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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Thursday, December 16, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS SPORTS GARDENING LOCALLeaking Vapors Led to Fire Leaking Vapors Led to FireConoco’s preliminary report on the Oct. 28 fire at the refinery indicates that officials were unaware that flammable vapors had leaked from a damaged fuel tank when workers began cutting away insulation with a power saw to assess the situation. Sparks from the power saw ignited the vapors, causing an explosion and fire in an 80,000-barrel tank that was more than half-full of a hydrocarbon mixture called gas-oil, Conoco spokesman Kenneth Ray said Wednesday. Two workers, Eric Lowe, 49, and Mike Rowe, 25, were critically injured in the blaze. Both were hospitalized for several weeks. Nick Spencer, refinery manager said, “The investigation team gave us an excellent report. This work is ongoing, but the report forms a foundation for strengthening performance and processes throughout our operations. “We will continue to do everything possible to assure safety in all we do, and to ensure an incident of this nature does not happen again.” Ray said that tank No. 118 was damaged when it was overpressurized while the gas-oil was pumped into it. The temperature of the gas-oil generated steam from residual water in the tank. The steam expanded and caused the over-pressure, he said. Lowe and Rowe were at the site of the explosion because a crack occurred on the top seam of the tank, which is designed so its liquid contents don’t spill. The two men, both insulation workers, were sent assess the extent of the damage. ‘‘No one knew that there were any vapors trapped between the insulation and the tank itself,’’ Ray said. ‘‘Some vapors escaped and were trapped in that area.’’ Both Lowe of Newkirk and Rowe of Kaw City are home recovering from their injuries. Lowe was released from the hospital about a month ago. Rowe was released last weekend, Ray said. ‘‘Doctors told us from the beginning that both guys were in such excellent physical condition before the accident and that really was a main factor in their recovery,” Ray explained. According to reports, smoke from tghe fire was visible 20 miles away. Debris, fueled by a strong wind, fell as far away as north Ponca City, but it did not pose a threat to residents. A team of workers from Conoco cleared the mess. Firefighters from Conoco teamed with firemen from Ponca City, Tonkawa and Blackwell in fighting the blaze. News business editor Louise Abercrombie and wire reports from the Associated Press both contributed to this article. Osage Tribe Plans Tulsa Gaming SitePAWHUSKA — The Osage Tribe announced this morning preliminary plans to open a gaming facility in North Tulsa. The facility, to be located in the former Food Lion grocery store on Pine Street west of the Tisdale Expressway, would be the third Class-II gaming center in the Tulsa area. The Cherokee Tribe near Catoosa and the Creek Nation Gaming Center in South Tulsa both operate gaming enterprises. Osage Tribe principal chief Charles O. Tillman Jr. said the project is in the earIy stages and remains subject to all relevant regulatory approvals. The tribe will also be talking with residents and community leaders in the area before moving forward with plans, Tillman said. “We understand the importance of working closely with the community on this, and that's what we plan to do,” Tillman said. “Even though we are barely on the threshold of this project, we plan to communicate with all involved parties.” He said the project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the area. “We are excited about the opportunity this could provide, not only for the people of the Osage Tribe, but for the economy of North Tulsa,” Tillman said. “It is too early to say exactly how many jobs this project would create, but we anticipate it will be between 130 to 150 well-paying positions with a projected payroll in excess of $3.5 million.” The Osage Tribe is working with a tribe from Minnesota, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, on the project. The Mille Lacs Band’s corporate commission has been working with the Osage for about a year to explore economic development opportunities and will serve as developer on the project. “We reviewed several potential sites, and this one presented the best opportunity for the Osage Tribe,” said Ken Mimmack, Commissioner of Corporate Affairs for the Mille Lacs Band. The timeline for this project has not yet been determined, but the Osage Tribe expects it will be at least nine months before a facility could be operational. Nearly NewsThe Marland Mansion is to be featured this evening on the 6 p.m., Oklahoma City Channel 5 television news. Kathy Adams, Marland Estate Director, said the television crew was here this morning and filmed an interview with her. The Marland Mansion will be featured as a part of the Oklahoma History series. ---- The geometry houses featured in Midweek are on display at the Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand, and are available for viewing during the hours of the Center -- 10 a.m., to 5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The festive houses were a project of Mrs. Queta Henderson’s Pre-AP Geometry class. District CourtPonca City Divorces Sought Roy Wayne Sensintaffar vs. Carol Ann Sensintaffar. Rosen D. Rennie vs. Jennifer J. Rennie. Malinda Leatherman vs. Danny Leatherman. William I. Peddicord Jr. vs. Angelina A. Peddicord. John D. Sikes vs. Catherine M. Sikes. Kamille Renee Greenhagen vs. Rodney Jason Greenhagen. Civil Petitions Joyce Holding Inc. vs. Gregory A. Nigro and Deborah Lynn Nigro; plaintiff seeking judgment for $10,260. Ron Cooper and Ann Cooper vs. Larry Cannon; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000. Thomas Ferguson vs. Richard Staggs Jr.; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000. Newkirk Marriage Licenses Anthony Glenn Sigler, 29, and Dwiene Afton McBride, 22, both of Ponca City. Robby Allen Wilson, 30, and Trena Yvonne Turney, 20, both of Ponca City. Jeremy Scott Hoogendoorn, 22, and Robyn Marie Gates, 23, both of Ponca City. Esfandiar Mojtehedi Alaei, 34, and Eva Brunilda Cruz, 31, both of Stillwater. Random Ty Massey, 19, and Sally Jane Webb, 19, both of Blackwell. John Trevor Rettberg, 19, and Erika Dawn Herron, 17, both of Blackwell. Jeremy Luther Merriott, 19, and Amber Michelle Hankla, 17, both of Blackwell. Thomas Grey Burton, 22, and Tamela Lynn Cramer, 19, both of Ponca City. Robert Lynn Nesselrode, 26, and Tracy Dawn Hughes, 25, both of Bixby. Divorces Sought Stacy Elaine Coots vs. Lance Martin Coots. Wilbur Gene Kirkbride vs. Dana Jean Kirkbride. Divorces Granted Sarah Ruth Honick vs. David Wayne Hockenberry. Civil Petitions Filed West Capital Financial Corp. vs. Michael Murphy; plaintiff seeking judgment for $3,704.47. Shane Alexander vs. Shebester-Bechtel, Inc.; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000. Nationsbanc Mortgage Corporation vs. Norvel Gene LaBlue, et al; plaintiff seeking judgment for $50,368.09. Ford Motor Credit Company vs. Harold K. Sandborn Jr.; plaintiff seeking judgment for $7,309.22. Bradley Ryann Hill and State Farm Insurance Company vs. Dana Christine Coyne; plaintiff seeking judgment for $5,095. State Has Five New National Register ListingsTulsa’s Ambassador Hotel and the Berryhill Building in Sapulpa have been added to the National Register of Historic Places along with the Arcadia Route 66 Roadbed in Oklahoma County, the Duncan Public Library and the Sugg Clinic in Ada. The announcement was made by Melvena Heisch, deputy state historic preservation officer, and Jim Gabbert, architectural historian for the State Historic Preservation Office. “With these new entries, the State Historic Preservation Office continues to work toward its goal of achieving 1,000 listings by the end of the year 2000,” said Gabbert. “There are now 942 Oklahoma properties listed. Following are the descriptions of the five new National Register listings. The Ambassador Hotel, located at 1314 S. Main in Tulsa, was nominated for its architectural merit. It was built in 1929 by politician Patrick Hurley, who utilized the talents of architect N.E. Peters. “Utilizing the Mission/Spanish Colonial Style,” Gabbert said, “the nine-story building features elaborate terra cotta ornamentation on its façade. The arcaded entry and scalloped parapet give the façade an elegant, exotic appearance that sets the building apart from its neighbors.” Hotel Recently Upgraded The Ambassador recently was renovated, using the 20 percent investment tax credit for certified historic commercial buildings. The Berryhill Building, located at 14-20 East Dewey in Sapulpa, was designed by the noted Oklahoma City firm of Layton, Smith and Hawk and was built in 1910. Theodore Berryhill commissioned the building, using proceeds from his holdings in the Glen Pool oil field. “The five story building was built in a style known as Sullivanesque, derived from the work of Chicago architect Louis Sullivan,” said Gabbert. “The Berryhill Building long was the premier office building in Sapulpa, housing the offices of local oil companies, doctors, lawyers and prominent business leaders. It was nominated for its commercial and architectural significance to the city of Sapulpa.” The Berryhill Building currently is being renovated, also with the use of the 20 percent investment tax credit. The Arcadia Route 66 Roadbed was nominated by Route 66 author and aficionado Jim Ross as an example of the late 1920s highway engineering, construction and paving methods with two separate designs. The section was paved in 1928-29, soon after the highway was designated as U.S. Route 66. Unique Paving “It was bypassed in 1952, allowing it to remain in pristine, unaltered condition,” Gabbert said. “It is the only location on Route 66 in Oklahoma where two different paving methods meet.” The two methods include Portland Concrete and the less common Portland Concrete with rock asphalt overlay. The nomination is part of an ongoing multiple property submission known as “Route 66 and Associated Resources in Oklahoma.” The Duncan Public Library, located on N. 8th St. in Duncan, was designed by local architect Kenneth Price and was built in 1939 with funds and labor supplied by the federal Works Progress Administration. It was nominated for its architectural significance and its economic impact on Duncan as the largest WPA project in the city. “The library is an excellent example of the Colonial Revival Style,” said Gabbert. “It is atypical for WPA-built structures in the area for its use of buff brick. More frequently, the WPA utilized native stone, as can be seen in the Duncan Armory, which is listed on the National Register.” Duncan’s library was the last WPA project in Duncan, coming just as the economy began to recover from the 1930s Great Depression. It served Duncan until a new larger library replaced it during the 1970s and now houses the Stephens County Genealogical Society. Sugg Clinic, located at 100 East 13th St. in Ada, was designed by architect Albert Ross to fulfill the vision of Dr. Alfred R. Sugg for a large, modern clinic to serve Ada. It was opened in 1947, and it was nominated for its architectural significance to Ada. “A decidedly visionary building in Ada, the Sugg Clinic bespeaks Modern architecture,” said Gabbert. “Its smooth, tile walls, curved corners, glass block windows and brushed aluminum are all hallmarks of the Modernist movement of as expressed in Art Moderne. The clinic expressed its modern, sanitary and progressive uses.” It was called “one of the best equipped clinics in the Southwest” Gabbert said. The clinic was closed in 1980 and is now being renovated, utilizing the 20 percent investment tax credit. For more information, contact Gabbert at (405) 522-4478 or via e-mail at jgabbert@ok-history.mus.ok.us. New Chairman for PC ChamberHome National Bank senior vice president and business development officer Barry Bickle was elected chairman of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday morning, Dec. 16. He takes office Jan. 1, 2000. The passing of the gavel is slated for Jan. 6. Craig Myers is the outgoing chairman. Other officers elected were Karen Furman, president-elect; Dan Gilliam, vice-president; and Diane Mitchell, treasurer. Police Investigating Vehicle BurglariesThe Ponca City Police Department began a quest of looking into a number of vehicle burglaries reported in the southwest section of the city Wednesday morning. Several residents reported their vehicles tampered with, or actually burglarized, and a variety of items missing. Several officers are pursuing the investigation from the reports. One other vehicle in the 200 block of South Eighth Street was reportedly broken into, but nothing was reported missing, according to information logged by the police department. A total of nine other vehicles burglarized included three in the 100 block of South Birch Street, three in the 300 block of South Birch Street, and one each in the 400 block of South Palm Street, 400 block of South Lake Street and 600 block of West Otoe Avenue. Letters to SantaDear Santa, I have been good all year. For Christmas I would like to have a Hot Wheels Racetract, a robot and a dinosaur and velcro race shoes. I will leave you cookies and milk. I love you. Kaleb ———— Dear Santa, I have been a good boy this year. I would like a Nintendo, a puppy, a Teddy bear, a toy gun, and a Laser Tag for Christmas. I will leave a trail of magic dust for the reindeers to follow. I love you. Chanse Geometry Houses on DisplayThe geometry houses featured in Midweek are on display at the Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand, and are available for viewing during the hours of the Center -- 10 a.m., to 5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The festive houses were a project of Mrs. Queta Henderson’s Pre-AP Geometry class. Letter - Firefighter Tragedy Has MeaningI just saw on the news about the six brave firefighters from Massachusetts who gave up their lives to save others. When I hear of those sort of tragedies I swell up with pride and deep emotion, knowing that we (firefighters) are truly blessed to be a part of a brotherhood that, without hesitating or thinking of the danger, would enter a death trap to save one of his own in the blink of an eyelash! The first two brave and selfless men died trying to save what they thought were homeless people who were suspected of starting the fire to begin with. The next four valiant men heard the distress call on their radio, “May Day! May Day! We are out of air!” We all know what happened next, don’t we! There are now 16 children and five devoted wives without their guardian and helpmate during this, the most special time of the year. Gary Denny (new Fire Chief) suggested that after every fire we have a shift meeting with all personnel involved with that fire called a “P.I.A.” (post incident analysis) where we sit around a table to discuss and critique ourselves on what we find we could have done better so we, as a team, might improve our efficiency and customer service to the citizens that entrust us to do so. On every occasion, during our analysis, it is brought up that we will, without hesitation, “give a life to save a life,” but not for the sole purpose to save property. In the past, all over the country, we have lost brothers in our profession for that very reason, and no life is worth any amount of property. I have been on the Ponca City Fire Department going on 16 years now and I can honestly say, without doubt, that every man on this department is ready and willing to do the same for our citizens in Ponca as those special men in Massachusetts did for theirs! We feel very blessed and fortunate that such an incident has never occurred in our town. Does that mean it will never happen here? We are all so very grateful for the overwhelming response concerning replacing our deteriorating and dilapidated No. 1 Fire Station and replacing a couple of outdated and ineffective pumpers. Just remember, this is for your benefit to enable us to react to an emergency in the most efficient way possible for the safety of the public as well as ourselves. We don’t care if we’re driving a 10-15 year old piece of equipment if we know it will start, run properly, and pump safely at a fire scene without shutting down while we are inside trying to save lives and reduce property damage. We are discouraged when we know a town like Arkansas City has had Paramedic service for years and our community, which is largely retired people, does not. Are we thinking only of ourselves?! We just want what we feel our families and citizens deserve concerning quality Fire and Police protection. It just seems that we are only remembered during times of tragedy and then, like a news flash, soon forgotten. I am so grateful and indebted to the many veterans who so valiantly gave their lives in the past to secure our safety and way of life. Should Firefighters and Police Officers who are dying in the service of their fellow man on a daily basis be looked at any differently? I love living in this community and wouldn’t trade it for any other place in the world. It is mainly due to the people and professionals that live and work here that strive to keep it a place where our children can be raised in a safe and healthy environment that affords me to feel that way. I personally believe we should also show appreciation to our progenitors, the elderly people still living with us, who get us to this point through their dedicated service and sacrifices to this community over years past. I, and many others, feel one important way A.C.L.S. (advanced life support system) is needed in our community, to help insure that they get every quality minute of life they deserve, to be with their loved ones, and see that they are protected from those that would harm them or break into their home. I know I speak for others when I say we feel blessed when we are awakened at two a.m. to help an elderly person back into their bed or wheelchair and they look up at you with tears in their eyes and say, “Oh thank you boys so much for your help, I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come.” And to top it off they begin to apologize for getting us up at such an odd hour to come to their aid. It is these types of experiences that make our profession worthwhile. This is the season we should be thinking of those who have sacrificed their lives for others, beginning with the one who “so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son who sacrificed his life that we might live.” As well as reflecting on one of the most famous scriptures of all: John 15:13 that states “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Please pray for God to comfort those widows and children left behind by those six brave Firefighters in Massachusetts, who gave their lives to save their fellow man. Joseph P. ‘Skip’ Jump Firefighter and Citizen DEATHSW.L. Muegge W.L. MueggeTONKAWA — W.L. “Bus” Muegge, longtime Tonkawa resident, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1999, at his home. He was 82. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, 1999, at the First Christian Church in Lamont with the Rev. Joseph Howard officiating. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home of Tonkawa. W.L. Muegge was born Jan. 11, 1917, in Lamont, the son of Fred L. and Dehilia (Curby) Muegge. He received his education in Tonkawa where he graduated in 1935. He went on to further his education at the Platt Business College in Oklahoma City. He married Jean Rice on June 11, 1940, in Blackwell. She preceded him in death on Sept. 22, 1994. Bus was a farmer in Lamont and the surrounding Kay County. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and Elk Lodge of Ponca City. Survivors include one son, Buster Lee Muegge of Mandeville, La.; one daughter, Jeanie Davis of Oklahoma City; two sisters, Irene Scott of Ponca City and Marie Gaston of Tonkawa; five granddaughters; five great-granddaughters; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. Robert Harrison SmithBLACKWELL — Robert Harrison Smith, resident of Blackwell, died Tuesday evening, Dec. 14, 1999, in the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell. He was 74. A private family service is scheduled for Monday. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. Robert Harrison Smith was born on July 17, 1925, in Chicago, Ill, where he grew up and attended school. Following his schooling, he entered the United States Army, serving in World War II where he earned several purple hearts. Following his discharge, he returned to Chicago and was employed as a paramedic for 10 years. He traveled to various parts of the southwestern United States, engaging in gold mining. He later moved to Paradise, Calif., and continued living in California until 1998, when he moved to Blackwell to be near his family. He is survived by his wife, Carol Hagens, of Orville, Calif.; one daughter, Elsie Smith of Chico, Calif.; one stepdaughter, Trease Winterhalter of Blackwell; three sons, Robert Smith Jr. of Orville, Calif., William Smith of Chico, Calif., and Tom Smith of Chicago, Ill.; one stepson, Darrell Peoples of Paradise, Calif.; one sister, Helen Smith of Chicago, Ill.; one brother, William Smith of Hollywood, Calif; and 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and two granddaughters. ObituariesDr. Clane A. KirtleyTONKAWA — Dr. Clane A. Kirtley, longtime resident of Tonkawa, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1999, at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center. He was 65. The funeral will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, 1999, at the Performing Arts Center on the Northern Oklahoma College campus with the Rev. Dr. John Bartlett and Dr. E.E. Vineyard officiating. Burial will be in the Tonkawa I00F Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home of Tonkawa. Clane A. Kirtley was born Sept. 14, 1934, in Perry, the son of Larkin J. Kirtley and Dorothy (Koch) Kirtley. He graduated from Perry High School in 1952. He received an associate of business degree from Northern Oklahoma College in 1954, a bachelor of science from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and a master of science from Oklahoma State University in 1963. Dr. Kirtley began to work on his doctorate right after completing his master’s degree. His area major of study was student personnel and guidance. He received his doctor of education degree from Oklahoma State University in 1979. On June 12, 1955, Clane and Ladine Huff were united in marriage in Tipton. Clane was an outstanding athlete in football and track at Perry, Northern and Southwestern. He taught and coached girl’s and boy’s basketball at Delhi, Okla., for two years before coming to Tonkawa High School to teach/coach boy’s and girl’s basketball and as assistant football coach. In 1960, he was hired at NOC as a business instructor, boy’s basketball coach and assistant football coach. To come back to Northern was a longtime dream of his. He and Ladine were dorm parents of a boy’s dorm for four years. He later was dean of men, dean of students, business manager and counselor. He retired from NOC in 1996 but remained as part-time counselor for the learning disabled, a job he loved and found very rewarding. He had been involved in many activities including being summer recreation director, helping design and build the Lions Club baseball park and the NOC golf course, later managing it. He held various offices in the Lions Club. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Tonkawa where he taught a young adult Sunday school class for many years. He was a deacon and an elder and held several offices on the church board. At the time of his death, he was chairman of the elders and had just started teaching a college Sunday school class. In recent months, he enjoyed taking communion to the shut-ins and the nursing home. He was president of the board of directors for the Alphi II in Tonkawa. He is survived by his wife, Ladine of the home; three sons, Kurt Kirtley and Mike Kirtley, both of Tonkawa, and Gary L. Kirtley of Enid; one daughter, Kari Kirtley of Enid; three grandchildren who were the “sunshine” of his life, Drew and Ali Kirtley and Taylor Zinn, all of Tonkawa; one brother, Gary Kirtley of Enid; one sister, Corene Jones and her husband, Glenn of Norman; seven nephews and four nieces; his mother-in-law; two brothers-in-law; and one sister-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, and one niece. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to NOC Foundation, Attn. Jeanne Ackerson, P.O. Box 310, Tonkawa, Okla. 74653; First Christian Church Building Fund, 115 W. Grand, Tonkawa, Okla. 74653; or Tonkawa High School Stadium Fund, E. North Street, Tonkawa, Okla. 74653. paid obituary Ted Leon AgeeTed Leon Agee, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Dec. 12, 1999, in the Kingman Regional Hospital, Kingman, Ariz. He was 71. The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, 1999, in the Ranch Drive Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Calvert, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, with arrangements by the Trout Funeral Home. Ted was born March 5, 1928, in Haskell to Ted and Gladys Joann (Baker) Agee. He served his country from 1945 through 1950 and during the Korean conflict in the United States Navy. Ted was united in marriage on April 6, 1945, in Winfield, Kan., to Jacqueline Sober. He was a retired concrete inspector with the Twining Corporation. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking and reading. He was a member of the Meyer Lane Baptist Church of Redondo Beach, Calif. Survivors include his wife, Jacqueline of Golden Valley, Ariz.; parents, Ted and Joann Agee of Haskell; two daughters, Teddie Edzards of Gold Hill, Ore., and Deborah Taggart of Williams, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Christina Harshaw of Twentynine Palms, Calif., Catherine Deley of Grants Pass, Ore., Eric Leon Taggart of Golden Valley, Ariz., and Jesse James Taggart of Williams, Ariz.; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rosella Mathews of Manford, and Vickie Grey of Haskell; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Jackie Calland. paid obituary Services PendingGerald PaceGerald “Jerry” Pace, resident of Ponca City, died today, Dec. 16, 1999, in the St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. He was 61. Surviving is his wife, Rita of the home. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home. Louise GreenLouise Green, resident of Ponca City, died this morning, Dec. 16, 1999, at Manor Care Nursing Home in Oklahoma City. She was 85. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. Peter CunninghamPeter Cunningham, resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Memorial Hospital. He was 84. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. NEWS BRIEFSGiveaway — A food and clothing giveaway, open to the public, will be held 12-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at Grace Tabernacle of Praise located on U.S. 77 and the Kaw City turnoff, at Oklahoma 11, north of Ponca City. For more information call 765-1917. New Shipment of watches! See our millennium angels and Santa's, Christmas clocks (play carols on the hour), unique frames, and large selection of tea pots. We have gift certificates. Christy’s 3005 North 14th. adv. Pioneer Rotary Club — The meeting of the Pioneer Rotary Club will be 11:45 a.m. Friday in the upstairs room of Jack’s Downtown Grill. There will be no meeting Dec. 24 or Dec. 31. After 5:00 massage available at Nutri-System. 762-3488. Gift certificates available. adv. Singles Connection Makes Plans — Singles Connection will meet on Saturday at 6 p.m. for dinner out at Hunan Garden, 2101 North Fourteenth Street. After dinner the group will take a tour of the Christmas lights around town. For more information, call Mary Lou at 762-0578. p.c.s.f.s.a. will host a Holiday Kitchen Bazaar on Saturday, December 18 from 10:00 to 2:00 at 217 North Sixth. 765-2348. adv. Assault — An employee of the American Legion Children’s Home reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:54 a.m. Wednesday that a house parent had been assaulted Tuesday night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Items Missing — A man from the 300 block of South Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:47 p.m. Wednesday that a stereo system and amplifier had been taken from an unlocked vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of East Hartford Avenue at 12:15 a.m. Thursday that a 23-year-old man was being held for public intoxication, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Fraud — An employee at Drug Warehouse, 2211 North Fourteenth Street, requested assistance from a Ponca City Police Department officer at 9:41 a.m. Wednesday concerning a fraud by someone using a stolen credit card. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. 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. Reports Fraud — An employee at Jim’s Liquor Emporium, 3006 Turner Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:49 a.m. Wednesday that the firm was a victim of a credit card fraud. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv. Harassment — An employee at the Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:48 p.m. Wednesday that some obscene phone calls had been received. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. 50% Off all Christmas decoration and toys till Christmas. Twice as Good Thrift Shop. 209 South 2nd. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 300 block of South Fourth Street at 12:58 p.m. Wednesday that a 20-year-old man was being held on city warrants for failure to appear and failure to pay. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue at 2:36 p.m. Wednesday that a 24-year-old had been held on a Kay County warrant for defrauding an innkeeper. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North First Street and Cleveland Avenue at 10:03 p.m. Wednesday that a 20-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension. Vehicle Vandalized — A man from the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:17 p.m. Wednesday that his vehicle had been spray painted. An officer was assigned and information was logged. 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. Suspicious Activity — An employee at Buy For Less, 2405 North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:54 p.m. Wednesday that three juveniles on bicycles were arguing with the manager in the parking lot and one of the subjects had a machete. Two officers responded and information was logged that the weapon had not been brandished, but was taken by the officers and turned in as evidence. Big, Big selection of snowmen and ornaments! Mrs. Brown’s Attic. down town Ponca City. adv. Items Found — A woman from the 700 block of West Otoe Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:24 p.m. Wednesday that a speaker box and set of sockets had been found in her yard. An officer was assigned and the items were brought to the police department. Ponca City Pictorial History Books have arrived! Pick up your copy today! Will make a great Christmas Gift! Ponca City News Business Office, 8:00-5:00, Monday thru Friday. adv. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business firm in the 2900 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:41 p.m. Wednesday that a woman had left without paying for $16.20 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a report from the Ponca City Fire Department that a unit from No. 1 Fire Station was heading to the Opportunity Center, 2225 North Union Street at 5:49 p.m. Wednesday to put out a grass fire. Another unit from the No. 2 Station assisted. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 7:03 p.m. Wednesday that a 24-year-old man was being held on a city warrant. Residence Burglarized — A man from the 400 block of Fairview Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:08 p.m. Wednesday that the residence had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Fourth Street and East Grand Avenue at 10:46 p.m. Wednesday that a 19-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay. Suspicious Activity — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 4:20 a.m. Thursday from a woman in the 400 block of South Ash Street reporting that someone had thrown hot food on her foot. An officer was assigned and information was logged. GARDENINGCreate New Plants From Leaf Cuttings Create New Plants From Leaf CuttingsBy LEE REICH (AP) — Some plants can be multiplied merely by poking one of their leaves into some soil. To make new plants, these so-called leaf cuttings must grow both roots and shoots. A jade leaf readily grows roots if its bottom end is put in soil that is occasionally moistened. Sometimes such cuttings just sit, making new roots but no shoots. Taking along a bit of old stem along with the leaf cutting makes sure new shoots appear. African violets and rex begonias both multiply readily from leaf cuttings. Use whole or even parts of leaves to propagate either of these plants. Because a detached begonia or African violet leaf wilts quickly, always have your pot of soil ready before you take the cutting. And rather than real soil, root the cuttings in some mix that is sterile, porous and moisture holding. Pure sand, perlite or a 1-to-1 mix of either of these with moist peat moss is ideal. All sorts of leaf cuttings can be used to multiply African violets and begonias. Cut off an African violet leaf with its stalk. Slide the stalk into the rooting mix and a new plant will form at the base of the stalk. Or cut off the far half of an African violet or begonia leaf, stick the cut end of the detached half in the mix and many new plants will form along the cut edge. Or lightly score a leaf across its veins on its underside, then lay it flat on the rooting mix. Lay a few pebbles on the leaf to keep it pressed against the mix and a new plant will grow at each cut. Or cut a single leaf into small triangular pieces, each with a large vein. Insert the triangles partway into the soil in an upright position and each will develop new shoots and roots. Leaf or leaf pieces need light to be able to nourish new roots and shoots. Bright, but indirect, light is best. Any leaf cuttings also need moisture and humidity. Keep the soil moist, not sodden, and cover the container with an inverted glass jar. After shoots appear, gradually acclimate the plants to the outside world by propping up the jar, increasing amounts every few days. African violets and begonias will not root quickly enough to make holiday gifts this year, but leaves rooted now will be luxurious plants for next years holidays. Yuletide Plants Have Long HistoryBy GEORGE BRIA POUND RIDGE, N.Y. (AP) — Holly and mistletoe, long celebrated in folklore, join hands nowadays as cheerful symbols of Yuletide. As plants, they live very different lives. Mistletoe, patron of free holiday kissing, is a parasite. The evergreen plant with small greenish flowers and white berries lives off various trees in Europe and America. There’s also a leafless flowering mistletoe that’s lethal to pine, spruce, fir and hemlock on which it feeds. Holly is a shrub or a tree in its own right, sometimes reaching heights of 30 to 40 feet. Its clusters of scarlet berries amid sculptured-looking dark green leaves with spiny edging are a joy to behold in or out of the holiday season. Mistletoe, grown commercially, is not common in a home garden. You just buy already-cut sprigs of it at nurseries to use as a decoration. But holly, slow as it is to grow, is a showpiece of many gardens. And it’s nice to cut your own Yuletide boughs to put in windows and over the mantelpiece. On the country place I share with my son we have five hollies, three female and two male. The females produce the berries, but the males are necessary for it to happen. It’s estimated the pollen of one male tree is effective over a quarter-mile radius. Four of the hollies we grew from small plants. The fifth, a sturdy female shrub, we received in good size as a present. We’ve never had any problems with them, but the four that started small took years to reach their present heights of 6 to 20 feet. All the females give us well-berried boughs. Holly’s one requirement is plenty of water, at least every two weeks during the summer. Mulching with leafmold helps preserve moisture. The commonest hollies grown for their colorful berries are the English (Ilex aquifolium), which has bright red fruit and markedly spiny evergreen leaves, and the American (Ilex opaca), which is duller but hardier, being able to survive temperatures of 30 below zero Fahrenheit. The right time to plant is early spring or early fall. It’s best to buy small potted plants, but hollies may also be grown from rooted cuttings. As they age, they may be kept from growing too large by judicious pruning. Common mistletoe (Phoradendon serotinum) grows as a parasite from New Jersey southward, generally on oaks and junipers. If you want to grow them on your own, experts say it can be done from fresh berries, squeezing the berry until it bursts open, giving you seeds. Stick the seeds to the twigs of a tree. They’re gummy and will adhere. Mistletoe leaves will appear in about a year and afterwards grow fast. In ancient times, mistletoe figured in pre-Christian folklore and religions as a magical plant that reputedly cured sterility and was an antidote for poisons. Then it became a Christmas and New Year’s decoration. Kissing under a branch of mistletoe is still a custom. Holly has an even richer folkloristic background. Christmas decorations are believed to have stemmed from a Roman custom of sending boughs together with gifts to friends during the festival of Saturnalia. The early Christian church frowned on the practice as pagan. The custom prevailed, particularly in England, where holly is one of the most important winter plants. Old Christmas carols abound with references to holly. The tree is called “Christ’s Thorn” in northern Europe and also the “Holy Tree,” supposedly deriving from a legend that holly first sprang up under the footsteps of Jesus and the thorny leaves and blood-red berries symbolized his sufferings. Aside from legend and decoration, holly is renowned as one of the finest woods for inlaying. It also makes great walking sticks and handles for driving whips. Plants Need Added Light During WinterBy LEE REICH For AP Special Features No matter how well you care for your houseplants indoors, lack of light could cause them to languish. Yet there are steps you can take short of cutting down trees that block sunlight or installing extra windows in your home. How about artificial lighting? Don’t merely slide a houseplant underneath a reading lamp, though, because the light energy just a few feet from a 100-watt light bulb is almost inconsequential. Instead, purchase one or more fluorescent light fixtures. Fluorescent lights do not get hot, so you can put plants within a few inches of the tube. That’s how close most plants need to be to the bulb in order to benefit. There’s no need for special fluorescent tubes for growing plants. Regular “cool white” work fine. To beef up the spectral quality of the light for plants, if desired, modify the fixture to accommodate one 15-watt incandescent bulb for each 4-foot fluorescent tube. To coddle your plants with more light (at considerably more cost), consider high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs. Mercury lamps, metal halide lamps and sodium lamps are the three types of HID lamps. These lamps also are used for outdoor residential lighting and street lamps, so they may be available at local stores in addition to greenhouse supply companies. Sodium lamps are the best of artificial plant lights, providing the whole spectrum needed by plants. These lights are justifiable if you want your plants to luxuriate rather than just survive the winter. Before you rig your house up with plant lights, be warned that, although plants might like the light, you may not. Too many fluorescent lights and you will feel as if you are in a department store. Mercury lamps are so intense that, by contrast, even fluorescent lighting appears warm and cozy. And a sodium lamp will bathe a room in an eerie, amber glow. You could set up an out-of-sight winter vacation spot for your plants in a basement or a closet. Plants can bask there in intense light and allowed brief visits out of their “sunny” environment. Rather than set up lights, another option is to just grow plants that tolerate very low light levels. Such a list would include dracaena, philodendron, spider plant, snake plant, prayer plant, palms, arrowhead plant, cast-iron plant and Chinese evergreen. Note that this list includes only green foliage plants. Flowering, fruiting and variegated plants require abundant light to thrive. Diggin’ in the DirtBy KATHY ZEHR Most homemakers and employees in businesses enjoy healthy growing plants to soften stark interiors and bring the beauty of nature indoors during dreary winter months. Over the years, these beautiful additions have become an important part of any decor and have simply been grouped in a class called “house plants.” Too often, in winter, we find our beautiful plants beginning to look a little droopy, lean and lanky or the leaves are turning yellow and dropping off. We watered them, fed them, and talked to them… so … what happened? Success with indoor plants is governed by a few simple “rules of green thumb.” Each species has simple, but separate, requirements to maintain health and beautiful color. When you receive or buy a plant, take a few minutes to learn it’s special needs for light, temperature, water, nutrients, humidity and soil. Most plants will not survive in a dark corner, on top of a television, in the hot air blasts from a furnace vent, or in cold drafts. A few minutes of study and proper placement in the beginning can result in years of pleasure from one beautiful plant. LightDuring the winter, most house plants enjoy spending their days 4-8 feet from a bright south window. Some, especially bloomers like begonias, prefer to be in the winter sun a few hours, while others just need to be near the sunny light. African Violets should be placed some distance away to avoid any direct sun. Leaves should never touch a cold window pane, and curtains should be left open during the daytime. If you are purchasing a plant, think about where you want to place it before you buy. If natural light is not available, a 100-watt table lamp should be used about three feet above the plant for several hours each day. Special plant lights or flood lamps are used in commercial settings, but white fluorescent or incandescent lights are just as good. Most plants prosper in 60-70 degree temperature; however, the high 50-60 percent humidity enjoyed by plants is not comfortable for people. To compensate, set the plant pot in an attractive tray of wet gravel or use a humidifier near the plants about three times per week. Watering and CleaningImproper watering is the main factor for the death of most house plants. Use tepid water until it drains from the hole at the bottom of the pot. Most plants should be watered only when the soil becomes dry to the touch. Avoid tap water as the chemicals and salts are not good for tender plants. If you have no choice, let the tap water set for a couple of days before using. My plants thrive best on rain water. Avoid getting water on leaves. Obviously, cacti and some other succulents need to dry out thoroughly between waterings, and plants like poinsettias and rex begonias need to be kept slightly damp. Gently clean off dust and grime with a damp soft cloth regularly. Some growers recommend a gentle shower bath to remove dust, spider mites and aphids. If plants become infested, separate them from other plants until the problem is eradicated. Insecticides may be needed, and it is important to read the entire label and carefully follow instructions on the product. Most experts agree that all plants should be planted in a pot with a drain hole. For plants which are to be placed in dry or warmer places (hanging plants) or plants with extra water needs — double pot! Place gravel 1-2 inches deep in the bottom of the outside pot; place the potted plant on it; and fill in around the edges with more gravel or peat moss. Avoid letting water stand in the outside pot for any length of time. Soils and FertilizersOccasionally, the soil in a purchased plant is all wrong or a plant outgrows its pot. General house plants like what I call “thirds” — one part sand or artificials (perlite or vermiculite), one part loam soil and one part organic peat moss. Tropicals like the same with about one-fourth part sterilized manure added to the mix. Cacti and succulents like two parts artificials or sand, two parts loam soil and one part crushed brick or clay pot shards. All fertilizers should be water-soluble and used infrequently through the winter months. I use slow release pellets, which are effective and convenient to a busy schedule. When purchasing a new tender plant from a humid greenhouse, drape a transparent plastic bag loosely over it for a few days until it adjusts to its dryer surroundings. For detailed care instructions for house plants, call the OSU Kay County Extension Service at 580-362-3194 for the free fact brochure F-6411. SPORTSPressure Up For Next Dual Pressure Up For Next DualBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor The Wildcat wrestlers final dual of the millennium took on a little added significance this week. The Wildcats will open their bid for a berth the Dual State at Jenks Friday night. The realigned district has Ponca City battling Jenks, Tulsa East Central and Stillwater for one of the eight berths in the Dual State Class 5A Tournament. Po-Hi coach Todd Steidley earlier expressed some concern about the dual with Jenks. “We just don’t match up very well.” The Trojans added a little more pressure to this dual on Tuesday when they defeated East Central, 39-32, on Tuesday. That gives Jenks a leg up in the district race and a victory over one of the contenders for the title. “I’m sure Jenks will be pumped,” Steidley warned. “They probably feel this match (Friday) will be for the district championship.” The coach agrees it might — or it might not. “You can’t overlook Stillwater,” Steidley said. “They have some good individuals. “In fact, this district is very balanced. I’m not sure anyone will win it without a loss.” Steidley has confidence in his team — when they all make weight. The Wildcats were holding ranking matches right up until the last minute this week and Steidley expects a few changes to his lineup. “Steven Windler, Shawn Lee or Marcus Miller will be at 130 ( pounds),” the coach said. “Lee has been at 130 but he’s been sick this week. Windler has been at 135 “Roman RedLeaf or Brian Gibson will go at 135. RedLeaf has been at 140. “If RedLeaf is at 135, Jasper Lockett will go at 140.” ——— The Wildcats’ dual success — a 49-9 win over Owasso, a close 31-18 loss to top ranked Broken Arrow and a 46-15 shelling of Edmond Memorial — has failed to impress the coaches’ poll. The Cats remain unranked this week as pollsters were probably looking a tournament results. Ponca City finished 13th in the tough Perry Tournament. “We can’t worry about the poll right now,” Steidley said. “We just have to go out and take care of business.” Coaches’ Poll Class 5A 1. Broken Arrow; 2, Midwest City; 3. Westmoore; 4. Muskogee; 5. Del City; 6. Sand Springs; 7. Yukon; 8. Tulsa Union; 9. Edmond North; 10. (tie) Edmond Memorial, Putnam West. Pokes Teach Alcorn StateSTILLWATER (AP) — Although weeks of study lay behind the Alcorn State basketball team, the Braves had more learning to do from their nationally ranked opponent, Oklahoma State. The 14th-ranked Cowboys (8-0) forced Alcorn State to turn over the ball 28 times and took advantage of the Braves’ missed scoring opportunities in a 79-53 victory on Wednesday. ‘‘We didn’t get it done tonight the way that we want it done,’’ Alcorn State coach Davey Whitney said after the game. ‘‘We practice on their offense and their defense and then we do just the opposite. ‘‘It was a good lesson for us tonight.’’ The teachers were impressive, getting 17 steals in addition to the forced turnovers, the latter of which were a season high for Oklahoma State. But coach Eddie Sutton, whose team meets UNLV on Saturday, wasn’t satisfied with what he saw from his team. ‘‘Defensively, overall, we played OK,’’ Sutton said. ‘‘Our offense, we turned the ball over too many times. ‘‘We looked more like a team that had just come out of finals.’’ Oklahoma State had 20 turnovers in the first half. ‘‘We just made some bad decisions with the basketball,’’ Sutton said. ‘‘The offense was just spotty.’’ Desmond Mason paced the Cowboys with 23 points, 13 in the second half. He finished 7-of-9 from the field and hit 4-of-6 3-point attempts. Andre Williams hit a career-high 11 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots. Brian Montonati also scored 11 points and had six steals. The Cowboys used an eight-point run early in the second half to take a 60-33 lead with 9:30 left. Alcorn State got within 62-44 with 6:12 remaining but the Cowboys pulled away behind the 3-point shooting of Mason and Glendon Alexander. Alcorn State (3-5), which shot 40 percent from the field, was led by Walter Harper’s 12 points. Treymane Chambers ended with 10. The Braves had a 7-6 advantage early in the game until the Cowboys used a 7-0 run to go ahead 14-6. A 10-0 run minutes later sparked Oklahoma State to a 24-8 lead midway through the half. The Cowboys scored the final seven points to lead 40-21 at halftime. No. 14 OKLAHOMA ST. 79, ALCORN ST. 53 ALCORN ST. (3-5) Cameron 4-9 0-2 8, Fleming 1-8 2-6 4, Harper 6-9 0-1 12, Chambers 3-10 2-2 10, Harris 2-4 0-0 4, West 0-1 0-0 0, Cammon 0-1 0-0 0, Cable 1-1 0-1 2, Adams 3-5 1-4 8, Pack 1-3 0-0 3, Smith 1-2 0-2 2, Slaughter 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 22-55 5-18 53. OKLAHOMA ST. (8-0) Montonati 5-10 1-1 11, Mason 7-9 5-6 23, Webber 2-4 0-0 4, Adkins 3-9 2-2 8, Gottlieb 3-5 1-4 7, Alexander 3-7 2-2 10, Fleming 0-0 0-0 0, Jonzen 1-8 1-2 3 Sooter 0-0 0-0 0, Williams 5-6 1-2 11, Cazzelle 0-0 0-0 0, Keep 1-1 0-2 2. Totals 30-59 13-21 79. Halftime—Oklahoma St. 40, Alcorn St. 21. 3-Point goals—Alcorn St. 4-10 (Chambers 2-5, Adams 1-2, Pack 1-2, West 0-1), Oklahoma St. 6-15 (Mason 4-6, Alexander 2-4, Gottlieb 0-1, Adkins 0-4). Fouled out—Fleming, Montonati. Rebounds—Alcorn St. 32 (Harper 8), Oklahoma St. 44 (Williams 12). Assists—Alcorn St. 7 (Chambers, Harris 2), Oklahoma St. 18 (Gottlieb 8). Total fouls—Alcorn St. 17, Oklahoma St. 18. A—5,142.
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