The Master Gardeners of Natchitoches Parish helped beautify Natchitoches by planting 5,000 pansies with Natchitoches’ Office of Community Development’s Beautification Crew. While there are still 10,000 “baby pansies” needing to be potted, their effort put a big dent in the work.

Lee Posey, Mayor of Natchitoches, and Randy LaCaze, Director of Community Development, stopped by to thank the Master Gardeners for their efforts.
For more information or for daily tips on North Louisiana gardening, “like” their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NatchitochesMasterGardener/

Lloyd Allen
March 14, 1959 – September 24, 2017
Service: Saturday, Sept. 30 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: V. A. Cemetery in Keithville

John Neal
May 25, 1961 – September 25, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, Sept. 28 from 8-10:30 am
Service: Thursday, Sept. 28 at 11 am at the Pineland Baptist Church in Clifton
Interment: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery in Cloutierville

Mary Elizabeth Ellzey Kelley
September 5, 1954 – September 23, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Thursday, Sept. 28 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery near Florien

Barbara Tousant
September 24, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Robert B. Middleton, Jr.
July 26, 1929 – September 22, 2017
Service: Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: Weaver Cemetery in Flora

Public Notice:

Cane River Lake is at 98.0 MSL pool stage.  The Spillway landing is now open to boating traffic.  Please remember to boat safe, sober, and always wear your life jackets.
Betty Fuller

According to a representative for the company that supplies chemicals for the City’s water plant, the spike in brown water City residents are currently experiencing is a sign of progress. The rep spoke at a pre council meeting Sept. 25.

The City announced a change the distribution system disinfectant from chloramines to free chlorine on Sept. 22. This system cleanse will stir up sediment in the water lines, which is causing the taste/odor/discoloration issues. The objective of flushing the system is to do a good job this time to get the system really clean and develop a maintenance plan where the City can sustain water quality in the future.

The process should take 4-6 weeks, but the rep assured residents that the water is safe to drink and use despite its appearance. He did say, however, that residents are free to boil the water if it makes them feel better.

Utility Director Charles Brossette said they’re testing the water every two hours before it leaves the plant. The water coming from the plant is fine. The distribution system is the problem. The City has plans for replacing  old water lines moving forward.

The water is worse in some areas than others and the rep said it all depends on the water age and where it’s coming from. The flush begins at the plant and works the water all the way through the system. There’s 1,900 customers in Water District 1 and the rep said everyone will probably see brown water at some point.
Mayor Lee Posey said he’s concerned about the amount of photos he’s received from residents, showing the dark color of the water in their tubs and sinks. “I’m absolutely embarrassed about it,” he said.

The system flush and disinfectant change are a few measures being taken to improve the water quality. A new intake structure on Sibley Lake and new water lines will also help. The higher the intake valve is from the bottom of the lake, the smaller concentration there is of the manganese sediment that causes the brown water coloration. Shorter water line distances means the water won’t have to stay in the pipes as long.

Agenda items included:

Award bid for 5 72.5KV dead tank gas circuit breakers to Stuart C. Irby Co. of Shreveport for $195, 550
Award bid for liquid chlorine for the water treatment plant to Brenntag Southwest of Houston for $740 per ton
Enter into contract with Risk Services of Louisiana for property insurance for the City
Approve acceptance of donation of equipment from Paul Khoury and Charles Stephen Wiggins valued at $3,700
Support grant application submitted to the Louisiana Office of Community Development, local government assistance program
Approve capital improvement plan for financial assistance from LA DOTD, division of aviation, for the Natchitoches Regional Airport
Appoint Josh Axiom to fill unexpired term of Lee Gaudet as a member of the Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council
Appoint Carl Walters III and Linda Queen as members of the Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council
Approve transfer of lease agreement of lot in airport from Cane River Aero LLC to Nor-wes Inc.
Execute change order to the contract between the City and Williams Equipment Services LLC for the water system improvements-phase 1

2017-2018 Club Officers and Directors were installed at the Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches Awards Banquet Sept. 25. Kiwanis Lt. Gov. Rita James installed the following members:

Directors:
Haley Taitano-1 year term
Mike Fox- 1 year term
Annette Sterling-Roque- 2 year term
Lauren Anderson- 2 year term
Heather Martin- 2 year term
Jill Leo- 3 year term
Jared Kilpatrick- 3 year term

Officers:
Dion Boyett- President
Rodney Boswell- President-Elect
Carey Etheridge and Craig Caskey- Vice President
LaCarsha Babers- Immediate Past President
Lee Waskom- Treasurer
Richard Rose- Secretary

Retiring Club Officers and Directors included John Cunningham, Greg Dunn and Reba Phelps.

John Cunningham (25 years), Ronald Roy (45 years), and Nettles Brown (50 years) were recognized as Legion of Honor Honorees.

Dr. Chris Maggio presented a NSU Scholarship Award to Kenneth Penrod on behalf of the Kiwanis Club. Other awards included the following:

Firefighter of the Year- Douglas Dewayne Downs
NPD Lawman of the Year- Officer Rudolph “Rudy” Glass
NPSO Lawman of the Year- Detective Jonathan Glenn Byles
State Trooper Lawman of the Year- Master Trooper John Jett
Layperson of the Year- Rene’ C. Lewis
Teacher of the Year- Crystal Pierce
President’s Award- Nettles Brown
Kiwanian of the Year- Lee Waskom

Babers recognized David Waskom, Kiwanis Disaster Relief Coordinator, for his work organizing a Relief Team trip to Texas to help victims of Hurricane Harvey. Others recognized for their work on the team included Rodney Boswell and Dion Boyett. Haley Taitano was recognized for the work she does with the Kiwanis Circle K Club at NSU.

Babers also presented some “Outstanding” Awards to the following members:
NSU- Greg Burke
Service- Craig Caskey and Jill Leo
Attendance- Ron Brown
Program Presenter- Jared Kilpatrick
Kiwanis Terrific Kids- Heather Martin

Keep Safe Storage is having an auction this Saturday, September 30th.  Keep Safe Storage will be auctioning units at both locations.  We will start at our main location -5841 Hwy 1 By Pass at 10:00 am and move over to our newer location 118 Reba.

Currently their are over 40 units to auction – but, debt on the units can be paid up until September 29th – to get off the auction list.

K. Jacob Ruppert was appointed Court Counsel and District Hearing Officer of the 10th Judicial District Court by Judges Desiree Duhon Dyess and Lala B. Sylvester.  Ruppert comes from the 11th Judicial District Court in Sabine Parish where he held the same position for several years.

He has been an attorney since 1995 and is a member of the New York, District of Columbia, and Louisiana Bars.  He came to North Louisiana as a Katrina evacuee having moved to New Orleans from New York City in 2005.  Ruppert was educated in New Orleans, New York, France, and Cuba and presently serves on the Board of Directors of the Natchitoches/Northwestern Symphony Society, an adjunct professor of law at NSU Department of Criminal Justice, and President of the Louisiana Hearing Officers’ Association (LaHOA). As Court Counsel, Ruppert will serve as a researcher and writer to the judges and, as District Hearing Officer, he will hear contested child support and domestic violence proceedings.

The Natchitoches legal community will welcome Ruppert to the district court at a reception Thursday, Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. hosted by local attorneys Kip Fair and Taylor Townsend.

My name is Kevin Shannahan. I am a Medicaid Analyst II with the Louisiana Department of Health where I have served for the past 12 years. Prior to Medicaid, I worked in the admissions office of Grambling State University for 7 years. After serving as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, I moved to Louisiana in 1994 to teach in the Red River Parish Public Schools in the Troops to Teachers Program. I am married to a retired Louisiana schoolteacher and have 2 grandchildren.

The overarching priority behind every action I will take is simple. Is this in the best interest of the soundness and integrity of the retirement system? I will resist any political intrusion into the system, for the independence of the Board and the system it governs is a sine qua non of preserving the trust of the men and women who depend upon it. I will insist on careful and prudent investment. I will never forget that the hopes and dreams of my fellow state workers and their families may very well depend on what I do. Thank you for your consideration.

The Natchitoches Kiwanis Disaster relief team is in Texas, spending eight days helping families who need help with tree removal and blue roofing after Hurricane Harvey.  Team members helped three more families in need on day 5.

House 1-Virginia Esquivel: She had missing shingles along the ridge that caused a leak. Kiwanians put a tarp over the ridge to keep the family dry until they could arrange a more long-term repair. Jesse and Mary Kay went to the next job to setup while other members tarped the first house.

House 2- Patrick Deleon: Deleon is a Navy Veteran. They had roof damage and flooding inside their home. The team covered the roof so they can continue to clean up after Harvey.

House 3- was owned by a past Kiwanis president, Glenn Villafranca: He had contacted several companies to come survey his roof, but they’ve all been backed up. He was super grateful that Kiwanis could come. It was great to be able to help out someone who has volunteered for his community.

Today’s crew:
David Waskom, Rodney Boswell, Kristy Sampey, Jesse LeBlanc, MaryKay Waskom

Its not too late to help us with our efforts!
Be sure to like, share, and donate! Here is the link to help:
https://www.gofundme.com/kiwanis-disaster-relief-efforts

All additional funds will go to future trips.

Linda Gail Silas
November 17, 1950 – September 23, 2017
Service: Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 10 am at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Fern Cemetery, Natchitoches, LA.

Mary Elizabeth Ellzey Kelley
September 5, 1954 – September 23, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Thursday, Sept. 28 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery near Florien

Barbara Tousant
September 24, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Robert B. Middleton, Jr.
July 26, 1929 – September 22, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 4-7 pm at Blanchard St.-Denis Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: Weaver Cemetery in Flora

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

NSU junior and musical theater major, Erika Jarlock of Covington, was named NSU’s 2018 Lady of the Bracelet Sept. 23. The iconic pageant, a long standing campus and community favorite, is in its 60th year and still going strong. The evening featured a fast paced series of events as the contestants vied in swimsuit competition, talent, people’s choice and evening wear competitions and had their composure tested with an on stage question.

Miss Louisiana 2017, Laryssa Bonacquisti, entertained the crowd followed by 2017 Miss Northwestern Lady of the Barcelet, Maria Rome’s farewell walk and charm presentation after which the winners were named.

The Lady of the Bracelet is a Miss America preliminary pageant, so this is far from the end of the road for the winner. In addition to the title, Miss Lady of the Bracelet will garner a number of prizes: a $2,000.00 per semester scholarship, free textbooks, a free meal plan, $1,000 to prepare for the Miss Louisiana competition and a free trip to the Miss Louisiana pageant.

The evening’s winners were: Miss LOB Erika Jarlock, 1st runner up Jourdan Waddell, 2nd runner up Aly Jacobs, 3rd runner up Abigail Reynolds, 4th Runner up Reagan Escude.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to commend all of the young ladies who competed in the Lady of the Bracelet Pageant and to wish Miss Jarlock all the best in the Miss Louisiana Pageant-and beyond.

Dr. Nick Governale and his staff help patients keep their smiles bright. To do this, Governale Family Dentistry is holding an Extended Hours Clinic Sept. 25-27 from 8 am – 9 pm. There’s a few spots left for anyone who needs to get their teeth taken care of, even if it’s after school and dinner.

Staff members include Dalia Harvey, Mollie Sparks, Taylor Bryant, Terri Johnson and Karen Scott. Dr. Nick’s wife Elizabeth is involved as well, supporting the day-to-day office operations.

“I enjoy working at Governale Family Dentistry because the people I work with are my family,” said Scott, who works as a scheduling coordinator. “We all work together as a team to insure our patients have a pleasant and positive experience.”

Appointments are required for the Extended Hours Clinic so call 318-352-3830 and reserve your spot now! 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). The office is located at 125 E 5th Street.

The office also broadened availability for patients on Mondays with the addition of two new hygienists: Heather Boyd and Carolyn Robin.

It’s important to Dr. Nick and Elizabeth that patients feel comfortable when they come to the office. “We want them to feel like they’re in our living room,” said Elizabeth. “I like those personal touches, like calling each of our patients to check up on them and keep in touch.”

“My job means so much to me,” said Harvey, a clinical and clerical assistant who’s worked at the office for 6 years. “My passion is helping others and I get the opportunity to do so every day.”

While personal relationships with their patients are important, technology plays a big role in office operations. They use a texting system to keep patients up-to-date on their appointments. There’s also new technology constantly coming out to make dentistry better.

“We enjoy constantly growing,” said Elizabeth. “Nick always says ‘You can get a pearl just by learning from other people.’ His passion is learning about new techniques for complex cases involving root canals, dental implants, surgical extractions and wisdom teeth.”

Dr. Nick regularly attends continuing education courses so he can offer his patients constantly evolving treatments.

Financial coordinator and main scheduler Mollie Sparks has worked at the office for 3 years. She is a people person and that’s why she loves what she does. “I love it when our patients leave with a smile on their face,” she said. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s the most rewarding job.”

Join Northwestern State University for the FORKCANCER 5K on Sept. 30 to help raise money and awareness for cancer research.

Pre-registration is $10 per child and $20 per adult. Race-day registration is $25 per person. Participants will receive a FORKCANCER t-shirt (only adult sizes available) and the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets to NSU’s home football game that day. The race will be timed with the top 3 finalists in each age category winning awards.

The race will start in the Prather Coliseum parking lot at 8 am. Registration/Packet Pick-Up begins at 7:30 am.

Register online at www.nsudemons.com/forkcancer5k.

The Krewe of Dionysos members continue their philanthropy in the community through a donation to the Natchitoches Humane Society and their rescue facility, Happy Tails. Volunteer Juanita Murphy explains that “Tails” stands for Transporting Animals Into Loving Situations. Happy Tails is a ‘no-kill’ facility.

Rescue dogs thru Happy Tails can be adopted by not only Natchitoches Parish families but by families in other states. Volunteers transport the furbabies and have placed them in many states including Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Ohio, Arkansas, North Carolina, Wisconsin, New Jersey and Kansas! Mrs. Murphy said, “When it comes to saving a life, we find a way!

The donation will be used to help animals in Natchitoches Parish.

Pictured from left are Jeff Simmons, Pat Horton, Juanita Murphy, Pete Johnson, Kathy Owsley, Dennis Arthur, Evey Outlaw, Flossy, Tammy Martin, and Eric Samuels.

Flossy will be going to her fur-ever home on Oct. 1!

 

Photo by Melissa D. Stewart.

ROTC Cadet Sonia I. Ortiz was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army in a ceremony hosted by Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science. Ortiz is a recent graduate of NSU where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice with a concentration and certification in pre-law and paralegal studies. She will commission with the Chemical Corps of the U.S. Army. After attending Chemical Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, she will be assigned to Fort Hood, Texas. She is the first female military member and the first Army officer in her family.

Ortiz is a 2013 graduate of Oberlin High School. She earned a two-year scholarship after joining the Demon Battalion in 2015 and attended Cadet Initial Entry Training and Advanced Camp and served as the Battalion’s S-3 and executive officer. During her time with the Battalion, she was vice president and president of the Cadet Fund and chairman of the Demon Battalion Homecoming Committee.

Also at NSU, Ortiz was involved with Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society, KNWD Radio, Demon Athletics Foundation, NSU Rowing Crew and the NSU Spanish Club where she served as founding president. She is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity where she participated in intramurals and served as a Gamma Chi Formal Recruitment Counselor.

Meet Jacob Ellis, the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce’s first Student Member.

Name, Academic Year, Major, Hometown

I am Jacob Ellis and I am a Sophomore at NSU. I am a Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing. I am from Athens.

Where did you learn about the Chamber Student membership?

I learned about the Chamber student membership through an article posted in the Current Sauce, the NSU school newspaper.

What about the Chamber sparked your interest?

I thought by becoming a member of the Natchitoches Chamber, I could get a jump start on my career by making meaningful business connections. I also really wanted to get involved in the community and thought this was a great way to do that.

What is your favorite thing about Natchitoches?

I love many things about the city of Natchitoches! I love the food, the history, and the beautiful scenery. If I had to pick my favorite thing, however, I would have to choose the great community feel. Whether you have always lived here or you just moved in, you feel like a part of the Natchitoches family.

To learn more about becoming a Chamber Student Member – CLICK HERE

Education Panel Monthly Chamber Luncheon: The October Monthly Luncheon Oct. 4 at 11 am will feature a panel of four leaders in the Louisiana state education system.

Ambassador Open House: The Chamber Ambassadors will host an Open House at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Oct. 10 from 11am – 12 pm. Make plans to drop by, grab some lunch, and learn more about the volunteers behind the Chamber of Commerce.

Opening Ceremonies for the Natchitoches Parish Fair will be held Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6 pm at the Natchitoches Fairgrounds. Events include introduction of the fair queens; performances by local dance groups, NSU cheerleaders and Dark Woods’ zombies; a fashion show from area businesses (YaYa’s and Lux); and music by DJ Doc Couty. The fair is open from Sept. 27-30 and admission is $4 (children 2 and under free).

This year’s Carnival will feature a new ride. Freak Out takes passengers on a thrilling journey into the sky as they rotate and swing over 40 feet in the air.

Carnival Arm Bands:
$15 for Sept. 27-28 from 5-10 pm and Sept. 30 from 12-5 pm
$18 for Sept. 29-30 from 6-11 pm

The Fair also offers a wide range of live entertainment including:
Thursday, Sept. 28 at 6 pm- Magician Michael Sesvold with a 4-H Talent Show to follow

Friday, Sept. 29 from 6-8 pm- Jericho Burley

Saturday, Sept. 30 from 7-10 pm- Billy O’Con and Badd Apple

Effective Sept. 26-30 Fairgrounds Road will be a one way from Rapides Drive to the Highway 1 by-pass. The road will return to two way traffic after the Fair concludes.

Calling all chefs in the area: there’s still room for entries into the chili cook-off Saturday, Sept. 30 from 9 am – 12 pm. The competition is open to any individual, business or organization (no entry fee). Cooks show up at 8 am. A meeting will be held at 8:30 am. Prizes include: $125 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place with other prizes for best decorated/most spirited. For more information call Lynn Lacaze at 318-332-0419 (SEE DOCUMENT BELOW FOR RULES).

Don’t forget about the Rodeo Friday and Saturday night. Run by J2 Rodeo Company, this event will feature 10 bull riders each night. Concessions will be sold and entertainment will be provided by Funny Man Rudy Burns.

Rodeo: Sept. 29-30 at 7:30 pm
Tickets: $10 adults and $8 children 4-12 (children under 4 get in free)

The Fair would like to express its appreciation to Jason Edwards, director of Durham Bus Services and Superintendent Dale Skinner for their helping making Kids Day (Sept. 28-29) such a success with an estimated 1,800 kids scheduled to attend. Other major supporters include Legacy Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram, Dark Woods Haunted Attraction and Fair Law Office.

Paid Advertising

Cellist Paul Christopher will present a recital at Northwestern State University Friday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open the public.
Christopher will be assisted by NSU faculty members Dr. Chialing Hsieh, Dr. Corey Trahan, Kelsey Wright and Oliver Molina, choreographer and dancer Jhalon Thomas and dancers Alphonse Engram, Ashley Boger, Alex Haddier and Mackenzie Byrd.

The recital will feature music by Honegger, Searle, Wolff and Wuorinen.

For more information call (318) 357-5802.

Nurses, nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner students from throughout north Louisiana recently attended a pharmacology workshop hosted by Northwestern State University’s College of Nursing.

According to Associate Professor of Nursing Katheryn Arterberry, participants in the workshop are able to apply current evidence-based findings in the pharmacological management of selected conditions, diseases and populations.

“Participants were able to receive current pharmacologic knowledge concerning multiple and varied disease processes and patient populations,” said Arterberry. “This knowledge has the potential to positively impact patient outcomes across the region.”

NSU faculty Jaime Panton, Mary Zapczynski, Teresa Kevil, Julie S. Gayle, Connie Hale, Winde Chambers, Kelly Crawford and Cheryl Adair were presenters at the workshop.

The workshop benefitted advanced practice RNs who diagnose and treat patients, according to Kevil who said each APRN must complete a minimum of six pharmacological contact hours each year to maintain their license and prescriptive authority.

“Graduate nursing faculty were highlighted as the nursing experts in their field,” said Arterberry. “NSU has an abundance of nursing knowledge in the faculty and this was evident during the event.”

Robert B. Middleton, Jr.
July 26, 1929 – September 22, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 4-7 pm at Blanchard St.-Denis Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: Weaver Cemetery in Flora

Martha Roberta Hays
February 29, 1952 – September 21, 2017
Visitation: Monday, Sept. 25 from 11 am – 1:30 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home in Coushatta
Service: Monday, Sept. 25 at 2 pm at Bethany Cemetery in Coushatta