November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a global call to action to address gender-based violence. This day, established by the United Nations in 1999, aims to raise awareness of the pervasive issue and advocate for policies and resources that protect women and promote equality.

Globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, often at the hands of an intimate partner, according to UN Women. The issue extends beyond physical harm, affecting mental health, economic stability, and community well-being. This annual observance encourages individuals and organizations to take a stand against such violence through education, activism, and support.

In Natchitoches, the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) plays a vital role in supporting women and children. While primarily focused on maternal health, the WRC empowers women through educational resources, literature, and services designed to support pregnancies, planned or otherwise. By addressing women’s health holistically, the center provides a safe space for those seeking guidance and assistance, ensuring they feel valued and supported during critical times.

Other resources for women facing violence include the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE), offering 24/7 confidential support, and local shelters that provide immediate refuge. Organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) specialize in supporting survivors of sexual violence through counseling and advocacy.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women reminds us that everyone has a role in ending violence. Communities must work together to break cycles of abuse, uplift survivors, and foster environments where women feel safe and respected. By supporting local organizations like the Women’s Resource Center and others, individuals can help create a future free from violence and full of opportunity for women and girls.

The 2024 Christmas season began in grand style at the “Turn on the Holidays” event Saturday, November 23 in downtown Natchitoches. The riverbank was the place to be for family fun as thousands of visitors enjoyed a free concert from the iconic local favorite, the Kelli Roberts Band. Visitors also enjoyed shopping and dining along the iconic bricks of Front Street.

Prior to the turning on of the lights, the popular drone show appeared for the second year. The brightly lit drones made a series of holiday scenes in the sky to the delight of the crowd. The evening’s penultimate event was Miss Merry Christmas and the Christmas Belles flipping the switch as the audience counted down to zero and lit up Cane River with a thousands of lights. Miss Merry Christmas and the Belles were joined by the Christmas Angels, Miss City of Lights. Miss Cane River Teen, and Miss Natchitoches Parish. The turning on of the lights was followed by one of Natchitoches’ iconic fireworks shows. The fireworks have been an integral part of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival for 88 of the show’s 98 years and are a perennial crowd favorite.

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is in its 98th year of delivering holiday fun and building family memories. It has grown over the years from a local event into an internationally recognized festival. The Natchitoches Christmas Lights are the oldest, and in the Natchitoches Parish Journal’s opinion, far and away the finest, component of the multi-city “Trail of Lights” that stretches across central and northern Louisiana.

With thousands of lights, fireworks, concerts and the festival day’s events, there is nothing quite like the Christmas season in Natchitoches!

There was an abundance of holiday spirit at the downtown riverbank as runners in some truly inventive-and well lit-costumes came together for the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Light the Way 5K and Fun Run Sunday, November 24. Natchitoches’ incredible Christmas lights provided a unique backdrop as over 197 runners brought some additional holiday spirit downtown for an evening race under the lights.

Athletes and coaches from Northwestern State University’s celeritous Track and Field program once again volunteered to assist with administering the race. The Christmas Angels and members of a local dance and cheer school encouraged the runners with signs and cheers. A local fitness studio led the runners in a warm-up routine and area businesses dispensed much needed hot chocolate and post-race treats.

Three racers from Alexandria’s chapter of Ansley’s Angels, a group of runners who help fellow athlete/riders who would otherwise be unable to experience a race by assisting them with a specially built wheelchair, came to compete and enjoy our city.

Parking for the Christmas Festival in the Courthouse Parking lot on Third/Church Street will be by prepaid reservation only. Contact the Office of Community Services at (318) 357-2220, Monday- Thursday from 7 am-4:30 pm, to receive an application and make payment to reserve a spot.

Natchitoches City Council will have a pre-council meeting on Monday, Nov. 25 beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. to discuss non-agenda items. The City Council meeting will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month and will be reserved to only items on the Agenda.  The public is invited to both the pre-council meetings and council meetings with the understanding that items not on the agenda will not be discussed at the scheduled council meetings, but the public is welcome to discuss any topic at the pre-council meetings.  The City Council Meetings are held at the Natchitoches City Council Chambers, located at 716 Second St. in Natchitoches.                                                                                                                                                                                                  

AGENDA:

PRESENTATION OF CHRISTMAS ANGELS Londyn Mae Tucker – Pre-K Mary Beth Chasteen – K Averi Bouchie – 1St Madaylynn Barnhart – 2nd Chloe McIntosh – 3rd Zoey Solomon – 4th Milleigh Aton – 5th Hadley Mayeaux – 6th Anistyn Rhodes – 7th Anna Marie Rawls – 8th

PRESENTATION OF MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS AND CHRISTMAS BELLES Miss Merry Christmas – Layla Johnson Christmas Belles – Anderson Kelly, Destanee Stewart, Campbell Morrow, Ayla Payne, Bess Stewart, Huntar Goings

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

#034 Nielsen Ordinance Approving A Memorandum Of Cooperative Endeavor Between The City Of Natchitoches, The Red River Waterway Commission And The Natchitoches Convention & Vistors Bureau To Promote The Use Of The Red River For The Kingkat Fishing Tournament

#035 Elie Ordinance Approving The Granting Of A Right Of Pipeline Servitude And Easement In Favor Of Atmos Energy Corporation Over And Across Property Owned By The City Of Natchitoches, And Located In Section 84, Township 9 North, Range 6 West, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, Approving The Form Of The Pipeline Servitude And Easement And Further Authorizing The Mayor To Execute The Pipeline Servitude And Easement And Any Other Related Documents; And Further Providing For Advertising

#036 Petite Ordinance Revoking The Dedication Of A Portion Of Trudeau Street, A Portion Of Touline Street Which Are Situated In Sections 44 And 48, Township 9 North, Range 7 West, City And Parish Of Natchitoches, Declaring That The Said Portion Of Trudeau Street And The Said Portion Of Touline Street Are Abandoned And The Dedications Revoked, Providing For An Effective Date Of The Ordinance, And Savings Clause

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

#037 Harrington Ordinance Accepting And Approving The Power Supply Agreement For Sale Of Power And Energy Between Louisiana Energy & Power Authority (LEPA) And The City Of Natchitoches, Louisiana And Authorizing The Mayor To Execute The Power Supply Agreement On Behalf Of The City

#038 Nielsen Ordinance Approving A Hydropower Pooling Agreement By And Between Louisiana Energy And Power Authority And City Of Natchitoches, And Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Ronnie Williams, Jr., To Execute Same

#039 Harrington Ordinance Of The City Of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Approving That Instrument Titled Cooperative Endeavor Agreement Between The City Of Natchitoches And David L. Dauzat, Sheriff Of The Parish Of Avoyelles Which Agreement Provides For Cost For Housing Of Male And Female Pre-Trial Inmates In Accordance With La. R.S. 15:706; Prescribing Terms And Conditions For Said Agreement, And Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Ronnie Williams, Jr. To Execute Same.

#040 Petite Ordinance To Designate Funds From The American Rescue Plan For Use By The City Of Natchitoches To Assist The Historic District Business Association With Funding For Additional Security For The 2024 Christmas Festival Season; Authorizing The Execution Of Any And All Documents Necessary To Properly Effectuate Such Purchases; And Otherwise Providing With Respect Thereto.

RESOLUTIONS:

#101 Elie Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Advertise For Bids For FY 2023 LCDBG Street Improvements (Bid No. 0671)

#102 Petite Resolution To Substitute An Associate Counsel With Consent Of The City Attorney For The City Of Natchitoches

#103 Harrington Resolution Authorizing The Mayor On Behalf Of The City Of Natchitoches To Enter Into Addendums And An Amendment To The Joint Agreement With The Natchitoches Parish School Board And Natchitoches Parish Government

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be December 9, 2024

The 19^th Annual City of Lights Thanksgiving Classic hosted by Natchitoches Central boys and girls basketball begins a two-day run this morning involving some of the state’s top teams including the host Chiefs and Lady Chiefs.

Both the main gym at NCHS and the practice gym, where election voting takes place, will be used for the tournament.

Action tips off at 10 a.m. today and runs through the NCHS boys’ game slated to begin at 8:30 tonight.

In the main gym, the 10 o’clock matchup pairs ASH against H.L. Bourgeois in boys action. The Lady Chiefs make their season debut at 11:30 against Winnfield.

At 1, Barbe and Southwood meet in a boys game, followed at 2:30 by boys teams from Byrd and Sulphur.

Two-time girls state champion Parkway takes the court at 4 against Denham Springs in a very attractive early season matchup.

Two state powers, boys teams from Ruston and Bossier, collide at 5:30.

The NCHS girls play for the second time at 7 against Rosepine, with the NCHS boys, state finalists last year, meeting Loyola at 8:30.

In the practice gym, games also start at 10 with girls teams from Loyola and Ringgold playing, followed by boys from Ringgold and Pineville at 11:30. Haughton plays South Beauregard at 1 o’clock in a girls matchup followed by another girls contest between Oakdale and Mansfield.

Games continue through Tuesday night with $10 admission, cash at the door. The schedule for Tuesday will appear in tomorrow’s Natchitoches Parish Journal.

HOUSTON – The attrition that seemed to hit the Northwestern State football team each week in the 2024 season arrived in the third quarter of its season finale at Houston Christian on Saturday.

After the Demons woke up offensively in the second quarter, the homestanding Huskies turned things back around with a third-quarter explosion en route to a 62-24 Southland Conference victory at Husky Stadium.

HCU scored 35 points in the third quarter – 21 in the first five minutes – widening what had become a 10-point game at the half.

“We found ourselves in a good position at halftime, down 10 points,” first-year head coach Blaine McCorkle said. “That’s not good, but it’s better than we’ve been in a long time. There was good energy. We had good halftime adjustments, and the wheels just fell off in the third quarter.”

The Demons (0-12, 0-7) fell behind 3-0 after the first drive as the Northwestern defense stood up in the red zone after inheriting a short field.

HCU’s lead grew to 17-0 before the Demons began to click offensively in the second quarter.

Starting with the final play of the first quarter – a 39-yard connection to Twon Hines – redshirt freshman quarterback JT Fayard began to find his rhythm.

Fayard tossed a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter, the first a 60-yard strike to Myles Kitt-Denton to cut the Huskies’ lead to 17-7. The second – a floated 9-yard pass to Zay Davis to beat an all-out blitz – again pulled Northwestern to within 10 points.

That was the halftime margin as both teams’ defenses came up with stops in the final two minutes of the half.

HCU’s quick-strike offense opened the third quarter with a four-play 79-yard drive that Calvin Hill capped with a 22-yard score. Less than two minutes later, the Huskies extended the lead, capitalizing on an interception that set them up at the Northwestern 15-yard line.

“It’s the same story we’ve had all year,” McCorkle said. “It’s like playing the FBS games. You’re competitive for as long as you can before the size and strength and experience takes over. That’s what every game has felt like.”

The Demons were able to draw a spark from Kitt-Denton again as the junior who was playing near his hometown of Pearland, Texas, returned a kickoff 87 yards to the HCU 13. Despite the field position, Northwestern had to settle for a 21-yard Reed Honshtein field goal to slice the HCU lead to 45-17.

On the ensuing kickoff, Jesse Valenzuela returned it 98 yards for a touchdown – HCU’s third kick return score of the year, done by three different players.

The Demons were able to manage one final score early in the fourth quarter as freshman running back Jeremiah James tallied his first career score on a 6-yard toss play.

“We spent the past four weeks playing a lot of true freshmen to protect their redshirts and to grow the program,” McCorkle said. “They did not disappoint. That’s a pretty cool thing. (James) is a special player, and he’s another one who is just scratching the surface of his talent. Now, he has good game experience and has four years of football to go. He’s a name people are going to hear for a while. He’s locked into being at Northwestern State.”

Members of Cane River Branch of Magnolia State Peace Officers Association and Theta Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. of NSU teamed up to provide Thanksgiving boxes to families in need in the city and parish of Natchitoches. With the assistance from the local Walmart the families were able to receive boxes packed with a turkey and all the trimmings needed to prepare a nutritious Thanksgiving meal. The boxes were delivered on Nov. 20 by members of Magnolia State Peace Officers and members of Theta Chi. Magnolia State Peace Officers is a non-profit organization founded in 1956. The organization is dedicated to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community. We extend our deepest gratitude to Walmart and Theta Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha for their support in providing a thanksgiving meal to those less fortunate.

After turning in portfolios detailing their academic success and dedication to community/school engagement, and going through an interview process, three finalists were chosen for the 2024-25 Student of the Year competition on Nov. 21. The winners were: Emerson Remedies for 5th Grade (Marthaville), Anna Rawls for 8th Grade (Marthaville), and Ayla Bostian for 12th Grade (Natchitoches Central).

A committee of community members interviewed each student. The committee included Katrice Below, Carmella McCart, Sarah Mallette, Reba Phelps, Linda Page, Dewayne Chelette and Corey Poole. Student of the Year is organized by Anita Dubois.

Emersyn is the daughter of Toby and Hillary Remedies. She loves dance, musical theatre, singing, arts and crafts, pageants, reading, cooking, and writing stories. Her future plans include attending Northwestern State University and becoming a Demon Dazzler, while majoring in theatre and dance, or maybe music. “Fork ’em Demons,” Emersyn stated in her biographical entry for Student of the Year. She also plans to compete at and win NSU’s Lady of the Bracelet pageant, going on to compete for Miss Louisiana. Future plans include starring on broadway.

Anna is the daughter of Joshua and Michelle Rawls. She is passionate about cheerleading, her faith, her friendships, and raising and showing her goats thanks to her connection to Natchitoches Parish 4-H. She makes chemo kits and donates them to the local cancer center, wanting to help patients feel a little more comfortable as they go through their treatments. Anna plans to attend Northwestern State University to study nursing, with a focus on pediatrics. 

Ayla is the daughter of Megan and Kevin Bostian. She loves to art and books and runs two Instagram accounts on the subjects. Community service is one of her greater passions. She serves as the Community Service/Outreach Chairwoman for her school’s Student/Chief Council. Ayla plans to double major in Art/Design and Anthropology in college with a concentration in archaeology. Her future plans include working as an archaeologist and anthropologist, but also a freelance author, artist and voice-actor. Then down the line, she’s also like to do some work on character design and maybe even become a barbie doll designer. She also plans to travel and continue her community service efforts, like one day funding a “Harbor House.”

Finalists from all schools included:

Fifth Grade:

Grace Llorance – East Natchitoches

Owen Penrod – E-Lab

Christopher Norwood – Magnet

Avery Broadway – Provencal

Danlie O’wecki – Fairview

Lani Todd – Goldonna

Eighth Grade:

Zalien Paul – Goldonna

Joshua Simmons – Provencal

Addison McGrath – NSU Middle Lab

Alex McDonald – Magnet

Genesis Conday – Natchitoches Jr. High

S’sence Adams – Lakeview Jr. High

Twelfth Grade:

Colie Killinngsworth – Lakeview High

HOUSTON – The Northwestern State football team caps its 2024 season against one of its newer Southland Conference rivals.

While the Demons and HCU have met just six times, their 2 p.m. Saturday matchup on ESPN+ features a matchup of first-year head coaches who are quite familiar with one another.  

Northwestern’s Blaine McCorkle and HCU’s Jason Bachtel have a competitive history that dates to their time in the Division III USA South Athletic Conference.

“I have nothing but respect for coach Bachtel and what he’s doing at Houston Christian and what he did at Howard Payne,” McCorkle said. “He was at Howard Payne when I was at Belhaven, and we faced each other head-to-head and had some great games. It was a fun rivalry for both of our teams. Both of us came into those games with really good teams and had great battles. I’m sure we’ll have a great battle again this week.”

The Demons (0-11, 0-6) own a 5-1 mark against the Huskies (4-7, 2-4), who posted their first winning season in program history a year ago.

Bachtel has helped the Huskies maintain that momentum, including Southland Conference wins against McNeese and Nicholls. HCU comes in to Saturday’s game off a wild 41-40 loss at East Texas A&M in which the Lions scored 20 of the final 27 points of the game with the winning points coming with 36 seconds remaining.

“That’s part of the growing process for all of us,” McCorkle said of the uneven season for the Huskies. “They had their first winning season in school history a year ago after a pretty good drought to get it going. In a lot of ways, they’re still in the growing process, too. You have your first winning season and the head coach leaves, and you put your own stamp on it. They’ve had some interesting losses and some really, really good signature wins. They beat Nicholls and McNeese. You beat both of those teams in the same year, you’re doing something right. They are very capable, and we have to be ready.”

Eight Northwestern players were honored ahead of last week’s Senior Day against McNeese, and that same group will compete for the final time as Demons this week.

Of the eight, left tackle Stevie Ballard has started all 11 games this season and his 14 career starts are tied for the most among current Northwestern offensive players. McCorkle praised Ballard as playing his best game of the season against McNeese, putting the Raymond, Mississippi, native in position to cap his career on a high note.

“The main thing to me, as a senior, is showing the young guys how you’re expected to play as an offensive lineman,” Ballard said. “My attempt to lead is by showing great effort on the field. That’s what it takes to win. That’s what coaches want to see. Building confidence in them that anyone can get it done is a huge thing for me.”

In the teams’ most recent matchup, Ballard and his fellow offensive linemen helped Kennieth Lacy collect his first career 100-yard game and gave the Demons their most recent game of more than 500 yards total offense in a 37-10 victory in Houston.

Now Ballard and his seven fellow seniors will try to cap their final season and McCorkle’s first in a positive manner.

“We want to keep getting better each week, even if it’s the last week and we haven’t won a game yet,” Ballard said. “It’s time to get better. We’re definitely going to do everything we can to end on a high note.”

On November 22, cranberry lovers have a reason to celebrate with National Cranberry Relish Day—a tribute to the vibrant, tangy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to holiday meals. As Thanksgiving approaches, cranberry relish holds a cherished spot on dinner tables, often serving as the perfect complement to turkey and other festive dishes.

The history of cranberries as a holiday staple dates back to early Native American tribes, who used the versatile berry for food, dye, and medicine. By the 1600s, cranberries had become a key ingredient in colonial meals, earning their place in traditional Thanksgiving feasts. Cranberry relish, with its simple yet bold combination of fresh cranberries, sugar, and citrus, rose to popularity in the 20th century as an easy-to-make alternative to canned cranberry sauce.

Unlike its jelly-like counterpart, cranberry relish is known for its fresh, uncooked preparation, which preserves the fruit’s natural tartness and bright color. Many modern recipes incorporate additional ingredients like apples, nuts, ginger, or spices to create unique variations that suit any palate.

National Cranberry Relish Day invites food enthusiasts to experiment with this classic dish. Try a zesty twist by adding orange zest and jalapeños for a spicy-sweet kick, or opt for a touch of warmth with cinnamon and cloves. For those looking to reduce sugar, honey or maple syrup can provide natural sweetness.

Beyond its culinary appeal, cranberries are packed with health benefits, including high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C.

Whether you’re preparing a traditional recipe or a creative take, National Cranberry Relish Day is a delicious way to honor a time-honored ingredient. So, as you gear up for Thanksgiving, let cranberry relish add a touch of tart, festive flair to your holiday table.

Natchitoches Gospel group The Amazing! Rhythm Disciples will perform a free “Save Lydia” concert this Sunday, Nov. 24, at 6:30 PM at the First Baptist Church on Second Street in Natchitoches.  

The concert is to benefit and raise awareness for little two year old Lydia Rachal who is suffering from a rare condition, called Sanfilippo syndrome, also known as childhood Alzheimer’s.  

It is urgent that Lydia receive the necessary treatment to try and stop or slow down the disease.  Treatment is extremely expensive and not covered by insurance which is why there is a need for the community to pull together and help this little girl.  

Only a year or two at the most before the brain damage kicks in, so the clock is ticking.  

The disciples will be performing an eclectic blend of religious and inspirational music, including traditional hymns, black gospel, country, R&B, contemporary Christian with a little rock ‘n’ roll thrown in.  

The group includes Rodney Harrington, Johnny Dunn, Henry Reggans, Andrej Kurti, John Richmond, Keith Shirley, and Mark Deloney.  

Please donate to Lydia Rachal, just visit this link:

www.amazingrhythmdisciples.com

Lisa Marie Ates Borders or better known as “Weezie” was a caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She fought a very courageous battle with cancer (neuroendocrine carcinoma) but she went home to be with God on November 20, 2024 surrounded by her family.

She was born to Allen and Helen Ates on September 30, 1961. Lisa is preceded in death by her parents Allen and Helen Ates, her sister Sherry Jo Ates Rivers and her sweet Sassy.

There is visitation scheduled for Friday, November 22, 2024 from 5-8 pm with funeral services at 10 am on November 23, 2024, with both being held at Calvary Baptist Church in Natchitoches.

This beautiful, loving, caring, devoted mama, sister, and friend was survived by her wonderful family that she loved so dearly: Lindsey Broadway (Stephen), Brittany Borders, Tyler Borders, Gracie Borders and Cherry Cronholm. She was a very proud “Weezie” to her grandbabies: Gracie Borders, Hunter Broadway, Ava Broadway, Bella Lopez, Chloe and Raeleigh Borders. Along with her brother Max Ates (Judy), her sister Peggi Flowers (Chuck), Niece and Nephews: Anne Marie Ates Broadhead, Aaron Ates, Caleb Oldham, Joe Flowers, and Pete Flowers. She also loved her “fur babies”: Sage, Lulu, Sunni Roux and Nunni.

Lisa was full of life and loved to have fun. She enjoyed having her family over for all occasions whether it was a holiday, football game or just because, but please “Excuse the mess.” Anytime she could fire up the grill was a time to celebrate. Lisa also enjoyed time at the beach, whether it was Cabo or Holly Beach, it didn’t matter, as long her toes were in the sand and a “weezie” in her hand. Lisa was always in the mood to celebrate Jesus, as she would listen to Christmas music year round. To know Lisa was to love her. She was full of spirit, joy, hope, compassion, and courage.

Lisa along with family would like to thank Dr. Akhtar and his wonderful team at the Cancer Center for all of their hard work and dedication of helping our precious mama over these past 11 months. They devoted so much of their time, energy and love to her and we are forever grateful for their compassion.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are: Pete Flowers, Joe Flowers, Aaron Ates, Caleb Oldham, Hunter Broadway and James Borders.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lisa Chessers Borders Scholarship Foundation at Northwestern State University or the NRMC Cancer Center.