Kids jumped back into history at Fort St. Jean Baptiste’s Summer Camp June 6-10. For one week campers were immersed in French and Native American history and culture. They fished with handmade lures and bamboo poles, built and painted teepees, learned about the wetlands and wildlife at the Fort’s new nature kiosk and completed a multitude of craft projects.
Over 27 kids learned what it’s like to set up a French marine camp, churn butter by hand and perform drills as the soldiers did.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. The Commission ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. The Commission serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices.
As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and post-baccalaureate nurse residency programs.
“National accreditation of any formal higher education program, is the ultimate stamp of program quality,” said Dr. Dana Clawson, dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health. “This particular stamp of approval says to the public that NSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program was evaluated by a national, non-biased agency, composed of experts in the field of nursing education and was found to be in compliance with all pre-set quality standards. National accreditation demonstrates the DNP program is a good consumer choice for all masters prepared nurses wishing to further their education as nursing leaders and practice experts.”
CCNE accreditation is a nongovernmental peer review process that operates in accordance with nationally recognized standards established for the practice of accreditation in the United States. Accreditation by CCNE is intended to hold nursing programs accountable to the community of interest – the nursing profession, consumers, employers, higher education, students and their families, nurse residents – and to one another by ensuring that these programs have mission statements, goals and outcomes that are appropriate to prepare individuals to fulfill their expected role and evaluate the success of a nursing program in achieving its mission, goals, and expected outcomes.
Accreditation also assesses the extent to which a nursing program meets accreditation standards; informs the public of the purposes and values of accreditation and to identify nursing programs that meet accreditation standards and fosters continuing improvement in nursing programs – and, thereby, in professional practice.
Northwestern State University’s School of Creative and Performing Arts will present a Fun With Music Camp July 11-16. The camp is staffed by NSU music education students and directed by Assistant Professor of Music Education Dr. Sharon Joy. It affords children the opportunity to interact with many aspects of music in a relaxed, camp-like atmosphere. Held at NSU’s School of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), the campers participate in musical games, instrumental activities, singing and many creative musical experiences. Each day’s activities center around a theme, which include a trip to a different continent, the seashore, or a camping adventure. Everything begins when the children pass through the “Summer Portal” as they sing the Fun With Music Camp “Traveling” song.
They circulate in age-based groups to the instrument/craft room, where they learn about a family of instruments and build their own. Other activity areas include creative music activities, in which the children create a song, perform in an Orff ensemble or participate in creative drama experiences.
During the week they participate in a drum circle and a mock campfire. Last year, the children marched in a “Fourth of July Parade,” and learned a few marching band steps.
Each summer is a bit different, but every day ends with a sing-along jamboree that leads up to the final day’s Grand Jamboree. Parents and caregivers are invited to attend, and campers are given songsheets to take home with them.
“Music is such an important part of childhood. It provides a creative outlet, socialization and language development,” said Joy. “There are few opportunities for children to participate in group singing of the folk songs that are such an enriching aspect of our American culture. It would be ideal if every elementary school in Natchitoches Parish had a music specialist, but that is not the case at the present. We aim, in some small way, to offer these precious music experiences to our area children. The songs that they learn at camp can be enjoyed with their families. I have had parents tell me that their children continue singing these camp songs throughout the year and look forward to returning each summer.”
The musical experiences that these children have at camp may motivate them to choose to learn to play an instrument or sing in a choir in the future. But more importantly, it will instill an awareness of the joy of music that can make life sweeter, and everyone can use a little more of that.
The camp is open to children ages 5-11. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until noon. The fee is $140 per student. A sibling discount is available. Snacks and materials will be provided.
This is the third year of the camp and last year 25 children from Natchitoches Parish attended.
For additional information contact Sharon Joy at joys@nsula.edu or (318) 357-5754.
By Bob Tompkins
Janice Joseph Richard fashioned the crowning achievement of her basketball career after being dealt a potential career-ending blow.
Arguably the lowest point in her life was when she had to step down as the head women’s basketball coach at NCAA Division I San Jose State in 2006 because of breast cancer. From that abyss, she found new life back inLouisiana and her hometown of Alexandria.
Her alma mater across the Red River, Louisiana College was looking for a coach. Richard (pronounced REE-shard) was sick, and so was LC women’s basketball, but the two were a perfect match.
In three seasons, her Lady Wildcats compiled a 55-23 record, including a 24-3 mark a No. 14 national ranking and the American Southwest Conference championship in 2009-10, her final season.
The cancer came back while she was LC’s coach, but she fought through it until she could not any longer, and her assistant, Jason Tinsley, took over at the start of the 2010-11 season. Richard died Dec. 1, 2010, at age 46.
Her remarkable career will be celebrated Saturday, June 25 in Natchitoches as she is among the 11-member Class of 2016 being inducted in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
Editor’s note – This is one in a series profiling the 11 members of the Class of 2016 being enshrined Saturday, June 25 in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Competitive ballot inductees are P.J. Brown, Jim Hightower, Rick Jones, “Gentleman” Dave Malarcher, Janice Joseph-Richard, Ben Sheets, Arthur “Red” Swanson, and Anthony Thomas. Contributor inductees are Dr. Julian Bailes, Jim Hawthorne and Bob Tompkins. A schedule of events from June 23-25, along with online sales for tickets and golf entries, is available at LaSportsHall.com, with information also available by calling 318-238-4255.
Date: June13, 2016
For Immediate Release
Area West of Interstate-49 within the Natchitoches Water Works #1 Distribution System is experiencing low pressure problems along Hwy 6-W of the water supply system. This drop in system pressure below 15 pounds has been caused by contractor damage to our service lines.
Because of this drop in system pressure, the water within our water distribution system is of questionable microbiological quality.
Therefore, as a precaution, the Water Works #1 Distribution System is issuing a BOIL ADVISORY effective immediately for the Area West of Interstate-49 only. This BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by the Water System.
It is recommended that all water system consumers along Hwy 6-W West of Interstate 49, disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:
Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle or pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)
Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.
Guidelines for food service establishments are attached.
Upon notification from the Office of Public Health’s State Regional Laboratory that the samples collected from our water supply have been found to be safe, the State Health Department will notify the water supply of the sample results. Upon such notification, the Water System will then rescind the Boil Advisory and notify its customers that the water has been found to be safe.
This Boil advisory does not affect the City of Natchitoches Water Distribution System.
Water Supply Representative: _Bryan Wimberly
Title: _Utility Director
Date: _June 13, 2016
By Natalie Covher
The new City Council members were sworn in at the Events Center before the regular meeting Monday, June 13.
“It is an honor to serve not only district one, but the entirety of Natchitoches,” said District One Councilman Eddie Harrington. “I want to be open and easy to contact so the people in my district can ask questions and voice concerns.”
Residents of District One can contact Harrington by phone at 318-352-5900, by email at eddie.harrington@theharringtonlawfirm.com or on Facebook at C. Edward “Eddie” Harrington: Natchitoches District 1 City Councilman.
“I am grateful to have spent time attending city council meetings since October,” said Lawrence Batiste. “It has helped me prepare for my role as councilman and assisted me in understanding how to best serve District Four. I urge the people of my district to stay informed on council business, attend meetings, ask questions and keep things as transparent as possible.”
Residents of District Four can contact Batiste by phone at 318-352-3229, by email at batiste50@suddenlink.net or by mail at P.O. Box 92 Natchitoches La 71458.
Mayor Lee Posey was also sworn in at the ceremony.
“The only promise I will make is that I will continue to make Natchitoches the best it can be to position ourselves to be successful in the future,” said Posey.
A public hearing proceeded to regularly held meeting at the Arts Center. Ordinance number 24 adjusted mileage rates levied upon the dollar of the assed valuation of all property to subject to ad valorem taxation within Natchitoches Parish for 2016 to raise revenue
Ordinance number 25 says that the taxing district voted to increase the millage rates on all taxable property shown on the official assessment role for 2016.
In other council business an ordinance was introduced to change the zoning classification of property located at 226 Keyser Avenue from B2 to B3 commercial to construct a car wash. Owner Larry Willis Jr. with W&W builders operates a car wash in Alexandria and said he would love to put one in Natchitoches.
Other ordinances included:
Resolutions included:
The following resolutions were approved:
At a Special Called Meeting for the Natchitoches Parish Council held on June 13, 2016 at 5:00 p.m., the Parish Council adopted four Resolutions related to the creation of two separate Sales Tax Districts that will be voted on by the residents of the Parish in November. Councilwoman Patsy Ward-Hoover was not present for the meeting and Councilman Chris Paige voted against all four Resolutions. Councilman Rodney Bedgood reiterated that he was respecting the wishes of the voters of his District and was voting for the Resolutions so that they could have a say in whether or not they were taxed. All four Resolutions passed with a vote of 3 for and 1 against. The meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Les Amies donated $5,867 to Relay for Life. From left are Haley Blount, Tiffany Chasteen, Danielle Antoon, Jenny Hancock, Laura Mayeux and Angela Bolton.
Les Amies donated $400 to CASA. From left are Lesha Etheredge, Sarah Stewart, Haley Blount and Angela Bolton.
ATLANTA, Ga. – The Southeast Tourism Society has named The 90th Annual Christmas Festival of Lights one of the STS Top 20 Event in the Southeast for November 2016. This year’s Christmas Festival of Lights is Nov. 19 – Jan. 6.
The STS Top 20 Festival and Event Awards have highlighted programs around the Southeast since 1985. Travel industry experts select 20 events per month, and STS publicizes them throughout the United States.
The complete list is published on two websites: http://www.EscapeToTheSoutheast.com and Travel Media Press Room.
“The Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Festival and Event list is an excellent guide for the Southeast’s visitors and residents. Events selected represent the best, and often most unique, activities in our region,” said Bill Hardman, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society.
Events considered for the STS Top 20 recognition must be at least three years old and have attendance of at least 1,000. STS, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tourism to and within 12 states – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
As a precaution, the Water Works #1 Distribution System is issuing a BOIL ADVISORY effective immediately for the Area West of I-49 only. It will remain in effect until rescinded.
It is recommended that all water system consumers along Hwy. 6-W, West of Interstate 49, disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:
Boil water for 1 full minute in a clean container. The 1 minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle or pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)
This Boil advisory does not affect the City of Natchitoches Water Distribution System.
Boil Advisory Guidelines for Food Service Operations
1. All retail food establishments should voluntarily close if they do not have water provided.
2. Minimize food preparation and bare hand contact with ready to eat foods.
3. Use single service utensils.
4. Use bottled water from an approved source for drinking or follow boil advisory.
5. Suggested hand-washing instructions using two (2) buckets of boiled or bottled water from an approved source:
a. Use first bucket of clean potable water to remove soil off hands, using soap and water for a minimum of twenty (20) seconds, then rinse with clean potable water poured over hands.
b. Use second bucket as hand dip well containing 100 PPM free chlorine or 25 PPM iodine or 200 PPM Quaternary Ammonia.
6. Disconnect or turn valves off to water supply lines for ice machines, dip wells, coffee machines, fountain drinks, Icee machines, or any other machines requiring a direct potable water line connection.
7. Dump ice bin and clean with an approved sanitizer.
8. Use only boiled water or bottled water from an approved source for washing dishes/utensils in a three (3) compartment sink – do not use a mechanical dish machine.
9. Follow the water boil advisory until notification from the Office of Public Health that the water is safe for human consumption.
By Kevin Shannahan
The Chapel Choir of University United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge gave a performance of Godspell Friday night at First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches. The Chapel Choir is composed of 25 members, all youths in grades 7-12, under the direction of Susannah Flower-Craig. The performance was presented by the 16 traveling members of the group. The Chapel Choir has been in existence for over 30 years and has toured across America. Their next performance will be Monday at Estes Park, Colorado.
The brightly costumed cast performed such classics as “Day by Day”, “Prepare Ye The Way of The Lord” and “By my Side” in a church sanctuary transformed into a stage set complete with lighting and musicians.
The inaugural Johnny Antoon Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament and Party will be held Saturday, July 16. The event will include the tournament, lunch and party/bartenders reunion that evening to honor a beloved Natchitoches businessman and devoted Northwestern State supporter who passed away in November 2015.
“Friends and family of Johnny Antoon have organized and supported this event to remember and celebrate an exceptional man who loved his family, his friends, Northwestern State and Natchitoches and who hated golf,” said Jill Bankston, associate director of Development at Northwestern State University. “We sure wish he was here to fuss at us all.”
Antoon, a 1968 graduate of Northwestern State, was owner of Antoon’s Package Liquor Store, open since 1975, and The Student Body, open since 1982. In that time, numerous students have helped pay for their college education by working for Antoon. During a surprise 65th birthday celebration in 2008, Antoon’s friends announced the creation of the Johnny Antoon Endowed Scholarship. More than $37,000 was raised for the scholarship. A 70th birthday party in 2013 raised an additional $37,000. Organizers hope to raise the scholarship level to $100,000.
Ties between the Antoon family and Northwestern State are strong. Johnny’s wife Merle is an NSU graduate along with his daughter Danielle and son Michael. In 2012, Antoon was awarded an Nth Degree from Northwestern State, an honor that recognizes unselfish devotion to duty and the willingness to go the “extra mile” in meritorious service to mankind.
The golf tournament will be held at Northwestern Hills with check-in at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m. The entry fee is $75 for one golfer with cart, lunch and one ticket to the evening event.
The party and bartenders reunion will be at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the evening only are a minimum $10 donation per person.
Checks can be made payable to the NSU Foundation with Johnny Antoon Scholarship written in the memo. Entry forms and donations can be mailed to Bankston, NSU Alumni Center, 535 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71497. For more information, contact Bankston at (318) 357-4241 or bankstonj@nsula.edu.
Thursday, five Northwestern State track and field athletes were basking in the afterglow of earning All-America honors at the NCAA Outdoor Championships Wednesday evening.
They came in nerve-jangling fashion, for everyone but the athletes themselves.
The top 16 finishers at each event at the NCAA Championships earn All-America recognition from the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The top eight are first-team All-Americans, the next eight earn second-team status.
Senior Emmanuel Williams was blasé’ as he faced a final preliminary attempt that required a much-improved long jump mark for his chances to survive in the competition. He was carefree about 45 minutes later, facing another final jump that would determine if he was first, or second-team.
Freshman Micah Larkins and Amir James had no choice to turn the page and focus on their 100 meter dash preliminary in the half-hour after it seemed their 4×100 meter relay performance was on the outside looking in at All-America status.
Their relay teammates, juniors George Flaviano and Ty Shilling, were left sitting in the stands at Hayward Field, trusting their coaches, otherwise oblivious to the mishap that ultimately led to NSU’s second 4×100 All-America outing in four years.
For the relay team, anticipation was the overriding feeling Thursday. They all return next season.
Northwestern State University and Bossier Parish Community College will sign an agreement establishing a one-year pilot affiliate Senior Army ROTC at BPCC Thursday, June 16 at 10 a.m. in the Chancellor’s Boardroom on the BPCC campus at 6220 E. Texas St. in Bossier City.
“This latest collaboration between two extraordinary institutions is another example of the innovations possible when students are the highest priority,” said Northwestern State President Dr. Jim Henderson. “The Demon Regiment is rich in heritage and tradition. This newest approach to preparing leaders at BPCC extends that heritage to a new, promising generation.”
Under the agreement, qualified BPCC students will be cross-enrolled at Northwestern State enabling them to pursue military science and leadership courses. NSU will serve as the host institution and provide instruction for courses on the BPCC campus.
“This collaboration with NSU will provide BPCC ROTC students a wonderful opportunity to serve our country or get valuable leadership experience that can enhance their non-military careers,” says BPCC Chancellor Dr. Rick Bateman, Jr.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required to remain in the program. BPCC will assign a college liaison to support the pilot program and students pursuing military science and leadership courses. The liaison will provide advisement and academic tracking and will work closely with NSU’s Department of Military Science to schedule courses and register students.
“While the pilot program will benefit both institutions by providing additional recruiting and outreach opportunities, students will reap the most rewards,” said Military Affairs Coordinator/ROTC Program Manager Sid Hall. “Army ROTC is one of the only college programs that teaches leadership. This training is invaluable for any career that involves leading, managing, and motivating people or fostering teamwork.”
For more information on Army ROTC at Northwestern State, go to rotc.nsula.edu.
Artists are being sought to design the 2016 Natchitoches Christmas Festival Poster. The theme for the poster is “Christmas in Natchitoches.” Artists who would like to enter the contest should submit a drawing or painting to the Natchitoches Arts Council using the chosen theme. The size of the completed sketch or painting should be 18 inches wide and 24 inches tall. If chosen, the painting will become the exclusive property of the Natchitoches Arts Council. The chosen artist will receive a commission of $600.
The deadline for entering the competition is Friday, July 8.All entries should be submitted to Alicia Rachal, Community Development, 420 Fourth Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457. The Natchitoches Arts Council is not responsible for insuring the safe or timely delivery of the art work to the appropriate party.
Numbered prints in the form of a poster will be available and on sale to the public in early October. All posters are $35 each. The 1980-2004 collage posters are $15 each. The small posters (3 ¾” x 5”) are $3 each or two for $4. A special print of the 2008 Fleur de LisPoster (11” x 17”) is $20.
The Natchitoches Christmas Festival Poster has been a tradition for 36 years. All of the original artwork can be viewed at the Natchitoches Arts Council office located at the Community Development Office (City Hall Annex), 420 Fourth Street, Natchitoches, LA.
For more information about the poster contest, please call Karen Terrell at (318) 352-6925 or Alicia Rachal at (318) 357-3838.
Boys & Girls Clubs of El Camino Reál completed their 26th first week of Summer Programming June 8 at the MLK Recreation Center through the generosity of the City of Natchitoches, the Parks & Recreation Department and local supporters to kids and teens an adventurous, active and healthy summer. The BGCECR Summer Day Camp programs offer youth fun and unique experiences with an opportunity to meet new friends, participate in sporting activities, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime.
There are four reasons why children and teens should attend a BGCECR Summer Day Camp:
Academic Success: Although school may be out, BGCECR’s Summer Day Camps provide a variety of educational enrichment activities, including field trips and language arts and quiz bowl type events.
Be Good, Do Great: Our Club programs are designed to increase self-confidence, help Club Members form meaningful friendships, build sound character and leadership skill and understand the importance of giving back to the community.
Healthy Choices: Club Members will learn the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle with several fitness options, including sports and recreation activities. At no additional costs, we are able to help feed attendees a nutritious breakfast and lunch provided by the Natchitoches Parish’s Community Services Division through their Summer Feeding Program five days a week.
Fun with a Purpose: Club Members are encouraged to have fun in a positive environment while learning new skills. From the arts and summer reading to lessons and shows, our Clubs have something to offer to everyone.
“At our Club we provide programs that help youth participate, learn and grow while having lots of fun,” said Chief Executive Officer Eliza Behrendsen.
The eight and a half week summer camp program offers a wide range of activities both indoors and out, including swimming, movies, arts and crafts, sports and recreation Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. from June 1 – July 31. Core activities like swimming, sports and art are always part of the camp schedule, but additional activities are added to match the needs of the Club Members.
The MLK Rec Center Club Site and office offers a full-size gymnasium, two classrooms, baseball field, park, outdoor activities and a raised-bed garden.
For 26 years, the Natchitoches Boys & Girls Clubs has inspired and enabled young people, especially those who need us most, to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. In 2015, some 1,030 plus Natchitoches children and teens were served through Club membership and community outreach.
The Club provides a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of national alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives.
The Village of Natchez Heritage Festival will be held June 25. The event will kick off at 10 a.m. in the United Missionary parking lot on Hwy. 1.
Madison Johnson was named the Grand Marshal for the festival. She is an ambitious 14-year-old, with educational achievements including:
Citizenship award
President’s award
A honor roll
Outstanding writing award
MLK oratory winner
Most Dedicated Award
UIL Oral Reading and Impromptu Speaking Winner
All American Cheerleader
Madison continues to grow as a leader and good citizen. Her future goals are to be an actress, novelist and missionary. She is an active member of her school community as a cheerleader, volleyball player and a member of the band. She also runs track. To give back to her community, she volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club.
Madison was Ms. Terrell Jr. Pre-Teen in 2011-2012. In 2011, Mayor Hal Richards presented her a proclamation naming Nov. 15 Madison Johnson Day. She was the state’s actress winner and the National Miss Spokes Model 2011-2012 and National American Miss Actress 2011-2012. She won Miss Texas Pre-Teen in 2014. She crowned her successor in 2015. To foster her immediate goal, Madison plans to successfully compete in the 2016 National American Miss Texas pageant this summer.
One of Madison’s favorite scriptures is:
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
This year the festival will feature a horse show and a motorcycle ride in addition to all the other activities planned. School bands, car clubs, bike clubs, dance lines, church youth groups, girls scouts and others are welcome to participate.
For more information contact Monique Sarpy at 318-332-8264 or email villageofnatchezheritagefestival@yahoo.com for vendor forms and registration.
By Kevin Shannahan
Over 300 area sportsmen, members and supporters of the Natchitoches chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association filled the Natchitoches Events Center Wednesday night, June 8, for the CCA’s third annual Chapter Banquet. The 3-year-old Natchitoches chapter is one of the youngest of the 29 chapters in Louisiana. The CCA, founded in 1981, has chapters in 18 states and is concerned with promoting conservation of fishing and marine resources. The banquet also featured a live and silent auction of a wide selection of fishing and sporting supplies.
By Corey Poole
The Saint Claire Lake Homeowners Association is fighting an ongoing battle against a weed called Chara invading their 7 acre pond.
Chara is an algae that grows in dense mats that cover the surface of shallow waters, creating an uninhabitable environment for other plants and fish species.
Not a native plant to the area, Association President Alvin Shields suspects seeds were carried to their lake by migrating birds.
With options like a drawdown out of their budget range, the Association called in the Pond Doctor from Port Barre. David Bertrand uses an amphibious mechanical weed harvester that is one of 12 such machines in the U.S. He ordered it from Sweden and said that Europe is very proactive about maintaining its drainage with the use of these machines. He has a 40-foot machine for larger bodies of water and is expecting a delivery of a second smaller machine in a month.
He uses the machines to clean out lakes, canals and golf courses. “There’s a lot of opportunities for me to provide homeowners with some relief,” he said. “Homeowners need all three tactics to maintain their bodies of water: chemical, mechanical and biological.”
Shields said the mechanical tactic is the first thing to do. Next, he will spray an algaecide and re-dye the lake to reflect the sunlight from its depths where the algae grows during the winter. The pond will also be restocked with grass eating carp, which will help maintain the vegetation.
Shields has consulted with the Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries for the best methods to manage the lake. The LDWF cannot directly assist with lake management because it is privately owned by the Association. There are 10 lots that share the lake, but only seven homes are occupied.
The area was originally a swamp in 1998 and was turned into a lake when the St. Claire Lake Subdivision was developed in 2000.
By Lenny Vangilder
Rick Jones will join in a select group as the only college baseball coaches in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches. The enshrinement of Jones and 10 other members of the Class of 2016 is Saturday evening, June 25, at the Natchitoches Events Center.
“It’s hard to believe,” Jones said last month. “I’m going to be the fourth (college) baseball coach in Louisiana to go in; it’s pretty special company, (along with) all of the other athletes, coaches and administrators who are in the Hall of Fame.
“It was a shock, and at the same time, I’m very honored.”
Jones won 818 games in 21 seasons as Tulane’s head coach – more than any coach in any sport in school history.
The North Carolina native spent his entire career in ACC country – including four seasons as the top assistant at Georgia Tech – until the summer of 1993, when he was hired to replace Joe Brockhoff.
Jones inherited a Tulane team that had won only 19 games the previous season, but returned 10 seniors. His first Tulane team would go 41-24 and earn the school’s first NCAA Tournament at-large berth in six years.
Though Jones and his wife Gina moved back to North Carolina two years ago, it feels like a second address.
“We’re here,” Jones said, “but I consider (New Orleans) home, to be honest with you.”
By Kevin Foote
After this past football season, no one can ever say that Jim Hightower never took the St. Thomas More Cougars’ football program to the Superdome.
Of course, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame voting committee recognized before the 2015 season ever began that the lack of a Superdome appearance wasn’t enough to keep Hightower out of the museum in Natchitoches that honors the top sports figures in Louisiana history.
Four decades of incredible consistency was enough.
So was the fact that as the committee discussed candidates for the Class of 2016, Hightower entered the fall No. 18 on the national list of winningest active high school football coaches – and No. 2 all-time in Louisiana.
“I never dreamed of this ever happening,” the 68-year-old Hightower said. “It never entered my thought process. I thought that maybe I’d get into the LHSAA Hall of Fame eventually because some of my contemporaries were voted into that.But to be in this Hall with Kevin (Faulk), Jake (Delhomme) and Bert Jones, guys like that, is really beyond my wildest dreams.”
It becomes reality Saturday, June 25 as Hightower is part of the 11-member Class of 2016 being inducted in ceremonies at the Natchitoches Events Center, just a football field away from the Hall of Fame museum.
Hightower is believed to be the only coach in the state’s history to win district championships in all five classifications.And yet he’s never allowed his ego to get in the way.
Going back 40 years, very little has changed in Hightower’s recipe for success.
“Football is the ultimate team game,” Hightower said. “It’s always been in my makeup to try to work with people and get them to perform at their best.”
Editor’s note – This is one in a series profiling the 11 members of the Class of 2016 being enshrined Saturday, June 25 in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Competitive ballot inductees are P.J. Brown, Jim Hightower, Rick Jones, “Gentleman” Dave Malarcher, Janice Joseph-Richard, Ben Sheets, Arthur “Red” Swanson, and Anthony Thomas. Contributor inductees are Dr. Julian Bailes, Jim Hawthorne and Bob Tompkins. A schedule of events from June 23-25, along with online sales for tickets and golf entries, is available at LaSportsHall.com, with information also available by calling 318-238-4255.
Irchirl was the assistant principal at the Natchitoches Jr. High-Frankie Ray Jackson. Before that she was a master teacher and coordinator at Fairview Alpha and a master teacher at Natchitoches Central High School.
“It is an honor to serve as the principal of L. P. Vaughn Elementary,” she said.“I believe that students, parents and teachers all play a vital role in helping students reach their greatest potential. Our goal is to provide all students with an enriching, engaging, and challenging curriculum that will prepare them for success. I am looking forward to working diligently with our students, teachers and staff, parents, and members of our community in order to help all of our students reach their full potential.”
Nicholson was extremely excited when he found out about his new position. Former P.E. coach at NSU Elementary Lab, he comes from a long line of educators. His father is currently in his 47th year of teaching, his mother in her 43rd year and his grandmother taught for 40 plus years.
Nicholson has taught in Natchitoches Parish for 10 years now. Before E-Lab, he was the head football coach at Lakeview High School.
“This has always been a career aspiration of mine and I’m ready for the challenge after being in the classroom for 13 years now,” he said. “Weaver is a great school and there’s a lot of room for growth because I think it has so much potential.”
Originally from Texas, Tanner came to Natchitoches with 19 years of experience. She was the assistant principal at East Natchitoches Elementary and Middle School last school year and the assistant principal at L. P. Vaughn Elementary and Middle School this school year.
Her goals include:
“This is my mission and my passion,” she said. “I’m all about the students being successful and this comes from the nurturing of the child to the education of the child. It’s important for them to find that drive within themselves.”
Director of Personnel Linda Page said that all three candidates are smart and motivated go-getters who want to do well by the children and put them first.
“That’s what we need,” she said.
The School Board meeting June 9 at 5 p.m. included the following business items: