LOCAL

Fire Destroys Old Building and Classic Cars
NOC Fall Play Opens Friday
Miss Ponca City Contest Set

Fire Destroys Old Building and Classic Cars

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Firefighters from three different fire departments battled a large blaze in downtown Ponca City that consumed one building and damaged two others early Thursday morning.

The fire started just before 2 a.m. in the basement of the old O.V. Black Building (circa 1926), recently used for automobile storage and refurbishing, at the intersection of Second Street and Central Avenue.

Vehicles that had been parked in the two-story structure could be seen strewn throughout its gutted remains during the morning hours as firefighters continued to cool hot spots in the rubble.

Snyder Electric, located just south of the garage, also received heavy damage during the blaze, and Car Quest Auto Parts, 208 South Second Street, sustained heavy smoke damage. No damage estimates have been made.

“Something in the basement caught fire,” said Josh Farnsworth, one of three individuals inside the garage at the time of the blaze. He said flames spread quickly through the building.

“By the time the fire department arrived, you couldn’t even go inside the building” because of the smoke, he continued.

Farnsworth said he had an 1983 Chevy Stepside, a ‘73 Chevy Vega and a Honda motorcycle stored in the now crumbled building — an estimated $15,000 loss.

“[I]kicked a couple of signs and swore up a storm and scared a couple of firemen,” Farnsworth said as he watched the building burn.

Stacy Jones, who arrived at the scene minutes after the fire started, said he watched three of his vehicles — a ‘65 Ford Falcon, an ‘81 short-bed Ford pickup and a ‘73 Ford Lincoln, estimated at $8,000 — go up in flames. “I had $1,000 worth of paint on the vehicles alone,” he explained.

“That’s when you saw you’re dreams go up in smoke,” he added.

A total estimated at 22 vehicles, plus tools and equipment, were destroyed by the blaze as it swept through the garage area.

“We had smoke showing from the second floor when we arrived,” said assistant fire chief Gary Reed. The team immediately set up a command post before sending in a “fire attack crew through the east entrance” via an overhead door.

Reed said inside the fire team found flames coming from beneath the ramp area (leading to the second floor). “They cut a hole and tried to extinguish [the fire] at the ramp,” he explained.

When flames came up behind the team and the “smoke started changing color on the second floor — turning thick and brownish,” firefighters immediately pulled out of the structure and “went to a defensive mode.”

“Within 10-15 minutes, the building was engulfed,” Reed said, adding that at this point a firefighter’s main concern is exposure of the surrounding structures.

For the next two hours firefighters battled to contain the blaze as gas tanks and other incendiaries exploded and fed the flames.

The department called in all of the city’s fire resource vehicles, mutual aid from McCord Community Volunteer Fire Department and a Quint ladder truck from Conoco. A total of over 30 men battled the blaze.

Firefighters were still standing by early Thursday morning as local investigators, as well as an agent from the state fire marshal’s office, prepared to enter the structure to look for clues as to the cause of the fire.

NOC Fall Play Opens Friday

Tonkawa — Dearly Departed, the Northern Oklahoma College fall comedy, opens Friday, Sept. 22 in the Northern Performing Arts Center.

Set in the backwoods of the Bible Belt, the action centers around the attempts of the Turpin family to pull themselves together for their father’s funeral while dealing with personal problems threatening to overshadow the solemn occasion.

Tom Kennedy of Hunter essays a double role as Bud and Ray-Bud Turpin. Kennedy appears first as the family patriarch Bud, whose sudden demise leads to a series of hilarious events as his dysfunctional family tries to organize his funeral. He then portrays the first-born son whose drinking problem accelerates as the funeral bills mount.

Ryan King of Oologah is Ray-Bud’s financially troubled younger brother Junior, and Martha Hayes of Wakita plays Marguerite, Bud’s soul-saving sister. Ponca City actors Adam Lake and Skye Howery respectively play Marguerite’s unemployed son Royce and Junior’s betrayed wife Suzanne.

Lara Lawson of Grove plays Raynelle, Ray-Bud’s mother and Bud’s wife of 30 long years. Karen Holt, Norman, is cast as Ray-Bud’s wife Lucille.

Medford’s Layne Holden has a double role as Raynelle’s constantly munching spinster daughter Delightful and as the five times engaged neighbor Nadine.

Chris Thatcher of Del City plays three characters: the Reverend B.J. Hooker, host of a midnight radio program of spiritual guidance; Norval, a senile neighbor; and Clyde, Ray-Bud’s boss and owner of Clyde’s Auto Repair and Body Shop.

Leslee Layton of Newkirk is seen as Veda, Norval’s wife, and as the wealthy Juanita, a former Yam Queen.

Assisting with the production by the Northern Theatre Department are Sandy Davis, Pryor, stage manager; James Griffis, Midwest City, lights; Bert Karp, Broken Arrow, sound; and Amanda Ray, Braman, props and costumes. The Lighting I Class serves as the light crew and the Stagecraft I Class is the shift crew. John Michael Warburton is the director.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, Sept. 24. The play will move to the Enid campus for a single performance at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2 in Briggs Auditorium, 100 South University Drive. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students.

Miss Ponca City Contest Set

The Miss Ponca City Queen Contest will be held Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Conoco Fourth Street Club House. Tickets are available from the contestants or by contacting Jackie Cutler Ingram, 762-0437, or Vicki Graves, 765-4736.

This year’s contestants are Jennifer Lynn Doughty, Lisa Marie Lechtenberg, Jennifer Ann Nimmo, Crystal Bounds, Jennifer Diane Tippin, Megan Niccole Clark, Natashia Lynn Copple, Heather Rena Brown and Ashly Dawn Sawyers.

The contest begins at 6 p.m., and Master of Ceremonies will be KIXR personality R.J. Masters. The winner of the contest will be awarded the traditional crown and sash, a trophy, a scholarship and many other prizes. She will represent Ponca City as a “Visiting Queen” in the Arkalalah, Arkansas City’s annual Halloween Festival, slated for Oct. 27-28.

Miss Ponca City also acts as a goodwill ambassador, and attends various functions and speaking engagements throughout her year’s reign as her personal schedule allows.

Contestants will be judged on poise, appearance and personality. They will also be judged on a three-to-five minute presentation to include personal resume information, and the answers to the questions of “Why I Want to be Miss Ponca City” and “What Ponca City Means to Me.”

The title of Miss Ponca City is currently held by Halli Kay Huffman, daughter of Darlene and Bill Flegler and Gary and Carmen Huffman.

Contestants will appear in the order of a random drawing. One of this year’s contestants is Jennifer Doughty, senior at Ponca City High School, and daughter of John and Patty Doughty, 3609 South McCord Road.

An honor student, Jennifer is listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. She has been a 4-H and FFA member for eight years, showing sheep and pigs. She was named Osage County Outstanding Senior 4-H’er for 1999-2000. She also earned a gold medal for a swine project. Her hobbies include showing animals, reading and fishing.

DEATHS

Ray Charles Goad
Robert Wayne Schamahorn
Larry J. Gibson
Thomas V. Williams

Ray Charles Goad

Fairfax — Ray Charles Goad, longtime Fairfax resident, died early Tuesday evening, Sept. 19, 2000, in the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. He was 89.

A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday evening in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Ken Lewis, pastor, officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22, with the Rev. Ken Lewis officiating and assisted by the Rt. Rev. Philip Berning, OSB. Burial with military honors by Little Standing Buffalo Post 38 of White Eagle will follow in Fairfax Cemetery under direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home.

Raymond Charles Goad was born Feb. 28, 1911, the son of Charles and Clara (Farrell) Goad. He grew up on the Goad Ranch east of Fairfax and attended school at St. Mary’s Academy in Ponca City. He attended Saint Edwards College in Austin, Texas. After completion of school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on Dec. 4, 1940, where he achieved the rank of staff sergeant. While in the service, he was stationed in East Indies, New Guinea, Papua and Bismark, Archipelago. He was decorated with the Good Conduct Ribbon, American Defense Ribbon citation GO 21 and the Asiatic Pacific Medal with four battle stars. After being honorably discharged on Sept. 21, 1945, he entered St. Gregory’s Monastery as a monk in Shawnee where he took the name Gregory and remained for 42 years. On Feb. 17, 1989, Ray returned to live in Fairfax and married Vivian L. Talbert on Nov. 2, 1989.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Fairfax and the Osage tribe. He enjoyed his church work, traveling and horses.

Survivors include his wife of the home; two stepsons, John May of Fairfax and Ken Riley of Hot Springs, Ark.; one brother, Charlie Goad of Burbank; one sister, Ethel Myatt of Phoenix, Ariz.; three step grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; and other relatives.

Casket bearers will be Mark Goad, Mark Watters, Mitheal Riley, Travis Riley, John Tallchief and George Tallchief. Honorary bearers will be Brother Kevin McGuire, 0SB and Edd Lynn

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 333 S. Eighth St., Fairfax, Okla. 74637.

Friends may visit at the funeral home until 5 p.m. today. His body will lie in state at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church library after the rosary.

Robert Wayne Schamahorn

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Robert Wayne Schamahorn, resident of Arkansas City, Kan., died Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2000, in rural Sumner County, Kansas. He was 21.

The funeral will be 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, in the chapel the Memorial Lawn Cemetery with the Rev. John Stone officiating. Burial will be in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City. The casket will remain closed.

Robert Wayne Schamahorn was born June 10, 1979, in Arkansas City, Kan., the son John H. and Geraldine Salyer Schamahorn. He was reared and educated in Arkansas City, graduating from Arkansas City High School in 1997. He was employed by Asphundt of Wichita, Kan., as a tree trimmer. From 1998 to 1999, Robert was employed at McDonald’s in Arkansas City.

He is survived by his mother of the home; two brothers, John A. Schamahorn and Jerry W. Schamahorn, both of Arkansas City; three sisters, Verla Martin of Morgan, Texas, Mary Coggins of Haysville, Kan., and Judy K. Sparks of Arkansas City; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Take Down Club, c/o Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, 100 East Kansas Avenue, Arkansas City, Kan. 67005.

Obituaries

Larry J. Gibson

Larry J. Gibson went home to be with his Lord and Savior and help with that big job in the sky Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2000, at his residence. He was 61.

The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at the Ranch Drive Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Calvert, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Covington Cemetery in Covington. Arrangements are with the Trout Funeral Home.

Larry was born Dec. 27, 1938, in Covington to John Lee and Myrtle (Woods) Gibson. He served his country in the United States Navy. He and Melodee Pope were joined together Oct. 4, 1975, in Pasadena, Texas. They made their home in many cities over the years, returning to Ponca City in September 1994.

Larry began working in the oil fields as a teenager, working throughout the Midwest and spent a time in Nigeria on offshore rigs. He began operating heavy equipment in the late 60s. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 627 for 24 years. Larry’s first love was operating cranes. At his time of retirement, Larry was operating for American Tank and Vessels in Channelview, Texas. Larry always had a special place in his heart for the young men on the job. He had a way of taking them under his wing and teaching them all he could about the construction world. He touched many lives over the years.

Larry loved golf, horses and fishing. He found such joy in spending time with his daughter and brother. He had a love for life and could always come back with something to say. We will miss him sorely!

He is survived by his wife, Melodee and daughter Becky Gibson of the home; two sons, Larry Gibson Jr. of Wichita, Kan., and Russell Wade Gibson of Augusta, Kan.; two brothers, Bill Gibson of Ponca City and John Gibson of Roswell, N.M.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City Inc., 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

paid obituary

Thomas V. Williams

Thomas V. Williams, 1137 North Birch Street, died early Tuesday morning, Sept. 19, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 73.

The funeral will be graveside Friday, 1 p.m. in the Blackwell Cemetery with Milo J. Davis officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Born July 30, 1927, at Blackwell, he was the son of Harry and Cora Burrows Williams. He grew up on a farm near Tonkawa and attended Union School. During World War II, Williams enlisted in the U.S. Navy and received an honorable discharge in August of 1946.

Following the war, Williams returned to Blackwell. He married the former Ina C. Davis on Sept. 27, 1947, and the couple moved to Ponca City in 1953. For 25 years, Williams was employed as a mechanic for Sutton Lincoln-Mercury.

He enjoyed building racing go-cart engines and watching auto and motorcycle racing. He and his wife rode touring motorcycles and were members of the Throttle Twisters.

Surviving are his wife, Ina of the home; a sister, Edna Davis of Oklahoma City; a brother-in-law, Milo Davis of Oklahoma City; and four nephews, Milo J. Davis and wife Jan of Houston, Texas, Dwayne Davis and wife Jerlyn of Norman, Allen Davis and wife Cindy of Vancouver, Wash., and Larry Davis of Oklahoma City.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be made to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, for heart research, 825 N.E. 13th St., Oklahoma City, Okla. 73104.

Friends may call at the funeral home until 11 a.m. Friday.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

--

Free Clothing Available — Free clothing will be available to anyone with a need from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Helping Hand House, 440 Fairview, a ministry of the First Assembly of God Church.

Pauline Steak and shrimp dinner $11.95 Friday the 22nd. For

reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Liberty PTA Event — The Liberty Elementary School PTA will be having an arts and crafts show 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 18. Anyone interested in having booth space at the event should contact Derra Bishop 762-6288 or 762-6422.

D & S Pool/Spa Services. General Maintenance - Cleaning - Closings - Openings. Free estimates. Phone 762-3289, 762-1868.

adv.

Sharrah Family — Friends of the “Slim” and Mary Norris Sharrah family are welcome to visit with Mrs. Sharrah and family in the lobby of Fairfield Inn immediately following the 2 p.m. Friday graveside service at Resthaven for “Slim” Sharrah. The Sharrahs are former residents of Ponca City and he was in Conoco management for several years.

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

Accident — An accident at the intersection of East Highland Avenue and North Third Street was reported to Ponca City police at 7:10 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Summer Clothing 4 for $1. Fall clothing putting out daily. Twice

as Good Thrift Store. 209 S. 2nd. adv.

Accident — An accident in the 400 block of East Grand Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 11:14 a.m. Wednesday. The driver of a vehicle had jumped a curb and hit a building after having a reaction to medication. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. An ambulance with the Ponca City Fire Department also responded to the scene. The driver was not transported to the hospital.

Theft — A woman in the 900 block of East Grand Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 7:13 a.m. Wednesday some items were stolen from a yard. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Golden Appledoorn tulips only 19˘. Large selection fall bulbs.

Keathly Nursery 2448 Bridge Ave. adv.

Theft — Someone in the 500 block of West Summit Avenue reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 7:41 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned, but the caller was not home.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and

Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Theft — An employee with the Water and Light department reported the theft of utility services in the 1500 block of Hudson Drive to Ponca City police at 9:59 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Citations were also issued.

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.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of South Tenth Street and East South Avenue reported an 18-year-old man was taken into custody on Kay County warrants for second degree burglary and uttering a forged instrument at 12:11 p.m. Wednesday.

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.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of Second Street and East Grand Avenue reported after a traffic stop a 22-year-old woman was taken into custody for driving under suspension and no insurance at 12:32 p.m. Wednesday.

Accident — An accident at the intersection of Fourteenth Street and East Grand Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 1:21 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Shoplifting — A clerk at a business in the 200 block of East Grand Avenue reported a female shoplifter was inside the store to Ponca City police at 2:17 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A 15-year-old girl was taken into custody for grand larceny.

Theft — Someone in the 500 block of West Summit Avenue reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 4:59 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Welfare Check — Someone requested that a Ponca City police officer check on the welfare of four small children in the 500 block of South Third Street at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday. Subject said the mothers were high on paint and had been hitting the children. One officer was assigned and a second officer assisted. A 34-year-old woman was taken into custody for domestic assault and battery and five juveniles were taken into protective custody.

-

GARDENING

Fall Is Prime Planting Season for Bulbs, Perennials
Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Club Hears Details of Class
Diggin in the Dirt

Fall Is Prime Planting Season for Bulbs, Perennials

Gardeners know that fall is the season to plant their spring-flowering tulips, daffodils and other hardy flower bulbs. But, increasingly, many gardeners are discovering that fall is also the best season for planting perennials. When bulbs and perennials are combined skillfully, the result can be quite dramatic.

Perennials are plants that come back year after year. Unlike annuals, such as impatiens, which only last one season, perennials overwinter outdoors in the garden. They not only come back year after year, they also mature and develop and, in many cases, multiply over time.

In the last decade, American gardeners have become increasingly sophisticated in their uses of perennials in the garden, said Frans Roozen, technical director of the International Flower Bulb Center in Hillegom, Holland.

Fall planting gives perennials a leg up on the next season. If they’re fully rooted in fall before winter season snows or rains, come spring, they’re fully established and ready to grow. With fall planting, everything happens faster and plants can acquire extra strength.

The advantages of fall planting extend beyond the botanical. Gardeners find that flower bulb and perennial combinations can add an extra dimension of excitement to both the spring and summer landscape.

Among the bulbs to plant in fall are hundreds of spring classics such as tulips, hyacinths, muscari, daffodils, fritillaria, and crocuses. Fall-planted summer-blooming favorites include lilies, alliums, irises, foxtail lilies (eremurus), Scilla Peruviana, and magic lilies (aka naked ladies).

The list of perennials for fall planting is endless. A few to consider include: peonies, astilbe, bleeding hearts, coral bells, daylilies, bee balm, coneflowers, sedum, black-eyed Susans, hostas, veronicas, Joe-Pye weed, bugbane, euphorbia and phlox.

Its fun to play matchmaker in the garden, said Roozen. You want to find blooming partners for all seasons — including plants that will bloom together and those that bloom in succession — to give you ever-changing foliage and flowers from early spring through late fall.

What to Plant

Daydreaming about perennial and flower bulb planting combinations is one way to go about it. Another way is to do research either by visiting botanic gardens or reading gardening literature.

Or, you can ask an expert. With that in mind, we asked Roozen, whose family has been in the Dutch horticulture business for five generations, to provide a few tips. Here are a few of his favorite, tried-and-true, bloom partners to plant this fall:

Tulips and Asiatic Lilies — For a dramatic springtime effect that will lead a second lufe in summertime, combine plantings of colorful Darwin Hybrid or single late tulips with Asiatic lilies. The tulips will bloom in mid to late spring in bright pinks, yellows, oranges, red, purple and whites. The lilies will bloom in mid-summer, but their foliage appears in mid-spring to create a wonderful foundation layer of green as the blooming tulips reign above. As the tulips fade, the lilies take over, growing taller and taller to mask the dying foliage of the tulips. In midsummer the lilies reign, with blooms of vivid yellow, orange, marron and pink.

Bright White, Green and Blue — For a look that reaches high notes of variegated energy, try planting the Viridiflora tulip Spring Green (white flushed with green stripes) with similarly variegated Hosta fortunei Albopicta. Now add bright blue Brunnera macrophyylla (Siberian bugloss), yellowish-green ladys mantle (Alchemilla), and Geranium x magnificum. For the piece de resistance, set all within a naturalized sea of camassia bulbs with their tall greenish spires and soft blue florets that bloom for weeks on end in late spring.

Perennial Summer

Bloom Buddies

Brilliant Orange, Yellow & Purple — Start the summer boldly with brilliant beds of Asiatic lilies in punchy yellows and oranges. Now add searing purple Japanese iris. Wow!

Purples, Greens and Yellow — For early summer color, pair dark foliaged Huechera Purple Palace (coral bells) with the frilly yellow florets of Allium moly and tall sword-leafed Iris psuedocorus (yellow flag).

Powerful Pinks and Reds — For mid-summer exitement its hard to beat a combination of lilies and clematis. Both come back year after year, getting better as they mature. One high voltage combo pairs hot pink-and white striped Clematis Carnaby with non-fading fuchsia Asiatic lily Cote dAzur.

Jaunty Yellow, Jolly Orange — Yellow black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia triloba) provide weeks of brilliant summer color. Add an unexpected touch: interplant with tiger lilies (Lilium lancifolium). Tall and slender, the lilies nod above the Susans - with their black-spotted orange petals curled backwards like paper party lanterns.

Pinks and Yellows — A charming mid- to late-summer bloom combo pairs daisy-like pink and white coneflowers (Echinaecea) with similarly colored garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), backed by a mix of yellow yarrow (Achilla) and tall wheat-colored reed grass (Calamagrostis). Round out the look with bright pink Oriental lilies Star Gazer and Vino, orange tiger lilies, and Autumn Joy sedum (whose tight green florets turn pink as autumn approaches).

Perennials, returning year after year, are enchanting garden friends. Anticipation is half the pleasure! For years, those in the know have claimed “Fall is for planting.” Increasingly, gardeners everywhere are seeing the wisdom in this old nurserymen’s saying.

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Club Hears Details of Class

Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme Garden Club held its Sept. 13 meeting in the home of club president Maureen Danielson. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Danielson and the Gardeners’ Creed was read aloud by all.

Diane Norris, former SRT member who has recently returned to Ponca City after living in Houston, Texas for several years, was introduced.

Mavis Robison gave the report on the meeting held recently by the Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs. Mrs. Robison reminded members of upcoming Council projects, including the Cann Open House to be held on Dec. 3. SRT members will be asked to volunteer 1-3 p.m.

Helen Widner gave a report on the annual Ponca City Herb Festival. She stated that over 15,000 people were in attendance and part of the money raised will be donated to the Marland Mansion Lydie’s Cottage garden and to the Cann Gardens.

Theory Chiu informed members of this year’s garden club programs. The club members will be visiting Woolaroc in Bartlesville in lieu of their October club meeting.

Announcement was made that the members of the Calling Committee are Jan Browning, Jan Durano, and Diane Smith. Jan Neylon reminded members to call her if they knew of a member who was ill or had a death in their family.

Name Tags were discussed by Mrs. Danielson and she reported that name tags could be embroidered by a local retailer. She also reminded members that a new slate of officers would be presented to the club members next spring.

Master Gardener Helen Widner presented an informative program on the upcoming Master Gardener Class to be begin in October. Mrs. Widner stated that to be a Master Gardener a person has to have 50 hours of classroom instruction, pass a test at the end of the course, and give 50 hours of community service.

A Master Gardener has to update his/her certificate every year with additional classroom instruction and community service.

Diggin in the Dirt

by Kathy Zehr

It is time to begin bringing begonias, coleus, and other houseplants indoors. Before moving plants, carefully clean up pots and plants to kill any pests and remove all dead leaves and unwanted growth. Working at my outdoor picnic table, I give my plants and pots a good dunk in a tub of water with a little mild dishwashing soap in it.

The soap will kill or remove most tiny pests and those pesky spiders and their egg sacs. Immediately follow the soap dip with a cool, clear rinse. For large plants spray soap on every area with a pump sprayer and rinse the plant immediately with a gentle spray from the hose. Add an inch or two of new potting soil to established plants whose dirt has diminished.

Repot plants, which do not do well with crowded roots, but remember many blooming plants will not flower unless roots are crowded. Trim and shape uneven growth and give the plants a good drink of water before moving them into the house for winter. Continue a very light feeding ritual with each watering.

Clay pots are best for flowers with limited moisture needs such as aloe vera, most thick-leafed succulents, and the airplane plant. Ferns, and exotic plants requiring more moisture should be placed in plastic, pottery, glass or china pots. For a good potting mix I dump a bag of good all purpose potting soil in a large tub, adding 1/4 part sand and 1/8 part perlite, with a couple of handfuls of bone meal tossed in.

Some will suffice without adding other ingredients. The soil should be pliable when wet — not gooey or heavy. Avid houseplant growers have special mixes for different plants.

Check the plants carefully in about a week for any leftover pests that may have made it through the dip. Touch the critters (but not the plant) with a Q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol. Water most small plants weekly, but DO NOT OVERWATER — more plants are killed by overwatering than any other factor. Larger plants may only need watering bi-weekly.

Herbs

If not potting herbs to move inside for fresh cuttings, it is time to harvest and dry them. Some herbs do not transplant well. Pull off the herb leaves, (and stems if usable), chop and spread them on a cookie sheet. Place in a warm oven (150 degree or less) for 2-3 hours. Leave the oven door slightly ajar. Some growers pull up the entire plant and hang it upside down in a dry cool place (garage) for a couple of weeks.

When completely dried, crush and store in air tight jars or bags and label and date. Small jars or bags of these dried herbs make excellent Christmas gifts for friends who like to cook.

Miscellaneous

For bird lovers: It is time to start putting out feeders containing bird suet, and sunflower seed to add a little fat to the birds diet. Bring in hummingbird feeders and clean and store until spring.

Tools: A good gardener is like any other craftsman and appreciates and cares for good tools. To keep them in tip-top shape for winter storage, clean, sand away any rust, and give hand tools a light coating of oil.

Power equipment should be cleaned, painted, belts replaced, blades sharpened, and drained of old oil and gas. (unless your care manual suggests otherwise) Next spring the tools and equipment will be ready for use and in good working order.

SPORTS

Enid Rebuilding
Area Teams Open District Play
Lady Mavs Edge Cloud In Overtime
Volleyballers Split
Freshman Roll Past Sandites
8th Graders Spurt Late, Top Ark City

Enid Rebuilding

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

ENID — The Plainsmen are rebuilding.

After going 1-9 under first year coach Ed Jones last season, Enid has built a good foundation to build on for the 2000 season. After falling to Putnam City North 21-7 in the season opener, the Plainsmen rebounded with a 28-20 win over Edmond Santa Fe and then rolled over Mustang 42-28.

Enid’s only district win last season came in a 36-0 decision over Ponca City. The Plainsmen would like to repeat that verdict in their quest to regain a berth in the playoffs.

The preseason pundits put Friday’s game between the Plainsmen and Ponca City Wildcats down as a battle to stay out of the district cellar.

Both teams have different ideas.

The Plainsmen have been very offensive in non-district games, running out of the “T-Bone.” a combination of the T formation and the Wishbone.

Running back DeAundrie Dority (5-9, 150, senior) is Enid’s leader rusher, having gained 367 yards on 46 carries. He has scored four touchdowns.

Quarterback Brandon Jenkins (6-2, 205, senior) is a threat to run or throw. Jenkins has completed 19-of-42 passes for 230 yards and one TD. He’s been intercepted three times.

Jenkins’ top target is tight end Jason Qualls (6-2, 182, senior, who has 10 catches for 69 yards..

The Plainsmen also boost some big linemen, led by Zach Betchan (5-10, 274, sophomore), Cole Selix (5-11, 258, junior), Corley Snell (6-2, 274, junior) and Will Gungoll (6-1, 252, junior).

Enid is a senior-laden team with seven seniors returning on each side of the ball.

Area Teams Open District Play

By DAVID DAVIS

News Sports Writer

The second season of high school football starts Friday with all the area prep teams beginning conference play on the road. If all the teams do as well as projected, they should all make the playoffs. But, as Newkirk’s Sonny Schovanec said, the second season begins Friday night and everyone needs a win.

In District 4-A2 Blackwell (1-2) starts off against No. 10 ranked Tecumseh. The projected order of finish is Glenpool, Tecumseh, Mannford, Blackwell, Webster, Cushing, Cleveland and McLoud.

Blackwell coach Steve Langdon said Tecumseh is big and fast. The offensive line that averages 241 pounds makes holes in opposing defensive lines for senior tailback Patrick Cobbs, who has already rushed for more than 600 yards this season. He said Cobbs had 225 yards in Tecumseh’s 20-6 win over Harrah.

“He’s got good lateral speed that can make you miss,” Langdon said. “Last year, we contained him for the first half, but he broke loose in the second half.”

Langdon said stopping Cobb is the key.

“The game is a Friday Night Hero game on Channel 4,” he said. “I just hope its not all about Cobb running up and down the field.”

In 2A-5, Newkirk (1-2) travels to Mounds. Newkirk was picked in the preseason to finish second behind No. 3 Pawhuska, followed by Perkins-Tryon, Perry, Pawnee, Kellyville, Mounds and Wellston.

Newkirk played an ugly game and lost to Chisolm last Friday. Coach Sonny Schovanec said Mounds runs different sets on offense and will throw the ball.

“They execute well,” Schovanec said. “They are a disciplined team that don’t get penalized. We going to have to play much better.

“This is a big district game and we need a win,” he said. “This is the second season.”

Tonkawa (2-1), the only ranked area team fell from sixth to seventh in the polls after losing 15-14 in overtime to Class 2A Fairview. Coach Steve Love said his team has worked harder this past week for Crescent than they have all year.

“This is a game we want to play well,” Love said.

Crescent could be in for a bumpy ride.

Love said Crescent likes to run the ball. They have a good quarterback and fullback.

“We feel like we have to shut down their running game,” he said. “On defense, they will try to shut down our running game by bringing in their ends and they’ll stunt a lot.”

Hominy joins Tonkawa and Woodland in District A7 from District 2A5 this year and will try to loosen Tonkawa’s grip on the district. However, Woodland showed Caney Valley little mercy last week with a severe 61-12 beating. Coach Curtis Layton rested his starters the entire second half. The Cougars opened the season with losses to Pawnee and Newkirk, before ending non-conference play on a high note. Woodland plays Barnsdall and Luther on the road before playing Drumwright at home in Fairfax.

“We didn’t do anything special last week,” Layton said. “We just played Cougar football.”

However, the flu bug is running through the team and there are some minor ankle sprains and bruises and Layton said the Cougars will have to play a good game Friday to beat Barnsdall.

“They’re a pretty good team. They beat Caney Valley real bad like we did” he said. “But they lost a lot last year to graduation.”

The projected order of finish is Hominy, Tonkawa, Luther, Woodland, Crescent, Barnsdall, Davenport and Drumright.

In District B3, Shidler (2-1) travels to Prue after a humiliating defeat by Deer Creek-Lamont. Shidler was picked to finish last in the district behind Morrison, Copan, Foyle, Depew, Prue, Yale and Shidler.

Lady Mavs Edge Cloud In Overtime

By TED ATCHLEY

NOC Sports Information

TONKAWA — “The girls showed a lot of character out there today,” said Northern Oklahoma College Women's soccer coach Mike Riley of his Lady Mavericks 2-1 victory over Cloud County Wednesday afternoon.

“They have a great team and gave us a little trouble. Our defense bent but didn't break,” Riley said of his team, now 4-1-1 on the season. “We didn’t dominate the game like I wanted to, but we stepped up and made things happen when we had to.”

Sophomore Lindsay Hall opened scoring with a goal in the first half. Both defenses then went to work and the game remained at 1-0 until late in the second half when Cloud scored on a penalty kick. The score remained 1-1 at the end of regulation play.

“We made our minds up to get the game over with once we went to overtime,” Riley said.

Within the first few minutes of the extra period sophomore Tracy Relph stepped up and scored the winning goal for the Lady Mavericks.

“We never let our effort go,” Riley said. ‘They played hard and it paid off for us in the end.”

The Lady Mavericks will travel next to Bacone on Sunday in an effort to remain undefeated in conference play.

“If we win at Bacone we will be in the Region II driver’s seat,” Riley said. “I’m proud of the way my team is playing right now. They are giving great effort and playing hard."

Volleyballers Split

The Ponca City volleyball team split a Frontier Conference tri-match with Bartlesville and Stillwater last Saturday. The Lady Cats took one of the three games from Bartlesville, then won a match from Stillwater for the second time in two weeks to finish conference play with a record of 4-4.

Tonight is Senior Night at the boys’ old gym where The Lady Cats host Enid at 6 p.m..

The Lady Cats lost the match to No. 8 ranked Bartlesville 9-15, 15-8 and 7-15, but bounced back in the second match to beat Stillwater 15-7, 14-16 and 15-4.

Coach Steve McKay said Ponca City played better against Bartlesville than at any other time this year.

“This is the first game we’ve taken against Bartlesville all year,” McKay said. “I think we can beat them in the conference tournament because now we know we can beat them.”

He said the team played good side-out ball in the first game, but just couldn’t score when they needed to.

“We had them tied 7-7,” McKay said. “They scored a point or two each serve and we didn’t, so Bartlesville won.”

The Lady Cats shot out to an 11-1 lead in the second game, but let Bartlesville come back with 8 points before the Poncans won the game 15-8.

The Lady Cats were up 2-0 in the third game, but missed two consecutive serves into the net.

“I thought we had them until we missed the serves,” he said. “That was a big momentum shift that led to a big lead for the Bruins.

“At this level, if you miss two serves in a row, you don’t give yourself a chance to win.”

Ponca City fought back to make the score 13-7, but that’s as close as they could get.

The Ponca City team came back against Stillwater to win two games and the match.

The Lady Cats took a commanding 11-2 lead in the first game behind the hitting and blocking of senior Abbie Gehlert and sophomore Jenna Wedd. Stillwater made a run before the Lady Cats closed out the game.

The second game saw the girls from Ponca City take an 11-5 lead that should have been insurmountable before the problem of missing serves appeared again. They missed serves at 11-5, 13-5 and again, two more consecutive misses at 14-7. Stillwater came back with 9 straight points to win the game 16-14.

“We had two good games against Stillwater,” McKay said. “But hopefully, the girls learned to stay focused and not let a big lead get away, again.”

In the third game, the Lady Cats came together and put Stillwater away, 15-4, after shooting out to a 13-1.

“We have got to stop giving up leads, missing serves and we have got to stay mentally tough if we hope to break into the next level of play.

Game statistics

vs. Bartlesville

Player K B A Ast

Abbie Gehlert 6 0 2 0

Jeri Wright 2 0 0 0

Jenna Wedd 4 6 0 0

Amanda Ingram 4 1 0 0

Niki Sells 3 1 1 0

Mallory Hodge 2 1 0 72

vs. Stillwater

Player K B A Ast

Abbie Gehlert 4 0 2 0

Jeri Wright 4 1 0 0

Jenna Wedd 4 8 1 0

Amanda Ingram 2 1 1 0

Niki Sells 1 0 0 0

Brittany Cook 1 0 2 0

Mallory Hodge 1 2 3 61

K-Kills, B-Blocks, A-Ace Serves, Ast-Assists

Freshman Roll Past Sandites

SAND SPRINGS — The Ponca City freshman football team rolled over Sand Springs 36-7 on Tuesday. The Ponca City Wildcats rushed for 274 yards and passed for 72 while Sand Springs was held to only two first downs.

The defense scored with 5:25 left in the first quarter when Justin Waller blocked a punt and Whit Theobald returned it 11 yards for a touchdown. Todd Gingerich kicked the extra point.

The Ponca City Wildcats recovered their on-side kick on the 36-yard line. Six plays later, Micah Tipton scored behind the blocks of Trent Goldsmith, Mark Engleking and Jerold McConnell.

The next possession covered 42 yards in two plays when Devin Anderson connected with Waller on a 41-yard scoring play to make the score 19-0 with 52 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

The Wildcats’ first possession of the second half resulted in a 70-yard drive with Antoine English sprinting the final 58 yards for the touchdown. Gingerich kick the extra point to make the score 26-0.

In the third quarter, Anderson sprinted 37 yards along the sideline behind the blocking of English, Tipton and Justin Roland.

Sand Springs picked up its second first down and a 70-yard score on Wildcat reserves.

Ponca City’s final score came after Tyler Butterfield fell on a loose ball to keep the drive alive. T. C. Hawkins and Scott Hartman ripped off nice runs to move the ball to the 21-yard line where Gingerich booted a 38-yard field goal into the wind.

The defense was led by Michael Morgan, Shane Lewis, Lee Coburn and Antwon Moore, Roland, Tipton, Hawkins, Hartman, English and Hobbs. The offensive linemen played their best game of the season. They include Bobby Goddard, George Alexander, Lewis, Goldsmith, Engleking and Hobbs.

8th Graders Spurt Late, Top Ark City

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Ponca City’s high scoring eighth grade football team got off to a relatively slow start against Ark City Tuesday, scoring two first-half touchdowns.

But they made up for it in the second half, scoring four times o roll to a 42-8 victory.

It started as another scoring spree for the eighth graders as Michael Detten returns an Ark City punt 63 yards to the end zone.

However, then score was nullified by a clipping penalty at the 12.

But. on the first play from scrimmage, tailback Matt Brown took a pitch out and raced 27 yards for the touchdown. Brown then kicked the first of four extra poinmts.

The next time Ponca City had the ball in the first quarter, Brown found the same opening and traveled 43 yards to make the score 14 -0.

But the scoring stopped in the second quarter, something that upset coach Brad Parent.

“All of the coaches were happy with the win, but we were not happy with the fact we did not score in the second quarter,” Parent said. “We should have scored at least once, but our concentration was not good.”

The Cougars got the message.

They scored on their first possession of the second half with quarterback Detton covering the final 15 yards. Brown got his third TD of the day a few minutes later on a 37-yard run.

Drew Moyer collected the Cougars’ first interception of the season to start the fourth quarter and Ponca City cash in on a one-yard plunge by tailback Demecos Dorsey.

Ark City scored midway through the quarter, but the Cougars made the hometowners pay as Dorsey scored on the first play from scrimmage following the kickoff, racing 80 yards,

The Cougars, now 2-0, are at home next Thursday against Sand Springs Central.