No, it’s not a play-on-words. The Parish’s annual budget is broken out by Funds. Each Fund is assigned a number. Ironically enough, the Parish’s General Fund, which is it’s “fail-safe” fund, is assigned Number 001. I hate to admit it, but I got a good chuckle out of that.

Parish residents may once again have an opportunity to put their money where their mouth is in November should the Parish Council vote to put the election of four (4) independent road districts on the ballot. In recognition of the need for better understanding of the Parish’s budget, I offer the following crash course on the Parish’s Highway Fund:

By definition, a budget is an estimate of income and expenditures for a set period of time. That being said, it may be necessary to adjust a budget for reasons such as an unanticipated increase or decrease in funding or an unforeseen increase in expenditures due to catastrophic weather events.

The Parish Department of Public Works is funded each year by revenues from the Road District 40 ad valorem tax, transfers from the Solid Waste Sales Tax Fund, the Kisatchie National Forest payment in lieu of taxes, road royalty payments from the State, and Special Fuel Tax refund payments from the State. There may also be revenues in the Highway Fund from FEMA reimbursements, which would be considered an irregular source of revenue. FEMA revenues should not be given weight when arguing for or against additional tax. In order to receive FEMA reimbursements, the Parish must incur damages from a federally declared disaster. FEMA reimbursements are calculated on only 75% of the expenditures incurred by the Parish. The Parish is responsible for the remaining 25% of storm damage costs.

Each year, a line item budget is prepared for the operations of the Department of Public Works. The budget for Highway Fund 101 is generally broken into line items for salaries and related employee benefits, training, offices expenses, road equipment rental and maintenance expenses, road maintenance materials (rock, asphalt, etc.), and funding for capital outlay and special projects.

It is imperative that the Parish Council pass the Ordinances that create the new independent road districts and place the districts on the ballot in November for Parish residents’ consideration. If you would like more information or would like to host an informational meeting, please contact me at ddegraffenried@npgov.org. You may also contact Ms. Sheryl Frederick, the Parish Council Clerk, at (318) 352-2714 or by email at cclerk@npgov.org.

The cantaloupes are fresh from the field, picked today at the peak of freshness. There are big juicy delicious watermelons too! And Farmer Anderson sends word that the butter beans are now ready. It’s all waiting for you at Anderson’s Produce and Plant Farm on Highway 174 in south Red River Parish.

Farmer Jason Anderson said, “The strange weather we had this spring resulted in an abundant crop of veggies. We’re picking every day and adding fresh tomatoes, peas, pinto beans, squash, and all of your favorites to our store.” When Anderson says it is ready now, he emphasizes that the season only lasts a short time. “Now is the time to serve fresh vegetables. It is also the time to stock your freezer for the rest of the year” added Anderson.

The harvest is plentiful and the prices are great. Plus Andersons will shell the peas, pintos and butter beans for you. This service will save you a lot of time.

On Saturday, Anderson’s Produce will be at the farmers markets in Natchitoches and Shreveport. So see them there if that is more convenient for you. Their stand is open Monday through Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Give Anderson’s a call at 318-932-1432. They’re located on Highway 174 half way between I-49 and LA 1.

Paid Advertising

Stephanie Dolan and her family, who live in Connecticut, adopted Nala from the Natchitoches Humane Society in December. Soon after Stephanie read that the NHS had 52 dogs in its care and its plea for food donations. She recently organized a fundraiser at a country club in Connecticut, 1,539 miles away from Natchitoches, to benefit the NHS.

“We were amazed and feel so honored how caring people so far away would want to help our animals,” said NHS Representative Juanita Murphy. “It made me cry when she wrote and told me what they were planning.”

Pictured are Stephanie Dolan, Pam Pendleton and Nala.

 

As the wife of a law enforcement officer, Lesha Waskom saw a need for improving the public’s relationship with its local police forces.

She and several of her friends founded Ladies for Law Enforcement (LLE), a non-profit organization, in May. The NPSO Law Enforcement Ball will be the organization’s main event. The NPSO Honor Guard has formerly run this event, but graciously let the LLE take it under their wing.

Waskom said LLE will add events in the future, all with the goal of improving the community’s perception of law enforcement officers.

“Events we put on will give the public a chance to meet these officers outside of their uniforms,” she said. “They’ll get to see them for the people they are and not just a badge.”

Membership is now open to anyone 18 years or older. Dues are $50 per year, which includes a half-price ticket for the annual ball, a $10 t-shirt, newsletters, meetings and the opportunity to have your voice heard in support of law enforcement. The first official meeting will be held in August (exact date TBA).

“I wanted to start at home, but I dream of it becoming bigger than Natchitoches,” she said.

Recently, the media has taken it upon themselves to be the jury and publicly convict officers themselves before any due process can be done. Instances involving altercations with police officers have become more widely viewed through social media and a few bad apples are ruining the public’s perception of anyone who wears a badge.

“Officers are being judged for the actions of a few men,” said Waskom. “But that’s not who they are. They took an oath to serve and protect and 99.9 percent of them take it seriously. It’s become more and more scary for officers themselves to go out and do their job knowing that the public’s perception of them is changing because of what they’re wearing. Seeing a large group of people come together with similar view to support our law enforcement would put more ease in my mind when I send my husband off to work.”

For more information email ladiesforlawenforcement@gmail.com or go online to https://www.ladiesforlawenforcement.com.

 

A fictional story by Junior Johnson

As the sun was going down on Cane River Captain John Winston’s two thugs were faced with a decision that could determine their lives.  They had enough of Winston’s gold to flee the area and possible safety, but the greed in them knew they might get more if they played their cards right.

When they left Robber’s Roost earlier that afternoon with a list of supplies to bring back everything seemed to be going well.  Upon seeing the crowd at the LaCaze Trading Post and hearing talk of the murdered Doctor and empty canoes that were brought in, things had changed.

They knowing if they returned with no supplies suspicion would be aroused by the outlaw leader, especially when he learned the news of the murdered Doctor.

It was decided that one of Winston’s cronies would return to the cave to steal more of Winston’s gold.  The other would scout the area and make arrangements for their getaway later that night.  He had no intention of spending any of the money on supplies.  He would wait at Antee’s Bar for his companion to return with the rest of Captain John’s gold.

Tony and John Levy’s journey to Isle Brevelle with Aiden, Dylan, and Pete had been a successful one.  After the boys told of Captain John Winston’s murderous deeds in Mississippi and Pete’s story of being kidnapped, David and Donald Roque were infuriated.  They immediately sent word to the other eight Rangers who worked the Roque Farms.

Within the hour everyone was assembled with supplies and weapons and they all returned to the Levy Plantation on CoCo Bed.  They arrived as the sun was setting on the cane fields.

Deputy Moran from Cloutierville hadn’t wasted any time either.  He had gathered 10 of his most trusted and talented men and they made camp on the riverbank between the Johnson and Lodrigue Plantation Houses.

Abslom Johnson and his son John Wesley, along with Dempsey and Harvis prepared a campsite between his and Levy’s homes, while Levy Lodrigue and the two Mississippi Deputies selected 10 volunteers from the Johnson and Lodrigue workforce to assist in the capture of Captain John Winston.

Lucille Lodrigue, along with her daughters had just finished preparing a big meal when Deputy Moran arrived with his men.

Wallace and Florine Van Sickle, along with their two oldest daughters Kay and Ginny were taking care of Reverend Cryer.  His condition had improved dramatically throughout the previous night and day, which allowed Doctor Scruggs a return trip to Cloutierville an assist his other patients.

Abslom gave his Grandson Noah the responsibility of gathering enough grain to feed the mens horses as they began to arrive.

Harold LaCaze and Andrew Hernandez asked Pershing if they could remain overnight at his Trading Post because darkness had arrived at Monett’s Ferry.  Pershing LaCaze was more than happy to accommodate.  Harold said that they would ride over to Antee’s Bar for a few drinks and hopefully get some information about the canoe owners, and the location that Captain John may be hiding.  This information they did not relate to Pershing.

After helping get the old Doctor’s body prepared for the Undertaker’s arrival, Harold and Andrew made their way to Antee’s Bar.

About the same time that one of Winston’s thugs was entering Antee’s Bar, the other thug had a big surprise waiting for him as he entered the big cave called Robber’s Roost.

Almost immediately after he entered the cave, two of the outlaw occupants jumped out behind him, and the leader of the outlaws appeared before him with a double barreled shotgun pointed directly at his head.

Photos and article republished courtesy of The Current Sauce
By Samantha Maiette, Reporter

Though the 2017 Miss Louisiana Pageant is officially over and NSU contestants are not walking away with the title, the participants are leaving the experience with new friends, skills and memories that will prepare them for future endeavors.

Miss Northwestern Lady of the Bracelet Maria Rome walked the stage of Miss Louisiana 2017 for the first time this year. One of the most important lessons Rome took from her time at the pageant is to be herself, because opinions of others should not matter.

“It’s not about the competition between you and the other girls; it’s the competition between you and yourself,” Rome said.

In the next several months, Rome is looking forward to her time reigning as Lady of the Bracelet and venturing out into the community to serve others.

Miss Louisiana Port City Hannah Teutsch walked the stage of Miss Louisiana for the third time during this year’s pageant.

Teutsch and Rome’s opinions differ on whether or not to compete again in local pageants for the chance to return to the Miss Louisiana stage.

“I’m planning on competing in local pageants again to hopefully get back to Miss Louisiana,” Teutsch said. “[I want] to be even more confident in myself [so] I can just get on that stage and be better than I was before.”

Rome, on the other hand, is not totally sure about her decision to compete again.

“I’m thinking about trying to go back – maybe doing another preliminary pageant, [but] it’s not set in stone yet.”

Both Rome and Teutsch agree the Miss Louisiana Organization and their experiences helped them grow in different ways. For Rome, it was finding new friends during the pageant; for Teutsch, it was learning new ways to better prepare for life in general.

No matter what happens to these competitors in years to come, one thing is certain: their time with the Miss Louisiana Organization has created lasting memories and taught them skills that have prepared them to conquer the rest of their lives.

Virginia Ruth Brasseaux
September 7, 1932 – June 25, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, June 28 from 8:30-9:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, June 28 at 10 am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church
Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery in Cecilia

Allen Teddy Conlay
April 24, 1926 – June 26, 2017
Visitation: Friday, June 30 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, July 1 at 10 am at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Cypress Creek Church Cemetery near Dodson

Vernon Carol Vines
June 16, 1955 – June 24, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, June 28 from 10 am – 3 pm
Service: Wednesday, June 28 at 3 pm at Hurricane Creek Baptist Church of Dodson
Interment: Hurricane Creek Cemetery

Mr. James Earl “Bluster” Hoover
February 17, 1965 – June 23, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, July 1 from 9-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, July 1 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: St. Savior Baptist Church (Cane River) Cemetery

Joyce Renee Brister
September 3, 1956 – June 21, 2017
Service: Wednesday, June 28 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: Provencal Cemetery in Provencal

Dawn Brouillette
March 2, 1964 – June 24, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, June 29 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Rita Mae Parish Doolittle
November 7, 1928 – June 18, 2017
Service: Wednesday, June 28 at 3 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Lambert Town Cemetery in Robeline

 

The Louisiana Department of Health/Office of Public Health rescinded the boil advisory for the Robeline Marthaville Water System June 27. The samples collected June 26 cleared.

 

Frances Conine has been named interim vice president for the student experience and dean of students at Northwestern State University effective July 3. The appointment is subject to approval for the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System and will be through June 30, 2018.

Conine has served as dean of students for the past four years. She will lead the Offices of Admissions, Recruiting, Financial Aid, Student Activities and Organizations, First Year Experience and Leadership Development, Judicial Services, Counseling and Career Services, Student Life, the Student Activities Board, Student Government Association, Greek Life, Health Services, Disability Services and Student Support Services.

“Frances has been at the forefront of our efforts to provide effective, meaningful services to students,” said Northwestern President Dr. Chris Maggio. “Her depth of knowledge about all areas that go into shaping the student experience will be valuable. She will provide outstanding leadership as we search for a permanent vice president.”

Conine said she would work to continue Northwestern’s State pattern of enrollment growth and increases in retention and graduation rates,

“My goals as interim vice president will be to focus on strategic planning, recruiting and retention, and supporting the great staff we have to reach their goals,” said Conine. “Access to higher education and student advocacy will continue to be my focus. As dean of students my goals have been to promote diversity and inclusion, to promote healthy life styles (particularly mental health) among out students, and to fulfill our obligations to Title IX and other legally mandated programs in higher education.”

Conine has been at Northwestern State since 1981, serving as coordinator of the College Success Program and educational coordinator of NSU’s Central Louisiana programs from 1986 to 1989. She was director of counseling and career services from 1989 to 1998, director of student services and judicial affairs from 1998 to 2011. In 2011, Conine was named executive director of student development and student conduct. She has been an adjunct faculty member in the College of Education and Human Development since 1996 and teaches University Studies each semester.

In 2004-05, Conine was selected as president of the Louisiana Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators. She received the Air National Guard Center of Influence Award in 2010 for her influence on a member of the guard or their family during a deployment.

As dean of students, Conine helped launch NSU’s Center for Inclusion and Diversity. She has overseen efforts to ensure compliance with state and local laws regarding Title IX by implementing campus wide training, conducting climate surveys and developing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Natchitoches community and rewritten policy.

Under her leadership, Northwestern State created an Office of Student Accountability and Advocacy to help students understand rules and regulations and see that policies are clearly articulated.

Conine received a bachelor’s degree in sociology at Auburn University and a master’s of education from Delta State University.

Join the City of Natchitoches for its inaugural season of the Mobile Market and Portable Park, which will be open to the public from 3:30-5:30 pm every Tuesday at Pierson and Mallett Park (701 East Fifth St.) and every Thursday at Ben Johnson Park (616 MLK Dr.) from June 6 – Aug. 24, with the exception of the July 4 holiday.

The mobile market will sell local, fresh produce; with many of the produce being grown in Natchitoches’ very own Community Garden. Community members young and old are encouraged to take advantage of the convenience of shopping for fruits and vegetables in their neighborhood or a neighborhood near them. For more information on the Mobile Market please contact Valerie Balthazar at (318) 328-4211.

Portable Park will offer a variety of games and activities designed to get children up and moving. Through games and activities the Portable Park will offer all ages the opportunity to learn new skills and tips on how to live a healthy, active lifestyle. Portable Park will be free of charge for anyone wanting to participate. For more information on Portable Park please call Brett Rodriguez at (318) 238-5490.

These projects are funded by a Healthy Behaviors Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation.

A Red River Parish woman on probation was arrested on felony drug charges by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies during a traffic stop near Campti June 23 according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

NPSO Patrol Division stopped a 2009 Dodge pickup truck Friday afternoon on US-71 north of Campti for a traffic violation. They observed suspicious movement in the vehicle.

Deputies learned during a criminal background check, that the driver (identified as Casey L. Davis, 35 of the 700 block of US-71 in Coushatta) was on felony probation due to a prior felony narcotics conviction. Davis appeared uneasy, and with the prior suspicious movements in the vehicle deputies believed criminal activity existed.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies seized a small bag containing suspected methamphetamine, thirteen suspected alprazolam narcotic pills, syringes, and drug paraphernalia.

Deputies arrested Davis and transported her to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center for booking. A female correctional officer conducted a search of Davis’ person, discovering a bag containing suspected methamphetamine concealed in her under garments.

Davis was charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methampetamine-2nd Offense, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Institution and Probation Violation. She awaits bond to be set, however, she also has a probation hold.

The seized narcotics will be submitted to the crime lab for analysis. Deputies say approximately 3-grams of suspected methamphetamine was seized. The vehicle was towed by a local wrecker service. Deputies say while interviewing Davis, she confessed to ownership of the seized narcotics. Involved in the arrest were: Deputies J. Augustus and S. Axsom assisted by Detective C. LaCour.

 

The City Council held a public hearing at its meeting June 26 to discuss Water System Improvements and utility infrastructure upgrades. City Utility Director Charles Brossette presented Council members with a report on recent, ongoing and future upgrades in Natchitoches. Two of the upgrades were voted on by the Council.

Water Plant:
Treatment plant #2 scraper drive rebuild
Treatment plant #3 filter bay rehabilitation
Install influent and effluent flow meters to track and reduce water loss
Install backwash clarifier for all plants to reduce sludge discharge
Continued sludge removal at Chaplains Lake
Replacement of Lime feeder hoppers
Rehabilitation of Sibley Lake intake structure to repair cracks and install gates to better facilitate cleaning and future maintenance. Gates will allow water plant to better prepare for lake stratification (turn-over) by adjusting water intake depth.

Electrical Distribution:
Replaced underground primary cable and transformers on Hancock and Watson and at JW Thomas apartments
Built new distribution line on Hwy. 478 to I-49
Installed new underground primary cable and transformers in Bell Harbor and Country Club Estates subdivisions
Replaced underground primary cable and transformers on Parkway
Installed new distribution line to 911 Center on Public Safety Way
Install new 69KV breakers at Bypass, Hwy. 1 South, and Sibley Lake substations to facilitate ring bus feed
Replace overhead distribution system on Second and Amulet to underground
Convert Adelaide, Sirod and Henry from overhead to underground distribution

Water Distribution by Street:
Payne – replace 2” galvanized line with 6” PVC from Lake – Amulet
Pierson – please 1”/2” galv. with 6” PVC from Lake – Levy
Jordan – replace 1” galv. with 6” PVC from Pavie to Lafayette
Salim – replace 2” galv. with 8” PVC from Lafayette – Hill
Julia – replace 2” galv. with 6” PVC from Amulet – Lake
Holmes, Silver and Northern – replace 2” galv. with 6” PVC
Genti and Railroad – replace 2” galv. with 6” PVC
Hampton – replace 2” galv. with 4” PVC on East end
Robbins – replace 2” galv. with 8” PVC from University – Bossier
Roy – replace 2” galv. with 8” PVC from North Fifth – end
Behan – replace 2” galv. with 3” PVC from University – Bossier
Holmes Street – replace 2” galv. with 6” PVC from Stella – Amelia
12” line crossing Cane River from Jefferson – Williams at Keyser
Public Safety Way – install 400’ of 8” PVC and hydrant
Second Street – replace 6” galv. with 12” PVC from Lafayette – St. Denis

Sewer Collection:
Citywide manhole rehabilitation – Hwy. 1 South, Mill, Fairground, Amulet, Mandell, Welch, Hwy. 1 Bypass by Alliance Compressors, Culbertson, Corner of Grayson and Koonce, Mill (in front of the Fort), and more
Marylyn – lift station rehabilitation
Rapides – lift station replacement/enlargements
Martin – Replace force main (possibly bigger pumps)
Hwy. 1 Bypass – replace floor at lift station by Clayton Homes
Rehab Grand Ecore lift station
Public Safety Way – install 400’ of new 6” sewer line (911 Center)
New master lift station

Wastewater Plant:
Replacement of surge basin diversion gate
Replacement of bar screen conveyor
Repair thickener #2 rake drive reduction gear housing
Rehabilitation of effluent UV lights
Replacement of back-up generator fuel tank

Agenda items for the Council meeting included:
Award bid for two pulse fault interrupter, upright cross arm model, non-disconnect style

Approve Acquisition of a lot on the west side of Fifth Street from Rena Mae Thomas Clark for $34,500

INTRO – Award bid for the master lift station replacement (FY 2016 LCDBG: Sewer Rehabilitation)

INTRO – Award bid for raw water pump structure rehabilitation phase 2 for Sibley Lake
Approve application for grant funds from the FHWA Recreational Trails Program for Louisiana

Execute change order No. 3 to the contract between the City and Pat Williams Construction for the Rue Beauport Riverfront Project

Students from Northwestern State University’s School of Business are working as interns this summer at CSRA’s Bossier City facility.  CSRA is an information technology services company that provides IT services to U.S. government clients in national security, civil government and health care and public health. From left are Spencer Sepulvado, Trevor Landreneau, Bruce Schimmel, Marquise Foster, Jessie Gabor, Jeremy David Jones and Brendan Gentry.  Gabor is a recent NSU graduate working in the external affairs office.  The other interns are current students in NSU’s Computer Information Systems program and are working with apps development and program control.  The 10-week summer program allows CSRA interns to gain hands on experience in the field of their interest. Interns also engage in a mentorship program and speaker series, volunteering activities and other fun events. The program was named a 2017 Top Internship by Vault.

Tyler Gatewood has come home to Northwestern State University.  The incoming freshman from McKinney, Texas, plans to major in industrial engineering technology and was one of nearly 300 new students who attended Session 3 of Freshman Connection last week. Gatewood, son of NSU Alumni Tamara and Reggie Gatewood, is the oldest grandchild of the late Dr. Randall J. Webb, NSU’s longest serving-president, and Mrs. Brenda Webb of Shreveport.  In addition to orientation, class registration, advising and learning about campus life, Gatewood, second from left, also attended a lunch for new NSU Ambassadors that included Gabby Chapman of Ville Platte, a business major; Behrend Behrendsen of Natchitoches, a computer information systems major, and Blake Cook of Hornbeck, an electrical engineering technology major.  Ambassadors are student recruiters who act as hosts at open house days and conduct campus tours.  “I grew up around campus and want to carry on a legacy that’s been going on for many years,” Gatewood said.  “I looked at other schools, but I knew I wanted to come here. It’s great to finally be part of NSU.  It’s all I imagined it to be.”

“The chair is still there.” If you were at Fountain of Life Sunday evening, June 25, you know what that means. Matthew Pagels, Youth Pastor at Fountain of Life United Pentecostal Church in Natchitoches, shared excited news of his family’s new beginnings. He and his wife and their children officially announced that their lives in Natchitoches are transitioning to Hope, Ark.

“With a heavy heart, I am resigning my position at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home,” said Matthew. “Our calling is now bringing us to New Life United Pentecostal Church in Hope, where we were unanimously voted in June 25 as lead pastors. If I have any obligations to you in Natchitoches, whether it be a wedding or a funeral, I will fulfill that obligation. We are 2.5 hours away, so its not too far to drive. We are excited at this new chapter in our lives, and can’t wait to see what God has in store. It’s hard to say goodbye to a lifetime of friendships, but thankfully, we don’t have to. If you need us, we will be in touch. I ask for your prayers, and trust God will bless the work we have done here to make it continue and grow!! God bless you all!”

9-1-1 Directors from across North Louisiana converged on Natchitoches June 23 for their spring meeting.  The region includes some 27 parishes bordering the Arkansas state line on the north down to Sabine Parish on the Texas border and Concordia Parish on the Mississippi  border.  The group discussed a variety of critical  9-1-1 and public safety communications issues including legislative updates, the FirstNET nationwide public safety network, GIS 9-1-1 mapping issues and the recent submission of the Statewide 9-1-1 Report, and progress on the NATCOM project.  INdigital, which is an industry leader in the development of next-generation 9-1-1 deployment and operation and providing service and support to 9-1-1 systems across the United States also provided information on their systems and services.

Willis Carter, 9-1-1 Director for Natchitoches Parish, said that the severe weather that hit the area on last Friday was responsible for the lower than usual turnout, but he expressed appreciation to Mayor Lee Posey, and 9-1-1 Commission Chairman Micky Dove for offering a warm welcome to the group.  The next quarterly meeting will be in Madison Parish, the date, and time to be determined.

Patrons of Northwestern State University’s theatre program laughed along with the cast of “Nunsense II,” this year’s Summer Dinner Theatre production, but during the summer, many other students from the School of Creative and Performing Arts travel around the country and the world showcasing their talent.

More than 35 NSU students are participating in summer productions as close as Shreveport and as far away as Germany.

NSU has established itself as a fertile recruiting ground for companies and theatres looking for quality summer personnel, said Scott Burrell, head of NSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

“Cedar Point, the famous amusement park in Ohio, came to Natchitoches to interview students for their entertainment division and hired a number of ours,” Burrell said. “Other than Disney, Cedar Point is the largest operation like that in the country. It shows how talented our students are to secure those spots.”

Those working at the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park include singer/dancer Marissa McMickens, vocalist/musician Jenna Blayke Cornett and audio technicians Myra Martinez and Briana Acosta.

Maddie Fry and Jesse Kortus will be crossing an ocean to work in Hamburg, Germany, at the International Performing Arts Institute Musical Theatre.

Three more Demons will make their way to New York as a costume designer (Mary Reed), intern (Luke Raines) and props artist (Lauren Guilliot).

A handful of students will take to the outdoors as participants in TEXAS Outdoor Musical in Canyon, Texas. Dancers include Charles Anderson Jr., Jayzen Boger, Taylor Young, Joey Carroll and Asher Van Meter.

“These students always show out, and we get feedback on how well they did and on how well they are trained,” Burrell said.

Christopher Davidson is a co-stage manager and props designer at the Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre.

Two students (Elizabeth Jones and Emma Rivet) will have tales to tell after their summer at the Canterbury Summer Theatre in Michigan City, Indiana.

Jones and Rivet won’t be far from Indiana counterpart Madalyn Mullins, who will be a props assistant in New Harmony, Indiana.

Savannah Thibodeaux will be a little south as a production stage manager in Prestonburg, Ky.

Several more jetted for the mid-East Coast to places like Flat Rock, North Carolina (Jhalon Thomas) and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware (Dwight Robinette).

The rest will work in theatres in Louisiana and Mississippi with the majority finding roles at Shreveport’s Little Theatre.

Many student musicians are traveling and performing as well.  Jolie Gonzales Masmela
will participate in the Miami Music Festival over three weeks June 28th – July 18.

“I was accepted as a participant in the Conducting Institute, so, I will be in the conducting workshop,” Masmela said.  “As a participant, I will be in intensive master classes with world-renowned teaching artists such as the great Maestro David Effron. We will have orchestral reading with Miami Music Festival Opera Orchestra, daily class sessions and we will perform an orchestral concert to be held July 14.”

A contingency of music and dance students, Francisco Ballestas, Ronald Rodriguez, Alanna Benoit, Chelsey Goldsmith, Logan Terrell, Luis Osorio and Addison Pellegrino, conducted masterclasses during a residency in Cartagena, Colombia, and performed in a sold out recital in Cartagena’s oldest theatre.

Burrell said no matter how far a student travels, summer experience is essential to landing professional jobs upon graduation.

“You want to leave here with resume credits,” Burrell said. “You can put that you have a degree on your resume, but that’s not going to cut it.

“Whether you’re doing shows here or shows elsewhere professionally, people want to know what experience you have on stage or back stage.”

For more information on NSU’s School of Creative and Performing Arts, degree programs and local performance schedules, visit capa.nsula.edu.

First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches is excited Nancy Peace is back on the church staff. Nancy was the youth director at FUMC from 1984-1988. Her youth lovingly named her Mama Peace. Whenever you talk to her and she starts talking, 90 percent of the time the person she is talking about was in her youth group. She clearly has had a huge impact on many youth in the Natchitoches community and in the church. So clearly she’s going to be a huge asset to FUMC.

Nancy is a graduate of LSU in recreational therapy. While working at the Fort Polk hospital she met her husband Phillip. The lived in many cities and have two children Brad and Mandy. Nancy worked as a recreational therapist, teachers aide for the hearing impaired, and most recently retired from her family’s carpet business.

When asked why she likes to serve the church Nancy said, “This church has nurtured and blessed my family and provided a wonderful place to grow in our faith. We experienced love and support in good times and in times of loss. I feel part of every brick and feel every brick is part of me. Being able to serve this church is an honor. It feels like home.”

 

The 38th annual Natchitoches-Northwestern Folk Festival will be held July 14-15 in Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus. Festival hours are 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Tickets are $13 for an advance all-events pass through July 11. Advance tickets are free for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door for $6 for Friday night, $10 for all day Saturday or $6 for Saturday after 5 p.m.

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

The Southeast Tourism Society has named the 38th annual Natchitoches-Northwestern State University Folk Festival one of the STS Top 20 Events in the Southeast for July 2017.

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

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

Narrative sessions will be held throughout the day in the N-Club Room in Prather Coliseum covering topics including St. Joseph altars, country music in the Delta, the cajun accordion, Choctaw-Apache foodways, Choctaw wedding traditions in the Delta, blues in the Delta, preserving Delta material culture and zydeco traditions.

The Annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship will be on Saturday, July 15 starting at 1 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall on the NSU campus. Late registration will be at noon. Fiddlers from around the state will compete for cash prizes in the championship and non-championship divisions.

Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative of the National Park Service, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, the City of Natchitoches, the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Cleco.

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

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Johnny Issac Lincecum
August 8, 1941 – June 24, 2017
Service: Tuesday, June 27 at 2 pm at Jena First Baptist Church
Interment: Lincecum Baptist Church Cemetery in Georgetown

Dawn Brouillette
March 2, 1964 – June 24, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, June 29 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Dr. Melvin Henry Stevens
October 17, 1923 – June 23, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, June 27 from 1-2 pm at Christian Outreach Center
Service: Tuesday, June 27 at 2 pm at Christian Outreach Center in Natchitoches
Interment: Wednesday, June 28 at 2 pm at Woodmen Cemetery in DeKalb, TX

Rita Mae Parish Doolittle
November 7, 1928 – June 18, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, June 27 from 6-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, June 28 at 3 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Lambert Town Cemetery in Robeline

Joyce Renee Brister
September 3, 1956 – June 21, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, June 27 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, June 28 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: Provencal Cemetery in Provencal

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

Teams from two local area banks, City Bank and The Bank of Montgomery, battled for musical bragging rights at the 2nd Annual Midsummer Night on the Cane held at Maglieaux’s Riverfront Restaurant, Sunday, June 25th. The event was a lipsync battle held as a fundraiser for the upcoming Natchitoches Jazz Festival. The popular restaurant’s outdoor patio was packed with a festive crowd eager to support their team as well as the Natchitoches Jazzfest while having a wonderful time.

The evening started with a set from longtime local musical favorites The Snake Doctors. The lipsync battle was then commenced by the “Snake Nurses” (The Snake Doctors with the addition of local attorney Rodney Harrington/Johnny Earthquake, all in less than convincing wigs) followed by a spirited rendition of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by the Maglieaux’s waitstaff.

The “’80’s Babies” from City Bank “made it rain” by throwing play money at the crowd and ending their song by smashing the lead singer’s guitar. Not to be outdone, the “Spice Girls”of the Keyser Branch of the Bank of Montogomery answered with a high energy combination of dance and lip synched singing. The judges had a difficult decision, but narrowly awarded the top act to the Bank of Montgomery’s “Spice Girls.” The evening ended with Billy O’ Con and Badd Apple’s classic rock sounds.

Maglieaux’s Riverfront Restaurant, now in its 4th year of operation that quickly became a fixture on the local dining scene, has hosted the lipsync fundraiser since its inception last year. In the words of owner John Richmond, “… We’re proud to do this fundraiser each year to help the Jazz Festival and we’re glad to be a part of Natchitoches…” John and his wife Kathy have made their home in our city for the past six years.

This week the Half Price HookUp is pleased to offer the following Half Price HookUp cards:

Cane River Bar & Grill – Natchitoches
Blazin A’s in Provencal 
Johnny’s Pizza House – Natchitoches Only
Maglieaux’s Riverfront Restaurant
Popeye’s on South Drive
Magnolia Diner – Natchitoches
Taco Bell
Smoothie King – Natchitoches
Lakewood Inn

They go quick, so just click the link below and eat for Half Price!

VISIT THE STORE ONLINE STORE NOW: https://goo.gl/2aEJaD

The store’s phone number is 866-418-9254. To get future alerts of store offerings, please text “dailydeal” to 779-48 and you will be added to our text alert lists.

Thanks for joining the Half Price HookUp!