The Natchitoches Historic Foundation held its annual Membership Party May 9 at the Cunningham Law Office.

2017 Award Winners included:
Anne Brittain “Saving Natchitoches Treasures” Award: Presented to the Saint Augustine Historical Society
Robert Knipmeyer Award: Presented to Sharon Gahagan
Bobby Deblieux “Preservationist of the Year” Award: Presented to Conna Cloutier
President’s Award: Rebecca Morgan
Outstanding Board Member of the Year Award: Susan Barron

As a special surprise for Conna, her friends Monty and Marsha Brown sang a few songs for her. Members and guests mingled after the awards were presented in the Mildred Bailey Park.

See Video

Please join us for a Meet & Mingle Brunch on May 16, 2017 from 10:30am – 12:00pm. The event will take place at Magnolia Spa & Wellness, 131 Touline Street in downtown Natchitoches.

Come see familiar faces and meet new one as we welcome Magnolia Spa & Wellness to historic downtown Natchitoches!

 

Paid Announcement

By Garry McCollum

The weather was perfect for Bike Natchitoches’ Cane River Plantation Ride May 6, according to Carey Blanchard.

Blanchard said there were over 90 bicyclists that registered and around 25 volunteers manning hydration stations and signing people up for the event. The Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club in Natchitoches escorted the riders on the 15-mile, 25-mile and metric century (62.5-mile) rides.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS were on hand for safety. Participants enjoyed a Jambalaya lunch and a quilt with a bicycle motif was raffled off. A large group from the Shreveport Bicycle Club rode the metric Century ride, which took them through the beautiful, hilly forest scenery of the Kisatchie National Forest, including the Long Leaf Vista Trail.

“It was a great ride with good weather and great fellowship,” said Blanchard.

Photos by Garry McCollum

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The Louisiana Scholars’ College Spring graduation continued a 30 year tradition of academic excellence as 21 seniors completed their studies Thursday, May 11th at NSU’s AA Fredericks Auditorium. The new graduates are an eclectic group who hail from every corner of Louisiana as well as Texas, Wisconsin and Canada. Their future plans include teaching, medical and veterinary school, the ministry, and graduate studies.

It is a long standing tradition of Scholars’ College that the graduating seniors choose 2 faculty members and 2 of their fellow seniors to address the assembly. This year’s speakers were Dr. Massimo Bezoari and Dr. Davina McClain from the faculty and Christopher Das Neves and Natalie Jaeger from the seniors.

In a surprise presentation Dr. Lisa Wolffe was honored for her 30 years of service, spanning the entire history of the LSC.

The Louisiana Scholars’ College, located on the NSU campus, serves as the state’s only designated honors college. It features a Great Books curriculum combined with courses in math and the sciences which makes it a truly unique educational experience.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to extend its best wishes to the seniors of the Louisiana Scholars’ College upon their graduation. Godspeed in your future endeavors!

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating the event photography from the ceremony. Copy protection is off and downloads enabled. Anyone may take any they wish. If you do download a photograph, please consider making a donation to the Northwestern State University Columns Fund in lieu of payment.

The Historic District Business Association (HDBA) is hosting a design contest for the 2017 Natchitoches Christmas t-shirt. The deadline for entry submissions is May 15 at 2 pm. All artwork must be submitted to Jill Leo at 311 Church Street in Natchitoches.

The contest is open to all high school students (grades 9-12) and undergraduate students currently enrolled and attending school, university and/or college in Natchitoches Parish. One design per student.
The winning design will be selected by the Natchitoches Historic District Association Board of Directors. An award of $250 will be given to the winning designer.
Artists’ signature or mark must not be incorporated into the design to keep the artists’ names anonymous. After selection of the winning design, winning artist may add their signature or mark to the drawing. The Board will have final approval on placement and size of said signature or mark on the winning design.
An Entry/Release Form must be completed and submitted with entry. If entrant is under 18 years of age, parent or guardian’s information and signature must be completed on the Entry/Release Form.

All designs must be new and original work and must not have been used in any promotional or commercial activity in any capacity prior to submission.

The HDBA reserves the right to make modifications to the winning design to enhance the quality of printing on the t-shirts.

GUIDELINES FOR THE DESIGN:
Finished artwork must measure at a minimum of 8.5” x 10” and a maximum of 11” x 12”.
Design must be submitted on paper.
Drawings, sketches and/or prints should be in color. Limit: 8 colors. The t-shirt color does not count as a color in the design.
The t-shirt itself will be a color itself. For 2017, the HDBA would like to have a green t-shirt.
The design must incorporate references to the Historic District of Natchitoches and the essence of the Natchitoches Christmas Season and/or Louisiana life (e.g. Front Street bricks, Cane River Lake, Church Street Bridge, Christmas lights, fireworks, lamp posts, Santa Claus, gators, crawfish)
“91st” must be incorporated in to the design.
The Natchitoches Christmas Season logo will be on the back of the t-shirt. You may incorporate the logo or parts of the logo in the design.
The following trademarked phrases may be used in the design: “City of Lights” and “Natchitoches Christmas”

For more information contact Jill Leo at 318-652-7078 or Suzanne Bolton at 318-352-5833.

Paid Notice

Top Graduates – Morning Commencement:
Northwestern State University honored top graduates from the Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development, the Louisiana Scholars’ College and the College of Arts and Sciences prior to morning commencement exercises Friday. Seated from left are Ariel Landry of Metairie, Megan Jenkins of Belle Chasse, Kirsten Fontenot of Zachary, Emilie King of Natchitoches, Jessica Rousset of Harvey, Brittany Farris of Georgetown, Amber Potier of Broussard, Raley Pellittieri of Ponchatoula and Erika Stanford of Opelousas. Standing are NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio, commencement speaker and NSU alumnus Stewart Ewing, Chelsea Thibodeaux of Houma, Fernando Zuniga of Duncanville, Texas; Ezar Bess of Shreveport, Ashleigh Wright of Marthaville, Tommie Espy of Natchitoches, Savanna Whitten of Monroe, Lindsay Plummer of Anacoco, Marisa Durand of Ponchatoula, Anna Rogers of Monroe, HarLee Possoit of Noble, Courtney Page of Zachary, Ashley Johansen of Madisonville, Sarah Long of Shreveport, Lauren Agan of Round Rock, Texas; Bailey Martin of Lucas, Texas and Lola Dunahoe, a member of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.

Top Graduates – Afternoon Commencement:
Northwestern State University honored top graduates in general studies, the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health and the College of Business and Technology prior to afternoon commencement ceremonies Friday. From left are NSU alumnus and commencement speaker Stewart Ewing, Kelsey Claspill of Marthaville, Bethany Straub of Natchitoches and Nathaniel Dubois of Lena with NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio.

Last month, RoyOMartin-Plywood, located in Chopin, was awarded the Annual Safety & Health Honor Roll, First Place, Plywood Division I, and the 3-Year Safety Award, 2014-2016, Plywood Division I, by APA – The Engineered Wood Association. APA Director of Quality Services Steve Zylkowski was in Chopin to present the certificates May 11.

“People are our greatest assets, and protecting these assets is our company’s number-one priority,” stated Jeremy Burford, plant manager.

By winning these two awards, the plywood facility is recognized as the safest North American plywood mill in the APA safety program.

“These awards are possible due to an engaged team of people, working together for sustained improvement every day,” added Vice President of Plywood Joe Mackay.

Leonard Ellis B M 50 745 Fifth St., Natchitoches Failure to Appear (DWI (2nd), One or No Headlights; License Plate Light)

Nathan Beaudion W M 30 1818 Hwy 117, Provencal, LA Simple Possession of Marijuana; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Joshua Paniagua W M 27 757 Robeline Rd., Provencal, LA Simple Possession of Marijuana

Jordy Humphrey W M 31 4188 University Pkwy, Natchitoches Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession Sch IV; DUI (3rd); Open container; Driving Under Suspension
Courtney Paul B M 26 3800 University Pkwy, Natchitoches Simple Possession of Marijuana

Donald Harrison B M 26 843 Koonce St., Natchitoches Simple Possession of Marijuana
Antoinette Brossett W F 51 1601 Hwy 1, Cloutierville, LA Simple Assault

Ashley Dunnan W F 28 1601 Hwy 1, Cloutierville, LA Simple Assault

Shandon Williams B F 47 211 Miranda Lp., #1, Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Driving Under Suspension)

Willie Easily B M 20 124 Mary Dr., Natchitoches Simple Possession of Marijuana; Possession of a Legend Drug

James Williams B M 31 1405 Roy Dr., Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Theft by Shoplifting); Poss Sch I; Resisting; Obstruction

James Morris B M 24 410 Elvira Dr., Natchitoches Careless Operation; Simple Possession of Marijuana; DWI (3rd); Driving Under Suspension

Whitney Solitaire B F 29 230 Fairgrounds Rd., #35, Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Disturbing the Peace)

Jerland Anderson B M 31 722 Bossier St., Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Speeding; Driving Under Suspension)

Laderion Bolton B M 22 114 Arrington, Natchitoches Damage to Property

Jasmine Wolfe B F 20 135 Howell St., Natchitoches Damage to Property

James Simmons, III W M 53 1398 Patrick Rd., Natchitoches Theft of Goods

Latrell Lewis B M 22 1612 Northern St., Natchitoches Simple Possession of Marijuana; Illegal Gambling

Marvin Hamilton B M 26 1634 W. Court Dr., Natchitoches Illegal Gambling
Clifton D. Blake, Jr. B M 25 1336 Holmes St., Natchitoches Simple Possession of Marijuana; Illegal Gambling

Kauchsawa Frazier B M 39 916 Dixie St., Natchitoches Theft of Goods

Chansy Jefferson B F 29 500 North St., #J4, Natchitoches Theft of Goods

Victor Taylor, Jr. B M 18 137 Gabriel Loop, Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Disturbing the Peace by Fighting)

Frankie Bernstine B M 56 356 Rockford Church Rd., Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Driving Under Suspension)

Christopher Carter, Jr. B M 21 210 Bayou St., Clarence, LA Failure to Appear (Two counts)

Brodrick Hart B M 22 Amanda St., Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Two counts)

Nolan McGuire B M 22 841 Second St., Natchitoches Theft

Nolan McGuire B M 22 841 Second St., Natchitoches Simple Assault

Roy Joe Earl Babineaux B M 23 320 Winnona St., Natchitoches Resisting; Driving Under Suspension; Obstructing Traffic

Ron C. Washington B M 40 208 Kingston Dr., Natchitoches Failure to Appear (No Driver’s License; Ran Red Light)

Donald Harrison B M 26 815 July St., Natchitoches Possession of CDS I (Marijuana); Possession of CDS II (Cocaine); Illegal Carrying of Weapons; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession of Legend Drug; Firearm in Presence of CDS

Ronnie Washington, Jr. B M 32 138 Vaughn St., Campti, LA Failure to Appear (Driving Under Suspension; No Turn Signal)

Rinderson Howard B F 26 108 Vallery Smith Rd., Natchez, LA Failure to Appear (Driving Under Suspension; No Seat Belt)

Shola Obialo B M 26 1411 Holmes St., Natchitoches Simple Assault

Roger L. Wright W M 21 5650 Hwy 1 Bypass, Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Right of Way)

Terrance Moody B M 21 137 Robert Circle, Natchitoches Failure to Appear (Horns and Warning Devices)

Jackie Glover B M 49 1430 Washington St., Natchitoches Disturbing the Peace with public Intoxication

Felicia Nash B F 42 1220 Mark St., Natchitoches Interference with Officer

Kiara Esterbrook B F 17 425 Rue de Gabriel, Natchitoches Disturbing the Peace by Fighting

Victoria Carhee B F 17 425 Rue de Gabriel, Natchitoches Disturbing the Peace by Fighting

Madison Stovall B F 17 425 Rue de Gabriel, Natchitoches Disturbing the Peace by Fighting

The NSU Elementary Lab School’s K-Kids Club ended a successful year with a pizza party sponsored by the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club and cupcakes sponsored by BOM Financial Services. Erika Todtenbier was the teacher volunteer for the year. Kiwanian Vice President Reba Phelps was the club sponsor. Board Member Greg Dunn spoke at the year end event and discussed the importance of always giving back to the community and putting others needs first. The Kiwanians also let the K-kids know what their Club does to give back to the Natchitoches community and encouraged them to keep their career going in Kiwanis International.

City Marshal Randy Williams wanted to inform the following people that they have outstanding bench warrants through the Natchitoches City Marshal’s Office. The names on this list did not pay their fines in full nor did they return to court on the court date they were sentenced to by City Court Judge Gahagan. These individuals will need to clear up their fines and bench warrant fees at the City Marshal’s Office located at 373 Second St. to stop any further actions:

FINE PAYMENT (F):
Kimberly Garlington, 1851 Hwy 491, Cloutierville, La – Windshield Requirements
Keionna Johnson, 316 Sibley St, Natch, La – No DL
Justin Metoyer, 210 Univerisity Dr, Natch, La – One or No Tail Lights
Derrick Pye, 808 Dorothy, Natch, La – No DL
Arkeylious Stallworth, 132 University, Natch, La – One or No Headlights
Lacrecia Williams, 207 West Jones St, Winnfield, La – Follow too Close
Fredrick Anthony, 1501 Amulet, Natch, La – DP
Marilyn Essex, 312 Howell, Natch, La – Exp MVI
Arecia Carhee, 147 Ivanhoe St, Many, La – (2) TBS
Gabriel Green, 238 Scarbrough St, Natch, La – Simple Battery
Keneesha Morris, 3018 Dennis St, Natch, La – TBS
Markell Roy, 151 Melissa Place, Natch, La – Simple Battery
Celina Turner, 817 Merilyn, Natch, La – NSB, No DL
Deraymond Weathers, 848 Anita St, Natch, La – Exp MVI, No DL
Jennifer Bradford, 3073 E Hardtner, Urania, La – Improper Lane Usage
James Dilworth, 127 Gabriel Loop, Natch , La – Exp MVI
Keisha Farley, 2599 Hwy 71, Campti, La – TBS, DWI
Michael Helaire, 204 University Dr, Natch, La– SPOM, LM, No DL
Prime Hill, 1405 Amelia St, Natch, La – DP
Bobby Johnson, 2180 Williams Ave, Natch, La – No DL
Anthony Jefferson, 1226 Phillips St, Natch, La – Remaining on Premises

Trial (T):
Calvin Clark, 1204 Pavie St, Natch, La –DP, Domestic Abuse Battery
Catherine Fleming, 833 3rd St Apt C, Natch, La – Telephone Harassment, Violation of Protective Order, Cyberstalking
Steve Ardison , 729 Royal St, Natch, La – TBS, Misrepresentation during Booking
Brandon Morgan, 3800 University Pkwy #22, Natch, La – Simple Battery,
SCDP
Nettie Smith, 1324 ½ Berry Ave, Natch, La – DWI, Improper Lane Usage, DUS
Matthew White, 1316 Washington St, Natch, La –SPOM
Paid Notice

 

St. Mary’s Catholic School is currently accepting resumes for teaching positions. Resumes can be sent to resumes@smstigers.org or mailed to 1101 E 5th Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457, attn: Andrea Harrell.

Paid Announcement

The City of Natchitoches would like to invite the public to Summer Splash 2017, an informative event for families and children. Summer Splash will be held on Thursday, May 18 from 4-6 p.m. at the Natchitoches Events Center. Summer Splash is free and open to the public.

Summer Splash, sponsored by the City of Natchitoches, is an informational fair that highlights summer activities throughout the city and parish for children of all ages. Summer Splash will showcase educational, recreational and social youth programs taking place in Natchitoches this summer. Information and registration forms will be available for a variety of summer programs including: Natchitoches Summer Day Camp; NSU Basketball camps; summer programming at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site; horse camp; cheerleading and dance camps; summer reading programs at the Natchitoches Parish Library; art and music camps; and health and fitness camps. Booth spaces are free for organizations wishing to participate.

For more information on Summer Splash, please contact the City of Natchitoches Main Street Office at (318) 352-2746.

Paid Notice

The Natchitoches Boys & Girls Club will host its 18th Annual Steak and Burger Dinner Tuesday, May 16 at 5:30 pm at the Natchitoches Events Center. Tickets are $55 per person in advance and $65 per person at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the B&G Club Administrative Offices, 715 Sixth St., or at the Winnfield Funeral Home.

The guest speaker will be LSU’s 22nd Men’s Head Basketball Coach, Frank William “Will” Wade. Previously at Virginia Commonwealth University for two years, Wade brought them two NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2016 he was the youngest head coach, leading VCU to a 15-20 record.

His teams and fans respect and admire his work. Each year at least two players from his team earned First Team All-Atlantic 10 and/or A-10 Defensive Team. As evidenced, he is a young, outstanding Head Coach.

The Boys & Girls Club operates by means of the generosity and kindness of individuals and businesses who support its mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need the Club the most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

The Steak and Burger Dinner began in the late 1990s as a fundraising event showcasing the talents of our youth. The premise behind the title is that the children will be honored by dining on what would traditionally be “adult” meals of a superbly prepared steak while the adults dine on “burger” kids meals.

Often times this role sway is the first opportunity a child may have to eat a chef-prepared steak dinner. The idea is that this role reversal will allow donors to “walk” in the shoes our club members, remembering once again that it’s up to the Natchitoches community to support and guide the next generation.

Sponsorship tables and private reception available (RSVP by May 12):
Table for 10 with special private event and advertising package – $1,500
Table for 8 with special private event and advertising package – $1,000
Table for 6 with advertising package – $500
Table for 4 with advertising package – $250

For more information call 318-352-6268 or 318-581-1950 or email ElizaB@bgcnla.org or pbrax@cp-tel.net.

Linda Miller Adkins
February 09, 1939 – May 09, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, May 20 from 1-3 pm at the Cross Roads Sanctuary
Service: Saturday, May 20 at 3 p.m. in the main sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church

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: Sunday, May 14 from 5-9 pm and 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
Patsy Bartley Cole
April 10, 1947 – May 11, 2017
Visitation: Family may visit from Saturday, May 13 from 12:30-1 pm and friends may visit from 1-2:15 pm
Service: Saturday, May 13 at 2:30 pm in the Martin Baptist Church in Martin
Interment: Martin Cemetery

Oren Lincoln Kelsey, Jr.
July 13, 1916 – May 10, 2017
Visitation: Friday, May 12 from 5-10 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Service: Saturday, May 13 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Many Cemetery
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
Christian Cordell Gore
December 13, 2001 – May 09, 2017
Service: Saturday, May 13 at 3:30 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Winnfield

Louvenia Prelow
May 09, 2017
Service: Saturday, May 13 at 2:30 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Rosemary Braxton Robinson
May 07, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, May 13 from 10-noon at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 13 at noon at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum

Evelyn Jones
September 09, 1934 – May 02, 2017
Service: Saturday, May 13 at 11 am at the New Beginnings Baptist Church in Natchitoches

Howard Ray Moore
May 28, 1948 – May 07, 2017
Service: Saturday, May 13 at 11 am at the Winfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Winnfield City Cemetery

New 2017-2018 Louisiana Bankers Association Board Chairman Ken Hale, President and CEO of Bank of Montgomery, presented a gavel plaque to Outgoing LBA Chairman Tom Martin of Gibsland Bank & Trust during LBA’s convention May 12.

Col. Arthur Athens of the Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy spoke to bankers during Friday’s general session about the “The Power of Integrity.”

The Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (NACVB) and the Cane River National Heritage Area (CRNHA) honored Natchitoches’ “Faces of Tourism” at a Rally May 11 at the Grand Ecore Visitors Center.

NACVB Director Arlene Gould presented Awards to several community members who work in Natchitoches’ Tourism Industry. They were Ricky LaCour with the Church St. Inn, Cynthia Nora with Trail Boss, Betty Metoyer Roque with Melrose Plantation and Tommy Adkins with the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site.

Honorable mentions included Rebecca Blakenbaker with the Cane River National Heritage Area, and three of the staff members at the Tourist Office: Jene Carter, Anne Durr and Katherine Johnson.

The Rally is part of the 34th annual National Travel and Tourism Week, May 7-13, 2017, which unites communities across the country to celebrate what travel means to American jobs, economic growth and personal well-being.

The theme of this year’s NTTW, “Faces of Tourism,” shines a spotlight on the people that make up America’s travel industry. Across Natchitoches, tourism employs a prosperous and diverse workforce, from hotel employees to restaurant, attractions, retail workers, and supports related sectors such as construction, manufacturing and finance.

The Natchitoches Kiwanis Club inducted new member Joseph Townsend at its meeting May 4. Chairman of the Cane River Waterway Commission Jim Rhodes spoke about the Cane River and the work the Commission does to maintain it.

By Kevin Shannahan

A cooperative effort between the State of Louisiana Office of State Parks, The Cane River National Heritage Area and The Friends of Los Adaes has brought the Los Adaes State Historic Site back to being open to the public. The site, located north of Robeline off of Highway 6, hosted a grand reopening celebration Saturday, May 6.

The celebration event featured a wide range of educational activities. Craftsmen demonstrated making stone tools such as knives, spear and arrow points using flint knapping. The Adai Caddo Indian Nation had a table educating visitors about the local tribe. The park hosted John Dillon of the Louisiana Orinthology Society who led a guided bird walk. David Jeane demonstrated artifact identification and identified artifacts visitors brought in. Dr. Pete Gregory of NSU spoke about archaeology at the site and answered visitor’s questions about the site’s history.

The site is free to the public and is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and Louisiana Probation and Parole Agents arrested a Robeline man on felony drug charges May 10 at a 6:15 pm, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Probation and Parole Agents assigned to the Natchitoches District Office contacted the NPSO 911 Center requesting assistance while they conducted a probation compliance visit of the Flient Saffel residence located in the 4300 block of La. Hwy 485 near Robeline.
Saffel was on felony probation due to a prior narcotics conviction.

NPSO Patrol Division deputies responded to assist. Agents said while speaking to Saffel, he allegedly informed them of illegal narcotics inside the residence.

A search led to the seizure of approximately ½-gram of suspected methamphetamine.
Flient B. Saffel, 47, of the 4300 block of Hwy. 485 in Robeline was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center and charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine-2nd Offense and Probation Violation.

Saffel remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

NPSO Press Release

Lakeview High School’s Air Force JROTC (AFJROTC) unit hosted 252 cadets and guests at their annual awards banquet and cadet change of command April 21.

Major Bob Kellogg, USAF (Ret), Lakeview’s Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, recognized unit and individual accomplishments and transferred the top cadet leadership position. This school year, Lakeview High School had 97 AFJROTC cadets (over 30 percent of the school’s student body). The cadet corps performed over 2,800 hours of school/community service and over 50 percent of the cadets were involved in at least two school activities. The cadet corps also posted an overall 3.06 grade point average which was 9.5 percent above the school’s average. Throughout the year, cadets participated in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program that resulted in a 19.2 percent improvement in the cadet corps fitness level.

Honored attendees of this year’s banquet included NPSB member (District 7) Eugean Garner, NPSB member (District 8) Pastor Steven Harris, Lakeview Principal William Hymes, Lakeview Assistant Principal Jennifer Martin, Lakeview School Counselor Germaine Wynn, Lakeview Secretary Linda Davidson, and Lakeview’s AFJROTC Supporter of the Year Alyssa Wright. This year, over 25 national awards/medals, and over 500 unit level awards and ribbons were presented to the cadets (SEE DOCUMENT BELOW).

Lakeview’s Air Force JROTC Cadet Leadership for the upcoming school year 2017-2018 was announced during their Annual Awards Ceremony on April 21st. Pictured from left are Cadet Major Haley Garrison (Cadet Group Commander), Cadet Captain LaDarrion Winslow (Cadet Group Deputy Commander), Cadet 1Lt Za’Chary Jackson (Cadet Support Squadron Commander), Cadet 1Lt Mason Harper (Cadet Operations Squadron Commander), Cadet 2Lt Skylar Williams (Cadet Support Squadron Deputy Commander), and Cadet 2Lt Serenity Beavers (Cadet Operations Squadron Deputy Commander).

Cadet Haley Garrison was promoted to Cadet Major and pinned by her mother Kathy Griffith and Major Kellogg as she assumed command of Lakeview’s AFJROTC Cadet Corps. Cadet Garrison is a graduate of the Air Force JROTC Cadet Leadership Course, a commander of the Drill Team, and a member of both the Color Guard and Saber Team. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Civic Life, and is a Student Government representative. She previously served as the Cadet Commander, Operations Squadron, is the recipient of two national medals, 30 unit ribbons, and maintains a 4.0 GPA.

Cadet SrA Daron Williams was awarded the Outstanding Physical Fitness (Jr. Male Category). His fitness scores placed him in the top 14 percent compared to his peers that participated in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program for school year 2017-18.

Cadet 2Lt Nykeria Jones was awarded the Overall Academic Award (Sr. Category) She posted a 3.96 GPA for school year 2017-18.

By Joe Darby

(Note to readers: This is one in an occasional series of columns by Joe Darby on stamps and coins. If you have any questions Joe would welcome your emails to jdarby9@suddenlink.net.)

Did you know that Louisiana was the first state to be honored on a US postage stamp?

Well, technically, the stamps, issued in 1904, commemorated the Louisiana Purchase, but what’s the purchase without Louisiana, right? After all, what President Thomas Jefferson really wanted was New Orleans and control of the mouth of the Mississippi River. Of course what he ended up with was enough land ceded by France to double the size of the young United States.

The five-stamp set was issued in 1904, one year after the 100th anniversary of the purchase, but close enough for those days, I suppose. A green one-cent stamp and a brown 3-cent stamp depict Robert Livingston and James Monroe, respectively, the chief American negotiators in Paris. A red 2-cent stamp shows Jefferson and a blue 5-cent issue depicts the late President William McKinley, who was shot in 1901. He was likely honored both because he was assassinated and because like Jefferson he expanded US territory, by annexing Hawaii and by acquiring the Philippines and Guam from Spain.

Finally, a brown 10-cent stamp shows a map of the Louisiana Purchase territory. This is a popular set with collectors and the lower denominations can be obtained relatively cheaply while the 5 and 10 cent issues are more pricey but not out of reach for most.

Louisiana has been honored in the ensuing years since 1904 on a number of other interesting stamps. In 1953, the Post Office issued a brown 3-cent stamp noting the 150th anniversary of the purchase, showing Monroe, Livingston and Barbe-Marbois Napoleon’s negotiator on the land deal.

Then, in 1962, a stamp honoring the 150th anniversary of Louisiana statehood was issued. It showed a sketch of a paddle-wheeled steamer proceeding down a bayou with moss-draped trees in the foreground. The original cost of that stamp was 4 cents, the going rate for first class mail at the time.

Just three years later the Post Office honored the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, with a 5-cent stamp showing Gen. Andy Jackson and the American flag as they triumphed over the Brits on the fields of Chalmette in 1815.

Again, after 38 years, another special Louisiana stamp was issued in 2003, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the purchase, showing the signing of the treaty in full color. That first-class stamp cost 37 cents.

And of course our statehood’s 200th anniversary was honored in 2012, with a lovely swamp scene at sunset — or maybe at sunrise — on a first class stamp costing 45 cents.

Finally, the 200th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans was noted in 2015, with a realistic depiction of the American firing line at Chalmette, on a 49-cent first-class stamp.

All of the above stamps since the 1953 issue are very inexpensive and easy to find through a good stamp dealer and are all unique to our state. Louisiana has been honored in a number of other issues in the last 30 years or so, along with stamps from all of the other 50 states, in huge 50-stamp sheets.

These depict such things as state flowers, birds, wildlife or flags, as well as renderings of tourist post cards representing each state. I’ve shown an example of the latter, issued in 2002.

So, if you have an interest and a few bucks, you can amass a neat little collection honoring good ole Louisiana in stamps. Have fun.

Story and photos by Dr. Ron McBride

Rotarian Don Mims, sponsored the Natchitoches Rotary Club’s newest member, Eddie Harrington. He was officially introduced to the club at the Tuesday meeting, May 9. Pictured from left are Mims (member sponsor), Harrington (new member), and President-Elect David Zolzer.

The guest speaker for the Natchitoches Rotary Club meeting was Northwestern State University Associate Professor Dr. Gerra Perkins, wife of former Rotary president Kendal Perkins. She discussed a project she is responsible for at the University, “NSU Cares.”

This is a QPR program that addresses suicide prevention. QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer. Her project has trained over 400 people interested in recognizing the signs of potential suicide, and providing information on how to address it.

Dr. Perkins’ training program is called, “Ask a Question, Save a Life.” It is ongoing. Pictured from left are the Rotarian with the Program Kendal Perkins, Dr. Gerra Perkins, and President-Elect David Zolzer.