LOCAL

Changing Lightbulbs Big Expense for City
Nearly News
PTC Board President Reaches High Level
Program on Exhibits For Pioneer Rotary At Noon This Friday
Ponca Playhouse Auditions Set
Markets

Changing Lightbulbs Big Expense for City

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Often homeowners get an-noyed if they have to replace a few light bulbs in a year and a half, but considering the City of Ponca City’s 1,680 signal light bulbs that are changed out over a period of about 18-months, this seems a minor wattage problem.

Currently the traffic department, under the direction of Mike Lane, is doing routine maintenance in the central business district. According to Bill Taylor, signal technician, this is a bit hairy working under traffic on Grand Avenue, but not nearly as exciting as replacing bulbs on North Fourteenth.

In addition to replacing bulbs in the red, yellow and green signal sockets, the “Walk” and “Don’t Walk,” signals require bulbs. For the color signal lights there are 135 watt bulbs with a rating of 125-130 volts. The life of a signal light bulb is about 8,000 hours. There are 39 signalized intersections in Ponca City. The budget is about $2,500 a year for bulbs, according to Lane.

It takes one worker putting in eight hours a day, about three or four days to do the maintenance in the downtown area. But of course it also requires a driver to park the truck and direct traffic around the vehicle or move it if parked behind a shopper. Taylor said the work schedule usually calls for the downtown area to be done in the fall and the outlying areas, such as North Fourteenth, in the spring.

Street Light Maintenance

Joking with Lane about at least the City didn’t have to pay a utility bill for electricity, Lane commented this is true but the citizens also have “free street lights” from the municipally owned electric company. He noted if electricity becomes privatized this may not be the case.

This brought to mind another spectrum of city lighting. Talking with Randy Edwards director of maintenance for the Water and Light Department, he said street lights bulbs are changed on a “need” basics.

Edwards said that the department drives the streets on a regular basis checking for street lights that need bulbs replaced or other maintenance, but can’t begin to catch them all.

More often than not citizens call in and tell that the light is out and then the bulb is replaced. Currently there are about 60 work orders to replace bulbs.

There are so many street lights, many still on wooden poles, that the department doesn’t have an accurate count, but speculation is it would number in the thousands.

Two types of bulbs used for street lights, are 100 and 175 watt mercury vapor and the 150 watt high pressure sodium yellow lights. Also there are the 250 watt high pressure sodium system lights such as used on North Fourteenth Street.

In addition to bulb changing there is other maintenance connected with the street lights. The early Spring hail storm knocked out many of the automatic eyes that turn the lights off and on. The cost for that particularly hail storm damage was about $10,000.

Painting the metal poles is another expense. This year’s budget called for $20,000 for this maintenance. Areas targeted or those in the process of being painted are West Grand, Lake Road, North Fourteenth and south of Grand.

Nearly News

Oklahoma Poet Laureate Joe Kreger and Oklahoma Balladeer Les Gilliam will be appearing at Northern Oklahoma College’s celebration of the 91st birthday of the state on Nov. 16 in Tonkawa. Contrary to a News article Wednesday, the 16th is on Monday. The celebration begins at 8 p.m. in the Northern Oklahoma Performing Arts Center.

By the way, NN wonders if a cowboy is the top poet in the state, shouldn’t he be a “poet lariat?”

PTC Board President Reaches High Level

Pioneer Technology Center’s Board President, Fred Haub, officially reached Level V of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA). Haub was recognized for his achievement with a trophy and a certificate at the recent OSSBA Fall District meeting.

The OSSBA School Board Academy recognizes school board members that continue to increase their knowledge of boardsmanship and those who go beyond the training that is required by law. Board members earn their credits by attending OSSBA sponsored workshops. The OSSBA tracks workshop attendance and notifies board members when they are eligible for another Academy rank.

According to JoAnn Yandell, OSSBA, “To achieve the Level V rank, a member must earn 500 points in 10 years or less. Fred Haub is one of the very few board members that have achieved this level.”

Haub has been a board member at Pioneer Technology Center for nine years. During this time he has served as vice president and three terms as president.

Since 1994, Haub has been actively involved in OSSBA and he is one of the 37 members from across the state that serves on the OSSBA board. In addition, Haub has served as the chairperson of the Policy Committee for OSSBA.

In 1996, he was recognized for his leadership at the state and local levels by being recognized with the Buddy Spencer Leadership Award. In the same year, Haub also received the OSSBA All State School Board Award.

Haub is very active in the Oklahoma Vocational Technical Education Council (OVTEC). He currently serves on this board and has officiated as president and the awards chairperson.

He received the OVTEC Policy Maker of the Year Award in 1997 for his contributions to vocational technical education.

Haub retired from Conoco in 1993, while serving as manager of the Ponca City Refinery Projects and Building Operations.

Program on Exhibits For Pioneer Rotary At Noon This Friday

Diana Horning and Deborah Wagner will present a program on Exhibits at the New Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History at the noon Friday meeting of the Pioneer Rotary. The meeting will be at E.W.’s Restaurant at the Marland Estate Conference Center.

The exhibit developers for the museum will be making a presentation on museum exhibits, which includes a slide presentation. Wagner is an exhibit developer working on earth science exhibits in the Ancient Life Gallery. She has an M.A. degree in History of Science from the University of Oklahoma.

Horning is an exhibit developer working on life sciences exhibits in the Natural Wonders Gallery. She has an M.A. in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Louisiana Tech University and is a certified high school teacher.

The public is welcome to attend.

Ponca Playhouse Auditions Set

Ponca Playhouse will hold auditions for Neil Simon’s comedy, “The Sunshine Boys” on Sunday and Monday at 7 p.m. at the Playhouse rehearsal hall at First Street and Oklahoma Avenue.

Kenn Wessel, executive director for the Poncan Theatre Company will be guest director for the Jan. 29, 1999, production.

In regard to the holiday rehearsals, Wessel said, “Rehearsals will be sporadic through December because of the busy holiday season. a tighter schedule is expected through January.”

In “Sunshine Boys,” there are major roles for two mature men, and another major role for a man or woman. Several smaller roles are available for both men and women.

The story behind “Sunshine Boys,” features Willie Clark and Al Lewis, two cantankerous old comedians whose Vaudeville act is legend. They have not worked together for many years and now Willie is living in an old Broadway hotel, visited every Wednesday by his nephew and agent, Ben. Willie doesn’t get much work and when Ben receives an offer from CBS-TV for a one-sketch Lewis and Clark reunion he railroads the reluctant Willie into seeing Al, who is now living in New Jersey with his daughter and her family.

Willie and Al do not get on, and the rest of the play is about their struggles to relive their golden moment of comedy for CBS.

Performance dates for “The Sunshine Boys” are January 29-31 and Feb. 5-6. Conoco is serving as corporate sponsor with additional funding provided by the Oklahoma Arts Council.

No experience is necessary to audition for “Sunshine Boys” and all roles are won on the basis of open auditions.

Markets

Prices as of 11 a.m. Today

Jay’s Farm and Ranch Supply

Large Eggs 75

Medium Eggs 50

Light Hens 42

Heavy Hens 37

Farmer’s Co-op Assn.

Wheat 2.84

Milo 3.12

Soybeans 5.19

DEATHS

Ethel J. Bailey
James C. Barnes
Paul T. Matson
Edith Marie Morton
Joseph J. Hill
Lawrence Lewis Fleck
Pat Buffalohead
James A. Lytle

Ethel J. Bailey

RANCHO BERNARDO, Calif. — Ethel J. Bailey, former Ponca City resident, died Sept. 29, 1998, at a local care facility in Rancho Bernardo, Calif. She was 76.

A memorial mass was held at San Rafael Catholic Church in Rancho Bernardo on Oct. 1, 1998 with Msgr. Lloyd V. Bourgeois officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Avenues Mortuary in Rancho Bernardo, Calif.

Ethel J. Bailey was born in Niagara Falls, N.Y., and received a BS in accounting from the University of New Haven in Connecticut. She was married to Randal E. Bailey. She moved to Ponca City from Baltimore, Md., in 1971, as an accountant with Conoco. She took early retirement in 1985. Mrs. Bailey had lived in Rancho Bernardo for the past nine years.

Survivors include her husband, Randy, of the home; two sons, Arthur of Bethel, Conn., and James of Albuquerque, N.M.; four sisters, Mary Gaetner of Broken Arrow, sister Denna Marie “Ann” Dorochak of Williamsville, N.Y., and Agnes Clifton and Barbara Seigler, both of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; and two grandchildren.

Memorials may be made in Mrs. Bailey’s name to the American Cancer Society, 12405-A Rancho Bernardo Road, San Diego, CA 92128.

James C. Barnes

TULSA — James C. Barnes, former Ponca City resident, died in Tulsa Monday, Nov. 9, 1998. He was 86.

The funeral was to be held at 10 a.m. today at the 29th and Yale Church of Christ in Tulsa. The Rev. Greg Clark officiated. Burial was to be in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Moore’s Eastlawn Chapel, Tulsa.

James C. Barnes was born Sept. 12, 1912, in Boaz, Ala., the Rev. J.J. and Lilla Barnes. He was married to Evelyn Ledbetter in Bartlesville in October 1959. Barnes was employed with Conoco for 45 years, living in Ponca City and Houston, Texas. Barnes was a member of the 29th and Yale Church of Christ in Tulsa.

Survivors include his wife Evelyn of Tulsa; one son, James Barnes of Tulsa; one daughter, Janice Gibson of Oklahoma City; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Barnes’ name to St. Francis Hospice or American Cancer Society, c/o Moore’s Eastlawn Chapel, 1908 South Memorial, Tulsa, OK 74112.

Paul T. Matson

CLINTON — Paul T. Matson, father to Ted P. Matson of Ponca City, died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 1998, at the Methodist Nursing Center in Clinton. He was 93.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church Chapel in Clinton with the Rev. Larry King officiating. Burial will be in the Clinton Cemetery under the direction of Stanley-Lee Funeral Home, Clinton.

Paul T. Matson was born March 3, 1904, in Wakita, the son of Olaf and Emma (Johnson) Matson. He graduated from Wakita High School in 1922, where he played football and baseball. He worked in Pond Creek and Medford until he joined the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company as a salesman in 1927.

In 1928, he married Lola Wallis and the couple had celebrated almost 70 years of marriage before her death last June. The couple moved to Clinton in 1940. He retired from the tobacco company in 1969, after 42 years of service. Matson was member of the Golf Club, Commercial Travelers Association and the United Methodist Church. He was a past member of the Rotary Club. He was an avid golfer and OU football fan.

Survivors include one son, Ted P. Matson of Ponca City; a sister, Ruth Hubbard of Kingfisher; three grandsons; and six great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Marcella Dozier and Edith Elliott.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Matson’s name to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Prayer Room Memorial, 1904 North Pecan, Ponca City, OK 74604.

Edith Marie Morton

ASHLAND, Kan. — Edith Marie Morton, died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 1998, at the home of her daughter Gwen Toews, No 12 Hidden Cove Road, near Kaw City. She was 78.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, at the United Methodist Church in Ashland, Kan. with the Rev. Don Hasty officiating. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery at Ashland, Kan., under the direction of Myatt Funeral Home, Ashland. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 8 p.m. today and from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday.

Edith Marie (Swearinger) Morton was born Nov. 23, 1919, in Gorin, Mo., to Everett and Arlena (Raine) Swearinger. She was married to Don Morton on Dec. 7, 1939, in Dodge City, Kan., and they lived for several years in Hutchinson, Kan. Mr. Morton preceded her in death on Jan. 4, 1995, and she moved to Ashland, Kan., that same year. Mrs. Morton was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, St. Elizabeth Hospital Auxiliary and the Elks Lodge in Hutchinson, Kan. Mrs. Morton attended the United Methodist Church and the Senior Citizens Center in Ashland.

Survivors include one son, Mike Morton of Wichita, Kan.; three daughters, Gwen Toews of Kaw City, Judy Brown of Ashland, Kan., and Susan Morton of Las Vegas, Nev.; one brother, Raymond Swearinger of Galesburg, Ill.; two sisters, Mable Rossoe of Bothell, Wash., and Rosie Bruyn of Galesburg, Ill.; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Morton’s name to the United Methodist Church, c/o Myatt Funeral Home, P.O. Box 578, Ashland, KS 67831.

Joseph J. Hill

GUTHRIE — Joseph J. Hill, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Nov. 7, 1998, at the Golden Age Nursing Home in Guthrie. He was 92.

A memorial mass of Christian burial will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guthrie with the Rev. Dennis G. Hanrahau officiating. Burial will be in the Summit View Cemetery in Guthrie under the direction of Davis Funeral Home.

Joseph J. Hill was born June 9, 1906, in Compton, Ky., to Andrew C. and Jeanette M. (Davidson) Hill. He was married to Lena F. Mahnke of Nov. 9, 1929 in Perry. In earlier years, Hill had lived in Ponca City where he was employed as a baker for Howe Baking Company. He moved from Jay to Guthrie in 1975. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guthrie.

Survivors include one son, Joseph A. Hill of Wichita, Kan.; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife on April 16, 1997; his parents; and one grandson.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Hill’s name to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 411 North Elm Street, Guthrie, OK 73044.

Obituaries

Lawrence Lewis Fleck

NEWKIRK — Lawrence Lewis “Larry” Fleck, Kay County Extension Agriculture Agent, died Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 10, 1998, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. He was 48.

The son of Joseph W. and Nancy C. (Proctor) Fleck, he was born Feb. 27, 1950, in Crawfordsville, Ind. At an early age, he moved with his family to Elk City where he grew up and attended school until the eighth grade. The family then moved to Guthrie and he graduated from high school there in 1968. In the fall of 1968, he joined the U.S. Marines and served until 1972, when he received his discharge.

The following year he enrolled at Oklahoma State University and graduated in 1977, with a bachelor of science degree in Agriculture Economics. In January 1977, he was employed as the Carter County OSU Extension 4-H Agent. In December 1978, he became the OSU Extension Agriculture Agent in Love County. In August 1980 he was appointed as Kay County OSU Extension Agriculture Agent and was serving in that capacity at the time of his death.

On July 11, 1979, he and Coy Sue DeBord were married in Denton, Texas. They made their home in the area where he worked. Larry had given over 20 years of service and assistance to the farmers and ranchers by providing agriculture programming and he helped numerous homeowners and county residents in solving problems and challenges.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City. He was an active member of the Oklahoma Association of Extension Agriculture Agents for 20 years, where he served on the Board of Directors and received the Distinguished Service Award in 1996. He was also a member of the National Association of County Agriculture Agents and was recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in 1996. He was a certified crop advisor and had served as secretary for both the Kay County Cattleman’s Association and the Kay County Free Fair Board. He was a member of the Kay County Sheep Producers Association and the Kay County Dairy Producers Association.

He is survived by his wife, Sue, of the home in Ponca City; one son, Joseph William Fleck of the home; two daughters, Lauren Elizabeth Fleck and Katherine Carolyn Fleck, both of the home; his parents, Joseph and Nancy Fleck of East Wakefield, N.H.; and three brothers, James Michael Fish of Springdale, Ark., Thomas L. Fleck of Edmond, and Terry L. Fleck of Dallas, Texas.

A prayer service has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, at Miller-Stahl Funeral Chapel in Newkirk. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City with the Rev. John Michalicka officiating. Burial is to follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

A memorial fund has been established with the National Arthritis Foundation. Contributions may be made in Mr. Fleck’s memory through Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk OK 74647-0468.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Pat Buffalohead

Pat Beau Buffalohead, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Nov. 12, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 79. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

James A. Lytle

FAIRFAX — James A. “Cat” Lytle, longtime Fairfax resident, died early this morning, Nov. 12, 1998, at the Tulsa Regional Medical Center in Tulsa. He was 57. Survivors include his wife, Wanda and his mother Pauline, of Fairfax. Arrangements are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home in Fairfax.

NEWS BRIEFS

Chili Supper Planned — A Chili Supper at Grand Central Station is planned for Friday, Nov. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by downtown caroling and tree lighting. Sponsored by Good Shepherd Lutheran Youth, the proceeds will go for their Mission Trip to Mexico. Cost is $3. Everyone invited.

Fried Turkey! Order now for Thanksgiving at Snyder’s Grocery. 762-4686. adv.

Ballroom Dance — The Al Good Combo will play for the Stillwater Ballroom Dance Club Friday. Dressy attire is required for the event, which will be 7:45-10:45 p.m. at the OSU Student Union Ballroom. Cost is $10 per person.

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.

Red Carpet Country —The Annual Membership meeting of Oklahoma Red Carpet Country, Inc., is slated for Tuesday in Alva. The event will begin at 1:30 p.m., at Northwest Technology Center, 1801 Eleventh Street. Following the annual meeting will be the Red Carpet Country Board of Directors.

Eastern Star Installation — Tonkawa Order of Eastern Star will hold open installation of 1999 officers 2 p.m. Sunday at the Masonic Temple, 112 North Seventh. All are cordially invited to attend. Margaret Knowles of Ponca City will be installed as Worthy Matron and David Nash of Blackwell as Worthy Patron.

Vehicular accident — At 7:36 a.m. Wednesday a two-vehicle accident on U.S. 60, east of the Pioneer Bank in Osage County, was reported to police. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was contacted.

You Are invited to the 5th Annual BBQ and Auction at the

First Lutheran School on Friday, November 13, 1998 at 6:00 p.m.

Tickets available at the door for $12. Advance tickets are $10. Call

the school office, 762-4243 for more information. adv.

Turkey Dinner Set — The Kaw City American Legion, Post 220 Thanksgiving Dinner, featuring turkey, ham with all the trimmings, Monday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Kaw City Community Center. Adults $6 and children under 12, $3.

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.

Injury Accident — One person was taken by ambulance at 8:36 a.m. Wednesday to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after sustaining injuries in an accident one mile east of the Old River Bridge.

Southwest Connection, 313 East Grand, 25% off pottery, jewelry,

and most items until the 21st. adv.

Accident — At 9:30 a.m. Wednesday a two-vehicle, non-injury accident in the 400 block of East Grand Avenue, was reported.

WWF Survivor Series...Only the strong will survive this series! Only on Pay Per View, Sunday, November 15th at 7:00 p.m., $29.95. Cable ONE 762-6684. adv.

Threats — A man in the 1100 block of East South Avenue contacted police at 10:34 a.m. Wednesday reporting that he was being threatened. An officer was assigned.

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 — A 29-year-old man was arrested at 7:33 p.m. Wednesday from the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street on two Kay County warrants.

Pauline’s Boneless pork chop dinners $11.95, 1/2 orders $8.95,

Friday, Nov. 13th for reservations call 765-5460. 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.

Accident — A minor accident at North Ash Street and West Hartford Avenue was reported at 11:07 a.m. Wednesday.

Reported Leak — At 10:43 p.m. Wednesday fire units responded to a report of a possible gas leak in the 100 block of North Palm Street. However it was found to be Conoco.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday special from 4-? 1/2 BBQ chicken

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

Accident — An accident in the parking lot of Pioneer Technology Center, 2101 North Ash Street, was reported to police at 3:41 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned.

Bake Sale — A craft and bake sale for the benefit of the Ponca City Head Start is planned for 9 a.m.- noon Saturday at 1200 West Grand.

Ponca Playhouse will hold auditions for the Neil Simon comedy. “The Sunshine Boys” on Sunday, November 15th and Monday, November 16th, 7 p.m., at the

Playhouse rehearsal hall at 1st and Oklahoma. No experience

necessary to read for “Sunshine Boys” and all roles are won on

the basis of open auditions. adv.

Assault — A woman in the 400 block of South Oak Street called police at 5:19 p.m. Wednesday reporting that she had been assaulted by two people. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Arrest — Police arrested a 33-year-old man at 10:39 a.m. Wednesday from West Central Avenue and South Osage Street for driving under restriction and no insurance.

Injured Teen — At 6:08 p.m. Wednesday police were advised that a 16-year-old boy was being treated in the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for injuries he received when a car “rolled into him” in the 900 block of East Chestnut Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Egg Throwing — At 8:41 p.m. Wednesday police received a report of juveniles throwing eggs at cars at North Fifth Street and East Overbrook Avenue. An officer was assigned.

Open Doors — Police discovered open doors at the First Baptist Church, 218 South Sixth Street, at 2:36 a.m. Thursday. The building was checked.

Harassment — A woman in the 400 block of North Peachtree Street advised police at 2:23 p.m. Wednesday that she was being harassed. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

GARDENING

Brilliant Berries a Blaze of Color Locally
For Better Compost Use a Bin

Brilliant Berries a Blaze of Color Locally

Boughs of brilliant berries provide bright spots of color in the landscaping in Ponca City, and in many instances, treats for the birds. Red, orange, white and purple are some of the many colors of berries to be found. Among the shrubs, trees and groundcovers available are pyracantha, chokeberry, winterberry, barberry, Nandina and japonica.

Arbutifolia (red chokeberry) is great for covering and brightening areas of low, damp ground in open shade. The native American chokeberry shrubs are an excellent choice. The shoots, or suckers, from the roots of a single plant may form colonies that cover an area larger than 12 feet square. Chokeberries flower in spring, their pink or white blossoms growing in clusters two inches across. In the autumn, their finely serrated leaves change color and their branches are decorated with summer-ripening berries that may linger on the plant through the winter.

Dramatic red berries are the focal point for this Common Winterberry, a deciduous variety of the genus Ilex. The bright red of the berries is only emphasized by the dark summer foliage and they persist into the winter against the dark of the leafless branches. This shrub will grow from 10 to 12 feet and nothing looks better against a fresh snowfall. They will provide plenty of cuttings for holiday arrangements without distress. Male and female plantings will ensure the most abundant crop of berries and consequently more birds.

The Japanese Barberry or Berberis thunbergii, is grown for its ornamental foliage and berries, which persist throughout the winter and attract birds. A good choice for the city gardener, as this plant tolerates urban conditions with no problems. Attractive as an edging shrub along a garden pathway or entrance for year-round interest. It will withstand heavy pruning to ground level in late winter if plant needs rejuvenation, or for shaping as in a clipped hedge.

Nadina, also known as Heavenly or Sacred Bamboo, is a versatile shrub that provides year-round interest in many different gardens. The Nandina, or Heavenly Bamboo, does well in most soils, though it may not thrive in an alkaline soil. The foliage is reminiscent of bamboo and is used in many Oriental gardens. New leaves are a bronzy-pink, turning to a light green, then to bronze and crimson in the fall. White flower clusters appear in the summer and are followed by red berries which last into the fall.

Skimmia japonica is an evergreen shrub with plenty to offer the landscape gardener. Aromatic foliage provides a fine texture and fragrance to a border or hedge. Tiny white flowers appear in the spring and are followed by bright red, decorative berries on the female plants. Of course, both male and female plants must be grown for a good berry crop. Bushy and dense, this shrub will grow to a height and spread of about five feet. It likes a partially shaded setting with moist soil.

Pyracantha, also known as Scarlet or Red Firethorn, can be a dramatic specimen for your garden, perhaps as a foundation planting for a large island bed. Pyracantha is upright and spreads out with long, arching branches which are covered with clouds of white, fragrant blooms in the spring and then bright red berries in the late summer and fall. They make a great indoor decoration for the holiday table. Can be trained to grow as an espalier, a hedge or as a small tree. Some varieties grow larger than eight feet and some varieties are low-growing. A cream and pinkish-red variegated-leaved version is also available and bears pink berries. The evergreen shrub is attractive to bees.

So, next time you think the winter landscaping is lacking in color, investigate the many varieties of berried plants that can provide color all year round.

For Better Compost Use a Bin

(AP) — A compost bin is a simple way to better compost. The bin will hold in generated heat, keeping materials ‘‘cooking’’ long into winter right out to the edges of the pile. Heat helps kill insect and disease pests in old plant debris. A bin also shields the compost pile from the drying effects of wind and sun.

Another benefit of a bin is that it keeps your compost pile tidy, so it is inoffensive to neighbors or passersby. And your neighbor’s dog is less apt to get into, or at least scatter the contents, of an enclosed compost pile.

A compost bin might be as simple as four stakes driven into the ground, with chicken wire stapled to them. Snow fence can be used similarly, without even needing the stakes to hold it up. Or you could staple chicken wire to four flat, wooden frames, each 4 feet by 4 feet, holding the frames together with hooks and eyes. Bins made of any of these open mesh fences will contain ingredients, but not hold in warmth and moisture.

Cinderblocks or stone, laid dry, make more permanent enclosures. Make these bins in a U-shape, with one side open, so it is easy to add raw materials and remove finished compost.

What about using a bin to make a compost pile invisible, or nearly so? Besides stone, the amber tones of bales of hay or straw blend in with the landscape, especially this time of year. And when the bales rot, they can be added to the other compost pile. In summer, sunflowers, morning glories, or other plants can hide a compost pile.

Wood can be used to fashion anything from an engineered to a rough-hewn sort of compost bin. A bin enclosed by a picket fence could match the picket fence around your garden or home. Slabwood, often free for the hauling from sawmills, makes a bin that has the look of a rustic log cabin. Make wooden bins three-sided for easy access, or even better, with the fourth side having a door.

An ingenious compost bin can be made from 1-by-12 rough-sawn boards, each 5 feet long. With two tabs cut out at each end, then a notch formed with a foot long 1-by-2 crosspiece, these boards stack together like Lincoln logs. The structure is easy to build up as you add raw materials for composting, then take apart as you remove finished compost. The bin is protected on all four sides, and when the material has thoroughly decomposed, you can remove the boards without disturbing the compost, and use them to begin a new pile.

SPORTS

OU Locks Up Its Backcourt
‘What Ifs’ Plague Sooners
Guard Play May Make Cowboys Outstanding
Undefeated Bucs Lead Four Area Teams Into Second Season

OU Locks Up Its Backcourt

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma has its backcourt of the future now that two highly regarded high school guards have signed letters of intent with the Sooners.

In addition to Jarret Hart, a 6-3, 205-pound guard at Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., and Hollis Price, a 6-1, 160-pound point guard from New Orleans St. Augustine High School, Oklahoma also inked Ebi Ere, a 6-6, 200-pound forward from Tulsa McClain, on Wednesday.

Oklahoma State did not sign any players during the start of the signing period.

Tulsa, meanwhile signed Antonio Reed, a 5-foot-10 point guard from Tulsa Booker T. Washington and Dante Swanson, a 5-foot-10 guard from Wagoner.

Oral Roberts announced the signing of Marques Warrior, a 6-1, 195-pound from Carl Albert State College.

Hart averaged 14 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.8 steals last year as a junior. He also earned all-conference and all-state honors.

Price averaged 17.5 points, 5.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds a game last year during his junior season. He also was named MVP of the 17-under National AAU Tournament in Orlando, Fla., this summer.

Reed averaged 18 points, more than eight assists and seven rebounds per game as a junior. Swanson averaged 23.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.8 steals per game as a junior.

Tulsa coach Bill Self said the Golden Hurricane also signed Demario Hooper, a 6-foot-4 guard from Texarkana, Texas. Hooper averaged 19.8 points and 11.1 rebounds his junior season.

Warrior was an all-state player at Midwest City High School before playing at Carl Albert. He averaged 9.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game last season.

‘What Ifs’ Plague Sooners

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

NORMAN (AP) — Forgive Oklahoma coach John Blake if he cringes every time he sees another highlight of Oregon quarterback Akili Smith.

Smith is a run-pass threat and a major reason the Ducks are 7-2 this season and ranked No. 20. At times, his name has been mentioned as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

And he almost wound up at Oklahoma. As the top junior-college quarterback recruit in the country, Smith committed to play with the Sooners. But then he failed to make his grades and he wound up at Oregon.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma this year has started four quarterbacks and played five in all while going 3-6. As a result, Blake is enduring constant speculation that he won’t be back for a fourth season.

‘‘Had we had Akili Smith, playing like he’s playing now, had we had a quarterback that can go out and execute, then it might have been a different scenario,’’ he said this week. ‘‘I would think so.’’

Oklahoma’s offense, one of the best in the country back when the Sooners were a national power, now isn’t even one of the best in the Big 12. The Sooners rank next-to-last in the league, and 98th nationally, in total offense and are last in the league (103rd nationally) in scoring.

Oklahoma’s average of 295 yards per game is 86 fewer than a year ago. The 15 points per game represent Oklahoma’s lowest average since 1961.

While injuries to the offensive line have been a factor, as well as penalties, the revolving door at quarterback has been the greatest contributor.

Blake decided last year that he wanted to run the option, and that Brandon Daniels was the quarterback best suited to do it. Daniels started the final three games last year after moving from the defensive secondary, and he got the majority of snaps during spring drills and fall two-a-days.

But he got hurt in the opener, missed the next game, then started the next four. He was inconsistent from the start and never a threat as a passer, which allowed teams to stack the line of scrimmage and dare the Sooners to throw. He hasn’t played at all in the past three games.

‘‘I still think that was the right decision,’’ Blake said.

He said Daniels had a great spring, but after the summer break he ‘‘did not function the way he should to prepare to go out there and operate for us. It didn’t happen. We made changes. I don’t make no excuse for that.’’

Daniels’ backup was supposed to be redshirt freshman Jarrod Reese. Reese didn’t play in the opener because he was serving a one-game suspension, then came off the bench in the next two. But then he got kicked off the team for breaking a rule.

‘‘We went and got Jarrod Reese, who we thought was an outstanding player. Things did not work out,’’ Blake said. ‘‘You know what coach Blake did? He did not overlook those things. He made some changes and made some moves, and nothing was mentioned about that. Because integrity is important.’’

Oklahoma’s other quarterbacks have been walk-on Patrick Fletcher, who started Game 2 in place of Daniels; Eric Moore, who played the position for three years but moved to split end after it became clear the job belonged to Daniels; and most recently redshirt freshman Jake Sills.

Moore came off the bench against Texas and Missouri, then got the start against Oklahoma State. The Sooners looked very good in that game with Moore in charge, but he suffered a concussion late in the first quarter and hasn’t returned.

Sills is expected to get the start Saturday against Baylor, although Blake said Daniels will be heavily involved in the game plan and could start.

Meanwhile, Akili Smith will lead Oregon against Arizona State. He threw for 442 yards in a victory over Washington last weekend, and he has tied the school record with 22 touchdown passes.

‘‘We’re going after the right players,’’ Blake said. ‘‘But there’s certain reasons that things happen. I think almighty God’s got a plan and I’m not going to question it at all.’’

Guard Play May Make Cowboys Outstanding

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

STILLWATER (AP) — If it’s true that good guard play is a necessity in basketball, then Oklahoma State could be headed for an outstanding season.

The Cowboys (22-7 last year, 11-5 Big 12) are loaded on the perimeter. Adrian Peterson, the coaches’ choice as the leagues preseason player of the year, is one of four returning starters — all of them guards or swingmen.

The others are point guard Doug Gottlieb, off-guard Joe Atkinson and guard-forward Desmond Mason. Also in the mix is swingman Glendon Alexander, a transfer from Arkansas who will be eligible in December.

When Alexander becomes available, ‘‘you might see us start those five guys some night,’’ coach Eddie Sutton said. He was serious.

‘‘If you thought you could defend the other team’s center and rebound with them, you could get away with that,’’ he said. ‘‘You’re always worried about defensively covering the other ball club, but they’d have problems covering us as well.’’

The tallest of the five is Mason, at 6-foot-6. But he is athletic and quick enough to guard much taller players. The 215-pound Alexander is the heaviest member of the quintet, but runs the floor like a guard.

‘‘I’m not saying we would do it very often, but it’s possible you might look out there and all five of those guys would be on the floor at the same time,’’ Sutton said.

Peterson led the team in scoring last year, with 17.7 points per game. Mason averaged 14.6, Adkins 12.6. Sutton isn’t concerned about being able to get points from outside.

His worry involves the pivot, where Brett Robisch graduated after averaging 15.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Unlike his situation at guard, Sutton has five players he is unsure about in the frontcourt.

Alex Webber, a 6-foot-10 junior, started as a freshman but has not come close to regaining that form since undergoing back surgery during his first season. Other candidates to play inside are Robisch’s brother, Scott, Brian Montonati, junior-college transfer John Gilmore and Swedish freshman Fredrik Jonzen.

Webber is the most experienced and perhaps most talented of the five.

‘‘His back still bothers him from time to time,’’ Sutton said. ‘‘We’ve told him there are days he’s just going to have to just play with some pain.

‘‘I think the biggest thing is he’s lost some confidence, so we’re just going to have to help him find it.’’

Sutton isn’t necessarily looking for points from the post. He wants defense and rebounding, particularly at the defensive end, because that would allow the Cowboys to run.

Sutton has a reputation as a deliberate coach. But the Cowboys averaged 79 points per game last season and he wouldn’t be surprised if they’re in that range again this year.

‘‘This team, in my opinion, is better when it’s in a broken-floor situation offensively,’’ he said. ‘‘When everybody’s spread out, fast breaking, we’re just a better ball club.’’

The Cowboys played their eight of their first nine games at home last season and won them all. This season, they play one home game before heading to a tournament in Hawaii that includes Marquette. They also play early against UCLA, Texas Christian and UNLV.

It’s a schedule Sutton knows will toughen his team before Big 12 play begins. He’s banking on his experienced backcourt providing stability until the Cowboys find a fit in the middle.

‘‘I don’t think anybody realizes how good a player Brett was late in the year for us,’’ he said. ‘‘We’re still searching to see if we can get Alex to fill that void, or one of the other players.

‘‘It’s just early to say how good we can be. We could be very good or we could be so-so.’’

Undefeated Bucs Lead Four Area Teams Into Second Season

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

Welcome to the Final Four.

Of nine teams in the Ponca City area, four have made it into the second season. The Tonkawa Buccaneers (9-0, 8-0) lead the pack, having completed their second straight undefeated regular season. The Bucs grabbed their third straight District crown this year, and currently own the longest regular season winning streak in the state, at 28 straight. The Bucs play host the Picher Gorillas (5-5, 5-3) on Friday.

The surprising Newkirk Tigers (7-3, 5-2), who vaulted into a tougher class this season, made the playoffs for the third straight year, and travel way east to Beggs (8-2, 5-2) for round one.

The Morrison Wildcats (6-4, 5-2) also had a seminal season, securing a playoff spot in week seven. After winning five straight in district play, they played for the district title last week, and lost. Still, in wacky District B-3, in which teams played musical chairs for the last four weeks, the Cats finish in the third-place spot. Friday, they’ll also hit the road, traveling to Ketchum (8-2, 5-2).

The Tigers of Shidler (6-3, 4-2), meanwhile, travel to Webbers Falls (7-1, 5-1) in Class C-3. The Wildcats were picked in the preseason as high as 3rd in the state, but playing in a district that contained both the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the state (Medford, Wakita), the Tigers finished third in district play, and out of a state ranking.

So throw out the regular season. The second season is ready to start.

Picher (5-3, 5-5) at Tonkawa (8-0, 9-0)

Though certain life-forms — say, mountain lions — are rarely seen in Kay County, the annual invasion of gorillas is about to begin.

The Picher Gorillas, that is.

Two years ago, Tonkawa showed the Gorillas a few good tricks in the first round of the playoffs with a 28-0 win. Last season, it was Newkirk’s turn, beating up on the great apes in another first round battle. This year, the primates return to Kay County for a rematch with the genetically superior Tonkawa Buccaneers, who have evolved into one of the best teams in Class A this season.

“It hasn’t been easy to win there,” sighs Picher 5th year coach Willie Ng (pronounced “Ing”). “We haven’t had a good showing in the playoffs the last couple of years.

“Now we have to go over there and play Tonkawa, on Friday the 13th no less. I’ve had people passing out condolences already.

“We’re going to need some big breaks.”

While historical precedence, superstition, and the strength of this year’s foe don’t bode well for the Gorillas, they do have a few things other than prehensile thumbs and binocular vision going their way.

Though they finished 5-5 overall, and 5-3 in a tough District A-6 this season, two of those losses were heartbreakers against District No. 3 Fairland (20-19) and No. 2 Commerce (6-0).

They also have an offensive line that averages 220-230 pounds and a pair of mighty running backs in Brent Judd and Clint Epperson. That duo has rushed for over 1500 yards this season. The Gorillas are also riding a 2-game win streak going into Friday’s game.

“I think we’re better than 5-5,” says Ng. “You could throw the top four teams in this district into a hat this year — we’re all pretty even.”

Still, as good as the Gorillas get, the Bucs are probably better.

Led by junior running back Scott Klufa, who finished the regular season with 1102 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns, the Bucs have outscored their opponents by an average score of 41-7. First year quarterback McCain Brown, a junior, has made strides, completing nearly half his passes (28-of-61) for 603 yards.

Though they took a hit in the early part of the season, losing three linemen, and still lack the services of big-time running back Shane Randall (wrist injury), a talented nucleus of players has stepped up.

And the Bucs, by no means a team of heft, are a team of speed. Speed, and more speed.

“Their quickness really surprises me,” says Ng. “They’re a bunch of great athletes and they make things happen with that.

“But our strength is in our offensive line, we play well against the run, and Tonkawa likes to run the ball.”

The Picher offensive line averages around 230 pounds up front, compared to the Bucs, who have just three active players listed over 200. Still, the Bucs have been outsized many times this season. They’re undefeated.

“Our conditioning and weight lifting has really helped us,” says Tonkawa coach Steve Love. “We’ve worked our tails off this year.”

The Bucs hope that all that hard work pays off not just on Friday, but for every Friday until the first week of December and into and the Class A state championship.

“I think we’re ready,” says Love. “These kids are still hungry for more. They’re still bitter about (last year’s third-round loss), and we deserve to go somewhere.”

For a moment, Love then abandons his typically reticent manner. Though he tips his hat to the Gorillas, and says they’ll be a team to reckon with, he knows exactly what his own team is capable of doing.

“They’re a good team (Picher) and they’ll come in here thinking they can win. That’s fine. But we’re going to show them why we’re fourth in the state, why we beat Luther and Davenport.”

Nifty Mascot Trivia — According to Picher assistant coach Brad King, the Gorillas used to be the Miners, 50-or-so years back. But a coach in the 40’s — an Edgar Rice Burroughs fan, no doubt — decided that the image of a grizzled pack of simians was more fitting for a football team than a bunch of dirt-encrusted day-laborers.

“He used to tell his kids that they played like gorillas,” says King. “So they changed it. There’s nothing in our school song about gorillas, though. Just ‘red-hot miners.’”

Only one other school in the nation uses the gorilla mascot — Pittsburg State University, in Kansas.

Newkirk (7-3, 5-2)

at Beggs (8-2, 5-2)

You’d think the Tigers would be a bunch of Tiggers at this point in the year, bouncing around on their tails at the prospect of a second season.

From the outside looking in, at least, it would seem to be a Cinderella sort of year for the Tigers — they’re new to Class 2A (by about three students) and were picked to finish next-to-last in a crowded District 2A-5.

But overjoyed they’re not. This is right where they thought they would be.

“We’re not ‘just happy to be here,’” says Newkirk coach Sonny Schovanec. “These kids are ready to win another one; they want to go on. They’re hungry.”

Actually, the aspirations of Schovanec and his crew were in violent opposition to what odds-makers at the Tulsa World and Daily Oklahoman were predicting in the preseason.

“We talked in the summer about going 10-0 this year,” says Schovanec. “We got off to a shaky start against Tonkawa, but these kids came back. It was all about believing in themselves, and knowing they could do it.”

And why not? The Tigers returned 11 starters from a team that won in the playoffs last year. That group includes junior running back Sam Free, who has rumbled for 864 yards this season. Senior running back Darren Wood is close behind, with 499 yards.

Senior quarterback Barrett Shupe has been handy with football as well, passing for 906 yards with a better-than 50 percent completion rate. Making the catches most of the time is talented receiver Jay Dobson, who has 23 grabs for 323 yards and six touchdowns.

Along with a number of strong linemen, the Tigers hope to extend their season against a Beggs team that gives up barely 10 points a game — the fourth-least in Class 2A. The Demons’ line is anchored by middle linebacker Smokey Hurst (6-2, 215 pounds), considered by many to be a Division I prospect.

Also, the Demons brandish a potent wishbone offense, directed by quarterback Greg Cullom (6-1, 180 pounds). Cullom rushed for nearly 200 yards last week in a win over Henryetta.

“We’ve played against the wishbone before and done well,” says Schovanec. “But their defense is one of the best we’ll see.”

For all the numbers and records and head-to-head match ups, however, Schovanec likes to measure his teams’ chances by the intangibles.

“These kids just love to play football — more than any group I’ve been around,” he says. “We’re not all that fast, and we’re smaller than a lot of 2A teams, but we’re very aggressive. These kids play with heart, and that overcomes a lot.

“We still have a chance to do some damage.”