The Louisiana Firefighters Foundation continues its effort to enhance the state’s emergency preparedness through the donation of a Wood’s Forcible Entry training door to the Natchitoches Fire Department on Sept. 20. This invaluable asset will elevate the region’s training courses and capabilities with the necessary equipment for firefighters to contribute to making Louisiana a safer place to call home. To extend this impact, the Foundation has secured an additional 15 doors to distribute across the Fire Service of Louisiana. This will be the second door donated so far, the first being to the Luling Volunteer Fire Department in June.

“The installation of the door located at the Natchitoches Fire Department will serve as a centralized point of enhanced training for numerous departments in the area,” said Dustin Yates, Executive Director of Louisiana Firefighters Foundation. “This hands-on training device will better prepare firefighters to tackle any doors they may encounter in the field, ensuring the safety of both their teams and the community.”

During firefighting operations, doors present significant challenges, ranging from standard hollow core doors that can be opened with some pressure, to doors with double deadbolts and a solid core requiring significant force. The simulated scenarios offered by the door allow for developing the necessary skills required to assess and breach various types of doors while mitigating the risks associated with real-life emergencies.

“This generous donation not only benefits our firefighters but strengthens our entire community,” said John Wynn, Fire Chief of Natchitoches Fire Department. “Equipping our firefighters with advanced training equipment will instill confidence in our residents, knowing that a prompt and effective emergency response can be performed when required.”

Committed to enhancing safety across Louisiana, the Louisiana Firefighters Foundation extends its expertise beyond firefighters to include community responders, such as teachers, babysitters, organizations, and local residents. By equipping individuals with essential skills for emergency responses, the Foundation has become a leader in making Louisiana safer and instilling pride in every resident.

From music to film editing to math and computer science, Natchitoches’ 2025 National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist Isaac Young has an eclectic range of interests. The LSMSA senior was recently named as a semi-finalist in this year’s National Merit Scholarship competition. Earning this distinction places him among the top 1% of this year’s graduating seniors, a remarkable achievement by any standard.

Isaac Young is a product of the Natchitoches public school system, attending both NSU Lab and Magnet schools as well as NCHS before joining the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts as a junior. He is president of the LSMSA Computer Science Club as well as a member of the school’s Film Club. His favorite subjects at the LSMSA are math with a close tie of Computer Science. His favorite teacher is Dr. Brad Burkman.

While at NCHS, Issac was a member of the school’s award-winning orchestra. His favorite NCHS teachers were Ms. Anne Stultz, Gifted Math Teacher, and Ms. Barbara Nelson, Gifted English Teacher. Ms. Stultz said of Isaac: “Isaac is an excellent student, and I really enjoyed teaching him. I taught him gifted algebra I and he helped my algebra I class at the time win the LSMSA math competition. I could see his potential and am not surprised he was awarded National Merit finalist.”

Congratulations to Issac Young on his selection as a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist.  He is an excellent example of the kind of young person both the Natchitoches parish public schools and the LSMSA are capable of producing.

One of Natchitoches’ longest standing cultural traditions began its 59^th season of musical excellence with the season’s first concert Tuesday, September 24, at NSU’s Magale Recital Hall. NSU Music professor, symphony director and conductor, Dr. Douglas Bakenhus led the 70 musicians of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony in a selection of classical pieces around the theme of “Symphonic Legends, Myths and Reveries.”

Guest soloist John Henry Crawford, an award-winning cellist, performed a piece by Franz Joseph Haydn. His instrument is a rare 200 year old cello that was smuggled out of Austria by his grandfather in 1938 just before WWII. His bow dates from 1790.

The Natchitoches-Northwester Symphony Society is exactly as its name would suggest, a synergy between Northwestern State University and its community. The symphony is composed of student musicians from NSU, joined by 4 members of NCHS’ superb orchestra and an LSMSA student. The symphony’s presidents and board of directors are drawn from the community, while the several hundred members of the Friends of the Symphony provide financial support.

The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society will put on five concerts as well as being an integral part of another beloved local tradition, the Christmas Gala, during its September to April season. Their next concert will be Tuesday, October 29, 7:30 at NSU’s Magale Recital Hall. The theme will be “American Liberty: Honoring our Military’s Service and Sacrifice.” Our community is blessed to have such a large number of talented young men and women. Come out and support them and have a wonderful time at a concert!

By Courtney Freeman

With less than two weeks left until the Robeline Heritage Festival the Society is very excited for another great year. We are still accepting alumni dinner attendees, parade entries and vendors. If you have any questions I can be reached at cfreeman51989@yahoo.com and 318-454-7019.

Like many other residents, we’re happy to see that it looks like the dirtwork to clean out the contaminated dirt and replace with new dirt is finally complete. Hopefully we’ll see construction going on that side of the highway soon.

On the other side of the highway we are seeing some quick progress, for which we are grateful. I don’t know when they expect to open but it can’t come soon enough. I think it would be great if they could get it done before we hit the one year anniversary of the fire on Nov. 27.

We’re also happy that the new bathrooms in the park will be functional by the festival. They will be a vast improvement over the portable restrooms. The new bathrooms will also be disabled accessible.

And as I try to be a report on my commnunity, I also listen to members of the community. And it was shared with me at a social center of our community, the Dollar General. Greg Dubois thinks that Robeline could really use a Dairy Queen. And I agree that would be great. So if anyone is looking to branch out in their business, I can guarantee you’d do good business in Robeline.

By Reba Phelps

The Goldonna Wildcats are well supported by their community. Recently the Goldoonna Assembly of God Church donated backpacks, headphones, and a much needed supply of Kleenex. The Principal, Cori Beth Manual, accepted the donation on behalf of the schoold. 

The Goldonna Elementary Junior High School’s basketball team has released their schedule for the 2024-2025 season. Tip off will be held on Oct. 28 as they take on the Provencel Panthers. 

Home Games

Goldonna vs Magnet 10/31

Goldonna vs Middle Lab 11/4

Goldonna vs NJH 11/7

Goldonna vs Lakeview 11/11

Open 11/14

Goldonna vs Marthaville 11/18

The Wildcats and Lady Cats will play on the same day. Be sure to check back for game times or possible schedule changes. 

Goldonna Baptist Church will begin their “Kingdom Kids” ministry for the new season Wednesday night, Sept. 25. Classes begin at 6 pm. The children will be dismissed at 7 pm but will enjoy singing, delicious food and a Bible Study lesson. 

There will be a Veteran’s Day Program on Nov. 9 at 10 am at the Goldonna Cemetery.  Larry McGee is the organizer of the event and the community is very excited to celebrate all of their Veterans. 

The Village will soon be announcing plans for the 2nd Annual Pumpkins in the Park in late October. Start your planning now for the perfect pumpkin will probably win a prize!

Christmas in the Park will be held Saturday, Dec. 14. The coordinators are seeing booth vendors. Please contact Gayle Cloud at 318-471-0559, Angie Smiley at 318-471-1970, or Sharlene Settle at 318-481-3153 for more details. 

This year’s parade will begin at 4 pm. For more information please contact Audura Fife at 318-413-2737.

If you have news to share please email Reba Phelps jreba.phelps@gmail.com

The Natchitoches Central High School boys and girls basketball programs are hosting a Jambalaya fundraiser this Friday as part of NCHS homecoming week.

The Chiefs and Lady Chiefs will be selling jambalaya plates consisting of jambalaya, corn, roll, and dessert at Turpin Stadium on Northwestern’s campus during lunch hours from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and again before the homecoming football game from 5:30-7 p.m.  The price is $12 per plate.

The programs will be able to make lunch deliveries to any businesses in Natchitoches with an order of 10 or more lunches. Those interested in placing an order or have any questions can contact Chiefs’ coach Kolton Sepulvado via email ksepulvado@npsb.la or cell phone at 318-703-1195, or Lady Chiefs’ coach Nikki Jones at 337-278-1517.

NCHS basketball appreciates all support as it helps the programs continue to compete at a championship level.

Another week, another Southland Conference weekly award.

For the fourth consecutive week, Northwestern State (5-4-1, 1-0) earned one of the SLC weekly honors, as Alina Graf was named the SLC Defensive Player of the Week.

Graf follows a string of three consecutive goalkeeper of the week awards, two by Libe Banuelos and one by Kora Fry.

A senior from Achern, Germany, Graf is a vital part of a back line that held Nicholls to five shots total with none on goal. She leads a back line that has not surrendered a goal in the past six games, which ties a program record.

Nicholls was held without any dangerous chances by the stingy Demons defense and helped the team dominate possession throughout the game in the 2-0 victory, their sixth consecutive conference-opening triumph.

In that string, the Demons have won five games in a row, the longest stretch of consecutive wins in two seasons.

The award comes one week following her first goal as a member of the Demons, finding the back of the net on a penalty kick in the dominant 7-0 win over Mississippi Valley State.

Graf and the Demons have one match this week, traveling to San Antonio to play UIW, which begins a string of three consecutive matches on the road.

This week, I would like to go back in time and reflect on a group of guys who shared a championship season and were the first team in school history to win a state title. Not only were we teammates, but this group was truly something special. This group was the complete package of talent, attitude and commitment. We were players/friends who would forever be linked together.

Last week, I had the opportunity to reunite with this group of guys that did something very special in 1978 by winning the Texas high school state baseball championship in Class 3A, the second highest level at that time in the Lone Star State. As an athlete who has played on all levels, high school, college and professionally, I’ve been blessed to be a part of several championships. 

The one common thread for every team I’ve played on, was the personal connection to the players. The 1978 team was unique and will always have special meaning for me personally. This was a group of guys who grew up together in the small East Texas town of Mt. Pleasant. 

During the 1970’s, MP was a prideful community that was very athletic-minded. The mindset here was about winning and anything short of that was not acceptable. But before the early ‘70s, MP was just another small town that had minimal athletic team success. Then a coach by the name of Donnie Laurence showed up and began to develop not just a great football power, but a solid all-around high school athletic program.

Along with Coach Laurence, several high-quality coaches arrived including two baseball coaches, Marion Giesecke and Steve Rippee. These coaches help build MP into the second winningest all-around program of the ‘70s, only behind Oddessa Permian of “Friday Night Lights” fame. It was a very special time in MP Tiger history. 

Then in 1978, MP Tiger baseball became the school’s first team sport to win a state title. This was accomplished by a special group of guys who played loose and confident and never walked on a baseball diamond expecting anything less than a victory. These guys played with heart and determination and no matter how bleak a moment was, they never wavered or faltered. 

To understand how good they became, you first must look at where they came from. These young men grew up with great success coming up through the Mt. Pleasant Dixie Youth Program. They had great coaching early in their young careers from a handful of special men like James Stansell, P.A. Thomas, Pat Sisk, Joe Traylor and many others. These men knew the game and taught this group how to play the game the right way.

The 1978 Tiger baseball team was built around six seniors, eight juniors, and two sophomores. This was not an average group of players, but guys with an immense level of talent. The skills included great pitching, defense and the ability to hit the baseball. To illustrate the level of talent, this group had three players drafted — two by Major League Baseball and one by the NFL — and several that went on to play collegiately. 

What made this group so special? Most of the guys on this team were members of the 1977 Tiger baseball team. That team had great talent but underachieved mainly due to the amount of internal pressure that was placed on the shoulders of each player. From my perspective looking back, it seemed like we had a team meeting every other week talking about what we must do in order to make it to state. 

As the ‘77 season progressed, the pressure continued to build to the point that the team played tight and did not even win district, therefore being left out of the playoffs. This was the only year of my four years at MPHS that we did not make the playoffs. Again, this was a team with as much talent as any team I ever played on. 

But the 1978 team, guided by great senior leadership, made a group decision that there would be only ONE team meeting before the season started. We committed to play loose and have fun! We knew we had plenty of talent, we just had to relax and let our talent take us to where we wanted to go — and that it did!

This MP team made it to the regional finals, where we had a best of three series against Fort Worth Boswell. MP hosted the first game, and the mighty Tigers came up short. With the odds stacked against us, the remaining two games were to be played in Fort Worth. We had our work cut out for us; either sweep a doubleheader or go home like so many other MP Tiger baseball teams had done in the past. 

But the ’78 Tigers made it happen, with great pitching, defense (zero errors in the last four playoff games) and timely hitting, and defeated Boswell twice and advanced to the state tournament in Austin! As they say, the rest is history. We shut out top-ranked Brazosport 10-0 in five innings in the semifinals and defeated Burkburnett 5-2 in the title game. We finished with a state championship and a record of 26-4. 

I cannot describe the bond among athletes that get the opportunity to win a state championship. It’s a connection that forever links you as players. I remember Coach Giesecke’s locker room speech after our huge win. “Fellows, this is a victory you will cherish more later in life, than you do now. You will forever be remembered with this win.” Truer words have never been spoken! He was spot on with his statement! 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Major Roger Henson discussed the new partnership between the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and LaSalle Corrections at the Sept. 24 Rotary luncheon. Pictured from left are President Jesse Taitano, Henson, and President-elect Louie Bernard (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

By Doug De Graffenried

When I was a little boy, keys were my thing. I loved keys. I loved real keys.

I had a reliable source of keys too. My grandfather was a police officer. It seems that back in the 60’s people would lose keys at a very high rate. Pop would bring me bags of keys from time to time. I’m sure I was only receiving three or four at a time, but to me they appeared as a mountain of plenty.

I had a key ritual. I would separate out the door and house keys from the car keys.

Back in the day, each motor company had a key design unique to that motor company. For this article we will illustrate using the Ford Motor Company. Because Ford also made Mercury products the keys were interchangeable. If you worked at it, you might discover a Mercury car key would fit a Ford product.

One Friday night, Pop stopped by with a bag of keys. I quickly sorted the keys. I took the car keys outside for an experiment.

I don’t know how I knew this, but I had a couple of Mercury keys which I took outside. I crawled into the driver’s seat of our 1961 Ford Galaxy and started testing keys. The Mercury ignition keys would fit into the Ford ignition. (You remember, of course the difference between the ignition keys and the trunk keys?) While the Mercury keys fit into the ignition, they would not turn the tumblers.

My key experiment was nearly completed when I put a Mercury key into the ignition and turned it. The 1961 Ford Galaxy roared to life. I then followed the pattern I had learned from adults. I pulled the shift lever down into “D.” “D” meant go!

The car lurched forward and traveled about five feet into the side of the house. The dent in the house was still there 40 years later!

Thus began my illustrious driving career.

The adults filed out of the house. Mom, Dad and Pop the police office all asked, “How did you start the car?” I shared my key knowledge. Pop cut off my Ford Motor key supply. I did have a large collection of General Motors keys that I had decided to try on whoever owned one of those cars. Pop owned a Chevrolet. I had developed a testing plan for that automobile.

Jesus has given us the keys to the Kingdom. No need to be locked in or locked out. You have the keys. Often you have the power to set yourself free.

Doug de Graffenried is Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston.

You can contact Doug at dougsponderings@gmail.com

The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested the following individuals over the past week:

• Andrea Nichols – Failure to appear
• Sarah Lester – Failure to appear
• Chester Taylor – Disturbing the peace and resisting
• Ellis Hayes Jr. – Two counts of failure to appear
• Jade Grayson – Non-consensual disclosure of a private image
• Donald Allen – Simple assault
• Amber Supulvado – Theft
• Kelci Latchie – Simple burglary
• Rickitha Millage – Battery of a dating partner
• Aladrian Daniels – Resisting and unauthorized entry
• Billy Turner III –  Unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling
• Travis Stewart – D.W.I. third, open container and headlamps
• Dustin Mack – Theft
• Allen Glover – Disturbing the peace
• Justin Lacour – Disturbing the peace
• Brittany Hamilton – Simple criminal damage to property
• Larry Henson – Animal at large, no rabies and no city pet license
• Kirit Bhakta – Animal at large, criminal mischief and negligent injury
• Nicholas Flicklin – Two counts of failure to appear
• Jermon Edwards – Five counts of failure to appear
• Jacarias Waldrup – Theft
• Slade Woestendier – Theft
• Wardell Edwards – Disturbing the peace, resisting, remaining and simple battery
• Marcio Stewart – Illegal possession of stolen things
• Bobby Ray Houston – Disturbing the peace
• Bobby Ray Houston – Remaining 
• William Sykes Jr. – Violation of a protection order
• William Sykes Jr. – Stalking
• Derrick Thrash – Disturbing the peace, possession of schedule I and an outstanding warrant

The Natchitoches Police Department would like to remind its citizens to please note the brand, model and serial number on all valuable household items and firearms.  The serial numbers can help officers identify your items and get them back to you.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101.  Remember all information given shall remain confidential.  

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:  

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388.  All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $3,000 for the arrest of an offender.