Members of Cane River Branch of Magnolia State Peace Officers Association delivered coats to Fairview Alpha Elementary School on Jan. 30. Every year members of Magnolia State Peace Officers Association collects coats and delivers them to a local school to be distributed to children who may need a warm coat during the winter months.

When the weather begins to change and temperatures start to drop the association members do not want to see any students attending school without a coat. Many people may lack enough warm clothing to stay protected throughout the winter, and lack the money to buy that clothing. Members of Magnolia State Peace Officers want to assure students and teachers that the community is aware of their needs and willing to do what they can to ease the burden on teachers and students.

Pictured: President Billy Meziere, Carolyn Essex, LaQuita Collins, Vanessa Monroe, John Robertson, Lee Lofton and Principal Brooke Williams, Adrian Duruisseau and Sandra Williams.

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Few pastries have achieved the universal acclaim and culinary prestige of the croissant. This buttery, flaky, crescent-shaped delight is a breakfast staple, a café favorite, and a hallmark of French baking. National Croissant Day on January 30 is the perfect opportunity to indulge in this beloved pastry and appreciate its rich history, artful creation, and delicious versatility.

The Origins of the Croissant

While the croissant is synonymous with French culture, its roots can actually be traced back to Austria. The precursor to the croissant, the kipferl, was a crescent-shaped bread or pastry popular in Austria as early as the 13th century.

The croissant as we know it today came into being in the 17th century, thanks to a story steeped in legend. According to one popular tale, the crescent shape was created to celebrate the defeat of the Ottoman Empire during the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Austrian bakers are said to have crafted the pastry in the shape of the Ottoman crescent moon as a symbol of victory.

It wasn’t until the late 18th century that the croissant made its way to France. Marie Antoinette, originally from Austria, is often credited with popularizing the pastry in her adopted homeland. The French eventually adopted and refined the croissant, turning it into the buttery, laminated masterpiece we know and love today.

The Art of Making a Croissant

Creating a perfect croissant is no small feat. The process involves a technique called lamination, which requires folding butter into dough multiple times to create thin, alternating layers of dough and butter. When baked, these layers puff up, resulting in the croissant’s signature flaky texture.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in making a croissant:

1. Mixing the Dough: The base dough is made with flour, sugar, salt, yeast, milk, and water.
2. Adding the Butter: A slab of cold butter is rolled into the dough, ensuring an even distribution.
3. Lamination: The dough is folded and rolled out multiple times to create layers. This is a meticulous process that requires precision and patience.
4. Shaping: The laminated dough is cut into triangles, rolled into the classic crescent shape, and left to proof.
5. Baking: The croissants are brushed with an egg wash and baked until golden brown.

This labor-intensive process is a true testament to the skill and dedication of bakers. It’s no wonder croissants are considered a cornerstone of French pâtisserie.

Types of Croissants

While the classic butter croissant is a universal favorite, there are countless variations to suit every palate:

• Pain au Chocolat: A croissant filled with rich chocolate, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
• Almond Croissant: A decadent version filled with almond paste and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar.
• Ham and Cheese Croissant: A savory option featuring ham and melted cheese, ideal for a quick lunch or snack.
• Specialty Flavors: Modern bakeries experiment with flavors like matcha, raspberry, and pistachio to offer unique takes on the classic.

Croissants Around the World

While the croissant is most closely associated with France, it has become a global sensation. In the United States, croissants are often used as a base for sandwiches or served alongside coffee. In Japan, bakeries have embraced the croissant’s versatility, incorporating local ingredients like red bean paste and matcha.

In recent years, hybrids like the cronut (a croissant-doughnut fusion) have taken the pastry world by storm, further demonstrating the croissant’s enduring appeal.

Tips for Baking Croissants at Home

For those looking to try their hand at making croissants, here are some tips to ensure success:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your butter and flour will significantly impact the flavor and texture.
• Keep Everything Cold: Chilled dough and butter are essential for successful lamination. Warm butter can seep into the dough, ruining the layers.
• Be Patient: Croissant-making is a time-consuming process, but the results are worth the effort.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t bakery-perfect. Each attempt will improve your technique.

Croissant-Inspired Recipes

If you’re not quite ready to tackle homemade croissants, you can still enjoy their flavors in creative ways:

• Croissant Bread Pudding: A rich and indulgent dessert made by layering croissant pieces with custard and baking until golden.
• Croissant French Toast: Use day-old croissants to make an elevated version of French toast.
• Croissant Sandwiches: Slice a croissant in half and fill it with your favorite ingredients, from smoked salmon to Nutella.
• Mini Croissant Appetizers: Wrap small pieces of croissant dough around cheese or sausage for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Celebrate National Croissant Day

This January 30, celebrate National Croissant Day by indulging in this iconic pastry. Visit your local bakery, try your hand at making croissants from scratch, or experiment with croissant-inspired recipes.

For a true treat, pair your croissant with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and take a moment to appreciate the artistry that goes into every flaky bite.

Whether enjoyed plain, filled, or paired with a delicious topping, croissants are more than just a pastry – they’re a symbol of culinary excellence and cultural connection.

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Jason Pilcher, convicted of the 1993 murders of Phyliss Floyd Albritton and her son Justin, is seeking to modify his two life sentences to include the possibility of parole. His request follows U.S. Supreme Court rulings that restrict automatic life-without-parole sentences for juveniles.

In August 1993, Pilcher and Brandy Wiley, both 15, ran away from Shreveport and committed a series of burglaries before arriving at the Albritton home in Robeline. After receiving water and a phone from the family, Pilcher suddenly shot Phyliss Albritton in the head. He then chased 11-year-old Justin to his room and fatally shot him. Amanda Albritton escaped unharmed and alerted authorities. Pilcher and Wiley fled in the Albritton’s stolen truck but were arrested the next day.

Pilcher has been pursuing resentencing since the 2012 rulings. A six-day hearing, presided over by Judge Desiree Duhon Dyess, concluded on Jan. 28.

Testimonies were heard from Pilcher’s former teacher, his brother, medical experts, and the Albritton family, including a pre-recorded message from surviving victim Amanda.

The court will determine whether Pilcher’s sentence should allow for parole eligibility in the future. A ruling is expected in March.

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

Joey Carpenter – Animal at Large, No Rabies, No Pet License and Unlawful Ownership of a Dangerous Dog
Starr Lewis – Animal Cruelty and Maintenance of Premises
Charles Roque III – Theft
Terryl Thomas – Criminal Trespass
Daisha Howard – Animal at Large, No Rabies and No Pet License
Albert Aaron – Battery of a Daring Partner
Stevie Jones – Hit and Run
Tearle Willis – Failure to Appear
Jesse Wyatt – Theft
Richard Rushing – Remaining
Jalexcia Smith – Failure to Appear
Christina Moglothin – Theft
Lewis Demars – Possession of Marijuana
Alex Zeno – Theft
Colton Dickerson – unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling
Richard Rushing – Unauthorized Entry of a Business
Roderick Golston – Criminal Damage to Property
Joslyn Hall – Two Counts of Failure to Appear

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.

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The City of Natchitoches announces the temporary closure of BOTH LANES of Second Street, just north
of the Union Pacific Railroad Crossing, beginning on Monday, Feb. 3. This closure is necessary to allow Atmos Energy to repair a gas line leak in this area.

Through traffic will NOT be maintained through this work area — motorists MUST DETOUR around this
site via adjacent streets, including University Parkway and Bossier Street.

The duration of the closure is unknown at this time.

Motorists are advised to obey all warning signs while traveling in this area. For more information, contact City Engineer Nick Verret at (318) 357-3877.

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By Reba Phelps

The Goldonna Elementary Junior High Wildcats have rescheduled their Muffin with Moms for Friday, January 31. The school is also collecting gently worn uniform tops and bottoms of all sizes to replenish their uniform closet. They are in need of smaller sized bottoms for boys and girls Pre-K to 2nd grade. Donations can be dropped off at the school or you can call the office at 318-727-9449 to arrange pick up. Attendance recovery is held every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3-5 pm, excluding holidays.

The Goldonna Dusty Cut League is making preparations to have a successful season. Tara Ayres, the local coordinator, is seeking players for the 2025 Summer League. The sign up fee is $35 for one player, $25 each for two players and $15 for each additional child. The coordinator is collecting names, ages, shirt sizes and parental contact information. For more information or if you would like to make a donation, Tara Ayres can be reached at 318-471-8557.

The River of Life Church will hold a Chili Supper, with all of the fixings, on Wednesday, Jan. 29 following the church service at 7 pm. Reba Phelps will be the guest speaker for the church service and will be teaching a lesson called, “A Chilly Heart.” Bring your appetite and your humor for a great evening service.

Goldonna Baptist Church is once again hosting its Annual Skeet Shoot. It will be held on March 22 at the 4H Shooting Range in Winnfield. The event will offer five shooting locations and one thrower location. Shooters will supply their own ammo and safety gear. The skeet shoot will have three divisions. Junior (17 and younger), a Ladies division and Senior division. The entry fee is $25 will all proceeds will be benefitting the Operation Children Child efforts of the church. For more information, donations and sponsorships, call Pastor Ben Dupree at 318-663-0302.

The Teen Challenge Men’s Center will minister at Goldonna Assembly of God on Feb. 9 at the 10 am morning service. They will share testimonies and leading praise and worship.

To include information for your upcoming event in the Goldonna News email Reba Phelps @ jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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BOM is proud to continue our sponsorship of Justin Cooper Fishing. We want to wish Justin good luck this year and we can’t wait to follow his journey. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Zach Cooper, Justin Cooper, BOM’s Mary Kristi Lee.

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A Hope for Lydia fundraiser will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Ashland Fire Department located at 719 Highway 153 in Ashland starting at 11:00 am.

They will be selling Bar-B-Que sandwich plates for $10 each. Preorders are welcome and deliveries will be made if local. Willing to travel further if 10 or more plates are ordered for one location.

A Charbroil electric smoker donated by Fire District 2 in Goldonna will be raffled off as well. (Winner does not need to be present to win) Tickets are $1.00 each. Please contact an Ashland Fire Department member if you would like to purchase tickets.

There will be auction items to bid on that day as well.

Please follow Ashland Fire District 8’s Facebook page for updates.

All proceeds will go to Hope for Lydia. Lydia is the 2 year old daughter of Kirk and Morgan Weaver Rachal who has been diagnosed with Sanfilippo, a disease known as Alzheimer’s in children.

If you would like to donate to Hope for Lydia direct, their GoFundMe link is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/savelydia

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The Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) and Dr. Keith Ashby of NRMC Medicine Associates now offer comprehensive cancer screening to local active duty and retired firefighters. This program is designed to support the health of those who risk their lives to protect the community. The NRMC Multispecialty clinic will hold the screening fair on Friday, Jan. 31. The screenings will be funded by the NRMC Foundation through the generous support of David and Jennifer Thornton.

“The firefighter cancer screening project is exactly why the NRMC Foundation exists,” said Halie Errington, Foundation Development Director. “Through generous donations, like the Thornton’s have made, we are able to close funding gaps and bring lifesaving technologies to our community, friends and family.”

The Louisiana Legislature recently enacted Act 554, requiring local governments to provide cancer screenings at no cost to all full-time firefighters and retirees. The law addresses the heightened cancer risks firefighters face due to exposure to toxic, cancer-causing chemicals during active firefighting and post-fire cleanup operations. In fact, occupational cancer is the number one cause of line-of-duty deaths for firefighters according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Through the support of the NRMC Foundation, the financial burden on local fire departments, already operating within tight budgets, is being alleviated.

“Firefighters are often the first ones to respond when we are at risk, so their health is a priority for all of us,” said Erin Boyt, NRMC Provider and Community Liaison and volunteer firefighter. “We’re honored to provide this vital service.”

The screenings will consist of a cancer focused examination by Dr. Keith Ashby and a blood draw for the Galleri multi-cancer early detection test. The Galleri test screens for a “fingerprint” of many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic. These include cancers we don’t have recommended screening tests for today. Galleri detects fragments of DNA in the blood that have been shed by cancer cells. If a cancer signal is detected in the blood, the Galleri test can predict the Cancer Signal Origin (i.e., where the cancer is located in the body), with high accuracy to help guide next steps to diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Ashby will also review recommendations for other cancer screenings with each firefighter.

The NRMC Foundation intends to extend this initiative to include full-time and retired firefighters from Sabine Parish and Winn Parish in the near future, ensuring that more first responders have access to these critical screenings.

About the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center began as a community hospital in 1955 and has grown into a 216-bed healthcare system with over 1,000 Associates and more than 100 active and consulting physicians on its medical staff. The system is comprised of the 96-bed acute care facility, a skilled nursing home, cancer center, wound center, surgical and specialty services, and an extensive network of clinics. For more information, visit NRMCHospital.org.

About the NRMC Foundation
The NRMC Foundation is a 501(c)3, nonprofit fundraising foundation, which exists to ensure that Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is equipped to excel in delivering healthcare excellence for every member of our community. The Foundation accomplishes its mission through the philanthropic support of NRMC Associates and board members; and individuals, families, and businesses. Fundraising events include the Steel Magnolia Run, Annual Gala, TappedTober Craft Beer & Wine Festival, and Halloween Golf Classic. For more information, visit NRMCFoundation.org.

About the Galleri Test
The Galleri test does not detect a signal for all cancers and not all cancers can be detected in the blood. False positive and false negative results do occur. The Galleri test identifies DNA in the bloodstream shed by cancer cells and does not predict future genetic risk for cancer. The Galleri test should be used in addition to healthcare provider recommended screening tests. Important Safety Information: galleri.com/safety-information.

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Longtime Natchitoches resident Doug Ireland is being honored by the establishment of an endowed scholarship totaling $100,000 at Northwestern State University, commemorated by an announcement ceremony Saturday, Feb. 15 hosted by the NSU Foundation.

Natchitoches attorney Robert “Skeeter” Salim is making a $100,000 gift to the NSU Foundation to create the scholarship endowment. It is the latest in a series of $100,000 scholarship endowments Salim has made honoring friends who have served the university.

Friends and Northwestern supporters are invited to join Ireland, Salim and Northwestern’s president. James T. Genovese, at a brief ceremony 11 a.m. Feb. 15 in the Office of Development Conference Room, 520 University Parkway. 

Former Louisiana State Sen. Louis Bernard will be the master of ceremonies. Speakers will be Genovese, longtime NSU Lady Demon basketball coach James Smith, Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court David Stamey, Salim and Ireland.

To RSVP, contact Courtney Thompson at (318) 357-4430. 

Contributions to supplement the scholarship can be made by visiting the https://northwesternstatealumni.com/ireland-scholarship/ link.

Later on Feb. 15, Northwestern will officially name its basketball court at Prather Coliseum in honor of coaching legend Mike McConathy during a halftime ceremony at the Demons’ 3:30 home game against Stephen F. Austin. Ireland and McConathy worked together from 1999-2019 and McConathy concluded his career after the 2022 season with a state record 682 collegiate coaching victories.

Salim has previously established four $100,000 endowments over the past two years, scholarships in memory of Jerry Pierce, Richard Ware, Jack O. “Britt” Brittain Jr.  and H.N. & Inez Towry. 

Brittain, Salim and Ireland were among six people inducted last October in the university’s Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line, raising the total to 158 graduates receiving the honor over the past five decades.

Last fall, Salim was appointed by Gov. Jeff Landry to the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, which oversees operation of nine state universities including Northwestern.

He is a former member of Board of Governors of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Since 2007, he has been selected as one of the 100 Top Trial Lawyers as determined by The American Trial Lawyers Association. Salim is a founding member of The Class Action Trial Lawyers Association and was recently named to America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators. 

In 2019, he was inducted into the N-Club Hall of Fame as a winner of the Distinguished Service Award for his extensive support of NSU Athletics, particularly baseball,  men’s and women’s basketball and tennis.

Ireland was sports information director and assistant athletic director at Northwestern when he retired in 2019 after 30 years serving his alma mater.  He has been chairman of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame since 1990, just over a year after he left the Alexandria Town Talk sports staff to launch an acclaimed career as NSU’s SID.

Ireland spearheaded efforts leading to construction and the 2013 opening of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches. 

He recently returned on a parttime basis to serve Northwestern as a special advisor for President Genovese since the new president took office Aug. 5.

In 2021, he was enshrined in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as a winner of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. 

In 2008 the North Louisiana National Football Foundation S.M. McNaughton Chapter gave him its “Distinguished American Award” and in 2016, he received the Southland Conference’s Louis Bonnette Sports Media Award for career accomplishment. He was named 2022 “Mr. Louisiana Basketball” by the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches.

Ireland was named one of the 100 most impactful members of the Greek community at Northwestern for his service from 2007-22 as advisor for the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. In 2022, he was honored by NSU’s Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts as a Distinguished Communications Professional. 

Since 2021, Ireland has been the sports director and content contributor for Online Journals LLC, which encompasses 14 parish journals in northwest and central Louisiana. 

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By Steve Graf

When it comes to bass tournament anglers and sponsors, the winds are changing, and the opportunities are diminishing. Today we’ll take a look at what many young anglers are facing with regards to landing sponsors while trying to compete on one of the professional bass tournament trails. If you’re looking to fish for a living, pay close attention to what I’m about to tell you.

First, let’s address why sponsors are necessary; without them the decision to fish professionally can be next to impossible unless you have parents or grandparents willing to foot the bill. To fish at the highest level requires lots of money up front even before you ever wet a hook. Without great sponsors, it’s almost impossible to make the dream of becoming a professional bass fisherman a reality.

In today’s professional bass fishing world, there are only so many sponsors available as anglers are constantly competing for what few there are. Not all sponsors are created equal, as some are willing to pay the angler a salary, while others just give product such as a bass boat, fishing tackle, or possibly a truck in exchange for the angler’s promotion of these items.

But before an angler needs to worry about sponsors, he or she needs to learn how to find fish. The one mistake I see with many young anglers on the rise is that they are too worried about how to obtain sponsors rather than learning how to find and catch fish.

Kids today are star struck by the fancy sublimation shirts that really do turn heads. But it goes without saying that unless you can catch fish, you won’t have to worry about landing sponsors. Tournament success is still important!

Another thing young anglers don’t understand in today’s professional bass fishing world, it’s not just about catching bass, it’s also about an angler’s ability to promote a product. Most sponsors could care less if you can catch bass. They’re more concerned with your ability to communicate and sell product for them.

They want an angler who will represent their brand in a professional manner by attending boat shows, fishing seminars and doing a great job with social media promotions. My first advice to any angler looking to fish professionally is to take speech and learn how to sell yourself and communicate with people.

Here’s the truth…once you sign with sponsors, you’re now obligated to them and must respond to their beckoning call. They’re not paying you to fish, but rather to represent their brand and promote product.

Here’s where the love hate relationship comes into play. Every angler will tell you that when it comes to sponsors, it is a double edge sword. With success comes more responsibility and commitment to the sponsors you’re connected with.

This means more time off the water and less time practicing, which can interfere with your ability to compete at the highest level due to the fact that your sponsors are pulling you away from what you really want to do the most….go bass fishing!

But sponsors are a necessity for a fulltime professional angler, and they hold all the cards in an angler’s ability to make a living. Every angler will tell you there’s no way an angler can make a living just off tournament winnings. Anglers must draw a salary and get help with expensive tournament entry fees in order to make a living for their families.

So, the next time you see a professional bass fisherman wearing one of those great looking sublimation shirts with all the different company logos, understand that each logo comes with a high level of commitment and dedication, not just to the companies he represents, but his family as well.

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and always believe that the fish are going bite tomorrow. The power of positive thinking is the most important ingredient an angler can have in order to achieve success.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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By Doug De Graffenried

The washing machine at the Gibsland house is one of those front-loading types. The dryer is also. The dryer is stacked on top of the washer. I can stand in the laundry room and watch the laundry wash and dry. Sometimes that is better than what is on television. I have entered the phase of watching old football games to get through to the NFL-pre-season in August. I am rapidly running out of football season. I have tried to watch the new spring pro football games, but they have not caught my football fancy completely.

I remember the old-fashioned load it from the top type washing machines. I owned one that had a clear lid so I could stand there and watch the laundry do its thing too. I was a newer model that was missing something, more on that soon. If you have never seen laundry in the machines, you might try it. It is hypnotic. You can play games timing how long it takes the sweater to move from the front to the back and return. I know that none of you kill time like that. There are apps for killing time!

What both washing machines were missing was that thingy in the middle of the washing drum.

That thingy is called the agitator.

The internet, keeper of all knowledge, reads:

“In top loading washing machines, the agitator is responsible for moving the clothes through the water and detergent and is driven by the output shaft of the transmission. The output shaft is normally splined, and the center of the plastic agitator will have a matching spline to ensure a tight fit.”

The new washers have an agitation feature, but it is done in different ways. The thingy in the middle is not there. You want your laundry agitated!

Read again the definition for agitator in washing machines. They move clothes through the process. They are necessary for the washing process.

I think I am going to follow God’s call to be an agitator. My goal is to move people through the process of knowing Christ. If someone knows Christ, I want to agitate in such a way they will know Him better. I will agitate for the church to be a better place. I will agitate myself so that my life and faith are in alignment.

The thing about agitators, they are moving the process toward a better outcome. They not only point out what is wrong, they offer solutions and suggestions to make improvements.

Sunday, I invite you to a gathering of agitators at your local church. They are agitating for change, to transform the world in the name of Jesus.

Doug de Graffenried is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach Doug at his email:  DougDeGraffenried

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David Leo Straub passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025 after a prolonged illness. He was born on January 14, 1962 in Okinawa, Japan. Having been born into a US Air Force family, David spent his early childhood in the Philippines before settling in Bossier City, Louisiana. Upon graduation from Parkway High School, David enlisted in the US Navy. He began his military service at Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans, where he was proud to have become a “plank owner” of the USS Platte. It was on this ship stationed in Norfolk, Virginia that he served his country for the duration of his enlistment. During his time in the Navy, he learned the trade of Electronics and Instrumentation Technology which he would later apply to his post military career in positions with Measurex at Stone Container Corp in Hodge, John H. Carter Co. in Baton Rouge, and International Paper Red River Mill in Campti.

David was a loving and devoted husband and father. He was an excellent provider who remained steadfastly supportive and protective of his family. David possessed an incredible work ethic and it was not unusual for him to spend a week’s vacation painting the entire house or building a fence across more than an acre of backyard. He had a generous heart and thought nothing of sharing his lunches with co-workers or volunteering to cut a neighbor’s lawn. It always pained David to buy a vehicle in any color other than bright blue and if you wanted to make him happy, all you needed to do was offer to take him to DQ for an M&M Blizzard where he could never decide whether to order a mini or splurge on a small. When taken for early morning drives which were his absolute favorite thing to do, he never failed to break out in song at the appearance of the sunrise. If you were fortunate, he would also gift you with his best impersonation of Kermit the frog. Obviously, he was a treasure and will be greatly missed. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 37 years, Shawna (Gordon) Straub; his son, Dr. Joseph A. Straub and his daughter, Bethany (Straub) Edwards and her husband, Adam C. Edwards, all of Natchitoches; two sisters, Sheryl Arrant (Billy) and Linda McGarry (Dan) and one brother, Michael Straub (Pam); and a host of nieces, nephews and friends, including man’s best friend who goes by the name of Fred. He is preceded in death by his father, Jack H. Straub and his mother, Joycelyn L. Straub.

David was a lifelong student of the Bible and a man of unwavering faith. He endured more than a decade and a half of Parkinson’s Disease, which insidiously chipped away at his physical and cognitive health. However, David possessed the greatest treasure in the Holy Spirit and, as a result, he never stumbled or faltered in the Lord’s strength, deep inner peace and abounding joy which were renewed day by day. His family were first-hand witnesses to the amazing grace of God in providing a wellspring for David’s soul, and this is the enduring legacy that he leaves behind to all of those who knew him well. If he were here today, he would be the first to say that this world is not our home and that our lives are merely a vapor. David’s favorite Bible verse was Luke 23:43, “Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise’”. Triumphantly, David has now finished his earthly race and has joined the redeemed in Heaven where Christ is.

His family wishes to thank Dr. Kathleen Kautz for her compassionate and excellent care throughout their journey with Parkinson’s Disease. David wished to be cremated. A memorial service and inurnment is planned for Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 2 pm at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, 601 US-80, Haughton, Louisiana.

“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His Glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” Jude 1:24-25.

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At its Jan. 28 meeting, Rotarian with the Program Josh Manuel introduced the Director of Programs and Events for Leadership Natchitoches through the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce, Dustin Dauzat, Orhan McMillian, and NSU’s Trinity Sanders. This group works with local young professionals in an immersive community leadership program. Pictured from left are Manuel, Dauzat, Sanders, McMillian, and Rotary President Jesse Taitano (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

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January 29 marks National Puzzle Day, a celebration of one of humanity’s oldest and most engaging pastimes. From ancient riddles to modern jigsaw puzzles, the act of solving challenges has captivated minds for centuries. Beyond their entertainment value, puzzles offer significant cognitive and emotional benefits, making them a valuable tool for people of all ages.

The origins of puzzles date back thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples being labyrinths and mazes. Jigsaw puzzles, as we know them today, were invented in the 1760s when British cartographer John Spilsbury mounted a map on wood and cut it into pieces to teach geography. Since then, puzzles have evolved into a diverse array of formats, including crosswords, Sudoku, and escape room challenges.

Puzzles are more than just a source of entertainment—they’re a workout for the brain. Solving puzzles helps improve memory, problem-solving skills, and spatial reasoning. For children, puzzles aid in the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. For adults, they offer a way to keep the mind sharp and reduce stress. Studies have even shown that engaging in puzzles regularly can delay the onset of cognitive decline in older adults.

The joy of puzzles lies in their universality. Whether you’re a beginner tackling a simple crossword or a seasoned puzzler working on a 5,000-piece jigsaw, there’s something for everyone. Families can use puzzles as a way to bond, while individuals can enjoy them as a solitary escape.

Celebrate National Puzzle Day by exploring a new type of puzzle or revisiting an old favorite. Consider challenging friends to a puzzle race or working together to complete a complex jigsaw. Libraries and online platforms often offer free puzzle resources, making it easy to join the fun.

By incorporating puzzles into your routine, you can experience the joy of problem-solving while reaping the cognitive benefits. So, grab a puzzle and get solving—you’ll be doing your brain a favor.

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Natchitoches City Council held a brief meeting on Jan. 27 to approve the following agenda items:                                                                                                                                                                      

PLANNING & ZONING – INTRODUCTION:
Amend Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows: Lot 13 And North Half of Lot 12 And North 75 Feet of Lot 14 Block “AA” of Roy Addition. (126 North St.)

ORDINANCES – FINAL:
Designate Funds From The American Rescue Plan For Use By The City Of Natchitoches For The Purchase Of Certain Equipment And Other Movable Property To Be Wholly Owned And Titled To The City Of Natchitoches; Authorizing The Execution Of Any And All Documents Necessary To Properly Effectuate Such Purchases; And Otherwise Providing With Respect Thereto.

RESOLUTIONS:
Adopt The Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) Procurement Policy And Procedures Relative To The LCDBG Program

Reappoint Francis Conine As A Member Of The Board Of Directors Of The Industrial Development Board Of The City Of Natchitoches, Louisiana

Reappoint Kamal Deep As A Member Of The Board Of Directors Of The Industrial Development Board Of The City Of Natchitoches, Louisiana

Reappoint Bill Allen As A Commissioner On The Natchitoches Parish Port Commission For The City Of Natchitoches

Reappoint J. W. Scarborough As A Commissioner On The Natchitoches Parish Port Commission For The City Of Natchitoches

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 The next scheduled City Council meeting will be February 10, 2025.

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Addison Patterson became the first Northwestern State player in nearly two years to record consecutive double-doubles, doing so in wins against New Orleans and Stephen F. Austin.

Those performances lifted Patterson to his first career weekly honor, taking home Southland Conference Player of the Week laurels as announced by the conference office Monday afternoon. The award is chosen weekly by a vote of conference sports information directors.

A 6-foot-7, 205-pound senior from Missassauga, Ontario, Canada, Patterson averaged 18 points and 10.5 rebounds per game as the Demons pushed their conference record to 6-3 entering Monday night’s game at Lamar.

In the Demons’ Jan. 20 win against New Orleans, Patterson scored 15 of his 17 points and grabbed nine of his career-high-tying 11 rebounds in the second half as Northwestern erased a nine-point halftime deficit.

Patterson followed that by scoring a game-high 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the Demons’ 57-54 overtime win at Stephen F. Austin on Saturday. The consecutive double-doubles were the first for a Demon player since Jalen Hampton posted two in a row from Feb. 11-16, 2023.

Patterson, who leads the Demons in scoring at 13.2 points per game as well as assists (63) and steals (27), becomes the first Demon to capture the Southland Player of the Week since DeMarcus Sharp on Feb. 27, 2023.

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Northwestern State University announces the names of 529 students named to the President’s List for the Fall 2024 semester. Students on the President’s List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of 4.0.

For questions regarding the President’s List, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.

Students listed by hometown (in Natchitoches Parish) are as follows.

Goldonna – Winsome Guillory

Marthaville – Morgan Wyatt

Natchez – Cassidy McCarty, Shona Moses

Natchitoches – Naomi Adams, Michele Bishop, John Boyt, Arkeylius Brooks, Sophia Brossett, Tam Bui, Vy Bui, Emily Bumgardner, Madeline Conlay-Mayfield, Aziza Coutee, Kelsie Davis, Kamron Edwards, Caiden Garcie, Kristen Harris, Deborah Hernandez, John Killian, Corynn Lacaze, Josephine Martinez, Morgan McClinton, Kelsey McDonald, Brandy Meredith, Madelynn Misuraca, Lisa Montano, Caylyn Peddy, Hayden Prudhomme, Timothy Pursell, Tyler, Sebastian, Kamryn Shelton, Makayla Taylor, Caleb White, Alyrica Winder  

Robeline – Georgia Dowden, Caleb Johnston, Kandis Kay, Kaley Koss, Cheyenne Martin, Tucker Vascocu

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