On June 3, communities across Central Louisiana joined the nation in celebrating National Egg Day, recognizing the versatility and nutritional value of eggs in daily diets. Local farmers’ markets in Natchitoches and Alexandria featured special promotions, highlighting farm-fresh eggs and sharing recipes with patrons.
Nutritionists from the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center conducted workshops emphasizing the health benefits of eggs, including their high protein content and essential vitamins. “Eggs are a staple in many households, and it’s important to understand their role in a balanced diet,” said Dr. Linda Carver, a nutritionist with the center.
Restaurants in the region also participated by offering egg-themed dishes, from classic omelets to innovative desserts. The day’s events not only celebrated a common food item but also supported local agriculture and encouraged healthy eating habits among residents.
William Ray Bell September 15, 1972 – June 1, 2025 Arrangements TBA
Scott Dawson August 21, 1981 – June 2, 2025 Arrangements TBA
Margaret Jane Thomas July 20, 1940 — May 30, 2025 Service: Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 2 pm at First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches – Crossroads Sanctuary
Carolyn Shannon August 16, 1933 — May 24, 2025 A memorial will be held on June 7, 2025, at her residence at 1 p.m.
Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them tonpjnatla@gmail.com
Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Stephen Andrew Cipkin, 38, a former tutor from Suffolk County in New York, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell to 65 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for two counts of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
Cipkin was charged in a Bill of Information and Indictment with enticement of minors to engage in sexual activity and pleaded guilty to the charge on August 13, 2024.
At the guilty plea hearing, Cipkin admitted that from January 2022, through April 23, 2022, he used a smart phone and computer to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor female under the age of 18 years old to engage in sexual activity. Cipkin, posing as an adolescent female seeking a friendship, used an online catfish account to contact the minor victim. He later admitted to being a male and began an online relationship with the minor victim after gaining her trust. During this relationship, Cipkin asked the minor victim to send sexually explicit photographs of herself to him and also asked her to meet up with him for sexual intercourse. After receiving the photographs and videos, he used them as blackmail to extort and threaten the minor victim.
From April 16, 2022, through April 23, 2022, Cipkin traveled from the State of New York to Natchitoches, Louisiana, to meet with the minor victim. Cipkin picked up the minor victim from her home and brought her to a hotel in the Western District of Louisiana where they engaged in sexual intercourse.
Cipkin also admitted that between January 1, 2021, and continuing through January 1, 2022, in the Northern District of Tennessee, he used his smart phone and computer to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce another minor female under the age of 18 years old to engage in illegal sexual activity. Cipkin reached out to the minor female victim using an online account that he had created and began an online relationship with the minor female victim, asking her to send sexually explicit photographs to him and to meet with him for sexual intercourse.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Casey N. Stelly in the Western District of Louisiana.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office proudly congratulates former Deputy Michelle Sims on her graduation from the Louisiana State Police Training Academy. Deputy Sims has now earned the distinguished title of Louisiana State Police Trooper.
Michelle Sims served with honor and professionalism during her time with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, and her advancement into the ranks of the Louisiana State Police is a testament to her dedication, integrity, and strong commitment to public safety.
“We are extremely proud of Trooper Sims and her accomplishment,” said Sheriff Stuart Wright. “Her hard work and determination have brought her to this important milestone, and we know she will serve the people of Louisiana with the same distinction she brought to our office.”
The Louisiana State Police Training Academy is one of the most challenging and respected law enforcement training programs in the state, and graduates are held to the highest standards of service and professionalism. Join the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office in congratulating Trooper Michelle Sims on this outstanding achievement.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office proudly welcomed four new deputies this morning during a swearing-in ceremony conducted by Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court David Stamey.
Sheriff Stuart Wright introduced the new deputies—Braden Arnold, Kaleb Edwards, Kyron Dunn, and Jacob Bellow—who took their official oath of office and will begin their in-service training immediately. All four deputies are scheduled to attend the Alexandria Regional Police Academy in August as part of their continued preparation for duty.
“We are proud to welcome these new deputies to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Wright. “Their commitment to serving our parish and ensuring public safety is commendable, and we look forward to supporting them as they begin their careers in law enforcement.”
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office remains committed to maintaining a strong, professional, and well-trained team to serve and protect the residents of Natchitoches Parish.
The NPSO Human Resources Team is assisting the new deputies during the transition as Deputy Sheriff’s.
First Grade A Honor Roll: Isla Harris, Dax Rashall-Wise; B Honor Roll: Carson Arredondo, Callen Cameron, Chase French, Sawyer Gill, Charlie Vandersteen
Second Grade A Honor Roll: Aurora Alford, Farryn Jeane; B Honor Roll: Abigael Adkins, Isaiah Armstrong, Emma Fuller, Asher Hale, Jackson McKnight, Aaron Walsh
Third Grade A Honor Roll: Kailyn Adkins, A’ziah Armstrong; B Honor Roll: Wyatt Clark, Araya Dortlon, Brier Duhon, Ezra Gill, Hayes Harrington, Carlie Mathews, Lillith Mills, Camille Mims
Fourth Grade A Honor Roll: Archer Johnson, Eleanor Picou, Eli Thibodaux; B Honor Roll: Callen Bertrand, Cordell Ivy-Daniels, Ryan Lovemore, Vivian Philen, Charlie Rhodes, Adam Todtenbier, Kiptin Williams
Fifth Grade A Honor Roll: Lila Campbell, Jax Errington, Hendrix Harrington, Carter Hough, Jaxson Norsworthy; B Honor Roll: Murphy Allison, Elizabeth Blankenbaker, Anniston Clark, Hendrix Johnson, Gavin Key, Emmi Myers, Noah Scarborough
Sixth Grade A Honor Roll: Holt Cedars, Hudson Harrington, Heath Methvin, Oliver Picou; B Honor Roll: Sophia Conklin, Kross LaCaze, Abel Lavespere, Hadley Mayeaux, JT Morgan, Branch Smith, Annabeth Thornton, Sutton Vandersteen
Seventh Grade A Honor Roll: Corbyn Gandy, Anna Johnson, Weston LeGrande, AK Sheffield; B Honor Roll: Lacey Boyd, Madden Cameron, Brooklyn Clark, Raylee Hale, Jayd Linebaugh, Anistyn Rhodes, Paisley Rae Tilley, Anna Todtenbier
Eighth Grade A Honor Roll: Macie Cameron, Kollyns Duhon, Amelia Picou, Ady Rhodes; B Honor Roll: Sydney Culotta, Andrew Johnson, Brenley Metoyer, Jolee Shea,
Ninth Grade A Honor Roll: Maegan Bolton, Lilly Boyd, Avery Evans, Jaxon Hayden, Carter Jackson, Madelyn Melder, Chloe Methvin, Jacob Thibodaux, Merritt Vandersteen; B Honor Roll: Levi Aton, Waylon Bolton, Winn Cedars, Beau Clark, Emme Errington, Landri Ezernack, Ava Knapp, Kane Milner, Emmy O’Con, Gannon Sheffield, Layla Slaughter, Makena Thomas, Gracie Watson
Tenth Grade A Honor Roll: Alyssa Brewton, Halle Campbell, Luc Cross, Peyton Faucheaux, LaVarion Fisher, Kennedy Griffin, Ethel Marie Guidry, Carter Hogg, Abram Nichols, Joelee Savell, Molly Smith, John Paul Thibodaux, Adelle Williams; B Honor Roll: Emma Bain, Mary Hannah Churchman, Michael French, Ava Holland, Cruz Jackson, Mackenzie Morgan, Rayanna Norsworthy, Victor Pinkney, Camille Procell, Summer Rushing, Ava Wren
Natchitoches native Maria Bienvenu (left) and her TCU teammate, Irene Jepkemboi, will be among 24 women in the javelin competition at the upcoming NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Bienvenu can claim her third career All-America honor.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Maria Bienvenu was a state champion basketball star who was persuaded to give the javelin throw a good-faith try at the end of her St. Mary’s athletic career five years ago.
It has more than paid dividends, and did again last week. Bienvenu, a senior at TCU, defied the odds again to earn another trip to the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore., to compete next Thursday, June 12. It’s the fourth time in her four seasons (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025) she has reached the national meet.
She entered last Thursday’s regional championships ranked 16th among the 48 qualifiers at the NCAA West Preliminary Round, with the top 12 earning berths at the national meet.
Coming off a third place two weeks earlier at the Big XII Conference meet, Bienvenu stepped up and finished 10th with a throw of 172-10.
Her parents, Russel and Amy Bienvenu, were among supporters from Natchitoches watching what could have been the final competition in their daughter’s highly-accomplished college career that began with two All-America seasons (12th as a true freshman, 13th as a redshirt sophomore), sandwiched around a reconstructive elbow surgery, at UL Lafayette.
She transferred to TCU for her junior season and was an honorable mention All-America last June after a 17th place finish at the national meet. The top 16 are All-Americans.
She also qualified for the USA Olympic Trials in July and reached the final round of 12 throwers, becoming the first local woman to compete at the track and field Olympic Trials.
This year has had its physical challenges and competitive frustrations, but Bienvenu peaked at the right time to shine at the conference meet, then sparkle at the West regional. Her father was justifiably proud in a weekend Facebook post.
“As tough as this year has been, I wasn’t confident she was going to make it but she came through when it counted …. No better place to finish your career than Track Town USA, Eugene, Oregon!,” he wrote.
The women’s javelin will be contested Thursday, June 12 at 7:15 CDT, with coverage available via live stats or ESPN+.
DID HIS PART: Leadoff hitter Derek Curiel reached base four times, going 3-for-4 with a double and drawing a walk, but only scored once Sunday night as LSU stranded 10 runners while getting upset by Little Rock in the Baton Rouge Regional. (Photo courtesy LSU Athletics)
By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports
BATON ROUGE – As an Arkansas-Little Rock pitcher who almost quit the team before the start was clinging to a two-run lead over the nation’s No. 3 college baseball team at the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional championship round in a packed Alex Box Stadium, Chris Curry momentarily wandered down memory lane.
He was a 36-year-old pitching coach for Northwestern State when the Little Rock native was hired as UALR’s head coach on July 1, 2014.
“Right after I took the job,” Curry said, “a gentleman that I respect a lot, and I won’t say his name, came into my office. He said, `What are you thinking? This is career suicide. What are you doing?’ I said, `I just think we can win at Little Rock, and I think we can get good players.’
“I believed in the opportunity, believed in Little Rock, and now we have the support, and we just won the biggest game program in history on one of the biggest stages in college baseball. I’m just along for the ride.”
The journey accelerated beyond Curry’s wildest imagination when the Trojans handled LSU 10-4 here on Sunday night to force tonight’s 8 o’clock winner-take-all game for the regional championship to be televised on ESPN2.
Until 12 days ago, Curry’s 11th season as UALR’s baseball boss had seriously run off the rails because of injuries. At one point, the Trojans were without six of nine of their position starters.
They staggered into the Ohio Valley Conference tournament on May 21 as the No. 8 seed, losing 13 of their last 14 regular-season games.
And ever since, they’ve been a raging forest fire that refuses to be extinguished.
UALR won five games in five days to capture the OVC tourney and an automatic bid for the school’s first NCAA tournament appearance in 14 years.
Then in the last two days as the No. 4 seed in the Baton Rouge as the only squad in 64-team field with a losing record, the Trojans’ (27-33) first three NCAA tourney wins in history were elimination games after they lost Friday’s opener 7-0 to the regional’s top seed and No. 6 national seed LSU.
Hitting a combined .369 with seven home runs in the trio of wins, UALR’s 22-10 slugfest sent home No. 3 seed Rhode Island on Saturday, followed by Sunday afternoon’s 8-6 win over No. 2 seed Dallas Baptist.
About three hours later, the Trojans found themselves trailing the Tigers 3-0 in the top of the first inning. UALR starting pitcher Noah Burkey didn’t even make it through the top of the second.
Both fan bases in the crowd of 11,510 sensed blood in the water. The LSU faithful were positive their Tigers would close out UALR and win their 27th regional championship and 24th at home to advance to next weekend’s Super Regionals hosted by LSU.
But then. . .
Trojans’ second baseman Cooper Chaplain drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the second inning, followed by first baseman Angel Cano launching his fourth homer of the regional.
And suddenly, the 45-win Tigers were exposed as mere mortals.
Cano’s three-RBI double in the UALR’s four-run third inning boosted the lead to 6-3.
Then, a string of bottom-feeder relievers on a Trojans’ staff ranked 175th nationally with a 6.42 earned run average managed to make plays that stranded 10 LSU baserunners.
The Tigers began tightening while UALR didn’t.
“They’re playing with no fear, no worries, no pressure, and we have been for weeks now,” Curry said of his team.
Cano, a Cartagena, Colombia native plucked out of Western Oklahoma State College by a UALR assistant after a shoulder injury prevented Cano from signing with a Power 4 conference school, thinks the sky is the limit for the Trojans.
“We’re capable to do a lot of things,” said Cano, who’s batting .421 (8 for 19) in the regional with three homers, five doubles, 14 RBI, and seven runs. “We just stick with the plan, play for each other, and like Coach (Curry) said, `Hold the rope.’ Just stay strong and believe.”
Curry, who played baseball for Mississippi State as a catcher in the late ‘90s, said he’s started using the “Hold the rope” mantra, originated by legendary former LSU head coach Skip Bertman, a week before the start of the OVC tourney.
“I competed against Coach Bertman, he recruited me a little bit and was very, very familiar with the mental side of things,” Curry said. “Coach was cutting-edge in the psychology of baseball and hold the rope.
“I saw Coach last (Saturday) night when I came to watch LSU and Dallas Baptist. I told him, `I stole your line, but I know it’s yours.’ He said, `You use it all you need to use it.’
“Coach Bertman won a lot of games, so that’s a pretty good guy to borrow a phrase from.”
Against the Tigers, no Trojan held the rope better than reliever Malcolm Brown. The junior from Little Rock, who had a 5.50 ERA and a 1-3 record, pitched the last 5.1 innings and held LSU to one run and three hits.
“Just go out there and attack, get strike one, fill up the zone, and see what happens,” Brown said of his approach. You got a defense behind you.”
Brown’s performance vs. LSU wouldn’t have been possible without Curry’s fatherly guidance at the beginning of the spring.
“He (Brown) came into my office,” Curry said, “and said `Hey, Coach, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to play anymore. I’m going to have to go support my family.’”
Since Brown had a year and a half left academically to become the first member of his family to earn a college degree, Curry encouraged him to stay.
“I’m really glad Malcolm did not hang up baseball early in the year to go to work,” Curry said.
After the way Brown closed out the Tigers – “They executed a few good pitches at key times, so you have to tip your hat to them,” LSU head coach Jay Johnson said – you can bet Brown is ecstatic he stuck around for Sunday’s memory of a lifetime.
The DemonSats, a student research team from Northwestern State University and the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, mentored by Professor of Physics Anna Dugas, successfully sent a sounding balloon payload into space on the LaSPACE ACES-72 launch at the NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas.
“The balloon launched near 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20. The flight and recovery went very smoothly. My team comprised of Northwestern State and LSMSA students were able to recover their payload and all the expected sensor data was recorded successfully,” Dugas said. “In addition to the launch, the DemonSats team gave two presentations, one to provide flight readiness evidence from the pre-flight testing done in the Biological, Applied Electrical Physics (BEAP) lab on NSU’s main campus, and the other a flight data analysis briefing post launch. The team found some compelling data from the newly explored wind sensors that could help future teams further explore the complex air flow dynamics around the ACES sounding balloon strings.”
“It was when I got to NASA’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF) that I finally made all of the connections and fully understood the science behind what we were working on. Being able to go to the base and being surrounded by like-minded individuals—students, professors and professionals—made the hard work on our project feel worth it.” said Brett Brady of Lockport, a senior Electrical Engineering Technology major.
The DemonSats wages, supplies and travel are funded by the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium (LaSPACE) under the Louisiana Aerospace Catalyst Experiences for Students (LaACES) fund. The DemonSats have been launching payloads to space since 2020 to train students about autonomous sensing device design and atmospheric/environmental sensing systems. The DemonSats team is a cross-disciplinary team that accepts research-interested students from all of the STEM majors. NSU students who have completed this program have gone om to a STEM-based graduate school, medical school or into technical industry.
“It [DemonSats] provided valuable real-world training, connected me with supportive mentors and peers and helped me discover new academic and professional interests. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to continue building on everything I learned through this journey.” said Zaiba Daud of Dhaka, Bangladesh, also a senior Electrical Engineering Technology major.
Join Jason Church from the National Center for Preservation and Technology (NCPTT) and students from the 2025 3D Digital Field School for a Lunchtime Lagniappe program on Friday, June 13 from 12:15-12:45 pm Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.
During the 2025 3D Digital Summer Field School, Natchitoches Parish high school students will spend two weeks learning to digitally record historic buildings. The students will learn how to document buildings with drones, how to make 3D tours, and how to collect and edit video histories. Come and hear about the student’s adventures learning their local history, flying drones, and making 3D digital models.
Jason Church is the Chief, of Technical Services at NCPTT. Church coordinates and works to further develop the Center’s national cemetery training initiative and related research. Before joining NCPTT, he was a conservator and historic metals expert for the City of Savannah, Ga., Department of Cemeteries. He earned his M.F.A. in Historic Preservation from Savannah College of Art and Design and a B.S. in Building Science from Appalachian State University. Jason is a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation.
Free and open to the public. Visitors are welcomed to bring their lunches and eat while they learn.
For more information, visit our FLASH Facebook page or call 318-357-2492.
June 2 is National Rocky Road Day, a celebration of the beloved ice cream flavor that combines chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. In Louisiana, this day is embraced with characteristic enthusiasm, blending indulgence with community spirit.
Rocky Road ice cream originated during the Great Depression, offering a sweet escape during hard times. Its combination of textures and flavors symbolizes comfort and resilience—qualities that resonate deeply in Louisiana.
Louisiana’s culinary creativity shines in its interpretations of rocky road. From praline-infused variations to versions featuring pecans and local chocolates, the state’s ice cream parlors offer unique takes on the classic dessert.
Ice cream socials and tasting events pop up across the state, bringing communities together to enjoy the treat. These gatherings often support local causes, turning indulgence into impact.
Families take to their kitchens, crafting homemade rocky road recipes passed down through generations. These traditions foster connection and preserve the state’s rich culinary heritage.
National Rocky Road Day in Louisiana is more than a nod to a dessert—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the simple joys that sweeten life.
Hilda “Mickie” Orsborn November 18, 1932 — May 30, 2025 Service: Monday, June 2, 2025 at 10 am at Provencal United Pentecostal Church
Carolyn Shannon August 16, 1933 — May 24, 2025 A memorial will be held on June 7, 2025, at her residence at 1 p.m.
Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them tonpjnatla@gmail.com
