LOCAL

Ponca City Steps into Technology Era
Conspiracy Local Store Robbed 2 Nights in Row
PC Board ACT Reach Quick Agreement
Arts Adventure at NOC Program Friday
Absentee Ballots for Aug 22 Election Available at Newkirk
Teen May Have Known Assailant

Ponca City Steps into Technology Era

City Announces New Accelerator Complex

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

“Ponca City stepped on the technology stage today,” Jan Jarrett told a group of area civic leaders, city officials, Chamber of Commerce board members, county and state elected officials at the official opening of the Technology Accelerator at the Conoco Complex.

Master of ceremonies Barry Bickle, Chamber chairman, said that the Ponca City accelerator is one of three such accelerators in the state, but the only one centered on technology.

“I feel good about that, because we are kind of ahead of the wave,” Jarrett commented. “This will help us set up emerging companies on the verge of commercialization — get them started with really valid technology that they will have in place and patents in place and spend them out to create jobs.”

Partners in the accelerator are the city of Ponca City, the Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center (OTCC), the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence and Conoco. The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) will serve in an advisory capacity.

Jarrett paid tribute to Conoco and former Mid-Continent Business Unit leader Richard Severance, city officials, the state agencies, members of the EDAB board, local Oklahoma Natural Gas manager Karen Furman, retired Conocoan David Meyers and others for their efforts.

Nearly 60 attended the meeting at the Fourth Street Clubhouse.

OTCC Executive

Dr. Randy Goldsmith, executive director of the Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center (a state agency and one of the partners), described the creation of the accelerator as “a defining moment in Ponca City’s history. Ponca City may look back on today in the future as a defining moment.

“Defining moments are also about change. Certainly the new economy is about change. We are seeing new industries being birthed. We are seeing new companies being birthed. We are seeing new job descriptions we’ve never seen before. We are seeing a shift in economic focus.

“It is no longer the nation or the state that determines economic competitiveness. It has now moved down to the community level,” Goldsmith added.

“By this decision, Ponca City is positioning itself to be competitive in the new economy. Technology is leading the new economy. As an energy community, you will appreciate some of the technologies we are looking at now,” Goldsmith said. “Technology is going to drive our lives and our communities.”

Goldsmith said the accelerator concept ushers in a modem approach in Oklahoma to the traditional business incubator model.

“Traditionally, incubators have been more about location, brick and mortar and a roof over your head,” he said.

“While these physical benefits are a necessary part of the incubation process, the real value is in the linkages, the mentoring and the proximity to those who have blazed a trail for you to follow.”

The accelerator is designed to support advanced technology companies at the Conoco research complex, but is not a Conoco project ... although the company is assisting by providing world class research facilities.

High tech businesses occupying the accelerator will have the potential to generate revenue and create quality jobs in the Ponca City area.

Goldsmith told local leaders the role his organization will play in overseeing recruitment and operations at the accelerator is a key building block in a state mission to commercialize Oklahoma's advanced technologies.

He noted, “Studies show that communities get about a five-to-one return on their investment in an average incubator environment. What you have here is far above the average incubator environment with the facilities Conoco is providing. Also, access to world class intellectual capital is key to successful operations. That’s one thing that you’ve got an abundance of here.”

Goldsmith added, “We know that companies that are incubated in an accelerator environment typically increase their sales by 400 percent during that duration, which will last from two to three years.

“Eighty-seven percent of companies that are incubated succeed. After they graduate out into the market place, 84 percent are likely to stay in the community where they were incubated.”

The tech center leader emphasized the value of having access to the technical skills of the research staff at Conoco.

Greg Husen, manager of Conoco’s Process Development. said, “Conoco has been a part of this partnership from nearly the beginning. This is really an outstanding example of what happens when the state, community and Conoco work together for a common goal and a common vision.

“We were very fortunate to bring the world class facilities that we have at the technology center to the partnership. I see this as a win-win. There is something in this for everyone.

“We are really proud and excited to be a part of this partnership. We see that it has the opportunity to bring new technology and create quality jobs in Ponca City.”

Husen continued, “What that will mean to us is that it will be easier for us to hire and bring more technologists to Ponca City. It is going to be easier for us to retain, not only for Conoco. We are going to do everything we can to make this a success. We look forward to Ponca City being on the accelerator team and bringing forward some exciting opportunities in the days ahead.”

Accelerator occupants are expected to “graduate” within three years; however, they can stay for a longer period depending on the business circumstances. The initiative is not-for-profit but the accelerator seeks to recoup costs associated with running the facility to maintain the organization and expand future capabilities.

Leonard’s Response

Mayor Tom Leonard expressed his appreciation to the state agencies, Conoco, Jan Jarrett and EDAB.

“Today we are seeing the results of hard work and of vision for the community, which is a shared vision of what we can be,” Leonard said.

“It is also gratifying because we are seeing an emerging attitude — an attitude that fits with our vision that we can determine our own destiny.”

The mayor continued, “It is not just sitting back and thinking what it could be, but taking charge of that destiny and working towards it, fulfilling it and thinking about the future. That’s what we have to do as a community to be stable to be energized and to be growing.

“Because, let’s face it, small communities — and that is Ponca City — are at risk. We have a wonderful opportunity here — an opportunity to succeed here in other ways other communities can only dream of.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to show not to only the region but the state what a small community can do. This project has enormous implications for us. It is a piece of the picture and a very important piece. It will fit together with our goals in telecommunications and housing and jobs in our community.”

Other speakers were Dr. Roy Peters of the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence, and Sheri Stickley, director of Technology Development Division of OCAST.

Peters told that his organization is partnering and how the Alliance can be involved. He quoted Jarrett, saying that the community had made a conscious decision to diversify, but that did not mean to diversify down; in other words, don’t settle for jobs now with lesser incomes.

Conspiracy Local Store Robbed 2 Nights in Row

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

The owners of the Triple T No. 2 convenience store believe there is a conspiracy afoot.

Late Wednesday night — for the second night in a row — the store was hit by burglars utilizing exactly the same method of operation.

Access was gained to the 1301 West Highland Avenue store through an air conditioning unit on the roof sometime between midnight and 5 a.m. Late Tuesday night, the store was also burglarized by thieves using the same method of entrance.

Debra Thompson, owner of Triple T No. 2 and Triple T No. 3 (Highland Avenue and Waverly Avenue) with husband Steve, said she believes there is possibly a conspiracy behind these crimes.

“We just repurchased the stores after the death of my husband’s father,” she said. “Threatening incidents have occurred daily toward the ownership since the repurchasing of the two locations.

“We don’t know who it is from,” she said.

Thompson stressed there is no danger to customers. “The store was closed at the time of the burglaries,” she explained.

During Wednesday morning’s burglary, an undisclosed amount of money and some cigarettes were stolen from the store. The extent of Thursday morning’s burglary is unknown since it is believed to have been interrupted.

“Some items were sacked up, but the majority of the items were left on the floor,” said Ponca City police captain Dwaine Vincent. “This made it look as if the suspects had been interrupted.

“No money was taken,” he added.

Vincent said it appeared entry during both burglaries was made through the air conditioning vent on the roof.

“It is pretty uncommon for [ burglars] to go back a second time,” Vincent said.

“[The store] owners think there may have been some beer and cigarettes and candy bars stolen, but they haven’t done an itemized inventory yet to be for sure,” he said.

“It was a pretty sophisticated robbery,” suggested Thompson. “There were ropes with professionally tied knots to lift things out through the roof.”

She also noted at least one of the suspects involved must have been small to fit through the vent. “Others may have been helping from the roof,” she suggested.

She said the store hadn’t had this type of problem in years. “We haven’t had any problems with the store since we put the bars on the windows and doors ... until now,” she explained.

Both of these crimes are currently under investigation.

PC Board ACT Reach Quick Agreement

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

An agreement has been reached.

Members of the Ponca City board of education and the Ponca City Association of Classroom Teachers (ACT) have reached a tentative contract agreement for the 2000-2001 school year.

The two organizations agreed on a state-provided $3,000 raise for teachers with a one-step advance on the local salary schedule. A new step will also be added on the top at $300.

The average step totals $500, which means Ponca City teachers will receive an average increase of $3,500.

Superintendent Dr. Bill White was pleased with the negotiation process. “It is our goal to always strive to begin the school year with a contract,” he said.

White also noted that the two groups needed little time to reach an agreement.

“I believe this year sets a record for the shortest amount of time needed to reach agreement. I think this indicates the level of trust that both groups have in each other,” he said.

Mary Ann Sudbury, ACT chief negotiator, said the two groups focused on what was best for the students.

“The problem solving approach used in Interest-Based Bargaining has allowed flexibility in reaching consensus positions on several important issues between the board and the ACT. The new contract results from both groups focusing on what’s best for Ponca City schools,” she said.

The board and the ACT received one day of training with federal mediators on Interest-Based Bargaining. They were able to reach agreement at the end of the second day. Interest-based negotiation uses brainstorming to resolve conflicts.

An attendance incentive for teachers, which was created last year, will continue again this fall to pay teachers a cash bonus each year for good attendance on a sliding scale. It also allows teachers to accumulate additional sick leave in lieu of cash up to four days for perfect attendance.

Contracted days for teachers will remain at 185 for the 2000-2001 school year. When ratified by the ACT, the contract will cover approximately 400 certified teachers.

Arts Adventure at NOC Program Friday

Northern Oklahoma College’s campus has been abuzz with Arts Adventure this week. Eighty-one students from grades 6 through 12 have been attending classes in the performing, visual and creative arts. Students chose two areas of study, attending one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Friday from 4:30 to 7 p.m., students will showcase their talents for parents, family and communities. The production will be held at the NOC Performing Arts Center. All are welcome to attend; admission is free and refreshments will be served. For additional information, call (580) 628-6449.

Absentee Ballots for Aug 22 Election Available at Newkirk

NEWKIRK — Voters in Kay County who want to have absentee ballots mailed to them for the Aug. 22, State and County Primary Election should apply now County Election Board Secretary Carol Stafford said.

Although the County Election Board can accept applications for absentee ballots until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16. Stafford urged voters who want to vote by absentee ballot to apply early. Absentee ballot application forms are available at the County Election office located at the Courthouse, 201 South Main in Newkirk.

“At least two mail transactions must be made,” Stafford said. “The County Election Board must mail the ballots to the voter and the voter must return the voted ballots by mail.” Ballots must be in the hands of the County Election Board by 7 p.m., on Election Day in order to be counted.

Stafford said that any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot in any election in which he or she is eligible to vote. A voter must be registered and reside at an address within the geographical boundaries of a school districts municipality’s elections.

It is not necessary to give a reason — excuse — for voting absentee. “While anyone can vote absentee without giving a reason, the law still provides several excuses and it is to the advantage of some voters to use one of them,” Stafford said. By stating one of the following reasons on their applications, these voters can activate some special conditions that make it easier for them to use absentee ballots.

The reasons are:

•Voters who are physically incapacitated and voters who care for physically incapacitated persons who cannot be left unattended may vote absentee. They may apply only by mail, by fax, or telegraph.

•Voters who are confined to nursing homes in the county may vote absentee. An Absentee Voting Board actually goes to the nursing home a few days before the election, sets up a small polling place and allows these persons to vote under circumstances similar to those at a regular precinct polling place. They may apply only by mail or by fax.

•Military personnel and residents of the county living overseas and the spouses and dependent of each group are eligible to vote absentee without being registered. These voters may apply only by mail, or by fax. Military personnel should contact the Voting Service Officers in the units for application forms and additional information.

Residents of Oklahoma living overseas can obtain the same materials from any United States military installation and from United States Embassies and Consulates.

Teen May Have Known Assailant

Ponca City police are saying a 17-year-old girl who was raped Wednesday morning knew her assailant.

The rape, which occurred in the 900 block of South Twelfth Street, was reported to police at 10:07 a.m. that morning.

According to Sherry Bowers, police information officer, investigators, responding to the call, began to gather evidence at the scene. During this time they learned the girl knew her assailant.

The girl was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center where the SANE unit was activated — a specially trained nurses unit at the hospital.

Police are searching for the suspect at this time.

Det. Sgt. Don Bohon is in charge of the investigation, which is still ongoing.

DEATHS

John James Hardesty
Burney D. Hicks
Howard Eugene Gray
Shirley Lee Bellmon
Daisy P. Sanders

John James Hardesty

NEWKIRK — John James Hardesty, longtime Newkirk resident, died Wednesday morning, July 26, 2000, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 80.

The funeral has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, July 28, in the chapel of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service with the Rev. Jesse Manering officiating. Burial is to follow in Newkirk Cemetery.

John James Hardesty was born July 27, 1919, in Ponca City, the son of Denver Sherman and Effie Olive (Brown) Hardesty. At the age of six, he moved with his family to the Pleasant View Community in rural Ponca City. He received his education in the Pleasant View School and Ponca City High School, where he graduated.

On Feb. 4, 1942, he was inducted into the United States Army and served with Company B, 172nd Infantry Division in the South Pacific. He received his discharge in Sept. 24, 1945. After returning home, he was employed by Acton Manufacturing Company in Arkansas City, Kan.

On Jan. 14, 1946, he married Retha Florine Hollister in Winfield, Kan. They established their first home on a farm east of Newkirk.

In 1954, the family moved into Newkirk, where the couple has since resided. In July of 1957, he began employment at Boeing Aircraft plant in Wichita, Kan., and retired from the plant in May of 1981. He was a member of the VFW Clarence Pond Post in Newkirk. He enjoyed working in his yard and decorating at Christmas time.

Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Gary Bolton of Valliant; one daughter, Cathy Dooling of Hominy; a sister, Clara James of Ponca City; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Rodney Hardesty; and two sisters, Elsie Lenhart and Aldene Duroy.

Casket bearers will be Dennis Kirkendall, Larry Lenhart, Marvin Champlin, Jon Davis, Jack Ward and Tracey Jackson.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Heart Division, c/o Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk, Okla. 74647-0468.

Burney D. Hicks

MARIETTA — Burney D. Hicks, resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, July 25, 2000, in St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 66.

The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, July 28, in the Marietta Pentecostal Holiness Church in Marietta with the Revs. Terry Tramel and J.L. Tramel officiating. Burial will be in the Jimtown Cemetery in Jimtown, Okla., under the direction of Kennedy Funeral Home of Marietta.

Burney D. Hicks was born Oct. 3, 1933, in Jimtown, Love County, Okla., the son of Earl Robert and Jessie Lee Hallum Hicks. He married Wanda Hooley on Feb. 27, 1954, in Marietta. During the Korean War, he served in the United States Navy. He was employed as a truck driver and was a member of the American Legion Post 14 in Ponca City and the Disabled American Veterans. He was affiliated with the Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Jeff Hicks of Moore and Shane Hicks of El Reno; one daughter, Rene Miller of Ponca City; three brothers, Ray Hicks of Rubottom, Glyn Hicks of Marietta and Gary Hicks of Lone Grove; two sisters, Maxine Reed and Peggy McEntire, both of Marietta; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Casket bearers will be Randy Hicks, Steve Reed, Gaither Hicks, Jim Hooley, Greg Hooley and Chris Barkett.

Honorary bearers will be Miles Miller, Trey Miller, Toran ViEtta, Jesse Hicks, Steve Miller, Stephen Miller, Hayden Miller, Jonathan Bailey, Tracy Meyer and nephews.

Howard Eugene Gray

PAWHUSKA — Howard Eugene Gray, resident of Pawhuska, died Tuesday, July 25, 2000, in the Jane Philips Medical Center in Bartlesville. He was 70.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Pawhuska Cemetery with the Rev. Ralph O. Dershem officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Directors in Pawhuska.

Howard Eugene “Gene” Gray was born Oct. 7, 1929, in Castle, the son of Howard H. and Joyce Johnson Gray. He graduated from Okemah High School in 1946. In 1968, he moved to Pawhuska, where he was employed as an agent with the Midland Valley Railroad. He retired from the Union Pacific with 43 years of service, having never missed a day of work.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pawhuska, where he served on the building committee as well as other committees and was a deacon, and on the building committee in churches in Miami and Muskogee. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include two sons, Kimball Gray of Pawhuska and Gary Lynn Gray of Gore; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Larry Gene Gray.

The family will receive friends at the American Legion Post 198 following the service.

Funerals

Friday

Shirley Lee Bellmon

Shirley Lee Bellmon — Memorial service at 2 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church in Perry. Arrangements under the direction of Sisson Funeral Home of Billings.

Services Pending

Daisy P. Sanders

Daisy P. Sanders, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, July 26, 2000, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was 86. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

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Republican Party — The Kay County Republican party monthly meeting for July will be in the downstairs Program Room at the Ponca City Library at 7 p.m. (tonight) July 27. Call Dave White at 762-0103 for more information.

Only Happen twice a year, get 50% off Mel’s prices on entire stock of men’s and woman’s clothing and shoes. adv.

Theft — The caretaker of a woman in the 1000 block of North Pine Street reported some stolen heart medication to Ponca City police at 8:53 a.m. Wednesday. The information was logged and an extra patrol was requested.

Charm Keyrings are here! 90 charms to choose! Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. 765-3094. adv.

No Meeting — Ponca City Board of Commissioners will not be meeting on Monday, July 31. The next scheduled meeting of the board is a work session on August 7 in the Public Safety Center’s commission chambers, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

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

Shoplifting — An employee at M and J Tire, 736 South Fourteenth Street, reported to Ponca City police at 11:46 a.m. Wednesday that a subject came in to buy four tires, but left without paying after only one new tire was replaced on the vehicle. The subject said he forgot his money and never came back. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Alabams Barber shop will be closed for vacation July 28, re-open August 4. adv.

Accident — A motorist reported an accident at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and North First Street to Ponca City police at 1:05 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was advised and a report was taken.

Great Trip, eight seats left. Mexico’s Fabulous Copper Canyon Tour. Call now! 762-7591. adv.

Subject held — An officer in he 3400 block of North Fourteenth Street reported an 18-year-old man was taken into custody for embezzlement at 6:35 a.m. Thursday.

Animal Call — An officer with animal control in the 900 block of Darr Park Drive reported chasing two pigs while trying to catch them at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday. The officer reported not being able to catch the animals.

Pauline Steak and shrimp dinner $11.95 Friday the 28th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — A man in the 2900 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a hit-and-run accident to Ponca City police at 8:01 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Bogus Money — The manager of a restaurant in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth street requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department come to the business and pick up a counterfeit $20 bill at 9:01 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Shoplifting — A clerk at a business in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported two juveniles had stolen some beer from the store to Ponca City police at 12:46 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Maytag Scratch/ dent sale, Copeland’s, 315 East Grand adv.

Subjects Held — An officer, after a traffic stop in the 1900 block of North Fourteenth Street, reported taking into custody a 41-year-old man for driving under intoxication and careless driving and a 54-year-old man for public intoxication at 1:10 a.m. Thursday. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

After The Gold Rush Antiques and wonderful junk. Opening Saturday 29th. Hours Monday through Saturday 10-5, one block north of Osage Pioneer Bank. 762-9904. adv.

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GARDENING

Diggin in the Dirt

Diggin in the Dirt

By Kathy Zehr

Hints and Help For Summer Gardens

Today’s column will list numerous garden chores and hints to help keep your yard and gardens looking their best through these tropical-like “dog days of summer.”

The signs of plant distress are almost always readable in its leaves! Watch for wilting or curling leaves on bushes, trees and garden plants. Other signs include leaves that are dropping, turning yellow, full of holes or displaying mottled color spots. Try to determine the cause by investigating the undersides of leaves and stems and begin treatment immediately. One day can make a great difference in the life or death of a tender plant. If the leaves die, the plant will die from lack of food.

Watering during the hot Northern Oklahoma summers is critical; but, the problem could also be too much water! If your flowers, trees, lawn and garden veggies start turn looking sick or dropping leaves, make sure you are not waterlogging the soil. Always let the soil dry for at least a day between waterings.

Annual flowers and veggies tire easily and begin to look seedy about this time of year. Be ruthless — immediately pick or cut off all blooms that have passed their prime. Don’t forget the herb garden. Keep blooms deadheaded until you want to grow seed for next year.

Big Is Not Better

In the case of veggies, big is NOT always better, and fruits must be picked as soon as they reach their tender peak. Leaving old blooms and veggies on annuals saps the strength of the plant and prevents the forming of new blooms for fruit.

Apply a light fertilizer to heavy bloomers or vegetables about twice a month to keep them strong. Sometimes you can help a “puny” plant return to health faster by spraying a liquid fertilizer on the leaves. Remember not to apply fertilizer or insecticides during the heat of the day. Follow instructions on the container.

Successful tomato growers suggest picking tomatoes when they are about half-ripe and leaving them in a sunny window a day or two to ripen. The flavor will not diminish and picking them early will prevent birds and other pests from being attracted and pecking or eating the bright red fruit. Picking half-ripe tomatoes will also allow the plant to pour energy into developing more tomatoes.

Pests and Fungus

Spider mites and other pests increase their damage greatly in the hot summer months. Check plants carefully each morning for signs of the pests and spray immediately before they “spread throughout the land.” (Remember to reduce fungicide and pesticide strengths by one-third to prevent burning of rose foliage when spraying for mildew, spider mites and aphids on the tender plants.)

Hot humid weather also encourages various fungal diseases — and wow — they seen to be abundant in north central Oklahoma this year! If pests are not found, look for a fast spreading fungus. Frequently you have both, and the pests are spreading the fungus.

Bacterial diseases often cause leaf and stem yellowing and rapid wilting of the plant. Viral diseases usually first discolor, distort or mottle leaves (like a mosaic). The spores may be spread by humans and insects or by contact with other plants that have the disease. Some pathogens may have come into your garden from contaminated seed, plant debris, clothing, tools, etc. Rain splashing on infected soil also spreads some diseases.

Be scrupulously clean! Keep all dead or infected leaves, weeds and other trash out from under and away from your plants and don’t put them in the compost pile or throw them over the fence. Put diseased material in a tight garbage bag and send it away.

Some disease spreads slowly (smut, altenaria leaf spot, and nematodes) and can usually be controlled with good sanitation. Most, however, will spread quickly, and some (wilts, mildews, molds, and some of the blights) can wipe out a crop almost overnight.

A good all-purpose fungicide may be used, but some plants are resistant and must be destroyed. If the plant is too infected — quickly pull it up and destroy it. Local garden centers will help you identify your disease and advise the proper treatment — but don’t delay.

Other Hot Weather Reminders

To protect roots growing near the surface, add another layer of mulch to all tender plants. The mulch preserves moisture and prevents the sun from stressing or baking the tender roots.

Feed outside houseplants and patio plants at least twice a month. Daily watering of these tender plants leech out the soil and leave the little plants undernourished. Add mulch (peat moss, straw, or other material) to keep in moisture and the roots cool. Avoid using rocks and gravel as they get too hot and add more stress.

SPORTS

Cavener Eyes More National Competition

Cavener Eyes More National Competition

PC Junior Golfers Winners In Local Tournament

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

For a 14-year-old golfer to travel all the way to Delaware for a tournament must mean her game is going pretty good.

Actually, this is a bit of a homecoming for Michaela Cavener who used to live there.

But her game IS very good and that is part of the reason she is taking part in an American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournament there this week.

Michaela’s game has always been pretty good, but it has taken off this summer.

She was a top-five finisher in the prestigious Texas-Oklahoma Junior Golf Tournament last month.

She followed that just this past week by winning the Independent Insurance Agents (Big “I”) Junior Classic in Shawnee, going against girls up to four years her senior.

That victory won her an all expense paid trip to Georgia Aug. 14-18 for the National Big “I” Tournament. She’ll miss the first few days of school, but feels her chance to play in a national tournament is well worth it.

“My game is going real well right now,” Michaela said Wednesday night as she was preparing to leave for Delaware.

It is going good enough that Michaela decided to play in the PGA South Central Junior Golf Tour tournament at the Ponca City Country Club Wednesday.

She has long ago qualified for the tour’s Champion of Champions Tournament — a tournament she won’t play in because of the trip to Delaware.

Michaela, despite her busy schedule, just wanted to keep her game sharp.

It was.

She won the event’s 14-15 age division, shooting a one-over-par 73, beating her nearest opponent by 16 strokes.

Several Ponca City juniors solidified their qualifying for the PGA Champion of Champions by playing their home course Wednesday.

Pat Collogan stole the spotlight at the Country Club, winning the boys’ 14-15 age division with a sizzling 69, the lowest score of the tournament. His winning margin was six strokes.

“That was my fourth straight real good round of golf,” said Collogan, who will be playing in the Champion of Champions.

Matt Ellis, who just missed a chance of joining Michaela in Georgia, easily won the 16-17 division with a 71.

Jonathan Myers was the victor in the 11-and-under boys’ division, firing a nine-hole 39. His margin of victory was also six strokes,

John Nimmo was second (82) and Ross Gilbert (84) fourth in the boys’ 12-13 division.

The Ponca City girls also dominated the Ponca City Tournament.

In addition to Cavener’s win, Jenni Nimmo took the 16-17 title with an 85 and Haley Schauvliege won the nine-hole 12-13 age group with a 42.

Patton Theobald was second to Schauvliege with a 56.

Kelle Waddell was third (92) and Katie Girardi fourth (97) in the 14-15 age bracket.