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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Thursday, September 30, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS SPORTS GARDENING LOCALBedlam Football Stomp At Oktoberfest Saturday Bedlam Football Stomp At Oktoberfest SaturdayBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Oktoberfest will feature OU - OSU bedlam football — with a twist! The wrinkle is that OSU and OU will be playing Saturday - but not each other. However there is no need for fans to miss the games, when they can come out to the Sports Area and Tailgate Tent at Oktoberfest. Just as the big Fest tents in Munich, Germany rock with cheers, dancing and stomping to the polka beat, the cheering, dancing and stomping of both OU and OSU fans under one tent at the Marland Estate, should be an exciting and outstanding combo that will rival the excitement generated under those big tents at Munich’s Oktoberfest. Fans are encouraged to wear the colors of their teams and watch the games on TV. Thanks to CableOne, both OU vs. Notre Dame and OSU against Nebraska will be televised simultaneously. On Sunday professional football games will be televised. The two large TVs are provided by Customer’s Choice and CableOne is providing the feed. The tent is conveniently located near the food vendors and beer garden so that fans will not miss a play on any game, according to Kristi Struble, publicity chairman. Classic Cars Also featured at this year’s fest will be both Classic Car clubs from Ponca City and Blackwell. Several cars will be on display on the grounds for the enjoyment of attendees and members of both clubs will be on hand to assist and answer questions. Oktoberfest will take place Saturday from 10 a.m., until 9 p.m., and again Sunday from 11 a.m., to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $3 for ages 12 and up and a two-day pass may be purchased for $5. Children ages seven to 11 are $2 and those six years and under are free. Parking will again be available at the Presbyterian Church at Grand and Fourteenth with a shuttle running continually to the Fest grounds both days. Nearly NewsPonca Citian David Keathly, now Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce executive, called The News to say the trip to France with the Pawhuska delegation for the sister city ceremony at Montauban was great. He also said that the Midweek Cover featuring the event and the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve Interpretive Center is on its way to movie star Kevin Kostner. Seems a golfing buddy of Kostner is related to a Pawhuskan and the star mentioned an interest in the Preserve. So naturally Keathly mailed him the Tall Grass video and included the Midweek cover. Also Keathly said the story will be used in applying for grants for the Interpretive Center. ---- Jim Holt a representative of the John Warren Oil Company has told The News the company plans to drill another prospecting well in the southeast part of town. Anyone with a vacant lot that would like it used for this project can get in touch with Holt. Second Kaw Challenge This Weekend at Kaw LakeMountain bike racers from Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma will descend on Burbank Landing at Kaw Lake this weekend, Oct. 2-3, for the second annual Kaw Challenge ’99. Locally the race is organized by Team X-Stream and the Kaw Lake Association. Assisting is the Ponca City Tourism Authority. “Last Saturday, we had 31 racers from Oklahoma and Texas trying out the course,” said Jim Socia, local member of Team X-Stream, the coordinating group for the Kaw Challenge race. The goal is 200 riders participating in 19 different categories. This year the race is part of the 1999 Oklahoma Tour De Dirt Mountain Bike Championship Series. The series is coordinated by Tour de Dirt, a state-wide organization dedicated to the enhancement and enjoyment of the sport of off-road cycling through trail advocacy, maintenance, and cooperation with land managers and trail users. This organization works in concert with the Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship and event promoters. Saturday will be time trials starting at noon. Sunday racing begins at 9 a.m. with Beginner categories followed by sport at 9:30 a.m. and Pro/Expert at 11 a.m. Sunday will be head-to-head racing by category over the rugged track from 8 to 24 miles depending upon category. Racers will follow a trail which follows the natural terrain as much as possible. It includes places only wide enough for one mountain bike, according to Creek Scott, one of the local organizers. This means 30 percent single track, 30 percent double track and the rest open. One two-mile stretch is a very technical area. “We hope to draw more people to Ponca City and the surrounding Kaw Lake area,” said Kathy Tippin, executive director of the Kaw Lake Association. Individuals can register for the race at the site on Saturday. Racers must be NORBA licensed. A one-day license can be purchased for $5 at registration. Also, individuals are invited to come out and see what Mountain Bike Racing is all about. Last year’s top winners Steve Tilford and Gretchen Reeves each won $1,000. Entry forms may be obtained by contacting the Kaw Lake Association, 1-580-762-9494 in Ponca City or toll free, 1-88-291-4995, pin 2920. The purpose of the Kaw Lake Association is to build a region-wide partnership of towns, businesses, service agencies, and local governments within the North Central Oklahoma Kaw Lake area. Its mission includes recruitment of a broad membership base, creation of a financial support system, addressing infrastructure needs, tourism development, broadening the business base, and marketing the region as a whole. Individual who would like to become involved with the Kaw Lake Association should call Tippin at 580-762-9494 in Ponca City or 1-888-291-4995, pin 2920. Vo-Tech Construction Programs Help Aid May Tornado VictimsThey all came for different reasons. Some came to upgrade their job skills while others came to get into a completely different career field. All had one thing in common. They were each making the most of the free construction skills and safety training — offered by Oklahoma’s vo-tech system — to help the state recover from the May 3 tornadoes. According to Pam Stacey, Skills to Rebuild coordinator at the Oklahoma Department of Vo-Tech Education, 16 area vo-tech schools/technology centers have already held or scheduled 160 Skills to Rebuild classes. Vo-tech safety instructors have trained more than 850 volunteers to help in the cleanup process, she said. Based on current data and scheduled classes, about 830 more Oklahomans will be trained in basic construction skills. Stacey said the most widely available class is frame carpentry helper. It has 31 classes scheduled or already held. Participants in one Skills to Rebuild class, taught by Metro Tech instructor Billy Guthery, went through a rigorous six-day program. Guthery’s course was divided into two sections. The first part was a five-hour safety training class, and the second part was a 40-hour frame carpentry helper course. Students attended the frame carpentry class for five consecutive eight-hour days. The first two days were classwork, and the other three days consisted of practical work in the shop, Guthery said. Worker safety is critical, especially when working on a construction site, Guthery said. According to statistics from the Oklahoma Department of Labor, one-fourth of all injuries to construction workers occur within their first three months of work. Also, a new construction worker is 10 times more likely to be injured than a construction worker with one to five years of experience. David Colyer, a Skill to Rebuild student and retired Oklahoma Department of Transportation employee, said one of the best aspects of the safety training class was learning how to do things the correct way. Some of the techniques were as simple as learning how to correctly hammer a nail. Colyer said the Skills to Rebuild training will enable him to work more effectively as a volunteer. “With the experience I am gaining, I can help in the rebuilding process,” he said. After going through the program, Colyer planned to join Habitat for Humanity or one of the other volunteer teams involved in the rebuilding effort. Guthery is confident that his students will be able to put the skills they learned in his class to good use in the construction industry. “We were already facing a critical shortage of construction workers in Oklahoma,” he said. “There’s a tremendous amount of opportunity for trained people.” Oktoberfest Stage Will Include Some Great Music SoundsSome new sounds and some old sounds will be featured on the stage this weekend at Oktoberfest — but all will definitely be great sounds. Starting the fest off on Saturday at 11 a.m. will be EOS out of Norman. They play jazz and pop greats, 50’s pop and recognized favorites. Their style of music is that of BB King, Otis Redding and Roberta Flack. Taking the stage at 2:15 p.m. and traveling the greatest distance will be Woodwork from Austin, Texas. They are an acoustic guitar duo that have been busy playing the south Austin scene. For those of you curious about what that actually means, it is the same environment that produced such greats as Stevie Ray Vaughn and Willie Nelson. Woodwork’s sound is an easy jazz pop style and they have a CD out called Viewfinder, according to Kristi Struble, publicity chairman. Also performing will be Poverty’s Children who play popular Rock and Roll throughout Northern Oklahoma. They play 60s, 70s and 80s classic rock music of the Beatles, Jethro Tull and Led Zeppelin. They also play today’s Rock, current favorites and audience requests. Featured for the Saturday night dance at 6:30 p.m. will be The Imposters of Alva. They are another popular group that is requested to return to Ponca City again and again. They play 60s, 70s and 80s rock and roll and are always willing to please the crowd with audience selections. They have a large local following. Dance the evening away under the big tent with this very popular group. On Sunday the Main stage will again be the center attraction with Sky Pilots beginning the second day of Oktoberfest at 11 a.m. They are a local Christian “Music Ministry” group that are popular around this area. The afternoon’s entertainment will feature Zen Okies, a local group which plays hundred of dates a year throughout Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas and have to date released three CDs. A typical set list will reveal songs from the “Kings,” Stevie Ray Vaughn, Robert Johnson, Eric Clapton and also their original music. Winding up the afternoon and Fest in a very traditional way will be an afternoon of fun and Polka with Music, Music, Music from Tulsa — a traditional polka dance band that are popular and return year after year. This band is great at getting the audience involved and are extremely enjoyable for the entire family. Chamber Board Supports Civic Center RenovationBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor Meeting in special session this morning the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce adopted a resolution expressing support of the upcoming half cent sales tax for completion of the renovation of the Civic Center Complex. The election is set for Oct. 12. Chaired by Craig Myers, the Chamber Board unanimously adopted the resolution, which states, “Whereas, the citizens of the City of Ponca City, through their vote to renovate the Number One Fire Station located in the Civic Center complex, expressed a strong desire to continue utilization of the Civic Center and preserve the historic nature of the building: and whereas, the sales tax approved to accomplish this project was used exclusively to accomplish this project and, whereas the results of the renovation project on the Fire Station have clearly been done within proposed budget and time limits as proposed by the City Commission when the issue was placed before the voters for approval, thus keeping faith with the voters. The resolution says further, “Whereas, the finished project has shown the community the innate beauty and continued viability of the Civic Center complex as the seat of municipal government in our community; Now, therefore be it resolved that the Board of Directors of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce officially go on record as endorsing and encouraging a continuation of a half cent sales tax for the specific purpose of completing restoration of this magnificent structure, thus making it not only an efficient and up to date facility for the conduct of the business of our community, but also preserving this historic structure for use and enjoyment by citizens and visitors alike well into the next Millennium.” Charity Prints Are AvailableThe 1999 “Little Ones Christmas Initiative” is set to kick off on Oct. 2 and will be raising funds until mid-November. As in last year’s program the funds will be raised by offering limited edition prints as incentives for giving. For a contribution of $25 contributors can select one of four prints being offered in this year’s promotion. The funds will be used to purchase gifts for needy children in the community. Those children will be identified by the public schools and their parent or guardian will be required to fill out a participation form to be included in the program. The gifts will be purchased, wrapped, and delivered by volunteers to the homes of the children before Christmas day, 1999. Anyone with additional questions should call Rod Bailey at 767-2953, or 762-0176. Prints include “Continental Homecoming” produced by Conoco’s Credit Card Marketing division as a promotional tool. There were 3,400 copies printed for business use, and 100 copies were printed and donated to the Little One’s charity. Each copy in the Charity Edition is hand signed and numbered by the artist. “Centuries of Service,” is another of the prints produced by Conoco as a marketing tool. There were 1,500 copies printed for business use, and 150 copies were printed and donated to the Little Ones charity. Each copy in the Charity Edition is hand signed and numbered by the artist. “A Conoco Christmas,” is a print produced as a limited edition of 750 copies in 1998 specifically for the Little Ones charity. There were 150 copies sold in last year’s promotion and all proceeds were spent on gifts for needy families. A special offer is “The Praise of Meadows,” the newest offering by Rod Bailey and part of the proceeds from the sale is earmarked for the Little Ones. The sale price is $25 each, and $10 from each sale will be donated to the program. Every print is hand-signed and numbered by the artist. The Little Ones Christmas Initiative, is sponsored by KLVV and the Ponca City Site Employees Association. Prints may be obtained at Christy’s, The Crafter’s Mall, The Cherokee Strip Credit Union, KLVV, Home National Bank, Pioneer Bank and Trust, and Master’s Touch, or ordered by mail at: The Little Ones, P.O. Box 14, Ponca City, OK 74602. Be sure to include your gift of $25 per print and your mailing address. The promotion ends Nov. 17, 1999. Mornings On Main Street Set to BeginMornings on Main Street will be held Monday morning at Barney’s Barber Shop, 117 North Third in downtown Ponca City. This come and go event will be from 8-10 a.m. Co-hosts will be the Ponca Main Street Authority and the Kaw Lake Association which are both housed in the same building. Business owners and individuals interested in downtown Ponca City are encouraged to stop by for coffee and donuts, said Marilyn Andrews, Mornings on Main Street chairman. Donuts will be provided by Picken’s Daylight Donuts. The purpose of Mornings an Main Street is to give local business owners, building owners and other concerned citizens the opportunity to network and learn more about how they can support the Main Street program. In addition, the Kaw Lake Association will have information available about its program and how people can become involved. Tamara Sharp, executive director of the Ponca City Main Street Authority and Kathy Tippin, executive director of Kaw Lake Association, will be available to answer questions about their program. Historic Buildings Program GivenBret Carter gave a presentation on historic buildings and neighborhoods in Ponca City when the Noon Lions Club met Sept. 22. Carter, a Blackwell native, has a strong interest in historic architecture and has been involved in getting sites in Ponca City listed on the National Historic Register. There are currently seven buildings listed on the register, and, according to Carter, the whole downtown section of Ponca City, the Marland addition, and Seventh Street from South Avenue to Edwards are eligible for designation as historic districts. Carter commended Ponca City on doing a good job of preserving large important sites such as the Marland Mansion and the Cultural Center, but he stated that we need to look at preserving sites which reflect our blue-collar heritage. Dr. Bill Stuever announced that the Lions would have a booth at Oktoberfest where they will sell eyeglass cleaner and pass out information on diabetes awareness and prevention. Mark Craddock reminded the Lions of the membership drive in October. The Noons Lions Club meets every Wednesday at noon at the American Legion, 407 West South Avenue. DEATHSDorcas Elizabeth Grigsba Dorcas Elizabeth GrigsbaNEWKIRK — Dorcas Elizabeth Grigsba, longtime Newkirk area resident, died late Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 29, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 76. The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at the Kildare Baptist Church with the Rev. Gerald Graber officiating. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. Dorcas Elizabeth (Estes) Grigsba was born May 28, 1923, in Jenkins, Mo., the daughter of Burt and Minnie Estes. She grew up and received most of her education in Missouri. The family then moved to Ketchum, where she completed her education. On Feb. 19, 1943, she was married to Lloyd George Grigsba in Ponca City. The couple first lived in San Angelo, Texas, where Mrs. Grigsba was employed with the USO for two years while her husband served there in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After his discharge, they moved to a farm north of Uncas. They moved to Kildare in 1972, when the Kaw Dam project took their land. Mrs. Grigsba had been a member of the Kildare Baptist Church since 1947. She was committed to her Lord, working in the church and praying. She often expressed her love of young people and said “they are our future.” She also enjoyed gardening and flowers. Survivors include one son, Harley J. Grigsba of Newkirk; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and a community of friends. She was preceded in death by her husband on July 10, 1977; her parents; four brothers and seven sisters; one niece and five nephews. Casket bearers will be family members. Honorary bearers will be Howard Childers, Buddy Popp, Carl Bain, Joe Brewer, John Dillard and John Christie. Janet L. DavisBLACKWELL — Janet L. Davis, Blackwell resident, died Wednesday morning, Sept. 29, 1999, in Blackwell. She was 45. The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at The Tabernacle in Blackwell. Pastor Jim Robertson, Capitol Hill Full Gospel Church, Moore, will officiate. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. Janet L. (Poston) Davis was born, Aug. 7, 1954, in Blackwell to Fredrick D. (McGahan) and Lorene L. (Logue) Poston. She grew up and attended schools in Blackwell, graduating there in 1972. She graduated from Southern Oklahoma Rural Skill Center in Sulphur in December 1973 and completed several business courses at South Oklahoma City Junior College in 1981. Ms. Davis was employed for more than 30 years in various fields, including food service, computer, medical and the railroad. After five years employment with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, she received disability retirement in March 1997. Ms. Davis had lived in Moore since 1981, but returned to live in Blackwell in June 1999. Survivors include her mother, Lorene L. Poston of Blackwell; two sons, Daniel T. Davis of Norman and Brady G. Davis of Newberg, Ore.; four sisters, Helen Rutter and Joan Hall, both of Blackwell, Karen Brooks of Stillwater and Debbie Elliott of Ponca City; four brothers, Rick Poston of Lynchburg, Tenn., Steve Poston of Del City, David Poston of Blackwell, and Dennis Poston of Anchorage, Alaska.; and numerous relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father and grandparents. Casket bearers will be Darrel Rutter, Donnie Hall, Donnie Ray Hall, David Brooks, Steve Poston and Davis Poston. Honorary bearers will be David Love and Paul Heintz. Memorial contributions may be made in Ms. Davis’ name to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or to the Brass Ring Society, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631. ObituariesMerle L. BurkettMerle L. Burkett, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning Sept. 28, 1999, at the Shawn Manor Nursing Home. He was 94. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1, 1999, at Trout Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Dr. J. D. Ward, pastor of First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under direction of Trout Funeral Home. The casket will not be opened at the service but friends may call at the funeral home until 9 a.m., Friday. Born April 8, 1905, near Geneva, Ind., to Samuel N. and Mary A. (Neher) Burkett, he attended schools at Gate and Knowles, and the Okmulgee Business College. He was employed by Empire Oil, later Cities Service Oil Company in 1925, and transferred to Ponca City in 1929 where he continued with Cities Service and Sequoia Companies. He retired as office manager and chief accountant in 1970 with 45 years of service. In 1924 he was married to Hazel Litton of Laverne. She preceded him in death Sept. 12, 1956. On July 3, 1959 he was married to Ruth Martin in Fort Smith, Ark. The couple made their home in Ponca City. He was a member of Ponca City Country Club, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Transportation Club, and a life member and past president of the Ponca City Art Association. He was a former member of First Christian Church and, since 1959, has been a member of the First United Methodist Church. In earlier years his hobbies included farming, fishing, and oil painting, in later years golf, bridge and travel. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Burkett of the home; son Bill Burkett and his wife Nanita of Dallas, Texas; daughter Shelley Fleet and her husband Don of Oklahoma City; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter; and a sister-in-law Olive Burkett of Denver, Colo. In addition to his parents and first wife, four sisters and five brothers preceded him in death. Casket bearers will be Steven L. Burkett, Bruce A. Burkett, Lawrence L. Burkett, David Cathey, M. L. “Bill” Burkett, and Don Fleet. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 South Sixth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601; Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to a charity of choice. The family will be at 1509 Meadowbrook. paid obituary NEWS BRIEFSKansas Pickers and Singers — The Walnut Valley chapter of the Kansas Oldtime Fiddlers, Pickers and Singers will meet Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Senior Citizens Center in downtown Arkansas City, Kan. Individual performances will begin at 3 p.m. and dance bands will perform at 7 p.m. Musicians are invited to participate. This event is a clean environment for area citizens as no alcoholic beverages or drugs are permitted. Members are encouraged to bring snacks during fellowship 6-7 p.m. Those interested in attending are welcome. Guitar Sale: acoustic and electric and amplifiers. Friday and Saturday until noon. Layaway for Christmas. 601 East Hartford, Miles Music. adv. Concert of Prayer — The fourth annual Concert of Prayer will be held Sunday at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Lincoln Center, 700 West Broadway, with sessions at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. For more information, call 765-4982 or 762-2729. Pauline’s Shrimp Peel, All you can eat. $11.95, Friday, October 1. For reservations call 765-5460. adv. Free Clothing — Free clothing 6 to 8 p.m. Monday to anyone with a need. Fall and winter clothing plus an unlimited supply of summer clothing. First Assembly of God Church, 1308 East Bradley, use doors at the northwest entrance. Guitar Sale: acoustic and electric and amplifiers. Friday and Saturday until noon. Layaway for Christmas. 601 East Hartford, Miles Music. adv. Pioneer Christian Crusaders Meet — The Pioneer Christian Crusaders Chapter 128 of the Christian Motorcyclist Association will meet for its monthly meeting 8 a.m. Saturday. At 1 p.m., the members will meet at Conestoga Restaurant on U.S. 60 in Tonkawa for a ride to Lake Ponca Park where they will have games (some for non bikers) and entertainment and prizes. At 5 p.m., a presentation of all donations will be given to the Ponca City Domestic Violence Program. There will be an overnight camp out at the Ponca Lake campground. All interested people are invited. For additional information, call (580) 762-5896. Windjammer Restaurant will be open tonight through Saturday, then closed for the season. Come dine with us! adv. Citian’s Husband Honored by Army — Army Sgt. Jason R. Van Kirk has been named noncommissioned officer of the quarter and the year. Selection was based on the individual’s exemplary duty performance, job knowledge, leadership qualities, significant self-improvement and other accomplishments. Van Kirk is a training-operations supervisor assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Information Systems Engineer Command at Fort Huachuca, Sierra Vista, Ariz. He is the son of Jay R. Van Kirk of Rural Route 2, Northcumberland, Pa., and Barbara J. Burn of Big Pine Key, Fla. His wife, Felisha, is the daughter of William E. and Kathryn Green of 3420 Meadow Lane, Ponca City. Guitar Sale: acoustic and electric and amplifiers. Friday and Saturday until noon. Layaway for Christmas. 601 East Hartford, Miles Music. adv. Newkirk Woman Enters Army Basic — Army Reserve Pvt. Cora E. Roe has entered basic military training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the eight weeks of training, the soldier will study the Army mission and will receive instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, Army history and traditions, and special training in human relations. Roe is the daughter of Nancy J. and Kevin D. Roe of 108 North Walnut Ave., in Newkirk. The private is a 1999 graduate of Newkirk High School. 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 of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Pine Street and West South Avenue at 8:21 p.m. Wednesday that a 35-year-old man was being held for driving left of center and DUI. Subject Held — An officer reported from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue at 4:19 p.m. Wednesday that a 22-year-old man was being held on a city warrant and two counts of assault and battery. Abandoned Bicycle — A person reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:25 p.m. Wednesday that a bicycle had been abandoned in the roadway in the 600 block of East Otoe Avenue. An officer was assigned and Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycle. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of North Palm Street at 11:21 p.m. Wednesday that a 46-year-old man was being held for DUI and transporting an open container. Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday special from 4-? 1/2 BBQ chicken with 2 vegetables. $4.25. 215 South 14th. 765-7979. adv. Local Woman Trains with Air Force — Air Force Airman Rachelle A. Harris has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and customs and received special training in human relations. In addition, she completed basic training earning credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Harris is the daughter of Sharon K. and George P. Harris, 3211 Kingston in Ponca City. 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. Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 7:55 a.m. Wednesday that a non-injury accident had occurred at North Ash Street and West Highland Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Gas Drive-Off — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 11:27 a.m. Wednesday from Sav-A-Trip, 501 West Highland Avenue, that someone had left without paying for gas. The information was logged. Disturbance — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 1 p.m. Wednesday that a disturbance was occurring in the 400 block of North Birch Street. Three officers were assigned and a report was made on destruction of private property. Items Found in Garage — A woman from the 900 block of South Ninth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:08 p.m. Wednesday that two suitcases had been found in the garage. An officer was assigned and the items were taken to the police department. Beer Stolen — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:09 p.m. Wednesday from Lamp Post Liquor, 1501 North Union street, that two subjects had stolen beer and ran down an alley. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 900 block of East South Avenue at 3:24 p.m. Wednesday that a man was being held on failure to pay and other city warrants. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 3:54 p.m. Wednesday that an 18-year-old woman was being held for petit larceny. Suspicious Activity — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department took a report at 4:38 p.m. Wednesday that a subject was at E-Z Pawn was attempting to pawn a stolen television and VCR unit. Shoplifter — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 7:49 p.m. Wednesday at Wal-Mart that a juvenile girl was being held as a shoplifter. Accident — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department that he had has an accident with a deer at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Hubbard Road at 8:07 p.m. Wednesday. An officer responded and a Ranger was notified. A report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Lucas Street and Coolidge at 11:44 p.m. Wednesday that a 35-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension. GARDENINGDiggin’ in the Dirt Diggin’ in the DirtBy Kathy Zehr Editors note: “Diggin' in the Dirt,” will be a weekly feature on the Gardening Page, Lifestyles Department, beginning with this column. The feature will cater to the beginning and average gardener in the Ponca City area, but will occasionally offer suggestions or hints and tips from area experts on a specific species or gardening problem. At the first of each month, the column will feature seasonal garden chores, plantings, pickings and other helpful hints appropriate for north central Oklahoma. This writer prefers organic gardening techniques, but occasionally will endorse other products that may help with a tough gardening problem. Research information is gleaned from top experts in the area in order to pass along the best possible advice for local gardeners. Due to the variety of soils, mini-climates, and other natural forces, The Ponca City News and/or its employees cannot assume responsibility for any possible gardening failures as a result of using suggestions published in this column. October seems an odd time to start a gardening column, but it is actually an ideal time. Most experts agree it’s the best time to plant most trees and shrubs, many perennial flowers, lawns, and of course, spring-flowering bulbs. Many years of testing by Cornell University and the Horticultural Research Institute in Washington, D.C., as well as, the American Association of Nurserymen, have produced healthy, vigorous trees, shrubs and flowers with numerous advantages over spring plantings. Ponca City is an excellent area for fall planting, since the ground freezes late in winter and we usually have adequate rainfall through the fall months, and plantings require less care. Experts argue that fall placed plants and trees are subject to less stress and require less moisture as they lose their top growth or have little leaf and stem growth. Plants suffer less stress in the cooler, shorter days, because less moisture is lost from the plants and soil. Rainfall is also usually higher. Since the plants or trees have lost their leaves or have slowed to a standstill, most of the food in the stock is available for root growth, which will continue vigorously until the soil temperature drops below 40 degrees (usually about six to eight weeks after the first frost.) As a result of the fall root growth, a much heavier root system is already in place when spring arrives and plants begin taking all the energy to produce leaves and beautiful flowers. During leafing and blooming time, and during the hot summer months, root growth comes almost to a standstill in most plants. The earlier the plantings are made in the fall the better (especially evergreens, which do not lose their leaves, but replace them after a slow period of growth). Other obvious advantages of fall planting include less competition from weeds; the weather is cooler and more enjoyable for digging; and you have more time in the spring for those million other gardening chores. A word of caution here — a few plants and trees do not do well when moved as bare-rooted plants in the fall, but usually do just fine if purchased as healthy containerized, balled or burlapped nursery stock. Those trees include the golden rain tree, tulip tree, magnolia, black gum, and the red, scarlet, English, white, bur and willow oak. A few other varieties, not common to the area, are also risky and take more care, so it is always wise to check with your nurseryman before planting a selected expensive tree in the fall. The most successful bare-rooted plants are viburnum, most maples, red twig dogwood, deutzia, roses, kerria, spirea, gingko, privet, beech, mock orange, hydrangea, forsythia, clethra, serviceberry and weigela. Evergreen bushes and trees need to be planted as early as possible since they do not lose their leaves and root growth is slower. To transplant a bare-root shrub or tree, dig it up after dormancy in the fall and replant immediately in a pre-dug hole two to three times the size of the root area. Mound up the dirt to form a small cone in the center of the hole and spread the roots over the cone. Keep all roots moist. If you cannot plant a bare-rooted plant immediately, soak in water overnight or wrap in wet newspapers and place in a plastic bag. Set the transplant facing the same direction as it previously grew, and at the same depth. As you backfill with dirt, add sphagnum peat moss, compost, dried manure or other organic matter. Add super phosphate or bone meal for increased root growth in all plantings. Balled or burlapped nursery stock should be placed in the hole, then loosen or cut holes in the wrappings. Any plastic tubs, box coverings or strings and twine should be cut away. Cut the plant top back by about 1/3 and trim away any damaged limbs. Water all stock deeply at planting, and again as needed weekly. Apply a mulch only after the first hard frost, but before the ground freezes. Do not mulch before frost as it can damage the tree, and never place mulch next to the trunk, as it encourages pests to winter there. Mulch out under the drip line. Trees larger than one-inch in diameter should be staked to prevent movement, which loosens the soil and dries out the roots. A good rule of thumb is: two stakes for trees with trunks under three inches in diameter, three stakes for larger trees. Use soft rope or twine run through an old piece of garden hose. Stakes should stay in place up to two years. Trees with thin barks should also be wrapped during winter for two to three years. Tulip and other bulbs should be planted in the fall in loose soil about three times their depth (two inch tulip bulb about five to six inches deep. Place the bulb, pointed tip up, firmly in the bottom of the hole, add bone meal and fill 1/2 full of dirt. Water, fill in rest of dirt, and water again. If relocating bulbs, carefully dig them up after foliage has died and when the ground is dry. Remove roots and clean off dirt. Store in a dry airy place until replanted. Never dig up bulbs or cut foliage until tops are dead. According to Jerry Cathey, Iris Society member, Iris tubers may be dug in the fall after the foliage is dead, separated, and replanted on top of loose soil, with some of the little roots in the dirt. Detailed instructions for planting and planning of Iris beds in “The Iris City” may be obtained from the Iris Society by calling Cathey at 762-2387. Planting and care of other tubers and rhizomes will be covered in a later column this month. Questions, suggestions or other information will be welcome at Diggin’ in the Dirt, Ponca City News, P.O. Box 191, Ponca City, OK 74602 or on the web at lifestyles@poncacitynews.com Garden Changes for the New MillenniumBy JOE FREEMAN Chief Horticulturist Cypress Gardens, Fla. As we move into a new millennium, what changes can we expect in gardening? Technology is definitely changing the way we live, work and garden. How will the new trends in communication — the immediate and international exchange of ideas — affect the plants we use and how we design with them and care for them? In the coming millennium, we are moving beyond some of the traditional ideas about landscape design and maintenance. Perhaps the following ideas will inspire your future landscape and garden plans: Intimate spaces: Our fast paced world creates an even greater need for places to relax and enjoy a little quiet time. Although smaller lots are the style, this creates opportunities to design secluded garden “hideaways.” Whether the homeowner wants privacy, areas for outdoor entertaining or an oasis to relax and wind-down, the landscape is designed for maximum use. Examples:The traditional lawn area is replaced with groundcovers and easily maintained decks, terraces and patios of wood, brick, paving or stone. Entryways may be designed as an enclosed garden, while private areas might be fashioned as outdoor garden rooms to give a sense of separation from the world, but not isolation. Landscape plantings are created that overlap, giving privacy and beauty without using very much space. Trellises, screens, plant “walls,” hanging baskets, portable container gardens and planters help accomplish this. Outdoor living becomes the primary focus — our garden is an area to live in, rather than a pretty planting to just look at. As an example, a garden with wind chimes, wind sculptures, gazing globes, etc. would augment our enjoyment of weather; or we might add unique ornamentation and art such as sculpture, topiary, gazebos, arbors and other accents to personalize our outdoor space. Interactive gardens: Our garden design includes plants that appeal to our senses — sight, sound, touch and taste. These gardens use elements with an emphasis on personal enjoyment and the therapeutic values of gardening. Examples: Fragrance is one of the strongest memory senses. We might create the gardens of our past that include a variety of fragrant plants. Another gardener might create a garden based on the healing and medicinal properties of plants, or perhaps one that focuses on plants with unique tastes, including edible flowers. Water is among the most relaxing sounds. Regardless of the garden’s size, we add a water feature such as a fountain, small or large reflection pool, waterfall, or water gardens that range from plantings of aquatic lilies and lotus in a half barrel to a large pond. Color is the primary visual component of most gardens. But color isn’t just a sense to appreciate during the daytime. Our modern gardens can be enjoyed day or night, but particularly during the early evening hours with a design such as a moonlight garden. “Fun” gardens bring out the kid in all of us. How about adding an outdoor railway garden or specializing in unusual plants such as giant vegetables? We’ve also seen the importance of gardening to children. We’ve included mazes or forts of corn, sunflowers and/or pole beans, gardens planted in old wagons, or those themed after our favorite foods such as a pizza or spaghetti garden for our little ones. Gardening with the Earth: Our gardens reflect or meld with the distinctive ecosystems where we live, or we re-create an “artificial” one. Examples: At last we’ve rediscovered the wonders of nature and how much we can learn about and from our amazing world. We’ve decided to share our gardens with the other creatures with which we share this planet. Landscapes of native and introduced plants are designed to attract and provide shelter for wildlife such as butterflies, birds and hummingbirds, beneficial insects, and natural predators such as (gulp!) bats, toads and snakes. Realizing the amount of water and energy our landscape can use, gardeners might select plant materials based on water and maintenance needs, then place them in the corresponding landscape it zone.” Zones vary from ones where plants need frequent watering, to occasional irrigation, then little or no irrigation once the plants have established. Smaller turf areas, low volume irrigation systems, mulching and wise plant care are also important components of these landscapes. As gardeners and designers, we are working with our site, rather than trying to make drastic changes in its drainage, topography, etc. The garden might include a carnivorous and wetland plant bog; a shady glen of ferns, mosses and woodland flowers; a grassy prairie or a wildflower meadow. Gardeners are composting, recycling, using slow-release fertilizers and natural products for building and maintaining a healthy soil and better environment. Pest control now uses Integrated Pest Management, where many pest control strategies are employed. We also have more botanical insecticides, natural pest diseases, repellents and insect growth regulators available for pest control. Proper plant care is redefined from control to influence (or control that looks natural... Gardens are relaxed and diversified — “control freaks” beware! Plant materials and Examples: “Old” is new again, in that antique roses, heirloom annuals and vegetables, and other old-fashioned garden plants have gained new interest and use. Plant appreciation “at home” has increased. We are taking a serious look at the natural plants and plant communities around us and using these in our landscapes, or we are choosing improved native plant varieties for landscapes. Plant exploration is back and better. Cross country exchanges of techniques, plant varieties and cultivars is more frequent. We’ve seen an increased interest in bold and exotic plants -particularly tropical plants being used as summer “annuals” in northern areas. Explorers are finding new species of common garden plants to expand the genetic pool. In all, our landscape is more personal, enjoyable, relaxed and pleasant. The landscape may still have formal elements, but large turf areas, monotonous pruned shrub hedge/foundation plantings and precise annual beds are less common. Landscapes have an increased palette of plants, both native and exotic, for greater beauty and resource efficiency. Thus, the landscape uses less water and energy, and is easier to tend. Such a landscape nurtures both nature and people. SPORTSBulldogs Look For PC Repeat Bulldogs Look For PC RepeatBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor Same song, second verse. At least Edmond Memorial coach Greg Neese hopes so. Last year the Bulldogs were also 1-2 when they met Ponca City’s Wildcats. Edmond hit its stride in that game and won 41-14. That was the start of a win streak that carried Memorial to wins in four of their next six games “This is just like last year,” Neese said this week. “We really need to play well. “We expected a lot from this team this season but we have lost some key players.” The Bulldogs got off to a rocky start, losing to two cross-town rivals — 21-0 to Edmond North and 6-0 to Edmond Santa Fe. Memorial rebounded with a 22-21 win over then-ranked Yukon. But the Bulldogs had to start District 6A-3 play against powerhouse Tulsa Union and lost 44-12 last week. “We played pretty well against Union,” Neese recalls. “It was 14-12 just before halftime. But we fumbled away the ball and Union scored just before halftime.” Memorial returned a host of experienced players from last year’s 5-5 team. But the Bulldogs’ star tailback went down with an injury in that first game to add to the preseason injury to their best receiver. Other injuries have kept Edmond from living up to its potential. But the Bulldogs are starting to get well, according to Neese. Memorial hopes to ride the arm of 6-0 senior quarterback Darran Swiggett to more success. Last year Swiggett threw for over 2,000 yards and Neese feels he may be a better passer this year. “He only had two bad passes against Union,” the coach reports. Edmond’s big losses to graduation came in its receiving corps, but the new players there are starting to come around, Neese says. To go along with the aerial barrage, Memorial has developed a good running attack led by seniors Matt Gilliland and Shane Wheeler. But it is the defense that has Neese looking to the playoffs. “We have a linebacker who I think is one of the best in the state.” Neese said of Jordan Terrell, who is 6-0, 235. “We have a lot college looking at him. “We are starting to put it together, on both offense and defense.” Cowboys Going Back to RunBy OWEN CANFIELD AP Sports Writer STILLWATER (AP) — Oklahoma State football coach Bob Simmons says his team must re-establish its running game in order for the Cowboys to be successful. That figures to be a challenge this week. The Cowboys (2-1) go on the road to play No. 6 Nebraska, which has given up only 37 yards per game on the ground, the second-best average in the country. Oklahoma State has run for 166 yards per game, which is only seventh-best in the Big 12. It’s also about 40 yards per game below last year’s average and 60 fewer per game than the 1996 and ’97 Cowboys. Oklahoma State had to replace three starters from last year’s offensive line, including Jeremy Offutt, whom Simmons said was one of the best centers in the conference. Upper-classmen have taken their place, but they lack the game experience that is important in establishing consistency up front. ‘‘I’ve always said we have depth,’’ Simmons said. ‘‘Now it may be young, but we’ve got to find some people in there who can do some things up front that will allow us to have some kind of run success.’’ The Cowboys ran for 204 yards in the season opener against Louisiana-Lafayette, with 68 of that coming on one play. They had 212 against Tulsa, then managed only 81 yards on 42 carries in a 29-11 loss to Mississippi State. The problems in the running game aren’t strictly the fault of the offensive line. Because the Cowboys are playing two young quarterbacks, defenses are stacking up against the run and forcing B.J. Tiger and Ben Bowling to try to beat them through the air. In addition, Simmons said the Cowboys have drifted from what had been Oklahoma State’s staple during his first four years as head coach. Getting back to that, he said, is a matter of commitment and has been a priority during the Cowboys’ open date. ‘‘It’s really got to be a mindset,’’ he said. ‘‘Do we have to mix it up? Yeah, I think we do have to mix it up. But it’s got to be the mindset of our offense, that this is what we’ve got to be about and it’s got to be a good mixture.’’ Better blocking also would help, although Simmons said his linemen stand to benefit by the revised approach. ‘‘If you’re doing the same things over and over, I think it gives your offensive line a tempo that they can establish,’’ he said. ‘‘But when you’re going from one to the other, one to the other, and you haven’t established anything, then when you have a young offensive line ... it doesn’t give them a chance to establish anything.’’ The Cowboys ran the ball successfully against Nebraska in a 24-17 loss last year. Nathan Simmons ran for more than 100 yards as Oklahoma State outgained the Cornhuskers 355-215 in total yardage. Nathan Simmons hasn’t come close to a 100-yard game this year. The Cowboys’ top rusher is Jamaal Fobbs, whose 164 yards are just 43 more than Tiger, the quarterback, who has gotten most of his on scrambles. While things may not improve much Saturday, Simmons has made it clear that the Cowboys are committed to running the ball. ‘‘If you have to jostle your personnel, if you have to pick a blocking scheme that allows them to have success, that’s what we have to do,’’ he said. ‘‘How can we be successful running the football? That’s what we’ve taken a look at.’’ Area Teams Try To Clear PicturesBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor The district pictures will become a little clearer this weekend for area high school football teams Newkirk (1-0, 3-1) vs. Sperry (1-0, 2-2) The Tigers, fresh off a 54-0 blitzing of Caney Valley last week, steps up a notch in competition this week try to hold on to their share of the District 2A-5 lead. Pawnee (1-0, 2-2) vs. Caney Valley (0-1, 0-4) The Bears are hoping they have started to peak at just the right time, but have to avoid a letdown after an emotional upset win over Hominy last Friday. Blackwell (0-1, 1-3) vs. Glenpool (0-1, 3-1) After taking it on the chin (47-14) at front-running Oklahoma City Star-Spencer last week, the Maroons have a chance to get back even in District 4A-2) Shidler (0-1, 2-2) vs. Medford 0-1, 4-0) The Tigers face the challenge of trying to stop the defending District C-3 champion as it opens its district schedule. Shidler felt the sting of the power in the district in a 52-18 loss to Geary last week. Tonkawa (3-0 4-0) at Depew (0-3, 1-3) The Bucs will be heavily favored again but coach Steve Love is insisting Tonkawa polish every aspect of its game in preparation for the upcoming showdown against Barnsdall (also 4-0) in two weeks. Woodland (1-1, 1-3) at Kiefer (0-3, 1-3) The Cougars got a big win in a 33-6 decision over Drumright last time out but will have to play well every time out to stay alive in a tough, tough district Morrison (1-0, 4-0) at Yale (0-1, 0-3) Wildcats’ coach Joe Sindelar is convinced his young charges are too hungry to let up in their bid for the state playoffs. Cougars, Freshmen Test Stillwater TodayPonca City’s eighth and ninth grade football teams try to continue their winning ways at Stillwater this evening. The 3-0 Cougars open their conference schedule at 5:30 with the Wildcat freshmen set to play at 7. The eighth graders are fresh off two big wins, 42-12 over Ark City, and 26-0 over Sand Springs Boyd. After a rather erratic start, the Cougars settled down to dispose of Ark City last week. Antoine English got Ponca City on the scoreboard in the opening minutes with a 60-yard touchdown gallop. But Ark City scored minutes late on a 50-yard run. The Poncans again moved down field on their second possession only to fumble at the Ark City 5. But then the Cougars put it together. After forcing an Ark City punt, the eighth graders start to pull away on a 14-yard touchdown run by English. English’s second conversion run made the score 16-6. In the second quarter, the Cougars found another avenue as quarterback Devin Anderson hit Justin Waller on a 68-yard pass play that carried to the Ark City 4. That distance was a short jaunt for English and the Poncans were up 22-6 at halftime. Ponca City opened the second half with an on-sides kick, recovered, and promptly scored on a 28-yard pass from Anderson to Waller. English added a final 47-yard touchdown before coach Brad Parent emptied his bench. But even the reserves got in the act as Antwone Moore scored on an 18-yard run in the fourth quarter. While Moore had the last word against Ark City, he started the spark that burned Sand Springs Tuesday. Moore returned the kickoff 70 yards in the mud and rain to get the Poncans started. English added a 12-yard touchdown run for a 12-0 lead in the very wet first quarter. Anderson made it 20-0 with a 4-yard TD early in the second quarter. A few minuets later, T.J. Hawkins broke 43 yards to the Sand Springs 6 to set up Bret Springers’ final TD of the day. JVs Fall to PioneersPonca City’s Wildcat JVs dropped a 19-0 decision to Stillwater Monday, but the Po-Hi coaches were pleased with the way hte team played. The Ponca Citians had a outstanding game on defense, according to assistant coach Steve McHenry, The Poncans collected four turnovers. Jasper Lockett intercepted a pass while Drew Shelton, Brent Allison and Mark Keller all recovered fumbles. McHenry also spotlighted the defensive play of Brandon Nash, end Cameron Moore, linebackers Fabron Potter and Luke Gray and defensive tackle Luke Gray. Assistant coach Larry Degan also praised the play of quarterback Chase Kelly. “The kids played a good game,” Degan said. “We just had a couple of breakdowns that hurt us.” The JVs are scheduled to play Edmond Memorial next Monday, here. Area RacingArea drivers continue to do well in motorsprts around the state this past weeked. Ponca City’s Dane Pryse was once again a winner at the Hallett Racerway, taking first place in the Spec Racer Ford division. Pryse has placed in nearly all of the seven COMMA Challenge Seres at Hallett this seson. ——— Tonkawa’s John Linton finished second his first quaifying heat of the O’Teilly Thunder Valley Autumn Classic Thursday. That was the final event of the NHRA South Central Division Federal-Mogal Drag Racing Series. Linton, in the Comp Eliminator division, drove his C/ED 1997 dragser to a time of 7.513 second in his first qualifying run. But Linton was bumped to fourth by second-day qualfiiers. ——— The $10,000 to win in the third annual Street Stock Nationals last weekend at the Enid Speedway drew 126 drivers from seven states for three days of action packed racing. Teamwork paid off for Edwin Wells and Mark Norris of Morrilton, Ark. as they dominated in racing action Sunday afternoon with a one two finish in the big money race. Wells sailed off the pole and quickly established commanding lead. A la nine caution flag tightened the field and a heated duel ensued between Wells and Brian Stark. By lag 20 Wells pulled away and skillfully maneuvered through lapped traffic assisted by his teammate Norris.
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