Green Monday is one of the retail industry’s busiest shopping days, usually on the second Monday of December (this year December 9). Like other major retail shopping days like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, it encourages people to shop online, buy last-minute Christmas gifts and take advantage of great deals.
Many people confuse it for an environmentally friendly holiday, but it actually marks the best day for online sales in December. The term was coined by eBay’s Shopping.com in 2007. “Green” refers to the money retailers make that day.
Many retail stores including Amazon, Target, and Walmart offer Green Monday deals. It has become more and more popular over the years with many websites also offering deals and discounts.
After Cyber Monday, Green Monday has grown to be the second biggest online shopping holiday, and spending has increased every year, with it now reaching over $3 billion.
You deserve a career where talent is recognized and rewarded. When your strengths meet our opportunities, great things can happen. Work and learn from the best in the industry in a fulfilling career with exceptional benefits at RoyOMartin.
RoyOMartin-Plywood in Chopin, La. is hosting a job fair for production team members and industrial electricians in Natchitoches, La., on December 11, 2024, at the MLK Community Center. Attend one of two sessions, at 3:00 or 5:30 p.m. The starting pay for production team members is $16.74 per hour, potentially increasing your pay to $25 per hour. Industrial electricians’ pay is based on experience, up to $43 per hour.
At RoyOMartin, people are our number one asset. We are committed to keeping them safe and well and supporting them as they learn and grow. That’s not just lip service. It shows in the variety of benefits and industry-leading employee-development programs we offer such as affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance, our family medical clinic in Alexandria, La., supplemental insurance options, flexible spending accounts, retirement program and profit sharing, paid time off, and transportation assistance. That’s right, catch the bus each shift at the Shop-a-Lott “the Y!”
Employee safety is RoyOMartin’s #1 priority. We believe that all accidents can be prevented with our “I Believe in Zero Now” (IBiZ) safety philosophy. Our team members are trained to work safely, from new-hire orientation through ongoing job-specific safety training, and each location has designated safety and occupational health professionals. That’s what makes us one of the safest plywood plants in North America.
See why 750 people call RoyOMartin-Plywood their work family. Learn more about RoyOMartin’s open positions and apply at royomartin.com/careers. Take advantage of this chance to join the RoyOMartin team at the December 11, 2024, Natchitoches Job Fair at the MLK Community Center at 3:00 and 5:30 p.m.
Jimmy was born in Atlanta, Georgia in November 1900, the second child of Eugene and Maybelle Mitchell. Maybelle wanted Jimmy to have an education and to have the best possible chances in life, as most parents do. From the time Jimmy was born, Maybelle read to the child. Once old enough to write, Jimmy began writing original stories of adventures in faraway lands. From childhood, through adolescence, and into teenage years, Jimmy continued to create vivid characters in worlds which were sometimes real and other times imaginative.
In September 1922, Jimmy got married against the advice of Maybelle and Eugene. John Marsh, a friend of the couple, was the best man at the wedding. Jimmy’s spouse, nicknamed “Red,” worked in a bootlegging ring and often drank more product than was sold. When juiced up on bootlegged liquor, Red liked to party, carouse, and turned violent toward Jimmy. In December 1922, after less than three months of marriage, Jimmy gave up. The marriage was over, but not legally. At first, Red refused to give Jimmy a divorce. Finally, with a loan from John Marsh, the best man at their wedding, Jimmy was able to get a divorce. Six months later, Jimmy married for a second time.
Jimmy went to work as a reporter for a newspaper called the Atlanta Journal. It was a nice job that Jimmy thoroughly enjoyed. Then, Jimmy injured an ankle which failed to heal as quickly as anyone expected. Unable to walk without crutches, Jimmy had no choice but quit the reporting job. Jimmy’s spouse brought armloads of books into the house to keep Jimmy occupied. Finally, Jimmy’s spouse’s patience was exhausted. Tiring of the constant trips back and forth between their apartment and the public library, Jimmy’s spouse said something to the effect of, “For God’s sake, can’t you write a book instead of reading thousands of them?” With that challenge, Jimmy began writing. For three years, Jimmy wrote, edited, fact-checked, and rewrote. Finally, in 1936, Jimmy published a book that became a bestseller and won the Pulitzer Prize. Three years later, a film was released based on Jimmy’s novel which is now considered one of the greatest films ever made.
Let me back up just a moment. Remember Jimmy remarried six months after the divorce? Jimmy married John Marsh, the best man at her wedding and the man who paid for her divorce. Her wedding? Her divorce? You see, when Jimmy was only three years old, her dress brushed up against an iron grate and caught fire. Luckily, she was unharmed, but the experience was traumatic for her mother who feared that the child’s clothing would catch on fire again someday and she would not be so lucky. From that moment on, her mother dressed her in boys’ clothing. Her brother mockingly nicknamed her Jimmy and, much to her chagrin, the nickname stuck. Jimmy was the nickname of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind.
Sources:
1. The Atlanta Constitution, December 6, 1936, p.12.
LSUS biological sciences assistant professor Dr. Vonny Salim works with students in her lab in this file photo from 2023. Salim is hosting two forensic human identification trainings (Dec. 10 and Dec. 11) in the LSUS Collaboratory to train on specific Thermo Fisher Scientific instruments while also fostering collaborative relationships with professionals that perform DNA analysis. CREDIT: Erin Smith/LSUS Media Relations
SHREVEPORT – Calling all forensic scientists and other professionals who work with DNA analysis equipment.
LSUS is hosting two Forensic Human Identification Training sessions Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 using Thermo Fisher Scientific’s QuantStudio 5 and Seqstudio Genetic Analyzer.
“This training provides a unique opportunity for individuals to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment used in forensic DNA analysis,” said host Dr. Vonny Salim, an assistant professor in biological sciences at LSUS who directs the biotechnology educational laboratory. “The training will provide valuable insights into the latest technologies in forensic DNA analysis, which can open doors for career advancement in forensic science, biomedical research, environmental science and other related fields that are exploring the latest advances in human genome analysis.”
The free training consists of lecture sessions in the morning with select participants receiving hands-on training on the actual equipment in the afternoon.
The Quantstudio 5 training will take place Dec. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to noon with hands-on training in the afternoon.
Seqstudio training will occur Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with hands-on training to follow. Registration for both sessions ends Friday, and if participants want to attend the hands-on training following each session, reach out to Salim via email at vonny.salim@lsus.edu.
Participants can attend sessions one or both days and will receive a certification from Thermo Fisher Scientific based on the number of hours attended.
Danielle Jardel, field application scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific, will conduct the training sessions in LSUS’s Collaboratory.
The training is free to participants thanks to funding support from the Louisiana Biomedical Research Network through an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medial Sciences of the National Institutes of Health, which provided for the purchase of both instruments and the accompanied training.
While Salim’s biotechnology educational laboratory has hosted similar trainings, this is the first time that members outside the LSUS community have been invited to participate.
“We are excited to collaborate and share the cutting-edge technology available at the LSUS Collaboratory with wider participants,” Salim said. “We aim to connect with scientists in the community who are working not only on human DNA but also on other big data-related fields, such as microbiome studies.
“These areas have broad applications in forensic anthropology, computer science, microbiology, and genetics. In addition to enhancing the technical skills of our participants, we anticipate that the training will foster collaboration with other labs engaged in DNA-related research.”
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University is offering new, returning and transfer students an all-in-one resource for navigating the enrollment process.
Registration Rally 2025 will take place Jan. 9, 2025, on NSU’s main campus in Natchitoches where new students will be led through an orientation to learn about helpful campus resources and returning students can get help with registration.
“The registration process can be intimidating, so we’re offering Registration Rally for new and returning students where they can visit one-on-one with NSU personnel for clarity with degree plans, class scheduling, financial aid and any other questions they may have,” said Dr. Greg Handel, executive vice president and provost.
Registration Rally is open to entering freshmen, current students, graduate students and students who have taken classes at another university. Students can ask questions about what majors are right for them and how much it will cost to complete a degree.
“Registration Rally helps students check off all the boxes they need to get started, while also outlining where to go and who to ask when they need help with tutoring, financial aid, disability services or any other challenges that may arise,” said Van Erikson, director of Enrollment Management. “It’s a good start to a successful path to graduation and launching a career.”
Over my many years of traveling the country and fishing tournaments, most places and the people that live there are usually friendly. Texas has always held a special place in my heart since I’m from there and there’s nothing like Texan hospitality. Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and Arkansas also have some fine folks, but there’s one place you need to proceed with caution; that would be south Louisiana down on the Bayou.
Now let me clarify the last statement. South Louisiana folks, or Cajuns as they like to be called, are some of the most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. Most have never met a stranger and most have a big heart willing to share their dinner table with anyone.
But when you get into the swamps and bayous of south Louisiana, the demographics change over to a different kind of soul. These people who live on the swamp see the outside world as infringing on their way of life and do not welcome outsiders with open arms.
I learned this firsthand during a bass tournament just outside of Morgan City. There’s an area down there where Bob’s Bayou Black Marina is located and was the host for this tournament. The minute you pull up to this marina, it’s like going back in time. It has an earie feel to it and reminds you of the movie, “Deliverance.”
It has a feel that makes you very uncomfortable just getting out of the truck and going inside to pay the boat ramp fee. Locals at the ramp give you a look that simply asks, “Are you lost?” But as I entered the store, I noticed a photo on the wall that was signed by Bassmaster Classic Champion Kevin Van Dam (greatest bass angler of all time) which did make me feel a little more at ease.
Now being new to this area, I was looking for information; not about what the bass were biting, but where I could and could not run my 20-foot Ranger bass boat. I had heard stories about anglers getting in trouble in the swamp by fishing areas they were not welcome in.
The gentleman who owned the marina was more than willing to show me on a wall map the areas I should avoid at all costs. Due to horror stories of the past that were embedded in my brain, he had my full attention.
So, now that I had a good idea as to where I could and could not fish, I dropped my boat in the water and, without fear, headed out for a day of fishing looking for the winning stringer of bass.
Now if you want to get lost and test your navigational skills, venture into the swamp and bayous of south Louisiana! All I will say is this, “Thank the Lord for GPS!” Because I can now understand the stories I’ve heard of anglers getting lost. It truly is a maze of waterways and canals that seem to branch off in every direction like a state road map.
While fishing a stretch of a canal, I noticed a house, on stilts of course, just about 50 yards in front of me. As I approached this house, a man walked out holding a 12-gauge shotgun and looking at me in a not so friendly way. He asked me, “Son, are you lost?” I responded with a very kind, “No sir.”
He then informed me that I had two options, “Leave now or stay for dinner and never be heard from again!” I chose the first option and left that area never to return! It was nice of him to offer me dinner, but I did not want to stay for dessert.
I’ve also learned through other’s mistakes when dealing with these so-called swamp people. One such unwritten rule is to never enter a canal that has a gate at the front of it. Another fact is that one place you do not want to be after dark would be the Louisiana swamp! Ask Elite Series Pro Gary Kline who found out firsthand just how spooky the swamp can be when the sun goes down.
Gary also found out first-hand how unwelcoming swamp people can be when he was shot at while practicing for the Bassmaster Classic. So, the next time you’re headed for the bayous of south Louisiana, make sure you know the lay of the land and what areas you might want to avoid.
Till next time, good luck, good fishing and just because it’s December, does not mean the fish won’t bite. You just need to slow down with your presentation and be a little more patient. You might not get as many bites, but the ones you catch will be good ones.
Santa is making a stop at Adeline’s Bed and Breakfast for Cocoa and Cookies on December 8. Multiple times are available–1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Limited spots available.
The 98th Annual Christmas Festival in Natchitoches is Saturday, December 7. Celebrate the Christmas season in Louisiana’s oldest city. Enjoy the daylong festival filled with music, entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, and the famous firework show choreographed to holiday music over Cane River Lake. Saturday Event Lineup includes: 7am-7pm: Mistletoe Market; 1pm: Festival of Lights Parade and 6pm: Fireworks over Cane River Lake.
Natchitoches Lighted Boat Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 14 at 5pm. See dozens of festively decorated boats glowing against the backdrop of the Cane River Lake.
Minden churches will host The Live Nativity this Christmas Season in downtown Minden on Saturday, December 21 from 5:30-9pm. It is free and open to the public. It is a walkable event with multiple stations to experience the journey through Bethlehem with the birth of Jesus Christ. Golf Carts will be available to those unable to walk the route.
Jack Moseley December 15, 1947 – November 27, 2024 Funeral services will be held Friday, December 6, 2024 at 11am at First Baptist Church in Coushatta.
Add Johnson April 14, 1926 – November 30, 2024 Funeral services will be held Saturday December 7, 2024 at 11am at Summer Hill B.C. in Evelyn.
COUSHATTA – Red River’s dominance in District 3-2A was rewarded this week with a bevy of all-district selections, including two Most Valuable Player honors.
Senior linebacker Jacob Kellogg took home the Defensive MVP after leading a Bulldogs defense that allowed less than eight points per district contest.
Junior quarterback Malique Smith vastly improved from the start of the season, earning Offensive Co-MVP honors with Mansfield running back Terrell Pegues.
They led a cadre of 10 first-team all-district selections with another nine making second team.
“Kellogg was the leader of our defense, and he set goals for himself week to week and also over the entire season,” said Red River coach Byron Keller. “He’s a hard-nosed, smart linebacker that led the defense to a district championship and playoff run.
“Smith’s maturation from spring football to the end of the season was a joy to be a part of. He progressed and worked hard to get better every day.”
Red River’s coaching staff was also dubbed Staff of the Year after guiding the program to its first district championship since 2005. Red River won a first-round playoff game, slapping Winnfield, 48-6, for its first postseason victory since 2021.
Joining Kellogg on the first-team defense was sophomore defensive lineman Jarvis Whitaker, senior defensive lineman Jayden Stewart, senior defensive back Jomello McDonald, junior defensive back Cameron Jones.
Accompanying Smith on the first-team offense was senior running back Mon’tre’veun Smith, senior receiver Jomello McDonald, senior offensive linemen Kalleon Demery and junior kick returner Warren Bowman.
Bowman was a second-team running back with junior Cedric Moody, junior receiver Carl Lewis, senior offensive linemen Rafe Suggs and Steven Wimberly, and freshman kick returner Lathyn Lewis.
Three Bulldogs earned second-team defense status with sophomore defensive end Johnny Jones, sophomore linebacker Nate Burton, and sophomore free safety Jaren Mitchell.
Eight more Red River players were honorably mentioned – Gaylon Brewer, Germiyah Williams, Jamarion Iverson, Karrington Owens, Quindon Kennedy, Zylon Newman, Ty Cole and Cam Hobley.
So many in Coushatta remember the gifted surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Rush. His years at Huckabay Hospital and beyond were important for patients and students who trained under him.
Dr. Jill Rush-Kolodzey, daughter, has made a name for herself as well in the medical community. Now, she and her family are making an important difference for children in our area. RRPJ reported on the development of the We Rock the Spectrum last month. This week, Saturday, December 7, the gym becomes reality.
Rush-Kolodzey told RRPJ, “We are very excited to announce the official Grand Opening of We Rock the Spectrum – Shreveport.” She wanted everyone in Coushatta to join and celebrate the opening of this safe haven to the Shreveport, LA community.
There will be food, fun, music, surprises, and exclusive discounts on open play packages.
Treats & refreshments will be sponsored by My Brother Rocks the Spectrum Foundation! (20% of proceeds will be donated back to MBRTS to fund scholarships for special needs children visiting the gym)
The Natchitoches Parish School Board is excited to announce an opening for the position of Principal at Natchitoches Magnet School. This leadership opportunity is perfect for dedicated and qualified education professionals ready to make a significant impact on one of our district’s amazing schools.
Position: Principal
Location: Natchitoches Magnet School
Application Requirements:
Applicants must meet Louisiana State Department of Education certification requirements or be eligible at the time of application. A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience is required.
Interested applicants should submit a complete application packet, including:
Letter of application Resume.
Official transcripts from institutions awarding degrees
Copy of Louisiana Teacher’s Certificate with principal/educational leadership endorsement
Three letters of reference (one from the applicant’s immediate supervisor)
Salary: In accordance with the Natchitoches Parish School Board salary schedule.
Deadline to Apply: All application materials must be received by Monday, December 16, 2024, at 4:00 PM.
For any questions or serious inquiries, please contact 318-352-2358 or LPage@npsb.la
About Natchitoches Parish School Board The Natchitoches Parish School Board meets the challenges required to raise academic standards and positively impact student achievements throughout all of Natchitoches Parish. We are committed to a a policy of educating children by helping them to develop an awareness and appreciation for the achievements, problems and aspirations of all people in our culturally diverse society.
The probability of greater than 2 inches of rainfall will exist later from today and into early next week across much of the Ark-la-tex.
Rain chances today are near 100% before ending Thursday.
Rain returns late Friday and continues through early next week.
There is a 30 to 80% chance of at least 2 inches of rainfall over this time period in Red River Parish. Portions of the parish could see up to 6 inches before the rain comes to an end.
As of publication, Wednesday’s forecast: Cloudy with periods of rain. Thunder possible. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 95%. Rainfall possibly over 1 inch. High 56F Low 48F.
NATCHITOCHES – Craftspeople from throughout the region will display, demonstrate and sell their arts and crafts at the Annual American Indian Crafts Day at Northwestern State University on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Crafts Day is from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Williamson Museum in Room 208 of Kyser Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. The event is held each year on the same day as the Natchitoches Christmas Festival.
Basketry, file’, beadwork, drums, leatherwork, wood carving and other handmade items will be for sale. Craftspeople are expected from several Louisiana tribes.
American Indian Crafts Day is sponsored by the School of Social Sciences and Applied Programs, the American Indian Studies Program, the Williamson Museum and the Native American Student Association.
If you read “Bob, a DJ and a clown” on a guest list, are three people coming to the party, or only one? That depends on whether you are for or against the Oxford comma — perhaps the most hotly contested punctuation mark of all time. The “Oxford comma” is an optional comma before the word “and” at the end of a list. The following is an example of the use of an Oxford comma.
We sing songs, hymns, and choruses.
The question for those of us who write is whether to use the Oxford comma. Sometimes I use an Oxford comma and other times I ignore the convention depending on my mood. The comma does have the grammatical ability to add clarity to communication.
You may need that extra comma for clarification.
This is an apocryphal book dedication, but it shows what happens when the Oxford comma is omitted.
This book is dedicated to my parents, Amy Rand and God.
The omitted comma has given theological import to the sentence. Your eyes might fix it, and your brain knows that Amy Rand and God are not the parents of the author. From a grammatical point of view the sentence is correct, but the meaning is muddy or heretical depending on your perspective.
Today remember the comma.
Small acts of kindness, hospitality, and patience will make a positive impression on the guests God sends to our lives at Christmas. Perhaps after you show kindness you will have the opportunity to talk to someone about why Christmas has a special meaning to you. You might hear a God story coming from a stranger. Something small could open the way to a bigger event.
God is always trying to sneak that Oxford comma into the grammar of our souls. He sends little blessings and reminders of His love for us. He moves in small ways that allow our hearts to experience His grace. We want God to speak big and boldly. We want fireworks! We want certainty. The essence of faith is to believe where we can’t clearly see. Believe that in those small commas that drop into your soul God is working His plan in your life.
Finally, the comma makes you pause. Read the earlier comma examples aloud and hear your brain and voice pause for each comma. We need those pauses in our lives. We need time to just sit and be. I had a friend who sent me what became an annual Christmas tie. Ned lived into her mid-nineties. She loved her beloved pastor friend, such that I received a dozen Christmas ties from her.
The last line of her last Christmas note encouraged me to “linger in His presence long enough to let God’s blessings, happen.”
Santa is making a stop at CBS Home Express this Saturday, December 7 from 11am to 2pm.
Friday, December 13 is the deadline to order tickets for 4-H Mudbugs Night. Tickets cost $20 and include a food/drink voucher. Activities from (4-6pm) include ice skating, bounce houses, poster making, games, street hockey and much more. Doors open at 6pm and game begins at 7:15. Call the 4-H office to order 932.4342.
The 10th annual Lincoln Lights Up the Pines in Ruston opens Thursday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. Catch this beautiful, 3 mile drive-through light display on December 5-7 and December 12-14.
Take the short drive to Shreveport to see over 600 nativities on display from all over the world including the Back to Bethlehem room that is interactive. The FREE event is on display December 6-8 from 4-8pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 200 Carroll Street in Shreveport.
The 41st annual Christmas in Roseland is now open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 23 from 5:30-10pm.
Celebrate the holidays at Cypress Bend Park’s Winter Wonderland of Lights. Open Thursday-Sunday through December 29 from 5-9pm. Santa will be there every Friday and Saturday nights until Christmas. 3462 Cypress Bend Drive, Many, LA.
Robeline’s annual Christmas in the Park is scheduled for Saturday, December 21. Parade rolls at 3pm. The event is free to the public. Santa will be there for photos.
Red River Parish Library will be closed December 24-27 and December 31-January 3 to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
The Red River begins its total length of 1,360 miles in the Texas panhandle. It is the second-largest river basin in the southern Great Plains.
The origins of the Red River are two forks in the Texas panhandle, the Prairie Dog Town Fork and the North Fork.
The Red flows east, forming the border between Texas and Oklahoma and a portion of the border between Texas and Arkansas at the northeastern corner of Texas. Then, it flows into Arkansas and turns south entering Louisiana.
In Louisiana, the Red River forms the boundary between Caddo and Bossier parishes and flows southeast, through Red River, Natchitoches, Rapides, and Avoyelles parishes. The river empties into the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers.
It gets its name from its color, which comes from the fact that the river carries large quantities of red soil in flood periods.
Larger cities of Shreveport and Bossier City were developed on either bank of the river, as were the downriver cities of Alexandria and Pineville.
In the early 19th century, settlers found that much of the river’s length in Louisiana was unnavigable because of a collection of fallen trees that formed a Great Raft over 160 miles long. In 1839, Captain Henry Miller Shreve began clearing the log jam, but it was not completely cleared until the 1870s, when dynamite became available.
In June 2015, the Red River flooded parts of northeast Texas, southwest Arkansas, southeast Oklahoma and Louisiana, from Denison Dam, to just south of Alexandria. The river reached its highest level in over 70 years, cresting in most of the affected areas at around 6 to 9 feet over the flood stage reaching a record height of 37.14 feet.
Red River Parish was established in 1871 as part of Reconstruction and was created from parts of other parishes when the boundaries of the parish were established by the Legislature. It’s named after the river that runs through the entire length of the parish.
Acclaimed children’s author and illustrator Jan Brett will include Natchitoches as a stop on her “Alice in a Winter Wonderland” tour. The best-selling illustrator and creator of colorful picture books will be featured at a free event beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Natchitoches Events Center, 750 Second St.
The event will begin with a drawing illustration and story presentation, followed by a book signing. Seating is limited and registration is encouraged using the QR code below. Guests will be able to purchase copies of “Alice in a Winter Wonderland” and other titles at the event, which will be signed as time permits with bookplates featuring Brett’s artwork available for extra books. The first 100 families will receive a signed Jan Brett poster.
In addition, families are invited to take photos in front of the “Alice in a Winter Wonderland” tour bus that will be parked at the Events Center beginning at 4 p.m. Fans can also meet and take photos with Hedgie, the favorite friend from “The Mitten” and “The Hat.”
“Alice in a Winter Wonderland” is “a striking rendition of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ transported to the a shimmering Alaskan tundra in Jan Brett’s rich signature style,” according to a press release.
Brett lives in a seacoast town in Massachusetts, close to where she grew up. She is a New York Times #1 bestselling author/illustrator, one of America’s most popular, with over 44 million books in print, and has brought to life lovable characters and imaginary backdrops for children for more than 40 years. Her illustrations are adored for their classic beauty and vibrant, life-like images of animals, landscapes and flourishes from cultures around the world.
The Natchitoches Parish Library, NSU’s Positivity Club and Books-A-Million are presenting the event, which is sponsored by NSU’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development, NSU’s School of Education and NSU’s Child and Family Network.
For more information, contact Natchitoches Parish Library at (318) 357-3280.
Register and purchase a copy of “Alice in a Winter Wonderland” using this QR code:
Newcomer Riley Schwisow (left) comes home after a home run during a fall game. Credit: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services
NATCHITOCHES – The 2025 schedule for Northwestern State and first-year head softball coach Jenny Fuller features a home tournament weekend, a familiar Big 12 foe, a pair of in-state home-and-homes and the standard 27-game conference gauntlet.
The Demons will host a total of 22 games on the brand-new turf field that will make its debut at the Lady Demon Diamond this year.
Northwestern begins the first season under Fuller with an opening weekend tournament at 2024 NCAA Tournament participant South Alabama. The Demons start their year with a doubleheader beginning at 9 a.m. in Mobile, Ala., against Murray State and then UAB on Feb. 7.
Following the first tournament weekend, the Demons christen their new field the following week with a home tournament on Feb. 15-16.
Northwestern will welcome C-USA’s Jacksonville State and the American’s Memphis for a total of six games across two days at the new-look Lady Demon Diamond. The triple header is set to begin at noon on Saturday with the Demons taking the field at 2:30 p.m. against Memphis followed by a 5 p.m. start against Jacksonville State.
“We are excited to be able to host a quality tournament on our new GeoSurfaces field,” Fuller said. “It will elevate the fan and player experience.”
Sunday’s triple header is set to start at 9 a.m. with the first of two NSU games schedule for 11:30 a.m.
NSU’s two other tournament weekends take it to UTA for five games Feb. 21-23 and to Mississippi State for five more Feb. 28-March 2.
Between the trips to Texas and Mississippi, the Demons will host the front end of one of their two midweek home-and-home series with rivals from north Louisiana.
On Feb. 26, ULM will make its first trip to Natchitoches since 2021, with the Demons going back to Monroe for the second year in a row in early April. A month later on March 25 the Demons host Louisiana Tech to close the home-and-home season series with the Bulldogs after making the trip to Ruston on Feb. 18.
Also making their first trip to Natchitoches since 2022, will be the Baylor Bears, led by Fuller’s former coach and NSU alum, Glenn Moore.
“In the first few days after I accepted the head coaching position, Coach Moore reached out and said they had a game scheduled with us,” Fuller said. “To be able to play and coach against Baylor is definitely a full circle moment for me, given how much Coach Moore has helped me throughout my career.”
The midweek game against the Bears comes on March 11 after the Demons host HCU in their Southland Conference opener the weekend before, March 7-8. It also sets the table for the first major challenge of the conference slate.
The Demons travel to McNeese on March 14-15 before returning home to take on defending champion Southeastern March 21-22.
The series with the Lions is one of five home conference series on the season which also includes HCU (March 7-8), Stephen F. Austin (April 4-5), Lamar (April 11-12) and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (April 25-26).
The toughest stretch of the conference slate comes at the beginning of April when the Demons play nine SLC games over the course of a week. NSU hosts SFA (April 4-5) before a midweek road series at UIW (April 8-9) and then returns home for a three-game set with Lamar the following weekend, April 11-12.
The Demons travel to Nicholls on Easter week before closing the regular season at home for the third straight season the following weekend with A&M-Corpus Christi the final weekend of April.
“I am excited to watch our team compete in the Southland,” Fuller said. “This is a tough league, and even though our team is young, they’ll be up to the challenge.”
Bracket play of the Southland Conference Tournament is set for May 2-4 with the tournament’s championship series scheduled for the following weekend May 8-10.
All game times and date are subject to change throughout the season. Season tickets and individual game tickets will go on sale at a later date.
For the latest news and information on everything NSU softball, follow the team on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram: @NSUDemonsSB.
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