LOCAL

Unique Opportunity Puts Classroom Into the Park
KLVV Postpones FFH Concert
Freedom From Smoking Clinic To Begin Sept. 13
Oklahoma Aviators To Receive Honors At Special OKC Program on Sept. 25
Fire Department Activities Reported To Noon Lions
McVeigh Lawyer Says Waco Revelations Could Have Stopped Murrah Bombing
Entertainment Plays Important Role in Cherokee Strip Classic

Unique Opportunity Puts Classroom Into the Park

Roman Nose Resort Park, near Watonga in western Oklahoma, is offering a unique opportunity for teachers and students this school year. Roman Nose Naturalist Denise Grudier has designed an educational program that brings the history, ecosystems, flora and fauna of Roman Nose into the classroom. The classroom visit is designed so that teachers can pick and choose program modules to coincide with what students are already studying. But if being cooped up in the classroom doesn’t sound that exciting, Grudier is also bringing the classroom to the park.

She calls it the Magical History Tour. “The Magical History Tour gives students and teachers an opportunity to see our nature center, tour our museum and then explore the park on horseback,” she says. Grudier teamed with the Roman Nose Stable Manager Dave Dierker to take children from third through eighth grade on a five-mile horseback tour through the park. “Along the way we’ll see the place where Chief Roman Nose settled and learn why he chose this spot. We’ll study the ecosystem and, to enhance observation skills, we’ll give them a scavenger hunt list of items that can be seen along the trail.”

Grudier says the horses used in the tour are gentle and no previous horseback riding experience is necessary. The classroom program can be combined with the field trip to the park or each can be done separately. The classroom visit is free but the horseback field trip is $10 per child. Teachers attending with their class ride free.

For reservations and information, contact Dennis Grudier at (580) 623-7281, ext. 311, or Dave Dierker at (405) 262-7294.

Roman Nose Resort Park is located seven miles north of Watonga on Oklahoma 8, and then two miles north on Oklahoma 8A.

For more information on Oklahoma State Parks, Resorts and Golf Courses, visit the website at www.touroklahoma.com, or call, toll free, 1-800-654-8240.

KLVV Postpones FFH Concert

The FFH concert, sponsored by KLVV, originally scheduled for Oct. 7, 1999 has been postponed until March 16, 2000. The postponement of FFH is exciting due to the release of their new album this spring. “We are thrilled to be a part of FFH’s new concert tour. This postponement is unfortunate, but I think FFH fans will appreciate it in the end,” said KLVV Concert Coordinator, Terri Busch. Mark Price Arena in Enid will be one of their opening dates for their new concert tour. The March concert will also feature an opening act for FFH, great lighting, and tremendous sound.

One of the highest charting independent acts in the history of Christian radio, FFH will be performing at the Mark Price Arena in Enid on Thursday, March 16, 2000 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $9 for groups of 10 or more, $10 advanced tickets, $12 at the door and $15 for reserved seats. Tickets will go on sale Feb. 9 at all Christian bookstores in Enid, Ponca City, and Stillwater or order by phone at (580)767-1400 or 1(800)FAITH88. The concert is sponsored by Christian radio KLVV broadcasting on 88.7 FM Ponca City, 98.3 FM Enid, 106.7 FM Stillwater, and 97.3 FM Guthrie and Northern Edmond or find information on their website www.lovestation.org.

Freedom From Smoking Clinic To Begin Sept. 13

Do you want to kick the smoking habit? St. Joseph Regional Medical Center can help you stop smoking through its seven-session Freedom From Smoking clinic, which gets under way Sept. 13.

The clinic begins that evening with an introduction and ends Oct. 25 with a celebration and graduation. The sessions will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Nursing Education classroom on the second floor of the Medical Center. Martha Denney, RN, is the program coordinator and an American Lung Association certified instructor.

“There is a lot of give-and-take in the group process, which takes the lonely element out of quitting on your own,” Denney said. “When it comes to smoking, for some people quitting together is more effective than trying to kick the habit in isolation.”

The American Lung Association found during the development of this program, according to Denney, that signing contracts to quit and assigning rewards to oneself are important factors in successful quitting. The panel discussion of ex-smokers about how they manage best to stay off cigarettes is one of the most popular parts of the program, she said. Small group interactions — organized within the larger group — are a major emphasis.

The introductory session includes a discussion of the decision process. The remaining sessions are generally one week apart, with the exception of the third and fourth sessions, which are two days apart. Denney said the third session is quit day and the fourth is offered soon after to offer support and encouragement within 48 hours. Denney said the fourth session is very important.

“We think smokers can use all the help and support they can get when they quit and that is what we try to supply with Freedom From Smoking,” she said.

Topics covered in the clinic include “Studying Your Habit,” “Coping With Urges,” “Stress Management,” “Weight Control” and “Relapse Prevention.”

For more information about the program, contact Denney at 765-0201. There is a $50 enrollment fee and advanced registration is required.

“We’d like to have room for everyone,” said Denny, “but attendance is limited. So the sooner the smokers call the better chance they have to join the group.”

Oklahoma Aviators To Receive Honors At Special OKC Program on Sept. 25

OKLAHOMA CITY — Five individuals will be inducted into the Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame and two people will receive the Clarence E. Page Memorial Trophy on Saturday, Sept. 25. The 20th anniversary ceremony and gala dinner will be held at Oklahoma’s premier aerospace museum, the Kirkpatrick Science and Air Space Museum at Omniplex, beginning at 7 p.m.

The featured speaker during the black-tie dinner will be Eugene Cernan, the last astronaut to walk on the Moon.

His Naval aviation career spanned the entire Gemini and Apollo programs, serving as pilot of Gemini DC, lunar module pilot aboard Apollo X and commander of Apollo XVII.

Cernan serves as chairman of Johnson Engineering Corporation, which provides NASA Johnson Space Center with engineering, design and development services in support of space shuttle, Space Station and future space flight projects. Cernan’s autobiography, “The Last Man on the Moon,” released in early 1999, details his adventures in a revealing and dramatic look inside of the American space program.

The following five honorees will be inducted during the Sept. 25 awards presentation at Omniplex.

Doug Lloyd Champlin was born in Enid in 1941. His professional aviation interests began with the purchase of the Great Lakes Biplane Company, which he moved to Enid. Champlin got to know many military aviators through his company and began collecting airplanes these men had admired and flown. When Champlin’s collection of airplanes from World Wars I and II outgrew the hangars at Enid Airport, he moved the aviation collection to Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Ariz. In 1983, the American Fighter Aces Association moved its national headquarters to his museum. The Champlin Fighter Museum now houses one of the finest collections of aviation artifacts and planes in the world, with emphasis on World War I and II planes. In the course of his development of the museum, Champlin has published books on military aviation, sponsored seminars on World War II featuring the pilots of various theaters of the war, and presented exhibits of aviation painting and sculpture. He now resides in Mesa, Ariz.

Harold “Hal” C. Farley was born in Oklahoma City in 1936. Farley was an ensign in U.S. Navy in 1959 (Navy ROTC), completing U.S. Navy flight training and receiving his wings in 1960. He graduated from U.S. Navy Test Pilot School in 1964. Farley served in the Navy from 1959-67 and was assigned to Attack Squadron 164 (VA-164) flying A-4D aircraft aboard the USS Oriskany. In the Navy, he performed tests on a variety of aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom, F-8 Crusader, A-6 Intruder and others. After joining Lockheed in 1979, he was assigned to the then top secret Stealth Fighter Program where he participated in all phases of the F-117A project and logged over 600 hours of flight time. In 1983, he was named chief test pilot, and in 1989 he became director of flight operations and chief pilot of the Lockheed Advanced Development Company. Farley is a fellow in the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. In 1996, Farley was awarded the Iven C. Kincheloe Award by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots for tests performed in the F117-A. He lives in Sequim, Wash.

Marvin “Jerry” Gordon was born in Oklahoma City in 1916 and is a graduate of Classen High School. In 1931, he and a friend built a glider from plans, in which he flew over 300 flights from Curtiss Wright Airport. He earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from New York University in 1938 and earned a Glider Pilot Commercial Certificate in 1939. In 1940, Gordon began working for Beech Aircraft as chief of aerodynamics. Among many of the innovative projects he worked on was the development of a 7-ft. by 10-ft. wind tunnel. At the time, it was a state-of-the-art system for testing airplanes’ resistance to high wind speed and is still in operation today. During his tenure at Beech, he was the principal designer of the Beech Bonanza airplane. Gordon also worked for Boeing Aircraft Company as manager of design support on the SST program, DAS coordinator and design modification manager. He also taught a course in engineering flight testing for several years at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kan. He lives in Wichita.

Joseph W. Ozier was born in Hollis in 1924. He began his aviation career as a fighter pilot in the Pacific Theater of World War II. After returning from the war, Ozier studied mechanical engineering at Oklahoma A&M and later attended Northrop Aeronautical Institute. Ozier went to work for Lockheed as a pilot after he completed his service with the Army Air Corps and was named chief experimental test pilot for the F-104 Starfighter, the world’s first operational supersonic fighter. Ozier began testing the F-104 in 1954 and put in more hours in the plane than any other pilot in the world, introducing it to the military. Ozier’s work with the F-104 was crucial to its development, and the tests he flew enabled the study of the effects of the “thermo thicket” or the heat barrier, the largest obstacle facing flight engineers at the time. He was also instrumental in establishing the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Ozier was considered the fastest pilot in the world when he was tragically killed flying the plane he loved in 1957.

Robert W. Vincent was born in Creek Village in 1920 and graduated from DePew High School and Oklahoma A&M. In 1941, Vincent was commissioned in the U.S. Army through ROTC and entered active duty in the 377th Regiment, 95th Infantry Division. In 1943, he was sent to pilot training and assigned to the Army Air Forces where he flew missions as a bomber pilot to test a new and highly secret weapon — the Azon (Azimuth only) bomb. The 1,000-pound M-65 bomb was the first guided bomb. He also flew 35 combat missions with the 753rd Bomb Squadron and remained in the Army Air Force until the end of World War II. He then transferred to the United States Air Force. He completed many assignments while in the Air Force, most notably, Team 407, a highly-classified project of the 5th Air Force. This unit used U-2 aircraft for high-altitude sampling of fallout from Soviet nuclear tests. While attached to this unit, Vincent wrote “High-Level Trajectory of Particulate Debris from Soviet Nuclear Weapons,” the first manual of its kind. He retired as a colonel from the Air Force in 1971. Vincent has since served as professor of aerospace studies at Oklahoma State University and lives in Stillwater, Okla.

The Clarence E. Page Trophy is presented each year in honor of the Oklahoma aviation pioneer for whom it is named, and whose tireless promotion of aviation in his native state helped to give Oklahoma its proud aviation heritage.

This year, Joe Cunningham and Mary Kelly will be presented with the Clarence E. Page Trophy for their efforts to promote aviation in Oklahoma. Kelly was born in Altus in 1943. She began her career in aviation in 1977, and over the next 20 years acquired more than 5,000 hours of flying time and over 2,400 hours experience as a certified flight instructor. She owned her own flight school and served as manager of the Altus Municipal Airport, Hatbox Field in Muskogee, and Tenkiller Airpark in eastern Oklahoma. Kelly was an active member of The 99s, the Organization of International Women Pilots, and was a busy public speaker. Concerned by the lack of female students in her flying lessons, Kelly began a females-only flying camp for 14 to 17 year olds in 1995.

Cunningham was born April 13, 1923 in Tulsa, graduated from Tulsa’s Will Rogers High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in geophysical engineering from the University of Tulsa. During World War II, Cunningham served as a navigator and bombardier in the 8th Air Force in Europe, earning six Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross, and finished the war as a second lieutenant. Cunningham bought his first airplane in 1963. He flew 3,500 hours as a pilot and nearly 2,000 hours as a navigator. He held a strong interest in airport development and served on the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission for over 25 years. He also taught an aviation course at Northeastern State University for 26 years. In 1988, Cunningham and Kelly were married, and together they set several world and national records for flight by duplicating routes flown by Amelia Earhart and Wiley Post. Cunningham and Kelly published a monthly newspaper, Oklahoma Aviator, which served and supported the aviation community in Oklahoma. Kelly was killed in a tragic flying accident in 1998 doing what she loved best — instructing a student pilot. Cunningham continued to publish Oklahoma Aviator until his death in May 1999.

The Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame was established to honor Oklahomans who have contributed to man’s exploration of skies, the advancement of aviation and space science, the development of the aerospace industry, or the use of air power in the defense of their country. Any individuals who have made significant contributions to the aerospace progress within the state of Oklahoma are also available for induction.

Omniplex is located at 2100 NE 52nd Street in Oklahoma City.

For more information on corporate sponsorship or ticket information, call (405) 602-3673. For more information about the Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame, call (405) 602-OMNI (6664) or visit website at www.omniplex.org.

Fire Department Activities Reported To Noon Lions

When the Noon Lions Club met Sept. 1, Gary Denny, Ponca City fire chief, gave a program about the history, operations and goals of the Ponca City Fire Department. Denny, who has been the fire chief for the past eight months, came from Wichita, Kan., where he had served for 23 years.

In addition to responding to fires, the department also operates the ambulance, hazardous materials unit, rescue unit and provides public education. The department handles more than 800 fire calls per year and more than 2,300 ambulance calls per year. The department is funded by sales tax from the city, and Kay County commissioners set the boundaries for emergency services.

Tim Gilmore, Emergency Medical Services, told about emergency services and advance life support and its importance. Basically the sooner treatment can begin, the better the outcome. The ability to secure the airway and/or remove objects from the throat at the scene of an accident greatly enhances the survival rate. In closing, the firefighters invited the Lions to visit the newly renovated facility when it is completed in late October or early November.

Visitors were Chuck Patterson, Jessica Davis, Bill Winterrowd and Rick Osborn.

The Noon Lion’s Club meets every Wednesday at the American Legion with the membership comprised of men and women from the local business community who have a desire to serve the community. They provide eye exams and eyeglasses to underprivileged children in the community and sponsor other programs of sight conservation and education in the community. In addition, they sponsor Leo Clubs at the East Middle School and at Po Hi. These clubs offer a chance for experience in leadership and community service to young men and women from eighth through 12th grades. Any youth interested in becoming involved may contact Lilly or Susan at 762-5659.

McVeigh Lawyer Says Waco Revelations Could Have Stopped Murrah Bombing

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Timothy McVeigh’s trial lawyer says he believes full disclosure of the FBI’s actions in the Branch Davidian standoff near Waco, Texas, would have eliminated the motive for the Oklahoma City bombing two years later.

Attorney Stephen Jones said he agrees with prosecutors who alleged that McVeigh was angry about how the government handled its attempt to arrest David Koresh at the Branch Davidian compound in 1993. The 51-day standoff ended with the fiery deaths of Koresh and about 80 followers.

‘‘Had the wheels of justice worked and there been an independent investigation and the responsibility assessed, there would have been no reason for an attack on the federal government in Oklahoma City,’’ Jones told the Tulsa World for today’s editions.

After previous denials, the FBI recently acknowledged that it had used pyrotechnic devices on the last day of the standoff.

‘‘Oklahoma City was a retaliation for what happened at Waco and the cover-up,’’ Jones said. ‘‘Much of what has come out in the last 10 days we knew in 1996 and 1997.’’

McVeigh was sentenced to die for his role in the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which killed 168 people.

Jones said U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch would not let him use information about Waco at McVeigh’s sentencing because the judge did not want the government’s actions in the standoff to be on trial in Denver, where McVeigh was tried.

‘‘We wanted to say to a jury, if it found McVeigh guilty, that means they have to accept the government’s motives — he did it because of Waco,’’ Jones said. ‘‘So now we want to show you what happened. We were not allowed to.’’

Gov. Frank Keating, a former federal lawyer and FBI agent, said the new information doesn’t change the conclusion that ‘‘Koresh was a maniac who murdered his own people’’ but does damage the government’s credibility.

‘‘When the government operates negligently or stupidly, those acts will be viewed in a far more severe light because of the tendency to think that Big Brother is watching, which means the government has to be abundantly careful not to screw up, not to violate the law and make sure everything it does is able to survive the minutest public scrutiny,’’ he said.

Oklahoma Public Safety Commissioner Bob Ricks, one of four FBI agents in charge at Waco, said he believes the admissions damage the credibility of the people and agencies involved.

‘‘Right now, it has given ammunition to fringe individuals who don’t want to believe what the federal government says, and sometimes with good cause,’’ Ricks said.

Entertainment Plays Important Role in Cherokee Strip Classic

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Entertainment plays an important role in the 38th Annual Cherokee Strip Golf Classic’s three-day event. Entertainment is a part of the golf-dining package for participants.

A wide scope of entertainment is sought because of the diversity of those players attending from out-of-state, as well as, those within Oklahoma and Ponca City.

This year’s contestants come from Oklahoma, Kansas, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Arizona, South Carolina, North Carolina, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey and Minnesota.

Barry Bickle has been entertainment chairman for several years and continues to bring a variety of entertainers to the event.

The Twenty + 20 Band playing Saturday evening in the ballroom is from Dallas and recently received high acclaim for its appearance at the highly visible Kids Charity Ball held in Dallas.

Leader Jace Beasley has toured Europe twice playing with acts as diverse as Julian Lennon and the Scorpions. Though a talented instrumentalist, Jace is most known for his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. His performance at last year’s Sabre World in Chicago is still being praised by attendees.

5th Avenue

Friday evening 5th Avenue is a Jazz small group from Tahlequah. The group consists of Northeastern State students Tiffany Stone (vocals), Jason French (piano), Craig Stevens (drum), Jonathan Christie (tenor Box), Robert Risk (guitar) and NSU Jazz Lab Facility Manager Brad Henderson (bass).

The ensemble has performed at many different Venues including the NSU Jazz Lab, NSU Muskogee Campus, North Ark Jazz Society Annual Meeting, Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame reception and UCT.

The songs performed by the group are chosen to showcase each member of the ensemble Instead of one particular musician. Great up tempo swing, gentle bosses and ballads, this group plays a wide range of styles and plays all of them well.

Kid Davie

Kid Davie of Las Vegas, going along with the “Circus Circus” theme will be performing at the Cherokee Strip Golf Classic for the clients of Opportunity Center. He will also be greeting guests in the parking lot by walking on stilts and doing other tricks to add to the circus mood.

Kid, a magician, has appeared on “The Late Show” with David Letterman and was the star of his own television show “Kidder’s Cartoon Castle,” on WPTY - 24, in Memphis.

Kid has appeared in the Tropicana Resort and Casino, Las Vegas Inn and Casino, MGM Grand Theme Park and Aladdin Hotel and Casino. He has done opening acts for Louise Mandrel, Jerry Lee Lewis, and others.

Other entertainment includes Tarot Card Reader Veronica Winkler, Clown Ministry of the Shidler Methodist Youth Fellowship and Steve Quinn, caricature artist.

DEATHS

Barbara Jean Jefferson
Carl G. Stevens
Francis A. Murray
Jason Wade Batt

Barbara Jean Jefferson

BLACKWELL — Barbara Jean Jefferson, longtime Blackwell resident, died early Wednesday morning, Sept. 8, 1999, in Blackwell. She was 62.

The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 10, at the Mount Olive Cemetery in Nardin. The Rev. John Newland with House of Prayer, Blackwell, will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.

Barbara Jean (Newland) Jefferson was born June 13, 1937, in Blackwell to Jim and Mary (Lafferty) Newland. She grew up and attended schools in Blackwell.

On April 9, 1956, she was married to Robert Eugene Jefferson in Newkirk and the couple made their home in Blackwell. Mrs. Jefferson was a homemaker and mother. The couple moved to Colorado for a short time, then returned to Blackwell.

Survivors, all of Blackwell, include her husband Robert Eugene Jefferson; two daughters, Vickie Jefferson and Patty Harman; two sons, Darrell Jefferson and Lindy Jefferson; one sister Nancy Hinman; one brother Jimmy Lee Newland; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Jefferson’s name to Hospice of Ponca City 1904 North Union, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Obituaries

Carl G. Stevens

Carl G. Stevens, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Sept. 7, 1999, at his home. He was 84.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 10, 1999, at the First Baptist Church Chapel, with the Rev. Larry Masters, minister of music and the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Carl was born on March 8, 1915, in Bristow, to George and Olive (Parish) Stevens. He grew up in Bristow and graduated from Bristow schools. He was employed at a creamery in Bristow.

Carl married Juanita H. Franks on Aug. 25, 1935 in Depew. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1940, where Carl worked at a creamery. He joined the U.S. Army in April 1944, and served with distinction during World War II in the Philippine Islands. After his service in the military, he returned to Ponca City in 1946 and became employed as a lab technician with Continental Oil Company. He retired in 1977 after 31 years with the company.

Carl played the guitar, banjo, and mandolin, and was active in playing for the nursing homes in Ponca City. He and his wife enjoyed camping and traveling. Carl also enjoyed rock hunting and making jewelry out of the stones that he found. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church and was a former member of the church choir. Carl was also a member of the “Silvertones” and “The Strummers.”

He is survived by his wife Juanita of the home; two daughters, Donna Glenn of Cleveland, Okla., and Carlita Robertson of Muskogee; one sister, Wanda McKissen of Grand Junction, Colo.; three grandchildren, Debbie Lewis, Duane Lively, and Steven Mall; five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Elmer Stevens and Cleo Stevens.

Casket Bearers will be Wallace Weaver, R.C. “Slim” Shelton, William Glenn, David A. Franks, Melvin Franks, and Joel Franks. Honorary bearers will be Duane Lively, John Lewis, Dean Franks, Jack Franks, Bill Williams, and Steven Mall.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 218 South Sixth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

Francis A. Murray

Francis A. Murray, former Ponca City resident, died Tuesday evening, Sept. 7, 1999 in Integris Baptist Medical Center, Oklahoma City. He was 87.

A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m., today, at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. John J. Michalicka, pastor, St. Mary’s Catholic Church officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with the Rev. John Michalicka as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery under direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Born Sept. 25, 1911, on a farm west of Ponca City, he was the son of John and Mary (Donnelly) Murray. He attended Cross and Ponca City Schools. He had been co-owner of the Murray Conoco Service Station, on West Grand Avenue, working with his father, brother Earl, and sister Nora from 1926 until retiring in 1976. Francis had also owned and operated the Tower Station, a Conoco service station on U.S. 60 from the mid 1950s until retirement in 1976.

During World War II Francis served as a radio instructor with the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1941 until 1945. On May 8, 1946, he was married to Lucile E. Eberwein in Ponca City. The couple lived in Ponca City until moving to Edmond in November 1996. Mrs. Murray preceded him in death on Jan. 7, 1997.

Francis enjoyed gardening and designed and built many “Motionettes” which were lighted moving displays depicting various themes. He obtained a patent on his designs and they were proudly displayed at the service station on Grand. They were later exhibited in the tower of the station on U.S. 60 for the enjoyment of all. Numerous people made special trips to view the Motionettes when they heard a new display was on exhibit.

Francis is survived by two sons, Dr. Don Murray of Edmond and Joe Murray of Ponca City. Dr. Murray and wife Geneva, have one son David and one daughter Geneva. Joe Murray and wife Syd, have a daughter, Tori

Casket bearers will be Tommy Murray, Ken Sims, Charlie Hermes, Joseph Kotarski, Jack Thorpe and Chris Yozzo.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, P. O. Box 1330, Ponca City, OK 74602, or to the Opportunity Center, 2225 North Union, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

Jason Wade Batt

Jason Wade Batt died Tuesday, Sept. 7, 1999 at his residence in Ponca City. He was 27.

The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 1999 at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Blaine Herron, pastor, Foursquare Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery with Trout Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Jason was born Oct. 13, 1971, in Wellington, Kan. to Jim and Jackie (Porter) Batt. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1990 and attended Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. Jason was employed as a coordinator for Rubbermaid in Winfield, Kan. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church of Blackwell and the Newkirk Masonic Lodge No. 88 A.F.&A.M.

Survivors include his parents Jim and Jackie Batt of Ponca City; one son Jaedon Wade Batt of Blackwell; two brothers Ricky Batt and Randy Batt and his wife Jana and their children Nick, Austen, and Randi Batt all of Ponca City; and his paternal grandmother Bernice Batt of Ponca City. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Church Plans Sale — The First Christian Church of Kaw City will be holding a craft, bake and garage sale on Saturday from 8 a.m. until sell-out. All proceeds go to the building fund for the new parking lot, Everyone welcome. See you there!

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.

Senior Citizens Dance — A Senior Citizens Dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday at the Senior Citizens Building, 320 South A in Arkansas City. The Pete Coli Country Band will play for dancing. All senior citizens are invited to attend and bring a favorite snack to share.

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 Cancellation — The free clothing at First Assembly of God will be closed Monday, Sept. 13. Watch for return date and time.

Helpline Training class begins on Tuesday, September 14th. Call 765-5551 for more information or to enroll. adv.

Theft — At 7:44 a.m. Wednesday, a clerk at Sav-A-Trip, 207 East Highland Avenue, advised the Ponca City Police Department that the driver of a van left the business without paying for gas. An officer responded and took a report.

Art Association Fall Flea Market; Monday, September 13; Tuesday, September 14. Don’t miss the wonderful bargains. 819 E. Central. adv.

Accident — Three officers responded to the report of an accident at Kingston Road and East Prospect Avenue at 8:01 a.m. Wednesday. A Ponca City ambulance responded, but made no transports. An officer took information for a report.

66% off continues through Saturday!! 35% off Marjolein Bastin, 50% off other select items! Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. 765-3094. adv.

Abandoned — At 8:20 a.m. Wednesday a Ponca City police officer advised Ponca City telecommunication officers that a bike had been abandoned in the 2500 block of East Lake Road.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Fire — The Blackwell Fire Department received notice of a vehicle on fire three miles west of U.S. 77 on Oklahoma 11 at 9:11 a.m. Wednesday.

Budget Bride, 220 W. Grand. All brand new Wedding dresses, one day only, Saturday, September 11, 1999. 10 - 5. $300 or less. One day only. No layaways at this price, cash, check, or discover, visa, mastercard. adv.

Shoplifter — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 57-year-old man at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday for petit larceny.

Mels Has ladies fall shoes by Brighton, Cole Haan, Amafi, save 60% off regular retail prices. adv.

Stolen Bike — A resident in the 800 block of North Peachtree Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 10:49 a.m. Wednesday that a bike had been stolen during the night.

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.

Arrest — At 2:49 p.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 22-year-old man in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street for a Kay County warrant.

Accident — A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident which occurred at North Ash Street and West Hartford Avenue at 3:28 p.m. Wednesday.

Collision — At 5:16 p.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident which occurred at South Fourth Street and East South Avenue.

Youth — At 11:23 p.m. Wednesday, a Ponca City police officer issued citations to two girls who were at West Cleveland Avenue and North Sunset Street. The youth were released to parents on a promise to appear in juvenile court.

Fire — The Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department responded to the report of a fire in the 1900 block of Tonkawa Road at 12:31 a.m. Thursday.

DUI — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 28-year-old man from a traffic stop at North Ninth Street and East Highland Avenue at 1:56 a.m. Thursday for driving under the influence and no insurance.

Burglary — At 5:11 a.m. Thursday, a Ponca City police officer responded to Cobb’s Cafe, 801 South First Street, to take a burglary report.

GARDENING

Forester Gives Campers Tips for Care of Park Trees
Time To Move Houseplants Indoors
Expert Gives Advice About Pineapples
Over The Fence

Forester Gives Campers Tips for Care of Park Trees

During the summer, how many of you camped or attended a family reunion in one of Oklahoma's parks? Did you escape the blistering asphalt of urban living by going to a lake to fish or for boating? How many of you incorporated wildlife viewing into your getaway? These questions are asked by Al Myatt, Central and Western Area Forester. He says that careful camping protects trees, and gives the following suggestions.

When you are camping, use a lantern hanger so there will be a few inches of space between the lantern and the tree trunk. Extreme heat can scorch the living tissue under the bark and permanently injure the tree. Use dead and downed trees for firewood.

Breaking off limbs for roasting sticks or firewood can leave gaping or ragged wounds. The tree may not be able to form new tissue to conceal the wound before disease and insects enter. Consider bringing your own firewood to protect woodland resources in the park.

Always remove wire or rope you have tied around tree branches or trunks. Wire and rope can actually become imbedded in the wood if left in place, choking that part of the tree as it tries to grow. Park vehicles in designated areas only. The vehicle’s weight compacts the soil over vital feeder roots found close to the soil surface. Over time, compaction begins to kill tree roots.

Remember to walk only in designated areas to reduce the damage foot traffic causes to the soil, grass and feeder roots. Every wound a tree receives is permanent. Driving nails into a tree, carving and using a tree for target practice are extremely damaging activities. Repeated wounding can lead to the decline and death of trees and deprive others of their shade and beauty.

Carefully guard newly planted trees. Never use them for roasting sticks. Their success ensures the continued life of the forest and trees for the future.

Do not wrap pet leashes around a tree trunk. Chains can seriously damage bark and pet wastes can be toxic to trees. Build fires only in designated areas — never directly under a tree where heat will scorch overhead branches or sparks may ignite dry foliage.

Leave your campsite in better condition than you found it. Be considerate of those who will follow you.

Never trim trees on public property. Their care should be left to professionals. To properly maintain trees in your own yard, call a certified arborist or ask for information from your local forester. Be very cautious of tree trimmers who solicit business door-to-door. Always check the references of anyone you might hire.

Time To Move Houseplants Indoors

By LEE REICH

For AP Special Features

Bring houseplants indoors well before crisp, autumn air arrives. They need a gradual transition from the cool, moist outdoor air to the hot, dry indoor air to come.

Plants also must acclimate to lower light levels indoors. Remember, a plant sitting outdoors near the north side of the house gets more light in summer than it does in a sunny room in winter.

Some leaf loss is unavoidable when plants move indoors. But generally the greater the shock a plant experiences, the more leaves it will lose.

If houseplants are tropical in origin, they can experience chilling injury when outdoor temperatures dip below 50 F for a period of time. Such plants include weeping fig, dracaena and philodendron. In contrast, subtropical houseplants such as the miniature orange tree, hibiscus and jade plant, can survive at freezing or slightly below. But don’t push your luck.

Before you move plants indoors, give each a thorough inspection. You want only the plants, not insect hitchhikers. Be on the lookout for mealybugs, spider mites and aphids on leaves and stems.

Also, look under the pot for pests, quickly as you lift a pot before sowbugs and earthworms crawl or slither out of sight. Earthworms are beneficial in the garden and lawn, but their churning of the soil and burrowing wreaks havoc in the confines of a pot.

Earthworms will exit any potted plant within about 15 minutes after the pot has been immersed in a basin of water made alkaline with limestone. Do not try this method, though, with gardenias, camellias and other plants that hate lime.

Either disinfest pest-ridden plants, or isolate them from other plants.

A few plants should be left outdoors as long as possible. These include clivia and Christmas cactus. Clivias need cool temperatures to give them a rest in preparation for making flower buds. And cool temperatures and short days are needed to stimulate bud growth of Christmas cactus. Do bring these plants indoors before frost threatens, however.

Expert Gives Advice About Pineapples

Q: Two years ago I planted a pineapple top. It is now a nice sized plant and has a large fruit on it. How will I know when to harvest it? Do I cut it from the plant or will the fruit “twist” off? There seems to be a new plant growing from the present one. Will the original plant die and will this new shoot become the main plant? Thanks. M.F., Lake Wales, FL

A: The easiest way to tell when a pineapple is ready for harvest is to feel and smell the fruit. As the fruit ripens, it changes from hard to “rubbery,” it takes on a gold to bronze color starting at the bottom of the fruit and the fruit starts to emit its characteristic pineapple smell. When you see these changes, harvest (cut) the fruit and allow it to continue ripening indoors. Usually it takes 2 to 3 months for the pineapple to ripen on the plant.

Once the plant has produced fruit, it starts to die. But, it produces small plants (pups) around its base. If only one or two pups are produced, leave the main plant alone since the new shoots will become the main plant. Remove the original plant once it has completely turned brown and rotted loose from the soil. But, if several pups appear, remove (cut close to the main plant) the extras from the original plant and root them. Usually a pineapple produces three or four pups, so you should have plenty of plants.

Joe Freeman is chief horticulturist for Cypress Gardens, tropical showplace located near Winter Haven, Fla. His question and answer format is the source of information for this story.

Over The Fence

Area residents interested in gardening and sharing information are invited to send a “tip,” hint, idea or suggestion for other readers to use. Each week, depending on availability, The News will publish a brief article and the sender’s name. One paragraph or 50 words or less please. Mail or fax items to Over the Fence, Gardening Page, The Ponca City News, P. O. Box 191, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Fax 580 765-7800, or e-mail lifestyles@poncacitynews.com Information will not be taken by phone and is subject to editing. The News provides this service for readers but is not responsible for the success or failure of the tips offered by individuals.

SPORTS

Tahlequah Tigers Check Their Claws
Fall Baseball Cats Surprise

Tahlequah Tigers Check Their Claws

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

TAHLEQUAH — The Tigers of Tahlequah spent much of this week looking at their paws. They were wondering where the claws went.

Picked as a top 10 team in Class 6A during the preseason, Tahlequah got a rude awakening in their season opener as Owasso rammed home a 45-15 win.

It was a shock for the Tahlequah players and coaches.

“We were feeling pretty good in the preseason,” Tahlequah coach Todd Dilbeck said. “We have a blue-chip quarterback and four great receivers. We were ranked in the top 10 and had played well in then scrimmage at Union. We though we were going to be okay.”

That may have been the problem.

“As a coach, you hate to say it, but this may have been the best thing to happen to us this early in the season,” Dilbeck said. “It gave a wake up call to the players and coaches. We are going to have to work harder.”

Tahlequah has all the parts to be a state-playoffs team. Quarterback Justin Southerland (6-4, 205) is back after throwing for 2,000 yards and 21 touchdowns last year and is on the short list for several major colleges.

His “go-to” man is wide receiver Mitch Robinson (6-3, 190), but has his choice of three more talented receivers, including tight end Kyle Rozell (6-4, 205).

“With the quarterback talent we have and four very good receivers,” we are naturally going to throw the ball,” Dilbeck said. “But to have a winning team you have to have a running game. So our passing game is just another dimension to our offense.”

Dilbeck expressed some concern about the Ponca City defense that chased down the Tulsa Hale quarterback for five quarterback sacks.

“Ponca City’s defense really swarms the ball,” the coach said. “We are going to have to play really well.”

Dilbeck has a simple explanation for the Tigers’ loss to Owasso.

“We just didn’t show up for the game,” he said. “When you have a couple of key players who don’t play well, you’re in trouble.”

So it will be interesting to see which Tahlequah team shows up after the long trip to Ponca City Friday.

Fall Baseball Cats Surprise

MIDWEST CITY — The Wildcats’ fall baseball team pulled off a stunning victory in the Labor Day Classic in Midwest City, Monday, run-ruling Capitol Hill in the championship game in six innings, 10-2.

Earlier in the day, the No. 4 seeded Cats upset the No. 1 seed in bracket play, Midwest City, 5-2. The Bombers had allowed just one run through three games in pool play.

The Cats went 2-1 in pool play, losing 4-3 to Healdton, but went on to top Prue, 8-3, and Norman, 5-4.

In the championship game, the Cats took advantage of four walks, a balk and a hit batter in the bottom of the sixth inning to pile up five runs and make the run-rule stick.

Matt Johnson drove in a run in the first inning to put the Cats on the board. The Redskins went up with two runs of their own, but consecutive base hits from Chris McCool and Bryan Coppock in the third, followed by three straight errors by the Redskins made it 3-2, and the Cats never looked back.

Todd Stewart drove in a run in the fourth, while Barry Geheb drove in another in the fifth.

Stewart and Jerrod Spears were both 2-for-4, while Jeremy Denoya was 2-for-3.

Stewart also got the win, giving up just six hits and three walks, while striking out three.

Against Midwest City, Spears held the big-swinging bombers to just five hits and walked just one, while striking out four.

The Cats got a 2 RBI double from Johnson, and Casey Rowe drove in another run as the Cats launched to a 3-0 lead in the first inning.

The Bombers crept back with single runs in the second and fourth, but Spears doubled in the fifth to drive in one run and scored later on an error to stretch the lead again.

In pool play Saturday, Spears cranked a 2 RBI home run in the first inning, but Healdton responded with 12 hits through the game to hand the Cats their only loss.

The Cats managed just one other hit in the game, from Stewart, who also had an RBI sacrifice in the fifth.

The Cats bounced back with a 8-hit performance against Prue, a team composed of players from Prue, Tulsa and Pawhuska. Coppock, meanwhile, held the Rockets to six hits and five walks, while striking out eight.

Stewart, Coppock and Spears were all 2-for-4, with Spears driving in runs in each of the first two innings to help the Cats to a 5-1 lead. Coppock drove in a run in the second, while Stewart drove in another in the fourth.

Rowe and B.J. Hayes also had RBIs in the game. McCool was hit twice and walked once, and scored two runs for the Cats.

In a thriller with Norman, the Cats took advantage of six Tiger errors, including two in the final inning to eke out a win. After drawing a walk, Nate Myers raced in to score on a shortstop error to make it 5-4.

The Cats then held on despite two errors of their own in the bottom of that inning.

Down 4-0 going into the top of the third, the Cats got two hits and took advantage of three errors to tie the game.

Healdton 4, Ponca City 3

Ponca City 200 010 0 — 3 2 2

Healdton 101 010 1 — 4 12 2

Campbell (w), Brady (5), and Litke; Stewart, Wilks (l) and Spears.

Ponca City 8, Prue 3

Ponca City 230 30 — 8 8 1

Prue 010 20 — 3 6 3

Coppock (w) and Spears; Lambert (l), Krafft (2), Sills (3), and Maggard.

Ponca City 5, Norman 4

Ponca City 004 01 — 5 5 6

Norman 220 00 — 4 5 6

Johnson, Wilks (w), and Spears; Christian (l) and Waldenville.

Ponca City 5, Midwest City 2

Ponca City 300 02 — 5 4 3

Midwest City 010 10 — 2 5 2

Spears (w) and Johnson; Breshears (l) and Fordenbacker

Ponca City 10, Capitol Hill 2

Ponca City 102 115 — 10 8 2

Capitol Hill 101 000 — 2 6 5

Stewart (w) and Spears; Masteller (l) and Harrison.