Rist collects her third SLC Goalkeeper of the Week award

For the third time this season, Northwestern goalkeeper Kennedy Rist has earned a Southland Conference weekly award. (NSU photo by CHRIS REICH)

Following a pair of shutouts to begin Southland Conference play, Northwestern State’s Kennedy Rist was named the SLC Goalkeeper of the Week for third time this season, the league announced Tuesday.

The native of Palm Harbor, Fla., stopped seven shots in recording two clean sheets to start out conference play. That includes a three-save performance in a scoreless draw against Stephen F. Austin, the reigning conference regular season and tournament champion.

Rist’s three goalkeeper of the week awards are the most for an NSU keeper since Acelya Aydogmus took home four in 2021.

In the tie against SFA, she made all three of her saves in the second half with all being at crucial times and in spectacular fashion.

She posted a shutout in the 2-0 victory at UTRGV on Thursday to begin conference play.

She stopped four shots for NSU in the triumph, three of which came in the second half. Two of her saves came with the game scoreless, as it remained that way until the 61st minute, and her other two came with NSU protecting a one-goal advantage.

Rist leads the conference in both goals against average (.817) and save percentage (.850) in overall games. Overall, she has recorded three solo shutouts, as well as a combined shutout against Mississippi Valley State.

It is the seventh weekly award for the Demons this season in six weeks, and they have won at least one award in five of the six weeks.

Rist and the Demons return to action Thursday when they play their final non-conference contest of the season against Prairie View A&M. The game is Senior Day, as five NSU athletes are being honored following the match.


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Why I love fishing the Red River

When you say the words “Red River” to most tournament anglers, the majority will instantly start telling you how much they hate this body of water. BUT NOT ME! Yes, the Red River is a challenging river system and not just with fishing, but navigation as well. But I love the Red River for several reasons. 

First is the fact that it’s such a diverse fishery. You have two choices on where to fish. It’s either the shallow backwaters or the jetties and cuts on the main river, which pretty much narrows down where you’re going to attack this body of water.

The fishing can be really good, especially when it comes to catching numbers of bass. Quality, on the other hand, can be a little tougher to come by. When fishing the Red, you must lower expectations in terms of size and quality. A 13-to-15-pound bag with five fish will be in the running to win. However, the Red River is on its way back to providing catches of good solid five-fish bags of 15 to 18 pounds. 

The improvement in fishing is thanks to the Red River Waterway Commission which has implemented an annual restocking program for black bass ever since the flood of 2016.  

My latest adventure on the Red was one of regret and one of joy as I participated in the recent American Bass Anglers Louisiana Pro League make-up tournaments. Two of the three regular season LA Pro League events were canceled back in April and May due to various reasons.

While I’ve been fishing the Texas division since its inception, I decided to jump into the Louisiana circuit when ABA rescheduled both make-up events on back-to-back days on my favorite body of water — the Red River. 

Over my tournament fishing career, the Red has been the site of some of my most successful tournament experiences with a few wins and several Top 10 finishes. For some strange reason it seems to fit my style of fishing. I’ve always been a shallow water angler since I was a kid growing up on small ponds. And the river is conducive to my throwing a crankbait, spinnerbait and flipping a creature bait in thick cover. 

Tournament 1 was on Saturday, August 23 and the results were average for me with a sixth-place finish, weighing a little over 11 pounds.  But tournament 2 on Sunday was much better as I finished second with 13 pounds. Former FLW pro Jim Dillard won the event on Day 2 with 15.03 pounds.

On Day 2, I pretty much followed the same game plan as Day 1 but with a couple of adjustments. Instead of starting on the main river, I went straight into the backwater areas. This turned out to be a good move as I had a five-fish limit by 8 a.m. I still caught two good keepers on the main river later that day, which allowed me to cull up in weight. 

Turns out, one specific spot I had found in Pool 4 during practice was the key to my success on Day 2. Over a two-day period, I caught over 22 bass off this one spot about the size of a pickup truck.  I caught 15 fish off it on Day 1 with only two keepers. Day 2, I caught seven fish off this same spot and three fish were 3 pounds each or better. As they say, “What a difference a day makes!”

Again, I’ve never been able to say exactly why I seem to do so well on the Red River. It’s just a place I feel so confident and comfortable on that no matter how big the event, I seem to do very well. 

Every angler who has ever fished tournaments will tell you that there are certain bodies of water where they just feel right at home. For me, that would be the Red River.


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Ponderings by Doug: Let Them Come Running

Every Sunday morning, as families shuffle into the sanctuary with coffee in one hand and a diaper bag in the other, a sacred ritual begins—not the liturgy, not the sermon, but the parental chant of the two great commandments for children in church: “Be quiet” and “Don’t run.” These are not found in Exodus or Deuteronomy, but they are etched into the hearts of every parent who has ever tried to keep a toddler from turning the aisle into a NASCAR track.

Let’s be honest: church with kids is a spiritual workout. You arrive with the best intentions—maybe even dressed in matching outfits—and within five minutes, someone is loudly asking why Jesus doesn’t have a pet dinosaur. Another is crawling under pews like a Navy SEAL. And you, dear parent, are whisper-yelling, “BE QUIET!” with the intensity of a Broadway performer who’s just missed their cue.

The second commandment, “Don’t run,” is equally vital. It’s not just about safety—it’s about dignity. Nothing tests your humility like chasing your child down the center aisle during the offertory. There’s something about polished church floors that turns every child into Usain Bolt. And while the pastor is preaching about grace, your child is demonstrating velocity.

But here’s the thing: these little rule-breakers are exactly who Jesus was talking about when He said, “Let the little children come to me.” He didn’t say, “Let the well-behaved, silent, non-running children come to me.” He welcomed the squirmy, the curious, the loud, and the sticky-fingered. He knew that children bring life, energy, and a kind of holy chaos that reminds us all what it means to be fully present.

So to the parents who feel like they’re herding cats in the sanctuary—take heart. You are not failing. You are forming. Every whispered correction, every goldfish cracker offered as communion, every coloring book passed down the pew is a seed of faith. You are teaching your children that church is a place they belong, even before they understand why.

And to the church—thank you. Thank you for being a place where children are not just tolerated but treasured. Thank you for the volunteers who smile through crayon murals on hymnals and the ushers who dodge sprinting toddlers with grace. Thank you for understanding that a little noise is a sign of life, not a disruption.

Yes, we’ll keep whispering the commandments: “Be quiet” and “Don’t run.” But we’ll also keep showing up, sticky fingers and all, because we believe that faith is caught more than taught. And sometimes, catching it looks like a child singing off-key, dropping Cheerios in the offering plate, or asking loudly if God likes dinosaurs.

So let the children come. Let them come with their noise, their energy, their questions, and their joy. Let them come running—yes, even down the aisle—because in their chaos, we find a glimpse of heaven. And in their laughter, we hear the echo of a Savior who said, “Do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Doug de Graffenried is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach Doug at his email:  DougDeGraffenried


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Bakenhus speaks at Rotary meeting

The Music Director and Conductor of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony, Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, served as the guest speaker at the Sept. 23 Rotary meeting. He was introduced by Rotarian with the Program David Zolzer. Pictured from left are Zolzer, Bakenhus, and Bernard. (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride)


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Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches announces four new classes following successful Gala

The Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches is thrilled to announce the launch of four new Rooted & Rising classes, made possible through the generous support of sponsors, donors, and guests at this year’s “Be the Light” Gala.

The Gala, held on September 18, brought together community members, churches, businesses, and friends of WRC for an evening of inspiration and purpose. Together, attendees raised essential funds that will directly expand WRC’s educational programs to empower and equip parents in our region.

Thanks to this outpouring of generosity, WRC is launching four new classes in 2026 designed to help families thrive during pregnancy and early parenthood:
Safe Sleep & Bathing – equipping parents with knowledge to keep their babies safe and healthy.
Baby Basics – offering practical guidance on caring for infants in the early months.
Nutrition (0–36 months) – teaching healthy habits for strong growth and development.
Mom Support – providing a nurturing community for mothers to share, learn, and grow together.

“These classes represent the heart of our mission,” said Nicole Woods, Executive Director of WRC. “We believe every woman and family deserves access to education, support, and resources that affirm life and strengthen homes. The success of this year’s Gala means more parents will have the tools they need to thrive.”

The Rooted & Rising program is one of the many ways WRC continues its mission to provide help, hope, and life-affirming alternatives to women and families across our area. By combining practical skills with faith-based encouragement, these new classes will impact hundreds of families in the coming year.

For more information about WRC programs or to learn how you can get involved, visit wrcnatchitoches.org or call (318) 357-8888.

About the Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches


Since 1989, the Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches has served thousands of women and families through free pregnancy testing, counseling, parenting education, material assistance, and referrals. WRC exists to empower women to make life-affirming choices and to strengthen families through compassionate care, education, and support.


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Notice of Death – September 23, 2025

Geneva Sue Dalby-Hodgson
September 20, 2025
Final Resting will be Texas

Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to npjnatla@gmail.com


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City announces boil advisory lifted for I-49 corridor

The City of Natchitoches’ Distribution System would like to notify the public that the Boil Advisory issued for I-49 Corridor from Settles Landing to Collins Road, Hwy 504 from Hwy 6 to the Sibley Lake Boat Launch, the South side of 8-mile loop, Mr. Edd Lane, Lime Kiln Road, Rue De Gabriel, Shamard Heights Subdivision, Taylor Road, and Hwy. 3278 on Sept. 18 is lifted. The Louisiana Department of Health collected a sample of water from the area on Sept. 22 and notified the City of Natchitoches on Sept. 23 that the water was safe for human consumption and use. The City of Natchitoches appreciates the public’s patience during this time.


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Natchitoches woman arrested after killing pedestrian with her car on Texas Street

The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested an individual after fatal hit and run Sunday afternoon. NPD officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of Texas Street on Sept, 21 around 12:05 pm in reference to a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle. Upon officers arrival they located Nekedra Rainey (B/F, 44 y.o.a. of Natchitoches), the victim, lying on the ground and immediately began to render aid while other first responders were arriving to the area. Nekedra Rainey was transported to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased as a result of her injuries.

While on scene investigators and officers spoke with several witnesses who said that a blue Nissan Sentra, driven by a female, had struck the victim with her vehicle before leaving the area.

Officers began to canvass the area and were able to locate where the driver of the vehicle resided. Kadaija Jackson (B/F, 24 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) was arrested without incident and is charged with Manslaughter and Hit and Run. She was placed in the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

Chief of Police Nikeo Collins stated that, “I am thankful for the public’s assistance in providing information that assisted our officers in their swift location and apprehension of the suspect.  I commend our officers and investigators for their quick actions and diligence that helped lead to this arrest.”

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.


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Natchitoches City Council addresses ovarian cancer awareness, zoning changes, traffic safety project

The Natchitoches City Council met this week to consider proclamations, ordinances, resolutions, and a financial update, while also announcing upcoming community events.

Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. issued a proclamation declaring September 2025 as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Natchitoches.

The council adopted Ordinance No. 031 of 2025, approving a zoning change for property at 434 Williams Avenue. The lot, which fronts Williams Avenue and backs Cane River Lake, was reclassified from R-1 to R-1 Special Exception to allow operation of a short-term rental.

Two ordinances were introduced for consideration at future meetings. The first would authorize the city to lease and eventually sell a portion of the ADM facility, located between the Union Pacific Railroad and Mill Street, to Brian Briggs, doing business as Social Butterfly. The proposal includes lease terms, a purchase agreement, and a zoning change to accommodate future use.

The second ordinance would grant an amended franchise to Paul’s Party Boat to continue operating a tour boat business within city limits, outlining the franchise term, conditions, and compensation.

The council also passed several resolutions. Resolution No. 080 authorized the mayor to enter into a contract with Risk Services of Louisiana Inc. for the city’s property insurance coverage.

Resolution No. 081 approved the city’s Capital Improvement Plan, a required step to apply for financial assistance from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s Division of Aviation for improvements at Natchitoches Regional Airport.

Resolution No. 082 authorized the mayor to contract with Buchart Horn, an engineering firm based in Baton Rouge, for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) demonstration project. The $1 million project, funded largely by a federal grant with a local match, will test traffic safety improvements such as access controls and speed tables on several city streets. The city has also applied for a $6 million grant to expand permanent safety measures.

Resolution No. 083 consented to the assignment of a franchise agreement between the city and Southern Light LLC to Uniti Gulfco LLC, allowing the new company to continue maintaining and operating underground fiber optic transmission lines in city rights-of-way. Officials noted the change primarily reflected a transfer of ownership with no changes to existing terms.

Finance Director Clarissa Brown-Smith presented the August financial report. Year-to-date sales tax collections totaled $9.9 million, an increase of about 6.7 percent, or $627,000, over the same period last year.

Collections for August were slightly lower than the previous year by $22,000, or 1.8 percent, marking the first monthly decline of 2025. Smith also reviewed revenue trends for the city’s economic development and tax increment financing (TIF) districts, with most showing double-digit percentage increases compared to last year.

The next meeting of the Natchitoches City Council is scheduled for Oct. 13, 2025.


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NPSO, Fire District #9 respond to abandoned mobile home fire in Campti

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #9 responded to a NATCOM 911 Center report of a structure fire on Sept. 22 around 4:07 am near the intersections of US-71/US-84 and La. Hwy 9 in Campti.

Upon arrival, responding units found a mobile home fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters determined the residence was abandoned and in the process of being torn down. Crews worked to contain the blaze and remained on scene to ensure the fire did not spread to nearby property.

No injuries were reported.

Deputy J. Bonner responded to the scene for the NPSO.


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Maddie Gorum Crowned 69th Miss Merry Christmas, 2025 Christmas Belles announced in Natchitoches

The 69th Miss Merry Christmas was crowned, and the 2025 Natchitoches Christmas Belles were announced on Sept. 20. Nine young women competed for the title of Miss Merry Christmas and the distinction of being chosen as a Christmas Belle.

Maddie Gorum was crowned Miss Merry Christmas 2025. Maddie is a senior at Natchitoches Central High School. She is the daughter of Casey Gorum.

Four young women were chosen as Christmas Belles: Sienna Henderson (Senior at NCHS), Ella Hardee (Senior at St. Mary’s), Jillian Coleman (Senior at St. Mary’s) and Anna Elizabeth Weaver (Senior at LSMSA).

Jayden Gross received the Barbara Kirsch Memorial Miss Congeniality Award. The Barbara Kirsch Award was established to remember the positive influence Barbara had on others.

The Natchitoches Queens Pageant also featured local Miss and Teen titles, with the following young women being crowned during Saturday’s event: Miss Natchitoches City of Lights’ Teen – Catherine Williams, Miss Natchitoches City of Lights – Eva Delatte, Miss Cane River – Olivia Dyrek, Miss Natchitoches Parish – Hannah Reeder, and Miss CENLA – Laura Grace Radar.


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Why not Harvard? Let’s Fix This!

Opinion submitted by Kevin Shannahan

The STORY (Small Town Outreach, Recruitment and Yield) Information Session on Sunday, Sept. 14, presented by Yale University’s Admissions Office at the LSMSA should have been packed with teachers, guidance counselors and students from every high school in the parish. Sadly, it was not. Things need to change in our community. We have our priorities out of whack and let an incredible opportunity go by the wayside. Our children deserved better.

Not just Harvard. Not just Yale or Princeton. The entire Ivy League was at the college fair as were MIT, Caltech, Wellesley, Smith and an incredible array of some of the finest colleges and universities in the nation, if not the world. They were there with the expressed intent of reaching out to underserved rural areas such as central Louisiana. They were there for our young men and women, the only such fair to be held in the entire state of Louisiana.

One would think that an opportunity to meet with several Ivy League recruiters would pique the professional interest of the area’s school officials and guidance counselors. One would be wrong.

I have always held that our children are as smart, talented and capable as those in any area of the country. They will rise to any challenge put before them. All they need is vision and leadership!

Yale STORY Program to hold College Information Session open to ALL Cenla high school students


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Northwestern State announces 2025 Homecoming Honor Court

Northwestern State University has named 22 students to its 2025 Homecoming Honor Court. Members of the court were selected by a vote of the student body. The court will be presented at halftime of the Homecoming football game against East Texas A&M on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Peyton Fuller of Deville will be queen of the court and Logan Chadwick of Stanley will be king.

Also selected to the court were Honor Camus, Carlton “CJ” Johnson II and Hunter Thomas of Baton Rouge, Bryce Juneau of Cottonport, Chloe Zeringue of Thibodaux, Anthony Ugokwe of Alexandria, Nilah Pollard, Niklaus Jordan and Amber Long of Benton, Maggie Martinez of Jennings, Christopher Richard of Abbeville, Lauryn Vernon of Arcadia, Tavon Anderson of Ville Platte, Ellie Hardy of Haughton, Kylan Williams and Alex Laurent of Lafayette, Eileen Ashley of Maurice, Brooke Straight of St. Francisville, Parker Stroope of Shreveport and Ja’Naya Woodard of Lake Charles.


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Congratulations, Lanan Laroux!

BOM Bank would like to congratulate Lanan Laroux on her promotion to Wire Clerk!

Over the past year and a half, Lanan has been an essential part of our team, showcasing outstanding skills and commitment. Outside the office, Lanan enjoys spending time at Toledo Bend Lake and cooking. She is also enthusiastic about socializing and engaging in community events. Lanan expressed, “I enjoy working at BOM because of how present they are in the community.”


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Remembering Thurlow Janice (Sissie) Mayeaux

December 18, 1938 — September 17, 2025
Natchitoches

Thurlow Janice Miller (Sissie) Mayeaux was born December 18, 1938 in Houma, Louisiana. She passed away September 17, 2025.

A 1956 graduate of Campti High School, she was a lifetime and devoted member of the First United Methodist Church. While working full time and raising two sons, Ben and Clay, in 1983 she earned a bachelor’s of science degree from Northwestern State University. Thereafter, taking a leave of absence, in 1984 she achieved a master’s degree in library science from North Texas State University.

Thurlow contributed to the education of thousands of NSU students during her twenty-five year career as a librarian at Watson Library, from which she retired in 1996. A patriot, she was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and an avid supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project. Thurlow served as a belle for the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches. Thurlow loved gardening, all music and was a wicked Mah Jongg player.

in 1976, Thurlow and the Mayeaux family built a fishing camp on Wilma’s Slough on Black Lake where they spent countless hours fishing, cooking and playing cards.

Thurlow married Ben Neil Mayeaux on September 14, 1956 and they were inseparable for sixty-three years until his death on October 20, 2019.

Thurlow is survived by her sons and their wives, Clay and Jana and Ben and Peggy, her grand-daughter, Ashley Bailey, three great-grandchildren, Madison, Mason, and Morgan, and three brothers, John, Coy and Collin Miller. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis Paul and Thurlow Miller, and her brother, Paul Miller.

A memorial service for Thurlow will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 11:30 am until 1:00 PM.

The family gives special thanks to the staff at the Courtyard of Natchitoches, Dr. Mary Long, and Hand in Hand Hospice Care.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, Kansas 66675, or charity of your choice.


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Remember This: Wanderlust

Jimmie Bodard and Ronnie Peterson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, suffered from continual wanderlust.

Jimmie wanted to go to New Mexico, and Ronnie wanted to go to Shamrock, Texas, but they disagreed on how they were going to get to their destinations. Ronnie wanted to hitchhike, but Jimmie wanted to fly. Neither had enough money for a plane ticket, but Jimmie had another idea. Once before, when they were overcome by wanderlust, Ronnie had talked Jimmie out of borrowing an airplane, but Jimmie was more convincing this time. As most thieves do to minimize their actions, Jimmie called it borrowing rather than stealing. That evening in May 1948, Jimmie and Ronnie walked to Oklahoma City’s downtown airpark which was open to the public. They agreed that they would wait until the following day to steal an airplane and spent the night in one of the many airplanes in the airpark’s hangar. Rather than getting an early start on their trip, they spent most of the day deciding which plane to take. While browsing, they stole a pair of headsets and microphones which they needed for their flight.

Finally, a little after 5 p.m., Jimmie and Ronnie pushed their plane of choice out of the hangar and onto the runway. In the cockpit, Jimmie started the engine and opened the throttle. The airplane gained speed, Jimmie pulled back on the yoke, and the airplane lifted off. It was a textbook takeoff. Just after the plane got off the ground, the engine sputtered. Jimmie reassured Ronnie that airplanes always did that on takeoff. Ronnie was unconvinced until, just as Jimmie had said, the engine smoothed out. Jimmie aimed the plane westward toward their destinations. Their plan was for Jimmie to drop Ronnie off near Shamrock and then continue to his destination in New Mexico. Jimmie and Ronnie took turns flying the plane until Ronnie decided he had had enough. He told Ronnie to land so he could get out. They found a large field and landed just northwest of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, about 40 miles from Ronnie’s intended destination. Just after touchdown, the front wheel of the plane got stuck in the field. They had no choice but to abandon the airplane.

Undeterred, Jimmie and Ronnie stole a saddle horse from the farmer in whose field they had landed and rode toward Cheyenne. At the Washita River, the horse refused to cross, so they abandoned the horse, swam across the river, and continued on foot. Soaked to the bone, Jimmie and Ronnie drew so much attention in Cheyenne that someone notified the sheriff. The sheriff questioned Jimmie and Ronnie, but they told the sheriff they had hitchhiked into town. The sheriff arrested them after he learned that they were wanted by the highway patrol, but not for stealing the airplane. A confused farmer located the airplane in his field the following day and called the police. Investigators traced the airplane back to the airport, but no one at the airport had realized the airplane was missing. Finally, after some tough questioning, Jimmie and Ronnie confessed everything to the shocked sheriff. You see, Jimmie and Ronnie, the airplane and horse thieves, had run away from home. They were fifth graders; Jimmie was 11 years old, and Ronnie was 12. They had learned how to fly an airplane by reading comic books.

Sources:
Pawhuska Journal-Capital, May 21, 1948, p.1.
The Daily Oklahoman, May 22, 1948, p.30.


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Reverie: From the Smithy of the Circumcised Heart

Words are born in the smithy
Of the circumcised heart
To seal the covenant
Between human and divine.
Upon receiving the noesis
Not from the pulp but
From the “costly discipleship”
Of the One who bids the disciple
To “pick up your cross and follow me”,
He follows Him humbly,
Avoiding the cloven prints
And admiring the innocence and purity,
On the straight and narrow path through
The orange groves and apple orchards,
and doesn’t mistake one for the other;
And he doesn’t commit the cardinal sin
Of slothfulness by dispensing willy-nilly
The saintly honor of Paul
To someone who wasn’t done stewing
In the sin of Saul.


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Notice of Death – September 22, 2025

Floyd Hardison
September 18, 2025
Arrangements TBA

Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to npjnatla@gmail.com


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Natchitoches man arrested in domestic violence investigation, stolen firearm recovered

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies recently arrested a Natchitoches man following a domestic violence investigation, according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.

On Friday, September 20, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m., deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies responded to a 911 call regarding a domestic battery incident in the 100 block of Westwind Church Road, north of Campti.

The female caller reported that the father of her children, identified as 32-year-old Aeolus Dion McGaskey of Natchitoches, allegedly slapped her, damaged a door and her cellphone, then left the residence. A short time later, he called her threatening further harm upon his return.

When deputies arrived, they located a tan passenger car at the residence matching the suspect’s description. The complainant advised deputies that McGaskey was armed with a firearm. As deputies attempted to make contact, McGaskey began walking toward the back door and a nearby wood line.

Deputies issued multiple verbal commands, which he complied with.

A search of McGaskey’s person led to the recovery of a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun, confirmed as stolen through the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office. He was taken into custody without resistance.

While being detained, McGaskey made multiple statements to deputies that he “should have pointed the gun at them so they could have used deadly force.”

Deputies continued the investigation and established sufficient evidence to pursue additional domestic abuse charges in the presence of children. Medical assistance was not required.

McGaskey was transported and booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center charged with:
Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment
Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm
(2) counts of Simple Criminal Damage to Property

The victim was interviewed and provided a Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS) form, which will notify her when McGaskey is released from custody. The firearm has been turned over to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau for further investigation and will be released to the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office.

McGaskey remains in custody at the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting bond. Deputy J. Creel, Deputy T. Graves, Sgt. C. Crow, and Detective Sgt. T. Baptiste assisted in the arrest and investigation.


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Natchitoches Police arrest suspect for unauthorized entry of a place of business

The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested Seth Sharp (W/M, 20 y.o.a. of Deville) for unauthorized entry of a place of business.

Natchitoches Police Department officers were dispatched to the 7300 block of Highway 1 By-Pass on Sept. 20 around 10 am in reference to an alarm activation. Upon officers arrival they began to check the business and located an open door. As officers made entry they located an individual inside and placed him under arrest.

Seth Sharp told officers that he entered the building through a window and was attempting to locate his cell phone that he left there the night before.

Seth Sharp was placed in the LaSalle Corrections / Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

If you would like to report suspicious activity or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101. 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.


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