LOCAL

Brian Hermanson To Defend Nichols
Oklahoma Promised Tight Budget
Newport 1999 Assignments Include Vice Chairman Post
Gala Tickets Still Available
Take Care in Giving To Correct Charities
Journalism Administrator of Year Award Going To Po-Hi Graduate
Authors, Musicians To Sign Books, Tapes Here Saturday
Combined Choruses Present Patriotic Assembly at Mid-High, Middle School

Brian Hermanson To Defend Nichols

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System has selected a Ponca City attorney to represent Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols in an anticipated state trial.

Brian T. Hermanson, 46, declined to comment on Wednesday, but he received high praise from Jim Bednar, executive director of the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System.

‘‘He’s real solid. He’s got quite a set of credentials. I just wanted some people that wouldn’t be crazy, that would really be professional, and I couldn’t ask for anybody who fits that category better than Brian Hermanson,’’ Bednar said.

Nichols is serving a life sentence for his role in the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The blast resulted in 168 deaths.

Nichols, 43, is appealing his federal conviction.

Bomber Timothy McVeigh also was convicted on the federal level and is awaiting execution. Oklahoma City attorney Gary James will represent McVeigh, 30, if a state trial occurs.

Oklahoma County prosecutors plan to charge both men again and seek the death penalty on 160 murder counts.

The men’s federal convictions were for the eight federal agents who died in the blast.

Hermanson has a law degree from the University of Oklahoma. He is best known for getting a life sentence for his client in 1986 in a notorious murder case.

Kirk McBrain was convicted of killing a 15-year-old Ponca City girl to prevent her from testifying that he and two other men had raped her. Payne County prosecutors had sought the death penalty.

Hermanson already has visited Nichols in federal prison in Colorado, Nichols’ relatives said.

Bednar said he took the trip at his own expense.

Oklahoma Promised Tight Budget

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The state Senate’s budget leader is calling for a conservative approach to spending by the governor and Legislature next year.

Sen. Kelley Haney, D-Seminole, said the state’s economy is still growing, but the slump in oil prices and previous commitments will leave Oklahoma legislators with little growth revenue to devote to new programs.

‘‘You don’t have to be a genius to do the math,’’ Haney, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said Wednesday. ‘‘With the energy slump dragging state revenues down and a bunch of financial obligations coming due, there isn’t going to be much in the way of growth money to spread around.

‘‘I think we need to approach the coming year conservatively and not expect any significant additional funding to be available.’’

Depressed oil prices have been cited as the reason why state revenue collections have been trailing estimates in recent months.

But Haney said financial commitments made by the governor and Legislature have not declined and will have to be met. They include:

— Ongoing costs of the $1 billion highway building program ($29.6 million, not counting an additional $52.6 million from the Rainy Day Fund.)

— A $27.2 million annual cost to raise the pay of law enforcement, district attorneys and state employees.

— Health benefit increases for teachers and other school personnel ($39.8 million)

— The annual cost of new prison beds ($16.2 million).

— The annual cost of an 80-bed minimum security facility for the Office of Juvenile Affairs ($2.8 million).

Haney said officials can’t back off their commitments. ‘‘We can’t pull the plug on pay raises for law enforcement officers or state employees, we can’t shut down the road construction program and we can’t tell our prisons to stop accepting inmates,’’ he said.

He said the financial situation is compounded by the fact that legislators will have a smaller revenue pie because of tax cuts that will eat up an estimated $73.8 million dollars in the next fiscal year.

Newport 1999 Assignments Include Vice Chairman Post

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Ponca City Republican State Rep. Jim Newport has been named vice chairman of the Corrections Committee, and also appointed to the Appropriations and Budget Committee for the coming Legislative session.

For a junior member of the House of Representatives and a member of the minority party these are considered important assignments, especially being named a vice chairman of a committee.

Newport, who is attending a two-day seminar at Koch Institute in Topeka, confirmed he had been contacted by Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Lloyd Benson to accept these assignments.

“I am honored to accept these greater responsibilities and to be recognized for my work,” Newport said.

Wearing his state legislator hat, Newport decided to attend the Koch Institute on Crime Prevention. The focus of the institute is prevention of school violence and gang violence.

Newport said that his area of focus, while serving in the Legislature, will involve anything that deals with family and youths and interaction with education.

Newport’s assignments for this legislative session, in addition to Appropriations and Budget, include the Education and Energy Committees.

Gala Tickets Still Available

“Time is running out to get your tickets to the Marland Estate Christmas Gala. There are still a small number of tickets available at the Marland Estate or Conference Center. The tickets sell for $35 and with your ticket comes a fabulous evening of holiday entertainment, food and fun,” according to Sherri Tapp, Gala chairman.

The Gala will begin promptly at 7 p.m. on Saturday. This year there are two points of entry to get guests to the fun as quickly as possible without waiting in line.

Those entering at the Chapel, will be greeted by the music of Jason and Jeremy Stillwell. Others entering the Main Mansion entrance, the First Baptist Church Bell Ringers will be ringing in the holidays with special Christmas selections. An assortment of heavy hors d’oeuvres will be available at either location of entry at 7 o’clock and also throughout the Mansion and Chapel for the entire evening.

Numerous delights await as guests proceed through the beautifully decorated Mansion and they will be able to get a great holiday photo taken from the roving photographer, Kevin Leven of Photo Pro, to capture memories of this year’s Gala.

Getting the attendees off to a festive start at 7 p.m., Kay Anthony will be at the grand piano in the Ballroom playing holiday music and leading a cheery holiday sing along.

There will be a Coffee Bar located in E.W.'s Restaurant where guests may have a seat and enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee while listening to the music of Mark Love on saxophone. Mark will be accompanied by Carol Green on piano and also throughout the evening, Mark's daughter Shannon Love will be singing with her father. For a short time from 8 until 9 p.m., Shannon Love and Carol Green will be performing at the grand piano in the Ballroom.

The Festival of Christmas Silent Auction will be held from 7 until 10:30 p.m. This annual event is sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Council and made possible by many area merchants and individuals donations with their great variety of gifts and services. Half of the funds raised will benefit community performances and the remainder will be go to the Marland Estate.

Dance music will be provided in two locations: on the Lower Level of the Mansion and in the Chapel. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., Amos Cunningham and Friends whose music is similar to Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and the Big Band era and has been described as “classy music” and definitely not Rock and Roll will be performing on the Lower Level.

“Good Company” will be playing from 8 p.m., until midnight in the Chapel. The band’s music is described as Pop, Standards, Classic and ’50s-’60s Rock and Roll, and dance hits of the ’70s and ’80s and Top 40 hits.

“Don’t miss your opportunity to get into the spirit of Christmas with the best Christmas Party in Ponca City. Pull out your holiday best, put on your dancing shoes and come to the Marland Mansion for the Gala,” Tapp said.

Take Care in Giving To Correct Charities

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

It is better to give than receive — as long as you are careful and know who and what you are giving to.

Christmas is typically the time when charities solicit for donations and unfortunately a time when scam artists take advantage of the kind-hearted.

According to Ponca City Police Department spokesperson Sherry Bowers this time of year brings an increase in solicitation reports and inquires.

“We see a definite increase in people calling us wanting to know if a solicitation is legitimate as well as those calling to report a bogus solicitation call they have received,” Bowers says.

The problem, Bowers explains, is that people are not always prepared when the calls come in.

“They are caught off guard and sometimes don’t always know what appropriate questions to ask the caller,” Bowers says. “Hindsight is 20-20 and people think of things they should have asked after they hang up.”

In addition, locating and prosecuting those involved in bogus solicitation schemes is often difficult for police.

“If we don’t have the information we need then we are limited in what we can do,” Bowers adds.

The Attorney General’s Office has printed a pamphlet titled “Give to the Needy, Not the Greedy” — a charity donation guide, which contains tips for giving and questions to ask those seeking donations.

The pamphlet contains some of the following advice:

• Do not give cash.

• Do not give out a credit card number.

• Do not be pressured into giving.

• Do not be fooled by names that sound similar to legitimate charities.

• Do not give to a charity because you were sent a “gift” or just to receive a “free prize.”

When contacted make certain to obtain the following information:

• The full name, telephone number and address of the caller.

• The full name of the charity represented and their headquarters address and phone number as well as how long it has been operating.

• The goals and purpose of the organization and how the donation will be used.

• Inquire as to how the donation will be used, if the contribution is tax deductible and how much of the donation will go directly to the charity.

Suspicious charity solicitations can be reported to the Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Unit, 4545 North Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 260. Oklahoma City, OK 73105. (405) 521-2029.

Journalism Administrator of Year Award Going To Po-Hi Graduate

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Former Ponca City resident Robert M. Ruggles will be honored Saturday in San Antonio as the nation’s Journalism Administrator of the Year.

Ruggles, a 1957 graduate of Ponca City High School and nephew of Mary Brigham, a resident of Westminster Village, will receive the award from The Freedom Forum. He is dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Graphic Arts at Florida A&M University, Tallahassee.

The award recognizes outstanding administrative leadership in the advancement of journalism education. The honoree is selected by a panel of educators and news professionals from nominations submitted to The Freedom Forum.

Ruggles will receive a medal and a $10,000 cash award. In addition, a $10,000 grant will be made to the school he heads at Florida A&M. Charles L. Overby, chairman and chief executive officer of The Freedom Forum, will present the award at a dinner Saturday during the 1998 Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication (ASJMC)/Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) winter meeting in San Antonio.

“Dean Ruggles has been a leader in developing a journalism program that serves to prepare professional journalists with an emphasis on basic skills, and to increase the opportunities for diversity in media,” Overby said. “Both are significant and urgently needed initiatives.”

Ruggles has been dean of the school since 1982. He established the journalism program at Florida A&M in 1974, developing sequences in newspaper journalism, broadcast journalism and public relations. The sequences were accredited in 1982, a first for a historically black university. Since then, a magazine-production sequence has been added, and the journalism department became part of the School of Journalism, Media and Graphic Arts. The journalism program received full reaccreditation in 1988 and 1994, and in 1987 and 1994 passed with high marks a state Board of Regents communication program review. The school has more than 350 majors enrolled.

“In addition to advancing media diversity by helping to build a strong journalism program at a historically black university, Bob Ruggles has been an effective national advocate for inclusion of women and people of all races,” said Felix Gutierrez, senior vice president and executive director of The Freedom Forum Pacific Coast Center in San Francisco.

Ruggles was associate professor and then professor and chairman of the department of journalism at Florida A&M before becoming dean. He was assistant professor and assistant to the director, University of Oklahoma School of Journalism, from 1969 to 1974 and was an instructor in journalism at Oklahoma City University in 1961 and 1962.

At The Daily Oklahoman and the Oklahoma City Times, Ruggles held various newsroom positions from 1962 to 1969, including copy editor, reporter, metropolitan editor and education editor. While serving in the U.S. Army he was assistant editor of Infantry Magazine. During college he worked several summers as a reporter and editor with the Ponca City News.

Ruggles holds a master of arts degree and a bachelor of arts degree, with distinction, from the University of Oklahoma. He was president of ASJMC from 1996 to 1997 and served on the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication from 1986 to 1991 and from 1994 to 1998. He has chaired a number of AEJMC committees on matters of concern to women and minorities. He also has consulted with journalism schools nationwide.

Ruggles is married to the former Connie Burke, also a former Ponca Citian. They have a daughter, Kelly, who lives in Tallahassee.

Authors, Musicians To Sign Books, Tapes Here Saturday

Several local authors and musicians will sign books and tapes at Brace Books & More 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, during the two-day Christmas Open House.

Jo Ann Muchmore — actor, director, storyteller and author of a children’s book entitled “Johnny Rides Again” — will be on hand Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. to entertain children ages 8 to 12 and autograph copies of her book.

Three Ponca Citians contributed to the creation of a musical tape entitled “Christmas Dream” in 1997. Lowell Betow wrote a poem which Neva Balduff set to music, and Gary Stephens performs on the tape. The three will be on hand from 2 to 4 p.m. to sign copies of the cassette.

At the same time, Balduff will sign copies of her new CD, “Let Your Spirit Soar,” which contains eight pieces she composed, arranged and performs. “Let Your Spirit Soar” is also available as an audio cassette.

On Sunday, Mary Anne Potter and Cindy Grubb will provide samples of recipes from their cookbooks, “Herbal Pleasures” and “Sunny-Side Up.”

“To celebrate the opening of the season, we are offering special prices on Christmas music and Christmas books, serving holiday tea, and giving away coloring books for children,” said proprietor, Jean Brace. “We are also planning to give away a 1998 Holiday Teddy Beanie Baby each day, but the main thing we are excited about is featuring our local authors and musicians.”

Janice Woods Windle was scheduled to autograph her book “Hill Country,” but due to illness her tour has been canceled.

Combined Choruses Present Patriotic Assembly at Mid-High, Middle School

The combined choruses of the eighth grade Mid-High and seventh grade Middle School, under the direction of Carol Green, presented a patriotic assembly on Nov. 20 at both the Mid-High and the Middle School.

The program included “The Star Spangled Banner” sung by Audrey Eubank, Kimberly Evans, and Shannon Love; “We the People” from “All American” by Mark Brymer; “An American Salute” arranged by Ed Lojeski; “America” as recorded by Neil Diamond; “Song of the Presidents” and “50 Nifty States;” “Hootennany,” a medley of folk tunes, arranged by Roger Emerson; “Song of Our Homeland” from “Song of America,” arranged by Mac Huff; and “America the Beautiful,” arranged by Mark Hayes.

Eighth grade students narrating included Courtney Calvert, Krystal Stone, Rocio Reyes, Jessica Lowman, Hillary McKay, Holley Barnett, Ashton Herbert, Erin Denison, Ashley Cline, Janessa Mitchell, Heather Summers, Jennifer Gregg, Stephanie Powers, Aimee Escue, Felicia Gifford, Lindsay Stafford, Brian Harrison, Andrew Kellert, Mekayla Overbey and Eric Peeples.

Eighth grade students singing vocal solos were JaneAnn Huston, Keith Hines, Alecia Hightower, Joey Luis, Tami Tebow, Andrew Kellert, Sarah Adams, Tyler Fezer, Melissa Arambula, Allison Ford, Trevor Copple, Susan Wells, and D’Vonne Brock. A duet was sung by Heather Summers and Becky Barnard, and an ensemble was sung by Andrew Kellert, Tyler Fezer, Brian Harrison, Shane Parker, Michael Yancey, Jeff Lanham and Trevor Copple.

Choreography was done by Melissa Arambula, Lyndsey Cobble, Susan Wells, Brittany Wilson, Alecia Hightower, JaneAnn Huston, Sarah Adams, Trevor Copple, Tyler Fezer and Keith Hines. Other eighth grade chorus members include Chelsey Delaney, Caroline Delodge, Geri Eddinger, Krystal Ingram, Rachel Knox, Cory Levings, Angela Pitts, Jamie Sasnett, Kaili Smith, Melissa Stangeland, Erika Stargell, Sandra Stocker and Laura Taylor.

The sound was done by Nathan Kellert, the spotlight was by Rachel Kellert, and stage lights were done by Emily Wiswell.

Seventh graders who participated as narrators were Theresa Fox, Katie Caudillo, Jennifer Wright, Samantha Durbin, Ashley Pemberton, Christina Senseman, Amber Tedrow, Daak Love and Aaron Worley. Those seventh graders singing solos were Rebeka Duckwall, John Lowrey, Nicholas Durham, Demetria McQuerry, Audrey Eubank, Samantha Faulk, Kimberly Evans, Shannon Love, Jakeb Coon and Janna Green. A duet was sung by Daak Love and Kimberly Evans, and a trio was sung by Audrey Eubank, Kimberly Evans and Shannon Love. Choreography was done by Shannon Love and Kimberly Evans.

Other seventh grade chorus members participating in the program were Haley Bible, Katherine Burriell, Jenni Cowan, Nikki Cox, Brandon Hayes, Tedi Hill, Kimberly Leatherman, Jensi Leatherman, Amanda Lee, Carrie Moore, Amanda Reiss, Shanell Robb, Jacob Stewart, Alisha Tomek and Brian Yerkes. Stage set up and sound were done by Vicki Poulson, spotlight was done by Rachel Kellert, and Emily Wiswell, Rebeka Duckwall and Nikki Cox ran the stage lights.

DEATHS

Audrey Lucille Davis
Aurelia J. Summerfield
Dean Coleman

Audrey Lucille Davis

KAW CITY — Audrey Lucille Davis, former Kaw City resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1998, in Odessa, Texas. She was 82.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Kaw City First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Troy Pults, Newkirk, officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery at Kaw City under the direction of Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors, Odessa, Texas.

Audrey Lucille Davis was born Aug. 2, 1916, in Conway Springs, Kan. She graduated from Kaw City High School in 1934.

She married James William Davis on July 7, 1936, in Newkirk, and they had recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. The couple had lived in Hobbs, N.M. for 17 years, where Mrs. Davis was active in church and women’s clubs. They moved to Odessa 21 years ago, where she was a member of Asbury Methodist Church. Mrs. Davis was a homemaker and dedicated to her family.

Survivors include husband, James “Jim” Davis of Odessa, Texas; son, Earl L. Davis of Odessa; one sister, Frieda Mitchell of Odessa; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one nephew. She was preceded in death by a son, James Edwin Davis and her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Davis’ name to Asbury Methodist Church, 4001 East University, Odessa, TX 79762.

Aurelia J. Summerfield

Aurelia J. Summerfield, longtime Ponca City resident died Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1998 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 77.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, at Ponca City Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Heslip, Minister of Education, First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Aurelia J. (Hayden) Summerfield was born on March 22, 1921 in Ponca City to Asa and Ethel (Watts) Hayden. She graduated from Ponca City High School.

On Dec. 23, 1944, she was married to Alfred G. Summerfield. She was a homemaker. Her hobbies included reading, ceramics, helping with Camp Fire and watching TV. Mrs. Summerfield was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Al Summerfield and John Summerfield; two daughters, Carol Rickards and Shari Summerfield; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; one daughter, Shelly Summerfield; her parents; one brother and two sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Services Pending

Dean Coleman

Dean Coleman, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 81. Local survivors include his wife, Julia. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Art Center Flea Market — The Ponca City Art Association is holding its annual Christmas Sale/Flea Market on the grounds and in the garages of the Ponca City Art Association, 819 East Central, Monday and Tuesday. The usual large selection of miscellaneous articles and the men’s plunder box will be available at low prices once again.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes

available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with

appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable,

local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681.

adv.

Benefit Handgame — The Gives Water Service Club will hold a benefit handgame at the White Eagle Tribal Affairs Dining Hall Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m., with supper at 5:30 p.m. Games, plenty of other activities and cake walks. Everyone is invited and those attending should bring your own dishes and chairs.

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.

Fraud — Police were notified at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday of a possible fraud involving a roofing company. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

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

1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Fireworks — At 8:53 p.m. Wednesday police reported fireworks being shot at North Sixth Street and East Emporia Avenue.

Hand Games Friday — Hand games at the Travel Affairs building at White Eagle 7:30 p.m. Friday. All invited.

Arrest — Police arrested a 43-year-old woman at 11:12 p.m. Wednesday on Arkansas felony warrants.

Accident — At 10:54 p.m. Wednesday a man in the 2800 block of Garden View Drive notified police of a one-vehicle accident.

Stolen Decorations — At 8:11 a.m. Wednesday a woman in the 600 block of North Third Street advised police that her Christmas decorations had been stolen.

Business Vandalism — Extra police patrol was assigned at Steamatic, 507 South Pine Street, after vandalism to the business was reported at 8:31 a.m. Wednesday.

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

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

Arrest — Police arrested an 18-year-old man at 1:31 a.m. Thursday from the 500 block of North Fourteenth Street on a Kay County warrant.

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

4348. adv.

Extra Patrol — Extra patrol was requested at 1:22 p.m. Wednesday in the 800 block of North Birch Street due to someone opening a backyard gate in the area.

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.

Altercation — At 3:25 p.m. Wednesday police received a report of several juveniles fighting in the 400 block of East Grand Avenue. An officer was assigned.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident at South First Street and South Avenue was reported to police at 5 p.m. Wednesday. A report was taken.

Accident — An accident at North Fourteenth Street and Lake Road was reported to police at 7:54 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Stolen Lights — A man in the 800 block of North Birch Street advised police at 9:24 p.m. Wednesday of stolen Christmas lights.

Accident — One person was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 6:16 a.m. Thursday after sustaining injuries in a one-vehicle rollover accident east of the New River Bridge on U.S. 60.

False Alarm — At 2:41 p.m. all fire units responded to a fire alarm at Hughes Lumber, 705 East Prospect Avenue. However, it was a false alarm.

GARDENING

List Helps Identify Evergreens
Ivy Decorates Local Building

List Helps Identify Evergreens

(AP) — The rainbow of leaves is gone, the air is cold and crisp. But the pungent and pleasing scent of aromatic evergreens enliven the woods with their enduring green, a symbol of ongoing life, wrote Cathy Johnson in an article in the November issue of Country Living.

From Adirondack mountainsides to high Arizona deserts, evergreens thrive under a variety of growing conditions.

The conifer family, without flowers or fruit, covers a lot of ground. Larches, spruces, hemlocks, firs and Douglas firs are cone-bearers. Mostly resinous — that’s what produces their delightful fragrance — they generally have narrow crowns and strong vertical trunks. They’re considered softwoods, providing both timber and pulpwood.

According to “The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees,” 61 native and one naturalized species (Norway spruce) populate North America. Some, including pitch pines, balsam firs and white spruces, are grown commercially in tree plantations for lumber, pulpwood and Christmas trees.

Wide variations can be found among the conifers: White pine has five needles in a bundle. Spruces and firs have needle-covered twigs that look much like a green bottle brush. Cedars and cypresses have needles that are scalelike. (If you look closely, you will see their tiny overlapping tiles.) The bald cypress is a deciduous tree that sheds its needles in the fall, making it an exception to the evergreen rule.

Along with tree shape and size, needle color and configuration, cones can serve as definitive guides to identification. The Norway spruce’s 4- to 6-inch-long cones differ widely from the Eastern hemlock’s tiny 5/8- to 3/4-inch ones — not to mention the white cedar’s even, small-scaled seedcases.

Overall tree shape is an important key, as well. Under normal growing conditions, each species follows a distinctive form that will aid in identification.

Northern White Cedar: an aromatic conical-crowned tree that reaches heights of 40 feet to 70 feet. Needles, often called leaves, have scalelike appearance. Cones are generally about 3/8-inch long, elliptical and grow upright.

Norway Spruce: Introduced from Scandinavia, this large tree has a pyramid shape and stiff 1/2- to 1-inch-long needles that are dark green with a white stripe. The 4- to 6-inch-long cylindrical cones hang below the branch; the cone scales open and shed the year after they mature.

Balsam Fir: This aromatic tree is the only fir native to the Northeast. Look for a tree 40 feet to 60 feet tall with flat evergreen needles that are 1/2- to 1-inch-long, shiny on top, and grow almost at right angles on hairy twigs. The cylindrical 2- to 3 1/4-inch-long cones stand upright on the limbs. Young cones are green; mature ones, a purplish brown.

Eastern Hemlock: Branches on this 60- to 70-foot conical-crowned tree may droop to the ground. Flat evergreen needles with rounded tips are 3/8- to 5/8-inch and spread in two rows; shiny dark green above with two white bands below. Elliptical cones measuring 5/8- to 3/4-inch hang down at the ends of the twigs.

Blue Spruce: a tree that has a conical crown and may grow to 100 feet. Needles are blue gray and grow on all sides of the twigs. Scales are cylindrical and hang below the twigs; they’re greenish-red when young and bright brown when ripe.

Douglas Fir: possesses a straight, cylindrical trunk and can reach heights of 200 feet. Needles are soft, a little over 1-inch long, and grow on all sides of the twigs. Cones are pendulous and oval with lighter colored bracts that extend beyond the scales.

Bald Cypress: This swamp-loving redwood sheds its needles in the fall. It has a large open crown and grows to 100 feet to 120 feet. Borne singly in two rows, its featherlike needles are 3/8- to 3/4-inch. The small round cones are made up of several flat, four-angled scales.

Shortleaf Pine: the most widely distributed of the Southern yellow pines, growing 70 feet to 100 feet with a broad open crown. Needles appear in bundles of two to three. They are 2 3/4- to 4 1/2-inches long. Conical or egg-shaped cones are 1 1/2- to 2 1/2-inches long; cone scales have a small spiky prickle.

Eastern Pine: the largest Northwest conifer, growing to 100 feet. Crown has horizontal branches rather than rising to a sharp point. Needles grow to 2 1/2- to 5-inches long in bundles of five. The narrow 4- to 8-inch long cones have long stalks.

Ivy Decorates Local Building

Ivy is an extremely useful and decorative groundcover or climbing vine. English Ivy can be trained as in a topiary or espaliere-type of design and is used as greenery for wreath or bouquet-making in florists shops. Easy to grow and propagate, this ivy likes any average garden soil in full sun or part shade. It is also a favorite for bridal bouquets.

Tendrils will cling and eventually could become destructive to its supportive structure if it is flimsy. Long-lived, the ivy will provide attractive evergreen foliage for many, many years.

Boston Ivy is an excellent clinging deciduous vine which is most well-known for its amazing fall foliage colors. Rich and intense hues of scarlet, yellow and orange light up with the onset of autumn. After the leaves fall, the dark blue berries remain decorative until they fall. This is a better clinging vine and it also branches out from its support structure to provide texture and movement when breezes bring fluttering leaves. Will tolerate the dust, pollution and exhaust fumes of a city environment very well, making it an ideal choice for a wall or fence covering in your city garden. Will adapt to a wide range of growing conditions but prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

Virginia Creeper is grown for its clinging habit and colorful foliage. In early spring the leaves emerge as a soft purple-bronze, changing to a medium green as they age. In the fall, they turn shades of red, bronze, orange and yellow, creating an autumn palette of colors.

Their ornamental blue-black berries hold fast on red stems up until winter when they drop and become a popular snack for the local bird population. ‘Engelmanii’ and ‘Saint-Paulii’ are recommended varieties which have smaller leaves and will create a softer effect as they creep. This vine tolerates a wide range of growing conditions including various soil types, light exposures and extreme temperatures of cold and heat. Its favorite conditions, however, are moist, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade.

SPORTS

Wildcat Matmen Get Start
PC Roper In Vegas For Finals
Tigers Shoot for Biggest Upset Yet in 2A Semifinals

Wildcat Matmen Get Start

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

The Todd Steidley era of Wildcat wrestling starts tonight with a full slate of mat activities scheduled in Robson Fieldhouse.

The Ponca City junior high JV team will take on the Owasso junior high team starting at 5:15 p.m. A few high school JV matches follow with Wildcat varsity taking to the floor at 7.

This will be Steidley’s first match as the Wildcats’ head coach after four years at Bristow.

Steidley’s first team here will be relatively young with just two seniors in tonight’s lineup.

That inexperience and some injuries means the Cats may be a little slow coming out of the gate on the season, according to the coach, but he expects steady progress in the first three weeks of the season.

“We should be a much better team after Christmas," Steidley said.

The scheduled starting lineup includes Demont Swindall at 103 pounds, Phillip Brotherton at 112, Shawn Lee at 119, Josh Bailey at 125, Clint Stafford at 130, Cody Grogan at 135, Scott Steichen at 140, Matt Littleton at 145, Michael Osborn at 152, either Kyle Duran or Blaine Empting at 160, Toby Red Leaf at 171, Jeremy Leavitt at 189, Jason Neurenburg at 215 and Justin Burnes at heavyweight.

To help Steidley kickoff his tenure at Po-Hi, several special guest are scheduled to make an appearance. They include former Ponca City News Sports Editor Bob Dillinger, who is a member of the Wrestling Hall of Fame, along with one or two Oklahoma State wrestling coaches.

PC Roper In Vegas For Finals

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Ponca City calf roper Jerome Schneeberger is in his third season on the professional rodeo circuit and is making his second straight appearance in the National Finals Rodeo which starts Friday.

Continuing to climb the ladder of success on the pro circuit, Schneeberger qualified for the National Finals by placing 13th among the money leaders in calf roping. The former National Collegiate champion has earned $57,088 this season.

“I’ve probably been in 100 rodeos this year,” Schneeberger, who got married in the spring, said. “My best finish (moneywise) was at Cheyenne, where I won $6,000.”

Schneeberger has done well in his home state, taking first place in the Guymon Rodeo and winning the second go-around in the Ponca City 101 Ranch Rodeo.

Schneeberger’s wife Shawn also takes part in some rodeos but has become a major cog in his success this year by doing much of the driving as the couple is on the road almost constantly to make as many rodeos as possible.

They plan to spend the off season in Weatherford while Shawn completes her education.

The National Finals Rodeo brings together the top 15 money winners from each event for 10 days of activities.

“Having 10 days of roping will help,” Schneeberger, who usually gets two or three head per rodeo said. “Almost everyone makes a mistake now and then. Having 10 go-around lets you have a chance to come back.”

Tigers Shoot for Biggest Upset Yet in 2A Semifinals

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

And now for a logical explanation of why the unranked Newkirk Tigers (10-3) will upset the No. 1 ranked Tishomingo Indians (13-0) in Saturday’s semifinal round of the Class 2A playoffs in Choctaw.

While some would call this a “miracle season” for the Tigers, it’s not. Or it was, but it is no longer. When miracles start to happen every week, they cease to become miracles.

They become Newkirk football games.

Take, for instance, last week’s stunning, come from behind win over Nowata, in which the Tigers scored 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to pull out a 24-21 win. That would classify as a miracle if not for the 13-12 miracle win over Beggs in Round One, which the Tigers ran away with in the last minute after a defensive stand on the 3-yard line.

Then there was the 24-14 miracle win over a gargantuan Vian team in Round Two, the miracle 3-game win-streak to clinch the No. 3 spot in Division 2A-5, and — going back a ways — a miracle, come from behind, 19-15 win over Sperry in week five.

So, what’s a win over the No. 1 team in the state? Definitely not a miracle. For the Tigers not to upset Tishomingo would counter the prevailing wisdom — namely, the Tigers win. Period.

Still, if there’s a team capable of flying in the face of well-founded logic and reason, it’s the undefeated Indians. Last year, the Indians lost one game in the regular season, then bowed out in the second round of the playoffs, falling 14-6 to eventual champion Hobart.

Ranked ninth in the preseason this year, the Indians quickly made their way up the charts, finally taking over the No. 1 spot in week eight. They’ve outscored their first three opponents in the playoffs by an average score of 33-8. Like all teams who make it to the state semifinals, the Indians are loaded.

“We’ve got a truckload of talent this year,” says sixth year coach Red Breed. “These guys are all pretty darn good football players.”

The Indians, who run what Breed calls a “black and brown” offense, is composed of a 1-back set with a wing back and a flanker to each side, along with double tight ends.

Senior fullback Jeff Harbert (5-11, 190) anchors the Indians’ running attack, with 1460 yards on 175 carries for an 8.3 yard average, and 25 TDs.

The Indians also have speed to spare. Senior flanker Juston Hatfield is a major receiving threat, with 625 yards receiving this season, and 11 touchdowns. Senior halfback Jay Clary (5-6, 135) has over 500 yards rushing, and 14 TDs. Hatfield and Clary finished first and fourth last spring in the state 300 meter hurdles.

“They’re fast,” says Breed, “but our quarterback is faster than both of them — he just didn’t go out for track last year.”

Senior Landon Wood (5-9, 140) directs the offense, and has completed 43-of-83 passes this season for 883 yards, three interceptions, and 13 TDs.

The Indians’ line averages 210-215 pounds, and is anchored by senior Daniel Hargrove, with 148 tackles.

“This is the year we have to get it done,” says Breed. “We’re basically a senior team.”

And while Breed has no end of enthusiasms for his team, he’s quick to tip his hat, and notes the havoc a bunch of young upstarts like the Tigers could bring to bear.

“They’re fired up,” he says. “They’ve got to be relaxed and excited — they’ve got nothing to lose.

“And they’re a solid team. There’s not just one guy to stop — they’re pretty balanced. They run well, block well, tackle well. They’re disciplined. We’ll have our hands full.”

To Newkirk coach Sonny Schovanec, whose Tigers lost to a No. 1 team (Luther) in the second round of last year’s playoffs, Tishomingo’s size and speed is nothing new.

“These kids are excited and I believe they’ll play well,” he says. “They’re not going to be in awe of the situation.

“We’re gonna go out and have fun and play our best game and see what happens. It’s a great opportunity for these young men.

“We gotta run the ball right at them, move the chains, and run the clock. I like the good old 10-play, or 10 minute drives with a touchdown tacked on the end.”