Redshirt sophomore Mikayla Brown appears to be on track to returning to her dominant self after adjusting her stride length. The Deville native, who won the 2015 Southland Conference Pitcher of the Year, tore her ACL after two appearances in the 2016 season.
PHOTO: Gary Hardamon/NSU Photographic Services
By Kevin Shannahan
Natchitoches’ Fort St. Jean Baptiste came alive with the sounds of drumming, singing and dancing as the Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana held its first Spring Festival at the fort. The Natchitoches Tribe was joined by around 15 members of the Mississipppi Band of Choctaw Indians who demonstrated traditional social dances and then invited the crowd to join them. Members of the Houma Indian Tribe also joined the festival and demonstrated crafts and games. A crowd of approximately 150 people came to enjoy the fun and educational event.
The Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana members are documented descendents of Natchitoches’ original Native American population who were here when Bienville came up the river. Over the years, they intermarried with the French and Spanish settlers. According to the Vice Chief of the Tribe, Belinda Brooks, “They hid in plain sight” after the Indian Removal Act of 1835. The Tribe, long thought to be extinct, actually never was and is coming forth to reclaim its heritage. On April 10th, a bill will be introduced in the Louisiana Legislature to recognize the Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana. They are also in the process of obtaining Federal recognition.
In addition to the event’s guests from Houma and Mississipppi, tribe members came from as far away as Alabama, Illinois, Oklahoma and Paris, France, making the event a family reunion as well.
Mssr. Clement Lagouarde of Paris, France is a proud member of the Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana. His great grandfather was from Natchitoches and enlisted in the U.S. Army in WWI. While serving in France, he met Clement’s great grandmother, Mme Fernande Jasinsky. Lagouarde discovered his Natchitoches tribal roots while researching his family history.
The Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana’s inaugural Spring Festival is a great way to bring family together and celebrate our shared heritage. May there be many more to come!
Natchitoches Women’s Care and Natchitoches Parish Relay For Life will host the inaugural One-Day Power In Purple Mixers Saturday, April 22 from 9 am – 1 pm. at the NSU Tennis Courts. The entry fee is $40. Participants must provide a can of tennis balls. Please make checks payable to “Relay For Life.” All proceeds from the event will benefit Relay for Life. Sign-up forms must be turned in to (Natchitoches Women’s Care) by April 20. They can also be mailed to: Natchitoches Women’s Care (Relay for Life), 627 Bienville Circle, Natchitoches, LA 71457.
For more information call Carmen Aviles at 318-527-1147 or e-mail womenscare@suddenlinkmail.com.
Artist Phoenix Savage will present an exhibition of contemporary mixed media sculptures at Northwestern State University’s Orville Hanchey Gallery April 10-28.
The exhibition, “Joy’s Ogede,” (translation: “Joy’s Banana”) will feature an installation of Savage’s work, “Genesis” that is open to the public from 10 a.m.-noon daily April 5-9. Savage will present an artist’s talk at 2 p.m. April 10, followed by an opening reception at 5:30 p.m.
Savage’s work depicts the African diaspora constructed using traditional and contemporary artistic techniques.
For more information on Savage’s work, visit phoenixsavage.com.
Come celebrate our 20th anniversary and Grand Opening of our new facility at 4150 University Parkway (across from BOM) on Wednesday April 5 from 11-2! We will have giveaways, hamburgers and more!
Thank You for 20 Years Natchitoches!
The Axsom Family
Mercedes Wiles, president of the Natchitoches Kiwanis Circle K Chapter at Northwestern State University won the Best Club President award at the 58th Annual District Convention March 31-April 1.
Spring, traditionally a time of change, is here, and maybe you would like to try something knew or even learn a new skill. The Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL), on Second St., and the Northeast Branch (NEB), in Campti, have a plethora of programs to help you shake yourself out of the winter doldrums, whether you are a child, teen, or an adult!
The NEB kicks off with its first event of the month with an acrylic painting class. This will be the project for this month’s Adult Crafting Club. The class will meet at 10 am on April 3, 10, and 24. Space is limited and sign-up is required.
And If you’ve overcome your fear that your computer is out to get you, but you’re still not sure it LIKES you, perhaps the NEB’s Basic Computer Class II could help you further warm up to your digital compatriot. The first course offering, on April 6 at 10:30 am, will cover basic skills and use of Microsoft Office Suite programs: Word, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Space is limited, so sign up early for this chance to learn how to take full advantage of the library’s and your own computer. Those interested in any NEB events may register by phone at 318-476-3280.
Adult programming at the NPL will begin with a gardening class on April 3 at 6 pm, with local gardener Kevin Walker. Mr. Walker will be offering tips to get higher yields from your backyard vegetable garden. No sign up is required for this event.
And, as you may have heard, coloring your cares away isn’t just for children anymore. With the rising popularity of adult coloring, many people are finding joy and stress relief through something they haven’t done since grade-school. The NPL invites people to come and enjoy these mental benefits at Adult Coffee and Coloring on April 6 from 10-11:30 am. There is no sign-up, and light snacks, coffee, coloring pages, and color pencils are provided.
Those wishing to further relax and rejuvenate their minds, can also do so with their bodies at April’s adult fitness series, Yoga with Richard. Join in with gentle yoga poses, geared to all ability levels. Sign-up for this series is open to both adults and teens and will meet at 6 pm on April 6, 12, 19, and 27. Those interested may reserve their spot at the Second Floor Circulation Desk, or by calling Adult Programmer, Martha Uchino, at 318-238-9246.
Teens also have ample opportunity to participate at their local library this month. First, at Art with Annabel for Teens, on April 4 at 6 pm at the NPL. There, Children’s Librarian, Annabel Jones, will be helping kids, 6th-12th grades, construct a collaborative wall art piece to be used on the Open Mic Poetry Café Night later in the month. Sign up is required for this event. Another popular event for teenagers at the is the new high school Random Fandom club. Here teens meet and discuss their favorite anime, movies, books, games, and anything else that they think others would enjoy. The first meeting will be April 5, from 5-6:30 pm; no sign up is required! Also, if teens would like to take part in planning and requesting programs and events for their age group, they can join the Teen Advisory Board, which meets April 6, from 5-6:30 pm. For more information or to register for any teen events, patrons may call Michelle Pichon, Teen Programmer, at 318-238-9240.
The NPL’s Children’s Department is starting April with a month-long egg hunt! Children who find the golden egg that is hidden in the Children’s area on the first floor will receive a prize. The location will change each day, so kids can participate multiple times throughout the month.
Dodge those April showers and check out a book, a movie, and a special program next week at your local library. These activities are just from the first week of the month, for more information and a full calendar of events, you may visit natlib.org.
Natchitoches Jr. High – Frankie Ray Jackson 4H Students spent 3 hours at the Humane Society’s Happy TAILS rescue. They had a crash course on shelter best practices, dog handling, spay, neuter, psychological effects of owning a pet, pet health and safety, held a dog show, a puppy parade and completed a project for the NPSO Kid’s Health Fest.
That wasn’t enough so they presented Mrs. Juanita with three large boxes of fun toys, treats and food for the Happy TAILS dogs and to present to adopters.
They also had a blast loving and being loved by adoptable dogs at the facility including Timber, Berry, Nola, Panda, Olivia, Letti, Mindy, Annie, Missy, Sissy, Cutie, Shelby, Lefty, Poncho, Sarge, Moose and Ranger.
According to a Task Force Official, on 3/30/2017 Agents with the Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force arrested Kristian Moore B/M 38, on narcotics related charges at his residence located at 806 Old River Rd. Natchitoches, LA.
NMJDTF agents have been investigating Moore for a lengthy period of time and gained credible information that Moore was bringing large amounts of marijuana and distributing the drug throughout the Natchitoches area.
On 3/30/17 NMJDTF agents conducted a search warrant for his residence and located approximately 44 pounds of suspected marijuana located in a stolen cargo trailer on the property. Agents also seized approximately $14,000 U.S. currency, 1 vehicle, a stolen trailer, drug paraphernalia used to package and distribute narcotics and 14 firearms.
NMJDTF agents also seized several all terrain vehicles which all had obliterated vehicle identification numbers.
Kristian Moore was placed in NPDC and charged with the following charges:
-1 count of possession of Schedule I (marijuana) with intent to distribute
-1 count of possession of drug paraphernalia
-1 count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile 1 count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a firearm
-1 count of possession of stolen things over $500 for possessing the stolen enclosed trailer.
Moore was issued the district court date of June 1st 2017 and placed in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center to await bond.
The Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force would like to thank the Citizens of Natchitoches for their support. Many times an investigation begins with a simple phone call or tip from a concerned citizen. For this reason the Task Force encourages all citizens to report any crimes in their neighborhoods anonymously by calling 318-357-2248, The Natchitoches Police Department, or the Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Office.
The Conference of Louisiana Colleges and Universities will meet on the campus of Northwestern State University Thursday, April 6. Dr. Jim Henderson, CLCU president and president of the University of Louisiana System, will make opening remarks. Other speakers will include Dr. Joseph C. Rallo, commissioner of higher education, and Kimberly Robinson, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue and co-chair of the taskforce on structural changes in budget and tax policy.
The day-long event will also include panels to address state and federal legislative issues, faculty and academic affairs and emerging trends in higher education.
CLCU was established with the purpose of improving postsecondary education in Louisiana. It serves as a communications medium for all institutions of higher education in the state and other constituents. The CLCU is comprised of representatives from Louisiana’s accredited two-year and four-year colleges and universities, as well as members of the Louisiana Board of Regents and the management boards for each system.
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Terrific Kids for the month of February pictured on first row from left are Jaliea Williams, Izabella Smith, Klaire Pierce, Maggie Sampey and Addison Price. On second row are Dayde Masson, Blakely Ridley, Colby Jett, Nathan Lovemore, Avery Broadway, Hunter Goings and Coordinator Miss Davis. On third row are Mrs. Anita Dubois, Gage Pinckley, Tyler French, Preston Johnson and Chris Johnson. Not pictured is Gavin Foust.
Public Notice
Cane River Lake is currently at 98.4 MSL. The Spillway landing is now closed due to high water. It will not reopen until it reaches 98.0 MSL (pool stage).
The lake and all other landings remain open. Please remember to boat Safe, Sober, and always wear your Life Jackets.
A young lady from Metairie escaped serious injury this afternoon following a single-vehicle crash on La. Hwy 9 according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 5:31pm, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS and Bienville Parish Fire District #7 responded to 911 reports of a single-vehicle rollover crash on La. Hwy 9 north of Creston, La.
Deputies say 18-year-old Sarah E. Rogers of Metairie operating a 2006 Toyota MTX was traveling southbound on La. Hwy 9 north of Creston when she apparently lost control of the vehicle, leaving the roadway on the left side traveling through a ditch causing the vehicle to overturn.
Rogers was treated at the scene by EMS for lacerations and bruises and released without transport.
Rogers was reportedly wearing her seat belt.
State Police cited Rogers for Careless Operation of a Vehicle.
The crash was investigated by Troopers assigned to LSP Troop-E Alexandria.
NPSO: Photos and Press Release
Support Relay for Life’s Easter Eggstravaganza fundraiser and take some of the stress out of your life by ordering your candy filled Easter eggs by April 7. Eggs will be available to pick up on April 12 from 11 am – 1 pm at the University Parkway branch of Bank of Montgomery. Quantities available are 10 for $10, 20 for $20, 30 for $30, 40 for $40 and 50 for $50. Contact Danielle Antoon Cobb, American Cancer Society Community Manager, at 318-663-4489 to place an order.
A Natchitoches Police Department Motorcycle Patrolman working traffic enforcement March 28 made a drug arrest after a subject ran a stop sign.
The NPD officer observed a vehicle fail to stop at the stop sign on Cypress Street. The officer activated his lights and sirens to pull the subject over. The subject refused to stop and continued his apparent flight from the officer.
The subject finally stopped on West Street. The driver, identified as Stephen Varice, got out of the vehicle with a bag of suspected marijuana in his possession. Other officers arrived to assist and during a search of the vehicle a weapon was found under the front seat. Upon completion of a warrant check it was determined Varice had two active bench warrants.
Stephen Varice, 28, of Natchitoches was charged with flight from an officer, possession of marijuana, possession of a weapon in the presence of a CDS, 2 counts failure to appear, and traffic violations. He was placed in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center with a bond of $15, 000.
By Kevin Shannahan
Over 150 4-H members, families and supporters attended the inaugural 4-H Foundation Auction and Dinner held Thursday, March 30 at Westside Baptist Church. The event started with a dinner served by 4-H youth members. A silent and live auction of everything from hunting prints to guns to vacation getaways followed. The event’s fund-raising goal for the night was $20,000, all of which will stay in the parish and be used for supplies, programming and camp scholarships.
Natchitoches Parish boasts 600 young people in 20 4-H clubs in various schools in every corner of our parish. Pam Pearce, the 4-H Agent for Natchitoches Parish, described the popular program as “co-curricular, not extra-curricular.” In addition to the traditional livestock and agricultural activities one usually associates with 4-H, the program features science, engineering and technology. Most importantly, it teaches leadership and exposes its young men and women to new experiences and opportunities to learn and grow.
With approximately 180,000 members in Louisiana, 4-H is the state’s largest youth development program. This year, those 180,000 members are led by State 4-H President Jill Wiltz, a senior at Natchitoches Central. After her tenure at the helm of the State’s 4-H, Jill will attend Oral Roberts University and major in Biblical Literature with a minor in Biblical Languages. The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes Miss Wiltz the best in her future endeavors and commends the young people of Natchitoches 4-H for their hard work and dedication.
Due to overwhelming response, Flavor of Louisiana, Northwestern State University’s celebration of students, supporters, alumni and friends, will be moved to Prather Coliseum. The event was originally scheduled to be held at the Wellness, Recreation and Activities Center, but an outpouring of response from ticket buyers and patrons necessitate the change of venue, organizers said. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, April 7 as planned and will showcase the talents of chefs from throughout the state with samplings of Louisiana seafood, along with cocktails and entertainment.
“This is the first time Northwestern State has hosted an event like this in collaboration with the Louisiana Seafood Board and the response from the community has been tremendous,” said Drake Owens, executive director of the NSU Foundation. “As ticket sales and sponsorships grew, it became clear that we would need to move the event to a larger space, which is wonderful for us.”
Guests at Flavor of Louisiana will be able to sample a variety of seafood dishes presented by chefs, restaurants and caterers from throughout the state and NSU’s culinary arts students. The event will include entertainment provided Ben Rushing and Friends, the popular Colombian band Larry’s Group, Peter and Paul Band, D.J. Leonard Sarpy and other NSU student groups with sound by Southern Breeze Productions.
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will be a featured special guest, along with 2017 inductees into the Long Purple Line, NSU’s alumni hall of distinction, who will be honored earlier in the day.
Tickets to Flavor of Louisiana are $65 per person or $125 per couple. Sponsorships are available at three levels. Pelican Sponsorship ($1,500) entitles guest to reserved seating for 8, media promotion, signage and priority parking. Magnolia Sponsorship ($1,000) entitles guest to reserved seating for 8 and sponsor signage. Fleur de Lis Sponsorship ($500) entitles guests to reserved seating for 4 and sponsor signage.
For more information or to make reservations, visit northwesternalumni.com/fol.
PHOTO:
NSU’s Student Government Association is a sponsor of Flavor of Louisiana, which has been moved from the NSU WRAC to Prather Coliseum due to overwhelming response. From left are SGA President John Pearce, Miss NSU Leighann Westfall and SGA Vice President Tre Nelson.
Natchitoches – Shreveport
Miles: ~ 83
By Corey Poole
Not only was I unaware that the Gardens of the American Rose Center in Shreveport even existed, but I was also awestruck by the sheer number of rose varieties there are.
The Center features over 65 individual rose gardens and 20,000 rosebushes with other flora, sculptures and water features.
With 118-acres there’s enough roses in the gardens to keep avid gardeners and rose admirers busy for hours. The official garden season is from April through the end of October. The peak Rose Blooming seasons are Mid-April to Late-May and Mid-September to Mid-October — depending on weather. At the end of the year, the gardens are magically transformed into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights for Christmas in Roseland.
While there are thousands of roses varieties available, there are three major groups, including:
Species Roses: Known as Wild Roses these types have been growing in the wild for hundreds of thousands of years.
Old Garden Roses: Roses cultivated before 1867.
Modern Garden Roses: Roses introduced after 1867.
Within these three groups, roses are further divided by their growth habits, foilage and flower forms.
The American Rose Center is the headquarters for the American Rose Society. The ARS headquarters moved to Shreveport from Columbus, Ohio in 1974. Founded in 1892, the ARS is the oldest single plant horticultural society in America. The ARS is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to the cultivation and enjoyment of roses. It has over 300 affiliated rose societies in its national network.
Take a quick trip to Shreveport and take time to discover the roses. It’s worth the gas to stop and smell the sweet scents of a Spiced Coffee, Hot Cocoa, Oranges ‘n’ Lemons, Raspberry Cream Twirl and more. And no, these aren’t drinks at your local coffee shop. They’re just a few of the delicious rose varieties you’ll find in the gardens at the American Rose Center.
The American Rose Center is one of the many attractions that can be found in Louisiana North, also known as Sportsman Paradise. The cities/parishes that comprise Louisiana North offer exciting activities like great cultural attractions, superb festivals, tantalizing local restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shopping adventures. Natchitoches Parish is a part of Louisiana North.