MARIJUANA REFORM ADVOCATES ADOPT STRETCH OF HIGHWAY

Drivers on SH9 in east Norman might be doing a doubletake these days. The
Oklahoma Chapter of the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws
(NORML) has adopted the two-mile stretch from Peebly Road to 180th Avenue SE.

"We have adopted the highway to show that we are just regular tax paying
people involved in our community and our state," said Norma Sapp, the local
chapter's director and a resident of the Little Axe community. Sapp has
been involved with NORML for 13 years. She notes police arrested 697,082
persons in 2002 for marijuana violations. "This is my hobby," she said.

The first organized trash pick-up was held Saturday. Sapp said she
encountered no difficulties getting the road segment "adopted" through the
state transportation department. "I guess it was kind of a joke with them,
but we didn't have any trouble getting it approved," she said.

Salvation Army Capt. Susan Reynolds said the local organization will serve
up to 700 children and adults this holiday season. The Army is teaming up
with Arvest and Republic banks to place "Angel Trees" in lobbies for
holiday donors.

Each angel lists a needy child's name, sizes and any special requests they
may have. Organizers hope donors will buy at least one outfit and two to
three toys. Each family also receives a food basket.

"We just encourage people to buy for them like they would for their own
kids," she said.

The gifts are distributed Dec. 22 and 23. The angel trees will be up Nov.
21 through Dec. 24. The Salvation Army's bell ringing begins after
Thanksgiving.

Norman lost another star last week. J.D. Vaught died at age 82. He was
buried Friday from St. Joseph Catholic Church.

He ran the Texaco station at Porter Avenue and Robinson Street for many
years. That was quite the corner years ago. There was Red's Tavern on one
side, Mayor Ron Henderson's Mr. Shortstop store and Northside Grocery,
along with the Norman Park Motel.

Later, Vaught worked for the City of Norman.

Self-service was not an option at Vaught's Texaco. He wore the Texaco star
and made you feel special, even if you were just filling up a lawnmower or
your tractor.

There were a lot of ribbons worn, thank-yous and prayers being said this
past week after an automobile accident involving seven Norman teenagers
last weekend. The most seriously injured of the teens is Sheridan Jones, a
Norman High freshman. She remains hospitalized in Oklahoma City.

The wreck was every parent's nightmare. It has turned into a story of
survival and the power of prayer and community support.