By Kevin Shannahan

“Too many years have passed for me to still be the last man to have left his footprints on the Moon. I believe with all my heart that somewhere out there is a young boy or girl with indomitable will and courage who will lift that dubious distinction from my shoulders and take us back where we belong. Let us give that dream a chance.”
Astronaut and U.S. Navy Captain Gene Cernan

It is July 20, 1969. I am 7 years old. Richard Nixon is the President of the United States. The Vietnam War is still being waged. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is well below 1,000. Computers take up whole rooms. The internet, anything on television other than over the air CBS, NBC and ABC, Wi-Fi and a host of other things we now take for granted do not exist. Our world was a different and vastly smaller place than we live in now.

On that day in 1969, Astronaut Neil Armstrong of Apollo 11 became the first person to walk on the moon, an incredible feat of engineering accomplished using slide rules and less computing power than can be found in the latest smart phone. A bit over three years later, in December, 1972, Eugene Cernan became the last person to walk on the moon. I was 10 years old. Forty-two years later, almost to the day after Neil Armstrong planted our nation’s flag on the moon, the space shuttle Atlantis took off for the final flight of the space shuttle program on July 8, 2011. The space shuttles now sit in museums. My granddaughter was the same age then that I was when I saw the final lunar mission.

A few weeks ago, NASA announced its new class of astronaut candidates. As one would expect, they are an impressive group of men and women. The news release had a few interesting facts about the training program they will undergo over the next few years. The astronaut candidates will have to learn Russian. They will have to train on Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Those who complete the training will become astronauts. They have a sad distinction from their predecessors however. Chances are they will never ride into space on an American spacecraft.

Let that sink in for a moment. The United States of America is incapable of putting a man into space. Our nation’s flag stands on the Lunar surface. The footprints of our Apollo astronauts are on the moon. In the space of a few decades, the United States now finds itself dependent on Russian rockets to take its astronauts into space. American astronauts have their names in Cyrillic as well as Engligh on their spacesuit’s nametag. Vladimir Putin controls America’s access to space. Cape Canaveral is a shadow of what it once was, more museum than launch site. Star City on the Russian Steppes is now the gateway into space for manned missions. All of this has happened in my lifetime.

The late Captain Cernan’s quote needs an addition that would have gone without saying in his day. May that future astronaut arrive in an American spacecraft. We did it once. We can do it again.

Photo Credit: NASA.GOV

TODAY

The City of Natchitoches will hold a public hearing at today 4:30 p.m. at the Natchitoches Arts Center, 716 Second Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana. The purpose of the hearing is to explain the proposed need for the water and sewer rate increase. All persons interested are encouraged to attend.

 

PLEASE ATTEND THIS MEETING TO OBTAIN THE FACTS!!

 

Chances are you’re reading this article on a smart phone or mobile device. In fact, analytics have proven this to be true. In today’s tech driven society, the majority of people are utilizing social media through their phones as a one-stop shop for all their needs.

“People aren’t going to phone books to look up businesses anymore,” said BoostCircuit President and CEO Jesse Poole. “Like floppy disks and dial up modems, print is a dying medium.”

To stay relevant and make sure you’re the first business people see when they search for a service, you need to take advantage of what technology can do for you. Businesses that haven’t designed their digital presence to not only attract new customers, but continue connecting with their current clientele, are losing revenue.

A proven method to attracting and keeping customers is consistency. Does your website translate fluidly to a mobile device? Do your social media accounts match and compliment your website and physical storefront? People need to see that the business they’re looking at online is not only the business they’re searching for, but that it’s reliable and REAL! Too often broken links, misleading profile photos and inaccurate information can drive customers away.

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Marvin Herring adhered to a strict running program for the past couple of months, hearing a familiar voice in his head.

As he pounded pavement on distance runs three days a week and shot out of the blocks in sprint work an additional three days per week, Herring heard the unmistakable voice of legendary NSU track coach Walter Ledet.

But it’s not 1957-58 any more, the only year Herring ran at Northwestern State before having to move back to the Dallas area because of illness.

The 79-year-old (turns 80 in October) used Ledet’s words to hold off the field and take the gold medal in the 800 meters at the National Senior Games in Birmingham, Alabama, in June.

Herring, who now lives near Weatherford, Texas, clocked a 3:22.10 — the third-fastest time ever run in the 80-84 age group.

“(Ledet) was the best coach I ever had,” Herring said. “He knew about running and would work with you. I wish I could have run all four years with him.

“I heard Ledet’s voice saying to sprint across that finish line – don’t stop before you get there like most athletes do.”

In the finals, Herring rocketed off the starting line, building a 15-meter lead after running the first 200 meters in 44 seconds.

But the field closed in throughout the remainder of the race, and Herring needed to hit the “sprint button” around the last curve to preserve his first gold medal in his third Senior Games.

Herring was introduced to running in middle school, and chose to attend NSU with his brother Donald. Walking pneumonia caused Marvin to move back to Texas, where he started his real life in the oil industry as a cost construction engineer with major players like Conoco and Mobile.

All of his children were runners, but “the bug” didn’t bite him again until age 39, when he started running 5Ks that stretched into 10Ks and eventually marathons.

“Coach Ledet taught me that – to run through the finish like I was on fire. I had tears in my eyes. I couldn’t believe I had won.”

The Col. Samuel D. Russell Camp 1617 will hold its inaugural Cornhole Tournament Wednesday, Aug. 26 at Point Place Marina, located at 1209 Patrick Road in Natchitoches. Registration will be held from 2:30-3:30 pm and the tournament begins at 4 pm. The entry fee is $20 per team.

The Hall of Master Folk Artists at Northwestern State University recently added five new members as part of the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival and Louisiana Folklife Center Director Dr. Shane Rasmussen far left, and Northwestern State President Dr. Chris Maggio, far right, welcomed inductees, from left, Sammy Nix and Ganey “Pop” Hymes of Natchitoches, Barbara Franklin of Baton Rouge, Ed Huey of Natchitoches and Steve Riley of Mamou. Since 1981, the Louisiana Folklife Center’s Hall of Master Folk Artists has recognized more than 100 state artisans in music, arts, crafts and more. Photo by Peter Jones

Jeanette Nayedo Harville
September 21, 1943 – July 21, 2017
Visitation: Monday, July 24 from 9 am – 12:15 pm
Service: Monday, July 24 at 1 pm in St. Maurice Cemetery

Rita Thadean (Mayo) Floyd
October 31, 1940 – July 21, 2017
Visitation: Monday, July 24 from 11 am – 1 pm in the Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home
Service: Monday, July 24 at 1 pm in the chapel of Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home of Jena
Interment: Graham Cemetery in Nebo

Judith “Judi” Lynn McCallister
January 8, 1939 – July 19, 2017
Service: Monday, July 24 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Pine Grove Cemetery in Hagewood

Scotty Ray Craig
July 29, 1970 – July 17, 2017
Service: Monday, July 24 at 10 am at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Vowells Mill

According to a Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force Official, Manfredy Antunez-Matute, 24, was taken into custody July 18 at a construction site on the campus of Northwestern State University by U.S. Marshals and NMJDTF agents. Antunez-Matute was wanted in Orleans Parish for simple robbery and theft of an automobile. Antunez—Matute was taken into custody without incident.

Antunez-Matute was transported to the NPDC where he was booked on the following charges and awaiting transfer to Orleans Parish.

Simple Robbery
Theft of an automobile

The Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force would like to thank the Citizens of Natchitoches for their support. Many times an investigation begins with a simple phone call or tip from a concerned citizen. For this reason the Task Force encourages all citizens to report any crimes in their neighborhoods anonymously by calling 318-357-2248, The Natchitoches Police Department, or the Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Office.

The Half Price HookUp store will open at 10am today.

Offers include:
Cane River Bar & Grill
Checker’s
Flat’s BBQ – Natchitoches
Maglieaux’s
Magnolia Diner
Orange Leaf
Popeye’s
Smoothie King

If you would like to receive our Half Price HookUp text alerts for offers from area restaurants, send a text message “hphn” to 779-48.  You will get notifications of which restaurants are offering the Half Price HookUp.

You may make your purchases from the online store and beat the rush!

Just click this link: Half Price HookUp Store

Cards may be picked up on Monday between 9am and 3pm at 213 Renee Street in Natchitoches.

Don’t miss out. There are a limited number of cards offered by each merchant.

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Summer is a wonderful way to enjoy the company of family and friends in the warm and inviting venues of the deep south while hiking, camping, exercising or heading out to your favorite beach or lake. Follow these important tips to avoid unpleasant events that could arise during summertime activities.

Dehydration: Bring adequate amounts of healthy liquids on outings. Bottled water and sports drinks replenish important electrolytes, an absolute necessity when spending time outdoors.  Sun, wind and high humidity conditions contribute to increased sweating which can cause dehydration. Alcoholic beverages increase the rate of body fluid loss, so drink in moderation. If you feel flushed, weak or disoriented after being outside seek immediate medical treatment. These symptoms can be a sign of a serious medical condition.

Sunburn:  You should never leave home without sunblock. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or greater is recommended.  SPF 50 should be applied to the face, especially in young children and those more susceptible to sun damage.  Repeated sunburns are linked to certain types of skin cancers. Even “water proof” sunscreens should be allowed to dry completely on the skin before entering the water. Repeat application is recommended after several hours. If you’re sunburned, DO NOT apply drying agents such as alcohol, mentholated liquids, or butter.  Aloe based gels and creams are recommended. Some products come with topical lidocaine, which helps with temporary pain relief.  Motrin or Tylenol by mouth can also help ease discomfort.  A sever burn or a burn over a large surface area should be examined by a medical professional immediately.

Insect Stings:  Bites and stings are inevitable.  Most can be treated at home using antihistamine creams or lotions such as Benadryl or other similar over-the-counter products.  Wasp stings to the face, neck, or the ends of fingers or toes should be examined by a medical professional (particularly if significant swelling occurs).  In rare instances bites or stings can precipitate a life threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock.  This condition is a true emergency and 911 should be contacted immediately.  Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, flushing of the skin, decreased consciousness, and profuse sweating.  Early intervention by paramedics can mean the difference between life and death.

Bumps, bruises and lacerations: Summer activities increase the risk of accidents ranging from small scraps, cuts and bruises to major traumatic injuries. Minor scraps (abrasions) can be treated with a store bought antibacterial ointment or spray such as Bactine or Neosporin.  Cuts (lacerations) should be evaluated by a medical professional to determine if stitches or staples are needed. Most lay persons are familiar with the technique of medical personnel using “super glue” to close shallow wounds.  THE GLUE USED IN MEDICAL FACILITIES IS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR WOUND CLOSURE.  INDUSTRIAL GRADE SUPER GLUE AND SIMILAR PRODUCTS CAN BE HARMFUL AND TOXIC TO THE SKIN. SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS ARISE WHEN WOUND CLOSURE WITH INDUSTRIAL GLUE OCCURS IN-HOME WITHOUT MEDICAL INTERVENTION.

Blunt trauma to the limbs (falls, direct blows with a baseball, bat, or collisions with immovable objects) can result in broken bones (fractures).  Anyone experiencing such an event should be evaluated by a medical professional.  The potential for fractures is high with certain traumatic events.  If swelling, decreased function, deformity or significant pain is present after an accident, medical care should be sought immediately.  X rays will determine the presence or absence of a fracture.  Keep the limb immobilized and elevated until you reach a medical facility.

Final points to consider: Summer outings can bring some of the most endearing memories for families to cherish.  Practicing safety and responsibility is the hallmark of joyful activities.  Have an awesome and relaxing summer, and enjoy all the wonderful things Louisiana has to offer!

If you have any questions contact Velocity Urgent Treatment Center and speak with a Health Care provider.

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A NPSO 911 Center call from a concerned citizen on July 19 at 11:40 am reported a man holding a gun on a woman while traveling in a silver 2007 Volvo (LA License# YXL760) on the north Natchitoches Bypass.

NPSO Patrol Division deputies and Criminal Investigations Division responded to the area. They observed the vehicle sitting in the parking lot of a business near the intersection of the north Natchitoches Bypass and Hwy. 1.

As deputies identified a passenger in the vehicle as Michael J. Rachal of Natchitoches, they observed a sawed-off shotgun and a semi-automatic handgun in plain view in the vehicle. Deputies also observed a bag containing suspected methamphetamine and a glass pipe commonly used to smoke illegal narcotics in plain view.

Rachal was removed from the vehicle and placed under arrest without incident.
Rachal said he and his girlfriend, identified as Charlene Beaudion, got involved in a verbal altercation, which turned physical after Beaudion allegedly struck him in the face.
Beaudion, who was believed to be operating the vehicle, had left prior to the deputies arrival. She was located a short distance away attempting to avoid law enforcement in the business.

While attempting to interview Beaudion, she gave conflicting stories as to what happened, and appeared confused and under the influence of some type of narcotic.
A local warrants check revealed Beaudion was wanted by the NPSO for Failure to Appear in the Tenth Judicial District Court and by Natchitoches City Court.
Deputies arrested:

*Michael J. Rachal, 37, of the 600 block of Abbie Drive, Natchitoches. He was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center and charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine-2nd Offense, Aggravated Assault, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Felony, Illegal Carrying of Firearms During a Felony Narcotics Offense, Illegal Possession of a Sawed-Off Shotgun less than 14 inches.

*Charlene Beaudion, 31, who gave an address in the 500 block of Nid Aige Road, Cloutierville. She was booked into the NPDC and charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine-2nd Offense, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearm by a Person convicted of a Felony, Illegal Possession of a Firearm During a Felony Narcotics Offense, Failure to Appear and Unauthorized Use of a Moveable (after the registered owner of the vehicle contacted the NPSO reporting Beaudion did not have permission to drive the vehicle).

Both Rachal and Beaudion remain in the DC awaiting bond. The vehicle was impounded by a local wrecker service. The narcotics evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for narcotics identification. Lt. M. Wilson, Deputy D. Cato, and Deputy T. Pledger were assisted by Detectives assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division in the arrests.

 

Natchitoches Parish President Rick Nowlin announces that work will begin Monday, July 24 for the permanent replacement of a cross-drain structure on Tauzin Island Road that was damaged by the March 2016 disaster event.

This structure is located approximately 0.8 mile northwest of the junction of Tauzin Island Road and State Route LA-6 [Grand Ecore Road].

The work will be performed by Regional Construction, L.L.C., of Natchitoches, at the contract price of $80,000.

Through traffic will be maintained through this work site at all times, but some short delays may occur at various times. While traveling through this work site, motorists are encouraged to exercise caution and to heed all warning signs and other traffic control devices.

The project is expected to be completed within two weeks.

For additional information, please contact the Natchitoches Parish Highway Department at (318) 357-2200.

 

Katheryn Arterberry decided to take one of her classes to a new level this summer. Arterberry, an associate professor of nursing at Northwestern State University, was part of a group of NSU students, faculty and administrators who completed a five-day educational trip to Cuba earlier this week.

The idea for the trip began in Arterberry’s Global Healthcare Advocacy and Transformation course about a year ago.

“Rather than simply talking about the differences and challenges in different health systems around the world, I wanted to give the students a chance to experience it in a hands on way,” said Arterberry.

In addition to Arterberry, participants were NSU faculty Kelly Crawford, Dr. Bea Launius and Senior Director of Nursing Dr. Pamela B. Simmons. Also taking part were Doctor of Nursing Practice graduate Dr. Billy Morales, Executive Vice President for University and Business Affairs Marcus Jones, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Director of the School of Creative and Performing Arts Dr. Greg Handel, current DNP students Rosaline Caldwell of Shreveport and Lakesha Thomas of Baton Rouge, and undergraduate student Francisco Ballestas Sayas of Cartegena, Colombia.

Support for the trip was provided by the Coughlin-Saunders Endowed Professorship held by Arterberry and the Ann Splon Coughlin Endowed Professorship for Nursing and Allied Health held by Simmons.

“The experience served to reinforce and illuminate the objectives for the course,” said Arterberry. “One of the standout experiences was the visit to the polyclinic and discussions with the nursing leaders there and seeing the focus on prevention. All of us came away humbled and grateful for what we have and appreciative of the Cuban health professionals’ ability to do what they do with much less.”

Thomas called the trip to the polyclinic “a humbling experience” and said the tour and discussion with the Cuban nurses provided the group with an in depth look at Cuba’s healthcare system and structure.

“When I first walked into the polyclinic, it reminded me of Earl K. Long,” (the state hospital in Baton Rouge, which closed in 2014) said Thomas, a family nurse practitioner with Our Lady of the Lake Sickle Cell Clinic and supervisor of utilization management for AmeriHealth Caritas. “There was no air conditioning except in the room they used as an ICU.”

Thomas said the nurses discussed education for nurses and physicians, prevention initiatives, health statistics and treatment protocols which provided an opportunity to compare and contrast the U.S. healthcare model versus the Cuban model.

Caldwell said the level of collaboration between doctors and nurses was one thing that stood out for her.

“The nurses and doctors work together as a team to prevent disease and manage care,” said Caldwell, a pediatric surgery nurse practitioner for Willis Knighton Physician Network’s Pediatric Surgical Associates. “The doctors do not have the advanced technology that we have in the United States, so they rely on clinical judgment to diagnose and treat patients. I have a new appreciation for preventative care and cost-effectiveness. Cuba is known for preventative medicine and they make it work with limited resources.”

Those participating were able to expand their worldview by spending time in a different culture.

“The trip was an excellent way to help students and faculty see that we are not the world, that while people are people and deal with many of the same issues, there are many issues we have no real exposure to or have any understanding of what it means,” said Simmons. “We were privileged to see a beautiful island with beautiful people living in old but beautiful buildings, but living in circumstances of poverty and heat and pollution that one could only imagine in one’s wildest imagination. I believe the greatest and best outcome was that participants could see a different world view, while just a thin slice of it, still a much different view than the one shared before the visit.”

The group had a number of opportunities to talk with Cuban citizens. A highlight was visiting local music venues. Sayas, a music major, was able to perform with a local salsa band.

“Being able to be there allowed us to see a bigger picture of the health disparities and problems experienced by the people such as pollution from the 1950 era taxis, to food deserts and poverty while also experiencing the joy of the people. It was awesome,” said Arterberry. “The students and faculty alike reported an increased urgency in being a change agent and a leader in their own communities. This is the best result this experience could have generated.”

Thomas says the trip will make her a more effective family nurse practitioner.

“This experience will nudge me to sharpen my physical assessment skills as Cuba does not have all of the technology that we have. The nurses and physicians have to rely on their assessments to make certain diagnosis, which keeps their skills sharp,” she said.

 

Alexandria- Members of the Central Louisiana Safe Streets Task Force (with members of the Alexandria PD and Pineville PD), working with the Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdiction Drug Task Force and the US Marshal’s Task Force, conducted a traffic stop July 19 on a vehicle entering Alexandria.

The traffic stop ultimately led to a search warrant for the vehicle, which revealed over 90 pounds of marijuana, concealed in a hidden area in the vehicle. Agents also found several different types of hydrocodone pills in the vehicle.

The investigation continued, leading to detectives obtaining a search warrant for a residence in the 900 block of Landa Street in Alexandria. Upon search of that residence, approximately two ounces of marijuana were located, along with types of drug paraphernalia.

Two subjects were charged in the initial investigation involving the vehicle:

Reginald Smith, 40, of Humble, Texas, was charged with Possession of CDS I (marijuana) with Intent to Distribute 60-2000 lbs, Possession of CDS II with Intent to Distribute, Improper Lane Use, Illegal Window Tint, and Improper License Plate Lights.

Buford Brimzy, 41, of Houston, Texas, was charged with Possession of CDS I (marijuana) with Intent to Distribute 60-2000 lbs, and Possession of CDS II with Intent to Distribute.

Two more subjects were charged in the investigation involving the Landa Street residence:

Kimberly McGinnis, 23, and Mark James, 25, both of Alexandria, were charged with Possession of CDS I with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

“The success of this operation is due to the cooperation and performance of multiple area law enforcement agencies including the Alexandria Police Department, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, US Marshal’s Service and the Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force,” said Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones, Jr. “These agencies spent many hours planning, preparing, and working diligently together for this action, which resulted in removing over 90 lb of illegal narcotics out of our community.”

All subjects were booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. This incident is unrelated to another July 19 narcotics case on Magnolia Street in Alexandria.

 

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer a Louisiana Concealed Carry Class Saturday, July 29. The class is for those age 21 or older who want to obtain a Louisiana concealed handgun permit.

The course will be from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. in South Hall on the Northwestern State campus and at the Natchitoches Shooting Range. The cost is $80 plus a $20 range fee. The class will cover pistol shooting fundamentals, safe handling, use of force laws and related topics. Space is limited to 20 students.

For more information, call (318) 357-6355, (800) 376-2422 or go to nsula.edu/ece/non-credit-programs.

Scotty Ray Craig
July 29, 1970 – July 17, 2017
Service: Monday, July 24 at 10 am at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Vowells Mill

Linda Bogan
Visitation: Friday, July 21 from 6-7 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, July 22 at 11 am at Mary Evergreen Baptist Church in Grand Cane
Interment: Mary Evergreen Cemetery in Grand Cane

Betty Jackson
Visitation: Friday, July 21 from 7-8 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, July 22 at 11 am at St. James Baptist Church in Pelican
Interment: Allen Cemetery in Robeline

Mary Horton
Visitation: Friday, July 21 from 6-8 pm at New Mary Magdalene in Gahagan
Service: Saturday, July 22 at 2 pm at Will of God Ministries in Coushatta
Interment: New Mary Magdalene Cemetery in Gahagan

John Moore Sr.
Visitation: Friday, July 21 from 6-8 pm at New Hope No. 3 in Lake End
Service: Saturday, July 22 at 12 pm at Deliverance Temple in Hanna
Interment: New Hope Cemetery in Lake End

William “Lane” Roberts
December 2, 1949 – July 18, 2017
Visitation: Friday, July 21 from 5-7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, July 22 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: L. C. Weaver Cemetery in Campti

Rose Watson Leger
October 12, 1942 – July 18, 2017
Visitation: Friday, July 21 from 5-8 pm Saturday, July 22 from 8:30-10 am
Service: Saturday, July 22 at 10 am in the chapel of Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield
Interment: Cypress Creek Cemetery

 

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – A public official has resigned from a powerful state board, following a FOX 8 investigation earlier this week.

Our investigation found Braxton threatened a state trooper who arrested his daughter for a DWI in 2015 and had the executive director of the commission fix traffic tickets.

The governor released a statement Friday afternoon:

Today, I accepted the resignation of Commissioner Braxton from the Louisiana State Police Commission. I believe he made the right decision. The law regarding the removal of a commission member dictates that, as the governor, I must preside over a public hearing. As such, it was critically important for me to remain impartial and review only the evidence before me. Due process is important. Public officials must hold themselves to the highest ethical standard, and I will accept nothing less as we consider a replacement on the commission.

Braxton released his own statement Friday, writing, “After unfounded allegations regarding my service and with deep consideration for family, I am resigning from this volunteer position effective today. As a family man, my first priority is to my family and I do not wish for them to have to deal with continuous attacks by the media and others.”

Braxton never directly disputed the claims we found in an official State Police account: allegations that Braxton made threatening statements to the trooper who arrested Braxton’s daughter.

Copyright 2017 WVUE. All rights reserved.  With Permission.

Due to the action of House Bill 1, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission (NHDDC) is slated to receive $319,165. The budget was cut back by $50,000 in June, but in the end, only $40,835 was removed from it. At its meeting July 20 David Stamey said they’d anticipated a 12 percent cut, so their 15 percent cut to the budget was accurate.

“We knew this was coming down the pipe so it’s a good thing we planned for it,” said Chairman Van Erikson.

For the past four years the NHDDC has received their capped amount of $360,000 from Louisiana’s Visitor Enterprise Fund to divide amongst its projects.

Sometime between now and the end of the year, the NHDDC will reach out to its state representative to see if there could possibly be an update to its budget.

“We didn’t actually anticipate a 12% cut. We felt there would be a reduction in our funding.  We budgeted for a 15% cut and it turned out the cut was 12%, so we didn’t over commit to our 2017-2018 funding promises.,” said Stamey.

“That part hasn’t decreased. Now we know the numbers we’ll be going forward with to January. We’ll reassess our needs then. So far we haven’t committed to anything we can’t respond to.”

Rebecca Blakenbaker discussed a new marketing initiative that would develop a brand for Natchitoches. The target date is January 2018 to have everything up and running. An RFP will be release next week.

“We don’t have a tag that reflects Natchitoches as a community today,” she said. “We want to create an umbrella brand for the City and all the entities that help make it run.”

The idea is to have a cohesive voice and a consistent brand that speaks to the community, businesses, visitors and perspective visitors.

“This has never been done in Natchitoches and it’s really important,” said Erikson.

City Main Street and Public Relations Manager Janna Jenkins said they’re also working on compiling one community calendar on the City’s website to emcompass all events that occur in town. It’s important to unify information because this calendar can be a business tool and an economic driver.

Dates for upcoming events include:

Aug. 19: NSU Move-in Day
Aug. 26: NSU Athletic Auction
Sept. 14-16: NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio’s Investiture
Sept. 22: 60th Anniversary Lady of the Bracelet Reunion
Sept. 23: NSU’s Lady of the Bracelet Pageant
Sept. 29-30: NSU Family Day Weekend
Oct. 20-21: NSU Homecoming
Sept. 29-30: Classic Car Show with Friday night Fish Fry
Oct. 13-15: APHN Fall Tour of Homes
Sept. 17: Miss Merry Christmas Pageant

Graduates from Northwestern State University’s May 2017
Associate of Science in Nursing program recently achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the latest National Council Licensure Exam, according to Dr. Dana Clawson, dean of NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health.

The 46-member graduating class includes students from Northwestern State’s Shreveport, Leesville and Natchitoches campuses. Nationwide, the first-time pass rate in 2016 for ASN programs was 81.68 percent. Statewide, the first-time pass rate in 2016 for ASN Programs was 87.48 percent.

Pam Holcombe, ASN and BSN program director at Northwestern, said the initial steps to launching a successful nursing career are to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX.

“The ultimate goal is for all of our nursing students to be successful,” said Holcombe, an assistant professor of nursing. “The NCLEX measures the competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as a newly licensed, entry-level nurse.”

Holcombe believes Northwestern’s nursing faculty should be recognized for their active role in preparing nursing students for a challenging healthcare career.

“The 100 percent pass rate is an indicator of program quality, a cutting edge curriculum, the work of our exceptional faculty, simulated experiences and the ability of students to gain real life experience at a variety of quality health care facilities,” said Holcombe. “Faculty have worked hard to offer a consistently rigorous, standard-driven program. Students understand professional values provide the foundation for quality nursing care. Northwestern’s ASN students are dedicated to the process of obtaining quality education which is reflected in the group’s pass rate and their success in being employed after graduation.”

Over the past several semesters, nursing faculty began several initiatives to prepare students for the NCLEX exam. Holcombe said NSU has moved to computerized testing, provided extra tutoring and utilized hospital provided simulation experiences to add to understanding of classroom knowledge in clinical learning environments. Students also receive active learning opportunities in the classroom.

“The students work hard over the course of the two years they are enrolled in the program, and we are very proud of them,” said Holcombe.

For more information on Northwestern State’s nursing programs, go to nsula.edu/academics/nursing-allied-health/nursing-program.

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):
Amanda Bailes, 440 Stephens Ave, Natch, La – Exp MVI
Brittany Bush, 100 Harry Dr, Natch, La – Exp MVI
Shameal Parker, 209 Henry Ave, Natch, La – Unlicensed Driver, NSB
Brittany Smith, 107 Martin Dr Apt 2, Natch, La – NSB, NCR
Stephen Varice, 142 MLK Dr, Natch, La – Follow too Close
Kennedy Blackman Jr., 1120 Magnolia St, Natch, La – Simple Assault
Briana Bolton, 323 E. Fifth St, Natch, La – DP, No Tail Lights, Unlicensed Driver, NCR, No DL, Ran Stop Sign, Unlicensed Driver, Exp MVI, NSB
Joann Howard, 460 Jean Marie, Natch, La – Telephone Harassment
Shanice Kelly, 701 Brahma Dr, Natch, La – Resisting an Officer
John King, 724 Lafayette St, Natch, La – SPOM
Dakedra Manning, 1120 Washington, Natch, La – Theft
Adarian Moore, 124 D Reba, Natch, La – Resisting an Officer
Temika Payton, 430 Howell St, Natch, La – DP
Beau Roberts, 193 Provencal Vowells Mill Rd, Natch, La – TBS
Billina Sanders, 1118 Old Robeline Rd, Natch, La – DP
Tialesha Thompson, 243 Melle St, Natch, La – DP
Kenyatta Barfield, 1108 Berry Ave, Natch, La – Simple Battery
Patrice Howard, 117 T Joe St, Natch, La – Unlicensed Driver
Randy Lewis, 1025 Allen St, Natch, La – TBS
Calvin Newton, 728 4th St, Natch, La – Follow too Close
Deondrea Scott, 313 Fairgrounds Rd, Natch, La – Domestic Abuse Battery
Kenneth Gay, 702 Myrtle Dr, Natch, La – SCDP

Trial (T):
Stephen Hudson Jr., 500 North St Apt M5, Natch, La – SPOM, SCDP
Verterrius Johnson, 926 Short 7th St, Natch, La – SCDP
William Johnson, 736 Sixth St, Natch, La – SPOM, Resisting an Officer
Shawanna Maxie, 190 Hwy 119 Apt 11, Natchez, La – (2) DP
Darick Wallace, 2085 Hwy 487, Marthaville, La – Simple Assault

Paid Notice

The McNeese State University Agriculture Alumni Chapter recently donated $15,000 to the McNeese Foundation for the McNeese Agriculture Alumni Scholarship #2. The scholarship was established for students majoring in agriculture or national resource conservation management with money raised through private donations and from proceeds of the chapter’s annual crawfish boil and auction. Dr. Chip LeMieux, third from left, director of the Harold and Pearl Dripps School of Agricultural Sciences, accepts the donation from Agriculture Alumni Chapter executive officers, from left, Wayne McVicker, of Lacassine, Jennifer Compton, of Jennings, and Jon Streete, of Natchitoches.

The Natchitoches Chapter No.13: Order of the Eastern Star will hold a multi-family INDOOR garage sale fundraiser Saturday, July 22 from 6:30 am – until at the Natchitoches Masonic Lodge, located at 110 Masonic Drive in Natchitoches.
Featured items include home décor including a Tiffany style lamp, children’s clothing, Miss Me Jeans, office and home furniture, kitchenware as well as clothing from infant to adult. All items are priced to sell!!