Eight hundred ninety-two undergraduate students were named to the Spring 2023 Dean’s List at Northwestern State University. Students on the Dean’s List must be enrolled full time and earn a grade point average of between 3.5 and 3.99.

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

Those named to the Dean’s List by hometown (in Natchitoches Parish) are as follows.

Campti – Luke Greer, Alonna Henderson, Jordan Hoppock, Faith Matthews, Jason Smith, Hunter Thomas, Kaytlynn Walsworth

Clarence – Zenobia Poydras

Cloutierville – Harlee Manry

Goldonna – Stormy Carpenter, Halle Roton

Marthaville – Abby Powell

Natchez – Ayden Warren

Natchitoches – Juan Angulo Arrieta, Samantha Austin, Naeer Barker, Kaylee Baugh, Mariya Bayonne, Abigail Bevill, Meredith Black, Stephani Bradley, Amia Brown, Josue Bustillo Aguero, Ayden Butler, Aleshianna Cassey, Grace Chaisson, Adriana Chaj Hernandez, Madison Cotton, Aaliyah Creekmore, Eli Dyjack, Amanda Hernandez, Jackson Holoubek, Mikhail Hornsby, Chloe Hudson, Justice Hunter, Demetris Jackson, Punam Khadka, Shakera Kirk, Talia Lynch, Angel Maradiaga, Daryl Martin, Noah Martinez, Amy Masling, Kyleb Mcmahon, Jeremiah Miles, Jordan Nelson, Mark Nicholas, Joshua Nolley, Joshua Noyola, Sebastian Oviedo, Jewel Parks, Pamela Patton, Destiny Phillips, Jarell Remo, Summer Richardson, Keyiuna Russell, William Shields, Roselieta Smith, Carrington Solomon, Bayli Stoker, Zoey Suire, Kimberlie Tucker, Jorge Vargas Martinez, Hannah Watkins, Malorie White McCauslin, Mya Williams, Jalen Wilson, Sophia Witman, Brian Young

Provencal – Jesse Foshee, MiKenzie Griffith

Robeline – Talan Ammons, Annisotn Broadway, Lucas Broadway, Jacob Bynog, Savannah Edwards, Adam Guidry, Rayleigh Harris, Chase Johnston, Piper Kay, Sean Mitchem, Chrostpher Paligo, Tiffany Tousek, Keith Vascocu

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Seven hundred seventeen Northwestern State University students were named to the Honor List for the Fall 2024 semester. Students on the Honor List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49.

For questions regarding the Honor Roll, 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.

Campti – Kylie Donald, Jordan Kirts, Brittany Sullivan

Cloutierville – Jayden Joseph

Goldonna – Hannah Barber, Gracie Weaver

Marthaville – Colin Cosenza, Jay LaTour, Aaron Manasco, Amelia Strahan

Natchez – Devin Blake, Emerson Cain, Josiah Conant, Selena Humphrey, Kennedi Nelson, Bailey Roque, Madison Siimms, Austin Withers, Dustin Withers

Natchitoches – Christopher Anthony, Tony Arnold, Jayla Barfield, Jesus Calderon Pena, Luci Carr, Lennon Cooke, Caldwell DeFord, Laura Dove, Joshua Durr, Jessica Ellerbe, Kaniesha Evans, Crystal Fox, Randi Galyean, Karii Gautreaux-Gribano, Ethan Heard, Kyleigh Herring, Malarie Hunter, Morgan Hunter, Rannon Jett, Madison LaCou, Mckenzie Lacour, Jamauri Lee, Grace Lemoine, Nicholas Lott, Madison Martin, Elizabeth Maynard, Bailey Mcconnell, Brittney Menard, William Morrison, Alyssa Nash, Melanie Nation, Derrick Payne, Cameron Possoit, Travis Rachal, Wyatt Rasmussen, Madison Raymond, Jaime Roberson, Talesha Solomon, Na’Riaya Sowell, Madelyn Spillman, Morgan Swafford, K.C. Thompson, Tideshean Walter, Isaiah Williams, Madeline Williford, Calfin Willis, Michael Zschach

Provencal – Mckenna Rowe

Robeline – Andrew Austin, Kristin Bull, Tyler French, Presley Pleasant, Ashley Stewart, Isabella Young

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Data Privacy Day, celebrated on January 28, serves as an annual reminder to safeguard our digital lives in an increasingly interconnected world. With cybercrime on the rise and personal data becoming a valuable commodity, taking steps to protect your information is more critical than ever.

Data privacy encompasses various aspects of our online behavior, from securing personal accounts to being mindful of what we share on social media. It begins with understanding the risks. Every time you browse the web, post on social media, or shop online, you leave behind a trail of data. This data, if not adequately protected, can be accessed by hackers, advertisers, and even malicious actors.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your data is by creating strong, unique passwords for each account. A good password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. For added security, enable two-factor authentication, which requires a secondary form of verification beyond your password.

Another crucial step is keeping your software and devices up to date. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated systems to gain unauthorized access. Regularly updating your software ensures you have the latest security patches.

Social media users should be especially cautious about oversharing. Information like your full name, birthdate, or location can be used for identity theft. Adjusting your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts and being selective about friend requests can help minimize risks.

When shopping online, ensure the website uses secure encryption, indicated by “https” in the URL. Public Wi-Fi networks are another common risk. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts, like online banking, when connected to an unsecured network.

For those seeking to go further, consider using tools like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), password managers, and antivirus software to bolster your security. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect your digital identity and ensure your data remains private.

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Meet Shadow, a gentle soul whose past may be a mystery, but whose sweet spirit shines through every day. Shadow is a beautiful Chocolate Lab mix who was discovered one cold morning patiently waiting for help in the FAUNA parking lot, as if he instinctively knew he had found a safe haven. Since that moment, this incredible boy has stolen the hearts of his caretakers with his sweet, loving demeanor and affectionate nature.

Shadow gets along wonderfully with other dogs and absolutely adores children, making him an ideal addition to any household. With his calm, well-mannered behavior and beautiful leash walking skills, he is the perfect sidekick for leisurely strolls or snuggling on the couch. Shadow isn’t the type to get overly excited – no jumping or high-energy antics for him, instead he finds contentment in quiet moments sunbathing or simply being near you.

If you’re looking for a devoted, laid-back, loving companion who will fill your days with joy, Shadow is your guy. He is very ready to find a fantastic forever home where he can finally experience the love and security he truly deserves.

For more information about Shadow, please contact FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or npfauna.org

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By Brad Dison

In 1873, Julius Wettstein, a German cheese maker, opened a cheese factory in Monroe, New York. He named it Monroe Cheese Company. The company was so successful that Wettstein sold the company five years later for $16,000. Adjusted for inflation, that would be just over half a million dollars in today’s money. The cheese company was bought and sold twice, each time making a profit, until Adolphe Tode and a partner bought it in 1884 for $25,000. In 1888, they hired 21-year-old Swiss immigrant Emil Frey to work in the factory.

In 1889, Adolphe challenged his cheese makers to produce a popular cheese called Bismarck. Bismarck cheese imported from Europe spoiled before it reached American grocers. After two years of failed attempts on his own time, Emil developed a new spreadable cheese that was so popular that the company discontinued their efforts to create Bismarck cheese. They named Emil’s creation Liederkranz after a famous New York Singing Society. Liederkranze cheese became popular across America, but Adolphe had made enough bad business decisions that he lost everything.

In 1891, New York wholesale grocer Jacob Weisl bought the Monroe Cheese Company from the Goshen Savings Bank. Under Jacob’s leadership, the Monroe Cheese Company grew and expanded. They opened a second factory in Covington, Pennsylvania where they focused mainly on producing Swiss cheese. Sales of Swiss cheese were spectacular, but there were some issues with producing and distributing wheels of hard Swiss cheese. It often came out misshapen or was broken during the manufacturing or distribution processes. Jacob deemed the misshapen or broken cheese unsalable, but what could they do with all the “waste cheese?”

In 1916, Jacob challenged his employees to find a way to turn the “waste cheese” into a profitable product. Luckily, Emil Frey was still working for Monroe Cheese Company. In his spare time in his home kitchen, Emil mixed and measured various ingredients. After two years of trial and error, he came up with a concoction which used only three ingredients; the waste cheese, whey, which was the leftover liquid from milk curds, and an emulsifier used to blend and stabilize the product. Emil patented the process, named his new cheese, and shared his discovery with his boss. The new cheese could easily hold its shape, required no refrigeration, had a long shelf life, and turned into a silky sauce when melted.

The Monroe Cheese Company quickly put the “waste cheese” into production. Like Emil’s Liederkranze cheese, his new creation became popular in homes, hotels, and restaurants. It was so popular that on Valentine’s Day 1923, Jacob created and incorporated a new independent company to produce this one product. In 1927, Kraft Foods bought the “waste cheese” company.

Researchers at Kraft quickly began tinkering with Emil’s formula and process. Remember that Emil patented the process for making his “waste cheese.” Rather than three ingredients, the new formula had a paragraph’s worth of chemical ingredients. Kraft advertised the “waste cheese” as a health food and diet aid, though it was neither. With clever marketing campaigns, Kraft’s version of Emil’s “waste cheese” remains one of the most popular cheese products in the world. Kraft’s version still tastes and melts pretty much the same as the Emil’s “waste cheese,” and still uses the name Emil gave it because of its velvety smoothness when melted. You know Emil’s “waste cheese” as Velveeta. What you may not know is that Kraft’s version of Velveeta cheese does not contain any cheese.

Sources:

1. David Levine, “Where Does Velveeta (and Liederkranz) Cheese Come From? Monroe, NY, Of Course!” Hudson Valley Magazine, March 18, 2013, https://hvmag.com/food/where-does-velveeta-and-liederkranz-cheese-come-from-monroe-ny-of-course/.

2. David Levine, “Who Emil Frey whipped up a smooth dairy sensation,” Smithsonian, January-February 2025, p.35.

3. “The History of Cheese Making in Monroe,” Monroe Historical Society, https://www.monroehistoryny.org/cheese-in-monroe.

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Natchitoches City Council will have a pre-council meeting on Monday, Jan. 27 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:

PLANNING & ZONING – INTRODUCTION:
#002 Elie Ordinance Amending 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:
#001 Harrington Ordinance To 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:
#006 Petite Resolution To Adopt The Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) Procurement Policy And Procedures Relative To The LCDBG Program
#007 Smith Resolution To Reappoint Francis Conine As A Member Of The Board Of Directors Of The Industrial Development Board Of The City Of Natchitoches, Louisiana
#008 Nielsen Resolution To Reappoint Kamal Deep As A Member Of The Board Of Directors Of The Industrial Development Board Of The City Of Natchitoches, Louisiana
#009 Elie Resolution To Re-Appoint Bill Allen As A Commissioner On The Natchitoches Parish Port Commission For The City Of Natchitoches
#010 Nielsen Resolution To Re-Appoint J. W. Scarborough As A Commissioner On The Natchitoches Parish Port Commission For The City Of Natchitoches

REPORTS: Clarissa Smith – Financial Report

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

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The Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University will host the Second Louisiana Flute Festival on Saturday, Feb. 1 in Magale Recital Hall.

The event will include concerts, masterclasses, workshops, a flute choir and exhibits. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Participation is free. For more information, go to nsuflutefest.com. The event is being organized by NSU Assistant Professor of Flute Dr.
Stephen Clark.

Guest artists will be Giovanni Perez of Liberty University and Ji Weon Ryu, principal flute ofthe Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Albany Philharmonic Orchestra. They will perform at 2 p.m.

Perez is a Latin Grammy nominated flutist and producer. At Liberty, he teaches applied flute lessons, music production, songwriting, improvisation, global music entrepreneurship and collaborates in different projects.

As a composer, his music has been performed in the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Lee University in Tennessee, National Flute Association, Slippery Rock University, International Clarinet Association, International Double Reed Society, University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, the University of Arkansas, and in Turkey.

Pérez has traveled the U.S., Turkey, Puerto Rico, and Finland offering masterclasses and workshops in improvisation and contemporary music. Pérez completed his doctoral degree with Carol Wincenc and Ray Anderson at Stony Brook University. Pérez is a founding member of the Victory Players, a Pierrot ensemble that commissions music from minority/under-represented composers.

Admired for her “pure poetry” and “beautiful technique and sound” (NFA Chronicle), Ryu is the principal flute of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra since 2019 and is the first Asian wind principal of their history and first Korean member of the century to join the orchestra.

Ryu has performed with distinguished ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, Chautauqua, Princeton, and Syracuse symphonies, and the Verbier Festival Orchestra and has been a soloist with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Seoul Chamber Orchestra and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. As a soloist, and chamber and orchestral musician, she has performed in venues including Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, David Geffen Hall, Dvorak Hall (Prague), The John F. Kennedy Center, Musikverein (Vienna), and Seoul Arts Center.

Ryu has won First Prize at the 2017 Artur Balsam Duo Competition, the 2016 New York Flute Club Competition, and the 38th National Flute Association Soloist Competition along with the Best Performance of Newly Commissioned Piece Award and has received the 2017 Young Artist Award from the Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation in South Korea.

Ryu has performed extensively as a recitalist and a chamber musician all over the US and South Korea. She regularly tours with the Frisson, an “explosive” New York City-based chamber ensemble as a founding member and is a co-founder and the artistic committee of the Ensemble Blank, a contemporary group based in Seoul that strives to push boundaries of classical music repertoire and searches for unconventional concert venues.

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Late Friday afternoon Washington Street was closed to through traffic, just north of the intersection of Lafayette Street, for pavement repairs due to what appears to be a large sinkhole. The duration of the closure is unknown at this time. Through traffic is being detoured via Texas Street and Lafayette Street.

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St. Mary’s Catholic School, a leader in faith-based education and academic excellence, invites families and community members to its Open House on Monday, Jan. 27 from 5-6:30 pm. The event will take place at 1101 East Fifth Street and is open to prospective students, parents, and anyone interested in learning more about the vibrant and welcoming community at St. Mary’s.

This Open House offers families the opportunity to:

Tour the campus and classrooms
Meet dedicated teachers and staff who are passionate about faith-based education.
Learn about the school’s curriculum, extracurricular activities, and spiritual development programs.
Experience our new state of the art Virtual Reality technology for our classrooms
Explore athletic opportunities for students of all ages and skill levels.
Discover financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help make a Catholic education more affordable.

“St. Mary’s is more than just a school — it’s a community that nurtures faith, builds character, and inspires academic excellence,” said Stephen Wren, Principal. “Our Open House is a chance for families to experience the warmth and energy of our school firsthand, while also exploring the wide range of academic, spiritual, athletic, and financial opportunities available to our students.”

Athletic Opportunities for All Students
At St. Mary’s, we believe in fostering not only academic and spiritual growth but also physical development through athletics where multi-sport participation is encouraged. Students have access to a variety of team sports designed to encourage teamwork, leadership, and healthy competition. Families attending the Open House will have the opportunity to learn about our athletic programs, meet our coaches, and tour our athletic facilities.

Financial Assistance Opportunities
At St. Mary’s, we believe every child should have the opportunity to benefit from a faith-based education. That’s why we offer a variety of financial assistance options, including need-based scholarships, tuition discounts, and flexible payment plans. Our admissions director will be available during the Open House to discuss these opportunities and help families find the best solution for their individual needs.

St. Mary’s serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade and is proud to integrate Catholic values into a rigorous academic curriculum. With a strong focus on service, leadership, and faith formation, St. Mary’s prepares students to excel academically while becoming compassionate and responsible members of their community.

Event Details:

What: St. Mary’s Catholic School Open House
When: Monday, January 27 from 5:00-6:30 pm
Where: 1101 East Fifth Street
Who Should Attend: Prospective families and community members

RSVPs are encouraged but not required. For more information or to RSVP, please visit http://www.smstigers.org or contact Debbie Norman, Registrar at (318) 352-8394 or dnorman@smstigers.org.

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The Natchitoches Central High School Band Department has been awarded an “Education In-School” grant from The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. NCHS was chosen as grant recipient out of numerous other schools throughout the State of Louisiana. The grant funds will assist NCHS with
replacing old instruments, instrument repair, and saving for new marching band uniforms. Natchitoches Central High School has provided music education to the students of Natchitoches Parish for decades, and aims to continue for decades to come. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation uses the proceeds from the festival, plus other raised funds, for year-round programs in the areas of education,
economic development, and cultural enrichment.

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The Three Reeds Duo will perform in concert on Tuesday Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. 

The Three Reeds Duo is Northwestern State University Professor of Saxophone Paul Forsyth and Assistant Professor of Oboe Leah Forsyth. The concert will include works by Eugene Bozza, Stacey Berk, Grazyna Bacewicz, John Anthony Lennon and a work commissioned by Three Reeds by Joshua Burel. Associate Professor of Piano Dr. Chialing Hsieh will join the duo on two pieces.

The Three Reeds Duo is a unique ensemble consisting of oboe and saxophone. This duo, formed in 2005, has begun building a repertoire catalogue for this unique combination of instruments, ranging from newly commissioned works, to transcriptions of standard repertoire.

Three Reeds has performed in a variety of venues throughout the United States, Europe, and South America, ranging from World Saxophone Congresses to International Double Reed Society conventions and collegiate recitals. In 2015 and 2018, Three Reeds was the winner of the Alford Professorship at NSU. The professorship allowed them to record their debut CD, “signals cross,” as well as their second album, “Metamorphosis.” Released in the summer of 2016, “signals cross” was the first CD ever recorded of oboe/saxophone duos. Three Reeds Duo has now commissioned works from such composers as Gregory Wanamaker, Marcus Maroney, Kyle Blaha, Alyssa Morris, Richard Rose and Peter Lieuwen, Thomas Hundemer, Burel, Derek Brown and O’Neal Douglas.

More info on Three Reeds can be found at https://www.leahforsythmusic.com/three-reeds-duo.

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By Prem Gongaju

Time passed. A side glance informed Grandfather of his grandchild’s pupating self in the chrysalis of her recollection. He understood that his grandchild should be protected from the interference from without, and she should be left undisturbed so that she could transform and transcend the banality of existence into sublime, poetic one at her own pace and measure. Later on, Kamala would discover that she is the dancer and the dance on the dais of existence. Therefore, Grandfather kept regulating the rhythm of liminality by punctuating the silence with the intermittent sound of gurgle deep within the coconut belly of the hookah.

It wasn’t a new occurrence with the consummate storyteller, for he himself was heir to the portentous moments gifted by his father once upon a story hour in the selfsame ambience at night awash with moonlight. Incidentally, it was the same hookah that Kamala’s Grandfather’s father smoked during the moonlit night, interpolating the silence with the rhythmic gurgles from the coconut belly of the hubble-bubble. Thus Grandfather remained true to the narrative flowing from his father down in his storyteller’s vein; he considered the liminal moment linking him to his granddaughter an umbilical yarn of generational continuity.

The hookah was finished a while ago. And yet Grandfather kept regulating the rhythmic punctuation of silence with the gurgle from the belly of the smokeless hookah.

Suddenly aware of the smokeless hookah, Kamala exclaimed, “O Grandfather!” and ran with the spent chillum to fetch a fresh one.

After thanking Kamala for the fresh chillum, Grandfather asked, “Where was I?”

“The pearls of pain followed by the spectacular rise of the Sun God,” Kamala promptly cued in her Grandfather.

“Righto!” exclaimed Grandfather and began the story. “The Sky Goddess pined for the missing daughter and was at her wits’ end. She was left with no place to look for her missing daughter in the vast sky. So, shading her eyes with her tremulous hand, she scanned the seven seas from her palace window. She found the sea face more dazzling than the previous day. ‘The sea face is extraordinarily bright today,’ muttered the Sky Goddess to herself, ‘I don’t know why.’ Just at that instant there appeared a humongous cloud sailing in the sky, shielding the sun momentarily. But the Sky Goddess noticed the sea face radiated from within in the absence of the sun. ‘Fascinating,’ she thought to herself, ‘never have I seen such event before.’ She called her pet cormorant and delegated it to fly down swiftly all the way to the seafloor and scout around for the source of brightness. Pleased with the watery assignment from her Mistress, the cormorant dove deep into the belly of the sea. Following the beams of radiance, it soon arrived at its source: the missing moon radiating from the middle of the pink ornate throne in the inner sanctuary of the coral palace. The starfish were thrilled to have the full moon in their midst; they danced their little starry dance with precision and panache to entertain their newfound queen of the sea, while the seahorses went round and round in circles around the radiant moon. Armed with the knowledge of the whereabouts of the truant moon, the super sleuth flew straight to her Mistress in the sky and conveyed the news. The news pleased the Sky Goddess to no end. Her daughter was found at last! She rewarded her loyal pet with its favorite morsels of shrimp and salmon sushi dipped in the sardine sauce.

Then the Sky Goddess let herself be tired happily and reclined on the purple sofa for a much needed rest. But, alas, her rest was short lived.”

“How come, Grandfather?” asked Kamala anxiously, “why couldn’t she rest for as long as she liked?”

“You see, my child,” answered Grandfather, “running away from home is a serious matter in heaven as it is on earth. There are laws governing the heavenly bodies as there are domestic rules for the family members on earth.”

Grandfather paused to let the importance of observing the laws of nature and the rules of nurture sink in her granddaughter.

“I don’t run away when I disagree with Timila, right, Grandfather?”

“You’re right, Kamala,” Grandfather agreed, “when you two siblings squabble over some silly stuff, your sister runs to your mother.” Then he added with a chuckle, “And you run to me.” Kamala shook her head in agreement.

“The truant moon should have run to her mother instead,” said Kamala.

“Indeed, Kamala,” Grandfather hugged Kamala, and her face disappeared into the Niagara of her Grandfather’s beard.

“Soon after the Sky Goddess realized the irrefutable laws governing the celestial bodies, her erstwhile happiness ebbed away,” continued Grandfather, “and she is left with the aching heart with no recourse for its cure.”

Grandfather surveyed Kamala’s face for the signs of perturbation before he proceeded with the story.

“The Sky Goddess summoned her pet cormorant back from the garden pond and asked it to deliver the ultimate message to her wayward daughter lounging in the coral palace in the sea: ‘My dearest lost child: Because you transgressed the laws governing the heavenly bodies, you forfeited the rights and privilege of a lunar member, thereby disinheriting yourself the celestial place next to your sister moon. And from this night forward you shall have the watery domain and forever dwell therein in harmony among the creatures of the sea, not as a moon with its luster and luminescence but as a turtle, dull and lusterless.'”

“Poor moon-turtle,” said Kamala sadly.

Kamala’s Grandfather patted her head caringly and continued with the story.

“The Sky Goddess was overcome with sorrow. Her sobbing drew her pet cormorant to her side. She ran her hand nervously over its head arching like a question mark against her heart. Soon she cried out the last note of lamentation to her sea-bound daughter: ‘if you had come to me first! Alas, if you had come for my help first!'”

(The wise old raconteur left out the aftermath in the living room of the Sky Goddess. No sooner than the pet cormorant left on its final mission, she collapsed on the floor with a broken heart.)

“What would become of the moon marooned at sea?” Kamala asked nervously.

Grandfather caressed Kamala’s head lovingly and carried on with the story.

…To Be Continued on Feb. 3

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January 27 is National Chocolate Cake Day, a delightful excuse to indulge in one of the most popular desserts worldwide. Chocolate cake, with its rich flavor and decadent texture, has been a source of comfort and joy for generations. But where did this iconic dessert begin, and how has it evolved over the years?

The history of chocolate cake dates back to the 18th century. While chocolate itself was used primarily for drinking in the early days, advancements in cocoa processing made it possible to incorporate it into baking. By the mid-19th century, recipes for chocolate cake began appearing in cookbooks, evolving from dense, pudding-like cakes to the lighter, fluffier versions we enjoy today. The invention of cocoa powder by the Dutch in the 19th century and the mass production of chocolate by companies like Hershey’s helped popularize chocolate cake across the globe.

Today, chocolate cake comes in a myriad of forms to suit every taste and occasion. From a classic German chocolate cake layered with coconut and pecans to molten lava cakes with oozing centers, the options are endless. But how can you perfect this beloved dessert in your own kitchen?

For beginners, a one-bowl chocolate cake recipe is a great starting point. Using simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and oil, you can create a moist and delicious cake with minimal effort. Those looking to elevate their baking can explore more complex recipes, incorporating techniques like folding egg whites for a lighter texture or making a silky ganache for the topping. Pro tips include using high-quality cocoa powder for a richer flavor, ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature, and avoiding overmixing the batter to prevent a dense cake.

For those short on time or looking to try something new, local bakeries often offer creative takes on chocolate cake. Whether it’s a flourless chocolate torte or a vegan chocolate cake made with avocado, there’s something for everyone. Celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day by sharing your creation with loved ones or enjoying a slice from your favorite bakery. After all, few things in life are as universally loved as chocolate cake.

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A recent traffic stop led to the arrest of a Red River Parish man and recovery of a stolen semi-automatic rifle according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright. The investigation began on Jan. 18 at approximately 1:30 am, when NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies observed a vehicle and person acting suspiciously in the City limits of Campti, where recent thefts had occurred.

Deputies stopped the 2016 Dodge Challenger in the 2200 block of US-71 in Campti. Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as Javion Z. Jones, 19 of Coushatta. Deputies say while speaking with Jones, he appeared nervous. They asked if he had any weapons in the vehicle in which he responded “no.”

The deputies suspected criminal activity and asked Jones again if he had any weapons in the vehicle in which he responded, “Yes, behind the seat…I’m not sure if it’s stolen.”

Deputies retrieved the weapon from the vehicle and ran it through the National Crime Information Center learning the loaded Wise Arms AR-15 rifle had been reported stolen to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. Deputies placed Jones under arrest without incident.

As a result:
Javion Z. Jones, 19, of Coushatta was transported and booked into LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged with 1-Count of Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

Jones was released on a $15,000 appearance bond set by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge on Jan. 22 pending a court appearance. The stolen weapon was labeled and turned over to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau for a follow-up investigation. Involved in the arrest were: Deputies S. Kennedy and T. Hortman.

*All Persons are Presumed Innocent until Proven Guilty in Court*

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The Natchitoches Parish School Board elected new officers for the 2025 year at its Jan. 23 meeting. Reba Phelps was unanimously voted in as President of the Board. Russ Danzy was unanimously voted in as Vice President.

Other agenda items included:

Approve putting district wide lawn care contract out to bid.
Approve recommended changes to the NPSB travel policy with all changes taking effect immediately, except airfare changes which will take effect March 1.

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The NPJ recently reached out to Ecco Ride CFO Glen Krueger regarding recent letters to the editor published in the Natchitoches Parish Journal that raised serious allegations about a bus driver reportedly engaging in dangerous driving practices, including endangering students on board and causing other motorists to run off the road.

At the Jan. 23 Natchitoches Parish School Board meeting, Krueger visited with board members to update them on the situation, saying that he’d been in touch with the editor of the Journal and answered their questions. He also stated that while letters to the editor don’t reflect the news outlet’s opinion, people submitting them to news outlets like the Journal are the same as people posting their opinions on Facebook.

While the NPJ has heard that the bus driver in question, mentioned in the letters to the editor, has been moved to a different route, we have been unable to confirm this information officially.

Below are the questions the NPJ posed to Krueger, followed by his response:

NPJ: I would like to better understand the situation and the steps being taken to address these claims. Could you please provide clarification on the following:

Verification of Allegations: Have these allegations been investigated, and if so, what were the findings?

Driver Accountability: What measures are in place to ensure that bus drivers adhere to safety protocols? Are there disciplinary actions for drivers who engage in unsafe practices? Will he be relocated to a different route?

Reporting Mechanisms: What process is currently in place so students, parents, or motorists can report concerns about bus safety? What is the process for reviewing and responding to such reports?

Safety Training: What ongoing training or evaluations are conducted to reinforce safe driving practices among bus drivers?

Community Reassurance: What steps are being taken to reassure the community/parents/guardians about the safety of students and other road users?

Krueger: We cannot share investigation details or disciplinary actions of our employees publicly unless they become litigated matters. In accordance with any federal and state laws, our findings are shared with the complainant when completed. You can find out more information from that person if necessary. Oversight of our policies and procedures occurs through contractual requirements with Natchitoches Parish School Board, insurance company reporting requirements, and state and federal regulatory agency requirements for transportation.  All of our drivers have valid CDLs and meet all the qualifications of the DOT.

We investigate all reported concerns. We receive reports through direct phone calls to our local terminal, from calls to our corporate office, or from school board and school district personnel who have received a concern directly. We have also engaged in discussions with the school superintendent and other applicable school resources.

We have cameras and fleet management technology on all our buses which enable us to investigate any concerns very thoroughly for validity.  Those findings are shared with the complainant and school superintendent, but they are not otherwise available to the general public absent litigation.

We follow a progressive disciplinary policy and issue appropriate disciplinary action when a policy violation, incident, or accident occurs.

We follow federal and Louisiana state training requirements for all personnel, which is verified by those agencies. At no time has the Company been cited for violating state or federal laws.

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By Reba Phelps

A simple trip to the grocery store can be such an emotional experience for many reasons. When I was a much younger mother, my children were the controlling factor to decide whether the trip would be pleasant one or one that made me want to hide in the produce section and pretend I did not know who they belonged to. I would like to say as they grew older, it became easier but it simply did not. They older they became, the larger the disagreements were and their grocery requests became more expensive.

Another all too common grocery store emotion is the sticker shock of how much every day items have inflated. A few days ago, I thought my body went numb as I listlessly stared at the cost of coffee creamer. It was two pennies shy of being six dollars. My body, soul and mind would not allow me to spend this much money on coffee creamer. I stared at cartons of half and half while I weighed out the monetary and taste differences. My tastebuds were screaming, “Pay the six dollars and lets move on with our life.” I even momentarily considered going to straight black coffee but my tastebuds started acting up again.

Even when the stars align, the children behave and the prices are agreeable, one of the most stressful aspects of the grocery store is always the awkward, unknown condition of the shopping cart you will be pushing around the store. Will the cart have a flat tire, or a missing wheel, or will it shimmy and shake so loud that it announces your arrival before you turn a corner? Will it be drenched in liquid from a recent rain or a toddler that made himself at home in it?

So many variable factors can contribute to the success or downfall of an innocent trip to purchase groceries.

On a recent trip to the store, I exited my vehicle with so much hope as I prayed that God would bless my little family with good deals and no drama. As soon as I uttered that prayer and closed my door, a lady approached me in the parking lot and said, “Ma’am, you need this buggy. It rides so good, smooth as glass. I wont even charge you and it probably has new shocks!”

This was literally the most humorous thing that has ever happened to me and how could I even consider telling her no? She had me sold the minute she bragged about it being free and offering a smooth ride. I gleefully took her up on her offer. It only took me a few seconds of pushing the cart before I turned around to thank the stranger with the excellent sales skills, however she was already shaking her head in agreement.

She knew. I knew. It was a rare grocery store blessing.

As I was shopping with the golden shopping cart I couldn’t help but notice how nice it took curves, how quiet it was and how clean it was. It was everything the happy stranger told me it would be. I even found myself lingering longer on the isles, taking my time and enjoying the grocery store scenery. When my time was coming to an end and I made peace with the fact that the store would frown upon me bringing the grocery cart home, I frantically looked around for someone to bless with the special buggy. This blessing couldn’t go to waste.

By the time I made my way to my car, unloaded my groceries and started to bring the cart back, I ran into the perfect person who would appreciate the value of the free gift that was given to me. As soon as I started my sales pitch, I could see the look of disbelief. How could this fantastic buggy be a free gift with so many benefits? Once he accepted it for himself, I could see the look of shear surprise in his face. He was delighted as he bounced away with the newly upgraded buggy.

Much like the gift of salvation, it is free and open to anyone who will accept it. Newly saved Christians will always feel like it is too good to be true, it has to be a catch or it simply cant be available to anyone who seeks salvation. A true gift is always a blessing, free with no strings attached. It is an overwhelming thought to know that a simple free gift will earn you an eternal life with the true gift giver.

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
Titus 3:5

Reba Phelps jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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The Northwestern State football team announced the addition of nine transfers to its 2025 roster on Jan. 23.

Head coach Blaine McCorkle and his staff buttressed their roster with an influx of five offensive players and four on the defensive side. Included in those numbers are seven newcomers from four-year schools – including two with previous experience at power-conference schools – and two junior college signees.

“I am very happy to welcome this group of young men to our program,” McCorkel said. “Our staff went to work in the portal and was extremely selective in finding the right group of players that can come in and make our team better on and off the field. We will always work to replace our graduating seniors with high school talent and the guys that quit with players from the portal. Fortunately, we lost very few players in comparison to our SLC counterparts. With that, we set out to find guys who are solid contributors on the field, fit our geographic footprint and would bolster the strong culture we’ve worked to create in the locker room, and I think we hit each of those benchmarks”

2025 Transfer Bio Capsules

Eli Anderson, QB, 6-2, 200, Sr., Philadelphia, Miss./Neshoba Central HS (Mississippi College/East Mississippi CC/Mississippi Gulf Coast CC)
Prior to NSU: Spent one season each at Mississippi College, East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College … appeared in seven gamest at Mississippi College, throwing for 470 yards and adding 36 rushing yards … accounted for more than 2,100 yards and 24 touchdowns in one season at Mississippi Gulf Coast … helped East Mississippi win the state championship, starting eight games and throwing for 2,228 yards and 15 touchdowns.
High School: Four-year letterman for coach Patrick Schoolar’s Rockets … played in the North/South All-Star Game as a senior after being named first-team all-state … as a senior, threw for 3,383 yards and 42 touchdowns, adding 437 yards and eight scores on the ground for a 13-1 Neshoba Central team … threw for more than 700 yards and eight touchdowns as junior, helping Neshoba go 9-2 … threw for 997 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the Rockets to a 10-4 marks as a sophomore … accounted for more than 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns as a freshman, helping the Rockets go 8-2 and finish as the conference runner up … also lettered in baseball and track and field … honor roll student graduated with a 3.5 grade point average.

Luke Carter, TE, 6-4, 240, Fr., Houston, Texas/Katy HS (North Texas)
Prior to NSU: Redshirted one season at North Texas.
High School: Played for coach Gary Joseph’s Tigers … was a three-star prospect according to On3 and a two-star by Rivals … named first-team all-district tight end and long snapper as a senior and was an all-state selection … first-team all-district selection had 12 catches for 182 yards and six touchdowns as a junior … was also a first-team all-district long snapper … was rated as the No. 10 tight end in Texas by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.

Preston Hickey, DL, 6-1, 300, Jr., Mandeville, La./St. Paul’s (LSU/Oklahoma State)
Prior to NSU: Spent two seasons at LSU, appearing in two games … redshirted one season at Oklahoma State.
High School: Lettered for former Demon Ken Sears’ Saints … as a senior, earned first-team all-state, all-metro, all-parish and all-district honors after setting the St. Paul’s single-season tackle for loss record with 25 … two-way standout also caught a touchdown and 2-point conversion against rival Mandeville in the state playoffs … helped St. Paul’s reach the state semifinals as a senior … won a state wrestling championship and earned first-team all-district honors for coach Matt Pinero.

Myion Hicks, RB, 5-11, 210, Sr., DeSoto, Texas/Pantego Christian Academy (Furman)
Prior to NSU: Spent four seasons at Furman University … helped the Paladins to two FCS Playoff appearances and a Southern Conference championship … rushed for a career-high 442 yards as a junior in 2024, scoring four touchdowns and catching six passes … had a season-best 68 yards against Charleston Southern on Sept. 7, one of three games with at least 65 yards on the ground … added touchdowns against Chattanooga, Wofford and ETSU … rushed for 229 yards on 36 carries as a sophomore, averaging 6.4 yards per carry … rushed for a career-best 70 yards and a touchdown against Wofford … also scored touchdowns against Mercer and The Citadel in 2023 … ran for 65 yards against North Greenville in his first collegiate game in 2022 … four-time member of the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and was part of the 2023 SoCon Fall All-Academic Team … three-time Dean’s List student has a 3.5 grade point average.
High School: Played four seasons for coach Drew Sells’ Panthers … two-way standout helped Pantego Christian to a pair of playoff appearances as a junior and senior … helped Pantego go undefeated (6-0) for the first time in 30 years … two-time district defensive player of the year and first-team all-state selection at linebacker … rushed for 678 yards and 11 touchdowns while catching four touchdown passes as a senior … named second-team all-state as a junior after rushing for 1,042 yards and 10 touchdowns … led Pantego with 110 tackles in a 9-2 season .. four-time team captain … also lettered in baseball and track and field, winning the 4×200 relay district title as a sophomore … two-year baseball team captain.

Anthony James II, DE, 6-5, 270, So., Wylie, Texas/Wylie East HS (Washington/Eastern Washington)
Prior to NSU: Spent one season each at Eastern Washington and Washington … redshirted with the Huskies, who won the Pac-12 and the Sugar Bowl before falling in the CFP National Championship Game.
High School: Lettered three seasons for coach Marcus Gold’s Raiders … named an All-American and played in the Adidas All-American Game as a senior … finished his senior year with 24 tackles, 13 quarterback hurries and four sacks, helping the Raiders to the district title.

Garrett Morphis,6-4, 300, So., Monticello, Ark./Waco Midway HS (Texas Tech)
Prior to NSU: Spent two seasons at Texas Tech, including a redshirt year.
High School: Two-year letterman for the Panthers … starter as a senior, collecting 31 pancake blocks to earn honorable mention all-district honors … honorable mention academic all-state selection by the Texas High School Coaches Association … also lettered in basketball.

Dylan Rhodes, WR, 6-2, 2-2, So., McKinney, Texas/McKinney HS (Texas State)
Prior to NSU: Spent two seasons at Texas State … saw action in three games as a redshirt freshman.
High School: Lettered for coach Marcus Shavers’ Lions … also lettered in baseball for coach Mason Leach … member of the PALs (Peer Assistance Leadership Skills) organization.

Rahmaan Rinkin, CB, 6-0, 175, Jr., Memphis, Tenn./Bartlett HS (Coahoma CC)
Prior to NSU: Played two seasons at Coahoma Community College … was named a second-team preseason All-American ahead of his sophomore season … finished his sophomore season with 34 tackles (one for loss), two interceptions, one pass breakup and a blocked kick … added a 6-yard rush and a 2-yard catch on offense … had 34 tackles (two for loss), one interception and one pass breakup as a freshman … graduated with a 3.0 grade point average.
High School: Four-year letterman for the Panthers … named first-team all-state and all-region as a senior, intercepting six passes and helping Bartlett post an 11-3 record … also added a 99-yard kick return and a field goal on special teams … switched to cornerback as a junior and intercepted three passes while making 21 tackles … lettered as a wide receiver as a freshman and sophomore, catching 15 passes for 321 yards as a freshman … was the regional champion in the 110-meter hurdles.

Tyler Siddons, TE, 6-5, 250, Jr., Salem, Ark./Salem HS (Central Arkansas)
Prior to NSU: Spent three seasons at Central Arkansas, earning two letters … made his first career catch against Abilene Christian in 2024.
High School: Played for coach Josh Watson’s Greyhounds … also lettered in basketball and track and field … was a member of the FFA and graduated with a 3.0 grade point average.

Fernando Washington, LB, 6-1, 220, Jr., Macon, Ga./Academy for Classical Education (Copiah-Lincoln CC)
Prior to NSU: Played two seasons at Copiah-Lincoln Community College … recorded 50 tackles (seven for loss), two fumble recoveries, one sacks and one pass breakup in nine games as a sophomore … had 10 tackles (1.5 for loss) and a sack in six games as a freshman.
High School: Three-year letterman for the Gryphons … named first-team all-state and all-region in both his junior and senior seasons, helping the Gryphons produce 13 wins in those two seasons … first-team all-region and honorable mention all-state as a sophomore … member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

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