Jimmy Ray Pleasant
April 6, 1941 – October 28, 2017
Service: Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Warren Cemetery

Mary Ellon Robinson
June 18, 1943 – October 29, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 5-8 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 11 am at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church
Interment: Mt. Carmel Cemetery

Hiram Felding Bradford II
June 21, 1940 – October 27, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 9-11 am in the Kramer chapel
Service: Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 11 am in the Chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park

Bobby R. McCray
October 28, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Bennie Ruth Edwards
October 28, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Rev. Calvin Gray
October 26, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Mayo Cook
November 1, 1961 – October 24, 2017
Arrangements TBA

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Northwestern Theatre and Dance will perform “Les Dangereuses Liaisons” (Dangerous Liaisons) Nov. 1-4 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium.

Tickets are $15, $12 for children and seniors. Northwestern State, BPCC@NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts students are admitted free with a current student I.D. For ticket information, call (318) 357-4483 or visit theatre.nsula.edu. The play contains adult subject matter.

The play by Christopher Hampton is set in 18th century France and presents a world of complex moral ambiguities and revenge. Gifted, wealthy and bored, the Vicomte De Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil form an alliance and turn seduction into a game. They play this game with such wit and style it is impossible not to admire them, until they discover mysterious rules they cannot understand. In the ensuing battle, there can be no winners and the innocent suffer with the guilty. Scott Burrell is the director.

Burrell said the play was adapted into a 1988 movie that starred Glenn Close, Keanu Reeves, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer and Uma Thurman.

“While the movie is pretty close to the stage play, the play goes much deeper into the complexities of the characters and the plot,” said Burrell. The play has been a journey for all involved, especially the actors as they have had to do quite a lot of training in the style of the period which includes the manners, movement and the wearing of period costumes.”

The cast is Rosa Campbell of Baton Rouge as Marquise de Merteuil, Jesse Kortus of Shreveport as Vicomte de Valmont, Bethany Lee of Baton Rouge as Madame de Tourvel, Tova Volcheck of Rochester, New York, as Cecile Volanges, Elizabeth Jones of Benton as Emilie, Emmanuel Dunn of Baton Rouge as Majordomo, Jayzen Bogar of Edmond, Oklahoma, as Chevalier Danceny, Kathryn Bancroft of New Orleans as Madame de Volanges, Lee Garret of Haughton and Logan Simoneaux of Lafayette as an attendant, Macie Barrios of Luling as Madame de Rosemonde, Nick Hebert of Larose as Azolan and Emma Rivet of Baton Rouge as Adele.

Andrew Vessell of Baton Rouge is assistant director, Savannah Thibodeaux of Baton Rouge is stage manager and Jade Duthu and Katlynn Klein of New Orleans and Beth Fontenot of Ville Platte are assistant stage managers.

Burrell is set designer with light and sound design and fight choreography by Paul Pharris, costume design by Jessie Parr and technical design by Robert Richoux.

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By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The people buried in Natchitoches’ American Cemetery represent a broad swath of our area’s history, from its earliest days through the present. Several people who fought in the American Revolution are among them. The Natchitoches chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the St. Denis chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution joined together with over 20 community members and fellow Veterans to honor one such patriot, Antoine Prudhomme, on Oct. 29.

A color guard of SAR members in period uniforms presented the flag after which Charles McNeely, President of the Natchitoches SAR chapter, gave a talk with details of Antoine Prudhomme’s life. The Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution placed wreathes on his grave as did a representative of his family. A black cloth was removed from the gravestone to reveal a bronze marker from the DAR and SAR marking his grave as that of a Revolutionary War Veteran.

Antoine Prudhomme fought for this nation when it was just an idea, opposed by the greatest empire of the time. Over two hundred years later, his descendants joined present day Veterans in honoring a man who answered he challenge posed by Samuel Adams in his speech to the Philadelphia State House “If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace…” He did not go home. Like his brothers at Concord, Lexington, Yorktown and hundreds of battles and skirmishes, he chose the animating contest of freedom. He is a tangible link to the founders of this nation.

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After participating in the Crows on the Cane Contest, the community gathered at City Park Oct. 26 for the annual Pumpkin Glow.

5th Annual Pumpkin Glow Winners:
Carved Category:
1st – Juanice Gray
2nd – Lilyasta Laning

Painted Category:
1st – BOM
2nd – Les Amies Service Organization

Entertainment was provided by: Dazzle Dance Center, LLC , ECN: Elite Sports Center of Natchitoches, Renee’s Dance Studio, Natchitoches Flipping Athletics, LLC , NCHS Chiefettes, NCHS Maroon Line, NCHS Orchestra, Classy Steppers, NSU Middle Lab Orchestra, and Natchitoches Magnet Orchestra

2017 Crows on the Cane Winners:
1st Place – Jeannes
2nd Place – City Bank
3rd Place – Times

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BOM is proud to sponsor the NCHS Chiefs Baseball. Pictured from left are Kessler Barnes, Haydon Helms, Slade Sanders, Logan Lambert and Coach Richard Partridge.

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The sales team at Natchitoches Ford is ready to help you find the car you need at the right price. Pick your car and pick your payment from their large selection of new and used vehicles, which are all priced to move.

And remember, prices don’t include the Little Calvin and Big Calvin discounts! With the end of the year approaching, it’s time to clear the lot for new inventory. Shopping for a car or truck involves a lot of decisions, but the staff at Natchitoches Ford makes it easy to choose.

NEW VEHICLES:

USED VEHICLES:

Find hometown service and the best deals at Natchitoches Ford. Stop by the car lot at 7501 Hwy. 1 Bypass or call 1-888-309-0671.

***Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. Availability applies. All factory rebates to dealer. All offers with approved credit. Excludes prior sales or previously negotiated deals. Plus taxes, title and license fees. Residency restrictions apply. Expires 9-26-17. Stock images are for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicles may vary.

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The Natchitoches Humane Society held its annual Halloween Pet Costume Contest Oct. 24. Owners dressed their pets up as divers, airplanes and many more colorful characters.

Winners:
1st Place- Elvira owner Lisa Greer
2nd Place- Anistyn, Kaylie, Charlee and Kendall Rhodes Rocky airplane Roxie Scuba Diver
3rd Place- Luke and Leigha with Kion Busby

Judges included Natalie Covher, Mark Fox and Jenny Schmitt.

Continue reading →

CAPA organizations Tau Beta Sigma, NafME and Sigma Alpha Iota from Northwestern State University will hold a Trunk or Treat event Monday, Oct. 30 from 6-8 pm at the Spirit of Northwestern Practice Field (behind the tennis courts on the NSU campus). Entry is free, however, additional treats, activities and merchandise may be purchased.

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Hiram Felding Bradford II
June 21, 1940 – October 27, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 9-11 am in the Kramer chapel
Service: Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 11 am in the Chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park

Bobby R. McCray
October 28, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Bennie Ruth Edwards
October 28, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Rev. Calvin Gray
October 26, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Mayo Cook
November 1, 1961 – October 24, 2017
Arrangements TBA

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Director of Business Affairs Steve Solomon confirmed that he tendered his resignation from the Natchitoches Parish School Board on October 19, 2017. He declined further comment. Board member Steven Harris said Solomon will officially leave on December 20, 2017.

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Natchitoches Central High School
Natchitoches Central  7
Ruston  41

St. Mary’s Catholic School
St. Mary’s 56
Northwood  6
(Thursday)

Lakeview High School
Lakeview  26
Winnfield 35
(Thursday)

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Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development honored several alumni during Homecoming festivities with induction into the Hall of Distinguished Educators and recognition as Distinguished Young Professionals. From left are Dr. Vickie Gentry, dean of the College, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; Billy Crawford of New Orleans, Jeffrey Powell of Plaquemine, Judy Lincecum Stewart of Broussard, Dr. Larry Gracie of Oriental, North Carolina; Sedrick Clark of Gladewater, Texas; Dr. Steve Horton and Dr. Connie Melder of Natchitoches and NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio.

Those inducted into the Hall of Distinction earned a degree in one of NSU’s teacher preparation programs and are recognized for their contributions to the field of education at the local, state or national level.

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LaCap Senior Spotlight recognizes Jeremy Friedel of St. Mary’s Catholic School as an outstanding high school senior.

Jeremy Friedel has received many awards throughout his high school career including the Tulane Book Award, State Runner-Up, and National Qualifier Sports Entertainment Management for FBLA. He has received the St. Mary’s Integrity Award twice and has lettered in football, basketball, and track. Jeremy has recently earned a spot on the LHSAA Football Composite All-Academic Team and is a Wendy’s Heisman School winner. He has accomplished all of this while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Jeremy is a member of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church. He is an altar server and contributes often to the community. He is president of the LEO club, participates in the yearly fund raiser for St. Jude’s, helps with the Special Olympics, and volunteers during the summer at Lion’s Camp. Other activities include vice-president of Student Council, National Honor Society, FBLA, Beta, and FCA.

Jeremy participated in the Naval Academy summer seminar and hopes to gain admission to the Naval Academy. He is the son of Captain and Mrs. Trent Friedel and is a blessing to all that know him!

LaCap believes it takes good grades, community involvement, and hard work to make a successful leader. Jeremy Friedel is being recognized for these qualities.

LaCap is committed to improving our community’s well-being by offering financial and volunteer support to organizations that enhance the quality of life through programs for youth, education, and financial literacy.

La Capital Federal Credit Union has two locations in Natchitoches: 311 Keyser Avenue and 926 University Pkwy. Call 318-357-3200 or go online to lacapfcu.org for more information.

*Federally Insured by NCUA

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By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The NSU Volleyball team was on fire last night in Prather Coliseum as they defeated the previously unbeaten Sam Houston Bearcats Oct. 26 in 4 sets. The Bearcats walked into a buzzsaw of fired up Demon fans and a determined NSU Volleyball squad. Prather was a sea of spirited support for the Demons as the NSU Pep Band was constantly on its feet playing music, chanting and offering friendly suggestions to the referees. They were joined by over 750 Demon fans who never stopped cheering. The Demon Volleyball team has truly shown itself to be a force to be reckoned with on the court.

They are also a class act. The whole team went over to the NSU Pep Band after the game and thanked them.

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With the holiday season approaching, Magnolia Spa & Wellness wants to pass some savings on to its clients.

To do this, Magnolia Spa will host a 3-Day Early Black Friday Sale. Door prizes and refreshments will be available during the event.

“We want to show our clients how much we appreciate them,” said Owners Aimee and Leigh.

Savings include:

November 20- 20% Off Services and 10% Off Products
November 21- Gift Card Special Plus 15% Off Services and 15% Off Products
November 22- 10% Off Services and 20% Off Products.

Gift Card Sale: For every $100 gift card purchased, receive a $10 gift card for yourself!

Treat your staff or office to a spa party this Christmas.

Magnolia Spa & Wellness is located at 131 Touline Street in Natchitoches.

Call 318-238-2843 to prebook your appointment time.

Online: www.magnoliaspaandwellness.com.

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First Grade students at NSU Elementary Lab School completed an exciting and interactive unit on bats. Students read nonfiction text and focused on identifying the main idea and key details in the text. Later in the week, students wrote an informative writing using bat facts they learned which included diagrams and illustrative pictures. The unit ended with students participating in a Bat Cave day where students used flashlights and mock caves to mimic bat’s habitat.
5 Attachments

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Northwestern State University President Dr. Chris Maggio made a special phone call Friday to wish Earline Andrews a happy birthday. She didn’t mind a group of NSU students and faculty interrupting her breakfast in bed to sing “Happy Birthday.”

Her response: “Delightful!”

Andrews, who celebrates her 107th birthday on Oct. 28, is the university’s oldest known living graduate and is as sharp and spunky as ever.

Andrews was born in 1910, graduated from Vivian High School in 1928 and from Louisiana State Normal, as NSU was then known, in 1931. She was a classroom teacher for 43 years and has fond memories of her days at Normal that include campus buildings, notable teachers and administrators and codes of conduct that are long gone.

After living for more than 75 years in Tyler, Texas, Andrews recently moved to Fort Worth to live with her niece. She walks with a walker a half-mile every day, is an avid reader and stays informed on current events.

“Up until this year it has been my privilege to take her to vote,” wrote her friend Rita Bryant of Tyler. “People conducting the elections always contacted TV or the newspaper when she appeared. When media arrived, she lectured the public on civic responsibilities.”

After a long career of teaching and mentoring young people, Andrews retired and traveled the world, visiting every continent except Antarctica and Australia. On her 80th birthday, she was walking on the Great Wall of China. At 85, she rode a camel in Cairo and walked through the ruins of Ephesus. At 89, she was going into the port at Istanbul. During her teaching years, her interest in travel spilled into her lessons and in recent decades, former students have come forward to let her know how she inspired them to explore the world.

Maggio made Andrews aware that included in those singing were two upper level students from NSU’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development. He commented that although classrooms have changed, many aspects of teaching remain the same.

From Fort Worth on Oct. 27, Andrews said she would still be a young 106 until the 28th.

“I couldn’t have had a nicer surprise or a nicer honor,” she said.

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SMS Honor Roll Qtr. 1

Grade 07
A Honor Roll
Anne Long
Mason McCart
Anna McClung
Mason Melder
Adam Parker
James Theilen
Alix Winfree
B Honor Roll
Cylie Braud
Tenley Gahagan
Caroline Godfrey
Meredith Methvin
Anna Peluso
Micheal Rabalais
C.J. Smith
Jacob Townsend
Grade 08
A Honor Roll
Camille Ball
Kylie Bennett
Emma Broadway
Gracie Chasteen
Kadance Creamer
Jolee Fair
Graeme Fidelak
John Henry Ingrish
Anna Kate Jackson
Kenzie Lipa
William Mayeux
Lily Sklar
Cal Sukerek

B Honor Roll
Ethan Burns
Parker Byles
Mekhiah Champlin
Cole Fisher
Abigail Guillet
Emma Haecker
Emma Hatten
Daniel Johnson
Matthew Johnson
Kenna Leger
Jake Messenger
Chloe Nash
Abigail Ramian
Jana Seaman
Emma Stewart
Sarah Thibodaux
Hunter Willis

09 Grade
A Honor Roll
Laura Aviles
Graysen Bates
Maggie Gilmore
Andrew Godfrey
Mary Grace Long
Tim Lyddy
Jensen Parker
Zachary Slaughter
Maggie Wheat
Stephen Wheat

B Honor Roll
Joseph Carnahan
Madeline Godfrey
Lorelei Morris
Patrick Vienne
Abby Williams
Luke Zeagler

10 Grade
A Honor Roll
Maria Bienvenu
William Broadway
Renea Cunningham
Maddy Gardner
Thomas Howell
Carissa Kautz
Madison Lester
Chloe Longlois
Brady Poche
Mary Scruggs
Sarah Stamey
B Honor Roll
Zoe Brock
Chloe’ Cremeans
Jasen Elie
Evan Gandy
Damon LeGrande
Emily Maggio
Meredith Matt
Maci Messenger
Izzy Peluso

11 Grade
A Honor Roll
Sean Grappe
Claire Guillet
Stephen Mayeux
Matthew Thibodaux
Austin Vienne
Abigail Wheat

B Honor Roll
Katie Aldredge
Caroline Bishop
Lexie Brossett
Hannah Deranger
Luke Gallien
Sara Loach
Amanda Maxey
Jace Nobles
Hailey Seaman
Caroline Stokes
Brock Zeagler

12 Grade
A Honor Roll
Sarah Aviles
Dylan Bennett
Jeremy Friedel
Sarah Gilmore
George Ingrish
Madison Menou
Makenzie Methvin
Jay Parker
Ryan Sampite
David Thibodaux
Britney Turner
Lauren Vienne

B Honor Roll
Ashton Behrendsen
Elizabeth deVargas
Aaron Howell
Wesley Manuel
Olivia Miller
Sierra Pesnell
Bailey Shelton
Hannah Thomas
Nicholas Torrent
Zac White
Jack Wright
Katelyn Yopp

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Rev. Calvin Gray
October 26, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Karen Ruth Little
September 21, 1955 – October 24, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 11 am – 1 pm at Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home of Jena
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1 pm at Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home
Interment: Hawthorne Cemetery in Little Creek

John Ellington David Jr.
July 3, 1941 – October 25, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 8-9:30 am at the funeral home
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 10 am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church
Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Dora O. Hattaway
February 25, 1937 – October 25, 2017
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at Iatt Baptist Church
Interment: Iatt Cemetery in Verda

Gloria Jean Faircloth
July 6, 1957 – October 25, 2017
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church
Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery

Glen Jones
February 22, 1925 – October 26, 2017
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at First Baptist Church of Coushatta

Sean McNeish
September 2, 1969 – October 19, 2017
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 10 am at St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church, 2160 Cooper Lake Road, Smyrna, Georgia

Mayo Cook
November 1, 1961 – October 24, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Ruby Medlock
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at King Chapel A.M.E. in Many
Interment: King Chapel Cemetery in Many

Lee Arthur Gray, Jr.
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1 pm at Northwest Auditorium in Mansfield
Interment: Community Cemetery in Logansport

Zeffer King
October 20, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10-11 am
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at the Morning Star Baptist Church on MLK Drive in Winnfield
Interment: Winnfield Cemetery

Virginia Speaks “Ginny” Brown
January 05, 1937 – October 16, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 12-1 pm at Big Creek Baptist Church near Georgetown
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1 pm at Big Creek Baptist Church
Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

Emma Tousant
October 20, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 8-11 am
Service: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Bermuda

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Kevin’s Gallery

The local chapter of the American Cancer Society held its 2017 Belles and Beaus on the Cane Gala Oct. 26. The 2017 Belles and Beaus Honorees are Wanda Poche, Yvonne Tubre, Krista Sklar, Lanell Causey, Nolton Causey, Wes Rollo, Vicki Murchison, Dr. Joan Walker, Jim Bob Key, Barbara Johnson, Dr. Moshood Olatinwo, and Marilyn Mullikin.

There were over 250 in attendance at Melrose Plantation to bid on auction items and help raise an expected $50,000. This event, a 10-year tradition, is a major fundraiser along with Relay for Life.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating tonight’s photography.  Photo protection is off and downloads enabled.  Please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in lieu of payment.  See Kevin’s Gallery above.

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The numbers in the October Tax Report from the Natchitoches Tax Commission are up better than they’ve been in a while according to Administrator Jerry McWherter. He attributes this to an increase in audit activity, where they’ve collected some substantial outside audits. Unlike sales tax, audits are situational and collections can occur at any time during the year.

The report reflects September sales, which are up $121,000 year to date and up $14,000 for the month. McWherter said these numbers are good.

The numbers for the School Board may be a bit misleading because they contain July, August and September 1/2 cent sales tax collections. The increase in the 1/2 cent sales tax was passed this year and became effective July 1. Collections are up $372,000 for the month, which is a 36 percent increase. Year to date the collections are up $565,000, which is a 5.98 percent increase.

The Parish is breaking even, which McWherter said is doing well. “They had a good year,” he said. The Parish is maintaining the revenue it has and that’s a good thing. That, consistency and some solid numbers are allowing Natchitoches to break even, unlike other municipalities in the state.

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The following First Responders were recognized and honored for their service at the Oct. 24 meeting of the Rotary Club of Natchitoches:

Northwestern State University Policeman Jamey Robertson, with Chief Craig Vercher.

EMS Edward Lanham, with Chief Larry Atheridge

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Department Jonathan Byles, with Chief B. Walker.

Natchitoches Fire Department Mark Scott, with Chief Crit Miller.

Natchitoches Police Department Terry Johnson, with Rotarian with the Program Calvin McFerrin.

Pictured from left are David Zolzer, Terry Johnson, Calvin McFerrin, Mark Scott, Crit Miller, Larry Atheridge, Edward Lanham, B. Walker, Jonathan Byles, Jamey Robertson, Craig Vercher, and Wesley Harrell

Members also brought bags of dog food to support the Natchitoches Humane Society and Hope for Paws week. Pictured from left are Steve Axom, Jimmy Berry, Juanita Murphy, and David Zolzer.

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