due to weather.

When crews begin work on pavement construction, the streets will be closed to motorists. Residents will need to find alternate parking during this period of time.

According to engineering department, the pavement work will be broken into three phases: Phase I — Little Lane from Seventh Street to immediately east of Washington School; Phase II — Little Lane from Hartford Avenue to just east of Washington School to match the end of Phase I; and Phase III — Gibson Place from Hartford Avenue to Little Lane.

For more information, contact Jim Fairbanks, engineer, at 763-8046.

Safety Comes First When Barbecue Grills Are in Use

Summer gatherings often include grilling at the park or at home in the back yard. The National Fire Protection Association asks citizens to take time for safety and prevent a disaster.

When grilling, keep barbecue grills far away from anything that can burn. This includes your home, cars, dry vegetation, etc. Also, stay with the grill after it has been lighted. Keep children and pets well away from the area.

In addition, wear a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fits high up over your forearm, when grilling. If burned, run cool water over the area for 10 to 15 minutes. But, don’t use butter or a salve on burns because these seal in heat and can damage the tissue more.

Barbecue grills must never be used inside the home. In addition to the fire hazard of indoor grilling, the grill can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Furthermore, if lightning appears while you’re grilling, seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass.

With charcoal grills, the NFPA recommends only using starter fluids, never gasoline. If the fire is too slow, rekindle with dry kindling and add more charcoal if necessary. Don’t add liquid fuel to re-ignite or build up a fire, as flash fires can result. Soak the coals with water before you discard them and leave the grill away from the house until it’s completely cool.

Always store the gas cylinder of gas grills outside — away from structures — and turn off the valves when not in use. Check frequently for any leaks in the connections by using a soap-and-water mix that will show bubbles if gas escapes. Also, follow manufacturer’s instructions and if needed, have it repaired by a trained professional.

Safety Tips Listed For Fireworks

This year as families make a special trip to fireworks stands, they should be aware of the sale and distribution of illegal explosives. Citizens are warned to only handle products that are clearly labeled with the name of the item and the manufacturer’s name with instructions for proper use.

Adult supervision and following basic safety tips, such as lighting one firework at a time and keeping a bucket of water or working garden hose nearby are also strongly recommended. In Ponca City, where fireworks are not allowed, attending a professional fireworks display is advisable.

Federally banned explosive devices, such as M-80s, M-100s, quartersticks and blockbusters have been illegal in all states since 1966 and should never be used. Other items that are banned under federal law include cherry bombs, any firecracker containing more than 50 milligrams of powder, aerial bombs and mail-order kits for building fireworks.

The legal fireworks available for purchase from licensed retailers, such as sparklers, trick noise-makers, smoke devices and fountains, are manufactured to meet specific local and federal government regulations.

The American Pyrotechnics Association encourages citizens to call the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm’s hotline with any information about products from non-licensed individuals that are not labeled with a manufacturer’s name or a warning statement. The line is open through July 7, at 1-888-ATF-BOMB.

Area Oil and Gas Report

Drilling operations are nearing the projected 4,050-ft. mark at the No. 1 Godbehere Et Al, a wildcat well in Kay County. Spudded on May 30, the venture is located 5.5 miles northeast of Ponca City with West Bay Exploration Co. as the operator.

Section 35-township 27n-range 3e-sw-ne.

The No. 2-20 Terry, a 3,830-ft. wildcat well, is scheduled to be drilled in Kay County. Halliburton Oil Producing is the operator. The well will be spudded about one-half mile west of Ponca City.

Section 20-township 26n-range 2e-sw-nw.

A 3,600-ft. developmental well is planned by Oil Ventures Ltd. at a drillsite three miles north of Blackwell, Kay County. The well is designated as the No. 1-99 State.

The well is in the Dilworth Field.

Section 33-township 28n-range 1w-sw-sw.

Legacy M & K Corp. has revealed plans to drill a 500-ft. wildcat well in Noble County. The operator has designated the venture as the No. 2 Edmonds. Drillsite is three miles east of Marland.

Section 16-township 24n-range 1e-nw-nw.

Drilling operations are nearing the projected 510-ft. mark at the No. 1 Fritz, a wildcat well in Noble County. Spudded on June 5, the venture is located 3.3 miles west of Marland with Three Sands Oil Inc. as the operator.

Section 16-township 24n-range 1e-sw-nw.

Drilling has gotten under way at the No. 13 Bezdicek in Noble County’s Orlando Field, 3.5 miles south of Perry. The well carries permit for 1,275 feet of hole making. BEZ Resources Partnership is the operator.

Section 10-township 20n-range 1w-sw-nw.

The No. 1-1 Little Diablo, a 560-ft. developmental well, is scheduled to be drilled in Noble County’s East Whitebead Field. Pengaea Exploration Corp. is the operator. The well will be spudded 4.1 miles southeast of Billings.

Section 1-township 23n-range 2w-nw-nw.

Drillsite has been staked for the No. 3-9 Bezdicek, a 1,275-ft. developmental well in the South Perry Field, Noble County. The operation will be located 3.5 miles south of Perry. BEZ Resources Partnership is the operator.

Section 9-township 20-range 1w-ne-se.

Location has been staked for the No. 1-1 Freeny in Noble County’s South Ceres Field, two miles northeast of Ceres. Total depth is projected to 800 feet. It is an exploration venture of Vector Exploration Inc.

Section 1-township 23n-range 1w-s1/2-nw.

The No. 1 Pancoast is scheduled for spudding in the North Sumner Field, Noble County, with Lewis Oil Corp. as the operator. It will be a 4,598-ft. test of the Upper Layton Formation.

Section 32-township 22n-range 2e-sw-ne.

Chesapeake Operating Inc. is preparing to conduct a recompletion for extended production in Noble County’s Billings Field.

The No. 3 Sara Yost is about five miles south of Billings.

Chesapeake will be seeking new pay at a depth of about 3,004 feet in the Tonkawa Formation.

Section 22-township 23n-range 2w-ne-nw.

DEATHS

Charles Howard Scott

Obituaries

Charles Howard Scott

Charles Howard Scott passed away June 21, 1999, in Ponca City at the age of 82. He was born on April 20, 1917 in Sharon, Okla., to Frank and Clara Scott. He grew up in Sapulpa, where he graduated from high school before moving to Stillwater where he attended and graduated from Oklahoma A&M (Oklahoma State University).

Upon graduation and after a brief term of employment with Phillips 66 in Bartlesville, Mr. Scott moved to Burbank, Calif., where he worked as a data processor. He was commissioned into the Navy during World War II. His contribution to the war effort was significant in that he used his computer programming skills to help develop a program that was subsequently used to decode enemy radio transmissions that eventually help lead to victory.

Prior to entering the armed forces, Mr. Scott met and married Naomi Creekmore in Enid, with whom he remained a faithful and steadfast partner for 57 years. Upon completion of his military service, the couple moved to Tulsa where he began a successful career with the IBM Corporation. He retired after 25 years of service. His final assignment was as IBM National Account Manager for Conoco in Ponca City where he and Naomi chose to retire.

Mr. Scott loved to hunt, fish, and play golf. He was a longtime member of the Ponca City Country Club and the First United Methodist Church. He also enjoyed rock hounding and was an accomplished amateur jewelry maker. Mr. Scott was a self-taught musician and loved to play an assortment of stringed instruments.

His greatest source of joy, however, was traveling the back roads in his van. His excursions almost always took him to areas normally untraveled by tourists. He and Naomi would spend hours visiting and getting to know the locals and their customs. His travels were well documented by video and by his memoirs which he enjoyed writing.

Mr. Scott will be fondly remembered for his rare and witty sense of humor. He always found a way to make those around him laugh, even as he approached death.

Howard Scott is survived by his wife and three children, Sue Lupardus of Tulsa, Creek Scott of Taos, and Charlie Scott and wife Anne of Perry. He dearly loved his seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren Ryan Scott of Ponca City, Corey Scott of Rogers, Ark.; Marissa Scott and her daughter Brianna of Claremore; Nicole Lupardus of Tulsa; Mandy Purdam and husband Bobby and children, Emily, James, Joseph, and J.R. of Tulsa; Andy Scott and special friend Kathy Shapiro of Minneapolis, Minn.; and Toby Scott of Stillwater and his special friend Jennifer Smallwood of Perry. He is also survived by a special family friend, Willie Zuniga of Tulsa, and his loving sister, Lela Harrison of Houston, Texas.

The funeral service was to be held at 10 a.m., today, June 24, 1999, in the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ginny Hathaway, pastor, First United Methodist Church of Perry. officiating. Burial was to follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.

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

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

SJRMC Tests Generating System — St. Joseph Regional Medical Center will conduct a test of its emergency generating system tonight at 9 p.m. At that time, SJRMC will go off city power. The only difference patients, family members and visitors should notice will be a decreased amount of lighting. Department directors and nursing unit directors will be on hand to assist the safety committee with this important test. The test will be postponed if there is any type of emergency at that time and city power crews will be present to return the Medical Center to city power if needed. For further information, please call Cheryle Hiebert, SJRMC’s Safety Officer, 765-0200.

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.

Alumni Reunion — The annual alumni reunion will be held Sunday, June 27, at the Burbank School. Registration is at 9 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend and spend the day visiting. Those attending are asked to bring chairs, salads, sandwiches, or food of their choice.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday special from 4-? 1/2 BBQ chicken with 2 vegetables. $4.25. 215 South 14th. 765-7979. adv.

OEM Meeting — The Ponca Tribe Office of Environmental Management announces that it will hold a community meeting on Conoco’s Risk Management at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Tribal Affairs Cafeteria. The Risk Management information concerns risks that may be associated with Conoco’s operations, and what is done to keep the communities and environment in Ponca City safe. Food and drinks will be provided.

WWF King of the Ring...Live on Pay Per View. Sunday, June 27th at 7:00pm. Explosive wrestling action, you must watch Pay Per View through the Zenith converter box. Call 762-6684 Cable

One to order. adv.

Family Reunion — The Roland Family Reunion will be held Saturday at Sun ’n Fun. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Senior 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.

Burglary — An employee at the Holiday Inn, 2215 North Fourteenth Street, advised the Ponca City Police Department at 9:07 a.m. Wednesday, that the storage room was broken into and a lawn mower and other equipment were stolen. An officer responded and took a report.

Pauline’s Bar-B-Que pork all you can eat, $11.95. Friday the 25th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — At 12:14 p.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer took a report of a minor accident at East Grand Avenue and Seventh Street.

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.

Warrant Served — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 26-year-old man from the police station at 12:18 p.m. Wednesday, for a city warrant.

Once Again it is time for the Rusty Barrel to close for cleaning. We will close Sunday June 27th thru July 4th, 1999. We will re-open Monday July 5th, 1999. adv.

Forgery — At 1:16 p.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer took a report forged checks that were submitted to a business in the 2800 block of North Fourteenth Street.

Windshield Sale: Extra June Specials! 94-98 Dodge Pickup, $275; 88 & up Chevy pickup, $275. Johnson Glass, 515 South First, 762-2012. Call today for your appointment! adv.

Arrest — At 4:17 p.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 29-year-old man from a traffic stop in the 800 block of South Sixth Street for driving under suspension and no seat belt.

Former Teachers and Friends Class of 1964 invites former teachers and friends to its registration party Friday, 6-10 p.m. Grand Central Station. adv.

Arrests— A 21-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at 5:57 p.m. Wednesday in the 500 block of East Highland Avenue. In addition, a 21-year-old man was arrested for public intoxication and a 22-year-old woman was arrested on a Kay County warrant.

Three Free cards with purchase of three cards. Large selection. Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Pet Shot — A resident in the 600 block of South Thirteenth Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 8:42 p.m. Wednesday that a subject shot a cat. An officer responded and took a report.

Found — An employee of Jay Warners, 1300 East South Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7 p.m. Wednesday to report a cut off gun stock was found on the property earlier in the week. An officer responded and picked up the item.

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.

Threats — At 7:02 p.m. on Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer took a report in the 1100 block of North Second Street of threatening phone calls.

Fabric $1.00 yard, carded buttons and assorted trims. 111 North 4th.adv.

In Custody — A resident in the 400 block of West Cleveland Avenue contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7:25 p.m. Wednesday to report subjects in a black Chevrolet drove across the resident’s yard. An officer responded to the area and stopped the suspect vehicle in the 200 block of South Oak Street. An 18-year-old man was arrested for driving under suspension and no insurance.

Fraud — At 8:10 p.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer responded to the 700 block of Marland Drive to take a report of possible computer fraud.

Dog Bite — At 10:20 p.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer responded to the report of a man bit by a dog at South Second Street and East Otoe Avenue. A report was taken.

Arrest — An employee of Jack Griffith’s, 2501 North Fourteenth Street, advised the Ponca City Police Department at 11:45 p.m. Wednesday that a subject driving a grey Chevrolet truck left the business without paying for $18.50 in gas. Two officers responded and located the vehicle in the 3300 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer arrested a 44-year-old man for petit larceny and a city warrant. Additionally, a 27-year-old man was arrested for petit larceny.

Speeding — At 12:23 a.m. Thursday, a Ponca City police officer advised the communication center that he was in pursuit of a grey truck traveling southbound on Waverly Street from South Avenue at a high rate of speed. The officer located the vehicle in the 1000 block of South Waverly Street and arrested a 26-year-old man for driving under revocation.

Suspicious Person — Two Ponca City police officers were out with a vehicle at North Fifth Street and East Summit Avenue at 3:44 a.m. Thursday. The officers advised the communication center that the subject fled from the car and into the residence. The parents were contacted and brought the subject back out to speak with the officers. The youth received citations.

GARDENING

Time To Order Bulbs When Blooms Appear
Author Says Weeds Can Be Blessing
Trees On a Sprint for the Future

Time To Order Bulbs When Blooms Appear

By GEORGE BRIA

POUND RIDGE, N.Y. (AP) — Just as spring bulbs are at their flowering zenith, catalogs rain down on us offering next year’s bulbs. Talk about deja vu. There’s method in the madness.

For what better time to decide what you need in bulbs than when your current efforts are on display? The daffodils you thought would carpet an area turned out thinly spaced. You’ll need many more bulbs to create the desired effect. And do you want a uniform effect, a change of variety, some of both? The catalogs dazzle you with varieties. Besides, bulbs don’t just mean crocuses, daffodils and tulips, the showiest of springtime. Their appearance is preceded by snowdrops in late winter. And there are other small bulbs with lovely colors, like chionodoxas. The summer brings lilies and gladioli while autumn is the season for colchicums.

Various catalogs offer attractive incentives for early orders. There are sales ending in August. There are order-now pay-later arrangements. There are bonuses for orders exceeding a certain price. If you’re new to gardening and not quite sure what bulbs are, they’re plants that store food in swollen, bulb-like stems underground.

Daffodils, tulips and lilies form what are called true bulbs, while crocuses and colchicums have somewhat similar structures called corms. Also tender bulbs can’t take the cold and have to be dug and stored over winter while the hardy ones need the cold underground in which to hibernate.

The American Daffodil Society offers tips on purchasing bulbs that are applicable to all bulbs, not just daffodils:

Order early. This generally gets you the pick of the crop and also exactly what you want, without surprising substitutions.

Check the guarantee. Will you get a refund in case of problems? Are the bulbs guaranteed true to name?

Compare prices. Cheap bulbs could mean poor quality.

Discuss merchants with other gardeners to compare experiences.

Visit a flower show to scout varieties. If you’re shopping for bulbs in a nursery, rather than by catalog, you should check the offerings for firmness and weight. In the case of daffodils, tulips and lilies, look to see that the layers or scales are joined firmly. They shouldn’t feel loose when you press them in your hand. The flesh of corms should be fairly hard. In general, bulbs of inferior quality tend to be lighter in weight than the good ones.

A general rule for planting bulbs is to bury them three times as deep as the tallness of the bulb. But conditions aren’t always that accommodating. The ground where you want to place a stand of daffodils may be tough and you can’t go that deep. But I’ve found that nature isn’t as demanding as the rule-makers and bulbs will often succeed even when shallowly planted.

To get a mass effect speedily with a daffodil bed, dig large holes and put six or more bulbs in each hole. Spacing them thinly, one bulb per hole six inches apart, means you’ll have to wait a few years to get the mature effect produced by the bulbs spreading, if indeed you ever get it satisfactorily. As much as bulbs in flower appeal to our eyes, bulbs underground appeal to the appetites of burrowing varmints. Particularly susceptible are tulips and lilies. For protection, you can try making wire mesh holders for them.

In my part of the country, deer have been particularly destructive to tulips and lilies. But with steadfastness and determination you can protect your beds without taking the ultimate step of highly expensive fencing. Spraying the foliage with a product called Deer-Off and at the same time spreading another product called Milorganite at soil level has worked on my beds. But it has to be done periodically, and unfailingly after a rainfall.

Daffodils are particularly beautiful blooming in masses on a large lawn, but if you want to keep that effect from year to year you have to sacrifice the looks of the lawn for a while after the blooming season. Don’t mow the area until the daffodil foliage turns yellow. That shows that the plant has replenished its food supplies and will be ready to give you that great show again next spring.

Author Says Weeds Can Be Blessing

By LEE REICH

For AP Special Features

Ever since the first plant was grown for food or beauty, the first gardener cursed the plants around it: weeds. A weed is any plant in the wrong place. Tomato seedlings that sprout where last year’s fruit fell are weeds, but not the seedlings that you deliberately plant. Goldenrod is commonly thought of as weed in America but is grown in British flower gardens.

Weeds can choke garden plants, robbing them of water, minerals and if the weeds are tall and garden plants are small, light. But competition is a matter of degree. A rampant clump of smartweed surely will smother young carrots. But how much is a little purslane growing at the foot of cornstalks going to steal from them?

Certain growths secrete chemicals that harm other plants. Try to grow almost anything under sunflowers, and you will observe this effect.

Weeds also might harbor pests that can move onto cultivated plants. Potato bugs can move from horse nettle to potato plants.

But weeds have a positive side. First and foremost, they are protectors of our soil. Wherever ground is bared, weeds borne by wind, water and animals move in to protect the soil surface from being baked in the sun or carried off by water. Weeds add diversity to a planting that can help naturally balance minerals in the soil.

Weeds also can tell you about a soil. Purple loosestrife, for example, is a sure indicator of wet soil, sorrel of an acid soil, and yarrow of an infertile, well-aerated soil. The particular weeds you have depend on where you garden and how you garden. Still, they should never take over a garden.

The usual way to keep weeds in check is with a hoe or rototiller, stirring just the surface of the soil to kill young sprouts. Another way to suppress weeds is by smothering them beneath a mulch such as straw, grass clippings or wood chips. Fight fire with fire by using pulled or cut weeds (left to dry a couple of days in the sun) as mulch to suppress further weed growth.

Or eat the weeds. Lamb’s-quarters, a common garden weed, has been used for centuries as food. Similarly, the lowly dandelion finds its way into salads in the fanciest of restaurants.

Trees On a Sprint for the Future

(NAPS) — Even Jack would have been tempted to trade his beanstalk for today’s fast-growing trees that can grow ten feet every year. They’re grown on “fiber farms” that, with irrigation and fertilization, can produce a crop of ready-to-harvest hardwood trees in as little as six years. That’s a lightning pace compared to hardwoods growing in unmanaged forests, which can take a half-century or more to reach suitable harvest size.

The speedy trees are being grown for paper production. The explosion of copying machines, computer printers and new magazine titles, along with continuing economic growth worldwide, has created a huge demand for paper.

So to meet future demand, paper fiber is starting to be grown down on the farm.

One major paper producer estimates that its 22,000-acre fiber farm in the Pacific Northwest will produce as much as 300,000 to 400,000 acres of traditional Idaho forest.

U.S. operators of fiber farms — officially known as “short-rotation woody crop plantations”— now grow about 100,000 acres of trees. That number is expected to multiply five-fold by the year 2010. Fiber farms typically grow clones of eastern cottonwood and hybrid poplar although other species are sometimes produced.

But even with this growth, the fiber farming industry is only in its infancy. The Southern Hemisphere has been growing trees this way for 30 years. Brazil, the country with the largest hardwood plantation acreage, grows about 6 million acres.

Fiber Farming offers a productive use for land that won’t support traditional farm crops. The trees also help reduce soil erosion. Scientists believe that fiber farms could even be natural water filters, soaking up excess fertilizers from farm fields or intercepting runoff from livestock barns.

Fiber farms also provide the breeding habitat preferred by many migrating birds including warblers, Baltimore orioles, red-headed woodpeckers and yellow-billed cuckoos. Wildlife researchers say the fast-growing trees mimic the young forests that grew from new lands created as the Mississippi River changed course.

For more information on fiber farms and new approaches to keeping hardwood plantations weed-free and fast-growing, call 1-800-545-9525, ext. F2162. You’ll receive information from American Cyanamid Company, the leading manufacturer of vegetation control products to improve forest production and enhance wildlife habitat. Their web site is www.forestryfacts. com

SPORTS

Lee Nabs Pair Of Trophies
Ponca City Cagers Win Camp Awards

Lee Nabs Pair Of Trophies

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Playing against his buddies and teammates apparently brought out the best of Daniel Lee in the Ponca City Bank of Oklahoma Junior Tennis Tournament.

Lee took home two championship trophies from the tournament he almost didn’t enter.

Earlier in the week Lee won the Boys 16 Singles title by holding off Wildcat teammate Tim Frick, 6-4, 6-4. On Wednesday, Lee was going for the 18 Doubles crown, teaming with Bilal Agha to go against Frick and Josh Pitts in an all-Ponca City finals.

Lee and Agha prevailed in a display of intense tennis, 6-2, 3-6, 7-5.

“It was kind of strange,” Lee said of being across the net from his high school teammates. “But it may have brought out better play from me. I didn’t want to just play decent tennis.”

So Lee upped his game and it paid off in the doubles finals.

“It was a real close match,” Lee said of the marathon battle. “Both teams played pretty well. Going in I knew the match would be a toss up. We just happened to come out on top.”

It was the first tournament of the summer for Lee, who helped the Wildcats qualify as a team for the state high school tournament, But it apparently won’t be his last.

“I almost didn’t enter,” Lee said of the Ponca City tournament. “But I wanted to do something to improve my ranking.”

Winning two titles here will probably do that and it gave Lee the impetus to plan on playing more tournaments this summer.

Lee admits that the rankings for high school team next spring was also in the back of his mind. All six of the Wildcat state qualifiers return next season.

“Bilal, Tim, Josh and I are all pretty close in talent,”Lee said. “So a lot can happen between now and next spring.”

Ponca City’s Donovan family came close to a double on Wednesday as both Ian and Audry Donovan reached the finals in the 12-and-Under Singles divisions.

However, Andrew Sharp of Jenks won the boys’ title by beating Ian, 6-4, 6-1 while Darrel Schreiver of Ponca City won the girls’ crown, 6-1, 6-4, over Audry.

In the other doubles finals Wednesday, Nicole Geurin and Alex Sharkey of Tulsa nipped Allison Hufnagel and Haley Jones of Abilene, 6-3, 6-4.

Sharp and Terrance Larimer of Stillwater took the Boys 12 Doubles title, 7-5, 6-2, over Andrew Allingham and Thomas Holcomb of Tulsa.

Donovan and Nathan Mai won the Boys 14 Doubles round robin play, going 2-0 in matches.

“It’s been a great tournament,” tournament director Mike Larimer said. “There has been a lot of good tennis and these kids have really gone after it.”

Today’s play was devoted to the Novice Division, giving new players some tournament experience.

Ponca City Cagers Win Camp Awards

Ponca City junior high cagers Lauren Cartlidge, Monica Cardwell and Kristina Huddleston won outstanding player plaques at the first Junior High Team Camp held as part of the annual Northern Oklahoma College Girls Basketball Camp May 30-June 2.

Cartlidge was named Outstanding Defensive Player while Cardwell and Huddleston were awarded Outstanding Rebounder and Outstanding Playmaker, respectively. Cartlidge also placed third in hot shot and in one-on-one contests as well as fourth in three-on-three. Huddleston was third in two-on-two.

Other Ponca City campers recognized at a ceremony concluding the week's activities included Hannah Garrison and Christin Nicks, second and fifth, respectively, in hot shot; Rudonna Barden, second, free throw; Janna Green, first in three-on-three, second in two-on-two and fourth in free throw; Jamie Prado, first in one-on-one, two-on-two and three-on-three; Jeniffer Jenkins, fourth, one-on-one; Erin Pickering, fourth, two-on-two; and Laci Starnes, second in three-on-three. Ponca City 7 team members, coached by Larry Degan, included Crystalyn Choate, Lauren Degan, Morgan Hudsonpillar, Lindsey Mayse, Jennifer Miller, Savanah Morin, Dara Moyer, Nicole Overman, Pickering, Starnes, Chelsey Teten and Amanda Wilson.

Ponca City 8 team members included Barden, Cardwell, Garrison, Green, Jenkins, Janna Leach, Jordan Lunsford, Sarah Edens and Hilary Wright. They were coached by youth coaches Penny Surber and Sharon Garrison of Ponca City. On the Ponca City 9 team coached by Calvin English were Cartlidge, Melissa Fore, Gerri Garza, Huddleston, Chelsey Hill, Morgan Meister, Nicks, Prado, Laura Sprehe and Kelli Wedd.

In addition to Ponca City, schools sending teams to the junior high camp included Tonkawa, South Haven, Morrison, Deer Creek-Lamont and Kerr Junior High of Del City. According to NOC Lady Mavericks Head Coach and Camp Director Greg Krause, 88 athletes attended the camp. Assisting Krause were Coaches Larry Case and Dan Ingram, Tonkawa; Calvin English and Larry Degan, Ponca City; Doug Sinor and Andy Moser, DCLA; Dave Grisham, Del City; Sheila Persson, Lomega; 1998-99 Lady Mavs Suzi Eisenhauer and Kacey Whitworth, Newkirk; and youth coaches Penny Surber and Sharon Garrison, Ponca City.