Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and multiple units from Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #6 responded to a structure fire in the 100 block of Paul Jordan Road on Dec. 29 at approximately 10:15 a.m., according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

NATCOM 911 Center reported that the initial call indicated the fire began in an outbuilding before spreading to two vehicles, placing the nearby residence at risk.

All occupants of the home were reported safe and uninjured. Firefighters were able to save the residence, which sustained only minor damage.

The scene remained active as crews continued operations.

Responding deputies with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office included Sgt. C. Olliff, Deputy J. Severance, and Deputy J. Owusu-Duku.

The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred Saturday night on Fairgrounds Road.

Natchitoches Police Department officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Fairgrounds Road on Dec. 27 around 11:03 pm in reference to a disturbance in the area. Upon officers arrival they located a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began to render aid while other first responders were arriving to the area. The victim was later pronounced deceased by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office as a result of their injuries.

Detectives and Officers also spoke with several witnesses that led to the collection of additional evidence. All of the evidence recovered will be sent to the crime lab for additional analysis.

This investigation is ongoing and the Natchitoches Police Department will release more details as they become available.

The Natchitoches Police Department would like to thank the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this incident.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Charles Cassels at (318) 357-3858 . Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $5,000 for the arrest of an offender.

(Over the course of the week, the Natchitoches Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers favorites).

International Paper announced on Feb. 13 the permanent closure of the company’s Red River containerboard mill in Campti, recycling plant in Phoenix, Az., box plant in Hazleton, Pa., and sheet feeder facility in St. Louis, Mo. All facilities will cease operations by the end of April 2025. The Red River containerboard mill closure is expected to reduce the company’s containerboard capacity by approximately 800,000 tons on an annualized basis.

In total, 495 hourly employees and 179 salaried employees will be affected. The company will work to minimize the impact on employees by using attrition, retirements and current vacancies at other International Paper locations. Team members at these locations will receive outplacement assistance, access to mental health support resources and where possible, severance benefits.

“The decision to close any facility is difficult because of the impact on our team members, their families and the surrounding communities,” said Tom Hamic, executive vice president and president, North American Packaging Solutions, International Paper. “We greatly appreciate the contributions from our departing team members and will do all we can to support them.”

International Paper is undergoing a transformational journey to become a stronger sustainable packaging solutions company. A critical step in this journey is to streamline IP’s footprint to focus investments on facilities that will best serve customers and accelerate strategic initiatives to improve quality, reliability and service delivery.

(Over the course of the week, the Natchitoches Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers favorites).

June 26, 2025, in a 10th Judicial District Court, Rodrick T. McIntosh was arraigned on four (4) new counts which apparently have a different fact pattern then the previous charge in regards to fraudulent practices in his real estate business.

Court: 10th Judicial District Court, Natchitoches, Louisiana
Judge: Desiree Dyess

For the State: Amanda Todd & Darwin Miller from the LA Attorney General’s Office

For Rodrick T. McIntosh: Howard E. Conday *

Bond: $200,000.00 bond with special conditions

* Mr. McIntosh’s attorney for the first charge back in March 2025, Ms. Andree Jacques, filed a motion for severance stating that she did not have a contract for the four additional charges. Judge Dyess granted the motion for severance and Natchitoches attorney Howard E. Conday appeared for McIntosh for the purposes of the arraignment.

ORIGINAL

Natchitoches Parish realtor arrested following fraudulent practices investigation

A criminal investigation by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Bureau has led to the arrest of local realtor, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

The investigation began after a former client reported alleged fraudulent practices conducted by Rodrick T. McIntosh, a realtor based in Natchitoches. Detectives launched an inquiry into the matter, which resulted in Rodrick T. McIntosh, 39 of Natchitoches, being arrested on March 7 and booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged with 1-count of Felony Theft.

McIntosh currently remains in the detention center awaiting bond.

Detectives executed a search warrant signed by a 10th Judicial District Judge at McIntosh’s residence near Natchitoches on Friday morning, related to the investigation.

Sheriff Wright emphasized that this investigation is separate and unrelated to a story posted by a local social media outlet earlier on Friday.

“The investigation into McIntosh’s alleged actions is ongoing, and we remain committed to gathering facts and ensuring accountability,” said Sheriff Wight. “This case is entirely independent of other reports circulating on social media.”

The investigation is still active, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

If you have any information, you would like to share with case investigators contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 357-7830.

**All Persons are Presumed Innocent until Proven Guilty in Court or by Administrative Process**

(Over the course of the week, the Natchitoches Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers favorites).

Since its late-2024 debut, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s new $4.4 million turbo roundabout at the intersection of LA 6 and LA 504 has begun to deliver on its promise of improved traffic flow and safety—but not without some learning curves.

The two-lane roundabout was introduced to streamline access near I-49 and to help reduce congestion and accidents by eliminating conflict points inherent in traditional intersections. It also offered energy and maintenance savings over traffic signal-controlled crossings.

Since opening, however, drivers have occasionally misused the design—most notably attempting to change lanes between the raised lane dividers inside the circle. DOTD is making adjustments to the geometry of the lane dividers to prevent weaving into adjacent lanes.

Another challenge has surfaced: some motorists have been turning hard left into the inside lane like they would in a standard roundabout. This maneuver often led them to “jump” the curb due to the turbo roundabout design, which doesn’t allow a full loop. In this design, entering the inside lane naturally shifts traffic outward rather than looping back continuously. To reduce confusion, DOTD crews will be reapplying clear roadway legends and striping to guide drivers into the proper lane.

DOTD says this adjustment phase is typical when a new traffic pattern is introduced. The turbo design—seen in Europe and now working to expand in Louisiana—offers greater capacity and significantly improved safety compared to standard multi-lane roundabouts by reducing conflict points and lane-changing opportunities.

By revisiting apron geometry, lane markings, and traffic guidance, DOTD hopes to better assist drivers through the roundabout and ensure it operates as intended.

(Over the course of the week, the Natchitoches Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers favorites).

The families of the Natchitoches Thomas Apartments community will soon be enjoying some of the nicest and most modern apartments in the area thanks to a $17,500,000.00 upgrade to the complex’s 120 apartments.

Mayor Ronnie Williams and Councilwoman Rosemary Elie joined Ben D. Johnson Center founder and President, Claire Prymus, in welcoming the first group of tenants to their newly renovated homes. Each apartment is certified as Energy Star Compliant, saving on energy usage and utility bills. The apartments feature a stacked washer and dryer, while the kitchen features a dishwasher, beautiful cabinets, countertops, and refrigerator as well as fire safety features. The renovation project also upgraded the parking areas and mailboxes.

The Natchitoches Thomas Apartments have 1,2-,3- and 4-bedroom units. The rent is based on the tenant’s income.

(Over the course of the week, the Natchitoches Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers favorites).

Recently, I watched a great You Tube video by Elite Series Pro Chris Zaldain. He and his wife, Trait, host a You Tube/Podcast show called “Zaldaingerous,” and I came across a 1:44-long video edition in which they dove deep into some of the issues facing professional bass fishing.

This episode featured Elite Series Pro Matt Herron, who happens to be a good friend of mine and is never short on words. If you want the truth and perspective of a guy who has made a great career for himself, then Matt is the right choice. He will not sugar coat the issues and has sound advice on how these issues should be handled.

In this particular episode, Matt breaks down some of the problems and situations pertaining to professional bass fishing. Matt, Chris, and Trait talk about rules, sponsorship dollars, polygraph testing, the 2019 split, the new open series, and the Tony Christian scandal.

If you’re an up-and-coming young man and want to know how to be a pro angler, you better make the time to sit down with Matt Herron. He will not lead you to believe that being a full-time professional angler is easy. If anything, he may have you second-guessing yourself before you walk away. He’ll probably ask you, “Are you sure you want to do this for a living?”

The first topic they discuss is the fight over sponsorship dollars and how the pool has shrunk. He referred to his days of starting on the FLW (Forrest L. Wood) Tour (2003) and how FLW ruined and burned so many non-indemnity sponsors like Tide, Walmart, Gastrol Oil, Land-of-Lakes, Kellogg’s, and many more. FLW did not deliver the exposure they promised all these major sponsors. When FLW folded, all these potentially great sponsors dropped out of the professional fishing market and left, probably never to return.

The market of companies out there looking to provide assistance to an angler has shrunk dramatically. Matt points out that today, it’s almost impossible for an angler to make it on his own without solid financial backing. He makes light of how mommas, daddies, or grandparents with deep pockets are footing the bill for these young anglers to try and make it. They do OK for the first couple of years, which is all they are guaranteed. Then, the 70 percent that don’t make it leave the sport with thousands of dollars of debt — up to their eyeballs!

Next, Matt, Chris, and Trait talk about polygraph issues. He and Chris both would like to see more anglers polygraphed after an event and have some of the questions be revamped. Matt talks about how he personally knew an FBI investigator and how the FBI conducts a polygraph test. He talks about how the wording of questions is critical to catching a cheater.

They brought up the Tony Christian scandal that rocked the professional bass fishing world when Tony was caught cheating in an FLW Tournament after his “honey hole” was discovered and investigated. It was discovered that he had made a special basket, put it in the water, and stocked it with bass. The basket allowed for his bait to enter the basket, catch a bass, and exit while the lid closed as the fish came out of the basket, retaining all other bass waiting to be caught. Tony was eventually banned for life from fishing as a professional angler and has virtually disappeared.

If you want to hear the undisclosed side of the professional bass fishing world, check out the episode yourself. Go to youtube.com and search “Zaldaingerous.”

The husband/wife Zaldain team interviews anglers who fish the Bassmaster Elite Series. They do a fantastic job of introducing their fans to the harsh reality of being a professional angler. There’s no topic or subject that’s out of bounds as Chris and Trait are excellent hosts with a wealth of experience themselves as professional bass anglers.

Until next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget your sunscreen. Also make sure to schedule regular dermatologist appointments. If you don’t have a dermatologist, find one!

A parish-wide burn ban has been declared for all unincorporated areas of Natchitoches Parish due to extremely dry conditions and a heightened risk of wildfires.

The declaration was issued by Parish President John Salter on December 29, 2025, and is effective immediately. Parish officials cited a prolonged period of little to no measurable rainfall, which has led to dangerously dry conditions across the parish. Fire danger indices monitored by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry currently indicate an exceptionally high risk for wildfires.

Under the burn ban, all private, non-commercial open burning is prohibited. This includes the burning of leaves, grass, tree limbs, brush, vegetative matter, trash, debris, and other combustible materials, as well as campfires, bonfires, and warming fires.

Certain activities are exempt from the ban but must still be conducted with extreme caution. These include contained outdoor cooking such as gas or charcoal grills and smokers, which must be used on flame-resistant surfaces with a water source or fire extinguisher readily available. Permitted agricultural burns conducted in accordance with Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry regulations and fire department training exercises involving controlled burns are also exempt.

The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice and will be lifted only when conditions improve to a safe level. An official declaration will be issued at that time.

Violations of the burn ban may result in penalties under parish and state laws. Residents are urged to comply with the ban and to use extreme caution during any outdoor activities involving heat or fire.

As the new year approaches, many of us will be compiling our New Year’s resolutions, a tradition that dates back to 2000 B.C. in ancient Babylon. The Babylonians held their New Year’s celebrations during a 12-day festival called Akitu which began with the first new moon after the vernal equinox, usually in what is now March. Their New Year began with the beginning of their farming season. One common resolution from their agricultural-based society was the return of borrowed farm equipment. The ancient Romans adopted this Babylonian celebration along with the tradition of New Year’s resolutions. In 46 B.C., the Romans reformed the calendar year and created the Julian calendar which was named after Roman dictator Julius Caesar. The Julian calendar officially set January 1st as the New Year’s Day.

In more recent history, people have shifted their resolutions away from returning borrowed farm equipment to what has become the most popular New Year’s resolution of all, improved fitness. When 29-year-old Jeane Mortenson sat down in the winter of 1955 and scribbled her extensive list of resolutions for the upcoming year on the first page of her Gucci address book, she focused mainly on her career. Jeane was in the midst of a very successful career, but she was unhappy. In the margin, probably as an afterthought, Jeane scribbled, “Try to enjoy myself when I can – I’ll be miserable enough as it is.”

While most people list a maximum of three resolutions, Jeane detailed 11 resolutions. Her first four resolutions dealt with going to classes in her career field. Her first resolution was, “go to class – my own always – without fail.” Another resolution showed her determination toward her craft. She wrote, “go as often as possible to observe…other private classes.” She continued, “keep looking around me – only much more so – observing – but not only myself but others and everything – take things (it) for what they (it’s) are worth.” In her list, she made notes on correcting certain aspects of her life. She wrote, “must make strong effort to work on current problems and phobias that out of my past has arisen – making much much much more more more more more effort in my analisis [sic]. And be there always on time – no excuses for being ever late.” Jeane resolved to take at least one class in literature and to take dancing lessons. While most of our lists of New Year’s resolutions would begin with improving physical health, that was last on Jeane’s list. She scribbled, “take care of my instrument – personally & bodily (exercise).”

Despite Jeane’s seemingly constant feeling of miserableness, her list of New Year’s resolutions allows us to see how determined she was to make the most of the opportunities she had earned or had been given. By the time she scribbled these New Year’s resolutions in December of 1955, Jeane had appeared in 26 films, she had become a star, and there were several more films to come. On February 23, 1956, just two months after she scribbled her New Year’s resolutions, Jeane legally changed her name to the one she used in her professional career. Jeane ultimately became more than a star; she became a pop culture icon. Everyone knows Norma Jeane Mortenson as Marilyn Monroe.

Sources:

1. Catherine Boeckmann, “The Interesting History Behind New Year’s Resolutions,” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Almanac.com, December 17, 2025, accessed December 21, 2025, almanac.com/history-of-new-years-resolutions.

2. “Marilyn Monroe’s Go-Getter List of New Year’s Resolutions (1955),” Open Culture, January 1, 2015, accessed December 21, 2025, openculture.com/2015/01/marilyn-monroes-go-getter-list-of-new-years-resolutions-1955.html.

3. “Marilyn Monroe,” ImDB.com, accessed December 21, 2025, imdb.com/name/nm0000054/?ref_=fn_t_1.

Inhaling the odorific bouquet – a blend of rotten-eggs smell as an aftermath of fireworks dissipating downward and the bouquet of hops, malt, and yeast lingering from the brew spilled by the festive revelers strolling nonchalantly on the red-brick road on a Saturday evening, suddenly, my olfactory passages perceived the aromatic presence of frankincense and myrrh, both of which I associated with an ineffable sense of sacredness during the early days of my boyhood in Nepal.

But I did not smell gold. That did not mean Melchior was not nearby, for he was guided by the Star of Bethlehem to travel with his other two fortunate companions in a mission to adore and honor the Manchild with gold, frankincense and myrrh in the Promised Land.

As the nativity thoughts were swirling in my soul, I felt someone tapping lightly on my shoulder. Naturally, I turned around to see who it was. I saw no one.

Incognito. The cloak of invisibility. Magic. Voodoo Sorcery.

Such thoughts spontaneously gurgled up the swamp of my soul.

“Not the Voodoo Sorcery,” I heard the whispering. Not whispering, whispering. But a meaningful whispering without words or sound. And yet it was a welcome whispering to my soul.

Full of goosebumps and other worldly gobsmacking, I managed to whisper back, “Prithee, tell me who are you?”

“Three Wise Men are we.”

No sooner than my soul registered the whisper of Three Wise Men, my sensory tentacles raced down to the remote cubbyhole of the olfactory vault containing the piquant odor of a dromedary that I came across when my father took me to a circus a long time ago.

I whispered instinctively, “Where are your ship of the desert?”

“Oh we left them in care of a circus master not far from here.”

“With an incentive of a pouch of gold,” Melchior added swiftly.

Observing me mouthing words without a cellphone or other fancy gadget, the revelers walked by me giving me a wide berth.

Then I put it peacefully, “What brings you Three Illustrious Emissaries of Light to the oldest town in the Pelican State of Louisiana?”

“There was much, much light pollution in the sky!” Balthazar bemoaned soundlessly.

“And it was difficult to read the road map in the sky,” whispered Caspar.

“Well, I couldn’t distinguish bedlam from Bethlehem from the fuzzy signs up in the sky,” Melchior mused. “And to answer your question,” the Wise Man continued, “We noticed ‘City of Lights’ flashed briefly across the black velvet of the sky.”

“So we galloped reverently to reach Bethlehem according to the writings in the sky,” whispered Caspar.

“For Bethlehem is known among the initiates as the City of Light,” Balthazar said softly.

I felt sad for having the moniker of our city misled the Wise Men from the East with the plural of light. And I remained quiet.

Sensing my unease at the situation, Melchior whispered lightheartedly, “We should familiarize thoroughly with the grammatical pitfall/pitfalls of English language.”

“Forgive us for the confusion,” I whispered apologetically.

“Please, no need for an apology,” the Wise Men whispered reassuringly,

Emboldened by their wise counsel, I whispered if I might entertain them with a stellar quote from the Bard of Avon before they sail on the ship of the desert toward Bethlehem.

“Indeed,” again the Wise Men whispered in unison.

“The fault, dear Wise Men from the East, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.”

“Touché!”

And the Wise Men stole away, leaving behind an aromatic trail of frankincense and myrrh.

An NPJ reader submitted a photo on Dec. 29 showing a fire that occurred at a building behind the St. Luke Baptist Church building, off of Posey Road. The fire reportedly reached a few vehicles as well.

Details surrounding the fire, including the cause, extent of damage, and whether anyone was injured, are not immediately available.

A multi-unit response was dispatched to a vehicle fire that spread to involve two vehicles and caused damage to a nearby mobile home, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies and Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 6 were dispatched by the NATCOM 911 Center to reports of a vehicle fire in the 200 block of Deer Creek Road near Natchitoches. Upon arrival, responders found two vehicles fully engulfed in flames.

The fire caused damage to the siding of a mobile home located near the vehicles. Both vehicles were declared a total loss. No injuries were reported.

Deputy Sgt. D. Halliburton and Deputy J. Wilkerson responded to the scene on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. Fire Protection District No. 6 is working to determine the cause of the fire.

Emergency responders were dispatched on Dec. 25 to a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 6 West near Shady Grove Road, just west of Hagewood, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 6:51 p.m., Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 6, and NPSO Rescue responded to the scene following a report of a crash with possible entrapment. Upon arrival, deputies determined that no entrapment had occurred.

Preliminary information indicates the vehicle was traveling westbound on La. Hwy 6 near Shady Grove Road when, for reasons still under investigation, it left the roadway on the right side and continued off the road before overturning.

One person was transported by EMS to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Louisiana State Police Troop E in Alexandria is investigating the crash. Motorists traveling through the area are advised to drive carefully and avoid distractions, as the scene remained active at the time of the report.

Lt. B. Smith, Cpl. J. Edwards, and Deputy T. Miller responded on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

A strong cold front is moving into North Central Louisiana this week, bringing windy conditions, falling temperatures and the potential for freezing overnight lows, according to the latest forecast for Natchitoches Parish.

Monday will be partly cloudy and much cooler, with highs in the lower 50s. Strong north winds of 10 to 15 mph will continue, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph during the morning hours. Temperatures will drop sharply Monday night, with partly cloudy skies and lows falling into the upper 20s.

Cold conditions will persist through midweek. Tuesday is expected to be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 40s, followed by another cold night with lows again in the upper 20s. Wednesday will bring some moderation, with mostly sunny skies and highs near 60, while overnight lows dip into the mid 30s.

Temperatures will continue to warm heading into the New Year. New Year’s Day is forecast to be partly cloudy with highs in the mid 60s. By Friday, highs are expected to reach the lower 70s before cooling slightly again over the weekend.

With freezing temperatures possible Monday night and Tuesday night, residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect homes, pets and people. Exposed pipes should be insulated, and outdoor faucets covered or allowed to drip during freezing conditions. Space heaters should be used carefully, kept away from flammable materials and never left unattended.

Pet owners are urged to bring animals indoors or ensure they have warm shelter, bedding and unfrozen water. Community members are also encouraged to check on elderly neighbors or anyone who may need assistance during the cold weather.

Drivers should use caution during early morning hours, especially on bridges and overpasses, where slick spots could develop if temperatures dip near freezing.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring local forecasts as conditions evolve throughout the week. Taking simple precautions now can help ensure safety as colder temperatures move through the region.

Dottie Mims, at left, and Gwen Ponthieux, center, were recently recognized by the Natchitoches Catholic Daughters as co-Catholic Daughters of the Year. It was the first time in the history of the local organization that two members each received equal votes for this award. Local Regent Kathleen Hicks, at right, presented the two award winners gifts of appreciation for their service to the Catholic Daughters, their churches, and the community.

The Northwestern State Demons basketball team gets back to action tonight at 6:30 when it returns to Mike McConathy Court at Prather Coliseum to host Lamar in Northwestern’s Southland Conference home opener.

The game will air on ESPN+ and can be heard on The Demon Sports Network, flagshipped by 100.7 KZBL in Natchitoches.

Northwestern (3-8 overall, 1-1 in the SLC) enters the matchup riding momentum after closing its non-conference schedule with a dominant 108–55 victory over Southern-New Orleans on Dec. 20, the final game ahead of Christmas break.

“Our guys have been getting after it in practice,” third-year head coach Rick Cabrera said. “I told them before Christmas break, ‘It’s easier to get out of shape than to get in shape.’ Just be prepared when you get back after three days, because your body’s not going to respond the same way. It took them a couple of practices to get after it, but our guys are really locked in and ready to play somebody else.”

Ahead of the break, the Demons turned in one of their most complete performances of the season, showcasing depth, defensive pressure, and balanced scoring throughout the lineup.

Sophomore guard Justin Redmond led the way with a career-high 20 points on 6-of-9 shooting, while senior Micah Thomas matched him with 20 points of his own.

The win highlighted Northwestern’s depth, as every Demon who saw the floor scored.

Tonight’s contest brings a familiar Southland foe to Natchitoches.

Lamar (5-6, 0-2) arrives following an 85–82 overtime loss to Omaha on Dec. 20, a game in which the Cardinals mounted a second-half rally that ultimately came up short. That was the fourth of four straight losses for the Cardinals.

“They’re coming off a tough stretch of four straight losses,” Cabrera said. “This is a really good basketball team. I think they return the most minutes in the league. I think we were second. When it comes to conference play, I think they’ll be a lot better. We need to strap on our seatbelts and be ready to go.”

Northwestern plays the first of 20 straight conference games to close out the regular season.

“These games matter,” Cabrera said. “It’s all about winning right now. I’m glad we get to start at home, and hopefully we take care of home court. With our two conference games we played, we’ve been preaching the importance of how much these games matter. It’s about winning these games. The getting better part – of course you always have to get better every day in practice and every game – that language is for the non-conference. Everything we do is about winning.”

By Courtney Freeman

The Village had a wonderful time in Robeline this past weekend at our 3rd annual Christmas in
the Park. It definitely didn’t feel like Christmas temperature wise, but it was a gorgeous day
anyway. The festivities kicked off with a parade with quite a good showing. Plenty of candy for
the kids to get a good sugar rush going. As the parade ended, the fun flowed into the park.

Pulled pork sandwiches were provided for free for all through donations. Cane’s was kind
enough to donate tea and lemonade also. As the kids took pictures with Santa, parents entered
them into the toy giveaway. With over $1,800 for toys being donated there was plenty to go
around. It’s probably the best problem to have when everyone is wondering, how much more
can there be? We had a wonderful time and the kids had fun. It was also just nice to be out and
about with our community.

Last Thursday, the Village did vote to hire another part time officer for the weekends. Which I
think is great, since people definitely know when we don’t have coverage. In front of my house
turns into the Indy 500 real quick.

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I hope you have an amazing time with friends
and family. I am eternally grateful for the reason for this season, Jesus Christ.

By Reba Phelps

With each passing Christmas that feverishly rolls by, it has grown quieter and quieter. The children on all sides of my family are college aged or grown adults. The nieces and nephews are scattered all over the globe, so it is rare to have more than one under our roof at the same time. Long gone are the days of ripping open presents, shredding wrapping paper, and throwing ribbon and bows all over the house so professionally that you are still finding them days later, tucked in the most inconspicuous places. The gleeful screams of joyful, playfulness children have been replaced by refined manners, meticulous unwrapping skills, and calm conversations. While I am enjoying the “older kid” stage of life, nothing beats the Christmas chaos brought on by tiny humans.

In true Godlike fashion, he must have heard the desires of my heart (as well as the words I was constantly uttering to anyone who would listen) and he blessed our family with a load of little ones this year. God has the best sense of humor.

My nephew on my brother’s side came to visit us with his children and his beautiful girlfriend of many years. The Lord knew that we all needed this jolt of energy, laughter, and joy. The bundles of joy he sent us were shaped like a nine-year-old boy, a soon to be six-year-old girl, and a four-year-old girl. As luck would have it, they had never been to Natchitoches or seen so many Christmas lights in one location.

This made it extra special to play tour guide on their first night with me. The next day I let them cook with me in kitchen as we prepared for the rest of the family to arrive. They helped me make a corn casserole in which they ate the shredded cheese just as quickly as they poured it. Everyone bragged on how delicious it was and how it tasted different but amazing. I touted the recipe as being low dairy. Then they helped me take the ham out of the oven and waited patiently for me to slice it. Once it was sliced, they helped me place it on a platter. It wasn’t until later that I found multiple pieces with tiny teeth marks where they snacked as they worked and put back what they didn’t eat. They ate Christmas cookies without abandon. They even knocked down an old rotten tree stump in my backyard.

I respected their Christmas chaos hustle.

While every adult onsite commented on how much fun they were having while watching little children enjoy cousins and Christmas, I couldn’t help but think how chaotic it was. In the best way possible.

But I also couldn’t help but think how chaotic the very first Christmas must have been. Teenage, unwed mother. Judged by everyone around her who didn’t know she was carrying the Son of God. Her fiancé was not the father of the baby. Jerry Springer could have stretched this out into two episodes. She went into labor while going to register for the census. There was no room for them at the Inn, they didn’t have the Hilton Honors app to make reservations and check in online. I am quite sure she did not have a baby bag with all the essentials they would need just in case she went into labor. She had to use a manger for the baby crib in a field where shepherds were watching over their flock. Thankfully, CPS was not a thing back then.

I’m the midst of all of this chaos, scripture tells us that suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God. And that Mary stored all of these things in her heart and pondered on them. God showed up during what we would call chaos and created a life that would forever charge ours.

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room for them.”
Luke 2:6-7

Members of Cane River Branch of Magnolia State Peace Officers Association delivered Christmas gift bags to the residents of Natchitoches Community Care Nursing facility on Friday December 12th. Members wanted to add a little Christmas cheer to the residents during this holiday season. Each resident received a Santa gift bags filled with socks, snacks, peppermints and personal hygiene items donated by members of the organization. Magnolia State Peace Officers is a community oriented organization whose purpose is to build relationships between law enforcement and the community. For additional information about the organization please contact President Billy Meziere 318-527-9957.

Firefighting crews responded Tuesday evening to two separate brush and woods fires along the Longleaf Scenic Byway near Kisatchie, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 6 p.m., Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies, Provencal Police, and Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 4 were dispatched to fires near the Lotus Campground and just off Louisiana Highway 117 near Kisatchie. The U.S. Forest Service was also on scene assisting with fire suppression efforts.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry was reported to be responding with dozers to help contain the fires.

An update provided at 6:33 p.m. indicated the fire near the Lotus Campground had been contained, while crews continued to assess conditions at the second fire. By 7 p.m., Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 1 had been dispatched to the scene with off-road fire response equipment to assist in ongoing operations.

Images from the scene were provided courtesy of Provencal Police.