NSU’s Prather Coliseum was once again transformed into the finest musical venue and restaurant in Louisiana for the 2026 Folk Life Festival on Saturday, July 18. Thousands of festivalgoers packed NSU’s Prather Coliseum to be entertained by an eclectic variety of musical acts and presenters from all over Louisiana and surrounding states. In addition to the music, over 70 vendors from Louisiana and surrounding states sold books and crafts as well as educating festival goers on various Louisiana and Native American folk ways. Festivalgoers who ventured outside could see a see a blacksmithing demonstration and sample some superb gumbo from the festival’s signature gumbo competition.

Renowned Grammy winner and blues guitarist Wayne “Blue” Burns was named as the honorary Chair of the 2026 Folklife Festival. He was joined onstage by the 2026 inductees into the Louisiana Folklife Center Hall of Master Folk Artists. These accomplished and eclectic folk artists were Dustin “Dusty” Fuqua and Becky Thomas-Meziere. There was also a memorial presentation for renowned Zydeco artist Joseph Grady Citizen who passed away this year at age 89.

The Louisiana Fiddle Championship, held in conjunction with the Folk Life Festival, was hotly contested with fiddlers from throughout the state vying for this year’s honors. Lauren Hodges, of Longview in Franklin Parish, earned top honors as the 2026 Louisiana Fiddle Champion. 

Gospel/Inspirational group The Amazing Rhythm Disciples closed out the Folklife Festival, making a joyful noise indeed with their unique blend of Gospel, Rock and Roll, Country, Rhythm and Blues and other styles. They were joined on stage by 2018 Louisiana State Fiddle Champion Clancey Stewart.

The festival is a long-standing favorite as evidenced by its loyal following. Many of the attendees and performers have been coming for years. The loyal following and the festival’s new friends kept the dance floor moving and the concerts well attended.

The Folklife Festival, now in its 46th year, is designed to showcase, preserve and perpetuate Louisiana’s unique culture. This year’s theme was “America the Beautiful”. For a modest admission fee, the NSU Folk Life Festival features a solid day of superb music, crafts, food and above all, fun.

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With summer temperatures climbing and household expenses continuing to rise, the Natchitoches Parish Journal is bringing back a contest designed to provide some direct relief to local residents.

The Journal’s “Pay My Utility Bill” contest will pay the current monthly utility bill of selected Natchitoches Parish residents.

Electricity costs remain a growing concern for households across the country. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that electricity prices increased 4% during the 12 months ending in June. Food, housing, insurance and other routine expenses have also continued to place pressure on family budgets.

Louisiana generally has lower electricity rates than many other states, but its residents often use more electricity because of the state’s long, hot and humid summers. The U.S. Energy Information Administration previously estimated that Louisiana residential customers paid an average of about $142 per month for electricity, roughly equal to the national average despite the state’s lower per-kilowatt-hour rates.

Those averages offer little comfort when an individual household receives a summer bill that is substantially higher.

Air-conditioning systems run longer as temperatures rise, and older homes, aging equipment and insufficient insulation can increase electricity consumption. For many families, a high utility bill arrives alongside grocery costs, housing payments, vehicle expenses and other monthly obligations.

The Journal created the contest to give several local households a little breathing room.

To enter, contestants must submit their full name, working cellphone number, email address and the exact current amount due on their utility bill.

The service address must be located in Natchitoches Parish, and the contestant’s name must appear on the bill. Entrants should retain the original bill or a copy because the winning contestant will be required to provide proof of the amount submitted.

Only the current amount due will be considered. Multiple entries will not be accepted.

Winners must consent to having their name and photograph published by the Journal. The Journal will not sell information submitted through the contest.

Residents may review the complete rules and enter the “Pay My Utility Bill” contest at:

When nearly everything costs more, one paid utility bill could make a meaningful difference. The Natchitoches Parish Journal hopes the contest will provide that relief to some of its readers this summer.

Phonetic: /AHB-duh-rut/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

Obdurate is a formal word that means “resistant to persuasion.” It is usually used to describe someone who is not willing to change their methods or opinions, or something that is not easily altered.

Though obdurate problems loom, the organization under its new leadership is poised to make real and effective changes.

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Eighteen K-12 teachers from 13 school systems across Louisiana got to enjoy some Natchitoches hospitality at a Social Studies workshop conducted by Louisiana Public Broadcasting and hosted at Natchitoches’ Fort St, Jean Baptiste State Historic Site Thursday, July 16. The Natchitoches Parish school system was ably represented by Fairview Alpha’s Trisha Weaver.

The theme of the workshop was “Louisiana’s Hidden History-Revolutionary Louisiana” and explored our state’s little known contributions to the Revolutionary War. Participating social studies teachers expanded their professional knowledge and received packets they can incorporate into their lesson plans.

The visiting teachers also were given tours of both Fort St. Baptiste and the Los Ades Historic sites led by the park’s interpretive ranger staff.

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David A. Waskom Arrested on Four Charges

David A. Waskom is in custody.

According to available custody information, Waskom faces four charges, including:

• Wire fraud
• Theft
• Money laundering

The fourth charge and additional information concerning the allegations, the investigating agency and the circumstances surrounding the arrest were not immediately available.

This is a developing story. More information will be published as it becomes available.

An arrest is an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Dual Bankruptcy Cases Tied to Natchitoches Financial Advisor Dismissed; Court Imposes Nine-Month Refiling Bar

Court hearing reveals new details in trust dispute involving Natchitoches financial advisor

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Phonetic: /YAW/

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition

used for the action of a ship, aircraft, spacecraft, or projectile means “to move to the left or right especially in an uncontrolled manner.”

The rogue wave hit the vessel, and the ship yawed hard to the right.

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A Kaplan man escaped injury late Tuesday night after his vehicle struck a guardrail on Interstate 49, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Natchitoches Parish sheriff’s deputies and Louisiana State Police responded to the single-vehicle crash at approximately 10:20 p.m. on I-49 southbound, near mile marker 141, just north of Natchitoches.

Authorities said a 25-year-old Kaplan man was driving southbound in a 2019 Ford Flex when the vehicle veered off the left side of the roadway and hit a guardrail. Although the vehicle sustained heavy damage and its airbags deployed, the driver was wearing his seatbelt and was uninjured.

Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop E in Alexandria are investigating the cause of the crash. Deputy B. Desadier of the sheriff’s office assisted with traffic control at the scene.

State and local authorities remind drivers that wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in a traffic crash.

Motorists traveling through the area are urged to reduce their speed, avoid distractions, and remain alert while emergency crews clear the roadway.

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A joint investigation involving the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office High Tech Crime Unit and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force has led to the arrest of a Melrose-area man on multiple felony charges related to the alleged possession of child sexual abuse material, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

The investigation began in April 2026, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) provided law enforcement with a CyberTip that led investigators to the Melrose area in south Natchitoches Parish.

During the course of the investigation, detectives assigned to the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit identified the suspect as 64-year-old John B. Pinckley, of Natchez, (Melrose), La.

As the investigation progressed, detectives spent several weeks conducting a detailed forensic examination of digital evidence, securing search warrants through the Tenth Judicial District Court, and following additional investigative leads.

As a result of the investigation, detectives developed sufficient evidence and probable cause to obtain criminal arrest warrants signed by a district judge for Pinckley.

On Tuesday evening, July 14, 2026, detectives assigned to the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit, with assistance from the NPSO Drug Enforcement Unit, Criminal Investigations Bureau, and Patrol Operations Bureau, executed a search warrant and arrest warrant at Pinckley’s residence in the 3700 block of Louisiana Highway 484 near Melrose.

Pinckley was taken into custody without incident and transported to the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Parish Detention Center, where he was booked on 20 counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles.

He remains incarcerated in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center pending bond and further court proceedings.

Sheriff Stuart Wright emphasized the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to protecting children and aggressively investigating crimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors.

“The exploitation of children is among the most disturbing crimes we investigate. The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office remains committed to identifying those who prey upon children, holding offenders accountable, and working with our law enforcement partners to ensure our communities remain safe. We want parents and guardians to know that we will continue to dedicate the personnel, technology, and resources necessary to investigate these offenses and protect our children.” — Sheriff Stuart Wright

Sheriff Wright also expressed his appreciation to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) for their partnership and continued commitment to protecting children from online exploitation.

“These investigations require strong partnerships at the local, state, and national levels. We sincerely thank the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office ICAC Task Force and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for their outstanding assistance and unwavering dedication in helping law enforcement identify offenders and rescue children from exploitation.”

Anyone with information regarding crimes involving the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit at 318-357-7811.

Case Agent:

Detective Sgt. Cory Campbell

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I got a text recently from Pete Hegseth.  Bob, you’re invited … to Trump’s  Ballroom. Are you in?

Frankly, I’d rather go to Yosemite.

That note from the Secretary of Defense, or excuse me, Secretary of War, is small potatoes, though.

A little over a week ago, I got an urgent text from the White House. Almost every text I get like that is urgent.

A direct order has just come down from the Oval Office with YOUR name on it. We need your immediate response.

Amidst the texts from relatives and friends or my examiners such as my Journal editor, my pastor or my dentist, I am overwhelmed with a surplus of unsolicited texts 

and emails each day from President Trump, J.D. Vance, Mike Johnson, Don Jr., John Kennedy, Ken Paxton, Susan Collins, and on and on. Not long ago I got a text from Elon Musk, and it was urgent. MAJOR WARNING FROM ELON MUSK Pleading with you not to ignore this, Bob. It went on to tell me every Trump voter would read the attached link.

I didn’t read it.

One of the best I got recently was a “personal” one from the 45^th and 47^th President of the United States, announcing, Bob, I just dropped everything to send you this email. Because of dedicated supporters like you, I DROPPED EVERYTHING to contact you.

I bet you didn’t know the president (along with Elon Musk) and I are on a first-name basis. I sure didn’t know it. Much less did I ever expect that the President, as busy as he is, reportedly getting just three hours of sleep a night, would “DROP EVERYTHING” to send me an email.

I can just picture it now. He’s in a meeting with J.D. and Pete and Marco, and they are talking about Iran or China or Vladimir or Volodymyr.

(Confession: I am not on a first-name basis … yet … with either Vladimir or Volodymyr, so I will refer to them as Putin and Zelensky. That’s less confusing, too.) Then, during this top-level discussion, the Secretary of State looks at them each, straight in the eye, and gravely suggests, “Mr. President, don’t you think you should DROP EVERYTHING and email Bob?”

“My God, Little Marco, you’re so right,” he surely would react. “I should’ve thought of that earlier! I get along very well with Bob. I’ve known him for a long time – him and his wife, Janet. I read where someone referred to him as a central Louisiana ‘icon.’ I call him Bobcat! You can find lots of bobcats in central Louisiana, but only one Bobcat.” The president stops and immediately starts typing to tell me he’s “DROPPED EVERYTHING” to send this message, and then he types in a link for me to click on, presumably with a request to contribute.

I thought AI was churning out these kinds of texts and emails, but I have since learned real people on the staffs of big shot politicos are generating most of them. Whatever they get paid to do that job, it’s too much. 

Since that last email from the president, he sent me another, proclaiming I AM PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP! I haven’t heard back from you for so long. … Are you seriously ignoring me?

I was told not to reply to that email, but I can reply here by saying, I know who you are Mr. President, and there’s no need to proclaim who you are in all caps. The next thing you know, you’ll be trotting around an MMA ring in MAGA red boxing shorts shouting, “I AM THE GREATEST!”    

Fortunately, I have not received texts or emails from Newsom, Harris, Schumer or Mamdani or any Democrat, socialist or communist. Nor any Democrat Socialist, nor any Democrat Communist. Not even Democrat political advisor James Carville, a fellow Louisianan, has texted or emailed. No point in reaching out to Bob, they probably concluded with Carville’s help. He’s on a first-name basis with Trump and Musk.

A famous lawyer once said that boasting and seeking praise are empty and foolish. He warned that a person who brags to gain glory from others is just “feeding himself with wind.” He also compared human pride to a mouse that falsely boasts about ruling over other mice. President Trump and Musk and Newsom and Mamdani and all the so-called political elite could do well to heed that wise man’s words. 

That wise man, by the way, was Thomas More, Lord Chancellor of England during the reign of King Henry VIII. As in Saint Thomas More.

The patron saint of politicians.

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GiGi’s Gifts, located at 113 St. Denis St. (next to Exchange Bank).

Offering affordable school uniforms from sizes 2T through adult XL. In addition to standard uniform pieces, the shop will feature French Toast dresses, skorts, and jumpers, as well as clear backpacks, belts, and rhinestone or monogrammed hair bows.

Store Hours

• Wednesday–Saturday: 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Special Sunday Hours (Aug. 2 and Aug. 9): 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Pricing

Category	Item	Price
Youth	Polos Shorts Pants	$6.99–$9.99 $11.99 $12.99
Juniors & Men	Polos Pants	$11.99 $15.99

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The Village of Natchez is accepting applications for a part-time grass cutting and maintenance position.

The individual selected for this role will be responsible for general groundskeeping, operating mowing equipment, and assisting with basic maintenance tasks to keep village properties clean and well-maintained.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience operating commercial or standard lawn care equipment preferred.
• Ability to perform physical labor and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Reliable, dependable, and able to work independently to complete assigned tasks.

Application Process

Applications can be picked up in person at the Village of Natchez office, located on Main Street, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Interested candidates may also request an application or submit inquiries via email at villageofnatchez@att.net. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Village of Natchez is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Phonetic: /com·​pul·​so·​ry/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

mandatory, enforced
compulsory retirement

coercive, compelling
compulsory measures

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By Jim Rhodes, Special to the Journal

We all honor the events of June 6, 1944. It was a monumental task and should be recognized for the bravery and sacrifices of all involved on that day. It was the beginning of the end of Hitler’s Thousand Year Reich. It would be another year to finish it but we did and the world rejoiced. But there was another completely different war taking place in the Pacific theatre.

The United States military, along with Australia, England and a few others were fighting the Imperial Japanese in the Pacific. Beach landings such as Normandy were happening on a more frequent basis. At Normandy 160,000 soldiers hit the beaches on that famous day. Casualties were horrendous. Too many killed, maimed and injured (2,500 killed in action, 5,000 injured and an untold number of missing). In comparison on July 21, 1944, 65,000 hit the beach on Guam, spearheaded by the United States Marines, United States Army and our allies. The staggering results of that landing were 1,718 killed and 6,000 wounded.

I take up this comparison not from a historical perspective but from a personal one. You see I happened to be quite familiar with a participant in the Pacific Theatre. He was Private First Class Joseph Bernard Rhodes USMC Co D 1St Bn (Pioneers) 19th Marines Third Marine Division.

He was never one to talk about those days, as many of “Our Greatest Generation” participants, chose not to. On one particular day back when nothing was digital I had received my National Geographic magazine with its coveted fold out map. This particular issue was entitled “The Pacific Theatre”. As I had the map spread out on the kitchen table my Father walks in the side door asking what I was doing. I explained in short detail; he walked up standing behind me and started detailing his 3 year adventure. He pointed to each island that he had been to and explained very briefly what had happened and why he was there. When he got to Guam his only comment was “and that’s when I got to come home.”

There were no other comments after that. I sensed that there would be no questions or answers after that. Everything had gotten put back in that mental box and locked away.

Guam, what was so important about that island, aside from the strategic placement, it was an American Territory until December 10, 1941 when the Imperial Japanese captured it.

Later in life I started doing a little research on my Dad’s role in this part of history. The most intriguing part was trying to understand what one particular word meant “PIONEER”. There is no clear meaning as it is no longer used. But following that trail the best I could manage was that in today’s military jargon he was a combat engineer. Ask today’s military people and they give you this description that has no bearing on the 1940’s. Basically from what I could piece together here is my definition.

USMC PIONEER (n): Operates as member of crew of specially trained troops in constructing and repairing roads and bridges, removing natural and man-made obstacles to facilitate movement of friendly forces, executing demolitions, and creating man-made obstacles to prevent or slow advance of enemy force. My Dad’s training records indicate that he was qualified on most heavy equipment and specialized in putting potable water systems in place. His actual classification was part of the 3 man crew for heavy machine gun Browning M1919.

My Dad hit the beaches of Guam on the initial wave on July 21st. He was wounded on July 22nd and evacuated to a hospital ship to start his journey home to begin building a “normal” life. But he was reminded every day that he took a step of that hidden part of his life. I could see the physical pain that stayed as a reminder but I often wonder about the mental pain so many of those guys carried with them. I thought us as a family lived a normal life. That perspective changed as I grew older. I know I was loved as a child and throughout my life. But the words were never spoken by him or me until too late in life. I remember the phone call as clear as yesterday. He apologized for the personal troubles his actions had cased in my life and said he wanted me to know that he loved me. After shedding tears with a sense of relief I told him that I was proud to have been by his side and that I had always loved him and even more now. He passed shortly after that and finally found peace after the early 1940’s.

So when we pause to honor those who gave more than enough for us please honor all who have defended us and our way of life not just the ones from that particular event. REMEMBER THEM ALL.

A Brief History of the Invasion of Guam

The Battle of Guam, codenamed W-Day, commenced on July 21, 1944, as a vital piece of the American campaign to recapture territory lost to the Japanese Empire early in World War II. Japan had captured the U.S. territory on December 10, 1941, just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, subjecting the local Chamorro population to a brutal occupation.

Reclaiming the island was strategically paramount for the Allies. Guam’s large size and deep-water harbors made it an ideal base for upcoming operations against the Philippines and Taiwan, while its airfields would put Japan within range of the new American B-29 Superfortress bombers.

The assault began with an intense, multi-day naval and aerial bombardment to soften Japanese defenses. When the 3rd Marine Division, the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, and the Army’s 77th Infantry Division finally hit the western beaches on W-Day, they faced fierce resistance from roughly 18,500 dug-in Japanese defenders. Despite steep limestone cliffs and heavily fortified machine-gun positions, Allied forces secured the beachheads. After weeks of brutal, close-quarters jungle warfare, heavy nighttime counterattacks, and massive casualties on both sides, the island was officially declared secure on August 10, 1944.

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Phonetic: /per-FUNK-tuh-ree/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

Perfunctory is a formal word used to describe something that is done without energy or enthusiasm because of habit or because it is expected.

By the time my favorite band got to the last stop of the tour, their performance felt perfunctory.

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