The Robeline Marthaville Water System received the gift of water, just in time for Christmas. “We’re looking at having running water by tomorrow,” said Leslie Durham, Governor John Bel Edwards’ Designee for the Delta Regional Authority.

DRA contributed $27,000 of emergency funding to provide reliable drinking water to the 475 residents on the Robeline-Marthaville Water System at a meeting Thursday, Dec. 22. DRA’s investment will be matched by $5,000 in local funds to replace a 30-year-old water tank.

“We are grateful for the DRA’s immediate approval of our request to fund a new pump that will deliver running water to all residents and businesses on our system,” said Tommy O’Con, chairman of the Water System Board. “This allows us to purchase the pump today and install it immediately to provide running water just in time for the holidays.”

The meeting including Water System Board members; Parish President Rick Nowlin; members of the NPSO Office of Emergency Preparedness; Knox Ross, president and CEO of the Coordinating and Development Council of Shreveport; a representative from the Dept. of Health and Hospitals; M.E. “Toye” Taylor, deputy chief of staff for intergovernmental affairs at the Office of the Governor and members of the Louisiana Rural Water Association.

The Robeline-Marthaville Water System experienced a “catastrophic failure of its main pressure water tank,” the Water System said in its application for DRA funding. Buying a new pump will return reliable potable water to customers, including the 370-students at Marthaville Elementary and Junior High School.

“Drinking water is essential to every community, and DRA is committed to taking swift action to make investments that ensure the Delta has the infrastructure in place to deliver dependable water for residents,” said DRA Chairman Chris Masingill. “In this case, we acted within 24 hours on the Robeline-Marthaville request, and I’m grateful to our Board of Directors for approving this emergency funding today. Our actions this week clearly demonstrate DRA’s pledge to support infrastructure improvements that are vital to communities across the Mississippi River Delta region.”

By: DENNIS COLEMAN

The name used for this battle is indicative of battlefield intelligence available to the U.S. Army in late November, 1950.  The maps being used were those left by the occupying Japanese in WWll, i.e. at least five years old and inaccurate. The Korean name Changjin was simply changed by the Japanese to Chosan and later Americanized to Chosin (pronou…nced chosen). It will be forever known as Chosin Reservoir.  Our military brass didn’t even have the name right.

The U.N. forces, 88% of which were the armed forces of the United States,  were coming off victories at Pusan and Inchon and mistakenly did not anticipate the the Red Chinese getting into the fray.  That incorrect assumption proved costly and deadly. There is evidence that Chinese leader Mao Tse Tung had baited Macarthur and the general took the bait. U.S. troops had rushed headlong toward the Yalu River.  This battle, taking place from November 27, 1950 to December 13, 1950, would prove to be one of the most horrific in U.S. military history.

There are several factors which add to the magnitude and difficulty of this engagement.  Not to minimize anything but probably the most significant to the outcome was the entrance into the war by the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese had traveled by night and were well camouflaged during the day to get deep into Korea.  The Red Chinese had the high ground.  The weather (temps. down to 35 degrees below zero F.) was unrelenting and about half of the casualties were caused by the weather.  Additionally,  the 30,000  U.S. troops had no knowledge of the presence of the 67,000 Red Chinese who had infiltrated across the Yalu River and were waiting to spring their trap. The Chosin Reservoir was about 150 miles above the 38th parallel and ‘roads’ were often limited to a single lane gravel trail.

When the first illumination flare was fired at about 2:30 A.M. on November 27, hundreds of Red Chinese troops could by seen coming at the American positiions. It had begun. The fire from both armies was intense and unabated. 25,474 troops from the 1st Marine Division and 3,000 from the army were completely encircled. At dawn air support from Navy F4 Corsairs helped stem the onslaught, but the overall situation would not get any better for the next three days. In the extreme cold, weapons would not work properly, batteries would fail, and engines would not start.  Soldiers suffered frostbite and some froze to death.

Even as casualties mounted the U. S. commanders on the ground were incorrectly told that the Chinese were on the run. At a time when they were at risk of being overrun it was decided to attack toward the port of Hungman. The killing and dying continued along a 70 mile strip of road finally ending at Hungman. With naval artillery and air support, what was remaining of the force were evacuated from Hungman.

There were 17 Medal of Honor (MOH) recipients at Chosin Reservoir, 15 of those were from 1st Marine Division. The total casualties for U.S. troops 1,029 KIA, 4,594 missing, 4,582 wounded and 7,338 non-battle casualties for a total 17,843. The Red Chinese admitted casualties were 19,202 battle casualties and 28,954 non-battle casualties for a total of 48,156…out of the 67,000 stated above.  Being totally surrounded, the U. S. troops did not, could not, retreat, they simply fought their way to the evacuation point of Hungman, and after reaching the safety of the waiting ships, the port of Hungman was leveled by air and naval bombardment.

The result was one of the rare times that a Pyrrhic victory was declared for the Chinese. This term is reserved for those cases when a victory is so costly that a second such victory would result in ultimate defeat.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal received this submission. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Natchitoches Parish Journal.  If you have an article or story of interest for publishing consideration by the NPJ, please send it to NPJNatLa@gmail.com.

Goldonna Elementary and Jr. High School recognized its Student dog the Week for Dec. 9. Pictured on front row from left are Colin Freeman, Samyia Caldwell, Presley Alexander and Brooklyn O’Bannon. On back row are Principal Kendria Sanders, Avery Martin, Preslee Jones and Kara Slaughter.

BOM sponsored the NSU Middle Lab Orchestra to perform at the National Disney Festival in Orlando, Fla. Gretchen Dauzat presented a $500 donation to Kaitlin Holt.

Pictured from left are William Watley, Tyler Murchison, Farrah Murchison, Craig George, Nariaya Sowell, Gretchen, Kaitlin, Aryel Durr, Director Katrice LaCour, Catherine Picht, Freda LaCour, and Whitt Scott.

The first Christmas I remember I must have been about four years old.  I remember being awestruck at our tree (which was probably not really that big or full) and then seeing my toys under the tree on Christmas Day.

I remember a metal white Ford red cross auto from the 1940s, (which it was), a metal car-carrying truck and a metal orange roadster.  I’m sure all of those would bring nice prices at an antique toy store today, but I spent many hours playing with those sturdy little vehicles.

I also remember the year I got my long-awaited Lionel electric train.  I had one steam engine and two train sets, one a passenger liner and one a freight train, including the little milk car from which a little man came out and deposited milk cans on a platform.  Half the time he would get stuck and the milk cans would end up on the ground.

But Mother, bless her heart, created a great model train layout for me.  She painted a huge plywood sheet green and brown, sprinkled artificial grass on the green areas and used grits to make “shell roads.”  I had various little houses and businesses to represent my town.

That’s another gift that would be worth plenty today, but I sold it when I was a teenager to buy a dachshund puppy — one of the greatest little dogs I’ve ever had.

Christmas was even more fun when daughters Becky and Liz came along.  I’ll never forget how one Christmas Eve, there was a helicopter flying over our neighborhood in Algiers, across the river from New Orleans.  The aircraft had red and green running lights on it, but to my girls, it just had to be Santa’s helicopter, with those colors.  (The girls never were  too convinced about those flying reindeer.)

Anyway, when we went into the back yard and saw the chopper, the girls ran and got into bed as fast as they could.  They could plainly see Santa was almost at our house and they knew they had to be asleep by the time he got to the house.

A year or so later, I had a close call with them.  We’d bought them a huge Barbie Dream House, which had to be assembled.  I couldn’t put it together before Christmas Eve because it would have been too big to hide.

So, after we got them to bed on the Night Before Christmas, I got out the box and started my house construction.   Well, don’t you know, for some reason they woke up about midnight, came into the den and saw me at work.  Their eyes got big as saucers, but I thought fast.

“Santa dropped this off for you a few minutes ago but he didn’t have time to put it together, so he asked me to help him.  Now get back to bed because he still might be somewhere nearby and look into our windows.”

Well, they complied and returned to their rooms, allowing me time to complete Barbie’s mansion.  They did get many, many hours of fun out of that house, I tell you.  Even when they got a little older, they’d cook up elaborate soap opera-like plots for Barbie and Ken and the rest of the gang.  From what I overheard of their play, I think they could have gotten jobs as writers for TV shows.  Instead, they both became wonderful registered nurses and have helped many people with their compassion.

Those memories seem from so long ago, and they are, of course.  Christmas doesn’t mean quite the same to me now that I’m a senior citizen and the girls are in their mid 40s.  There are no grandchildren about, so in our family the magic of Christmas for children is confined to recollections.  But that’s all right.

Also, I do have a better appreciation of the true reason for the season.  My spiritual faith is infinitely stronger than it was years ago.  So, take a moment to reflect on your own great Christmas memories and then remember why we celebrate it.  Merry Christmas, my dear reader friends.

(Let me add one after thought here, that didn’t really fit in the above narrative.  You just never know what kind of weather you’re going to get on Christmas in Louisiana.  I remember one Christmas  when I was in my 20s, I was riding around in my sports car with the top down.  Then, another Christmas in Gretna not too many years ago, I saw a lovely blanket of snow that started falling about mid-day on Christmas Eve. Ah, Louisiana Christmases.  May you all enjoy this one and many more.)

Northwestern State University bestowed an honorary degree in elementary education to Noella Lyons Black of New Orleans during fall commencement. Black left the school during World War II to fill in for male teachers from her home parish who enlisted to serve in the military. She married a Naval officer and left NSU just a few credits shy of her degree. Nearly 30 members of the Black family attended the ceremony for their matriarch, who will celebrate her 94th birthday on Christmas Day.

On Wednesday, December 21, 2016 around 3:20 PM the Natchitoches Police Department was contacted in reference to a black, male, subject lying in the roadway near the intersection of Fairgrounds Rd. and Lebleu St. Officers of the Natchitoches Police Department responded where they located, 37 year old, David Wayne Jackson of 500 North St. who appeared to have sustained severe trauma to the face and head. Due to the extent of Mr. Jackson’s injuries he was immediately transported to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center by ambulance. While at the hospital Mr. Jackson was able to inform the responding officers that he had been attacked by three to four, black males while walking on Fairgrounds Rd.

The incident in-question was immediately turned over to the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) of the Natchitoches Police Department for further investigation. Detectives described Mr. Jackson’s injuries as severe resulting in Jackson being airlifted to University Health Center in Shreveport, LA.

The Natchitoches Police Department is urging anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or you may contact the Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, Detective Darrel Hickman at (318) 357-3811. All calls shall be kept confidential.

Authorized for release by:
Chief Micky Dove
12/21/2016

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies arrested two men in connection with a November disturbance involving a firearm according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

NPSO Patrol Division deputies responded to a 911 call at 121 Miller Drive in Natchitoches Nov. 14 in connection with an aggravated assault involving a firearm.

During the course of the investigation, deputies arrested Kenneth Wayne Babers, 49, of 103 Magnolia Circle in Natchitoches.

Babers was booked into the Natchitoches Detention Center and charged with 1-count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. He was released on a $5,000 appearance bond signed by a bondsman pending his court appearance.

Following Babers release, Babers filed a complaint with NPSO detectives alleging that Carl L. Means, 68 of Natchitoches, pulled a weapon on him.

Means turned himself in to NPSO Deputies Dec. 21 at 1:45 p.m. He was booked into the Detention Center and charged with 1-count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. He was released on a $5,000 bond signed by a bondsman pending his court appearance.

The investigation is currently continuing. When completed the case will be turned over to the Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office.

Involved in the investigation were: Asst. Chief of Investigations R. Turner, Detective Darrel Winder assisted by the NPSO Patrol Division.

 

 

The Natchitoches Kiwanis Club locked down plans for its January social at the Dec. 15 meeting.

The social will be held Thursday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Country Lanes Bowling Center. It is $15 a person for three games and shoes. Kids games are $5. There will be fun fundraising games and opportunities to find out more about what Kiwanis does for the community.

“We are excited to have some fun and hopefully meet some new people interested in Kiwanis,” said the social planning group. “The bowling alley hosts a large league event that night so if you want to get in on some tasty eats, it would be best to get your order in between 6-6:30.”

At the meeting members also discussed plans for the upcoming year’s Pancake Breakfast and worked on submissions for Kiwanis International.

Axsom Air received a nomination from Sondra Gay for Myesha House as part of its “Heat the Town” Program. House’s furnace had a cracked heat exchanger. This was putting dangerous carbon monoxide directly into the house through the ductwork for the family to breathe. The ceiling around some of the vents was soiled with soot.

“Levels of carbon monoxide can cause asthma like symptoms, cold symptoms and even death,” said Josh Axsom. “Carbon monoxide poisoning kills approximately 40,000 people a year.”

Josh got on phone with Lennox Industries to tell them about the condition of the furnace and they generously agreed to donate the unit.

“Team AxsomAir was so happy to be a part of blessing Myesha with the gift of heat,” said Josh. “Team members Kerry McCormic and Ryan Richard donated their time to make this happen and Tommy Manry of Solar Supply donated parts.”

While House was out, Axsom employees got to work installing the new unit. House had a surprise waiting for her when she got home, a new Lennox furnace complete with a shiny red bow.

“My kids and I are so thankful for this blessing,” said House. My daughter cried tears of joy when she made it home. Thank you again.”

The Marthaville Good Ole Days Queens held a coat drive for CASA children this year. They gathered over 70 coats to help foster children stay a bit warmer this winter. CASA appreciates everyone who donated a coat to this wonderful drive.

Pictured from left are Deb Miss Emily Miller, CASA Program Specialist Emily Dahl, and Teen Miss Erin Powell.

Northwestern State awarded 852 degrees during Fall Commencement ceremonies Friday to students who completed coursework in the Summer 2016 and Fall 2016 semesters.  Commencement speaker was NSU alumnus David Morgan.  The university also awarded an honorary degree in elementary education to Noella Lyons Black of New Orleans, who left school during World War II just a few credits shy of graduation.

Diplomas were awarded to 250 graduates who completed coursework during the summer.  Those graduates and their degrees listed by hometown are as follows.

The following list of graduates are in Natchitoches Parish and the surrounding areas:

Alexandria – Michael Hall, Tara Hall, Roderick Henry, Brittany Jackson, Willie Jackson, Toiquisha Johnson, Associate of General Studies; Haley Acuna, Janelle Edwards, Jalyn Hayward, Ranassa Lewis, Kourtlyn Meynard, Descha Schneider, Ruth Starks, Clint Whitcher, Asia William, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Donna Barbe, Master of Education, Johnny Walker, Master of Music;  Georgina Hansen, Post Baccalaureate Certification;

Bossier City – Christopher Allison, Kristen Parker, Associate of General Studies; Haley Welch, Bachelor of General Studies; Mary Good, Bachelor of Science;  Samantha Behrendt, Nikki Bryant, Lauren Day, Amber Gephart, Marissa Guerrero, amber Hardman, Krystle Jeter, Jennifer King, Justin Millen, Mohammed Rayyan, Nguyen Tran, Robert Tubbs, Maria Webster, Jacob White, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;

Clarence – Shanita Grayson, Master of Education;

Coushatta – Christine Hester, Bachelor of Science;

Florien – Gilbert Self, Associate of General Studies;  Karley Oxley, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;

Fort Polk – Jade Mitchell, Associate of General Studies;

Goldonna – Alexis Johnson, Michael Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;

Leesville – Shelby Ellerson, Bachelor of Arts;  Andrea Garrett, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;  Charlotte Hooks, Post Masters Certificate;

Mansfield – LaBrettanie McCall, Associate of General Studies;  Detries Morris, Doctor of Nursing Practice;  Kerrah Page, Post Baccalaureate Certificate;

Monroe – Stephen Gandy, Associate of General Studies;  Robert Jenkins, Ashley Robinson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;

Natchez – Brandi Carpenter, Associate of General Studies;

Natchitoches – April Rond, Associate Degree;  Taneya Anderson, Ethan Eddington, Terrance Grayson, Kenyetta Jackson, Alyssa Martin, Kasey Strother, Yasmine Thomas, Beau Voinche, Associate of General Studies; Hunter Harris, Bachelor of Arts; Bailey Parker, Jordan Tatum, Bachelor of General Studies; Alexander Anderson, Joseph Naquin, Bachelor of Scinece;  Anne Mahloch, Roxanna Ramirez, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;  Billy Morales, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Cynthia Mason, Post Baccalaureate Certificate;

Pineville – Joshua Constantine, Associate of General Studies;  Amy Lemoine, Bachelor of Arts;  Lindsey Ballow, Chantal Barney, Dylan Carter, Victoria Howard, Carly Knowles, Jessica McHenry Hughes, Hailee Paul, Alaina Russell, William Speaks, Jade Wiggins, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;

Robeline – Jessica Withers, Bachelor of Science;  Tisha Rachal, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;

Ruston – Charles Crain, Bachelor of Science;  Chelsie Cruse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;

Saline – Allyson Walker, Bachelor of Science;

Shreveport – Mackita Brown, Meosha Brown, Stacie Bryant, Tana Ford, Fredrick Freeman, Lindsey Gaskins, DeBrandeon Smith, Kajuanna Smith, Associate of General Studies; Jonesha Hines, Evanne LeBlanc, Bachelor of Arts;  Florida Gatson, Gregory McKervey, Patricia Moore, Bachelor of Science; Jessica Armstrong, Bachelor of General Studies; Ashley Leday, Bachelor of Science;  Caitlyn Bass, Kayla Bragg, Shaterria Carter, Kristen Davidson, Lindsey Gaskins, Katelyn Guy, Sheryl Jeter, Amanda Keim, Shelby LeDoux, India Lewis, Matthew McInnis, Latonia McKnight, Lyndsey Meredith, Josh Pickens, Jordan Reeves, Dorothea Scruggs, Karen Shideler, Brittany Shilling, Mingyie Theng, Ashley Wall, Lauren Warner, Lindsay Warner, Gretchen White, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Cheryl Adair, Susan Brown, Jennifer Cameron, LaToya Gipson, Tammy Harris, Doctor of Nursing Practice; Michael Kizzar, Post Baccalaureate Certificate;

Winnfield – Thomas Little, Bachelor of Science;

Fall graduates and their hometown (in Natchitoches Parish and surrounding areas) are as follows.

Alexandria —   Kimberly Colston, Associate of Science in Nursing; Sharlie Flowers, Hattie O’Steen, Joseph Stoesser, Associate of General Studies; Brandon Anderson, Catherine Brister, Bachelor of Arts; Audrinanna Williams, Kaleigh Martin, Joni Pilcher, Lauren Bell, Bachelor of Music; Kaleigh Martin, Joni Pilcher, Stephanie Richardson, Johnnetta Rutledge, Lorinda Shidiskis, Bachelor of Science; Trenise Fulford, Christopher Gist, Kayla Williams, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Terrell Gorham, Bachelor of Social Work; Tiffany Williams, Master of Arts in Teaching; Bethany Ferguson, Master of Education; Jessica Williams, Master of Science;

Bossier City — Ashely Brister,  Amber Engel, Tara Munn, Taylor Page, Katie Rachal, Daniel Sanchez-Vargas, Associate of Science in Nursing; Jonathan Rider, Meagan Rougeou, Associate of General Studies; Gavin Bazer, Michael England, Calvin Hamilton, Chelsea Maielli, Jacob Seegers, Bachelor of Arts; Leslie Rodrigues, Summer Skoog, Bachelor of General Studies; Brody Fitzpatrick, Bachelor of Music Education; Cassandra Richardson, Bachelor of Applied Science; Latisha Abrams, Dannell Calhoun, Brian Casey, Tanner Church, Morgan Fain, Dawn Gosselin, Melvin Guidry, Lynda Harris, Tyrik Harris, Nakila Kelly, Chelsea Maielli, Jerie Pedescleaux, Jonathan Rider, Bachelor of Science; Lindsay Crump, Dave Fields, Naterrica Ford, Amanda Skaggs, Tramel Williams, Jordan Wooten, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Erica Anderson, Bachelor of Social Work; Julie Gayle, Beatrice Launius, Doctor of Nursing Practice; Carolyn Milford, Kara Reeh, Amanda Viola, Master of Education; Sheila McAtee, Master of Science;

Boyce — Beth Brocato, Misti Marshall, Associate of General Studies; Casie Ford, Bachelor of Music;

Campti — Haley Roberts, Theresa Wyatt, Associate of Science in Nursing, ShTarean Smith, Bachelor of Arts;

Clarence — LaQuita Weston, Bachelor of Social Work;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Cloutierville — Sean Byone, Kala Thompson, Christina Young, Bachelor of Science;
Coushatta — Tyler Scott, Associate of General Studies; Brandon Adcock, Tori Bamburg, Cameron Campbell, Bachelor of General Studies; Ashley Cox, Erica Morgan, Bachelor of Science; Melissa Savell, Bachelor of Science;

Florien — Thomas Tilley, Bachelor of Science; Robbin Brown, Master of Education;

Leesville– Jacob Contreras, Bachelor of Fine Arts; LaKieah Brown, Bachelor of General Studies; Teresa Contreras, Zachary Crowder, Katarina Haymon, Jenna Jeane, Cole Parker, Michael Snell, Jessica Williamson, Bachelor of Science; Katlynn Dillon, Bachelor of Social Work;

Mansfield — Jonshonique Taylor, Associate of Science in Nursing; DeAngelo Evans, Associate of General Studies; Wesley Horton, Bachelor of Arts; Lynnette Taylor, Bachelor of General Studies; Tymaria Campbell, Victoria Childress, Zack Crawley, Destiny Ward, Bachelor of Science; Tacortia Williams, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Bridgette Foshee, Master of Arts;

Many – Sandra Ward Rutherford, Associate of Science in Nursing, Michael Fair, Associate of General Studies; Jarred Brandon, Melissa Crowley, Shelby Leone, Marcie Malmay, Steven Parrie, Alayna Webb, Bachelor of Science; Hailey Coan, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Meredith Founds, Master of Arts in Teaching;

Monroe – Latasha Jackson, Associate of General Studies, Sarah Gandy, Bachelor of Arts; Ernest Potter, Bachelor of General Studies, Alfred Crockham, Janna Jenkins, Bachelor of Science, Porsche Henderson, Lateshia Moran, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Michael Davis, Master of Arts;

Natchez – Howard Slaughter, Associate of General Studies; Anedra Seawood,Bachelor of Science;

Natchitoches – Chelsea Cremeans, Charlie Gandy, Kathryn Mathews, Associate of Science in Nursing; Heather Burrell, Latoya Carmouche, Rebekah Conlay, Ashley Eddington, Associate of General Studies; Anthony Cannata, Kelly Morgan, Deborah Moses, Bachelor of Arts; Gretchen Swindle, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Leroy Armstrong, Jonathon Chelette, Marques Washington, Bachelor of General Studies, Josephine Amusu, Marissa Bailey, Doris Below, Caitlin Bowman, Trent Brazil, Lonnie Brown, Teresa Cates, Jane Close, John Gallien, Sebastian Roldan Gomez, Margaret Hochstedler, Jazzlyn Johnson, Demard Llorens, Erica McGeisey, Corrine Nagim, Lester Owsley, Caviaan Rachal, Joshua Randolph, Kazue Seo, Adrian Sewell, Justin Sines, Tyrell Small, Ryan Smith, Stephen Smith, Nathan Vercher, Kylee Williams,Bachelor of Science; Stephen Burkhalter, Pui Chan, Marissa Metoyer, Laren Vercher, Issac Woodward, Oliver Woodward, Chelsea Wynder, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Jahson Albert, Dahmairi, Bachelor of Social Work; Stephonie French, Educational Specialist; Tiffany Chasteen, Master of Arts; Yanci Johnson, Master of Arts in Teaching; Alyson Breaux, Amy Dodson, Cori Manuel, Tiffany Morgan, Cady White, Master of Education; Jaime Cisneros, Master of Music; Jami LeBlanc, Tracey Rew, Jordan Wheat, Master of Science; Melanie Leach, Master of Science in Nursing;

Pineville – Jonathan Perkins, Associate of Arts; Renee Bray, Benjamin Clark, Candice Glasper, Adrienne Mayeaux, Associate of General Studies; Jonathan Perkins, Bachelor of Arts; Mary Tassin, Bachelor of General Studies; Morgan Driscoll, Adrienne Mayeaux, Alexxa Moore, Chad Worthy, Bachelor of Science; Krystal Davis, John Wagnon, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Gabrielle Cangelosi, Master of Arts; Ashley Sanders, Master of Arts in Teaching;

Provencal – Stephanie Horn, Derek Toro, Associate of General Studies; Kathryn Vanhook, Bachelor of General Studies; Rashanna Beard, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;

Robeline – Tanner Hernandez, Associate Degree, Bachelor of Science; Lisa Alsobrook, Heather Hammond, Katie Jones, Bachelor of General Studies; Corley Jackson, Bachelor of Science;

Ruston – Lauren Yepson, Associate Degree, Bachelor of Science;

Saline — Dequanzia Patterson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;

Shreveport – Shequita Brown, Tiffany Carr, Jordan Carter, Denisha Clark, Shyanna Cook, Alicia Henry, Denver Iles, Jennifer Mullee, Shelley Spence, Associate of Science in Nursing; Melinda Burns, Jennifer Cummings, Caitlin Douglas, Associate of General Studies; Nathaniel Magner, Alecia Rogers, Bachelor of Arts; Alanda Jackson, Laterina Washington, Bachelor of General Studies; Kenneth Brooks, Mighty-Warrior Buckles, Charles Cook, Kelsey Cook, Kristiin Jacobs, Paige Kennedy, Kristopher King, DeJon Lane, Lari Leber, Toni Matthews, Angelia Rhodes, Gabriel White, Bachelor of Science; Alexandra Adair, Olivia Carter, Karla Douglas, Fanneka Dupree, Jessica Fagans-King, Chelsea Glyenn, Jennifer Griffith, LaKisha Harris-Priest, Kristalyn Holland, Alexander Husted, Jazzelyn Isom, Denise Killen, Brittany Linzay, Katlyn Malmay, Yelena McKervey, Joan McMaster, Lakeisha Miller, Zakiya Moraza, Shaina Newton, Melissa Pannebaker, Lakeidra Pratt, Adam Rinaudo, Krystal Rosette, Patricia Russell, Robert Salone, Mary Samper, Robin Trujillo, Logan Webb, James Young, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Sarah Evans, Bachelor of Social Work; Michelle Hardin, Master of Arts in Teaching; Andrea Jones, Master of Science in Nursing;

Winnfield – Jovonia Gore, Bachelor of General Studies; Alisha Carter, Daeshawn Lyles, Kaitlyn Sonnier, Brandon Trussell, Bachelor of Science; Jennifer Carpenter, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Northwestern State University honored the top graduates from the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development, the Louisiana Scholars’ College and the College of Arts and Sciences prior to morning commencement Dec. 16. Seated from left are Melissa Bailey of Prairieville, Sarah Gandy of Monroe and Gabrielle Gonzales of New Orleans. Standing from left are David Morgan, commencement speaker; Kaitlin Lewing of Ebarb, Jacob Bryant of Bossier City, Emory Rachal of Moreauville, Kayla Ashford of Baton Rouge, Rebekah Broussard of Morse, Tanner Hernandez of Robeline, Lauren Yepson of Ruston and NSU President Dr. Jim Henderson.

NSU also recognized top graduates from the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health, the College of Business and Technology and those receiving general studies degrees prior to afternoon commencement Friday. Seated from left are Jamila Daniels of Lake Charles and Amanda Skaggs of Bossier City. Standing are State Rep. Kenny Cox, Kazue Seo of Kuroda, Japan; Austin McCurry of Haynesville, Logan Webb of Shreveport, Tyler Cox of Sarepta and NSU President Dr. Jim Henderson.

Northwestern State University graduating senior Gavin Trent Bazer, center, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Friday in conjunction with fall commencement exercises. Bazer is a native of Benton who followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in serving in the military. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Bazer has been assessed Military Police.

He was congratulated by Colonel Nelson G. Kraft, commissioning guest speaker, left, and Lt. Col. Katherine Carlson, head of NSU’s Department of Military Science.

 

Rehearsals went well Tuesday night as musicians and technicians prepared for “A Rockin’ Louisiana Christmas” concert. The event is a benefit presented by the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival and the James Burton Foundation, to be held at the Natchitoches Event Center Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Tickets for the event are $20 for adults, $10 for students with ID’s, and active duty military, with children 12 and under admitted free. For more information, call 1800-259-1714, (318) 352-5900, or go to http://www.natchjazzfest.com

Members of the Board of the Robeline-Marthaville Water System and System Operator Randy Byrd met today, December 20, with Knox Ross, President and CEO of The Coordinating and Development Corporation of Shreveport.

Knox learned about the System’s crisis after reading The Natchitoches Parish Journal and immediately extended a helping hand. He immediately contacted Natchitoches Parish President Rick Nowlin who in turn contacted Governor John Bel Edwards’ office for emergency assistance. A designee from Governor Edwards’ office has agreed to visit the plant site this week to take a first hand look at the problem we are experiencing.

Our goal is to have new equipment installed at the plant prior to Christmas so that all customers will have water available for the holidays. We are very optimistic that a solution is at hand as a result of Governor John Bel Edwards, Parish President Rick Nowlin, Knox Ross of CDC and The Natchitoches Parish Journal getting involved. We will be posting updates as we progress. Tomorrow, we will be providing all necessary info needed to obtain this emergency funding.

Thanks for everyone’s patience and understanding.

Tommy O’Con
President
Robeline Marthaville Water System

The Parish Council members unanimously voted down an ordinance Monday night, December 19, to adopt the Natchitoches Parish Government Personnel Policy Manual with certain revisions and the addition of a new job description of Parish Engineer.

Currently the position requires applicants to hold a degree from an accredited university in the engineering field and be a licensed engineer in the State. The revision would allow 10 years of relevant experience with public works to stand in place of the degree.

The second part of the ordinance is what had Council members voting no. It would split Nick Verret’s current duties into multiple positions to include Parish Engineer, Highway Department Director and Assistant Director/Road Maintenance Supervisor. The person replacing Verret would be able to fully focus on the Highway Department. Verret would then be able to focus solely on his engineering work for the Parish.

“There’s times when my total time involved in the engineering aspects, trying to make deadlines for submittals, that I have no time to do any highway supervision,” said Verret.

The pay for these positions would total around $175,000 according to Parish President Rick Nowlin.

“We’d be spending the same amount of money,” he said. “We’d just be splitting it up a little differently. This would put Nick in a position where he can focus solely on the engineering needs of the Parish.”

According to Nowlin, it’s better to spend the money in-house, rather than contract out to other engineering firms who charge around $175 per hour.

Verret went on to say that he’s saved the Parish money on multiple projects that would have cost thousands more if the work would have been contracted out.

“On a daily basis I review plans and specifications, make revisions, perform field inspections and surveys and any number of other things that come up, but I can’t follow up on road work while doing all this,” said Verret. “The value of an engineer is hard to put a price tag on.”

The Council’s vote showed it was unconvinced.

One agenda item died from lack of a motion. It was the consideration of entering into a lease with Donny Whitehead for a polling place in Vowells Mill. Nowlin said he negotiated with Whitehead to bring the lease amount down from $1,600 to $1,200 annually if the Parish agreed to maintain the property. The decision was made to search for another location to house the polling place.

Other agenda items included:

Resolution to call an election to be in Natchitoches Parish Fire District 1 and 5 continuation of an ad valorem tax March 25.

Change meeting dates of Jan. 16 to Jan. 17 and Feb. 20 to Feb. 21 in observance of holidays.

Examine and approve the official certified tabulations of votes cast at Nov. 8 election for Proposition Sales Tax District No. 1 and 2.

Confirm reappointment of Greg Burke to the Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission, James Anthony to the Water Works District 2 Board and appointment of Dallas Russell to the Children and Youth Planning Board.

Reject bids for grader blades due to irregularities in bid submission and open up for re-bids.

Introduction of ordinance to reduce the posted speed limit on Willie Banes Road to 20 mph.

Approve the amended 2016 budget and the proposed 2017 budget for the operation of the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory Commission.

Authorize Parish President to work with other local governmental entities and stakeholders to identify potential projects and matching fund partners for utilizing $839,012 in FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding that has been allocated to Natchitoches Parish.

Authorize Parish President to sign an agreement with the LSU AgCenter to support and administer Louisiana Cooperative Units off campus.

Approve budget revision for a new food van for Head Start.

Introduce ordinance authorizing Parish President to enter into an agreement with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for the sale of the Parish building and a certain parking lot to the NPSO.

The Council approved awarding the following bids:

CRS-2 Cationic Emulsified Asphalt to Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions LLC

Crushed Stone, Stone Riprap and Hot Mix Asphaltic Concrete for Patching and Leveling to Madden Contracting Company LLC

Winn Rock Road Maintenance Material to Winn Rock, LLC

Silty Clay Soil to FFT Trucking Services, LLC

Commercial/Industrial, Passenger, Light Truck and Trailer Tires to Natchitoches Tire

Service Inc. DBA Despino’s Tire Service

Metal Culverts to Contech Construction Products Inc.

Cold Mix Asphalt to Diamond B. Construction Co. LLC

Washed Gravel to Larry Grayson and Son Trucking LLC

Oil and Grease Products to Lott Oil Company

Milk and Dairy for Head Start to Harper’s Distributing

Meat, Meat Products and Alternatives and Fruits, Vegetables and Processed Foods for Head Start to Reinhart Food Services

By Madam Belle Write/Opinion

Would you buy a home served by the Robeline-Marthaville Water System? Customers of this system have gone with limited pressure or a complete lack of water for over three days now. The worst part is there’s no end in sight. Customers at a meeting Monday, December 16 said it looks like Santa will be bringing their children bottled water for Christmas. Quoted over $50,000 and around 6-8 weeks for a new pump installation the outlook is bleak to say the least.

Besides the health risks and public safety concerns generated by a water outage, I was curious to find out what else this emergency situation affected.

The dire situation the customers of this water system face shouldn’t be downplayed, but there is always a bigger picture to look at. It isn’t just the approximate 400-500 customers that are getting the short end of the stick. The real estate market has come to a screeching halt. Let’s face it. Who wants to buy a house when the water doesn’t work. Or comes out with dirt in it, as some customers claim.

No one in the Robeline or Marthaville areas will be able to so much as consider selling their home for as long as this situation continues. According to members of the board and the Fire Chief for FD #7, there’s no way to definitively gauge how long this situation may last.

Local real estate agent Rodrick McIntosh, who said a disaster like this is one of the worst things that could happen for the real estate market. It will negatively affect the property value.

“Who would want to buy a house in these areas without being able to have clean water,” he questioned. “Houses won’t sell until the problem is fixed.”

However, it seems that this problem stems from a lack of funding, which has caused the system to deteriorate over the past 30 years. If you don’t fund the maintenance of things, don’t expect them to last very long. But it’s water under the bridge now and it’s time to stop arguing over things that have happened in the past that you can’t change. It’s now time to step up to fund the infrastructure, in turn improving the quality of life and overall asset value.

Let’s think about property value. Let’s think about potential new industries, which would mean new jobs. Let’s think about building an infrastructure that will entice people to move here. It’s not just Robeline and Marthaville. It’s Natchitoches Parish and the parish can’t succeed unless all it’s parts are working properly.

Dealing with limited water pressure or no water at all for over three days now, residents of Robeline and Marthaville are at their wits end. A meeting of the Robeline-Marthaville Water System held Monday, Dec. 19, discussed steps needed to get the system operational again. Board members present were James and Carroll Daniels and Board President Tommy O’Con. Marvin Davis, Marcie Mitchell and Fran Nelson (secretary and treasurer) weren’t at the meeting.

Fire District 7 Chief Doug Birdwell had two 3,000 gallon portable water tanks set up at station 1 in Robeline and station 2 in Marthaville so homeowners can flush their toilets. The Sheriff’s Office and the Red Cross office in Shreveport delivered bottled water Monday afternoon.

“The main deal now is for cooking water and drinking water,” said Birdwell. “We need something.”

It seems the solution is dependent on how much money the system has to spend on a new pump. However there’s no quick fix in sight. A new pump will cost $50,000, not including electrical and other costs. This could take 6-8 weeks to be installed.
The board passed a motion to authorize Operator Randy Byrd to do whatever it takes to get a bladder tank for a short-term solution and to make long-term plans to get a variable pump.

The water has never been drinkable or reliable, according to customers, which seemed to be an underlying issue at the meeting. Homeowners voiced their frustration over appliances burning up due to the water being cut off frequently. It’s become an even bigger health and safety issue for customers and the system’s operator.

“Every time Randy goes to the plant he puts his life on the line,” said Carroll Daniels, who went on to say the plant could blow at any time.

Beyond this, if a fire were to break out, the fire hydrants connected to the system would be useless.

“I hope and pray that we don’t have a major fire that requires lots of water,” said Birdwell. “Fire District 7 has paid for six fire hydrants at $5,500 each that have been installed over the last 5 years on the system. The fire hydrants were bought with taxpayer money and we can’t use them. I have been contacted by other fire districts offering their assistance if needed. We do not know at this time when the issue will be solved.”

Another issue, considered by customers to be the source of their problems, is the lack of money. Customers questioned why there was no money, but without Nelson present at the meeting, an answer couldn’t be given. The board passed a motion to require Fran Nelson to come to work at the water system’s office during regular business hours so customers can easily reach her for answers. However, customers at the meeting said they’d rather makes cuts at the office, which has three employees. In their opinion, if money is needed to fix their water system, it could be attained by having a single person run the office. According to the customers, a single employee runs the Belmont Water System’s office and it has around double the customers the R-MV system has.

“My issue is we’ve known something like this was going to happen for years,” said customer Amanda Freeman. “Why weren’t steps taken years ago to get the funding to prevent us from being in this situation?”

The Natchitoches Parish Journal provided live coverage of Monday’s meeting, during which the Robeline-Marthaville Water System board was asked to provide financial statements to help account for the lacks of funding. Board President Tommy O’Con said the 2015 tax return was available for public inspection. Look below for the full document.

NOTE – It appears that the water system might have been spending “restricted” or “reserved” cash as of December 31, 2015

Sherman Deselle, popular Host of “Jambalaya” and morning show anchor on KALB-TB Channel 5 in Alexandria, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the “A Rockin’ Louisiana Christmas” concert to be held this Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at The Event Center in Natchitoches.

The concert, which is being presented by The Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival and The James Burton Foundation, will feature Rock and Roll Hall of Famer James Burton, his bandmate from Elvis Presley’s TCB Band, Estelle Brown, Grammy winning zydeco legends Wayne Toups and Jo El Sonnier, along with host band Johnny Earthquake and the Moongdogs.

Toups said, “I love Natchitoches and always look forward to playing there. My wife is from Winnfield and attended NSU so we have a lot of family ties there.  I am particularly excited about getting to perform on the same stage with James Burton and Estelle Brown of Elvis Presley’s band along with my old friends Jo El Sonnier and Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs.  There is no telling what is going to happen!”

Deselle is a native of Alexandria and a graduate of NSU, where he majored in vocal performance.  He has been at KALB since 2008, where he has severed in various capacities.  While at NSU, Deselle was a member of The Entertainers, a popular vocal group.

Deselle will be assisted in his Master of Ceremonies duties by NSU president Chris Maggio, along with Miss Merry Christmas and The Christmas Belles.

“I am looking forward to seeing the Christmas lights in Natchitoches,”said Estelle. “I’ve never seen them before. Also, it will be like old times to perform with James again.” She said that some Elvis Christmas songs will be performed at the show.

“Elvis loved Christmas,” she said. “It was his favorite time of year and I love honoring him by performing some of his songs.”