Baton Rouge- District VIII of the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association will hold its fall District meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27 at the First Baptist Church of Natchitoches on 508 2nd St. in Natchitoches.

District VIII of LRTA includes DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine and Winn parishes. Retired teachers from these parishes are invited to attend. Chris Nolen, District VIII President, will preside over the meeting. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m.

LRTA Executive Director Rodney Watson will also give a recap on the 2022 Regular Session and discuss potential future legislation that could impact retired teachers. Additional meeting details can be found at lrta.net.

The Louisiana Retired Teachers Association is a nonprofit organization that is devoted to protecting and enhancing benefits for individuals receiving retirement benefits from the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana. For more information about LRTA, visit lrta.net.

For the past 23 years, the Cane River Zydeco Festival has been a staple of the Labor Day weekend in Natchitoches parish. The event, sponsored by the Magnolia Peace Officers’ Association, started with a sixty mile “poker run” that attracted over 50 motorcycle enthusiasts who competed for fun prizes while enjoying a picturesque ride through our parish.

The festival attracted people from all over the local area and beyond. Our city hosted a group of friends from Austin and Corpus Christi, Texas who drove to Natchitoches just for the festival. There was also a bit of lagniappe in the form of Miss Kaydee Meshell, the recently crowned Zwolle Tamale Fiesta Queen. Miss Meshell is a senior at Zwolle High School and will be a nursing major at NSU next year. The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes you all the best as you close out your high school career and begin your collegiate one. Fork ‘em Demons!

The concert consisted of two singers and their bands. Koray Broussard of Opelousas was the first act. He and his band played a variety of Zydeco tunes. Natchitoches’ DJ Rob Reel kept up a steady stream of music during the day and between acts that kept the crowd’s spirits high. The night’s headliner was Houston’s Marcus Ardoin. He did not stop for a minute, keeping the crowd on their feet and dancing all evening with a high energy set of classic and new Zydeco music.

The Cane River Zydeco Festival is quality family fun and is part and parcel of what makes living in Natchitoches so special.

Northwestern State University will host its inaugural bass fishing tournament Saturday, Oct. 15, presented by the Cane River Waterway Commission. Fishing sites will include Cane River, Sibley Lake, Red River and Black Lake. Weigh-ins will take place at Collins Pavilion on the NSU campus and will include giveaways, door prizes, raffle, DJ, bounce house and tackle and apparel vendors. Proceeds will benefit the NSU Fishing Team.

First place prize is $10,000, second place is $5,000, third place is $2,500 and a Big Bass prize is $3,000. Additional payouts will be made with one for every seven entries.

The entry fee is $150 for a team or individual. Early registration is available at nsula/BASSTournament until Oct. 14. Anglers can register early to get later check-in times. In person registration will be available Collins Pavilion from 3-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 and 4:15-6:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15.

Kid Fishing will be available with applicable rules.

“We are excited to host the first ever NSU Bass Fishing Tournament and invite all area anglers to join us on some of the most beautiful waterways in Louisiana for the competition,” said Drake Owens, executive director of the NSU Foundation. “The weigh-in is a family event and funds go directly to the NSU Fishing Team.”

The NSU Fishing Team is a club sport open to all NSU students that competes in FLW, B.A.S.S. and Collegiate Bass circuits. The team competes at tournaments around the country and scholarships are available.

Northwestern State University will honor six alumni by inducting them into the University’s alumni hall of distinction, the Long Purple Line. The 2022 inductees are Tommy Chester and Lola Dunahoe of Natchitoches, Dr. Johnny Cox of Coushatta. Tynes Hildebrand of Shreveport, Gail Metoyer Jones of Natchez, and Carlos Treadway of London, England. The inductees will be honored at a luncheon on October 21 at 12 noon at the Natchitoches Events Center. Check in begins at 11:30 a.m.

Chester earned a bachelors in wildlife management in 1967 and a masters in student personnel services in 1969. While at Northwestern, Tommy met his wife, the former Cynthia (Cindy) Thomas.

He served in the U.S. Air Force. Chester was a teacher in Red River and DeSoto parishes and director of Student Activities at Louisiana College and Louisiana Tech. He started a successful career with State Farm Insurance beginning in 1977 in Arcadia. As an agent, Chester has won numerous awards. Early in his career he was named a Travel Agent and was an Honors Agent multiple times throughout his career. He has also been named as a Select Agent.

His community service includes serving as president of the Arcadia Jaycees and Arcadia Lions Club.

Chester joined the NSU Alumni Association Board of Directors in the 1980s, and later became vice-president, and president; serving in that role for 10 consecutive years. He holds the distinction as the longest serving president in Alumni Association history. He has also been a member of the NSU Athletic Association Board of Directors. Tommy and Cindy Chester established the Doris G. Chester Scholarship through the Gallaspy Family College of Education.

Chester initiated an award for NSU faculty which is now the Excellence in Teaching Award. The honor is presented to a faculty member from each academic college during the fall semester. He worked with the late President Dr. Randall Webb in the late 1990s to gain student support to fund construction of the Randall J. Webb Wellness and Recreation Center.

Cox has served as mayor of Coushatta since 2012 after serving on the town council. He earned a bachelor’s in industrial technology at NSU where he was Student Government Association president for two years and was the student representative of the Board of Trustees for State Colleges and Universities and SGA representative to the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce. He was in the ROTC program where he received the ROTC Academic Achievement Award, the Exceptional Performance Award, a Certificate of Appreciation and a Certificate of Proficiency. He attended ROTC Advanced Camp, receiving an Advance Camp Completion Award and completed the U.S. Army Infantry Airborne Course.

His academic honors included membership in Blue Key National Honor Fraternity, the National Honorary Dean’s List, Presidential Academic Award, Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities and the Natchitoches Outstanding Community Work Award.

He later earned a master’s degree in biblical studies and a doctorate of ministry from the Institute for Teaching God’s Word and a doctorate of theology, a doctorate of divinity and a doctorate of philosophy from the Minnesota Graduate of Theology. Cox has been a pastor for more than 30 years.

Cox served in the U.S. Army and Louisiana Army National Guard. He was chief executive officer of Winnfield Funeral Home and Winnfield Holding Company. Cox was a sheriff’s deputy with the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office and vice president-chairman of the executive board of the Louisiana Youth Outreach Commission. The Louisiana Legislature passed a resolution in 2013 commending Cox for his work on behalf of the people of Red River Parish.

Dunahoe was appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to the Board of Supervisors for University of Louisiana System in 2016 and continues to serve on the management board which oversees Northwestern State and eight other state institutions. In that role, she served on the system search committee for the selection of three presidents of Northwestern State. Dunahoe served on the Onward Louisiana,Higher Education Transition Committee.

She was president of the Northwestern State University Foundation during Northwestern’s first capital campaign which began with a goal of $18.84 million and raised $32 million to enhance the institution. Dunahoe chaired the nomination and governance committee and was also secretary and vice president. She currently holds the executive committee position of past president. In 2021, Dunahoe was honored with the Northwestern State University Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

Dunahoe is chair and chief executive officer of the Mary R. Gallaspy Charitable Trust #2, a multi-million dollar Trust consisting of real estate, oil and gas interests and other securities, managed for the purpose of awarding academic scholarships to Northwestern State students.

In her career, Dunahoe has been active in community service. She was president of the Prudhomme-Rouquier House Foundation during the time the organization received a $366,000 Save America’s Treasures Grant for the restoration of its 1790 property located in the Natchitoches Historic Landmark District. As a member of First Baptist Church of Natchitoches, she co-chaired the church’s $2.5 million restoration project.

Hildebrand has had a seven-decade affiliation with NSU as a two-sport athlete, head basketball coach, athletics director, AD emeritus and an NCAA regional basketball officials advisor.

Hildeband earned a bachelors and master’s degree from Northwestern. He was head men’s basketball coach from 1965-1980 and director of placement from 1980-1983. He returned to the athletic program as athletic director from 1983-1996.

As men’s basketball coach, he led the Demons to the NAIA Playoffs for four consecutive years and won back-to-back conference championships in 1973-74 and 1974-75. He assisted with the training camp of the 1972 United States Olympic Team at the invitation of legendary coach Henry Iba. Hildebrand led the basketball program into Division I, taking the team through its first four seasons at the highest level of competition.

While serving as athletic director, he helped guide the Demon athletic program into the Gulf Star Conference and later the Southland Conference. Hildebrand was selected to serve on numerous NCAA committees including the Division 1-AA football selection panel. One of Hildebrand’s trademarks as athletic director was using interns to supplement a small administrative staff. Among those who began their professional careers as interns for Hildebrand at NSU include Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey and Greg Burke, who succeeded Hildebrand as NSU’s athletic director and served in the position for 25 years.

Hildebrand was named Mr. Louisiana Basketball in 1981 and is a member of the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the N Club Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. The Southland Conference inducted him into its Hall of Honor in 1999.

Jones has a long record of public service in education, non-profit organizations and law enforcement. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from NSU and a master’s in student personnel services. Jones worked 15 years at NSU initially as an admission counselor and recruiter and served as counselor with the Louisiana Scholars College class. She moved into the position as director of TRIO: Student Support Services and Retention Coordinator, Freshman Connection and New Student Programs.

In 1998, Jones became chief professional officer of Boys and Girls Club of Natchitoches, obtaining more than $1 million in funding from local, state and regional agencies and foundations to establish and enhance programming for local youth and families. In 2000, she was named J. Richard Ullom Rookie of the Year for Professional Excellence by the Boys and Girls of America at the Regional Conference. She served on local, state and regional boards and committees.

In 2005, accepted a position with Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office as a grant writer and community outreach coordinator. That evolved into the establishment of a Community Services Division and Jones served as division chief. Over eight years the Division was successful in targeting the needs of youth and families through programs that helped the people of Natchitoches Parish.

Jones is a member of NSU Alumni Association, board member, emeritus, and has served on the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, chaired the Children and Youth Planning Board, Organizing Member-Vice Regent for Daughters of the American Revolution, member of the St. Augustine Historical Society, and vice president of the Association for Preservation of Historic Natchitoches. She is married to Emery Jones, has a daughter Kristy and resides in Isle Brevelle on the family farm.

Treadway is chief executive officer of Ford Credit Europe. He has had a broad, global career with increasing responsibilities over the past 28 years. His assignments have provided experience in board management, strategy, business planning and analysis, policy and procedure development, pricing, marketing, brand management, forecasting, budgeting, quality and productivity control, securitization support and government relations. Treadway also has experience in regulatory oversight and management, operational, commercial and consumer risk management, supplier management, operational oversight and compliance, customer servicing/satisfaction/fair treatment, an ability to manage large teams, employee development/training and succession planning and IT acumen.

He originally moved to London as Ford Credit Europe executive director marketing and sales after serving as Ford Motor Credit Company’s vice president for North American Business Center Operations upon returning to the United States. Treadway spent nearly seven years in China as president of Ford Automotive Finance China, regional operations director, and business development manager for Ford Credit Asia Pacific. His career with Ford Motor Credit began as a customer service representative in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Treadway advanced through a number of roles within the branch, regional, central office and business center functions within Ford Credit in Florida, Texas, Michigan, and South Carolina before moving overseas.

An Alexandria native, Treadway earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from NSU in 1992 and a Master of Business Administration from Texas Christian University in 2004. He was a 4-year letterman for the Demon football team, two-time All-Southland Conference tight-end and named one of the 13 honorary captains on the Demons all-century team in the 2007 centennial celebration as a tribute to his leadership and value to his teams. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Treadway served as director of the Demons Unlimited Foundation (DUF) and a member of the Executive Committee until October 2021. He was also a co-founder of the Northwestern State University Black Alumni Alliance that was established in 2009.

November 22, 1921 – September 2, 2022

Born November 22, 1921 Sadie Maggio Dark, daughter of Sam and Carmelite Maggio, was the 7th of eleven children in a close-knit Italian Catholic family. After 100 years of life, love and laughter, Sadie joined her beloved husband Don in heaven on September 2, 2022.

Sadie was a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy, and of Northwestern Normal School. During World War II she met Staff Sergeant Don Fields Dark of Winnfield, LA and in 1942 they were married. Together they had four children.

Sadie was a longtime employee of City Bank & Trust Co. of Natchitoches, a member of Lesche Club, the Natchitoches Garden Club, St. Mary’s School Board, Catholic Daughters Association and a season ticket holder at NSU Football for many decades. She was a member of the Natchitoches Historical Society, the Jefferson Highway Association, participated in a weekly Rosary group, exercised at the gym where she regularly outpaced people half her age, volunteered at the Natchitoches Genealogy Society, and was an amateur local historian. Sadie was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Church where she was a docent and sang in the choir for many years. She was also named a Natchitoches Treasure and was a longtime patron of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony.

She traveled across the United States and to many countries around the world keeping detailed scrapbooks and journals of the sights she saw and people she encountered. She loved good food (she was an excellent cook), music and dancing. She taught her great-grandchildren the Charleston only a few years ago.

Sadie lived and loved life and was immensely proud of her hometown, Natchitoches. She was both a lifelong student, always learning, and a teacher to her family and friends. She made everyone around her feel comfortable and welcome. She never sought the limelight, but when she spoke everyone wanted to hear what she had to say.

She was “Grandma” to so many more than just her grandchildren.

Sadie was preceded in death by her parents Sam and Carmelite, her husband Don, her siblings Rosalie, Joe, Charlie, Ned, Jeanette, Mary, Grace (Sister Ann Carmel) and Theresa. She is survived by her brothers Henry (Buddy) Maggio (Nita) and John Maggio (Billie Marie), her children – Beverly Giering (Francis), Don Dark, Jr., John William Dark, and Mary Melissa Birch, grandchildren – Greg Giering (Molly), Gretchen Flores (Mark), Amanda Clark (Clay), Sarah Lizana (Kevin), Rachel Boggs (Lee), Melissa Scheffer (Kevin), Eric Dark, Hillary Dark, Heather McMichael (Josh), Jameson Weaver (Tanya) and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches with a Rosary beginning at 6:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held September 9, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church and she will be laid to rest beside her husband at Memory Lawn Cemetery. Honored pallbearers are Kevin Lizana, Kevin Scheffer, Lee Boggs, Mark Flores, Clay Clark and Eric Dark. Honorary pallbearers are John LaBorde, John Dobernig, Kent Dark, Russell Dark and John Jabbia.

A true Southern Lady, Sadie will be missed by all.

Since Jan. 1, 2022, the Keyser Ave Medical Park located at 1029 Keyser Ave in Natchitoches has been under new ownership and management. Since that time significant renovations have been underway to the interior, exterior, and mechanical systems making way for a state-of-the-art medical facility in Natchitoches. The building boasts a large lighted parking lot, professionally decorated common areas, and onsite maintenance staff. The building has several suites that are move-in ready for medical professionals now. Several other suites can be finished to the needs of future tenants. Call Justin Rhodes at Rhodes Properties and Development or Rodrick McIntosh at Rhodes Realty for your private tour today. Flexible lease and purchase options are available. Agents welcome.

Rotary District 6190 Governor Feico Kempff presented President Aaron Johnson with the Imagine Rotary Flag at the Sept. 6 luncheon. Kempff shared lessons learned and Rotary goals for 2022-2023. Pictured from left are Kempff and Johnson (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

Full Name of Site: Fairview Alpha Elementary
Current Performance Profile Rating: 5.9 High Proficient

% of Teachers using a Tier I Curriculum: 100%
% of Teachers with a CDA or higher: 100%
Ages served: 4-12

Vision: Persistent Pursuit of Progress

Guiding Principles: Student learning is our highest priority. Student safety is our greatest responsibility.

Mission: THROUGH OUR PERSISTENT PURSUIT OF PROGRESS, OUR VISION AT FAIRVIEW ALPHA ELEMENTARY IS TO EDUCATE THE YOUNG MINDS OF OUR STUDENTS SO THAT THEY ARE COLLEGE AND CAREER BOUND IN ENGLISH, MATH, SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES. AT FAIRVIEW ALPHA WE WANT TO ALSO GIVE OUR STUDENTS THE SOCIAL SKILLS NEEDED TO BE ABLE TO EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE IN SOCIETY. OUR STUDENTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN IN A SAFE AND CARE ENVIRONMENT FILLED WITH POSITIVE ATTITUDES AND RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY AND THEMSELVES.

#TOGETHERWECAN

What is special/unique about your site?

The faculty and staff at Fairview Alpha are a family. Each member has genuine care and concern for everyone – students, teachers and staff. Our new PK teacher, Amy Silas, challenges the students and encourages her students to take academic risks.

Why should parents enroll their children into your facility?

Fairview is on the rise. We are steadily growing and have several activities and clubs to offer students.

What is a major accomplishment your site has done?

Even though we lost valuable instruction at the beginning of the year due to quarantines, our STAR and Acadience scores show that we are growing in student achievement.

BOM is a sponsor of the LA Bomb Squad 10U softball team. The team consists of 10 players from Vernon, Beauregard, Sabine and Rapides parishes. Picture 1 – left to right: BOM’s Emily Breedlove, Brantlie Flack, and Bayleigh County. Picture 2 – LA Bomb Squad.

After we confirmed that a Bealls Outlet store will be coming to the River South Commons Shopping Center, as well as the previously confirmed Big Lots, the NPJ paid a little visit to the bustling area. The Big Lots store already has a pop of the iconic orange inside their 37,000 sq ft space. Some furniture has arrived and several big AC units need to be installed on the roof of the building before Big Lots can continue moving in.

Bealls Outlet will inhabit 25,000 sq ft of the old Stage space. This leaves 16,000 sq ft that was wallowed off from the old Stage space still open for a tenant, although the NPJ has heard rumors that something is already in the works. We’ll keep you posted when things become official.

The shopping center is also getting a facelift, with a fresh coat of paint on the facade and a fresh coat of asphalt in the parking lot. With all the new tenants, and current businesses, every retail space will soon be full. This is sure to bring the crowds back to this shopping center, which has had empty spaces for too long now.

Friday, September 2 was indeed a red-letter day for the Natchitoches Central High School community, as the Chiefs emerged victorious in their home opener against Shreveport’s Woodlawn High School. The game was also filled with fun activities. The Natchitoches Parish Library staff was on hand with face painting for children, including more than a few high school aged ones.

There was certainly no reason to leave the game hungry! The Lady Chiefs softball team held a superbly done brisket plate fundraiser featuring cooking from Sweetie’s BBQ. The funds raised will be used to feed the players on away games and for equipment for the program.

Halftime featured the young ladies of the “Little Chiefs” cheerleading camp. The one day camp has been held by NCHS cheerleading for over 30 years. Young girls attending the camp are given basic instruction on cheerleading and have the opportunity to show off their new skills at a Chief’s game. Over 100 young ladies attended this year’s camp.

The Chiefs’ hard work and preparation was rewarded with a most auspicious start to the football season. The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes NCHS a safe and victorious season. Go Chiefs!

Northwestern State volleyball head coach Sean Kiracofe announced Friday the promotion of Stacey Aldredge to associate head coach.

Aldredge is in her sixth season as a member of the coaching staff and her 10th overall as a Lady Demon after a stellar playing career for the Purple and White from 2011-14.

“This is a well-earned recognition for Stacey,” head coach Sean Kiracofe said. “There is no better representative of NSU Volleyball during her time as a player and now as an essential part of the coaching staff.

“Not many programs are as fortunate as we are to have a coach that shares the passion that players find for Northwestern State as a student athlete and is an example for what is attainable through hard work and dedication.”

As NSU’s career kills leaders with more than 1,300 in her four seasons along with eight other top 10 career rankings for the Demons, Aldredge is intimately familiar with her role working with the offense.

The Lady Demons saw increases in kills per set and attack percentage from one season to the next in each of Aldredge’s first three seasons on the staff prior to the COVID season of 2020. During that time, she helped Hannah Brister break the single-season kills record during the 2019 season and become the first Southland Conference Player of the Year for NSU.

As a true six-rotation player herself, Aldredge was also instrumental in the development of Alexis Warren who joined Aldredge in NSU’s exclusive 1,000-kill/1,000-dig club. Only four players in program history have reached both of those milestones in their careers.

“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and cannot thank coach Kiracofe enough for believing in me as a coach and leader for this program,” Aldredge said. “He has taught me so much and I’m thankful for the growth I’ve been able to experience during my time on staff. NSU and this program have given me so much, as a player and now a coach. I’m honored to be able to pour into the next generation of Demons and work with our incredible student-athletes.”

Photo: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services

Ingredients

• 1 pound Jimmie Dean sausage
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup bell pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 can crescent rolls
• 1 egg, beaten

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Brown sausage and drain.  Add onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, salt and pepper.  Cook over low heat for 10 minutes.

Add cream cheese, green onion, and Tony’s.  Stir until cream cheese is melted. 

Unroll crescent roll dough onto baking sheet.  Press seams together to form one large rectangle.  Cut 10 slits evenly on each side about 2” in length.  Spoon meat mixture down the center of the dough.  Starting at one end of the dough wrap it diagonally across the meat mixture.  Do the same thing with the corresponding slit on the other side.  Continue until you have “braided” all of the strips. 

Brush the dough with the beaten egg.  Bake for 20-23 minutes until the dough is golden brown.

Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom, and contributor to Webster Parish, Natchitoches Parish, and Shreveport-Bossier journals, as well as a published cookbook author.

Club seating remains available for Saturday’s the Shreveport Classic presented by the Caddo Parish Commission at Independence Stadium.

Seats in the club level are on sale for $75 each and include catered food for the 6 p.m. kickoff between Northwestern State and Grambling. There will be a cash bar provided on the club level.

To purchase tickets, click on this link.

General admission tickets also are available through the link. Northwestern State students with a valid student ID will be admitted to the game for free.

Independence Stadium has a clear-bag policy similar to that for Northwestern State home games.

Tailgate spots are available for $25 per space and can be purchased through the State Fair of Louisiana by calling 318-635-1361 or via email at info@statefairoflouisiana.com. Detailed parking information also can be found by contacting the State Fair of Louisiana.

The Northwestern State Alumni Association will host a pregame tailgate at the Ag Center on the Louisiana State Fair Grounds, located within walking distance of Independence Stadium. For more information including pricing of the tailgate, call Danielle Cobb at 318-357-5513 or Josie Stamey at 318-357-4934.

Dr Eloi provides facilities updates on the infrastructure of public schools in Natchitoches Parish and the new signage at Natchitoches Central and the new turf football field at Lakeview High School.

Dr Eloi talks about the recent visit from State Superintendent Dr Cade Brumley and the gains and improvements of Natchitoches Parish Schools and his vision for the future of education

Northwestern State University’s Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts will present a tribute to composer Alvin Lucier on Monday, September 12 in Magale Recital Hall. The program begins with a lecture at 5 p.m. followed by a recital at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

The program includes “Silver Streetcar for the Orchestra” featuring Oliver Molina on triangle, “Twonings” with Paul Christopher on cello and Chialing Hsieh on piano and “I Am Sitting in a Room” with Scott Burrell providing the voice and technical production by Collier Hyams.

Lucier, who died last year, was an American composer of experimental music and sound installations that explore acoustic phenomena and auditory perception. A long-time music professor at Wesleyan University in Middletown Connecticut, Lucier was a member of the influential Sonic Arts Union. Much of his work is influenced by science and explores the physical properties of sound itself: resonance of spaces, phase interference between closely tuned pitches and the transmission of sound through physical media.

For more information on the concert, contact Christopher at (318) 357-5802.

Pictured: Faculty from NSU’s School of Creative and Performing Arts who will be performing in a tribute to composer Alvin Lucier on Monday September 12 are, front left to right, Collier Hyams and Oliver Molina and, back left to right, Scott Burrell, Chialing Hsieh and Paul Christopher.

By Brad Dison

It was New Year’s Day 1958. The place was one where you would least expect a celebration, the oldest prison in California, San Quentin. For the previous 42 years, the Musicians Union in San Francisco had provided entertainment for the prisoners on New Year’s Day. This was the 43rd annual New Year’s Day show.

Prior to the show, the prisoners began a letter writing campaign to the performer they wanted to see most. They had heard that the artist would be in the area at the time. They considered this artist one of their own based on the lyrics of a hit song he had recorded in 1955 and requested that he perform the song at the New Year’s Day event. The song was Folsom Prison Blues. Their letters were addressed to Johnny Cash.

Playing prisons was not new to Johnny Cash. He began receiving letters from inmates all over the United States immediately following the release of Folsom Prison Blues and had previously performed at prisons. Johnny Cash was winding down a string of personal appearances in late 1957. The last paying show on this tour was on New Year’s Eve in Oakland, California. Johnny Cash agreed to play at San Quentin for free.

Most entertainers would have had at least a slight reservation at the thought of playing in front of 4,000 hardened criminals, some of which were scheduled to die for their crimes, but not Johnny Cash. When Johnny Cash walked onto the stage, the prisoners cheered. Their applause died down as Johnny Cash tried to speak. He had almost completely lost his voice from his previous performances.

In the audience was 20-year-old prisoner number A45200. This prisoner had spent much of his youth in juvenile detention centers for various crimes and was serving a three-year sentence in San Quentin for attempted robbery. Although he had never met Johnny Cash, the prisoner was concerned for the singer’s safety. If he was unable to perform as expected, the prisoner knew the event could easily turn into a riot.

Johnny Cash was struggling to sing. In between songs, Johnny Cash asked one of the prison guards for a glass of water. The guard stood like a statue; his only movement from exuberantly chewing gum. With the whole captive audience looking on, including prisoner number A45200, Johnny Cash mimicked the guard’s gum chewing. This single act, which none of the prisoners would have attempted for fear of reprisals, won over the audience. Prisoner number A45200 was mesmerized by the power Johnny Cash had over the crowd.

The prisoners applauded after each song. When he played Folsom Prison Blues, according to news reports, the prisoners “practically tore down the place applauding.” Johnny Cash said it was one of the most appreciative audiences he had ever had, even if it was a captive audience. Another newspaper reporter wrote the fitting headline “Johnny Steals The Show At San Quentin.”

Johnny Cash’s New Year’s Eve performance at San Quentin changed the direction of prisoner number A45200’s life. The prisoner saw how enthralled the other audience members were at Johnny Cash’s performance. The prisoner knew how to play guitar but had not seriously considered a career in music until that performance. He spent the remainder of his prison term, including his 21st birthday, writing songs. In 1960, prisoner number A45200 was released from prison. In 1963, he had his first hit single. Two more followed in 1964, and in 1966, he scored his first number one hit song. In his decades long career, the prisoner topped the country singles chart 38 times.

Had Johnny Cash not played the San Quentin New Year’s Day show, the world might never have heard of prisoner number A45200. He once wrote that he turned 21 in prison, and no one could steer him right. Prisoner number A45200, who was steered right by Johnny Cash, was Merle Haggard.

Sources:
1. The Memphis Press-Scimitar (Memphis, Tennessee), January 3, 1958, p.13.
2. Daily Independent Journal (San Rafael, California), December 31, 1958, p.21.
3. YouTube.com. “Merle Haggard Talks About Watching Johnny Cash in Prison.” Accessed August 29, 2022. youtu.be/Lc0ixeDxkh0.

The St. Augustine Historical Society (SAHS) is pleased to highlight 2022 appointments and activities.

New appointments to the Board include Mrs. Jennifer Colbert and Mrs. Kimberly Antee Martin. Mrs. Gloria “Mama Glo” Jones and Dr. Hiram “Pete” Gregory were awarded lifetime honorary advisory Board of Directors. Mrs. Charlotte White was appointed a SAHS Advisory Board Member for the Restoration of Badin-Roque House, and Mr. Clyde Roque was appointed the Project Manager for Badin-Roque Restoration.

At 92 years young, Mrs. Gloria “Mama Glo” Jones was appointed as a lifetime honorary Board of Director. Mrs. Jones was also named a Natchitoches Treasure in 2015. She was an original SAHS member when it was founded in 1979, and her husband, the late Lewis “Sonny” Jones, served as the organization’s first president. Through her efforts and others, the organization acquired and continuously works to preserve the Badin-Roque House, one of the oldest structures in the parish and one-of-a-kind in Louisiana. She and other board members also worked with community partners to restore the collapsing tomb of the community and church founder, Augustin Metoyer, and to place a historical marker in his honor. “Mama Glo” is well known for her service to the community. She served on the board of the Cane River National Park and Heritage area; she received an award for her contributions from the NSU Creole Heritage Center in 2013; she served on Louisiana State boards representing this area – the State Board of Agriculture and the State Livestock Branding Commission; and she served on the Council on Aging Board helping bring services to the elderly and low income.

“Dr. Hiram “Pete” Gregory was also appointed as a lifetime honorary Board of Director. A long-time friend, proponent and advisor, Dr. “Pete” has been a member of SAHS since its inception in 1979. He performed the first archeological study on the site and discovered a wealth of information and relics. He is a former Natchitoches Treasure and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award (2019) by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for his studies with the American Indian, Creole, and other Louisiana cultures. Together with help from the Cane River Community, he and Joseph Moran wrote a cultural study of the Cane River Creole community – “We Know Who We Are” – for Jean Lafitte National Park. He also joined Terrel Delphin, second president of SAHS, in organizing the Creole Heritage Center at NSU (1993), – an idea which spawned out of the SAHS. This year, he was recognized by the Louisiana Universities for his work with the Louisiana American Indian communities (2023).

Dr “Pete” says, “My great pleasure has been to listen and learn about Creole culture from my friends along Isle Brevelle, Cane River and across Louisiana. I came to Isle Brevelle as a stranger, and I found another home – a community of wise, faithful, families.”

Besides beginning the restoration of “the one-of-a-kind” Badin-Roque House, the SAHS has made new appointments and was a driving force in the recent to renaming of a portion of Highway 493 to the Augustin Metoyer Memorial Parkway – an idea brought to us by Emile Metoyer and sponsored by Senator Louie Bernard. A dedication will be planned in the near future.

Charlotte White was appointed a SAHS Advisory Board Member for the Restoration of Badin- Roque House. Charlotte currently serves the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as Vice President General and a member of the Spanish Lineage Research Task Force. She was elected Honorary State Regent of the Louisiana Society at their 2022 state conference. Charlotte served as State Regent from 2019 to 2022. During her administration, her State Regent’s Project, Restoration of Badin Roque, raised over $80,000.

Says Charlotte, “Selecting the Badin Roque restoration as my state project was an easy choice.”

Prior to her election, Charlotte visited Cane River to share the story of DAR with the ladies of Cane River. During her visit, she toured Badin-Roque and fell in love with the people and its history. As she toured the house and learned its history, she knew she had to be a part of saving this incredible structure. Charlotte led a fundraising effort among the 43 chapters in the state.

Charlotte shared, “It was a great honor on behalf of the Louisiana daughters to assist in raising funds for the preservation of a part of Cane River’s history, a part of Louisiana’s history and most significantly a part of our country’s history.”

Clyde Roque was appointed SAHS Project Manager for Badin-Roque Restoration. He has been a Board Director since 2015. Mr. Roque is a long-time historical preservationist and has led efforts to preserve the historic Alfred Llorens home on La-119. Mr. Roque has acquired a wealth of historical information over several decades. He graduated from Northwestern State University in 1974 and has been an industrial designer for the oil and gas industry in Houston, Texas for 35 years. He will use his expertise to guide the 2021 Badin-Roque restoration project after SAHS raised over $122,000 of support from community partners and private donors.

Jennifer Christophe Colbert is a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and Metoyer descendant tracing back to the founders of St. Augustine’s Catholic community on Isle Brevelle. Mrs. Colbert believes that her Board position will give her an opportunity to bring her ancestry search to life.

Says Mrs. Colbert, “The unique culture of the Cane River Creole community is worth publicizing, celebrating, and keeping alive for future generations. My hope is that we no longer will be known as a ‘forgotten’ people.”

Colbert’s father, Louis “Pajoe” Christophe started her on her journey when he gave her the hand-written data collected on the Kirkland-Christophe family members derived from the St. Augustine Church record. Today, Colbert hopes to give life to the contributions and hard work made by her ancestors and to inform her current family members of their unique heritage and courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Kimberly Antee Martin is the daughter of the late parents Joseph “Woodrow” Antee and Peggy Aaron Antee. Kim grew up in Inglewood, CA, but spent every 4th of July week on Cane River at the home of her grandfather Edward “Wood” Antee and Mable Conde’ Antee. Her grandfather, Edward Antee, was the owner of the Friendly Place on Cane River. Edward was the grandson of Norbert Badin, and after the passing of Edward’s aunt, Zeline Badin-Roque, he took ownership of the Badin-Roque home. In the early 1980’s, Edward sold the Badin-Roque home to the Saint Augustine Historical Society to preserve this piece of Louisiana history. Kim fondly remembers playing in the “mud house” as a child. Kim attended Northwestern State University with an emphasis in Marketing, and she currently serves as a member of Northwestern State University’s Alumni Board. While Kim and her family currently live in League City, Texas, they have plans to retire at their residence on Cane River.

Dr. Rand Metoyer was appointed SAHS Treasurer, succeeding Vera Severin who served over many years and remains an active member. Dr. Metoyer was born and raised in Natchitoches Parish.

Metoyer says, “Despite spending my formative years here, I wasn’t aware of our unique history until later in life. We would frequently take field trips during our school years, but never visited Melrose. We studied Louisiana history, but never our history. Understanding our history creates a peaceful ‘sense of being’ and a greater respect for the region. The objective of the historical society is both to preserve important structures of our past and to educate and engage future generations. Much of our community has migrated over the years. It is easy for the later generations to lose the connection to this area. My goal for the St. Augustine Historical Society is to reach out to the younger generations and create memorable experiences while they are visiting here, that will encourage them to want to return frequently and be an active part of our local and nationwide community.”

Continuing as SAHS President since 2013 is Rev. Dr. Harlan “Deacon Mark” Guidry.

Deacon Mark says, “SAHS has great appreciation for its outstanding board of directors who volunteer their time, treasure, and talents to the preservation of our Catholic faith-based heritage on Isle Brevelle, centered around St. Augustine Catholic Church. Over the years, much of our heritage has been lost, relocated, or misinterpreted by those looking from the outside in. Truth is, we know who we are, and SAHS is here to tell our own story and to preserve it.”

SAHS welcomes and appreciates supportive community partners and friends.

“Our supporters respect our cultural identity and come to us for our history,” Deacon Mark added. “As a people and a community of faith living on the Isle, we have never forgotten who we are.”

Other Board of Directors include Thomas E. Roque. Sr. (Vice President); Kathie Sarpy Roque (Secretary); Dawn Guidry Carmouche (Asst. Secretary for state and federal reporting); Dianne V. Moran (Press Secretary); Mary Frances Jones; Rebecca Metoyer Jones; Theresa Conant Demery; Vanue B. Lacour, Jr.; Anita Metoyer Evans; Anastasia Christophe; and Vera Severin.

POSITION: Electrical Department – Groundsman Laborer

QUALIFICATIONS: A working knowledge of principles and practices in overhead and underground electrical power line installation, maintenance procedures and operating/maintenance of substations including low voltage service work is desirable, trim trees and branches and assist the Right of Way Crew. Must work towards obtaining a CDL license. Overtime, standby and dependability is required.

EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 750 Second St., or P.O. Box 37 Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037.

Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall, located at 700 Second St., or you may download an application online at www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted until September 16, 2022.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

POSITION: Electrical Department – Class “C” Lineman

QUALIFICATIONS: Performs skilled line work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems; operates a variety of specialized related equipment and vehicles.

Overtime, stand by, dependability, and a high school diploma or equivalent are required. Commercial Driver’s License preferred.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 750 Second St. or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches La 71458-0037. Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall, located at 700 Second St., or you can download an application online at www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted until Sept. 16th 2022.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The 2023 National History Day contest will be held in the Natchitoches region at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum on March 11, 2023 and the theme is “Frontiers in History: People, Places, and Ideas.” LaToya Williams, the WWII National History Day Coordinator, is holding several History Day sessions via Zoom with dates from Sept. 8 to Nov. 2. I have attached the flyer with the dates and QR code to register for one of the meetings.

These sessions will connect History Day to the Louisiana:

State Social Studies Standards- This workshop is a deep dive into how History Day fits the 2022 State Social Studies Standards.

Thursday, Sept. 8 from 5-6 pm

Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 4-5 pm

Theme Exploration- This year’s theme is Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas. Join this workshop to understand the theme and learn effective strategies for introducing it to your students.

Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 4-5 pm

Thursday, Oct. 6 from 5-6 pm

Contest Rule Book & Rubrics- With the launch of the new NHD Contest Rule Book and evaluation forms last year, this workshop will do a deep-dive into the updated requirements and the new rubrics.

Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 4-5 pm

Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 5-6 pm

History Day Nuts & Bolts- This workshop covers the elements that help bring projects together including writing thesis statements and connecting them to effective arguments, the process paper and the annotated bibliography.

Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 4-5 pm

Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 5-6 pm

For more information contact LaToya Bailey Williams at latoya.williams@nationalWW2museum.org.

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

NATCHITOCHES – The 2021 Natchitoches Central Chiefs developed a penchant for fast starts as they broke a long losing streak and climbed among the highest-ranked teams in Class 5A football.

In the first two minutes of the 2022 season opener Friday night at Turpin Stadium, it seemed NCHS had rebooted that game plan.

The Chiefs exploded to a two-score lead, collecting a pair of turnovers and immediately converting each into six points. But they had to hold on against visiting Woodlawn to escape an upset and salt away an 18-14 triumph, fueled by 255 yards rushing by senior tailback Jeremiah Miles.

After last year’s breakthrough, many Natchitoches Central fans expect more of the same, that’s unlikely. This is a different year, with a bunch of new Chiefs on the field, and they have some growing up to do — along with a major MIA to handle.

Coach James Wilkerson confirmed after the game that starting quarterback B.J. Young will miss “at least the first half of the season” with a shoulder injury sustained early in last Friday’s jamboree. NCHS turned to a pair of sophomores, left-hander Adam Guillet and righty Lannon Collum. Friday night, they combined to complete 8 of 14 passes for 88 yards with one painful goalline interception halting a great third-quarter scoring chance.

“I’m proud of my quarterbacks,” he said. “It’s tough having B.J. on the sideline with us, working on the iPad, helping all he can, but that’s where we are. Those two sophomores competed and both made some plays, and they will get better and better and so will our offense.

“We had a lot of new starters on both sides of the ball, in their first real varsity game, and you want it to go perfectly for them, but it’s never going to work out that way,” said Wilkerson. “I’m proud of them. We made a lot of mistakes, but we kept coming back.”

It couldn’t have started better for the Chiefs. On the game’s first play, Woodlawn’s pass downfield sailed into the arms of NCHS safety Zecarious Thompson, who scurried 21 yards to the Knights’ 44. NCHS made it sting on the next snap, as Miles bolted through a hole on the right side and went the distance, untouched, 23 seconds into action.

Complicating the situation, Woodlawn fumbled the kickoff, setting up NCHS at the 26. Three plays later, it was 12-0 after Miles tallied from the one behind the interior of the Chiefs’ huge offensive line.

But just when a blowout seemed imminent, it wasn’t. The Knights showed some backbone, and took advantage of a series of bad snaps and mishandled footballs that stalemated the NCHS attack. Woodlawn scored a safety off one of those poor snaps six minutes before halftime.

Despite Miles — who was Caylin Demars’ understudy last season — slicing through the defense for a series of chunk gains on 27 carries, Woodlawn had its chances.

Isiah Kennedy (11-25-1, 187 yards) found explosive receiver Brandon Henderson on a post pattern for 84-yard TD late in the third quarter. But the Chiefs replied with what turned out to be the difference, a 61-yard, nine-play drive capped by an 18-yard burst over left guard by Miles on fourth and inches with 9:54 left.

Back came the Knights. Again, it was Henderson, who halted NCHS with that goalline interception in the third quarter, making it happen, working free in the back right corner of the end zone and catching a 24-yard touchdown from Kennedy on fourth-and-15 with 7:44 left to draw the visitors within four.

That was set up by a fumble recovery by Woodlawn defensive lineman Chadrick Jones. He did it again on the Chiefs’ next play, collecting a Miles miscue and handing the Knights a great chance, starting just outside the red zone at the 25.

In three snaps, Woodlawn was in striking position, second-and-four at the NCHS 7, but the Chiefs stacked up a run, then successfully defended two passes into the end zone.

“Our defense came up big when it mattered most,” said Wilkerson. “With that kind of quarterback, there’s so much they could do. A lot of new starters for us, who have never been in that situation, I’m just very proud of them.”

NCHS took over at its 10 with 5:07 left and got 51 yards on four Miles runs in a game-ending drive.

“Jeremiah had a great year last fall, and for almost any other team, he would have been the starter and the star, but we had Caylin,” said Wilkerson. “Now Jeremiah’s a guy we lean on. He was so down on himself for that fumble, but with the game on the line in the last five minutes, he came back and picked up big first downs so we could run out the clock.”

The Chiefs kept it interesting, surviving their 11th fumble (another bad snap), but this time Jones or any other Knight couldn’t get there fast enough.

Natchitoches Central 18, Woodlawn 14

Score by quarters

Woodlawn | 2 | 0 | 6 | 6 | – 14
Natchitoches Central | 12 | 0 | 0 | 6 | – 18

Scoring summary

NC – Jeremiah Miles 44 run (kick failed)
NC – Miles 1 run (kick failed)
W – Safety, bad snap downed in end zone
W – Brandon Henderson 84 pass from Isiah Kennedy (pass failed)
NC – Miles 18 run (pass failed)
W – Henderson 24 pass from Kennedy (run failed)

Individual leaders

Rushing – NCHS, Miles 27-255, 3 TDs; Guillet 3-minus 21, Team 2-minus 35. W, Quintin Wilson 7-14, Brandon Henderson 1-1, Isiah Kennedy 3-minus 33.

Passing – NCHS, Adam Guillet 5-8-1, 43 yards; Lannon Collum 3-5, 45 yards. W, Isiah Kennedy 1.1-25-1, 187 yards, 2 TDs.

Receiving – NCHS, Braden Woods 3-33, Camryn Davis 4-36. W, Brandon Henderson 6-140, 2 TDs; Jaylon Allen 3-21, DJ Bates 2-13, Anthony Bryant 1-12.