The Natchitoches Humane Society (NHS) and Natchitoches Hope for Paws (NHFP) have each received $3,000 grants from the Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission (http://lawc.la.gov/). Funds were generated from the state check off income tax return when LA residents file their state taxes.

This is the second grant awarded to NHS and NHFP by the LAWC. In 2013 NHS received a $4,000 grant to help Campti and Clarence area animals. In 2014 NHFP received a $4,000 grant.

Natchitoches Parish will certainly benefit from these two rescues having much-needed funds to spay and neuter dogs and cats to help reduce the animal overpopulation problem in the parish. One dog or cat can produce numerous offspring in one year’s time. These offspring often end up neglected, abandoned and in shelters where euthanasia is most likely.

To apply for assistance email: natchitocheshumane@yahoo.com or apply online under the Spay Natchitoches tab, http://www.natchitocheshumane.com/index.php/spay-natchitoches/ or e-mail natchitocheshopeforpaws@yahoo.com.

 

The Northwestern State softball program will host two elite camps and one youth camp in the coming months at Lady Demon Diamond.

Campers at all three events will be guided by the NSU coaching staff and current Lady Demon players through hitting, pitching and defensive drills.

Youths ages 6-12 are invited to a camp May 30-31. The cost per camper is $100 with times running from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. each day.

Two separate elite camps (8th-12th grade) will run on June 27 and June 28. The cost per camper is $100 with times running from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. each day.

Campers of all ages will need their own bat and glove, and pitchers must bring their own catcher. Campers will also need to bring their own lunch.

Parents can register for each camp by visiting https://commerce.cashnet.com/cashneti/selfserve/BrowseCatalog.aspx.

For more information, contact pitching coach Kaylee Guidry at guidryk@nsula.edu or by calling 318-357-6009.
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George Washington
March 28, 1944 – May 19, 2017
Service: Saturday, May 27 at 1 pm at the Agape Love Center Church, 1515 Texas Street in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Savior Baptist Church Cemetery (Cane River)
Visitation: Saturday, May 27 from 8 am – noon at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home, 318 North Street in Natchitoches

Terrence Gates
May 16, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, May 27 from 9-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Service: Saturday, May 27 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Fern Park Cemetery on Texas Street.

Clarence Forest
May 13, 2017
Visitation: Friday, May 26 from 6-8 pm at Winnfied Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Service: Saturday, May 27 at 12 pm at Gaines Chapel AME, 842 Anita Street in Natchitoches
Interment: Breda Town Cemetery

Melinda Louise Millican Zolzer
October 01, 1950 – May 21, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, May 27 from 12-2 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, 533 Second Street in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, May 27 at 2 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church of Natchitoches
Interment: Trinity Episcopal columbarium

Judith Louise Murphy
March 07, 1944 – May 21, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, May 24 from 5-8 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Thursday, May 25 at 1 pm in the chapel of Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Gayla Traina Cemetery
Wilber Edgar “Eddie” Taylor
March 21, 1945 – May 20, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, May 23 from 9 am – 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, May 23 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Zion Hill Cemetery in Tannehill

Robert C Guin
July 02, 1926 – May 20, 2017
Service: Tuesday, May 23 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: Pinegrove Cemetery in Hagewood

Joseph Patterson
May 19, 2017
Visitation: Friday, May 26 from 5-7 pm
Service: Saturday, May 27 at 10 am at Boone Funeral Home, 3903 Meriweather Road in Shreveport (next to Queensbourgh Lodge)
Interment: Forest Park West Cemetery
Knight Templar Honor Guard and Masonic Rites

Thomas “T-Boy” Green
May 20, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Wilbert Warren Wallace
April 24, 1921 – May 20, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, from 12-2 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, May 23 at 2 pm in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and Natchitoches Parish Fire District #1 arrived on the scene of a structure fire in the 100 block of Felix Roge Road near Melrose this morning, May 22, at 10:55 am. There are no reported injuries. Mutual aid was requested.

The last day of school is quickly approaching and the Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) has just the thing to help cheer the children up! The NPL will be showing the movie “Trolls” beginning at 4 pm, Wednesday, May 24, in the Children’s Performance Area on the first floor. Fresh and free popcorn will also be available, courtesy of the Friends of the Natchitoches Parish Library (FONPL)!

Everyone is invited to grab a bag, pull up a seat and kick off the summer with this fun family feature! During the movie, the Natchitoches Humane Society will also be present, along with some feline friends, to educate and promote animal adoption to children and families in attendance.

The NPL is also providing teens a celebratory event Friday, May 26 from 11 am-3 pm, with its Anime Binge for High School aged patrons. No sign up is required and refreshments will be provided by the FONPL.

Adults will also have an opportunity for rest and relaxation with Coffee and Coloring at the NPL, Thursday, May 25 at 10 am. Adults are invited to partake in peaceful coloring to soothing music and friendly conversation, along with a morning cup of coffee! Then, Thursday evening at 6pm they can further relax and unwind with gentle yoga postures and soft meditative music at Yoga with Richard Rodgers, of Lotus in the Pines LLC.

Next week at the Northeast Branch (NEB) in Campti, they will host their final Painting Craft Club, Monday, May 22 at 10 am. Then on Tuesday, May 23 from 10:30-11:30 am, the NEB will host a Medicaid Expansion Presentation, open to all members of the public.

And a big outdoors event of the week will be the grand opening of the NPL’s Reading Trail at Pierson and Mallet Park in East Natchitoches on Saturday, May 27, at 10am. The City of Natchitoches, in partnership with the NPL and the Cane River National Heritage Area, has installed multiple reading stations around the new walking track that include pages from the children’s book “Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh,” by Louisiana author, Johnette Downing.

The NPL will be there for the park’s official opening with information on the upcoming summer reading program, free face painting, and plinko for prizes! The FONPL has also helped to sponsor a special appearance and performance by Johnette Downing, who will be present to wow the crowd with her musical talent and a live reading of her featured book.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer a Beginning Cake Decorating course June 5-July (skipping July 3) on Monday nights from 5:30 – 8 pm. The course will focus on the fundamentals of cake decorating. It is designed for the cake decorating shop owner, baker, caterer, chef, or enthusiast. The class will stress classic decorating-beginning with a thorough understanding of the fundamentals. Students will also be encouraged to express themselves creatively. The course fee is $99 and it will be held in the Culinary Arts Building (behind the Student Union).

Visit checkout.nsula.edu to register and for more information or call (318)357-6355.

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

Natchitoches’ rich history of athletic prowess continues as the Natchitoches Leadership Through Athletics Committee honored student athletes from each high school in the parish at a ceremony Saturday, May 20 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.

The ceremony, the first of its kind and hopefully the start of a long tradition, featured awards in each sport named after an athlete from our parish who excelled at that sport and in life. It is a superb way to honor those who went before us and recognize the generation that is picking up the torch from them.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to commend the men and women who worked so hard to bring this wonderful idea to fruition. From the gracious hospitality of the ladies of Natchitoches’ Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae Chapter to the obvious respect and affection displayed by the award presenters, this inaugural program set the tone for the future. It was a joy to see young people from all over the parish being rewarded for their performance on – and off – the field. We look forward to next year!

We would also like to extend our congratulations to NCHS’ Brandon Rachal, Male Athlete of the Year and Nykeria Jones, Female Athlete of the Year as well as all of the parish’s high school athletes. Well done ladies and gentlemen!

Graduate students from DeSoto Parish will benefit from a scholarship created to honor long-time educator and administrator Douglas McLaren, who passed away April 20 at age 85. The scholarship was created to offer assistance to students seeking advanced degrees in education at Northwestern State University.

“Education was his first love,” said his wife Patricia Todd McLaren of Natchitoches. “He believed in education and he believed in higher education.”

McLaren was born in Flora and graduated from Provencal High school in 1950. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. He graduated from Northwestern State with a degree in education and from Stephen F. Austin with a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, administration supervision, psychology and sociology and completed an additional 30 hours towards his doctorate degree.

McLaren’s long career in education began as a math, English and history teacher at Logansport High School where he also coached football, basketball and track and served as guidance counselor and assistant principal. McLaren was appointed supervisor of special services for DeSoto Parish Schools in 1965 and was elected superintendent of schools where he served 13 years and developed the Four Phase program, a quality education initiative that received national attention for easing the transition during public school integration. He also initiated reading and math laboratories and provided kindergarten programs for all schools in the parish. He was active in the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents and was named Who’s Who in Louisiana by the U.S. Public Relations Service. In 2015, he was inducted into Northwestern State University’s Hall of Distinguished Educators.

McLaren was also active in his community as a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Phi, the Masonic Lodge, the Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the DeSoto Parish Hospital Association. After moving to Natchitoches, he enjoyed the Walter Ledet Coffee Club and attended Trinity Episcopal Church.

McLaren was one of five brothers and the only one to finish high school. He was the first person in his family to graduate from college.

“Doug loved school. He was determined to get his education,” Mrs. McLaren said. “He only lacked his thesis to complete his doctoral degree, but he was made superintendent of schools and was too busy being superintendent to finish the doctorate. His life was very interesting.”

McLaren had a lasting positive influence on many of the students he taught and coached who would write him letters later in life and one who named a child after him.

The Douglas McLaren Scholarship is one of few offered to graduate students in education and his family intends to add contributions to celebrate Father’s Day and other holidays in lieu of flowers.

“He was a kind and gentle man,” Mrs. McLaren said. “And he was all about the students.

For information on contributing to the Douglas McLaren Scholarship, contact NSU Development Officer Jill Bankston at (318) 357-4414 email bankstonk@nsula.edu or visit northwesternalumni.com.

Students at NSU Elementary Lab School studied Victory Gardens during the school year, learning about their history and significance to the country. Lessons combined history, science, reading, direction following, utilizing library resources and growing the food.

During WWII citizens in the U.S. planted Victory Gardens, which alleviated the pressure put on the public food supply. Also a morale booster during the war, the produce from these gardens helped lower the price of feeding troops.

Randall Mallette, assistant extension agent with the LSU AgCenter in Natchitoches, helped students test the pH of the soil. Don Brown, an agent with Farm Bureau, connected School Librarian Lisa Wiggins with farmers in the area for garden soil and fertilizer as part of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s “Ag in the Classroom” initiative.

Wiggins issued an independent project challenging students to grow their own Victory Gardens at home. Students were required to keep a log of their gardening.

Judges included Biology students from the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts (LSMSA); a Natchitoches Master Gardener and a 4-H County Agent. Gardens were judged using a rubric with a point system that measured whether the students met the required goals.

Around 100 students in grades K-5 participated. Six students were selected as Grand Champions. Farm Bureau presented them with prizes for their hard work.

Grand Champion: Molly Coleman
First Place: Victoria Wiggins
Second Place: Jacob and Madelyn Roquemore
Third Place: Joelee Savell
Fourth Place: Reagan Delcambre

Wiggins also registered the school’s garden as an Official Victory Garden through The National WWII Museum’s “The Classroom Victory Garden Project.”

By Kevin Shannahan

The Natchitoches Humane Society kicked off a series of monthly dog wash fundraisers Saturday, May 13 at the Tractor Supply Company. Twenty Humane Society volunteers tended to a steady stream of dogs of every size and description. Last year’s opening event hosted over 100 dogs and their owners, with this year on track to serve more.

The funds raised will be used to further the Humane Society’s mission by assisting with expenses such as Veterinarian bills, food and spay and neutering expanses. The society rescued 156 animals last year.

By Gary A. McCollum

Okay, maybe we won’t be able to send the dreaded backlash to the far recesses of our minds, like a distant memory. I do have a tip that will astound, amaze and stupefy you. (notice all the big words, this must be good)

How many times are you setting up a rod with different lure, casting into the wind or bumping the trolling motor while pitching and end up with a backlash, rats nest, birds nest etc. I know I have plenty of times. Then the wasted time, trying to pick the blamed thing out…the aggravation…Heck with it, just throw the rod down and get another until you have time to cut it out…right…
NO MORE!!!!!

I was fishing on Toledo Bend years ago and was shown the coolest trick for removing a black lash, quickly and efficiently with little time wasted and almost ZERO stress. I was setting up a new rod/reel with a jig and backlashed…I did some fussing and picked it out. I backlashed again on the next cast and was given this tip…. You are never too old to learn a new trick.

When the reel is backlashed, pull out your line as you normally would until your line stops. (is tangled and won’t come free) put your thumb on the spool, press down hard and reel in two or three revolutions of the handle. Press the spool release button (the one you use to cast with) and resume pulling out your back lash, it is amazing how well this works.

On this day, I (believe it or not) was almost hoping to backlash another time so I could try it again and verify the effectiveness of this tip. Through the years I have had many, many backlashes and have only had one or two that took a lot of time to remove.

Although some of the old salts out there may already have this tool in your tackle box. I hope it may help some others, because it saves a lot of time on the water and a lot of stress. This tip will actually put more fish in the live well because the bait will be in the water more.

Hope this helps y’all.

Be Safe and Tight Lines

Wilber Edgar “Eddie” Taylor
March 21, 1945 – May 20, 2017
Visitation: Monday, May 22 from 5-8 pm and Tuesday, May 23 from 9 am – 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, May 23 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Zion Hill Cemetery in Tannehill

Mary Livesay Peck
September 23, 1947 – May 18, 2017
Visitation: Monday, May 22 at 2 pm at Harmony Cove Baptist Church
Service: Monday, May 22 at 3 pm at Harmony Cove Baptist Church
Interment: Harmony Cove Cemetery

Robert C Guin
July 02, 1926 – May 20, 2017
Visitation: Monday, May 22 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, May 23 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: Pinegrove Cemetery in Hagewood

Thomas “T-Boy” Green
May 20, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Nathan Reggie Rawls
October 29, 1966 – May 19, 2017
Visitation: Sunday, May 21 from 5-8 pm at the funeral home.
Service: Monday, May 22 at 2 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Holley Springs Cemetery

Wilbert Warren Wallace
April 24, 1921 – May 20, 2017
Visitation: Monday, May 22 4-8 pm with a recitation of the Holy Rosary in the Kramer Chapel at 5 pm and Tuesday, from 12-2 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, May 23 at 2 pm in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

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

By Don Briggs
Article and photo re-published courtesy of the hayride.com

The oil and gas industry could not be more diverse in Louisiana. In south Louisiana, in particular, the industry is experiencing historically low and stagnant rig growth, while the rest of the country sees a resurgence in rig activity. In northwest Louisiana, there is a glimmer of hope for the oil and gas sector, and that driving force is the Haynesville Shale.

The Haynesville Shale formation is a layer of sedimentary rock situated more than 10,000 feet below the surface and stretches from northwest Louisiana to parts of eastern Texas and also grabs the southwest part of Arkansas. The formation covers an area of approximately 9,000 squares miles and averages between 200 and 300 feet in thickness. It accounts for the third largest shale play with the potential of holding nearly 500 trillion cubic feet of gas.

At one point in time, this formation was thought to be too financially burdensome to explore, but with advances in hydraulic fracturing, directional drilling, and a spike in energy costs, companies began to explore. What they found was vast amounts of recoverable natural gas known as shale gas.

This discovery would eventually lead to the Haynesville Shale boom between 2008 and 2010. It was estimated that during 2009, approximately $10.6 billion in new business sales, nearly $5.7 billion in household earnings, and nearly 58,000 new jobs were created.

Unfortunately, in recent years, the Haynesville has been pushed out of the way in favor of more low-cost plays such as the Marcellus Shale in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York areas, and Utica Shale in Quebec. Due to the northeast’s lack of pipeline infrastructure and their shut-in production, the Haynesville is becoming more attractive again. Doug Lawler, CEO of Chesapeake, said it best, “[The Haynesville] was largely written off by industry two to three years ago, but it has reemerged stronger than ever.”

Louisiana’s access to the gulf, abundance of pipelines and processing plants, along with the industry’s advancements in drilling technology, has led to a resurgence in the Haynesville Shale. Just last March output from Haynesville fell to a six year low. Production in this formation will now climb for the seventh straight month in June, reaching the highest since October 2014.

The infrastructure needed to export and process the natural gas produced from the Haynesville is contingent upon economic growth in Louisiana. As of January 2017, there were six LNG Export terminals approved, two of which are currently under construction. Even more recently, Venture Global announced an $8.5 billion LNG complex, G2 LNG is planning for an $11 billion natural gas facility, Magnolia LNG announced a planned $3.45 billion facility, and Cheniere shipped over 100 cargoes of domestic LNG starting back in February.

As stated in a Forbes article, “Louisiana [has] an underrated edge because oil/gas production is ingrained in the culture.” The Haynesville Shale was once a shale play left for dead, but now we are seeing the reemergence that could completely change the game for Louisiana. This culture of oil and gas production that hailed from generations past must be realized. This culture and tradition must be carried on for decades to come for the sake of Louisiana.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies Charles Dranguet and Silas Axsom along with Natchitoches Police Officer ReCarrus O’Neal completed the 80th training session of the Alexandria Regional Police Academy in Alexandria on Thursday afternoon May 18, 2017 according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

Graduation exercises were held at the Alexandria City Hall.

Academy Keynote Speaker was Morton Bustard, Author and International Evangelist.

NPSO Deputy Charles Dranguet was awarded the “David Ezernack Memorial Firearms Award” for best overall shooting performance.

Class participants attended 14 weeks of training totaling over 500 hours in areas of law, patrol activities, vehicle stops, firearms, report writing, narcotics, DWI enforcement, physical training, taser, defensive tactics, etchics, first aid, chemical weapons, etc.

Deputies Dranguet and Axsom will return to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for additional in-house training in policy and procedure, report writing, National Incident
Command Systems, communications training and assigned to a Field Training Officer before they are released to patrol and other duties in Natchitoches Parish.

Sheriff Victor Jones, Chief Doug Rachal, Captain Tony Moran, Asst. Chief of Youth Services Siggie Silvie, Chief of Communications Services Merry Byers, Deputy Paige Martin, family and friends attended the graduation services and welcomed the new deputies to the NPSO team.

Officer ReCarrus O’Neal of Natchitoches Police Department also graduated the academy.
Congratulations to Deputy Dranguet, Deputy Axsom and Officer O’Neal. We thank you for your service to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Police Department and community.

Exchange Bank is a sponsor of the City Park Grand Reopening set for Saturday, June 3 from 10 am – 1 pm.

The City of Natchitoches, Northwestern State University and the Natchitoches Parish Journal are co-hosting this event, which is free and open to the public. National Recording Artist Trini Triggs will be the event Emcee. There will be music in the City Park amphitheater, free food, T-shirt raffle, activity booths, Zumba, face painting, inflatables and more.

For more information email Dallas Russell at DRussell@natchitochesla.gov or Corey Poole at NPJNatLa@gmail.com.

A good piece of advice is to expect the best, but prepare for the worst. This is what the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission (NHDDC) discussed at its meeting May 18.

Arlene Gould, director of the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (NACVB) informed the Commission that House Bill 613, which would cut $50 million from Louisiana’s Visitor Enterprise Funding, was withdrawn by its author.

This is reassuring considering that if the bill was passed, the NHDDC would have 100 percent of its budget cut and the NACVB would lose 20 percent of its own. However, Gould advised Commission members that neither organization will be completely safe until the current session ends in June.

There is also Senate Bill 226, which proposes eliminating funds and sales and use tax dedications to local entities and their related funds. While this would only be an estimated 15 percent hit to the NHDDC and NACVB budgets respectively, Commission member David Stamey said they need to prepare.

The NHDDC usually starts its budget preparation months in advance, but with how uncertain things are currently, it’s been hard for them. A proposed budget will be sent out before the June meeting when the Commission will vote on it.

For safety’s sake Stamey recommended they plan on having only 85 percent of their usual $360,000 annual budget.

“It’s important that we’re being proactive in this,” said Vanner Erikson, NHDDC chairman. “We need to really look at what we fund and what we do.”

Stamey agreed saying they’ll probably need to revamp the budget in the way the Commission funds things. While some things are considered untouchable, there are other items that could possibly be eliminated or cut back on.

Natchitoches Central High School and its School Based Health Center recently received $500 for participating in the Adolescent Pre-Diabetes Prevention Program. The program is a grant to Richland Parish Hospital from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). Richland Parish Hospital partners with West Feliciana Parish Hospital and Christus Health Central Louisiana to provide personnel and programming help. A total of 170 students were screened during the Fall 2016 semester. The screening measured height, weight, and blood pressure. Students with family risk factors, for diabetes, had a blood test done to determine their hemoglobin A1C levels. Students found to be at risk, for pre-diabetes, are receiving healthy lifestyle education to encourage healthier eating habits and more physical activity. Angelia Carpenter is the Central Louisiana Region Adolescent Pre-Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator for Natchitoches Central High School and can be contacted at acarpenter@delhihospital.com.

Pictured from left are Jo Ann Derbonne, Director School Based Health Centers CHRISTUS Health Central Louisiana; Angelia Carpenter, Central Louisiana Adolescent Pre-Diabetes Prevention Coordinator/Outreach Specialist; Ashley Sesvold, NCHS School-based Health Center RN; and NCHS Principal Bill Gordy.

Pictured from left are Michelle Harris, NCHS School-based Health Center PA, Mary Guidry, Dietitian for School Based Health Centers CHRISTUS Health Central Louisiana; Robin Guillory, NCHS School-based Health Center Social Worker; Ashley Sesvold, NCHS School-based Health Center RN; and Sandy Kosloski, NCHS School-based Health Center Department Secretary.

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The NCHS Chief’s under 1st year Head Coach Tommy Moore faced off against the Washington-Marion Indians as NCHS hosted a Spring Football game Thursday, May 18 at NSU’s Turpin Stadium. Each schools’ offensive and defensive units squared off for a set number of plays before a full team scrimmage took place. This rapid pace gave each team a offensive and defensive workout against an actual opponent as well as providing non stop football action for the Chief’s fans in the stands.

The 2017 season will mark the debut of Head Football Coach Tommy Moore at the helm of the 74 man strong NCHS Chiefs. Before moving up to the lead job, he served as the team’s Offensive Co-ordinator.

The NCHS Chiefs will host their first home game vs. Green Oaks at NSU’s Turpin Stadium on Sept. 8.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer Water Aerobics beginning June 6 at the Robert W. Wilson Recreation Complex. Class will meet Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. There will be three separate sessions offered. Visit checkout.nsula.edu to register and for more information or call (318)357-6355.

Session 1: June 6-29 ($45)
Session 2: July 4-27 ($45)
Session 3: August 2-17 ($22.50)

This workout consists of simple low impact exercises executed in the water. The program is designed to promote and maintain cardiorespiratory fitness, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility. This program is especially recommended for arthritic and/or pregnant women.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer a Basics of Animation course Monday-Friday, June 5-9 from 8 am – noon in the Creative & Performing Arts Building (CAPA), Rm 207, 207A.

The course will teach students how to animate using Adobe After Effects 2017. This introductory course will acquaint students with the interface, basic concepts, and workspace in Adobe After Effects and learn basic animation techniques. Students will also learn how to create unique animated texts using the type tool. At the end of the course, students will have a short animation as an example of their creative skills.

Students must be 10 years or older. Space is limited to 15 students so register quickly to reserve a spot. The course fee is $225. A jump drive is required to participate in the course.

As early as 1940, the Zeta Phi Beta graduate chapters began to realize the importance of prestige, good will and cooperation of women in the community who, for various reasons do not possess college degrees but believe in the ideals of Zeta Phi Beta. Adhering to this need, the sorority decided to form the Zeta Amicae Auxiliary in 1948. Amicae is a Latin word for “friend.” The purpose of the Zeta Amicae Auxiliary is to lend assistance to Zeta activity, make non-Greek women feel closer to the program of a Greek-Letter organization and assure more cooperation in community projects that are sponsored by Zetas.

The Zeta Amicae of Natchitoches, are well underway planning their inaugural signature fundraiser, “HATS & BOW TIES” with Zeta Amicae. This event is slated for Saturday, May 27 from 4-8 p.m. at the beautiful, new Chateau Saint Denis hotel; located just in the heart of Natchitoches’ historic district. Prior to the event, tickets will be $40 and $45 the day of. Proceeds will go to the National Educational Foundation whose mission is to support higher education through scholarships, conduct community education programs, and related research to improve individual and community living standards.

This will be a Kentucky Derby influenced event, where local celebrities such as radio personalities, politicians, pastors, area businessman and coaches will be featured as the “derby horses.” The main event will be THE DERBY RACE where guests will have an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets towards the “horse” they expect to win. The ‘celebrity derby horse’ will select a catchy name for himself and the winner will be rewarded with a garland of roses.

No derby is complete without a cool glass of Mint Julep! There will be a photo booth with props, decadent cocktails, derby-inspired games and festivities. Women will dress to impress, embracing their inner Southerner with bold separates, spring floral dresses, and that derby hat to showcase her style and beauty. Men in attendance will be polished, but colorful; in bright pastels, busy plaid, Seersucker blazers, bow ties and Fedoras. There will be prizes awarded to the best dressed male, best dressed female, most creative hat, and best dressed couple.

If you would like to participate as one of our featured horses, contest judges, or purchase tickets, call 318.652.3141 or 318.609.2045.

Terrence Gates
May 16, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Gail Warmsley
Visitation: Friday, May 19 from 12-6 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, May 20 at 11 am at New Eastside Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: Truevine Cemetery in Mansfield

Darrell D. Ballard
Visitation: Friday, May 19 from 12-6 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, May 20 at 1 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Interment: Community Cemetery in Logansport

Jennie R. Brown
Visitation: Friday, May 19 from 12-6 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, May 20 at 1 pm at Memorial S.D.A. Church in Mansfield
Interment: Union Cemetery in Mansfield
Laney Thomas Walker Jr.
May 15, 2017
Service: Thursday, May 18 at 1 pm at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Leesville
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Natchitoches Humane Society.

Clarence Forest
May 13, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Delrix Dwain “Big D” Carter
November 3, 1976 – May 12, 2017
Service: Thursday, May 25 at 1 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Breda Town Cemetery

Harold Michael Hernandez
March 12, 1949 – May 12, 2017
Visitation: Friday, May 19 from 5-9 pm with a rosary at 7 pm
Service: Saturday, May 20 at 11 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Natchitoches
Interment: Emmanuel Cemetery in Chopin

Karen Waters Sauce
January 30, 1961 – May 18, 2017
Service: Sunday, May 21 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Visitation: Sunday, May 21 from 12-2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Keith Earl Johns
June 24, 1953 – May 18, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, May 20 from 5-8 pm at Southern Funeral Home and Sunday, May 21 from 12-2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Sunday, May 21 at 2 pm at Old Union Cemetery

Ardell Jordan
June 06, 1923 – May 18, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, May 20 from 10 am – 2 pm at Big Creek Baptist Church
Service: Saturday, May 20 at 2 pm at Big Creek Baptist
Interment: Jordan Hill Cemetery near Winnfield

Mary Jane Hoge
April 26, 1944 – May 17, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, May 20 from 9-10 am at Grace Presbyterian Church Service: Saturday, May 20 at 10 am at Grace Presbyterian Church, 4900 Jackson Street in Alexandria
Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Margaret Chanta Mills
December 15, 1960 – May 17, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Vertie Mae Lawson Davidson
June 01, 1935 – May 17, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, May 20 from 9-11 am at Northside Baptist Church
Service: Saturday May 20 at 11 am at Northside Baptist Church Interment: Mt. Zion Cemetery

Alton Smith
May 11, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, May 20 from 9:30-11 am
Service: Saturday, May 20 at 11 am at the Choctaw Island Baptist Church
Interment: Choctaw Island Baptist Church Cemetery

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