Leigh Lambert and Aimee Walker toured visitors through their new business, Magnolia Spa and Wellness, at a Meet and Mingle Brunch May 16. The spa is a happy place nestled in the heart of the historic district at 131 Touline Street.

The seeds of their business venture began in Leigh’s kitchen and bloomed into an environment where clients can get beautified on the outside as well as the inside.

“It began with us just talking about our ideas and evolved form there,” said Leigh. “It’s a dream we’ve both had and have been praying about for the past two years.”

Leigh has been in this line of business for 13 years and Aimee has been in it over 10. It’s what their passion is: creating a place where everyone feels welcome, a warm environment that can be everyone’s “happy place.”

Dr. WIlliam Ball and some of his staff from the Cane River Surgery Center dropped by to show their support for the new business. Leigh said they will soon be working with Dr. Ball, who will schedule days at the spa to come and administer cosmetic injections and Botox.

Northwestern State University awarded degrees to 865 graduates during Spring Commencement Exercises held May 12 in Prather Coliseum. The commencement speaker was Stewart Ewing, executive vice president and chief financial officer for CenturyLink, and a 1973 graduate of Northwestern State’s School of Business. Ewing was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

Spring graduates in Natchitoches and the surrounding areas were:   

Alexandria — Lakeisha Green, Associate of General Studies; Nicholas Bailey, Christopher  Das Neves, Travis Normand,   Ryan Ware, Bachelor of Arts; Wendina Braley, Tonya Clark, Bessie Hargrett,Timothy Waters, Keyira Wilkins, Bachelor of General Studies; Spencer Jones, Bachelor of Music Education; Aaron Beaubouef, Kayla Foxworth, Vanessa Griffin, Mallory Halford, Cary Howard, Micalee Jeansonne, Rachel Lavergne, Nolan Lowe, Emily Mckenzie,  Jason Mercer, Benjamin  Murphy, Zhaquan Porter,Sage Sasser, Christina  Thiels,  Timmaney Kennedy, Bachelor of Science; Melissa Bordelon,  Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Teresa Foshee,    Casey Holts,   Bachelor of Social Work; John Wilson,  Doctor of Nursing Practice; Brittany Dixon, Jennifer  Riche,  Master of Arts; Carol Kelly,  Master of Education; Kristen  Jeansonne, William  Lyan,  Lindsay Ross,  Ansley Thiels,  Jill Vidrine, Master of Science in Nursing;
Bossier City — Britney Brown, Sunny Love, Elizabeth Murray, Associate of Science in Nursing; Joseph Opperman, Douglas Smith, Jerona Washington, Bachelor of General Studies; Trena Camp, Charles Gallaher, Bachelor of Music; Tiffany Johnson,  Bachelor of Music Education; Emily Fisher,Taylor Freeman,  Myra Martinez, Georgenia Smith, Brett Stephenson, Kristen Warke, Haneen Zeidan, Bachelor of Science; Amanda Davis, Jo Sellers, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Amanda Davis, Jo Sellers, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Rene Islas Pena, Master of Arts in Teaching; Pasqual Divietro, Master of Education; Crystal Boyer, Shamika Calhoun, Richard Choate, Dana Graham, Kristen Keener, Kimberly Townsend, Master of Science in Nursing;

Boyce — Alexis Coombs, Associate of Science in Nursing Carlie Gauthier, Bachelor of Science;
Campti — LaQuita Arnold, Associate of General Studies; Princess Hines, Bachelor of Arts; Kelsey Coutee, Karen Shirley, Bachelor of Science; Sade’ Thomas, Bachelor of Social Work;
Chopin — Daisy Delrie, Bachelor of Social Work;

Coushatta — Anthony Scaturro, Associate of General Studies; Macie Wood, Bachelor of General Studies; Dustin Allen, Caroline Doughty, Barbara Johnson, Raquel Lewis, Jesseca Tomerlin, Mackenzie Williams, Bachelor of Science; Juliana Handy, Master of Music; Sh’Kea Sibley, Associate of General Studies;
Derry – Georgette Hassan, Bachelor of Arts;

Florien – Kelcy Sandel, Bachelor of General Studies; Abigail Cotten, Bachelor of Science; Charles Salter, Master of Arts;
Fort Polk – Jenica Alexis Smithee, Associate of Science in Nursing; Jenae
Doran, Associate of General Studies;

Leesville – Mary Jackson, Associate of Science in Nursing; Brianna Easterling, Larry Nelson, Associate of General Studies;  Sean McCroary, Bachelor of Arts;  Katherine Benson, Bachelor of Fine Arts;  Destin Bennett, Ian Connors, Meagan Cooley, Derek Donald (two degrees), Trevor Fox (two degrees), Stephen Freshley, Jessica Gabor, TeAmara Judkins, Amber Martin, Thomas Merchant, Taylor Smith, Samantha Thomas, Oscar Thompson, Jacob Underwood, Lakyn Ward, Bachelor of Science;  Arcelia Hargrove, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Shandreka Atwater, Brooke Perkins, Bachelor of Social Work;  Jordan Creasey, Karli Daigle, Masteer of Arts; Dawn Tesam, Master of Arts in Teaching; Raven Collins, Associate of Science in Nursing;

Lena – Nathaniel Dubois, Jacob Foster, Jessica Gorum, Bachelor of Science;

Mansfield – Shaleatha Richard, Associate of Science in Nursing; James Johnston, Associate of General Studies; Melissa Hanson, Bachelor of Applied Science;  Zikiteran Woodley, Bachelor of General Studies; Kaleyva Burrell, Ismael Castillo, Demetri Hill, Jessica Miller, Bachelor of Science;

Many – Tiffany Ford, Bachelor of Arts; Hannah Allen, Bachelor of General Studies; Haleigh Dockens, Angelica Galban, Mariam Haider, Lance Leone, Chastity McCrory, John Sullivan, Bachelor of Science; John Booker, Jess Curtis, Haley Heard, Master of Arts in Teaching;

Marthaville – Ashleigh Wright, Bachelor of Arts; Kelsey Claspill, Bachelor of Science;

Natchitoches – Irene Flakes, Jennifer Newbury, Associate of Science in Nursing
Dandre Alexander, Alyssa Akers, Whitney Brock, LaKrisha Burrell, Zachary Gistarb, Derrick Robinson, Donterica Triplet, Associate of General Studies; Simone Brewer, Danyelle Coco, Emily Coffman, Kirsten Fontenot, Lawden Halliburton, Christopher Hilbun, Justyn Labom, James Lake, Hana Stanfield, Bachelor of Arts; Dustin Cormier, Jessica Cross, Heather Lockwood, Ethan Stelly, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Albert Benner, Charmaine Bonvillain, Martha DeBlieux, Latoya Hayes, Xavier Johnson, Kirk Leone, Amber Sanders, Demetric White, Bachelor of General Studies;  Carlos Gomez Garcia, Bachelor of Music; Ashlyn Balthazar, Sharon Barnette, Michaela Blackshear, Joanna Boydstun, Harvey Briggs, Manton Capers, Patricia Carrion Salinas, Jonathan Carruth, Corieana Ceasar, Whitney Cromartie, William Cromartie, Herbert De Launay, Myranda Degraw, Jasmine Dilworth, Courtney Foret-Chiasson, Clarisse Gaucel, Spencer Goodwin, Dallas Guillory, Lawden Halliburton, Amber Holmes, Emilie King, Kristanna Lee, Terrian Marchand, Melaina Martin, Jermeka McBride, Amy Metoyer, Nathalia Miranda Garcia, Crystal Murphy, Kiara Murphy, Marissa Oster, Lindsey Prewitt, April Rond, Kayla Samuel, Arsenije Savic, Bethany Straub, Evan Stuckey, Matthew Weems, Leighann Westfall, Bachelor of Science; Angel Greer, Bachelor of Social Work; Kaysee Carrere, Khirsten Doolan, Lamerio Fortson, Justin McNear, Vashaun South, Randi Washington, Master of Arts; Joseph Cunningham, Master of Arts in Teaching; Omasha Brantley, Master of Education; Zebulon Bellon, Michael Cox, Dennis Sanders, Master of Music; Zachary Adams, Melissa Aldredge, Devin Thulin, William Townsend, Matthew Vines, Steven Zielke, Master of Science; Misty Dalme, Master of Science in Nursing;

Oak Grove – Lana Kelly, Master of Arts in Teaching; Erica Brumley, Dustin Strickland, Master of Science in Nursing;

Pineville – Amber Cook, Associate of Science in Nursing; Hailey Coutee, Jasmine Johnson, Savannah Johnson, Wendi Mezzacapo, Lorita Powell, Associate of General Studies; Morgan Huddleston, Bachelor of General Studies;  Dustie Bridges, Snow Buckley, Raymond Fletcher, Alysha Gagnard, Daunte Gay, Hebron Lacey, Morgan Humphries, Caroline Mayer, Marissa McMickens, Jasmine Overgaard, Bachelor of Science;  Casey Kessler, Kimbelry Smith, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Brenna Campbell, Kimberly Swart, Master of Arts in Teaching; Amanda James, Amy McNaughton, Victoria Munsterman, Master of Science in Nursing;

Pleasant Hill – Ja’Licia Franklin, Bachelor of Social Work;

Provencal – Andrea Farrell, Selena Wester, Bachelor of Science;  Paige Gauntt, Master of Arts in Teaching;

Robeline – Timothy Collins, Associate of General Studies; Mary May, Associate of General Studies; Courtney Rachal, Bachelor of Science;

Shreveport – Rachel Bilderback, Shannon Brown, Kristin Charles, Suzanne Doughty, Taylor Harkins, Sarah Neth, Torreanna Singleton, DeAndre Stevenson, Joseph Zaia, Associate of Science in Nursing; Walter Johnson, Adrian Saldana, Melissa Savage, Jansequa Webster, Regina White, Associate of General Studies; Krashanta Barrett, Bachelor of Applied Science; Sha’Destiny Blackshire, Kavonte Evans, Celia Farquhar, Conrad Ostler, Emily Paxton, Ashley Santos, Lyshaqwanna Shandle, Brattany Walters, Bachelor of Arts; Brandon Melancon, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Meosha Brown, Candice Davis, Heather Mathis, Amber Norris, Cassydi Scoggin, Serita Worley, Bachelor of General Studies; Ezar Bess, Micaela Bouvier, Caitlin Bruce, Charlie Caldwell, Misty Chance, Phillip Clark, Tyra Cooper, Garrison Davis, John Davison, Sara Dunn, Rebecca Glorioso, Wendy Hillman-Faris, Aubrey Hullaby, Alexis Kochinskey, Cole Laird, Kaitlyn Lastrapes, Jaylon Lewis, Sarah Long, Jasmine McConnell, Christine Mettenbrink, Katlynn Morris, Monica Powell, Allison Self, Michael Thrower, Shelbie Waltman, Tiffani Williams, Bachelor of Science; Daytreiona Allen, Alexis Anthony, Brittany Barnes, Crystal Holley, Mashica Pennywell, Christopher Perrero, Tyler Smith, Maggie Stadlander, Elena Urbiztondo, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Joycelyn McConnell, Bachelor of Social Work; Changela Kirts, Educational Specialist; Michelle Atkinson, Sherry Banks, Kimberly Thomas, Master of Arts in Teaching; Dennis Breland,  Master of Education; Tamara Childers, Master of Science; Steven Galbraith, Holly Johnson, Tucker Kifer, Kathryn Landreneau, Raine Martin, Jennifer Middleton, Gentry Olden, Carolyne Redding, Jennipher Smothers, Patricia Strickland, Leanna Tyler, Master of Science in Nursing;

Winnfield – Hollie Frederick, Bobby Poisso, Associate of General Studies;  Andrew Harrell, Anissa Jones, Stormie Jordan, Laci Parker, Chelsea Rowell, Bachelor of Science;   Cheryl Garrett, Master of Arts;  Sarah Porter, Master of Arts in Teaching;  Hannah Dubois, Jamie Goleman, Master of Science in Nursing;

Zwolle – Erica Klare, Associte of Science in Nursing; Brenna Rivers, Bachelor of Science.

Northwestern State University will host several summer aquatics classes at the NSU Recreation Complex.  The pool opened May 16. Hours of operation are 3-6 p.m. Tuesday through the end of May.  Hours for June and July are 2-7 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.  Membership information is available by emailing Cindy Davis, director of aquatics, at cindyd@nsula.edu or by calling (318) 357-6301.

A junior lifeguard course will be held the weeks of June 13 and Jun 20.  Classes will be from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday-Friday for the two-week course. The cost is $100.

Learn To Swim classes are $50 per week for children age three and older and are held at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tuesday-Friday the weeks of June 6, June 13, June 20 and June 27. During the month of July, private lessons are available with an instructor for $75 per week.

Water exercise/fitness swim classes will be 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday beginning June 6.  The cost is $50 per month.

Fitness swim will also be available from 7-9 a.m. Tuesday-Friday during the month of June.  There is no instructor at this time but a lifeguard will be on duty.  The cost is $50 for the month or is free to members and students.

Students at the Engineering Technology (ET) Department at NSU must complete a capstone design course where they solve real-world, open-ended problems identified or submitted by industrial collaborators.

Students work in small groups over two semesters to identify an opportunity, define the problem, analyze competing needs and requirements, perform prior literature survey, develop alternative designs, carry out cost analyses, and select and implement a design solution.

For the past year, 17 undergraduate students, awarded degrees in the Spring 2017 commencement, were involved in projects with the nearby industry or local government organizations. Two projects were conducted in collaboration with the City of Natchitoches and the one project with Alliance compressors.

City of Natchitoches projects were related to the design of a water booster station and the design of an underground power distribution.  Students utilized basic science and state-of-the-art technology (Pipe Flow software) to complete the study. The underground power distribution project was intended to improve the aesthetics of Natchitoches’ downtown Historic District by converting the above ground power lines into an underground system, which would dramatically reduce clutter and improve the visuals throughout the district.

At Alliance compressors, students worked closely with engineers and production managers to develop an Operation Method Sheet and Standard Operating Procedures to increase the efficiency of a workstation at the facility. Students interacted with engineers and other professional personnel. Results and analysis of all projects were presented to the faculty, industrial partners, and public.

The current ongoing projects are related to a security surveillance system at the Natchitoches Regional Airport and a collaboration with the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) dealing with the deterioration of masonry structures.

Senior Design Projects provide a unique and supportive environment for industry to work closely with students and faculty. Students utilize in-house facilities at the ET Department and industrial supports to ensure the success of the projects. This mutually beneficial partnership supports academic excellence by ensuring the presence of an environment where students can learn from a practical application of learning to real world problems. It also supports industry needs by addressing problems and developing strong relationships with students and faculty; emphasizing problem solving skills, team work, and project management skills, and supporting the department in providing a robust and practical curriculum with industry expertise, and equipment.

The ET Department acknowledges current opportunities from the City of Natchitoches, Alliance, NCPTT, and all our previous collaborators.

For information on senior design projects or for organizations with potential projects to collaborate on, contact Dr. Jafar F. Al-Sharab (jafar@nsula.edu), the coordinator and instructor of senior design projects and STEM related activities at NSU.

Know a teacher who wants an outstanding professional development opportunity? The park is currently recruiting one teacher from surrounding school districts to spend the summer working at Cane River Creole National Historical Park as a Teacher-Ranger-Teacher (TRT). The selected candidate will learn about the park’s rich cultural resources, help develop the park’s education program, present programs for park visitors, and have the opportunity to share their experiences with their students and fellow teachers when they return to the classroom.

This temporary (230-hour) position is part of a nationwide professional development program to help grow and nurture K-12 educational opportunities within the National Park Service (NPS). The selected teacher will work alongside park staff to evaluate the park’s educational programming and develop new programs, curriculum and teacher resources. Applicants should have experience in program planning and lesson plan development and a passion for placed-based education and national parks. Teachers of all grade levels and subject areas from the park’s surrounding school districts may apply.

The TRT program includes 45 hours of online coursework, discussion, and course readings. Upon completion of the program and course work, the teacher will receive a $3,000 stipend and earn three graduate credit hours through University of Colorado Denver (CUD). The TRT program is provided through a partnership between NPS and CUD. The goal of the program is to train teachers in the resources and themes of the NPS so that they can return to their schools in the fall and incorporate their new skills into their classroom activities.

For more information and for an application, please contact the park’s Chief of Interpretation Barbara Justice at barbara_justice@nps.gov or download the application from the park website at https://www.nps.gov/cari/learn/education/teacher-ranger-teacher.htm.  The application deadline for the TRT program is Thursday, May 25.

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

Eloise Sanders
June 21, 1931 – May 5, 2017
Visitation: Friday, May 19 from 10 am – 1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Friday, May 19 at 1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches
Interment: Briarwood Cemetery near Saline

Agnes Seraphine D’Angelo
October 23, 1926 – May 13, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, May 18 from 6-9 pm with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 pm and Friday, May 19 from 12-1:30 pm in the Kramer Chapel
Service: Friday, May 19 at 2 pm in St. Frances Cabrini Church with Rev. Chad Partain officiating
Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home

James A. Gabour Sr.
October 22, 1913 – May 14, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, May 17 from 5-7 pm with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 5:30 pm and Thursday, May 17 from 12-1:30 pm in the Kramer Chapel Visitation
Service: Thursday, May 18 at 2 pm in St. Frances Cabrini Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

Bobby Ray Hawthorne
February 4, 1933 – May 14, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, May 17 from 4- 8 pm at John Kramer & Son Funeral Home in Alexandria with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 pm in the Kramer Chapel and will resume Thursday, May 18 from 9-10 am at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church
Service: Thursday, May 18 at 10 am at St. Frances De Sales
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens
Mavis Catherine (Harp) Steen
June 29, 1918 – May 14, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, May 17 from 5-9 pm at the chapel of Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home and Thursday from 11 am – 1 pm at the Nolley Memorial United Methodist Church
Service: Thursday, May 18 at 1 pm in the Nolley Memorial United Methodist Church
Interment: Nolley 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

It is May 17th already!!! And the veggies are ready!

Anderson’s Produce is now open for the 2017 season. Farmer Jason Anderson said, “We are going to have a bumper crop of tomatoes.”

“Warm weather has created an early and productive crop,” added Anderson “we are ready to get the vegetables going for the year.”

In addition Anderson’s Produce will also have ferns and flowers to sell as well. The greenhouses are packed with big, lush Boston Ferns and lots of varieties of flowers.

Stop for a moment and gaze at the new waterfall and pool in the rear of the produce stand. Take a few minutes to relax in the shade and see all that is new at Anderson’s for this season.

Opening day features tomatoes, potatoes, onions and so much more. The weather has been just right to grow delicious vegetables in the rich river soil of south Red River parish.

Jason Anderson invited you to “come to the farm.” Anderson’s Produce and Plant Farm on Highway 174 half way between I-49 and LA 1.

Paid Advertising

Mayor Lee Posey and Dallas Russell with the City of Natchitoches spoke to the Lions Club May 15.

Posey gave the following updates on projects:

The Riverbank renovation is on schedule. The riverbank is only losing 20 parking spots, despite rumors with higher numbers, but Posey said he doesn’t feel like the City is ready for a parking garage yet.

The City is working with NSU on the planned construction of a Sports Recreation Center, which will provide room for baseball, softball and soccer tournaments. There is also a walking trail in the works. They hope to go out for bidding this fall with an estimated completion date in the Spring of 2019.

Renovation work on parks in the community. Bathrooms will be added at City and Pierson-Mallet Parks.

Infrastructure upgrades (water, sewer, drainage) including the $ million Master Lift Station project. There should be $1-2 million in street work during the next fiscal year.

Cleaning sludge out of Chaplain’s Lake, which the barge system is removing slowly.
Being aggressive on tearing down blighted houses to improve the overall community quality.

New downtown bridge: An engineering firm was hired to conduct the environmental phase of the project, which should take 1-2 years. This includes traffic counts from every direction, which is currently underway. The debate over where to build a detour bridge is ongoing. If it’s built alongside the new bridge construction it would increase traffic congestion in the downtown area and a 1-1.5 year project could easily become a 2-3 year project.

South Drive Expansion Project: In the original plans, the next phase of the three-lane expansion of South Drive would have included the section between Hancock and Parkway. Considering the danger the narrow, 75-year-old bridge at the intersection by the Fish Hatchery the project was changed to extend from Hancock to the intersection. This would include a new bridge and possibly a traffic circle where the traffic light is currently. The bad part about the new scope of this project, in addition to increasing the price, is the increase in the time it will take to complete. The plan is to overlay South Drive from Hancock to Parkway in the meantime.

The proposed construction of the Cane River Brewery on Mill Street ran into some problems getting approval for tax credits from the state a month ago, but plans are to still go through with the new business.

Two tennis courts were added at the recreation parks area behind East Natchitoches Middle School through a grant with USTA. The City is excited to host its first tennis tournament this Saturday.

When asked about possibly adding an indoor pool that could be used for retirees and swimming meets, Posey said it’s a high ticket item, but the City is looking into it. However, the natatorium on the NSU Campus is too outdated and will probably be leveled in the future.

Russell spoke to the club about hosting an activity booth at the City Park Grand Reopening Celebration Saturday, June 3 from 10 am – 1 pm. Activity Booths are still needed for this event. Your organization must be a non-profit, church, government agency or educational institution. You must provide a hands-on activity. You must stay for the entire event. You must offer free activities. You must provide your own tent, tables and chairs. The deadline for booths is Friday, May 19. Ideas for activity booths include: carnival games, arts & crafts, field games, board games, trivia, etc…

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

It always comes back to the roads. Yet again, discussions at the Parish Council meeting May 15 turned to the poor road conditions in the Parish. And, as it’s been happening at the past few meetings, tension arose when the Council members began to question Highway Director Nick Verret over work being done in the Parish.

Verret took exception when it was stated that the Parish hasn’t completed any projects this year, citing various projects that were finished recently. However, besides the time it’s taking to complete projects like Payne Subdivision and CoCo Bed Road, some Council members are frustrated at, as they see it, the lack of regular maintenance being done.

Russell Rachel passed several photos around showing routine maintenance work that he feels should have been seen to by now. “Does it take an engineer to get this work done,” he asked. Rachal doesn’t feel like the Council members are representing their constituents as they were elected to do because situations like these are often “out of their hands.”

Verret said it was in their hands to see that more work gets done at a Council meeting in February. He was referring to two ordinances the Council voted down which would have separated job duties to allow him more time to perform engineering duties.

There are around 43 special projects that Verret is involved in. “I’m doing the best I can,” he said.

Several visitors questioned when work would be done on their roads, which included Alondia Jefferson, a resident of CoCo Bed Road. When she asked for a date when work would be started on the road, Verret said he couldn’t give her one. The project is being held up because the plans haven’t been submitted to the state. Verret said the plans are one item on his special projects list that just hasn’t happened yet.

Chris Paige said it’s been 6 years of the same answers and the potholes in the Parish have now become craters.

Parish President Rick Nowlin said the engineering work Verret is doing for these projects is part of the match the Parish must put up for the state funding requirements. Otherwise, the Parish could hire a consultant engineer at three times the cost, but the money would then have to be taken out of the budget, meaning less maintenance work would be done on the existing roads.

“I’ve heard a lot of complaints, but no solutions,” said Nowlin.

In other business, an ordinance was adopted to amend and preordain Section 2-8 of the Parish Code of Ordinance. It changed the following parts:
Move the public comment section from the beginning to the end of the meeting agenda
Limit each council member to a maximum of 5 minutes to express views on any one subject, with 5 minutes for rebuttals from other members
Questions must be directed through the Chair
Public comments will be limited to a maximum of 3 minutes
All meetings will last for a period not to exceed 4 hours
Other agenda items included:

Approve resolution for canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the special election held in the Parish and Road District No. 40 March 25 to authorize the levy of special taxes therein

Approve Natchitoches Times as the official parish journal

Approve mosquito surveillance and control program proposal submitted by Vector Disease Control International for the total program cost of $91,079

Resolutions to scarify King Hill and Sisson Roads

Authorize a quitclaim deed on Lot 1 and South half of Lot 2 of Block DA of Breda Addition from the Parish to Robert Jackson Sr.

Add Solid Waste Scale House Attendant and salary range to the job description in the Personnel Manual

Remove job requirements of Engineer and Engineer duties from the Director of Public Works job description

Amend 2017 operating budget, relative to the Hampton Road Improvement Fund

Adjust Revenue of Insurance Claims to add line items for expenses for building and grounds, Winn rock screenings and to adjust line items of gravel, Winn rock and bottom ash (Intro)

Ordinance for Part-time Parish Engineer (Intro)

Recognize Chris Maggio as the 19th President of NSU

Advertise for bids for Winn rock screenings

Confirm reappointment of Ted Duggan to the Natchitoches Parish Water Works District 2 Board

By Kevin Shannahan

Lakeview High School’s Future Farmers of America Chapter held a fundraiser Saturday, May 13 at Tractor Supply in Natchitoches. They were selling hanging flower baskets that were grown in the school’s greenhouse by the FFA members in order to raise funds for their trip to the FFA state convention in Baton Rouge.

Lakeview’s FFA chapter is 80 strong and has posted an enviable record of success. In March’s Spring Judging Career Development Events held at LSU, Lakeview’s FFA members competed against hundreds of FFA members from throughout Louisiana. The Gators placed 1st in Nursery & Landscape, 2nd in Electricity and 3rd in Dairy Foods.

In addition to the 100 flower baskets, the FFA grew 3,500 tomato plants, 300 pepper plants and 200 squash plants, all sold locally.

The Future Farmers of America has had a chapter at Lakeview since the school’s founding. While charged with promoting Agriculture Education, the FFA is not only about farming. They also work towards personal growth, career success, team building and other skills useful in any endeavor.

Northwestern State University is changing the name of its Family and Consumer Sciences program to better reflect the degree’s focus, which is child development and family theory. This fall, the program will be called Child and Family Studies, a discipline that prepares graduates to work in a variety of fields aimed at improving the lives of individuals, families and communities. Child and Family Studies is part of the Department of Teaching, Leadership and Counseling within the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development.

“It is often called ‘The Helping Profession,’ which makes it is a good fit for anyone who wants to help people or work with people,” said Dr. Rania Salman, program coordinator, who emphasizes that the program is about much more than working with children. “Individuals interested in working with non-profit organizations, community education or social services would fall under the degree. It’s a broad area.”

Career opportunities for graduates can be found in family resource services, community-based social services, education, research, public policy and family wellness, to name a few.  Jobs could include working with youth development, vocational guidance, Head Start programs, parent education, disability services, public health programs, human resources and family policy analysis.

The most popular concentration in Child and Family Studies is child development and family relations, in which about 200 NSU students are enrolled. The consumer services concentration has about 15 students. Salman would like to eventually add an advocacy and intervention concentration, an interdisciplinary concentration that would infuse coursework in social work, psychology and special education to prepare professionals to advocate for children and/or families that need advocacy or specific intervention.

“There is the opportunity to work as an advocate for families who want to adopt.  There are also organizations that set up programs in schools to meet the psychological and academic needs of children and families who are experiencing hardships. There are those in the field of child life who work as specialists in hospitals to normalize trauma for medically fragile children and their families. This degree is perfect for that,” Salman said.

Child and Family Studies requires a minor and many students choose social science as a complementary focus. Salman said students majoring in programs related to health and wellness could find a minor or concentration in Child and Family Studies beneficial, such as nursing majors interested in pediatric nursing or becoming a birthing coach, doula or lactation consultant.

“I tell students that the more urban the area, the more likely you are to find a job,” Salman said. “Family science careers tend to be in more urban areas where social service agencies and non-profits tend to be located.”

The program’s child development and family relations concentration can be completed online,    although there are some face-to-face classes available. Senior-level students are required to complete an internship related to their concentration. The internship, which provides hands-on field experience, is one of the program’s strengths in that it often provides a path to employment for graduates.

Until about 30 years ago, courses in Family and Consumer Sciences were referred to as home economics or domestic science, the field of study that was often the background for educators and human services professionals.   As the field has evolved, the national trend has shifted away from identifying as FACS. Indicative of the trend, two years ago, NSU moved its hospitality management and tourism (HMT) and culinary arts program out of FACS and into the School of Business.

The roots of Child and Family Studies at NSU are in the Domestic Science and Art program established on campus in 1911 when classes in child development were an extension of family health management.   In the 1930s, Dr. Marie Shaw Dunn, department head, created a child development concentration and, in order to provide a laboratory experience for her students, established the nursery school on campus that is now the the Child Development Center. Eventually, child development broadened into early childhood education. NSU established a master’s program in early childhood education in 1971. In 2003, the early childhood degree program was redesigned to certify teachers for pre-kindergarten through third grade.

For more information on NSU’s Child and Family Studies program, contact Salman at salmanr@nsula.edu or call (318) 357-4202.

Meet Harvis Junior Johnson, a newly published author whose book “Tales of a Boy from Cane River” shares stories of his childhood and life experiences growing up in Natchitoches Parish. Junior will visit with friends and fans at his book signing event Saturday, May 20 from 2-6 pm at the Point Place Marina, 1209 Patrick Road.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1691090794243482/

Known affectionately as “Junior” all his life, he continues to be the person his father Harvis Sr. and his mother Rita wanted him to be. Writing about his life growing up on Cane River and events that occurred throughout his life and offshore career, “Tales Of A Boy From Cane River” is the result of those stories, and a dream come true for him.

“My stories are dear to me as they detail memorable events in my life beginning when I was four years old,” said Junior. “But some may remind you of events in your life.”

Born and raised in the beautiful little Village of Cloutierville near Natchitoches, Junior was the first person in his family to ever attend college. He graduated from Northwestern State University.

Junior spent 32 years as a Production Supervisor in the Offshore Oil & Gas Industry, until a helicopter crash three years ago ended his career and left him disabled.

Through recovery Junior realized that facing challenges in life doesn’t limit your dreams, if you want to pursue them.

In his spare time, Junior began writing stories of his childhood as he was growing up on beautiful Cane River in a loving sharecroppers home. Those who read these stories were very supportive and encouraged him to continue, and thus, “Tales of a Boy from Cane River” was born.

His book is available exclusively at Georgia’s Gift Shop on Front Street, and online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books A Million. Anyone wanting a signed copy can order one online at CLICK HERE

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Cora Meshell 
September 22, 1918 – May 12, 2017
Visitation: Monday, May 15 from 1-10 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Zwolle with a rosary vigil at 6:30 pm
Service: Tuesday, May 16 at 1 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church
Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery

Mavis Catherine (Harp) Steen
June 29, 1918 – May 14, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, May 17 from 5-9 pm at the chapel of Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home and Thursday from 11 am – 1 pm at the Nolley Memorial United Methodist Church
Service: Thursday, May 18 at 1 pm in the Nolley Memorial United Methodist Church
Interment: Nolley 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

Beverly Ann Glass Baker
August 15, 1933 – May 12, 2017
Visitation: Monday, May 29 from 4-8 pm and Tuesday, May 30 from 10-11 am at the funeral home
Service: Tuesday, May 30 at 11 am in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that bridge number 053-04-1463-1, Church Street Bridge, will be closed for inspection from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM on Thursday, May 25, 2017. This Structure is on LA 1-X (Business) or Church Street over Cane River Lake and is located 0.46 miles North of the junction of LA 494, Keyser Avenue.

Permit/Detour Section
The road will be closed to all traffic while the inspection is being performed by LA DOTD personnel. Detour will be LA 1223 North to LA 6-X (Business) East.

Safety Reminder
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information
Call (318) 561-5100 or (800) 542-3509 or 511 or visit http://www.511LA.org for additional information. Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ http://www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MYDOTD, the Way to Geaux Application for iPhone or Android devices, the DOTD Facebook page or the LA DOTD Twitter page, @Alex_Traffic for further information and details.

Kids, get your adventure on with six fun days of Stand Up Paddling and Kayaking! Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports in Natchitoches will offer a Jr. Watermen Camp for boys and girls ages 7 and above June 5 – July 21.

Campers will be given the opportunity to explore and experience a new world on Cane River Lake via Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Kayaking while also learning water safety.

“We want to help everyone access and experience Cane River Lake and foster a sense of adventure in our campers,” said Gerry Kiefer.

The SUP experience starts with quality instruction from beginner strokes and maneuvers to more advanced techniques during this fun-filled week. Beginner paddlers will develop a solid foundation for Stand Up Paddling and Kayaking.
Camp Dates (Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays- weather permitting):

• June 5th – 16th
• June 19th – 30th
• July 10th – 21st

Times: 

• Ages 7-10, 9-11 am
• Ages 11-13, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Ages 14+,  2-4 pm

Week 1: Stand-Up Paddleboards

• Monday: Basic paddling (how to get on/off the board, row, steer)
• Wednesday: Review basics/Intermediate paddling (new turn techniques, effective paddling strokes)
• Friday: Review intermediate/Racing

Week 2: Kayaks

• Monday: Basic Kayaking
• Wednesday: Review basics/Intermediate paddling.
• Fri.: Review intermediate/Racing

***Participants must be able to swim***

No skills are required. Registration is recommended but drop-ins will be accepted. The fee is $90 per week. To sign up for a class call 318-527-0066 or email caneriverpaddlepedal@yahoo.com.

With the warm weather of summer on the horizon, Cane River Paddle & Pedal reminds the Natchitoches community that rentals start at $20/hour. Spring days & hours are 12-7 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and 1-7 pm on Sundays (weather permitting).

Cane River Paddle and Pedal recommends comfortable active or swimwear (all under $30) for your best paddling/pedaling adventure. Browse the Showroom location at 780 Front Street, Suite 104, for great accessories, activewear (brands such as 90 Degree high-performance moisture wicking technology) to keep you cool and comfortable. For more information go online to http://www.caneriverpaddlepedalsport.com.

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The Natchitoches Parish Port Commission announced the selection of Travis Tyler as its new executive director May 15.  Tyler was named after an extended search and selection process.

“We are very pleased to announce this appointment,” stated Nettles Brown, president of the Natchitoches Parish Port Commission.  “Travis brings much experience and knowledge to the Port which is instrumental in carrying out our mission.”

A native of Atlanta, Tyler graduated from Northwestern State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.  He has worked in Louisiana’s oil, gas, and transportation industries for the past 9 years.

“I’m looking forward to joining the Natchitoches Parish Port and continuing its efforts to foster growth and expansion in the area,” commented Tyler.  He will start at the port July 1 to work alongside current director Robert Breedlove, who will retire at the end of September.

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

Natchitoches Central High School’s award winning orchestra presented its Spring Concert at NSU’s Magale Recital Hall Thursday, May 11.  The popular group, led by director Syll Young-Lee Olson, played a variety of classical and popular pieces before a full house of friends, family and local music lovers.

The NCHS orchestra has played at Carnegie Hall, not once, but twice and has also made a European tour that culminated in a concert at Czechoslovakia’s Dvorak Concert Hall, one of the oldest concert halls in Europe. Over the years the orchestra’s young musicians have earned many All-State and a few All-National musical honors. They will be adding to their impressive list of honors this February. The orchestra has been invited to perform at Washington, D.C’s Kennedy Center to play for the President of the United States at The Capitol Orchestra Festival.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes the NCHS orchestra a safe journey. We know you’ll continue to make your home parish proud.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating this concert’s photography. Photo protection is off and downloads are enabled. You may download any you wish for free. If you download a photograph, please consider making a donation to the NCHS Orchestra in lieu of payment. 

The Cane River region has a rich tradition of live musical performance. The community was once home to numerous juke joints and dance halls, where farmworkers could enjoy an evening of live Creole music, blues, jazz or early rock and roll. In honor of this tradition Cane River Creole National Historical Park will join together with the Cane River National Heritage Area to host the 8th Annual Cane River Music Festival at Oakland Plantation Saturday, May 20 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This event is free to the public.

Bring chairs, blankets, food, drink, friends and family and relax under the shade of the Oak Allée.

The 2017 musical lineup features both returning favorites and new talent!

11 a.m. – Big Max & the Harmonics

12 p.m. – LaCour Trio

1 p.m. – Landry & Co.

2 p.m. – Meyka Inc.

3 p.m. – Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys

Join us for a fun day of music and more! There will be a Bluegrass Jam Session on the Doctor’s

Cottage porch from 2-4 p.m. and the Natchitoches Parish Library will be on hand for

face painting and games! Come explore the Cane River National Heritage.

Oakland Plantation is located at 4386 Highway 494 in Natchez.

2nd & 4th Saturdays in June, July & August
Activities will take place from 1-8:30pm each weekend unless noted otherwise

June 10th – Rivers Revue\Lisa Spann & Co
Steel Magnolias House Tour | Bloody Mary Event | Prudhomme Rouquier House Tour

June 24th – Louisiana Sidemen\Mike McKenzie Band
Corn Hole Tournament & Lawn Games
(Enjoy Fireworks and Sports Hall of Fame Tailgating Event on Friday Night)

July 8th – LaCour Bros Trio\Katalyst
Watermelon Eating Contest | Fireworks at 9pm

July 22nd – River Revue\5th Avenue
Margarita Event

August 12th – Cane River Soul\Mike McKenzie Band

August 26th – LaCour Bros Trio\Hank Staples & Thundercreek

Each weekend will feature inflatables for the kids (FREE of charge), face painting, games and more.

Don’t forget your lawn chair!

For more information check out our website http://www.ddnatty.com or call the HDBA at 318-652-7078.

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The Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) celebrated Children’s Book Week with library tours and magic shows this week. Children and their parents learned more about the NPL’s Children’s Department from Children’s Librarian Annabel Jones before being treated to an enchanting performance by Magician David Scott. Library staff were also in costume Wednesday as various children’s book characters to promote childhood literacy.

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

Beverly Ann Glass Baker
August 15, 1933 – May 12, 2017
Visitation: Monday, May 29 from 4-8 pm and Tuesday, May 30 from 10-11 am at the funeral home
Service: Tuesday, May 30 at 11 am in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

Ellis Elton McDonald 
March 15, 1952 – May 12, 2017
Service: Monday, May 15 at 1 pm at First Baptist Church of Hornbeck
Interment: Prewitt Chapel Cemetery
Visitation: Monday, May 15 from 10 am – 1 pm at First Baptist Church of Hornbeck

Cristi Bullock Duke
January 23, 1966 – May 12, 2017
Visitation: Monday, May 15 from 9 am – noon
Service: Monday, May 15 at noon at Hargis Baptist Church
Interment: Hargis Baptist Church cemetery

Delrix Cater
May 12, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Una Napper
March 03, 1921 – May 09, 2017
Visitation: Monday, May 15 from 12-1 pm
Service: Monday, May 15 at 1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Pleasant Hill