LOCAL

Nearly News
Strategy Seminar Accomplishes Goals
NOC Offers Woodworking Class for Fun
Veterans Day Parade 1998 Largest Here Since WWII
Local Champion Dressage’ Driver To Compete in Okmulgee Event
Applications for Citizen’s Police Academy Session Are Available
State Ag Prices

Nearly News

NN has learned the Mike Irby mentioned in an article in Wednesday’s NEWS, headlined “Irby Named Interim President of OCAST” grew up in Ponca City. Mike is the son of the late P.E. Irby, a Ponca City attorney, and his wife, Lucille, who taught English at the Junior High School in the late ’50s. He entered the U.S. Army after graduating from OSU where he was awarded a BS degree in personnel management, and served as a first lieutenant in Saigon with the Signal Corps Systems Control. After service, he entered the University of Oklahoma to work on a master’s degree in foreign languages. NN always likes to hear good things about Ponca Citians.

Jerrie Cobb fans will want to know that the first of her television appearances is set for late tonight and early in the morning on “Inside Edition.” Jerrie, who is hoping to head into space on a shuttle mission, will be on the program that airs at 11:35 p.m. on KFOR (Channel 4) or 12:35 a.m. on KTUL (Channel 8). She will also be featured on the CBS Sunday Morning News with Charles Osgood this Sunday. Other appearances will be detailed in Sunday’s News.

Strategy Seminar Accomplishes Goals

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

In keeping with his campaign promise of creating a strategic plan for the city, Mayor Tom Leonard as well as other city officials, community leaders, and private citizens attended a two day strategic planning seminar earlier this week.

While some may think the term “strategic planning” is merely a buzz word of the 1990’s and a vague concept others see it as a necessity, a leadership tool used to determine and shape communities.

“A strategic plan is a document that outlines your vision of the future and the means by which to achieve that vision through long term goals, strategies and specific management action plans,” explained consultant Carl Neu of Neu & Company. “In other words it is a big picture document with long term perspective outlining what you want to do and achieve by long term goals.”

A Municipal Planning Consultant and Harvard School of Business Administration MBA graduate living in Colorado, Neu was hired by the City to conduct the intensive seminar.

“As my daddy used to say leadership is a two bone theory, a wishbone and backbone and the first one everyone gets free,” Neu told the group.

“Transition in government began with the Reagan era and deregulation,” Neu continued. “There was a desire to bring back home most of the decision making process that affects communities.”

So began the local decision making process. First each attendee was asked to draw, yes, draw their vision of what Ponca City would look like in the year 2010. Artists they may not have been but idealist they all were.

From a completed and complete civic center to a convention center, to recreation center, to a hustling, bustling and thriving downtown, to an economic boom town, one after one the works of art were unveiled and their creators introduced — and in some instances — had to explain their drawings.

It was the beginning of the goal setting process. Common elements and differences among the “visions” were ascertained. And eventually after two days, 16 hours, much work, and much discussion and debate a set of goals and objectives were indeed created.

The strategic plan and with it the goals — which may be used to shape the future of Ponca City — will now be finalized and eventually presented to the citizens during a public hearing.

“I think we now have a sense of commitment to the future and have developed strategies to help us deal with the uncertainty of situations facing us,” Leonard said. “We have come up with some definite goals that I will be using as soon as it gets off the press. First and foremost we’ll be taking the plan to the public to gain their input as well.”

As the seminar came to a close, the final comments from Neu seemed to sum up the task that had been accomplished as well as those that lie ahead.

“In driving around your city I have noticed how you honor Marland but he didn’t shape Ponca City as it is today, you did and others will determine what it will be tomorrow,” Neu said. “Think of the last two days as using a lens to focus your thinking. Now you will have to act — the only thing at stake is your community.”

NOC Offers Woodworking Class for Fun

TONKAWA — Just in time to make those special handcrafted Christmas gifts, Northern Oklahoma College offers Woodworking for Fun, a six-week community service class, beginning Oct. 27.

Rick Allan, administrative assistant for campus construction, assisted by Kevin McCullough of Tonkawa craftsman and Northern supervisor of auxiliary services, will instruct the class from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 3. Sessions will be taught in room 101 of the Creative Arts Building, formerly the Industrial Education Building. No tests or grades will be given.

“Our ever-popular woodworking class is open to both men and women and to both beginners and experienced wood workers,” Allan said. Cost is $40 plus materials, and participants may bring their own materials.

Emphasis is on craft and small furniture items, with previous student projects ranging from chopping blocks to cedar chests and entertainment centers as well as all types of woodcraft items.

“Since our shop equipment can do almost any kind of woodworking project, students can do any project they want to, using our equipment, materials and expertise,” Allan noted. Participants may come when they can and have fun, he added.

Participants may enroll the first night of class. For additional information, call Allan at (580) 628-6214 or 628-6657.

Veterans Day Parade 1998 Largest Here Since WWII

Veterans Day Parade for 1998 will be the largest parade held in north central Oklahoma since World War II. It will proceed through downtown Ponca City beginning 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.

The veterans organizations, citizens and patriots of Ponca City and surrounding areas are putting together one of the finest parades ever to honor veterans of north central Oklahoma and south central Kansas.

A Patriotic Songfest will be held that evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Poncan Theatre, with music groups, choruses, and bands as well as patriotic readings. Advance tickets will be $4 for adults and will be $5 at the door; children under 12 are free. Proceeds from the songfest will be used to offset the expenses of the parade.

Scheduled to lead the parade will be 10 color guards, followed by veterans, national guard and Army reserve equipment, VIPs, floats, antique military equipment, classic cars, motorcycles, horses and wagons, and “whatevers.” Bands from the 95th Division, Army Reserve and the 145th Army National Guard will provide the spirit for the parade.

Veterans who served after the Vietnam era through the Grenada, Lebanon, Panama and Persian Gulf periods will be given a special tribute and are asked to walk as a group to be honored for a job well done! The Order of the Purple Heart recipients and former prisoners of war will also be honored in this year’s parade.

The Tulsa Shrine Temple will be here once again to provide their outstanding entertainment along with numerous civic and business floats, scouts, school kids, police and fire department personnel, horses and wagons and other groups. The Ponca City High School Cheerleaders, Highsteppers, Dynamiters, Junior Varsity Cheerleaders and the Fairfax and Shidler bands will also be participating.

World War II “War Birds” from Tulsa and Oklahoma City will provide a flyover and will land and provide a static display at the Ponca City Airport from noon until 2:30. Stearman Biplanes, an AT-11 Twin Beach Bomber, T-28s. P-51, P-6 and a B-1 Bomber will join in the flyover.

An Encampment of Civil War living historians and a static display of military equipment, motorcycles, classic and antique cars will be at the American Legion Home on South Avenue.

Vietnam Veterans of America will hold a special dedication ceremony at Centennial Plaza immediately following the parade. A Vietnam Wall memorial granite will be installed in the plaza in honor of those who gave their lives in the Vietnam War.

All veterans are invited for coffee and donuts prior to the parade at American Legion Post 14, 407 West South Avenue, and for lunch following the parade. A tram will be provided from the post for all veterans who wish to ride in the parade.

Any organizations or school systems wishing to participate in the parade are encouraged to call (580) 765,1367 or (580) 765-9073.

Local Champion Dressage’ Driver To Compete in Okmulgee Event

Ponca City’s Deryn Stewart and her champion dressage’ horse Kenworth, will be competing in the Oklahoma Harness Horse Association driving trials Saturday in Okmulgee. The event will begin at 8 a.m. and continue throughout the day.

Citizens in the Ponca City area are encouraged to attend the free event and may enjoy helping sponsors by taking part in the set-up of tennis balls and cones on the competition courses. Those who choose to help will obtain a free one-year honorary membership in the Oklahoma Harness Horse Association.

Deryn’s husband, Paul Stewart, has designed the cones course to be used in the competition and will be ineligible to ride on the carriage as Deryn’s navigator in the marathon event. Steve Scott, also of Ponca City, will be serving as navigator in his place. Steve and his wife, Betty, also helped build some of the obstacles on the marathon course.

Three types of competition will be featured at the event including the cones course, dressage, and the marathon.

The cones course is a test of precision driving for speed and accuracy. Deryn will guide Kenworth through a course made up of bright orange cones with tennis balls balanced on top. The cones are spaced just a few inches wider than the carriage wheels. The drive is faulted for any tennis balls knocked down during this timed event.

“Like poetry in motion,” describes the dressage’ event where Kenworth will be put through a series of gaits by Deryn as judges assess their precision and control. Kenworth will be asked to walk, trot, extend the trot and execute several movements as smoothly as possible.

The last event, and according to most spectators “the most exciting,” is the marathon. Kenworth and Deryn accompanied by Steve Scott as navigator will race at top speed across country through several hazards. The course goes through fields, streams, around trees, up and down hills over several miles of rugged terrain. Along the way, hazards have been set up and the driver is timed entering and exiting each hazard.

According to Betty Scott, this competition will be the closest event where the Stewarts and Kenworth may be seen performing this year. The Stewarts are aiming for entry in the World Championship competition next year and will travel to various competitions around the U.S. to qualify for entry at world championship level.

For those area citizens interested in seeing and/or participating in the event, the Pond Ridge Farm is located on 640 acres, north of Morris, at the junction of Oklahoma Highway 16 and U.S. 52. It is also approximately 7 miles east of U.S. 75. For more information call the Stewarts at 765-8648 or the Scotts at 765-4483.

Applications for Citizen Police Academy Session Are Available

Applications to participate in the fourth session of the Citizen’s Police Academy are being taken until Nov. 1. Applications are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Records Division of the Ponca City Police Department, just inside the front door of the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Class size is limited to 20 participants. Each session builds on information from previous sessions, so a commitment to attend each session is encouraged. The three hour sessions, held on Thursday evenings, will begin on Jan. 12, 1999 and conclude in late April.

The sessions will cover a variety of topics, including emergency communications, jail operations, police department organization, police hiring and training, patrol division functions, domestic abuse, traffic enforcement and accidents, police pursuits, DUI and alcohol related cases, defense tactics, firearms, juvenile crimes, special operations, sex crimes, investigative functions and crimes against property and persons.

The course is a blend of lecture, demonstrations, tours and practical applications. The instruction is provided by a number of employees from the department. Applicants must have ties to the community.

State Ag Prices

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The state Department of Agriculture reported the following closing prices for Wednesday:

Wheat (bu): Steady to 1 cent lower, 2.53 to 2.78. Perryton 2.53; Beaver, Liberal 2.60; Keyes 2.64; Davis, Okeene 2.66; Banner, Geary, Kingfisher, Manchester, Perry, Stillwater, Watonga, Yukon 2.68; El Reno 2.68-2.70; Clinton, Temple, Weatherford 2.70; Hobart, Medford 2.71; Ponca City 2.72; Afton, Miami 2.73; Eldorado, Lawton 2.75; Frederick 2.78; Gulf 3.441Ž2.

Milo (cwt): Steady, 2.89 to 3.30. Manchester 2.89; Afton, Miami 2.92; Kinfisher 2.93; Medford, Ponca City 3.02; Keyes 3.07; Beaver, Liberal 3.12; Perryton 3.25; Weatherford 3.30.

Soybeans (bu): Steady to 1 cent lower, 4.78 to 5.02. Kingfisher 4.78; Perryton 4.90; Ponca City, Stillwater 4.91; Keyes 4.92; Weatherford 4.95; Medford 5.01; Afton, Miami 5.02; Gulf 5.771Ž2.

U.S. No. 2 yellow corn: 1.90 to 2.17. Keyes 1.90; Afton, Miami 1.94; Manchester 1.97; Liberal 2.05; Perryton 2.14; Weatherford 2.17; Gulf 2.45.

Grade 41 leaf 4 staple 34 cotton in southwestern Oklahoma averaged 63.75 cents per pound.

Alfalfa hay $100-$120; Grass hay $70-$80.

Eggs: A large 86 cents; A medium 73 cents; A small 45 cents.

Closing Cattle Quotes

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Closing cattle quotations from the Oklahoma National Stockyards for Oct. 23 through Oct. 25:

CATTLE — Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers 1.00-2.00 higher. Steer and heifer calves 2.00-4.00 higher. Demand very good for all classes. Bulk supply calves. Quality average to attractive, several attractive calves. Weigh-ups average to full. Feeder cattle in thin to medium flesh; calves slightly thin to fleshy conditions. Cool front pushed thru the state over the weekend dropping 1-3 inches of rain. Graze-out wheat prospects are beginning to look better.

Slaughter cows and bulls 1.00-2.00 higher. Packer demand very good. Demand for stock cows moderate. Total of 950 cows and bulls sold with 60 percent going to packers.

Receipts this week 9,175; last week 9,047; last year 15,051.

Wednesday’s Final Stocks

DEATHS

Grace Stevenson Grover
Clyde O. Lindsey

Grace Stevenson Grover

LENAPAH — Grace Stevenson Grover, mother to Ardyth Buttram of Ponca City, died Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 20, 1998, at Green Country Retirement Residence in Bartlesville. She was 92.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Lenapah Methodist Church . Burial will be in Mt. Washington Cemetery in Lenapah under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service of Nowata.

Grace (Stevenson) Grover was born Jan. 28, 1906, to Arthur J. and Jessie (Padon) Stevenson. She grew up on a farm east of Lenapah and attended Childers school for two years, then grades 3-6 at the one-room Dist. 3, Stevenson School, located on her parents’ farm. She graduated from Lenapah High School; attended Draughon’s Business College in Tulsa; and was employed by Security Savings and Loan.

She was married to Clifford L. Grover on June 11, 1927, and they established their home in Lenapah. Beginning in 1928, they operated the Lenapah Hay and Grain for many years. Mrs. Grover was a longtime member of the Lenapah Methodist Church and was active in the extension club of Nowata County, where she took numerous blue ribbons for sewing and tailoring.

Survivors include five children, Ardyth Buttram of Ponca City, Marjorie Magee of Tulsa, Kay Word of Bartlesville, Bill Grover of South Coffeyville, Kan., and Jim Grover of Miami, Okla.; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband on March 7, 1993 and her parents.

Obituaries

Clyde O. Lindsey

GRAINOLA — Clyde O. Lindsey, Grainola resident, died Tuesday Oct. 20, 1998, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 63.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 1998, at the First Baptist Church, Shidler, with the Rev. Cliff Fite and the Rev. Clarence Barten officiating. Burial will follow in the Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City under the direction of Grace Memorial Shidler Chapel.

Clyde Olin Lindsey was born March 22, 1935 in Seale, Texas, the son of Jake and Sally Inez (Monroe) Lindsey. He grew up in the Waco State Home.

On Dec. 4, 1955 he married Denta Marie Gibson at Merkel, Texas, and the couple made their first home in Stratford, Texas. They moved to Shidler in 1964 and have made their home in Grainola since 1976. In 1955, Mr. Lindsey went to work with Phillips Petroleum Co. and retired from there in 1985 as a unit operator with 30 years of service. Following his retirement he then worked at Bivins Gardens in Shidler as a groundskeeper. In 1993, he began work as a custodian and friend to all at Shidler schools. He received his five year pin this year.

An active member of the First Baptist Church in Shidler he also served as a deacon and children’s Sunday School teacher for many years. He enjoyed working in his garden and flower beds, and spending time with his family and grandsons.

Surviving are his wife, Denta, of the home; his daughter and son-in-law, Tanya and Leb Williams, of Grainola; two grandsons, Nathan Williams, of Grainola and Ryan Williams, of Geuda Springs, Kan.; a sister, Mary Cardwell, of Waco, Texas; a brother, Jake Junior Lindsey, of Brownsboro, Texas; two aunts, Dee McLaughlin, of San Antonio and Ida Noble, of Waco, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, stepfather, Earl E. Howell, and his sister, Faye.

Casket bearers will be Vern Robinson, Charles Roe, Danny Alexander, Jeff Harbeson, Ed Davis, and Joe Ball. Honorary casket bearers will be Ben Drapala, Everett Luxton, Bob Fredricks, Buck Brown, Leon Short, Fred Smith, Carl Clapp, Loy Kidwell, Jim Thacker, and Dave Landrum.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shidler First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 53, Shidler, OK 74652.

The family will be at the home in Grainola.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

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

Therapeutic Massage Center now open regular hours. Call for

an appointment, 762-9807. adv.

Women Golfers — The PCCC-WGA will meet for a Halloween scramble, luncheon and business meeting Tuesday, Oct. 27. Those participating are asked to sign up in the locker room or call 762-3664.

Book House going out of business sale. Huge discounts on all

books, fixtures, and shelving. Many garage sale items also included. Thursday - Saturday, 9-4, 114 North 3rd Street. adv.

Children’s Halloween — The Ponca City Library will be hosting a special Halloween children’s program Thursday Oct. 29 at 4:15 p.m. Magician Steve Crawford will present a treat of magical mischief and mystery. Children are invited to wear their costumes and enjoy the fun.

Estate Auction, Saturday, 24th, 1701 Blake, 10:00 a.m. Roseville

and Frankoma pottery, clean furniture and appliances. J.B. Smith

Real Estate, Auctioneer, Michael

L. Welch. adv.

Tools Missing — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:54 a.m. Wednesday that several tools were missing from a project in the 800 block of North Union Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Boyd’s Bear plush and accessories arriving! Carla’s Hallmark

Downtown. adv.

Window Broken — An official with Ponca City Housing Authority reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:49 a.m. Wednesday that a window had been broken out of a vacant apartment in the 700 block of South Sixth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Open House Oct. 24th Sat. 1-5 Creative Photography, 2015 North

Ash 580-767-1433. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from Wal-Mart at 6:28 p.m. Wednesday that a 9-year-old girl was being held for grand larceny.

Items Missing — A man with Davis-Moore, 3501 North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:34 a.m. Wednesday that some dealer plates had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Final Liquidation at Sue’s Used Furniture. 1801 North Union. Everything Must Go! adv.

Abandoned Bicycle — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:27 a.m. Wednesday that someone had thrown a bicycle into a creek, just east of the bridge at Garfield Park. Animal Control was notified to handle the situation.

Pauline’s Boneless Pork Chop Dinners $10.95, 1/2 orders $7.95,

Friday, Oct. 23rd. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Left Without Paying — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:17 p.m. Wednesday that three subjects had left El Chico’s the previous night without paying for their meals. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Items Missing — A man from the 300 block of South Sunset Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:29 p.m. Wednesday that someone had stolen curtains from a rental house. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Citation Issued — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the Middle School at 3:32 p.m. Wednesday that a fight was occurring. Another officer responded and a juvenile citation was issued. The juvenile was released to a parent.

WCW/NWO Halloween Havoc only on Pay Per View. Sunday,

October 25th at 7:00 p.m., $29.95. For advance ordering 762-6684,

Cable One. adv.

Grass Fire — The Ponca City Fire Department responded with two units at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday to handle a grass fire near Carbon Black.

Carpet Cleaning most modern method of cleaning. Recommended by major carpet manufacturers, most completely trained personal and finest service. Reason-

able prices, references. Call Floorcraft 762-8381. adv.

Subject Held — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:34 p.m. Wednesday that a shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 14-year-old girl was held for grand larceny.

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. adv.

Windows Damaged — A man from the 700 block of South Sixth Street was at the Ponca City Police Department at 11:44 p.m. Wednesday to report that he had found a man at the residence with a BB-gun and sniffing paint. The subject was removed from the residence, and then it was discovered two windows were damaged. An officer was assigned and information was logged. A request was made for an extra patrol.

Shoe Shine by Juan, 117 North 3rd. Barney’s Barber Shop. adv.

Harassment — A man from the 700 block of West Otoe Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:42 p.m. Wednesday that a subject was harassing him. An officer was assigned.

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

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

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1000 block of North Fifth Street at 11:06 p.m. Wednesday that a 37-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension.

Beanie Baby clear boxes, tag protectors, charms and keychains, Carla’s Hallmark Downtown. Adv.

Subjects Held — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 9:50 p.m. Wednesday from a subject in the 800 block of North Pine Street concerning a disturbance. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and a 24-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were held for domestic assault and battery.

Cruise Special. Deeply discounted. Circle the Cape of

South America, visit penguins on Falkland Island, ride with the

gauchos across the steppes of Patagonia plus much more. Norwegian Cruise Line sailing January 2, 1999 for 14 days. Call Beth Mas-

ters 1-800-329-2556. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Ninth Street and Drummond Avenue at 9:03 p.m. Wednesday that a 26-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant for second degree rape.

Pure Water Wagon drinking water .25 a gallon, distilled .50.

Call 765-4116 or 765-6464 for delivery. 1717 North 5th, Ponca City.

adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 900 block of North Fifth Street at 11:28 p.m. Wednesday that a 27-year-old man was being held for DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Halloween Sale - 40% off small and large scarecrows, wonderful

copper pumpkins, (grand size to small) and fun candle sticks, great for decorating. Layaway for Christmas. Christy’s 3005 North

14th. adv.

Applications Available — The fourth session of the Citizens Police Academy will begin in January and applications ato participate are being taken until November 1. Forms are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Records Division of the Ponca City Police Department. Class size is limited to 20 participants. Sessions are held on Thursdays and will begin Jan. 12, 1999, concluding in late April. A variety of topics will be covered at the academy, involving employees of the depoartment.

Perfect Solution — One of the easiest ways to let the public know about an event or special activity is through the Ponca City News in the News Briefs column. Just telephone The News, 765-3311 and ask whether it will cost anything, or possibly be put in the column as free publicity. There is a charge for businesses in their advertisement of special items.

Instant Passport Pictures. Gra-

ham Photo, 201 North First, 765-

4348. adv.

GARDENING

Ponca City West Entrance is Site For Beautification
Houseplant Book Follows Popular Dummy Theme

Ponca City West Entrance is Site For Beautification

Round two of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s new program to beautify Oklahoma highways resulted in 21 state communities and non-profit organizations sharing $307,000. Each application was judged on design and species selections, the highway roadside’s need for enhancement, the visibility of the proposed site and the cost effectiveness of the proposed budget and maintenance plan.

Ponca City was one of the areas receiving ODOT money. The west entrance to Ponca City will be planted with 125 crape myrtles and other shrubs inside a center median on state highway 60.

Communities and organizations wanting to add trees to the highways surrounding their area may apply for Round three next year when $250,000 will be available. Applications will be available in April from the ODOT Beautification office, 405-521-4037.

Houseplant Book Follows Popular Dummy Theme

(NAPS) — Gardening isn’t just for spring and summer anymore. The right books can teach anyone how to keep their thumb — and living environment — green all year long.

“Houseplants for Dummies” is filled with illustrations that show readers how to select, pot and care for indoor plants all year. It explains how to choose plants according to home conditions and resistance to neglect, allowing even a “brown thumb” to bring a bit of nature indoors.

Perfect for apartment dwellers and homeowners alike, “Houseplants for Dummies” shows readers how to turn their house into a home with expert tips on creating colorful hanging baskets, fresh herb gardens and more. Discover how to put flowers on the windowsill, delight children with terrarium projects, experiment with plants from different ecosystems — from cactus to ferns — and even create some fresh air.

Armed with friendly advice from the book “Flowering Bulbs for Dummies,” readers can learn to plant beautiful flower gardens that provide color year after year. Written by Judy Glattstein, garden consultant and instructor at the New York Botanical Garden, the book lets readers discover how easy it is to preserve a beautiful flower garden without having to replant every season.

Using photos and illustrations, “Flowering Bulbs for Dummies” shows how to design, plant and care for colorful gardens of bulbs and rhizomes in any environment. This handy reference explains how to choose bulbs by color or category, and demonstrates how to design a variety of gardens based on available space and conditions.

This guide is not just for experts. It inspires gardeners of all levels with information on how to force bulbs indoors in any season, prepare soil, plant the best bulbs and rhizomes for any climate, keeping pets away and more.

SPORTS

Red Leaf, Cats Just Want Win
Buddy’s Boys Square Off
Playoff Hopes On the Line for Newkirk, Pawnee, Woodland
OSU’s Rivers Another Mayes?
Small Town Sooner Makes Big Impact

Red Leaf, Cats Just Want Win

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Wildcat senior Toby Red Leaf just wants a win now.

Mathematically eliminated from the race for a spot in the football playoffs, The Wildcats will go looking for win No. 2 and their first in the rugged District 6A-3 Friday night in Sullins Stadium against Sand Springs.

It won’t be easy. The Sandites are on the bubble and must win out to have a chance at the playoffs. They also have some very talented players.

But this game is winable for the Wildcats, Red Leaf says.

“If we can stop their running game, we can win this game,” Red Leaf said as the Cats wound down their practice sessions this week. “We have to stop (fullback) Pedro Negron and their tailback (Marc Brown).”

As an outside linebacker it will be Red Leaf’s job to help contain those two runners and if previous games are indication, the Cats have a good chance of doing just that.

“Toby has been doing a good job,” linebacker coach Larry Degan said. “He has learned how to contain.”

Red Leaf made the switch from free safety to linebacker this season and likes his new position.

“I like to run up in there and hit somebody,” he says. “I played linebacker in junior high and some as a sophomore. I like it better.”

But perhaps the biggest change for Red Leaf has been on offense where he is one of the leading ground gainers for the Cats as the fullback.

“I heard when we changed to the Wishbone that the fullback carried the ball a lot,” he said. “That’s fine with me.”

Last season Red Lead played some fullback in the Cats’ I formation, “but mostly I ran at tailback on offense.”

Red Leaf says there has been not real adjustment for him.

“He’s getting better,” offensive coordinator Joe Matlock says. “Ever since the Stillwater game he’s been getting better and better. He’s running hard and blocking well. He’s doing just about everything right.”

With no post season play to look forward to, the Cats could be just playing out the season. Instead, the intensity has seemed to picked up.

“We’ve had some good practices,” Red Leaf reports. “The intensity is better. Now we’re not playing for a spot in the playoffs, just for a win — and for pride.”

Buddy’s Boys Square Off

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

STILLWATER (AP) — Rex and Rob Ryan may say hello before Saturday’s game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The twin brothers may even share a laugh or two as the teams go through their pregame warmups.

But the congeniality will end when the game begins. Both know that.

‘‘We just want to win,’’ said Rob, in his second year as defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State. ‘‘Right now it doesn’t matter who we play. I don’t care if it was Buddy Ryan down the road, I’d want to beat him, too.’’

Buddy, their father, won’t be in Stillwater for the game. But in a way he will be, because his sons both use the 46 defense he invented and they share his confident, straight-forward approach.

Rex, in his first year at Oklahoma, admits that having his twin on the opposite sideline makes the game more special.

‘‘He’s not just another coach over there,’’ he said. ‘‘But he is in that, hey, we’ve got to win. That’s all that we care about. I know that’s all he cares about.

‘‘I love him as a brother and things like that, and I’ll continue to do that after we play them. But right now, he is another coach and I want to kick his butt.’’

Both teams are searching for a victory. Both are 2-4 overall; Oklahoma State is 1-3 in the Big 12, Oklahoma is 0-3. The Sooners have lost four in a row, Oklahoma State three straight.

But both defenses have played well most of the time. Oklahoma State played poorly in losses to Tulsa and Kansas State, but played well enough that the Cowboys nearly beat then-No. 2 Nebraska. Oklahoma gave up several big plays in a blowout loss to Texas two weeks ago, but the defense is ranked second in the Big 12 and sixth nationally in total defense.

The players on both teams love the 46 and the way the Ryans teach it.

‘‘He makes football fun,’’ said Oklahoma State defensive end Taber LeBlanc. ‘‘Before, things weren’t as fun. He brought the excitement back in. Everybody’s pumped up, everybody’s ready to go.’’

Rob Ryan was brought to Oklahoma State last year and made an immediate impact. The Cowboys ranked sixth nationally in turnover margin, 14th in total defense, and 20th in rushing defense and scoring defense. The improved defense was a major reason Oklahoma State went 8-4 and played in its first bowl game since 1988.

Rex was hired to repair a defense that gave up 363 yards and 31 points per game in 1997. So far, the Sooners have allowed 266 yards and 18.7 points per game.

‘‘Both are very confident, both have a lot of pride in their defense,’’ Oklahoma coach John Blake said. ‘‘And their dad, I think they both want to impress their dad.’’

The Ryans say they each talk to their father often, although Buddy doesn’t make it to many games. ‘‘He was at our Tulsa game and Rex’s California game, so he’s not welcome anymore,’’ Rob said.

The identical twins are easy to tell apart because Rex is heavier and Rob has longer hair and a mustache. But they say they are alike in most every other way, although ‘‘I married an Oklahoma girl and he married a California girl,’’ Rex says, ‘‘and the differences between those two are probably as drastic as it gets.’’

During the season, the brothers talk once a week. When they were at schools in different conferences, Rob said, the talks would tend to center more on Xs and Os. This year, the conversations have been more personal.

Both men have a quick needle. Asked whether his brother plays golf left-handed, as he does, Rex said: ‘‘No, but he probably should.’’

Who is the better athlete?

‘‘If it came down to us playing each other, favor the Sooners by a couple touchdowns,’’ he said.

Jokes aside, it’s clear there is a strong bond between the brothers. Each seems to be the other’s biggest fan.

‘‘I wouldn’t want to be an offensive coordinator this week trying to prepare for Rob,’’ Rex said. ‘‘His guys do a great job.’’

Rob hopes the work of his unit will contribute to a victory. If that happens, he’ll be sure to let his brother know about it.

‘‘Ain’t no question,’’ he said. ‘‘But this week it’s all business, until afterwards. That’s the way it’s got to be.’’

Playoff Hopes On the Line for Newkirk, Pawnee, Woodland

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

There’s still three weeks left in the regular season, but for a number of area teams it’s playoff time.

In 2A-5, Newkirk (4-3, 2-2) and Pawnee (2-5, 1-3) start gunning for what could be an All-Area showdown for the final playoff spot, taking on Metro Christian (2-5, 1-3) and Chelsea (3-4, 1-3), respectively. Both the Tigers and the Black Bears have done their time against Top 3 finishers Nowata, Hominy and Sperry, and must now win-out against the tail-end of the district to make the cut. That includes a head-to-head battle, three weeks from now.

In A-5, barring (once again) a natural disaster, Tonkawa (7-0, 6-0) will finish out the formalities of their second straight district title, traveling to Wellston (4-3, 3-2), while Woodland (3-4, 3-2) will try to break a 3-way tie for fourth place in the district, traveling to Barnsdall (3-4, 3-2). With the Buccaneers looming at the end of their regular season schedule, the Cougars will have to beat both Barnsdall and Wellston to secure the final playoff spot.

In the weird, twilight zone that is District B-3, meanwhile, Morrison (5-2, 4-0) looks for at least momentary standing atop the shifting sands of the district, taking on Alex (6-1, 4-0).

Also, Shidler (5-1, 3-1) continues to cruise to a playoff berth, hosting Deer Creek-Lamont (2-5, 1-2), while Blackwell (2-5, 1-3) hosts Cushing (2-5, 1-3).

Newkirk (4-3, 2-2)

at Tulsa Metro Christian (2-5, 1-3)

With the district big boys safely in their rear-view mirror, the Tigers could lock up the No. 4 spot with three consecutive wins against teams with a combined 2-10 record in district play.

After getting picked to finish next to last in preseason polls — mostly because they’re the newcomers to Class 2A football — the Tigers could send a message to the preseason pundits by garnering a playoff spot, their third in a row.

It may be a surprising finish to everyone but the Tigers themselves.

“It’s been our goal since day one,” says coach Sonny Schovanec. “And we’re fighting to get there.”

Though the Patriots have a lackluster record and are locked in a 3-way tie for fifth place right now, Schovanec says they could still easily spoil someone else’s party. The Pats lost to powerhouse Nowata and Sperry by a combined nine points, and stuck with Hominy before falling late.

“They’ve been in every game they’ve played,” says Schovanec. “They’re a very good 2-5 football team.”

The Pats brandish a dynamic trio in sophomore tailback Ross Spencer, quarterback Matt Cozort and lineman Tim Loerke. With talent all around and a wide open offense that’s prolific with the pass, Schovanec knows that his team can’t afford to coast — not this week, or the next, or the next.

“We know what’s at stake,” he says. “We’re backed into a corner.”

Woodland (3-4, 3-2) at Barnsdall (3-4, 3-2)

Like Newkirk, it’s do-or-die time for the Woodland Cougars. With a 2-1 finish over the next three weeks, they would sail away with the final playoff spot in A-5. Also like Newkirk, the Cougars are a team that was picked to finish way out of contention.

“If we win 2-of-3 we’re in, but if we lose we’re out of control,” says coach Bill Pascoe. “The team that wins Friday should be the fourth representative from this district.”

Pragmatically, the Cougars can’t count on an upset of undefeated Tonkawa in their final game of the regular season. That makes Friday’s win crucial.

But the Panthers are tough. They played right with Tonkawa until midway through the third quarter, down just 12-7 before the Bucs’ depth and superior conditioning took their toll. Despite just 20 players, they have a dangerous quarterback in junior Will McCauley, who completed nearly half his throws for 152 yards last week against the Bucs. Those throws went mostly to four receivers, three of whom compose the bulk of the Panthers’ 4-by-400 relay team.

“McCauley is smart, and he’s a good athlete,” says Pascoe, “And it’s not their size that worries us, it’s their speed. They could hammer us. Hopefully, we can match up.

“But I’d say, overall, things are about 50-50.”

With the Panthers in exactly the same situation, playoff wise, Pascoe expects a playoff atmosphere, too.

“I told these kids that this is the first day of the playoffs. That’s how we’re thinking about it.”

Alex (6-1, 4-0)

at Morrison (5-2, 4-0)

There’s no parity in District B-3.

How’s this for confusing: OCS stomped on Yale, which upset Weleekta, but Weleetka blasted Cashion, which upset OCS. The Wildcats beat both Cashion and Yale to remain undefeated in district play, but now face Alex, Weleetka and OCS in the final three weeks of the season.

It’s set up an unusual situation, in that the Top 4 teams have qualified for the playoffs, and play what is in effect a round-robin now to determine final district standings.

“It is weird how it all came out, and it’s enough to drive coaches a bit nutso,” says coach Joe Sindelar. “But every game from here is absolutely huge.”

Looking at comparative scores doesn’t help in predicting outcomes, either. The Longhorns blew by Cashion by two TDs, while the Cats held on for a 1-point win. Then again, the Cats pounded Bowlegs, 52-7 — a team the Longhorns had to beat in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter.

“The unknown this season makes the kids play harder,” says Sindelar. “We’ve watched a lot of film and done a good job preparing and we still don’t know quite what to expect. It’s just that kind of year.”

Tonkawa (7-0, 6-0)

at Wellston (4-3, 3-2)

It’s hard to find chinks in a team that has won 26 straight regular season games, but the Buccaneers may have one. It’s that most sinister of maladies: complacency.

Despite outscoring their foes 265-41 this season, with wins over Top 10 Luther and Davenport, the Bucs have looked a bit weary lately. Weary, and maybe just a little bored. Last week’s 32-7 drubbing of Barnsdall didn’t start until the second half, with the Bucs up just 12-7.

“We’ve got people getting flat lazy,” says Tonkawa coach Steve Love. “We’re depending on others to do the job, and we’re not going to go too far in the playoffs playing like that.”

That apathy is magnified, says Love, with a team like the Bucs, who make up for their lack of size with brutal intensity and blazing speed. At full power they’re unbeatable, at half power they’re just another team.

“We don’t have the big linemen who can take a play off and still look good,” Love continues. “(Scott) Klufa has to have blocking to look good, and when we play sloppy it really shows up.

“It’s hard to get fired up sometimes, but you just have to make yourself.”

Against lowly Wellston, Love will also make some adjustments on the line to make up for center Kenny Mahon, out with a banged knee. Austin Turner will move from left tackle, while Jim Estes will go to Turner’s position. Also, Kolby Simpson will return to the backfield after a week out with a knee injury.

All that should get the Bucs through to the playoffs, when they should have nearly everyone suited up, most notably running back Shane Randall, who broke his wrist two weeks ago.

OSU’s Rivers Another Mayes?

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

STILLWATER (AP) — The pattern was one Marcellus Rivers had run many times — a corner route in the end zone.

Oklahoma State quarterback Chris Chaloupka took a couple quick steps from center and lofted the ball in the tight end’s direction. A Kansas State player had great position in front of Rivers and got a hand on the ball as they went up.

But Rivers was able to reach over the defender, wrest the ball away and come down in the end zone. Touchdown.

‘‘That was flashback time,’’ coach Bob Simmons said. ‘‘That’s exactly what the other guy did, but not at such an early age like this kid did.’’

The other guy is Alonzo Mayes, and Rivers has been hearing the comparisons for a long time.

Mayes was a football and basketball star at Douglass High School in Oklahoma City before going on to Oklahoma State, where he became an All-America tight end last season as a senior.

The year Mayes went off to OSU, Rivers became a freshman at Douglass. He was given No. 85, the same number worn by Mayes, because the coaches said he reminded them of Mayes.

Rivers didn’t know who Mayes was, but found out during that freshman year. It was a game day, so Rivers was wearing his football jersey in school.

‘‘And he walks up to me and tells me, ‘If you’re going to wear that jersey, you got to wear it with pride like the man who stepped out of that jersey,’ ’’ Rivers said.

‘‘I was like, ‘Who stepped out of the jersey? It’s mine now.’ He said, ‘I stepped out of it.’ Then I went and asked coach about it and he showed me some film, so I kind of took it to heart.’’

The film showed someone who was virtually unstoppable as a high school tight end. Rivers became the same thing. As a senior, he caught 27 passes for 625 yards — a 23-yard average — and six touchdowns.

At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, Rivers is about the same size as Mayes. Like Mayes, he was a good basketball player in high school. And like Mayes, he figures to become an important part of Oklahoma State’s offense.

He had five catches last week against Kansas State, which Simmons called a ‘‘big jump.’’ It would not be a surprise if Rivers’ number is called a few times Saturday night against Oklahoma.

‘‘We want to be able to depend on a young kid,’’ Simmons said. ‘‘He had to show us that he was a dependable player. ... We decided to take a chance on him in this game and he came through.’’

Rivers said that as a youth, he was a fan of Oklahoma quarterback Jamelle Holieway. Rivers was recruited by the Sooners, but his relationship with Mayes helped steer him to Oklahoma State.

‘‘Alonzo had a big part in me coming here, really,’’ Rivers said. ‘‘He was my host on my visit and kind of talked about a lot of things, and I decided I wanted to come on after him.’’

Rivers was a redshirt last season, while Mayes was becoming an All-American. This year, he asked to wear Mayes’ No. 85. ‘‘He said he wanted me to have it.’’

Mayes now plays for the Chicago Bears. He and Rivers remain close, talking often by phone.

Rivers has grown used to the comparisons to Mayes and doesn’t mind them. He also doesn’t necessarily try to live up to them.

‘‘I really try to just be me,’’ he said. ‘‘I don’t really think about my goals, and just come out and play football and have fun. As long as I’m having fun, I’m happy.’’

Small Town Sooner Makes Big Impact

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

NORMAN (AP) — Rex Ryan was introduced to Michael Dulaney through a television screen as the Oklahoma defensive coordinator watched a highlight film put together by Dulaney’s coaches at Turpin High School

It was quite a first impression.

‘‘The only question we had was how big he was,’’ Ryan recalled. ‘‘It was amazing. This guy was just killing people. You can imagine this type of football player at that small a division school.

‘‘Every time he made a tackle, he’d knock somebody back. It was ridiculous.’’

Once the coaches found out Dulaney was 6-foot-1 and about 225 pounds, it became ‘‘a no-brainer — we were going to offer him (a scholarship), no doubt about it,’’ Ryan said.

‘‘The guy was awesome. He can’t do anything about the competition he was at. All he could do was go out and dominate, and that’s what he did.’’

Dulaney has continued to impress the defensive coaches since arriving in August. Last week against Missouri, the freshman made his first start at middle linebacker.

Not bad for someone from an unincorporated town of about 400. But not all that unexpected, either, as Dulaney sees it.

‘‘I had planned on being able to play a little bit,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s exciting, and I’m glad I do get to play a little bit.’’

Dulaney made a name for himself during two-a-day workouts, when he put a hit on fullback Jermaine Fazande that left Fazande with a broken jaw.

‘‘When I came here I was fourth string ... so I knew I had to do something,’’ he said. ‘‘Not necessarily hurt somebody, but really get after it in practice and show ’em I could play.’’

Did he know right away that Fazande was hurt?

‘‘Not initially, but when he turned around and started spitting out blood, I thought that was kind of a bad deal.’’

Dulaney is no stranger to having the other guy walk away dazed or injured.

‘‘I’m not trying to brag or anything, but during practices (in high school) I broke one kid’s collarbone. I knocked, I think, two or three people out and broke another one’s ribs,’’ he said.

‘‘I don’t try to hurt anybody, to tell you the truth. But it’s part of football.’’

Dulaney was a good student in high school, and Ryan says the freshman makes very few mental mistakes. But it’s the hitting that Dulaney most likes about football.

In high school, the coaches gave a weekly award to the player who made the biggest hit in the previous game. Dulaney says his goal every week was to get that award.

‘‘The physical part of the game has never been a problem for Mike,’’ Ryan said. ‘‘I don’t care if he was in an NFL camp. Physically, he’s not going to back down from anybody.’’

What Dulaney would like is for the team to have more success. At Turpin, he was part of teams that won two state titles and lost just seven games during his four years. Oklahoma enters the Oklahoma State game this week with a record of 2-4, and with widespread speculation that coach John Blake and his staff won’t be around next year.

‘‘It’s tough,’’ he said. ‘‘But every year I guess you get new opportunities, so you’ve just got to prove yourself every year.’’