LOCAL

Diamond Shamrock Buying Phillips 66
Third Time a Charm for Drillers
Muegge Earns National Award
Friday Deadline For Registering To Vote Nov. 3
Candidates To Speak at Friday Forum
Celebrity Night for Fire Prevention Week
City Gives Approval To Have Sewer Line Work as Emergency
Ponca City Songwriter Hopes High

Diamond Shamrock Buying Phillips 66

BARTLESVILLE (AP) — Ultramar Diamond Shamrock Corp. is buying Phillips Petroleum Co.’s North American oil refining and marketing businesses to create a leading energy company with more than 12,000 gas stations.

Ultramar will pay $800 million in the deal, announced today. It will own 55 percent of the combined operations, which will be called Diamond 66 to capitalize on the familiar Phillips 66 brand name.

The merger will result in about 1,000 job cuts, equal to 3 percent of Diamond 66’s combined work force of 29,000.

The San Antonio-based company will encompass 10 refineries, 13,200 miles of pipelines and 64 product terminals. More than 12,000 gas stations and convenience stores in 36 states will carry the brand, executives said.

Diamond 66 combines Ultramar Diamond Shamrock’s total assets and Phillips’ North American operations in refining, marketing and transportation.

Phillips, which has 17,200 employees worldwide and about 3,200 in Bartlesville, said it expects 500 Bartlesville jobs will be eliminated or transferred to San Antonio. About 5,900 Phillips jobs are affected by the merger, leaving a worldwide workforce for Phillips Petroleum at 11,300.

At Phillips’ peak in 1982, it had 9,000 employees in Bartlesville and 35,000 worldwide.

Phillips Petroleum Co. will continue to exist with its exploration and production unit, chemicals unit and gas gathering, processing and marketing unit.

Workers standing outside Phillips’ headquarters building said they weren’t supposed to discuss the layoffs. But nearby business owners worried openly.

‘‘I guess what I worry about is that it will go completely away. We’re a small town. San Antonio is not,’’ said Frances Summers, owner of a gift shop just off Frank Phillips Boulevard.

Jim LaBarr was making his United Parcel Service deliveries this morning and found the layoffs the topic of conversation at 17 of 18 stops.

‘‘I’ve been a driver 15 years with UPS. I’ve been through everything Phillips has done. It affects everybody.’’

Officials say the deal will produce at least $50 million in annual capital savings. Diamond 66 will be better able to compete with teamed-up rivals such as BP Amoco, they said.

‘‘This unique combination with Phillips will allow Ultramar Diamond Shamrock to become stronger and more efficient, generate higher earnings and cash flow and enjoy a stronger balance sheet,’’ said Roger Hemminghaus, chairman and chief executive officer of Ultramar Diamond Shamrock.

Refinery capacity for Diamond 66 will be a million barrels a day, officials said. Other operations include natural gas and chemicals.

Credit card, pipeline, lubricants and aviation functions of Diamond 66 will be based in Bartlesville.

Wayne Allen, chairman and chief executive officer of Phillips said shareholders will see a 5-6 percent accretion to 1999 earnings and 12-14 percent growth in two years.

‘‘It provides us with greater flexibility for investing in our higher-returning upstream business, repurchasing shares and repaying debt as a result of the additional cash flow generated by Diamond 66 and our cash receipt,’’ Allen said.

Hemminghaus said Ultramar Diamond Shamrock shareholders can expect 10 percent accretion in the first year of operations, and 25-30 percent by the second year.

‘‘Diamond 66 will have a very strong capital structure, giving us the ability to grow in the future through additional acquisitions and internally,’’ said Jean Gaulin, the incoming chairman and CEO of Diamond 66.

Gaulin currently works as vice chairman, president and chief operating officer of Ultramar Diamond Shamrock.

The deal is subject to approval by the boards of directors, Ultramar Diamond Shamrock shareholders and regulators. It is expected to close in the first quarter of 1999.

Third Time a Charm for Drillers

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

After two attempts and two dry holes, the Warren Corporation has finally struck oil in the local area, proving that the third time really can be a charm for some.

About 25 local residents, as well as Conoco, will share the royalties with the oil exploration company in the well that will reportedly be producing nearly 200 barrels of oil a day and over 500,000 cubic feet of gas a day from the Hoover and Mississippi formations.

In June the Warren Corporation set up a rig and drilled on the northeast side of the Conoco refinery to no avail. Refusing to give up, Warren Corporation President John Warren then chose to drill directionally, underneath the city limits.

In preparation of drilling and in anticipation of finding oil, the Warren Corporation had leased over 2,000 acres from the City of Ponca City, the Ponca City School Board and local residents.

It was the first time since 1906 that permission had been granted for possible directional drilling underneath the city limits. However, that well also came up dry.

Then in late September the drilling operations were moved across the refinery to the northwest corner and a third attempt was undertaken. Finally, oil was discovered.

“It was not exactly what we were hoping for because we wanted to hit in a location and to a degree that would benefit a lot of Ponca City residents,” Warren said. “But after two attempts I guess you can’t look a gift horse in the mouth. This is a good well.”

City Commissioners recently approved leasing 81-acres near the Municipal Airport to the Warren Corporation, which Warren says may be drilled within the next few months.

Muegge Earns National Award

State Senator Paul Muegge of Tonkawa has been named “Public Official of the Year” by “Governing Magazine,” a respected, national trade publication which covers federal, state and municipal governments across the country. Muegge is the first Oklahoman to ever win the honor.

“This is really a great honor, not just for me, but for all of the people in my district. Without their support, this would not have been possible. This award is a tribute to all my hard-working constituents who have worked so diligently to make Oklahoma a better place,” said Senator Muegge.

Each year Governing Magazine searches the country for the best public servants, researching the careers and accomplishments of thousands of office holders. Muegge was the only state legislator honored this year and is the first Oklahoman to receive the national recognition.

“I think this reflects positively on the entire state of Oklahoma and especially the people of this district. We get bombarded with so much bad news about government, It’s nice to hear a good news story about public officials doing the right thing,” commented Stratton Taylor, Senate president pro tem.

According to Governing, its top public officials are a select group.

A magazine spokesman said, “When we choose Governings Public Officials of the Year, we are on the lookout for success stories­leaders who have mastered an office or an organization, brought it to a level of outstanding Performance and kept it there. And yet, some public officials demonstrate excellence not so much by winning as by the character they display in difficult circumstances… With the example they set, they give the notion of public excellence a whole new meaning.”

While the Governing honor is awarded for the achievements of an entire career, it was the hog and chicken legislation pushed through by Sen. Muegge that originally drew the organization’s attention. Muegge authored the laws that placed tough new regulations on the corporate swine and poultry industries in Oklahoma.

“The hog and chicken issue was the toughest thing I’ve tackled in my legislative career. It may also be the most important. For us to maintain the high quality of life we enjoy in Oklahoma, we have to have clean water and clean air-a safe environment for everyone. That’s what the legislation was all about,” said Senator Muegge.

The Tonkawa legislator’s work on the landmark legislation also drew praise from Gov. Keating at the Governor’s Water Conference last month. Keating applauded Muegge’s legislation, saying “The Legislature… with enormous political risk, stepped forward and did the right thing,”

Muegge has been invited to accept the award at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C, in November.

“I’m going to accept the award on behalf of all the people in my district because they are the ones who deserve the credit for any successes I’ve had. Getting a national award like this is a nice honor, but really the best reward I can receive is the knowledge that I’m doing a good job for the people I represent in northern Oklahoma. There’s nothing better than a pat on the back from a fellow citizen,” said Senator Muegge.

Friday Deadline For Registering To Vote Nov. 3

Friday is the last sign-up day for unregistered voters to be eligible to vote in the statewide general election Nov. 3, according to Kay County Election Board Secretary Carol Stafford.

Stafford said any voters with questions about their eligibility or the location of their polling place can contact the election board at 580-362-2130.

Some voters who are already registered may need to update their registrations if, for example, they have moved within the county or if they were included in recent Emergency-911 addressing changes, she said. Others may want to change their name.

To be eligible to register to vote here, a person must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the U.S., and a resident of Oklahoma.

Persons who have been convicted of felonies are not eligible to register until a period of time equal to their original judgment and sentence has expired or unless they have received a full pardon. Persons who are under adjudication as incapacitated persons or as partially incapacitated persons prohibited from voting may not register.

Stafford said all types of registration will be conducted at the county election board office located at the Kay County Courthouse. Persons also may register or update their existing registration at the tag agencies in Blackwell, Newkirk, Ponca City and Tonkawa .

Stafford said beginning with this election, voters in Ponca City’s Precinct 527 — who formerly voted at Union School — will now vote at the Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street (at the intersection of Hartford Avenue and Joe).

Candidates To Speak at Friday Forum

Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Committee is sponsoring a Second Friday Forum featuring candidates for the upcoming election. The forum, moderated by Larry Felix, will be from 8 to 9 a.m., at Pioneer Technology Center.

The public is invited to attend this special forum and meet the candidates. Candidates will be given two minutes for opening statements, Then prepared questions will be asked by the moderator. Afterwards the floor will be opened to the floor for questions.

Election day is Nov. 3. Senate District 20 candidates are Paul Muegge, incumbent, and David Myers, challenger.

On the county level, Kay County Commission Position No. 1 candidates are Dee Schieber, incumbent, and James Powelson, challenger.

For Kay District Judge, D.W. Boyd, incumbent, and Tom Evans.

Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served.

Celebrity Night for Fire Prevention Week

In celebration of Fire Prevention Week, area residents are invited to the “Celebrity Host Night at the Golden Corral” which will not only be a night full of fun and entertainment but which will benefit a good cause.

From 5 to 8 p.m. Friday several area celebrities including Mayor Tom Leonard and Fire Chief Larry Mullikin will be on hand to greet customers. Children’s meals will be $.99 and among other things there will be a magician, firefighters and fire trucks on location with clowns and “Sparky,” the fire mascot.

Smoke detector door prizes will be awarded.

Proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Fire Prevention Advisory Council, for the purchase of a fire safety house.

“We feel fire prevention is important and so we are joining forces once again with the Fire Prevention Advisory Council to bring awareness to Fire Prevention Week,” said Golden Corral manager/partners Bill and Debbie Docksey. “People can come out, have a good time and at the same time be reminded of fire safety.”

City Gives Approval To Have Sewer Line Work as Emergency

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

City Commissioners have declared the recent collapse of a sewer line, located underneath Garfield School, an emergency. The measure — which was approved during an emergency meeting Wednesday afternoon — has cleared the way for the city to waive the 21-day state bidding requirements and start repairs to the line within one week.

According to Public Works Director Ken Parr, the sewer line collapsed last week and has since been partially cleared. However, the continuing threat of another collapse prompted the emergency measure.

“We partially opened the line with a rodder but because of its location, we were unable to gain access to the section that had collapsed,” Parr stated. “That line could collapse at anytime, and if it did there would be a threat of sewage backing up into the school and adjacent homes which would endanger the public health and safety.”

The repairs will consist of rerouting 300 feet of the eight-inch sewer line 30 feet from its existing location.

“We will start seeking written bids from local contractors by Monday and construction will hopefully begin the following Monday,” Public Works Director Ken Parr said.

In order for an emergency to exist it must be determined that the conditions resulted from a sudden or unforeseen occurrence or it is a situation where in the public health of safety is at risk. City commissioners agreed this was one such situation, voting unanimously to approve the measure.

Costs of rerouting the line have been estimated as high as $25,000, one reason buildings are no longer permitted to be constructed on top of existing sewer lines.

“Up until 25 years ago, when there wasn’t such a concern for this sort of thing, not much attention was given to building on top of sewer lines,” Parr said. “The City generally doesn’t allow it any longer and this is one example why we don’t.”

However there are still at least 10 other sites throughout the city where sewer lines are laying beneath buildings.

Ponca City Songwriter Hopes High

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

If Ponca City songwriter and composer Marianna Stickel has her way about it her latest song, “Takes Money to Make Money” will soon be making money for her.

According to Stickel, HillTop Records of Hollywood, Calif., are to release 10,000 copies of her new song by Christmas.

“I am excited about this song and can’t wait until it comes out,” Stickel said.

It is not the first time Stickel has had one of her songs released nationally. In 1996 her song “Mini Skirts and Pantyhose” was also released by HillTop Records.

A year later in 1997, copies of an album which included Stickel’s song “Wind in The Night Sky” was also released to targeted stores and radio stations.

Stickel has made music her life. She began playing the piano at age two and has been “making” music for 25 years.

Her first recording was in 1961 when “My Silent Prayer” was recorded and produced by Hallmark Sound of Excellence.

Stickel says it was Connie Stevens that gave her the first real break into the music world. She says Stevens read the lyrics to her song “Back Slidin’ Preacher” in Nashville and informed Stickel that she had a band to record the song.

It was her first music recording contract, but certainly not the last.

DEATHS

Georgia Faye Behrens
Esther Marie McDaris
Elenora Dormalee Gerboth
Dale Clark
Elmer Nelson Keeler

Georgia Faye Behrens

YALE — Georgia Faye Behrens, former Ponca City resident, died Monday, Oct. 5, 1998, in Norman. She was 75.

The funeral will be held graveside at 10 a.m. Friday at the Lawson (Quay) Cemetery in Yale with the Rev. Tom Cox officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home, Norman.

Georgia Faye (Lesher) Behrens was born May 26, 1923 to George and Minnie Lesher in Maramec. She grew up and attended schools there, graduating from Maramec High School.

She was married to Clyde V. Behrens on Aug. 12, 1946, and the couple made their first home in rural Pawnee County. They moved to Ponca City in 1955, where Mrs. Behrens was employed at Continental Oil Company her entire working career. She was a member of Sunset Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Nancy Marie Ross of Ponca City; one son, Verland E. Behrens of Norman; four grandchildren; six brothers and sisters; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Behrens’ name to Alzheimer’s Association, Oklahoma Chapter, 711 Stanton L. Young, Ste 603, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 or to Family Hospice Ltd., 4900 Richmond Square, Suite 203, Oklahoma City, OK 73118.

Esther Marie McDaris

TONKAWA — Esther Marie McDaris, former Tonkawa resident died Monday, Oct. 5, 1998 at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was 83.

The funeral was to be held today at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Tonkawa, with Father Joseph Burger officiating. Burial was to be in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.

Esther Marie (Caughlin) McDaris was born July 27, 1915, south of Tonkawa to John T. and Florence (Bills) Caughlin.

She was married to Leland Lloyd McDaris and the couple made their home in Kansas. After the death of Mr. McDaris she returned to Tonkawa where she was employed at the Pardew Variety Store for several years. She later retired to care for her mother. After her mother’s death she was employed as police dispatcher for the City of Tonkawa, where she worked for 22 years, retiring at the age of 78.

Survivors include two daughters, Kathleen Sherry of Oklahoma City and Barbara Glasgow of New Jersey; two brothers, John and Paul Caughlin, both of Tonkawa; and five grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Larry Lee; one brother, Cecil Caughlin; and sisters Pauline Johnson and Hattie Townsend.

Casket bearers will be Charles Conaghan, David Arent, David Rodgers, Kevin Glasgow, Kyle Glasgow and Chris Sherry.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. McDaris’ name to Dialysis Specialists of Central Oklahoma, 5510 North Francis, Oklahoma City, OK 73118, attn: Chery Holton.

The family will meet after the services at the Caughlin farm, south of Tonkawa.

Elenora Dormalee Gerboth

BLACKWELL — Elenora Dormalee Gerboth, Blackwell resident, died Monday, Oct. 5, 1998, at her home. She was 75.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell.

Elenora Dormalee (Bridges) Gerboth was born Sept. 15, 1923, in Quinton, to Leslie and Ethel (Robertson) Bridges. She grew up in Texas, then moved back to Oklahoma in 1941.

On Sept. 21, 1942, she was married to Jack Wayne Gerboth in Medford, and the couple lived in Ponca City for several years. Mrs. Gerboth was a homemaker and enjoyed several hobbies including crafts, gardening and reading.

Survivors include her husband, Jack of the home; one son, Gerald Gerboth of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; one daughter, Patricia Ann Hutchinson of Ralston; one sister, Lerah Morris of Ponca City; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, and two brothers.

Dale Clark

FAIRFAX — Dale Clark, Fairfax area resident, died Tuesday night, Oct. 6, 1998, at Tulsa Regional Medical Center, Tulsa. He was 70.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at the Riverside Cemetery in Ralston with the Rev. George Weston, pastor of Fairfax First Christian Church, officiating. Services will be under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home of Fairfax.

Dale Clark was born Sept. 26, 1928 in Fairfax to George P. and Anna Mitchener Clark. He attended Grayhorse and Fairfax schools. Clark served in the U.S. Air Force from 1949-59. He was also a mechanic and had been employed with the Fairfax Police Department and in area oil fields. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Clark enjoyed playing cards and dominoes, reading, working crossword puzzles, and riding in his car.

Survivors include a sister, Beverly Brownfield of Ponca City; one son and a daughter; two nieces, three nephews; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Nadine Brown; and one brother, Don Clark.

The family will be at the Brownfield home in Ponca City.

Elmer Nelson Keeler

Elmer Nelson Keeler, Ponca City resident, died Monday, Oct. 5, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 62.

A public service will not be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Elmer Nelson Keeler was born Dec. 29, 1935, in the Big Bend Community in Osage County to Alice Sickler Keeler. He was married to Gladys Thurman on Aug. 5, 1962.

Survivors include five sons, Ray Thurman of Oklahoma City, Marc Kirby of Tulsa, David Kirby of Ponca City, and Glen Keeler and Kevin Bell, both of Stillwater; one daughter, June Cauthon of Ponca City; and one brother, Elvin Keeler of McAlester. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.

The family will be at 710 East Cleveland.

NEWS BRIEFS

Washington Carnival — Washington PTA invites the community to a carnival Friday filled with activities to include moonwalk, cycles, game booths, music DJ, oceanwater, cake walk, popcorn, silent auction and more. Washington PTA members will receive free meal.

Alabama: For The Record Concert. Live on Pay Per View. Saturday, October 10th at 7:00 p.m. A great night at home with Alabama, $19.95. For advance ordering

call Cable ONE, 762-6684. adv.

Accident — At 8 a.m. Wednesday an accident at East Hartford Avenue and North Sixth Street was reported to police. A report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Tuesday 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday 6-8

p.m. 205 West Hartford. adv.

Street Cooker — A man in the 1900 block of North Osage Street notified police at 8:33 a.m. Wednesday of a large barbecue cooker parked in the street. The cooker was allegedly being used daily. An officer was assigned and code enforcement officers were notified.

Pauline’s Steak and shrimp dinner, $11.95, Friday, Oct. 9. For

reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — A vehicular accident at U.S. 60 and Bridge Avenue was reported to police at 1:18 p.m. Wednesday.

Forged Check — At 2:17 p.m. Monday a report was taken on a forged check at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue.

Arrest — Police arrested a 19-year-old man at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday from the 600 block of McFadden Drive on an Osage County warrant for failure to pay.

R&G Style Shop Specials. Dresses, Coats, Dress Suites and

Shoes 25% off. Now through Monday the 12th. adv.

Worm Woes — A woman called police at 10:06 a.m. Wednesday reporting a “big plastic bucket of worms” at the intersection of Princeton Avenue and Rice Street. The Solid Waste Department was contacted.

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.

Arrest — A 21-year-old man was arrested at 11:13 a.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure to appear and failure to pay after he turned himself to police.

Simply Massage, Therapist Linda or Lisa Spore, (580)362-3850 or

pager 1-800-256-1990 ID#3231. adv.

Hit and Run — At 11:18 a.m. Wednesday a hit and run was reported in the 2900 block of North Fourteenth Street.

Elks Lodge German meals. Every Wednesday night. Call for

reservations 765-4045. Saturday Football in lounge. OU vs Texas

11:30. Open to public. adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 20-year-old man at 11:20 a.m. Wednesday for driving under suspension, no insurance and no inspection sticker.

Arrest — At 11:20 a.m. Wednesday a 22-year-old woman was arrested from the 900 block of South Eleventh Street on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Darts Tournament Saturday, October 10, 3:30 p.m., $5 entry.

Blue Lite Lounge, 217 South Second. Total payout plus. adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 19-year-old man at 11:40 a.m. Wednesday from the 500 block of Glendale Avenue for bond revocation.

Fire Prevention Week Event. Come join us for “Celebrity Host

Night at Golden Corral”, Oct. 9th 5:00-8:00 p.m., $.99 Kids meal.

Sparky, a Magician, Clowns, Firemen, Firetrucks and Celebrity

Hosts. Funds earned at event will go towards a Fire Safety House.

This Event Sponsored by Ponca City Fire Prevention Advisory

Council. adv.

Arrest — A 28-year-old man was arrested at 12:35 p.m. Wednesday for driving under suspension and no seat belt.

Head Country all day Friday Special ­ All you can eat, smoked

BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $6.95, all day.

1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 19-year-old woman at 2:51 p.m. Wednesday from the 2000 block of Lake Road for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday Special from 4-? 1/2 BBQ Chicken

with 2 vegetables. $4.25. 215 South 14th. 765-7979. adv.

Vandalism — A man in the 2100 block of East Hartford Avenue contacted police at 4:28 p.m. Wednesday regarding vandalism.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday Special from 4-? 1/2 BBQ Chicken

with 2 vegetables. $4.25. 215 South 14th. 765-7979. adv.

Break-In — A woman in the 400 block of South Fifth Street called police at 4:34 p.m. Wednesday reporting that the front window of her home had been broken out and a television had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Instant Passport Pictures. Graham Photo, 201 North First, 765-4348. adv.

Juvenile Arrest — A 14-year-old girl was arrested at 4:51 p.m. Wednesday from Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, for petit larceny.

Kid Pranks — At 5:12 p.m. Wednesday a woman into the 2000 block of John Street notified police of children playing in the street and throwing objects at passing vehicles. An officer was assigned.

Possible Prowler — A woman in the 400 block of West Gary Street contacted police at 1:08 a.m. Thursday reporting a possible prowler. Extra patrol was assigned.

Juveniles Cited — At 1:32 a.m. Thursday police cited two juveniles, located at South Elm Street and West Oklahoma Avenue, for curfew violation and possession of tobacco.

GARDENING

Oklahoma Woman Sows Seeds of Success
Use Pansies for Companion Planting

Oklahoma Woman Sows Seeds of Success

By LEAH J. SIMMONS

The Daily Ardmoreite

ARDMORE (AP) — In all the world, there are two things Louise Riotte loves the most — gardening and writing about it.

For most of her life she’s been doing the former, and started putting her knowledge to paper as a way to profit from it.

“I’ve gardened ever since I was a child,” the almost-89-year-old Mrs. Riotte said. “My mother made a little parsley patch in the back every year and, as time went on, I was the one who made the parsley patch.”

Mrs. Riotte said she made the jump from gardener to author for one main reason: “To make money.”

“First I tried cake decorating and that didn’t work out,” she said. “I started the way most authors start who come to write books and that is, I started writing articles first. You get the attention of publishing companies that way.”

The company that took notice of Mrs. Riotte’s work was Drake Publishing in New York, which commissioned her to write a book on egg decorating in 1970.

“After that I did some ghost writing and was Jerry Baker’s ghostwriter for his radio gardening show,” she said. “And I did ghost writing for Simon & Schuster and that got my foot in the door. I did ‘Planetary Plantings’ for them, then I wrote a number of articles for the ‘Organic Gardener.’”

Shortly thereafter came a book on berries and grapes, then one on nuts for food gardeners. Then she penned what has become her shining glory — “Carrots Love Tomatoes,” a book about companion planting.

“I made $23,000 the first year it was published, and that was back in 1975,” she said. “This year it has sold 15,000 copies. Altogether it’s sold 515,000 copies.”

“Catfish Ponds and Lily Pads”

Her latest published effort was “Catfish Ponds and Lily Pads,” a step-by-step account of the three-year process of the building of a pond at her son’s home.

“In the gardening activities there are actually two gardens, my son Eugene’s on the northern edge of Ardmore, and my own on my extra lot,” Mrs. Riotte said. “My son cares for both gardens, as I am now disabled with arthritis. My son’s place also has an orchard and is the site of the pond, the story of which is told in my book, ‘Catfish Ponds and Lily Pads,’ published in 1997.”

She’s even had success with her vegetable garden this year, despite Oklahoma’s searing heat.

“My garden on my extra lot has produced all summer with an abundance sufficient enough to share with friends and neighbors. It is still producing,” she said.

The garden’s bounty boasts Mrs. Riotte’s specialty — Asian cucumbers.

“And they have never gone bitter, something cucumbers often do in this intense heat,” Mrs. Riotte said. “They are very rough looking, but extremely tender, very small seeds, crisp and tasty. We also have several different kinds of squash.”

Mrs. Riotte’s jalapeno pepper patch is located right on her front porch — with two plants which look like small trees. And she has parsley and basil growing in stone porch boxes.

At least at the beginning, Mrs. Riotte was more successful at gardening than her husband, who was supposed to be an expert.

“My husband was a graduate of the New York State Agriculture College,” Mrs. Riotte said. “When we made our first garden (in Oklahoma), he was accustomed to the New York climate and planted in June and it all burned up.”

Enjoys Telling Tales

Don’t be surprised if that story has turned up in one of her many books. Mrs. Riotte said telling tales is one her famous traits in her writings.

“Usually I write about personal experience,” Mrs. Riotte said. “Most of my books are personal experiences and I fill in with info from other authors,” she said. “It was natural because I had done it all my life.

“A lot of what I wrote about in ‘Catfish Ponds and Lily Pads’ was memories of taking my mother fishing when she was almost 90 years old,” Mrs. Riotte said. “She liked to garden and fish.”

Mrs. Riotte has also illustrated all her books with her own line drawings.

“At times they’ll ask me to illustrate another author’s book,” she said, showing off the line drawings which grace the cover of a small paperback book, “Build a Pond for Food and Fun” by D.J. Young.

But helping out other authors isn’t unusual, as Mrs. Riotte has had plenty of help in her efforts, giving credit to the Chickasaw Regional Library System.

“They have helped me with my research for over 20 years, often getting books from other libraries which I needed,” she said.

Mrs. Riotte’s work has not gone unnoticed by the publishing business. Her current publisher, Storey Communications, dedicated its 1998 catalog, “Storey Books,” to her with a photo and biography inside the front cover.

And recently, she attracted the attention of Gov. Frank Keating, who wrote a letter of commendation for her efforts, stating, “...Extraordinary individuals such as yourself truly exemplify the dedication to preserving the history of gardening that bonds the present neighborhoods across the United States to the past....”

Even with all the hoopla, Mrs. Riotte still can’t tell you which of her two loves is the greatest.

“Well, it’s a toss-up,” Mrs. Riotte said. “It’s like the chicken and the egg...which came first?

“I love gardening, but my son (Eugene) does most of it now. He’s as enthusiastic as I am about it,” she said. “It keeps me from being bored in my old age and gives me something to look forward to every year. I still have my own teeth and 20/20 eyesight, so I’m still able to enjoy it all.”

As for writing: “That helps to bring in an income and keeps me alive and alert and interested,” she said. “A great many elderly people lose interest in life because they don’t have any job or hobby to keep them busy and interested.”

One thing is for certain: Mrs. Riotte has picked a love and livelihood which has its own type of immortality.

“It will never go out of style. It will be here 100 years from now, most of which I’ve written will still be true.”

Use Pansies for Companion Planting

(NAPS) — Do your garden a favor — don’t wait until spring to plant pansies. Now in more colors, better colors, and with greater tolerance to cold, pansies are the talk of fall gardening. If planted now, they’ll grow to twice the size and produce more flowers than those planted in the spring.

Pansies are surprisingly cold-hardy, easily tolerating temperatures of 15 degrees without damage. Under a cover of snow or mulch, they survive even lower temperatures. All do well in the South, and many varieties are hardy in the Mid-Atlantic, lower New England, the Midwest, and the West Coast.

According to Denise Johnson of Ball Seed Company in West Chicago, the hardiest varieties are generally those with small, deep colored blossoms. One of the most cold resistant ones, Baby Bingo, survived the 1997-98 winter at Michigan State University.

Another key to hardiness is planting early enough to give plants time to establish their roots before cold weather. To root well, plants need at least three to four weeks in the ground before the first hard freeze. Set transplants 6 to 8 inches apart and mulch after planting.

To make lots of flowers, pansies need at least six hours of sunlight each day and plenty of nutrition. When planting, work a timed-release fertilizer such as Pansy Booster with Polyon into the soil. In late winter, reapply according to label directions. Be sure to water transplants (in their packs) before planting, and water the planting bed regularly if the weather is dry.

Use pansies as companions to early spring bulbs such as daffodils and tulips. They’ll bring evergreen foliage and color to the bare winter ground. In spring, pansies will be a carpet of color underneath the daffodils and tulips. Finally, as if they needed one more attribute, a few pansies have a delicate sweet perfume.

SPORTS

Rams Running Game a Factor
District Titles Could Be Decided Early
Chad Hacker Having Solid Season at UCO

Rams Running Game a Factor

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

OWASSO — Ever since coach David Fisher came to Owasso, the Rams have filled the air with footballs.

But this year the Rams have found a running game and that has helped push a team that was 5-5 last year into a 4-1 start in 1998.

For two successive years, Owasso quarterbacks have thrown for over 2,000 yards a season. This year senior J.W. Morgan has passed for 1,300 yards in the first five games of the season.

But what has made the Rams the terror of District 6A-3 has been the addition of running back Bayo Ayodale, who had three straight 200-plus-yard games before being slowed slightly by a strong Sand Springs defense (the Rams won 34-28). But last week rugged Sapulpa combined with a very muddy field to hold Ayodale to just 26 yards rushing. The Chieftains handed the Rams their first loss, 20-10.

“The footing was horrendous,” Fisher recalls. “The start of the game was delayed for 15 minutes because of a downpour. In my 14 years of coaching, that was the first time I had ever seen the start of a game delayed by the weather.”

Owasso still managed 250 yards in offense, a figure many high school teams would eagerly take, especially on a wet field.

“But we had been averaging 500 yards in offense in our first three games,” Fisher said. “Sand Springs brought that down a little, but 250 yards in a game is really bad for us.”

The Rams run pro-style offense, going with a one-back or no-back formation.

“If you saw the Vikings play the other night, that’s our offense,” Fisher said.

The key to that style of offense is the quarterback and Morgan has been the surprise of the league — to everyone except Fisher.

“As a sophomore, he led our JV team to a 7-2 record,” the coach said.

But Morgan blew out a knee playing basketball and sat out all of last season with operations and rehabilitation. The rehabilitation, and hours and hours of skull sessions with coach Fisher, have paid off.

“This game with Ponca City will be only his sixth career start with the varsity,” Fisher notes. “He’s still inexperienced and makes some mistakes a more experienced player wouldn’t make. But he’s getting better.”

With the yardage and points Owasso is putting up, a non-spectator might think the Rams have pro-team size, too. Not so, says Fisher.

“We are very small by Class 6A standards,” the coach says.

Ayodale is 5-4 and 170 pounds, “he has scat back type moves.”

At 6-2, 205 pounds, Morgan is as big as some of his linemen.

“The offensive line has been our weakness,” Fisher says. “We are vastly undersized. All of our linemen are between 200 and 230 pounds. We had three starters returning, but we had to have a couple of sophomores fill in the gaps. So far they’ve played just well enough to let us win four games. It helps to have players like Morgan and Ayodale in the backfield.

That lack of size spills over to the defensive side of the ball for the Rams.

“None of our players on defense weighs over 210,” the coach reports. “Our heaviest player is the nose guard who is 5-10 and 210. Our defensive tackle, who should be the biggest player on the defense, is 6-2, 200 pounds. Our three linebackers weight about 180 each.

“But they play much bigger,” Fisher admits. “They have big hearts.”

Coming into Friday’s game against Ponca City, the Rams have played one other option offense, defeating Claremore, ranked No. 5 in Class 5A, 42-14 in the second week of the season.

“The wishbone is a very disclipined offense,” Fisher notes. “It make you play very disclipined defense. You have to play attention to your assignments. One busted assignment and the wishbone will get a big play.”

Getting There — For fans following the Wildcats to Owasso, take 244 from the Cimaron Turnpike at Tulsa. Take the Highway 169 North exit off 244, traveling north to Owasso to 86th Street. Turn right. The stadium is about a mile on 86th on the left side of the street.

District Titles Could Be Decided Early

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

Who says that mid-way though the season is too early to crown champions?

A pair of epic battles that could determine district titles highlight area action this week. An unstoppable force meets — well — another unstoppable force as Scott Klufa and the undefeated Tonkawa Buccaneers (5-0, 4-0) take on Josh Hightower and the likewise undefeated Davenport Bulldogs (5-0, 3-0 in a decisive A-5 showdown. In 2A-5, meanwhile, the surging Newkirk Tigers (4-1, 2-0) put their 4-game win streak and standing atop the division on the line as they go for an upset of preseason and sentimental favorite Nowata (3-2, 2-0).

Also in 2A-5, Sperry (2-3, 1-1) travels to Pawnee (2-3, 1-1), while in A-5, Woodland (2-3, 2-1) takes its 2-game win streak on the road to Depew (1-4, 0-4). In Class B-3, always entertaining Joe Sindelar, along with his merry band of Morrison Wildcats (3-2, 2-0), travel down — way down — to Fox (0-4, 0-2).

In C-3, it’s Medford (4-1, 1-0) traveling to Deer Creek-Lamont (1-4, 1-1), while Covington Douglas (2-3, 0-1) visits Shidler (3-1, 1-1). In Class 4A-2, Okmulgee (3-2, 1-1) travels to Blackwell (2-3, 1-1).

No. 3 Tonkawa (5-0, 4-0) at No. 8 Davenport (5-0, 3-0)

The Bucs have already beaten one pretender to the district throne (Luther), and with a win over Davenport, could put the rabble of District A-5 safely in their rear view mirror and start eying the post-season horizon.

However, that may be a lot easier said than done.

The formidable Bulldogs likely have the same aspirations, making this not just a marquee area match up, but a big state game as well. The Tulsa World has it as the No. 2 game in the state, while Channel 4 will pay a visit as part of their “Friday Night Hero Game” program — helicopter and all.

And the heroics will likely come as a result of a battle between prime time running backs — Tonkawa’s always scintillating Scott Klufa vs. Davenport’s Josh Hightower, who leads the state with 22 touchdowns and over 1000 yards rushing this year.

“He’s got the stats,” says Tonkawa coach Steve Love. “We gotta stop him, because he’s going to be the fastest kid on the field.”

Still, the last time the Bucs got frothed up about a dominating running back, it was all for naught. Luther’s Larry Dupree gained just 23 yards before leaving the game with a rib injury in week two, and the Bucs cruised to an anticlimactic, 30-0 win.

Love knows those kind of wins can be deceiving, though.

“I hope it’s a good game, and I hope there’s a good crowd,” he says. “They’ve got a good fullback and a good tight end, and Hightower is going to make it interesting. But we probably have a little more speed and a few more weapons.”

Also, Love sees the fact that Davenport hasn’t played a tough foe all year as working to their disadvantage. Unlike the Bucs, they haven’t played a Newkirk, or a Luther.

“They haven’t played anyone ranked this year,” he says. “They’ve never been behind in a game, so we need to come out and get after them.”

Newkirk (4-1, 2-0) at Nowata (3-2, 2-0)

Last week against Sperry, Newkirk coach Sonny Schovanec said the outcome of the game would tell them where they stood in the district. They won that one. This week, the Tigers play for no less than — what could be — the district title.

“But Nowata is the team to beat,” says Schovanec. “Then again, we’re fired up. These kids have a lot of confidence.”

As they should. After a loss in week one, the Tigers have since won their last four, including that major, 19-15 win over Sperry.

In that win, the Tigers capitalized on four turnovers by the Pirates, including two, late in the game, which halted potential game-winning drives. For the remainder of the season, says Schovanec, the team that leads on the turnover balance sheet will likely be the team that leads on the scoreboard.

“We’ve been doing a good job of taking advantage of the other kids’ mistakes,” Schovanec says. “It’s just that same old deal — it’s going to be tough for whoever can’t hold onto the football.”

As an intangible factor in Friday’s game, the Tigers will face a team trying to cope with the loss last week of their beloved coach, Scott Briggs, to Leukemia. The Ironmen have dedicated their season to Briggs, whose memorial service on Monday attracted over 1000 people.

“I think our kids understand the position they’re in,” says Schovanec. “It’s going to fire them (the Ironmen) up.”

The Tigers also will be without the services of 300-pound lineman Jesse Houser, who went out early in the Sperry game with a broken hand.

Morrison (3-2, 2-0) at Fox (0-4, 0-2)

Things could not be better for Morrison coach Joe Sindelar. Not only are his Wildcats undefeated in district, with an astonishing, 42-6 blowout over Yale last week, but the OSU Cowboys — many of whom Sindelar knows through his work with the FCA — pulled out a near shocker over Nebraska, Saturday. His “team of teams,” the Minnesota Vikings, upset Green Bay, Monday, and Tuesday, his junior high team beat Yale, again.

“My smile couldn’t get any bigger,” says Sindelar. “I’m probably the happiest man in Oklahoma football right now. Let’s stop the season right now.”

Like last year, the Wildcats are exceeding expectations. Sindelar knew that a victory over up-and-coming Yale would be difficult, but no one guessed the score would be as lopsided as 42-6. With the win, Sindelar believes it may be time to reevaluate his sophomore dominated team.

“I think we’ve surprised some people,” he says. “It shows me that we’ve matured, and unless something goes very wrong, it puts us in a very good position to make the playoffs.

“It may be time for us to raise our expectations slightly.”

Friday, the Wildcats will trek to Fox, 30 miles or so from the Texas border. “We’re leaving here in a few minutes,” Sindelar deadpanned, Wednesday afternoon.

Actually, battling the highway should be the most grueling contest for the Cats. “Nothing has gone right for Fox this season,” Sindelar says, trying his best to be delicate — and he continues with euphemisms to describe the hapless Foxes’ 0-4 season: “they haven’t gotten the breaks. The ball hasn’t bounced their way.

“A couple of their starters didn’t get to play last week because they forgot their helmets,” he says. “It’s not like they forgot their tailbone pads or something. They forgot their helmets.

“That’s the kind of season they’re having.”

Woodland (2-3, 2-1) at Depew (1-4, 0-4)

Woodland may not have the kind of team they’ve had in years past this season, but at least they have this going for them: all season long, they get to play the remnants of the teams that Tonkawa played the week before.

As in, the Bucs leave them reeling, and the Cougars deliver the knock out punch.

“I told (Woodland coach) Bill Pascoe that he was going to owe us one after this year,” laughs Tonkawa coach Steve Love.

Pascoe, on the other hand, isn’t putting much stock in that theory, and credits his youthful Cougars’ inspiring, 2-game win streak — one in which they’ve outscored competition 72-12 — to simple hard work.

“My guys have really improved,” he says. “They did a good job studying last week and if we can improve as much this week we can win. Every win moves us up the ladder, a step closer to the top.”

As far as Depew, this week’s foe, the Tonkawa Connection does — sadly — have some merit, as the Bucs sent three Hornet players to the hospital last Friday. At last check, quarterback Ty McKinzie’s condition after a separated shoulder was questionable.

“You don’t want to see anybody get hurt,” concludes Pascoe. “But if Tonkawa wants to take somebody out, tell ‘em to take out (Davenport running back) Hightower. Don’t hurt him, just knock him down for a week.”

Chad Hacker Having Solid Season at UCO

EDMOND — Former Ponca City High School football standout Chad Hacker is enjoying a solid season as a back-up wide receiver at the University of Central Oklahoma, having helped the unbeaten Bronchos to the No. 3-ranking in NCAA Division II.

Hacker, a 5-9, 165-pound sophomore, is fourth on the team in receptions with four catches for 44 yards as the run-oriented Bronchos have started the season 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the Lone Star Conference.

Hacker, a 1996 PCHS graduate, redshirted at UCO during the 1996 season then lettered in a back-up role last year after catching 11 passes for 144 yards.

UCO returns to action Friday when they host East Central.