The Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association kicked off its annual convention, held in Natchitoches for 2017, with a Welcome Reception at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum Aug. 11. The reception, hosted by the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (NACVB), included a welcome by Mayor Lee Posey and the opportunity for the writers to connect with local attractions and businesses that feature outdoor activities including Fort St. Jean Baptiste, Cane River Paddle Sports, Cane River National Heritage Area, Kisatchie National Forrest, the Cane River Waterway Commission, Dark Woods Haunted Attraction, the new Grand Ecore RV Park (opened by the Recd River Waterway Commission) and the Cane River Creole national Historical Park system.

LOWA works toward improving the education of the citizens of Louisiana in the areas of conservation and preservation of the state’s natural resources and the practice of good sportsmanship and the ethical use of outdoor resources in all out-of-door ventures.

Executive Director Chris Holmes said when looking for hunting, fishing, outdoor adventure and historical resources, Natchitoches is a natural fit for the writers that belong to LOWA. While most members are based in the South, the group was excited to have its conference in the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase.

By Brooke Shirley

Going on four years now, Project Give Back: Get Them Ready has offered free hair cuts to a select few students in Natchitoches Parish. This nonprofit back-to-school program was created in 2014 with the help of Natchitoches Parish School Board President Ralph Wilson. The students who qualify for the program are selected at random through recommendations from social service agencies, the public housing authorities, and school officials.

Tremaine “T-Weezy” Walker, Sylvester “Sly” Moss, and Marcus Addison are the barbers at Silhouette’s Barbershop and are the hometown heroes making all of this possible. They were able to assist over 30 families Aug. 13 by giving them the opportunity to send their child to school this year with a fresh new haircut. As the children arrived, they signed their name and were given “golden” tickets to keep track of who would hop in the barber’s chairs next. With the aid of friends and family there was a meal provided for the kids while they waited for their “new ‘dos.”

For Wilson, it doesn’t just stop there. In the years to come, he plans to try to incorporate an apprenticeship for kids who would like to become a barber. “I think it will be a great opportunity for young men who maybe want a future in the barbershop business,” he said.

 

A move to the bullpen produced an All-Star season for former Northwestern State ace Adam Oller.

Oller, a 20th-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2016 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, has been named to the New York-Penn League All-Star Game, which will be played Aug. 15 in Troy, New York.

In his first season with the West Virginia Black Bears, the Pirates’ short-season Class A affiliate, Oller has posted a 2-2 record with a 1.00 ERA and one save. In 27 innings, Oller has struck out 28 batters and allowed 29 base runners. Oller is one of five Black Bears named to the NYPL South All-Star Team.

After starting nine of his first 13 professional appearances, Oller has appeared in relief in 11 of his 12 games for West Virginia. In two professional seasons, Oller is 4-4 with a 3.31 ERA and three saves.

The Pirates drafted Oller after a standout three-year career at Northwestern State, which ended with Oller earning second-team All-America honors from Collegiate Baseball magazine and third-team honors from the American Baseball Coaches Association following the 2016 season.

Oller concluded his Demons career ranked fourth in career innings pitched (310 1-3), career ERA (2.06) and career starts (43), eighth in career wins (20) and ninth in career winning percentage (.741). He holds single-season top-10 marks in innings pitched (109 2-3, 2nd and 108 1-3, 3rd), ERA (1.23, 5th) and winning percentage (.889, T-8th).

Four-year collegiate soccer starter Alexsis Cable has been named a Northwestern State assistant coach, announced head coach George Van Linder on Monday.
In addition to normal program operation duties, Cable will be in charge of video operations at NSU.

Cable played her first two seasons at Southeastern Louisiana before finishing her career at North Texas in 2016, appearing in two NCAA Tournaments.

Cable was part of two Conference USA championship teams at UNT, a regular season title in 2016 and regular season and conference champions in 2015 with an NCAA Tournament appearance.

“We’re really excited about Alexsis and her previous experience in the Southland Conference,” Van Linder said. “She’s been to the NCAA Tournament at both Southeastern and North Texas, so she instantly has respect from our players because she’s been where they want to be.

“It’s been a few years since myself and (assistant coach Sam Parker) have had our soccer cleats on, so we think Alexsis can reinforce what we’re saying to our players and create even more of a buy-in to what we’re trying to do.”

Cable saw action in more than 70 career matches before a knee injury cut her senior season short. She made more than 50 starts in her career.  The defender contributed four assists and one goal in her career.

At Southeastern, the Lady Lions won the 2013 Southland Conference Tournament and made an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Cable was part of teams who won a combined 60 matches in four seasons.

As a youth coach, Cable helped coach teams with UK Elite, South Tangi Youth Soccer Association and the Louisiana Soccer Association since 2013.

Cable will be pursuing a master’s degree in health and human performance with a concentration in sports administration.

 

A local golfing tradition celebrated its 29th anniversary Saturday when the Northwestern State Lady Demon basketball program hosted the annual Don’t Die Wondering Classic, and very nearly gave away a new truck

Bruce Primm, playing for the First Federal Savings and Loan foursome, nearly aced the par-3, 165-yard 10th hole. Golfers in the Don’t Die Wondering Classic since 1989 have strived for a hole-in-one on that green in the Foy Motors Challenge. Primm had one of the closest calls with a 5-wood that hit the flagstick, but rolled about a yard past.

Foy Motors of Many has provided a new vehicle annually to incentivize the tournament’s participants.

Meanwhile, the foursome of Dennis Breland, Bill Townsend, William Breland and Brian Edens had the morning’s best score, 17-under par, to win the low gross competition, top prize in the tournament.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office team won low net honors with an adjusted 19.7 score, using a handicap system. Jay Bankston, Yancy Spillman, Trent Pettit and Roger Henson were the low net champs.

Second place in low gross went to the Beauregard Parish-based quartet of Eddie Thomas, Larry Mosley, Ernie Bryant and Joey WIllis. Thomas, father of Lady Demon senior point guard Sami Thomas, was part of a team shooting 16 under.

The Walsh Timber team took second in low net, posting a 19.1 adjusted score. Hunter Mulliken was joined by Joe Bienvenu, Steve Taylor and Mike Kyle.

Third in low net, at 17.7, was the Sabine Parish foursome of John Migliore, Larry Hataway, Charlie Mason and Clay Henry.

Demon Sports Network announcer Patrick Netherton and Shreveport Times sportswriter Roy Lang III joined K.P. Miles and Matt Bates on the third place low gross team, carding a 15 under.

Bates won closest-to-the-hole on the 195-yard par-3 ninth hole with a shot to five feet, nine inches.

William Breland was the long drive champion on the 16th hole. Miles captured the putting contest crown.

Nearly 80 golfers took part in the event at the Demon Hills Golf Course. Lady Demon coach Jordan Dupuy said about $15,000 in entry fees, other golf revenue and sponsorships was generated by the Don’t Die Wondering Classic to support the NSU women’s basketball program.

Photos by Chris Reich/Northwestern State

Gregory Malcolm LeJeune
September 22, 1959 – August 11, 2017
Visitation: Monday, Aug. 14 from 10-11 am
Service: Monday, Aug. 14 at 11 am in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park

Louis “Dump” Henry Mathews Sr
May 29, 1936 – August 12, 2017
Service: Monday, Aug. 14 at 11 am at St. Rita Catholic Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens in Woodworth
Visitation: Monday, Aug. 14 from 9-11 am at St. Rita Catholic Church

Joella June Wilson-Collins
February 7, 1959 – August 11, 2017
Arrangements TBA

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

Leroy Washington
August 10, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Sitting on the back porch of her home in Atlanta, Peggi Gresham reminisces on her employment in the prison system. What began in 1952 led to Peggi becoming the first woman to hold an assistant warden position in Louisiana and one of a select few women to hold such a position nationwide.

It was a man’s world, but Peggi’s determination propelled her to her ultimate job: Assistant Warden at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola.

She grew up in Atlanta, attending Spencer Business College in Baton Rouge after graduating high school. She moved to Angola in 1952, at the tender age of 18, with her husband Carl, a newly hired prison employee.

Peggi raised her daughter Debbie and sold Avon to the community located inside the prison gates. When Debbie started school Peggi took a job with a construction company erecting new buildings at Angola. She soon traded this job for a Steno III job at the prison’s record office.

Sitting in the same chair as the years went by, she constantly took on more responsibility. She knew if she was to rise through the ranks, she’d have to better her education, so she started carrying 18 hours at LSU-Baton Rouge, driving 120 miles every day. She transferred credits from two years she attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. She wouldn’t get home until 11:30 pm and was back at the office at 6 am the next day. She earned a general studies degree with a concentration in psychology and sociology.

These concentrations were instrumental in Peggi’s dealing with the inmates. “It can be hard to understand how some men got themselves into those positions,” she said. “I needed to understand.”

Peggi became the first female Assistant Warden at Angola in 1978.

“There’d never been a woman in that position so I knew it would be tough,” she said. “Going in, being a woman was already two strikes against me in a man’s world.”

Governor Edwards directly credited the Talent Bank for Women for increasing the representation and participation of women in state government through Peggi’s promotion.

The publicity that ensued made Peggi nervous in the beginning. “It was frustrating to think that most people in the world thought I was nothing more than a figurehead,” she said.

Peggi credits Warden Frank Blackburn for his trust in her capabilities. He was the most instrumental man in her career.

“He used me in a different way than past assistant wardens,” she said. “As a woman I paid attention to the small details and I’d troubleshoot problems before they escalated. The inmates once refused to work in the fields because the rice they ate with their meals was swapped out for creamed potatoes. I went in, assessed the situation and had it solved quickly. Little things like that can really cause a big problem. Being a woman was an asset in that regard. Women look at things differently than men.”

Peggi said being a woman also made it easier for her to talk to the inmates than some of the male officers. “Running a prison is an awesome responsibility,” she said. “You directly affect the lives of the inmates on a day-to-day basis. You have to exude confidence. The inmates will know if you have any weakness and they’ll play on it. You also need to be able to make decisions under pressure.”

Peggi can be credited as the instrumental force behind several improvements at the prison:

Creation of a satellite of LSU-Eunice at Angola for employees, where she earned an associate’s degree in law enforcement. This was the first of its type offered in the state away from the university campus.
Managed the prison’s public relations office, identification department, chaplaincy department, mail room, Angolite newspaper, and records office.
Initiated a Training Academy at Angola, which opened in 1979.

Peggi left Angola April 5, 1985, transferring to Ball Juvenile Facility, which was closer to where her aging parents lived. She cared for them until they passed. Now Peggi is a patient with Hospice of Natchitoches, battling cancer and recalling a time when her determination and work ethic gained her celebrity status as a woman successfully filling a role that was traditionally thought of as a man’s job.

“I know a lot of men might’ve been surprised a woman could work at a prison system like that, but I did,” said Peggi as she smiled proudly.

Natchitoches Magnet students registered for the 2017-18 school year Thursday night, Aug. 11. Principal Stephonie French welcomed students and their parents as she introduced teachers according to this year’s theme: Super Heroes. Each teacher was given a unique super hero name corresponding to their super power, from literacy, to math and science.

French said they’re beginning a new curriculum this year with brand new science standards, providing students with a more well rounded approach to science and math. Lower grades are utilizing science and social studies texts as they learn to read, which keeps them really well connected to the curriculum standards.

Cuts were made to the school district’s budget, but French said the Magnet staff will be able to balance what they have so they can still incorporate computer literacy and art.

As part of this effort, a computer lab was set up in the library. “We’ve had to move stuff around to make it work,” said French. “But overall I’m excited about the staff and this year’s Super Hero theme.”

The school will also incorporate more volunteers into its daily routine and will still offer the same clubs students are used to.

Natural Talent, Natchitoches’ summer track team, competed at the USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships July 24-30 at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kan. Natural Talent saw its 4X100 team finish 7th in the country and Anthony Moses finish 5th in the Long Jump.

“Everyone did exceptionally well,” said Assistant Coach Dekayta Alex. “That was really the first time those kids got to experience such huge competition and a lot of them matched up really well with some of the most talented kids in the country.”

After back-to-back 1st place finishes at District and Regionals, the 4×100 relay team of Anthony Moses, Kyron Dunn, Robin Mathes, and Trenton Bradley faced up against the best relay teams in the country, meeting the challenge head on. After breezing through the prelims, the Natchitoches boys finished 7th place (ages 13-14) to finish as All-Americans with a time of 45.34.

“We could have had a better finish but I feel that we did our best against some of the best in the country,” Mathes stated.

Moses finished with a phenomenal week as he captured his own All-American status finishing 5th in the Long Jump with a jump of 19.78. Moses would also finish 15th in the 200m hurdles with a time of 27.09 and 17th in the 100m hurdles (14.46).

Bradley followed up his 4X100 performance with a new PR in the 100m dash finishing 21st with a time of 11.69. Bradley would finish the week with a 30th place finish in the 400m dash with a time of 54.83 and a 39th place finish in the 200m dash (25.04). After a 5th place finish at Regionals, Robin Mathes finished his week with a 37th place finish in the Triple Jump with a jump of 33-62.

On the women’s side, Aaniyah Hardwell finished in 55th place in the 1,500m run (ages 13-14) with a new personal best time of 5:58.71. Marien White finished in 37th place in the Shot Put (ages 9-10) with a throw of 15-71.

After a gutty performance at Regionals to qualify for Nationals, Ava Moses finished in 51st place in the 400m dash with a time of 1:27.33. As a six-year-old, Moses competed against girls up to two years older than she is and still managed to finish 51st in the country.

Another huge weekend for the Sowell brothers, as Devin, Demarion and Derrick all had top 50 finishes in their event. Devin finished 34th (ages 15-16) in the Triple Jump with a jump of 38-94. Demarion carded a 36th place finish (ages 13-14) in the Triple Jump with a jump of 33-66 and Derrick would go on to finish in 28th place (ages 8-under) in the Long Jump with a jump of 10-49.

After three top-three finishes at Regionals, Marquez “Macho” Stevenson back up his performance with three top-20 performances in the 11-12-year-old age group. Stevenson finished 20th in the 100m dash (12.93), 15th in the 200m dash (26.26) and 18th in the 400m dash with a time of 59.63.

Jeremiah Miles finished 41st (ages 11-12) in the 100m dash with a time of 13.06 and 44th in the 200m dash (28.66). Miles would also go on to finish 40th in the High Jump with a jump of 4-1.

Antonio Brown would finish off the week and summer for Natural Talent with a 27th place (ages 11-12) finish in the Discus with a throw of 58-26.

“This summer was a terrific time with all my teammates and friends because we all describe each other as a family,” Anthony Moses said. “We laughed, smiled and had a great time but also learned to never give up, work hard and to show off Natural Talent abilities.”

Northwestern State University named Vashaun South its new Cenla Campus Manager. NSU’s Cenla Campus serves the central Louisiana area with degree programs through the Learning Center for Rapides Parish and South hopes to create more visibility for NSU’s presence there.
“Times are rapidly changing and what we did yesterday will not catapult us into tomorrow,” South said. “I will not settle for anything less than the best possible experience for our students.”

As the fall semester approaches, South has been busy helping students with advising and financial aid questions and helping faculty prepare for classes, which begin Aug. 21.

South earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master of arts in counseling at NSU. She is currently pursuing a second graduate degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education. As a graduate student, South worked as a graduate assistant in the Graduate School on NSU’s main campus where she learned the importance of providing a good student experience.

“I became dedicated to ensuring that all students have the necessary information and support that they will need to successfully continue their educational goals,” she said. “While working in the Graduate School, I interacted and worked very closely with students, professors, department heads and deans. I also worked with the offices of admissions and the registrar on questions and concerns brought forth by students. It was during this time that I made up in my mind that simply assisting others in making decisions was not all that I aspired to do. I am a leader, and a leader sets the tone, transforms the atmosphere and makes things happen.”

Northwestern State’s Cenla Campus serves the central Louisiana area with associate, bachelor’s and masters’ degree programs, as well as certificate programs based on industry needs. The academic facility is located within the England Industrial Airpark at 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd. in Alexandria.

“Becoming the Cenla Campus Manager is not just a title; it is my way of giving back to a school that has given and meant so much to me,” South said. “In my role I want to be a key participant in increasing our student population, the number of certification and undergraduate level programs offered at our site and build more relationships and a stronger relationship with our local businesses.”

For information on degree programs and other opportunities available at NSU’s Cenla Campus, visit nsula.edu/cenla or call (318) 484-2184. South can be reached at southv@nsula.edu.

 

Dedrick Lewis and Thomas Marlbrough, student leaders at Northwestern State University, were named to Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity’s newly-created Ad Astra Society.

Derived from the Latin phrase meaning, “To the Stars,” the Ad Astra Society recognizes the Fraternity’s top student leaders for their achievement and impact within Pi Kappa Phi, on their campus, and in their community.

“Throughout June, we challenged students, alumni, and friends of the fraternity across the country to nominate student members and recent graduates who exemplify Pi Kappa Phi’s commitment to leadership,” a news release stated. “The Fraternity received over 200 nominations and applications, and we are excited to recognize 123 members — one percent of our student membership — for their achievements.”

The inaugural class of Ad Astra Society inductees includes student representatives to non-profit boards of directors and university boards of trustees, student government presidents, editors-in-chief of campus newspapers, ROTC leaders, Pi Alphas, and outstanding chapter officers.

Pi Kappa Phi strives to create an uncommon and lifelong brotherhood that develops leaders and encourages service to others for the betterment of our communities.

No more than one percent of Pi Kappa Phi’s undergraduate students may be inducted into the Ad Astra Society each year.

Marlbrough, a senior History major from Mandeville, earned a 3.5 GPA. He has served as archon of the Beta Omicron Chapter since 2016 and previously served as vice archon and secretary. Earlier this year, he was named a Pi Kappa Phi Scholar, oldest and most prestigious scholarship in Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. This Summer he was awarded a position as Student Experience intern with Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters. In 2016, he was named NSU ‘Greek Man of the Year’ after serving as Interfraternity Council president and vice president of judicial affairs. Last Summer Thomas also cycled across the country as part of the Journey of Hope, which raises funds and awareness for projects that support people with disabilities through Pi Kappa Phi’s philanthropy, The Ability Experience. In 2015, he was was awarded the he Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) scholarship by the North American Inter-Fraternity Conference and received Pi Kappa Phi’s David D. Morgan ‘Extra Mile’ scholarship in 2015 and 2016. Marlbrough has also been involved in Northwestern State’s ROTC program, Student Government Association, Phi Alpha Theta, President’s Leadership Program, and has served as a Freshman Connector.

Senior Dedrick Lewis, of Gonzales, is a business administration major. He has served as Beta Omicron Chapter’s recruitment chair, social chair, and is currently serving as Warden and Scholarship Chair. Dedrick was selected for Pi Kapp College for Emerging Leaders and Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers. Dedrick has been part of the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band, a senator for the Student Government Association, the President’s Leadership Program, treasurer of the men’s lacrosse club, and is serving as Interfraternity Council vice president of programming. He holds part-time employment as a student operations manager with the NSU Student Union and serves as a crew workers with Sodexo Catering. He was awarded the David D. Morgan ‘Extra Mile’ Scholarship in 2015 and 2016.

 

The Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band will sponsor a Young Performers Day in conjunction with the home football opener against Lamar on Saturday, Sept. 16.

The event is open to high school and middle school band members from all instrument areas as well as drum majors, color guard, rifle, twirlers and dance. Participants will rehearse with the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band and perform at halftime of the NSU-Lamar football game. They will receive lunch along with a commemorative t-shirt.

The cost is $40. The registration deadline is Sept. 8. For more information, e-mail NSU Director of Bands Dr. Jeffrey Mathews at mathewsj@nsula.edu or call (318) 357-4522.

The Spirit of Northwestern State Marching Band was named one of the top eight in the country by a college-oriented website. The 300-plus member band has performed at the St. Patrick’s Festival Parade in Dublin, Ireland and the New Year’s Day Festival and Parade in London.

The band was a finalist for the Sudler Trophy, an award to identify and recognize collegiate marching bands of particular excellence that have made outstanding contributions to the American way of life.

For more information, go to capa.nsula.edu/music/spirit-of-northwestern.

Joella F. Wilson-Collins
August 11, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Shirley King White
January 14, 1936 – August 10, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 12 from 5-7 pm and Sunday, Aug. 13 from 1-2 pm
Service: Sunday, Aug. 13 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Zion Cemetery in Georgetown

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

Leroy Washington
August 10, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Carrie Jones
Service: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 11 am at Antioch No. 2 Baptist Church in Pleasant Hill
Interment: Hampton Cemetery

Lucy M. Williams
Service: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 2 pm at New Hope No. 1 Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: New Hope Cemetery in Mansfield

Fred Warmsley Sr.
Service: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 11 am at Northwest Auditorium in Mansfield
Interment: Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville

Eddie Williams
Service: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 11 am at St. Elizabeth Baptist Church in Grand Cane
Interment: St. Peter Cemetery in Pelican

Dollie Whitaker
Service: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 1 pm at New Bethel Baptist Church
Interment: Mt. Olive Baptist in Mansfield

Kenneth D. Booker
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 11 from 6-7 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 2 pm at First Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: Mary Springfield Cemetery

Mary Alice Scholz Ingram
November 3, 1918 – August 1, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 10 am in the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches
Interment: Greenwood Cemetery located in Pineville

Florentine Rachal
August 15, 1923 – August 6, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 am – 12:30 pm
Service: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 1 pm at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle
Interment: Weaver Cemetery in Flora at 3 pm

Anthony Jermaine Rainey
April 11, 1986 – August 06, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 19 at 11 am at the Springville Community Center Gym in Coushatta

Russell Thomas, Jr.
July 29, 1933 – August 1, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 12 from 11 am – 1 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home in Coushatta
Service: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 1 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home
Interment: Weaver Cemetery in Chestnut

Johnnie Freeman
December 15, 1947 – August 4, 2017
Service: Saturday, Aug. 12 at 11 am in the Chapel of the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 12 from 9-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Interment (with military honors): Campti Community Cemetery

Several school board members confirmed that Joella F. Wilson-Collins passed away earlier today, Aug. 11, after serving on the Natchitoches Parish School Board for approximately 16 years. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.

By Kevin Shannahan

The local chapter of the American Cancer Society held its inagural “Belles and Beaus on the Cane”  fundraiser at Maglieaux’s, Thursday, Aug. 10.  The fundraiser drew over 100 people to the popular venue to help create a world with more birthdays and to honor 13 local survivors, healthcare professionals, caregivers and community activists. Emcee Hunter Horton, the voice of Demon sports, announced each honoree to the crowd and gave some background of how they came to be honored. The attendees enjoyed drinks, hors d’ oeuvres and a silent auction of a Tiffany Bracelet. This year’s event is expected to raise over $3,000 for this worthy cause.

The Natchitoches Chapter of the American Cancer Society asks the community to “save the date” for the 2017 Belles & Beaus on the Cane Gala to be held at Melrose Plantation on Thursday, Oct. 26. Ticket for the event are $100 and may be purchased online at the society’s website or by calling the office at 318-219-1668.

Imagine you have a normal, healthy pregnancy ends with an emergency C-section and a congenital heart defect. As the reality of the situation sets in, imagine the looming burden of medical costs.

Misty Walker Childress’ son Graham was diagnosed at birth (April 20, 2016) with Aortic Stenosis, Coarctation of the Aorta, Ventricular Septal Defect, Atrial Septal Defect. He was immediately flown to Dallas Children’s Medical Center (April 21, 2016). He had his first open heart surgery to place pulmonary artery bands (April 25, 2016) and a stent placed to keep his PFO open (April 28, 2016). He was inpatient for 6 weeks.

He also had a heart cath to balloon his aortic valve (June 23, 2016) to buy him more time until his “repair” surgery, which he needed to get bigger and stronger for. He had his repair surgery (October 10, 2016), and was inpatient for 8 weeks before being cleared to come home (December 8, 2016).

He was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism and hydronephrosis and hydroureter. The family found out in January that his right kidney stopped growing, leaving him with one functioning kidney that is dilated.

Misty’s husband Clay was told about Ronald McDonald house while Misty was recovering after an emergency C-section. The family got a room at the Ronald McDonald house in Dallas that provided them a place to sleep comfortably. They stayed at the house in between Graham’s surgeries, as the Heart Center recommend he be within 30 minutes of Dallas Children’s since his aortic stenosis was critical.

Graham’s brothers Ian (12) and Brady (8) were able to stay with them as well. The house hosted summer camps, provided donated tickets to sporting events and also served three meals per day. Since Misty and Clay don’t have Medicaid, the cost per night was $15 per day.  They will also be able to stay when they return for follow up appointments, procedures and other necessary trips until Graham turns 18.

“This is a lifelong thing,” said Misty. But through it all I’ve realized that we can’t spend our time being mad or sad about his diagnosis. It’s our life now and we have to find things to be thankful for. Our faith has never been shook. We are blessed to spend time with him and we know he’ll get through it.”

A Dallas photographer, who donates her time and photography to the patients staying at the Ronald McDonald house in Dallas, took photos of the Childress family. The family was notified in May that Ronald McDonald Charities wanted permission to use the boys’ photo for their donation boxes at McDonald’s nationwide starting in August 2017.

“It was a total surprise for us,” said Misty. “You never think that it could be you or your family.”

Throughout the whole ordeal Misty said she and her family are glad for the help the house provided, for the workers and the other families fighting similar battles. There were always people to talk to and it’s caused her to take on a whole new appreciation for everything.

“We’re so in awe of everyone that’s helped us,” she said. “Everyone that’s prayed for us or made donations on our behalf. This is about Graham and his story. It’s horrible it happened, but this medical problem and the house exist. I urge everyone to donate to a Ronald McDonald House to help others in situations similar to our own. I urge everyone to donate toward research for treatment and cures for congenital heart disease or any other disease for that matter.”

For more information go online to https://www.rmhc.org.

Congressman Keith Ellsion, a representative for the 5th District of Minnesota, will be the featured speaker at the Natchitoches Parish Voters and Civic League Education and Voter Registration Banquet Friday, Aug. 25 at 6 pm at the Natchitoches Events Center.

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.

Rep. Ellison has been the effective voice for Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District for five terms. His policy agenda is based on four key priorities- peace, prosperity for working families, environmental sustainability and support for civil and human rights. His political resume was recently enhanced when he was elected vice president of the Democratic National Committee. A myriad of viewers are influenced by his commentary on George Stephanopoulos’ Sunday morning television political program.

League members have tickets on sale for $25 per person. Corporate tables, $500, are going fast. Each corporate sponsor will be recognized at the event and will become part of the commemorative souvenir booklet.

LA Rep. Karen Carter Peterson will be among the many distinguished guests and participants at this signature event along with a number of other state-wide, parish-wide and locally elected officials.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and Robeline Police arrested a DeSoto Parish man on felony drug charges during a traffic stop Aug. 8 in Robeline, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Robeline Police contacted the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 3:40 pm requesting assistance with a traffic stop in the parking lot of a business on Hwy. 6 West in Robeline.
NPSO Patrol Division Deputies identified the operator of the vehicle as Randall Wayne McCart, 40 of Logansport.

A local warrants check revealed McCart was wanted by the Tenth Judicial District Court for Failure to Appear since April 2004 for Simple Battery.
During the traffic stop, Robeline Police observed McCart acting suspiciously leading them to believe criminal activity existed.

While speaking to a passenger, deputies learned of possible narcotics in the vehicle.
During a search, deputies seized two grams of suspected methamphetamine, smoking apparatuses commonly used to smoke illegal narcotics and weighing scales.
McCart was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center and charged with Failure to Appear in the 10th Judicial District Court for Simple Battery, Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and traffic offenses.

A Tenth Judicial District Court Judge has set bond at $6,000.

The vehicle was impounded.

Deputy S. Axsom made the arrest assisted by Robeline Police.

Natchitoches Junior High Frankie Ray Jackson School Holds Its Open House

Excitement filled the air as Natchitoches Junior High students and their families filled the gym to capacity at the Open House held Tuesday, Aug. 8. The Indian Cheerleaders formed a pom-pom line for the faculty to walk through as they were introduced to the parents by Principal Edwin Mason.

The students and parents found out about the many opportunities the school offers. It is not just the traditional sports and cheerleading. Interested students may join the band, try their hand at photography or journalism to name just a few of the fun ways to stretch their minds and abilities with extracurricular activities.

After the presentations, the student’s families went to register for classes and meet their teachers. The tone of the event, and indeed of the school year, was set by Principal Mason “We work hard every day.” The Natchitoches Parish Journal is looking forward to seeing what that hard work brings forth this year.

 

 

 

Four transfers and a baseball outfielder transitioning to wide receiver are bolstering Northwestern State’s depth chart heading into the Demons’ first major scrimmage of preseason football camp.

Saturday’s competition should begin about 8:45 in Turpin Stadium. It’s a key evaluation tool wrapping up the second week of practices, with five more planned next week heading into the final major scrimmage next Saturday and the end of camp. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 21. NSU’s season kicks off Sept. 2 at Louisiana Tech.

Thursday, heavy rain and thunderstorms postponed the regular 8 a.m. practice until shortly before sunset in Natchitoches, with the Demons going through a 7:30 p.m. workout. The team will return to its normal morning session on Friday.

Among the 105 players in camp, four transfers and Demons junior outfielder Kwan Adkins are getting their initial exposure to NSU’s schemes and staff, not having participated in spring practice. Cornerback Rashaun Croney (6-0, 170), safety Kevin Ratliff (6-0, 197), defensive tackle Keith Ford (6-2, 290) and offensive lineman Tyler Rapp (6-1, 288) are finding their fits in positions of need, said head coach Jay Thomas.

“You want them to compete for starting positions and at least create depth at positions where you may have a deficiency. You try to get a little older guys who have played some college football, so there’s not as much culture change as there can be for a high school player,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to Saturday, when we will get some live work in, to get the best picture of where these guys are in their development,” said Thomas. “We like what we’ve seen.”

Ford, who committed last March, arrived midweek after completing classwork at Orange Coast (Cal.) College, where he had 31 tackles in 14 games. An All-State prep player in South Carolina, he initially signed with reigning FCS champion James Madison, and redshirted there in his true freshman season.

“As we found out last year, you can never have enough good hands in the interior of the defensive line,” said Thomas. “With the Southland Conference being as physical as it is, he’s an excellent addition. He has the potential to be really good for us.”

Croney intercepted eight passes last season, helping Garden City (Kan.) Community College win the junior college national championship after a standout high school career at Pahokee, Fla.-Everglades Prep. He has shined in camp, pushing starters D’Ronne Littleton and Ike Warren, said Thomas.

“A very good addition to our cornerbacks. He’s making a name for himself. So far he’s leading in pass breakups and interceptions in camp, showing a great knack for the ball,” said Thomas. “He has tremendous speed, is a really good guy who plays the game and works at it, and has great upside.”

Ratliff, a product of Canton, Miss., was first-team All Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges last season at Hinds CC, making 75 tackles. He was part of Canton High’s state championship track and field team.

“He’s a very physical player around the box, a really good tackler in junior college who can run.
He’s really picked up our scheme well,” said Thomas.

Rapp, a transfer from Air Force, spent two years in Colorado Springs, lettering last year. Demon junior defensive end Zak Krolcyzk, a high school friend of Rapp’s, helped connect The Woodlands, Texas, product with NSU.

“He comes from a triple option offense at Air Force, so he’s still learning our concepts, but he has a tremendous work ethic, like you’d expect from a guy coming from the Academy. He doesn’t say a word, but leads by actions,” said Thomas. “He’s getting better and better every day and has been rotating in with the ones, so that tells you how he’s doing.”

Atkins (6-2, 202) has both the easiest and most severe transition among the five newcomers. He has spent three years next door at Brown-Stroud Field after being unsuccessfully courted to play in Turpin Stadium out of Brusly High School, where he was All-State Class 3A honorable mention as a defensive back.

“Especially for somebody who hasn’t played football in three years, the transition has been pretty smooth, which is a tribute to his ability, intelligence and work ethic,” said Thomas. “A first-class guy, tremendous athlete. He’s starting to settle in and has already shown he can be a big addition at receiver.”

NSU also added a summer pickup from the high school ranks, Gasden (Ala.) City defensive tackle Damian Thompson (6-0, 305). He was a Class 7A All-State selection last year after making 88 tackles.

 

Exchange Bank announces the addition of Kirk Soileau to their Board of Directors, effective August 2017.

Soileau currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and has over 36 years in the healthcare profession.

J. M “Joe” Henry, III Board Chairman stated, “Kirk has always demonstrated strong leadership within our business community, and we are delighted to have someone with his background on our bank Board.”

Soileau obtained a Nursing Degree from Charity Hospital School of Nursing in New Orleans, a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of St. Francis in Joilet, Illinois, and a Masters of Health Administration from Tulane University in New Orleans. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and is one of 16 National Malcolm Baldrige Fellows for 2017.

Soileau is currently serving on the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners for the State of Louisiana and is President Elect for the American College of Healthcare Executives’ Louisiana Chapter. He has been an active Rotarian since 1998 and is a current member of the Natchitoches Club. In addition, Soileau is serving as the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman for 2017.

Exchange Bank Board of Directors includes J.M. Henry, III, John W. Luster, Harold J. Boutte, Sr., Sidney B. Evans III, and Michael S. Newton. J.M.”Pat” Henry, Jr. serves as ex-officio member.

Exchange Bank is celebrating 125 years of service and is the oldest state chartered bank in Louisiana. They currently operate two branch locations in Natchitoches, and recently opened a Loan Production Office in Pineville.

Irony is often satisfying to read about. Perhaps it is because you are witnessing a cosmic joke being played on…someone else.

More than 100 food-safety experts who attended the 2014 Food Safety Summit in Baltimore, Maryland, got sick from food poisoning after eating the food at the convention center.

Ben Bernanke applied for a loan to refinance his mortgage, but the bank’s computerized approval system denied the loan because he’d recently changed jobs, which automatically puts up a “red flag.” The job that Bernanke left; he was the chairman of the Federal Reserve which determines the interest rates for banks.

In February 2015, 800 graduate school applicants received acceptance e-mails from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg, a school recognized around the world as a leader in all facets of computer science. Later that day those same applicants received a second e-mail informing them that the first e-mail was a mistake. A school spokesperson blamed the goof on a “computer error.”

A newspaper truck for the Republican, based in Massachusetts, crashed into a home in 2010. Printed in big letters on the side of the truck were the words, “Where News Hits Home.”

In the ninth century, Chinese alchemists were trying to create an “elixir of immortality” but instead ended up creating gunpowder.

Who invented the fire hydrant? No one knows for sure because the patent was destroyed in a fire at the U. S. Patent Office in 1986.

In 2015 a Chicago building caught fire. More than 150 firefighters battled the blaze, but they couldn’t save the structure because of a lack of water nearby. The building, by the way, housed a factory that manufactured fire extinguishers.

In 1964 a University of Illinois industrial design student named John Spinello got an assignment: create an electronic game in which the players try to insert a metal rod into a hole without setting off the buzzer. He got to work and decided on a surgery theme. Good news: Spinello got an A! Bad news: he sold the rights of the game for $500 to the Milton Bradley Company which turned the assignment into the game Operation. Spinello’s invention became one of the 20th century’s most popular board games, but Spinello never made another cent off of it. That could be why, in 2014, the 77 year old couldn’t come up with the $25,000 he needed for…..an operation.

While not purely ironic, there are some things about following Jesus that seem backwards. The first will be last the last will be first. The measure you give will be the measure you get back. You are forgiven as you forgive, just to mention a few.
I’m wondering if it is ironic that those who try to save their lives lose them and those who lose their lives for the sake of Christ find them. Ironic or paradox, either way it is true.