Rotarian with the Program Mark Thomas on left and Jessica Broadway sponsored Local Beer Expert Nyle Parchim (center) who discussed the History of Beer Making at the Rotary luncheon Aug. 15 (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

While the path of total eclipse stretches from Oregon to South Carolina, a partial solar eclipse can be enjoyed at Cane River Creole National Historical Park. Please join us at Magnolia Plantation on Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for our 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.

Due to the nature of this event, weather can impede our eclipse viewing. If the weather is a concern on the day of the event, please check the park Facebook page or contact us at 318-352-0383, ext. 316 for an update.

There is no entrance fee at Magnolia Plantation.  All tours and activities are free.   Magnolia Plantation is located at 5549 Highway 119, Cloutiersville/Derry La 71456. To reach Magnolia Plantation, take I-49 to Exit 119 Derry. Head east on LA Highway 119.  Cross over LA Highway 1 and proceed two miles. The grounds of Magnolia Plantation are on the right.  For more information call 318- 352-0383 ext. 200.

City Bank donated over 250 mini footballs to Natchitoches Central High School, St. Mary’s Catholic School and Lakeview High School. The cheerleaders will throw them at all of the home football games. Be sure and cheer them on this year. The NCHS cheerleaders include Morgan Howard, Madison Brown, Maggie Dupree, Sara DeMattie, Callie Owsley, Makenzie Waxley, Natalle Sers, Karianna Lazard, Emily Bumgardner, Alaysia Smith, Mary Katherine Dawson, Hannah Branam, Alyssa Palmer, and Mali Simmons. Also shown is Josh Pierson and Jenny McElwee, both City Bank employees and graduates of Natchitoches Central High School. The cheerleaders are sponsored by Jessica Odom.

St. Mary’s cheerleaders pictured on first row are Jolee Fair, Anna Kate Jackson, KD Creamer, Erin Seaman, Anna Peluso, Abigail Guillet, Caroline Godfrey and Anna McClung. On second row are Madison Lester, Izzy Peluso, Elizabeth deVargas, Mary Scruggs, Jensen Parker, Abby Williams, Jessi Lucky and City Bank Lender David Guillet. On third row are Lexie Brossett, Katie Aldredge, Maggie Gilmore, Lauren Vienne, Mackenzie Methvin, Emily Maggio, Bailey McConnell, Maggie Wheat and Carissa Kautz.

Lakeview cheerleaders include Mallory Yount, Jada Aldredge, Kristen Breedlove, and Alexis Smith. Pictured with them are Liz LaBorde and Angie Cole.

United Way of Northwest Louisiana, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, reports that during this most recent tax filing season, 6,279 households throughout Northwest Louisiana were served through the Volunteer Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Those filings resulted in $8.4 million in refunds to local residents, up six percent from what was filed in the previous filing year.

The VITA Program allows any household of one or more persons, with a total income of $54,000 or less to have their tax returns prepared by certified volunteers at no charge. This year, eleven VITA sites operated throughout Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Natchitoches Parish.

The free service saved local taxpayers an estimated $1.5 million in tax-preparation fees, assuming tax-filing companies charge an average of $250 per return. The breakdown of returns are as follows:

Caddo and Bossier Parish:
5,645 returns prepared = $7.6 million returned back to the community; $1,411,250 saved in preparation fees.

Natchitoches Parish:
213 returns prepared = $264,076 returned back to the community; 53,250 saved in tax preparation fees.

Webster Parish:
421 returns prepared = $521,777 returned back to the community; $105,250 saved in tax preparation fees.

“VITA is just one of the United Way programs that are imperative to helping ALICE families become more financially stable,” said Rashida Dawson, Financial Stability Program Director at UWNWLA. “We look forward to providing this service to the Northwest Louisiana community each year.”

ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, are hardworking residents who are struggling to make ends meet, have little or no savings, and are one emergency away from falling into poverty. In Northwest Louisiana, 45% of all households are classified as ALICE.

A critical component of this program is the volunteers who to help execute VITA. United Way is seeking volunteers for next year’s tax season. If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity, contact United Way’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Jennifer Horton, at 318-677-2504 or volunteer@unitedwaynwla.org.

Lee’s Furniture Depot announced it’s sold the 1500 Texas Street location and all the inventory must go immediately, regardless of price, to vacate the premises and turn the building over to its new owners.

As the sale ramps up, all the inventory is now 20-50% off. This includes recliners, dining and living room sets, mattresses and so much more.

Business will continue as usual at the store’s 1216 Texas Street location, where Kevin Lee says they will continue to give customers the same great service they’ve had for the last 61 years. The store is full of one-of-a-kind merchandise that will be sold on a first come, first serve basis (no holds or lay-a-ways will be allowed).
All purchases must be picked up as soon as possible (delivery can be arranged for an extra fee). Sale prices do not apply to previous purchases and all sales are final. Shop now for the best selection because when it’s gone, it’s gone.

Continue reading →

LeahAnn Young, assistant professor in Northwestern State University’s College of Nursing, and Scott Burrell, coordinator of Theatre and Dance in the School of Creative and Performing Arts, are the 2017 recipients of Northwestern State University’s Faculty Excellence in Academic Advising Awards.  The award, presented by the university’s Academic Advising Services office, recognizes faculty for their mentorship and commitment to student success.  Criteria include knowledge, helpfulness and accessibility.

“Now more than ever, faculty advisors will continue to advise our students across several time zones,” said Steve Hicks, executive director of NSU’s Academic Advising Services.  “One student noted her advisor coordinated phone calls during her advising sessions that had a 10-12 hour time difference.”

“To say Ms. Young went above and beyond would be a drastic understatement,” wrote the student in a nomination form.  “If not for her, I don’t know if I would be here today.  My advisor was more than willing to do some visits via phone, but most of our communication was over e-mail.  And she responded to all of my questions immediately, which was crucial given the time difference, half way around the world.”

Hicks said that in addition to non-traditional distance-advising, NSU faculty also work with traditional advising with entering freshmen.

“A traditional entering freshman, who now just finished her sophomore year stated, ‘Throughout these first two years of college my advisor has been more than simply an advisor for me.  He has helped me with my academics as well as my growth as a person.  It has been so nice to find a family here at NSU and he has been a huge part of that,’” Hicks said.

The Advisor Award selection committee requested all nominated faculty advisors provide a short personal philosophy of their advising.  Here are a couple segments/clips of their advising philosophies.

Young’s philosophy is, “You have my undivided attention; what can I do for you? And then I listen. After that, all I try to do is guide and empower the student.”

Burrell said that he witnesses change through the student’s academic journey.

“With a little nudge here, a small adjustment there, the student begins to become more sure-footed and the role of the advisor changes,” Burrell said. “Sure, there are still questions about curriculum, which classes to take, etc.  But decisions now are made about goals, career choices and philosophies, big canvas stuff.  More often than not, I’m there to encourage, to give the ‘voiced permission’ the student needs to risk and fail.  And sometimes, if I’m lucky, I’m there to inspire.  This solidifies my choice of being an educator.”

Academic Advising at NSU is regarded as an extension of the teaching function and is an important responsibility of faculty.  NSU’s professional team of advisors works closely with departmental faculty advisors and academic departments to help NSU students achieve their academic and professional goals.

This marks the 15th year that NSU had honored dedicated faculty with Academic Advising Awards.

A fictional story by Junior Johnson

After a wonderful meal of meat pies and tamales at the Gallien Boarding House and Restaurant, the Johnson and Lodrigue boys decided to have a few drinks at the White Elephant Bar which was operated by an old friend of theirs, Wall Brooks.  The White Elephant was a popular watering hole in Cloutierville and was where many of the farmers in the area met to unwind after a hard day’s work in the fields.

Abslom and Levy had a proposition for Rita and they retired to the Boarding House living room to discuss what was on their minds.  Satisfied that the plans for Captain John Winston would be successful, Levy now wanted to discuss his oldest daughter’s future and that of his two grandchildren Aiden and Dylan.  Since Rita was the widow of his son Daniel, Abslom had a vested interest in her future and that of his grandchildren as well.

They proposed that Rita sell or lease her property in Mississippi.  Perhaps Reverend Cryer could be of assistance with this.  With the income that she would be receiving from the Railroad Company, her financial needs for she and the boys would be secure.

Levy and Abslom owned vast acreage on CoCo Bed and they were prepared to build a comfortable home for her family.  The boys were at an age where an education was vital for them, and with Wallace and Flo Van Sickle running a top notch school on the Plantation, this would be assured.

As Rita Johnson listened to what Her Father and Father-In-Law was proposing she was very intrigued.  She wanted the best for her boys and this would be a great opportunity for them.  They had their cousins Pete and Noah who would be wonderful companions for them.  She would be home with her Mom, Dad, and sisters.  There was also the opportunity for Aiden to fulfill the dream of his Father by purchasing a herd of cattle with proceeds from the railroad money.  Abslom told her there would be ample land for a nice herd of cattle, and Aiden would have the help from workers on his and Levy’s workforce.

The boys were spellbound as they listened to what their Grandfathers told their Mother, and hoped she would accept their offer.  As Rita looked over at her boys she could see the sparkle in their eyes and saw that they seemed really happy for the first time since their Father’s death.  There was no question as to what her answer would be.

As they retired to their rooms for the night there was joy and excitement for all and great expectations for what the future held for Daniel Johnson’s family.

Over at the White Elephant Bar, John Wesley, his boys Dempsey and Harvis, along with Tony and John Levy were enjoying a much needed bit of recreation after what they all had been through the past few days…

Roy Eldred Bison 
October 29, 1923 – August 14, 2017
Service: Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 2 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church
Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery

Jon “Marc” Lampert
January 10, 1944 – August 13, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 19 from 1-5 pm at the Lampert home, 2501 Marye Street in Alexandria

Joella June Wilson-Collins
February 7, 1959 – August 11, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 19 from 8-10:30 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home and from 11-1 pm at the Agape Love Center Church
Service: Saturday, Aug. 19 at 1 pm at the Agape Love Center Church in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery of Bermuda

Roy Edwin Bailey, Jr.
April 4, 1929 – July 8, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 19 at 10 am at Freedom Life Church in Natchitoches

Ralph Stanford “Stan” Wright
August 14, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Wilda Marie McCollough Bridges
August 3, 1926 – August 13, 2017
Service: Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 10 am at Memory Lawn Cemetery of Natchitoches

Donald Monroe Jones 
June 6, 1931 – August 12, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, Aug. 17 from 12-1 pm
Service: Thursday, Aug. 17 at 1 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel
Interment (Military graveside honors): Springville Cemetery

Martha Edwards
July 17, 1917 – August 13, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Northwestern State University recognized an outstanding faculty member from each college with Excellence in Teaching Awards.  Sponsored by the NSU Alumni Association since 1990, the award is based on each faculty members’ contributions to their college and university in scholarship, leadership and service.

This year’s recipients are Kristin Riehl, College of Arts and Sciences;  Valerie Salter, College of Business and Technology;  Dr. Tammy Curtis, College of Nursing and School of Allied Health;  Dr. Rondo Keele, Louisiana Scholars’ College, and Edward Kelly, Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development.

Riehl is an associate professor and the director of dance at NSU.  She graduated from the University of Utah with her MFA in ballet with an emphasis in teaching and choreography.  Riehl began her formal ballet training in the Royal Academy of Dance method and continued her studies abroad at Bush Davies School of the Arts in East Grinstead, England.  Upon moving back to the U.S., she danced in New York City.  Riehl has been teaching at NSU since 2010.  “Dance is a very powerful communication and it is our job as teachers and artists to touch as many lives as possible,” she said.

Salter holds a B.S. in hospitality management and tourism from NSU, a master’s in teaching from Louisiana College and a master’s of hospitality administration from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.  In her current role as assistant professor in HMT, she teaches courses in hospitality management and culinary arts.  As a Ph.D. student at Iowa State University, she plans to research hospitality education and human resources.

Curtis is an associate professor of radiologic sciences in the School of Allied Health. She serves as the graduate coordinator for the master’s of science in radiologic sciences program and previously served as the clinical coordinator for the undergraduate radiologic sciences program.  In addition to her  undergraduate and graduate allied health courses, she has taught a graduate course for the Department of Health and Human Performance for the past five years and currently teaches a course for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

Keele specialized in medieval philosophy in graduate school and publishes on William of Ockham and his contemporaries.  He has taught all over Indiana, in Cairo, Egypt and for the past 12 years in the Scholars’ College where he offers classes in the Great Books, medieval and ancient philosophy, logic and Latin poetry.

Kelly is an instructor and academic operations personnel in the Department of Military Science/ROTC.  He retired from the U.S. Army in May 2013 after 23 years of active federal service.  Some of his stateside assignments include Ft. Story, Virginia;  Ft. Eustis Virginia;  Ft. Hood, Texas, and Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he served as a squad leader, Equal Opportunity representative, reenlistment NCO, platoon sergeant, senior small group leader with the Noncommissioned Officer Academy and first sergeant.

Kelly’s overseas assignments include three tours to Korea and one tour to Izmir, Turkey.  He also participated in Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, Operation Vigilant Warrior, two tours in Afghanistan and two tours to Iraq in support of Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Kelly is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., Natchitoches chapter Post 1962.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Columbia Southern University and is working towards a master’s degree in transportation and logistics management.

Skywatchers interested in the solar eclipse that will darken skies from Oregon to South Carolina on Monday, Aug. 21 are invited to an observation party at Natchitoches Parish Library hosted by Northwestern State University Professor Dr. Chad Thibodeaux.  The event is from 1-2 p.m. when the sun should be most covered.

“I will have a couple of special telescopes out there for people to look through as well our solar telescope,” Thibodeaux said.  “Since we are not in the path of totality, the sun won’t be 100 percent covered by the moon. However, we still will see 70-80 percent coverage. It will be pretty amazing to see.”

Although eclipses happen about every six months, the Aug. 21 event will be the first time in 40 years the moon’s shadow passed through the U.S. and the first time in roughly 99 years it crossed the entire North American continent, Thibodeaux said.

Natchitoches Parish Library will be giving away special glasses for the event.  Skywatchers should never look at a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection.  Looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, can cause eye damage.  Viewers should use protective solar viewing glasses to protect their eyes. Sunglasses should not be used in place of solar viewing glasses.  Binoculars and cameras should also be fitted with solar filters.  Pointing an unprotected lens directly at the sun can damage the instrument.  Individuals should never look at the sun through binoculars or a camera lens without a solar filter as magnified light can damage eyes more quickly than looking at the sun unaided.

The path of totality for the Aug. 21 eclipse is about 70 miles wide and will pass through Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.  Outside the path, viewers will see a partial eclipse in which the moon appears to take a bite out of the sun’s disk.

The next solar eclipse that will be visible in the U.S. will take place in 2024, according to scientists, when skies will darken above Mexico and Texas through the Midwest and northeastern U.S.

Mayor Lee Posey announced at Monday night’s City Council meeting, Aug. 14, that the recycling center located on Mill Street at the ADM facility will be moved. Fed up with the illegal dumping of trash including mattresses, furniture, tires and food, Posey said the six bins will be moved inside the gates. The area will be accessible to the public during the Public Works Department’s operating hours Monday-Friday from 6:30 am – 4 pm and special hours on Saturdays from 5-10 pm.

“People just aren’t doing it properly,” said Posey. The new location inside the facility gates will afford more security to the recycling operations.

Ten members of the faculty and staff at LSMSA were recognized with service awards during in-service held Monday, Aug. 7, in the recital hall of the Center for Performance and Technology. Dr. Steve Horton, executive director, presented Linda Gleason with a certificate for 30 years of service to the school. Gleason retired from full-time teaching in 2014, but has continued to serve as an adjunct at LSMSA. She has taught algebra, trigonometry, calculus, discrete math, modern algebra and topology. She also served as sponsor for the Louisiana School Christian Organization.

John Allen, director of finance and operations, presented Chuck Stoker with a certificate for 25 years of service to the school. Stoker serves as project manager and safety officer.

Emily Shumate, director of enrollment and student services, presented Mary Teekell with a certificate for 20 years of service. Teekell serves as the school nurse.

Dr. Kristi Key, director of academic services, presented Martha Knippers with a certificate for 15 years of service. Knippers serves as assistant director of online learning.

Dr. Kristi Key presented Annie Mitchell with a certificate for 15 years of service. Mitchell serves as the administrative assistant for academic services.

Dr. Kristi Key presented Laurie Richard with a certificate for 10 years of service to the school. Richard serves as a college counselor in the College Counseling Center.

Dr. Kristi Key presented Brad Bankston with a certificate for five years of service. Bankston serves as an instructor of English.

John Allen presented Dorothy Holden with a certificate for five years of service. Holden serves as a custodian.

Dr. Kristi Key presented Dr. Kelly Lankford with a certificate for five years of service. Lankford serves as an associate lecturer of history and department chair for the humanities.

The entire administration presented Katja Thomakos with a certificate for five years of service to the LSMSA Foundation.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler is joining registrars of voters across the state the week of Aug. 21-25 to host Voter Registration Week activities aimed at registering eligible citizens to vote. The next regularly scheduled election in Louisiana is the Fall Statewide Special and Orleans Municipal Primary on Oct. 14.

“Registering to vote is a right we should all cherish, and we’ve made it quick and easy to do so,” said Secretary of State Tom Schedler. “While this year is a slow election cycle for many communities, Louisiana will be electing a State Treasurer this fall as well as hosting many local elections, propositions and constitutional amendments on the ballot. The first step in participating in government is to make sure you’re registered to vote and if not, now is a great time to do it. Then on Election Day it’s easy to Geaux Vote!”
Louisiana was one of the first states in the nation to implement an easy, convenient online voter registration portal. Citizens with a valid Louisiana driver’s license can register online 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the convenience of their home or office by visiting https://voterportal.sos.la.gov.

Residents of Louisiana can also register in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office, when they apply for/renew their driver’s license at any Office of Motor Vehicles or when obtaining services at public assistance agencies and armed forces recruitment offices. Citizens wishing to register by mail can download and print the application at http://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/PublishedDocuments/ApplicationToRegisterToVote.pdf , or complete an application found at public libraries or through registration drives.

To register and vote in Louisiana individuals must be:

a U.S. citizen;

at least 17 years old (16 years old if registering in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles) to register and 18 years old prior to the next election to vote;

not under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony;
not under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights;

a resident in the state and parish in which you seek to register and vote;

complete the process at least 20 days prior to an election if registering through the GeauxVote Online Registration System or 30 days prior to an election if registering in person or by mail.

Detective Amber Shirley with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office High Tech Crime Unit spoke to the Natchitoches Lions Club about scams the public should be on the lookout for. Financial crimes are the number one crime in the nation and Shirley recommends citizens be on their toes for any suspicious phone calls they may receive regarding lotteries, IRS, people posing as a grandchild and asking for money to stay out of jail, sweetheart scams involving online dating, reshipping scams and credit card scams.

With a 3:1 vote, the Natchitoches City Council approved an ordinance at Monday night’s meeting, Aug. 14, to increase the current rate schedule for water and sewer use.

The City has had increases in water and sewer department expenditures, maintenance costs, capital improvement costs and operating expenses since the last rate increase was implemented in 1990 for sewer and 2011 for water.

The new rates should go into affect in 60 days.

Councilman-At-Large Don Mims asked a very important question: “What’s gonna happen when your water turns brown?” If nothing is done the situation will only worsen. Director of Utilities Charles Brossette said there have been 291 recorded water leaks since January, 2016, not counting emergency repairs. Minus weekends and holidays, this equates to about 1.5 leaks per day and a lot of the pipes in question are being patched over and over again.

The Council tabled the ordinance at the July 24 meeting after a public hearing was held. Residents voiced their concern about the number of low-medium income residents in the City that would be unable to afford the proposed rate increase.

Residents came back to Monday night’s meeting with the same concerns. Mayor Lee Posey assured them that the new rates would still be less than the average other communities charge. The increase will help replace water lines in the downtown area in an effort to improve the City’s fire rating, which was recently bumped down. The new lines would increase the flow of water, which is one of the graded criteria for a fire rating inspection.

“Our water is deteriorating to a point where it’s poisoning people with iron and rust,” said Mims. “If we wait to increase rates, the cost of materials and labor will continue to rise and then the future rate increase would need to be higher to compensate.”

Northwestern State University’s fall semester is packed with events for students, including some special features open to the Natchitoches community, alumni and friends. Break out your hairspray as this years first game pep rally takes a trip back to the 80s.

The Demons Come Out at Night Pep Rally will be held Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the NSU Tailgate Field & Collins Family Pavilion. This is a great chance to meet players and coaches, members of NSU Spirit Groups, and the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band.

“The NSU student experience is the best there is and the fall schedule is packed with activities and opportunities for our students to get the most out of their time at Northwestern in and out of the classroom,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio. “Several events planned are open to the public, so we invite our alumni and friends to join us on campus for an exciting semester.”

The public is invited to attend the Back to the 80’s Concert featuring The Molly Ringwalds Thursday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. at the NSU Tailgate Field & Collins Family Pavilion.

The Molly Ringwalds are The World’s Greatest 80’s Experience and they’ll deliver a special tribute to NSU’s 19th President, Dr. Chris Maggio, kicking off the celebrations for his upcoming investiture.

The event includes live 80s music, food trucks from the Shreveport area, a photo booth, 80s trivia and 80s costume contest. There will be throwback giveaways including a full 1982 tuition and fees scholarship to one lucky student.

“In honor of Dr. Maggio, we are taking a trip back to the 80s with the Molly Ringwalds, the best 80s cover band in the south,” said Associate Director of Alumni Affairs Vanner Erikson. “They will perform in full costume and make up from the era of Dr. Maggio’s student days and the student who shows up in the best costume will win a scholarship of $711, the cost of tuition and fees at NSU in 1982 when Dr. Maggio was a student here.”

Click Here for Concert Poster
Ringwalds-Concert-Poster

St. Mary’s Catholic School first received national accreditation by AdvancED in 2009. The school announced that its re-accreditation was officially confirmed in May, 2017.

“We’re proud of where St. Mary’s is as we move forward into the future,” said Interim Principal Andrea Harrell. We’ve continued to improve our process for accreditation so we can only get better from here.”

The process involves an AdvancED Leadership Team, made up of faculty members, that self assesses the instruction, culture, community of stakeholders and how well they all work together to meet the needs of the students.

“It was a real team effort from students, parents and community leaders to make this a successful achievement,” said Leadership Team member Ray Gandy, a 5th and 6th grade math teacher. Other team members included Michael Landry, Laura Friedel, Donnon Brian, Bob Lane and Krista Sklar.

Representatives from AdvancED paid an in-school visit to St. Mary’s in April. Offering a balanced, systemic approach combining standards, stakeholder feedback and student performance to measure quality programs, relationships and results, AdvancED’s systems-oriented Accreditation Process helps institutions make the most of their talents and resources. The process aligns accreditation with accountability, emphasizing learner outcomes when evaluating institutional quality.

The representatives recognized St. Mary’s on its variety of learning activities and the collaboration between all the school’s stakeholders.

“I think the school is in a really good place and we have a lot to offer our community and Natchitoches,” said Harrell. While the 139-year-old institution is thriving, Harrell said the faculty and administration will focus on providing more rigor in the classrooms.

The 2017-2018 school year has begun at St. Mary’s. For more information go online to http://www.smstigers.org.

As Sean Kiracofe’s Northwestern State volleyball team moves into its second week of preseason camp, the third-year head coach has announced a veteran addition to his coaching staff.

Former University of North Dakota head coach Ashley Hardee has joined the NSU staff as an assistant coach, rounding out Kiracofe’s staff. He joins assistant coach Stacey DiFrancesco and volunteer assistant coach Antonie Godin on the staff.

Hardee replaces associate head coach Alicia Roth, who departed in July to take the head coaching position at Johnson and Wales University in Denver. His hiring is subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System, which includes Northwestern State.

“Being put in a situation where you are looking to complete your staff late in the year is never easy,” Kiracofe said. “I was put at ease because I am comfortable with the potential of this season’s team, but I cannot express how fortunate I feel to end up with someone like Ashley with his experience and success.”

Hardee spent five years as the head coach at North Dakota, completing a 122-63 record and capturing three regular-season conference championships and three conference tournament titles. Hardee twice was named the conference coach of the year while at North Dakota.

Hardee was the 2010 Associated Press North Dakota Coach of the Year after leading his team to a 25-5 mark and a sweep of the Great West Conference regular-season and tournament titles.

After his successful run at North Dakota, Hardee moved to UAB, serving as an assistant coach then the associate head coach for the 2014-16 seasons.
He also spent the 2016-17 season as the interim head beach volleyball coach for the Blazers, leading UAB to a berth in the CCSA Championships.
Hardee began his collegiate coaching career at New Mexico State, working his way from volunteer assistant to associate head coach in an eight-year run from 2001-08. While in Las Cruces, Hardee showed his mettle as a recruiter, bringing three All-Americans to play for the Aggies.

His coaching acumen showed as five of his teams reached the NCAA Tournament.
Hardee has extensive coaching experience in club volleyball and with USA Volleyball, including coaching the 2006 High Performance National Select champions. He founded the East Carolina Juniors Volleyball Club in Greenville, North Carolina, and twice led the Diamondback Volleyball Club of Las Cruces to the Junior Olympic Nationals.
“His position coaching fits exactly with what I was looking for, and on top of everything, I have known Ashley since the very beginning of my collegiate coaching career,” Kiracofe said. “I know the team and I are going to benefit from having Ashley in the gym on the bench.”

Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

Roy Edwin Bailey, Jr.
April 4, 1929 – July 8, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 19 at 10 am at Freedom Life Church in Natchitoches

Ralph Stanford “Stan” Wright
August 14, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Wilda Marie McCollough Bridges
August 3, 1926 – August 13, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, Aug. 15 from 5-7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 10 am at Memory Lawn Cemetery of Natchitoches

Donald Monroe Jones
June 6, 1931 – August 12, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, Aug. 17 from 12-1 pm
Service: Thursday, Aug. 17 at 1 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel
Interment (Military graveside honors): Springville Cemetery

Martha Edwards
July 17, 1917 – August 13, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Charles Jefferson Griffin
May 2, 1943 – August 12, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, Aug. 15 from 9-10 am
Service: Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 10 am at Big Creek Baptist Church in Jordan Hill
Interment: Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe

Gregory Albert Tribou
November 22, 1959 – August 11, 2017

UPDATE: ONE SUSPECT CAPTURED

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Corrections Division, Natchitoches Police Department along with tracking dogs from the Winn & DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Offices are attempting to locate two suspicious individuals that were seen near the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center this morning according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones.

According to Chief of Corrections Roger Henson at 9:13am, Corrections Division staff monitoring activity around the Natchitoches Detention Center observed two suspicious individuals near the grounds of the Natchitoches Detention Center.

When corrections staff attempted to make contact with the two individuals they fled into some woods on the back side of the detention center off of the bypass.

Chief Henson stated we are in the process of tracking these individuals with assistance from Winn & DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Offices tracking dogs.

One subject was seen wearing a white t-shirt and camoflouge pants while the other was reportedly wearing a black t-shirt.

Both suspects ran through a small bayou in the area and should have on wet clothing.

Chief Henson also said we are attempting to locate, identify and determine the purpose of these individuals near the grounds of the detention center as a result of this ongoing investigation.

These individuals were not inmates from the detention center and this is not an escape.

If you have any information contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 352-6432, Natchitoches Detention Center at 357-9300, or Natchitoches Police Department at 352-6432.

By Nicholas Wright

I recently finished my master’s degree in public administration. In my final course, the class and I had to write up a public policy. I chose to write on a complete ban on tobacco products, an idea from an old movie called Americathon (1979). It’s a John Ritter movie. I feel close to the topic because my biggest regret in life is having smoked cigarettes for 10 years. I also feel that we all should feel close to this topic. Tobacco smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in America. Nearly half a million deaths a year in America are caused by smoking. This is equivalent to one in every five deaths. But that is not the reason one should care.

One should care because communities that initiate new smoking legislation have lower poverty levels, which is known to be associated with tobacco use. It can be surmised that tobacco causes poverty which leads to other negative socioeconomic trends, such as lower education and early death. Poverty-stricken communities tend to rely on more government welfare than usual thereby reinstating their hopelessness. One may appeal to freedom of choice, but the facts show the choice falls on those who have no voice: children. Second-hand smoke is not a victimless crime.

The World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control or FCTC sees a tobacco-free world by 2040, where less than 5 percent of the world’s adult population use tobacco. This is the sort of agenda setting the United States must compete against in a constantly globalizing world. The quickest, easiest, and most effective way to control tobacco is a sumptuary/sin tax. An increase of $1 in taxes results in a 19.7 percent lower odds of individual-level current smoking. This strikes at the heart of poverty and youth tobacco use. The current taxing scheme ranges from a few dimes in rural states to a few dollars in urban cities. It should be raised to the prohibitive max.

A quarter of Natchitoches adults are cigarette users. Nicotine patches and gums are exceedingly helpful and cost less than a month’s supply of cigarettes. A state law specifically allows a local (parish) sales tax on cigarette papers. LA. STAT. ANN. § 47:338.261. Additionally, local governments are authorized to adopt excise taxes “for the sole purpose of enabling the municipality, parish or political subdivision to meet its financial obligations under the agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1325.” LA. STAT. ANN. § 33:1331.

These funds could be used on infrastructure. Nearly half of the general public in the USA (45%) supports banning tobacco sales within 10 years. The newest trend is the banning of menthol cigarettes. The UK is banning all menthol cigarettes as of May 20, 2020. The banning of menthol cigarettes would benefit African-Americans and youth who disproportionately smoke this flavor. Menthol cigarette sales account for a third of all cigarette sales. Essentially, a tax such as this would balance parish funds by taking money from the city, since the Cane River Waterway Commission takes from the parish. It is often stated that success breeds success, and this happens to be one of those cases.

There are detractors. However, a mother should be able to pay any important bills on time and not spend money on cigarettes that would have been better spent on household essentials. There is reason to fear that history will repeat itself in the context of tobacco use. It is the right thing to do. To kill two birds with one stone is the right thing to do.

Senator Marco Rubio, who said, “[t]he truth is, the greatest tool to lift children and families from poverty is one that decreases the probability of child poverty by 82 percent. But it isn’t a government spending program. It’s called marriage.” We should take steps in that direction. Here is our step.

Now, I will admit that I trust money in the hands of parents more than in the government’s grip. They are the ones who have led us into this current Great Apostasy. But hey, we could always have a Natchitochesathon!

An aside: there is a common misconception that e-cigarettes are safer than cigarettes. In fact, e-cigarettes are far more dangerous than cigarettes. There are no ‘health benefits’ associated with e-cigarettes; it does not help stop or cure nicotine addiction; instead, it initiates and reinforces addictive behavior. Consequently, e-cigarettes should be banned along with menthol cigarettes.

Nicholas Wright holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy and Administration.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal received this submission. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Natchitoches Parish Journal.  If you have an article or story of interest for publishing consideration by the NPJ, please send it to NPJNatLa@gmail.com.

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The NSU Lady Demon Volleyball team held its 9th annual Demon Digfest fundraiser on the sand court at Cane River’s Point Place Marina. The popular fundraiser takes place twice each year, once in the fall and once in the spring. The fall event was held Saturday, Aug. 12 and featured around 50 supporters in 10 teams who competed for bragging rights in a fun filled tournament. This fundraiser is expected to raise $1,500 to be used for program enhancement. The Lady Demons invite the community to their first home match Oct. 5 against the University of the Incarnate Word. All of the Demon volleyball games are free of charge. Come out and see some superb Division I sports action!

The Natchitoches Parish Journal extends its best wishes to the Demon Volleyballers for a winning season. Fork ’em Demons!