LOCAL

Landfill a Little Farther
Holiday Game Plan Tackles Family’s Unhealthy Habits
Chuck Rager Chairs NOCA Directors
County Retired Educators Hear Poet Laureate
Heroic Naval Team Rattled the Pacific
Bob Westmoreland Among Participants At Photo Exhibit Focusing on Rockies
Area Poets Invited To Cash Contest
Little Ones Still Available Until Nov. 24
Miss 101 Wild West Rodeo to Compete in Guthrie

Landfill a Little Farther

Beginning Friday residents bound for the Ponca City landfill will need to use an alternative route because of a road construction project on Riverview Road.

The road work is a joint project between Kay County and the Ponca Indian Tribe to grade, drain and surface the two-and-a-half mile section of the east-west road from U.S. 177 west to the landfill and to the Ponca tribal cemetery.

The detour route to the landfill during the construction begins at the corner of Waverly Road and U.S. 60 (Harding Avenue) and extends two miles west to Ranch Drive (State Highway 156), then three miles south on Ranch Drive, and one-and-a-half miles east and a half-mile back north to the landfill entrance.

Signs will be posted along the route to guide drivers during the construction period, which is expected to be about nine months.

Holiday Game Plan Tackles Family’s Unhealthy Habits

If Thanksgiving kicks off non-stop noshing and sports-channel surfing at your house, you might want to call a pre-season time-out.

“Families who engage in too little exercise and too many high-calorie snacks are setting their kids up to become overweight, sedentary adults prone to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension,” said Becky Gorham, a research dietitian with the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

To help parents develop a strong defense against these unhealthy habits, Gorham offers these tips.

*Call interference on excessive television, video and computer time that keep kids inactive. Hold a team meeting to negotiate sitting-time limits.

*Break up boredom by sending kids outside to play, helping them make holiday gifts, cards and wrapping paper, or inviting them into the kitchen to help prepare meals.

*Negotiate trade-offs involving free-time activities. Trade participation in family touch football games, 20-minute walks or other physical activities for extra time to view those must-see football games.

*Build “team spirit” by asking the kids to help plan holiday activities, decorate the yard or prepare homemade gifts. Take turns being the “tour guide” for after-dinner walks past neighborhood holiday displays. Plan a family weekend tree-cutting excursion, get kids involved in organizing a neighborhood Turkey Trot or Jingle Bell Run, lead a canned food drive or host a holiday skating party.

*Stock up on nutritious snacks such as air-popped popcorn, whole wheat crackers, low-fat cheeses, flavored hummus dips, small bottles of water, low-fat ranch-style dip, ready-to-eat vegetables, homemade cereal and nut mixes, dried and canned fruit, ready-to-eat fresh fruit wedges, and peanut butter.

*Stick to a game plan of balance and moderation for family meals and activities. Kids and their parents need to maintain some routine and structure, especially during the busy holiday season.

“Parents can’t expect a couch-potato kid to miraculously grow up to be a healthy, active adult. But, by setting a good example, tackling unhealthy eating patterns and encouraging physical activities every day of the year, parents can help kids develop winning habits that are likely to stay with them as they grown,” Gorham said.

Chuck Rager Chairs NOCA Directors

Chuck Rager, Will Rogers Boy Scouts Executive, is the new chairman for the Northern Oklahoma Career Alliance (NOCA) Board of Directors. He will chair his first meeting on Nov. 18 at Pioneer Technology Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Partner schools include Blackwell, Newkirk, Tonkawa, Kaw City, Peckham, Medford, Pioneer Technology Center, and Northern Oklahoma College. The public is invited to attend.

Rager said, “As chairman I will work to see the 501c3 Incorporation process for the partnership to completion. Additionally, I will lead the board in an aggressive campaign to better educate the communities about the results of the partnership’s work and to recruit more business partners to assist our schools and students.”

Based on NOCA partnership 1998-99 year end report, the average number of students involved in school-to-work activities increased by 45 percent, the average number of teachers involved increased by 40 percent, the average number of businesses involved increased by 36 percent, and the average number of parents involved increased by 46 percent. Rager commented, “This trend is expected to continue as a result of the Business and Community Partners Resource Guide that was recently disseminated to every teacher within the partnerships. This resource guide will help simplify the process for teachers to partner with area businesses.”

Nathan Powell, coordinator of Oklahoma’s STW Office, said, “Results of a recent study showed 37 percent of the nations employers are involved in school-to-work partnerships, and those numbers are accelerating. Businesses are involved not only because they want to improve schools, but also because they realize the benefits to them.”

Another recent study of eight employers showed that for every $1 invested in school-to-work activities, businesses were getting returns ranging from 40 cents to $5.64. Those benefits were due to productivity gains, lower recruitment costs, and reduced employee training and supervision, according to Powell.

For additional information about NOCA contact Chuck Rager at 765-6669 or Linda Thompson at 762-8336, ext. 244.

County Retired Educators Hear Poet Laureate

Kay County retired educators, meeting in Newkirk earlier this week, were treated to a reading of cowboy poetry by Joe Kreger of Tonkawa. Kreger was named Oklahoma poet laureate earlier this year by Gov. Frank Keating. Retirees affirmed that honor with a standing ovation at the close of the reading.

After a luncheon served by the women of the First Christian Church, Kreger was introduced by Harold Goodman, former Ponca City police officer and Northern Oklahoma College law enforcement instructor. Goodman is vice president of the county unit.

Presiding at the meeting was Bill Heilmann, Ponca City, former Northern Oklahoma College instructor and chair of the fine arts division. Kay County retirees know Heilmann as their president and recognized him without the familiar baton directing college music ensembles.

Reports were given by various committee chairs. A legislative affairs report was presented by Ray Sinor, former Newkirk superintendent and new county legislative chair. Dr. Edwin E. Vineyard, state legislative chair, also briefed the group.

Heroic Naval Team Rattled the Pacific

EDITOR’S NOTE: During war time when men in military service put their lives on the line for their country and each other, a special bond is formed. A brotherhood develops, transcending the decades in between reunions.

The strong feelings between those who have served together is sometimes unexplainable to family and friends. The veteran of World War II who gave the information for the following story did not want any personal recognition. But they consented to a story about the Naval team who manned the “Unholy Four” Amphibious Division.

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

In today’s military world they would be known as Navy Seals. And before that they would have been Navy Frog Men. But these fellows were ahead of their time, serving with the advanced Amphibious Training working out of Ft. Pierce, Fla.

The missions in the Pacific Theater were of such confidentiality that there was never a photographer on-board or on-shore to document their heroic efforts. While the invasion of Normandy in the European Theater was drawing the headlines - the Unholy Four, a small armada of ships was still doing its part to advance the Allied effort in the Pacific.

This particular veteran served aboard the USS President Adams ship. The other ships in the Unholy Four were the USS President Jackson, USS President Hayes and the USS Crescent City. A distinguishing feature of the ships were their long flat stacks.

The conflicts that these ships were engaged in made the history book of battles in the Pacific of World War II.

Guadalcanal

As a part of a Naval task force, the four ships sailed west toward the Coral Sea in July 1942. The Division of four attack transports had the elements of the Second Marines aboard and was supported by two anti-aircraft cruisers, a carrier and several destroyers.

The Unholy Four took part the first offensive of World War II, which was Guadalcanal. The battle raged from Aug. 7, 1942, until Feb. 17, 1943. Guadalcanal was known as one of the longest and bloodiest Naval campaigns in Naval history. Seventy-eight U.S. Naval ships were sunk or damaged during that six-month period.

Why the Unholy Four?

Now how did those attack transports become christened the Unholy Four? According to one of the ships’ logs, Quartermaster of the Watch Harry Toepfer wrote that on the day the armada crossed the 180th meridian into the Realm of the Golden Dragon, that “We are the ‘Unholy Four,’ since we are skipping Sunday and entering Monday’s time zone.”

Capt. Frank H. Dean liked the comment and insisted it be recorded in the Quartermaster’s Notebook and eventually it found its way into the permanent log. This tag of identification was known throughout the South Pacific.

Whenever there was a major battle the “Unholy Four” were there in advance of the other troops, the mission being to launch an amphibious attack

The Unholy Four have been featured in movies and literature. Some of the media credits included the television series “Victory at Sea,” Hollywood movie “Battle Cry,” World War II book “Glory of the Solomon’s and also by “Tokyo Rose,” Japan’s propaganda princess, who claimed the four-ship fleet was sunk more than once.

The USS President Adams chronicles the ship from Nov. 19, 1941, to Nov. 5, 1945. The ship participated in eight major operations in the Pacific. These included the capture and defense of Guadalcanal-Tulagi; occupation of Rendova, New Georgia group; Bougainville operation and reinforcement; reinforcement of Emirau Island in the Bismarck Sea; reinforcement of Cape Gloucester, New Britain; capture and occupation of Guam; reinforcement of Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines and capture of Iwo Jima.

Ready to Invade Japan

The ship transported Army personnel from Noumea, New Caledonia, which formed a part of the floating reserve for Okinawa operations. At the cessation of hostilities the President Adams was in Portland, Ore., for a three-week emergency engine overhaul preparatory to participation in the invasion of Japan.

From the commissioning of the ship until its arrival at Nagoya, Japan, with Army occupation personnel on Nov. 5, 1945, the President Adams steamed 165,914 engine miles, making good an actual distance traveled of 144,173 miles.

Built at Newport, Va., for the American President Steamship Line, the USS President Adams was converted at the Norfolk Navy Yard, and commissioned in the U.S. Navy in Nov. 1941.

The war-time complement was 45 officers and 573 enlisted men. The landing boat group made up nearly one-third of the crew and its equipment of four tank lighters (LCM’s) and 25 jeep lighters (LCVP’s) was carried on deck and in six Welin davits.

Original armament consisted of one five-inch 51-caliber broadside gun, four three-inch 50-caliber dual purpose guns, eight 20-millimeter and eight 50-caliber machine guns. Eight additional 20-millimeters were mounded in New Zealand. Ten 50-caliber machine guns, salvaged from wreck planes at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, were mounted on homemade tripods in January 1943.

Interestingly enough the first engagement was with an enemy submarine off the East Coast of Florida on Dec. 25, 1941. At that time five rounds of three-inch 50-caliber and one round of 5-inch caliber ammunition were fired at a submarine periscope.

Seven months later the ship took on board at San Diego the Third Battalion of the Second Marines plus their equipment and proceeded to sail across the Pacific.

The Unholy Four were there at almost every major battle in the Pacific. From Guadalcanal to Gaum and many battles in between the ships were the forerunners and kept coming back again and again, bringing troops and supplies, while fighting off air attacks including those of the Japanese Kamikaze Corps, which committed suicide to sink US ships.

The map displaying the wakes of the Unholy Four shows many crisscrossings of the North and South Pacific and including ports of call in New Zealand and Australia.

Medals and Ribbons

Many aboard the Unholy Four ships were honored with numerous medals and rightly so, as they were the first ones in the trenches when it counted the most.

But medals and battle ribbons are merely medal and cloth, for the veterans these are only symbols. The veterans were there — they need no reminders because the memories of the horror of war and heroics of their comrades are forever etched in their minds.

The bond between the men who survived remains staunch, for they are the ones who fought for freedom and saw their buddies die for the same cause.

On this Veteran’s Day all Americans and those who were liberated because of those brave military troops should say a thankful prayer for the Unholy Four and all others who paid the price for their freedom.

Bob Westmoreland Among Participants At Photo Exhibit Focusing on Rockies

OKMULGEE — A photographic exhibit focusing on the beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colo., will be on display in the Student Union of Oklahoma State University — Okmulgee. The exhibition is free and open to the public through Nov. 23.

Bob Westmoreland of Ponca City was among 12 participants, including students, amateur and professional photographers, who trekked through the Rocky Mountains for six days to capture the contrast of the mountain peaks, meadows, waterfalls, high country lakes and fields of wildflowers.

Photographs were taken during last summer’s 13th annual Landscape Photography Workshop sponsored by the Photography Technology Program at Oklahoma State University — Okmulgee. This year’s trip was entitled “Rocky Mountain Alpine Exposures.”

Approximately 50 photographs, color and black and white, are included in the exhibit, demonstrating the different approaches and perspectives photographers take to similar and sometimes the same subject matter.

When the exhibit closes in Okmulgee, the entire show will move to the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum in Oklahoma City’s Kirkpatrick Center where it will be on display January and February.

The 2000 Landscape Photography Workshop is scheduled for June 17 through 24 in and near the city of Ouray and the San Juan Mountains area of southwestern Colorado. Anyone interested should contact Clay Allen at (918) 293-5046 or Jerry Poppenhouse at (918) 293-5056.

Area Poets Invited To Cash Contest

The International Library of Poetry has announced that $58,000 in prizes will be awarded this year in the International Open Poetry Contest. Poets from the Ponca City area, particularly beginners, are welcome to try to win their share of more than 250 prizes. The deadline for the contest is Jan. 15, 2000. The contest is open to everyone and entry is free.

“Any poet, whether previously published or not, can be a winner,” said Howard Ely, contest director. “When people learn about our free poetry contest, they suddenly realize that their own poetic works of art can win cash prizes, as well as gain national recognition,” continued Ely.

To enter, send one original poem, any subject and any style to: The International Library of Poetry, Suite 19907, 1 Poetry Plaza, Owing Mills, MD 21117. The poem should be 20 lines or less, and the poet’s name and address should appear on the top of the page. Entries must be postmarked or sent via the Internet by Jan. 15, 2000. You may also enter online at www.poetry.com

The International Library of Poetry, founded in 1982, is the largest poetry organization in the world.

Little Ones Still Available Until Nov. 24

Because of the many needs within the community, the 1999 Little Ones Christmas Initiative has been extended another week, to Nov. 24. It had been set to end Nov. 17, according to Rod Bailey.

“In last year’s promotion the need was so great that we did not collect enough funds to help everyone who requested help. However, several self-funding groups from churches and the community took up the slack. Their generosity made the effort special and met the needs of over 50 children who would not have been reached otherwise,” Bailey said.

He indicated that in all, over 125 children were helped last year and at this time, it appears that the need is even greater this year. Therefore, if anyone wants to brighten the holidays for a child, the Little Ones are willing for the response.

Prints are available at The Cherokee Strip Credit Union, Cristy’s, The Crafter’s Mall, and the Master’s Touch. Information is also available on the KLVV website, www.lovestation.org

The Little ONes Christmas Initiative is sponsored by KLVV 88.7 FM Christian radio.

Miss 101 Wild West Rodeo to Compete in Guthrie

Megan Schneeberger, Miss 101 Wild West Rodeo, will represent Ponca City this week in competition at Guthrie for the new "2000 Miss Rodeo Oklahoma." Categories of judging include: horsemanship, a speech about her hometown, impromptu questions, personal interview, modeling, photogenic, written test and personal appearance. Coronation will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, with the new queen being introduced at the evening perfromance of the Prairie Circuit Finals, held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie. Megan thanks all of the many individuals who have supported her. She is the daughter of Don and Ann Schneeberger and the sister of three-time NFR qualifier, Jerome Schneeberger, all of Ponca City.

DEATHS

Charles A. Ball
Orville William Shouse
Violet Ester Pennington
Betty Ione Johnston
Ethel Lucille Cox

Charles A. Ball

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine — Charles S. Ball, former resident of Ponca City and wing commander at Darr School, died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1999, in the Viking Nursing Home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. He was 92.

The funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 1999, at St, Alban’s Episcopal Church in Cape Elizabeth. Arrangements are under the direction of Hobbs Funeral Home of South Portland, Maine.

Charles S. Ball was born in Hinkley, England on June 28, 1907, the son of William and Mabel (Abbott) Ball. He was commissioned in the Royal Air Force as a pilot in 1929 and trained as a flying instructor in 1931. He was stationed at No. 4 FTS Abu Sueir, Egypt in the Suez Canal Zone where he helped start the Egyptian Air Force from 1932 to 1934. He was awarded the Master Flying Instructor certificate in 1937.

From 1942 to late 1943, he was assigned as wing commander of the British air cadets at the Darr School of Aeronautics, No. 6 British flying school, in Ponca City. In 1949, he received an Air Force Cross awarded him by the King of England. He retired from the Royal Air Force as a commander in July of 1947 after serving 18 years.

He immigrated with his family to the United States in 1947, moving to Ponca City for a short time in 1949. He settled in Portland, Maine, later that year and received American citizenship in 1953.

He was employed as an accountant. He was a former member of the Lions Club, enjoyed playing golf, built international model sailing yachts and counted cross stitch. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the library and with school for the deaf.

He is survived by his wife, Irene R. Ball, of the home; two daughters, Amanda Libby Shillaber of Rochester, N.H., and Diane R. Woodward of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; and four grandchildren.

Orville William Shouse

BLACKWELL — Orville William Shouse, resident of Blackwell, died Tuesday evening, Nov. 9. 1999, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 82.

The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, 1999, in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel of Blackwell with the Rev. Wayne Bookout officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Orville William Shouse was born March 19, 1917, in Chanute, Kan., the son of John William and Jennie Marie (Scheubaugh) Shouse. The family moved to Blackwell in 1921. After a short time, they moved to a farm in Osage County where he attended school. They returned to Blackwell in 1933. In 1937, he worked at the Civilian Conservation Camp and helped to build area lakes. He later moved to Ponca City and began working for Continental Oil Company. He married Helen Jean Clinton on June 8, 1939, in Ponca City, and they settled there. In 1943, they returned to Blackwell, and he began working at the Blackwell Zinc Company on the furnace and continued working there until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and his grandchildren. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Blackwell, where he was baptized on Dec. 17, 1946.

Survivors include his wife of the home; two daughters, Barbara Burns of Ponca City, and Charlotte Zachary of Blackwell; three sons, William C. Shouse of Boise, Idaho, Tommy Shouse of Blackwell, and Orville Lee Shouse of Tulsa; three brothers, Buster Shouse of Blackwell, Robert Shouse of Braman and John Shouse of Weslaco, Texas; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Willard Shouse, Burl Shouse and Art Shouse; and a sister, Jenny Marie Shouse.

Casket bearers will be Richard Ware, Tom Ware, Jerry Shouse, Don Shouse, Jeff Shouse and Brad Shouse. Honorary casket bearers will be Jon Burns, Quinton Shouse, Kevin Ware and Troy Ware.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Trinity Lutheran Church, 125 Vinnedge, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Violet Ester Pennington

STILLWATER — Violet Ester Pennington, former resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, Nov. 9. 1999, in the Vencore Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was 87.

The funeral will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 1999, in the Strode Funeral Home Chapel in Stillwater with the Rev. Nancy McCoy officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairlawn Cemetery.

Violet Ester Pennington was born Jan. 8, 1912, in Perry, the daughter of William Edward and Mary Elizabeth (Willmus) Cooper. She married Gerald Lon Pennington Aug. 15, 1941, in Ponca City, where they made their home. She was a supervisor for the Kress Company in Ponca City for 14 years. They moved to Stillwater in 1948 and managed The News Stand soda fountain and lunch counter for 10 years in the Grand Hotel. She operated a day care facility for more than 30 years. She was an Amway representative and participated in local and statewide craft shows.

She is survived by two sons, Jerry Pennington of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Ron Pennington of Irving, Texas; two daughters, Carolyn Romer of Ames, Iowa, and Janice Wilsey of Flower Mound, Texas; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband on June 4, 1982; her parents; four brothers, Ralph Cooper, Danny Cooper, Eddie Cooper and Leo Cooper; and three sisters, Jessie Cooper, Ada Hyatt and Grace Nearberg.

Betty Ione Johnston

PAWNEE — Betty Ione Johnston, resident of Pawnee, died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1999, in the St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was 75.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, 1999, in the First United Methodist Church in Pawnee with the Rev. Scott Keneda officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland Cemetery in Pawnee under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home.

Betty Ione Johnston was born Dec. 27, 1923, in Blackburn, the daughter of Albert and Lou Cretia (Jones) Hamon. She married Carl Raymond Johnston on May 18, 1941, in Pawnee. Despite having rheumatoid arthritis since the age of 22, she lived a full and active life. She had lived in Guymon and then Raton, N.M., before moving to Fairfax for 28 years. She lived the last 20 years in Pawnee. She had been a member of the First Christian Church and the First United Methodist Church. She was a worthy matron of Eastern Star, a mother advisor of Rainbow for Girls, and a member of the Fairfax Study Club for 30 years, United Methodist Women for 18 years and Airstreamer for 18 years.

Survivors include her husband of the home; one son, Leslie Johnston of Choctaw; two daughters, Robbie Keene of Bartlesville and Marsha Shields of Ponca City; one sister, Lou Jestes of Pawnee; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Earl Hamon; three sisters, Frankie Terrell, Pearl Brown and Gladys Sharp.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Arthritis Foundation, 2816 East 51st Street, Suite 120, Tulsa, Okla. 74105.

Obituaries

Ethel Lucille Cox

BILLINGS — Ethel Lucille Cox died early Wednesday morning, Nov. 10, 1999, at the Billings Fairchild Center in Billings. She was 65.

A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 12, 1999, at the IOOF Cemetery with the Rev. Charles Heyer, associate pastor of the First Christian Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Lucille was born Nov. 17, 1933, northwest of Ponca City, the daughter of Fred E. Cox and Hattie M. (Godberson) Cox.

She is survived by one sister, Marie Tapp of Ponca City; one brother, William M. Cox of Dickinson, Texas; two nieces, Carolyn Channel of Murrieta, Calif., and Sharon Rorie of Ponca City; two nephews, Dennis Tapp of Oklahoma City and Mark Tapp of Coppell, Texas; seven great-nieces; two great-great-nieces; and one great-great-nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Neal Cox, Philip Cox and Paul Cox; one niece; one nephew; and one great-nephew.

Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 a.m. Friday.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Thanksgiving Dinner — A Thanksgiving Dinner fund raiser for Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department is set for Saturday at 3454 South Ranch Drive beginning at 6 p.m. Turkey and ham will be furnished. Those attending are asked to bring vegetables, salads or dessert. Cost is $3 for adults and $1.50 for children.

Pauline’s Steak and shrimp dinner, $13.95. Friday, November 12th. For reservations. 765-5460. adv.

Istook to Visit — Fifth District Congressman Ernest Istook will host a town meeting 9 a.m., Nov. 18 at the Ponca City Municipal Library, 515 East Grand, in the Program Room. This will be one of eight town hall meetings Congressman Istook will hold in the Fifth District.

Come by and see selection of Sandi Gore Evans Snowmen! Mrs. Brown’s Attic, downtown Ponca

City. adv.

Area Youth Joins Marines — Doug Powell, son of Tommy and Darlene Powell of Red Rock, recently enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on a delayed enlistment. Doug attends Tonkawa High School and also classes at Vo-Tech in Ponca City, and will be going into the service following graduation.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Fourteenth Street and Harding Avenue at 6:44 a.m. Wednesday that a 22-year-old man was being held for speeding and driving under suspension.

Yes, Fried turkey! Call today to place your order. Snyder’s Grocery. 762-4686. adv.

Burglary — An employee of Mega Burger, 2101 North Ash Street, reported to the Communications Center at 8:44 a.m. Wednesday that a burglary had occurred. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

State Certified DUI School Bridgeway, Inc. is Kay Co.'s only local non-profit organization that offers both mid week and week-end DUI Schools and Assessments. Next school scheduled

Friday, November 12th, and Saturday, November 13th, starting at 5:00 p.m. We now offer the 24 hr. DUI School. Call 762-1462 for reservations and information. adv.

Illegal Parking — A person complained to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:11 a.m. Wednesday that a vehicle continues to park illegally in the 2400 block of Copperfield. An officer was assigned and a citation was issued.

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.

Item Missing — A woman from the 300 block of South Perry Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday that her trash can was missing. The information was logged.

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 — A vehicle accident in the parking lot of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:31 a.m. Wednesday. 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 $7.49, all day. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Subjects Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1000 block of South Eleventh Street at 9:38 a.m. Wednesday that a 40-year-old woman was being held on four Kay County warrants. Another 41-year-old woman was held on a city warrant and a Kay County warrant.

Accident — An accident at the intersection of North Third Street and East Highland Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:58 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Suspicious Activity — A woman from the 500 block of McFadden Drive reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:10 p.m. Wednesday that two subjects were acting suspiciously around a residence in the 600 block of McFadden Drive. Four officer were assigned and two of the officers detained two subjects, and information was logged that they were taken to the police department.

Check for Fire — The manager at Hastings, 2900 North Fourteenth Street, requested assistance with a possible fire problem at 8:41 p.m. Wednesday. A unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to check a light ballast.

Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 1:35 p.m. Wednesday reporting that a grass fire was burning in the 500 block of North Ninth Street. A unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to handle the situation.

Forged Check — An employee at United Supermarket, 2800 North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday that a forged check had been received. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of East South Avenue and South Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:44 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Motorcycle Stolen — A man from the 300 block of East Oklahoma Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:13 p.m. Wednesday that his motorcycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:28 p.m. Wednesday that a shoplifter was being held. An officer was assigned and a 17-year-old man was held for petit larceny.

Money Missing — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 4:31 p.m. Wednesday to report that money had been taken from her while at Pioneer Bank. An officer was assigned and information was logged that the woman had left money in an envelope on a counter in an envelope, went outside and upon returning immediately found the money was gone, and no one had seen it.

Burglary — A woman from the 600 block of McFadden Drive reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:02 p.m. Wednesday that someone had entered the residence and took jewelry and food. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subjects Held — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:12 p.m. Wednesday that two juveniles were being held for shoplifting. An officer was assigned and a 15-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy were cited and released to a parent.

Illegal Parking — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:32 p.m. Wednesday that people without stickers were parking in the handicapped spots at Po-Hi. An officer was assigned, the drivers were contacted, and the vehicles were moved.

Asks For Return of Money — Would the person who accidentally picked up the Pioneer Bank envelope, on Nov. 19, 1999, between 3:15 and 3:40 p.m. please return it to the bank. No questions asked. The envelope contained $690 cash and was to be for a families Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thank You.

Disturbance — A man from the 100 block of North Twelfth Street requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 7:25 p.m. Wednesday as a result of a disturbance. An officer was assigned and a report on a domestic assault and battery was taken.

Subject Held — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 10:16 p.m. Wednesday that an assault had occurred in the 900 block of Riviera Drive. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and a report was taken on an assault and battery.

Bicycles Missing — A woman from the 400 block of South Lake Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:35 a.m. Thursday that two bicycles had been stolen from the resident. An officer assigned took reports.

Noisy Neighbor — A man from the 2100 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:46 a.m. Thursday that a neighbor was being noisy. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Attempted Burglary — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:19 a.m. Thursday that a brick had been thrown at a door of Mid-West Easy Stop, 1100 North Union street. Two officers were assigned and a report on an attempted burglary was taken.

Abandoned Bicycle — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 4:55 a.m. Thursday that a bicycle had been abandoned in a ditch in the 1300 block of Pecan Road. Animal Control was contacted to remove the bicycle.

GARDENING

Composting Is a Good Way To Reduce Fall Yard Waste
Diggin’ in the Dirt
Ponca City Fall Gardens Can Be Rewarding

Composting Is a Good Way To Reduce Fall Yard Waste

STILLWATER - As autumn turns into winter, many Oklahoma homeowners are left wondering what to do with the huge piles of leaves in their yards.

“The majority of yard waste this time of year is leaves,” said Sarah Kimball, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension solid waste management specialist.

About 20 percent of the waste in Oklahoma landfills is yard waste, according to Kimball. Homeowners should find creative ways to dispose of grass clippings,leaves and woody branches this fall, she said.

“Composting is the best way to deal with your fall tree leaves,” Kimball said. Composted leaves can be used around the home to improve flower beds and provide soil nutrients for plants.

“Compost has a lot of benefits for Oklahoma clay soils,” Kimball said.“It can be used to improve things like soil aeration, water drainage and retention and overall plant health.”

Kimball said homeowners also can use leaves as a mulch to protect tender plants through the winter. She encouraged homeowners to compost and mulch their leaves in order to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.

Leaf disposal is a particular problem in the fall because many Oklahoma landfills have banned yard waste, Kimball said.

“Bagging leaves no longer fits today’s environmental needs,” Kimball said. “Sending bagged leaves to the landfill uses precious space, and leaves can easily be composted at home.”

Homeowners should contact their local Cooperative Extension county office and ask for OSU Extension Facts No. 887, “Rural Community Yard Waste Composting Systems,” and No. 6014, “How to Make a Compost Pile,” for more information about leaf composting and mulching.

Diggin’ in the Dirt

By KATHY ZEHR

For gardeners and growers who want to try their hand at propagating plants and trees, I will present some basic procedures. .

Seeds

Most seeds collected from trees and other outdoor perennials in Oklahoma require storage in temperatures of 35-45 degrees for about three months during their dormant stage. This cold storage is called stratification. If you plan to plant the seeds directly in the ground in the spring, first make sure the seeds are pest free and healthy.

Dry the seeds well on a newspaper for a couple of days, then store properly in sealed bags in a cool dry place at about 40 degrees. Before zipper bags I learned from my mother-in-law to place the dry seeds in envelopes with the name of the seed on the outside (funny how you can’t remember in three or four months, what that funny looking seed is??). Place the envelopes in a dry jar with a tight lid. Make certain the seeds, envelope and jar are all dry. Store them in the fridge and forget them until a few weeks before planting outdoors.

I will discuss later how and when to plant some seeds indoors to get a jump on an early garden in the spring. For trees and shrubs and some other plants that do not have an exact time frame to be planted in the spring, the seeds may be stratified and “planted” at the same time. The OSU Home Extension service recommends the grower place seeds on top of a clay pot filled with sand or vermiculite, and cover with 1/2 inch of the potting medium. Wet the medium thoroughly and allow excess water to drain out the hole in the pot. Seal up pot in a plastic bag, label and place in the refrigerator for 2-3 months.

If you have a lot of seeds, and your family objects to all those pots in the fridge you can save a lot of space by placing the seeds in very damp sphagnum or peat moss in a sealed plastic bags. Be sure to label them. Even though you will probably not need to add water, check your plantings periodically to see if they are still moist (not soggy). After three months, or if pots show sprouts, removed the bags and set the pots in a warm place (top of fridge is nice). Water often enough to keep the medium moist.

Most seeds will soon sprout and begin to grow. If you used moss in plastic bags, transfer your seeds or sprouts to pots of sand or vermiculite to continue their growth. When the plants are about 3-inches tall, transplant them into containers of potting soil to grow until time for setting outside. Be careful not to break off any tiny roots or growth from the sprouted seeds when transplanting to the pots. These seeding methods are also excellent to propagate fruit and nut trees. (carefully remove seeds from peach pits before stratifying).

Hybrid Seeds

Although it is very satisfying to save special vegetable and annual seeds from local gardens, please know that the average rate for saving common garden or annual flower seed has, at best, only about a 75 percent chance of success. Current day home-grown garden seeds are not as reliable as they were in grandpa’s day. Two main reasons listed in an OSU propagation publication say it is because today’s seeds are taken from hybrids and may not turn out like the parent plant, and secondly there is no guarantee where our plant pollination comes from since we have numerous gardeners in the area. (most of my neighbors raise small vegetable gardens).

If the average Ponca City gardener does not have a special reason for saving common vegetable and annual flower seeds, it is a lot less trouble and more reliable to buy inexpensive guaranteed fresh seeds from garden supply houses in the spring. I have found that commercial seeds usually cost less than the potting soil and supplies to grow the saved stuff. Avid gardeners should try it at least once and be satisfied that they have learned a valuable skill, but the so-so results prompt me to save my time for more reliable gardening projects.

Ponca City Fall Gardens Can Be Rewarding

By KATHY ZEHR

When fall arrives, many vegetable gardeners are tired of weeding, watering, harvesting, canning, freezing and storing the rewards of a hard summer’s work. Many are just glad to store away the hoes and begin planning the garden for next year. But several Ponca Citians such as Conway Gammill are reaping some bumper crops with prolific fall gardens.

Fall gardening procedures are a little different, but with just a little information the gardener can often grow better crops than in the summer. To save the work of preserving the bounty at end of season a simple outdoor straw-lined storage pit can easily be constructed to preserve some of the excess until needed for a good winter meal.

Gammill’s neighbors - frequent recipients of his generosity - have attested to his expertise in all phases of gardening. For instance, his current crop of sweet, crisp, watermelon sized turnips is without flaw. The Arkansas native says “I try to plant by the sign of the moon and my bumper crop of turnips and some red winter radishes were seeded into the garden on Aug. 15.”

His radishes, looking more like large beets than a radish, are crisp and mild with just a tiny bit of zing to make a salad interesting. Not a pithy turnip or radish in the lot. Retired from Farmland Industries at Lawrence, Kan., Gammill spends most of his days in the prolific garden and beautiful yard.

He says he is partial to various Miracle Grow products for or most of his plant feeding, but used “Triple 13” in the soil before planting this year’s bumper turnip crop. Since turnip seeds are small, Gammill placed 2-inches of dirt in a pan, sprinkled the small seeds on top of it, then repeated layers until the seeds were used up. He then broadcast the seed on top of the ground and swept it around with a broom, gently sprinkled with water, and kept the area moist until the plants started to grow.

To store his bumper crop (after feeding half the neighborhood), Gammill has dug a 2-feet deep pit in the soft earth of his garden. He lined it with 6-8 inches of straw then will cover the stored vegetables with more straw and then 8-10-inches of soil. Gammill says he leaves a “window” area, where he can easily get to the vegetables. Some other vegetables such as carrots, beets, rutabagas and Irish potatoes have also been stored in earthen pits, mounds or clamps with success.

For best success, anyone planning to try these storage methods for winter foods should seek more detailed information to aid with the simple construction. Avid vegetable gardeners in the area may want to consider raising a fall garden in 2000. Dozens of vegetables do well or better in a fall garden planted in July or August in north central Oklahoma. Conway Gammill’s family, neighbors and friends can attest to it (with their mouths full).

SPORTS

Morrison Bounce Tested
TU Football Is On Brink
Mavericks Kayoed By NEO
Lady Mavs Fall
Pioneers Splash Past Cats

Morrison Bounce Tested

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Morrison’s Tigers haven’t had too many disappointments this season, so it will be interesting to see how they comeback from a hard-fought 17-16 loss to Oklahoma Christian School last Friday, which cost them the District B-3 championship.

Morrison is one of four area football teams in the first round of the playoffs. It, along with District A-5 champion Tonkawa, are at home Friday night while Newkirk and Deer Creek-Lamont are on the road.

Morrison (9-1) vs. Sallisaw Central (8-2)

7:30 p.m.

“I think our kids will bounce back pretty well,” Morrison coach Joe Sindelar said. “There was a lot of talk around town on Friday about the loss (on Thursday). But by the time we came back after the weekend, that talk was not present.”

Playing an uncharacteristically sloppy game, Morrison had a number of turnover, which allowed a good OCS team to jump in front 14-0.

Morrison battled back to tie the score in the second half, OCS than got a field goal to pull in front 17-14 late in the game.,Morrison took the ball and dove toward a winning score but fumbled deep in OCS territory.

The Saints, backed up to their own goal line, took a safety with less than a minute left to play to end the Cats’ hopes of a comeback.

“We had things happen than hadn’t happened to us all year and you’ve got to give Oklahoma Christian some credit,” Sindelar said. “But I like our position (in the playoffs).”

However, Sindelar warned that Sallisaw Central, “is a good team that is well coached.

“They run a lot of traps and try to hide the ball so you don’t know which of the three backs has the ball.

“They had a couple of injuries last week. If those two players are back, we’ll have to play real well. If those players are still out, they are not as tough a team.”

Tonkawa (9-0) vs. Oklahoma Union (6-4), 7:30

Normally Tonkawa would be heavily favored in this first round game, but Bucs’ coach Steve Love warns that Union can be dangerous.

“This is the first time they have been in the playoffs,” Love notes. “So they’ll come in here all fired up.

“Union has some big linemen. The offensive line averages about 235 pounds and they have some decent backs. They’ll just run power football.

“Their size is a concern for us,” Love said. “We’ll have to step up and fill the gaps.

“We’ll need to play ball control and play for field position.”

Newkirk (7-3) at Prague (8-2)

Newkirk coach Sonny Schovanec is hoping the Tigers’ experience in the playoffs in recent years pays off.

“We’ve been in the playoffs three years in a row,” Schovanec says. “And last year we made a pretty good run.

“We have always played pretty well in the playoffs.”

Prague has the size to give Newkirk some problems, the coach warns, and a pretty good tailback.

“We’re two pretty even teams,” Schovanec said. “It will come down to which team makes the fewest mistakes and which one wants it the most.”

Deer Creek-Lamont (5-5)

at Webber Falls (9-0)

The Eagles are making their first trip to the playoffs in six years and coach Steve Neptune is hoping they make the most of it.

“The kids are pretty excited and we’ve had some good practices this week,” Neptune said.

“Webber Falls is a good team with backs who run hard. Defensively they play off of blocks real well.”

Neptune said the Eagles will leave early for the long trip Friday,” so we can stop several times along the way and stretch. We’ll get there early so we can get used to the surroundings.”

TU Football Is On Brink

TULSA (AP) — The president of Tulsa University is optimistic a new football coach can turn the ailing program around.

But President Robert Lawless acknowledges that a drop to a lower class of football or even no football might be a possibility if the next coach has no more success than did Dave Rader.

Rader was fired Oct. 25 after 12 seasons as coach. The Golden Hurricane had only one winning season during that time and Rader finished at 49-80-1.

The school has a search committee looking for a new coach.

‘‘Time will tell. If we bring in a new coach who we think is an enthusiastic person and an individual that can bring us forward and that new coach is not able to be successful, then four or five years from now, we’ll have some tough questions to address,’’ Lawless said in an interview with the Tulsa World.

‘‘I know that coach Rader honestly believes that no one could have done better than did he. If he’s right, then 10 years from now, football will be a total different place.’’

Lawless had kind words for Rader.

‘‘I think it’s unfortunate that it didn’t work for him to produce a winning team, but I don’t think it’s fair to the University of Tulsa and all of the supporters and alums to just say, ‘Nobody could do it better. We’re not even going to try.’ We have to see if there’s someone out there who can do it.’’

‘‘I think that there’s a good possibility that whenever NCAA records are totally finished, that we will probably have the record for the most losses by a Division I-A coach at the same school,’’ Lawless said. ‘‘I don’t think anybody else would have ever had an individual that long, and I think that’s attribute to his standards and his value as a person that he was retained. Everybody just wanted him to succeed.’’

Tulsa competes in the Western Athletic Conference at the Division I level of the NCAA.

Lawless said he believes the school can compete. ‘‘I don’t think we can beat Tennessee and Florida State, and I don’t think we can beat Penn State. But I think in the WAC, we can be champions of the WAC,’’ he said.

Lawless said the general response from alumni and fans to the firing of Rader has been about 7-1 in favor of the change. He said some of the responses on either side have been hostile. Some people have wanted to know why it took so long. Pro-Rader supporters have said Lawless should be fired.

Lawless defended athletic director Judy MacLeod, who made the decision to fire Rader. He said he supported her decision 1,000 percent. ‘‘It had to be done,’’ he said.

He noted she had been criticized for notifying Rader of the firing by phone.

‘‘Nobody talks about the almost 12 hours of face-to-face conversation they had before that Monday morning. She called him and said, ‘Would you come down to my office?’ And he said, ‘I’d rather not. Just let me know if it’s over.’’’

Lawless said Rader was given a chance to resign or to accept reassignment and accepted neither.

Lawless said he wants a new coach who can win 12 games a year and excite the public to come and see games and contribute to the program.

Mavericks Kayoed By NEO

MIAMI, Okla. — Northern Oklahoma College forward Sherman Rochell was knocked out — literally — in the first half of the Mavericks’ game with NEO.

Guard Jeff Newby left with a concussion, and a large gash in his head, in the second half.

Coach Mick Weiberg also left in the second half with a headache, after being ejected by the referee.

To say the game between long-time junior college rivals was physical is probably an understatement, but Weiberg said that was not the main reason for the Mavs’s first loss of the season after three straight wins, 87-76.

“We just didn’t play very well,” Weiberg said afterwards. “We were taken out of our game.”

The young Mavericks didn’t respond well’ the coach indicated.

“We were 10 up when Sherman went out,” the coach said. “The freshmen lost concentration and NEO went on a 20-2 run.”

NEO led 42-26 at halftime and NOC found itself in a deep hole.

But the Mavericks responded.

“We got back to within four several times,” Weiberg said, “but we couldn’t get over the hump. We couldn’t get that one crucial basket,”

It didn’t help that NEO hit 31-of-35 free throws in the game.

Larry Reid paced NOC’s scoring with 21 points while Richie Myers had 14 and Chris Arledge 10. Rochell, who came back for the second half, but was not a full speed, also had 10 points while Newby went out with 7, Tyler Bernard had 6, Spencer Lazosky 4 and Scott Prater 4.

The Mavericks will be home for the first time Saturday afternoon to take on Westark in what Weiberg feels will be another battle for his Mavericks.

“Westark is the same kind of team,’ the coach said. “They will have good quickness.”

Weiberg said Rochell will probably play Saturday but was uncertain of Newby.

That game will be played in Foster-Piper Fieldhouse, starting about 4 p.m., following the women’s game

Lady Mavs Fall

MIAMI, Okla. — Poor shooting and foul problems proved costly for the Lady Mavericks and they dropped a 70-46 decision to NEO Wednesday.

“We just didn’t shoot the ball very well,” coach Greg Krouse said after watching his team fall behind 37-24 in the first half while hitting only 5-of-15 free throws.

The Lady Mavs came back somewhat in the second half and finished with 15-of-32 free throws, but shot just over 30 percent from the field.

“(LaQueisha) Dickerson and (Chenise) Robinson got into early foul trouble,” Krause said. “They had three fouls in the first few minutes. That hurt us. They are our key players.

“On the good side, we out rebounded NEO (50-45) and played good defense. That’s what kept us in the game.

“But we had far too many turnovers.”

Dickerson still managed to pacer the Lady Mavericks in scoring with 10 points. Suzi Eisenhouer finished with 9, B.J. Homer had 6, Lindsey Sheiver and Tia Andrews each had 5, Deidra Dick scored 4, Stacie Scott 3, Niki Gray 2 and Erin Campbell and Randa Collins had 1 apiece.

The Lady Mavs, now 2-3, return to the friendly confines of ‘Foster-Piper Fieldhouse Saturday to take on Westark.

“Westark is similar in style to NEO,” Krause said. “That will give us an opportunity to improve our play against a pressure defense.”

Pioneers Splash Past Cats

On Tuesday evening the Stillwater girls’ swimmers came to Ponca City as last year’s sixth place team in the state. They did not lose much in terms of talent or depth over the summer. Stillwater boys placed seventh at state last year and have gotten stronger.

The Lady Pioneers were ranked in the state preseason in the top three and the guys in the top five. This was a tough dual meet for both the Cats and Pioneers. The Po-Hi swimmers swam really fast — it just wasn’t fast enough. The scores ended up for the girls, Stillwater 106, Po-Hi 67; and for the boys, Stillwater 111, Po-Hi 61.

The meet started with a tie in the 200-medley relay. Freshman Kayla Mills came from behind to chase down Stillwater and just missed out-touching the Pioneer swimmer.

Mills also had a superb 500-yard free, leading the race from start to finish in a best time of 5:45:39 and also qualifying Mills for state in that event. Mills got top honors for the girls from Coach Strah as "Swimmer of the Meet" on the girls’ side.

Senior swimmer Rory Peterson was a double winner on the boys side in the 200-individual medley and 500-freestyle.

Receiving "Swimmer of the Meet" for the boys was first-year swimmer Ashton Herbert. Herbert had best times in the 200-free, placing fourth, and in the 100-breast, finishing third.

"Ashton is a welcome sight for the Wildcats after graduating five seniors last spring," says Coach Strah.

The Wildcat and Lady Cat records are both 3-1 on the season.

The Po-Hi swimmers have a dual meet next week with PC North on Thursday, Nov. 18. Last year the PC North girls were ranked second and the boys were sixth in the state. Meet time is 5:30 p.m. at the YMCA pool.