LOCAL

Nickles Underscores Lack Of Need for Nuclear Treaty
Miss Tonkawa Competes Friday at NSU Pageant
Teacher Sues Former Principal, School District
One Hundred Years of Broadway
Warning Sounds on Apple Cider in N.E. Oklahoma

Nickles Underscores Lack Of Need for Nuclear Treaty

WASHINGTON, — Oklahoma Senator Don Nickles voted Wednesday to defeat what he termed as a fatally-flawed nuclear treaty that would have undermined America’s national security and increased nuclear proliferation around the world.

“The treaty is III-conceived, short-sighted and dangerous, Not only would it undermine our national security, but also it would not fulfill its stated objectives. It would not stop proliferation and, in the end, could actually accelerate nuclear proliferation,” said Nickles.

The treaty fell far short of the constitutionally required margin of support for Senate ratification. Fifty other senators joined Nickles in voting against the treaty.

“The treaty weakens the United States by restricting our ability to make sure current weapons stockpiles are reliable and safe and by impeding any modernization needed to respond to changing security threats,” said Nickles.

“We already have a non proliferation treaty that is supposed to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. Non-nuclear states who have signed that treaty are already committed to not build or obtain nuclear weapons. For them this treaty entails no new obligation, while placing additional restrictions on the United States. I do not believe ratification of this treaty would alter the nuclear proliferation efforts of rogue nations like Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea or Pakistan.

“This treaty could actually have a reverse effect and result in greater nuclear proliferation. As one former Defense Secretary has noted, eroding confidence in the reliability of the U.S. weapons could lead nations that have been content to rely on American protection to develop their own nuclear protection,” Nickles said.

Miss Tonkawa Competes Friday at NSU Pageant

Bridget Vickery was recently awarded the title of Miss Tonkawa. Bridget is the daughter of Rodney and Renée Vickery and the granddaughter of Ralph and Mildred Vickery of Newkirk and Harry and Vivian Depew of Tulsa.

Bridget will be competing in the Miss Cinderella Beauty Pageant at Northwestern State University on Friday. She has already earned a one-year scholarship for tuition at Northwestern and has the opportunity, through participating in the pageant, to receive up to a full four year, all-inclusive scholarship.

Miss Vickery has been a cheerleader for three years. Her honors include Oklahoma State Champion (class 2A) in 1997, All American nominee cheerleader in 1998 and Academic State Champion in 1998 through 2000. She has been in track for four years; her honors include State Qualifier in 1998, and Academic State Champion in 1998 - 1999.

Bridget has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll for one year, Superintendents Honor Roll for two years, National Honor Society for two years and in Student Council for four years and currently is Student Council Reporter. Bridget was also a Girls State nominee in 1999. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and active in the First Christian Youth Group of Tonkawa.

Teacher Sues Former Principal, School District

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A kindergarten teacher has filed a lawsuit against a former principal and the Oklahoma City School District seeking at least $30,000 for alleged slander and emotional distress.

Georgia Iannello filed the lawsuit Tuesday against former Mark Twain Elementary Principal Henry Walding and the district.

Ms. Iannello, who has taught in the school system for more than 30 years, accused Walding of causing severe emotional distress by verbally reprimanding her, threatening to fire her, writing ‘‘unjustified negative evaluations’’ and creating a hostile work environment.

Ms. Iannello included the school district in the lawsuit because she said the district did nothing to stop Walding’s behavior.

The slander allegation involves comments Ms. Iannello said Walding made publicly about her and her teaching ability.

Walding said he didn’t know how Ms. Iannello could support her allegations. ‘‘I guess anyone can file a lawsuit for anything they want against anyone,’’ he said. ‘‘Having some basis for that is another story.’’ He said he wasn’t overly worried.

District spokeswoman Cynthia Reid said attorneys did not want to comment until they had seen the lawsuit.

Walding has been moved to principal at Adams Elementary. Ms. Iannello now teaches at Lee Elementary.

One Hundred Years of Broadway

Directors Will Include Leslie Rardin

“One Hundred Years of Broadway,” the musical entertainment highlighting New Year’s Eve festivities here in Ponca City, plays once only at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31 in the Poncan Theatre.

Tickets are on sale Friday in the Poncan office from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Premier seating, including an hors d’oevres reception at Home National Bank, is $40; $20 and $25 tickets are also to be sold.

Leslie Rardin, well-known local musician, and Dr. William T. McConnell of Tulsa have been named director and conductor, respectively.

Rardin has taught piano and voice in her private studio for over 40 years. A former choral director at the Ponca City High School and retired minister of music at the First Presbyterian Church, Rardin is a graduate of Oklahoma State University. She is active in the Ponca City Music Club, the Community Concert Association, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Pioneer Genealogy Society and is chairperson of the Cultural Affairs Commission.

As a teacher at Po-Hi, she directed six Pon-Dram Panics and several full-scaled musicals. She was co-author, composer and musical director of the centennial musical “The Gift of Willie Cry,” a work for which she won a national DAR award. She has also directed for the Ponca Playhouse and been musical director for “Taste and Tasteless” for the past several years.

Dr. William T. McConnell Jr., director of music at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Tulsa, will conduct the orchestra for the millennium evening. He holds an adjunct appointment in the music department of Oral Roberts University where he teaches courses in music theory and sacred music. He is assistant conductor of the Tulsa Community College community chorus and has performed with the Oklahoma Sinfonia and the Tulsa Ballet.

A native of Charlotte, N.C., his three degrees in music are from Oral Roberts University, East Carolina University and the University of Cincinnati-Conservatory of Music. He conducted the Cincinnati POPS orchestra and the Cincinnati May Festival Chorus.

The evening is presented by the Ponca City Millennium Commission and sponsored by Conoco Inc., Home National Bank and Smith Home Furnishings.

Warning Sounds on Apple Cider in N.E. Oklahoma

TULSA (AP) — A 4-year-old girl whose kidneys failed after drinking unpasteurized apple cider believed to have contained E. coli bacteria remains in critical condition at a Tulsa hospital.

State health authorities say she is one of four cases of the disease in children ages 2 to 11 in the Tulsa area. Four other children from the area suspected of contracting the bacteria have been treated and released from the hospital, the Oklahoma Health Department said Wednesday.

The agency warned northeastern Oklahoma residents not to drink unpasteurized apple cider from Livesay Orchards in Porter.

The product is sold in half-gallon and one-gallon containers and is labeled as apple cider produced at the Wagoner County orchard. The cider has been associated with cases of E. coli gastroenteritis in the Tulsa area, health officials said.

Anyone who has consumed the cider and now has diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain should contact a doctor and dispose of the rest of the cider, health officials said.

‘‘This is a disease which has been implicated in various outbreaks over the last several years, most often related to undercooked hamburger meat, but it also has been implicated in unpasteurized products,’’ said Dr. Mike Crutcher, state epidemiologist with the state Health Department.

‘‘It is a disease that can be fairly mild and uncomplicated or extremely severe, and occasionally results in death, especially in young children.’’

Symptoms of E. coli include watery diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, low-grade fevers and blood in the stool. Symptoms can start two to six days after exposure.

E. coli starts to destroy the organs and can lead to hemolytic-uremic syndrome, a disease that destroys red blood cells and causes kidney failure.

The E. coli bacterium exists in the large intestine of humans and usually causes no trouble. It also is very common in the guts of cattle and can be spread when humans ingest certain products like apples that have become contaminated with cattle manure, officials said.

DEATHS

Retta N. Johnson McHenry
Opal Lavelle Harvey
Ralph James Watson
Ben Jack Powers Sr.

Retta N. Johnson McHenry

NEWKIRK — Retta N. Johnson McHenry, former resident of Newkirk and resident of Cheyenne, Wyo., died Thursday, Oct. 7, 1999, at the United Medical Center-West in Cheyenne. She was 63.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14, 1999, in the Newkirk Cemetery. Viewing will be Thursday until 9 p.m. and Friday until 10 a.m. at the Miller-Stahl Funeral Service in Newkirk. A vigil was held Tuesday evening at the Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes followed by the funeral liturgy Wednesday morning in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Cheyenne, Wyo.

Retta N. Johnson McHenry was born March 18, 1936, on a farm east of Newkirk, the daughter of Dave and Stella Ann (Ramsey) Johnson. After her parents deaths, she and her siblings were adopted by Ralph and Thelma Blenz. In 1946, they moved to Arkansas City, and in 1950, they moved to Cheyenne where she completed her education and graduated from high school. She worked for a number of years in food services with school districts and organizations in Cheyenne. She was a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Cheyenne.

She is survived by one son, Bill McHenry of Cheyenne; two daughters, Debra Ornelas and Dephne Garcia, both of Cheyenne; one brother, John Blenz of Blackwell; three sisters, Virginia Schoenover of Arkansas City, Kan., Emma Jennings of Farmington, Mo., and Marjorie Hunt of Duluth, Minn.; three stepbrothers, Paul Chandler and Bob Chandler, both of San Diego, Calif., and Tom Chandler of Wilmington, S.C.; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nephews and nieces.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her adoptive parents; one brother, James Thompson; and one sister, Lela Thompson Pappan.

Opal Lavelle Harvey

NEWKIRK — Opal Lavelle Harvey, former Newkirk resident, died Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1999, at the Azle Manor Nursing Home in Azle, Texas. She was 95.

The funeral will be 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, 1999, at the Newkirk First Christian Church with the Rev. Jerry Albright officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Cemetery in Ponca City under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Home. Grandchildren will serve as casket bearers. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday until 9 p.m. and Saturday until 1 p.m. The casket will not be opened at the church.

Opal Lavelle Harvey was born Sept. 24, 1904, at Overbrook, Okla., the daughter of John A. and Henry Etta Pharr. On Jan. 11, 1938, she married Louis A. Harvey in Cottonwood Falls, Kan. They made their home at Thrall, Kan., before moving to Newkirk in 1956. He died June 8, 1974. She had been a resident of Azle for the past four and a half years.

She was a member of the First Christian Church of Newkirk, the Eastern Star and the Royal Neighbors.

She is survived by a daughter, Beverly Mitchell Tuck of Fort Worth, Texas; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three step grandchildren; three step great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and nine brothers.

Ralph James Watson

WINFIELD, Kan. — Ralph James Watson, resident of Winfield, died Monday evening, Oct. 11, 1999, at the Good Samaritan Village in Winfield, Kan. He was 88.

The funeral was to be held at 2 p.m. today, Oct. 14, 1999, at Miles Funeral Service of Winfield. Burial will be at Mount Vernon Cemetery, west of Winfield, Kan.

Ralph James “Jim” Watson was born Sept. 28, 1911, in Dale, Kan., one of 10 children of Harry A. and Mattie E. Hill Watson. He received his education in the Winfield schools. He married Macel Marcella Norris in Wellington, Kan., on Dec. 24, 1931. They made their home in Winfield. In the early 1950s, he and his partners, Joe Everly and Ben Grallap, formed Watson Drilling Co. He retired in the mid 1970s and farmed and ranched north of Winfield until the early 1990s.

Survivors include a son, James Watson of Ponca City; two brothers, Pearl A. Watson of Winfield, Kan., and Arthur Watson of California; three sisters, Helen Wise of Udall, Kan., Jane Conley of Holcomb, Kan., and Harriet Watson of Winfield, Kan.; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years on July 14, 1983; his parents; and a sister, Della Smith.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Winfield Good Samaritan Village, c/o Miles Funeral Service, 4001 East Ninth Avenue, Winfield, Kan. 67156.

Ben Jack Powers Sr.

PERRY — Ben Jack Powers Sr., longtime resident of Perry, died Tuesday, Oct. 12 3. 1999, at the St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital in Enid. He was 69.

A memorial service was to be held 10 a.m. today, Oct. 14, 1999, at the First Christian Church in Perry.

Ben Jack Powers Sr. was born Jan. 10, 1930, in Yale to Ben and Bessie Powers. He attended Norfolk schools, graduating in 1948. In 1948, he married Dona Lee Henderson. He shod, trained and traded horses throughout northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas.

He is survived by his wife of the home; three sons, Ben Jack Powers Jr. of Ponca City, Kenny Powers of Perry, and Page Powers of Dalhart, Texas; two daughters, Melody Terry of Tulsa and Kimberly Tovar of Dalhart, Texas; and 11 grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Building Fund of the First Christian Church, Seventh and Holly, Perry, Okla. 73077, or the American Diabetes Association, 6465 S. Yale, Suite 423, Tulsa, Okla. 74136.

NEWS BRIEFS

Water Garden Society — Members of the Pioneer Water Garden Society will meet Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Cann Garden. Officers for 2000 will be elected. Anyone interested in water gardens is welcome to attend. For more information call Ray Moreland, 762-7806.

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.

School Carnival — Residents are invited to Washington Elementary’s Family Fun Night on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be games, prizes and food.

Estate Auction, Saturday, October 16th, 10 a.m., 1612 Pecan. Two vehicles, 1990 Toyota

Camry DX; 1985 Toyota Tercel Wagon; furniture; appliances; collectibles; miscellaneous and garage items. J.B. Smith Real Estate and Auction. 765-2500. adv.

Chicken Noodle Dinner — Chicken Noodle Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty. Adults $4, children $2; homemade pie $.50.

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

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.

20% Off all picture frames, until October 15th. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, downtown Ponca City. adv.

Bicycle Found — A person from the 500 block of North Pine Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday that a bicycle had been found. Animal Control was contacted to remove the bicycle.

Shoplifter — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:11 p.m. Wednesday that a juvenile shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 16-year-old girl was held for petit larceny.

Shoplifter — An employee of Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:20 p.m. Thursday that a woman was in custody as a shoplifter. An officer was assigned and an 18-year-old woman was held for petit larceny.

Chilocco Alumnae — All Chilocco graduates from north-central Oklahoma are invited to attend a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15. The purpose for the meeting is to socialize, reminisce and discuss the formation of a new association chapter. For information about the meeting place call Addie, 762-0203.

Benefit Dance — Chapter 750 Vietnam Veterans of America is sponsoring a dance at the American Legion on Oct. 23 to benefit the Ponca City Fire Department Medical Service. E.O.S. with Bruce Benson will be providing Blues and Rock and Roll music. Tickets are $7 and are available at the American Legion located at 407 West South Avenue, or from VVA members, or you may pay at the door. Food and beverages will be provided and a pay bar is available. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. For more Information or group tickets, contact Mike Isbell at 765-7345. You must be 21 or older to attend.

PCAA Christmas Sale — The annual Ponca City Art Association’s Christmas sale will be held Monday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Art Center, 819 East Central. Miscellaneous items galore, including Christmas items, housewares, and bikes, will be available. Shop early.

Fire Extinguished — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 8:12 a.m. Wednesday that he had just put out a fire in a dumpster of a business at the intersection of North Second Street and East Highland Avenue. The information was logged.

Washington School Carnival. Friday, October 15th, 5-8 pm. Food, games, prizes, music. Everyone Welcome! adv.

Caught Napping — A man from the 500 block of North First Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:44 a.m. Wednesday that a man was asleep beside the store. An officer was assigned and a 24-year-old man was held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Head Country all day Friday special­ All you can eat, smoked BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $7.49, all day. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Forged Checks — An officer took two reports of forged checks from an employee at Wal-Mart at 3:18 p.m. Wednesday.

Subject Held — The Ponca City Police Department received a call at 8:01 p.m. Wednesday that assistance was needed at a residence for a subject. Two officers were assigned and a 36-year-old man was held for violation of exparte.

Accident — The Ponca City Police Department received a report of an accident in the parking lot of Pioneer Bank at 10:59 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday special from 4-? 1/2 BBQ chicken with 2 vegetables. $4.25. 215 South 14th. 765-7979. adv.

Hit and Run — An officer at Ponca City High School reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:06 p.m. Wednesday that a hit and run accident had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Information was logged on the identity of the suspected vehicle involved.

Burglary — A woman from the 3500 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:49 p.m. Wednesday that the apartment had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a burglary report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1400 block of West South Avenue at 4:50 p.m. Wednesday that a 25-year-old man was held for driving under suspension, having no insurance and speeding.

Gate Vandalized — A woman from the 900 block of South Ninth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:55 p.m. Wednesday that someone had vandalized the gate. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. An extra patrol of the area was requested.

Pauline’s Shrimp Peel, All you can eat. $11.95, Friday, October 1. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Attempted Burglary — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 5:04 p.m. Wednesday to report an attempted auto burglary at Ponca City High School. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 10:20 p.m. Wednesday from an employee at Wal-Mart that a suspicious subject was at the store. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and a 28-year-old man was held for possession of drug paraphernalia, controlled dangerous substance, and two Kay County warrants. A vehicle was towed from the scene and a report was taken.

PCSEA Bingo — October PCSEA Bingo will be Saturday in the Conoco atrium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and bingo starts at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited. The theme will be celebrating the baseball world series.

GARDENING

Diggin’ in the Dirt
Foundation Offers Free Autumn Trees
Falling for Autumn in Oklahoma

Diggin’ in the Dirt

By KATHY ZEHR

It’s time to prepare roses for the big chill in north central Oklahoma. First, we novices need to stop fertilizing and quit nipping off the spent blooms. Many experienced rose growers stopped these practices in August or September. Deadheading (nipping of the blooms) is stopped so the blooms can form seed pods (hips) and this signals the plant to slow its growth and prepare for dormancy. Roses need to be in full dormancy by freezing weather.

You can tell when many roses are dormant — when the canes turn (or are streaked) purple. After dormancy has set in, and EVERY LEAF has fallen or been removed by hand, take away and destroy the summer mulch and leaf litter around the plant. This gets rid of many pests and potential diseases, including black spot, which will overwinter in the trash around the plant. Then give the roses a deep watering.

To protect the plant, Keira Durham, a writer for the well known Burpee Seed Co., says “there are a lot of fancy, schmancy contraptions on the market to wrap around your roses, but some soil and fresh mulch will do the job just as well.” She advises mounding up the dirt around the base of the rose until it is about a foot above the “knuckle” where the rose was grafted to the rootstock in the beginning of its life. Then cover the mound of soil with about 12 inches of clean mulch (straw or a good homemade compost).

If the plant is in a windy place or where wild animals may dig at it, some chicken wire around the base will keep the compost in place and the critters out. The volcano-like mound keeps the ground frozen and stops the dirt around the rose from thawing and re-freezing, which is harder on the plant. Many rose growers wait until early spring to prune, since varying degrees of the plant growth will die back during the winter and they would just have to prune again in the spring. We will talk about pruning in a spring column.

The Falling Leaves

The colorful falling leaves floating gently into yards and on rooftops, or dancing like choreographed troops down the street in the wind, are one of my favorite sights, and I can watch them for hours. In addition to their shade, beauty, and other attributes, the leaves continue to serve us by turning into highly-prized compost for the yard and garden. In early years, before most local gardeners realized the value, and I did not have enough trees to furnish leaves for compost, my neighbors will tell you I begged for their leaves or quietly picked up a few bags left at somebody’s curbside for the trash man. If you are have trouble waiting for leaves to “cook” into usable compost, look for compost formulas at garden supply stores to speed it up. For those who do not have garden shredders, try running over the leaves a few times with the lawn mower.

Lawns, Iris, and Pecan Tips

Fall is the time to seed bluegrass, fescue or ryegrass as needed in shady areas and to establish cool-season lawns. Many types of lawn grasses would appreciate a good application of fertilizer now. There are so many varieties grown in north central Oklahoma that space will not allow me to name and sort them all. Many area residents have more than one type of turf for various parts of the yard. I suggest the gardener consult a local nursery for advice for his/her type of lawn care or reseeding for fall.

Our pecans are beginning to drop from the tree, but some species will wait a little longer. After picking them up, be sure to dry the pecans in a cool, dry place for at least two weeks before cracking. After nut drop, clean up all old nuts, shells and leaves under the trees to discourage overwintering of pests and their eggs. Shelled pecans keep two years or more in the freezer. Do not store whole pecans in plastic bags as the moisture in them sometimes causes mold.

Jerry Cathey, with the local Iris Society, also reminds that it is about time to stop planting iris rhizomes. Since the rhizomes sit on top of the soil, it is important that the hairy little roots are well established before winter. Save extra rhizomes in a cool dry place until spring, along with other tender bulbs such as elephant ear, cannas, and caladium.

Vegetable gardeners still have time to plant a few radishes and lettuce for fresh tasty fall salads - but don’t tarry.

Foundation Offers Free Autumn Trees

Ten free trees, autumn classics, will be given to each person who joins The National Arbor Day Foundation during October 1999.

The free trees are part of the nonprofit Foundation’s Trees for America campaign.

The ten trees are two Sugar Maples, Scarlet Oak, Sweetgum, Red Oak, Silver Maple, White Dogwood, Washington Hawthorn, and two Red Maples.

“These trees will produce vibrant red, orange, yellow, scarlet, and purple leaves in the fall,” John Rosenow, the Foundation’s president, said.

The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting between Nov. 1 and Dec. 10 with enclosed planting instructions. The six to twelve inch trees are guaranteed to grow, or they will be replaced free of charge.

To receive the free trees, send a $10 membership contribution to AUTUMN CLASSIC TREES, National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, by Oct. 31, 1999.

Falling for Autumn in Oklahoma

By Ron Stahl

Oklahoma State Parks & Resorts

Summer conjures up images of boating, swimming and camping and when summer is over many people think that outdoor fun is over too. They think the only outdoor activity in the fall is watching the leaves change color. That’s a beautiful thing, but for excitement, it ranks right up there with watching the grass grow. Those people need to change their attitudes about the autumn outdoors.

Autumn in Oklahoma’s State Parks and Resorts is more than just leaves. In southeastern Oklahoma, many state parks and cities celebrate the changing of the seasons with festivals. Two of the largest and oldest are the Robbers Cave Fall Festival, Oct. 15 through 17 at Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton and the Beavers Bend Folk Festival and Craft Show at Beavers Bend State Park. The Robbers Cave Fall Festival features more than 250 outdoor art and craft vendors, entertainment, a carnival and a parade. Nov. 12-14, Beavers Bend Resort Park, near Broken Bow, is host to the Beavers Bend Folk Festival and Craft Show, with arts and crafts, live entertainment, food and games.

While younger than these other two festivals, Sequoyah Resort Park’s Fall Festival, Nov. 5-7, is quickly becoming one of the most popular events in northeastern Oklahoma. It features an 1830s encampment and crafts, but also offers self-proclaimed “chili heads” a chance to compete in the annual chili cook-off. Sequoyah Resort Park is located on Fort Gibson Lake near the city of Wagoner.

Eagle Watching

Autumn is also a wonderful time for wildlife watching in Oklahoma State Parks. Cooler weather means that animals that hid from the summer heat are more active. Fall is primetime viewing for migrating species of birds and waterfowl. Eagle watching, for instance, has become one of the most popular fall activities in the state. The eagles begin filtering into the parks in November and stay through the winter. Birding is one of the most popular fall activities at Great Salt Plains State Park, near Jet, which annually receives visits from the endangered whooping crane.

The woods take on a different air in autumn. The brisk mornings are made for being outdoors and the hiking, biking and equestrian trails are quite popular this time of year. The hot, lethargic days of summer surrender to the cool, active days of fall. For those not confined to the recliner and chained to the television remote, autumn in the State Parks provides an opportunity to enjoy one of the best seasons for being outside. The fish bite better, the birds sing louder and the walks seem less tiring and more fulfilling.

Nature Programs

If learning is what you seek, park naturalists prepare many exciting and interesting programs geared to the wonders of the season and they’re happy to share them. Join them and be sure to bring your binoculars and hiking boots. Oh, and you might want to pick up your fishing rod on the way out the door and get hooked on autumn fishing at Oklahoma’s State Parks and Resorts.

When the weather cools down, the fishing heats up. November brings trout season to Roman Nose Resort Park, Robbers Cave, Black Mesa and Quartz Mountain. Trout fishing is year-round at Beavers Bend and on the Illinois River near Tenkiller State Park.

October also brings Halloween and many Oklahoma State Parks become spooky places when the sun sets.

But if watching the leaves change color is still your favorite fall activity, few states offer the diversity of Oklahoma. From the lush forests of the eastern counties to the mesas of the Panhandle, from the semi-arid southwest to the lakes of the northeast, Oklahoma in the fall is a vast canvas of color and texture.

No doubt the most popular section of Oklahoma for fall foliage viewing is the southeastern quadrant. Thousands of tourists make the trek to southeastern Oklahoma each year between mid-October and early November. The hardwood forests of the southeast, set against the breathtaking mountains, provide a glorious display during peak times. The northeastern quadrant is a close second. The rolling, golden hills of the Osage and the forested lakes of the northeast are magnets for those who love the leaves. But the colors of western Oklahoma can rival anything in the southeast and northeast in variety. Roman Nose and Red Rock Canyon State Parks’ fall foliage is as brilliant and beautiful as any other area in the state.

Those who time their trips well are treated to some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. And those who know will tell you that timing is everything. Good timing can be just a phone call away. Call the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation at (800) 652-6552 for fall foliage conditions around the state.

A full list of autumn activities is available on the Oklahoma State Parks and Resorts website at www.touroklahoma.com or by calling 1-800-654-8240.

Summer may be gone but there is excitement, beauty and adventure in the air this autumn at Oklahoma State Parks and Resorts.

Ron Stahl is the Communications and Marketing Coordinator for Oklahoma Parks & Resorts. He can be reached at (405) 522 1381 or by e-mail at rstahl@otrd.state.ok.us.

SPORTS

Enid Learned From Defeat
Tonkawa Aiming For This Game

Enid Learned From Defeat

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

ENID — Can anything come from a 47-14 loss?

Enid coach Ed Jones apparently thinks so. Jones was impressed with the way the Plainsmen stayed focused and came back after being down 30-0 to Tulsa Union at halftime last Friday.

The new Enid coach is hoping that kind of desire will carry over to this week when the Plainsmen host Ponca City’s Wildcats.

Enid would like nothing better that to beat the Wildcats for the 10 straight time and in the process get out from under the onus of having lost their first six game for the first time in their history.

Enid got off to a struggling start and losing their starting quarterback two weeks ago in the game with Sand Springs didn’t help.

Senior replacement John Lamerton had a baptism under fire against Union but did lead Enid to two third quarter touchdowns.

Lamerton is 13-of-42 passing for 136 yards but has been intercepted four times in his brief appearances.

Turnovers have plagued the Plainsmen. The have a total of 20 turnovers in six games, nine fumbles lost and 11 passes intercepted.

But when they have been able to keep the ball, they have had some success. James Williams is the leading ground gainer with 358 yards on 40 carries.

Williams set up one Enid touchdown last Friday with a 49-yard run.

The second back in Enid’s veer offense, DeAundrae Dority had 912 yards rushing against Union, with 86 of those yards coming on one touchdown sprint.

When passes don’t fall into opposing hands, wide receiver Ser Edwards has 18 catches for 284 yards.

Enid will come out in a 4-4 look-alike defense, but usually drops off two linebackers.

The last time the Plainsmen lost to the Wildcats was a 6-2 decision in 1985. Enid owns a 42-26-6 margin in the series that started in 1920.

Tonkawa Aiming For This Game

This is the one Tonkawa has been aiming for.

The Buccaneers face Barnsdall in a clash of District A-5 unbeatens Friday night in Barnsdall.

That battle headlines the Week 7 schedule of area football games which finds only three teams playing at home

Blackwell plays host to Tecumseh, Shidler takes on Kremlin and Deer Creek-Lamont takes a break from District C-3 action to meet independent Moore Christian.

In other away games, Newkirk is at Hominy, Woodland travels to Davenport, Pawnee tackles Nowata and Morrison is at Bowlegs.

Tonkawa (5-0, 6-0) at Barnsdall (4-0, 6-0)

“This game is for the lead in the district and probably for the district championship,” Tonkawa coach Steve Love said. “This is two pretty good teams going at it.”

It is also the league’s top offensive team vs. the best defensive team.

Tonkawa has sailed through the first half of its schedule, averaging just better than 60 points a game.

Barnsdall, meanwhile, has allowed six opponents a total of 13 points, all together.

“I think those statistics are a bit misleading,” Love said. “I think we’ve played a tougher schedule than Barnsdall has.

“But they do present some problems for us. They have some big linemen, who average 250 pounds a man.

“On offen se they run out of several formations. Sometimes they will be in a non-back and sometime in a T formation with double tight ends.

“Defensively, they use a split six with those big linemen up front,

“They are a good team.”

On the plus side, the Bus are completely healthy with the return of senior linemen Jim Estes and Austin Turner.

Newkirk (2-1, 4-2) at Hominy (2-1, 4-2)

The Newkirk-Hominy rivalry is not what it use to be, but this game is crucial to the playoff hopes of both clubs.

The Tigers are attempting to recover from a 36-6 loss to District 2A-5 front runner Nowata last Friday.

But coach Sonny Schovanec says his gridders have nothing to hang their heads about.

“Our two losses have to been to Top 5 teams,” he notes. Nowata is currently ranked No. 2 in the state in Class 2A.

But the race for the No. 2 spot in the district is tight with Newkirk, Hominy, Pawnee and Sperry all at 2-1 in district games.

Schovanec says Hominy will use its size to try to control the game

“They will run right at you,” the coach said, ‘ using those big ole linemen. They won’t do anything fancy.

Defensively, Schovanec expects the Bucks will stack the line trying to stop the Newkirk running game.

One way to beat that is to throw over it, but the Tigers have not had a lot of success throwing the ball.

“We throw and catch all right, but we’ve had trouble giving the quarterback enough time to throw,” Schovanec says.

Woodland (2-1, 2-4) at Davenport (1-3, 2-4)

Cougars coach Curtis Layton feels like his team is back on track after a 40-6 blowout win over Depew last week.

“Now we just have to take care of business,” Layton said. “We hold our own destiny in our hands.”

However, he is not real sure what to expect from Davenport.

“We have two films of them and they’ve use a different offense in each one. Davenport tried to confuse Tonkawa by using a shotgun formation. Earlier they ran the option.

“We’ll keep our game plan pretty basic and try to expect anything.”

Layton is somewhat concerned about his team having the long road trip to Davenport.

“This one of three two-hour road trips we have this season, he said. “So the players better get use to it.”

In other area games:

Pawnee (2-1, 3-3) at Nowata (3-0, 6-0)

Morrison (3-0, 6-0) at Bowlegs (0-3, 0-6)

Shidler (0-3, 2-4) vs. Kremlin (1-1, 4-2)

DCLA (1-2, 2-4) vs. Moore Christian (2-3)