LOCAL

Loaned Executives Prepared To Meet United Way Challenge
All Amateur Team Roping Event Part of 101 Rodeo
Newkirk Plays Host to One Day Main Street Training Session
Chilocco Treaty Signed into Reality
Taxes Will Not Increase For City Water Users
14 Year Old Arrested For Burglary
Heart Attack Fells Tonkawa Man, 71

Loaned Executives Prepared To Meet United Way Challenge

United Way of Ponca City has just completed its training of loaned executives for this year’s campaign. A loaned executive is a special volunteer who has been assigned to work with the major companies and Pacesetters in the Ponca City area. Their main responsibility will be to assist those companies in the design and implementation of their in-house and corporate giving campaign.

“These volunteers play a key role in the success of the campaign,” says Bill Wetzel, campaign chairman. “Their enthusiasm and ability to motivate their companies will help support the 16 member agencies in the coming year.”

“The loaned executives can help these larger companies plan fun activities for their employees to not only raise funds but build company spirit and community awareness.” One special event idea discussed at the training session came from Eric Kurtz, past campaign chair.

The morning of their kick-off the employees have an auction. The employees have the opportunity to bid on services donated by the officers of the bank. One service might be a car wash and wax donated by loaned executive and bank officer Eric Kurtz, or the highest bidder may throw a pie at CEO Carl Renfro or president Tom Quillin. “It’s a great way to have fun and raise funds for the 16 agencies,” says Kurtz.

This year’s loaned executives are Robin Carpenter, Home National Bank; Carol Jeffries, Pioneer Bank of Trust; Ro Mayse, retired; Mike Mott, Home National Bank; Kim Ochoa, Davis-Moore; Teresa Smith, Pioneer Technology Center; Danny Thompson, Cable One; Isabel Withey, Cable One; and Major Companies chairperson, Debbie Whitener from Loftis Insurance.

Loaned executives will be contacting their companies in the next few weeks to help plan a fun and successful campaign.

United Way of Ponca City supports the following 16 member agencies — American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Girl Scouts-Bluestem Council, Boy Scouts of America-Cimarron Council, Child Development Center, Domestic Violence Program, Golden Villa Adult Day Services, Helpline Inc., Hospice of Ponca City, New Emergency Resource Agency, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, Peachtree Landing, ProTeens, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), The Salvation Army, and YMCA. If you have questions about where your contribution goes, or would like more information about the 16 member agencies, call the United Way office at 765-2476.

All Amateur Team Roping Event Part of 101 Rodeo

The second annual Budweiser all-amateur team roping event will be part of the 101 Beverage Co. and 101 Wild West Rodeo Aug. 16-19. The grand prize will be Budweiser saddles for the first place team.

There will be eight teams participating each night, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with the top eight teams from the 24 teams coming back for the finals on Saturday night.

The fastest time will be paid nightly, with cash prizes awarded to the top four teams on two head.

Qualifications include that the first 24 teams registering will be the only ones accepted, with the cost being $100 entry fee per team and $10 stock charge. Ropers will be able to enter only one time.

Entries must be phoned on Wednesday, Aug. 9, only at 580-765-2408 between 7 and 9 p.m., and all entry fees and proof of age and residence is due by Monday, Aug. 14, no later than 5 p.m. at the Rodeo Office, Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, 420 East Grand Avenue.

Only those living within a 45-mile radius of Ponca City will be eligible, and ropers must be 21 years of age or older and not carrying a PRCA card or permit. Western attire, including boots, long sleeve shirt and hat (no ball caps) are required.

Newkirk Plays Host to One Day Main Street Training Session

NEWKIRK — Vicki Hillard, Oregon Main Street State coordinator, was in Newkirk recently to present a one day Main Street training on “Main Street — When a Highway Runs Through It” and “Business Improvement Districts — How They Can Affect Your Main Street Program.”

There were 31 participants from 18 Oklahoma communities attending the training.

The day started with a reception in the historic Geisler building in downtown Newkirk. Joanne Cary, head of the Newkirk WCTU (Women’s Christian Temperance Union), greeted them and lead them in singing an appropriate song.

Nehemiah Tubbs, early day architect/builder, regaled them with tales of early day Lamourex/Santa Fe/Newkirk. Tubbs is better known today as John Williamson. Main Street president, Tom Smith, welcomed them to Newkirk. The participants were then divided into three groups and taken on guided tours of historic downtown Newkirk.

During the luncheon at Smith Country, they were greeted by Mayor Carol Purdy, treated to a brief view of the Newkirk CD-ROM by Chris Harris and given a stroll through the past with the Newkirk slide show.

Their visit in Newkirk from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. produced additional revenue to Newkirk merchants and businesses of approximately $700.

Hillard’s program regarding highways running through the center of communities is very pertinent to Newkirk. Thousands of cars a day pass through Newkirk on U.S. 77. Convincing those driving through to stop, walk our streets, shop, eat, purchase fuel benefits the entire community not just the merchants and businesses.

Every dime spent here boosts Newkirk’s sales tax which in turn provides the services for the quality of life that is so important to every citizen. Sales tax helps fund Newkirk’s police department, fire department, ambulance, the swimming pool, parks, country club, and library — to name just a few. It is imperative that Newkirk citizens stay alert to any possibility of a by-pass and have a comprehensive plan to avoid this.

Newkirk volunteers who assisted the day of the event were Tom Smith, Chris Harris, Juhree Vanderpool, Janice Shinn, Carol Purdy, Carolyn Kirkendall, Jana Shafer, Kathie Hartley, Wayne White, Janet White, Earlene Lane, Harold Harris, Pat Branch, Dorothy Gilbreath, Ginger Weber, Joanne Cary, Sue Roy, John Williamson, Vance Johnson, Kim Dodson, Karen Dye, Dawn Blanton, Kristen Avallone, Behren Smith, Clint Mantz and Trevor Austin.

Chilocco Treaty Signed into Reality

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

KAW CITY — “We are here today to sign this agreement to shove off on a new adventure amongst us for acquiring economic development for all the tribes involved.”

With that statement, Pawnee tribe of Oklahoma president Bob Chapman summarized Wednesday’s signing of the Chilocco Treaty. The signing of the treaty by five area tribes established the Council of Confederated Chilocco Tribes.

“The tribes saw a need for some type of an agreement to utilize the land in a joint effort,” explained Chapman.

“We are doing this with the idea that we are sovereign nations” rather than corporate entities, said Greg Biglar, attorney for the Kaw Nation. He also indicated he believed meeting with that concept in mind has and will help the tribes work together in the future.

In addition to Chapman and the Pawnee tribe of Oklahoma, tribes and representatives signing the agreement were Wanda Stone, chairman of the Kaw Nation; Don Patterson, president of the Tonkawa tribe of Oklahoma; Kinsel V. Lieb, chairman of the Ponca tribe of Oklahoma; and Jim Grant, chairman of the Otoe-Missouria tribe.

According to Chapman, the process actually began in 1986.

“Ronald Reagan was president at the time and signed legislation that transferred the Chilocco Indian School’s land to five tribes,” Chapman said. Reagan gave the 167-acre tract, north of Newkirk, to the tribes after the school, founded in 1884, was closed in 1980.

“Most of the land was partitioned off, and each of the five tribes began to manage their own section,” he explained.

In 1988, the tribes signed a 25-year lease with a local nonprofit organization with each tribe receiving compensation. “Almost from the very beginning, things started going wrong,” said Chapman, adding the expectations of both parties weren’t met.

“Both parties realized it was an awful long time to be locked into one location.

“Both parties decided it would be best for [the nonprofit organization] to look for other locations,” added Big-ler.

Taxes Will Not Increase For City Water Users

There will be no increase in water taxes for Ponca City residents despite Enid withdrawing from the Kaw Reservoir Authority.

Ken Parr, director of public works, said that there would be an increase in cost — but not to individuals.

Parr said that the increase in membership dues would be “very, very minor.” Even with Enid dropping out, there will be just a slight increase. The fee would go from $329.50 to a little under $400. The money for the increase will come from within the resorvoir authority budget.

The yearly membership fees comprise a small portion of the money used for the reservoir.

According to Parr, the reservoir authority set aside a pool of money and put it into certificates of desposit. The majority of the money used to support the Kaw reservoir comes from the interest and principal off the CDs. The difference is made up by the yearly membership fees.

Parr added that other cities were approaching the authority wanting membership. He said they are considering all of the cities for membership.

He also said he is not at liberty at this time to say which cities applied, but the authority will announce the new members in a couple of months.

When a new city is inducted, Parr explained, the fees will go back down.

Enid decided to drop its usage because city commissioners felt the cost would be too great to maintain the water rights.

If Enid continued to use water from Kaw Lake, costs would include installing a pipeline, building a treatment plant and other expenses

According to assistant city manager Craig Stephenson, Enid paid $3,050 in dues this year for access to the valve, which they were not using.

What the authority pays for is water rights. All members of the authority jointly own the valve, which was installed when the Kaw Reservoir was constructed. Enid surrenders its right to the valve.

“The rest of the members were sorry to see Enid go,” Parr said, “but Kaw Reservoir Authority will continue to operate.”

(Staff intern Jackie Schroeder contributed to this report.)

14 Year Old Arrested For Burglary

A 14-year-old Ponca City boy was arrested Wednesday night in connection with a residential burglary.

According to police department information officer Sherry Bowers, other arrests are expected in connection with the case. The crime was reported on July 20.

Detective division captain Dwaine Vincent said Sgt. Richard Brown, assigned to the case, developed information about who may have been responsible during the course of his investigation.

“He has conducted interviews with at least two adults,” said Vincent.

Brown plans to submit that information to the District Attorney’s office requesting arrest warrants for these individuals in connection with the burglary, he added.

A second juvenile may soon be arrested in connection with this case, reported Bowers.

“Upon returning to his residence located in the 800 block of East Madison, the victim found his back door standing open,” said Bowers. “Two guns, a shotgun and a rifle, were missing from the residence and believed taken during the burglary,” she added.

The investigation is ongoing.

Police are asking those who might have more information on this burglary or any other crime call Crime Stoppers at 762-5100.

Callers will remain anonymous and may receive a reward of up to $1,000 if the information they provide leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property or the seizure of illegal drugs.

Heart Attack Fells Tonkawa Man, 71

By The Associated Press

A Tulsa woman was killed in a hit-and-run accident and a Tonkawa man died of a heart attack while driving Wednesday, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported.

Calvin L. Willerton, 71, of Tonkawa, died of an apparent heart attack Wednesday night around 8:30 while driving a pickup truck on a road near Billings, the patrol said.

After the apparent attack, Willerton drove off the road and hit a tree, the patrol said. His wife, Willadean, a passenger in the truck, was treated and released for head and leg injuries.

Elsewhere, Julie Marie Pressnell, 32, was struck by a pickup and killed while walking along 61st Street in Tulsa.

The Highway Patrol said the truck ran off the road, striking Pressnell and two other people who were not seriously injured.

The pickup is described as a dark or blue over white ’80s model Chevrolet with no tag light. The accident happened around 10:30 at night, the patrol said.

DEATHS

Jack L. Robison
Frankie Gene Burgess
John A. Robertson
Calvin L. Willerton
Daniel F. Dyck
Artie White
Jolene Francis Blakesley
Edward Calvin Epps

Jack L. Robison

Jack L. Robison, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday evening, Aug. 1, 2000, at his home. He was 67.

The funeral will be held Saturday, Aug. 5, 2000, at 10 a.m. at First Christian Church with the Rev. Kent Dorsey, pastor, officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. at Nelagoney Cemetery in Nelagoney, Okla. He will lie in state, and the family will host a wake at the home, 22701 Dakota, Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Jack L. Robison was born Oct. 18, 1932, in Earlsboro, the son of Sylva “Mart” and Mildred (Sinor) Robison. He grew up in the Earlsboro area and attended high school in Sapulpa. Jack entered the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean Conflict. After the war, he returned to Oklahoma and attended Okmulgee Technical School.

He married Jo Anne Tomey on March 7, 1959, in Tulsa. He was employed as a maintenance technician for Monroe Automotive in Cozad, Neb., for 23 years, retiring in 1990. Following his retirement, they came to Ponca City. In 1991, Jack, Jo Anne and their son Brady started the Otoe Trading Post. In 1995, Jack retired due to ill health.

Jack was associated with the Baptist faith. He enjoyed carpentry, working with metal, horse races, fishing, hunting, playing guitar and gardening.

Survivors include his wife, Jo Anne of the home; two sons, Brady M. Robison and Mart A. Robison, both of Ponca City; one daughter, Tara L. Robison of Phoenix, Ariz.; and a sister, Shirley Roy of Tonkawa. His parents preceded him in death.

Casket bearers will be Rob Roy, Danny Hartness, Scott Hartness, P.J. Mays, Justin Mays, and Clint Johnson. Honorary bearers will be Harry Hall, Don Sinor Sr., Bill Sinor, Rod Kostman, Jim Klein, and Spencer Decker Jr.

Contributions may be made in his name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Frankie Gene Burgess

PAWHUSKA — Frankie Gene Burgess, longtime Pawhuska resident, died Thursday, July 27, 2000, in the Southbrook Health Care Center in Ardmore. He was 61.

The funeral will be held today, Aug. 3, in the chapel of the Johnson Funeral Home with the Rev. Scott Hill officiating. Burial will be in the Pawhuska Cemetery.

Frankie Gene Burgess was born March 16, 1939, in Cleveland, the son of George Vernon and Iva (Ingle) Burgess. He attended schools in the Fairfax school system and served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Pawhuska Elks Lodge and was employed as a heavy equipment operator. He retired from Osage County due to ill health.

Survivors include his son, Lloyd “Sundance” Burgess of Lone Grove; his daughter, Kala Burgess of Pass Christian, Miss.; five brothers, Bobby Burgess of Ponca City, Jim Burgess of Fairfax, Tommy Burgess of Ponca City, Bud Ricketts of Skiatook and Blackie Ricketts of Pawhuska; two sisters, Pearl Sanders and Beverly Thurman, both of Skiatook; five grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a half-sister, Betty Ruth Ricketts.

Obituaries

John A. Robertson

John A. “Jack” Robertson, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2000, at St. Joseph Medical Center. He was 77.

A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4, 2000, at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Tonkawa with the Rev. Craig Ortwein, pastor of Christ Church of Newkirk, officiating. Arrangements are made with Trout Funeral Home.

Jack was born Oct. 24, 1922, in Tonkawa to Dean and Audrey (Cooney) Robertson. He graduated from Tonkawa High School and married Betty Jo (Best) Robertson on Aug. 17, 1940, in Cherokee. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and later joined the United States Air Force. He attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College and graduated from Oklahoma A&M. In 1961, he and his family moved to Ponca City where they made their home.

Jack worked for Conoco for 28 years as an analyst in the computer department, being one of the first ten members who started this department. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, past president of the Quarterback Club and past president of the Holiday Rambler Club. He enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Betty of the home; one son, John Robertson and his wife Jolene of Ponca City; one daughter, Jean Ann Robertson of Ponca City; five grandchildren, Carl Alan Robertson of Houston, Texas, Vernon Dale Robertson of Ponca City, John Johnson and his wife Brooke of San Antonio, Texas, Becky Hadley and her husband Patrick of Denton, Texas, Sara Louise Johnson of Austin, Texas; five great-grandchildren Amanda Johnson, Gage Johnson, Parker Johnson, Hunter Johnson and Brooke Hadley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Johnson.

Memorials may be made to Hospice, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601 or to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for cancer research, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Okla 73104.

The family will be at 2409 Turner, Ponca City, Okla. 74604.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Calvin L. Willerton

TONKAWA — Calvin L. Willerton, longtime Tonkawa resident, died Wednesday evening, Aug. 2, 2000. He was 71. Arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home of Tonkawa.

Daniel F. Dyck

Daniel F. Dyck, Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Aug. 3, 2000, at his residence. He was 56. He is survived by his wife Shirley of the home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Artie White

Artie White, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday evening, Aug. 2, 2000, at the Tender Heart Health Care Center. He was 74. Local survivors include two daughters, Shirley Adams and Betty Marrow. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Funerals

Friday

Jolene Francis Blakesley

Jolene Francis Blakesley — Graveside service at 10:30 a.m. at the Goodel Cemetery in Drury, Kan., under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home of Blackwell.

Edward Calvin Epps

Edward Calvin Epps — Graveside service at 10 a.m. in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home of Blackwell.

NEWS BRIEFS

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Vandalism — A woman in the 700 block of East Albany Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 7:43 a.m. Wednesday her house was vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Accident — A motorist reported an accident three miles south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177 to the Communications Center at 8:01 a.m. Wednesday. Oklahoma Highway Patrol was advised.

August 5th, 9-12 Crazy Days specials. Good Bye Shoppe, 123 S.

Main, Blackwell. adv.

Theft — A man in the 1000 block of North Second Street reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 10:21 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

A Special program by western history curator Dr. Donald Dewitt will be 3 p.m. Saturday August 5th, 2000 at the Kaw City Museum. Free and open to public. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — The manager of a business in the 3300 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 10:51 a.m. Wednesday. 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.

Subject Held — An officer in the 1100 block of North Second Street reported a 37-year-old man was taken into custody for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia at 11:52 a.m. Wednesday.

Caboose Thrift Shoppe. We have moved our drop box from K-mart parking lot to South of Our building. All summer clothes 1/2 price. adv.

Theft — A woman in the 1700 block of Little Lane reported to Ponca Police at 12:17 p.m. Wednesday her son’s bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Pauline’s Shrimp peel, all you can eat, $11.95, Friday 4th. For reservations, call 765-5460. adv.

Burglary — A Ponca City police officer in the 3500 block of Springwood reported at 12:33 p.m. Wednesday a vehicle had been burglarized in the area.

Accident — A hit-and-run accident in the 100 block of North First Street was reported to Ponca City police at 4:39 p.m. Wednesday. The caller advised police there was a witness to the accident. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Fire Run — A woman in the 200 block of North Ash Street reported her smoke alarm was going off to the Communications Center at 12:33 p.m. Wednesday. Emergency one, command one, rescue one and an ambulance responded to the scene. Firefighters learned it was a low battery on the alarm.

Child Abuse — The manager of a business in the 800 block of East Prospect Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 2:17 p.m. Wednesday a father had been spanking his child in the restroom for about 10 minutes and the child was screaming. Two officers were assigned. Officers learned that the child abuse complaint was unfounded and a report was taken.

Shoplifting — The manager of a business in the 200 block of East Grand Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 2:24 p.m. Wednesday four 10-11-year-old juveniles had stolen one or two hats from the business. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The manager refused to prosecute due to the juveniles’ ages. All of the children’ parents were notified and juvenile citations were issued.

Fraud — The manager of a business in the 900 block of East Prospect Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 2:29 p.m. Wednesday subjects leaving without paying for their meal.

Accident — A minor accident at the intersection of Bradley Avenue and North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 2:32 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — A woman in the 200 block of South Ash Street reported to Ponca City police at 2:48 p.m. Wednesday a juvenile boy had stolen a bicycle from their garage and her husband was chasing him. An officer was assigned and a report was left to be filled out.

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

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street reported to Ponca City police at 4:43 p.m. Wednesday that two subjects, who had been arguing and staggering around, had left northbound after paying only $2 of a $9 fill-up. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The officer advised he was unable to locate suspects.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of West Highland Avenue and North Osage Street reported a 23-year-old man was taken into custody for driving under suspension, expired tag, no insurance and expired registration after a traffic stop at 5:07 p.m. Wednesday.

Pauline’s Will be closed on Monday's starting August Seventh. Open Tuesday through Sat-urday. 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. adv.

Subject Held — An officer at the police department reported a 14-year-old boy was taken into custody for burglary at 6:12 p.m. Wednesday.

Theft — A woman in the 500 block of South Fourteenth Street reported to Ponca city police at 5:38 p.m. Wednesday some money was stolen out of her purse. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken.

Theft — Someone in the 1000 block of North Ash Street reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 6:28 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was left to be filled out by the caller.

Burglary — A man in the 300 block of East Ponca Avenue reported his house had been burglarized to Ponca City police at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Domestic — A Ponca City police officer reported at a 39-year-old man was taken into custody for domestic assault and battery at 6:43 p.m. Wednesday after an earlier complaint.

Shoplifting — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported to Ponca City police at 7:09 p.m. Wednesday two women were being held for shoplifting. An officer, assigned to the call, reported a 24-year-old woman was taken into custody for grand larceny and a 23-year-old woman for grand larceny and a Kay County warrant.

Theft — A man in the 200 block of West Fresno Avenue reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 7:24 p.m. Wednesday. The man called back and canceled his request for an officer because he got tired of waiting.

Theft — A man in the 200 block of North Ninth Street reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 7:56 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Prowler — A resident in the 200 block of South Elm Street reported to Ponca City police at 12:03 a.m. Thursday that some neighbor kids were prowling around and requested an extra patrol. An officer was advised.

Gas Drive-Off — The manager of a business in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street reported a $5 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 8:26 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.

Stolen Vehicle — A stolen 1986 Ford van from a parking lot in the 1000 block of West Prospect Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 7:57 p.m. Wednesday. An officer responding to the call learned the van had been towed.

Burglary — Someone in the 3600 block of D Street reported a residence to Ponca City police at 9:21 p.m. Wednesday had been broken into and ransacked again but nothing was taken this time. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Prowler — A woman in the 500 block of South Lincoln Avenue reported someone was in her back yard messing with her vehicle to Ponca City police at 11:23 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned but the subject was gone on arrival. An extra patrol was requested.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of Second Street and East Grand Avenue reported after a traffic stop a 31-year-old man was taken into custody for driving under intoxication, driving under suspension and no insurance at 1:09 a.m. Thursday.

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GARDENING

Diggin In The Dirt
Sunflowers Not Just in Kansas
Farmers Market

Diggin In The Dirt

Fall Gardening Very Successful In This Area

According to David Hillock, Brenda Simons and Susan Gray, horticulturists with the OSU Extension Cooperative Service, some of the best quality garden vegetables in northern Oklahoma are produced and harvested during the fall when warm, sunny days are followed by cool, humid nights.

These fall crops compliment those summer crops still producing in the garden, and between the two, often provide fresh food for the family up to Thanksgiving Day. With a little more effort, several fall crops can be extended into early winter.

Recommended Seeds, Plants

Seeds left over from spring plants may be used in planting a fall garden if they have been stored properly. If you purchase new seed, select varieties that are early maturing and disease resistant.

OSU recommends the best tender garden crops to be planted by seed straight in the ground in early August for north central Oklahoma are bush, cowpea, pole and lima beans, cilantro, cucumbers, pumpkins, summer and winter squash and with special handling — Irish potatoes!

Semi-hardy crops (can withstand light fall frosts) include beets, carrots, garlic, spinach, collards, chard, leaf lettuce, leeks, mustard, onions, parsnips, green peas, radishes, turnips and rutabaga. Plants include cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi.

Other crops that are “iffy” but are grown successfully in fall gardens in Oklahoma include sweet corn (seed), and various tender plants including eggplants, peppers and believe it or not, tomatoes! Finding plants at this time of year may be difficult, but more nurseries are beginning to stock a few for fall gardeners.

Different Techniques Needed

As expected, several gardening techniques for the fall must be altered from familiar spring practices, due to consideration for the first fall frost. Our first frost date usually listed for Ponca City (zone 6) is about Nov. 15 — but with the crazy weather patterns lately who knows? Plant each crop so it will have time to mature before that frost date unless you are planting the semi-hardy veggies which tolerate light frosts.

For instance, radishes only take about 30 days to mature, but other crops may take 60-65 days or more. Some tender plants that take longer to mature are not suited to fall gardens unless other provisions are made. Some extenders include cold frames and row covers to protect from frost.

Another factor the fall gardener must consider seriously is that July and August involve high soil temperatures (up to 140 degrees), as well as high light intensity and rapid drying of the soil. The tender young seedlings will need more watering than those grown in cooler spring months.

One day in the hot Oklahoma sun without water can prove fatal to young seedlings. Furrow or drip irrigation might provide a suitable answer for larger gardens. Watering the soil (not the plants) also reduces soil temperature on very hot days.

A rule of thumb for planting veggie seed is three times as deep as the diameter of the seed. However, in the case of small seeds such as carrots, other considerations apply. The tiny seeds will have great difficulty surviving as they are exposed to the high heat of the hot topsoil, which dries out quickly.

Simple shade structures may be used to protect the young seeds, and retain moisture. They can include lathes placed in the ground with cheesecloth or other lightweight material stretched across the top), a light airy mulch, or screen wire strips or boards laid just above the beds. Remove boards or screens when plants are established.

Some fall gardeners start their seeds in flats in a shady location in the garden or indoors in a sunny window and transplant to permanent outdoor locations when they are well rooted. This practice works only with plants that transplant well. June 15 is about the right time to start seeds for transplanting into the fall garden.

Bugs and Weeds

My least favorite subjects, bugs and weeds, are a part of gardening and we must deal with them in the fall garden even more so than in the spring. Conditions that favor the germination of planted vegetables also favor growth of grass and weeds and those plants are well established by August. Remember to cultivate the soil when weeds are very small and are easily destroyed. It is easier to pull weeds just after a rain or watering when the soil is damp.

Insects are rampant in the last months of summer and can seriously damage plants within a week. Be diligent in examining each crop every day (mornings are best), identify the little critters, and take proper steps to eradicate immediately. Try to save the good guys! For complete free information about fall gardens call 580-362-3194 to order brochure F-6009 and other publications.

Sunflowers Not Just in Kansas

Flowers enjoyed life on Planet Earth well before we human beings arrived. In our time together, flowers have played starring roles in innumerable myths and historic moments, in the art of homeopathy, and all sorts of magic.

Here are fun facts from the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center in New York City about some of the summers most popular cut flowers.

Sunflowers

These cheerful giants with spectacular flowers that can reach the size of pie plates go by the botanical name of Helianthus. The Latin name is a nod to Helios, the Greek sun god. Not only do the flowers of Helianthus look somewhat like the ball of fire in the summer sky, but, true sun worshipers that they are, they always turn themselves to face the sun.

Despite the Hellenic name, sunflowers are North American natives. Even the earliest European plantsmen to discover them here reported that the huge flat blooms resembled a plate or platter.

Sunflowers are not only fun to look at, they’re useful. While sipping a summer beverage, you might let drop that sunflower seeds, besides making a tasty snack on their own, are used in the production of cooking oil and other food products and in the manufacture of soaps, paint and cosmetics.

Many birds prize them, presumably for their high protein and mineral content. Flower lovers, however, can just enjoy them for their supreme smile-ability factor.

Lilies

Often called the queen of the summer garden, the lily is also tops when it comes to flower lore. The ancient Greeks said that lilies sprang from the drops of the Goddess Heras milk as she nursed baby Hercules (a fact left out of the Disney movie).

Through the ages, lilies were used to make fine perfumes, cosmetics and antiaging creams. Lily petals mixed with honey were thought to remove facial wrinkles and make skin soft again.

The flower was also a popular aphrodisiac among the ancients (who were then, of course, all ages, both young and old!). As a medicinal herb, lilies were said to treat burns, snakebite and even leprosy.

Farmers Market

PARTICIPANTS in the Ponca City Farmers Market, Melvin and Maurita Grimm, have been experimenting with hybrid peppers in their garden. They have an attractive combination of flowers and fencing bordering their vegetable garden. Their produce can be found Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting at 7 a.m., at the Farmers Market, at Prospect and 14th Street on the Country General parking lot. For more information call 762-3489 or 362-2187. Among the items being sold are blackberries, watermelon, onions, zucchini, Acorn, zucchini and yellow squash, honey, leeks, elephant garlic, sweet yellow bell peppers, miniature bells, tomatoes, okra, cucumbers, green beans, beets, carrots, cantaloupe, and much more.

SPORTS

Carnival Atmosphere Holds As Motocross Races Start
Sports Notes

Carnival Atmosphere Holds As Motocross Races Start

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Come early, stay late and don’t forget to visit the midway.

Ponca City’s 25th NMA Grand National Motocross Championships got underway early this morning in a carnival atmosphere.

Vendors offering everything from T-shirts to motor oil and photographs to brake pads lined the road circling the Ambucs’ track trying to lure one of the biggest crowds in recent years into purchase their wares.

NMA President Ron Hendricksen notes this year’s championships have drawn “close to 1,700 entries,”

Since some riders compete in more than one events, Hendricksen says that translate into approximately 1,l00 young cyclists, Added to that are parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, girl friends, etc., which brings the total number of people who have crowded into the Jack Blevins Motocross Park at over 4,000.

“At one time we figured there were 3.5 people with each rider,” Hendricksen said. “It is probably more than that now.

“And these people are no longer staying in the park in pup tents. They bring these large RVs and campers. It’s getting crowded out there.”

In the early years, the NMA motocross championships drew about 1,900 entries. That number dropped considerable during the early 1900’s, due mostly to a downturn in the economy. It takes more that a little money to travel from the four corners of the United states to Ponca City. And these special built motorcycles are far from cheap.

But the 25th an anniversary of the championships coming to Ponca City sees the numbers climbing again and Hendricksen says he feels the upswing will continue.

“We had 2,410 entries for the Mini World in Las Vegas this spring,” Hendricksen said. “That makes it the largest motocross event in the nation. Ponca City is number two.”

If the Ponca City event continued to grow at this pace, the motocross park will need more room for parking those RVs ( "We may have to start parking people across Prospect,”) and the NMA will have to expand the racing days from the current three to at least four.

This year the racing gets underway at 7 a.m. each day through Saturday. Hendricksen says they will probably run until 6 p.m. or a little later.

“We have 43 events to run today and 48 on Friday,” NMA’s founder says. “As long as the weather holds, we’ll be in good shape.”

Most of the classes have more than one division which will call for runoffs on Saturday. Each class has two motos to determine either a champion or the advancers to the runoffs.

Sports Notes

Ponca City High School cross country coach Kelly Chaney has called for a meeting of parents of cross-country runners today at Sullins Stadium from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

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Ponca City’s eighth grade football players are to hold an informational meeting with coach Brad Parent today at the West Middle School field, starting at 6 p.m.

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The Ponca City Quarterback Club will hold a picnic and high school player auction at Lake Ponca Shelter House No. 3 starting at 6:30 p.m. Freshmen players and parents are urged to attend.

The club will provide hamburgers and hot dogs.

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Ponca City High School’s football players will check out equipment Monday. Seniors will check out at 2 p.m., juniors at 3 and sophomores at 4. There will be a team meeting at 5.

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Athletic physicals are due, filled out by a doctor and signed by a parent or guardian, before a players is allowed to practice.

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Ponca City’s Michaela Cavener shot rounds of 80-79 for a 159 total for fifth place in the AJGA All-Star Classic in Greenville, Del.