Remembering Zelby “Buddy” Thomas

A funeral service celebrating the life of Zelby “Buddy” Thomas, 78, will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, November 6, 2023, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta with Bro. James Nailes, pastor of the First Assembly of God in Coushatta, officiating. Interment will follow in Thomas Wren Cemetery in the Martin community. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until service time.

Buddy was born on January 13, 1945, in Shreveport, LA, to Zelby Ogden and Annie Mae Giddings Thomas and passed away on October 31, 2023, in Shreveport, LA. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved Mexican food and fried chicken. He enjoyed spending time with his family and will be greatly missed. The fight with dementia is finally over.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Billy Ray Thomas; brothers, Marvin Thomas, Lawrence Wayne Thomas and Billy Joe Thomas; sisters, Vertis Weems, Joyce Valley, Jeanette Melton, and Frances Barbo. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Linda C. Parker; son, William F. “Bubba” Thomas; stepdaughter, Christan Parker; brother, Roger Thomas and wife, DeeDee; special nephew, Randall Weems and wife, Meg; eleven grandchildren; and numerous other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Honoring Buddy as pallbearers will be Nate Gaddis, Tyler Ritchie, Brandon Burcham, Wesley Cormier, Dion Thomas and Larry Thomas. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Randall Weems and Roger Thomas.

 


Honorary Deputy for the day

On November 3, Captain Moseley, Sheriff Edwards and the RRPSO had the privilege of working alongside a very special honorary deputy for the day, Kasey Dickson!

Not only was Kasey able to tour the courthouse and sheriff’s office but he was also invited to ride with Captain Moseley for a while. Of course their hard day of work was rewarded with an Icee. Captain Moseley said that he enjoyed the visit and extra help and hopes that Kasey will have fond memories of this day forever!

Kasey’s mom commented that “He will be talking about this for a very long time to come and I can guarantee this made his whole year at least ! I think we were as excited to see him get to do this as he was. Y’all better really watch out now he will really think he can be big dog and write tickets now. A special thank you to Captain Mosley and Sheriff Edwards for showing him around.”


Bulldogs BPAR Champions

With an undefeated season record of 9-0, the Red River Bulldogs are the 2023 10u BPAR Champions beating Calvary 6-0 in the championship game on Thursday night.

Huge shoutout to the coaches, players, parents, sponsors, and fans for a great season!

Coaches: Chris Sibley, Travis Gary, Keenan Smith, and Stanley Sibley

Submitted by Ziaya Drakes


NSU honors outstanding alumni during Long Purple Line program

Northwestern State University recognized inductees into the Long Purple Line, the university’s alumni hall of distinction, during a luncheon and program Nov. 3 and presented awards to three alumni for volunteer and service efforts to the university.

This year’s Long Purple Line inductees are the late Johnny Antoon, Sen. Louie Bernard and Judge Van Kyzar of Natchitoches and Gail Sweeney Stephenson of Baton Rouge.

Inclusion in the Long Purple Line is the highest honor the university bestows upon a graduate. The Long Purple Line was established in 1990 to provide recognition and appreciation to individuals whose career accomplishments or service to their fellow man have enhanced the reputation and prestige of Northwestern State. Selection may be based upon past or continuing achievements in individuals’ careers, exemplary and extraordinary service to community, state and nation or both career accomplishments and service to mankind including service to their alma mater.

Dr. Katrina O’Con of Natchitoches received the Outstanding Alumna Distinguished Service Award, presented to an NSU graduate who has exhibited dedication and loyalty to Northwestern’s programs and mission. Award winners demonstrate a record of distinguished service to NSU and continued interested in serving the university as a volunteer, donor or advocate.

Dr. Nikki Ceasar-Small of Arlington, Texas, was recipient of the NSU Alumni Association’s Volunteer of the Year Award, presented to a member of the Alumni Association who serves the university as a volunteer, donor or advocate. The individual must also have an exemplary record of volunteering time, talents and service to NSU and be active with a chapter, affiliate program or other form of volunteer service to NSU.

Amy Lee of Natchitoches was presented with the Outstanding Young Alumna Award, presented to a graduate age 40 or younger who graduated within the last 10 years. The individual is selected based on dedication and loyalty to Northwestern’s programs and continued interest in serving the university in his/her life as a volunteer, donor and /or advocate.

The awards were presented as part of NSU Homecoming festivities taking place Nov. 3-4.

Long Purple Line:

NSU inducted the late Johnny Antoon, Sen. Louie Bernard, Judge Van Kyzar and Gail Stephenson into the Long Purple Line, the university’s alumni hall of distinction, during a program and luncheon Nov. 3. From left are NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones, Michael Antoon, Kyzar, Stephenson, Bernard, Merle Antoon, Danielle Antoon Cobb and Daniel Cobb.

Alumni Awards:

Outstanding alumni were honored during Northwestern State University’s Long Purple Line program Nov. 3. From left are Dr. Katrina O’Con, Outstanding Alumna Distinguished Service Award winner; Dr. Nikki Ceasar-Small, the NSU Alumni Association’s Volunteer of the Year Award winner, and Amy Lee, Outstanding Young Alumna Award.

 


Veterans of the Civil War program presentation

In honor of Veterans Day, the Mansfield Historic Site will look at the fate of those who survived the Civil War and what their lives were like once the war was over, as well as compare their stories with those veterans who returned home from war in later wars. We will also present stories of those who sought to make a new life for themselves as ranchers, cowboys, and prospectors in the open spaces of the American West. After the presentation, there will be a roll call in honor of all the regiments, United States and Confederate, that fought at the Battle of Mansfield.

Four volunteers are needed with Civil War uniforms, two Confederate and two Federal, to form a small honor guard and carry the Confederate and Federal colors. Following the annual presentation in the theater, there will be a formal roll call of the Confederate and Federal regiments that fought at the battle.
The site also wants to honor all American veterans that fought in the years before and since the Civil War.

The program will take place November 11 from 2- 5pm at the Mansfield State Historic Site located on La. Hwy. 175, three miles south of Mansfield. Admission is $4.00 per person age 4-61; seniors 62 and over and children 3 and under are free. For more information, call (318) 872-1474 or (888) 677-6267, or visit our website at https://www.crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks/historic-sites/mansfie….


Students pitch in at AgMagic

Several Red River Parish high school 4-H members volunteered their time at the LSU Ag Center’s AgMagic at the Louisiana State Fair. Richard Arnold, RRHS club leader, also attended and pitched in.

The LSU AgCenter’s AgMagic is an interactive, very stimulating, educational experience for young children and their families. Louisiana’s agricultural industry contributes billions of dollars to the state’s economy, employs thousands of people and provides products essential to everyday life. Kids learn about the important connections among agriculture, the environment, and their lives.

The experience links food and fiber products we use every day to the forests, field crops and livestock produced by Louisiana farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. Featured crops are displayed in various stages of development, and the importance of interaction between agriculture, the environment and society at large is highlighted.

This is a free event (with paid admission into the fair) held daily in the Agriculture building during the State Fair which runs through November 12. 


Summary of Recommendations for Nov. 18th 2023 Constitutional Amendments

There will be 4 more constitutional amendments on the Nov. 18th ballot.* Please know that there are often credible, principled reasons to view such measures differently. Below are my respectful recommendations:

CA 1) Yes. It allows for efficiency if the Legislature is already in session and they want to override a governor’s veto instead of requiring the expense of a separate veto session to do so.

CA 2). No. These so-called inactive funds could be used again in the future even if they are under-utilized now. (People could also legitimately vote “For” this if they want to clean up these six inactive funds).

CA 3). Yes. I am always in favor of allowing police, firefighters and other first responders to be afforded an additional property tax exemption given that they are often so underpaid as it is.

CA 4). Yes. The Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund was created to bring more certainty to state budgeting and give lawmakers a financing source for needed infrastructure projects. This would change the existing broad language that currently allows lawmakers to deplete the entire fund for anything they consider an “emergency” and undermines the intent of the savings account, potentially allowing lawmakers to squander billions of dollars.

*PAR Louisiana



Royal Alexander


Youth Hunter of the Year Contest Back for 2023

Louisiana Wildlife Federation and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries team up to present the awards for the first time since 2019

(October 26, 2023, Baton Rouge, LA) Do you know a young hunter who had a special hunt in 2023? Maybe they harvested their first deer, duck, or squirrel? Or maybe their hunt was special because they got to spend time in the Louisiana outdoors with family and friends. Regardless of the outcome of their special hunt, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) want to know about it because they could be the 2023 Youth Hunter of the Year.

LWF and LDWF are teaming up to honor one boy and one girl Youth Hunter of the Year for 2023. Nominations are now being accepted for boys and girls who are Louisiana residents and were 15 years or younger at the time of the hunt. The hunt does not have to take place in Louisiana, but it must have happened within the 2023 calendar year (January 1 – December 31, 2023).

To enter the 2023 Youth Hunter of the Year contest:

  • Complete and submit nomination form found at www.lawildlifefed.org
  • Submit a short story written by the nominee describing the hunt
  • Submit a photo(s) of the hunt

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Hunter must be a Louisiana resident
  • Hunter must be 15 years old or younger at the time of the hunt
  • The hunt must take place between January and December 2023
  • Short story should be written by the youth 
  • The hunt does not have to result in the harvesting of an animal
  • One entry per youth hunter
  • Previous winners are not eligible

Our two winners will receive a plaque in recognition of their achievement and a $100 gift card from Bowie Outfitters. The winners will also be recognized at LWF’s Annual Conservation Achievement Awards banquet in April. Everyone who enters will be included in a drawing for a $100 Bowie Outfitters gift card.

Special thanks to our Contest sponsors: the Baton Rouge Chapter of Delta Waterfowl, Andrew J. Harrison, Jr. with Harrison Law, LLC, and Bowie Outfitters – Baton Rouge.

Visit lawildlifefed.org/youth-hunter to learn more and enter. Deadline to Nominate a Youth Hunter is Friday, February 2, 2024.

Past Winners

  • 2015 – Earl Darby, Kamryn Paige Hatton
  • 2016 – Seth Gottardi, Kindal Tonn
  • 2017 – Cameron Dauzat, Lydia Capritto
  • 2018 – Even Alderson, Kynlee Buras
  • 2019 – Douglas Fry, Hagen Reitzell

Contact: Jimmy Frederick, LWF Communications Director, lwf@lawildlifefed.org, 225-344-6707, Cell 225-317-2046

About Louisiana Wildlife Federation

Established in 1940, Louisiana Wildlife Federation is a statewide conservation education and advocacy organization with more than 10,000 members and 21 affiliate groups representing a broad constituency of hunters, anglers, birders, boaters, campers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.


Weekly Arrest Report October 27-November 2, 2023

All persons presumed innocent until proven guilty.

HAYES, COLTON
29 W M 10/28/2023 INCARCERATED
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
DOMESTIC ABUSE CHILD ENDANGERMENT LAW $15,000.00

ARDISON, JAVONTA
23 B M 10/29/2023 INCARCERATED
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
FAILURE TO APPEAR – CRIMINAL PROBATION & REVOCATION NO BOND

NEWTON, DAQUANITA
40 B F 10/30/2023 10/31/2023
ARRESTING AGENCY: COUSHATTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
FAILURE TO APPEAR – FINES & COSTS $320.00 OR 30 DAYS IN JAIL
FAILURE TO APPEAR – CRIMINAL PROBATION & REVOCATION O.R. BOND

GIBSON, JOHN
44 W M 10/31/2023 INCARCERATED
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY $30,000.00

DUBOIS, CODY
33 W M 11/1/2023 INCARCERATED
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
CARNAL KNOWLEDGE OF A JUVENILE $15,000.00


Notice of Death – November 5, 2023

Zelby “Buddy” Thomas
January 13, 1945-Oct 31, 2023
Service: Monday, November 6, 2023, at 1pm Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Coushatta. Interment will follow in Thomas Wren Cemetery in the Martin community. 

Red River Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com)


Police Jury discusses tax exemption

The Red River Parish Police Jury met on November 1 at 10:00 a.m. The agenda covered the regular budget items, road repair, routine ambulance items, and airport maintenance. Three groups of visitors addressed the Police Jury in the committee meeting.

The first, Paul Vancleave, represented Access2day Health Insurance. He introduced what Access2day Health offered for personnel insured by the Police Jury. The second was Karen Squires, President of the Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce. Squires addressed the jury on the installation of Christmas lights on the courthouse, petitioned for help with sidewalk barriers for Front Street for the Christmas Parade, and the possibility of the chamber working with the Tourism Association.

The third group of visitors to appear before the police jury were representatives of the Tax Exemption program for Louisiana and ADA Carbon. On the agenda for this meeting was the tax exemption application for ADA Carbon expansion. After many questions and discussions, the jury informed the group that they would be deferring the decision on the tax exemption until the next regular meeting. The Sheriff and the Superintendent of Red River Parish Schools also attended the packed meeting. Both officials asked questions and expressed their desire for more information. The School Board will hear the proposal in their next regular meeting on November 13.

The regular meeting began 5 minutes after the committee meeting ended. Most visitors and spectators left the meeting, and voting on the agenda items went quickly. The minutes of October 2023 were approved. The tax exemption decision was put on the agenda for December 6, and the bills were paid. The employee supplement increased by $500, and administrator Jessie Davis was given the authority to assign the supplements by tenure as in the past. The ambulance district bills were approved, and the meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.


Is it too early to talk Christmas parade–Never!

The Coushatta-Red River Chamber of Commerce announced that planning for the 2023 Christmas celebration is underway. December 7 is the appointed date, and the parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. The route for the parade will be the same as in years past. All floats will line up in the industrial park in front of the ball fields. The parade will begin in front of the Red River Community Center and continue to Front Street. All floats will disembark at the First Methodist Church parking lot. Fireworks will start at 6:00 p.m. These fireworks are always a highlight and are by the same company that provides for the Natchitoches Festival.

The theme of this year’s parade is “Christmas in Your Heart”. All floats should represent what puts Christmas in your heart. It might be a song, the Christ story, a tree, or a toy; the examples are endless. Beginning next week, look for the form link on the Chamber Facebook page to sign up for a float in the parade.

Vendors are also encouraged to sign up for the event. Vendors can sell food or merchandise. Links to forms will be available on the Facebook page as well.

More information will be shared as it becomes available. Karen Squires said she was thankful for everyone working together for this great event in the parish. The City Council, City Police, Mayor, Sheriff and Deputies, and the parish join the Chamber and area businesses to make this event successful.


Have You Entered to Win $100?

This is the final week of the American Bank High School Football Pickers Contest. And today is the last day to enter to win the $100 prize. Deadline for entry is 4:00 pm today.

Congratulations to last week’s winner Kayla Hillman of Coushatta. Kayla did the best job of all the Red River Parish entries of predicting the outcomes of ten area high school football games. Kayla told the Journal she picked them all by herself and was not sure about a couple of them. Great job Kayla.

There are a couple of contests this week that could result in upsets. Will you select the correct teams? CLICK HERE to enter the final contest. Good luck!


Magnolia Bend-Coushatta names Student of the Month

The Magnolia Bend-Coushatta October Student of the Month is Anderson “Andi” Carney. Andi is in the third grade. She is the daughter of Rocky Carney, Jr. and Marcy Carney.

When asked why she nominated Andi for this month’s SOTM, Mrs. Chelsea replied, “I chose Andi, because she is not only smart but she always has a smile on her face. She’s always ready to help everyone else around her. She’s hardworking, polite, well behaved, funny and has a huge heart.” 

For her special treat, Andi chose a Sprite and Babe Ruth candy bar. Congratulations, Andi!


LSU Women’s Basketball 2023 National Champions Bobblehead Unveiled

This morning, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled an officially licensed, limited-edition LSU Tigers 2023 Women’s Basketball National Champions Bobblehead. The bobblehead, which features LSU’s mascot, Mike the Tiger, commemorates the LSU Tigers first basketball National Championship. The release comes as the preseason #1 ranked Tigers prepare for the 2023-24 season with the team’s first game on Monday against 20th-ranked Colorado at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Monday and the first home game of the season against Queens on Thursday. The special edition bobblehead is being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, an official licensee of the LSU Tigers.

Wearing a purple No. 1 LSU jersey, the bobblehead features Mike the Tiger giving the No. 1 signal with his right hand and holding a basketball with his left hand. Mike is standing on a five-point purple and gold base which reads: “NCAA Women’s Basketball 2023 National Champions LSU.”

Each bobblehead is individually numbered to 2,023 and they are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. 

Under second-year coach Kim Mulkey, a Louisiana native, LSU posted a convincing 102-85 victory over Iowa in the championship game before a crowd of 19,842 in the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Mulkey, who previously won three championships at Baylor, became the first women’s basketball coach to win NCAA titles at multiple schools. In addition to claiming the school’s first NCAA Basketball Championship, it was the 50th team national title in the 130-year history of LSU Athletics. Jasmine Carson (22), Alexis Morris (21), Ladazhia Williams (20), Angel Reese (15) and Flau’jae Johnson (10) all scored in double figures in the championship game victory as the Tigers scored the most points in a Women’s Final Four game.

Third-seeded LSU (34-2) beat Virginia Tech, 79-72, in the national semifinals for the program’s first Final Four victory in six attempts. Morris and Reese, the dynamic All-American, combined for 51 points. With a roster featuring nine transfers and freshmen, Mulkey’s theme at the start of her second season in Baton Rouge was “Piece It 2gether.” During the regular season, LSU finished as the runner-up in the SEC to South Carolina, which suffered its only loss of the season to Iowa and star Caitlin Clark in the national semifinals. By winning the championship, the Tigers became just the third No. 3 seeded team to win the title and the first since 1997.

“Led by an incredible all-around team effort, the LSU Tigers were clearly the class of the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “In winning the school’s first national title in women’s basketball, the Tigers capped a memorable season with a record-setting performance in the championship game. These bobbleheads are must-haves for LSU Tiger fans.”

About the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum:
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals, and teams across the country. Visit us online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


RA VFW Students of the Month

Congratulations to the VFW August and September Students of the Month:
Rylan Tingle, Ava Grace Waters, KK Phillips, Lexi Mancil, Morgan Moseley and Kaidyn Williams.

Each student received a certificate of recognition and a gift certificate to Lott Oil/Chevron. Students of the Month are recognized each month throughout the school year.


What’s Wrong with People?

Now that I’m in my early 60’s, I’ve noticed that my level of patience is deteriorating rather quickly. The one area really being tested is with the human race and their level of disrespect and stupidity. Now it’s no secret that I too have had my share of crazy moments that I’m not very proud of. But we now live in a time that, for some reason, people have forgotten how to act. The word courtesy has disappeared from the American vocabulary.

About a month ago, I was fishing the American Bass Anglers (ABA) two-day divisional championship on Lake Sam Rayburn. It was during our morning take-off that one human being decided to show just how big a butt head he could be. He CHOSE to make it all about himself instead of being courteous.

Take-off is where the tournament director calls out boat numbers as anglers head out for a day of competition. These take-offs take place next to a boat dock as anglers drive their boats past the dock with their live-wells open. As the boat passes the dock, the director makes sure you have no fish in your live-well and that your aeration system is working properly. It’s basically called a rolling start and is very common among tournament circuits.

Our tournament director, Chris Wayand, who does an outstanding job, was getting ready for take-off when he approached a gentleman fishing off the dock. Chris explained to the man that he was about to release the boats for the tournament, and they would be driving by the dock where he was fishing. Chris politely asked the man if he would like to reel his line in while we drove by so that no one would cut his line with their boat motors.

This is where things went south in a hurry as the boat dock fisherman went off on Chris with a foul language outburst and stated that he had just as much right to fish off that dock as we did to drive by it. Chris acknowledged the man’s point of view and agreed that he did have the right to fish off the dock, but that we would be out of his way in 10 to 15 minutes. Chris was very nice and never even raised his voice even after the guy was rude and inconsiderate.

Recognizing that the dock fisherman was not going to reel his line in for take-off, Chris made an announcement to the tournament anglers and asked that we try and veer away from the dock as quickly as possible so as not to run over the man’s fishing line.

As Chris began to call boat numbers and anglers idled by the boat dock, it was about boat #3 that the moment got really ugly. Boat #3, due to inexperience and inability to control their boat better, managed to run over the dock fisherman’s fishing line and cut it. The angler jumped out of his chair and ran down the dock cursing Chris Wayand while shaking his finger in Chris’s face. The angler used pretty much every curse word in the English language to express his displeasure with his line being run over and that us tournament anglers think we own the lake.

While none of us actually had ownership over any part of Lake Sam Rayburn, this old man (probably in his mid 70’s) was still giving Chris a piece of his mind as I approached the dock as boat #11 during take-off. If I could have the opportunity to talk with this gentleman, I would ask him a couple of questions. Why was he so uncooperative and refused to show a little respect for our take-off that morning? Why was he so set on continuing to fish knowing that the odds of him catching a fish were basically zero while bass boats were driving directly over his fishing area?

For some reason the dock fisherman decided to try and make a point by refusing to cooperate and show a little courtesy to avoid a confrontation. Instead, he CHOSE to make a public scene and show everyone just how uncooperative he could be. What is wrong with people today? Why do some folks choose to be selfish rather than use just a little common sense? Why can’t people be respectful and get along? Where did we as a country lose our respect for one another?

But this one incident is just an example of the country we live in today. IT’S ALL ABOUT ME! Till next time good luck, good fishing and let’s all try to get along and regain respect for each other.

Steve Graf


Responders extinguish house fire

B-shift
Wednesday October 18, 2023 at 21:21 Red River Fire District was dispatched to the report of a structure fire behind the Woodland Inn. RRFD arrived on scene to find a wood frame home approximately 60% involved. RRFD requested mutual aid assistance from Bienville Parish Fire District 4&5.

Fire crews performed a transitional fire attack transitioning into the interior of the structure. Bienville FD 4&5 arrived on scene and provided manpower to help extinguish the fire. This incident was called under control at 22:25. Louisiana State Fire Marshall was requested.

No injuries were reported at this incident.

Red River Fire District would like to say thank you to all agencies who played a role in this incident. Bienville Parish Fire District 4&5, Coushatta PD, Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Fire Marshals.

RRFD would also like to say thank you to the firefighters of Red River Parish who protect our community.


Northwestern State names 2023 Homecoming Honor Court

Northwestern State University has named 22 students to its 2023 Homecoming Honor Court. Members of the court were selected by a vote of the student body. The court will be presented after the volleyball match between Northwestern State and McNeese State which begins Saturday, Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. in Prather Coliseum.

Zoe Johnson of Morgan City will be queen of the court and Zac Cooper of Winnsboro will be king.

Other members of the court are Lizzie Blanchard of St. Martinville, Kameron Burns and Nicholas Knotts of Haughton, Jacob Boyter and Nicholas Cooksey of Bossier City, Madison Cook of Vivian, Johnny Cox Jr. of Coushatta, Hannah Davis of Hammond and Scott Fowler and Mary Anna Scruggs of Natchitoches.

Also selected were: Latyriona Jones of Evergreen, Linzie Lampert of Deville, Natalie Mangandi, Caiden Matthews and Kacy Young of Shreveport, Zachary Remedies of Zwolle, Avery Tullos of Benton, Derrick Varnado, Jr. of Gonzales, Malaya White of Opelousas and Terrell Woodard Jr. of Carencro.

Johnson is the daughter of Sonya Johnson and Michael Johnson. She is a senior business administration major. Johnson is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority where she has served as president, recruitment director and vice president of harm reduction. Johnson is president of Purple Jacket Honor Society, treasurer of the Order of Omega and president of Demon Volunteers in Progress. She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Students for Animal Protection and was a freshman orientation leader for three years. She worked in the university’s First Year Experience office.

Cooper is the son of Sherry Cooper-Carroll and Tim Carroll. He is a senior communications major. Cooper is a member of Pi Kappa Phi, the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band, the Order of Omega and Demon Volunteers in Progress. He is a member of Demon Mentor Network, Alpha Lambda Delta and a mentor for the President’s Leadership Program. He was a freshman orientation leader.

Blanchard is the daughter of Clyde and Roxanna Blanchard. She is a senior psychology and addiction studies major. Blanchard is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi, the University Programming Council, Alpha Lambda Delta, Students for Animal Protection and the Demon Mentor Network. She is also a member of Psi Chi Honor Society, Order of Omega, Purple Jackets Honor Society and Demon Volunteers in Progress.

Boyter is the son of Brian and Kelly Boyter. He is a senior psychology major. He is president of Pi Kappa Alpha and was a freshman orientation leader for two years. Boyter is a member of the Order of Omega, Alpha Lambda Delta, Students for Animal Protection and the Catholic Student Organization.

Burns is the son of Lindsay Burns and Jason Burns. He is a junior biology major with a biomedical concentration. Burns is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He was involved in the First Year Experience program and was a freshmen orientation leader. He is a member of Demon Volunteers in Progress, the Catholic Student Organization and Students for Animal Protection.

Cooksey is the son of Sean and Sally Cooksey and Melinda Cooksey. He is a senior history major. Cooksey is a member of Kappa Alpha, the Student Government Association, Alpha Lambda Delta, Order of Omega, Phi Alpha Delta and Demons in Government. He is also a member of the Catholic Student Organization, Interfraternity Council, Demon Volunteers in Progress and the Demon Mentor Network. He was a freshman orientation leader.

Cook is the daughter of Vanessa Cook and Chad Cook. She is a junior health and exercise major. Cook is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, the President’s Leadership Program and Demon Volunteers in Progress. Cook is also a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Purple Jackets Club, Order of Omega, Blue Key Honor Society and the Student Government Association.

Cox is the son of Johnny Cox Sr. and Valerie Cox. He is a junior nursing major. Cox is a founder of the Black Male Alliance and is active in the Student Government Association. He is a member of Blue Key Honor Society and Helping Hands and is an alumnus of the President Leadership Program.

Davis is the daughter of Latoya Williams. She is a junior biology major. Davis is a former member of the President Leadership Program, and a member of the Purple Jackets Honor Society. She was a freshman orientation leader and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta. Davis is commissioner of student affairs in the Student Government Association and a member of Order of Omega, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Demon Volunteers in Progress and La Belle Femme.

Fowler is the son of Blake and Kara Fowler. He is a senior business administration major. Fowler is a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and president of Interfraternity Council and Order of Omega. He was in the Presidential Leadership Program and was a freshman orientation leader. Fowler was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Blue Key Honor Society, Demon Volunteers in Progress and the Demon Mentor Network.

Jones is the daughter of Melissa Jones and Mathaniel Jones. She is a junior health and exercise science major with a concentration in physical therapy. Jones was a transfer ambassador and freshman orientation leader. She is a member of Demon Volunteers in Progress, La Belle Femme and the Demon Mentor Network. Jones has written for the student newspaper, the Current Sauce.

Knotts is the son of Mike and Bridgette Knotts and Susanne and Mike Sewell. He is a senior business administration major. Knotts is a member of Blue Key Honor Society and Demon Volunteers in Progress. He was a freshman orientation leader, a Presidential Leadership Program member and a founder of Demons Doing Good.

Lampert is the daughter of Loren and Lisa Lampert. She is a junior health and exercise science major with a concentration in occupational therapy. Lampert was a freshman orientation leader and is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and Demon Volunteers in Progress and is active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. Lampert was in the Presidential Leadership Program and was later a mentor in the program. She was a student worker in the Office of First Year Experience and is former president of Alpha Lambda Delta First Year Honor Society.

Mangandi is the daughter of Mandi Trosclair and Lucas Trosclair and Cesar Mangandi and Nancy Mangandi. She is a senior psychology major. Mangandi is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Purple Jackets, Demon Volunteers in Progress and Order of Omega. She is a Presidential Leadership Program mentor, a member of the Demon Mentor Network, served as a freshman orientation leader and worked in the Office of First Year Experience.

Matthews is the son of Shakira Johnson. He is a junior business administration major. Matthews is a member of the Presidential Leadership Program and was a freshman orientation leader. He is a member of the Theta Lambda chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity Inc, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and is active in the Student Government Association. Matthews was a Reginald F. Lewis Scholar and is active in the Army ROTC program.

Remedies is the son of Anna and Kenny Remedies. He is a hospitality management and tourism major with a minor in Communications. Remedies is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha where he serves as external vice president and was a freshman orientation leader. He is president of Students for Animal Protection, Interfraternity Council vice president, a member of Demon Volunteers in Progress, the Demon Mentor Network, Tri Beta, ASM, the Catholic Student Organization and is a Hospitality Management and Tourism Ambassador.

Scruggs is the daughter of Sammy and Connie Scruggs. She is a senior strategic communications major. Scruggs is a member of Blue Key Honor Society, Order of Omega Honor Society, Students for Animal Protection (SAP), Demon Volunteers in Progress and was a freshman orientation leader. She is a member of Demons in Government, the Student Government Association, Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Demon Mentor Network and the President’s Leadership Program.

Tullos is a junior biology major and is the daughter of Robyn Edmonds and James Tullos and Shane Edmonds and Adelia Tullos. She is family group leader in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, events coordinator in the Presidential Ambassadors, treasurer of Purple Jackets and vice president of Alpha Epsilon Delta. Tullos is also a member of Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society, American Society for Microbiology, JOVE Research, Order of Omega, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society Demon Mentor Network and was a 2022 Freshman Connector.

Varnado is a junior communications major and is the son of Trenell Smith and Derrick Varnado Sr. He is a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity where he serves as president. Varnado was vice-president of Recruitment and Programming for the Interfraternity Council in 2022-2023. He was a Reginald F. Lewis Scholar.

White is the daughter of Melissa Miller and John Christopher White. She is a senior communications major with a minor in psychology. White is a member of the Student Government Association, the National Association of Black Journalists, Helping Hands Service Organization and the African American Caucus. She was a freshman orientation leader and is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Order of Omega and the Eta Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Woodard is the son of Cathy and Michael LeBlanc. He is a junior biology major. Woodard is a co-founder of the Black Male Alliance, commissioner of external affairs for the Student Government Association and was a freshman orientation leader. He was the public relations chair for Alpha Lambda Delta and a member of Blue Key National Honor Society, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and was on the Helping Hands Logistics Committee. Woodard is a member of the African American Caucus, Demon Volunteers in Progress and is a marketing Intern at NSU Sodexo Dining Services.

Young is the daughter of Tracy Young and Marty Young. She is a junior history and hospitality management and tourism major. Young is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority where she is vice president of harm reduction), an alumna and current mentor in the President’s Leadership Program, student coordinator of the NSU Food Pantry, secretary of Purple Jackets and Blue Key Honor Society, and past historian and junior advisor of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. She is a member of the Order of Omega Honor Society, Demon Volunteers in Progress and the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and was a freshman orientation leader.

Pictured:
Members of Northwestern State University’s 2023 Homecoming Honor Court are, from left, Terrell “TJ” Woodard Jr., Malaya White, Jacob Boyter, Lizzie Blanchard, Nicholas Cooksey, Linzi Lampert, Zachary Remedies, Tyra Jones, Nick Knotts, Mary Scruggs, Zach Cooper (King), Zoe Johnson (Queen), Hannah Davis, Caiden Matthews, Natalie Mangandi, Kameron Burns, Madison Cook, Derrick Varnado, Avery Tullos, Johnny Cox, Jr, Kacy Young and Scott Fowler.


NSU will honor Hall of Distinguished Educators inductees Nov. 4

Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development will honor several individuals during Homecoming Festivities Nov. 3-4. 

Honorees who will be inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Educators will be Ben LaGrone of Colfax, Phillip McClung and Janna Masson Maggio of Natchitoches; Janice Marie Barrios Moreau of Alexandria and Carolyn Williamson Burroughs of Haughton. 

Brittany Bonnaffons of New Orleans will be recognized as an Outstanding Young Professional in Education and Dr. Vickie Stevens Gentry will be honored as a Friend to Education.

A reception to honor this year’s group of inductees will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 in the Teacher Education Center Commons.  The induction program will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Middle Lab Auditorium. 

LaGrone earned a B.S. in Agri-Business in 1984, a B.A. in Elementary Education in 1986, M.Ed. in Education Administration and Supervision in 1989 and completed 30+ graduate hours in Educational Administration and Supervision in 1994.  He is the director of the Department of Teaching and Learning for the Natchitoches Parish School Board.

LaGrone began his career as a teacher and coach at Montgomery Junior High and High School, providing instruction in math, science, social studies and P.E.  He was assistant principal at South Grant Elementary for three years, then was a site administrator at Grant Alternative School before he was named principal at Dry Prong Junior High where he served from 1997-2008. He also served as a mentor principal for the Louisiana Educational Leadership Induction Program.  LaGrone was Grant Parish Principal of the Year in 2002 and was a regional finalist for Louisiana Principal of the Year.

In 2008, LaGrone was appointed principal at NSU Middle Lab School, where he created a system to ensure a safe and orderly school environment and a “learning first” culture. He has also been director of the Louisiana Gear Up Summer Camp, for eighth graders who will become first generation college students. He was Natchitoches Parish Principal of the Year in 2010. In 2017, NSU Middle Lab was named a Blue Ribbon School and in 2018, LaGrone was again named Natchitoches Parish Principal of the Year. He has served the profession in many capacities, as a member of numerous academic committees and participating in many leadership training initiatives.

McClung earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education at NSU in 1981 and a Master’s in Education in 1991. After student teaching at Winnfield High School, he began his career teaching at Georgetown High School from 1981-1984 before moving to the Natchitoches Ninth Grade Center from 1984-1991.  From 1992-2016, he was school technology coordinator and 8th grade team leader at NSU Middle Lab while he was also a supervising teacher, cooperating teacher and adjunct instructor for NSU’s College of Education and Division of Continuing Education.

During the course of his career, McClung earned several honors, including Natchitoches Parish High School Teacher of the Year, Natchitoches Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Educator and was twice named Natchitoches Parish Middle School Teacher of the Year.  He was a regional finalist for Louisiana State Teacher of the Year in 1995 and Louisiana State Middle School Teacher of the Year om 1996.  He also earned the Louisiana Middle School Association Award of Excellence in Education and APEL Distinguished Clinician for mentoring preservice teachers.

In addition to publishing articles on learning and instruction, McClung served on the Louisiana Department of Education committee that developed accountability and piloted languages arts assessment for the LEAP test and pursued technology training to implement one of the charter programs for “Computers for Louisiana’s Kids.”

Maggio is an educator with 30 years of early childhood experience that includes teaching, supervision of staff, budgeting meeting state and national early childhood program standards.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at NSU in 1992 and a Master’s of Education with a concentration in early childhood education in 2006.  Her academic and teaching experience includes eight years as a prekindergarten 3-year-old classroom primary teacher, 21 years as a prekindergarten 4-year-old classroom primary teacher and 17 years as an adjunct instructor at the collegiate level.

Maggio began her career with the Natchitoches Central Right Start program, then was a teacher at NSU’s Child Development Center for 10 years before she was named director of the CDC, where, among many other duties, she was responsible for compliance with state licensing requirements, curriculum development, budgeting, safety and training staff that included supervision and assessment of university students.

Since 2014, she has worked for the Natchitoches Parish School Board as a pre-K teacher responsible for lessons, supervision and assessment of students, testing for magnet applications and assisted with observations for preschool classes in childcare and Head Start. Earlier this year Maggio was appointed NPSB early childhood coordinator, where she prepares and implements meetings, communicates with teachers and paraprofessionals about curriculum implements, documents progress towards goals and keeps the parish in compliance with state regulations. She has also served as an adjunct instructor for NSU.

Moreau has 47 years of teaching experience with15 years in mentoring and supervision.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at NSU in 1976 and went on to earn a Master’s in Education, +15 (Academically Gifted) and +30 (Elementary Education).

Moreau began teaching at elementary schools in Rapides Parish while also serving as sponsor of school 4-H Clubs and yearbook and working as a Gifted mentor and for the Louisiana Department of Education in test preparation and writing curriculum guides.  She later focused on Gifted education, serving as Rapides Parish Gifted Coordinator and supervisor of Summer Horizons Gifted Summer Program, establishing Gifted programs at qualifying Rapides Parish high schools and developing the Rapides Parish Enrichment Academy for identifying gifted minority students. Moreau was a presenter at the National Special Education Super Conference and the Louisiana Special Education Super Conference, was a teacher and test administrator for Sylvan Learning center for 10 years and was a teacher for the Louisiana College CATS summer program.

Since 2011, she has been at Grace Christian School providing teacher in-services, analyzing test scores, training and mentoring teachers and observing and evaluating PK-12 teachers.  She is also responsible for planning and coordinating several programs, fund raisers and service projects at the school. In addition to earning numerous professional honors, Moreau is involved in numerous civic and professional organizations and an active member of St. Frances Cabrini Church. 

Burroughs served as dean and professor of science in the Division of Nursing and Allied Health at Bossier Parish Community College from 2008-2022.  As dean, she was responsible for the academic leadership of the 14 science, nursing and allied health programs offered by the Division, ensuring the continual development and accreditation of programs and developing schedules to meet the needs of the students. She also served on the BPCC Planning Council, evaluated division employees, compiled and analyzed division assessment and effectiveness documentation and provided administrative guidance in the initiation, implementation, and accreditation of new programs in Nursing (Registered), Practical Nursing, and Fire Science.

Burroughs earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology Education at NSU in 1976, Master of Education at LSU-Shreveport in 1983 and 12 graduate hours in life sciences at Louisiana Tech in 1995. She began her career as a high school biology teacher and coach in Louisiana and Texas before joining the faculty of Bossier Parish Community College in 1984 where she taught courses and lab instruction in biology, anatomy and physiology.   

Beginning in 1997, Burroughs served as division chair and associate professor of science responsible for academic leadership and administration for the academic division offering courses in science, as well as serving as program director.  In 2003, she was named division chair and associate professor of Science and Allied Health where she was responsible for the initiation, implementation, accreditation, administration, and continued development of 12 allied health programs in addition to the science program and faculty. She also provided classroom instruction of biological sciences and administrative guidance in the initiation, implementation, and accreditation of the Occupational Therapy Assistant, Paramedic, and EMT programs.

Bonnaffons, who teaches high school algebra at Hanhville High in Luling, is Louisiana’s 2023 Teacher of the Year, representing more than 50,000 teachers in the state. She graduated from the Louisiana Scholars’ College at NSU in 2003, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Business Administration from Louisiana State University, a Master of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Louisiana Monroe and a Master of Arts in Teaching from NSU in 2014.  

As Teacher of the Year, Bonnaffons highlights and enriches the work of both students and teachers. Students entering her Intensive Algebra class had scored unsatisfactorily on their middle school LEAP tests. Bonnaffons led 93 percent of her learners to pass the Algebra 1 LEAP 2025. She believes math teaches students perseverance, reasoning and problem-solving skills, while the community brings together the big picture. She currently serves as a teacher representative on the Louisiana Board of Education and formerly on the Louisiana Teacher Advisory Council working to elevate the voice of teachers in educational policy. Bonnaffons’ initiated a Tutu Tuesdays social media series which reaches over 9,000 followers weekly as it shines a light on the great achievements and everyday practices taking place with educators and learners across the country.

In 2018, Bonnaffons became the head coach for the track team. Since that time, the team has captured four district team championships, was regional runner-up twice and produced more than 50 individual district medalists, more than 30 individual regional medalists and more than 15 state medalists. Bonnaffons has been inducted to the N-Club Hall of Fame at Northwestern State University for athletic achievements, collaborates with the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference track and field championships, and gives athletes the chance to see collegiate opportunities.

Gentry retired from Northwestern State as provost and Chief Academic Officer in 2019.  Prior to that, she was dean of the College of Education and Human Development for 10 years, where she served as the leader in curricular areas and supervised faculty while teaching, advising and promoting excellence in academic standards. Throughout her career, research by Gentry and collaborators was published and presented on the state, national and international levels.  In service to the profession, she has been active in numerous leadership teams at NSU and other academic and professional organizations, earning many honors, awards and grants. 

Gentry joined the faculty at NSU in 1980 as assistant professor of physical education.  She served on faculty at LSU-A and LSU-S and was lecturer at Texas A&M University before being named head of NSU’s Department of Health and Human Performance in 2001, dean of the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development in 2006 and provost in 2016.

Gentry earned a B.S. in Health and Physical Education at the University of Alabama-Birmingham in 1978, a Master’s in Health and Physical Education at University of Montevallo in 1980 and a Ph.D. in Kinesiology at Texas A&M University in 1993.

Information on NSU Homecoming festivities is available at www.northwesternstatealumni.com 


NSU Homecoming will focus on honoring students, alumni, spirit groups

Northwestern State University announced updated plans for this weekend’s Homecoming schedule.  The university’s Homecoming will take place Nov. 3-4 as administrators and staff honor students and alumni.

Events on Friday, Nov. 3 include the Long Purple Line luncheon and induction program that will begin at noon at the Natchitoches Events Center.  Check-in will begin at 11:30 a.m. The annual parade and pep rally, a popular community event, will begin at 5:30 p.m., starting on campus and ending at the downtown Natchitoches riverbank, where the Homecoming Honor Court will be recognized and spirit groups will perform.

On Saturday, Nov. 4 the N-Club Hall of Fame reception will begin at 8 a.m. in Hanchey Gallery, followed by the induction program at 9 a.m. in Magale Recital Hall.  Hall of Distinguished Educators will begin with a reception at 10:30 a.m. in the Commons area of the Teacher Education Center, followed by the induction program at 11 a.m. in the Middle Lab School auditorium.

Alumni tailgating will take place at Collins Pavilion and Tailgate Field from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.  The ROTC tailgate has been cancelled.

At 2 p.m., the Spirit of Northwestern Demon Marching Band will perform in Turpin Stadium, along with other spirit groups. Inductees into the School of Creative and Performing Arts Hall of Fame will be recognized. The band will then do a walk through from Turpin to Prather Coliseum. 

Doors to Prather Coliseum will open at 2 p.m. in advance of the 3 p.m. volleyball match between the Lady Demons and McNeese. The band will play “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the NSU Demon fight song at 2:55 p.m. Between sets 1 and 2, inductees into the Hall of Distinguished Educators will be recognized.  Between sets 2 and 3, Mr. and Miss NSU and inductees into the N-Club Hall of Fame, the Long Purple Line and the Hall of Distinguished Educators will be presented.  Following the game, the NSU Honor Court will be presented with the Arch of Steel.

Alumni who plan to attend specific reunions and/or events are encouraged to reach out to the planning organization for details and updates. 

Information will be posted at www.nsula.edu and https://northwesternstatealumni.com as it becomes available. 


Son of a Preacher Man

Vincent Damon Furnier was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1948.  Vincent’s father, Ether Moroni Furnier, was a preacher in The Church of Jesus Christ.  His paternal grandfather, Thurman Sylvest Furnier, was also a minister in the church and became president of the organization in the mid-1960s.  Unsurprisingly, Vincent was active in the church.  Most people, even Vincent, expected him to follow in the family business and become a church leader, maybe even a preacher, but a series of events altered the trajectory of his life.   As the saying goes, “The Lord works in mysterious ways.” 

As a child, Vincent struggled with a series of illnesses.  Vincent’s father moved the family from Detroit to Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix.  The drier climate had the desired effect as the illnesses that plagued Vincent vanished. 

In Glendale, Vincent pulled away from the church.  Children sometimes need to find their own way in life, and so it was with Vincent.  By his twenties, Vincent had stopped going to church altogether although he expressed an interest in returning to church.  He explained, “I’m afraid my appearance would be embarrassing for my father.  I don’t mean that he would be embarrassed, and he would never tell me.  But I don’t think his congregation would like it.”  Vincent’s appearance certainly drew attention.  Vincent wore makeup and bought all his clothes from the Salvation Army.  He sometimes wore his sister’s hand-me-down clothes or something his mother made for him.  Vincent disliked anything that looked new.  When he bought clothing for his girlfriend, he shopped in antique stores. 

Vincent’s life changed forever in 1964 when he and four fellow cross country teammates, Glen Buxtin, Neal Smith, Dennis Dunaway, and Michael Bruce, participated in Cortez High School’s annual Letterman’s talent show.  Vincent and his teammates called themselves the Earwigs, but there was a problem.  Other than Glen Buxton, who played guitar, none of the others played musical instruments.  To circumvent their lack of talent, the Earwigs dressed to resemble the Beatles, complete with wigs, and pretended to play instruments while a record played Beatles songs.  Vincent, the Earwigs’ lead singer, sang parodied lyrics to the Beatles songs.  For example, one of the songs they mimed and parodied was “Please Please Me.”  In it, rather than singing “Last night I said these words to my girl,” Vincent sang “Last night I ran four laps for my coach.”  The reception was better than anyone expected.  Vincent and his teammates won the talent show.  Because of their strange success, they decided to form a real band.  Vincent’s friends learned to play instruments and Vincent began to write songs and to improve his singing voice and stage presence.  In his high school yearbook, Vincent said his ambition was to become “a million record seller.”  

Vincent and his friends performed under various band names from the Earwigs to the Spiders and Nazz with minor success.  Finally, Vincent and his friends decided that they needed a gimmick to succeed.  They settled on a band name which sounded innocent and wholesome, which was in direct contrast to their stage shows.  The band became somewhat successful, but with that success came pressure, drugs, and alcohol.  Vincent became an alcoholic and drug addict.  It is likely that Vincent has died more times than any other human in history.  On multiple occasions, Vincent has died seven, eight, sometimes ten times in a single evening.  Each time, he was brought back to life.  Finally, after decades of drug and alcohol abuse, Vincent found a new addiction which took the place of drugs and alcohol.  Vincent became addicted to golf.  The son and grandson of preacher men also became a born-again Christian.  The Lord works in mysterious ways.

For some of the band members, their dream had become a nightmare.  After a decade of performing together, the band fell apart.  Vincent wanted to keep performing but disagreements with the other band members meant that Vincent could not use the band name.  Finally, Vincent found a loophole.  The only way he could perform under his old band name was to legally change his name to the band name.  In 1973, Vincent legally changed his name.  Under his new name, Vincent has sold more than 50 million records.  His deaths, as mentioned earlier, were not due to illness or overdose.  He continues to die multiple times an evening in various ways as part of his elaborate stage show.  You know Vincent Damon Furnier, who became addicted to drugs and alcohol, then became a born again Christian and avid golfer, as Alice Cooper. 

Sources:

1.      The Ottawa Journal, August 20, 1971, p.12.

2.     Albany Democrat-Herald, April 19, 1975, p.33.

3.     The Baltimore Sun, April 26, 1975, p.10.

4.     Concord Monitor, July 29, 2004, p.6.