If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
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Natchitoches Parish Journal
magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com
318-354-4000 #6
A Close Run Thing – The Lady Chief are on to the Quarterfinals!
By Kevin Shannahan
Kevin’s Gallery
In one of the most exciting games ever to be played in the tepee, the Natchitoches Central Lady Chiefs defeated the West Monroe Lady Rebels in an epic 47-46 contest that went down to the final few seconds before the Natchitoches Central ladies emerged victorious by a single point. The Lady Chiefs drew first blood shortly after the tip-off and with the exception of a brief tie, maintained the lead until well into the fourth quarter. Things then got interesting, to say the least. The Lady Rebels mounted a furious comeback, tied the game and then took the lead. The final quarter was a hard fought, physical contest that at times resembled a rugby match as much as a basketball game as the players fought for possession and the thin lead moved back and forth. The action brought the crowd to its feet as both sides cheered their team on. Both school’s cheerleaders raised the volume to volcanic levels and performed stunts for their team’s fans. The game was, as the Duke of Wellington said of the Battle of Waterloo, a close run thing.
The Lady Chiefs return to the hardwood Thursday to take on Walker in the quarterfinals. These superb young women are a joy to watch. The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes them all the best in their upcoming games. Go Chiefs!
BOM sponsors Flavor of Louisiana event set for March 22 at NSU
BOM is a Bayou Sponsor of Flavor of Louisiana, Northwestern State University’s third annual seafood extravaganza to raise funds for student scholarships and academic support.
From left are Jennifer Campbell, Erin Dupree, Dewayne Chelette, Blaise LaCour, Lyn Christophe, Carrie Hough, Brittany McNeely, Jill Bankston, Matthew Whitaker, Darlene Knecht and Gina Banks. Flavor of Louisiana will be from 6-11 p.m. Friday, March 22 in Prather Coliseum. For information on tickets, call (318) 357-4414.
Obit: Dr. James E. Moreland Sr.
Sept. 17, 1929 – Feb. 6, 2019
SHREVEPORT– A memorial service celebrating the life and influence of Dr. James E. Moreland Sr., 89, will be held at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, at St. Mark’s Cathedral, 908 Rutherford St., Shreveport, LA, with the Rev. D. Seth Donald officiating.
A reception for his friends, many prior students and fellow teachers at Captain Shreve High School, the Clergy and Cathedral Choir of St. Mark’s, and many others who knew and loved him, will be held following the service at the Cathedral.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Lisbon United Methodist Church in Homer. He was buried in Arlington Cemetery in Homer.
James, affectionately known as “Doc,” was born Sept. 17, 1929, in Powhatan, LA, to Angie McCasland Moreland and Dr. William Edmond Moreland. Doc died Feb. 6, 2019, in Shreveport, LA. He was an active member of St. Mark’s, where he was an inaugural member of the Bell Ringers. He also was a primary lead in overseeing a comprehensive update and pipe expansion of its Aeolian-Skinner Organ Co. Opus 1308 world-class organ.
A 1946 graduate of Natchitoches High School, Doc proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He was on active duty from January 1951 – October 1955, and in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1955 – 1983. He retired July 1, 1983, at the rank of Captain.
He attended Centenary College of Louisiana and later graduated from Northwestern State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, Louisiana State University with a Master of Science Degree in Zoology, and Louisiana State School of Medicine with a Ph.D. in Anatomy.
Doc taught mathematics and science at Homer High School before embarking on a lifetime career in higher education. He enjoyed positions of an Instructor of Anatomy, an Assistant Professor of Anatomy, an Associate Professor and Professor of Anatomy, Coordinator of Anatomy, and Chair of the Department of Anatomy at LSU Medical Center in New Orleans, Baylor University College of Dentistry, Southern Illinois School of Medicine, and Marshall University School of Medicine.
Doc later served as Chair of the Department of Medical Education and Staff Services at Valley Memorial Hospital, Johnstown, PA; as an Adjunct Professor of Anatomy at Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA; as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anatomy, The Pennsylvania State University, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA; and as an Adjunct Professor of Physician Assistant Science, Saint Frances College, Loratto, PA.
He ended his career at Captain Shreve High School, where he taught biology and anatomy for over 10 years. In 1998, he was inducted into Shreve’s “Circle of Honor,” which recognizes and honors those who have contributed time and services to improve the quality of life in the community and/or nation. He also received Outstanding Faculty Awards from Baylor University College of Dentistry in 1969 and 1970, and Marshall University School of Medicine in 1978 and 1980.
James was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William Benjamin Moreland; two sisters, Ruth Elaine Moreland Simms and Genevieve Moreland Collins. He is survived by his sons, James Edmond Moreland Jr. and his wife, Cheryl of Homer, LA, Russell White Moreland of Oklahoma; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Memorials in Doc’s memory may be made to St. Mark’s Cathedral Church Choir Fund, 908 Rutherford St., Shreveport, LA 71104.
“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because, for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation.”
Mark Your Calendar for Friends of the Library Book Sale March 14-16
Readers looking for a cheap way to fill out their reading lists will be happy to hear that the annual Friends of the Natchitoches Parish Library (FONPL) Book Sale will be back in just a few weeks! Visitors can expect to find thousands of books for sale, including children’s books, adult fiction, cookbooks, and books about travel, religion, business, arts and crafts, music and more. The Book Sale is the FONPL’s most important fundraiser of the year, and proceeds will help to provide many cultural, educational, and entertaining programs to benefit the community throughout the year at the Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL).
The FONPL Book Sale will take place at the Natchitoches Arts Center, 716 Second St. The sale will run Thursday and Friday, March 14 and 15, from 11 AM to 6PM, and Saturday, March 16, from 9 AM to 2PM.
The FONPL is a 501(c)(3) organization that works to support and enrich the capabilities, resources, and services of the NPL through fundraising and advocacy efforts that benefit the community. The FONPL is dedicated to enhancing the programs and resources of the NPL’s library branches. Funds raised by the FONPL are used to meet library needs not met through the traditional Natchitoches Parish Library budget. Funding support includes, but is not limited to, the purchase of special equipment and sponsorship of special, thematic library programs.
So if you are looking for a cheap way to travel to space, a foreign country, or even through time, visit the FONPL annual book sale and pick up great books at an even better price, and all for a good cause! Last year’s book sale was a great success, and more importantly, thousands of books made it into the hands of community members.
For more information about the book sale or other library programming or services, please contact Alan Niette, Natchitoches Parish Library’s Outreach Services Coordinator and Friends Liaison at 318-238-9236 or alan@natlib.org.
NATCHITOCHES MEN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH TRAILER FIRE
State Fire Marshal deputies arrested two Natchitoches men for setting fire to a neighbor’s mobile home.
Steven Block, 27, was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Jail on Sunday, Feb. 17, on one count each of Simple Arson and Criminal Conspiracy.
Brad Zigler, 32, was booked on one count of Criminal Conspiracy.
On that morning, Natchitoches Fire District #6 responded to mobile home fire located in the 200 block of Vienna Road in Natchitoches. The mobile home was unoccupied at the time of the fire but still contained belongings from the tenant who stayed in the trailer periodically.
Following a scene assessment and collecting witness interviews, investigators determined the fire was incendiary.
In collaboration with Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies, SFM deputies received information that identified Block and Zigler as potential suspects in the arson. The pair had been arrested by NPSO that afternoon for being found in possession of stolen items from the burned trailer.
In an interview with investigators, Block admitted his and Zigler’s involvement in the fire. Both men were subsequently booked on charges from the SFM, in addition to the ones already on file from the NPSO.
Northwestern State opens loaded home schedule Tuesday
A typical February softball schedule usually includes long trips to tournaments in some of the sport’s most palatial venues.
But Northwestern State (2-6) is taking a break from the road this week with seven games inside the friendly confines of Lady Demon Diamond to starts its home schedule.
The home stand starts Tuesday with a doubleheader against Fairleigh Dickinson followed by a jam-packed weekend of softball at the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission’s Lady Demon Classic from Friday-Sunday.
Tuesday’s doubleheader is scheduled for 5 p.m. with live video and live stats available at nsudemons.com.
“I think all of the kids are excited — I know I am,” said Pickett, who has 269 career wins early in his 11th season in Natchitoches. “We have a young team, and it’s always good to play at home in more of a familiar environment.
“Hopefully we can work around the weather this week.”
NSU has one previous meeting with FDU in the programs’ histories as the Lady Demons run-ruled the Knights in 2017 (11-3) in the Chattanooga Frost Classic.
Despite four losses this past weekend at the North Texas Mean Green Classic, Pickett said he saw plenty of positives from a team that started as many as seven freshmen and sophomores.
“Seeing (senior pitcher) Mikayla Brown set the tone (Sunday at North Texas), got through their lineup once and held them to nothing was good to see,” Pickett said of Brown’s first start of the season. “North Texas is a really hot team right now, and we had a couple of mistakes that I would like to shore up, but we had some good at-bats and traded punches with them.
“I’m really proud of the way she came out in her first start of the year and attacked hitters. I know she can build off of what she did Sunday.”
Brown (0-1) took the loss in a 6-0 defeat at UNT, but five of the Mean Green’s six runs came in one inning, all with two outs.
NSU struggled to put pitching and hitting together on a weekend which included two losses to Seton Hall by a combined three runs and a three-run loss to Creighton.
But veteran bats like junior Hayley Barbazon (six runs scored, three doubles), junior Kaitlyn St. Clair (.286 batting average and three RBIs) and sophomore Cayla Jones (team highs of seven hits and a .318 batting average) are starting to warm up.
FDU (0-4) opened its season this past weekend at the Louisiana Tech Invitational dropping four games by a combined score of 27-7. But the Knights were competitive against fellow Southland Conference member Abilene Christian (2-0 loss) and the host Lady Techsters (7-5 loss).
The Knights finished 17-26 and 8-8 in the Northeast Conference a season ago.
PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services
NPSO: SABINE PARISH MAN ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER IN CONNECTION WITH SUNDAY EVENING STABBING NEAR NATCHITOCHES
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested a Sabine Parish man on Attempted Murder charges in connection with a stabbing that resulted in a Natchitoches man being rushed to a Shreveport hospital with life threatening injuries according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
On Sunday evening February 17 at approximately 10:08pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division responded to reports of a stabbing at a residence in the 100 block of Francis Street near Natchitoches, La.
Deputies arrived on scene, discovering a 20-year-old male suffering from multiple stab wounds standing outside of the residence.
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS and Detectives assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene.
During the initial stages of the investigation, detectives photographed, processed the crime scene and spoke to several witnesses.
Detectives learned that a person identified as 20-year-old Darrius L. Sweet of Many, La., allegedly went to the residence of his ex-girlfriend in the 100 block of Francis Street. While there Sweet allegedly approached a vehicle his ex-girlfriend was sitting in, entered the vehicle committing a battery on her then pulled her out of the vehicle dragging her on the ground. Sweet then reportedly entered the residence and stabbed a male friend of the ex-girlfriend multiple times in the back and head.
Sweet fled before deputies arrived on scene.
The victim was transported from the scene to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center in serious condition with life threatening injuries and transferred to University Health-Shreveport.
Detectives identified Sweet as a suspect and obtained criminal warrants signed by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge for his arrest.
On Monday morning, Sabine Parish authorities arrested Sweet without incident.
Natchitoches deputies traveled to Sabine Parish and transported Darrious Letrae Sweet, 20, of the 100 block of Poppy Lane, Many, La. to the Natchitoches Detention Center where he was booked and charged with Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Home Invasion and Battery on a Dating Partner.
Sweet remains in Natchitoches Detention Center without bond.
Detective Darrel Winder is case agent. NPSO Criminal Investigations Division 357-7830
Natchitoches Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents also issued citations to four individuals at the scene for Simple Possession of Marijuana. They were released pending their court appearances.
Watermark image property of NPSO.
Agenda for February 20 Head Start Policy Council Meeting
Natchitoches Parish Office of Community Services issued the following agenda for the Head Start Policy Council Regular Meeting, which will be held Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 6 pm at the MLK Head Start, located at 415 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Natchitoches.
AGENDA
Call to order
Invocation
Roll Call (establish quorum)
Introductions and Welcome Visitors
Approval of Minutes
Reports
Financial Report – Mrs. Debbie Miley, Parish Treasurer
Budget
USDA Report
Credit Card Report
Non-Federal Share (In-Kind) Report
Head Start Director – Mrs. Chriscella Metoyer
Education – Mrs. Janet Powell & Taylor Morgan
Moasic- Kindergarten Readiness
Teacher Self- Assessment
Old Business
New Business
Questions/Concerns/Announcements/Comments
Notice of Death – February 18, 2019
NATCHITOCHES PARISH:
Frank “Buddy” Wyatt
August 22, 1934 – February 15, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday February 19 from 5-9 pm at Old Pisgah Baptist Church, located at 15192 Hwy. 120 in Marthaville
Service: Wednesday February 20 at 1 pm at Old Pisgah Baptist Church
Doris Washington
February 15, 2019
Arrangements TBA
Beulah Helaire Jackson
February 15, 2019
Arrangements TBA
John Clark
April 7, 1950 – February 14, 2019
Service: Saturday, February 23 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
Sharon LaCaze
August 3, 1970 – February 14, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, February 23 from 9-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, February 23 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Rockford Baptist Church Cemetery
SABINE PARISH:
Betty Jo Davis Ebarb
July 24, 1934 – February 15, 2019
Visitation: Thursday, February 21 at 10:30 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Zwolle
Service: Thursday, February 21 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home
Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery
WINN PARISH:
Gloria Jean Ainsworth
October 17, 1944 – February 15, 2019
Service: Tuesday, February 19 at 10 am in the chapel of Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home
Interment: Squires Cemetery of Summerville
RED RIVER PARISH:
Joseph Daniel Davis
August 23, 1982 – February 15, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday, February 19 from 6-8 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, February 19 at 11 am at Bethel Baptist Church
Interment: Bethel Cemetery
Virgil “Bo” Desadier
September 06, 1956 – February 15, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday, February 19 from 6-9 pm at at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, February 20 at 10 am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery
Magnolia Minute: Chris Bertrand – NSU Home Opener with LSU
If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
The Magnolia Minute
Natchitoches Parish Journal
magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com
318-354-4000 #6
“The Pelican State Goes to War” Presentation by NSU’s Dr. Susan Dollar
By Kevin Shannahan
Northwestern State University History Professor, Dr. Susan Dollar, gave a presentation at the Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum Saturday, Feb 16th. The standing room only crowd was treated to a lively lecture on Louisiana’s role in the Second World War. Our state was the scene of the Louisiana Maneuvers, a series of military exercises that were held shortly before America’s entry into WWII and continued throughout the war. The first, and best known of the exercises, featured soldiers from 33 states. All in all, over 500,000 soldiers honed their skills in Louisiana before combat against Nazi Germany.
Dr. Dollar also brought artifacts from the era to bring history alive. One of the items was a wartime gasoline ration book with the rations in 25 cent increments. Another item was a 1943 penny made of zinc as copper was too precious to the war effort to use in coins (as an interesting side note, Dr. Dollar told the audience that 40 pennies were made of copper in error and are quite valuable to coin collectors.) The talk was full of the personal details of the era that she was able to elicit from the local people who lived in the areas of the state in which the maneuvers took place.
Dr. Dollar’s talk was in conjunction with a traveling exhibit produced by the National WWII Museum in New Orleans about Louisiana’s contribution to victory in WWII. The exhibit features uniforms, memorabilia and information about everything from Higgins boats to P.O.W. Camps in the state. There are also exhibits featuring the Louisianans who earned the Medal of Honor during the war as well the first African Americans to join the Marine Corps.
The exhibit will be at the museum through Mar. 15th at which time it will travel to the Alexandria Museum of Art. It is a look into a fascinating era of our history and is well worth a visit before it moves on.
Mardi Gras Ball channels Rock&Roll vibe
The Krewe of Dionysos held its annual Mardi Gras Ball and rocked the night away on Feb. 16. Decorations reflected this year’s theme: It’s Only Rock & Roll. Vinyl records, flashing lights and an enormous red guitar hanging from the ceiling set the mood for a fun filled event.
Hunter Horton and Ed Walsh served as Emcees. Bryan Picou, Dennis Bryant, John Richmond, Burley Johnson, and Keith Shirley sang the National Anthem. Past Royalty were recognized before the 2019 Royalty were announced.
Captain XXI: Jerry McElwee
Shadow for the Captain: Kingston Morgan
King Dionysos: Kirk Soileau
Pages for the King: John Handley Kirk IV, Philomene Idalie Kirk, and Addison Lanye Soileau
Queen Dionysos XXI: Carmen Aviles
Pages for the Queen: Layla Sofia Pulley, Rustin Beau Clark, and Brooklyn Elizabeth Clark
Presentations of the Junior Court included:
Walker Roe Jackson: Daughter of Krewe Charter Members Leah and Clay Jackson, Granddaughter of Krewe Charter Members Eileen and Tandy Jackson.
Mason Tyler Murphy: Son of Krewe Members Amy and Lance Murphy, Grandson of Krewe Member Linda Rachal
Hailey Marie Seaman: Step-daughter of Krewe Member Holly Seaman and daughter of Krewe Member Charles Seaman
Mallory Elizabeth Owens: Grandaughter of Krewe Charter Member Janet Johnson and Krewe Member Pete Johnson
Brady Glenn Sers: Son of Krewe Members Julie and Glenn Sers
Caroline Elizabeth Stokes: Daughter of Krewe Members Mindy and Marc Stokes
The following 2019 Dukes and Duchesses were presented:
Duke and Duchess of Dance: Kevin McCain and Kara Morvant
Duke and Duchess of Destiny: Doug Pesnell and Angela Pesnell
Duke and Duchess of Decadence: Byron McKinney and Angela McKnight
Duke and Duchess of Desire: Craig Caskey and Rena Baudouin
After the King’s Toast, the Royal Dance, and Greetings from Visiting Royalty the band Stormy took to the stage so everyone could finish the night with dancing.
NCHS Orchestra to hold BBQ Chicken Fundraiser March 1
The Natchitoches Central High School Orchestra will host a BBQ Chicken fundraiser on Friday, March 1 from 11am to 1pm. The fundraiser is sponsored by Cane River Charities and will benefit the orchestra program and their trip to Italy in March of 2020. The dinners include BBQ chicken, beans, potato salad, and a dessert for $8. Pick up dinners will be available at the Parish Government Parking Lot across from the District Courthouse on Church Street. Tickets are available for sale and local orders of 5 or more can be delivered. Please see an orchestra family for ticket purchases or call Mickey Harper at 471-3514 or Alanna Nelson at 364-9801 for more
information.