An archeological and historical exhibit depicting the origins of one of Louisiana’s many unique cultures was unveiled at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and NW Louisiana History Museum Friday, November 22. Creole Origins: Cane River Diaspora 1770-1830 tells the story of the African Diaspora into our region and its culture and how it influenced life up to the present day.

The centerpiece of the exhibit is the archeological excavation of the Pierre Metoyer Plantation. While nothing remains of the plantation’s buildings, archeologists were able to locate several buildings’ foundations using ground penetrating radar. From there, they were able to ascertain building materials and methods and reconstruct what the plantation would have looked like around 1790. Some of the buildings showed evidence of African building materials and methods such as rammed earthen walls still found in parts of Africa today. Jason Church of the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) and intern and NSU CAPA major Oliver Turner cleaned and preserved artifacts and built 3-D printed models to place fragments in context. Paige Brevick, a Minnesota native completing her doctorate at the University of Central London, assisted Dr. MacDonald.

One interesting bit of trivia about the project is that it is the only archeological dig on the North American Continent originally funded by a British University. Dr. Kevin MacDonald of the University of Central London found himself unable to continue his academic career studying African civilizations due to contracting malaria. His search for a way to continue his academic work led him to the Cane River area with its rich Creole history. Along the way, he collaborated with the National Park Service and its National Center for Preservation Technology and Training as well as the Cane River National Heritage Area and NSU’s Cammie Henry Research Center . The result is an exhibition that is a wonderful synergy of archeology, history and present-day Creole culture.

The Creole Origins: Cane River Diaspora 1770-1830 exhibition will be at the LSHoF and NW Louisiana History Museum through March of 2026.

One great aspect of life in a small town is that when trouble comes, so do neighbors willing to help. People from all over Natchitoches and Sabine parishes have rallied to the side of Lydia, a local two year old girl diagnosed with San Filippo Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that attacks the central nervous system and is terminal. There is presently no cure.

Lydia’s family is praying for a miracle to save their child and is asking for our help. They are raising money for the Cure San Filippo Foundation in order to fund clinical trials that could save their daughter. It may be an uphill battle, but they are undeterred.

The community’s response has been nothing short of magnificent. Over 300 people came to a Fun Run for Lydia on NSU’s campus Saturday, November 23. The runners included the entire NCHS Baseball team, their entry paid for by a player’s father. Cassandra Hughes of Glencoe, OK heard of Lydia’s situation from social media and came down to run in the event with her husband and young child. The 4-H from NSU E-Lab assisted with the race as did the St. Mary’s Junior High Cheerleaders who cheered on finishers and sent up clouds of colorful powder as runners passed by. The Calico Belles painted children’s faces while the Christmas Belles worked at stations along the route,

Hundreds of people attended fundraising Gospel concerts at the Many Community Center and Natchitoches’ First Baptist Church. The Amazing Rhythm Disciples, an eclectic group of musicians united by a love of Gospel Music, played their signature blend of old favorites and Gospel songs with a new twist.

This past weekend saw hundreds of people from every race and station in life come together in order to help a two year old child have a chance to live a normal life. It was an inspiring example of our nation at its best!

A few days ago, while I was mindlessly scrolling through social media, I came across my “Facebook Memories” from 2018. Facebook memories can sometimes be bittersweet because life changes so quickly. But, this flashback was the sweetest of times.

This particular set of photos were posted from a Thanksgiving dinner at my in-laws home. It was the first time we had gathered as a family since my divorce. I didn’t particularly want to attend because, frankly, divorce is just awkward. No one knows what anyone is truly thinking or feeling, so many things are still unresolved and even as amicable as things were, it just felt weird.

My daughters insisted that I attend with them. They simply would not take no for an answer. These two can be very convincing and irritating until they get their way. Looking back it was truly divine intervention that made them double down on my attendance. It was the best Thanksgiving we ever had as a newly divorced family. Heck, it was even better than any Thanksgiving we had as a nuclear family.

Everyone was in a jovial mood, the entire family was there, the weather was a crispy perfect fall day, and there was nothing out of place.

The photos even depicted the perfection of the day. Belly laughs. Tears rolling down faces. Heads thrown back in side splitting laughter. It was simply beautiful.

Fast forward to the Thanksgiving of 2024, there were two very notable family members missing from the once perfect Thanksgiving landscape. My daughters lost their precious grandfather this year along with one of their favorite uncles who was always the life of the party. While it was a more low-key version of the past, it was still lovely and well attended but with a pinch of…something was missing. My youngest daughter was traveling with friends and my older daughter was unable to come in. Yes, something was missing.

As I left when the lunch was over, I realized I had forgotten to take photos. This is a rarity for me as I am always with phone in hand, ready to snap and post.

When I returned home I started to realize that everyone was posting their family Thanksgiving photos. Post after post of perfect families, still married, with all of the grandparents, aunts and uncles with all of the smiling faces. Picture perfect. After properly comparing my family dynamic to all of the other families on Facebook I decided to abruptly stop scrolling.

It was simply altering my mood and I know that God has blessed me and my daughters too much to let sadness creep in like this. While exiting social media I asked God to forgive me for not being more thankful for the family dynamic I do have and all of the many other ways he blesses us. It is so easy to get lost in the scrolling and comparing of lives.

Holidays can be a ruthless time for those with family issues or grieving the loss of a loved one. My prayer is that you will check on your friends and neighbors who struggle through the holiday season and that you will intentionally think about the goodness of God. He never leaves our side.

“I will meditate on the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of your awesome acts, and I will declare your greatness. They shall utter the memory of your great goodness, and shall sing of your righteousness.” – Psalm 145:5-7

On November 27, 2024 around 11:14 a.m., officers with the Natchitoches Police Department were dispatched to the 700 block of Brahma Drive in reference to suspicious people in the area. Upon officers arrival they attempted to make contact with the individuals but they fled on foot toward Dean Street. After a brief foot pursuit officers were able to catch the suspects and place them under arrest without incident.

Officers’ located two firearms that the suspects threw on the ground while attempting to elude arrest. One of the recovered guns was reported to be stolen through the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. The recovered firearms will be sent to the crime lab for ballistic and forensic testing.

Brian Payton (B/M, 20 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) and Jordan Fobb (B/M, 20 y.o.a of Natchitoches) have been charged with resisting an officer and obstruction of justice. They were placed in the Lasalle Correction Center in Natchitoches. (formerly the Natchitoches Detention Center)

This case is still under investigation and further charges are pending.

If you would like to report suspicious activity or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation 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.

I have hunted squirrels for over half a century and over those scores of seasons, I can probably count on one hand the times I’ve brought home a limit. Frankly, I don’t remember the last time I did. I’ve hunted squirrels a long time and have taken my share to the point that bagging a limit would be nice but not necessary. I just enjoy the experience. Period.

I found something I had written 20 or so years ago about one Saturday when squirrel season began under less than ideal conditions. The thermometer read 70 degrees before dawn when I left home for the camp. Crawling in my truck for the drive to the spot I’d chosen to hunt, my windshield wipers slapped away a light but steady rain. Warm weather coupled with rain does not bode well for successful squirrel hunting. Oh, one other thing; when I checked in my hunting vest at the camp, I found I had only 10 shotgun shells. 

Feeling I was working under a handicap, I resolved to just enjoy the hunt but to do something my dad had drilled me on as a young hunter. “Make every shot count,” he had told me time and time again. My goal was to use my ammo supply conservatively; one shot; one squirrel.

The soft rain turned out to be a blessing. It stopped after an hour, just long enough to soften the leaves on the ground, making it easy to stalk. Around 7 o’clock that morning, the first squirrel stopped long enough for me to drop him. One shot; one squirrel; nine shotgun shells left.

Twenty minutes later, the second squirrel was cooling in my hunting vest; two shots; two squirrels; eight shells left. By the time I’d reached the end of the woods I’d planned to hunt, I had bagged two more, each with one shot. That was four-for-four and I was feeling good. Had I not seen another squirrel, this would have been a successful hunt.

On my return trip to the truck, I made a loop so as not to cover the same ground I’d just hunted. I’d moved 50 yards or so when I saw a squirrel move in a beech. As I began stalking the squirrel, I saw another in the beech; then another and incredibly, another. Four squirrels were whacking away at beech mast in the same tree. 

I did a quick bit of ciphering. I had four squirrels in the bag. Up there in that beech was the rest of my limit. Truth to tell, I got a little excited at the prospects. One of the squirrels presented himself and BOOM…he was on the ground. There went another one and…BOOM, he tumbled out. Then the third squirrel ran up a limb and stopped, offering me a clean shot. BOOM, and he’s down.

Now, I’m really excited. I have pulled the trigger seven times and had seven in the bag and there’s number eight up there overhead. My dad would have been proud.

Standing quietly for a few minutes, I watched as my “limit” squirrel resumed feeding. What are my chances of this, I ponder? I’m on the verge of bagging a limit of eight squirrels with eight shots.

It was something like a major league pitcher working on a perfect game. He’s down to the bottom of the ninth; two out. Here’s the wind-up; the pitch…and the batter bloops a single into left field. Game won but perfect game spoiled.

I rushed the shot and the squirrel scampered away. Dang! I sat awhile, pondering what almost was, concluding that it had been a fine hunt anyhow and I would be content to drive into camp with seven squirrels.

I could see my truck 100 yards away, and would you believe it…one more squirrel decided to make a move and I rolled him. That’s my limit of eight squirrels with nine shots. Not a perfect performance but I felt good, sensing that somewhere up there, my old dad was smiling. 

“Way to go son,” I imagined him saying. “Not perfect…but not bad.”

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

Lemon Cream Pie: A Celebration of Citrus and Sweetness

Every year on November 29, dessert lovers indulge in the tangy, creamy goodness of lemon cream pie as they celebrate National Lemon Cream Pie Day. This beloved dessert, with its perfect balance of sweet and tart, has been a favorite for generations, representing a timeless love for lemon-flavored treats.

The origins of lemon cream pie are tied to the broader tradition of citrus-based desserts, which gained popularity in the 19th century when lemons became more widely available. The pie typically features a rich, velvety filling made from lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and cream, nestled in a flaky or graham cracker crust and often topped with whipped cream or a delicate meringue. Its bright flavor and smooth texture make it a refreshing yet indulgent dessert.

Lemon cream pie is part of a larger category of lemon desserts that have captured the hearts of people worldwide. Lemon bars, lemon cakes, and even lemon sorbets share a similar appeal, offering a unique blend of zesty freshness and sweetness. Psychologists suggest that the tangy flavor of lemon may evoke feelings of energy and joy, which explains why these desserts are often associated with lightness and celebration.

This dessert also carries a nostalgic charm. Many people recall family gatherings or holidays where lemon cream pie was the centerpiece of the dessert table, symbolizing warmth and togetherness. Its versatility—whether as a casual treat or an elegant dinner party dessert—adds to its enduring popularity.

On National Lemon Cream Pie Day, bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike are encouraged to whip up their version of this citrusy delight. Whether it’s a traditional recipe or a modern twist, lemon cream pie remains a sweet reminder of why we love lemon-flavored desserts.

Join the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 6-8 pm as singers, musicians, dancers, and readers come to celebrate this joyous time of the year with the Natchitoches community for the 16th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Multicultural Christmas Concert.  All songs, readings, and instrumental performances, sacred or secular, will celebrate the Christmas season.
 
The program is sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center and the NSU Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity. Donations are welcomed to benefit the Cane River Children’s Services.
 
Free and open to the public.
 
Visit our FLASH Facebook page or call 318-357-2492 for more information.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal staff is taking a quick Thanksgiving break so there will not be a Thursday edition of the Journal.

But Friday morning, the NPJ will be back in your e-mail at 6:55 a.m. as usual.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum will have extended hours on Saturdays during the Natchitoches Christmas Season.

November 30-10:00am-7:00pm (last ticket sold at 6:30pm)

December 7-10:00am-6:00pm (last ticket sold at 5:30pm)-Christmas Festival Day

December 14-10:00am-7:00pm (last ticket sold at 6:30pm)

December 21-10:00am-7:00pm (last ticket sold at 6:30pm)

December 28-10:00am-7:00pm (last ticket sold at 6:30pm)

Regular admission prices apply.

Rotarian with the Program Richard Guidroz introduced the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Director of Business Development and Public Relations Greg Burke at the Nov. 26 luncheon. Burke shared information on the LSHOF 2025 Induction class. Pictured from left are Head Intern for the LSHOF Foundation Olivia Holloway, Burke, and President-elect Louie Bernard (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

By Courtney Freeman

The Village of Robeline held its monthly meeting last Thursday. We were informed of the happy update that the Village had their grant proposal for the sewer system had been approved. Back in March the Village submitted a proposal to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality through their Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program. The proposal was for $990,000 and was approved for the full amount. The Village could have up to $742,500 forgiven, and the rest would be paid back over 20 years at a .95% interest rate. Which is such a blessing for our community.

The subject of annexation was also on the agenda again with Mr. Stevens, the village attorney, attended to clarify the process and advise on the next steps to be taken. The discussion was more focused on making the boundaries of the village more cohesive than expanding outwards. If property owners were agreeable there may be some expansion. But mostly the discussion focused on filling in the gaps of the village.

In Robeline, while the Dollar General and highway is within the city limits, the property directly across the highway is not. The same goes for the other side of Robeline. The village will be constructing a petition and any interested landowners can request their property to be included. If the petition meets all the requirements then annexation will occur.

The Village, Little League and 1st Baptist church held Thanksgiving in the Park on Saturday. Besides a free community meal, Thanksgiving ingredient boxes were also given out to almost 50 families. I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with friends and family. I’m praying for safe travels for all travelers also.

By Reba Phelps

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Village of Goldonna is preparing for another successful and fun-filled Christmas in the Park. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The all-day festival promises to be filled with family style fun, live music, fireworks and free food. Starting at 10:30 am, arts and craft vendors will be available for exploration. There will be plenty of activities for children that include: jump houses, a mechanical bull and there will be surprise visits by some of their favorite Disney characters throughout the day. The characters will also be available for photos. The live music will begin at 10:30 am and will end at 4 pm. The annual parade will then start at 4 pm with lineup beginning at 2:30 at the school. If you would like to participate in the parade, contact Audura Fife at 318-413-2737.

There will be a bon fire immediately after the parade along with free hot dogs and drinks. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the park after the parade to meet and greet everyone as well as take pictures. The grand finale of the day will be a fireworks display, which is held downtown.

The newly designed Christmas in the Park t-shirts are available for purchase at The Store. Get yours before they are gone!

The Goldonna Christmas in the Park Committee is looking forward to another successful year as they cordially invite the public to enjoy all of the free events.

If you have news to share, contact Reba Phelps at jreba.phelps@gmail.com.

By Doug De Graffenried

In some families, Thanksgiving will involve holding hands and praying before the meal. I was thinking about all the tables full of food surrounded by family members, who have gathered for this holiday. I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with love and grace. What are your family traditions around this holiday? Will you share your blessings? Are you a hand-holding family?

Has God given you a hand to hold?

Ronald Greer tells this story:

“I was sitting in the Atlanta airport, waiting at Gate 32 to board a plane. Zones 1 and 2 were called; I stood, picked up my briefcase, and walked toward the line that was forming. As I passed a row of seats, I heard a girl ask her mother, “Do I stand up now?”

Something about the girl’s voice got my attention. She was developmentally disabled. I kept walking, got in line, and boarded the plane.

I took my place in seat 7C. After I settled in, I looked up. There was the girl, coming down the aisle by herself. I was surprised to see that she was a teenager—she was so petite that she appeared almost frail. The seat in front of mine was hers.

Then “Animal House” boarded. A group of college students came down the aisle and took several rows of seats across from us. They were laughing, joking with one another, and having a great time. But above all else, they were cool. Cool, you understand, was imperative.

Finally, the plane was pushed back and began taxiing. Ten minutes later the pilot announced that we were cleared for takeoff. He made the final turn onto the runway.

I looked up and saw that little head with brunette hair lean partway across the aisle. I heard the girl say to the college student across from her, “I get really nervous when we take off. Would you hold my hand?”

My eyes were riveted on the young man to see what he would do. Holding a stranger’s hand is not cool. After a first nervous blush, he began to smile, and halfway across the aisle came that kid’s big ol’ hand. The girl’s tiny fingers grabbed it and squeezed it.

There they held hands across the aisle, as our Delta jet was airborne.

There they held hands as I stared, also in disbelief, and memorized that sacred moment. I knew I was seeing a sacrament.”

Has God given you a hand to hold?

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

You can contact Doug at dougsponderings@gmail.com

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission wants everyone to have a fine Thanksgiving instead of having to pay a Thanksgiving fine for not wearing a seat belt during the statewide Click It or Ticket campaign.

The campaign, which runs through Saturday, Nov. 30, is a statewide effort by multiple law enforcement partners to encourage people to buckle up. Deputy sheriffs, police officers, and Louisiana State Police will be patrolling roads and highways across Louisiana and giving tickets to drivers and passengers who are not wearing seat belts.

Every person traveling in a motor vehicle –– including those in a back seat –– must be properly restrained by a seat belt or a child safety seat, according to Louisiana law. A first-offense citation costs $50, and subsequent offenses are $75.

“Louisiana is at an all-time high seat belt usage rate of 88.4%,” LHSC Executive Director Lisa Freeman said, referring to the 2024 Louisiana seat belt observational survey results. “That also means that almost 12% of the people in our state still refuse to buckle up, so we have to work harder to reach those people.”

Wearing a seat belt is the best action drivers and passengers can take to protect themselves from serious injury or death in a motor vehicle crash. In 2023, at least 56.5% of drivers and passengers who died in motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana were not properly using a seat belt or child safety seat, according to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU.

“Since 2019, 54 people in Louisiana have died in crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday,” Freeman said. “While we cannot know with certainty if any of them would be with us this Thanksgiving had they worn their seat belts, we do know the odds would have been in their favor.”

In 2023, 454 people were injured on Louisiana roads during the Thanksgiving holiday period, according to CARTS. Some of those people may have escaped with less serious injuries or no injuries if they had worn a seat belt, Freeman said.

“Once you get in the habit of always using your seat belt, it becomes automatic,” Freeman said. “Our hope is that Click It or Ticket is the start of a great habit for the 12% of unbuckled drivers and passengers.”

As part of their November community service initiative, Natchitoches Junior High School JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) members demonstrated the spirit of giving by donating goodie bags to nursing home residents.

The thoughtfully prepared bags, filled with apples, oranges, and peppermints, were distributed to brighten the day of the residents and spread a little holiday cheer. This act of kindness reflects the JAG program’s commitment to building leadership skills and fostering connections within the community.

No one collected more tackles in the Football Championship Subdivision than Northwestern State junior linebacker Blake Gotcher.
 
Gotcher’s remarkable regular season in which he recorded double-figure tackles in 11 of 12 games has earned him a nod as a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is given annually to the top defensive player in the FCS and is presented by Stats Perform.
 
Gotcher, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound product of Frisco Lone Star High School and a Lamar transfer, is one of four Southland Conference players named to the list. The other three Southland members on the 35-man finalist ballot are Nicholls linebacker Eli Ennis, East Texas A&M linebacker Brandon Tucker and UIW defensive back Mason Chambers.
 
In his first season at Northwestern, Gotcher recorded 162 total tackles, which ranks fourth in school single-season history and included a 23-tackle, two-sack, one forced fumble performance against Prairie View A&M on Sept. 7. For that performance, Gotcher was named the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week and honorable mention FCS National Defensive Player of the Week by Stats Perform.
 
Gotcher’s tackle total led all qualifying FCS players by 29 and was 21 ahead of Tucker’s runner-up total in the Southland.
 
In addition to his tackle total, Gotcher had 4.5 sacks – two each against Prairie View A&M and two against Weber State – and 10 tackles for loss for 31 yards. He added two forced fumbles, two pass breakups, an interception he returned 24 yards against McNeese on Nov. 16 and a quarterback hurry.
 
Gotcher was incredibly consistent, recording at least 16 tackles in five games and 12 or more tackles in eight of his 12 games. He is Northwestern’s first finalist for the Buchanan Award since linebacker Derek Rose in 2011.
 
The Buchanan Award winner will be chosen by a national voting panel and will be recognized at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet in Frisco, Texas, on Jan. 4.