New NSU Head basketball coach Corey Gipson joins Billy West Live and outlines his vision for the future of Demon Basketball. Coach Gipson talks about his buy-in philosophy and how he will shape his program and develop young men
Photo: Courtesy of Northwestern State University
Natchitoches Junior High JAG members recently completed JAG’s Negotiation Module. While working in the module, students learned the seven building blocks to negotiation, several techniques to resolve conflicts, and provided the pros/cons to a “hot” topic (should teachers be allowed to carry a gun at school).
We would like to thank Officer Woodard and Col. Sylvia for sitting in on our debate and providing their perspective on the matter.
Pictured: Ana Canos Campos, Miracle Waldrup, Barbara Clark, Kirstie McNeal, Officer Woodard, Col. Sylvia, Zavien Calahan, Tyler Collinsworth, Naydia Helaire, Kiara White-Evans, and Kennedy Sykes.
A 2nd grader at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Natchitoches, O.J. Hall competed at the USA Wrestling Louisiana State Wrestling Championships on March 26 in Baton Rouge. Making it all the way to the state finals before being defeated, he went 3-1 on the day to finish Louisiana’s 10U 59 lb. State Runner-Up. Hall lives in Natchitoches and wrestles with the North Desoto Wrestling Academy.
Hall is pictured at the far right, taking home 2nd place.
There is still time for former Northwestern State baseball players to RSVP to Saturday’s Alumni Day festivities.
NSU’s Alumni Day celebration is set for Saturday and is centered around the Demons’ 2 p.m. game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
All Demon baseball alumni are invited to participate in the day-long event that includes lunch and beer served at Brown-Stroud Field.
The alumni will be treated to a pregame tour of the Demon baseball facilities and will be recognized on the field ahead of the game.
Following the game, any alumni in attendance will be allowed to partake in batting practice on the field. There will be a postgame social with the coaching staff at Cane River Brewing.
Interested Northwestern State baseball alumni can contact Scott Maggio in the Northwestern State Athletics Ticket Office for special pricing at 318-357-4268.
Attendees should RSVP to Barbier via email at barbierb@nsula.edu.
After running a time fast enough for the Texas Relay finals, Northwestern State sprinter Lynell Washington was named the Southland Conference Female Track Athlete of the Week.
Washington clocked an 11.47 on Friday in a “second group” that wasn’t eligible to advance at the Texas Relays, but her time would have qualified for the prestigious final, which cut off at 11.49.
The sophomore finished second in her group at the Texas Relays as she ran the seventh-fastest 100-meter time at the prelims.
Her 11.47 ranks 28th nationally and first in the Southland Conference and is tied for the sixth-fastest time in NSU history.
Washington stepped back on the track Saturday and ran an 11.57 to win the Bobcat Invitational at Texas State.
The New Orleans native is NSU’s first outdoor track performer of the week as she joins thrower Djimon Gumbs in the superlative category after Gumbs was the field athlete of the week this past week.
NSU heads back to Texas this weekend to compete in the Baylor Invitational.
The Northwestern State University Chamber Choir will hold its spring concert on Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall.
Admission is free and open to the public. Those attending are asked to wear a mask, but they are not required.
Director of Choral Activities Dr. Nicholaus B. Cummins will direct the choir in a program called “Love.”
“The concert was my reaction to all the negativity and anger I have seen and felt since the beginning of the COVID pandemic and political discourse over the past few years,” said Cummins. “Using music to unite and find our similarities and not focus on that which separates us. My hope is that we can begin to heal and move forward through that which unites us as a society, but recognizing that we are all inherently different.”
The program includes “MLK” arranged by Bob Chilcott with soloists Douglas Flores and Landry Allen, “My Prayer” by Richard Burchard with Santiago Uribe-Cardona on cello and Daniel Ley on piano and “O Salutaris Hostia” by Eriks Ešenvalds with soloists Kylie Dornbush and Ella Victoria Aubrey Castro.
The Chamber Choir will also sing Chilcott’s arrangement of “And I Love Her,” “Michelle” arranged by Grayston Ives and two works by Jake Runestad, “Let My Love Be Heard” and “Please Stay” featuring soloist Emily Saldivar and Ley.
The concert will conclude with “I love You/What a Wonderful World” featuring soloists Dornbush, Jaeli Williams, Brooke Jones, Jayvian Bush, Jordan Williams, Beth Olin, Landry Allen, Kat Wilkinson and Saldivar and Ley.
The Northwestern Chamber Choir, founded in 1987, is the flagship choral ensemble at Northwestern State. The Northwestern Chamber Choir is comprised of 34 undergraduates encompassing a variety of different majors throughout the university. The choir frequently collaborates with composers and conductors for projects including “For a Breath of Ecstasy,” commissioned from Michael Trotta and “The Falling Stars” commissioned from Richard Burchard. The Northwestern Chamber Choir was the featured choir at the 2017 Louisiana Music Educators Association conference and was selected to perform at the 2019 Eighth National Collegiate Choral Conference National Conference in Maryland. Last year, they placed in the top four of the Leonardo da Vinci Choral Competition in Florence, Italy. The Chamber Choir has also placed second in the Laurea Mundi Budapest in Budapest, Hungary and Second and Best Interpretation in the AVE VERUM ICC in Baden, Austria. Cummins and the Northwestern Chamber Choir have been invited to premiere the “Stabat Mater” by composer Richard Burchard in London, England, at the Southwark Cathedral in June 2023.
Christ the King Lutheran Church offers to the Natchitoches community an evening of relaxation, enjoyment and reflection with a musical event titled “A Wonderful Musical Journey: Exploring Sonorities Through Music.” This event will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church located at 305 Royal Street on April 2 starting at 5 pm and will include community members, NSU Faculty, NSU undergraduate and NSU graduate students performing solos and ensembles.
A variety of musical instruments played will include the bassoon, cello, double bass, flute, piano, pipe organ, trumpet, viola and violin. Following these performances, a meal will be served with the Brickstreet Boys quartet providing a singing performance during the meal.
“Music is a key part of my life,” stated Karla Gonzalez Bueno, an NSU graduate student from Mexico majoring in piano and double bass and a key organizer of this event. “It is my passion to use the blessing of music to reach and connect with people from all walks of life. Music has that magic to make these connections happen in a fun and vibrant way.”
This event is free and open to the public. Donations are accepted and will be provided to the performing musicians.
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is currently hiring Registered Nurses in the following departments:
Required Education and Experience
Offering Sign-On Bonuses • Great Salaries & Benefits
To view and apply to these openings, please visit: www.nrmchospital.org/jobs/.
If you have questions or would like to speak to our Recruiter, please contact Larissa Cameron at 318-214-5819 or at larissa.cameron@nrmchospital.org
EOE
The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) invites the community to join us for the following art and theater events that are open to the public:
Reception with Shreveport artist Ann George in LSMSA’s Art Gallery
Thursday, March 31 from 4:30-6 p.m.
Shreveport artist Ann George will be at the LSMSA Art Gallery for a reception to close out “A Different Kind of Same: My Roommate And Me,” her exhibit featuring LSMSA roommates. The exhibit is on display in the Center for Performance and Technology (CPT) gallery through 4 p.m. April 1.
“Once Upon A Mattress” in LSMSA’s Treen Auditorium
Thursday, March 31; Friday, April 1; and Saturday, April 2 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 3 at 2 p.m.
LSMSA’s theatre department invites the community to one of several performances of “Once Upon A Mattress,” a play with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. General admission is $7.
NATCHITOCHES:
Carol Ann Murphy Tynes
April 6, 1935 – March 26, 2022
Service: Thursday March 31 at 2pm at Memory Lawn Cemetery
Patsy LeRoy Longlois
November 19, 1932 – March 24, 2022
Service: Thursday, March 31 at 10 am at Weaver Cemetery in Flora
WINN:
Thomas William “Tommy” Homan, Jr.
March 29, 1979 – March 26, 2022
Service: Thursday, March 31 at 2 pm at Grace Baptist Church
Action Recommended
Take shelter in place or per instructions
Issued By
Shreveport – LA, US, National Weather Service
Affected Area
Natchitoches Parish
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
Tornado Warning for:
Southeastern De Soto Parish in northwestern Louisiana
Red River Parish in northwestern Louisiana
North central Natchitoches Parish in northwestern Louisiana
South central Bienville Parish in northwestern Louisiana…
Until noon CDT.
ISSUED: 10:32 AM MAR. 30, 2022 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
TORNADO WATCH 75 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 1 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR
THE FOLLOWING AREAS
IN LOUISIANA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 17 PARISHES
IN NORTH CENTRAL LOUISIANA
CALDWELL GRANT JACKSON
LA SALLE LINCOLN OUACHITA
UNION WINN
IN NORTHWEST LOUISIANA
BIENVILLE BOSSIER CADDO
CLAIBORNE DE SOTO NATCHITOCHES
RED RIVER SABINE WEBSTER
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ARCADIA, BERNICE, BOSSIER CITY,
BRADLEY, CARTHAGE, CENTER, CLARKS, COLFAX, COLUMBIA, COUSHATTA,
DRY PRONG, EL DORADO, FARMERVILLE, GIBSLAND, GRAYSON,
HAYNESVILLE, HEMPHILL, HOMER, JENA, JONESBORO, LEWISVILLE,
LOGANSPORT, MAGNOLIA, MANSFIELD, MANY, MARTIN, MIDWAY, MINDEN,
MONROE, MONTGOMERY, NATCHITOCHES, OLLA, PINELAND, PLEASANT HILL,
PRESCOTT, RINGGOLD, RUSTON, SAN AUGUSTINE, SHREVEPORT,
SPRINGHILL, STAMPS, STONEWALL, WINNFIELD, AND ZWOLLE.
Natchitoches Christmas Festival celebrated its 95th year with record numbers in attendance. After a limiting year in 2020, the Festival Committee was optimistic as to how 2021 would pan out. Below are a few highlights from the Season:
A new logo was introduced in celebration of the 95th year designed by Parker Brand Creative.
A shift in marketing this year was a plus for the Festival. Digital ads and social media campaigns led the charge for increased online sales and overall awareness of events throughout the Season.
51% of admission armbands were sold online this year.
A record 9,500 admission armbands were sold for the second weekend in December (December 10th).
Cookies with Santa has proven to be a favorite among many and both events were sold out well in advance.
The return of the “Festival of Lights” parade was a highlight for many. With just over 70 units, the parade was let by grand marshal, Scott Innis, as the voice of Scooby Doo.
Although supply issues were a huge obstacle this year, Craig George with Pyroman Fireworks, pulled off the most amazing fireworks displays weekend after weekend.
The continued support of our community partners, various organizations, city personnel, volunteers as well as our Festival Committee help make the Season possible each year.
With proceeds from this year, losses were restored from 2020 and improvements including ticket booths and additional technology will be added in 2022.
Christmas Festival Financials 2019
Magnolia Minute: Lee Waskom – 2018 Christmas Festival Financials
Christmas Fest Financials show $45,000 net income
All Northwestern State University Campuses – Closed
St. Mary’s – Closed
All Six CLTCC campuses – Closed
NOTE: NPSB Schools are closed all week for Spring Break.
If you have a closing today, please send an email to: NPJNatLa@gmail.com
Caddo educator and Northwestern State University alumna Caroline Landon has been selected as a state finalist for a national award given to math and science educators. Landon, who teaches at University Elementary in Shreveport, is one of three Louisiana educators to be selected as finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
This award is the highest of honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teaching. The awards were established by Congress in 1983. The President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year.
“It is truly an honor to be considered for this award. I have always loved my students and the opportunity that allows me to help prepare them for their futures,” Landon said.
At NSU, Landon earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary mathematics education, a master’s degree in educational technology leadership and was a Division 1 soccer player.
“The education I received at Northwestern State laid the foundation for the person I am today,” Landon said. “When I arrived in Natchitoches in 2006 as a 17-year-old freshman from Dallas, I immediately felt at home at NSU. The faculty, students and the residents of Natchitoches were extremely supportive during a crucial time of transition in my life.
Landon said that being a Demon soccer player challenged her athletically on the soccer field and pushed her to perform well academically in the classroom.
“As a student-athlete I had to find a perfect balance between self-discipline and time management off the field as well as teamwork, collaboration, working under pressure and leadership on the field,” she said.
In her 11 years of teaching, Landon has received recognition as a Teacher of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year, a mentor teacher and a highly effective educator with training from respected programs like the Ron Clark Academy.
“A huge part of my success is thanks to the dedicated professors and hands-on experiences provided by the College of Education. My student teaching experience with Nikki Murphy and Donna Guillory at NSU Middle Lab School laid the groundwork for me to become the engaging and effective teacher I am today,” Landon said.
Landon’s teaching career began in Natchitoches at St. Mary’s School before she moved to Marthaville Elementary/Middle School to teach sixth-eighth grade math.
“At both schools I was fortunate to build relationships with amazing students and supportive parents and appreciated the encouraging start to a challenging career. After making the difficult decision to leave Natchitoches and move to Shreveport, I continue to teach fifth grade math at University Elementary and strive to make a positive impact on each student who enters my classroom,” Landon said.
The PAEMST program recognizes teachers that have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Since the program’s inception, more than 5,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the nation’s educators, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
“Northwestern State and the city of Natchitoches will always have a special place in my heart and I will always be grateful for the memories and experiences. Being a Demon soccer player is the reason I came to the school, but the city of Natchitoches is why I stayed,” Landon said.
Kansas is a 4.5-points favorite against Villanova Saturday in the first of two NCAA Tournament semifinal games. Duke and North Carolina will follow at approximately 7:49; the Blue Devils are a 4-points favorite.
Hello, Awesome Saturday Night. Except …
If you see a Kansas fan between now and then, and if he or she is gnawing on tree bark and unable to mumble a complete sentence, move along. Yes, the Jayhawks are favorites. Yes, Kansas has a basketball tradition as rich as anyone’s.
But yes, Kansas come Tournament time is a heartache waiting to happen.
East Coast. West Coast. Midwest. Deep South. Historically, the Kansas basketball program has arguably left more hoop-loving hearts broken all over this great land and on the Final Four Road than any other program that’s ever dared nail up a peach basket.
They’ve got the awesome old-school gym. The simple, bright, cheerful uniforms you could probably wear to church and get away with. That happy-go-lucky Jayhawk mascot.
It’s a program that’s strung together a ridiculous 31 straight NCAA Tournament appearances, the most ever. All the Jayhawks do is win.
Until it’s time to finish. Kansas has only three NCAA Tournament titles in its illustrious history.
Which is three more than lots of programs, for sure. Most anyone would trade for what Kansas has been able to do, generation after generation.
And still, their reputation is that of a Bracket Buster. Kansas giveth, and Kansas taketh away. Saturday will mark the program’s 16th trip to the Final Four, which means that for all their trips to the mountaintop, the Jayhawks have left as King of the Hill only once every five times.
They’ve been runners-up six times, college basketball’s equivalent of baseball’s 1950s’ Brooklyn Dodgers and 1990s’ Atlanta Braves.
Bridesmaids City.
Recent history:
In 2010, Northern Iowa, historically one of the finest programs in all of the great state of Iowa, bounced them out.
In 2011 as the Tournament’s No.1-seed, Kansas was dismissed by VCU in the Elite Eight. (Time flies; Shaka Smart seems like last week.)
2014, they got Stanford-ed, although it’s important to remember that Kansas was Joel Embiid-less thanks to an unfortunate injury.
2016 and 2018, well, we’ll come back to that in a sec.
In 2020, the Jayhawks were ranked No. 1 in some polls and … The Ultimate Indignity … the Tournament was pandemically cancelled.
So here they are again with head-scratching Kansas, never ranked No. 1 this season, yet champions of the Midwest Regional and the only No.1 Regional seed left in the ballgame. If you are a Kansas fan, you are probably preparing for a dagger where it hurts.
But who knows? Bill Self could become just the 16th guy in the college game to win multiple national titles. Kansas could do what the 1952 and Self’s 2008 team did and win it all.
Very un-Kansas-like, they’ve even won it when they weren’t supposed to. I happened to be there hanging around in Kemper Arena in Kansas City in 1988 when “Danny Manning and the Miracles,” a 6-seed, upset No.1 Oklahoma, 34-3 and winners of 21 of its last 22 games, 83-79. The game was tied 50-50 at the half, the small (for a Final Four) arena was an explosion of cheers and colors and gasps and drama, and the whole thing was more fun than a little bit.
And maybe the same will be true this weekend. Maybe. With Kansas being a favorite over Villanova in the Saturday semis, that’s a step in the right direction.
Except … remember we mentioned 2016 and 2018? Kansas played Villanova in the tournament both those years. And lost. First, in 2016 when the Jayhawks were the top-seeded team in the tournament.
And then in 2018, when Kansas lost to the underdog Wildcats … in the semifinals.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
Two senior student athletes from St. Mary’s Catholic School were selected as part of the 2021-22 Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) All-Academic Composite Team for spring sports. The LHSAA All-Academic Award Program recognizes the academic excellence of senior student athletes who have attained a 4.0 grade point average by placing them on the All-Academic Composite Team.
Emma Broadway is the daughter of Scott & Yvette Broadway. Through her time at St. Mary’s Catholic School, she has maintained a 4.0 grade point average and participated in various clubs and athletics. She is a six year member of the Lady Tiger Tennis team where she currently serves as Captain and helped lead her team to a state runner up victory in the 2021 season. She is also a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes where she serves as President, as well as Beta Club where she acts as Secretary. In addition, Emma is active with Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, and Cooking for a Cause. Emma was also presented on the homecoming court. In the fall, Emma intends to study at Louisiana State University and pursue a degree in Biology.
Abigail Ramian is the daughter of Chad and Lesley Ramian. She attends St. Mary’s Catholic School, has maintained a 4.0 grade point average and will attend Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in the fall and pursue a degree in Business Finance. She is a six year member of the Lady Tigers Golf Team and a four year member of the Tigerline Dance Team. Abigail is also a member of Beta Club where she serves as Vice President. In addition, she is a member of FBLA, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Cooking for a Cause. Abigail was presented on the Homecoming Court and on the Junior Court for the Krewe of Dionysos. She is also a Lady of Spring Court and will be presented at the Holiday in Dixie Plantation Ball.
District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced today the guilty verdict by a jury in an animal cruelty case.
Zwerick Hudson, 42, of Natchitoches, was found guilty of aggravated cruelty of animals, a felony, by a jury upon the conclusion of a 2 day trial. The conviction was the result of an incident in 2020 in which Hudson mutilated and killed a small dog with his bare hands.
Judge Desiree Duhon Dyess set a sentencing date for May 2nd.
First Assistant District Attorney Cloyd Benjamin, Jr. and Assistant District Attorney Bray Williams prosecuted the case.
March is National Kidney Month – a time to give some thought to just how well you are taking care of these important bean-shaped organs. At Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC), we want to help increase awareness about the role of the kidneys in your overall health and the early signs of kidney disease.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), millions of people in the United States have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Unfortunately, many people do not even know they have it until the disease progresses. Often considered a silent disease, it is important to diagnosis CKD in its earliest stages. Those in the highest risk group for developing kidney disease are those with diabetes and/or high blood pressure, but there are also many other conditions and illnesses that can affect your kidneys.
What the Kidneys Do
We have two kidneys located just below the rib cage on both sides of the lower back. About the size of a fist, these important organs help filter the blood in our bodies and remove waste. The kidneys also produce Vitamin D, which is essential to good health, help balance fluids within the body, and serve to regulate salt and potassium. The kidneys also produce red blood cells and regulate pH. As a specialized branch of medicine, doctors who specialize in caring for the kidneys are called nephrologists.
Managing CKD
“The kidneys are the body’s filter similar to the filter in a car that helps keep the car engine clean,” explained Board Certified Nephrologist Dr. Alfred Ajise. “The job of the kidneys is to remove waste from the blood and produce urine that carries the waste to the bladder and then out of the body. When the kidneys begin to fail, a person will still produce urine for a while but will begin to lose the ability to filter the blood. Eventually, the ability to produce urine becomes impaired, resulting in severe fluid buildup in the legs and throughout the body, including the lungs.”
Nephrologists help patients by diagnosing and treating the cause of kidney disease with the hope to stabilize the kidney and/or improve kidney function through the management of hypertension, nutrition, exercise, and medication management.
Know the Warning Signs of CKD
If you notice any changes in the amount or frequency of your urination, you should see your doctor. Watch for changes in color, foamy urine, or any odors.
Get a routine physical and have your urine checked for blood and protein– both can be signs of kidney disease.
Many people also experience lower back pain.
Make a Commitment
Talk to your doctor about your kidney health. Watch your diet, limit additional salt, drink enough fluids to stay hydrated, and exercise. If you have other health issues such as high blood pressure, get regular blood pressure checks, take your medicine as prescribed and get enough exercise. For more information about your health, visit NRMChospital.org.
Dr. Edward William Graham, who served as vice president of Academic Affairs and an academic dean four times at Northwestern State University, died March 25, 2022.
Graham joined the Northwestern State faculty as chairman of the Department of Chemistry and Physics in 1974 and throughout his tenure at Northwestern State served as dean of the College of Science and Technology, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, dean of Graduate Studies and Research, dean of instruction, vice president for Academic Affairs and faculty senate president. He retired in June 2010 and was named a Dean Emeritus in 2011.
During his years as an administrator, Graham developed a means for evaluating teacher performance at the university and was praised for many administrative accomplishments.
Graham was born to Cecil and Lise Graham of Natchitoches Oct. 24, 1937 and was a graduate of Natchitoches High School. He earned degrees from Louisiana State University and the University of California-Berkeley. His 53-year professional career was dedicated to scientific research and higher education.
In addition to NSU, Graham held faculty positions at Clarkson College of Technology and University of California (Los Angeles). During his 36 years at NSU, he served as chemistry and physics department chair, held several dean positions and was the vice president of academic affairs. He received many honors and distinguished teaching awards from UCLA and Phi Lambda Upsilon. He volunteered his time as a board and committee member, evaluator and served on educational task forces and his passion for science was evident in his teaching, research and grant funding.
Graham is survived by his wife Marsha Bella Zulick; daughters, Rebecca Graham of Savannah, Georgia, and Deborah Graham Zaheer (Saqib) of San Francisco, California; sister, Cecilia Graham Possoit (Johnny) of Natchitoches; brother, Stuart Graham (Barbara) of Austin, Texas; his children by marriage, Kristen Zulick Dulin (Brian) and Richard Zulick (Denise) of Dallas; 10 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
By Brad Dison
When Mary Porter was in her final year of high school, she wrote an essay entitled “The Influence of Misfortune Upon the Gifted.” She had no way of knowing how well that title fit the life of her son, William Sydney Porter. In 1882, twenty-year-old William Sidney Porter decided to relocate from Greensboro, North Carolina to rural Texas to alleviate his persistent coughing. While in Texas, William worked as laborer on a sheep ranch, as a surveyor, as a newspaper writer and cartoonist at the Houston Post, and finally, in 1891, as a paying and receiving teller for the First National Bank of Austin. During his tenure at the bank, William worked part time on a humorous weekly newspaper of his own creation called The Rolling Stone.
It was while he was working for the First National Bank of Austin that misfortune struck. In 1894, William’s boss accused him of embezzling $1,100.00. William defended himself as well as he could, but the bank’s accounting ledgers were rarely balanced due its “loose methods.” He explained that he had been a loyal employee of the bank for four years. There was nothing William could say that would save his job. After being fired, William worked on The Rolling Stone full time. He was lucky not to be prosecuted.
In 1895, William moved with his family to Houston to work at the Houston Post after The Rolling Stone failed to turn a profit. William’s luck ran out when the First National Bank of Austin was audited. After reviewing the bank’s ledgers, the federal auditor found evidence of embezzlement. William’s ex-boss told the auditor that William had been fired for embezzling money. William was indicted on the embezzlement charge and arrested in Houston. William’s father posted bail and William was released. His trial was set for July 7, 1896.
On the day before his trial was to begin, after much discussion with his wife, William fled to New Orleans then took a ship to Honduras. At the time, Honduras had no extradition treaty with the United States. William’s wife, Athol, and daughter, Margaret, were to join William in Honduras at a later date. Misfortune struck William again when his wife contracted Tuberculosis. Despite being a fugitive, William quickly returned to Austin to be with his wife. William’s wife, 29-year-old Athol Estes Porter, died on July 25, 1897.
While grieving over the loss of his wife, William stood trial for embezzlement. He tried to persuade anyone who would listen that he was innocent, but on February 17, 1898, he was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison. He began serving his prison sentence at the Ohio Penitentiary in Columbus, Ohio the following month. It must be noted that William’s predecessor in the job had a nervous breakdown and his successor tried to commit suicide. The First National Bank of Austin, the loosely-run bank in which William was convicted of embezzling of money, eventually failed.
William was able to turn the misfortune of prison into a fortunate situation. One newspaper reporter claimed “The prison term, to a man of Porter’s sensitive temperament and culture—he was of the best blood of Virginia and North Carolina—was crushing, yet it revived and stimulated his genius.” For the entirety of his prison term, William wrote short stories with a fervor. He knew no one would publish stories sent from a convicted criminal in the penitentiary, so William enlisted the help of a friend. Each time he completed a story, William mailed it to his friend. Upon receiving it, his friend discarded the prison envelope, addressed a new envelope to William’s publisher, and the publisher was none the wiser. To ensure that no one learned that the stories were written by a convict, William chose a pen name that he had used on occasion.
William’s stories became wildly popular. Newspapers proclaimed after his death that his “name and fame…is secure in American literature. He was one American writer who was touched with the fire of genius. After Poe, he was the greatest American master of the short story, and in depicting American life he excelled Poe and was equal to Mark Twain.” William entered prison “a man chastened by misfortune.” He emerged as an American icon, a man “whose genius had been stimulated and inspired.” William Sydney Porter became famous for stories such as “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Ransom of Red Chief,” and “The Caballero’s Way” in which he introduced his most famous character, Cisco Kid. His pen name was … O. Henry.
Sources:
1. Austin American-Statesman, August 1, 1897. P.3.
2. The Chattanooga News, November 3, 1916, p.4.
PHOTO: William Porter Working in the Teller Cage of First National Bank of Austin circa 1892
Crawfish pies and shrimp pasta will be on the menu for guests who stop by the Legacy Café booth at Flavor of Louisiana, Northwestern State University’s spring seafood celebration. From left are Crisy Bernard, Jill Bankston, Legacy Head Chef Karen Wallace and Sharon Leone. Guests will be able to wander from food booth to food booth tasting a variety of Louisiana seafood dishes prepared in many different ways, along with beverages, desserts and options for non-seafood eaters. Flavor of Louisiana, NSU’s biggest spring fundraiser, will be at 6 p.m. Friday, April 8 in Prather Coliseum. Tickets are $75 per person.