The Natchitoches Parish Planning and Zoning Department issued 34 permits for the month of April, totaling $2 million in estimated development costs and $15,518 in permit fees.
Commercial-Other:

Algodon Inc. & Baumwollie Inc., UPS Industrialized Building, 2215 Hwy. 6, $90,000

Residential-Detached Building:

Tim Murphy, 238 Plantation Point, $25,000

Eric Mayeaux, 209 Rose Hill Plantation Road, Natchez, $17,900

David Adams, 233 Edwards Edadams Road, Coushatta, $8,500

Allen Beasley, 728 Benjamin Point Road, Goldonna, $18,000

Residential-Electrical Trade:

Shannona Milstead, 757 Robeline Provencal Road, Robeline

Jerry Callens, 8065 Hwy. 120, Robeline

Madeline Owens, 5121 Hwy. 485, Robeline

Sheila Cloud, 731 Holman Loop, Campti

Bobby Osborn, 6613 Hwy. 6

Marion Johnson, 464 Collie Loop, Saline

Charles Gilbert, 386 Hwy. 1226

Derrick Maggio, 130 Phillip Street

Eric Kaufman, 214 St. Jerrard Avenue

Residential-Manufactured Home:

Marshall Canerday, 1913 Hwy. 6, $10,000

Henri Richard, 211 Bobby Cooper Road, $5,000

Jessica Moran, 378 Od Guin Road, Campti, $5,000

Laura Williams, 675 Flora Natchez Road, Robeline, $9,330

Nora Jones, 991 Flora Natchez Road, Robeline, $74,995

Eddie Horn, 254 Seab Horn Road, Provencal, $103,904

Timothy Crosby, 1196 Hwy. 3191, $40,000

Timothy Crosby, 1198 Hwy. 3191, $40,000

Timothy and Denise Crosby, 1200 Hwy. 3191, $40,000

Patrick Culbert, 3232 Hwy. 490, Lena, $5,000

Courtney Gamer, 934 N Goodwill Street, Goldonna, $51,000

Residential-New Construction:

Kiley Phillips, 2860 Hwy. 485, Robeline, $280,000

Kyle Woods, 473 Riverside Lane, Natchez, $250,000

Warren Weber, 154 Plantation Point, $305,000

Residential-Other:

George Spillman, 6843 Hwy. 6

Judy Bailes, 6827 Hwy. 6

Heather Bridges, 8144 Hwy. 478, Robeline, $550,000

Melvin Vidos, 189 Campbell Drive, $25,000

Residential-Remodel:

David Durr, 472 Lyle Walker Road, Marthaville, $72,800

Residential-Swimming Pool:

Andrew Parrish, 193 Moss Hill Terrance Road

A while back, I donated a somewhat time-worn orange and black pennant, depicting an angry looking bear, to my high school alma mater, Catholic High in Baton Rouge.

The school collects memorabilia from the old days and the nice lady in charge of that informed me on the telephone that their collection had no such pennant as far as she knew.

So, better for the item to end up within the confines of good old CHS rather than for it to be discarded when that (hopefully) distant day comes when I’ll no longer be around to look after it.

This preamble is simply a lead in for me to tell you that for some reason my thoughts in the last couple of days have been wandering back to the days when I was a student at CHS.  And how the good Brothers of the Sacred Heart ruled the roost and made us like it.

Corporal punishment at Catholic High in those days was definitely not forbidden.  I’m sure it was the same for many other private schools, and maybe even in public schools in those long ago days.  I know that none of us at CHS were the worse off for getting knocked around a bit by the brothers.

In my freshman year, the fall of 1956, the school was still in downtown Baton Rouge, on North Street.  It was CHS’ last year at that location and the institution would move for the 1957-58 year to a fine new campus out in the suburbs.

Anyway, in my first year, I gave some of the brothers the mistaken impression that I was a smart alec.  You see, when I underwent the voice change that all teenaged boys are forced to endure, it was an extreme change.  If I tried to talk much over a whisper, my voice popped and crackled like an old radio seeking for a distant station.

So when my home room teacher, Brother Canisius, called upon me, he thought I was being a wise acre when I told him I couldn’t talk loud.  He didn’t attack me, but for the whole semester, the brother thought I was a goof-off, trying to get attention.  Believe me, that kind of attention I didn’t want.

As an upper classman, we were seated in the classroom in alphabetical order.  That meant that my very good buddy, Tim Clement, sat right in front of me.  Our homeroom was the physics lab, so just about every time Brother Donnan would go back in the lab to prepare experiments, Tim and I would begin to chatter.  Inevitably, the teacher would hear us and silently approach from the rear.

He would ball up his fist and bang me in the right side of my head from behind, then get Tim on his noggin on the back swing, assaulting the left side of Tim’s skull.  My buddy and I might see stars for a moment, but we’d figure we were breaking the rules and were receiving only our just desserts.

I also remember one time when Brother Doinnan picked me up bodily and tossed me against a locker in the hall.  I can’t remember what my transgression was, but surely I was breaking some rule.

Then there was the time that Brother Remegius, a large red-headed man who was principal, came into my room to hand out honor certificates.  I had earned such a certificate that term, but when I proudly approached the front of the room to receive my paper of honor, I made a bad mistake.  I forgot to take my pack of Winston cigarettes out of my shirt pocket and the eagle-eyed principal quickly spotted the cigs, which were contraband on campus.

My sentence was to report to Brother Remegius’ office to get 10 whacks upon my posterior with his hickory stick.

The blows were sharp indeed and prevented one from comfortably sitting for a while.  But rather than give me all 10 strikes at once, which would have been painful but over with, he meted them out one or two at a time.  That meant for more than a week, I had to report to his office, completely disrupting our car pool at the end of school each day.

There’s a great deal more to my memories of CHS than corporal punishment and I may write a follow up column on high school before too much longer.  But for all the temporary pain and inconveniences of being the recipient of the brothers’ various blows, I want to reiterate that it did us no harm.  Maybe that’s what’s needed in today’s schools, huh?

Being a “responsible” adult I always attempt to be on my best behavior. It’s important to be an ambassador for your sport. I don’t want to sound as if I’m standing on a soapbox and lecturing the masses, but everything you do is judged.

People you don’t know and will never actually meet are watching and judging you all the time. They’re making snap decisions about you and our sport based on how you are perceived at a given moment in time. I know this isn’t how it’s supposed to be, but the reality is you’re “testifying” every second of the day.

I’d like to share a few memories past and present regarding personal testimony.
At one tournament I was in line for “top six.” It was a tough day. I only had four fish in the boat with 15 minutes left. I switched baits and hooked up with a nice 4-5 pounder. Long story short: fish at boat, one last jump, spit, gone. Here’s where ‘yours truly’ had a very bad moment…I’ve never cussed or thrown as big a fit as I did that day.

My co-angler was quiet. He retrieved his gear at the weigh-in, thanked me politely and left. I apologized profusely for my bad temper, but he didn’t want to fish with me again because of my “intensity and hotheadedness.” We never fished together again. Some club members never looked at me the same after that.

That can be a tough lesson to learn. Just 2-3 minutes can destroy a person’s reputation.
Another time, towing my boat to Toledo Bend for a tournament, I was caught in a “speed trap.” The officer’s first words were “you guys (bass fishermen) gotta learn you don’t own the roads around here…” I was disgustingly nice, apologetic and still received the citation.

I called the D.A. and requested assistance, but was surprised when they let me off completely because of the comments the officer wrote on the ticket he turned in (all
because I was extremely nice).

As you can see, I’ve begun to mature in my journey as an angler and an adult.
At a recent tournament things went south. My partner couldn’t be there, winds were high with a cold front, and 20 people were in “my honey hole.” After boating only two fish I moved across the lake. I stopped at a point, near another boat. I asked which way the father/son team was fishing so I wouldn’t cut them off.

Here is where I had a GREAT 10 MINUTES!!!

I threw a top water bait to the windblown point, worked it out to 15 feet and BOOM! A 3-pounder exploded on the bait. While I was putting it in the livewell the boat drifted over to a nice lay down. I picked up a Texas rigged Gila Monster (El Grande Lures). One cast and I swung a 14-incher in the boat.

Still drifting through some stickups I threw a chart/white spinnerbait. It deflected off a top and WHAP! Another weigh-fish to finish out my limit. I then heard the son ask his father if “that man” was a professional fisherman. His dad replied, “Probably not son – see his boat isn’t wrapped.” The boy says, “I don’t care, I wanna be like him!”

I didn’t set out that day to make an impression on anyone; I just wanted to fish a tournament. Even though I didn’t have the weight to place in the tournament, I had a wonderful afternoon and consider myself blessed. It’s not very often a person is able to influence someone in a positive way.

How we act will affect how others perceive us. They judge us based on our appearance and behavior. You have the opportunity every day to make a lasting impression on someone else. You never know. Sometimes the smallest things make the largest impressions! Be an ambassador to your sport!

Be Safe, Tight Lines.

Garry McCollum

Garry McCollum started fishing when he was 3. He started bass fishing when at 14. He continues today, fishing in many tournament trails including ABA, USA Bassin’, Bass N Bucks, Bass Champs, and more.

Living in Natchitoches for 5 years now, Garry and his wife Beverly have three children and one grandchild.

Get ready to Run Baby, Run this Saturday, May 6 at the front entrance of the Natchitoches Parish Library. Registration begins at 8 am, the 1 mile run begins at 8:30 am and the 5K begins at 9 am. Kids, Strollers and Pets are all welcome!

After the race to honor all the boys, girls and unborn children touched and served by the Women’s Resource Center, there will be a balloon release. Official race times will be recorded courtesy of NSU Track & Field.

Entry fees:
5K Run/Walk $30
1 Mile Fun Run $25
Virtual Runner $15
Children under 5 FREE

Virtual runner is an option for those who would like to donate to the Women’s Resource Center, but don’t want to run or walk. For more information call 318-357-8888.

Northwestern State University’s School of Creative and Performing Arts will present a workshop entitled “Contract Negotiation for Creative Professionals” from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 6 in art lecture room (Room 206) of the Fine Arts Annex, 140 Central Avenue.  The program is targeted to individuals who work as professionals in music, literary/visual/culinary arts, theatre, film or design.

The cost is $10.  The instructor will be attorney Mark Davis.  The agenda is as follows.

•    Contract basics: What is a contract?
•    What do you want? What do they want?
•    Obligations
•    Relationship
•    When does a contract start?
•    Mileposts
•    Payment schedule
•    When does a contract end?
•    Contract renewals
•    Drafting & boilerplate clauses
•    What if something goes wrong?
•    Can it be salvaged?
•    Arbitration & mediation
•    When to walk away
•    When to sue
•    Participants will role-play & negotiate sample contracts
•    Analysis & feedback

Participants can register in advance at http://www.worksinprogresslouisiana.com/workshop-registration or pay at the door.

For more information, contact Debbie Hollis, director of Works in Progress Louisiana at Debbie@WorksInProgressLouisiana.com, (318) 751-8540 or visit worksinprogresslouisiana.com.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that bridge number 1140313241 will be closed to ALL TRAFFIC for repairs, beginning at approximately 9 AM on Monday, May 8, 2017 and will remain closed until the repairs are completed. This structure is on LA 117 over St. John’s Creek and is located 0.58 miles south of the LA 6/LA 117 intersection at Hagewood, LA. It is anticipated that repairs will be complete by 5:00 PM, Saturday, May 13, 2017, weather permitting.

Permit/Detour Section
LA 117 Northbound Traffic to be detoured to LA 120 East to I-49 North to LA 6 West to LA 117.
LA 117 Southbound Traffic to be detoured to LA 6 East to I-49 South to LA 120 West to LA 117 South.

Natchitoches Parish Alternate Route Information:
Natchitoches Parish President Rick Nowlin has announced that through truck traffic will not be allowed on Collins Road and Robeline-Provencal Road.

These alternate routes may be used only by light vehicles and by trucks for which permits have been issued by the Parish Highway Department. The unpermitted use of these roads by vehicles weighing more than 5 tons is a violation of Parish Ordinance No. 11-6.1.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office will patrol these routes and issue citations for violations of this ordinance.

The prohibition on the use of these Parish routes will remain in effect for the duration of the LA-117 road closure.

For additional information, please contact the Natchitoches Parish Highway Department at (318) 357-2200.

When discussing sustained runs of tremendous success in Northwestern State athletic history, the last quarter-century of Demon baseball is at the forefront of any conversation.

While the long list of Southland Conference championships and remarkable accomplishments will live on in the NSU record books, one of the players involved is stepping forward to invest in the program’s future, and is challenging other baseball alumni to join him.

Will Pearce, an outfielder from 1994-96 who played on two Southland Conference championship teams, has created “The Pearce Demon Dirtbag Scholarship” for NSU baseball.

The endowment is part of the Perpetually Purple endowed giving program operated by the Demons Unlimited Foundation, the 501-c-3 private foundation which supports NSU Athletics. The announcement of Pearce’s scholarship was made by Dr. Haley Taitano, associate athletics director at NSU and executive director of the DUF.

In addition to initiating the scholarship, Pearce is collaborating with another Demon baseball alumnus, first-year head coach Bobby Barbier, to enhance the team’s locker room facility. He is also reaching out to his teammates, emphasizing his graduating class of 1996, to get them involved, and encouraging other former players during the “golden era” of NSU baseball to do the same.

“To not give back, to me, makes that experience all for nothing. It’s our responsibility as alumni to create a better environment for these players today and those coming tomorrow. We need to collectively move the program forward through our support and involvement,” said Pearce, who played for coaches Jim Wells and Dave Van Horn as a Demon when NSU was on a roll of capturing three straight Southland titles (1993, 1994, 1995), getting an at-large bid to the 1994 NCAA Tournament and posting the Demons’ first-ever Division I regional victory at the Stillwater Regional.

Now Pearce, an executive partner for New York Life in Dallas, is contributing to many more wins and accomplishments for the Demons.

As for the unique name of Pearce’s scholarship endowment, he wanted to emphasize values that are essential to championship success. In college baseball, “dirtbags” are scrappy, hustling players who get their uniforms dirty with their extraordinary effort.

“Some guys have to work very hard just to get a decent grade point average, and that approach definitely carries over to how they play baseball. This scholarship is going to reward a grind-it-out player and student who has the respect of his teammates and coaches,” said Pearce.

Pearce also has a $100,000 life insurance policy with NSU Athletics as the beneficiary.

The goal is to grow the endowment, through outright donations or deferred gifts, over the next five years from the current $1.7 million level to over $5 million. So far, gifts have come from former athletes and their families, supporters of the university and most notably, iconic retired president Dr. Randy Webb and his wife, Brenda.

The program is separate from the efforts to supplement the annual budget for the athletics program with donations, corporate partnerships and special fund-raising events.

Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development Alumni Advisory Board is seeking nominations for the Hall of Distinguished Educators for 2017.  Nominees must have graduated from Northwestern State’s College of Education at least 30 years prior to nomination. Inductees will be honored during a brunch and induction ceremony at the Teacher Education Center during Homecoming festivities.

The deadline to submit nominations is July 28.

Anyone who would like to nominate an outstanding College of Education alumnus who has had a distinguished career in education should send the nominee’s resume and other documentation outlining the reason for the nomination to NSU Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA 71497.

Additional information is available by calling (318) 357-6278.

Johnny Atkins
Visitation: Friday, May 5 from 6-8 pm at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church in Kingston
Service: Saturday, May 6 at noon at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church in Kingston
Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery in Gloster

Dorothy Taylor
Visitation: Friday, May 5 from 6-7 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, May 6 at 11 am at Union Spring Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: Morning Glory Cemetery in Mansfield

Mamie Peterson
Service: Saturday, May 6 at 1 pm at Union Vine Baptist Church in Logansport
Visitation: Friday, May 5 from 7-8 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Interment: Mt. Zion Cemetery in Logansport

Rose Landry Long
September 16, 1947 – April 30, 2017
Service: Thursday, May 4 at 10 am at Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus (Today)

Crystal Ann McLean Parrino
June 16, 1930 – April 30, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, May 4 from 12-1:30 pm at John Kramer & Son Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, in the Kramer Chapel.
Service: Thursday, May 4 at 2 pm in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Interment: Springhill Cemetery in Pollock

Wesley Ruben Cox
December 05, 1934 – May 01, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, May 4 from 10 am – 2 pm at Cross Roads Baptist Church
Service: Thursday, May 4 at 2 pm at Cross Roads Baptist Church
Interment: Beech Creek Cemetery

Henry Willmer Miller
January 8, 1931 – May 1, 2017
Service: Thursday, May 4 at 10:30 am at Trinity Baptist Church
Interment: Miller Cemetery in Many

Kathleen Ida Simmons
June 22, 1938 – May 1, 2017
Visitation: Friday, May 5 at 10:30 am at Rocky Mount Congregational Methodist Church
Service: Friday, May 5 at 2 pm at Rocky Mount Congregational Methodist Church Interment: Rocky Mount Cemetery

Jessie Lee Washington Wallace
October 14, 1950 – May 2, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Evelyn Jones
May 2, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Larry Don Kirkland
April 22, 2017
Service: Monday, May 22 at 2 pm at First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches

The City of Natchitoches Planning and Zoning Commission held its regular meeting Tuesday, May 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Natchitoches Arts Center.

The Commission moved the last Agenda item to the beginning of its meeting:
Application by Chicken Express for a variance at the following location: South ½ of Lot 7, Lot 8 & East 39.4 Feet Of Lot 9 Of East Broadmoor Subdivision, Unit #2 to develop the Chicken Express fast food restaurant (115 South Dr.) Variance requested: Variance of seven (7) of the required forty (40) off-street parking spaces.

The Commission unanimously voted in favor of granting the Application.

A large crowd was on hand to oppose an Application by Braddox Johnson to subdivide 17 Acres in Section 50 and 56, Township 9 North-Range 7 West, North By Stephens, East By Bertrand Jones, South By Continuation of Park Street to develop a multi-phase single-family residential subdivision (St. Clair Estates & B & H subdivisions).
The Application was put on the Agenda under Old Business even though the Commission voted to deny Mr. Johnson’s Application at its previous meeting. Randal Smoak with Cothren, Graff, Smoak Engineering, Inc. addressed the Commission and presented an alternative plan with larger lots and the removal of a retention pond. Numerous residents from the St. Clair Subdivision, Culbertson Lane and other areas of East Natchitoches voiced their opposition to the development due to the drainage issues that the area already suffers from. Another major concern of the residents was the further deterioration of roads from construction vehicles and increased traffic.

The Commission unanimously voted in favor of granting the Application.
The majority of the public left the meeting following the vote on the subdivision matter.
After a brief break, the Commission heard its third and final Agenda item.

 

 

Application by Ron Bolton to rezone the following: Tracts “A” containing 1.89 Acres and “B” containing 1.36 Acres In Section 87, Township 9 North-Range 9 West As Shown On Plat In Conveyance Book 330, Page 490 And Lot Containing 1.37 Acres West of Tract “A:” And Lot Containing 0.81 Acre Below Tracts “A” And “B” All Shown On Plat In Conveyance Book 493, Page 760 from B-3 Commercial to additional zoning of B-SOB Sexually Oriented Business to engage in adult entertainment (Ron’s Place – 7096 Hwy. 1 Bypass).

A letter of opposition from Dr. James, whose veterinarian clinic is located near the property, was read into the record. Mr. Sam Nelken, another nearby property owner, questioned whether or not the change in zoning would be permanent in the event it was granted.

After referring to the City’s Planning and Zoning Ordinances, the Commission voiced concerns that the change would be permanent and voted unanimously against granting the Application.

The Cane River Food Pantry has need of a freezer.  If anyone has a freezer running on the back porch or one that is in good working order, would you consider donating it?

The Pantry would prefer a chest type, but any one that is running would help.  It has to keep food frozen, which is why the Pantry lost some food in March.  If anyone wants to help the interdenominational food pantry with a tax deductible donation, call Stephanie at 357-8297.  She will arrange a pick up and get you a donation credit.

The Pantry also accepts food and cash donations.  Monetary donations may be sent to Cane River Food Pantry, P.O. Box 120, Natchitoches, LA  71458.

The basic foods the Pantry can always use include:
spaghetti (1 or 2 lb. bag)
dried beans (1 or 2 lb. bag)
Mac & Cheese
Peanut Butter
Canned vegetables
Canned meats
rice (1 or 2 lb. bag)

The Cane River Food Pantry distributes to around 180 families the second Saturday of each month at 105 Daniel Street (close to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center) from 9-11 am.

The Pantry is part of the Feeding America program and serves citizens of Natchitoches Parish only.

Applications may be picked up at the offices of First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches, located at 220 Amulet Street (behind the donut shop).

The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System will hold a special board meeting to interview finalists for the Northwestern State University Presidency Thursday, May 4 at 10 am at the Claiborne Conference Center in Baton Rouge.

Last week the NSU Search Committee chose finalists Chris Maggio and William Wainwright after on-campus interviews and candidate meetings.

The Board of Supervisors meeting will be webcast live.

Special Board Meeting Agenda May 4 2017 FINAL

Miss SMH, 2017 is Elizabeth Eileen Jackson, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Tandy Ealon Jackson, IV   She is the granddaughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Tandy E. Jackson, III, Mrs. David Michael Reppen and the late
Mr. Reppen.

Elizabeth has been a student at St. Mary’s since Pre-K.  During
high school, she was a four-year member of the St. Mary’s Cheer
team, serving as Co-captain and as this year’s Captain   She is a
three- time UCA All-American Cheerleader. She was a member of
the 2017, St. Mary’s Homecoming Court. She served as both Vice
President and President of the Student Council.  She is a member
of FBLA and the FBLA Current Events team. Her team has placed
1st in District competition and second in State competition for
the past two years.

She is a member of Beta Club serving as
Campaign Manager and was selected to run for State Beta Club
Vice President her Junior year.  Elizabeth is a 5-year member of
the St. Mary’s tennis team. Additionally, she is a member of FCA,
The Bishop Martin National Honor Society and Yearbook Editor of
Au Revoir.  She has represented St. Mary’s at the Hugh O’Brien
Youth Leadership Conference and as a citizen at Louisiana Girls’
State.  She is a member of the Summer Dance Committee, the
Calico Belles Service Organization and the LEO Club of
Natchitoches. She was presented as a Maid at the Krewe de St.
Denis Mardi Gras Ball, a Lady of the Court at the Krewe of
Dionysos Mardi Gras Ball, and  a Lady of the Court in the St. Denis
Art League Spring Festival.

She is a member of the Minor Basilica
of the Immaculate Conception.  Elizabeth has two sisters, Elaina
Alyce, a 2015 Graduate of St. Mary’s High school and Anna
Kathleen, a seventh grader at St. Mary’s.  A true Tiger for Life,
Elizabeth will attend Louisiana State University in the Fall to
pursue a degree in Communication Disorders.

Mr. SMH 2017, Cole Garrett Zeagler, is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Jon Eric Zeagler. He is the grandson of Mrs. James Henry Zeagler, the late Mr. Zeagler and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Nathaniel Harrison.
An honor student, Cole is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, Beta Club, and The Bishop Martin National Honor’s Society. He serves as an officer in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is the Senior class secretary. Cole has been a student at St. Mary’s since Pre-K. He is a 4 year member of the varsity baseball team, serving as captain his senior year. He earned All District honors his freshman, sophomore and junior years. As a junior, Cole was selected to the All State, All-Area and All-Cenla baseball teams. Cole is a member of the First United Methodist Church where he serves as an usher.  He was presented as a Gentleman of the Court for The St. Denis Art League Spring Festival Court Presentation Ball. Cole has two brothers, Brock Tyler, a sophomore, and Luke Harrison who is in the 8th grade at St. Mary’s. Cole has committed to play baseball at Louisiana Tech University. He will major in Biology and pursue a career in Sports Orthopedic Surgery.

The Southeast Tourism Society has named the 38th annual Natchitoches-Northwestern State University Folk Festival one of the STS Top 20 Event in the Southeast for July 2017.  This year’s Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will be July 14-15. The STS Top 20 Festival and Event Awards have highlighted programs around the Southeast since 1985.

Travel industry experts select 20 events per month, and STS publicizes them throughout the United States. The complete list is published on two websites: EscapeToTheSoutheast.com and Travel Media Press Room, according to Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center.

“The 2017 Festival theme “Keeping Tradition Alive!” celebrates the ways in which so many outstanding artists young and old are tapping into the power and artistry of the old ways, revitalizing and reimagining tradition as they make it their own,” Rasmussen said.  “As the artists taking part in the 2017 Festival demonstrate, Louisiana folk culture is vibrant and diverse.”

The folk music of many culture groups will be featured, with Cajun music by Ray Abshire and Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, French Creole la la music by Goldman Thibodeaux and the Lawtell Playboys, Zydeco by Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie and Gerard Delafose and the Zydeco Gators, traditional Delta tunes by the Back Porch Band, bluegrass by the Clancey Ferguson Band, Texas swing by the Caddo Creek Band, and blues by Hezekiah and the Houserockers, the Wayne “Blue” Burns Band and Ed Huey.

Saturday’s activities include three stages of live music, Cajun dance lessons, dancing, narrative sessions, KidFest, a Cajun accordion workshop, and traditional crafts. Outside demonstrations include blacksmithing, working cattle dogs and horseshoeing. Traditional crafts such as wood carving, Czech Pysanky eggs, Spanish moss dolls, pine needle baskets and handmade furniture will be exhibited on Saturday only, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in Prather Coliseum.

The 38th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival is supported in part by grants and donations from the Cane River National Heritage Area, the City of Natchitoches, the Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative of the National Park Service, Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Inc. and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.

For more information about the Festival or the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, contact the Louisiana Folklife Center at folklife@nsula.edu or (318) 357-4332. For more information about Natchitoches, contact the Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 259-1714.

“The Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Festival and Event list is an excellent guide for the Southeast’s visitors, residents and travel writers.  The events selected represent the best, and often most unique, activities in our region,” said Bill Hardman, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society.

Events considered for the STS Top 20 recognition must be at least three years old and have attendance of at least 1,000. Nomination forms and deadlines are available at SoutheastTourism.org or by calling (770) 542-1523.

STS, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tourism to and within 12 states – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

By Amara Hastings

Sixteen-year-old Amara Hastings, a junior at Natchitoches Central High School, submitted the following piece of poetry to the NPJ titled “Cancer Free.” Amara wrote this poem at the Natchitoches Public Library during a poetry workshop with NSU’s Brainy Acts Poetry Society.
The dark suffocated me
And almost snuffed out my hope.
But strength persisted and the flame burned brighter.
Fire caught and grew hotter.
Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes.
Winning her fight with the invisible killer, my mother survives another day.
She doesn’t just survive, she lives and flourishes in the sun.
My mother is a steel magnolia, unbreakable and beautiful.
The day she told me of her invisible parasite, it was like the sun collapsed and the world was nothing but bleakness.
White noise replaced the sound of passing cars and people.
I felt my heart shatter like glass and my eyes burn.
The world was dark.
I was a ghost as poison was pumped into her veins.
Life was dim.
Then she stopped needing chemo
And surgery was an option.
A ray of hope blossomed in the darkness.
The light grew brighter and brighter, illuminating the bleak world with hope.
That invisible parasite was removed from her chest
On the same day that many shared a lover’s caress.
Weak, like a wilting flower,
She lay in the hospital bed.
“Cancer free” she whispers.
And we all beam brightly,
Our smiles illuminating and warding off any lingering despair.
Now I smile, for I am the daughter of a powerful woman.
And we are
Cancer Free.

NSU Middle Lab students received Kiwanis Terrific Kids awards for April from Kiwanis member, Judge Desiree Dyess.  Pictured from left are Christopher McNeely, Christian Carpenter, Addison Teddlie, Bailey Newlee, Bailey Ebarb, and Whit Scott.

Rose Landry Long
September 16, 1947 – April 30, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, May 3 from 5-9 pm at the First Baptist Church in Natchitoches
Service: Thursday, May 4 at 10 am at Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus

Crystal Ann McLean Parrino
June 16, 1930 – April 30, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, May 3 from 5-8 pm and Thursday, May 4 from 12-1:30 pm at John Kramer & Son Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, in the Kramer Chapel.
Service: Thursday, May 4 at 2 pm in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Interment: Springhill Cemetery in Pollock

Wesley Ruben Cox
December 05, 1934 – May 01, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, May 3 from 5-8 pm and Thursday, May 4 from 10 am – 2 pm at Cross Roads Baptist Church
Service: Thursday, May 4 at 2 pm at Cross Roads Baptist Church
Interment: Beech Creek Cemetery

Henry Willmer Miller
January 8, 1931 – May 1, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, May 3 at 5 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Thursday, May 4 at 10:30 am at Trinity Baptist Church
Interment: Miller Cemetery in Many

Kathleen Ida Simmons
June 22, 1938 – May 1, 2017
Visitation: Friday, May 5 at 10:30 am at Rocky Mount Congregational Methodist Church
Service: Friday, May 5 at 2 pm at Rocky Mount Congregational Methodist Church Interment: Rocky Mount Cemetery

Jessie Lee Washington Wallace
October 14, 1950 – May 2, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Evelyn Jones
May 2, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Miles Carlton King
February 20, 1936 – May 01, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, May 3 from 9-10 am at Beulah Baptist Church
Service: Wednesday, May 3 at 10 am at Beulah Baptist Church Interment: Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery

Larry Don Kirkland
April 22, 2017
Service: Monday, May 22 at 2 pm at First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

Over 100 people attended “Sprezzatura”, a Senior Exhibition put on by NSU student Ethan Stelly on April 24. The show was an interesting fusion of art and fashion as 10 models displayed a wide variety of looks, all made from scratch by Stelly. The show’s models were fellow NSU students who were joined by Ms. Jan Frederick and NSU CAPA Director Dr. Handel. In addition to being a superb designer, Ethan Stelly is also interested in a variety of other arts. The exhibition featured 18 art pieces, ranging from paintings to fiber art and mixed media. The models took their turns in his creations accompanied by live cello music.

After completing his studies at NSU, Ethan will go on to working in theater in Ohio where he will also pursue a graduate degree in Fashion Design. The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.

 

Summer job:Receptionist (no experience required)

Duties include, but are not limited to: answering phones, dispatching team members, data entry, etc. Must have good basic computer knowledge and typing skills. Must be professional on the phone and when interacting with customers and team members. Must be able to multi-task.

Taking applications now – job is 40 hours a week. $8-10 per hour depending on experience.

Full time position: Production Expediter (no experience required)

Duties include, but are not limited to: operating forklift, organizing and maintaining parts and supplies in warehouse, maintaining truck stocks, job staging, expediting parts to team members at their job sites. Must be able to lift 100 lbs. Must be able to learn and operate computerized inventory tracking system.

Taking applications now – job is 40 hours a week with some overtime. $10-12 per hour, plus benefits starting.

Full time position: HVAC Service Technician (experience required)

Duties include,  but are not limited to: answering calls for service and troubleshooting and repairing residential HVAC equipment. Completing maintenance calls and assisting/completing residential HVAC installations. Must be computer literate and able to learn and use iPad dispatching and checklist system. Must take pride in professional self image, work quality, and be positive team player. Must have experience in all of the above and carry universal EPA freon certification. Taking applications now – job is 40 hours per week with rotating on-call. Pay varies as it is performance pay but starts at $13-25 per hour, plus benefits.

AxsomAir requires the highest levels of integrity and professionalism. AxsomAir believes we should worship our God through everything we do, even work, so prayer and Bible study will be conducted at company meetings. If you would have a problem with this please don’t apply.

AxsomAir is a tobacco free company. AxsomAir holds all employees to high standards and has a no visible tattoo policy and dress code.  Applicants must have valid driver’s license and be drug free. Drug testing and federal background check required. Interested persons should call 318-352-7777 to get an application emailed or stop by our location at 4150 University Pkwy in Natchitoches.

 

Northwestern State University recognized individuals for excellence in research during the schools’ 30th annual Research Day. The awards capped off a day of oral and poster presentations that addressed topics in the varied disciplines of computer information systems, engineering technology, music, public health, cultural studies, English, science, Cuba, psychology and film. Some presentations were live streamed for the benefit of distance-learning students.

Kirsten Fontenot of Zachary was recognized with the Phi Kappa Phi Student Research Award, which recognizes outstanding research, distinguished artistic performance or creative work completed by a student or team of students while enrolled at NSU.

Fontenot is a senior in the Louisiana Scholars’ College majoring in liberal arts with a concentration in scientific inquiry. Her research, which she intends to publish in an undergraduate chemistry academic journal, was titled “Protein-Protein Docking Analysis of Ebola Virus Cell Bending and Entry.” Her faculty sponsor is Dr. Massimo Bezoari. She intends to attend medical school this fall.

“My research is on blocking Ebola virus infection using computer software to model the proteins involved in infection,” she explained. “Modeling the interactions between the proteins show where exactly the proteins will interact with each other. That information can be utilized to synthesize small molecules that can bind in those interaction sites and stop or prevent Ebola virus infection.”

Jessica Cross of Natchitoches was recognized with the Student Design Award for creating the poster and program cover for Research Day 2017. Cross is a senior in the Department of Fine and Graphic Arts with a concentration in graphic communications.

Paul Christopher was this year’s recipient of the Dr. Mildred Hart Bailey Faculty Research Award, which recognized a member of the faculty for outstanding research or distinguished artistic performance and/or creative work substantially completed during the last three years. The projects are evaluated for scholarly or creative significance, national, regional or local impact, originality and ingenuity of project design and critical recognition by experts in the field.

Christopher is an associate professor of cello and music theory in the School of Creative and Performing Arts. His research topic is “Musique Concrete Instrumentale.”

Keynote speaker Dr. Richard Jensen, an internationally recognized authority on the history of terrorism, spoke on “Terrorism from Anarchism to Al Qaeda and ISIS.” Jensen, A professor in the Louisiana Scholars College who is retiring after this semester, dedicated his lecture to the late Dr. Jean D’Amato Thomas, former faculty and noted researcher. Jensen was winner of last year’s Dr. Jean D’Amato Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award.

Research Day was chaired by Dr. Margaret Cochran.