The 45th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will be held on Saturday, July 19, in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum located at 220 South Jefferson Street on the campus of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. The festival’s curated showcase of Louisiana folk musicians, food vendors and traditional crafts persons will open at 9 a.m., with live entertainment scheduled from 9:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. The family-oriented festival is fully wheelchair accessible. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are $10 at the door for all events, or $6 for an evening pass to all events after 5 p.m.

The festival features three stages of music. Music headliners include Cajun band Amis du Teche, zydeco band Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, blues artist D.K. Harrell, western swing artist the Kristyn Harris Band, roots band Smithfield Fair, gospel group the Amazing! Rhythm Disciples and swamp pop dance band the Has Beans. The festival also includes numerous food vendors offering traditional Louisiana cuisine. Outdoor activities feature demonstrations of traditional blacksmithing, Dutch oven cooking and a child-friendly hands-on demonstration of a 19th century wash day.

In honor of this year’s theme, “Crafting Louisiana,” more than 80 crafts vendors have been invited to display and discuss their traditional work with those attending the festival. Craftspeople are expected to display beadwork, baskets, cowhide chair covers, alligator jewelry, Pysanky eggs, Native American crafts and pottery. Other expected craftspeople will display needlework, wood carvings, handmade toys and dolls, paintings, sculpture, homemade soap, spinning & weaving, handcrafted knives, handmade brooms, walking sticks, folk art quilts and more.

The Festival will include a Red Beans and Rice Cookoff, in which professionals and hobbyists alike can compete in one of multiple categories and demonstrate their cooking skills. Registration and the cooks’ meeting will take place at 8 a.m. Tasting and judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. with winners to be announced at 3:30 p.m. There is no fee to compete in the Cookoff. Red beans & rice must be cooked on-site outside of Prather Coliseum, but beans may be pre-soaked.

The Annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship will be held at 1 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. There will be a non-championship class and a championship class. A twin fiddle category will also be held. Registration is at noon in the first-floor foyer outside Magale Recital Hall. The Fiddle Championship winner will perform on the main stage in Prather Coliseum at 5 p.m.

The festival includes several opportunities for patrons to engage directly with Louisiana folk culture. Free dance lessons include line dancing taught by the Classy Steppers, Celtic dance taught by the Thistle Dancers and Pipers and Cajun and zydeco dancing taught by the Cajun French Music Association Dance Troupe. Interactive activities include a yodeling demonstration by Kristyn Harris, dancing with the Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers, a son jarocho fandango dance by the Armadillos Tejano and a musical spoons workshop taught by folk musician Clancey Stewart, with 50 free musical spoons given to workshop attendees.

“The festival bridges the distance between artists and the festival patrons, thus breaking the artificial barriers between artists and audience,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the festival and NSU’s Louisiana Folklife Center. “Rather than watching from the sidelines, everyone who takes part in these activities will share and engage in Louisiana’s rich culture.”

KidFest will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kidfest is an area dedicated to child-friendly activities and is a fun way for children to examine their own cultural and family traditions as well as those from around the state.

Narrative sessions will be held in the festival N-Club Room from 10 a.m. to 6 p,m. and feature presentations on traditional dolls and dollmaking, Creole architecture, Mexican fiddle styles and folk artist Clementine Hunter, with music informances on the blues with D.K. Harrell and roots music with Smithfield Fair. ASL interpretation, assistive listening devices and audio description for these cultural discussions will be made available upon prior request.

This year also features several pre-Festival events which are free and open to the general public. Fiddlin’ with the Finest will be held at the Many Depot Museum on June 14 and will include several Louisiana State Fiddle Champions discussing and performing traditional fiddling. Attendees are invited to bring their own acoustic instruments for a folk music jam session. A second free pre-festival event, A Life of Zydeco, a Musical Informance with Chubby Carrier, will be held on June 21 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches with Grammy winner Carrier discussing the cultural significance of zydeco to Louisiana with Rasmussen. A third pre-festival event will be an interactive crafts workshop, with Creole and Native American tradition bearers sharing their cultural knowledge. It will be held at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum on July 12. Free crafting materials will be provided for attendees.

For a full schedule of events, as well as registration forms to participate in the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship and the Red Beans & Rice Cookoff contact the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332 or email folklife@nsula.edu or go to louisianafolklife.nsula.edu.

Support for the festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the City of Natchitoches, the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, and the State of Louisiana. The festival is sponsored by C&H Precision Machining, City Bank, Cleco, Evans Family, LLC, Exchange Bank, the Family Doctors of Natchitoches, the Harrington Law Firm, Natchitoches Wood Preserving Company and Young Estate, LLC.

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On Thursday, June 26th, the Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches held its weekly meeting. Current board member and incoming President-Elect Crystal Conway presided over the meeting. Conway provided updates on upcoming projects such as the school supplies and school uniforms collection drive kick off.

Incoming President Tiffany Woods discussed the Kiwanis 5K Color Run and Pancake Festival sponsorship process, inviting members to begin sponsor solicitations.

Club secretary Craig Caskey led the induction ceremony for new Kiwanis members, Bernard Johnson and NSU’s Coach Chris Bertrand.

Caskey, an Instructor in NSU’s Engineering Technology department, then presented details on the NSU Advanced Manufacturing Program, starting this fall semester. The program is a collaborative effort between regional industry partners, NSU Engineering Technology, and NSU Economic Development. Caskey touched on how the work environment is demanding a more technically minded individual and what NSU was providing to meet the industry need.

Photo from left to right: new member NSU Baseball Coach Chris Bertrand, club secretary Craig Caskey, Incoming President-Elect Crystal Conway, club treasurer Dr. Nabin Sapkota, and new member, Bernard Johnson

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Natchitoches Thomas Apartments will reopen the wait list and begin accepting applications on July 1, 2025.

Applications can be picked up at the site or downloaded from the website on and after July 1:

https://www.natchitochesthomas.com/ 

Completed applications will be placed on the wait-list based on the time and date received.

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Oasis of Love hosted a special breakfast on June 26 to honor and show appreciation for the dedicated men and women of Natchitoches Parish law enforcement. The event was held as a gesture of gratitude for the invaluable services these officers provide to the citizens of Natchitoches Parish.

In addition to expressing appreciation, the breakfast served as a meaningful opportunity for fellowship and community connection. Members of Oasis of Love welcomed law enforcement officers, shared conversation, and strengthened relationships with those who serve and protect.

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Here is a look at the week of June 29-July 5 at Northwestern State University.

June 29-July 5 – Summer second 4-week session and Fall 2025 semester registration available via NSU Connect

July 3 – End of first summer 4-week session

July 4 – University closed for Independence Day

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The NPJ has learned that a Notice of Rate increase has been delivered to many of the LEPA Electrical Customers, including the City of Natchitoches.  The NPJ has confirmed with other LEPA cities that they have received an increase notice.

In a February, 2025, City of Natchitoches Council meeting, LEPA General Manager Bihm said “We are excited to have Natchitoches join the eleven other LEPA member towns and cities to receive reliable and stable electricity directly from the organization created for them and their citizens,”  He continued, “This not only helps to strengthen the LEPA organization, but also lowers electrical costs for all of these cities in the process.”

ORIGINAL ARTICLE – BACKGROUND

City Council approves budget, may see energy savings as City moves from CLECO to LEPA

In a City of Natchitoches Council meeting in March of this year, the Council APPROVED a new agreement with LEPA and thereby moved the City from CLECO as the electrical power provider to LEPA.  In Council chambers, the public was told to expect additional savings.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE – BACKGROUND

Natchitoches to begin receiving wholesale electricity from LEPA

The lack of transparency of the City of Natchitoches Finances leaves nothing but questions.

Has the City of Natchitoches received a notice of increase letter and, if so, how long has the Mayor known?

Has the Mayor shared this news with the Residential Customers?  Many of the residential customers live on fixed income. How much of an increase are residents facing?

Has the Mayor informed our major utility customers such as Northwestern State University, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, and Alliance Compressor?  Could these businesses be facing an additional $200,000.00 to $400,000.00 increase in their electric bills from the City of Natchitoches?

How much more will a local restaurant pay? Most all of these businesses have approved budgets and these budgets are in place for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.  

There are a lot of questions.  Voters, taxpayers, the current business community, and future businesses that may want to explore Natchitoches as their next location need answers!

Mayor, “What say you?” 

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Join Marvin and his guest, Reneka Hayes Clark, to learn about the services of Youth and Families Empowerment.

Paid Content

 

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The Natchitoches Parish Council will hold a special called meeting on Thursday, June 26 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will take place in the Council Board Room, #211 on the 2nd Floor of the Courthouse.

See Agenda 

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FAUNA recently received support from a group of young volunteers from Robeline First Baptist Church as part of a summer service project.

The volunteers assisted with a variety of tasks, including washing food dishes, filling water pools, and spending time with rescue dogs at the shelter. In addition to handling daily care responsibilities, the group provided much-needed attention and affection to the animals.

FAUNA expressed appreciation for the group’s efforts and their choice to support the shelter. Volunteers included Glen, Justin, Axel, Kody, Johnny, Layton, and Bryson. Their contribution helped lighten the workload and brought enrichment to the animals in FAUNA’s care.

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By ROBIN FAMBROUGH, Written for the LSWA

Years melted away in an instant as Dale Weiner told the story that shaped his life.

“I watched Jimmy Taylor score a winning touchdown,” Weiner recalled, motioning with his hands. “It was just the way he angled his body to get between two defenders. I had never seen anything like that.

“He scored and Baton Rouge High won. I was so excited. That was it – I knew football was something I had be part of.”

Weiner was a 5-year-old standing in the back of the BRHS end zone that night when Taylor, who went on to stardom at LSU and all the way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, scored that fateful touchdown.

Not every boy who grows up loving football becomes a 300 wins high school football coach. Weiner did and it not only shaped his life, it changed the trajectory of the athletic program at Baton Rouge’s Catholic High School.

Weiner, who amassed a record of 317-109 as a high school head football coach, is part of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Enshrinement occurs culminating the Induction Celebration in Natchitoches this weekend. Events begin today with a press conference and the free admission Welcome Reception at the LSHOF museum from 5-7 p.m.

All induction information can be found at LaSportsHall.com.

Weiner – brother-in-law of former Natchitoches Mayor Lee Posey – made an impact that cannot be overstated, says a prior LSHOF inductee who worked alongside him.

“Dale Weiner is the most the most consequential coaching hire in the history of Catholic High,” said Pete Boudreaux, the school’s former athletic director, and a 2014 LSHOF inductee for his track and cross country coaching career. “Some people might question that, but I don’t.

“When you look at a high school in Louisiana, one of the first things people ask about is the football team. Before Dale came, we might have a good season here or there. Once Dale got here, the program took off. He was the right man for the job. It changed not just football, but the entire school.”

Hyperbole or truth? The fact that Boudreaux, who collected 52 state titles in track/cross country, could make such a statement points to the latter. Others, including former Baton Rouge High classmate/teammate and longtime Catholic assistant Don Hood, shoot down that notion.

“We were bad … everybody wanted to schedule us for their homecoming game,” Hood said. “We were called a lot of things that weren’t very nice that I won’t repeat. When Dale got there, I knew things would change because I knew Dale. He was always that guy … bright, could motivate people and knew football.”

Long before Catholic, there was Baton Rouge High. Weiner grew up within walking distance of the school, so watching games like the one he saw as a 5-year-old were common. His dream was to play for the Bulldogs and he did that as a lineman. When he met the late Murrell “Boots” Garland, Weiner saw a career path.

“Coach Garland had a way of drawing people to him,” Weiner said. “He had a sense of humor and a way of getting a point across. He could be tough when he needed to be. I loved playing for him. I knew I wanted to be a coach after watching him.”

His career move to Catholic High, just a couple of miles away – across Government Street – was more than a decade away after he graduated from LSU.

But his first job as an assistant coach, at Catholic High of Pointe Coupee in New Roads in 1975, was both eye-opening and helped earn the “cradle of coaches” moniker for the school.

Jim Hightower, the Hornets’ first-year head coach, was previously a baseball graduate assistant coach at LSU. It was the first head coaching job for Hightower, now the legendary coach at St. Thomas More, second on Louisiana’s all-time wins list with 482 wins and a 2016 LSHOF inductee. Over the years, CHSPC has been the proving ground for many coaches, including Weiner’s son, Neil, head coach at The Dunham School in Baton Rouge.

“Dale was and has always been such a positive person,” Hightower said. “He was a hard worker and eager to learn. He was that guy who was always in the lab, trying to figure out which plays and systems would work in which situation. He was always working on something.”

There was one notable misstep in the Hornets’ 1975 debut. Catholic-PC won its jamboree game on the final play. Weiner was in the press box.

“Our player was running down the field to score the winning touchdown and I started jumping up and down in the press box,” Weiner said. “I was so excited.”

Everyone wanted to relive and review that play once the film was developed in Baton Rouge. It was not meant to be. Weiner was next to the camera when he started jumping up and down. It distorted the images.

“We laugh about it now,” Lindy Weiner said. “In that moment, Jim was so mad at Dale.”

Soon enough, Weiner got his first head coaching job. He was a head coach St. John-Plaquemine, Catholic-PC and Trafton Academy, now known as The Dunham School. The first time he applied at Catholic, Weiner was turned down.

A couple of years later, the job was open again and Weiner was hired. During the second interview process, Weiner pointed out that he grew up in the neighborhood and boldly stated that was why he wanted to coach.

It’s fair to say the rest is history. In 30 seasons at Catholic, Weiner was 282-81, including a runner-up finish in Class 4A in 1990 and a Division I select title in 2015, along with 18 district titles with just one losing season.

More than 140 of his former players have competed on the college level and 16 have earned spots on NFL rosters. Weiner’s attention to detail in all things, including strength and conditioning, also contributed to 17 Olympic weightlifting team titles.

“To this day, I am thankful to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, the administration, Pete Boudreaux and all the coaches and faculty members I worked with at Catholic High,” Weiner said. “I ended up where I was supposed to be. I am blessed.”

Contact Robin at rfambrough@theadvocate.com

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Louisiana is known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise” with good reason. Although we’re not at the top for deer, turkey and duck hunting, we hold our own rather well. With our proximity to the Gulf and its great salt-water fishing along with top-notch lakes and rivers within the state, we often turn heads when it comes to fishing.

Fishmasters.com, a relatively new media platform for anglers, recently did a yeoman’s job in selecting the top 30 lakes in states across the country. These lakes were chosen after talking with local anglers and followers on social media. The list was compiled not just based on popularity but about where people actually go to fish and what they catch.

Louisiana’s top 30 lakes, as compiled by Fishmasters.com, covers lakes all over the state. What attracted my attention was how the organization shined the spotlight on lakes in north Louisiana. A few of note included Bussey Brake, a lake that has recently caught on fire for the number of lunker bass it is producing. It sits at number 16 and if the list were more recent, Bussey might be higher.

Black Lake, not far from my roots in Natchitoches Parish, was listed as number 12 and Bistineau at number 11. What especially caught my attention was the top 10 lakes that included those in north Louisiana. Number 1 was no surprise, Toledo Bend with Caney Lake coming in at number 2 and D’Arbonne at number 3. What really pleased me was the lake sitting at number 7, Lake Claiborne.

When I lived in Homer during the late 1960s, the big news was that a new lake was being planned and drawn up for the hills of Claiborne Parish. State Senator Danny Roy Moore, a civil
engineer working with Representative John S. Garrett, drew up plans for the lake and they were able to secure funds to construct the 6,500-acre watershed. The lake was completed and water coursed over the spillway for the first time on May 17, 1968.

Before the lake filled, I would drive out before work and enjoy some exciting early morning duck hunts on the potholes that would eventually be inundated by 30 feet of water.

Once they were, Lake Claiborne became a school bass paradise and fishing for bass that churned the surface chasing shad became my go-to sport.

A lot has happened to Lake Claiborne over the past 57 years since it filled. The lake’s popularity started waning somewhat with the construction in Jackson Parish of Caney Lake, which became known as the big bass capitol of Louisiana. The state record 15.97-pounder was caught by Greg Wiggins on Caney, a record that has stood for over 20 years. Catching a four or five pounder on Claiborne was about the high standard.

Over the past decade, Lake Claiborne has quietly and steadily been making a comeback and much of the success today has to do with the introduction of Tiger Bass, a hybrid cross between native largemouth bass and Florida strain largemouth bass. Tiger bass are known for their faster growth rates compared to pure strains of largemouths. During a recent tournament held on the lake, the top eight fish averaged nearly 8 pounds each with the largest weighing in at over 11 pounds.

“Lake Claiborne doesn’t try to impress,” quoting Fishmasters.com. “It delivers, especially for those who know how to read the water and come ready to fish.”

Area fishermen should be proud to know that four of our north Louisiana lakes are in the top 10 for the state: Toledo Bend, Caney, D’Arbonne and rather surprisingly, Lake Claiborne.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

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Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is proud to recognize the 2025 graduates of the NRMC Leadership Academy, a professional development program designed to cultivate leadership talent from within the organization.

The NRMC Leadership Academy is an integrated curriculum designed to prepare current and future leaders with both the interpersonal and organizational skills needed to successfully lead teams. The 10-month intensive program explores critical skills such as leading transformation, effective accountability, difficult conversations, situational leadership, and more.

Each cohort is charged with identifying 2 key opportunities facing the organization and applying their new skills to develop an actionable capstone project that addresses these opportunities. The two capstone projects completed this year focused on (1) idea and innovation cultivation within the frontline staff and (2) deploying new approaches to broaden associate recognition within the frontline staff.

Participants are selected from throughout NRMC through a competitive process. This year’s graduating class includes: Shay Ball, Kelsey Beaudion, Halie Errington, Jessica Havard, Cheyenne Martin, Andrea Rachal, Renee Robinson, Megan Sauce, Justin Sines, Jared Stanton, Dacia Vascocu, Kasmine Williams, and Latonya Winslow.

“We are incredibly proud of these graduates and the work they’ve done,” said Kirk Soileau, NRMC Chief Executive Officer. “Their dedication to continuous improvement and innovation is a reflection of our mission to deliver excellent care and foster leadership at every level of the organization.”

Training leaders and planning for succession within the organization helps ensure the future of the healthcare system and its sustainability. The Leadership Academy is part of NRMC’s commitment to investing in its team members and ensuring a strong future of healthcare leadership for the region.

For more information on the services provided by NRMC, please visit NRMChospital.org.

ABOUT NATCHITOCHES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
One of the largest rural health systems in Louisiana, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center provides access to care for more than 100,000 patients in the 5-parish region. The 216-bed healthcare system has 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 and is home to the NRMC EMS services and training center; NRMC Cancer Center with medical oncology, hematology, and radiation oncology; a nationally acclaimed award-winning Wound Center; NSU Sports Medicine; Breast Center; Behavioral Health Services in partnership with Compass Health; Ambulatory Treatment Center; the Courtyard of Natchitoches, a skilled long-term care facility; Pain Institute; retail pharmacy; Sleep Center; NRMC Imaging Center; and the NRMC network of clinics including Regional Cardiology; OB/GYN Associates; Walk-in and Primary Care; Pulmonology Associates; Urology Associates; Orthopedic Associates; General Surgery Associates; Medicine Associates; and North Natchitoches Medical Clinic. The NRMC Foundation helps support the hospital’s mission through its generous donors and signature events including the annual gala, golf tournament, TappedTober, and Steel Magnolia Run.

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LaTonzia Beavers, Master Teacher at Natchitoches Magnet School, has been named a National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) Fellow, recognizing her ongoing commitment to instructional leadership and teacher development.

Since joining Natchitoches Magnet in 2021, Beavers has played a key role in supporting teachers through coaching, field testing instructional strategies, and leading collaborative planning sessions. Her efforts have contributed to a strong, intentional learning environment focused on student success and educator growth.

Earlier this year, Beavers led the school’s Instructional Leadership Team to Washington, D.C., where they presented a session titled “Cluster in a Bubble” at the NIET National Conference. The session showcased effective instructional practices and emphasized the importance of structured collaboration in professional development.

Her recognition as an NIET Fellow highlights her leadership and dedication to advancing instructional quality in the classroom and beyond.

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Members of the Mu Omega Zeta and Xi Epsilon Chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, alongside the Zeta Amicae of Natchitoches, LA, proudly attended the 96th Southern Regional Leadership Conference and 57th Southern Regional Zeta Amicae Leadership Workshop held from June 12-15, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. Themed “Two-Stepping Toward Our Southern Regional Centennial: A Celebration of Our Mighty Extraordinary Legacy of Leadership,” the conference provided engaging workshops, inspiring presentations, and valuable networking opportunities focused on strengthening bonds and enhancing leadership capabilities within the organization.

The Mu Omega Zeta Chapter was especially honored to celebrate several members for their enduring dedication and significant contributions. Sandra Williams, Josephine Winder, and Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor were recognized for 35 years of service, Lockey Reliford for 40 years, and Belinda Turner for an impressive 45 years of distinguished commitment.

Individual excellence was also a highlight. Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor was named Zeta of the Year for 2022-2023, and Cheryl Jackson received the Zeta of the Year award for 2024-2025. Ms. Toliver-Taylor was also re-elected as the Regional Life Member Coordinator and recognized as a graduate of the Southern Regional Leadership Development Academy.

Proudly representing the Mu Omega Zeta Chapter as delegates were Denise Washington-Cornelius, Carletta Jones, Coretta Conant, Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor, Josephine Winder, Kaylee Cotton (Xi Epsilon), and Faith Miller (Xi Epsilon).

The Zeta Amicae of Natchitoches also received well-deserved accolades. Melva Mitchell was honored as Amicae of the Year, Doryce Polk received a Milestone Award for 35 years of service, and Mary Calhoun was recognized as Amicae Advisor of the Year.

Finally, the Xi Epsilon Chapter of Northwestern State University celebrated Faith Miller as their 2024-2025 Zeta of the Year.

About Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated:
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is an international, historically Black Greek-lettered sorority founded on January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. by five visionary women affectionately known as “The Five Pearls.” The five co-eds chose the name Zeta Phi Beta, with “Phi Beta” taken from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, to “seal and signify the relationship between the two organizations.” The sorority’s founding principles are Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. Its motto is: “A community-conscious, action-oriented organization.”

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April 17, 1950 — June 21, 2025

A service celebrating the life of C C “Petey” Johnson will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 28, in the chapel of Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA. It will be led by the Rev. Anthony Dharmaraj, MSFS, of St. Rita Catholic Church in Alexandria, LA. Brett Hortman will share a reflection on his life on behalf of the family. Interment will follow at Fern Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 27, in the funeral home chapel. Mr. Johnson, 75, died peacefully on Saturday, June 21.

A native of Natchitoches, LA, was the fourth of five children born to C C (Pete) and Anna Grace Elliott Johnson. He graduated from Natchitoches High School in 1968, and in 1973, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education from Northwestern State University.

He began his career as a teacher and coach at Natchitoches Central High School and then worked at Kaffie-Frederick with his mentors, John Titus Frederick and John Levy Frederick, for several years. He later worked in hardware sales for Stratton Baldwin, and in 1985, he purchased Eckard Hardware in Alexandria, developing the business into a statewide source for locks and architectural hardware.

His passion was duck hunting and fishing. He spent countless hours in the great outdoors of Cane River, Snake Lake, Chee Chee Bay with his son, Thomas, and his lifelong friend, Dennis Arthur, finding peace in the stillness of a forest at dawn or the ripple of the lake at sunset.

In 2008, Mr. Johnson married the former Janet Waters, and together they made their home in Natchitoches, where they were active members of the Krewe of Dionysos, where he reigned as Duke of Dance VIII in 2006, King XV in 2013, and he served as Captain XIX in 2017 and Captain XX in 2018. Together they traveled across the United States, but they particularly loved New Orleans, Lake Tahoe, and Mexico.

He is survived by his wife; his children, Thomas Wayne Johnson of Alexandria; Anna Laura Johnson Angel and her husband, B.W. of Oakdale; and Marie Yvonne Johnson Wilson and her husband, Jared, of Alexandria; his step children, Mandy Roberts Owens and her husband, Jason, of Marion, AR; Jeffrey Nicholas Roberts of Fayetteville, NC; his four grandchildren and five step grandchildren; Thomas Wayne Johnson Jr., of Alexandria; Bradley Ross, Benjamin (Ben) Luke, and Andrew (Drew) Cade Wilson, all of Alexandria; Mallory Elizabeth Owens of Charleston, SC, Jackson Ronald Owens, and Hudson Carter Owens of Marion, AR; and Maggie Elizabeth Roberts and Dash William Roberts of Fayetteville, NC; and two sisters, Floy Ann Johnson Law and Hona Lou Johnson Graham, both of Walker.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Grover Johnson; his sister, Linda Sue Johnson; his aunt, Martha Elliott; Hona and John Titus Frederick, and Madeline and Harold Matthews.

Serving as pallbearers for Mr. Johnson will be his grandsons, Thomas Jr., Bradley, and Ben; Jackson Owens; and Luke and Sydney Frederick. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons, Drew, Hudson, and Dash.

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Natchitoches Thomas Apartments will reopen the wait list and begin accepting applications on July 1, 2025.

Applications can be picked up at the site or downloaded from the website on and after July 1:

https://www.natchitochesthomas.com/ 

Completed applications will be placed on the wait-list based on the time and date received.

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BOM donated desk fans and cases of water to Monica Evans in support of her community fan drive. The distribution date is set for June 21st from 3-5pm in the St. Maurice community. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Nicole Williams and Kristen Carpenter and Monica Evan

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The Natchitoches Parish Council held a brief special called meeting on the morning of June 24 to address two key items of business.

The council first approved an amendment to the agenda to consider a resolution involving a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement. The resolution, concerning a previously discussed solar energy project, required revised language to comply with formal procedures. The council approved the updated resolution, which authorizes the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority to enter into a PILOT agreement related to the solar development project.

All council members present voted in favor of the resolution.

The council then approved the renewal of a contract and lease agreement with Waste Connections Bayou Inc. for continued operation of the parish transfer station. The renewal extends the agreement for an additional three years. The vote passed unanimously.

With no further items for discussion, the meeting was adjourned following a motion and second from council members.

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