LOCAL

Area Oil and Gas Report
Domestic Violence Occurs Throughout United States
District Court

Area Oil and Gas Report

The No. 4 Refinery, a 1,700-ft. wildcat well, is scheduled to be drilled in Kay County. Warren Corporation is the operator. The well will be spudded about one-half mile south of Ponca City.

Section 33-township 26n-range 2e-nw-ne.

Drilling operations are nearing the projected 3,600-ft. mark at the No. 1-99 State, a new pool wildcat near the Blackwell Field, Kay County. Spudded on June 29, the venture is located three miles north of Blackwell with Oil Ventures LTD as the operator.

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

Demco Oil and Gas Co. has revealed plans to drill a 3,500-ft. developmental well in Kay County’s Dilworth Field. The operator has designated the venture as the No. 1 Miller. Drillsite is about 1.5 miles southeast of Dilworth.

Section 4-township 28n-range 1e-se-nw.

Harris Minerals Corp. has revealed plans to drill a 5,355-ft. wildcat well in Noble County. The operator has designated the venture as the No. 2-33 A & M Unit. Drillsite is nine miles southeast of Perry.

Section 33-township 20n-range 1e-ne-ne.

Drillsite has been staked for the No. 1 Bellmon, a 670-ft. wildcat well in Noble County. The operation will be located 2.5 miles north of Ceres. Legacy M & K Corps. is the operator.

Section 34-township 24n-range 1w-se-ne.

Southwestern Exploration Consulting is preparing to conduct a recompletion for extended production in the Polo Field, Noble County.

The No. 1 Smith is about five miles northwest of Perry.

Southwestern will be seeking new pay at a depth of about 4,870 feet in the Skinner Formation.

Section 28-township 22n-range 2w-se-ne.

Production in the Hoover Formation will be the target when Chesapeake Operating Inc. conducts a recompletion in the No. 3 Model T in the Billings Field, Noble County, 4.3 miles southeast of Billings.

The well currently bottoms at a depth of about 2,495 feet.

Section 15-township 23n-range 2w-se-nw.

JOC Operating Inc. has plugged and abandoned an unsuccessful wildcat well in Noble County, 3.4 miles west of Marland. The well was spudded on July 6 and was known as the No. 1 Wyckoff.

Total depth was unavailable.

Section 8-township 24n-range 1e-ne-se.

West Bay Exploration Co. has given up on its efforts to make a producer out of the No. 48-14 Randers Marsh, a wildcat well in Noble County. Location was five miles west of Red Rock. It was spudded on June 27, 1998. Total depth was unavailable.

Section 14-township 23n-range 1w-se-sw.

Resources Operating Co. has posted first production data for the No. 17 NPVSU, a newly completed oil well in Noble County’s Perry Field.

The well pumped oil at the rate of 55 barrels per day.

Bottomed at 2,020 feet, the well will produce from perforations at 1,978 to 1,983 feet into the hole.

Location is 2.1 miles northwest of Perry.

Section 6-township 21n-range 1w-nw-se.

The No. 5 Booten has been recompleted for extended production in the Orlando Field, Noble County, 7.5 miles south-southwest of Perry.

The 18-year-old producer showed ability to flow 21,000 CF gas per day.

Production is from new perforations at 2,613 to 2,623 feet into the wellbore.

Prime Operating Co. is the operator.

Section 32-township 20n-range 1w-sw-sw.

Domestic Violence Occurs Throughout United States

By REBECCA WALKER

News Staff Writer

Domestic violence is an ever growing offense that occurs throughout the United States. According to statistics gathered by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS), every 15 seconds a woman is physically assaulted within her home and approximately 95 percent of victims of domestic violence are women.

Even though Ponca City is far from being the metro, the crime is the same. Every year this community suffers from hundreds of different cases concerning domestic violence. In 1998 alone, more than 550 cases were handled by the Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma Incorporated in Ponca City. “The numbers for last year increased quite a bit but the projected numbers for this year is estimated to rise about 5 to 10 percent” said Director Christy Williams.

In order to prevent these crimes, the community as a whole must be aware of what is happening around them. There are several ways to recognize the signs of domestic violence. Some of these personality characteristics include: if a person has a low self-worth, difficulty trusting people, lack the ability to nurture others, strive to be perfect, fear loss of control over spouse, have dual personalities, are extremely jealous, rigid, and avoid conflict. These are just a few in a long list of different traits that potentially abusive people carry.

The definition of domestic violence is violence occurring between partners in an ongoing relationship. Some people are under the impression that domestic abuse only includes physical abuse. This concept is extremely out of touch.

Three different areas that are covered in the domestic violence category include physical abuse, sexual violence and psychological/emotional abuse. Just because a couple is married does not mean that one person has control over the other’s activities. Marital rape is a crime punishable by law. Unfortunately, many women do not realize this.

Spousal abuse is complex with many different variations that cannot be broken down into one explanation or underlying cause. DHS has placed the majority of these causes into three groups: learned behavior, trial-and-error learning and substance abuse.

Domestic violence is not focused just on spousal abuse. Child abuse is also an enormous problem in the home. People know that children are extremely impressionable while they are young. Just because a child is not physically abused in the home does not mean they are not affected.

The mental strains that are forced upon a child from experiencing an abusive environment are immeasurable. They are unable to fully communicate and interact with people of any age simply because they are socially inept and are subject to violent surroundings. Domestic violence does not stop at home, it affects everyone that is in contact with the people directly involved.

Luckily, people who are victims of domestic violence have a way out. DHS and the Domestic Violence Program have set up programs for people in order to help them out of this vicious cycle. Not only do they offer counseling for men, women and children, they also have shelters located throughout the state where victims can go to escape the violence.

For more information about domestic violence or if you are a victim and need help, contact the Department of Human Services at 765-2656 or the Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma Incorporated at 762-2873.

District Court

Newkirk

Marriage Licenses

Kirk Alan Rammage, 33, and Marni Rae Barker, 28, both of Ponca City.

Robert John Hughes, 26, and Wendy Shea Childers, 26, both of Ponca City.

Matthew Asa Flanikan, 21, Abilene, Texas, and Lisha Renee Perkaple, 20, Ponca City.

David Lee Chaney, 20, and Kristen Devon Ramsey, 20, both of Ponca City.

Chris Allen LaBlue, 28, and Tina Michelle Ingmire, 32, both of Tonkawa.

Toby Lynn Gerber, 24, and Tracy Robin Bunch, 24, both of Edwardsville, Ill.

Travis Mac McNett, 28, and Laura Jean Layton, 22, both of Wichita.

Tony Leroy Sturgeon, 44, and Rusty Diane Sapp, 33, both of Ponca City.

Roger Dean Wano Jr., 25, and Crystal Sue Barnes, 21, both of Tonkawa.

Clifford Duane Lattimer, 22, Wellington, and Amy Donnell Blacketer, 19, Blackwell.

Bradley Stewart Rosewitz, 24, and Amanda Jane Simmons, 22, both of Ponca City.

Oliver Ralph Blackstar Jr., 22, and Holly Dawn Long, 21, both of Ponca City.

Steven Mark Brown, 27, Tulsa, and Jinafer Jane O’Mealey, 27, Kansas City, Kan.

Divorces Sought

Patricia Elaine Solee vs. Michael Christian Solee.

Divorces Granted

Manessa J. Shoats vs. John D. Shoats; plaintiff restored to former name Kempenich.

Civil Petitions

Saber Acceptance Co. Inc. vs. Christopher A. Young; plaintiff seeking judgment for $3,022.41.

Federal National Mortgage Association vs. David H. Hingtgen, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment for $46,659.38.

Ponca City

Divorces Sought

Cindie Lea Hoy vs. Richard Myron Hoy.

Tony Clinton Coleman vs. Charlotte A. Coleman.

Rhonda Lee Parker vs. Michael Bryan Parker.

Mary E. Cleaver vs. Dana P. Cleaver.

Anthony Marquez vs. Angie Lou Marquez.

Brenda G. Peeples vs. Terry L. Peeples.

Divorces Granted

Misty D. Frame vs. Kevin Frame.

Traci Lyn Fell vs. Chad Richard Fell.

Walter Allen Cooper Jr. vs. Maile Chantell Cooper; defendant restored to former name Maile Chantell Jones.

Mary M. Sanders vs. Michael E. Sanders.

Jacqueline Baca vs. Joseph M. Baca.

Karen Elizabeth Marley vs. Marshall Wayne Marley II; plaintiff restored to former name Karen Elizabeth Singleton.

Brenda Kay Fesler vs. Richard Lee Fesler Sr.

Civil Petitions

Commercial Federal Mortgage Corporation vs. Stephanie L. Scott, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment for $39,265.20.

Nancy Marlar vs. Angela Jean Newman, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.

Wanda Heath vs. Jessica Wren Rockett, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.

DEATHS

John Edward Bunney
Leta Lucille Graesch
Marguerite S. Carlson
Dorothy Lorene Graves
Kenneth Warren Gerboth
Desarae L. Hardiman

John Edward Bunney

STILLWATER — John Edward Bunney, resident of Stillwater, died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1999, at his home. He was 85.

The funeral will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 1999, at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel in Stillwater with the Rev. Paul Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairlawn Cemetery in Stillwater.

John Edward Bunney was born Jan. 10, 1914, on a homestead west of Stillwater, the son of Hayden Thomas and Anna (Johana) Bunney. He attended Cottonwood Schools, and, after his graduation, he worked on the family farm. He was inducted in the United States Army on Dec. 15, 1942. He attained the rank of sergeant and served as a receiving and shipping clerk. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 11, 1946.

On June 10, 1944, he married Claire Louise Trotter at Fort Lawton, Wash. After returning to Stillwater in 1954, he worked at the OSU power plant as a boiler operator until his retirement in 1974. He enjoyed making fiddles, playing the fiddle, and his family.

Bunney is survived by five sons, Harold Bunney of Ponca City, and James D. Bunney, Matthew Bunney, Tim M. Bunney, and John H. Bunney, all of Stillwater; two daughters, Cheryl Ann Watkins of Ponca City, and Bonita B. Kerntke of Stillwater; two brothers, Warren Bunney of Coweta, and Glen Bunney of Perry; three sisters, Alta Adams of Marland, May Ham of Stillwater, and Vallie Pettit of Longview, Wash.; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 1972; his parents; one son, Keith Lowell Bunney; and one daughter, Marcille Jean Bunney.

Casket bearers will be Jason Bunney, Todd Lowery, Paul Bunney, Scott Watkins, Mike Watkins, and Tony Neidig. Honorary casket bearers will be Dee Jones, John Leonard, John Loy, and Mike Kerntke.

Leta Lucille Graesch

OELWEIN, Iowa — Leta Lucille Graesch, mother of Russell Graesch of Ponca City, died Thursday, Aug. 5, 1999, at Mercy Living Plus in Oelwein, Iowa. She was 93.

The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 1999, at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein with the Rev. John Kerr officiating. Burial will be in the Cass Township Cemetery in Strawberry Point, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home inc. in Oelwein, Iowa.

Leta Lucille Graesch was born May 6, 1906, at Wadena, Iowa, the daughter of George Franklin and Mahalia Matilda (Tousley) Starr. She married Albert J. Graesch on Feb. 14, 1923, at Volga City, Iowa. She had been an Oelwein resident since 1944 and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. She moved to Mercy Living Plus in November of 1996.

Survivors include two sons, Russell Graesch of Ponca City and Walt Graesch of Oelwein, Iowa; three daughters, Florence Fuhrman of Hazleton, Iowa, Elenora Jean Hill of Oelwein, Iowa, and Helen Trower of Waterloo, Iowa; one sister; Beulah Grapes of Oelwein, Iowa; 19 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1975; an infant son, Robert; a son, Floyd Graesch; two brothers, eight sisters, two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Marguerite S. Carlson

ALVA — Marguerite S. Carlson, mother of Dean Carlson of Ponca City and resident of Alva, died Aug. 2, 1999, in her home. She was 75.

The funeral was to be held 2 p.m. today, Aug. 5, 1999, at the Alva First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, with the Rev. Dave Imming, pastor of the Alva Sacred Heart Catholic Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Alva Municipal Cemetery under the direction of Wharton Funeral Chapel.

Marguerite S. Carlson was born Aug. 19, 1923, near Winchester, the daughter of Charles Noah and Lucy Mae (Martin) Crouch. She attended the Greenleaf Rural Grade School and the Horace Mann High School in Alva. She married Raymond Carlson on Oct. 11, 1940, at Medicine Lodge, Kan. Following their marriage, they lived northwest of Alva where they farmed and ranched. She was a member of the Alva First Christian Church, the C.W.F., and the Homebuilders Sunday school class, and was a former member of the Homemakers Home Demonstration Club and the Alva Cowbelles.

Survivors include her husband of the home; two sons, Dean Carlson of Ponca City and Alan Carlson of Bartlesville; two daughters, Virginia Lane and Verona Greenawalt, both of Tulsa; four grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, La Verna McCune and Della Schnelle; and two brothers, Charles Emmett Crouch and James Gerald Crouch.

Casket bearers were Mike Crouch, Floyd Hada, Lloyd Hada, Freddie Isenbart, Ronnie Isenbart, Monty Lohmann, Rob Nida and Joe Shirley.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Share Medical Center Hospice, 800 Share Drive, Alva, Okla. 73717.

Dorothy Lorene Graves

BLACKWELL — Dorothy “Dot” Lorene Graves, resident of Blackwell, died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1999, in the Blackwell Nursing Home. She was 74.

A graveside service was to be held at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 5, 1999, in the James W. Roberts Memorial Chapel of the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Gale Izard of the First United Methodist Church of Blackwell officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home Inc.

Dorothy Lorene Graves was born Feb. 19, 1925, in Tonkawa, the daughter of Ray and Addie (Henry) Frazier. She grew up and attended school in Ponca City. She married Ted Graves on June 6, 1942, in Stillwater, and they settled in Ponca City. In 1954, they moved to Blackwell to make their home. In 1966, they moved to Tulsa and returned to Blackwell in 1972, living here ever since.

She is survived by her husband of the home; one daughter, Linda Thompson of Houston, Texas; one son, Gary Graves of Harrah; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Clifton Frazier; and two sisters, Lucille Back and June Keith.

Kenneth Warren Gerboth

BLACKWELL — Kenneth Warren Gerboth, resident of Blackwell, died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 1999, in the Blackwell Nursing Home. She was 88.

A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6, 1999, at the James W. Roberts Memorial Chapel at the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Bruce Wyatt of the Assembly of God Church officiating. The Blackwell American Legion and VFW will conduct a flag presentation. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home Inc.

Kenneth Warren Gerboth was born Feb. 20, 1911, in Ralston, the son of John Edward and Laura (Moore) Gerboth. He moved with his family to Blackwell in 1916 where he grew up and attended Blackwell public schools. He entered the United State Army on Oct. 22, 1942, serving during World War II. He married Susie Ann Thorton on May 29, 1945, in Oklahoma City, and they settled in Blackwell.

Following his discharge on Oct. 5, 1945, he began working at the Blackwell Zinc Company and worked there until his retirement in 1973. They moved east of Ponca City in 1979 to make their home and later returned to Blackwell, where he lived at the time of his death. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church and held lifetime memberships in the Blackwell American Legion, POW and DAV.

He is survived by his wife of the home; a son, Ken Gerboth Jr. of Shidler; a brother, Jack W. Gerboth of Blackwell; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Sylvia Garton and Florence Lafferty.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the First Assembly of God Church, 624 West Lincoln, Blackwell, Okla. 75631.

Obituaries

Desarae L. Hardiman

KINGMAN, Kan. — Desarae L. Hardiman, granddaughter of Max Hardiman of Ponca City and resident of Kingman, Kan., died Aug. 2, 1999, at Wesley Medical Center of Wichita, Kan. She was 15.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6, 1999, at the Livingston Funeral Home in Kingman with the Rev. Louis Keeling officiating. Burial will be in the Walnut Hill Cemetery in Kingman, Kan. Friends may call at the funeral home until 8 p.m. today.

Desarae L. Hardiman was born Nov. 29, 1983, in Wichita, Kan., the daughter of Toni Hardiman. She attended the Apostolic Faith Trinity Church, was active in the Kingman Middle School band, and would have been a freshman cheerleader at Kingman High School this coming school year.

Survivors include her mother; foster parents, Sam and Erika Reed of Kingman, Kan.; Grandfather and step grandmother, Max and Jean Hardiman of Kaw City; two uncles, Mike Hardiman of Ponca City and Steve Hardiman of Longton, Kan.; a great aunt, Betty Lou Greenhaw of Ponca City, and a cousin, Cheryl Overman of Ponca City.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Cattlemen's Association — The Oklahoma Cattle Women and Junior Cattlemen Associations recently announced their 1999-2000 officers. Local members Laurie Cannon and Karla Wooderson, both of Blackwell, were elected as Directors for the Cattle Women and Rebecca Nida, of Red Rock, was named a Director for the Junior Cattlemen’s Association.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday special from 4-? 1/2 BBQ chicken with 2 vegetables. $4.25. 215

South 14th. 765-7979. adv.

Free Clothing Available — Free clothing to anyone with a need — new day and hours set for August. Giant Back-to-School giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon at First Assembly of God Church, 1308 East Bradley. Use the entrance at the furthest northwest doors.

Metabolite Dietary Supplement is now available at 218 W. Grand 762-3988 or 765-8523. adv.

Sports Shooting Workshop — The first Kay County 4-H shotgun shooting sports workshop and practice will be held Tuesday, Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m. at Camp McFadden. It is open to all boys and girls 9 years and older. Any questions should be directed to Larry Klumpp, 765-4231; Ted Johnson, 363-5137; or Martin Courtney, 363-1247.

Accident — At 12:42 p.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident in the 2900 block of North Fourteenth Street. No injuries were noted.

KOFP&S Music Meeting — The Walnut Valley chapter of Kansas Oldtime Fiddlers, Pickers and Singers will meet 3 p.m. Saturday at the seniors citizens building in downtown Arkansas City. Musicians are invited to perform during the individual performances from 3 to 6 p.m. Dance bands will play 7 to 9:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring snacks for the 6-7 p.m. fellowship time. No drugs or alcohol allowed.

Mel’s Clothing sale on ladies dresses, shoes, and sportsware, 50% off Mel’s prices! adv.

Wedding Canceled — Kenneth Troy McKinney and Kandi Shastina Hunt had scheduled a 5 p.m. ceremony Aug. 7 for their wedding at the Cann Memorial Gardens with a reception at 6 p.m. at the Ponca City Cultural Center. The ceremony has been canceled, according to Kandi Hunt.

Pauline's Super Shrimp peel. All you can eat, $11.95, Friday the 6th. For reservations, call 765-5460. adv.

Family Reunion — The Stuever-Rempe family reunion is planned for Sunday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church basement, 421 South Seventh. Lunch is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. and those attending are asked to bring a covered dish and dinnerware. Coffee and tea will be provided.

Accident — A Ponca City police officer took a report of a minor accident at South First Street and East Central Avenue at 4:20 p.m. Wednesday.

Burglary — A resident in the 100 block of North Palm Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 7 a.m. Wednesday that a van had been broken into. An officer responded and took a report.

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.

Burglary — At 8 a.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer took a report of a vehicle broken into at East Grand Avenue and Second Street.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wed-

nesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Vandalism — An employee at the Department of Human Services, 801 West Grand Avenue, advised the Ponca City Police Department at 8:14 a.m. Wednesday that the building had been vandalized. An officer responded and took a report.

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.

Found — An Animal Control officer picked up an abandoned bike found in the 400 block of North Oak Street and took it to the Ponca City Police Department.

Warrant Served — At 5:04 p.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 34-year-old woman in Oklahoma City for a city warrant.

Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested an 18-year-old man from a traffic stop at South Fifth Street and East England Avenue at 12:24 a.m. Thursday for no drivers license.

Vandalism — At 8:14 a.m. Wednesday, a resident in the 1000 block of West Liberty Avenue contacted the Ponca City Police Department to report a vehicle was vandalized. An officer responded and took a report.

Forgeries — A Ponca City police officer took two reports of forged prescriptions at Drug Warehouse, 2214 North Fourteenth Street, at 9:59 a.m. Wednesday.

Theft — An employee at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, advised the Ponca City Police Department of a subject in custody for shoplifting. At 7:01 p.m. Wednesday, an officer responded and arrested the man for petit larceny.

Warrants Served — At 11:56 p.m. Wednesday, a resident in the 300 block of North Birch Street advised the Ponca City Police Department about a suspicious subject in the area. Four officers responded and arrested a 19-year-old man for two city warrants.

Curfew — At 12:05 a.m. Thursday, a Ponca City police officer picked up a youth at North Ash Street and West Hazel Avenue. The youth was cited for curfew violation and released to a parent on a promise to appear in juvenile court.

Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 38-year-old woman in the 500 block of North Peachtree Avenue at 4:53 a.m. Thursday for a Kay County warrant.

Arrest — At 11:43 p.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a woman in the 3200 block of North Fourteenth Street for a Kay County warrant.

Dog Bite — A resident in the 700 block of North Birch Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 11:46 p.m. Wednesday to report a child had been bitten by a dog in the 2100 block of Joe Street. An officer responded and took a report.

Warrant Served — At 1:16 a.m. Thursday, a Ponca City police officer arrested an 18-year-old man in the 400 block of West Grand Avenue for a city warrant.

GARDENING

Basil Plant Can Lose Leaves If Crowded
Hobby Becomes Business

Basil Plant Can Lose Leaves If Crowded

Q: My basil plants are in a 10 inch pot. The plants are growing well, but I’ve noticed that most of the lower leaves are dropping off. Also, the plants are starting to bloom. Should I pinch out the flower buds or is it time to harvest the plants? Thank you. A.H., Richmond, VA

A: Basil produces a large, fibrous root system. This is good, but it limits the plant’s life span when grown in a container. If you planted several plants in the 10 inch pot, there just isn’t enough room for all the roots, so the plants have become stressed. This is the cause of the leaf drop. Since the plants are nearing maturity, I don’t think it will help to move them into a larger container. Instead, move the plants to where they receive light afternoon shade, or set their container into a larger one and fill the air space with mulch. This should alleviate some of the plant’s stress. It’s important to keep the soil moist and the plant’s roots cool.

Yes, your basil is ready for harvest, but you don’t have to cut the entire plant. Instead, cut the plant back or cut only the amount of basil you think you can use and pinch off any flower buds that remain. This forces the plant to put energy into growing leaves rather than flowers. Usually the basil produces new growth from below where it was cut, so you’ll be able to harvest additional “crops” from the plant.

Joe Freeman, chief horticulturist for Cypress Gardens, is the source of information for this story.

Hobby Becomes Business

TEMPERANCE, Mich. (AP) — It looks like a pine tree having a bad hair day.

“I give it a perm every Saturday,” says Hans Thumm as he caresses the curly needles of pinus strobus torulosa, a strange breed of white pine that looks like it was assaulted with an eggbeater.

Thumm owns Temperance Garden Specialties, perhaps an apt name for a business that deals in rare and unusual plants.

On 17 acres off Telegraph Road near the Michigan-Ohio line, Thumm has collected about 4,000 oddball varieties — mainly conifers — that are the products of grafts of mixed and matched species. It’s possibly one of the largest collections of such unusual plants in the country.

“They’re freaks of nature is what they are,” said Thumm, who still retains a pleasant accent from his native Germany. “Some are one-of-a-kind in the world.”

Rooted in one mound of mulch is an alligator juniper, its bark the pattern of its scaly namesake. In another nearby row is a Japanese red pine, its gray bark falls off to reveal a bright orange underskin.

Thumm shows off another tree, its branches snaking every which way as if it is afflicted by a genetic problem.

“The contorted look is a typical look for an Oriental setting,” he said, struggling to recall the tree’s name. Finally, he checks a tag on the tree. It’s a pinus contorta murrayanna.

“If you have 4,000 children, you know them all by name, but you have to think about it,” Thumm said apologetically.

All Shapes and Sizes

The “children” in Thumm’s nursery come in all shapes and sizes. Some are short and squat, like a fireplug made of brush. Another maple called “Monumentale” towers 30 feet high, but is only about a foot wide from top to bottom.

Thumm’s plants aren’t for everyone.

He sells these rarities mainly to upscale homeowners who may be moved to spend from $800 to $17,000 for a tree that will set their lawns apart from the nursery stock in neighbors’ yards.

“I have plant material that has interest year-round,” he said. “These are actually living art.”

A Japanese red pine, for example, changes its coloring from gold to green, depending on the season. A dwarf Korean pine lends a two-tone perspective. The needles are silver underneath and green on top.

Unlike typical trees and shrubs that are planted young and then torn out after 15 or 20 years, most of Thumm’s selections are 15 to 30 years old when they are sold.

Some of the trees are both male and female. “They pollinate themselves,” Thumm said. “They don’t need another tree. They just need the wind.”

Another variety is patented to keep others from propagating it and selling it for profit.

Plant value is based on supply and demand, rate of growth — the slower they grow, the more valuable — and how hard it is to propagate them.

Coordinates Landscaping

Thumm not only sells single plants, he’ll coordinate total landscaping.

“I come to your place, I take a look at it and I make a recommendation,” he said. “Then you come here and I show you the plant so you’re not buying a name. You know what the plant looks like.”

He commonly uses huge boulders, lighting and even metal sculptures to create an appropriate effect. “Believe it or not, I guarantee the rocks indefinitely,” he joked. The trees are guaranteed for a year if he plants them.

“I create every garden like it’s my own,” he said.

He annually hand-selects all of his plants at specialty nurseries in the high mountains of California and Oregon, and his choices periodically are shipped to the Temperance yard.

A couple of loyal customers are asked to be alerted when the shipments arrive, so they can have first crack at adding to their collections.

His customers range from northwest Ohio through most of southeast Michigan. Recently he broadened his reputation by winning the best collection of plants award at this year’s Home & Garden Show in Detroit.

“I installed seven tons of rock, 40 tons of sand, 1,000 plants, a waterfall and a river,” he said. It was judged best among 38 other plant exhibitors.

Thumm said he’s always loved gardening and plants, but his interest blossomed after a trip to Hidden Lake Gardens, Michigan State University’s botanical preserve near Tipton.

He was struck by its conifer collection. “I was so fascinated with the form, textures and colors of the plants.”

He checked with a variety of Toledo-area nurseries for similar plants and found none.

He began to collect them to adorn his Temperance residence, then he branched out to sales. Soon, tour buses were stopping by his house to see the variety of plants.

Meanwhile, he continued working full-time as maintenance manager for Browning Fields Industries, the big waste disposal firm.

Now 62, he retired five years ago, and three years ago bought the former cornfield that is his present business address.

He usually works daylight to dark during the warmer months and that’s still not enough time. “I didn’t get all my jobs done from last year,” he said.

He said he thoroughly enjoys his work, though admits not everyone is a prospective customer.

“It’s for people that just want something different,” he said. “Some people drive Cadillacs and some people drive Chevrolets. It’s a little more prestige. It’s a status thing.”

SPORTS

OU’s Derrick Shepard Dies In Wyoming
Results Lake Road Scurry
Sports Notes
Lew Wentz Golf Course Club Championship This Weekend

OU’s Derrick Shepard Dies In Wyoming

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Derrick Shepard, a member of the 1985 national championship Oklahoma football team and a former punt returner for the Dallas Cowboys, has died of a heart attack, his family says.

He was 35.

Family members told KFOR-TV that Shepard was playing racquetball in Laramie, Wyo., when he collapsed around noon Wednesday.

Shepard, set to coach wide receivers for the University of Wyoming this coming season, was the newest member of the staff.

After playing at Oklahoma from 1983-86, Shepard spent some time in the NFL, signing as a free agent with the Washington Redskins in 1987 and moving on to the New Orleans Saints in 1989.

Later that year, Shepard began a three-year stint with Dallas, where he led the Cowboys in total punt return yardage and yards per punt return during the 1989 and 1990 seasons.

Shepard returned to Oklahoma and spent three years as wide receivers coach and strength and conditioning coordinator at U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma City.

He then took a position as a graduate assistant on John Blake’s coaching staff at OU.

Results Lake Road Scurry

Lake Road Scurry

MALE

12-Under

I Kyle Baldwin Ponca City 25:04

2 Matthew Eubanks Westville 28:22

3 Kevin West Newkirk 34:07

13 - 15

I Jackie LoVett Stilwell 18:35

2 Steve Kammerzell Braman 20;22

3 Brent Purkaple Ponca City 23:00

16 - 19

1 Leonard Hansen Edmond 18:06

2 Ben Dickey Ponca City 22:10

3 Ben Becker Ponca City 23:27

20 - 24

1 Jeremy Williams Ponca City 23:13

25 - 29

1 Mark Portilla Pawnee 17:52

2 Seo Myeong ln Stillwater 21:32

3 Jong-Min Kim Stillwater 25:12

30 - 34

1 David Taylor Tahle uah 21:45

2 James Clasen Fort Kott 27:51

35 - 39

1 James Mwang-i Edmond 19:19

2 Stewart Wigglesworth Ponca City 19:49

3 Bob Isenberg Ponca City 25:51

40 - 44

1 Ron Strangeland Ponca City 21:07

2 David Garavaglia Bartlesville 21:44

3 Wayne Webster Tulsa 22:025

45 - 49

1 David Parker Ponca City 23:14

2 Ed Nanni Ponca city 25:34

50 - 54

1 Doug Kopp Tulsa 21:33

2 Leonard Hansen Edmond 24:01

3 Jim Gilliam Noble 33:11

55 - 59

1 Frank Willis Oklahoma City 21:55

2 David Taylor Norman 23:20

3 Jim Elder Tulsa 38:39

70 - 99

1 Fisher Lewis Bethany 29:27

FEMALE

12-Under

1 Shelly Wigglesworth Ponca City 28:34

2 Shannon Wigglesworth Ponca City 29:05

13 - 25

1 Chelsea Baldwin Ponca.City 21:11

2 Toni Blagowsky Guthrle 24:17

3 McKale Davis Fairfax 24:46

16 - 19

1 Mandy Martinez Fairfax 23:49

2 Katie Kelly Stillwater 24:53

3 Carol Strangeland Ponca City 24:54

25-29

1 Moon-ju Choi Stillwater 27:43

2 Sheila Habben. Perry 27:47

3 Deanna Johnston Ponca City 44:22

30 - 34

1 Monique Slagowsky Guthrie 21:22

2 Tina Ferguson Proctor 28:23

3 Brenda Cochran Westville 32:10

35 - 39

1 Suzy Taylor Ponca City 33:39

2 Martha Smth Ponca City 36:24

3 Donita Eubanks Westville 41:41

40 - 44

1 Carla West Newkirk 31:29

2 Lynn Goodale Ponca City 32:29

45 - 49

1 Joanne Jackson Edmond 23:00

2 Janice Blumert Ponca City 29:51

3 Pat Morris Ponca City 31:27

50 - 54

1 Deborah Bransford Stillwater 25:12

55 - 59

1 Mary Fletcher Ponca City 26:09

60-64

1 Mona Keffer Ponca City 25:56

Sports Notes

The Lady Cat and Wildcat basketball teams, along with the Ponca City Tip Off Club, will hold a car wash Saturday at the Wal-Mart Automotive Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cars are $3 while tricks and vans are $5.

———

Season tickets for the upcoming Wildcat football and softball seasons are on sale at the Athletic Office in Robson Fieldhouse, at PC Sports and at all locations of the Cherokee Strip Credit Union.

The ticket prices for football are $15 for adults, $12 for secondary school students and $10 for elementary students.

Reserved seats are available through the Athletic Office. They are $25 each.

Softball season tickets are $15.

For information, call 767-8075.

Lew Wentz Golf Course Club Championship This Weekend

It’s not too late to sign up for the Lew Wentz Golf Course Club Championship, to be held Saturday and Sunday. Interested golfers can call the clubhouse, at 767-0433, until 6 p.m. today to sign up. There is a $20 fee, plus greens fees and cart. Over-50 golfers can play in the optional senior division for an extra $10. The first tee-times will be at 8 a.m.