The L.P. Vaughn School of Fine Arts will hold its third annual 5K Run/Walk and Fine Arts Fair Nov. 19 at NSU’s Fine Arts building.  The Fine Arts Fair will begin at noon on Vaughn’s campus at 1500 Gold Street in Natchitoches. While student’s play games related to their 12 fine art classes, a luncheon will take place in the cafeteria for $25 price per person.
The School of Fine Arts, a predominantly minority after school program, raised over $10,000 their first year and $15,582 the second year.

Two special guests will entertain the audience. They are nationally known speaker David Pickler and local music celebrity Hardrick Rivers.

Pickler is the Co-Founder and President of the American Public Education Foundation and Past President of the National School Boards Association (NSBA). His greatest passion is in promoting high-quality public education for every child which he says, “will help ensure America’s economic and vital national interests.”

Rivers began playing music early in his life. At age 13, Rivers began to study under and play with one of the masters of Louisiana music, Overton Owens — sometimes called Dr. Drip Drop. In 1994, after years of playing music, he returned home to Natchitoches Parish and formed the Rivers’ Revue Band, which is an area favorite, known for their tunes and high energy performances.

For more information contact Danny Von Kanel at 352-2369. Registration for the 5K is $35 for adults and $15 for students. Registration is every Monday at the school from 3:30-5:30 in front of room 139. The game portion of the Fine Arts Fair will cost students $1 or $5 for adults unless they run and receive a free ticket to the game portion. Participants will receive a free t-shirt, snacks, and free ticket to the Fine Arts Fair. All the money raised will fund the 2017 School of Fine Arts.

The City of Natchitoches will “Turn on the Holidays” Saturday, Nov. 19!  Turn on the Holidays is a Louisiana Main to Main and Natchitoches Christmas event that officially marks the beginning of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival season. The event will feature live musical performances, amusements, food, lights and fireworks.  Admission is free and open to the public.

Turn on the Holidays, the official start to the six-week Natchitoches Christmas season, is an entire day of family entertainment in downtown Natchitoches.  The event kicks off the festival season as the city prepares for the 90th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival taking place Saturday, Dec. 3.

Amusement and food vendors for Turn on the Holidays will open at 11 a.m. All vendors will require Natchitoches Christmas tickets for purchases. Tickets may be purchased at automated ticket dispensers located along the downtown riverbank.  Tickets may also be purchased in advance at Dickens & Co., Kaffie-Frederick and Georgia’s Gift Shop.

The entertainment schedule for Turn on the Holidays begins at noon with a Local Talent Showcase in front of the riverbank stage.  Local spirit groups and dance teams participating in the annual Festival of Lights Parade Dec. 3 will give spectators a preview of what they can expect at this year’s festival parade.

Live musical performances begin at 3 p.m. with a performance by local favorites Trace & D’Nissa from 3-5 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., the party continues with the Nola Dukes Band, a premium high-energy band hailing from New Orleans. The Nola Dukes Band prides itself on having a “cooler-than-average” song list that is never cheesy and focuses squarely on filling the dance floor. Playing a wide range of genres including pop, rock, classic hits, jazz, funk and New Orleans-style music, the Nola Dukes Band is sure to have the crowd dancing all night long. The Nola Dukes Band will perform from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on the riverbank stage.

The highlight of the evening will be the official turning on of hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights that will illuminate the Natchitoches Historic Landmark District throughout the holiday season. A lighting ceremony will be held at 6:45 p.m. followed by a spectacular fireworks show over Cane River Lake at 7 p.m.

For more information on Turn on the Holidays, call the Natchitoches Main Street office at (318) 352-2746 or visit http://www.downtownnatchitoches.com. For more information on the Natchitoches Christmas Festival and Christmas Season, visit http://www.NatchitochesChristmas.com.

PRESS RELEASE
November 15, 2016-Natchitoches, La.

First Assistant District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced his candidacy today for District Attorney for the 10th Judicial District, which encompasses Natchitoches Parish.

The position is currently held by District Attorney, now Judge-elect, Van Kyzar, who will be vacating the seat as a result of his election to judge on the Third Circuit Court of Appeal.

Harrington currently serves as First Assistant District Attorney and, according to state law, will serve as District Attorney until an election is held in 2017.

“I have served in the District Attorney’s office for 26 years, with four years serving as First Assistant. During my tenure, I have worked diligently to serve this parish by working with all members of our community to ensure that our judicial system is applied fairly and equally to everyone,” said Harrington.

“The District Attorney’s office is the people’s office. The people of our parish deserve a District Attorney who will continue to thoroughly review all facts in a case and hear all sides of a matter before making critical decisions.

I will work to protect citizens from crime by enforcing the law and vigorously prosecuting criminals who deserve it. Also, I will continue to work with Sheriff Victor Jones and other law enforcement agencies in the parish to curb the flow of illegal narcotics into our parish, which is the root of many crimes,” said Harrington.

Harrington stated that he “also understands that people make mistakes. That’s why I support Adult and Juvenile Drug Courts and our pre-trial intervention programs, which can help a person rebuild their life and a become productive citizen.”

“With 26 years experience serving in the District Attorney’s office, I feel that I am uniquely qualified for this position.

As District Attorney, I will continue working to make Natchitoches Parish a strong and safe community in which all citizens can live and enjoy our beautiful parish,” said Harrington.

Harrington also discussed his lifelong residency in Natchitoches Parish and his involvement in the community.

“Natchitoches Parish is and always will be home to me and my family. I was born and raised here, graduating high school at Natchitoches Central and college at Northwestern. After graduating from law school and working at the Court of Appeal, I established my law practice in Natchitoches in 1986. I also served as adjunct professor in criminal justice and law office practice at Northwestern for 15 years,” added Harrington.

Harrington also served in various capacities in civic and community service organizations in Natchitoches Parish. He formerly served as chairman of Natchitoches Christmas Festival, president of Natchitoches Area Jaycees, area chairman of Duck’s Unlimited, member of Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, and volunteer coach of Dixie Youth Baseball and St. Mary’s golf team.

Billy Joe Harrington, 56, is married to the former Donna Byrne. They are parents of 4 children and have 3 grandchildren.

Natchitoches Parish President Rick Nowlin reminds the public that three bridges in the Parish system remain closed to traffic and cautions that it is unsafe to cross them.

One closed bridge is located on Miller Drive in Payne Subdivision.  This bridge was damaged by flash flooding that occurred back in March.  Parish officials are working with the Office of Facility Planning and Control for the use of State Capital Outlay funds for its replacement with a new drainage structure.

Another flood-damaged structure is located on the Good Hope Road, where the Parish continues to seek a right-of-entry for the construction of a temporary detour road around the bridge until such time as it can be replaced under the Federal Off-System Bridge Replacement Program.

A third bridge — located on the Robeline-Provencal Road over Coal Kiln Creek — was recently closed after an inspection by the Parish Engineer revealed critical deficiencies affecting its load-bearing capacity.  Parish forces have begun the necessary repair work but some materials needed to complete the repairs to this bridge are not expected to be delivered until the week of November 21.  Based on this expected delivery date, it is anticipated that this bridge will be re-opened to traffic no later than the end of November.
Parish officials have recently observed that the barricades previously placed at these closed bridge locations have been removed by unathorized persons and that unauthorized traffic has crossed these bridges.

President Nowlin reminds citizens that these bridges are considered to be structurally unsound, and therefore they should not be crossed by vehicular traffic under any circumstance.

Mr. Nowlin also reminds citizens that removing or going around road closure barricades is a violation of State law and, as such, violators will be referred to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for action.

Citizens having information as to the parties responsible for the unauthorized removal of the road closure barricades at these sites should contact the Sheriff’s Office at (318) 357-7800.

The City Council began on a high note Monday night, Nov. 14, with the introduction of Miss Merry Christmas and the Belles and a special recognition of the NCHS Agronomy Team. However, it soon got worse as residents in the Stephens Avenue neighborhood battled it out over dogs. To be specific, the debate arose over the rezoning of 241 Stephens Ave. from R-1 to R-1 Special Exception for Karen Arthur to run a part-time dog grooming business.

While there were some neighbors who came to support Arthur, it seemed the majority were in opposition. The problem most neighbors had wasn’t the parking situation or any kind of disturbance, but the simple fact that no one wants to allow a business within a quiet residential neighborhood.

Mayor Lee Posey admitted that Arthur has groomed dogs for him over the years at multiple locations, but that there are planning and zoning laws in place for a reason.

“Some people believe that a business is a business and if you let one person do it, then where does it stop,” he said.

A neighbor in the area, Sydney Evans, said he feels Arthur’s dog grooming services would benefit the community and be the perfect case for a special exception.

However, others neighbors want to keep the area purely residential, stating that if one business comes in others will follow.

Case in point, John G. Donlon came before the council to appeal the Planning and Zoning Commission’s unanimous decision to deny his request to rezone his property at 460 Stephens Ave. from R-1 to R-2 Special Exception to operate a fine arts gallery.

Donlon said that calling it an art gallery may be overstating it. He plans to open it on an appointment only basis. He is appealing for a variance for his particular circumstances.

Other agenda items included:

Proclamation declaring Nov. 26, 2016 as Small Business Saturday in the City

Ordinance amending Chapter 13 Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Natchitoches by
Amending sections 13-16, 13-16.1, 13-43, 13-44, and 13-45, providing for a uniform Fire
Code and a Fire Prevention Bureau

Award bid for the Natchitoches Tennis Complex Expansion Project to Quality Court Industries LLC in Baton Rouge for $173,042. USTA helped with a grant, which will get Natchitoches on its circuit for tournaments, which require a minimum of six courts. Work should begin in January or February 2017.

Ordinance approving the acquisition of a 100 acre tract of ground located in Section 83, Township 9 North, Range 7 West, from Evans Family LLC, Sidney B. Evans Jr. and Sibley Lake Realty Corporation for $1 million and acceptance of a donation for the remaining market value of $500,000

Cooperative Endeavor Agreement With NSU for an Intern Program for students in the Industrial Engineering Technology Program for volunteer work in the Utility Department to earn work experience

Resolutions included:

Execute a grant agreement with the Rapides Foundation for the 2016 Healthy Behaviors Program Grant Award

Lease Purchase Agreement to Procure a “Fire Apparatus And Equipment”

Change the scope of work for the LCDBG FY 2016, Sewer Improvements.

Advertise for bids for the Water Distribution System Improvements, Cane River Crossing at Pine Street Bridge

Execute Change Order No. 2 to the contract between the City and Womack and Sons Construction Group, Inc. for the Rue Beauport Sewer Main Rehabilitation

Student council members from St. Mary’s Catholic School attended the LASC District VII Workshop at ASH Nov. 7. Along with meeting students from all across West Central Louisiana, they also learned some fun ideas for fundraisers, homecoming activities, and service projects in the community. Students also brought razors, shaving cream, combs, and hairbrushes to donate to the Alexandria VA Hospital in honor of Veteran’s Day. Student Council members include Elizabeth Jackson, Madelyn Peluso,Sarah Gilmore, Makenzie Methvin, Maddie Menou, Erica Hubbs, Lauren Vienne, Dylan Bennett, Emily Maggio, Mallory Lee and Student Council Advisor Paula Thompson.

Tony Davis, president/CEO of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke to the Natchitoches Lions Club Nov. 14. Although he’s spoken to the club before, this time he was wearing the hat of his newest role, District 4 seat on BESE, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

BESE is the administrative body for public elementary and secondary schools in the state. It also performs certain administrative functions for the state’s non-public elementary and secondary schools. BESE adopts regulations and enacts policies governing the operations of the schools under its jurisdiction, and exercises budgetary oversight of their educational programs and services.

Davis talked about the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replacing the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). ESSA was signed by President Obama on Dec. 10, 2015. The previous version of ESSA, NCLB, was enacted in 2002. Davis said the difference with ESSA, is that it’s the first time a federal program took a lot of the power away from the federal level and put it at the state level.

While Louisiana residents are familiar with the score cards schools in their districts receive, many my not realize there’s a lot of states that don’t do it.

“Louisiana is leading the pack,” said Davis. “We’re ahead of the curve with the implementation of ESSA and that’s a good thing for us. Education is the heart, soul and core of the community.”

Natchitoches parish has increased its graduation rate to 77 percent, which Davis said isn’t at the state level, isn’t where he and other leaders in education want it to be, but is better than it was.

“It’s important to make sure we’re educating every single student,” he said.

In Lions Clubs news, members received Chevron pins in recognition of their years of service including Mimi Stoker (10 years), Michele Waskom (15 years) and Sophie Packard (20 years). Don Brown received the Senior Builder Key Award , recognizing him as a senior Lion that sponsored at least two new Lions into the club.

By Junior Johnson

Unlike a tramp who only works when he needs to and a bum who won’t work at all, a hobo is a traveling worker.

Following my graduation from high school in May 1965, I spent several days on one of the most meaningful trips of my life. I was accepted to Northwestern State that summer and worked hard to save money to carry me to the fall semester.

I’d read about a unique culture that’d been around since the end of the Civil War and at its peak during the Great Depression of the 30s.

It’s not known when hobos first came on the scene but after the war veterans climbed on a boxcar for a free ride home, or to begin a new life somewhere else. During the Great Depression, when there was no work at home, men rode the freight trains to find work in other areas.

There were a number of famous people who rode a freight train, including Joe Hill, Jack Dempsey, Louis
L ‘Amour, Woody Guthrie…and Junior Johnson.

My dad knew I was determined and finally gave me his blessings. He even admitted he rode a freight train from California to Louisiana after he was discharged from the military. He married my mom not long after that.

I looked up the route from where I’d depart from the old Kansas City Southern railway. It would take me through Shreveport, Texarkana, Ft. Smith, Joplin and Kansas City, Mo.

There was a group of feed bins along the track in Chopin where my dad and Uncle Dempsey would load their trucks with grain to supply the local poultry growers. This was the perfect place to board the train.

I carefully packed cans of spam, sausages, peanut butter, crackers, and cookies in an old army surplus back pack along with some toiletries and extra clothes.  I rolled up a sleeping bag and a couple canteens and I was set.

I rode with my dad to the feed bins. There was a boxcar with an open door.  I hugged my dad’s neck and climbed aboard.  I was excited and a little scared.

It wasn’t long before the train came along and we slowly pulled out. As we gained speed I was bold enough to step up to the open door and feel the breeze on my face.

We made short stops in Natchitoches and Shreveport and it was getting dark when we pulled into Texarkana. I hadn’t seen hobos and was a bit disappointed. I fell asleep eventually and woke to the rumbling of the train on the rails as the sun began to rise over the countryside.

The train arrived in Ft. Smith, Ark. when I heard voices outside. Not knowing if they were railroad people or travelers like myself I remained very quiet.  As luck would have it two men climbed into my car. From their appearance I knew they didn’t work for the railroad. The train began moving and they spotted me.

Since they carried nothing with them I decided to make a peace offering of my food and water. We bonded immediately and I told my story, which they found amusing. They were also traveling to Kansas City where they hoped to find work in the cattle yards or slaughter houses.

Near Joplin, there was a huge bridge over a river over. Under it there was a settlement of travelers where one could find food, news of jobs, a safe place to rest and bathe, and wash clothes in the river.

I was in awe at the number of shabbily dressed men sitting around campfires with little tents for shelter. Smoke filled the air and the aroma I smelled was Mulligan Stew.

A man who appeared to be the group’s leader had been an investment banker most of his life until he had a nervous breakdown. With no family, he’d just dropped out of the social scene and found his calling with the hobos.
I was astonished.

I eventually said my goodbyes and after completing my journey I decided to take a bus back home. I arrived in Cloutierville and my mom had tears of joy as she hugged my neck. My dad did the same when he returned home from work that night.

My adventure had lasted five days and I still had a couple of weeks to relax before beginning another adventure as a freshman at NSU.

Hobo’s Lullaby by Woody Guthrie:

Go to sleep my weary hobo
Let the towns drift slowly by
Listen to the steel rails hummin’
That’s the hobo’s Lullaby

Do not think ’bout tomorrow
Let tomorrow come and  go
Tonight you’re in a nice warm box car
Safe from all that wind and snow

Cane River Lake level:  97.4 MSL (pool stage 98.0 MSL), the lake and all landings are open.

Upcoming events:  Fireworks Displays 2016
November 19- 7:00 pm
November 26- 7:00 pm
December 03- 6:00 pm (Christmas Festival)
December 10- 7:00 pm
December 17- 7:00 pm
December 23- 7:00 pm (Friday Night)
December 31- 7:00 pm
Boats wishing to attend fireworks displays are required to be behind the
Yellow Safety buoys 1 hour before the display.  For more information contact
Betty Fuller @ 318-617-3235.  Christmas Festival is an amazing time in
Natchitoches for more information about the festival and required arm
Bands contact Jill Leo @ 318-652-7078.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season, and remember to Boat Safe, Boat Sober, and
always wear your life jackets!

Thanks,
Betty Fuller
Cane River Patrol

Before the City Council got down to the business items on Monday night’s agenda, Nov. 14, it recognized Miss Merry Christmas and the Christmas Belles and the NCHS Agronomy Team.

Miss Merry Christmas and the Belles got to visit with Judy Sluppick, the City’s first Miss Merry Christmas, after they performed a Christmas song and received awards from Mayor Lee Posey. Miss Merry Christmas is Adriana Walker. The Christmas Belles are Elizabeth Long, Riley Page, Madelyn Peluso, Bailey Thompson and Mary Elizabeth Whitehead.

Four members of the Natchitoches Central FFA Chapter accomplished what no team from Louisiana has ever done: finish first in a National FFA Career Development Event. They placed first overall at the National FFA Agronomy contest at the 89th National FFA Convention Oct. 19-22 in Indianapolis, Ind.

Students competing in the Agronomy contest must identify over 100 plant and seed samples, 75 pieces of equipment, 35 insects and how to diagnose plant diseases. They must become proficient in grain grading, seed analysis, soil fertility recommendations, plant diagnostics, commodity evaluation and must be able to answer any question about crop production on a written exam. The Agronomy contest is the most comprehensive agricultural competition offered by the National FFA Organization.

Posey presented awards to Preston Tibbett, Bradley Scott, Dylan Daniels and Brooklyn Hampton. He also presented an award to their advisor, Aaron Beaubouef, who is an Agriscience teacher and FFA Advisor at NCHS.

“I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve done,” said Beaubouef.

One hundred students from 10 area high schools attended Northwestern State University’s 43rd Journalism Day. First place winners of each competition received $500 scholarships to major in communication at NSU.
Competitions included the following categories.

Radio:
1.    Will Heitman, LSMSA
2.    Annabelle Ellis, Elysian Fields High School
3.   Logan Bullock, Bossier Parish School for Technology & Innovative Learning
TV News:
1.    Olivia Gotte, LSMSA
2.    Madison McLaren, Lakeview High School
3.    Alana Lewis, Lakeview
Media Writing:
1.    Rose Marie Skillman, LSMSA
2.    Kaitlyn Randall, LSMSA
3.    Haley Horton, Elysian Fields
Impromptu Speech:
1.    Emily Windham, Lakeview
2.    Anna Beth Simmons, Elysian Fields
3.    Stephen Husband, Many High School
Newspaper:
1.    LSMSA
2.    Airline
3.    Elysian Fields
Short Film:
Bossier Parish School swept the field winning first, second and third places.
Yearbook:
1.    NCHS
2.    LSMSA
3.    Lakeview

Students attended career sessions featuring professionals in the fields of news-editorial, photojournalism, public relations, social media and sports information. John Lieberman, vice president and co-founder of the Shreveport Journalism Foundation, was the opening speaker.

Paula Furr, head of the Department of New Media, Journalism, and Communication Arts said the department looks forward to this event and working with area high school programs. Schools interested in having NSU conduct journalism and publications workshops should contact the department at (318) 357-5360 or newmedia@nsula.edu.

Natchitoches Parish Fire District 7 in Marthaville responded to a camp house fire off Robeline-Provencal Road Nov. 13.

Northwestern State University has earned the 2017 Military Friendly School designation from Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, STEM Jobs SM and Military Spouse. This Northwestern State’s seventh time to receive the designation. Military Friendly Schools is the most comprehensive, powerful resource for veterans today. Each year, the list of Military Friendly Schools is provided to service members and their families, helping them select the best college, university or trade school to receive the education and training needed to pursue a civilian career.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from Victory Media’s proprietary survey. More than 1,600 schools participated in the 2017 survey. Ratings methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Victory Media with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and specifically for student veterans.

Northwestern State has a campus at Leesville/Fort Polk and also offers classes at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City. The university has 39 degree programs available online through nsula.edu/ensu.
“We are proud and honored to be recognized for our efforts to provide educational opportunities for our military students and their families,” said NSU Vice President for Technology, Innovation and Economic Development Darlene Williams. “Northwestern State has a long history of serving the military and using an approach that understands the needs of those who have a military affiliation.”

Information on Northwestern State’s services for veterans is available at nsula.edu/registrar/veterans-affairs.

According to Daniel Nichols, a Navy Reserve veteran and chief product officer at Victory Media, “Our ability to apply a clear, consistent standard to the majority of colleges gives veterans a comprehensive view of which schools are striving to provide the best opportunities and conditions for our nation’s student veterans. Military Friendly® helps military families make the best use of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other federal benefits while allowing us to further our goal of assisting them in finding success in their chosen career fields.”

Northwestern State will be showcased along with other 2017 Military Friendly Schools in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools, special education issues of G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse Magazine.

Three Northwestern State University math students participated in the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) South Central USA Regional Programming contest, placing fourth for teams from Louisiana and in the top 10 of teams competing. The contest was hosted by Louisiana State University.

Demon Coders are Alexandria Warner of Noble, Jessica Fletschinger of Slidell and Michaela Blackshear of Forney Texas.  Standing is Nicholas Richardson, team sponsor.

“The regional contest consisted of 68 teams from Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma competing at four different sites,” said Dr. Nicholas Richardson, assistant professor of math and team coach. “The team did very well since they were competing against mainly computer science students.”

“Math majors have to take two computer science courses where we learn to code in C++ and design programs that solve solutions to certain problems. So originally I don’t think any of us were exactly looking forward to learning how to code,” Blackshear said. “Learning how to code is not simple and I do like a good challenge. However, I like coding because you use it to solve problems, specific/crazy problems as well everyday problems. Solving problems is challenging, fun and overall a really rewarding experience. Plus, if I tell the computer how to do something, I can sit back and watch Netflix while the computer does all the work.”

Northwestern State softball coach Donald Pickett didn’t wait around for the regular signing period to address player needs.

Pickett signed five Louisiana high school players Nov. 9, the first day of the early signing period.

Corner infielder Summer Atkins (Pickering High), pitcher Ryann Bizette (Pointe Coupee), pitcher E.C. Delafield (North DeSoto), utility player Baleigh Glover (Westlake) and catcher Codi Vernace (Haynes Academy) inked letters of intent with the Lady Demons.

“I think we have speed, power and athleticism in this class,” Pickett said. “We signed a couple of pitchers, a catcher and a couple of versatile infielders.

“We need to build depth in those places. We’re excited about this class, and we want to continue to bring a competitive atmosphere and environment out to the field every day in practice to help our program continue to improve and work toward our goals.”

Atkins set a Vernon Parish record as a freshman with 15 home runs, and she’s continued her power hitting throughout her career. She helped Pickering’s program host their first playoff games, leading to two all-state selections, three All-Cenla selections (Alexandria Town Talk), one Vernon Parish MVP and two Vernon Parish hitter of the year honors.

Bizette led Pointe Coupee to two Class 1A championships, being named the Tournament MVP each season. The pitcher is a four-time All-State selection, four-time All-Metro pick (Baton Rouge Advocate) and two-time district MVP.

Delafield is the second pitcher in the class, but she’s been no less successful on the championship stage. She’s aided North DeSoto to consecutive Class 4A titles and third state tournament appearance en route to a 58-11 career record as a pitcher. Delafield is a two-time All-Area Player of the Year (Shreveport Times), two-time Class 4A Player of the Year and three-time all-state selection. Delafield also has NSU connections with her grandfather Sammy Joe Odom (All-American football player) and father (baseball player, won 1991 Southland Conference title).

Glover personifies the word “utility.” The Westlake product made the all-district team as a pitcher in 2014 and as a utility player the past two seasons.

Vernace controls the game behind the plate as a five-time all-district catcher. The Haynes Academy product is a two-time all-state and three-time all-metro pick (Times Picayune).

Pickett said he’s targeted several other players who could sign before the early period ends next week.

Kiwanians went on a treasure hunt during their social Thursday, Nov. 10. The club met at Bon Ami for an evening of fun, food and games. Members could hunt as single players or on teams of two. They were given four clues to locate riddles at different places on front street. Clues to locations included: oldest store in town has a riddle waiting for you, a Pierson may take a load off here to work this riddle, one of these popular fall flowers has a riddle for you and you can find a house and riddle with the reality business. Members made quick work of finding the clues and solved the riddles to obtain a set of numbers used to unlock a treasure box. Once they had the numbers they rushed back to Bon Ami to solve the final riddle and learn the correct order to open the lock on the treasure box. The combination was cracked by Haley Taitano and she won two yeti ramblers.

Former Natchitoches chef Kent Gresham was chosen as a judge for the World Food Championships held Nov. 9-13 in Orange Beach, Ala.

He judged the Dessert Category.

Gresham was part of the developing team that created TGI Fridays in the 70s. He opened 13 restaurants for them as an opening GM and regional trouble shooter in Florida and Texas. He soon opened his own restaurant in Natchitoches in 1988 under the name The Landing. Then shortly after, he opened the Crawfish Hole, a boil-on-site crawfish and seafood restaurant.

In 2005, he opened Pirouges Cajun Restaurant, a full service Cajun, Creole restaurant. In 2006 he opened The Landing Catering Co., which was the official caterer for the governor of Louisiana and was recognized in Southern Living. The Landing Restaurant has been featured in numerous publications over the years and was named “The Best Restaurant in Central Louisiana” by Southern Living. In 2012 he sold the company to a restaurant group “Freedom Holdings” who currently operates it.

Gresham is retired from the kitchen now, but is involved in commercial real estate. He and his wife currently live in Orange Beach, Ala. enjoying the restaurants from afar.

By: Laura Prissy Scott

So what’s SUP? Stand Up Paddleboards, Kayaks & Cycles–that’s what!

New to downtown Natchitoches and the Cane River, is Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports–a business that will surely take water sports in this area to new levels of outdoor adventure and excitement.

Open and ready for business, owners, Gerry and Julia Kiefer, were thinking outside the box when they jumped on an opportunity to bring SUPs (Stand up paddleboards), kayaking, and cycling to our City.

“It’s the most popular outdoor recreational activities being pursued in America today! We want the community, as well as tourists, to be able to experience the beauty and tranquility of Cane River,” explains Julia Kiefer.

The Kiefers say the timing is perfect for integrating Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports especially with the City’s re-development plan on the riverfront and the development of hiking/biking trails near the NSU Recreational Complex.

The store will provide a rental fleet of stable boats and boards that are easy to operate and have good performance and customers will have access to higher performance demo models for their personal evaluation including; the Hobie Mirage Eclipse pedalboard and the Hobie Mirage pedal kayak.

The rental location is located on the riverbank downtown dock with the store location at 780 Front Street, Suite 104, known as the St. Denis Place, next door to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Historical Museum.

Gerry Kiefer says, “We are in the process of ordering Hybrid and off-road bicycles that will support and promote the new bike trails being constructed in Natchitoches. Biking enthusiasts will have access to road bikes for touring the plantations along the river and touring/cruiser bikes for folks wanting to cruise the historic district.”

Julia, a 1978 transplant from Texas, carries a love of Natchitoches—its beauty and its people—in her heart and says, “Our passion for Natchitoches is the inspiration for bringing an outdoor recreation opportunity to our town.”

On a special note, the Kiefers would like to acknowledge Joan Willis for introducing them to the world of SUPs and serving as an inspiration for bringing their dream business to Natchitoches.

Promoting fun, entertainment, recreation, and fitness, to this quaint National Historic District and enchanting Cane River will add another dimension to the Natchitoches Tourist experience and for the local community.

Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports
780 Front Street, Ste. 104
Natchitoches, LA
(318) 527-0066
caneriverpaddlepedal@yahoo.com

By Corey Poole

A Veterans Day Program was held in the Veterans Memorial Park Nov. 11. A moving moment occurred when several Veterans stood and saluted while the assembly observed a moment of silence and Taps was played in the background.

Scott Stetson was the keynote speaker. He thanked the Veterans present for answering the call to duty. He said it is their contributions that have preserved the fact that the United States’ armed forces remain the most respected in the world. He also recognized the families of service members and Veterans.

“There is no denying the difficult times that you have endured, bearing the burden and keeping the home fires burning,” he said. “With a deep sense of gratitude for the support you have shown our Veterans, we thank you for what you have done.”

While they come from many different walks of life, Veterans share some fundamental core qualities. They’ve embraced a value system focus on serving people, most of which they will never meet. They exemplify selflessness through the willingness to lay dow their life to preserve another citizen’s ability to live free.

“Many of these patriots didn’t ask too leave their homes to fight in distant lands,” he said. “They were called upon when the nation needed them most. They answered this call because they wanted to protect the nation that has given us all so much.”

By Laura Prissy Scott

As the school band played the Armed Forces Medley, Veterans entered a student filled gymnasium through a canopy of swords and flags held by JROTC students for the Veterans Day Program at Natchitoches Central High School Nov. 11. Senior Class President Sayla Baker gave the invocation, followed by the JROTC Color Guard’s presentation of colors. Meredith Phelps, SGO president, lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Principal Bill Gordy welcomed the patriotic crowd of visitors and students. Next, the Choir sang The Star Spangled Banner to the tunes played by the school orchestra. A slideshow honoring NCHS alumni veterans was one of the main highlights of the program.

Keynote speaker, Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and State Representative Kenny Cox, delivered an inspirational message that “we are all Americans.”

With tear filled eyes Librarian Cynthia Johnson described the ceremony as a “moving experience—the band, orchestra, choir, Glee Club, Maroon Line, and cheerleaders all gave phenomenal performances in honor of our veterans.”

Lakeview High School held its Veterans Day program Nov. 11, hosted by the LA-943 Air Force JROTC. The program was titled “My Responsibility to America.” An entrance and rifle salute honored the Veterans. The Lakeview AFJROTC Color Guard presented the colors. Members include C/2Lt Ladarrion Winslow, C/Amn Hannah Walker, C/Amn Zack Favela and C/Amn Salem Johnson.

The Lakeview Jr./Sr. Band performed the National Anthem and FFA Sentinel Emily Johnson sang the Pledge of Allegiance. C/Major Javonte’ Mims, LA-943 Cadet Group Commander gave an introduction and Lakeview Principal William Hymes welcomed guests and Veterans to the program.

Major Bob Kellogg, USAF (retired) Senior Aerospace Science Instructor gave the opening remarks.

A POW/MIA ceremony was performed by C/2Lt Haley Garrison, C/A1C Jayme Roy, C/A1C Brittany Sullivan, C/Amn John Falcone, C/ William Brew and C/ Emily Corley.
C/Capt Shayla Christopher presented a history of Veterans Day and C/Capt Lucas Drummer recited a Veterans Day Proclamation. The Lakeview Varsity Cheerleaders performed a tribute to Veterans.

After the program, Veterans and their guests, dignitaries and senior cadets gathered in the library for a luncheon.

By Kevin Shannahan

The upcoming Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was the subject of a presentation at the Natchitoches Jr. High-Frankie Ray Jackson Nov. 10. Earnestine Winslow, president of the Natchitoches chapter of the Louisiana Association of Educators, chaired the presentation. Approximately 30 community members, parents and educators attended the event. Natchitoches Mayor Lee Posey and school board members Steven Harris, Ralph Wilson and Rhonda Guidroz were also in attendance.

The ESSA was signed into law by President Obama Dec. 10, 2015. The act takes the place of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), signed into law by President Bush in 2001. It will take effect in 2017. Walter Brown, a member of Gov. Edwards’ state ESSA team, gave the audience an overview of the law and how it differs from the NCLB. Karran Harper Royal of the Louisiana Alliance to Reclaim Schools gave a presentation on community involvement in local schools.

One of the main differences between the two acts is that ESSA will have a decreased emphasis on high stakes testing. The act is also designed to encourage community involvement and input into the schools. That requirement was the focus of the main event of the evening. The audience divided up into two groups and discussed two questions: What do schools need to ensure a better future for our children? and What ideas do you have for creating the schools that ensure a better future for our children?

Other meetings are being planned and will be announced shortly.