Dr. Chris Maggio, president of Northwestern State University, was the featured speaker at the United Methodist Men’s meeting Aug. 20. He gave a presentation of the background of higher education in Louisiana and specifically about NSU.

Northwestern had 9,811 students last year. While the final figures for this year are not available yet, all signs point to another increase in enrollment. NSU accounts for a bit over 10 percent of the approximately 90,000 students in the University of Louisiana system and has an annual budget of $74 million. The university is an integral part of the area’s economic and cultural life. From sports to theater and music, the campus’ programs enrich people’s lives throughout northwest Louisiana, while the university’s 3,000 online students bring NSU to a world-wide audience.

Mary Louise ( Kirl) Wilson
August 31, 1940 – August 20, 2017
Service: Tuesday, Aug. 22 in Fellowship Baptist Church
Interment: Magnolia Cemetery in Nebo

Alma Braxton
August 19, 2017
Arrangements TBA

William Levi Berry
August 16, 2017
Arrangements TBA

 

If there ever was a good reason for a traffic jam, this was it. Over 1,400 new students and their families came to Natchitoches Aug. 19 to start their college journey. Over 300 volunteers from campus organizations, sports teams, faculty and community organizations helped the new NSU Demons move into their dorm rooms.

NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio was on hand to help students move in to residence halls. Dozens of volunteers representing student groups and community organizations helped unpack cars, carry boxes, hand out water and offer directions for the students and parents arriving in Natchitoches.

NSU athletic director Greg Burke had a pleasant bit of serendipity as he helped the son of one of his student workers from the 90s move into his dorm room.

Move In Day kicks off Demon Days, a 42-day full schedule of activities to immerse students into campus life, service opportunities and NSU traditions. Move In weekend also features First Night Fest on the Green, New Student Convocation, the President’s Picnic and several meet and greet events.

University officials expect an increase in enrollment and retention for the Fall 2017 semester. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 21.

The last total solar eclipse viewed from contiguous U.S. occurred in 1979. After today’s total solar eclipse (Monday, Aug. 21, 2017), the next annular solar eclipse that can be seen in the continental U.S. will be Oct. 14, 2023.

Anyone within the path of totality (from Lincoln Beach, Ore. to Charleston, SC) can see one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights – a total solar eclipse. Observers outside this path (Natchitoches for instance) will still see a partial solar eclipse where the moon covers part of the sun’s disk.

Join the Cane River Creole National Historical Park at Magnolia Plantation on Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for the solar eclipse event. Take part in ranger talks, citizen science, and other eclipse activities. You can make a pinhole projector and a limited number of safe solar glasses will be available. Please feel free to bring your own NASA approved solar viewers, blanket and/or chair, snacks and experience the eclipse across America.

Skywatchers are also invited to an observation party at Natchitoches Parish Library, hosted by Northwestern State University Professor Dr. Chad Thibodeaux, from 1-2 p.m. when the sun should be most covered. Natchitoches Parish Library will be giving away special glasses for the event.

NASA will offer Eyes on the Eclipse, an interactive, 3D simulation of the total eclipse, which offers two options: one for desktops and laptops, and one that’s web-based for phones or any mobile device. For more information and to download the app, visit eyes.nasa.gov/eclipse.

When most people think of surgery, they think of an invasive, unpleasant procedure. However, a new piece of technology offers a minimally invasive procedure, which is changing the experience of surgery.

Dr. Moshood Olatinwo, medical director and chief executive officer of Summit ObGyn of Natchitoches, is now offering da Vinci Surgery procedures to his patients at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. The da Vinci Surgery System is a less invasive, robot-assisted surgery for hysterectomics or other gynecologic procedures.

Doctors performing a hysterectomy using the da Vinci system operate using long instruments inserted through a few small incisions in the abdomen. One of the instruments has a tiny camera at the end, which sends images to a video monitor in the operating room to guide doctors during the operation. Overall, the instruments used can bend and rotate far greater than the human hand, enabling doctors to operate with enhanced precision and control.

Dr. Olatinwo is a robotically trained surgeon that can utilize the da Vinci Surgical System, which offers numerous potential benefits over traditional surgical approaches. The da Vinci Hysterectomy offers the following potential benefits:

• reduced complication rate
• reduced length of hospital stay
• reduced blood loss and less likelihood for transfusion

Other surgery options offered at Summit include:

• Her Option: An in-house cryoablation therapy, which offers maximum patient comfort and the lowest complication rate for endometrial ablation procedures. Her Option eliminates the need for anesthesia. The cryotherapy’s sub-zero temperatures provide a natural analgesic effect, reducing pain and maximizing comfort. Ninety-five percent of patient surveyed said they were comfortable or experienced only slight discomfort during the procedure and 96 percent said they would recommend Her Option to a friend.
• Endorsee Hysteroscopy: An in-house handheld Hysterscope diagnostic procedure that allows the doctor to look inside the womb with a tiny camera, in the office exam room, to determine the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding.
• Urodynamic Testing: A relatively simple test performed in-house that measures and evaluates the bladder’s function and efficiency. It can explain symptoms such as incontinence, frequent urination or sudden/strong urges to urinate where nothing comes out.The ultimate goal of Urodynamics is to aid in the correct diagnosis of Women’s lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Summit provides a variety of specialty women’s healthcare services to patients in the Natchitoches area including:

• Urodynamic Testing – State of the art equipment used for urinary leakage and bladder problem diagnosis
• Female Sexual Dysfunction and Disorder
• Menopausal Symptoms
• Adolescent Gynecology
• Infertility Services
• Endometrial Biopsies On-site
• Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgeries
• Mirena IUDs
• Paragard IUD
• Implanon/Nexplanon

Don’t forget that Summit treats women through all phases of pregnancy, from planning through post-partum care. The safety of expecting mothers and their children is top priority, so Summit offers treatment for high-risk pregnancies and provides early detection tests for potential issues with the pregnancy.

Contact Summit ObGyn Of Natchitoches today at 318-352-1108, or go online to http://summitobgynofnatchitoches.net/index.html for more information about

OB services or general GYN services.

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By Brooke Shirley

Northwestern State University held its annual Move In Day for Freshmen Aug. 19. Students were assigned to their dorm rooms and the mayhem began. As we all know, Louisiana weather can be somewhat off-putting and it was miserable until you were greeted by the open doors of University Place 1 and 2.

Thankfully, First Baptist Church brought out a super helpful team of parents and some of their youth group.

They handed out ice cold bottles of water while playing KLOVE on a stereo that seemed to put a pep in everyone’s step. Part of their group assisted families by carrying in furniture, loading wagons and dollies full of boxes, and navigating the halls. A few children who tagged along with their mothers were even happy to help by holding doors open for the almost constant flow of traffic.

First Baptist Church, located at 508 Second Street in Natchitoches, invites all students to a free jambalaya lunch Sunday, Aug. 27!

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

Loyal Tiger friends and families gathered at their school as the St. Mary’s Tiger Athletic Association continued a 40+ year tradition Aug. 18 with the annual steak supper and scrimmage fundraiser. The TAA pre-sold over 500 steaks with more being sold on site. The organization supports all aspects of St. Mary’s athletics and the steak supper is their signature event as well as a Natchitoches tradition.

In addition to the supper, the event featured an evening of football scrimmages played by Tigers from third grade to high school. A decisive 42-6 Varsity Tiger victory against D’Arbonne Woods capped off another successful event.

By Brooke Shirley

KTBS/KPXJ hosted Friday Football Fever “Legends Reception” Aug. 18 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches. As guests arrived they were greeted with a smile and a name tag. Right after, everyone signed a banner and a football to present to Bob Griffin, the special guest of the evening.

Griffin is a journalist that’s covered sports at KTBS for more than 50 years. Tony Taglavore said, “Bob Griffin is a living legend, the likes of which we may never see again.” Tony is the Owner/Executive Producer at Sweet Lou Media and is also the Play-by-Play/Color Analyst at Northwestern State University.

Everyone quietly spoke among themselves aside from a few bursts of laughter as they awaited the Live ArkLaTex Football Legends Show “Where Legends Are Made” Broadcast. The guests were permitted to act as an audience for the broadcast that was hosted by News Anchors Alex Anderson and Tatum Everett.

 

A concerned citizen submitted the photos included with this story to the NPJ. The Natchitoches Police Department received a call reporting a one-vehicle accident at the intersection of Demeziere and Percy Aug. 16 at 12:!5 am. The driver was traveling at a high rate of speed when the car hit the curb, hit a tree and ended up on its side. There were no witnesses to the crash. The driver was unable to give a statement and police issued a citation for careless operation. The vehicle was towed and the driver was taken to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

By Brooke Shirley

In April, Rick Nowlin and Jim Rhodes announced that the Cane River Waterway Commission will be a non-federal sponsor for the Perpetual Cane River Bank Stabilization Easement, which will be completed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. The goal of the project is to repair any current erosion and to construct some bank improvements in front of the St. Augustine Catholic Church along Highway 484.

St. Augustine Catholic Church has now been listed on the National Registry as a historic site in Natchitoches Parish and for the members it is very important that this be fixed before their history lost. State Representative Kenny Cox put it very plainly saying, “If we do not fix this issue, the road will wash away and next would be the church. That’s not something we care to let happen.”

There was a meeting held Aug. 17 between all parties involved to discuss the project status, financial obligations, designs, and non-federal sponsor requirements. As of now, plan are still in the preliminary stages. The project is waiting approval from Congress before any further actions may be taken.

by Edwin Crayton

I’ve been writing how the Natchitoches Community Improvement Foundation (NCIF) admitted that it can’t account for what happened to $19,500 of the public money it manages. You would think any community group serving the public would want to answer questions to show transparency, right? Think again. At the July 11, 2017 quarterly meeting apparently that was not the case. When I asked for a response to my written requests for information about the missing funds, Board member Brenda Milner discouraged me from asking about the money advising that I focus instead on the positive things NCIF is doing. I responded by asking Ms. Milner how she would respond if she went to the bank and her banker told her he didn’t know what happened to $190 of her money. I asked if she would accept it if the banker advised her to forget the missing money and stop asking about it. Ms. Millner had no response. Her reaction is typical of the rest of the NCIF. Earlier in the meeting I asked if the board would be willing to share what they know about the missing funds. The board said they would not.

Sounds evasive and lacking in transparency? The Questions will continue. The Natchitoches Community Improvement Foundation Board Members are: Leo Walker Jr., Sylvia Morrow, Oswald Taylor, Kelvin Porter, Brenda Milner, Ed Ward Jr., Gwen Hardison, Mildred Joseph, Shaniqua Hoover, Billye Sue Johnson, Gwendolyn Williams, Catherine Hoover, Diane Blake Jones, James Below Jr., and Estelle Braxton.

The board meets quarterly, every second Tuesday. The next meeting is in October. Call 1-318-623-2466 for time and location. The fund was created to oversee and distribute 1. 5 million in funds designated by the courts to go to the citizens of Natchitoches to help residents in the areas of education, housing, recreation and economic development.

Robert L. Leonard
February 11, 1931 – August 18, 2017
Visitation: Monday, Aug. 21 from 9-11 am at St. Rita Catholic Church. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 10:30 am
Service: Monday, Aug. 21 at 11 am at St. Rita Catholic Church
Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park

Olivia Marie Meginley
August 16, 2017 – August 16, 2017
Visitation: Monday, Aug. 21 from 12-3:30 pm at the funeral home. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 2 pm
Service Monday, Aug. 21 at 3:30 pm in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home.

Mackie Cecil Thaxton
September 29, 1943 – August 19, 2017
Visitation: Sunday, Aug. 20 at 5 pm at Cenchrea Nazarene Church
Service: Monday, Aug. 21 at 2 pm at Cenchrea Nazarene Church
Interment: Mt. Carmel Cemetery

Alma Braxton
August 19, 2017
Arrangements TBA

William Levi Berry
August 16, 2017
Arrangements TBA

 

Offers include:

Café’ Demon – NSU
Cane River Bar & Grill
Dickey’s BBQ
Hana Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Maglieaux’s
Magnolia’s Diner
Merci Beaucoup
Smoothie King

LIMITED to 2 Cards per Vendor, per transaction.

If you would like to receive our Half Price HookUp text alerts for offers from area restaurants, send a text message “hphn” to 779-48.  You will get notifications of which restaurants are offering the Half Price HookUp.

You may make your purchases from the online store and beat the rush!

Just click this link: Half Price HookUp Store

Cards may be picked up on Monday between 9am and 3pm at 213 Renee Street in Natchitoches.

Don’t miss out. There are a limited number of cards offered by each merchant.

PAID NOTICE

The City of Natchitoches received a letter from the Louisiana Department of Health Aug. 11 stating that the City was in non-compliance with maintaining disinfectant residuals (0.5 milligrams per liter) throughout the water distribution system at all times.

Louisiana raised its chlorine level standard from 0.2 mg/l to 0.5 mg/l in 2014. The letter sites that the flush valve at Charlie Drive tested at 0.45 mg/l for the month of August. However, Utilities Director Charles Brossette said DHH paid a surprise visit to the flush valve Aug. 16 and pulled a sample that tested at 1.7 mg/l, which satisfied them.

“The chlorine levels will fluctuate depending on water usage,” said Brossette.

Some of the residents were frustrated with the amount of times the City needs to flush the “dead end” line on Charlie Drive, because it causes the ditches to flood into the surrounding yards. The City needs to flush this line often because there’s not enough pressure in the houses to keep the water flowing.

The City has an engineer working on a project estimated at $20,000, which will allow them to flush the line out to Cane River.

The Lakeview graduating class of 2007 hosted a school supply drive for its alma mater. With the help of alumni and the community, alumni were able to donate a large tote of supplies for students and teachers.

Pictured from left are Lakeview Principal Hymes, Micah Elliott Foshee and Chad Fredieu, c/o 2007 alumni.

 

Summer has flown by and for anyone who missed a cleaning or other services before school started, Dr. Nick Governale, has a chair ready for you at Governale Family Dentistry, located at 125 E 5th Street in Natchitoches.

The office will be open for an Extended Hours Clinic Sept. 25-26 from 8 am – 9 pm. Now you can get your teeth taken care of after school or even after dinner. Governale Family Dentistry is making it easier and more convenient for the community by promoting the importance of dental health.

Preventive care is essential for keeping your teeth healthy, which helps to avoid cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and more. To maintain optimal oral health, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visits to the dentist at regular intervals.

New patients are welcome at Governale Family Dentistry, but appointments are required. Every patient that schedules an appointment from 5-8 pm during the clinic will be entered into a drawing to win a custom set of bleach trays (a $400 value).

As a child getting his teeth cleaned, Governale thought being a dentist was a neat thing to do.

“I enjoy helping people,” he said. “Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you.”

Some indications that you may need to see a dentist include tooth discoloration or pain, bleeding in your gums, or if you have a general concern about the overall health of your teeth.

The clinic is already booked halfway, and will offer a third day (Sept. 27) if there is a larger response from patients. Call 318-352-3830 and reserve your spot now!

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The Mississippi River Commission (MRC) visited Natchitoches Aug. 15 on its annual low-water inspection trip on the Mississippi River Aug. 7-18. Commission members met with local partners, stakeholders and residents to hear their concerns, ideas and issues. The trip was made on the 5-story MV Mississippi, the largest push boat on the Mississippi.

Parish President Rick Nowlin, Natchitoches Mayor Lee Posey, Tourist Office Director Arlene Gould attended the Aug. 15 meeting held at the new Grand Core RV Park. Representatives from the Natchitoches Parish Port and the Red River Waterway Commission were also in attendance. Beforehand, commissioners toured the Natchitoches Parish Port and the Grand Ecore Visitors Center.

“We’re all in this together,” said Charles Camillo, MRC Executive Director. This visit from the MRC was a momentous occasion as it was the first time the commission chose to tour the Red River since it began reviewing and inspecting the watersheds along the Mississippi River in 1997. These reviews aid the MRC in its attempt to garner broad support for a working 200-year vision: an intergenerational commitment for the world’s largest naturally navigable watershed, America’s watershed.

The MRC, established in 1879, is composed of seven members, each nominated by the President of the United States and vetted by the Senate. Three of the organization’s members are officers of the Corps of Engineers; one is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and three are civilians (two of whom are civil engineers).

General duties of the MRC include recommending policy and work programs, studying and reporting on the necessity for modifications or additions to flood control and navigation projects and conducting semi-annual inspection trips. Public meetings held during the trips maintain a dialogue between the watershed interests, the public and the Corps.

“The MRC has influence with the administration in Congress, so this is an opportunity to tell the successes of the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway (which is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District),” said Colin Brown, Executive Director for the Red River Waterway Commission. “It’s also an opportunity to show them the challenges we have, which include the need for consistent dredging funds, the need for 24/7: 365 operation of the locks and dams, and the need for a 12-foot channel on the waterway.”

The authority of the MRC extends the entire length of the Mississippi River from its headquarters at Lake Itasca, Minn., to Head of Passes in Louisiana, where the river empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Since 1879, the MRC has developed and matured plans for the general improvement of the Mississippi River from the Head of Passes to the Headwaters. The MRC brings critical engineering representation to the drainage basin, which impacts 41 percent of the U.S., including 1.25 million square miles, over 250 tributaries, 31 states and two Canadian provinces.

 

Lathan Meyers, a volunteer firefighter with Natchitoches Parish Fire District 6, won the 160-pound title belt at the Battle of the Badges charity competition Aug. 12 in West Monroe.

Monroe City Battle of the Badges is a non-profit amateur boxing show that features policemen (Team Police) versus firemen (Team Fire) from all over the south.

Meyers beat the reigning title holder for the 160-pound division and it was his first boxing match. He learned of the competition three months in advance and wanted to participate. Boxing and MMA have always been his passion, so Meyers said it was great to finally compete.

Meyers first became interested in karate as a kid. He trained in judo throughout high school and then became involved in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He found his home at Light City Martial Arts in Natchitoches. Originally from Many, Meyers moved to Natchitoches at the beginning of the year to attend Northwestern State University where he plans to major in addiction studies.

With three months to train for the big event, he reached out to Coach Craig Sylvia, Jimmy Woodel and Jeff Cox for help.

“The hardest part was the diet,” said Meyers. “I love food and I was put on a strict regimen, so I couldn’t eat carbs, caffeine or sugar. I love coffee so that was difficult for me.”

Meyers says people expected him to be nervous for his first official boxing match, but he was ready to have fun after working so hard at his training.

“It was all thanks to the complete confidence and trust I put in my coach and training partners who got me ready to enter the ring,” he said.

Other Natchitoches contenders included Jonathan Roberts and Brandon Simon who won their battles for Team Blue, and Roosevelt Washington who fought for Team Fire.

The event raises money for select charities. The policemen fought for the Jake Owen Raborn Foundation, and the firemen fought for Med-Camps of Louisiana, Inc. The Jake Owen Raborn Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to financially supporting families enduring pediatric cancer, as well as providing financial support to organizations and facilities that care for families enduring pediatric cancer. Med-Camps of Louisiana provides one week of camp at no charge to over 5,000 children living throughout Louisiana with varying illnesses and disabilities.

Deer season is right around the corner. As the clock ticks toward Oct. 1, the archery-season opener, hunters will break out their tractors, discs and rotary cutters to clear off land and plant food plots.

Weeks Tractor and Supply Company in Natchitoches has package deals for the avid hunter, however they’re good for more than hunting.

Jakey Lewing said he uses the tractor he bought from Weeks 80 percent of the time on four deer leases he maintains (50 acres) and 20 percent around his home (20 acres).

He splurged on a cab tractor with AC to combat the Louisiana heat. According to Lewing it also cuts down on the dust. He bush hogs his land and uses the rotary tiller to plant a garden at home every summer.

“It’s the best investment I’ve ever made,” said Lewing. “Deer hunting is a big part of our lifestyle and the Mahindra is a quality tractor at a fair price. I’ve had it for 4 years now and it’s a fine piece of equipment.”

Weeks offers the #1 selling package which features a Mahindra 4540: 41HP – 4 wheel drive with a loader. The package consists of a 20 foot trailer, 5 foot box blade and a 5 foot standard duty rotary cutter. If there’s an implement you want to include in a package deal and Weeks doesn’t have it in stock, they’re more than happy to special order it.

“This is a very popular package for hunters and homeowners,” said Jennifer Sparks.

Not only does Weeks offer package deals for easy convenience, they handle the tags, license and taxes in-house. According to Jennifer, this is a huge benefit to customers as it saves them the time they would have spent sitting in a DMV. Weeks provides buyers with temporary tags and applies for the permanent ones.

“It’s not all about the tractor,” said Jennifer. “These package deals are more cost efficient, but at the end of the day it’s all about giving the customer a good service experience.”

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By Brooke Shirley

In 1977 a Seattle juvenile court judge had the idea that he needed help in his courtroom with the cases of numerous children. He was concerned about making decisions for their future while knowing little to no information regarding the details for each neglected and/or abused child’s back story. By 1982, his idea had blossomed into a national organization that was then looking for funding. A short three years later they received the funding they needed from the Federal Government.

The National Court Appointed Special Advocates Association, or CASA, held an Awareness Social Aug. 17 at the Event’s Center to try to make the Natchitoches community more aware of the positive affects this program has on the lives of the children it serves. Currently, the staff and volunteers are helping approximately 45 children maintain a stable home so they may prosper in the years to come.

Breelin Johnson is very passionate about the program and said, “You get to learn about these children and you see what they’re going through. They thrive through discipline and they need some structure in their lives. No one is there to support them, so you only want to see them succeed.” He was a paramedic for over 30 years before becoming a CASA volunteer.

James T. Genovese, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice, spoke on the subject of needing more funding to keep the program running. He stated, “We need the public’s support. People don’t know what CASA is. I mean people in this room do, but the public doesn’t know.” As of right now, there are three main sources of funding which are: the Federal Government, private donations, and the Supreme Court itself.

If you have any questions regarding CASA, please contact Jack L. Duty or visit their website at http://www.casaforchildren.org

 

The Natchitoches Fuller Center for Housing is now accepting applications for the house to be built on Bossier St. in Natchitoches. The Fuller Center for Housing is a 501(c)3 ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing worldwide. The Fuller Center and Habitat for Humanity were founded by Millard and Linda Fuller. The Fuller Center is dedicated to being a Christ-centered, faith-driven organization witnessing the love of God by providing opportunities for families to have a simple, decent place to live.

A Fuller Center Home is not a hand out, but a hand up. By working alongside volunteers and repaying construction costs on terms they can handle, homeowners are able to maintain a sense of basic human dignity. The Natchitoches Fuller Center for Housing follows the HUD median income guidelines.

Applications are now being accepted and all applications must be completed and turned in by October 1. Only completed applications will be reviewed.

Applications can be picked up at the following locations:

Waskom, Brown, & Associates – 816 University Parkway
First United Methodist Church Office – 220 Amulet St.

Or you can email Jim at natchfullerctr@outlook.com.

Completed applications may be returned to these locations or mailed to P.O. Box 7024, Natchitoches, LA 71457.

For more information about the national organization you can go to fullercenter.org. If you would like more information on how you can help by donating or volunteering please contact Jim at natchfullerctr@outlook.com or find us on Facebook at Natchitoches Fuller Center for Housing. All donations are tax-deductible.

 

Celebrating 30 years of sisterhood, scholarship, and service, the Rho Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha will host its 30th Anniversary Gala Saturday, Aug. 19 at 7 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Natchitoches.

Sorority sisters from Natchitoches and the surrounding areas will join the local graduate chapter as they celebrate many years of service by honoring members who have served 50+ and 25+ years to the organization.

Special guests will be present along with catered food and music. Tickets are $25 and are available to purchase by contacting Charlotte Turner at (318) 617-1478.