From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Monday, January
20, 1996
LOCAL
Oklahomans Remember Martin Luther King
DHS Most Wanted List Grows Despite Some Recent Arrests
Bacone Enrollment Clinic Rescheduled For Wednesday
DEATHS
Leo Emmett Blubaugh
Marie Quante Rausch
Edna M. Pappan
Obituaries
John M. Lake
Mollie Williams
Services Pending
James P. Powell
Harold D. Ryan
Richard L. Dobbs
Funerals
Leslie C. Haggard
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Wordsmiths Ask Writers To Join Club
'Route 66' Topic For Delta Kappa Gamma Program
Modern Moms Club Announces Plans for Events
Chapter Hears Program About Homemakers
SPORTS
NOC Men, Women Split at Carl Albert
Frontier Routs Mulhall-Orlando
From Staff and AP Reports
Oklahomans paused today to remember the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., and discuss ways to revitalize his ideas during the holiday honoring the slain civil rights leader.
Ponca City celebrated Saturday with "Now Is The Time " at the Poncan Theatre. The Langston Concert Choir performed and the Rev. A. Glenn Woodberry of Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Oklahoma City gave the keynote address.
In Tulsa, a candlelight procession Sunday evening stretched along Archer Street and down Elgin Avenue, taking marchers to ward Mount Zion Baptist Church as they sang ''We Shall Over Come.''
''If you didn't know better, you could almost think Dr. King was up there leading us,'' Rick Atkins said as he walked near the end of the procession.
The marchers flooded into Mount Zion, packing the balcony and leaving some to crowd into open doorways, leaning in to hear the speakers.
Nancy Day of the National Conference invited the crowd to experience the kind of epiphany she said King, who was assassinated in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 1968, had in January 1956, during the famed Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott that propelled him to national prominence.
On that date, Day said, King knelt in his kitchen to pray and realized that every bigoted heart can be turned around, taken ''from the low valley of hate to high mountain of love.''
Ernest L. Holloway, president of Langston University, said at a memorial service Sunday in Enid that education is the vehicle to ride King's dream for equality into the next century.
''We are preparing students to move to the world, because we live now in a world community. We must make education truly a priority,'' Holloway told an audience that numbered slightly over 100 people Enid's Ninth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
OKLAHOMA CITY - An Oklahoma man posted on the National Most Wanted List of the National Child Support Enforcement Association was arrested last month at a border crossing in Texas.
Ronald Paul Cassidy, 48, formerly of Durant, was arrested by U.S. Customs officers on Dec. 27 at the International Gateway Bridge in Brownsville on a Bryan County felony warrant for leaving the state to avoid making child support payments.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services placed Cassidy on the national wanted list last August. He owes more than $40,000 in past-due child support for his three children.
DHS records show he has never made a child support payment since his divorce more than 12 years ago. His children are currently 15, 20, and 22 years old.
Cassidy was to be transported to the Bryan County jail by U.S. Marshals to await arraignment. If convicted of the felony, he faces up to four years in prison, a fine of $5,000, or both.
At the time of his arrest, Cassidy listed his address as Chiapas, Mexico.
In another case, an Altus man who first appeared on the state's Child Support Enforcement most-wanted list in November, was arrested in December.
Ronnie Blackshere, 51, was arrested in Altus on Dec. 21 and held in jail until arraignment on Dec. 23. He was released after arraignment and ordered to reappear in January to face civil contempt charges of failing to abide by the court's order to pay child support on behalf of his two children, ages 11 and 14.
Blackshere owes $20,000 in past-due child support, according to DHS records. If found guilty of willful contempt of the court's order, he faces up to six months in county jail.
Since June 1989, more than 180 absent parents have been apprehended after their names appeared on the state's most-wanted list.
Arrest warrants were issued for each person on the list. By the time of publication, any person listed may have been arrested or action taken to cancel the warrant. Anyone with information regarding the following individuals can contact the DHS or call the child support hotline at 800-522-2922.
Others on the state's most-wanted list this month are:
Curtis Edward Lofton, 33, white male, 5-feet-10, 179 pounds, owes $12,465. Last known address: Ada, Okla. Bench warrant from Rogers County.
Charles R. Erwin, 54, white male, 6-feet-1, 220 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes, owes $38,500. Last known address: Indiana. Felony warrant from Ottawa County.
Richard Mark Miller, 41, Indian male, 5-feet-10, 165 pounds, black hair, brown eyes, owes $12,875. Last known address: Mounds, Okla. Bench warrant from Tulsa County.
Charles White, 41, white male, 5-feet-10, 145 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes, owes $27,555. Last known address: Comanche, Okla., or Noel, Mo. Bench warrant from Stephens County.
Persons who contact the DHS do not have to give their names.
PAWHUSKA - An enrollment clinic will be held Wednesday for Bacone College courses to be held in Pawhuska. The spring 1997 Enrollment Clinic will be from 5:30-7 p.m., in the lecture room at Pawhuska High School.
The course schedule for Bacone's spring semester 1997 in Pawhuska: Introduction to Data Processing, Monday's, 6-8 p.m.; Psychology of Personal Adjustment, Tuesday's, 7-9:50 p.m.; Child Development, Tuesday's, 4-6 p.m.; College Algebra, Wednesday's, 6-8:50 p.m.; and Oil Painting II on Thursday's, 6-8:50 p.m.
Tuition at Bacone College is $105 per credit hour and a $20 matriculation fee plus cost of books. Concurrent students can also attend college for half price of the regular tuition.
During the enrollment clinic Wednesday, a financial aid workshop will be held along with placement testing, with classes starting on Jan. 27.
For further information call 918-683-4581, Ext. 270.
DEATHS
NEWKIRK - Leo Emmett Blubaugh, rural Newkirk resident, died Saturday night, Jan. 18, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 86.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Tuesday, at Resthaven-Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Ponca City. Dr. William R. Chace, minister of Newkirk First United Methodist Church will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, then the casket will be closed, and not reopened.
Leo Emmett Blubaugh was born Jan. 7, 1911, in Hobart, the son of Clarence George and Elizabeth Ann (Bryant) Blubaugh. While in his teens, he moved with his family to Kay County.
On Nov. 8, 1942, he was married to Ora Lee McKee in Ponca City and on Dec. 3, 1942, was drafted into the U.S. Army. Blubaugh served in the 460th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battery "C" during World War II and was honored as an expert rifleman. He received an honorable discharge on Dec. 23, 1945.
In 1946, the couple purchased a farm southeast of Newkirk, where they have since resided. Blubaugh farmed and was employed with Williams Construction and Roberts Construction companies, where he retired in 1976 as a labor foreman. During his retirement years he enjoyed Bingo, playing cards, gardening and other outdoor activities.
Survivors include his wife, Ora Lee, of the home; two daughters, Mrs. Dave (Leora Sue) Sears of Newkirk and Mrs. Ken (Brenda Kay) Lovelee of Tulsa; one brother, Frances Blubaugh of Ponca City; four grandchildren; and numerous other relatives in the area. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Hayden, Edward and Walter; and one sister, Ada.
Casket bearers will be Bob Blubaugh, Bennie Blubaugh, Wayne Pettit, Kenny Sherron, Lonnie Sherron, and Ed Heidlage.
TONKAWA - Marie Quante Rausch, longtime Tonkawa resident, died Saturday, Jan. 18, 1997, in Willow Haven Nursing Home in Tonkawa. She was 89.
The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home Chapel. Dr. John Bartlett, pastor of the Tonkawa First Christian Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery.
Marie Quante Rausch was born Dec. 12, 1907, in Wilburton, the daughter of Henry and Ida (Sides) Quante. As a child, she lived in Harrison, Ark., before moving to Tonkawa at an early age. She was first married to Bill Alexander in 1924, and after his death, married Walt Rausch in Paris, Texas. Mr. Rausch died shortly after World War II, and she then moved back to Tonkawa.
Mrs. Rausch began a nursing career when she graduated from Blackwell General Hospital Nursing Class in 1951. She was employed at the hospital for three years before employment in the office of Dr. Baum in Tonkawa. She retired in 1973. Mrs. Rausch was a member of the Tonkawa First Christian Church.
Survivors include one sister, Thelma Busch of Tonkawa; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to both husbands and her parents she was preceded in death by one son, Ernest R. Alexander, while serving in World War II; one sister, and one infant sister.
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - Edna M. Pappan, former Kaw City area resident died Friday, Jan. 17, 1997, at Medicalodge East Nursing Center in Arkansas City, Kan. She was 84.
The funeral was to be held graveside at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Arkansas City at 3 p.m. today, with Mr. Jesse Kindred officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hawks Funeral Home, Arkansas City.
Edna M. (Maple) Pappan was born Nov. 24, 1912, in Kaw City, the daughter of Joshua and Minnie Maple. She was married to Joseph Elmer Kelley in May 1929 and he preceded her in death on Nov. 28, 1933.
On Oct. 19, 1935, she was married to Garnold William Pappan in Newkirk and the couple made their home in Colorado for three years. In 1938, they moved to Arkansas City, Kan. Mr. Pappan died May 20, 1992.
Survivors include one son, Joe Kelley of Winfield, Kan.; six daughters, Glenda Womack of Arkansas City, Juanita Warren of Arcadia, Judy Gordy of Oklahoma City, Patricia Tracey of Farmington, N.M., Vera Morris of Lyons, Kan., and Charlotte Lynch of Wichita, Kan.; 26 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. In addition to both husbands and her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sharon Kay; and 14 brothers and sisters.
John M. Lake, Ponca City resident, died at home Jan. 18, 1997, after battling cancer for nearly two years. He was 60.
John was born March 11, 1936, in Ponca City to Wilbur Earl Lake and Lillian Ruby Brown Lake. After graduating from Ponca City High School, John attended Oklahoma State University.
He married Jo Ann Bryant in Ponca City on Sept. 6, 1958. Their children are Leslie Lake Hoyt of Tulsa and Bryan Lake of Ponca City. John retired from Conoco Inc., in 1993 after 32 years. He founded Lake Mineral Evaluation in 1993, and worked with his son Bryan until his death.
He enjoyed the outdoors; his favorite pastimes included trap shooting, hunting, fishing and golf. He also loved to spend time with his family, including his three grandchildren; Blaine Travis Hoyt, six; Lauren Jessica Hoyt, 20 months; and John Hampton Lake, four; who all called him "P.J."
John is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Lake of the home; his daughter, Leslie Hoyt and her husband Brad and children Blaine and Lauren, all of Tulsa; his son, Bryan Lake and his wife, Sandy, and son, John, all of Ponca City; a brother, Clyde Lake of Tonkawa and his family; his mother-in-law Lois Bryant Finch of Ponca City; and many other family members and close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother DeWayne Lake.
The service will be held Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Ponca City, under the direction of the Rev. Larry Heslip. The family will be receiving visitors in the Assembly Center at the church at 9 a.m.
Pallbearers are Jim Bryant, John Bryant and Carl Kerfoot, who are all brothers-in-law of John; and Joe Paden, Charles Perry, LeRoy Poplin, Duane Roady and Fred Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are Harold Chance, Vic Coates, Don Dunster, G.E. Huddleston, Harry King, Ray Kozusko, Dean Ohley, Phil Rice, John Sutton, Charles Thompson and Bob Whiting.
Memorial contributions may be made in John's name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103; or to the Opportunity Center, 2225 North Union, Ponca City, OK 74601, or to the donor's favorite charity.
Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
paid obituary
Mollie Williams, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday evening, Jan. 16, 1997, at the Highland Nursing Center. She was 87.
The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Larry Calvert, pastor, Ranch Drive Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Oddfellows Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Mrs. Williams was born on April 22, 1909, in Cheyenne, the 11th of 12 children born to Arlington and Elora (Mathney) Short. She attended school in Guthrie.
On March 1, 1926, she married Harley Lee Williams in Ponca City. She was a member of the First Christian Church, where she was a member of the Loyal Beran Sunday School Class. She enjoyed dancing, roller skating in her younger days, listening to country music and playing dominoes.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law Wanda and Denny Hunt of Ponca City; daughter-in-law, Oma Williams of Owasso; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harley Lee Williams on March 8, 1977; a son, Dale Wayne; five brothers and five sisters.
Casket bearers will be her grandsons, Elmer Feathers, Bill Feather, Shane Feathers, Ron Hunt, Brandon Hunt and Cody Hunt.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Williams' name to the Ranch Drive Baptist Church, Route 5, Box 294, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at the home, 152 Ranch Drive.
paid obituary
ATOKA - James Preston Powell, father to Dee Simmons and Sheila Vance of Ponca City, died Sunday morning, Jan. 19, 1997 at the Atoka (Okla.) Memorial Hospital. He was 75. Arrangements were under the direction of Brown's Funeral Service, Atoka, and will be published later.
Harold D. Ryan, Ponca City resident, died Sunday evening, Jan. 19, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 70. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Richard L. Dobbs, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday evening, Jan. 18, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 80. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Wednesday
Leslie C. Haggard - Funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. at Edwards
Cemetery in Kirbyville, Mo. Local arrangements are under the direction of
Trout Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
1942 Class Reunion - A planning meeting for the 1942 Po-Hi graduating 55th Class Reunion will be held at the home of John McAbee, 14 Pecan Place at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Any graduate or other persons interested in helping with formation of plans for the event are welcome. For more information call 765-7347.
Burglary - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a vehicle burglarized in the 400 block of East Emporia Avenue at 9:22 a.m. Saturday.
Vandalism - A resident in the 1700 block of South Tenth Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 9:28 a.m. Saturday that the vehicle was vandalized. An officer took a report.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident at North First Street and Highland Avenue at 12:08 p.m. Saturday. Another officer took a report of a minor injury accident in the 100 block of East Emporia Avenue at 1:17 p.m.
Petit Larceny - An employee at South Avenue Liquor Store, 1301 East South Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 8:48 p.m. Saturday to report three juveniles wearing dark coats and hats took two or three six-packs of beer and ran behind a business in the 800 block of South First Street. Two officers responded and a petit larceny report was taken.
Under Suspension - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 26-year-old man in the 800 block of North Elm Street at 11:01 p.m. Saturday for driving under suspension.
Arrested - A 21-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at 12:56 a.m. Sunday at West Central Avenue and South Lincoln Street for no insurance and driving under the influence.
Shoplifter - A clerk at Sav-A-Trip, 207 East Highland Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 1:21 p.m. Sunday to report a woman shoplifter in custody. An officer arrested an 18-year-old girl for petit larceny and assault and battery.
Auto Burglary - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 17-year-old boy in the 700 block of North Pine Street at 2:04 p.m. Sunday for auto burglary. A report was taken.
Suspect Held - A resident in the 400 block of South Washington Avenue contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 3:29 p.m. Sunday to report someone hit the garage. A tag number was given to the police officers who arrested a 28-year-old woman on Lake Road at 3:29 p.m. Sunday for driving under the influence, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, operating a motor vehicle not reasonable or proper and no insurance verification.
Car Fire - Ponca City firefighters responded at 4:32 p.m. Sunday to find a 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix fully involved in an alley in the 800 block of East Cleveland Avenue. Firefighters reported the cause of fire as undetermined. An estimated $7,500 in damage occurred, according to the report.
Accident - A 32-year-old man was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 6:31 a.m. Sunday after an accident three miles west of Kaw City on Oklahoma 11. According to the Ponca City Fire Department Ambulance report, the victim said he fell asleep. A hospital official confirmed the victim was not hospitalized.
Stolen Auto - A resident in the 600 block of East Walnut Avenue notified the Ponca City Police Department at 8:22 a.m. Sunday that a vehicle had been stolen. An officer took a report on a 1982 silver, Honda Accord hatchback. Surrounding agencies were notified and the information was reported to the National Crime Information Center.
Theft - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a car door stolen from Jays Auto, 1114 North Waverly Street at 11:09 a.m. Sunday.
Traffic Stop - A 51-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at North Fifth Street and East Highland Avenue at 11:27 a.m. Sunday for driving under suspension and a city warrant for assault and battery.
Struck - The Ponca City Police Department reported that a semi truck struck the overpass 1.5 miles north on U.S. 77 at 12:02 p.m. Sunday. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was advised.
In Custody - A 20-year-old man was taken into custody by a Ponca City police officer at 6:03 p.m. Sunday at East Chestnut Avenue and North Second Street for driving under suspension, no insurance, going around a railroad crossing, and two Kay County warrants for failure to appear.
Forgery - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 22-year-old man
in the 200 block of North Lake Street at 9:07 p.m. Sunday on a Kay County
warrant for uttering a forged instrument.
LIFESTYLES
Northern Oklahoma Wordsmiths is a group of writers and would-be writers who meet once a month in the Programming Room in the basement of the Ponca City Library. Unless the time is changed because of conflict with a special event the meeting is from 9:30 a.m. until noon, the first Saturday of the month. It has been difficult to find a time convenient for all, but since members come from the surrounding towns as well as from Ponca City, it is preferred not to have a night meeting.
Instigated by Jean Brace and Les Gilliam, who felt there was a need for a writers' group in Ponca City, the organizational meeting for the group was held in February of 1991, with thirteen persons present. A discussion of what a writer's club should be was the main agenda. It was agreed that it should be a sharing of knowledge, ideas, and encouragement, as well as exploring markets for finished work. The ultimate goal should be producing well written and marketable work.
By-laws were written, and a brochure was published, to be available at the library and other places, stating on the front that "Northern Oklahoma Wordsmiths is dedicated to the improvement and promotion of writing skills through encouragement, group support and critiquing, with a view toward quality and marketing, through contacts with other writers and publishing professionals."
Brace Books and More has been instrumental in furnishing "publishing professionals" for the Wordsmith programs, by arranging the "signings" of newly published books at the store on the second Saturday of the month. Various authors have met with the group and explained their methods of conceiving ideas, finding time to write, their backgrounds, and their adventures and trials in finding agents and publishers for their work once it is written.
Wordsmiths has also had workshops, some exercises in brief writings at the meetings, round-the-table reporting of current work or plans by members, and reports of workshops and seminars attended in Oklahoma, Tulsa and other places by members.
Members represent many kinds of genres in writing, from fiction stories and novels for adults and children, to non-fiction articles and books, including romance novels and detective stories, and poetry of many types.
Membership in the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. is available through the local group. A delegate from Wordsmiths attends their quarterly conference and reports back. They hold a workshop or conference one week-end each year when interested persons can attend for learning directly from published authors, editors of publishing houses, and agents. This information was furnished to the News by club member Joanna Gary.
For further information, interested persons should attend the next scheduled meeting on Saturday, February 1, 9:30 a.m. at the Ponca City Library or call 762-8256.
Delta Kappa Gamma's next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Feb. 13 in the program room of the Ponca City Library.
Speaker for this meeting will be Bob Westmoreland who is well known in the Ponca City area for photography and studio work. He is retired from the Ponca City School System. His topic will be "Route 66".
Emma-Lou Stiver, the recipient of the "Rose Award", will pass this recognition symbol to another Delta Chapter member who has demonstrated excellence and brought honor to education or educators. Miss Stiver was recognized for her efforts in the Standing Bear Project. Others who have been honored with the award are Terry Sharon and Patty Ladd.
A writing contest for seventh and eighth graders was held recently. The Ponca City winner will be announced at this meeting and given a cash prize and books. The essay will be submitted to the Oklahoma Delta Kappa Gamma Contest Committee for further competition.
The hostesses for the February meeting are Elma Robson, Mary Sunshine Cogman, Donna Lebeda, Marilyn Leming, Jean Hoffmeyer, Patti Wiley, and Marcia Nelson.
Modern Mom's Mother's Club met Jan. 9 at Community Christian Church. Six members met and answered roll call with their favorite winter hobby. Martha Long led the Collect and Aims. The devotion, "A Twenty Year Overdue Thank You Note", was read by Mary Gray.
A reminder that the club will serve at the Friendship Feast on January 29 was made. The group decided to buy sweat suits for a man and lady in the nursing homes.
A reminder was made that the Modern Moms state convention will be April 18-19 in Norman. A committee was formed to nominate officers for next year.
The program was working on family pages for the club history book for the state convention. Pam McGovern from Creative Memories guided the group in doing this.
Glenda Hisey was the co-hostess and Carol McGaughey won the hostess gift.
The next meeting will be February 13 in the home of Mary Gray. Each member will bring a small "Valentine gift" for her secret sister.
Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority members met Jan. 14 in the parlor of the Albright United Methodist Church with Betty Rogers serving as hostess.
Dee Brown, a counselor in the Displaced Homemaker Program at the Pioneer Technology Center, was the guest speaker for the evening. She shared with the members some of the requirements of women teachers around the year 1915 and how that contrasts with today. Labor force statistics, career planning and job skill level changes since 1950 were discussed. Ms. Brown stressed how a need was met for the displaced homemaker through this program and how gratifying it is to see so many women succeed and go into the work force with productive lives and dreams fulfilled. A "clothes closet" has been established at the Center which contains clothes appropriate for wearing at school, interviews or employment. Members are encouraged to contribute to this "closet" to help students have confidence when meeting these goals.
After Juni Parks, chapter president, read thank you notes sent to the group, votes were taken in support of the Endowment Fund and Breast Cancer Research Fund. Discussion was held on the success of the Husbands' Holiday Party and the New Year's Eve Party.
Donna Ross, the chapter's Valentine Queen, was requested to attend a practice session at 10 a.m. Feb. 15 at the Moose Lodge. Members are to be present at that same time in order to help decorate the tables for the Valentine Dance. The Valentine Pre-party will be held that Saturday evening at 7 o'clock in the home of David and Leora Simmons. Members will then go as a group to the Lodge at 8 p.m.
Three boxes of candy were circulated for tasting in celebration of forthcoming grandchildren of two of the members. After the closing ritual Betty Roger served refreshments.
The chapter's next meeting will be held Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the
home of Barbara Feil with Peggy Cookson in charge of the program.
SPORTS
POTEAU, Okla. - Northern Oklahoma came away with a split here Saturday in junior college basketball action against Carl Albert. The NOC women won by 16, 68-52, and the NOC men fell by 20, 78-58.
Northern's grueling second-semester start - which featured cross-state treks to Fort Smith, Ark., Warner and then Poteau in a one-week span - is now over. The Mavs and Lady Mavs start a three-game home stand tonight against NEO beginning at 6 p.m.
In the women's game Saturday, Northern overcame poor field goal shooting and turnover problems to post the victory and move back to .500 on the season at 8-8.
"This was definitely a case where defense sustained us," said head coach Greg Krause. "We shot just 32 percent from the field and had 25 turnovers. But the positives were the defense and free throw shooting.
"We played full court man-to-man the entire game, hounded the ball and forced them to take shots they didn't want. We also made 22 steals. And our free throw shooting was very good, we made 29 of 40 for the game, 72.5 percent."
Mandy Perkins continued her excellent second-semester play with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals. She was also 8 of 10 from the line.
Lynetta Geter also had a big game with 14 points and a team-high 14 rebounds.
Also scoring for NOC were Michelle Brown, 8; Sherry Butts, 7; Jill Kliewer, 7; Jennifer Whittet, 6; T.J. Humphries, 5; Chanda Myers, 3; Jill Linsenmeyer, 2; Brandi McClellan, 2.
"This was a big win," said Krause. "To win two of three on these long road trips is a big positive. Now we want to win all three of these home games.
Following tonight's NEO game, Northern hosts Bacone Wednesday night and then next Monday entertains Western in the first Bi-State West game of the season.
In Saturday's men's game, Northern trailed 31-21 at the half and fell 15 down before rallying to within three with 2:59 remaining.
"We were down three with the basketball with just under three minutes left and got off a shot to tie but it missed. Carl Albert then continued to build the lead and we were forced to foul and they hit their foul shots," said Northern head coach Mick Weiberg.
Sophomore guard Bryan Stevens led NOC with 15 points and was 5 of 7 from three-point range. Blake Sonne added 11 points, DeShawn Denson 10, Richard Whitfield 9, Mark Passley 6, Joe Patmon 6 and Steven Lookout scored 1 point.
"We're not playing real well right now. We're playing better, believe it or not, but just not good enough to win on the road," said Weiberg, whose club slipped to 8-10. "We head into a big stretch right now. Hopefully the gym will be stirring tonight with a full house."
Northern will be without Passley for tonight's game. The 6-4 swingman from Ontario, Canada, was an All-Region II performer last year. Passley will be out of uniform tonight, though, due to a one-game suspension handed down by Weiberg.
RED ROCK - Frontier buried another foe Saturday, beating Mulhall-Orlando to cap a busy week.
The Mustangs won 82-37 while the Lady Mustangs took a 68-30 decision.
The Frontier boys put their game away early, vaulting to a 29-9 lead in the first period. The Mustangs led 42-19 at the half.
Dee Buxton and R.J. Plumley each had 15 points. Nolan Grant, Josh Regnier and Zac Close had 12 each, J.R. Regnier 5, Ronnie Bible 4, John Burk 3, Mitch Shiever 2 and Martin Sanders scored 2 points.
Frontier's Lady Mustangs also put their game away early, outscoring Mulhall-Orlando 27-10 in the second quarter to post a 43-16 halftime lead.
Carolee Bible popped through 15 points, Mindy Williams had 13, Denise Jake 10, Elizabeth Sober 9, Stephanie Romero 6, Sarah Jake 6, Jennifer Miller 3 while April Vap, Kaley Dunham and Billie Bryan each had 2.