Pictured from left are Lakeview Principal William Hymes; Angelia Carpenter, Central Louisiana Adolescent Pre-Diabetes Prevention Coordinator/Outreach Specialist; and Lakeview Assistant Principal Jennifer Martin.
Lakeview Senior 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 66 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 Lakeview Senior High School and can be contacted at acarpenter@delhihospital.com.

Pictured from left are Melanie Johnson, LHS School-based Health Center Nurse Practioner; Cindy Fredieu, LHS School-based Health Center Nurse; and Brenda Riggs, LHS School-based Health Center Department Secretary.

 

Article and photos by Dr. Ron McBride

A number of representatives of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) attended the Rotary Club of Natchitoches meeting May 16. Pictured from left are CSM (Ret) Frank Huff, COL (Ret) John Pugh, ESGR Guest Eddie Wise, Rotarian with the Program LTC (Ret) Bob Gillan, ESGR Guest Tina Kingston, COL (Ret) Patti Woods, ESGR Guest, Keith Kingston, and ESGR Ricky Fife. Huff summarized the many functions of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Rotarian LTC (Ret) Bob Gillan (left) received the Rotary Medal from President Fred Terasa and the James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award for his years of dedicated service to the National Guard and Reserve, presented by COL (Ret) John Pugh.

Christopher Robinson B M 39 1011 Allen St., Natchitoches Interference with Officer

Dennis Quinn B M 21 1661 West Court, Natchitoches Unauthorized Use of Access Card as Theft

Keith Hampton B M 20 200 Settles Ridge, Hiram, GA Criminal Mischief; Remaining on Premises

Tremane Johnson B M 19 202 Miranda Lp., Natchitoches Two cts Simple Assault; Stalking

Tyreunne Johnson B F 18 202 Miranda Lp., Natchitoches Simple Assault; Stalking

Leonard Solitaire B M 33 440 Fairgrounds Rd., #44, Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Reckless Operation; Expired Registration)

Tramaine Phillips B M 17 515 Fairgrounds Rd., #50, Natchitoches DWI (underage)

Genesha Franklin B F 18 127 Amanda Dr, Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Expired Registration; No Proof of Insurance)

Reginald Sarpy B M 22 1662 Bermuda Rd., Natchez, LA Failure to Appear (Driving Under Suspension; No Seat Belt)

Jaleel Tousant B M 20 822 Jordan, Natchitoches Domestic Abuse Battery

Quinessia Smith B F 21 519 Rowena, Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Driving Under Suspension)

Shelbie Howard B F 24 428 Payne St., Natchitoches Theft by Shoplifting (Accessory)

Alvin Bolden B M 27 313 Primrose St., Natchitoches Theft of Goods; Possession Sch IV; Firearm in presence of CDS; Two counts CDS in presence of a juvenile

James Lee, III B M 22 1404 Amelia St., Natchitoches Simple Possession of Marijuana; Possession of Firearm with CDS; Possession of Legend Drug

Kevon Efferson B M 22 1416 Northern St., Natchitoches Possession of Marijuana; Possession of Legend Drug; Parole Violation

Thomas Robinson W M 21 730 University Pkwy, Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Theft)

Braylan Bayone B M 18 105 Klaire Circle, #2, Natchitoches First Degree Murder (attempted)

Michael Raymond B M 20 1815 South Dr., Lot 1356, Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Obedience to Police Officer)

Scotty Carter B M 11417 Stan Ave., #3, Baton Rouge, LA Failure to Appear

Rogelio Campos W M 64 1533 Salter St., Natchitoches Disturbing the Peace

Devin Hamilton B M 23 819 July St., Natchitoches Possession Sch V; Possession Sch I (Marijuana); Window Tint; Expired Registration

Derrick Rainey B M 22 251 Cherry Lp., Natchitoches Possession Sch V; 2 Headlights Required; Suspended Drivers’ License

Stacey Thomas B F 33 436 Howell St., Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Hit and Run)

Tamekia Robinson B F 33 1815 South Dr., #1342, Natchitoches Simple Battery

Douglas Dewayne Colbert B M 18 617 Amulet St., Natchitoches Failure to Appear (No Drivers’ License, two cts)

Charles Kirtley, IV B M 35 302 Scarborough, Natchitoches DWI (1st); Driving Under Suspension; Speeding

Mia Taranto W F 18 179 Carmane Rd., Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Unlicensed Driver; Hit and Run)

Broderick Law B M 36 1225 Grace Ave., Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Remaining
Vincent Hickman B M 34 515 Fairgrounds Rd., #38, Natchitoches Possession Sch I (Marijuana)

Jermichael Braxton B M 29 108 Ellen St., Natchitoches Remaining after Forbidden

Tarentino Charles B M 20 1410 Berry Ave., Natchitoches Disturbing the Peace by Fighting
Tristen Paige B M 18 1479 Bermuda Rd., Natchitoches Disturbing the Peace by Fighting

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The Boys and Girls Club of El Camino Real held its 18th annual Steak & Burger Dinner Tuesday, May 15 at the Natchitoches Event Center. The dinner, a long time community favorite, is expected to raise over $20,000 to further the Boys and Girls Club’s missions. Every dollar raised stays in the community and is used to help our children.

The club serves over 100 children ages 6-18 each summer. The club members take fun and educational field trips each week throughout the area. They also have activities at the club that focus on the Boys and Girls Club’s five core areas: character and leadership, health and life skills, education and career development, the arts as well as sports and fitness. The Boys and Girls Club in Natchitoches provides a wonderful opportunity to the youth of the parish and their families.

This year’s event featured Will Wade, the newly named head coach of men’s basketball at Louisiana State University, as a guest speaker. Coach Wade was introduced by Brandon Rachal, a Boys and Girls Club member and standout NCHS athlete, who will be playing for LSU Basketball this fall.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating this event’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 Boys and Girls Club of El Camino Real in lieu of payment.

 

The Natchitoches Recreation and Parks Department (NRPD) announced that the City Pool, located in City Park at 311 Amulet Street, will be open for residents and visitors beginning Tuesday, May 30. The pool will close on Saturday, Aug. 12 until the summer of 2018.

“The Natchitoches Recreation and Parks Department is making a splash this summer with new and exciting programs at the City Pool including Mommy & Me Swimming every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-6:30 pm along with evening swim lesson hours for those who can’t make it to morning swim class,” said Chris Laurence, director of the NRPD.

“We have made registration, not only for our pool programs but all of our sports registrations, easier this summer, by adding an online registration option that is available by visiting http://www.cityofnatchitoches.maxgalaxy.net. Also, we have renovated the locker rooms by installing brand new stalls, toilets, and sinks, to make the interior more pleasing for our citizens.”

Daily rates for open swim will remain at $1 per person (including parent/guardian). Open swim hours are 1-4:30 pm, Monday-Saturday. However, swim lessons will be $25 per child and $20 for each additional child. Also, there are some new pool rules that have been added for the safety of the children in our community, such as all children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by a paying adult and that proper swimwear must be worn while swimming.

Aqua Zumba is still available for adults and will be offered for $25 per month or $5 per day on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7 pm during June and July,

For the full summer pool schedule and additional information on swim programs, visit the Natchitoches Recreation and Parks Department webpage at http://www.natchitochesla.gov/recreation-parks/recreation-parks

For more information about the City of Natchitoches, please visit http://www.natchitochesla.gov or Follow the City of Natchitoches Recreation & Parks Department page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NatchitochesRec/

By Carla Bond

Five students from L. P. Vaughn Elementary School Kids Hope USA program, sponsored by First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches, gathered at Johnny’s Pizza on April 18 for a graduation program. Kids Hope USA, FUMC, and L. P. Vaughn have had a 18 year partnership mentoring students who were identified by the school as needing help in areas of academics, behavior, socialization, or simply some individual time with a caring and consistent adult.

Over the course of this partnership, more than 200 children participated in the program, some for just a year and some for as many as six years. Over 250 church members served as mentors, prayer partners, teacher shepherds or activity supporters. Each mentor and child relationship was daily lifted in prayers by a prayer partner, who would also pray for the family, the teachers and the school.

In addition to the mentoring sessions the children participated in activities at the church and other locations for holiday parties, camps, good nutrition activities, swimming lessons, art projects and etiquette training. Northwestern State University’s Creative Art Department as well as NSU’s Helping Hands organization reached out to the Kids Hope children through various areas of their programs. Sara Kate Shorter, Christine Ferrell, and Carla Bond served as directors for the program over this 18 year span.

This is not the end of a partnership or of FUMC’s care for all children in our Natchitoches community, it is a time to take a breath, assess and rejoice at the different ideas that are already being brainstormed in church meetings. Stay tuned!

Students pictured are Braylon, Christian, Eric, Cedrick and Brian.

Natchitoches Police Department officers responded to a call May 12 of a burglary in the 1400 block of Roy Drive. The complainant said she arrived home and saw that someone broke out the kitchen window and gained entry into her residence. Once inside the suspect took approximately $5,000 worth of items.

The complainant reported that someone was in her residence after seeing them on her home security camera on May 17 at noon. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division and Officers with Traffic and Patrol responded, searched the home and found the suspect in a closet.

Artrell Griffin, 20 of Natchitoches, was charged with two counts of simple burglary. Griffin was placed in The Natchitoches Parish Detention Center. Following the execution of a search warrant at the suspect’s residence much of the stolen property was recovered.

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

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: 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: 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: 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

 

Lt. Col. Katherine Carlson, left, administered the oath office to graduating cadets of the Reserve Officer Training Program Autumn R. Mitchell and Te’Amara Jazmine S. Judkins, who were commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army in conjunction with Northwestern State University’s spring commencement Friday. Mitchell, who completed the honors program and graduated from LSU-Alexandria with a degree in history, will serve on active duty as an engineer.

After completing the Basic Officer Leader Course and Sapper School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Mitchell will serve with the 937th Combat Engineer Group, Fort Riley, Kansas.  Judkins, who earned a degree in unified public safety administration with a concentration in fire and emergency medical services administration, will served on active duty in the Ordance Corps.  After completing the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Lee, Virginia, she will serve as a platoon leader for her unit in Fort Hood, Texas.

Photo credit:  Karalee Scouten

By Garry McCollum

It seems to me that there’s an extreme amount of debate among anglers surrounding the “actual” senses of fish and what they can perceive. I’ve found that although fish live in an entirely different atmosphere than we do, they still maintain similar senses and characteristics. To survive in any situation, a fish relies on its ability to acquire information from its environment through its senses.

Fish can see, smell, touch, feel, and taste. They’ve developed some senses we don’t have, such as electroreception.

Fish can sense light, chemicals, vibrations, touch and electricity.
Vision: 

Fish have a very keen sense of vision, which helps them find food, shelter, mates, and avoid predators. A bass can see in color, and can see in extremely dim/turbid water or light. The eyes of fish have perfectly spherical lenses, which allow them to see underwater.

Smell and Taste: 

Chemoreception is well developed in predatory fish, that use it to detect their prey. Fish have two nostrils on each side of their head although there is no connection between the nostrils and the throat.

Fish have have taste buds on their lips, tongue, and all over their mouths. Some fish, such as catfish, have barbels, whiskers with external taste buds on them. This allows the fish to actually taste something just by rubbing against it with one of their barbels. (Would make a great diet program, tasting without eating!)

Hearing and Touch:

Have you ever seen a fish’s ear? I never have, but they have them. They’re located within their bodies as well as a lateral line system that actually lets them feel their surroundings. Sound vibrations transmit from the water through a fish’s body to its internal ears. The ears are divided into an upper and lower section.
The upper section gives the fish its sense of balance. The lower section gives the fish its ability to hear.

Do fish attractants work? The answer is a definitive YES! How can I be so sure? I have caught fish just as each and every one of you has.
Fish are attracted to the things that their senses tell them may be food.
Eyes: The flash of a spinner, the profile of a bait, the color of a jig,
Ears: The vibration of a rattle, the thump of a Colorado blade.

Smell/Taste/Touch:

Bass have no hands to touch with and will “pick up something” with their mouths to determine if it’s food or not. The taste or smell of an attractant (shad/garlic/anise/crawfish/pheromones) and touch (plastic worms/pork/jig trailers) may help a fish hold onto the lure just a moment more.

To decipher what a winning pattern is, you first must understand what senses a bass utilizes. If you think like a fish will you catch more fish? I can’t say, but if you understand what a bass uses to define its world, you’ll be on your way to eliminating the things that will not attract a bass and increase the things that will.

Be Safe, Tight Lines.

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.