The Cane River Zydeco Festival is canceled for this weekend due to inclement weather and safety concerns. Event Organizer Melvin Holmes said there’s a possibility they will reschedule the event. More information will be announced at a later date.

Yvonne Sawyer
August 24, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Sept. 2 from 9-10 am
Service: Saturday, Sept. 2 at 10 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum.

Northwestern State University’s Leesville-Fort Polk campus will remain closed Tuesday, Aug. 29 due to weather conditions. All other Northwestern State campuses are scheduled to be open.

Northwestern State University’s Leesville-Fort Polk campus is closed Monday, Aug. 28 due to weather conditions. All other Northwestern State campuses are open as scheduled.

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The Natchitoches Events Center was the place to be as over 400 NSU Demon fans packed the house for the annual Meet the Demons-Athletic Scholarship Auction Aug. 27.  A line of pom-poms, cheering athletes and spirit groups greeted the attendees as they arrived. The dinner and auction is the signature fundraiser for the Demons Unlimited Foundation, which assists the university’s athletic department. The foundation is an indispensable  part of Demon athletics and provides around $250,000 to NSU for athletic scholarships each year, about 10% of the amount of scholarships.  Donors provided over 150 items to be put  up for the highest bidder.

The donors are a diverse cross section of supporters, ranging from local businesses to alumni playing in the NFL. They truly represent the broad reach of the university and the loyalty it inspires. NSU fields over 400 athletes who compete in NCAA’s Division I and sponsors 14 sports, eight for women and six for men.

The event is expected to generate about $100,000 for Demon Athletics.

The Cane River Waterway Commission will issue updated information on its website at http://www.caneriverwaterway.com, via its email alert system and through news media regarding river level.

Cane River Lake was at 98.1 MSL as of Aug. 27. Pool Stage is 98.0 MSL. With the uncertainty of Hurricane Harvey it is recommended that Cane River Lake property owners be prepared. Please secure loose items, and check ropes securing boats and other things. Remember that with Cane River Lake above pool stage it will not take a lot of rainfall to put us at flood stage. Cane River Lake can rise very quickly, so monitor your property until the storm is over.

Questions and/or concerns please contact Betty Fuller at 318-617-3235 cell, 318-357-3007 office, 318-379-2878 home.

This month schools and centers are opening their doors to children across the state. The start of the school year always marks an exciting time for early childhood. Each year we are called to help meet greater ambitions for our youngest learners. We believe that every child can learn and every child deserves to enter kindergarten ready. As a result, since 2014 the City of Natchitoches Early Childhood Education & Development has assisted all Type III Childcare facilities within the Natchitoches Parish. This year was no different. With all 10 Type III facilities present childcare Lead Teachers were updated on changes within Childcare such as Performance ratings, Star Ratings, Student Assessments, Teacher observations, and more. Every childcare facility in Natchitoches now uses Tier I curriculums in their Infant, Toddler, and Pre-K classrooms. All teachers are observed with the same Observation tool as Head Start and Public Pre-K classrooms and uses the same student assessment program. Natchitoches Parish has been praised by the Louisiana Department of Education for having an unified system and community that puts forth major efforts to ensure all children enter into kindergarten ready.

In addition to ensuring children have every resource available to help them succeed Amy Metoyer, the Early Childhood Coordinator with the Early Childhood Education & Development program assist families with advice on Childcare facility options and step by step guidance completing the online Child Care Assistance Applications.

By Kevin Shannahan

The NSU Football family continued another of its long standing traditions this Saturday, August 26th as the team held its 2017 Season Ticket Pickup Party at the NSU Fieldhouse. Several hundred eager Demon fans came to campus to pick up their tickets, enjoy a light breakfast and watch the traditional final scrimmage which is always held on the season ticket pickup day. In addition to the football action, the NSU athletics bouncy house was on hand for the younger fans to play in. NSU football has over 500 season ticket accounts that account for 3,000 season tickets.

The Women’s Resource Center announces that its 11th annual Celebration of Life Gala will be held Sept. 21 at the Natchitoches Events Center at 6:30 p.m., followed by an elegant buffet dinner catered by Lasyone’s Restaurant. Tickets are available for $25 each and must be purchased in advance as seating is limited. There are a variety of sponsorships levels still available at $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000.

The WRC is hosting this event to allow them to continue serving the over 400 women they see every year. These women come from over seven different parishes, most of them young, in need, and experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Services include information, emotional and spiritual support and encouragement, and material assistance up to a year after her child is born. These services are designed to give a woman the confidence she needs to make a life affirming choice for her unborn child, aid her in having a healthy pregnancy, and to equip her to be a successful woman and mother. This is the one major fundraising event held by the WRC each year and plays a large role in allowing us to continue to provide all services free of charge to our clients.

The speaker this year, Mike Long, is an engaging speaker who has spoken to numerous schools, churches, conference and various other types of events all across the nation. He is incredibly skilled in using humor and touching stories to spread his message of motivation and encouragement to those who desire to make a difference in their community. Mike attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation he served as a legislative assistant for the late US Senator Jesse Helms. He went on to become a teacher in the Durham Public Schools where he was inspired to develop a nationally acclaimed video series that educated and encouraged youth on the benefits of abstinence as a healthy lifestyle choice. This series is one of the most persuasive programs of its kind and is currently used in over 5000 school systems throughout the world. Mike and his family are originally from Raleigh/Durham, NC and currently reside in Atlanta, GA.

All of the gala guests will have an opportunity to meet Mike prior to the program. A photographer will also be available at no charge to guests for having a picture made with Mike.

Within walking distance of NSU, the WRC was founded in 1989 to offer assistance and guidance to young women facing difficult life situations most often due to unplanned pregnancies. Since that early beginning, thousands of young women have been served by providing them with life affirming options counseling, prenatal education, ultrasound, childbirth instruction, breastfeeding education, parenting classes, material assistance, liaison to community assistance, and follow up after babies are born. Nurses are on staff as well as 20 trained volunteers who provide thousands of hours each year in service.

Thanks to the generous contributions of individual supporters, organizations, churches, and businesses, the WRC reaches hundreds of young women each year from all walks of life without charging for any service. Dr. Martin Aviles OB/GYN serves as Medical Director.

Contact the WRC at 318-357-8888 for tickets or information.

Five Northwestern State University faculty members have received tenure and 12 faculty members have earned a promotion in rank effective with the start of the 2017-2018 academic year, according to Dr. Vickie Gentry, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs and dean of the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development and the Graduate School. The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System approved the tenure and promotion recommendations.

Faculty receiving tenure are: Paul Pharris and Corey Trahan of the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice Estelle Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts, Dustin Hebert and William Morrison of the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development, and Heather Hayter of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health.

Those receiving promotion to full professor are: Susan Dollar, James McDonald, and Charles Pellegrin of the Department of Criminal Justice, History and Social Sciences, Andrej Kurti and Malena McLaren of the School of Creative and Performing Arts, Kandace Landreneau of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health and Michelle Morris and Gerra Perkins of the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development.

Faculty receiving promotion to associate professor are Ali Ahmad of the Department of Engineering Technology, Pharris and Trahan.

Connie Melder of the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development was promoted to assistant professor.

Eligible hunting supply purchases made Sept. 1-2 at Natchitoches Powersports are subject to 3% state sales tax as part of the LA Dept. of Revenue’s Second Amendment Weekend Sales Tax Holiday.

This is the biggest savings of the year for hunters, who only have to pay 3% on the full amount of their purchase (no limit). Natchitoches Powersports has all your ATVs, Side by Side’s and accessories including big foot kits, winches, racks and more!

It gets even better! Natchitoches Powersports is now servicing brands including Polaris, Can-Am and Arctic Cat along with Honda and Yamaha units.

For more information go online to natchitochespowersports.com or call 318-352-8174.

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Acts of Kindness should never be taken for granted. The taste and smell of fresh baked cookies has to be one of the best things that the children of the Bailey Heights neighborhood enjoyed this summer during Traveling Tales and Lunch with Lions.

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center provided freshly baked cookies each week for the sack lunches and the children said that they “loved their cookies.”

Johnny Barnes spent hours going door to door, handing out flyers, setting up tables and chairs each week and making phone calls to encourage the children in the neighborhood to participated in the program. He stressed the importance of reading to them each week and by the end of the summer, most of the youth had their own library cards and were checking out books weekly.
Barnes recognized the Natchitoches Library, Lions Club, the Community Volunteers and many others for participating in the reading program.

Lion Pam Glass made a unique book mark with authentic African beads and a silver cross and presented it to Barnes for his favorite book, the Bible. Lion President Tina Ragan thanked him for his genuine acts of Kindness that made this program successful.

Kierra did a great job reading the last book of the Summer right before they potted their own beans to take care of at home. Lion Pam Glass personalized the book and presented it to Kierra.

Join the Cane River Tigers this Monday, Aug. 28 at 6:30 pm at Maglieux’s Riverfront Restaurant for an LSU football season preview.

There will be a guest panel of experts led by the inimitable Lyn Rollins of Cox Sports Television, along with his sidekick, the inestimable Bart Schmolke, co-host of the “Tiger Talk” radio show in Alexandria.

They will be joined on the panel but the very Australian Jaime Keene, former LSU punter.

There are some other special guests in the works and there will be many surprises. Folks will order off the menu and there may be some auction items as well. There will also be an update on the upcoming NSU season from NSU Demon Head Coach Jay Thomas.

RSVP to Rodney Harrington at 318-352-5900.

Ann Melancon Wallace
April 30, 1956 – August 25, 2017
Visitation: Monday, Aug. 28 from 8:30-9:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home Service: Monday, Aug. 28 at 10 am at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

Yvonne Sawyer
August 24, 2017
Arrangements TBA

The Natchitoches Parish Civic and Voters League’s inaugural Education and Voter Registration Banquet was well attended Friday night, Aug. 25.

Congressman Keith Ellsion, a representative for the 5th District of Minnesota spoke on voting and civic engagement.

Ellison’s Natchitoches Parish connection is rooted in the Balthazer and Martinez families of the Melrose community. Hundreds of former students of the Natchitoches Parish Training School, Central High School and the Central Area Trade School will recall the educational and life mentorship emanating from his grandparents, the late Frank and Doris Martinez.

This memorable couple were the parents of Ellison’s mother, Clytia Cora “Pet” Martinez Ellison. They lived in the 400 block of what is now Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Natchitoches. Ellison’s grandmother was a second grade specialist for many years and his grandfather was an industrial arts teacher prior to becoming the first director of the Central Area Trade School.

“We have to speak truth to one another,” he said. “We have to engage everyone. The Democratic Party is an advocacy organization of like-minded people fighting to make sure people’s lives are better. The Democratic Party must fight for working people. We need a revolution in this country so people can grab the American dream.”

Mayor Lee Posey presented him with a key to the City. State Rep. Kenny Cox presented him with a certificate. Sylvia Morrow presented him with a certificate, plaque and medal on behalf of the Natchitoches Black Heritage Committee. The Voters League members presented him with a family photo and commemorative throw.

“We were raised in an era where voting was important,” said Posey. “I wish we’d get back to that.”

Over 250 students participate in [1of7], a Northwestern Service Project every year. It’s a simple concept. And it’s one that can make a HUGE difference. Students pick one day of the seven and do something for someone else. Students spread out across the Natchitoches community Aug. 25. Some volunteered at the Natchitoches Fish Hatchery and others at the American Cemetery cleaning gravestones and performing other maintenance on the grounds. Other students volunteered at Cane River Children’s Services, Fort St. Jean Baptiste, the Boys & Girls Club, Cane River and NSU Food Pantries, Wesley Student Ministry, the NSU Student Courtyard and Watson Library.

The Natchitoches Historic Foundation board members enjoyed the 70 plus sets of helping hands at the American Cemetery. The students connected with the history of the community and learned about their new home away from home. According to a NHF Board member, one NSU student even found a relative’s grave site while cleaning.

Student Coordinator Taylor Holloway said it’s a chance for the students to go out into the community and help where help is needed. “It’s important to perform service,” she said. “The university gives us so much so we need to give back to the community as students of the university.”

Officials with the Natchitoches Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Parish Government, Natchitoches Police and City of Natchitoches are constantly in contact with and monitoring information from Louisiana GOSHEP and the National Weather Service as Hurricane Harvey watch continues.

Sandbags are available for Natchitoches Parish residents to pick up at the Natchitoches Public Works, located at 110 Mill Street, from 8am-4pm.

Be Storm Ready, have water, flashlights, batteries, emergency supplies, food, medication, gas, paper towels, lantern, kitchen matches and a NOAA weather radio on hand for at least 72 hours.

BOM is the title sponsor of the Meet the Demons – Athletic Scholarship Auction, Aug. 26 from 5-8 pm at the Natchitoches Events Center. Join Northwestern State for a fun-filled evening meeting and supporting over 300 student athletes that have chosen to represent Northwestern State University in their respective sports. Dr. Haley Taitano, NSU Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs/Senior Woman Administrator, accepted BOM’s $5,000 sponsorship.

Pictured from left are Stephen Van Sickle, Dewayne Chelette, Micah Foshee, Lyn Christophe, and Brooke Latham.

By Brooke Shirley

Natchitoches Central High School hosted an Open House for the new school year Aug. 22. As students entered the school, parents were given a program with a list of every faculty member and their room numbers to make navigating the halls easier. The night was kicked off by the JROTC Color Guard presenting the colors proceeded by the String Orchestra playing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Principal Bill Gordy said a few opening remarks before the assistant principals, counselors, and a heath center representative welcomed everyone and reminded parents of deadlines and upcoming events. The Alma Mater was then sang by NCHOIR with music played by the String Orchestra.

A few changes were implemented this year including an after school program for children to have the opportunity to make up for days missed and to get tutoring on subjects they might be struggling in. Another thing that the school is trying out is their Facebook page to allow better communication to parents as far as upcoming events or sport schedules. Just visit https://www.facebook.com/NatchitochesCentralHS/

Here are a few reminders the faculty asked to be shared:

If you want your child to take the ACT test on Oct. 28, they MUST be registered by Sept. 22 using the school code 191920. For more information, visit act.org.

Also, parents are being asked to fill out a survey if they haven’t already. It can be found at http://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/27970/15906.

The NSU Alumni Association will provide buses, a tailgate, and an avenue to buy game tickets for the NSU vs. LA Tech and NSU vs. Grambling games. With the help of SGA and SAB, two student buses will be making the round trip for the LA Tech game, along with one alumni bus.

Registration for the LA Tech game ends Thursday, Aug. 31, and registration for Grambling ends Sept. 6.

All bus seats are first come first serve, and will be cut off after filled. The tailgate for the LA Tech game will be in the same location as three years ago…right next to the Lady Techsters Softball Complex, in Memorial Gym Parking Area in Zone 2.

Delicious Cajun food will be cooked by Demon Dad, Simon Guidry, and food will include pastalaya, jambalaya, and other cajun delicacies. Entertainment will be provided by the Paul and Pete Band from 3:30 to 5:30, and a pep rally leading us into the stadium at 5:30. Along with the band, we’ll have other amenities such as lawn games, port-a-cool fans, and cold beverages.

It gets even better! The first two people to email alumni@nsula.edu will win a FREE bus trip with 2 tickets to a game (All inclusive bus trip, tailgating and game ticket).

Itinerary for Games:
• 12:30 P.M. Load Buses
• 1-3 P.M. Bus Trip
• 3-5:45 P.M. Tailgate
• 6-9:30 P.M. Football Game
• 9:30-11:30 P.M. Return Bus Trip

Cost for LA Tech Game:
• Alumni Tailgate + Game Ticket + Bus Ticket…$70 ($80 for Grambling Game)
• Alumni Tailgate + Game Ticket…………………….$40 ($50 for Grambling Game)
• Alumni Tailgate Only ………………………………….$20
• Student Tailgate + Game Ticket +Bus Ticket…$30

*INDIVIDUAL GAME TICKETS SOLD THROUGH THE NSU ATHLETIC TICKETING OFFICE!

All tickets will be in the general admission section. The bus will depart from the Collins Family Pavilion, and bus riders can leave cars in Prather parking lot. Pre purchased game tickets and tailgating wristbands can be picked up from the tailgate on game day.

For more information go online to northwesternalumni.com, or call Van Erikson at 318-357-4415 or email eriksonv@nsula.edu.

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS arrived on the scene of an overturned eighteen Aug. 25. The rig was hauling woods chips on Hwy. 6 East at its intersection with Hwy. 486 (Campti Cut-Off).
La. DOTD was contacted.
The driver of the 2009 Freightliner was transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

The Pastor, Officer and Member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in the Bermuda Community in Natchez, cordially invites the public to honors it musicians: Sis. Barbara Walker and Bros. Abraham Helaire, Roy Woodard Jr. and Claude Williams, by attending the church’s annual Appreciation Celebration Sunday, Aug. 27 at 2:30 pm. Special guest is God’s Extra Annointed Ones from Colfax. For information contact Rosa Shields at 318-352-5047 or 318-652-0753.