Malcolm DeBlois
October 17, 1939 – September 12, 2017
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 2:30 pm at Natchitoches Community Care Center in Natchitoches

Dorothy Marie Stroud
February 25, 1929 – September 10, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 2 pm at Mt. Zion Cemetery

Faithlynn Lorraine Meshell
April 9, 2016 – September 14, 2017
Visitation: Monday, Sept. 18 at 5 pm at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Florien
Service: Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 2 pm at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
Interment: Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Florien

Sophia (Chris) Scruggs
March 18, 1924 – September 12, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 12-1 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 1 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville

William “Bill” Pierce
February 29, 1940 – September 13, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches

Walter Earl Rushing
January 11, 1962 – September 13, 2017
Visitation: Sunday, Sept. 17 from 11 am – 12 pm
Service: Sunday, Sept. 17 at 12 pm at the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church near Clarence
Interment: Iron Springs Cemetery of Ashland

Melissa Fletcher Dunn
October 4, 1971 – September 12, 2017
Visitation: Saturday Sept. 16 from 8-11 am at Hargis Baptist Church
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at Hargis Baptist Church located at 1313 LA-122 in Montgomery
Interment: Hargis Baptist Church Cemetery

Dr. Stan Chadick
March 27, 1941 – September 11, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 12:45-3 pm
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 3 pm in the Crossroads Sanctuary at the First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches

Paula Geoghagan
May 15, 1967 – September 7, 2017
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches

Jermaine Williams
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Zwolle
Interment: Garden of Memories Cemetery

Deacon Henry Johnson Sr.
Visitation: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 8-9:30 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home and from 10-11 am at the First Baptist Church on Amulet Street
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at the First Baptist Church in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Bermuda

By Kevin Shannahan

Don’t miss “Kevin’s Gallery” link below.

Kevin’s Gallery

Northwestern State University’s 1st Year Experience, Alumni Association and Student Activities Board got the student body fired up for Saturday’s home opener against Lamar University with a truly epic pep rally. Hundreds of loyal Demon fans of every age packed the alumni tailgating area in order to see the show. They didn’t leave disappointed. The NSU Cheerleaders kicked off the action with their signature high flying moves followed by spirited performances by the NSU Pom Line and Demon Dazzlers. The Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening and ended the pep rally with the alma mater and fight song.

The evening concluded with a high energy, crowd pleasing concert by the ’80’s tribute band The Molly Ringwalds. The band dressed in costumes from that era and kept the crowd on their feet and dancing with their collection of 1980’s hits.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to commend the NSU community for putting on this superb event and to extend our best wishes to the football team this season. Fork ’em Demons!

Natchitoches Junior High School JAG members conducted community service at the Cane River Food Pantry in Natchitoches Sept. 7. Pictured are Aerial Jones, Leayah Colbert, Raven Johnson, Caitlin Nash and India Jackson.

 

BOM is proud to announce our Gold sponsorship of the Women’s Resource Center’s “Celebration of Life” annual fundraising Gala Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Events Center with special guest Mike Long. Pictured from left are Dion Boyett, Beverly Broadway and Gretchen Dauzat.

 

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies arrested two men and are still looking for another in connection with a residential burglary south of Natchitoches according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

NPSO Patrol Division deputies responded to a reported residential burglary in the 400 block of Bermuda Road, south of Natchitoches Sept. 12 at 3:48 pm. Forced entry was gained into a residence through a rear door.

Items reported stolen were a LG 50-inch television, Vizio 42-inch television, two pair of cowboy boots, a security safe containing approximately $1,300 in cash, two watches (one Seiko brand), assorted jewelry consisting of five diamond rings, and a brief case containing assorted documents valued at approximately $15,000 dollars.

Detectives assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division also responded to the scene. While reviewing surveillance video, deputies observed three suspects in the residence according to Chief Investigator Greg Dunn. Deputies recognized one of the suspects as LeAndrew Evans of Natchitoches.

NPSO Deputies summoned Natchitoches Police requesting assistance locating Evans. Within 30 minutes, Natchitoches Police had Evans in custody and transported him to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division.

Deputies began canvassing an area near Martin Luther King Drive, observing two individuals fitting the description and wearing the same clothing as observed in video surveillance. Detectives attempted to make contact with the individuals but when they recognized law enforcement, one individual (identified as Donald B. Harrison of Natchitoches) fled the area on foot behind JW Thomas Apartments. The other suspect (identified as Alex Willis, of Natchitoches) was taken into custody.

Detectives say while interviewing two of the suspects they learned the suspects were involved in the burglary of the residence. At the time of the burglary the suspects were traveling in a brown 2001/2002 Ford Crown Victoria. Detectives also recovered some of the stolen property in the Texas Street area but are still attempting to recover the televisions and jewelry.

Deputies arrested:

*LeAndrew D. Evans, 28, of the 400 block of Martin Luther King Drive, Natchitoches, booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center, charged with 1-count of Simple Burglary.

*Alex J. Willis, 31, of the 100 block of La. Hwy 119, Natchez, booked into the DC, charged with 1-Count of Simple Burglary.

Deputies are currently looking for and asking for the public’s assistance in locating 26-year-old Donald B. Harrison, B/Male, Hgt/510, Wgt/160, Hair/Black, Eyes/Brown with a last known address on Koonce Street, in Natchitoches.

Deputies say Harrison has prior weapon violation arrests therefore if seen, we ask that you not approach, but to contact the NPSO at 352-6432, NPD at 352-8101 or your nearest law enforcement agency.

Evans and Willis remain in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond to be set by a District Judge.

All three suspects have prior criminal histories.

Detectives ask that if you have purchased any of the stolen items in the Natchitoches area to please contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 318-357-7830. If you are caught with the items you will face criminal charges of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things.

Sheriff Jones said that we have recently seen a spike in vehicle burglaries and residential burglaries in Natchitoches Parish. We ask that neighbors keep an eye on their neighbor’s property while they may be at work or out of town.”

Please lock your vehicles and keep valuables out of sight on the exterior of residences such as All Terrain Vehicles, etc.

If you see something suspicious-say something contact the NPSO or NPD as soon as possible.

In this case, the homeowners video surveillance system was valuable along with the quick suspect recognition by deputies that lead to apprehensions. We would also like to thank Natchitoches Police Department for their assistance in the arrest of one of the
suspects.

Involved in the investigation and arrests were: Deputy M. Smith, Lt. R. LaCaze, Asst. Chief of Investigations R. Turner , Detective D. Sowell assisted by the NPSO Patrol Division and NPD.

 

Now think about it, if you needed a surgical procedure, would you try to perform your own surgery on yourself in order to try to save a few dollars?  Odds are that would not turn out too well for you.

Although that sounds a bit farfetched, many times that is tantamount to what a person does when they try to handle their own automobile accident claim, especially when there are injuries involved.

“Why should I hire a lawyer?”, you may ask.  You’ve heard that lawyers generally handle accident claims on a contingency basis and that you will have to pay the lawyer part of your recovery as his fee.  You may think that you can just deal with the insurance company yourself, handle your own claims, thereby saving the portion of the recovery that you would have to pay your lawyer.

There you go again, trying to perform your own surgery.

First of all, you need to understand that insurance companies are generally some of the most profitable corporations in America.  One of the ways they are able to maintain this favorable profit margin is by paying out the least they can on claims.

Sure, insurance companies spend millions on slick advertising campaigns that say things like “Like a Good Neighbor,” or “You’re in Good Hands.”  But at the end of the day, they have experienced claims adjustors working for them whose sole purpose is to get claims settled while paying out the least amount possible.  They also have armies of attorneys working for them with the same goal.

If you are involved in an automobile accident and try to handle your own claim, then it will be you pitted against an experienced claims adjuster or even potentially an army of attorneys.  You’re going to need some experienced, qualified assistance to help level the playing field.

While the handling of a personal injury claim may seem simple to you, it is certainly not.  In fact, there are many issues out there that the average layman would have no way of knowing and which could potentially cause a claimant to get much less than they are entitled to or lose their claim all together.

Here’s an example of just a few of questions/potential pitfalls which could come up in an automobile accident case:

1.  What are the types of insurance coverages available to compensate you and what are the policy limits?

2.  What types of damages can you collect?  Damages to you automobile?  Pain and Suffering?  Lost Income?  Medical Bills? Rental automobile expense?  Other damages?

3.  How long do you have to make a claim with the insurance company before you lose your rights forever?  What is the true value of your claim? (To know this you would have to know the amount that Louisiana courts have awarded in similar type claims.)

Are you confused yet?  These are just a few examples of the type of questions that will need to be answered to properly handle a personal injury claim.  While it may not be brain surgery, it can get very complicated.

If you’ve been in an automobile accident and, particularly if you’ve been injured, do the prudent thing.  Hire a lawyer, one that is experienced in handling accident cases.    If you try to deal with the insurance company yourself, then you very likely will not be in “Good Hands” and they may not treat you “Like a Good Neighbor.”

I think another insurance company advertises that they are “On Your Side.”  Well, that is what you need, someone on your side, to take on the adjusters and insurance company lawyers who are definitely on the company’s side.

The Harrington Law Firm located at 459 Jefferson Street in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  The attorneys are C. Rodney Harrington and C. Edward “Eddie” Harrington.  They handle all types of Personal Injury cases together with Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability, Successions and Divorces.  For free consultation call (318) 352-5900.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code. Results may vary. Free initial consultation.

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The 25th Annual Marthaville Good Ole Days Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15-16. The parade starts Saturday at 10 a.m. Four wheeler parade starts about 10 minutes before the main parade.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, Sept. 16
6 PM: Welcome- Reading of 25 years of festival workers
6:15 PM- Recognition of past society chairpersons
6:25 PM- Tribute to founding meeting members
6:30 PM- Thanks to everyone (Fuzzy Hennigan)
6:35 PM- Opening prayer (Rev. Ray Dyess)
6:40 PM- Justin Cruse
6:45 PM- Faith X 8 (Bethel Christian Academy)
7 PM- Bethel Congregational Methodist Church
7:05 PM- Life Church
7:35 PM- Crossroads Baptist Church
7:50 PM- Beulah Methodist Church
8 PM- Marthaville First Baptist Church
8:15 PM- Red River Cowboy Church Band featuring Leighton and Becky Birdwell Kniffen

Saturday, Sept. 16
8:30 PM- Kids area opens
9 AM- Antique Car/Truck Judging (Heritage Building)
9:30 AM- Posting of colors, prayer (Stanley Davis, National Anthem (Rex Kelso and Robert and Robert and Laurie Gentry)

***Introduction of Grand Marshal Gov. Edwin Edwards***

9:45 AM- ATV, 4 wheeler, motorcycle parade
10 AM- 25th Annual Good Ole Days Festival Parade
11 AM- Youth music show
11:30 AM- Introduction of 2017 Miss Good Ole Days Queen Shelby Leigh Greer and her court and all visiting queens
11:45 AM- Performance Groups
12:30 AM- Classes of 1947,1957 and 1967 from Marthaville High School
12:45 AM- Parade and performance awards
1 PM- Youth music show
2:30 PM- Afternoon Break
6 PM- Nashville Music Show featuring Sarah Dress, Justin Cruse, Kerry Singletary and Friends, and the Becky Birdwell Kniffen Band with Leighton Kniffen

The Day Surgery waiting room of any hospital is a slice of our culture. If you want to know what is happening in the world pay attention to folks waiting to be called back for their surgery. Watch and listen as family and friends deal with the anxiety this environment and situation produces.

That poor besmirched fellow was sitting in the waiting room, awaiting his turn to go back and be prepped for his surgery. I will tell you that any surgery is an anxiety producing event. This guy, and the whole waiting room was listening to his wife, whom I have designed “Helga the Horrible.” From listening to her, and believe me no one on the second floor missed a word she said; she was having a tough time with her husband’s surgery.

“Helga” had dropped her husband off by the front door of the hospital and then parked the car. While she was parking the car, she “lost” her husband. When she found him on the second floor at Day Surgery, he was moments away from being called back for the big operation. There in front of God and all of us, Helga let her husband have it. She blasted him for not waiting for her by the front door. His defense was that the orderly came and moved him to the second floor. She blasted him for the stupidity of the orderly who moved him without telling Helga that he had been moved. Her husband reported that he was not in charge of personnel at the hospital and that in fact the orderly had been very kind to him. She reloaded and blasted him for not having a newspaper for her to read while she waiting, as she had left her device in the car and didn’t want to go back to the car to retrieve it. The nice man got up and found Helga a newspaper. She was not happy that it was a day old.

Then Helga got upset because her husband was not more upset about his surgery. She catalogued every ache he might face. She enumerated every pain her friend had after the same surgery. She went into brutal detail about every danger he could face during surgery and after surgery. Her Scandinavian ire was up that he was calm before this procedure and how dare he leave her to worry about all that could happen to him. Then she stood and said to a man who hadn’t eaten since midnight and was about to have surgery, “I’m hungry and I’m going to get breakfast.”

When “Helga” walked off, the poor fellow breathed an audible sigh of relief. I’m thinking that if his wife is like that all the time, major surgery likely gave him some relief. He was probably happy that he was going to get some sleep.

When you get up to leave….are people glad you came or glad you’re going?

The school years are a very important time in every child’s life, according to the American Optometric Association. Parents want to see their children do well in school. All too often one important learning tool may be overlooked – a child’s vision.

When certain visual skills have not developed, or are poorly developed, learning is difficult and stressful, and children may typically:

• Avoid reading and other near visual work as much as possible
• Attempt to do the work anyway, but with a lowered level of comprehension or efficiency
• Experience discomfort, fatigue and a short attention span

Louisiana Eye and Laser of Natchitoches is here to help. Students in grades K-12 are eligible to receive a Back-To-School Eye Care Special through Sept. 30. A routine eye exam is $45 with Standard Eye Wear starting at only $45.99 (includes frame and lenses).

For more information on this special call 318-352-0444. Louisiana Eye and Laser Center is located at 1055 Parkway Drive in Natchitoches. Promotion cannot be combined with any vision plan and applies at the Natchitoches location only.

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Rotary Club of Natchitoches recognized its Student of the Month its meeting Sept. 12. Senior Josh Fortenberry is from Natchitoches Central High School (NCHS). Pictured from left are Student of the Month Chair Tommy Melder, Fortenberry, Director of Northwestern State University Recruiting Jana Lucky, and Principal of NCHS Bill Gordy.

 

Three students attending the Louisiana School for Math Science and the Arts (LSMSA) are involved in the Interact Service Club, a Rotary Club for high school students. They are Miles Fabre (from Baton Rouge), High School Rotary Club President Kerry Doyle (from Monroe), and Mathew Bailey (from Haughton).

 
Four students attending Camp Rila (Miles Fabre, Sarah Wheat, Catherine Roquemore, and James Scott) spoke to Rotary Club of Natchitoches about their experiences.

 
Rotarians Joe Pierson, Ron Corkern, and Ron Mayfield were honored for over 25 years of service in Rotary.

Sophia (Chris) Scruggs
March 18, 1924 – September 12, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 12-1 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 1 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville

William “Bill” Pierce
February 29, 1940 – September 13, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches

Tyrone Earl Easterling
September 14, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Walter Earl Rushing
January 11, 1962 – September 13, 2017
Visitation: Sunday, Sept. 17 from 11 am – 12 pm
Service: Sunday, Sept. 17 at 12 pm at the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church near Clarence
Interment: Iron Springs Cemetery of Ashland

Vivian (Williams) White
February 02, 1936 – September 13, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, Sept. 14 from 5-9 pm at Belah Pentecostal Church in Belah
Service: Friday, Sept. 15 at 10 am in the Belah Pentecostal Church
Interment will be in Belah Cemetery in Trout

Melissa Fletcher Dunn
October 4, 1971 – September 12, 2017
Visitation: Friday, Sept. 15 from 5-8 pm at Westside Baptist Church in Natchitoches and Saturday Sept. 16 from 8-11 am at Hargis Baptist Church
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at Hargis Baptist Church located at 1313 LA-122 in Montgomery
Interment: Hargis Baptist Church Cemetery

Georgie Ann Lunsford
March 18, 1944 – September 12, 2017
Visitation: Friday, Sept. 15 from 10 am – 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield
Service: Friday, Sept. 15 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield
Interment: Pleaseant Hill Cemetery in Winnfield

Dr. Stan Chadick
March 27, 1941 – September 11, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 12:45-3 pm
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 3 pm in the Crossroads Sanctuary at the First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches

Paula Geoghagan
May 15, 1967 – September 7, 2017
Visitation: 10-11 am
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches

Jermaine Williams
Visitation: Friday, Sept. 15 from 6-7 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Many
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Zwolle
Interment: Garden of Memories Cemetery

Mack Conley
Visitation at the church from 12:00 noon until 2:00.
Service on Saturday September 16, 2017, at First Baptist Church of Florien
140 E. Port Arthur Avenue, Florien, LA. at 2:00 pm.
Burial in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Natchitoches, LA.

Deacon Henry Johnson Sr.
Visitation: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 8-9:30 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home and from 10-11 am at the First Baptist Church on Amulet Street
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at the First Baptist Church in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Bermuda

There have been Pro Bowl football stars, a Pro Football Hall of Fame member, two College Football Hall of Famers and nearly 20 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductees produced by Northwestern State Athletics.

But in the long history of sports at NSU, there’s never been a figure more universally beloved than Harris Ray Wilson Jr., affectionately known by family and friends since his elementary school days as “Coach Black.”

Since 1996, he’s been a constant presence around NSU Athletics, showing up early and leaving late to help Demon and Lady Demon teams, coaches and competitors. He’s unofficially known as the assistant head coach for all sports, and also has another nickname, “The Commissioner,” for his far-reaching influence and impact.

Saturday, he’ll be in the spotlight when he’s recognized on the field during the first quarter of NSU’s home opener against Lamar. Wilson, 40, is the first Exchange Bank Demon Great of the Game, with the brief ceremony set for the second timeout of the first quarter in the 6 p.m. contest between the Demons and Cardinals.

“Coach Black” was honored Aug. 29 as Natchitoches’ “Hometown Hero” for his action during a July fire that destroyed the home of his grandmother, where he lives. Black escaped the fire but when he realized his niece and mother were still inside, went back in to rouse them and get them out. All three escaped. The Modern Woodmen of America sponsored the event and committed to make a contribution honoring him to the Natchitoches Boys and Girls Club, selected by Coach Black as his favorite charity.

Black’s deep involvement with NSU Athletics extends off campus. He is also actively engaged with both local high schools, his alma mater Natchitoches Central and St. Mary’s, and is a beloved figure around state and Southland Conference athletic circles.

One indication of the broad admiration and love for Coach Black was the remarkable groundswell of support from all over for him after the fire. A GoFundMe.com account established to provide help for his family and support for Coach Black’s needs going forward generated over $25,000 in less than 48 hours, and ultimately resulted in almost $40,000 in contributions.

A Demon Great of the Game is spotlighted at each home football game. In its first four years, the Demon Great of the Game presented by Exchange Bank and Trust has honored 22 outstanding figures in the 109-year history of NSU athletics.

Exchange Bank and Trust has been a key supporter of NSU Athletics throughout its long history as the oldest financial institution in Natchitoches.

 

The Queen of Creole Cuisine is coming to Natchitoches.  Leah Chase, New Orleans chef, author and television personality, will be a guest lecturer at Northwestern State University on Tuesday, Sept. 19.  She will speak and present a cooking demonstration at 11 a.m. in the Ora G. Williams Digital Media Center, Room 142 Kyser Hall.  Tickets are $10 for the public and $5 for NSU students, faculty and staff.

Tickets must be purchased in advance by Sept. 15 and are limited due to seating capacity. Proceeds will benefit the Chef Leah Chase Endowed Scholarship.  The event is being sponsored by NSU’s School of Business/Hospitality Management and Tourism, the Creole Heritage Center and the NSU Foundation.

Prior to her lecture, Chase will meet and greet with attendees at 10 a.m. During her demonstration, she will prepare Chicken Clemenceau and peach cobbler. She will also bring cookbooks for sale.

“This is an exciting opportunity for hospitality management and culinary arts students,” said Dr. Margaret Kilcoyne, dean of the NSU’s College of Business and Technology, who is working with the NSU Foundation to develop the Leah Chase Scholarship for a student pursuing the culinary arts concentration in the HMT program. The scholarship will be awarded to a qualified student who excels in culinary arts studies after a minimum of nine credits of culinary content and one who displays leadership and teamwork in and out of the classroom.

“The scholarship highlights the importance of helping students and increasing retention in the culinary arts program,” said NSU Development Officer Kimberly Gallow.  “We also hope to create more exposure about the culinary arts program among prospective students from south Louisiana while honoring Mrs. Chase, a renowned ambassador of Louisiana culture and cuisine.”

NSU currently has a Creole culture studies concentration under the general studies degree program and there is a possibility of building a Creole foodways/cooking class in the future, administrators said.

Chase has long been recognized as an advocate for African-American art and Creole cooking. Her restaurant, Dooky Chase, was known as a gathering place during the 1960s among many who participated in the Civil Rights Movement and was known as a gallery due to its extensive African-American art collection.

Chase has been the recipient of a multitude of awards and honors. Chase was inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America in 2010 and earned the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.  She was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Southern Foodways Alliance in 2000. Chase received honorary degrees from Tulane University, Dillard University, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, Madonna College, Loyola University New Orleans and Johnson & Wales University. She was awarded Times-Picayune Loving Cup Award in 1997. The Southern Food and Beverage Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana named a permanent gallery in Chase’s honor in 2009.

Tickets for the Sept. 19 lectures are available at nsulaleahchase.eventbrite.com.  Parking for the event will be on the south side of Kyser Hall near the NSU Post Office and across the street from St. Denis Hall.  HMT volunteers will be at campus entrances to direct the public to the reserved parking lot.

For more information on Chase’s demonstration, contact Dr. Carmella Parker at parkerc@nsula.edu.  To contribute to the Scholarship, contact Gallow at (318) 357-4435 or gallowk@nsula.edu.  Information on NSU’s HMT program is available at hmt.nsula.edu.

Six seniors from LSMSA were among the approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 63rd annual National Merit Scholarship program.

They are Albert Chen of Natchitoches, Edouard Ferrell of Natchitoches, Ruby Kharod of Opelousas, Clara Kolterman of Sterlington, Kevin Pan of Lafayette and Milla Reddick of Grand Cane.

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing and about half of the finalists will win a National Merit scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and approximately 420 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

About 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2018 National Merit Scholarship program by taking the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

To become a finalist, the semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received. A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

From the approximately 16,000 semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to the finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.

Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2018. Every finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships that will be awarded on a state-representational basis. About 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be provided by approximately 230 corporations and business organizations for finalists who meet their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located. In addition, about 190 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 4,000 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who will attend the sponsor institution.

Six 7th grade students at St. Mary’s Catholic School qualified for Duke Tip. The Duke Tip University Identification Program (Duke Tip) collaborates with educators and parents to identify academically talented students and support their academic and social development by providing them with advanced learning opportunities, challenging resources and programs, and special recognition of their achievements.

The purpose of Duke Tip is to offer a talent search for students in grades 4th – 7th. Talent searches celebrate students for their achievements and foster their love of learning, but they adopt different approaches in order to match the needs of these different age groups. The 7th grade Talent Search focuses on helping students understand their strengths and helps them develop the abilities that they will need as they look ahead to college and a future career.

The 7th grade students that qualified for Duke Tip are:
Adam Parker
Mason McCart
Joshua Durr
C.J. Smith
Alix Winfree
James Thilen

Time is running out to take advantage of the historic markdowns at Lee’s Furniture Depot’s 1500 Texas Street location. All the inventory must go immediately, regardless of price, to vacate the premises and turn the building over to its new owners.

Ask about select package deals on bedroom, living room and dining room sets.

Ashley Dining Room Set (table, 6 chairs and server):
WAS $2,188 NOW $1,188

Ashley Reclining Love Seat and Sofa
WAS $1,548 NOW $1,099

Ashley King Bedroom Suit with Charlesworth Mattress
$1,499 INCLUDING NIGHTSTAND

7-piece Living Room Package (sofa, love seat, 3 tables and 2 lamps): $799

Recliners (Your choice-Limited quantities): $349

Serta Perfect Sleeper Eastport Super Pillowtop Mattress:
$999 KING or $799 QUEEN

The Lee’s will continue to discount all in-stock items each week until EVERYTHING is gone! Selection is going down on these one-of-a-kind items so when they’re gone, they’re gone.

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.

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. Cash or easy credit terms. Come see! You can’t afford to pass up these great savings!

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Let’s hear it for the U.S. Coast Guard.

As regular readers will recall, I’m a great admirer of the U.S. military, but I usually talk about the men and women who wield the weapons, from the rifle up to highly efficient bombers that can ruin the whole day for a bunch of bad guys.

Today I want to pay tribute to the Coast Guard, whose usual stock in trade is saving lives.  When needed, they can also use force most effectively, in interdicting drug runners and other smugglers.  But when you think Coast Guard you usually envision one of those orange and white helicopters hovering over a disaster scene and hoisting some poor individual to safety.

The  Coast Guard has a long and proud history.    It began as the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service in 1790, to curtail smuggling in the brand new United States.  The cutters were combined in 1915 with the U.S. Lifesaving Service to form the Coast Guard as we know it.

I was inspired to write today’s column by the great work the service did in rescuing flood victims from Hurricane Harvey and, almost certainly, from Irma.  I well remember the hundreds and hundreds of  New Orleanians  that the Coast Guard saved after Katrina.

When I was a reporter with the New Orleans Times–Picayune I got to know the personnel of Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans pretty well and went on some missions with them.

I remember that when I first started writing about them, they were still flying the HH-3 Pelican helicopter, a great big old boxcar sized aircraft that could venture out more than 700 miles and hold up to 15 people.  That was in theory.  But one time an HH-3 crew jammed more than 20 victims of an oil rig disaster into their aircraft and of course they all made it back safely to the air station.

The HH-3 was replaced by the HH-65 Dolphin, a sleek modern, computerized helicopter that could be programmed, for example, to fly search patterns in a specific grid, all on its own.  That allows the pilot to lend his own set of eyeballs to the rest of the crew in searching for victims.

The Dolphin is a lot smaller than the HH-3 and its range is not as great, but it’s modern and that’s what the military must go with these days.

As mentioned, the Coast Guard also fights the war against drugs and it was on a drug patrol that I had one of my more interesting adventures as a reporter.  The service uses a series of 110-foot cutters made by Bollinger Shipyards on Bayou Lafourche, La., and it was that connection to our state that led me to go on the drug patrol.  .

The  closest 110-footer was based out of Miami so a photographer and I flew there to meet up with the captain and crew. We were to be out for two or three days, looking for any bad guys with illegal cargos.

We set out through Biscayne Bay on a lovely day and I was enjoying the great view from the cutter’s bridge.  But as soon as we got out into the open Atlantic, we encountered huge waves of about 15 feet, some of which crashed into the bridge itself.

I was doing fine, however, and I told the skipper, a young lieutenant, that I would go below to the galley to get a sandwich for lunch.  Well,  as soon as I got below and could not see any horizon for visual orientation, the huge waves got to me and I had an instant and severe case of seasickness.

Crew members told me I could lie down in a vacant bunk, but that rack, as they call it, was right in the ship’s bow and was rising and falling many feet with each wave.  I even did “hang time” when the rack would quickly rise and then drop from under me, leaving me suspended in the air for a split second.

Thankfully, the head, or bathroom, was very close by and I utilized it several times to deal with my seasickness.

Well, while this was going on, an announcement from the captain was piped throughout the cutter:  “Attention all hands.  Attention all hands.  We have lost steering.  This is no drill.”

Something had gone wrong with the rudder and steering system.  But our skillful young captain, utilizing the twin propellers, or screws, could still steer the craft on an emergency basis.  But our drug patrol was over before it had really begun and we had to return to Miami.

Still shaky legged and rather green around the gills, I and the photographer said farewell to the skipper and his crew and I had to reluctantly call the newspaper to tell them we’d be back early.

Despite that misadventure, however, I again want to say how much admiration I have for the men and  women of the Coast Guard.  Thousands of Americans, ranging from boaters, fishermen, deep sea mariners and flood victims, are walking around safe today who would otherwise not be here without the Coast Guard.

As they say, Semper Paratis — Always Ready.

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

FINE PAYMENT (F):
Lasoraca Blaze, 3800 University Pkwy #1013, Natch, La – No DL
Deneitra Goff, 903 Lennox Place, Natch, La – TBS
Vance Coutee, 1514 Dean St, Natch, La – NSB
Samuel Futrell, 211 Dunn Rd, Natch, La – DWI
Tommy Hayes, 1219 Virginia Ave, Natch, La – TBS
Nickey McElroy, 144 Laird Fletcher, Natch, La – Exp MVI
Susan Johnson, 915 MLK Dr, Natch, La – TBS
Thermon Mitchell, 1544 Grace Ave, Natch, La – Discharging Firearm
Deandrea Petite, 157 Plantation Point, Natch, La – (3) TBS, (3) SCDP
Danny Slaughter, 1127 Pavie St, Natch, La – (2) DP
Tyrian Vanburen, 813 Williams Ave, Natch, La – SPOM
Albert Young, 146 Cat Island Rd, Natch, La – Unlicensed Driver
Crystal Byrd, 1028 Clarence Dr, Natch, La – TBS
Alfred Antoine, 1746 Lake St, Natch, La – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
James Dilworth, 127 Gabriel Loop, Natch, La – Exp MVI
Marshayla Harville, 814 Jordan St, Natch, La – NSB
Maverick Hooper, 147 Bundrick Dr, Shreveport, La – DWI
Bobby Johnson Jr., 2180 Williams Ave, Natch, La – No DL
Ronald Osborn, 5964 Hwy 6, Natch, La – TBS
Shanice Kelly, 701 Brahma Dr, Natch, La – Resisting an Officer
Ashley Solitaire, 841 Clarence Dr, Natch, La – TBS, Speeding

Trial (T):
Brenda Hudson, 1324 Breda Ave, Natch, La – SPOM
Nettie Smith, 1324 ½ Berry Ave, Natch, La – DWI, Improper Lane Usage, DUS
Ashley Croll, 1501 NorthSt , Natch, La – TBS
Cory Lyons, 154 Miller Dr, Natch, La – SPOM
Trevor Waldrup, 1620 Meadows Dr, Natch, La – Interfering with Police Officer, Improper Parking
Demika Daniels, 166 Cedar Grove Dr, Natch, La – TBS

Lakeview Gator Cheer was entered into a “Cheering for Kellie Mae’s” cheer contest by their coach Mallory Yount. It was sponsored by Kellie Mae’s Boutique in Minden. Surrounding parish cheerleading squads were given the opportunity to enter for a chance to be judged by three college cheerleaders based on a submitted paragraph by their sponsor and up to five pictures that included stunts and a group photo. The Lakeview Varsity Cheer Squad, consisting of 28 girls in grades 7th-12th was notified Sept. 8 that they won the contest. They will be presented at the Homecoming game on Oct. 13 with squad t-shirts, throw outs, and other free items to share with the crowd. Lakeview would like to thank Kellie Mae’s and the three college cheer judges for this opportunity. Way to go ladies, hard work pays off!

Cheerleaders pictured on first row from left are Julee Daniels, Nikayla Rock, Alyssa Breaud, Kristen Breedlove, Alexis Smith, Jada Aldredge, Camryn Brown, Shayanna Wyatt, and Savannah Walter. On second row are KaBri’an Bonier, Jeishia Hill, Kara Alford, Raelynn LeBrun, Kalynne Goss, Zenobia Poydras, Airamya Williams, Mekaila Braxton and Ke’aira Thomas. On third row are La’shanti Prudhomme, Ashlie Key, Elizabeth Poydras, Chelsey Winslow, Halie Poydras, Aky’a Chatman, Sammya Reliford, and Marlesha Paige.

Melissa Fletcher Dunn
October 4, 1971 – September 12, 2017
Visitation: Friday, Sept. 15 from 5-8 pm at Westside Baptist Church in Natchitoches and Saturday Sept. 16 from 8-11 am at Hargis Baptist Church
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at Hargis Baptist Church located at 1313 LA-122 in Montgomery
Interment: Hargis Baptist Church Cemetery

Georgie Ann Lunsford
March 18, 1944 – September 12, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, Sept. 14 from 5-8 pm and Friday, Sept. 15 from 10 am – 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield
Service: Friday, Sept. 15 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield
Interment: Pleaseant Hill Cemetery in Winnfield

Dr. Stan Chadick
March 27, 1941 – September 11, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 12:45-3 pm
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 3 pm in the Crossroads Sanctuary at the First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches

Paula Geoghagan
May 15, 1967 – September 7, 2017
Visitation: 10-11 am
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches

Ronnie Frazier
Visitation: Thursday, Sept. 14, from 6-8 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Many
Service: Friday, Sept. 15, at 11 am at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel in Many
Interment: Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Kiethville

Jermaine Williams
Visitation: Friday, Sept. 15 from 6-7 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Many
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Zwolle
Interment: Garden of Memories Cemetery

Mack Conley
Visitation: Friday, Sept. 15 from 7:30-8:30 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Many
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 2 pm at Florien Auditorium in Florien
Interment: Mt. Carmel Cemetery

Deacon Henry Johnson Sr.
Visitation: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 8-9:30 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home and from 10-11 am at the First Baptist Church on Amulet Street
Service: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at the First Baptist Church in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Bermuda

Mrs. Sophia (Chris) Scruggs
March 18, 1924 – September 12, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, September 16 from noon to 1:00pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville.
Service: Saturday, September 16 at 1:00pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville.

Formal ceremonies to invest Dr. Chris Maggio as the 19th president of Northwestern State University will take place Friday, Sept. 15, beginning with a morning Mass, followed by the investiture, a reception and several other events planned around the celebration. Maggio was named president of the university in May. The public is welcome to attend all events.

The Investiture Ceremony: Friday, Sept. 15 at 11 am at A.A. Fredericks Fine Arts Auditorium

The investiture is the formal ceremony of conferring the authority and symbols of high office and will draw on Northwestern State’s treasured traditions and global academic excellence, while emphasizing the university’s promise in a new century and new direction. It is an ancient academic ceremony that has symbolized the pursuit of knowledge since the Middle Ages. President Maggio will be robed with the Presidential Academic Regalia, a gift by the Student Government Association. He will also be donned with the President’s Chain, which is worn at formal academic functions, such as Commencement. The event, which will include faculty, staff, and students, will be held in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium on the Northwestern State campus. It is free and open to the public.

Investiture Keynote Speaker: Gary Fields (Wall Street Journal)

Pep Rally and Concert: Thursday, Seprt. 14 at 7 pm at Collins Pavilion

All Demon fans are invited to the Demons Come Out at Night Pep Rally and Molly Ringwalds concert. Events are free and open to the public.

There will be food trucks, beverages, contests and a few surprises. The best dressed student will win a $711 scholarship, which was the cost of tuition when Dr. Maggio enrolled at NSU in 1982.

The Demons Come Out at Night Pep Rally will take place at the Tailgate Field and Collins Pavilion beginning at 7:30 p.m. with students, student-athletes, coaches, spirit groups and the NSU Pep Band there to rally Demon fans for the season’s first home football game, set for Saturday, Sept. 16. The Molly Ringwalds will perform from 8-10 p.m.

 

For more information on the pep rally and events surrounding the Investiture, visit nsula.edu/investiture.