Rotary Club learns about Natchitoches Tourism

Rotarian with the Program Tommy Caldwell welcomed the Executive Director of the Natchitoches Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau Page Alost to the August 5 Rotary luncheon. Alost shared information on what’s happening in our Parish. Natchitoches…hard to say….easy to love!! Pictured from left are President-elect Josh Manuel, Alost, and Caldwell (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).


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Notice of Death – August 5, 2025

Valerie Evans
July 6, 1969 – August 1, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home chapel, located at 318 North St. in Natchitoches

Otis McClinton
March 23, 1933 — August 1, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 9:30 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

George Raymond Matthews
September 22, 1939 — August 1, 2025
An interment ceremony will take place at 10 AM on August 23 at Friendship Cemetery (adjacent to Friendship Church of the Nazarene) in Robeline, Louisiana. A Celebration of Life reception will follow from 1-3 PM at the Catholic Daughters of America Hall at 130 Trudeau St. in Natchitoches.

Dell Thomas Morgan
August 4, 1935 — August 3, 2025
Service: Friday, August 8, 2025 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

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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August 5, 2025


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Northwestern State University names seven to Long Purple Line

Northwestern State University will induct seven new members into its Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line as part of the annual Homecoming celebration Oct. 3-4. The inductees are Richard Keith Bergeron of New Roads, the late Robert Crew, Jacque Crew of Shreveport, Dr. Marcus Jones of Winnfield, Angela Lasyone and Lee Posey of Natchitoches and Christine “Chris” Weaver of Lafayette.

The inductees will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, Oct. 3 at noon at the Natchitoches Events Center. Tickets are available at northwesternstatealumni.com/long-purple-line-2025.

Northwestern has honored 159 alumni with induction into the Long Purple Line.

Bergeron was regional chairman for Capital One Bank and its predecessor, Hibernia National Bank and market president for Shreveport/Bossier City. He was responsible for all retail banking operations in north Louisiana and east Texas. He also managed the bank’s contributions, sponsorships and marketing efforts. He coordinated the merger of six acquired banks in various markets in Louisiana and Texas. Under his leadership, the bank became the largest in the market.

His community involvement included chairing the Biomedical Research Foundation, the Independence Bowl Foundation, the United Way Campaign for Northwest Louisiana and the American Heart Association Heart Walk. Bergeron was on the board of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, The Committee of 100 Shreveport, the North Louisiana Economic Development Partnership, the American Heart Association Shreveport and Alliance for Education.

A 1974 graduate of Northwestern, he served on the NSU Foundation Board and was board president. Bergeron was on the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board for the College of Business and was named to the College of Business Hall of Distinction in 2000. He established the Keith and Julie Bergeron Endowed Scholarship and was responsible for establishing the Capital One Endowed Professorship in the School of Business. Bergeron also assisted Northwestern by hosting numerous new student recruiting events.

Robert and Jacque Crew were friends from the beginning, childhood sweethearts and dated through high school, but their life and courtship developed through their mutual love for Northwestern. After high school graduation, they attended Northwestern State College with each earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Wanting the full college experience, they each pursued an active social life on campus. Jacque Crew joined Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and was very involved in her chapter. Robert Crew was a member of the NSC ROTC battalion, marched with the ROTC Black Knights Drill Squad and was a champion badminton player.

For 30 years, the couple pursued their education dreams. Robert Crew worked for the Department of Education in the Teacher Certification Bureau. Robert Crew served as interim assistant state superintendent of education several times. Jacque Crew spent those years teaching kindergarten and gifted classes.

Robert Crew was appointed executive assistant to the president at NSU in 1997. Jacque Crew taught at the NSU Lab school and St. Mary’s Catholic School. When she was asked to serve as Sigma Sigma Sigma’s chapter advisor, she very willingly accepted the honor knowing the time and dedication it would demand. Over 20-plus years, Jacque Crew attended the Sunday night chapter meetings, all recruitment events, socials, formals and national conventions in addition to being available when one of the members needed her help. For her service and in tribute of her love for her sorority, Jacque Crew received the Golden Violet Award from Tri Sigma for 50 years of service. The living room in the Tri Sigma sorority house was named after Jacque Crew for her tireless effort to recognize the dream of a new home for her sorority girls. She was also honored by NSU’s chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity as an Honorary Rose in 2018. Robert Crew was initiated into the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity as an alumnus initiate.

Robert Crew was instrumental in making many changes on campus to improve the beauty of Northwestern’s historic campus and enhance safety for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors. Robert Crew was a widely acclaimed photographer for more than 40 years.

To recognize his passion and achievement in the field of photography, the Robert G. Crew Endowed Scholarship is awarded each semester. Upon his retirement, the School of Creative and Performing Arts named the photography studio in his honor.

Robert and Jacque Crew have been honored with the Nth Degree Award from NSU and have been inducted into NSU’s Hall of Distinguished Educators.

Jones is an accomplished higher education executive with over two decades of leadership, teaching and legal experience. He currently serves as chief operating officer and senior vice president of Legal Affairs for the University of Louisiana System, where he oversees strategic, operational, legal and compliance functions across nine universities. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing higher education through collaborative leadership, international engagement and operational excellence.

From 2021 to 2024, Jones served as president of Northwestern State University, where he was the institution’s 20th president. Prior to that, he held several key leadership roles at NSU, including executive vice president for University and Business Affairs and vice president for University Affairs. A longtime faculty member, he also taught courses in business law, international business and economics, and played a central role in expanding the university’s global outreach and partnerships.

Jones holds a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center, a Master of Science in International Business and Trade from Grambling State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from NSU. He also studied international business and economics at the University of Plymouth in England through a student exchange program and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Lasyone earned a degree in business administration at NSU in 1986 and was a member of Phi Mu Fraternity. She has spent her career working in her family’s business that began as a meat market and evolved to become a landmark restaurant in north Louisiana and a catering business recognized throughout Louisiana and the U.S. Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant has been in business for more than 50 years. Their world-famous meat pies have drawn attention to Natchitoches through magazine and book articles, national and international newspapers features, radio and television highlights, appearing in Southern Living, The New Yorker, Gourmet Magazine, Calvin Trillin’s book “Third Helpings,” The Houston Chronicle, Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, newspapers from France, Italy and Spain, CBS’ On the Road with Charles Kuralt and ABC’s Good Morning America.

Angela Lasyone and her sister Tina have been dedicated supporters of NSU over the years and established two scholarships in memory of their parents, Jo Ann and James Lasyone, awarded to students seeking careers in travel/tourism and culinary arts.

She was one of the charter inductees into the Hall of Distinguished Hospitalitarians established by NSU’s Northwestern’s Hospitality Management and Tourism program.

Lasyone has continued her involvement with Phi Mu by serving as president of Kappa Iota Chapter of Phi Mu House Incorporated and as a member of the Alumni Board.

Posey is a successful Natchitoches businessman who devoted nearly 30 years to public service. He was a two-term mayor of Natchitoches from 2012 to 2020 and a member of the Natchitoches City Council from 1988-2008.

As mayor, Posey worked to improve the quality of life in Natchitoches. He completed the Downtown Riverbank Project which included amphitheater seating and a pavilion and stage area to allow the community to enjoy Cane River. During his administration, PARC Natchitoches was constructed for a variety of local and state sports events. PARC also provides a walking trail, fishing and children’s playground facilities. He also initiated and organized the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot Restoration.

A 1974 graduate of Northwestern, Posey was president of NSU Booster Club and served as NSU Foundation president for 10 years. He was chair of NSU Centennial Celebration in 1984.

The Posey family has a long history at Northwestern as four generations of the family have attended the university. Along with his family, Lee Posey helped set up the Allen and Mary Lee Posey Scholarship to assist Northwestern students pursuing mental, behavioral or allied health studies.

Weaver was selected as the Louisiana Teacher of the Year in 1981 while teaching at Woodlawn High School in Shreveport. After 13 years in the classroom, Weaver was named principal at the Caddo Career Center. She was later principal at Woodlawn High.

She was assistant superintendent of Vocational Education and director of Vocational Education at the Louisiana Department of Education and served as executive director of the Workforce Commission and the Workforce Development Liaison/School-to-Work Liaison in the Louisiana Governor’s Office.

Weaver has been an active supporter of Northwestern since graduating, attending university activities and events and assisting the university in professional activities.

Weaver was an inductee into the NSU College of Education and Human Development’s Hall of Distinguished Educators and received the Nth Degree in honor of her service to others. She was an active member of the NSU School of Education Advisory Committee for more than 20 years. Weaver established the Pat Weaver Fund for Educational Enhancement in 2022 in honor of her late husband to enhance learning, research, travel and/or professional development to meet the needs of the School of Education

She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing education and a master’s in education at NSU. Weaver did additional graduate work at Northwestern and the University of North Texas.


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Natchitoches Parish Drug Enforcement Unit announces July arrests

Drug Enforcement Unit Press Release

The Natchitoches Parish Drug Enforcement Unit conducted numerous operations throughout July, resulting in multiple arrests related to drug offenses, firearm violations, and other criminal activities.

These efforts are part of ongoing initiatives to combat drug trafficking and related crimes within the community.

July Arrests include:

Travis Megason, 300 block of Bennett Loop, Natchitoches, LA — Arrested on 1 count of Failure to Appear (FTA) (NPSO).

Travis Williams, 7000 block of Cedar Grove Dr., Robeline, LA — Arrested on 1 count of Failure to Appear (FTA) (NPSO).

Lydia Williams, 100 block of Boyett Rd., Winnfield, LA — Charged with Possession of Schedule II (methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and additional related offenses.

Riva Garner, 100 block of Parkway Dr., Natchitoches, LA — Arrested on 1 count of Failure to Appear (FTA) (NPSO).

Caleb Newton, LA RD 40:969 / LA RS 14:95.1 (Sabine Parish)

David Wilburn, 1900 block of Oak Hill Rd., Many, LA — Charged with Possession of CDS II, Improper Lane Use, and Second or Subsequent Offenses.

Terrance Moody, 100 block of Kingston Dr., Natchitoches, LA — Charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of CDS and Possession of Marijuana.

Sharnedra Robinson, Natchitoches, LA — Arrested on 1 count of Failure to Appear (FTA) (NPSO).

Limeul Weeks, 500 block of St. Maurice Ln., Natchitoches, LA — Charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Seat Belt violation.

Atravious Deans, 600 block of Abbie Dr., Natchitoches, LA — Charged with No Seat Belt, Possession of Marijuana, and Resisting Arrest.

Bernard Miles, 6000 block of Blayney Dr., Killeen, TX — Arrested on 1 count of Failure to Appear (FTA) (NPSO).

Shaquanda Payton — Arrested on 3 counts of Failure to Appear (FTA) (NPSO).

Quteisha Demars, 700 block of Lafayette St., Natchitoches, LA — Arrested on 1 count of Failure to Appear (FTA) (NPSO).

James Obannon, 1800 block of Hwy 119, Natchez, LA — Arrested on 1 count of Failure to Appear (FTA) (NPSO).

Kory Wilson, 100 block of Potts Rd., Campti, LA — Charged with Turn Signals, Obscenity, and Drug Paraphernalia offenses.

Deann Cascio, 100 block of Bud Messick Rd., Coushatta, LA — Charged with Possession of CDS II (Methamphetamine) and Drug Paraphernalia.

Luis Lopez — ICE arrest.

Perry Willis, 800 block of Koonce St., Natchitoches, LA — Arrested on two federal warrants and charged with Possession of Schedule I and II with Intent.

Juston Tolley, 18000 block of Hwy 117, Provencal, LA — Charged with Violating Protective Orders and Improper Lane Use.

These arrests reflect the Drug Enforcement Unit’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community by targeting drug trafficking, illegal firearm possession, and related criminal activity.

The Natchitoches Parish Drug Enforcement Unit remains dedicated to working tirelessly to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for all residents.


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Natchitoches Lions Club sponsors teams for Cane River Discovery Center Mini Golf Classic

The Natchitoches Lions Club is proud to sponsor teams in the upcoming Cane River Discovery Center Mini Golf Classic, a fun-filled fundraiser benefiting the new Cane River Discovery Center, a flagship project of the Cane River National Heritage Area.

Slated for development on University Parkway in Natchitoches, the Discovery Center will serve as an interactive visitor hub, nature center, and educational space celebrating the cultural and ecological richness of the Cane River region.

The Lions Club is especially proud to support a project that embraces inclusivity.

“We were thrilled to learn that the Cane River Discovery Center will be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities and special needs,” said Club President Nicole Woods. “As advocates for vision health, special needs children and community service, this aligns deeply with our mission and values.”

The Mini Golf Classic brings together local businesses, civic groups, and families for a day of creative fun, with custom-designed holes inspired by the culture, wildlife, and architecture of the Cane River region. Proceeds support the continued development of the Discovery Center, which is designed to serve all ages and abilities through hands-on exhibits and immersive storytelling. Learn more about the Mini Golf Classic at caneriverdiscovery.org

The Discovery Center, currently in the planning and fundraising stage, is a bold reimagining of the CRNHA headquarters. Developed in collaboration with Tipton Associates, Carbo Landscape Architecture, and other partners, the facility will feature inclusive design principles to ensure access for all visitors—especially those with mobility, sensory, or cognitive challenges.

Pictured: Natchitoches Lions Club Board Members Bill Buckley, Sammy Woods, Mimi Stoker, President Nicole Woods, Cane River National Heritage Area Director Rebecca Blakenbaker, CRNHA Team Members Jessica Mullican and Kacy Young; and Lions Board Member Mickey Stroud.


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Parish School Open Houses Welcome Students Back for a New Year!

Schools throughout Natchitoches are holding open houses to welcome students and their families back for a new school year full of possibilities. Monday, August 4th saw open houses at Lakeview, Natchitoches Magnet, Provencal, M.R.Weaver, NSU E-Lab, L.P. Vaughn and Marthaville schools. Natchitoches Junior High and Fairview Alpha School will hold their open houses on Tuesday, August 5h. NCHS held their open house on July 31st.

Students and their families were able to meet their teachers, register for school and get ready to succeed. The first day of school in Natchitoches Parish will be Wednesday, August 6.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes all the best to the young men and women of the parish for the upcoming school year. We are looking forward to seeing good things from all of you.


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NPSB releases 2025-26 bus routes for all schools

The Natchitoches Parish School Board has officially released the bus routes for the 2025–2026 school year. Families can now access the route listings for each NPSB school at the following link:

View Bus Routes

Each school has it’s own document, including route numbers assigned to each family’s location.

Families should also utilize the district’s Live Bus Tracking System, available at the link below. After identifying your child’s route number, you can track their bus during designated hours:

Live Bus Tracking

Live tracking is available Monday through Friday on regular school days only, from 6-8 AM and again from 3-6 PM. Tracking is not available during the summer, on holidays, or when schools are closed.

Families with questions about transportation or their child’s specific bus route are encouraged to contact EccoRide Transportation directly at 318-352-6465, or reach out through the NPSB website or social media messaging channels.

As the 2025–2026 school year begins, NPSB remains committed to ensuring safe and efficient transportation for all students across the parish.


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BPCC turning to LSU recruiting coordinator, former NSU assistant Moore

Former NSU Demons’ associate head coach Jeff Moore (kneeling, center) is returning to north Louisiana from LSU to take over the basketball program at Bossier Parish Community College. (Photo by CHRIS REICH, Northwestern State)

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

LSU basketball recruiting coordinator Jeff Moore, a longtime assistant coach to Mike McConathy at Northwestern State, is set to take over the Bossier Parish Community College basketball program.

He will follow J.A. Anglin, who moved across the Red River three weeks ago after five seasons with the Cavaliers and took over the NCAA Division III program at Centenary. Moore is already making far-reaching recruiting calls to coaching colleagues to restock the BPCC roster, according to multiple sources.

Moore, 53, was an assistant at BPCC’s Region XIV rival Tyler JC from 2002-05, then spent a year on the Cavaliers’ staff in 2005-06 before joining McConathy in Natchitoches. Moore was a junior college head coach for five seasons (1997-2002) at John Wood CC in Illinois. His 2001 team reached the NJCAA regional semifinals.

He has been recruiting coordinator at LSU on Matt McMahon’s staff for three seasons. He helped the Tigers sign three 2024-25 recruits ranked in the country’s top 65. LSU’s 2025 recruiting class was ranked as highly as fourth nationally in April by Rivals.com.

However, his role at LSU did not include on-floor coaching duties and the opportunity to run a program and develop players were apparently strong factors in his interest in the Cavaliers’ job.

The Lake Arthur, La., native, whose nickname is “Cajun,” spent 16 seasons on the Demons’ staff under McConathy, a Bossier City native who started BPCC’s program in 1983 and led it to national prominence in 16 seasons.

Moore helped the Demons make two straight postseason appearances, the 2013 NCAA Tournament followed by the College Insiders Tournament a year later.

Ninety percent of Demons basketball players graduated during Moore’s tenure and NSU’s APR continued to improve, including 1000 marks in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2016. In 2014, the program received NCAA national recognition for ranking in the top 10 percent in Division I. He was promoted to associate head coach midway through his stay at NSU.

Moore has coached more than 90 players in his career from his home state of Louisiana and has signed over 100 players from the state. Among the area products he helped develop into stars at Northwestern are William Mosley, Shamir Davis, James Hulbin, Zeek Woodley and Jalan West.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com


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Demon volleyball opens preseason practice with new look, new coach

Northwestern volleyball senior Deja Benjamin is one of four returning players on a roster with nine newcomers and eight freshmen. (Photo by CHRIS REICH, NSU)
 

Plenty of new accompanied Northwestern State volleyball as it returned to practice on Monday in preparation for the 2025 season.

Not only do the Demons have a new head coach for the first time in 10 years, they welcome eight new players to the 13-player roster that include seven first-year freshmen and one redshirt freshman. 

“There’s a whole lot of excitement but also a whole lot of unknowns,” first-year head coach Ben Kaszeta said. “We really don’t know who or what we are right now but that’s kind of the fun part of it. We get to do something brand new. We get to build a new culture and the kids are embracing it.”

Kaszeta, who spent last season as an assistant with Lamar, came to Natchitoches in January, allowing him the chance to set a baseline with the handful of returners that make up the small group of experienced leaders on this year’s team.

The lone senior, Deja Benjamin, is coming off a strong first season as a Demon when she set a new collegiate career high in blocks with 117. She enters the season searching for her third straight 100-block season going back to her time at East Texas A&M.

“I feel great and ready to get out there and see what these girls have,” Benjamin said. “We’ve been in the gym a little bit but today is going to be a lot of fun. I just want to be a leader out there. Making sure that the new girls are ok. It’s their first year so making them feel welcome. They’re going to be nervous so whatever I can do to be there for them.”

Benjamin along with Samaya Wesson, Oliva Bush and Makenna Tryon, the only three returners with playing experience for the Demons, look to guide the group of young talent that will be asked to play big sets for the Demons in 2025.

“That’s what these first few days are about, setting the standard. What are the pillars that we’re going to stand on. What’s our foundation,” Kaszeta said. “We have a good group of returners. We’ve got some senior leaders in there that can set the tone pretty fast. So it’s getting the new ones to understand that this is different and getting everyone on the same page.”

While not a new face in the technical sense, Reagan Hamm, who was forced into a redshirt season a year ago following a late-summer injury, is part of the group of nine players that have yet to see action in an NSU jersey on this year’s roster.

After becoming a cheerleader and supporter for the team a year ago, Hamm is understandably bursting with anticipation for the new season and opportunity to play.

“I am ecstatic,” she said. “I woke up super early this morning because of how excited I was with that nervous excited energy. I cannot wait to get on the court. We’ve had our meetings and some other stuff today and I’m just ready to get on the court.”

Ranked as one of the top setters in the state of Texas coming out of high school, Hamm’s year away from the game has brought her a new perspective as well.

“Having to sit and watch my teammates play a whole year without me hurt,” Hamm said. “There was definitely a lot of depression at the time. But I think I needed that struggle. God says that He takes you through valleys and brings you out of them. You don’t realize the why until after the fact a lot of the time. The injury helped me to grow as a person and an athlete.”

With a new season on the horizon and a long list of new hurdles for a first-year staff and first-year players, being open to new ideas and new thought processes is the goal for the new-look Demons.

“I want to see a bunch of kids open to new ideas, willing to try something different. I want to see courage,” Kaszeta said. “It’s hard to go in a do something you’ve never done before with people you’ve never worked with. So having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Having the courage to do something different is hard.”


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NPSO Human Resources Office welcomes School Resource Officers for 2025-2026 school year

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO) Human Resources Division welcomed school resource officers (SROs) as they reported for duty and received their school assignments for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year.

As a gesture of appreciation and encouragement, the Human Resources staff presented each officer with goody bags as they prepare to return to campus. The initiative reflects NPSO’s ongoing commitment to supporting its deputies and fostering a positive start to the school year.

School resource officers are assigned to schools throughout both the City of Natchitoches and Natchitoches Parish. Their presence is a vital part of ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for students, teachers, and school staff.

“The safety of our children is always a top priority,” said Sheriff Stuart Wright. “Our school resource officers not only serve as protectors but also as mentors and positive role models. We appreciate their service and dedication to the communities they serve.”

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office looks forward to another successful school year and remains committed to partnering with local schools to maintain a secure educational environment.

Note: Not all school resource officers pictured.


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NPSB families urged to review school changes ahead of August 6 start date

As the Natchitoches Parish School Board (NPSB) prepares to begin the new school year on Tuesday, Aug. 6, families are being asked to take note of several important district-wide changes affecting school locations and grade assignments.

Two major school relocations are now in effect:

  • Natchitoches Magnet School has moved to 1001 E. Fifth Street
  • Natchitoches Junior High (now serving grades 6–8) has moved to 800 Koonce Street

Families are reminded that students must have formally applied and been accepted to attend Natchitoches Magnet, NSU E-Lab, or NSU Middle Lab. All other students will attend one of the district’s assigned schools based on residential zones, which include the City of Natchitoches, Campti, and Marthaville/Provencal. To check zoning, visit the school zone map at: natchitoches.edgear.net/DMSZones.

Additional grade-level updates include:

  • M.R. Weaver Elementary now serves grades 3–5, absorbing 5th grade from East Natchitoches.
  • Natchitoches Junior High now includes 6th grade, also formerly housed at East Natchitoches.

District officials urge families to review all updates carefully and share this information to ensure a smooth start for every student on the first day of school.


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Remember This: Request Denied

On July 5, 1934, 26-year-old Violet Hilton and her 29-year-old fiancé Maurice Lambert, a widower, went to the Municipal License Bureau in Manhattan, New York to get a marriage license. Violet’s sister, Daisy, went along too. The sisters were inseparable. Violet and Daisy were musicians and performers. In 1911, Violet and Daisy began performing a sister act in Great Britain. Their popularity grew and they performed throughout Europe. In 1916, they started performing in the United States. They sang in perfect harmony, tap-danced in synchronization, and played clarinets and saxophones in harmony. People flocked to see them. In 1926, Violet and Daisy were featured in an act called the “Dancemedians” with George Byrne and Les Hope. In one notable part of the act, the sisters danced the fox-trot with George Byrne and Les Hope. Les, Leslie Hope, changed his name shortly thereafter to Bob Hope. In the 1930s, Maurice was a musician, orchestra leader, and the musical director for Violet and Daisy’s vaudeville act.

As the trio waited for the clerk to return with the marriage license, crowds gathered around Violet and Daisy requesting autographs, giving marital advice, and showering them with well wishes. They learned that Daisy was engaged to be married as well. It was a joyous occasion, but what was supposed to be the happiest day for a bride-to-be was suddenly spoiled. After careful consideration, Chief Clerk Julius Brosen of the marriage license bureau denied their request for a marriage license because “the very idea is quite immoral and indecent.” Undeterred but irritated, Maurice said they would go elsewhere to get a marriage license. Following their denial in New York, Maurice, Violet, and Daisy visited the City Hall in Newark, New Jersey, but the result was the same. City Clerk Harry Reichenstein denied their request because of “moral reasons.” The trio “departed in a huff.” Violet’s attorney, Irvin Levy, filed a motion with the New York Supreme Court to compel the city to issue Violet and Maurice a marriage license. After a week-long legal battle, Supreme Court Justice Kenneth P. O’Brien denied the motion. The Court decided that Violet and Maurice “must not wed,” at least not in the state of New York.

Violet was determined to marry Maurice. “I’ve made up my mind to get married,” Violet said, “and that’s all there is to it.” In all, Violet and Maurice tried to get married in 21 states but were denied each time on moral grounds. Eventually, Violet and Maurice had no choice but to give up their dream of being husband and wife.

The moral reason for which those clerks refused Violet and Maurice’s request for a marriage license was because Daisy was always with Violet. It was well known that Violet and Daisy worked together, traveled together, ate every meal together, slept in the same bed, and bathed together.

After the states of New York and New Jersey initially denied Violet and Maurice’s request for a marriage license, scientists were brought in but were unable to agree whether Violet and Daisy were individuals or the same person. You see, Violet and Daisy Hilton really were inseparable. They were joined at the hip. They were conjoined twins.

Sources:

1. Evening Courier (Camden, New Jersey), February 22, 1927, p.16.

2. Progress-Bulletin (Pomona, California), July 5, 1934, p.1.

3. The Binghamton Press (Binghampton, New York), July 6, 1934, p.20.

4. The Buffalo News, July 6, 1934, p.36.

5. Daily News (New York, New York), July 6, 1934, p.3.

6. Brooklyn Eagle, July 9, 1934, p.13.

7. Daily News (New York, New York), July 17, 1934, p.13.


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Heavy Construction Carpenter & Laborer Positions – Natchitoches, LA 

Join the LEMOINE team as a construction craftworker and contribute to a vital project on the City’s Infrastructure improvements @ the Natchitoches Water Treatment Plant, 200 Mill Street!  We’re looking for skilled individuals with experience in concrete forming & water treatment plant work.  As a member of our workforce, you’ll handle tasks such as formwork, concrete placement/finish, misc steel & pipe erection, and process equipment installation while collaborating with our project foreman and team members.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Reading blueprints and construction plans
  • Measuring and cutting materials
  • Installing precast conc structures, erection of metals & piping
  • Constructing forms and pouring concrete
  • Operating hand and power tools

Qualifications:

  • Must lift/carry up to 55 lbs.
  • Ability to perform repetitive tasks, including kneeling, bending, and working on uneven surfaces.
  • Experience in general construction activities is a plus.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now: Carpenter I Application

Or send your resume to recruitment@1lemoine.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer


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Reverie: The Outsiders/The Insiders

“Ideally, what should be said to every child, repeatedly, throughout his or her school life is something like this: ‘You are in the process of being indoctrinated. We have not yet evolved a system of education that is not a system of indoctrination. We are sorry, but it is the best we can do. What you are being taught here is an amalgam of current prejudice and the choices of this particular culture. The slightest look at history will show how impermanent these must be. You are being taught by people who have been able to accommodate themselves to a regime of thought laid down by their predecessors. It is a self-perpetuating system. Those of you who are more robust and individual than others will be encouraged to leave and find ways of educating yourself — educating your own judgements. Those that stay must remember, always, and all the time, that they are being moulded and patterned to fit into the narrow and particular needs of this particular society.”


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FAUNA Pet of the Week

Meet the handsome and charming Gary O!

Gary O is a two-year-old dynamo with a heart of gold. He’s smart, independent, and always ready for a good time—whether that means learning new tricks, playing with his favorite female dog friends, or leaping straight into your arms for an affectionate hello. And how could anyone resist that sweet face?

Gary O’s affectionate, goofy, playful personality just shines! He’s friendly, loyal, and has just the right mix of cuteness and sweetness.

Gary O has already mastered “sit” and shows promise in recall, he is ready to keep learning with a little guidance from his forever family. If you’re seeking a fun-loving, affectionate pup who’ll bring laughter, adventure, and endless loyalty to your home, Gary O might just be the perfect match!

Come meet this incredible boy soon and see his magic for yourself!

For more information about adopting or fostering Gary O, reach out to FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or visit our website npfauna.org


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Notice of Death – August 4, 2025

Valerie Evans
July 6, 1969 – August 1, 2025
Service: Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home chapel, located at 318 North St. in Natchitoches

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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August 4, 2025


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