ABILENE, Texas – Opening weekend for Northwestern State volleyball was one of growth and acclimation for the seven players that gained their first Division I volleyball experience.

While it was a weekend of firsts for the majority of the team, the thing that was not new was how the Demons (1-2) played across all three matches. 

As they prepare for a midweek tussle with Abilene Christian tonight at 7 p.m. on ESPN+, head coach Ben Kaszeta expects to see that same playing attitude as they continue to gain on-court experience.

“I loved how we competed, but we have a lot to learn with a young group of kids,” Kaszeta said. “We have some kids with some experience back but overall we still have some learning to do on the fine details of the game. But they competed hard and our scores got better from set to set as we went through those final two matches.”

The Demons won their season opener in five sets against Tennessee State before losing in straight sets to Memphis and USC Upstate. The encouraging point in the two losses was that intangible fight that every coach loves about the teams that have it.

“I love the way we competed and supported each other all weekend,” Kaszeta said. “I want them to go out, make big mistakes, try hard and not give up on a point. Anybody who watched us this past weekend knows that we did not give up on a single point. We fought to the very end.”

With each set the Demons scored more points than the previous and began to see the signs of players coming into their own on the floor.

In her first collegiate match libero Emmarie McFarland recorded 29 digs. She added a 19-dig performance in three sets to close the weekend to average 6.0 digs per set in those two matches. Freshman outside Elsie Sanchez Oliver had 12 kills in the opener before putting together an 11-kill, one-error outing in the final against USC Upstate.

McFarland was joined by junior middle Samaya Wesson, who tied for the team lead with senior middle Deja Benjamin with 10 blocks on the weekend, on the all-tournament team.

Like the Demons, Abilene Christian went 1-2 on opening weekend in their home tournament where they won the season opener 3-1 against Missouri State before falling in five set to UIW and a straight set loss to Oklahoma.

Have you ever wondered how many people there are in the world with the same name as yourself? That thought ran through my head one day and gave me the idea to Google my own name. Don’t ask me why I decided to act on the idea to search my own name because I have no idea! But probably due to boredom and curiosity, I took the time to look myself up on the world wide web.

What would I find? Would I be impressed or disappointed with my findings? Would I be jealous or envious of others with the same name?

If you’re not sure who you are, just Google your name and see not just who you are, but how many of YOU there are! What I found was that there are many Steve Graf’s around the globe, but surprisingly I have yet to run into myself at any point in time. I came across 100 plus people with the same name as myself. But one good thing I did discover, it appears that no one with my name is an inmate anywhere!

Here’s what I did find. Steve Graf is a dentist, a banker, a doctor, vice president of sales, a consultant, and a neuroscientist. He’s also an engineer, retired educator/coach, and a YMCA CEO! Wow, I was very impressed with myself and the “brothers” that carry the same name.

Others with the same name were also a bridge operator, a veterinarian, an athletic director, a senior programmer, a maintenance coordinator and a pilot for Delta Airlines. So, the next time you fly Delta, poke your head into the cockpit and make sure it’s not THIS Steve Graf at the controls.  

But surprisingly, I found another Steve Graf that played professional baseball! He played for the Cardinals and Pirates organizations at the same time I was playing in the Montreal Expos minor league system. Small world!

It is amazing that after seeing how many Steve Graf’s there are, I have never come across myself. There are several versions of me that live in California, New Jersey, New England, Kansas, Denver and Wisconsin. There’s more SG’s in Massachusetts, Indiana, Minnesota, South Carolina, South Dakota and Ohio along with one in Oregon, Iowa and Nevada just to name a few. 

I was always told as a youngster growing up, that the only thing you have that’s truly your own in this life is your name. Well, I guess that’s not true, but don’t ruin or tarnish your name by doing something stupid. This Steve Graf wants to be remembered for the good things I’ve done in life and not for the bad.

After doing this Google search, I thought how cool it would be to start a Steve Graf Club! Have an annual get together of everyone that shares the same name, or would that be a little weird? 

After reviewing a lot of these fine folks, turns out that if you are a Steve Graf, be proud! The one thing we all want in life is to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. We all want to be content with what we do and who we are. 

So, no matter how many people there are with the same name as yourself, there’s only one YOU. Be proud of who YOU are and do things that will make people remember YOU as a good person.  

In the tapestry of the Church, we often speak of the “Body of Christ”—a living, breathing community of believers, each with a role, a gift, and a purpose. But what happens when we look at this body through the lens of a quirky little family: the Body family? Meet Some Body, Every Body, and No Body. Their stories might just help us understand our place in God’s Kingdom a little better.

Some Body is always present—at the front of the sanctuary, leading the choir, preaching the sermon, or organizing the potluck. They’re gifted, passionate, and often admired. But sometimes, Some Body forgets that being seen isn’t the same as being surrendered.

Paul reminds us in Romans 12:3, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.” Some Body is essential, yes—but only when they remember that their gifts are for service, not status.

Every Body is the heartbeat of the Church. They show up, pray, serve, and love—whether they’re on stage or sweeping the fellowship hall. Every Body understands that the Church isn’t built on personalities, but on participation.

1 Corinthians 12:12 says, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” Every Body knows that unity doesn’t mean uniformity. We are different, but we belong to each other.

No Body used to be involved. Maybe they got hurt, felt overlooked, or simply drifted away. Now, No Body is absent—and the Church feels it. Their gifts are missed, their voice is silent, and their seat is empty.

Hebrews 10:25 urges us, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” No Body needs healing, restoration, and a reminder that they still matter.

Are you Some Body, needing to refocus your gifts on service?
 Are you Every Body, faithfully showing up and building the Church?
 Or are you No Body, longing to be seen and welcomed back?

The good news is that in Christ, we are all part of His Body. And whether you’re a hand, a foot, a heart, or a voice—there’s a place for you.

I invite you, to go to church and join the Body family!

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

For high school juniors and seniors, transfer students, and parents alike, the journey to choosing the right university often feels overwhelming. Between deadlines, financial questions, and the desire to find a place that feels like home, the process can seem intimidating.

That’s why Northwestern State University is rolling out the purple carpet this fall. On Saturday, October 25, 2025, NSU will host its signature N-Side View Day, a one-of-a-kind open house designed to help future students imagine themselves thriving on campus in Natchitoches.

To reserve your spot, register today at nsu.la/nsideviewday.

“Your future is calling and it begins here,” says Emily Miller, Director of Recruiting. “We want students and families to see not just what Northwestern offers, but how it feels to be part of our community.”

Unlike traditional campus visits, N-Side View Day gives students a true insider’s perspective on university life.

Throughout the day, guests will:

Explore the historic NSU campus on guided tours that showcase everything from residence halls to state-of-the-art classrooms.
Connect directly with faculty and students, hearing firsthand what it’s like to learn and live at Northwestern.
Dive into academics, choosing from more than 100 degree programs tailored to career ambitions.
Get real answers about admissions, scholarships, and financial aid.
Every attendee receives a free ticket to cheer on the NSU Demon Football team.

Vanner Erikson, Director of Enrollment, explains “We’ve designed N-Side View Day to go beyond information. It’s an experience that inspires. Families leave with clarity, confidence, and excitement about the future.”

Set in Louisiana’s oldest city, Northwestern balances tradition with progress. Students engage in hands-on learning, collaborate with faculty, and take part in a campus culture that values creativity and leadership. Combined with the city’s historic charm, NSU’s affordable tuition and strong record of student achievement make it a destination for those who want both opportunity and community.

NSU President James T. Genovese shares, “We are committed to preparing students not just for jobs, but for meaningful lives of impact. N-Side View Day is a chance to experience that mission firsthand.”

Choosing a university is as much a family decision as it is a personal one. NSU understands this, which is why N-Side View Day includes tailored sessions for parents. Financial aid experts will break down scholarship opportunities, housing staff will explain residential life, and faculty will highlight career outcomes for graduates.

Parents often leave with as much excitement as their students. “The greatest relief for families,” says Miller, “is realizing that Northwestern offers the opportunities of a large university while providing the close-knit support of a community that truly cares.”

While many universities host open houses, Northwestern’s event stands apart for its personal touch. Every student who attends N-Side View Day is welcomed as an individual, with their goals and potential taken seriously from the moment they arrive.

“NSU is Louisiana’s best-kept secret,” says Erikson. “Once students step on campus, they feel it. They know this is where they belong.”

And with the event landing in late October, families can enjoy the beauty of Natchitoches in the fall, a season that showcases the city’s Southern charm and vibrant energy.

For prospective students, N-Side View Day transforms an ordinary Saturday into the beginning of something bigger. Whether you’re taking your first steps after high school or seeking a fresh start as a transfer, Northwestern State University invites you to experience a day that can help shape your future.

N-Side View Day
· Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA
· Saturday, October 25, 2025
· Includes free campus tours, sessions, and Demon Football game ticket

Reserve your spot today at nsu.la/nsideviewday.

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Rotarian Tommy Caldwell and Rotary President Louie Bernard welcomed continuing Rortarian Paige Alost to the Natchitoches chapter. Pictured from left are Bernard, Alost, and Caldwell.

Also, Rotarian Tommy Roque welcomed Natchitoches Parish School Superintendent Grant Eloi at the September 2 meeting. Eloi shared the outstanding progress of Natchitoches Parish schools. Pictured from left are Roque, Eloi, and Bernard (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright announced that a manhunt is currently underway in the Readhimer area following an early morning burglary at a local business.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Operations Bureau deputies responded to a 911 report of a burglary in progress on Sept. 2 around 5:39 am at Micah Welding Service LLC, located in the 1400 block of Hwy. 9 in Readhimer.

Upon arrival, deputies met with business owners who reported that they interrupted an active burglary when they arrived for work. A male suspect—believed to be Dustin W. Mack, 39 of Greenwood, was seen fleeing the scene on foot.

Mack is described as a white male, approximately 5’01” in height, weighing 160 pounds, with dark-colored hair and brown eyes. He is a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, including offenses related to weapons, burglary, narcotics, theft, and trespassing.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with the Winn Parish K-9 Tracking Team, is actively searching the area near Government Road and Roy Johnson Road in Readhimer using both foot patrols and all-terrain vehicles.

A black Nissan Frontier pickup truck—reportedly operated by an accomplice was observed passing near the crime scene. The vehicle was stopped just across the parish line on Hwy. 9 in Bienville Parish. In plain view, deputies identified items confirmed to be stolen during the burglary. A female suspect was taken into custody at the scene.

She was transported to LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center for processing.

If you see anyone suspicious or have any information on the suspect’s whereabouts, please contact 911 immediately or call the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-357-7851.

Detectives assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau are processing the crime scene. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Additional Suspect:

Detectives have gathered additional information implicating a second suspect involved in the burglary.

He is identified as Charles “Chase” Nobles, of Goldonna, W/M, Age: 45, Hgt/604, Wgt/210, with dark colored hair and brown eyes.

Nobles was observed running near Calvin Tyler Road and Hwy. 9 a short time ago.  Nobles has a lengthy criminal history in Natchitoches Parish. 

A suspicious person call resulted in the arrest of a wanted fugitive late Thursday evening, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

On Thursday, August 28, 2025, at approximately 10:41 p.m., deputies with the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau responded to a report of a suspicious male sleeping near a concrete column in the parking lot of a church located in the 1500 block of LA Hwy 494, south of Natchitoches.

Deputies made contact with the individual, who was identified as Lon Singletary, 63, of Shreveport, Louisiana. Singletary informed deputies that he had traveled to the area for a job that was later canceled, and he was attempting to return to Shreveport.

Deputies offered assistance in transporting Singletary to a local bus station. However, in accordance with department protocol, deputies conducted a National Crime Information Center background check and a pat-down for officer safety prior to transport.

The NATCOM 911 Center informed deputies that Singletary had an active NCIC warrant issued by the Texas Pardon & Parole Board for Parole Violation, related to a previous conviction of Simple Burglary. The warrant was issued on May 6, 2025.

Singletary was immediately taken into custody without incident and transported to the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center, where he was booked on the charge of Fugitive from Texas.

He is currently awaiting extradition.

Further investigation revealed that Singletary has an extensive criminal history in both Texas and Louisiana, including arrests for burglaries, indecency with a child (sex offense), drug-related charges, and simple robbery.

Sheriff Stuart Wright praised the deputies for their diligence and emphasized the importance of community involvement in public safety.

“This is a clear example of how reporting suspicious activity can lead to dangerous individuals being removed from our communities. We thank the concerned citizen who made the call and encourage the public to continue speaking up when something doesn’t seem right,” said Sheriff Wright.

Deputy Sgt. C. Crow made the arrest.

A traffic stop has resulted in the arrest of a Clarence woman on felony drug charges according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.

On Sunday morning, August 31, 2025, at approximately 8:30am, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were patrolling in the Town of Campti when they stopped a black 2017 Ford Taurus near a business at the intersections of US-71/84 and Bayou Street for a traffic violation.

Deputies identified the operator of the vehicle as Krystal Lynn Brown, 40 of Clarence, a known offender with previous narcotics arrests in Natchitoches Parish.

Upon coming in contact, and while speaking with Brown, the deputy noted significant physical deterioration in Brown’s appearance, including multiple open wounds and signs consistent with methamphetamine abuse. Brown admitted to not knowing whether she possessed a valid driver’s license and was accompanied by two passengers whose names are being withheld. Deputies suspected criminal activity. A back-up unit responded to assist.

Deputies obtained permission to search the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, deputies located multiple syringes, a glass vial containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, and a broken glass pipe with residue—all commonly associated with methamphetamine use.

Based on the investigation, Krystal Brown was arrested and transported to the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Parish Detention Center. She faces the following charges:
• (1) Count of Possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine)
• (1) Count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• (1) Count of Failure to Use Turn Signal

The other two passengers were released without further incident. Brown’s vehicle was towed and secured by local towing service.

The seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for narcotics analysis.
Deputy T. Hortman was assisted by Deputy P. Niette.

If you observe or suspect criminal activity in your community, contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 357-7851 or the Natchitoches Drug Enforcement Bureau at 318-357-7830.

By Sid Hall, Military Affairs Coordinator / ROTC Program Manager

In continuing its tradition of honoring those who serve in the nation’s Armed Forces, Northwestern State University recognized the military service of Lieutenant Colonel Tyrek Swaby as the honorary captain during the football game against Alcorn State University Aug. 28.

LTC Swaby serves at Grambling State University as the professor of Military Science for the Army ROTC programs at Grambling, Louisiana Tech University, Northwestern State and the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

He commissioned from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. He also holds a Master of Science in organic chemistry from the University of Houston. LTC Swaby later returned to West Point as a chemistry instructor and assistant course director.

An armor officer with over 21 years of military service, his initial assignment was at Fort Hood, Texas, as a Scout Platoon Leader and later Troop Executive Officer for B Troop, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry. Upon completion of the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, LTC Swaby returned to Fort Hood to serve as a Battle Captain, S3 Plans Officer, and Assistant S3 in 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery and 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry. He then commanded B Troop, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry, and moved the unit to Fort Carson, Colorado.

LTC Swaby served as a Future Operations Planner for the 3rd Infantry Division, Battalion Executive Officer for 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry, and Battalion Executive Officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, all at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He then served at U.S. Army Central at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, as a Current Operations Officer, Deputy Chief of Operations and the Executive Officer to the Directorate of Operations, Plans and Training. Most recently, he served at the U.S. Army Joint Modernization Command, Fort Bliss, Texas, as Deputy Chief of Future Operations, Chief of Experimentation Control and Chief of Plans.

LTC Swaby deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Taji and Baghdad, Iraq), Operation Enduring Freedom (Badghis, Afghanistan), and Operation Freedom Sentinel (Bagram, Afghanistan). His military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course, Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, the Command and General Staff College, Cavalry Leader’s Course, Airborne School and the Red Team Member Course.

LTC Swaby’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (5 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Parachutist Badge and the Combat Action Badge. His unit awards include the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), the Valorous Unit Award (2 Oak Leaf Clusters) and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

LTC Swaby hails from Texas City, Texas. He was escorted on field by NSU President James Genovese and LTC Joshua Drake, head of NSU’s Department of Military Science.

Northwestern State University has granted tenure to 15 faculty members and 20 faculty have received promotions effective with the start of the 2025-26 academic year, according to Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Greg Handel. The tenure and promotion recommendations have been approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.

Those earning tenure were Dr. Aimee Badeaux and Dr. Aaron Stigers of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health, Dr. Susan Campbell and Dr. MaryAnne Candley of the Department of Social Work, Dr. Debra Jo Hailey of the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development, Anna MacDonald and Sherri Voebel of University Libraries, Dr. Billie Myers of the Department of Psychology, Trenton O’Neal of the Department of Biology and Microbiology, Dr. Timothy Pardue of the School of Social Science and Applied Programs, Dr. Yohaselly Santiago-Rodriguez of the Department of Physical Science, Dr. James Smith and Dr. Mary Edith Stacy of the College of Business and Technology and Dr. Dominique Taylor and Dr. Jie Zhang of the Department of New Media, Journalism, & Communication Arts.

Receiving promotion to associate professor were Dr. Kaylee Ackel and Dr. Meryn Olivier of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health, Dr. Sean Bartley of the Department of Theatre and Dance, Campbell, Candley, Leah Forsyth of the Department of Music, Hailey, MacDonald, Myers, Santiago-Rodriguez, Stacy, Stigers and Smith.

Those receiving promotion to full professor were Badeaux, Dr. Marcia Hardy, Dr. Eddie Horton, Dr. Carmella Parker and Dr. Sarah Wright of the College of Business and Technology, Dr. Nabin Sapkota of the Department of Engineering Technology and Zhang.

Provencal Fall Fest recently crowned a new Queen and Royal Court. Queen Madalynn Brister and her court will preside over the upcoming Provencal Fall Festival and parade on November 7th and 8th, as well as other community celebrations and service projects throughout the year. They will also represent the Village of Provencal at various fairs, festivals and functions across the state.

Pageant director Kaycee Powell expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped make this year’s event a success. “We are so thankful to be a part of this wonderful Village and it’s an honor to get to know these beautiful, smart, and talented young women. We’re looking forward to a fun and exciting year!”

The Provencal community congratulates Queen Madalynn Brister and her royal court on this exciting achievement and looks forward to seeing them shine throughout the year.

Pictured: Deb Miss Emma Kojis, Teen Miss Emma Kay, Queen Madalynn Brister, Jr. Miss Blakli Brister, Ms. Alyssa Ramstad,

Front standing: Petite Miss Madalynn Barnhart, Tiny Miss Emeri Cartinez, and Mini Miss Rynlee Brady

ITTA BENA, Mississippi — For the first four games, the Northwestern State soccer team showed its scoring prowess from Emily Senatore, Paige Baumgartner and Hosane Soukou.

In Sunday afternoon’s 7-0 victory at Mississippi Valley State, the Demons (3-1-1) showed their scoring depth, as six different players found the back of the net to score their seven goals in the rout.

“It’s always good to get a win,” head coach Ian Brophy said. “It was a good non-conference game and we escaped without any major injuries, so I am really happy with the end result.”

NSU scored in the second minute on a goal from Baumgartner and never looked back, as she scored lower right corner past MVSU goalkeeper Genesis Austin on a clean look off a header pass from Ravina Sandhu to put the Demons in front.

The usual suspects — Baumgartner, Soukou and Senatore — all scored in the first half, recording three of the team’s first four goals, as Baumgartner’s goal was followed by goals by Soukou in the 16th minute and Emily Senatore in the 27th minute.

The trio has combined for nine goals in the first five games, with Senatore leading the way with four.

The third goal came off the foot of Emily Gundin, who found the back of the net twice for her first collegiate multi-goal game.

“It felt amazing to score those two goals,” Gundin said. “While I didn’t start, I was just waiting for the opportunity, and I feel like I took advantage of it. It wasn’t just me, it was a team effort. I thought we played well all around. We had beautiful assists from a number of different players, so it was really awesome to see.”

The assist on that third goal came from Riley Stern, who posted a career-high three assists, one shy of tying the school record.

“It was really good to get my teammates on the board,” Stern said. “When we all came on, it was 2-0 and we knew we needed to get the ball rolling with goals, so I found the open player, and they put it away and made me look good.”

NSU scored five goals in a span of 6:03 to blow the contest wide open. The seven goals in a half are the most in either half since scoring eight in the second half of a 12-0 victory over Alcorn State in 2005.

NSU not only dominated on the scoreboard, but also in shots, recording an 18-0 edge in the first half and 25-0 for the game. The teams played an abbreviated 25-minute (standard time is 45 minutes) second half

The Demons turn their attention to a two-match week with both at home, against Grambling on Thursday and UL Lafayette next Sunday.

Natchitoches Central lit up the scoreboard against a Leesville team that reached the state semifinals and won 11 games last season.

But Leesville lit up the scoreboard last, scoring the game-winning touchdown with 15 seconds left last Friday night to escape with a 28-23 triumph over NCHS in the Battle on the Bricks high school football jamboree at Turpin Stadium, presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.

The teams played two 12-minute halves. This weekend as the season officially begins, they’ll play four 12-minute quarters.

Natchitoches Central kicks off Friday night at Turpin Stadium against Breaux Bridge.

In the Battle on the Bricks contest, Chiefs’ senior quarterback Owen Smith threw three touchdown passes – two to Kelton Howard and the other to Semaj Thomas.

St. Mary’s plastered Pickering 20-0 Saturday afternoon at Turpin Stadium in the first Battle on the Bricks high school football jamboree presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.

Six games over two days began Friday afternoon when Lakeview took on the Leesville junior varsity.

The matchups were two 12-minute quarters – half of an actual game. St. Mary’s will officially open the season Friday night on the road at Class 2A power Bunkie. Lakeview is at home Friday night, hosting Booker T. Washington of Shreveport.

St. Mary’s got three passing touchdowns from A.J. Johnson – a 52-yarder to Carter Hogg, a 14-yard connection with Haiden Nelson and a 35-yard hookup with Jacob Thibodaux.

The Tigers defense blanked the Red Devils. Hudson Methvin forced a fumble for SMHS.

Lakeview’s Gators did not score but running back Gavin Spears flashed some breakaway ability. Atlas Hicks recorded a sack for Lakeview.

A big part of Northwestern State’s season-opening win against Alcorn State last Thursday night was stout defense and controlling field position.

Those two aspects led to weekly conference honors for two first-year members of the Demon football team.

Junior linebacker Fernando Washington (defensive) and redshirt freshman punter Cooper Evans (special teams) were named Southland Players of the Week, the league office announced on Monday.

After the 20-10 triumph last week, Northwestern heads north for a contest Saturday at Minnesota, then visits Cincinnati next weekend.

Washington was a menace against Alcorn State, making plays all over the field and on both sides of the line of scrimmage. 

He led the Demons with eight tackles, six of them solo stops, on the night and wreaked havoc behind the line with two tackles for loss and a sack for a total of 11 negative yards. Washington paced a defense that did not allow a touchdown, holding the Braves to only a 51-yard field goal after a lost fumble in the red zone.

NSU came up with three turnovers. 

Washington, who came to NSU following the last two seasons at Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) Community College, broke up a pass on the third-down play that forced the long field goal attempt.

That defensive effort we a perfect complement to the work done by Evans with his left foot, forcing Alcorn into long fields.

Evans averaged 44.7 yards per punt blasting a pair of 50+ yard punts, including a long of 55, and placed three total kicks inside the 20-yard line. The redshirt freshman transfer from South Florida , placed one kick out of bounds at the 11 and another at the 6-yard line. 

Alcorn’s average starting field position following an Evans punt was its own 24-yard line with none of the ensuing Braves’ possessions resulting in points.

Donald Roan Dunagan was born in 1934. When Donnie was 19, he was drafted into the Marines where his superiors tested and retested him. Donnie wondered what was wrong, but everything was right. Donnie had an abnormally high IQ. After boot camp, he was sent to drill instructor school and became the youngest drill instructor in Marine history. Then, the Marines trained Donnie to be a spy. For over two decades, Donnie served as an in-the-field counterintelligence agent all over the world. During the Vietnam War, he became a platoon leader. He served three tours in Vietnam, where he was wounded several times. He earned a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. In 1977, he retired with the rank of major. For most of his military career, he kept his life before the Marines a secret.

The secret he kept for all those years was that he had been a child actor. In 1937, four-year-old Donnie entered a talent show in which he sang and danced before a packed theater in Memphis, Tennessee. He won first place. Unbeknownst to Donnie and his family, a movie talent scout from Los Angeles was in the crowd. Within a few weeks, the talent scout tracked Donnie down and offered him a screen test for R.K.O. Studios. At the time, his poor parents, Warren Frederick and Louise Margaret Dunagan, were only bringing in about 25 cents per hour, and lived in a cheap, run down, one room apartment. With little to lose, Donnie and his parents boarded a train for Hollywood. If nothing else, they would have a grand adventure. The screen test went better than anyone expected, and R.K.O. signed Donnie to a contract. With that signed contract, Donnie became the breadwinner of the family and earned $1,000 per week, had a fine automobile, and an impressive home by any standards. After five years of studying scripts, dance practice, music practice, interviews, and promotional tours, the seven-year-old begged his mother, Louise, to allow him to stop working in the film business because he wanted to be a normal child.

Donnie’s mother was saddened by her son’s request but agreed. Donnie retired from acting at the young age of seven while on a promotional tour in London.

When Donnie arrived in London, the world was engulfed in the Second World War. London was a major target of Nazi Germany. One day, as Donnie was in the care of his nanny, his parents were killed by a German bomb. Well, that was the story Donnie told the press in 2001 and may have been the story that he believed. In fact, in 1941, Donnie’s parents returned to Los Angeles and divorced. Donnie’s mother, Louise, remarried. She died in 1974. Louise’s second husband, Ralph M. LeMaster, died in 1977. Donnie’s father, Warren, died in 1980. Donnie’s parents and stepfather are all buried a few feet apart in the same cemetery, Grand View Memorial Park and Crematory in Glendale, California.

After his parents’ so-called death, Donnie went to live with his grandfather, Tom Johnson. They lived in poverty in Ireland and England. When his grandfather died in 1945, Donnie was returned to the United States and lived in multiple orphanages. In about 1948, the fourteen-year-old boy ran away. For five years, he worked whatever job he could to survive until he was drafted into the Marines.

The biggest secret that Donnie kept was his most notable film role. He acted in such films as “The Forgotten Woman,” “The Tower of London,” and the title character in “Son of Frankenstein.” His final, and most famous, role was for Walt Disney in 1941 when he provided the voice of Bambi.

Sources:

1. Carlsbad Current-Argus, July 29, 2001, p.38.

2. “Warren F. Dunagan,” Find A Grave, accessed August 25, 2025, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28800417/warren-f-dunagan.

3. “Louise D. LeMaster,” Find A Grave, accessed August 24, 2025, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28800408/louise-d-lemaster.

4. “Ralph M. LeMaster,” Find A Grave, accessed August 24, 2025, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28800390/ralph-m-lemaster.

There was a diplomatic version of a Mexican Standoff among Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi under the umbrella of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). They let the skeletons from the past border skirmishes sleep under the blanket of snow. For now.

They were loving the adage – Nature abhors a vacuum. So, as a reaction to the vacuum left by President Trump, the leader of the free world, they huddled together to fill the vacuum.

Except Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and India, the rest of the seven SCO member states are non-democratic government.

The Narendra Modified India is home to 300 million untouchables, of which 140 million are Muslim. He is beholden to the Hindu upper caste people as well as the industrialist oligarchs.

President-for-Life Xi Jinping is the ruler of the Chinese surveillance state, and he would put the Communist Party over the Chinese people anytime, according to Professor Sarah Payne.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia, the champion of the art of defenestration, doesn’t have a plan B. And no retirement.

They wait inside the limousine at a Eurasian filling station for the refueling truck to arrive.

Meet Ace & Ariel – Two Sweet Kittens Looking for Their Forever Homes

Ace (solid white male) and Ariel (gray tabby female) are a gentle pair of kittens who may be a little shy, but are learning to trust more each day in their loving foster home. With a little patience and a lot of love, these two are blossoming into sweet, playful companions.

They absolutely adore the family dogs and try to snuggle with them every chance they get, though the feeling isn’t always mutual! Their soft fur and gentle natures make them perfect for a calm, patient, and loving home.

Ace and Ariel are:
✅ Litter box trained
✅ Up to date on vaccines
✅ Spayed/neutered
✅ Comfortable with dogs

While they do enjoy each other’s company, Ace and Ariel can be adopted separately. Whether you’re looking for one playful companion or thinking about bringing home two fun room-mates, these sweethearts are ready to steal your heart.

For more information about Ariel and Ace, please contact FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or visit our website npfauna.org