Why do they put Braille dots on the keypad of the drive-up ATM?

Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways?

You know that little indestructible black box that is used on planes, why can’t they make the whole plane out of the same substance?

Why is it that when you’re driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio?

Why is it called a TV “set” when you only get one?

Why does your nose run and your feet smell?

If pro is the opposite of con, is progress the opposite of congress?

Why does “cleave” mean both split apart and stick together?

Why is it, whether you sit up or sit down, the result is the same?

Why is it called a “building” when it is already built?

Why is there an expiration date on SOUR cream?

How can someone “draw a blank”?

Shouldn’t there be a shorter word for “monosyllabic”?

Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii?

Why are there flotation devices under plane seats instead of parachutes?

Why are cigarettes sold in gas stations when smoking is prohibited there?

Why do fat chance and slim chance mean the same thing?

If you can’t drink and drive, why do you need a driver’s license to buy liquor, and why do bars have parking lots?

Have you ever imagined a world with no hypothetical situations?

If nothing ever sticks to TEFLON, how do they make TEFLON stick to the pan?

What is another word for “thesaurus”?

Why do ‘tug’ boats push their barges?

Why do we sing ‘Take me out to the ball game’, when we are already there?

Why is it when two planes almost hit each other it is called a “near miss”? Shouldn’t it be called a “near hit”?

Why are we afraid of falling? Shouldn’t we be afraid of the sudden stop?

Why is it called ‘after dark’, when it is really after light?

The answers to “why” questions are management level, I’m in customer service! But those of us in customer service can help you have the strength to live out the “how” when you meet an imponderable “why.”

When Stephen F. Austin got two offensive rebounds and finally nailed a 3-pointer on its first possession after halftime Thursday night, Northwestern State coach Mike McConathy’s gut gnawed at him.

The Lumberjacks dominated rebounding and shot sensationally in the final 20 minutes, draining 9 of 13 from behind the arc and 23 of 36 overall as they ran away from the Demons 95-55, turning a 16-point halftime lead into NSU’s widest margin of defeat in 29 seasons of Southland Conference basketball. After the teams battled evenly, 20-20, on the boards in the first half, the visitors dominated by a 20-5 margin afterward.

SFA extended the country’s longest winning streak to 17, all conference games, while improving to 24-5 overall and 17-0 in the Southland. NSU dipped to 8-19 overall, 5-12 in the conference, and goes into Saturday’s regular season finale at New Orleans with its Southland Tournament hopes still at stake.

The Demons can clinch a spot in the eight-team field by winning the 6:15 game Saturday at UNO, or if Nicholls falls at home Saturday afternoon to Southeastern Louisiana. UNO edged NSU 102-99 Feb. 20 in Natchitoches.

For the game’s first 15 minutes Thursday night, it was a hotly-contested matchup. After nearly two minutes of a stalemate with the Lumberjacks up 26-18, SFA surged in the final 3:28 of the half, starting a 12-4 run into a 38-22 halftime advantage with a pair of offensive rebounds leading to a Ty Charles 3-pointer.

NSU opened the second half with a three-point play by freshman center Ishmael Lane on a nice post up play, but SFA replied with a doppleganger of the series that triggered its late first-half burst. This time after the two offensive boards, Demetrious Floyd drained a 3-pointer rebuilding the 16-point spread and it was never closer.

Floyd’s trey started a run of 11 unanswered points into a 49-25 lead with 15:20 remaining. The Lumberjacks pushed the spread over 30 just over a minute later as part of a 21-2 outburst in the first 6:32 after halftime. Both teams played reserves for much of the last 10 minutes.

“When they started the second half getting those offensive boards and knocking down the 3-pointer, it was a sign of things to come,” said McConathy. “We didn’t quit at any point, but they shot it extraordinarily well and pounded us on the boards in the second half. They were by far the tougher team.

“I’m not going to demean my players. They are really good young men,” he said. “But they weren’t the basketball players they need to be in the second half tonight. SFA has a fabulous team, and they took us to the woodshed.”

SFA had five players in double figures, topped by 19 points by Floyd and 18 from Charles, who combined to hit 8 of 12 on 3-pointers (5 of 9 by Floyd). Jared Johnson came off the bench and made 4 of 5 behind the arc in his 12-point outing.

Lumberjacks’ senior Thomas Walkup threatened to post his second straight triple-double with 10 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds in 26 minutes. He didn’t play the final 11 minutes.

The Demons got 11 points from Lane and Devonte Hall. Zeek Woodley, the nation’s 10^th leading scorer, didn’t break into double figures for the first time this season, posting six first-half points. He did move into fourth place on the NSU career scoring list with his second basket, passing Jimmy Leach’s 1,736 points from 1954-59, but did not play the final 8:39.

“We have a very important game Saturday night. Our young guys needed some work, and I liked some of what I saw from them,” said McConathy. “We’ll go over this in the morning, then get working on UNO. Hopefully we’ll be better because of what we learned tonight.”

To say that the Natchitoches Parish School Board Meeting held March 3^rd was well attended would be an understatement.  People spilled out of the meeting room into the hallway. Everyone wanted to hear how the board would vote on the written request from School Board Superintendent Dale Skinner for a two-year contract extension.

After a report on how well Goldonna has done this past year, Skinner took an opportunity to say that it was his job to improve test scores and to make it possible for every student to get the best education possible and that this is what he has done. His statement was backed by the fact that the Parish received a performance score of 81.4, showing a growth of 4.2 points for the year.  93 percent of Parish schools maintained or improved their letter grade standing.

The Board moved quickly through other items on the Agenda bringing them to the highly anticipated vote on Skinner. President Ralph Wilson then gave the floor to the people who came to speak on the extension.

First up was Randy Stelly who said, “I am here as a black man representing my community.” He proceeded to condemn Skinner and Wilson promising to lead a movement to have Wilson recalled if the extension was passed.

“You’re not up to go for the white kids or the red kids you’re supposed to be for the black kids, too,” said parent Jewel Philips. “We have been under the thumb of Mr. Skinner for long enough.” She continued to speak about how Skinner has had kids and parents arrested when they have problems at school and try to talk to him. Philips continued, “As a black parent representing many black parents who are too scared to stand up and say ‘get him out,’ I am saying it is time to move on to someone else.”

A number of school administrators came forward to endorse Skinner by giving reviews on progress including Bill Gordy, Brooke Williams, Edwin Mason and Christopher Sylvie. They all backed Skinner’s extension with facts showing improvement in their respective schools.

Once everyone who wanted to speak in the audience had their turn, the board members then criticized or supported Skinner. Board Member Harry Graham called Skinner a bully, stating “He is not good for black people in Natchitoches Parish” and alluded to him being two-faced. Board Member Steven Harris said the atmosphere of fear Skinner creates causes disloyalty. Board Member Michael Hilton said Skinner has the temperament for this position and that it doesn’t matter who is sitting in that chair, that there will be a group of people who doesn’t like him.

Skinner responded to criticism by saying “I really resent anybody saying that I don’t treat black kids equal to white kids. If everyone cared about the kids as much as I care about the kids, we wouldn’t have the problems we do in Natchitoches Parish.” He also commented that he has had people arrested when they cursed at him and went “above and beyond” but that he has an open door policy for anyone who would like to have a civil conversation.

At the end of the long, racially charged discussion, the vote was six yes, four no, with one abstention.

Eugean Garner: yes

Carroll Daniels: yes

Joella Wilson: no

Harry Graham: no

Russell Danzy: yes

Michael Hilton: yes

Emile Metoyer: no

Steven Harris: no

Thomas Melder: yes

Altorio Holden: abstained

Ralph Wilson: yes

The March 5th Presidential Primary will be conducted at your regular polling place from 7AM-8PM. If you are not sure where your polling place is, please call Debbie Waskom at 318-357-2211 for all polling places in Natchitoches Parish.

No voting will be held at the courthouse this Saturday!

All voters will have something to vote on no matter what your party affiliation.

National Park Service employee Tim Van Cleave was nationally recognized as a recipient of the newly established “Achieving Relevance through Safety Health and Wellness” award.

Tim was recognized for his biking program “Two Wheels Towards History: Discovering Historical Sites along the Cane River Heritage Trail.” Tim’s program combines exercise and the opportunity to visit other historical sites along Cane River that are not open to the public on a regular basis. Rides vary in length and occur every spring and fall. Partners in this program are Bike Natchitoches LLC and Red River Cyclery in Alexandria.

For more information about the rides please visit:  www.nps.gov/cari or call 318-356-8441

NPJ sat down with City of Natchitoches Police Chief Micky Dove to talk about the new traffic sign explaining the proper way to turn off of St. Clair Avenue onto Williams Avenue. The new signs states “Vehicles Entering Bridge Must Obey Traffic Light.”

Chief Dove explained that this means that vehicles on St. Claire Avenue turning onto Williams Avenue must come to a complete stop at the stop sign and use their turning signal to indicate whether they are turning right or left. Vehicles wishing to turn right to head north on to Williams Avenue or cross onto the Church Street Bridge will then merge onto Williams Avenue and must obey the traffic light before proceeding.
“If the vehicle on St. Clair that is heading north on Williams Avenue or crossing the Church Street Bridge doesn’t follow the traffic light, then there is no control of traffic. This may cause an accident and if it does, then the vehicle coming off St. Clair is at fault,” said Dove. “This intersection is very complicated. Before we start issuing tickets we are going to give the public time to get used to the sign, at least 30 days. I have been in communication with the City Court and the City Prosecutor so everyone knows what is going on.”

Before the meeting with Chief Dove, NPJ observed the corner of St.Clair Avenue and Williams Avenue for an hour to see if residents are catching on. Three out of four vehicles turning off St. Clair Avenue completed the action properly while some others still had difficulty. It seems that when one car pulls up to the stop sign everything goes smoothly but once a second or third car approaches things get sticky. The first car pulls up to the stop sign, makes a complete stop, uses their turn signal to merge right on to Williams Avenue then uses their turn signal to indicate if they are crossing the Church Street Bridge, which is correct, but once the light turns green the second vehicle waiting at the stop sign would also merge on to Williams Avenue which is incorrect. Sometimes, even a third or fourth car would attempt to dart through the intersection which is illegal. Another common mistake is rolling through the stop sign to merge on to Williams Avenue without making a complete stop at the stop sign, which is also illegal. A few vehicles, that may have not noticed the new sign, stopped at the stop sign and proceeded without observing the traffic signal. Then there were the vehicles who did everything correct except they would fail to use their turning signal at all. Hopefully, the new sign and instructions from Chief Dove will sink in before the 30 days are up.

Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Van H. Kyzar announced Tuesday his candidacy for what will be a vacant seat on the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal in the fall 2016 elections.

The Third Circuit Court of Appeal hears all criminal and civil court case appeals for a 21 Parish area including the central and southwestern parishes of Louisiana and the open seat on the court will be filled from the sub district including Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides and Sabine Parishes.

“After considerable thought, prayer, and family discussion, I am pleased to announce my candidacy for a seat on the Third Circuit Court of Appeal,” Kyzar said. “It has been an honor and a privilege for me to have served as District Attorney for the past 20 years and I pledge that I will serve you on the Court of Appeal with honor and integrity. I humbly ask for your prayers and your support in seeking this most important position in our judiciary.”

Kyzar has served as the District Attorney for the 10th Judicial District since 1997 and served as an Assistant District Attorney for 12 years prior to his election to the office of District Attorney. He was elected by his peers to serve as President of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association in 2003 and currently serves as an elected member of the Board of Trustees for the Louisiana District Attorneys Retirement System and is also a member of the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory Commission which serves all of the parishes in the Third Circuit Court of Appeal sub district in which he seeks to serve.

Kyzar is a 1979 graduate of Northwestern State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and was a three year starter on the defensive line for the Demons football team. He graduated from the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1982 with his Juris Doctorate degree and spent 20 years as the senior partner in a private law firm engaged in the practice of civil law.

Kyzar has been featured for his work as an attorney and District Attorney on national television broadcasts “Inside Edition”, “Unsolved Mysteries” and recently on the ESPN “30 for 30 Short” presentation “Delaney” about the life and career of NSU and Kansas City Chiefs great running back Joe Delaney.

Kyzar and his wife Theresa, a Professor of Nursing for Northwestern State University, are parents of five sons ranging in age from 33 to 22 and have three grandchildren.

The primary election is to be held Tuesday, Nov. 8. For more information, the campaign can be contacted at 318-471-4597.

Dr. Greg Granger, professor of history and political science at Northwestern State University was elected vice president of the Louisiana Political Science Association at the group’s annual meeting recently.

Granger joined the conference organizer, Dr. John Sutherlin of the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and Dr. Carol Strong of the University of Arkansas at Monticello in a panel discussion of contemporary Middle East geopolitical issues. Granger organized the topics for the panel, which included the Iran nuclear deal as well as U.S., Russian, Saudi Arabian and Iranian policies and relationships.

As vice president of the organization, Granger will host the spring 2017 annual meeting at Northwestern State. NSU last hosted the organization in 2013.

The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will perform Wednesday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Dr. Douglas Bakenhus is musical director of the orchestra. Tickets are $10. Northwestern State University, BPCC@NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts students are admitted free with a current student I.D.

The concert will feature winners of the NSU Concerto/Aria Competition. This year’s winners are The Millennium Horn Quartet, Brandon Garrison of San Antonio, Texas, Joshua Waldrop of Benton, Blayne Fugere of Dallas, Texas, and Laura Chicarello of Londonderry, New Hampshire, sopranos Leanny Munoz of Abbeville and Juliana Handy of Coushatta and Fernando Zuniga of Duncanville, Texas, on euphonium.

The program is “Concert Piece for 4 Horns” by Robert Schumann featuring the Millenium Horn Quartet, “Quando m’en vo” from “La Boheme” by Puccini featuring Munoz, “Regnava nel silenzio” from “Lucia di Lammermoor” by Gaetano Donizetti featuring Handy and “Concertino Op. 4” by Ferdinand David featuring Zuniga. The orchestra will also play “Overture” to “Ruslan and Ludmilla” by Mikhail Glinka and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 1.”

The Millennium Horn Quartet was founded last spring. The ensemble was a finalist in the 2015 Southeast Horn Workshop’s quartet competition and performed in a recital tour at the University of Southern Mississippi last October. The quartet has also performed in a chamber masterclass for the Boston Brass. Chicarello holds a master’s degree in performance from Northwestern State University and a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from University of New Hampshire. Garrison will receive his bachelor’s degree in music education in May. Waldrop will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in performance in May along with an associate’s degree from Bossier Parish Community College. Fugere will receive his bachelor’s degree in performance in 2017.

Muñoz is a senior vocalist majoring in liberal arts with a concentration in fine and performing arts in the Louisiana Scholar’s College. She is interested in studying musicology and furthering her vocal training in graduate school. Munoz has been admitted to Louisiana State University’s Master of Music program, where she will major in musicology. She has sung with the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony during Natchitoches’s Tri-Centennial Symphony Gala and Extravaganza. Later this semester, she will perform with the Northwestern Opera Theater Ensemble in Mozart’s “Magic Flute” as Pamina on April 8 and 10 and end her semester with a senior recital on April 30^.

Handy has been featured as the leading role in “Gallantry,” “The Old Maid and the Thief” and “The Impresario” with Opera Louisiana College. She won the Tri-State National Association of Teachers in Singing Competition in Fall 2010 and is a two-time holder of the ALSUP Vocal Award given at Louisiana College. She has also been featured as a soprano soloist with the Louisiana College Chorale and Northwestern State University Chamber Choir. Handy earned a bachelors of music from Louisiana College and is pursuing her Masters of Music at Northwestern State studying with Terrie Sanders. She will appear as the Queen of the Night in the Spring 2016 production of “Die Zauberflote;” by Northwestern State’s Opera Theatre Ensemble under the direction of Stefan Gordon and Michelle Lange.

Zuniga is studying euphonium under Dr. Masahito Kuroda. He was the first prize winner of the First National Kappa Kappa Psi Wind Solo Competition in 2015 in Lexington, Kentucky and was selected as a member of the National Intercollegiate Band 2015. Zuniga was a recipient of McCutcheon Honor Award in 2013 and 2014. He was also an alternate semi-finalist to the International Falcone Euphonium Competition Student Division 2014. Zuniga is a member of NSU Wind Symphony, NSU Euphonium-Tuba Ensemble and the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band.

When a citizen contacts the Sheriff’s Office to request service or is in need of assistance, they are responded to by the Patrol Division, which is the most visible division of the NPSO. The Patrol division is considered the ‘backbone’ of the Sheriff’s Office because we patrol, respond, encounter, and work with citizens everyday throughout Natchitoches parish.

The Patrol Division traverses all roads and highways in Natchitoches Parish during our daily, and nightly, patrols. The result of these constant patrols provides a visible presence of the NPSO to all citizens. This presence is intended to deter criminal activity and be readily available to respond to an emergency situation.

Additionally, our patrol deputies are actively involved in the neighborhoods and communities in which they patrol. We strive to build positive relationships with each citizen. We routinely visit senior citizens to check on their well-being or just to make sure they are doing okay. Also, our patrol deputies watch out for kids in the neighborhoods to ensure they are safe, especially when they are going to or returning from school.

The deputies of the Patrol Division are trained and prepared to respond any emergency and can provide initial trauma and life saving measures if needed. In order for us to stay prepared and ready, all patrol deputies receive 40 hours of annual re-training to maintain readiness. Also, our deputies are CPR certified and are trained to use Automated External Defibrillators (AED).

Additionally, we equip our patrol deputies with technology that enables them to stay in constant communication with our 911 Emergency Operations Center which directs all emergency response during an incident. Equipment includes laptop computers, multi-channel radios, and Watch-Guard dash camera systems. We are also in the testing phase of using body cameras for the division.

During the past three years, the Patrol Division has responded to 93,375 calls for service, which average over 60 calls per day. Additionally, we have interacted in an additional 28,000 incidents while a patrol deputy is on duty. During this time, deputies perform their duties for over 56,000 work hours of service.

We also have a marine unit within the division that is equipped to provide search and rescue operations and has specialized sonar equipment that is used to identify evidence and material underwater. Our marine unit also patrols the waterways in the parish.
In addition to patrols, the Patrol Division also responds to burglar alarms, provides assistance to businesses who are making bank deposits, and provide escorts for funerals.

The Patrol Division of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office is focused on serving the needs of community by staying trained, prepared and ready to respond to your needs. We will continue to make this our priority while we remain an active and involved partner with the citizens of Natchitoches Parish.

Northwestern State University’s third annual President’s Command Performance will honor three individuals who will be inducted into the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice Estelle Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts Hall of Fame.  Honorees are Dr. Colleen Lancaster, Dr. Jerry Payne and Mrs. Lenn Dohmann Prince will be recognized for promoting the arts through their work with NSU and in the community during NSU’s third annual President’s Command Performance on March 18.

The President’s Command Performance is an annual celebration of the arts showcases the talents of Northwestern State’s CAPA student and faculty while honoring the three inductees.  Individuals inducted into the CAPA Hall of Fame are recommended and chosen based on their lifetime achievements and contributions to the arts at NSU and in Natchitoches, the region, the state, nationally and internationally.

Lancaster was a teacher and administrator for more than 30 years in NSU’s women’s physical education program where she directed the department’s multiple areas of dance, including ballet, folk and square, tap, ballroom and contemporary while working to establish accreditation for the Department of Dance.  She was the coordinator of the very first aerobic dance program in north Louisiana. In 1979, she became the first chair of the NSU Department of Dance, formulating within the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Creative and Performing Arts, separating from the Department of Physical Education and Recreation.

Lancaster, a native of Mississippi, arrived in Natchitoches in 1946 as a junior majoring in physical education at Northwestern State. After graduation, she earned a master’s degree at Texas Women’s University and a Ph.D. from Indiana University, where she was an instructor, before returning to NSU.  As a nationally recognized dance educator, Lancaster worked closely with local, state, and national programs and organizations.  She helped organize the Louisiana Dance Symposium and directed NSU’s Christmas Dance Concert, which evolved into the enormously popular Christmas Gala.

After 30 years of teaching, Lancaster retired to New York City for 10 years where she was recreation director at a nursing home.  She returned to Natchitoches in 1997 and is active in genealogy and volunteerism for the city and Natchitoches First Presbyterian Church, for which she was named a Natchitoches Treasure.

Payne is a resident of Marshall, Texas, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education at NSU in 1957 and 1968, specialist in education in 1969 and doctorate in music education in 1973.   In a career spanning 45 years, he was a music educator for 20 years in Louisiana and 25 years in Texas, including four years as Director of Bands at NSU. During that time, Payne led his bands in numerous outstanding competitive performances and was recognized with several professional honors.

Payne attended NSU on a band scholarship and became the student leader for the popular Demonaires.  During his undergrad years, he played a critical role in helping charter the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, serving in numerous leadership roles, including a term as president in 1957.  He began his teaching and band director career at Alexandria Junior High School and Alexandria Senior High. After receiving his doctoral degree, Payne finished his final four years in Louisiana as director of bands at Northwestern State University, his alma mater. He then retired in Louisiana and moved to Marshall, Texas, hoping to rebuild the struggling band program there. Under his leadership, the program grew in size and quality and earned numerous UIL Sweepstakes awards. Fourteen years after his Alexandria Band was the Louisiana Honor Band at Four States, his Marshall Band was selected as the Texas Honor Band.

Payne has served as a guest conductor and clinician for numerous honor bands in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas and has been a clinician and judge for festivals and contests in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee. He is active in Phi Beta Mu, TBA, TMEA, TMAA, and is a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary International. He is a semi-professional jazz and concert saxophonist, is active as an arranger of band and jazz ensemble music, and performs with the East Texas Baptist University Saxophone Quartet. Payne performed a solo saxophone concert at the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi’s 50th anniversary in 2006.  He is a member of the NSU Band Directors’ Hall of Fame at NSU, the Louisiana Music Educators Hall of Fame, the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame and NSU’s Hall of Distinguished Educators.

Payne and his wife, the former Marilyn Pippin, have five children and seven grandchildren.

Prince is a native of Opelousas who began studies at Northwestern State in 1972, where she was a member of the NSU Chorale and played French horn in the NSU Orchestra.  She was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority and represented NSU in the 1974 Miss Louisiana Pageant as the Lady of the Bracelet. She graduated in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance education and later earned a master’s degree in vocal performance form the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

While living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Prince continued to continue her vocal studies with teacher and pedagogue Jane Snow, performing in many vocal ensembles in Albuquerque and Santa Fe and with the Southwest Opera Chorus in Albuquerque.  While working towards her master’s degree, Prince was awarded a scholarship from the University of Miami to study in Salzburg, Austria, during the Salzburg Opera Festival where she studied and was coached by numerous world renowned opera performers and teachers.  Some of her solo performances included the leading role of Sonia in Franz Lehar’s “Merry Widow” and Laetitia in Menotti’s “The Old Maid and the Thief.”

After moving to Ruston in 1992, Prince was host for many years to Northwestern State’s north-central Louisiana recruiting reception in her home. She was also a member of the Ruston Masterworks Chorus and the soprano soloist for many performances, including the Mozart’s “Requiem,” Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” Handel’s “Messiah,” Duke Ellington’s “Sacred Concert” and the Monroe Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Haydn’s “Creation.”

Prince and her husband Danny have four children and 11 grandchildren.  They own and operate several businesses in several states, including nursing and rehabilitation centers, pharmacies and therapy companies, as well as Port au Prince restaurant on Lake Claiborne and Port au Prince Cross Lake.  They are active in the NSU Foundation, supporting professorships in voice and music, as well as the renovation of the CAPA music library.

The President’s Command Performance will begin with music, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. in the Alumni Plaza in tandem with a silent auction.  The main performances, featuring musical ensembles, vocalists and dance performances, will take place in A.A. Fredericks Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

Individual tickets are $65 per person and $125 per couple in advance or can be purchased at the event for $75 per person and $150 per couple.  For tickets call NSU’s Office of University Advancement at (318) 357-5213.

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The Natchitoches Parish School Board sent out a letter notifying the Natchitoches Parish Journal of a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, March 1 at 6 p.m. or immediately following the regularly scheduled Committee Meeting to consider an extension of Superintendent Dale Skinner’s contract. Even with such short notice the meeting room was packed. All school board members were present with the exception of Altorio Holden.

When the item came up on the agenda Steven Harris spoke. “I’m kind of confused about the matter because there was a special called meeting to vote on this today when we would usually vote on this Thursday,” said Harris. “For the sake of the people I would like to know what is going on.”

Skinner replied that it was his understanding that Holden was going to be present tonight and not Thursday. He also said that another board member Carroll Daniels was not going to be able to be present Thursday because of a basketball game. Skinner stated that he thought everyone should be present for the vote and that is the reason for the special called meeting.

Board Member Emile Metoyer asked “So when someone can’t make a meeting were going to have a special called meeting? I thought they were reserved for emergencies.”

Metoyer then asked President Ralph Wilson if he asked for the Special Call Meeting. Wilson responded that he did not. Metoyer then cited that the bylaws state that a special call meeting could only be requested by the president. Since he did not ask for it then any vote held on this item would be void because this was technically an illegal meeting.

Skinner then moved for the item to be voted on Thursday and struck from Tuesdays agenda.

Les Amies would like to say thank you Bank of Montgomery for being a Platinum sponsor in our 13th Annual Ann Williams Brittain Butterfly Release.

Thank you BOM- for helping up reach our goals and give back!!

 

Northwestern State University will honor five graduates by inducting them into the University’s alumni hall of distinction, the Long Purple Line.  The 2016 inductees are Greg Ashlock of Los Angeles, Foster Campbell of Bossier City, Dr. James L. Holly of Beaumont, Texas, Glenn Talbert of Shreveport and the late Dr. Randall J. Webb. Honorees will be honored with a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 18 in the Sylvan Friedman Student Union.  Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased online at northwesternalumni.com/lpl16 or by calling (318) 357-4414.

Since 1990, 115 NSU alumni have been named to the Long Purple Line.

Ashlock is executive vice president of operations for iHeartMedia USA and president of iHeartMedia Southern California, where he is responsible for 500 employees in Los Angeles, the number one radio market in the U.S. Ashlock manages eight radio stations and is responsible for talent management, ratings growth, revenue and expense controls, public affairs, FCC compliance, legal affairs and marketing/promotions.

He was named Clear Channel Communications’ Radio Executive of the Year in 2003, 2004 and 2006 and by Radio Ink as the Top Radio Executive in the country in 2007. Ashlock oversees the number one and three billing stations in the country and the top three rated stations in Los Angeles.

Ashlock earned an undergraduate degree in journalism at Northwestern State in 1991 and a master’s from the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication.

Campbell is an elected official, businessman and farmer from Bossier Parish.  He was elected to the North Louisiana seat on the Public Service Commission in November 2002, representing 24 parishes and nearly one million people.  He was re-elected in 2008 and 2014.  Previously he served in the Louisiana Senate representing Northwest Louisiana.

Campbell, a 1969 graduate in business and economics, owns and operates two insurance agencies in Bossier City.

As a state senator Campbell led a three-year campaign to regulate the rates charged by rural electric cooperatives, lowering electric bills for a million state residents.  He created the $1 billion Educational Excellence Fund for local schools from Louisiana’s Tobacco Settlement.  In 2001 he coauthored “Do Not Call” legislation protecting consumers from sales calls at home.

An avid sportsman, Campbell passed bills creating special license plates celebrating the Louisiana Black Bear and Bobwhite Quail.  Another Campbell bill established Youth Hunting Days to encourage young people to get involved in hunting.  He was named “Conservationist of the Year” in 1997 by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.

At the PSC Campbell has led efforts to prohibit wining and dining of commissioners and Commission staff by utilities.  He has pushed for lower rates, energy efficiency, renewable power and expansion of high-speed Internet service.

In 2004 Campbell made national and international news by persuading the PSC to provide telephone service to the Mink community in Natchitoches Parish.  Residents of this small community in Kisatchie National Forest had lobbied for 40 years to get phone service.

Holly, a 1965 graduate of Northwestern, is founder and chief executive officer of Southeast Texas Medical Associates. He is a graduate of the University of Texas Medical School in San Antonio, where he is an adjunct professor of Family and Community Medicine. Holly is an associate clinical professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at Texas A&M College of Medicine.

Holly received the 2015 inaugural National Patient-Centered Medical Home Practice Award from the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative and the 2012 National HIMSS Physician IT Leadership Award.

Last year, on the occasion of their 50^th anniversary and the 50^th anniversary of their graduation from Northwestern State, Holly surprised his wife, Carolyn Bellue Holly, at the NSU Golden Jubilee luncheon by announcing the establishment of Carolyn Bellue Holly Distinguished Professorship in Teaching and Learning.  In addition to the Distinguished Professorship endowment, the Hollys have honored their mothers with the Marie Cobb Bellue Scholarship in Teaching and Learning and the Irene Woodruff Holly Scholarship in Health Care Education.

The Hollys have advanced medical education at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, making financial contributions to the school to establish: The Dr. and Mrs. James L. Holly Distinguished Chair of Patient-Centered Medical Home; The Wirt Everett Bellue, Sr. and William Richmond Holly, Sr. Distinguished Annual Lectureship in Patient-Centered Medical Home; The Veritas Program for the mentoring of the next generations of medical students; The President’s Development Council; The Danny Duke Annual Music and Medicine Lecture at the Center of Medical Humanities & Ethics and the Endowment of the Primary Care Institute for promoting primary care in the United States.

James and Carolyn Holly have also received numerous honors at the Health Science Center including the Dr. And Mrs. James L. Holly University Auditorium and membership on The University of Texas Chancellors Council. In 2012, James Holly was named the 2012 Distinguished Alumni of the School of Medicine.

Under Holly’s leadership, Southeast Texas Medical Associates has become a leader in healthcare informatics, winning numerous awards in the field.

Talbert has been a successful agent for State Farm Insurance in Shreveport for 44 years.

He is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Talbert has been a continuous supporter of Northwestern since receiving his degree in 1964, serving on the NSU Athletic Council and the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Talbert came to Northwestern after graduating from Gillis High School, where he was All-State in football and track and All-District in basketball. In his senior year at Gillis, Talbert set the Class B State Long Jump Record with a leap of 23 feet 11 3Ž4 inches, a record that has stood for 57 years.

Talbert played on Northwestern’s1962 Gulf States Conference championship team as the starting halfback. Talbert was named first team All-Gulf States Conference halfback by the coaches and sportswriters in 1962 and 1963. He was elected permanent team captain in 1963 along with fellow teammate Sammy Joe Odom. Talbert signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after his senior year.

He was inducted into the Graduate “N” Club Hall of Fame in 1985 and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Demon players of all time that was announced to kick off NSU’s centennial football season in 2007.

Webb, was the longest-serving president in the history of Northwestern State, holding the position from July 1, 1996, to Dec. 31, 2014.  He died in November.

Under Webb’s leadership, Northwestern State received unprecedented national and international attention for its academic programs and student accomplishments. University facilities were renovated to better serve students and two record-setting capital campaigns took place.

Enrollment reached record levels during Webb’s tenure as president and exceeded 10,500 for the first time in history in the fall of 2004.  Webb led NSU toward higher admission standards, which has resulted in students at the university having greater academic potential and aptitude. During Webb’s tenure, Northwestern State had the largest graduating classes in the university’s history.

Webb has also expanded the university’s outreach by spearheading the development at NSU of the largest electronic education network of any university in Louisiana.

Millions were obtained during Webb’s presidency for new and renovated facilities.  The new facilities include the Wellness, Recreation and Activity Center, Student Services Center and University Place I and II. Morrison Hall, the Family and Consumer Sciences Building, Williamson Hall, Russell Hall and Caspari Hall were completely renovated and restored.

A 1965 graduate of Northwestern in mathematics and business education, Webb earned a master of science degree in mathematics from NSU in 1966.  He received a doctorate in education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1971 with a concentration in mathematics and research.

Webb was a member of the faculty of Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia, and an administrator at the Louisiana Department of Education and Southeastern Louisiana University before returning to NSU in 1989 as Dean of Instruction and Graduate Studies and professor of mathematics.

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is a Platinum Sponsor of the President’s Command Performance, an event that showcases the talents of Northwestern State University students in the School of Creative and Performing Arts. From left are Drake Owens, Jill Bankston, Brittany McConathy and Tiffany Chasteen representing the NSU Foundation with Cathy Jacobs and NRMC CEO Kirk Soileau. The President’s Command Performance includes an art exhibit, cocktail reception and silent auction with entertainment and a finale that features musical ensembles, dancers and more. This year’s gala will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, March 18 in the Alumni Plaza. For tickets and/or sponsorship information, visit northwesternalumni.com/PCP16 or all (318) 357-5213.