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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Thursday, August 20, 1998 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS SPORTS GARDENING LOCALSchool Off to Smooth Start Despite Glitches School Off to Smooth Start Despite GlitchesBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor Stop and listen to the sounds around town. Do you hear laughter occupying the parks or surrounding lakes? Do you see children riding their bikes in the early afternoon during the hot, humid weather? The quiet can mean only one thing — school is back in session. School started Wednesday in Ponca City with both excitement and nervousness. Some kids dread the first day of school and getting “back into the swing of things.” They are used to spending a carefree day riding bikes, playing with friends and sleeping late. Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City, said, “We had a magnificent first day. I think a lot of people were very pleased yesterday to see all the renovations that were done over the summer months.” White went on to say that a few changes with the entrance and exit at Lincoln Elementary caused some confusion. “I think it will just take some time for parents to get used to the new signs,” said White. Ponca City Middle School was also crowded before and after school Wednesday because there is no drop-off location for parents and buses. “We don’t have many choices. It takes a lot of space for buses to occupy some 600 students and that doesn’t leave a lot of room for parents to park. The middle school is just not designed for proper drop-off on Grand Avenue,” White stated. The new drop-off facilities at Liberty, Woodlands and Trout, however, worked very well, according to White. “We haven’t had any calls that I am aware of pertaining to drop-off problems at the local elementary schools. I spoke to a few kids yesterday and they seemed to be enjoying the newly renovated schools.” Ponca City Senior High had some problems with the air conditioning unit in the new Math/Science/Business Center. “A motor in the air conditioner broke and five of the classrooms did not have air conditioning yesterday. A temporary motor was installed today and students should be kept cool,” stated White. According to White, some of the air conditioning units in some of the older buildings are having problems running so much. White said, “The units were sized for five days above 95 degrees. We have had much hotter days than that!” Enrollment numbers are strong this year because of two new programs in the schools. The first one is the expansion of the 4-year-old program. White said that 51 students are in the full-day programs while 94 are in the half-day programs. Overall, the enrollment numbers in the elementary grades are down about 35 students from this time last year. The Dropout Recovery Program at Pioneer Technology Center, also known as SHARE, has an enrollment of 33 students. Problems with the immunization laws arose Wednesday when a few students went to school without having the proper shots. “Parents must show that their children are in the process of receiving shots. A few kids missed yesterday because they hadn’t started the process,” continued White. White also said that he hasn’t heard of any problems with the buses. “As far as I know buses were timely yesterday and things went very smooth. We must all get into the routine of school starting again and it takes some time,” White said. He concluded by saying that many people pulled together to clean up the high school on Tuesday. “We still have a lot of construction going on at the high school but nothing will interfere with the education of children.” Nearly NewsA memorial service for Michael Goodenough, who died Sunday, will be held Friday, beginning at 6 p.m., at Webb’s World of Fun. Training Runs Begin For United Way EventTraining runs for the upcoming Ponca City United Way 5-kilometer run/walk begin 8 a.m. Saturday at Second Street and Grand Avenue. In sponsoring the event, Ponca Roadrunners want to do more than promote the 3.1 mile run. Roadrunner Bob Kammiller wants to spark interest for new runners just getting started. Sessions will be held the next three Saturdays with experienced, volunteer coaches available. All levels of running (or non-running) are welcome, according to Kammiller. Competition will begin Sept. 12 at 8:30 in downtown Ponca City with proceeds to benefit the 17 local United Way agencies. The race will be scored separately for runners, walkers and run-walkers. For a $10 entry fee, participants will receive a T-shirt and a certificate for a free pancake breakfast. To enter, pick up a registration form at the United Way office, Fifth Street and Grand, or call 765-2476. The Ponca Roadrunners are sponsoring the run in conjunction with the United Way kickoff celebration. What Does The Chamber Do?Many times there can be confusion or lack of information about just what is a Chamber of Commerce and what does it do. In a large number of communities if you were to ask, “What does the Chamber do?”, the answer would be “Stuff.” The follow up question would then logically be, “What kind of stuff?”. Answer: “Lots of Stuff.” Well, that’s not good enough. So we thought that today, we would give you a much better outline of what the Ponca City Chamber is and does. The Chamber operates in four major areas of activity: Community Development, Economic Development, Governmental Affairs and Membership Services and Programs. You can bet that anytime there is an opportunity to help make Ponca City better for all of us, not just the business community, the Chamber will be there to be a part of it. Likewise, whenever there is a problem or issue which is critical to our future, the Chamber also is there to step forward and seek a positive solution. How is this all done? The Chamber operates through a structure of committees which are comprised entirely of volunteers — people in the community who are willing to invest their time, energy and talents to work on behalf of Ponca City. There is no pay for this work, and it’s a good thing. The cost of hiring the kind of expertise which is freely volunteered would be so high that we couldn’t afford it. Additionally, when people work on Chamber committees there is always one standing rule: When you participate in a Chamber project, you must take off your personal business hat and put on your community hat. What’s good for the community will benefit us all. In order to verify that the Chamber is operating its programs, projects and administration at the very highest levels, the organization has gone through a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the United States Chamber of Commerce. Only chambers of commerce which meet or exceed the criteria are eligible to be designated as an “Accredited” chamber of commerce. Ponca City is proud to have earned this designation and will soon enter into our 25th-year reevaluation in order to maintain our accredited status. We at the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce believe that we owe it to our membership, the public and our area to be a first class organization and pledge our continuing efforts to that end. Building an even stronger Ponca City is good for us all. Upcoming Events Friday — Legislative Review, 7:30 a.m., Chamber Conference Room. Thursday, Aug. 27 — Leadership Ponca City Reception, 6:30-8 p.m., Ponca City Country Club. Friday, Aug. 28 — Chamber Board of Director’s, 11 a.m., Chamber Conference Room. One Admission Ticket Sought For Monument Road Tour SitesBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer The Marland Estate Commission Tuesday voted to asked the City Commission to approve a joint admission ticket with the Pioneer Woman Museum. Cost of the joint ticket would be $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and groups. The agreement is to be between the City and Oklahoma Historical Society, which owns the Pioneer Woman Museum, the Pioneer Woman Statue and about four acres of land at North Fourteenth Street and Lake Road. Grand opening of the museum, which has been more than doubled in size, and the scope changed to a woman theme, is slated for Sept. 26. Both the Mansion and the Museum are expected to gain visitation from the joint ticket. In other action, which was not on the agenda as normally required by the Open Meeting Law, the group approved waiving the rental fee for the Oktoberfest slated for Oct. 3 and 4, and for the early December Gala. The matter does not fall under the emergency clause of the Open Meeting Law. First, the Commission voted to put the matter on the agenda and then unanimously voted to approve. Any action of the Marland Estate Commission must be approved by the City Commission. Prior to the start of the meeting the Estate Commissioners visited the Artist Studio and the Main Kitchen in the Mansion. The Artist Studio is being refurbished under the direction of Doyle Worstell and Eldridge Manering is overseeing the painting and cleaning in the Mansion’s Main kitchen. The kitchen is being readied for the Ponca City Arts and Humanities display “Apron Strings: Ties to the Past.” The display will be on exhibit through September. Reports were given by Larry Stephenson, building restoration; Doyle Worstell, Artist Studio; Jon Kennedy, Lydie’s Cottage; Main Kitchen, Eldridge Manering; Collections/Restorations, Sally Thomas; Landscape/Grounds, Sherry Muchmore; Long Range Planning, Lynda Clark; Volunteer Support, Eldridge Manering; Gala, Sherry Tapp; Oktoberfest, Stan Paynter. Manering reported there had been 425 volunteer hours spent on the kitchen. James York had been responsible for two teams of Conoco volunteers, who worked two evenings on the painting project. York is also working on a computerized layout of the grounds and buildings. The City is assisting with the grounds information so the water pipes and other utilities can be located on drawings for future use by the landscape committee. On the Mansion, York has been working from the original blue prints of master architect John Duncan Forsythe. Volunteers Aid Restoration Phyllis Kennedy, Commission Chairman, expressed appreciation to all of the volunteers who have been working on the restoration projects. Lynda Clark reporting on the long range plan told that most of the goals set for the past two years have been met. Sherri Tapp asked for funds from the Marland Estate Foundation to buy new decorations to add to the Christmas decorations for the gala. The request was for $2,500. Sherry Muchmore told of a landscaping program and involving local garden clubs, which would replace dead trees and also a plan to do a herb garden and the future dredging and draining of the White Marsh Lake. She mentioned additionally watering and Craig Myers, of Monumental Enterprises, which leases the Conference Center, expressed concern that there was only one water meter and two-thirds of that is paid for by that firm. The widening of the shoulders to the west gate entrance is expected to get under way soon to allow buses and other large vehicles better access to the estate. The City of Ponca City will do the work. Another recommendation of the landscape committee is to straighten out the jog at the main gate. Myers reporting for Monumental Enterprises Conference told that July had been the best month ever with 60 percent occupancy. August, September and October look good also he said. Myers told that Apple Cart, which operates the food service at the Conference Center needs a new freezer and has located an outdoor walk-in unit. Myers and Kennedy were to met to discuss a location that would be unobtrusive. During Director Kathy Adams’ report, she told the Christmas open house for city employees will not be held at the Mansion, because all the evenings are booked up. However there will be open houses on a Sunday afternoon at the Mansion, Cultural Center and Cann Garden Center. Adams said she had met with the 101 Old Timers and they were excited about having the 101 Ranch collection at the Marland Estate moved to the Cultural Center. The exhibits will have to remain separated as the City owns the Marland Estate exhibit. In exchange Adams says she is hopeful that the Bryant Baker Studio exhibit will be moved from the Cultural Center to the Artist Studio, where the Estate’s 101 exhibit is now. That area is being rejuvenated along with the main Artist studio area. Visitation at the Mansion was down July about 300, according to Adams, but that events attendance was up. Many of the events are due to Monumental Enterprises. Myers had reported that many of the December events were due to bookings by the Conference Center. July revenue totaled $14,055, this is up one percent from July 1997, which showed income of $13,220. Revenue was from visitors admission, events and the gift shop. Adams said the financial statement that outlines the expenses and revenue was not available. The income normally includes a contribution of about $8,000 monthly from the City’s General Fund. P.C. Tourism Economic Impact For 98 Projected at 4.5 MillionBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor Ponca City Tourism Authority authorized coordinator Missy Morland to purchase a new Fax machine, and place ads in the holiday issue of Oklahoma Today and the Kansas issue of AAA magazine, Home and Away. Receipts from the gift shop during July was $353. Since the gift shop opened in February the receipts are over $1,300. A total of 96 persons stopped at the Visitor’s Center, located in the Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand, during July and 540 have visited during the last year. Since January a total of 60 tours have been booked, 26 were booked in May. This is down slightly from 1997 at the same time which had 69. Economic Impact The economic impact statement for tourism, according to Morland for May was $937,716, and the year to date projection is $4,545,636. April was an outstanding month with an economic impact of $2,613,084. The three-percent motel/hotel tax, which supports the tourism effort, shows a total of $42,317 collected from January to June. The June collection totaled, $8,534. Glenn Mair, board member, reported that the recent water garden tour was successful and several hundred people had visited the gardens. Morland told that the Discover Oklahoma television series had featured Ponca City three times in four weeks. She reported 21 Festival of Angels tours have been booked for the holiday season and nine of these are overnighters. Four 1999 Spring tours have already committed. Morland will be attending the Travel Show in Oklahoma City on Aug. 29. T.L. Walker, Standing Bear Memorial director, plans to attend also. Pioneer Woman Museum Manager Jan Prough, who presided at the meeting in the absence of Chuck Rager, told she has been contacted by a free lance writer for NASA to do a story on Oklahoma’s women in space. She announced that Jerrie Cobb of Ponca City, who was in the space program will be in Ponca City for the dedication of the expanded museum on Sept. 26. David Zimmerman told that he plans to do about 10 elder hostel programs a year. Morland told there are a number of “winter Texans” visiting in Ponca City this week. Heritage Day Guests telling about their projects included Kathy Tippin of the Kaw Lake Association, described the activities slated for Heritage Day, which is a fund raiser for the Cultural Center. This is set for Sept. 12 and involves a cooperative effort of the Friends of the Cultural Center, the Kaw Lake Association, the Kaw City Museum, Kaw City Chamber of Commerce, Pioneer Genealogy Society, and the North Central Oklahoma Historical Society. The event begins with activities slated at the Cultural Center form 10:15 a.m. to 2 p.m., and moves to the Kaw City Museum from 2 to 6 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., there will be a program by Danny Goble at the Kaw City Community Center. Tickets for the program “The Rest of Oklahoma Story,” dinner and musical entertainment are $12. 101 Ranch Information Jerry and Ruth Murphey represented the 101 Old Timers and the 101 Collectors. They told of recent projects including the dedication of the granite marker for Bill Pickett, inventor of bulldogging. A project coming up next year will be the unveiling of a tombstone for the grave of Princess Wynona, who was a champion rifle shot with the 101 Wild West Show. The unmarked grave has been found at Odd Fellows Cemetery. Free Vision Screenings Next WeekFree vision screenings for children are scheduled at the office of Dr. J.C. Trotter from Aug. 24-28 to identify potential vision problems that may require correction. According to Trotter, the local free visual screenings is in conjunction with “Vision Days,” a national program to promote vision and eye care. The American Foundation for Vision Awareness studies indicate as many as one out of four school aged children have vision problems significant enough to impact academic performance. By identifying and correcting these deficiencies early in the year, many of the school problems associated with poor vision can be avoided. “All too often it is the teacher who first recognizes problems when a child has difficultly reading the board,” says American Optometric Association director Dr. Stephen Miller. “Unfortunately, by that time, it may be well into the school year and the child may have suffered academically. As such, it is important to screen student’s vision before or as early as possible in the school year.” The vision screenings are not intended to replace a more comprehensive visual exam, however, it is expected that the screenings will identify potential vision problems in children that may require correction. Fisher-Price, the leading marketer of eyewear in children, is proud to sponsor this free program nationally. Dr. Trotter says “I really enjoy working with the children in the Ponca City area in this effort and actively support all efforts to screen for vision problems in conjunction with Fisher-Price.” Parents may call Dr. Trotter’s office at 765-3379 or drop by 521 East Hartford to make an appointment. OHP Identifies Crash VictimsThe victims of a weekend vehicle accident, that killed four people in two families, have now been identified. According to Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Perkins residents Sherri Ann Gordon, 41, her 15-year-old son Robert Gordon and 11-year-old daughter Olivia D. Gordon were killed in a fiery crash on Interstate 35 in Logan County Sunday afternoon. The accident also claimed the life of the father of one of the drivers. The accident occurred when a northbound pickup truck, driven by Jimmy Lee Pruitt, Jr., 24, of Harrah, blew a tire, crossed the center median and traveled into southbound traffic. The truck then hit an extended cab pickup, driven by Gordon, killing all three of the occupants. The father of the driver of the other vehicle, Jimmy Lee Pruitt, Sr., 47, was also pronounced dead at the scene. The younger Pruitt and his other passenger refused treatment at the scene. Gordon was the niece of Ponca City resident Bill Cagley. Organizers Planning Veterans Day ParadeThe veterans organizations, auxiliary members and citizens of the Ponca City area held their first organizational Veterans Day Parade meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the American Legion Post Home. This year’s parade is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7. All veterans and citizens are encouraged to get involved. The next parade meeting will be Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post. So far, twenty people have volunteered to help work on this year’s parade. Maj. Gen. Steven Cortright, the adjutant general for the state of Oklahoma, has already committed to be in attendance at the parade. Other dignitaries who have been invited include Governor Keating; Norman Lamb, secretary of Veterans Affairs for the state of Oklahoma; various local senators and representatives; Veterans Administration officials; members of the War Veterans Council; state veterans officers; the veterans councils; and all military units from the surrounding area. Several special committees have been formed to work on this year’s parade. Last year we lacked enough bands to really carry the spirit of the parade, noted Chuck Gregg, commander of the American Legion Huff-Manor Post 14. This year they are looking for more support from Ponca City and the surrounding area bands. Two military bands have already made commitments to attend — the 95th Division Army Reserve Band and the 145th Oklahoma National Guard Band, both from Oklahoma City. A marching contest with trophies being awarded is planned. A lunch for all participating band members will be served in Pioneer Park after the parade. Anyone wishing to work on the band committee, please call Debbie Weatherly at 765-9913. A special Patriotic Song Fest will be held after the parade in the Ponca Theatre with local bands, churches, civic clubs and others who would like to get involved in an evening of good old-fashioned patriotic music. For anyone interested in getting involved with the song fest committee, contact Kenn Wessel at 765-0943, Bob Thomas at 762-2054 or Johnny Heinze at 765-6126. DEATHSHettie Ann Johnston Hettie Ann JohnstonMORRIS — Hettie Ann Johnston, relative to several Ponca City residents, died Tuesday, Aug. 18, 1998, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. She was 60. The funeral is set for 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Trinity Baptist Church in Morris with the Rev. Earnest Ashcraft officiating. Burial will follow in the Morris Cemetery under the direction of McClendon Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Friends and relatives may visit at the funeral home until 8 p.m. today and until 11 a.m. Friday. Hettie Ann (Carter) Johnston, a lifelong resident of Morris, was born Jan. 31, 1938 to Everett James and Inis Ida (Edmonds) Carter. She was married to Tom Johnston on April 6, 1980 at the Morris Methodist Church. Mrs. Johnston was retired from Ball Glass. She enjoyed country and western dancing. Survivors include her husband Tom, of the home; one sister, Helen Bell of Morris; two step-sons; and a niece. She was preceded in death by her parents. Casket bearers will be Tim Johnston, Chris Johnston, Gene Hobbs, Howard Cross, James Claborn and Dale Edmonds. Honorary bearers will be Paul West, Boneford Holmes and Jim Roberts. FuneralsFridayDonald Wayne BlubaughGraveside service at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Ponca City. Military rites will be conducted by the U.S. Naval Reserve, Wichita, Kan. Arrangements under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Michael GoodenoughMemorial service at 10 a.m. at Word of Life Christian Church in Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Services PendingAnna Sellers CainNEWKIRK — Anna Mae Sellers Cain, former Newkirk resident, died Wednesday, Aug. 19, 1998, at her home in Arkansas City, Kan. She was 80. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service in Newkirk. NEWS BRIEFSBowling League to Meet — The Moonlight Combo League will meet on Friday at 8 p.m. at the Ponca Bowl. Students Bowling party, Saturday August 22, 12-3, $3 solar bowl, KIXR remote, prizes and refreshments, Ponca Bowl, 2000 Lake Road, 762-3333. adv. Attempted Burglary — At 7:35 a.m. Wednesday a man in the 300 block of South Perry Street reported an attempted burglary. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Hay Laid — At 1:07 p.m. Wednesday police were advised that a truck had lost three large round bales of hay in the 700 block of North Fourteenth Street. Head Country all day Friday Special All you can eat, smoked BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $6.95, all day. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv. Stinky Visitor — Police received a report of a skunk in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street at 7:42 a.m. Wednesday. Instant Passport Pictures. Graham Photo, 201 North First, 765-4348. adv. Broken Window — At 8:34 a.m. Wednesday a woman was at the police station to report that her windshield had been “busted.” An officer was assigned. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday 6-8 p.m. 205 West Hartford. adv. Fraud — At 9:59 a.m. Wednesday an information report on a fraud at Fourth Street and East Grand Avenue was taken by police. Las Vegas Bowl, Sunday nights, 9 pin format. All members go to Vegas at end of season. Meet and bowl, Sunday August 23 at 6:00 at Ponca Bowl, 2000 Lake Road, 762-3333. adv. Accident — A two-vehicle accident at North Fourteenth Street and East Highland Avenue was reported to police at 10:09 a.m. Wednesday. A report was taken. Soccer Sign-up starts August 22nd for all boys and girls 4 1/2 and up. Sign up times: Saturday, August 22, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday thru Wednesday, August 24 thru August 26, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.at P.C. Sports Shack, 205 E. Grand. adv. Memorial Dinner — A memorial dinner for Derek Alan Neal will be held Aug. 23 at noon at the Ponca Tribal Affairs Building in White Eagle. Stolen Vehicle — At 11:37 a.m. Wednesday a woman called police to report that her car had been stolen from the 2300 block of North Fourteenth Street. 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. Attempted Break-In — At 1:33 p.m. Wednesday police received a report of a possible attempted break-in in the 1000 block of East Hartford Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Lose Weight and inches whilyou sleep with Calorad. Call Diane, 767-8340. adv. Assault — At 3:58 p.m. Wednesday a woman in the 700 block of South Fifth Street contacted police about her son being assaulted at the Mid-High. An officer was assigned. 60% Off, R&G Style Shop, Newkirk, summer clearance. adv. Reckless Driver — At 4:36 p.m. Wednesday a man in the 100 block of North Tenth Street notified police that a van was trying to run over some people in a nearby alley. An officer was assigned however everyone was gone from the scene. Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday Special from 4-?. 1/2 BBQ Chicken with 2 vegetables. $4.25. 215 South 14th. 765-7979. adv. Stalking — A resident in the 2100 block of Canary Place reported a stalker at 7:24 p.m. Wednesday. Extra patrol was assigned. Hit & Run — At 8:20 p.m. Wednesday a hit-and-run in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue was reported to police. Extra Patrol — Police assigned extra patrol at 12:38 a.m. Thursday in the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue after a resident reported a stolen stereo speaker. Passing Pole Cats — At 5:08 a.m. Thursday police were advised that the skunks reported earlier in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street had passed away and needed to be taken away. Animal Control was to be notified. GARDENINGExpert Gives Advice About Planting Iris Expert Gives Advice About Planting IrisQ: When do you dig iris and when do you replant them? I’m interested in the bulb type of iris. D.R., Newbern, TN A: The bulbous (English and Spanish) irises should be planted about 4 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart in October to early November. In your area, it will probably be sometime in October. If temperatures are cold enough in your area that the ground freezes, be sure to mulch the bed before winter to keep the soil temperatures a little higher. Also be sure the soil is rich, but well-drained, since the bulbs are prone to rotting if the soil stays too wet during the winter and early spring months. If your soil is too clayey and wet or temperatures get too cold in your area, consider planting 4 or 5 bulbs in a 6-inch pot and placing it in a cool location (about 40 degrees) through the winter. Once temperatures start warming and the bulbs show growth above the soil line in the pot, move it to a warm (not hot) location. Dutch and Spanish irises usually bloom sometime in May to June. Neither of these irises is very reliable in making an appearance in successive years. Usually they last about three years, but you may have better success with them in your location. More reliable irises are the Siberian irises, petite reticulate iris and the German (bearded) irises. All require similar growing conditions, but Siberian iris benefit from a little more moisture than the others. Another group of irises I really enjoy are the Spuria irises. The flowers are rather short-lived though, and the plants don’t need much water during summer. Since summer is our rainy season here, this iris doesn’t do particularly well. The Louisiana irises are the best choice in our area. Tennessee shouldn’t be too cold for them (many are hardy to USDA zone 5), and this group of irises is very tolerant of hot, humid conditions. They need a moist, acid, peaty soil, though. Joe Freeman is chief horticulturist for Cypress Gardens, tropical showplace located near Winter Haven, Florida. This question and answer format is provided by him. Zinnias are Easy to GrowZinnias are colorful and easy to grow. The more flowers you cut, the more they will bloom. This “half-hardy” annual is effective in massed plantings and combined with other annuals, such as marigolds and snapdragons. Zinnias are available in a range of sizes, making them a versatile addition to the border also. The plant has single or double blooms, from very small to “whopper sized” according to information from HomeArts. Check your seed packet or seedling instructions for the plant height information. Heat and drought tolerant, the zinnia is a favorite for gardeners. ‘Thumbelina’ is a popular dwarf variety, while ‘Peter Pan’ is a medium-height variety. They also make a good plant for containers. Landscaping Enhances Museum Site In Preparation For OpeningPioneer Woman Museum, slated for a grand opening and dedication on Sept. 26, has undergone a one million dollar renovation and expansion. The museum designed by Rand Elliott and Associates of Oklahoma City will have a woman-based theme. The new museum features a copper lined entrance with a glass door that reflects sculptor Bryant Baker’s world renowned statue of the Pioneer Woman. Concept of the museum was conceived by oil baron E.W. Marland and was dedicated in 1930 by Oklahoma’s favorite son Will Rogers. The museum belongs to the Oklahoma Historical Society and the property, about four acres including the statue, was deeded to the state by Marland. The first museum was built with funds raised from the community. The new museum is also funded by the community with a match from the state. Locally the advisory board is headed by Warren Jensen, chairman, and Cheryl Fletcher, vice chairman. David Mills was the fund drive chairman, assisted by co-chairmen Vivian Mertz and Madalynne Peel. New features of the museum are an educational room and a gift shop. Permanent display galleries and traveling or temporary exhibits are planned. SPORTSFormer Olympic Wrestler Dies Former Olympic Wrestler DiesSTILLWATER (AP) — Frank Wyatt Lewis Sr., who won a gold medal in wrestling in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, has died. Lewis, 85, died Sunday. Lewis, who attended Oklahoma State, won the NCAA wrestling title in 1935 and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1979. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Lee Lewis, three sons, two daughters, a sister and nine grandchildren. Funeral services were Wednesday. PC Driver Races To Victory in EnidENID — Ponca City’s Ray Swinford collected his first main event win of the season at the Enid Speedway Saturday. Swinford started the mini-stock feature on the third row, but caught up quickly, taking the lead he never relinquished after just two laps. Swinford is 10th in the speedway’s mini-stock division with 903 points. Terry Jordan continues to pace Ponca City drivers in the point standings. He remains in first place in the Factory Stock class after a fifth place finish in that division’s main Saturday. Jordan had 1,423 points to lead Junior Riggins of Garber by 28 points. Ponca City’s Mike Payne is sixth with 1,245 points. Kelly Choate and Troy Gemmill were third and fourth, respectively, in the Modified race Saturday. Gemmill is third in the season’s point standings with 905 points while Choate is eighth with 571. Rocky Austin moved up to eighth in the Street Stocks’ standings after a third place finish Saturday. Austin has 846 points on the season. Sports NoteSoftball Signups — Fall League softball signup is scheduled at Willow Springs beginning Aug. 24. For information, contact Herb (765-4710) Wells Named Asst. Softball Coach at TUTULSA — Former Ponca City All-Stater Jenifer Wells has been named assistant softball coach at the University of Tulsa by head softball coach Lori Castellano. Wells spent last year as an assistant coach at Oklahoma City University, the same school in which she was a three-time All-American. During her playing career, Wells was selected to the National Tournament Team three times and also earned all-region and all-district honors as a catcher for three seasons. In addition to her coaching experience at OCU, Wells also served as the junior varsity coach and assisted with the varsity team for one season at Choctaw High School. “I’m very excited to have Jenifer join our softball program. Our student-athletes will benefit from her knowledge of the game and her desire to win,” said Castellano. “In addition to her recruiting responsibilities, Jenifer’s primary focus on the field will be with the pitchers and catchers.” Wells, 24, earned her bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from OCU in December 1997.
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