The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church and St. Mary’s Catholic School are hosting “Bethlehem Bash on the Cane”, a trio of fundraising events that will occur during the Christmas Season.  This collaboration of celebrations will include both a children and teen event, and conclude with the adult event on the evening of the Epiphany, “Little Christmas”.  Monies raised from these functions will benefit the March for Life event (January 28, 2023) and St. Mary’s Catholic School.

Children’s Event:  ADVENTure to the Manger on Tuesday, December 20 in conjunction with the Live Nativity at St. Mary’s Catholic School, 6-8pm.

Children participate in carnival games in the school gym that are centered around Christmas/Birthday for Jesus theme.  Children will “Journey through Bethlehem” as they visit stations along the way and participate in games and crafts.  A parish family dinner and refreshments will be sold separately.  Meals are $10 for adults and $5 for children under twelve.  Armbands for those playing the carnival games are $15 each.

Teenager’s Event:  The Avengers of the Holy Innocents on Wednesday, January 4, 7-9pm.

Teens will engage in an interactive night game of Mission Impossible, with adult supervision, and end with a bonfire and smores.    Ticket prices for the evening are $25 each and includes dinner and refreshments.  

Adult Event:  A Taste of Petit Noel on Saturday, January 7th, 7-10pm (Doors open at 6pm).

This festive adult event, celebrating the Epiphany, also known as “Little Christmas”, will be at the Knights of Columbus Hall and feature guest chef, Henry Chandler of Henry’s Louisiana Grill in Atlanta, Georgia.  Various local restaurants and teams of chefs will offer samplings ranging from appetizers to desserts.  Ticket prices are $100 each and include food, open bar and live music by Jenny and Kelli.

Tickets for all three events are on sale now and may be purchased at Immaculate Conception Church Office, Immaculate Conception Gift Shop and St. Mary’s Catholic School.  Sponsorships are also available.  For more information on any of these events, please contact Lisa Guillet, Director of Development, at 471-0902.  

The Natchitoches City Council will hold a special called meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 12 pm at the Council Chambers, located at 716 Second St.

Agenda:

Resolution Authorizing Submittal Of FY 2023 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Application.

Resolution Committing To Pay Administrative Fees For FY 2023 Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) Public Facilities Program And Hire Frye Magee LLC As LCDBG Administrative Consultant

Our Q&A Column is a way for us to highlight the interesting people within our community.

This week we talked with newly hired Human Resource Director for the City of Natchitoches, Sarah Prudhomme Oubre.

Why Were You Interested In Your Current Role/Job in the Beginning?

I wanted to make a difference.  I believe that giving moral, strategical, and financial support to our employees empower them.  I have many new plans in my new role as Human Resource Director for the City of Natchitoches and I can’t wait to start implementing them.

What Are The Roles Of Your Position?

Benefits specialist, plan administer, onboarding/off boarding employment, labor/workforce reporting, and employee engagement.

What Major Challenges Have You Faced So Far?

Finding new ways to make things more efficient and introducing new technology.  I am developing this role with a fresh start.

What Kind of Strategies And Mindset Is Required For This Role?

Patience and diligence to persevere through setbacks and change.  It is also important to communicate professionally.  I believe that all employees and people should all be treated as equals; working together.

How Do You Stay Motivated In Your Work?

I remember all the “thank you/s” I receive.  The people who come in to my office with a question, hopefully leave with not just an answer, but more than they’ve asked for.  Educating and training people with a new outlook or advise to help them on and off of work is meaningful.

Describe A Time When You Failed In This Role And The Lesson You Learned?

Luckily I have not so far in this role, however jobs in the past, I have made mistakes as any person would.  Never big ones but even the small ones are learning lessons too.  I have learned to be mindful when hiring, scheduling, and have a better work life balance.

Tell me something fun that not many people may know about you.

I can be adventurous and love to travel.  I have parasailed, scuba dived, hiked mountains and more.  Switzerland, Rio de Janeiro- Brazil, and Peru are on my bucket list.  I do have a few trips planned before that will happen that are already booked.

I am also a pretty good dart player and billiards/pool player.

If You Could Time Travel, When Would You Go?

Hopefully to a time where people treated each other better!

I would love to have one more conversation with my grandmother.

What’s Your Best Natchitoches Memory?

I would have to say Christmas Festival is a staple!  Every year growing up in Natchitoches, there was always something to look forward too.  I can just imagine every year now looking back.  The parade, the great food, and amazing fireworks with friends and family made some happy memories. 

What Is The Best Piece Of Advice You’ve Received?

To strive to be UNOFFENDABLE.  When you can walk in a way that nothing can get to you, your inner thoughts, or change your destiny, you can train your mindset to be positive.

It can be hard to just “let it go”.  But you have to ask yourself, is that comment, set-back, or negativity really worth it?  Are you going to let it consume you or cause you to do more harm?  And who does that really effect?  YOU!

What Accomplishment Are You Most Proud Of?

First, I would have to say I give all the glory to GOD!  I am proud to be a mother, a college graduate, a dedicated wife, a loving daughter, and now an influence.

Through faith and persistence all things are possible.

LUBBOCK, Texas – The Northwestern State men’s basketball team checked off a few items on its to-do list against No. 24/25 Texas Tech in the season opener Monday night.

The Demons started fast and forced turnovers throughout, but the Big 12 Conference member Red Raiders utilized their size advantage and pulled away for a 73-49 victory at United Supermarkets Arena.

“We are better than I thought we were,” first-year head coach Corey Gipson said. “Just the fact we took care of the ball against the No. 1 defensive team in the country (is a positive). We’ve got to do a better job of guarding without fouling.”

Northwestern State (0-1) won the turnover battle, forcing 20 Texas Tech turnovers, but the Red Raiders had a 20-point advantage in the paint.

That – coupled with a hot shooting first half from 3-point range – proved too tough for Northwestern State to overcome.

“We were not the more physical team,” Gipson said. “We forced 20 turnovers against a top-25 team. That was the goal. Our goal, on the other side, was to leave with 10 turnovers. We were only plus four on that.”

The Red Raiders came out firing quickly, connecting on seven of their first 10 shots. Texas Tech also connected on five of nine 3-pointers in the first half, building a 19-point halftime lead.

The Demons started as the hotter-shooting team as Ja’Monta Black connected on his first two 3-point attempts in an NSU uniform. Black’s second 3, a bucket from the left corner, gave the Demons a 6-5 lead at the 17:29 mark of the first half.

NSU pushed the lead to 8-5 on Dayne Prim’s baseline jumper – his first points as a Demon – with 16:42 to play in the half.

Texas Tech then took over, going on a 10-0 run across the next 3:14 and never trailed again.

“This was a learning experience for us,” Gipson said. “What I was really proud of was that not one time did our guys complain about anything. It shows the resiliency and maturity of the guys on the team.”

Isaac Haney, another of the Demons’ newcomers, tallied a game-high 16 points while Black added 12. Emareyon McDonald had all nine of his points in the second half, connecting a trio of 3-pointers.

The Demons shot 10-of-36 from beyond the arc.

Daniel Batcho produced an efficient double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds on 4-for-5 shooting from the field to pace the Red Raiders.

The Demons return to action Thursday when they host Ouachita Baptist at 12 p.m. The game will be an Education Day game that will feature a STEM fair in the corridors of Prather Coliseum.

Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

After dispatching some early jitters in the opening game of the 2022-23 season, Northwestern State used bursts of offense in during the middle part of the game to pick up the 79-34 win against LeTourneau on Monday night.

“We’ve got a lot of things we want to fix and so we’re going to chalk tonight up to some first-game jitters,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “I thought we played a lot more composed and controlled in our scrimmages. Tonight was the first game in Prather, first time putting on our uniforms and really getting up and getting going. So, scratch it up to first-game jitters. But there are so many things we can learn from on film and capitalize on moving forward.”

It took half of the first quarter for the Lady Demons to convert a shot from the field as they clung to a 2-0 lead on a pair of Karmelah Dean free throws early in the game. But as it so often did for NSU a year ago, the defense sparked the offense late in the quarter.

Jiselle Woodson swiped a pass for an easy run-out layup that started the 9-2 run to end the first quarter. Woodson’s steal was three in the first quarter and the 12 total turnovers for the YellowJackets through the first 10 minutes of play.

The relentless Lady Demon defense nearly pitched a first-quarter shutout if not for a pair of free throws with three seconds remaining in the quarter. NSU held LeTourneau to just 10 first-half points on two made field goals.

NSU scored on three out of four possessions early in the second with Jasmin Dixon, Sharna Ayres and Gabrielle Robinson-Forde each putting a bucket in during the stretch that pushed the lead to 16 and served as the first scoring burst for the Demons.

The second big jump came on back-to-back 3-pointers from junior college transfer Shelby Rayner. She knocked down the first on an inbound play from Woodson and hit the second after a Dixon steal on the ensuing LETU possession.

Rayner had eight of her 10 first-half points in the second quarter and finished the game leading all scorers with 17 points and also lead the team with five assists.

“I was excited for the game all day and really since last night,” Rayner said. “I think with the way we started the game we were maybe a bit too excited because we fumbled the ball a bit. But we were able to get back into it playing our game.”

Alecia Whyte finished the half with her points of the season on a layup with nine second remaining giving NSU the 36-10 lead at the break.

The Lady Demons extended their lead in the third with their best offensive quarter of the game, scoring 28 points on 8-of-15 shooting with 10 different players contributing during the period.

Freshman Kayla Hampton scored her first collegiate basket after getting her first collegiate steal on the final play of the third quarter to make the score 64-17. Fellow freshman Ivona Miljanic also scored her first points in college on a 3-pointer from the corner on a kick-out pass from Dixon midway through the fourth.

NSU had 13 different players score on the night with 14 playing five minutes or more in the game.

Dixon recorded her first career double-double in the win with 11 points and 12 rebounds, a point of emphasis for the sophomore center coming into the opener.

“I came into the game wanting to really work on my rebounding,” Dixon said. “I know that I can go up and get them. With my teammates boxing out like they did it definitely made it a lot easier for me.”

“I think we had some really good action and really good spurts,” Nimz said. “I think we have a better I.Q. and feel for the game but we have to do a better job taking care of the ball. If we have the turnovers like we did tonight on Friday, it’s a much different game. It’s about valuing the ball and overall better play.”

Credit: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services

Northwestern State University’s School of Business will offer Continuing Legal Education Friday, Nov. 18.  The school will offer five credit hours, 1 hour of ethics, 1 hour of professionalism and two hours of law office management.  The cost is $225 for a full session or $60 per credit.  Proceeds go towards the School of Business Director’s Fund.

The classes will be in Russell Hall Room 122 with a welcome at 8 a.m. followed by Professional from 8:05-9:05 with Chris Guillet, Human Resources for Law Firms from 9:10-10:10 a.m. with Dr. Elizabeth Prejean, Basic Financials for Law Firms 10:15-11:15 a.m. with Dr. Vianka Miranda and CFTC and SEC’s:  Treatment of Cryptocurrencies from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with Dr. Carmella Parker.  Lunch will be from 12:20-1 p.m.  The final session, Ethics, will be from 1-2 p.m. with Mary Beth Fair.

For more information, contact Parker at parkerc@nsula.edu or call (318) 357-5723. A QR code is also available.

Baton Rouge – Louisiana State Police conducted the historical graduation on Nov. 4 of Cadet Class 101, the first LSP Cadet Class to be exclusively comprised of prior law enforcement officers from around the state.  The Louisiana State Police Training Academy hosted the graduation ceremony where 23 individuals completed their dedicated journey to become Louisiana State Troopers. 

On July 31, 2022, 28 cadets from across the state began an accelerated 14-week advanced training program to expand upon their foundation of basic law enforcement certifications.  Throughout the academy, cadets received training in various subjects including crash investigation, emergency vehicle operations, impaired driving detection, fair and impartial policing, legal aspects and constitutional updates, advanced firearms, and leadership skills in addition to a rigorous physical training regimen.  Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow troopers, 23 of those cadets achieved their goal this morning and received the distinguished badge of the Louisiana State Police.  Having successfully completed the LSP Training Academy, the newly graduated Troopers will deploy across the state, where they will participate in a 10-14 week field-training program while supervised by a veteran Louisiana State Trooper.

For more information on the process of becoming a Louisiana State Trooper, please visit our recruiting page at http://lsp.org/recruit.html or contact a LSP Recruiter atLSPRecruiting@LA.gov. 

For those applicants not meeting LSP minimum qualifications at this time, immediate positions are available within the Louisiana Department of Public Safety.  Please visit http://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov or email LSPRecruiting@LA.gov for more information.

The following is a list of graduates and their Troop assignments:

Troop A – Baton Rouge

Grant Auzenne

Tenekia Kemp

Troop B – Kenner

Cory Castin

Amber Chopin-Smith

C.J. Seruntine

Troop C – Gray

Aric Mackay

Henry Perez

Austin Travis

Troop D – Lake Charles

Jesse Jordan

Matthew Verheyden

Troop E – Alexandria

Silas Axsom

James Glenn II

Terry Johnson

Dwayne Rice Jr.

Troop F – Monroe

Arthur Bradshaw

Chason Carroll

Troop G – Bossier City

Trent Perritt

Eddie Thomas Jr.

John Wynn

Troop I – Lafayette

Dustin Lavergne

Tyler Scott

Troop L – Mandeville

James Harper

Todd Henry Jr.

Christopher Warren Garlington, known fondly as “Jug” to most, entered eternal rest on November 4th, 2022, at the age of 43. He was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Warren “Buck” Garlington and Shelia Whitehead.

A friendly, wonderfully big-hearted person, Chris never met a stranger. ‘No’ was not a word in his vocabulary, he was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. He loved the open road and worked most of his life as a truck driver, which led him to owning his own trucking company the last several years of his life. Chris spent his free time hunting, fishing, going to the casino and making memories on family vacations. What lit him up though, was spending time with his cherished family, he worked hard so he could live in those moments.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Warren “Buck” Garlington and Four Grandparents, Wilton & Doris Garlington and Lynell and Violet Nugent

Those left behind to cherish his memory include his mother, Sheila Whitehead. The Love of his life, Lisa Llorence, and their four children, Louis (fiancé, Kelli) Llorence of Dallas, TX, Bryant (wife, Mary) Llorence of San Diego, CA, Joleen Llorence (fiancé, Andrew) of Woodland Hills, CA, Bryce (wife, Hannah) Llorence of Lynn Haven, FL, as well as two grandchildren; Bryant, Jr. And Eliza Rose of San Diego, CA. Chris also leaves behind one sister, Kimberly Garlington of Natchitoches, LA and three brothers, Larry (wife, Maria) Whitehead of Tracy, CA, Otis Wheatcraft of Natchitoches, LA, and Semme Whitehead of Natchitoches, LA. He was dearly loved by a host of aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, and cousins as well as a multitude of loved ones also known as friends.

Chris, ‘Jug,’ will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A viewing will be held at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral home on Thursday, November 10th between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. A service to honor our loved one will be held at 1pm. A procession will follow immediately thereafter to the burial location, Russell Cemetery in Montrose, Louisiana, where he will then be laid to rest.

October 26, 1959 – November 2, 2022

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022, Stephen Stroud, loving husband and father, entered the gates of heaven at the age of 63 after a six-year battle with cancer.

Stephen was born on October 26, 1959, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, to Terry Monroe Stroud Jr. and Camille Lane Stroud. He was preceded in death by both his mother and father. He is survived by his cherished wife and love of his life, Lori Stroud (Lola); his four children, Kathryn Burgher, Elizabeth Moore, Samantha Azar, and Victoria Stroud; his sister Terrylyn Tapp, and four precious grandchildren.

Upon Stephen’s graduation from Natchitoches Central High School, he received his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Northwestern State University in 1981. His love of and appreciation for his alma mater led to a lifelong dedication to NSU. Always a sports fan, he became an avid supporter of demon basketball under the skilled leadership of Coach Mike McConathy.

After graduation, Stephen began a thriving career in the Natural Gas Liquids business. In his mid-twenties, Stephen started Phoenix Gas Liquids. After successfully running his business for many years, he sold it to Enbridge Energy in 2002 where he continued to work as a Natural Gas Liquids Trader/Marketer until 2012. For the last 10 years, Stephen has been employed by Martin Resource Management as Vice President of NGL Supply.

He genuinely loved his career and continued working until his final days. He was one of the few people who could balance both work and fun. His witty repartee and expertise at storytelling made him a beloved boss and co-worker. One of his friends in the business, who knew him for thirty years, said it best: “Stephen was an expert in his industry and greatly impacted everyone around him. He was a godly man who was concerned about the eternal souls of his friends and co-workers.”

Since boyhood, Stephen had a great love for the Houston Astros and the Dallas Cowboys. When not cheering on his favorite teams, he could be found walking on the beach or befriending strangers and sharing his faith in Jesus Christ with them. Despite his challenges, Stephen was a stranger to no one and found great purpose sharing in the successes, joys, and challenges of those around him. He will be enormously missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.

A Memorial Service for Stephen will take place at the Rosemary Beach Town Hall on Tuesday, November 29th at 10:30am. The service will be casual and appropriate sports team attire is welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joe’s House in the name of Stephen Stroud.

Joe’s House is a 501(c)3 nonprofit company providing housing for cancer patients and their families while undergoing treatment away from home. You can donate at joeshouse.org or by check to 505 East 79th Street, Suite 17E, New York, NY 10075.

By Brad Dison

At about 7:00 p.m., on Sunday evening, December 18, 1921, Harry, who was the secretary to the Tulsa, Oklahoma Police Commissioner and purchasing agent for the police and fire departments, drove his car to the home of Ike Wilkerson, a police detective who lived just a few blocks away. The pair planned to spend the evening shooting rabbits along the road to Jenks, a town just south of Tulsa.  As they rode along the highway, Ike held a .44 caliber shotgun on his lap just in case they jumped up a rabbit. 

Up in the distance, Harry and Ike saw a large Buick touring car parked on the side of the road.  Harry slowed his car as they approached.  They, being policemen, peered at the car to see if there was any hint that the occupants needed assistance.  Suddenly, three men jumped out of the touring car with guns drawn.  Harry raised his hands to show that he was unarmed.  Ike raised his shotgun.  Ike quickly squeezed the trigger and heard a sound that would send chills down the spine of even the most hardened of men.  Click!  His shotgun misfired.  Had the shotgun fired, Ike would have “blown the top of his head off.”  Ike reached for his automatic pistol.

The bandit who should have been on the receiving end of Ike’s shotgun began firing at Ike.  Bullets hit both of Ike’s legs just above his knees.  The bandit then turned the gun on Harry, who still had his hands up in a surrendering position.  The bandit fired two or three times as he ran back towards the touring car.  The bandit’s bullets struck Harry in the chest and one of his legs.  The bandits jumped into the touring car as Ike fired his pistol at them.  Ike heard his bullets hitting the touring car as the bandits sped off.  Ike was certain he had wounded at least one of the men.

In less than ten seconds, Harry and Ike’s rabbit hunting trip turned into the fight for their lives.  Both were seriously wounded and bleeding profusely.  Despite his injuries, Harry sped his car over a mile to the nearest farmhouse.  Harry, bleeding from his chest and leg, ran with a limp up the front porch.  There he collapsed.  Ike was unable to get out of the car.  The farmer’s family tended to the wounded men as good as they could and sent word for and ambulance and police. 

As with any shooting in which a law enforcement officer is wounded, throngs of policemen descended upon the farm.  Even before the two men had arrived at the hospital in Tulsa, posses of county officers aided by deputized police officers were busy searching the roads in the area for the culprits.  Ike had provided them with descriptions of the bandits and their touring car.

At the hospital, physicians began operating on Harry and Ike.  Doctors were able to save Ike’s life, but he would never walk again.  Harry’s condition was very precarious, his physicians said.  A bullet from the bandit’s gun had pierced his lung.  Doctors gave him little chance for survival.

On the following day, police arrested three men who were positively identified by Ike as the culprits.  They were eventually sentenced to life in prison for the murder.  Two days after the shooting, Harry H. Aurandt, loving husband and father, died from his wounds.  He was 48 years old.  Harry left behind a widow, Anna Aurandt, and two small children: a daughter, Frances H. Aurandt, and a son, Paul H. Aurandt.  Paul Harvey Aurandt.  You and I know him as Paul Harvey.

Sources:

1.     The Morning Tulsa Daily World, December 19, 1921, p.1.

2.    The Morning Tulsa Daily World, December 20, 1921, p.1.

Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science honored veterans as the university played host to the Southland Conference Women’s Soccer Tournament. 

The first game’s military honoree was Staff Sergeant Brandi Johnson. Johnson has served in the Army National Guard for over 16 years.  She completed a one-year deployment to Kuwait and is currently the Supply Sergeant for Alpha Troop, 2^ndSquadron, 108^th Cavalry in Natchitoches.  Johnson hails from Bayou Chicot. She has trained for Combat Medic, Motor Transport Operator, Supply and Medical Readiness Manager.  In addition to certifications for Active Shooter and Heavy Equipment Transport, she holds the national certification in Emergency Medical Services.

The second honoree was Lieutenant Colonel Harold Foster, U.S. Army Retired. Foster retired from the Army after serving over 30 years as an Infantry officer.  His combat service includes Kabul, Afghanistan, from 2003 to 2004.  His final assignment was Training and Operations Officer for the Regional Training Center, 108^th Training Command, Fort Hunter Liggett, California. 

Foster is an alumnus of NSU’s graduate school.  He completed the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Captain’s Career Course, and the US Army Command and General Staff College.

Lieutenant Colonel Foster hails from Jacksonville, North Carolina.  When asked to characterize his service, he replied, “I just enjoyed my job, wherever it took me… from California to Afghanistan and places in between.”

A third honoree, Staff Sergeant David Putman, U.S. Army Retired, was unable to attend the game. Putman retired from the Army after serving over 17 years as a Cavalry non-commissioned officer.  His combat service includes two one-year tours in Afghanistan.  His final assignment was serving as a Squad Leader for 2^nd Squadron, 17^th Air Cavalry Regiment in Afghanistan and Fort Bliss, Texas.   

In addition to completing Military Occupational Specialty and Leadership Schools with the Army, he attended Louisiana State University.  Putman’s hometown is St. Louis, Missouri, and he noted that his military service highlight was the opportunity for worldwide travel.

Staff Sergeant Brandi Johnson is pictured with President Dr. Marcus Jones

Harold Foster is pictured with Athletic Director Kevin Bostian.

The Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park Committee will hold the annual Veterans Day Program on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. on the Downtown Riverbank Stage.  Prior to the program, there will be a tour of the Veterans Park at 3 p.m.  Anyone wishing to see the nearly installed bricks honoring Veterans or just stroll through to see our new plants, may plan to attend the tour.  

This year’s Keynote Speaker for the 4 p.m. Program will be Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Kevin B. Stuart. Sergeant Major Stuart, retired from the Army in 2014, after a 32 year career as an active combat medic, noncommissioned officer and the U.S.Army Medical Department Leader.  Mr. Stuart continues to serve Soldiers aned their Families at the Joint Readiness Training Center  and Ft. Polk as the military ambudsman for Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital.   

The Gulf War Veterans serving between August 2, 1990 – November 30, 1995, are invited to sit together in a designated area for the program, so they may be recognized. Please call  318-663-4326  to give your name, your branch of service and the years you served.   The day of the program,  a committee member will be on hand to guide you to the appropriate seating area.  

Attending the program on Thursday, Nov. 10 will also be Col. Aristotle Vaseliades, Commander  Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital and  Commander Sergeant Major Shavonda Devereaux, senior enlisted advisor for Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital . Both of these officers will be honored guests at the program.

Please make every effort to attend this year’s Veteran’s Day Program on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. and give these guests from Ft. Polk a real Natchitoches Parish Welcome!

Remember:  FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!  Support our Brave Veterans!    

Miss Merry Christmas and the Christmas Belles joined Carmella Maggio McCart in helping clean and decorate the Santa Claus House for the new Christmas season. Also helping in the event were Carmella’s son Mason and Rachel Lyddy, with iORGANIZE.

Jeanette Maggio Gunter, Carmella’s aunt, had the original Santa House built in 1959-60 in memory of  her son Barry Gunter. Jeanette’s family has been involved with the Santa Claus House every year since!  

Pictured are BethAnne Methvin, Natalie Molina, Farrah Murchison, Miss Merry Christmas Emma Giddens, Bailey Ebarb, Jesse Foshee and Amia Brown. You will be able to see the Belles and Miss Merry Christmas assisting Santa Claus each night at the Santa Claus House. The Santa House will open on Dec. 4–23.  Hours are 6-8:30 pm Sunday-Friday and 5-8:30 pm each Saturday.

The Natchitoches Police Department’s newest officer, Jessalinn Edwards, was sworn in on Nov. 4 at the Natchitoches Clerk of Court Office.

A recognition ceremony for the 2022 Natchitoches Treasures was held Nov. 4 to honor Brad Ferguson, Former Sheriff Victor Jones, Bobbye Lee, Dr. Chris Maggio, Warren Massia, and Dr. Lisso Russel Simmons. Simmons son Russ accepted the award on his behalf as Lisso was unable to attend the ceremony.

The ceremony highlighted the contributions made to the City of Natchitoches and the community by each newly elected Treasure, as well as pay tribute to those individuals named as Natchitoches Treasures in years past. The Natchitoches Treasures are an elite group of Natchitoches residents of retirement age who have made a lasting contribution to the community through their generosity, service, volunteerism and spirit.

The Natchitoches Treasures were selected by a committee of those who have previously been named as a Natchitoches Treasure. Natchitoches Treasures have been selected each year since 2008. The treasures are selected from nominations received from members of the community.

Brad Ferguson

Brad was the person who first proposed that the City of Natchitoches should have an antique car show. Eventually, others joined him in making the Natchitoches Care Show happen about 16 years ago. In the 1st year, there were about 50 cars. This past year there were almost 400 cars! It has been a tremendous financial asset to the city. All the motels fill up, all the restaurants are packed, and lots of stores sell more than on any other weekend. Brad works tirelessly behind the scenes to see that the car show happens and is a success each year.

He looks for ways to help those who need assistance, usually, at his expense. He loans his expensive equipment such as a box truck, flatbed trailer, moving equipment, vehicles and more to those who need to borrow them, just to help them out.

He has also allowed friends to live in his garage apartment and his shop at his expense to help them get back on their feet.

He has been on numerous mission trips to Guatemala. On one of those trips, he donated to/and raised money to buy wheelchairs and had them shipped there. He adjusted the wheelchairs to fit kids who could not walk. Another time, he purchased supplies and went there to volunteer to help build small houses for families who had no home.

Brad is a member of the Lions Club and an active Member of First Baptist Church, Robeline.

Former Sheriff Victor Jones

Growing up on a 60-acre farm, the son of a bricklayer, Jones learned the importance of hard work and preparation at an early age and the values instilled by his family still remain a part of his everyday living.

Jones began his career with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Office in 1977, beginning as a dispatcher and a patrol deputy. He ascended through the ranks during his years of service, working in every department of the office.

He was selected by the Department of Justice to attend the FBI National Academy in 1992. In addition to that training, Sheriff Jones attended and graduated from more than 20 professional education programs throughout his many years.

He was elected Sheriff in 1999 and was re-elected (four) subsequent times. In 2011, Jones was inducted into the Louisiana Criminal Justice Hall of Fame for his leadership in promoting community and youth services as an integral part of a sheriffs office.

One area in which Sheriff ones saw an immediate need was protecting the parish’s senior citizens. While Jones traveled throughout Natchitoches parish, he often observed that he would knock on a door but get no answer. No one should feel imprisoned in their own home, and because of that, the “R U OK” program was developed. This is an automated program that checks on seniors daily.

Jones created the SALT Council (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) which meets monthly to determine how to better serve senior citizens. These programs are just some of the many offshoots of the TRIAD program which he’s established.

TRIAD is a partnership of law enforcement senior citizens, land community groups working together to promote senior safety and reduce the fear of crime that seniors often experience.

Jones is an individual who refused to look the other way when people needed help. He is a public servant who went far beyond the realm of flected official duties to help citizens. He is active in the following organizations: Kiwanis Club, Magnolia State Peace Officers Association, LA Sheriff’s Association, LA Chapter FBI National Academy, State DARE Advisory Board, and Special Olympics State Board.

Bobbye Lee

Bobbye has helped save hundreds, if not thousands, of animals in Natchitoches during her lifetime of service to the animal community. She helps many in her community obtain assistance with spaying and neutering, including driving their pets to appointments.

Bobbye has been a staple in the animal community of Natchitoches for over 60 years, and continues to work daily to improve the lives of, many abandoned, abused or neglected animals throughout Natchitoches Parish.

A quiet unassuming presence in the chaos of animal rescue is a perfect description of Bobbye Lee. Soft-spoken and strong-willed, she has loved animals her entire life and rescued many dogs, cats and horses during that time. Many years ago, she went to the City Shelter looking for kittens and saw disturbing things, so she went to see Mayor Bobby DeBlieux to address her concerns. He said if you don’t like the way things are done, why don’t you do them, to which she responded, “I believe I will.” She began working at the shelter the next day, and it rained the whole week which made her wonder what she had gotten herself into. Thankfully, two people who were working there stayed on and were a great blessing to her. From that day, she spent the next 25 years as Animal Shelter Director, working tirelessly to find the best homes she could for the multitude of animals that crossed the gates.

When she started at the shelter, they only accepted dogs, but she convinced the police department to let her take in cats as well. In 2003, due to some health issues, she retired from the shelter, but remained in touch. In the late 2000s, the shelter closed for a time but reopened in 2009, and Mayor Wayne McCullen asked her to come back and help get the shelter back on good footing.

Thankfully, she did. Bobbye says, “It was the most rewarding thing I could have ever done. I wanted to be a veterinarian, but I chose to get married, so that job was as close as I could get to being a veterinarian, and working with NSU was such a blessing.”

Even today, Lee continues to serve Natchitoches working hand-in-hand with the Natchitoches Humane Society to rescue unwanted, abused, and abandoned animals.

Dr. Chris Maggio

Dr. Maggio retired from the State of Louisiana in June 2021 after a 35-year career in education, 33 years at Northwestern State University. Maggio began his career as a teacher/coach in 1986 at his high school alma mater, St. Mary’s Catholic School in Natchitoches.

In 1988, he returned to his college alma mater, Northwestern State University where he served for 33 years in various administrative roles including Head Women’s Track and Field Coach, Director of Admissions and Recruiting, Director of Enrollment Management, Executive Director of the NSU Alumni Association and NSU Foundation, Dean of Students, Assistant Vice President of External Affairs Vice President for the Student Experience, and from 2017-2021, he served as the 19th President of Northwestern State University.

Known as a tireless recruiter and fundraiser, during his Presidency, Maggio guided NSU to its largest enrollments ever recorded in the school’s 138-year history culminating with 11,447 students attending during the Fall 2020 semester. He also guided NSU to record fundraising totals including leading NSU’s first-ever comprehensive Capital Campaign where the university raised over $37 Million dollars in external funding.

In Academics during his Presidency Northwestern established and expanded several academic programs including establishing the Doctor of Nurse Anthesis program and expanding the 4-year nursing clinical program to the Natchitoches campus.

Known as a student-advocate Maggio says his greatest love was recruiting a student to NSU, assisting them while they were on campus, watching them walk across the stage at Prather Coliseum during graduation and then greeting them year’s later as they brought their kids back so that he could assist them in becoming students at NSU.

Maggio has also been involved in the community. He is a member of The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where he serves as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of Agitators, and a former member of the Exchange Bank Board and NRMC Foundation Board where he served as President. Dr. Maggio was honored at St. Mary’s as a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame for his athletic accomplishments, he was honored last year by the NSU Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development as a Distinguished Educator.

Warren Massia

Warren was born in 1949 in the city of New Orleans to a military family that traveled abroad during his younger years. Upon his father’s retirement at ft. Polk, his family moved to his mother’s hometown of Natchitoches. He graduated from old Natchitoches Central and went on to higher education at Northwestern State University where he earned his degree in 3 years. He started working for NSU in data processing and retired 40 years later.

Warren installed the first computers at Northwestern State University and assisted with starting the Computer Information System Program better known as the CIS program.

Warren has such a Godly spirit giving his time to helping those in need. He drives ill people in need of doctors in and out of town. Prepares and delivers food for the elderly and the shut-in. He regularly visits hospitals and nursing homes.

His Volunteer Services include: LA Baptist Disaster Relief Team for Louisiana, member, and Deacon of First Baptist Church Natchitoches, Fundamentat in starting the NSU/Natchitoches Youth Basketball League. Dixie Youth Coach,/ Dixie Youth Baseball Governing Board for 15 years, Volunteer at all NCHS basketball games as clock keeper for 50 years, and official statistician for varsity football, Member of NSU basketball games scorer’s table, and 20 years Miss Merry Christmas Volunteer auditor.

Dr. Lisso Russel Simmons

Lisso was born on October 16, 1922, in Simms, Louisiana. He graduated from Pollock High School in 1939. After graduation, he enrolled in Louisiana Normal College, now known as Northwestern State University, and attended until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War Il. During the war, he was assigned to the U.S. Aircraft Carrier, Belleau Wood, with the duty of directing pilots to enemy aircraft. His rank upon discharge was Lieutenant Junior Grade. After the war, the completed his studies at Northwestern State College in 1947 with a degree in education. He earned a master’s degree from LSU in 1949 and a doctorate from what is now the University of Northern Colorado in 1955. He began his career as a high school principal in Springhill, Louisiana, in 1949. In 1950, he married the love of his life, Nadine Smith Simmons. Together they raised five children. In 1956, he returned to Northwestern as an instructor and eventually became the head of the Department of Psychology and Elementary Education. There he guided, helped, and encouraged many Louisiana educators.

In 1970, he moved to what is now Southeastern Louisiana Unwersity as Dean of the College of Educátior/ and served until he retired from Louisiana in 1978. Upon his retirement from Southeastern, he moved to Delta State College in Cleveland, Mississippi, serving as Dean of the College of Education. In 1989 Dr. Simmons retired from Delta State and returned to Natchitoches. Lisso has always been active in his church all of his adult life. He has served as a deacon since the 1950s. During his time in Natchitoches, that service has been at First Baptist Church on Second Street. He has also been very active in Lion’s club, serving as local President and District Governor. He sold many fruitcakes and gifted many roses during his tenure. Lisso was active in Habitat for Humanity, which became the Fuller Center of Natchitoches. He actually worked on the construction of homes well into his 90s. Upon his return to Natchitoches in 1989, he and Nadine purchased and restored the home at 621 Williams Avenue. The residence was in the Natchitches Tour of Homes in 1999 as the Swett-Simmons House In 2006 Lisso lost his beloved Nadine after 56 years of marriage. In 2019, he and his family established the Dr. Lisso and Nadine Simmons Teacher Scholarship at NSU.

100 years of service to his nation and community is outstanding, but everyone who knows Dr. Simmons knows that what he valued most was his service to God, family, and friends. Every week until 2020 and the onset of Covid, Lisso would get a list of church members in the hospital or ill and he would visit them. Every week he would make the rounds at the local nursing homes to visit the residents, even though he was older than most of them. Many employees of the hospital and nursing homes recognized him and knew him by name. He has never met a stranger. He is a firm believer in the ministry of “presence.” This included out-of-town visits to friends and family, countless funerals and wakes, and an unending supply of words of encouragement. Anyone he visits receives a lift. Anyone he meets feels that they have a new friend.