NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Ernie “Lou” Metoyer
September 16, 1935 – January 26, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, Jan. 30 from 9-10:30 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Natchitoches
Service: Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
Interment: St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Cloutierville

Mary Maggio Thompson-Willis
September 15, 1919 – January 24, 2018
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 10 am at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches
Interment: Catholic Cemetery

Oliver Johnson
January 18, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 9-10 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 11 am at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
Interment: St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery

Milton Lloyd Carter
January 27, 1952 – January 18, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 9-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Interment: Robeline Cemetery

Ida Lee Newton
January 18, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 12-2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Interment: St. Mark Methodist Church Cemetery in the New Town Community

Charlotte Ann Gonzaque Green
January 16, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 8:30-10 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 10 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Interment: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery

SURROUNDING AREAS:

Shirley Bonnette Lamartiniere
September 10, 1935 – January 24, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 8:30-11:00 am at the Kramer of Fifth Ward Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 12 pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Fifth Ward
Interment: Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery # 3

Sandra Smith
January 18, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 9:30-11 am at the New Willow Baptist Church of Leesville
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 11 am at the New Willow Baptist Church
Interment: Leesville Memorial Cemetery

Bobby Booker
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 12 pm at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: Gethsemane Baptist Church Cemetery

Betty Lucius Marsh
June 29, 1941 – January 24, 2018
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 10:30 am at Pisgah Baptist Church in Florien

Madison Paige Kelly
June 10, 1997 – January 22, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 11 am – 1 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 2 pm at Duchnese Cemetery

 

 

Lakeview Junior-Senior High School Band members Myla Porter, Jo Porter, and Zoie Britt performed in the L.M.E.A. District II Band Directors’ Association Honor Band concert at Tioga High School on Saturday, January 20, 2018. These students were selected to participate in this event by playing auditions last semester, which consisted of chromatic and major scales, two prepared pieces, and a sight reading selection. This year’s honor bands were selected from 22 participating schools in eight different parishes.

Sophomore Myla Porter placed third in the baritone section and freshman Jo Porter placed fourth in the trumpet section of the “Lafitte” Senior High Honor Band. This honor ensemble performed “Falcon Fanfare” by Brian Balmages, “In a Quiet Place” by Bill Calhoun, “Arabian Dances” by Roland Barrett, and “Twittering Machines” by Brian Balmages. The band’s conductor was Mr. Gregg Griffin, a graduate of NSU, who currently teaches in Erath, Louisiana.

Eighth grader Zoie Britt placed fourth in the flute section of the “St. Denis” Junior High Honor Band. Their performance selections were “Superheroes R Us” arranged by Michael Story, “Little Star” by Rob Grice, and “Armory” by Randall Standridge. The band’s conductor was Ms. Brittany Laza, a graduate of NSU, who currently teaches in Winnsboro, Texas.

Myla Porter, Jo Porter, and Zoie Britt are the students of Ms. Denise Roper, a graduate of LSU, who is in her fifth year as band director at Lakeview Junior-Senior High, and currently in her 27th year of teaching. Myla Porter has been a participant in the L.M.E.A. District Honor Band concert for three consecutive years, and her sister Jo Porter has been a participant for two consecutive years. Eighth grader Zoie Britt is a first time participant in the district honor band event. Both Myla and Zoie are in the Natchitoches Parish talented music program, and are students of Ms. Kelsey Wright.

You’ll want to save the date for two great events Northwestern State University is planning, which will both be held on March 23, 2018.

Flavor of Louisiana:

President Chris and First Lady Jennifer Maggio invite the public to the Flavor of Louisiana, a spring fundraiser and seafood extravaganza that celebrates our donors, supporters, alumni and students at NSU.

The Louisiana Seafood Board partnered with the NSU Foundation to showcase specialty dishes from some of the greatest restaurants across Louisiana.

Flavor of Louisiana will be held Friday, March 23 at 6 pm with music, cocktails, and specialty dishes at NSU’s Prather Coliseum. In conjunction with this event, the six colleges at NSU will host their very own fundraising booths that will assist in raising money for each of the colleges.

This event is hosted by the NSU Foundation and the Louisiana Seafood Board. All proceeds go to support the NSU faculty, staff, programs, and scholarships.

“This year we have added two new sponsorship levels, and have incorporated NSU’s six colleges to play a role in this event, said Rebekah Burleson, Assistant Director of Development. “With a large selection of great food, live entertainment, and good company, this is an event you do not want to miss.”

For more information contact the Office of University Advancement at (318) 357-4414.

Long Purple Line – Hall of Fame Luncheon:

NSU will honor six graduates by inducting them into the University’s alumni hall of distinction, the Long Purple Line at a luncheon Friday, March 23 at 12 pm in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom. Tickets are $20, which includes the lunch.

“We’ll continue to roll out the purple carpet treatment for our six inductees and guests this year, so we hope that you will be able to join in as we celebrate those six individuals receiving NSU’s highest honor,” said Van Erikson, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives arrested a Natchitoches woman in connection with an identity theft investigation after she allegedly forged checks of a man she allowed to live with her for a couple of months in 2017, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

NPSO High Tech Crime Unit detectives received information from a Natchitoches man on Dec. 5. He noticed several unauthorized transactions on his checking account during the period of October-November 2017 in the amount of approximately $2,487.

During the course of an investigation, detectives learned the complainant was given permission by a female identified as Cynthia B. Williams, of Natchitoches, to live with her for a couple months during June-October of 2017.

As the investigation progressed, detectives reviewed financial documents and gathered forensic evidence identifying Williams as a person of interest in the investigation. They interviewed Williams at the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division on Jan. 24.

During the interview, Williams allegedly confessed to forging some of the checks and then driving to Alexandria to cash one of the forged checks in the amount of $400.

As a result of the investigation, detectives arrested:

Cynthia B. Williams, 60, of the 300 block of Hwy. 504 in Natchitoches, who was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center and charged with 4-counts of Identity Theft, 3-counts of Illegal Transmission of Monetary Funds, and 1-count of Bank Fraud.

Williams remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting bond.

Detectives say the investigation is continuing with the possibility of additional charges.

Detective Amber Shirley investigated the case.

 

Jonathan Andino, a junior music student at Northwestern State University, recently won the Violin I category of the Music Teachers National Association South Central Division Competition, which was hosted by Northwestern State.

Andino, the Louisiana winner, competed against students Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. He will compete at the MTNA National Conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida March 17-21. Andino is from San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Last year, Andino won the Rapides Concerto Competition after receiving first place in the NSU Concerto Competition. He is a student of Professor of Applied Violin and Viola Dr. Andrej Kurti.

Kurti has won numerous competitions as a performer and said winning a competition requires a good performance level, strong mental and physical endurance, an approach that is both realistic and optimistic and timing the performance peak for the day of the competition.

“It is generally hard to win any competition,” said Kurti. “When you add to the previously mentioned factors talent, discipline, dedication and consistency, the results and artistic achievements can be impressive. Jonathan possesses all attributes mentioned above, he is always open for the constructive criticism, and he never ever complained. It is a joy being his mentor, especially when witnessing rapid and consistent progress and improvement.”

Andino performed “Adagio” from Bach “Sonata No. 1 in G Minor” Sibelius’ “Violin Concerto in D Minor” and Eugene Ysaye’s “Sixth Violin Sonata in E Major.” He will play the same works at the national competition.

“After winning the Rapides and NSU concerto competitions last year Dr. Kurti and I decided to work on a higher level repertoire to participate in a bigger competition, so we decided to participate in the Music Teachers National Association competition,” said Andino, “ We decided not only for a highly technical repertoire but also a very entertaining and impressive one.”

Andino thanked Kurti, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Greg Handel and accompanist Michael Young along with his family for their support.

 

The Relay For Life of Natchitoches Parish committee held its Relay For Life Blitz Day here in Natchitoches Jan. 12. Danielle Cobb, American Cancer Society staff partner; Brenda McCain, 2018 Event Lead; Laura Thomisee, a breast cancer survivor and committee member; and Addison Evans, the youngest Relay For Life Team Captain at 10-years-old visited Top Teams. Stops included Alliance Compressors, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, City of Natchitoches, BOM, Weyerhaeuser, SWEPCO, Walmart, and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.

This year’s Relay for Life event is scheduled for April 27 from 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. The theme is “Don’t Sit Calm, Stand Up and Fight Cancer.” Teams are asked to pick their favorite sit-com and decorate their tent site accordingly. International Paper- Red River Mill will be the Survivor Sponsor once again this year, hosting the Survivor Dinner the evening of the event.

Relay for Life is currently accepting new teams, new committee members as well as cancer survivors to participate in the day of activities.

Visit http://www.relayforlife.org/natchitochesla for more event details. Anyone interested in getting involved with the Relay For Life event can contact Danielle Antoon Cobb, Senior Community Development Manager at Danielle.Cobb@cancer.org.

 

 

 

The Rotarian with the Program, David Guillet, introduced the Director of Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery, Grant Weber, at the Rotary Club of Natchitoches meeting Jan. 23. The Natchitoches Fish Hatchery was established in 1931, is one of the largest federal fish hatcheries in the United States, and is celebrating its 75th Anniversary.

Rotarians Tommy Caldwell, Joe Sers and Eddie Harrington received Paul Harris Fellowship Awards from Natchitoches Rotary President David Zolzer (Photos Dr. Ron McBride).

 

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):
Early Antwine Jr., 1023 Berry Ave, Natch, La – Discharging Firearm
Terri Black, 4523 Tannehill LN, Austin, TX – No Vehicle Registration
Scotty Brisker, 2815 Red Oak Rd, Coushatta, La – DWI
Vivan Clark, 190 Sorgee Rd, Natch, La – DWI, No Brake Lights, NCR
Kevin Davis, 201 Barnum St, Campti, La – Exp MVI
Samuel Futrell, 211 Dunn Rd, Natch, La – DWI
Krystle Gates, University Columns, Tarlton Dr #511, Natch, La – TBS
Connie Helaire, Lakeview Apts #4216, Natch, La –Telephone Harassment
Samuel Johnson, 500 North St Apt N-7, Natch, La – DP
Randy Lewis, 1025 Allen St, Natch, La – TBS
Kendrick Nicholas, 175 Lebrus St, Natch, La – DP, No DL
Yolanda Pitts, 618 Hwy 478, Natch, La – TBS
Latarie Robinson, 206 Miranda Loop #2, Natch, La – NSB
Jada Smith, 601 Pavie St, Natch, La – DP
Shendell Solitaire, 1901 South Dr Lot #835, Natch, La – SPOM, (2) No DL
Louis Melancon, 1408 Bennie Davis St, Natch, La – Exp DL
Sheniece Melancon, 1408 Bennie Davis St, Natch, La – No Tail Light
Eleta Washington, 568 Grow St, Montgomery, La – NSB
Holly Borne, 112 B Amulet St, Natch, La – DP, DWI
Mary Bush, 120 Reba St, Natch, La – DP
Makeisha Taylor, 218 Airport Rd, Natch, La – TBS

Trial (T):
Alicia Glass, 1553 Grace St, Natch, La – TBS
Darrin Dickerson, 413 Bennette St, Natch, La – SPOM
Ashley Croll, 1501 North 5th St, Natch, La – TBS
Jermaine LaCaze, 911 Lake St, Natch, La – SPOM
Laerica Ellis, 1305 South 7th St, Monroe, La – SPOM
Shelley Baxter, 515 Fairgrounds Rd Lot 49, Natch, La – TBS
Shola Obialo, 1411 Holmes St, Natch, La – Simple Assault

 

Kevin’s Gallery

The NCHS’ soccer team held its senior night before a boys/girl’s doubleheader against Monroe’s Neville High School Jan. 23. The Chiefs, Natchitoches’ lone high school soccer program for over 20 years, presented 12 seniors to a crowd of friends, family and soccer fans.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes these impressive young men and women success in the remainder of their season and Godspeed in their future endeavors. We are looking forward to hearing good things about all of you in the future!

Matthew Brown

Son of Mike and Cathlyn Brown. Matthew has played soccer for 4 years at Natchitoches Central. He is a 4 year State Qualifier in Cross Country. This year he was awarded 1st Team All-District and 2nd Team All-State in Cross Country. He is also very active in his Youth Group at First United Methodist Church. Matthew plans to attend Northwestern State University and major in Secondary Education.

Aaron Foster

Son of Eddie & Reinette Foster. Aaron has played soccer each of his high school years. He is an active member of FFA and an officer for the past 2 years. He placed 4th in Agronomy at Nationals. After graduation, Aaron intends to enlist in the US Marine Corps.

Jake Stultz

Son of Rusty and Anne Stultz. Jake attended Natchitoches Central High School his freshman and sophomore years and Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts his junior and senior years. He has played soccer all 4 years for the Chiefs. He has been a member of the Natchitoches Central High School Orchestra as well as the Northwestern State University Orchestra and has performed at Carnegie Hall and throughout Europe. He has also earned All-State as well as All-National Orchestra Honors. Jake plans to attend Louisiana Tech University majoring in Mechanical Engineering and has been awarded an Outstanding Student Scholarship and been admitted to the Honors College.

Russ Stultz

Son of Rusty and Anne Stultz. Russ attended Natchitoches Central High School his freshman and sophomore years and Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts his junior and senior years. He has played soccer all 4 years for the Chiefs. He has been a member of the Natchitoches Central High School Orchestra and has performed at Carnegie Hall and throughout Europe. Russ plans to attend Louisiana Tech University majoring in Mechanical Engineering and has been awarded a Presidential scholarship and admitted to the Honors College. He has also been awarded a full four year Army ROTC scholarship.

Trevor Sullivan

Son of Rowena Sullivan and William Sullivan, Jr.. Trevor attended and played soccer at Slidell High School his freshman year. He has attended Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts for the last 3 years and has played soccer for the Chiefs all 3 of those years. At LSMSA, he is an academic peer tutor. He is undecided which college he will attend.

Dylan Price

Dylan is the son of Brad and Daviona Price. Dylan lettered in soccer for all of 4 years at NCHS and also lettered in football for 3 years. He has earned a 3.5 GPA  and plans to attend Louisiana Tech for aviation, and to become a pilot. Dylan was a state champion in meat identification for the NCHS Future Farmers of America last year. Additionally, Dylan was 2nd team all district in soccer and runner up for 1st team all district in soccer.

Thomas Wiggins

Son of Van and Lisa Wiggins. He has enjoyed being a player on the NCHS varsity soccer team for the past 4 years. He is also active in the fishing team and has enjoyed playing football and baseball as a NCHS chief. He is looking forward to graduating and attending NSU next year pursuing a degree in Engineering Technology.

Senior Annah Carnline was accompanied by her mother, Lois Carnline, and father, Wayne Carnline. She has lettered 2 years for the Lady Chiefs. She has proven to be a strong pillar, having 6 shut-outs just this season. In addition to her varsity soccer play, she is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Government Organization at NCHS. She has been awarded National Honors and Principal’s honor roll due to her outstanding GPA. After high-school she plans to attend LSU, where she will study in pre-med.

Senior Asia Dolliole was a accompanied by her mother, Marianne, and her father, Noe Cortez. She has lettered all 4 years for the Lady Chiefs. She has been varsity’s starting outside back for 3 years. Asia has 4 goals in her high school career. In addition to her play for the Lady Chiefs, she plays varsity tennis. She has an impressive 3.84 GPA . After high school she plans to attend ULL and study Criminal Justice.

Senior Tayla Rachal was accompanied by her mother, Carla Rachal. Tayla has lettered two years for the Lady Chiefs. In her 2 seasons of varisty play, she scored 3 goals. In addition to her play for the Lady Chiefs, she is involved in the National Honor Society at NCHS. Tayla has received several Principal honors, as she maintained a 3.83 GPA through her high school career. She plans to attend LSU and study biology.

Senior Kiara Padilla was accompanied by her mother, Shannon Santana. She has lettered two years for the Lady Chiefs. She has been a varsity starter for both seasons, and has tallied 18 goals thus far in her senior season. In addition to soccer at Natchitoches Central, Kiara is active throughout the athletic teams at the Louisiana School where she also serves as an ambassador. After high school she plans on attending NSU to major in criminal justice with a concentration in psychology and a minor in finance.

Senior Shaylynn Hargis was accompanied by her mother, Lynn, father, Gary, and sister, Linsey. She has played for the Lady Chief soccer team for 2 years, lettering her senior year. Shaylynn has scored a goal and assisted many combination plays in her senior season. In addition to her play for the lady chiefs, she plays varsity softball; all while maintaining an impressive 4.0_GPA. After high school she plans to attend ULL and study_nursing.

Senior Rolesha Colbert was accompanied by coach Yanci Johnson_. She has played for the Lady Chiefs for two years. Though not able to play because of injury, Rolesha has been the loudest and most supportive of our Lady Chiefs. In addition to her play for the Lady Chiefs, she is involved in JROTC and Slap team at NCHS_. After high school she plans to enlist with the Navy.

 

The washing machine at the parsonage is one of those front loading types. The dryer is also. The dryer is stacked on top of the washer. I can stand in the laundry room and watch the laundry wash and dry. Sometimes that is better than what is on television. I have entered the phase of watching old football games to get me through to NFL-pre-season in August. I am pondering giving up watching the NFL. I’m not interested in protests at football games nor the liberal drivel coming from ESPN, but I digress.

The washer at the Gibsland camp is the old fashioned load it from the top type. It has a clear lid so I can stand there and watch the laundry do its thing too. If you have never watched laundry in the machines you might try it. It is hypnotic. You can play games timing how long it takes the sweater to move from the front to the back and return. I know that none of you kill time like that. There are apps for killing time!

What both washing machines are missing is that thingy in the middle of the washing drum.

That thingy is called the agitator.

The internet, keeper of all knowledge, reads:
“In top loading washing machines, the agitator is responsible for moving the clothes through the water and detergent and is driven by the output shaft of the transmission.

The output shaft is normally splined and the center of the plastic agitator will have a matching spline to ensure a tight fit.”  The new washers have an agitation feature but it is done in different ways. The thingy in the middle is not there. You want your laundry agitated!

Read again the definition for agitator in washing machines. They move clothes through the process. They are necessary for the washing process.

I think I am going to follow God’s call to be an agitator. My goal is to move people through the process of knowing Christ. If someone knows Christ I want to agitate in such a way they will know Him better. I will agitate for the church to be a better place. I will agitate myself so that my life and faith are in alignment.

The thing about agitators, they are moving the process toward a better outcome. They not only point out what is wrong, they offer solutions and suggestions to make improvements.

Sunday I invite you to a gathering of agitators at your local church. They are agitating for change, to transform the world in the name of Jesus.

 

The St. Augustine Historical Society (SAHS) invites the public to attend its annual meeting Saturday, Jan. 27 at 6 pm. A mass at 5 pm with Rev. Charlie Ray will precede the meeting, which is being held to elect board members and to recruit new members. Refreshments will follow. The Church is located at 2250 Hwy. 484 in Isle Brevelle. For more information call 318-379-0009.

 

If you have not updated your driver’s license, the deadline for converted to a “Real ID” has been extended. The new deadline is in October.

In a news release, The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles reported:
Real ID credentials have been issued since October 3, 2016, and they are awaiting official confirmation from DHS that we are in full compliance. Louisiana has been in continuous contact with DHS, who has confirmed that the determination of compliance has been forwarded to the Secretary for official approval.

Although Louisiana is awaiting approval, DHS is in recognition of the coming enforcement deadline therefore has used there delegate authority to immediately grant an extension which will be valid through October 10, 2018. This means Louisiana citizens will still be allowed to use a non-expired Louisiana driver’s license or identification card for domestic air travel even if it has not been marked with a Real ID symbol.

 

 

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Mary Maggio Thompson-Willis
September 15, 1919 – January 24, 2018
Visitation: Friday, Jan. 26 from 5-7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 10 am at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches
Interment: Catholic Cemetery

Oliver Johnson
January 18, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 9-10 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 11 am at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
Interment: St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery

Henry Rachal, Sr.
August 22, 1935 – January 21, 2018
Service: Friday, Jan. 26 at 11 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville
Interment: St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery

Milton Lloyd Carter
January 27, 1952 – January 18, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 9-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Interment: Robeline Cemetery

Ida Lee Newton
January 18, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 12-2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Interment: St. Mark Methodist Church Cemetery in the New Town Community

Charlotte Ann Gonzaque Green
January 16, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 8:30-10 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 10 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Interment: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery

SURROUNDING AREAS:

Bobby Booker
Visitation: Friday, Jan. 26 fro, 12-6 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 12 pm at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: Gethsemane Baptist Church Cemetery

Betty Lucius Marsh
June 29, 1941 – January 24, 2018
Visitation: Friday, Jan. 26 from 6-8 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 10:30 am at Pisgah Baptist Church in Florien

Marlis Doyle Coffey
May 20, 1940 – January 24, 2018
Visitation: Friday, Jan. 26 from 1-2 pm
Service: Friday, Jan. 26 at 2 pm at Pat’s Chapel 1399 Hwy. 155 in Ashland.
Interment: Hathorn Cemetery in Ashland

Madison Paige Kelly
June 10, 1997 – January 22, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 11 am – 1 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, Jan. 27 at 2 pm at Duchnese Cemetery

 

Over the past year there have been numerous expressions of support from friends and organizations across the state encouraging me to consider the 2019 Senate race.

I am most certainly honored for their confidence and trust. My past service as a State Representative and currently as Parish President has provided me with valuable experience in Baton Rouge and in local government.

As the first president of Natchitoches Parish under the new Home Rule Charter government, we have made significant progress in many areas. In campaigning for this office, I made a commitment to the people of Natchitoches to dedicate myself to the task of establishing the new government, improving its services to the maximum extent possible and bring accountability, transparency and professional business management to local government. While much progress has been made, there is still important work to be done.

Through prayer and careful consideration with my wife, Mary Ann, and our family, I will continue my commitment to the people of Natchitoches who deserve a dedicated full-time Parish President.

I am confident that there will be others who will step forward and offer themselves as candidates for the senate position. I encourage all voters to observe and evaluate all candidates and make their voting choices based upon their respective qualifications and experience, and how well they would serve the public interest, both locally and on a state level.

THANK YOU, Natchitoches Parish for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your president.

May God bless you all.

Rick

Natchitoches Lions Club President, Dr. Cheryl Stoker, spoke to the club about her recent trip to participate in the March for Life 2018 in Washington DC on Jan. 20. Dr. Stoker traveled with fellow Natchitoches residents Shaun and Sarah Wheat. The trio bumped into a group of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School among the tens of thousands of pro-life Americans at the event.

“It’s hard to describe,” said Dr. Stoker. “There were so many people rallying in front of the Smithsonian. There were people as far as the eye could see, all the way back to the Washington Monument.”

After rallying, the crowd marched to the Supreme Court.

“It was a positive protest and I was glad to see that there were a lot of young people in attendance like the students from St. Mary’s,” she said. “It was a beautiful experience and I plan to go again next year.” This was her first time attending the march and Dr. Stoker said the crowd went wild when President Donald Trump addressed them on the Jumbotron.

 

 

Early morning January 23, longtime City Councilwoman Sylvia Morrow appeared in City Court and entered a plea of not guilty to theft charges. Ms. Morrow was charged with theft after an incident at the local Walmart Supercenter in town.

The incident has attracted attention because of the councilwoman’s high profile as well as the unusual situation of a sitting member of the city council being charged with theft.

Ms. Morrow is scheduled to have a trial on February 27 at 9 AM at City Court, located at 314 Amulet Street in Natchitoches.

 

By Joe Darby

I’ve been thinking recently that in my time I’ve been to some pretty interesting places. In the next few columns I’d like to share some stories with you about my travels — some routine but very nice trips to well-traveled places, as well as some treks to countries a little off the beaten path.

I’ll invite you to come along as I reminisce about travels to nations as diverse as England, Iceland, Guatemala and Argentina. I certainly hope you enjoy our trips. If you’re anything like me, you like to indulge in arm chair traveling when the real thing is not feasible.

For our first getaway I want to tell you about the time I spent some 18 hours on an airplane — one way. And I’m one of those folks who just can’t sleep on a plane — or in a car or bus for that matter. When I finally got to where I was going, I had work to do, but I was going into sleep deprivation by that time.

Wait, I’m getting ahead of myself. Here’s what it was all about. The Air Force Reserve 706th Fighter Squadron, based at the New Orleans Naval Air Station, was deploying for active duty to Aviano Air Base, a big and important NATO air base in northern Italy, between Venice and the Alps. The unit flew F-16 Falcon jets,, a small but terrific fighter for our Air Force.

Half of the unit would go over for two weeks and the rest of the unit would relieve them and deploy for two more weeks. As the military reporter for the New Orleans Times-Picayune, I and a photographer accompanied the second group to Italy. We were to have just a few hours on the ground, to get photos and for me to interview pilots and maintenance personnel about their mission there — which was to protect southern Europe and the Mediterranean area from any aggression.

We were to do our work while the plane that flew us and the second wave of AF Reserve personnel to Aviano was being serviced. That plane would then return the first bunch of reservists home, along with me and the photographer.

The chartered passenger plane in which we flew did not have the fuel capacity to fly directly from the US to Italy. So we took a few detours.

From New Orleans we flew to Gander, Newfoundland for our first refueling. Gander was a well-known stopping off point in the earlier days of transatlantic flights in the 1930s. So, being the history buff that I am, I appreciated being there.

But we were soon on our way to Iceland, the second gas stop. Iceland is a very rugged and beautiful land, but we stayed aboard the airplane during the stop and before long we took off for Italy. By the time we arrived at Aviano, we’d been on the plane for some 18 hours. Adding to that the time since I’d awoken at home that morning, I’d been awake for much longer than 24 hours.

We hooked up with some fighter pilots who wanted to take us to lunch, so we drove up to the foothills of the Alps, where snow covered much of the land. People were enjoying cross-country skiing. The restaurant was terrific, with friendly Italian girls, with their charming sing-song accents, as servers — all in all a grand meal.

Then, my sleep deprivation, compounded by after-lunch sleepies hit me. One pilot let me crash for a little while on a spare bed in his apartment on the base. I just about went into a coma. But, they woke me up in time to get my interviews.

By then, it was time to say a fond farewell to Aviano Air Base and head for home. By the time we got back to Iceland, I was getting rather goofy from fatigue, but we had time to walk around the very nice and modern airport terminal. One thing that struck me was the Icelandic women — 95 percent of them were blondes. All that Viking blood, you know.

The adventure was not nearly over, however. Back on the plane, while the refueling continued, we looked out the windows to see a magnificent display of the Northern Lights, something that relatively few of us are ever privileged to see. Then we noticed that a blizzard seemed to be rolling in and that the plane’s maintenance workers were frantically trying to de-ice our wings.

The fighter pilots on board seemed to be worried, by the expressions on their faces, so I got worried, too, as you might well imagine. However, icy wings and all, we took off safely, and after another refueling stop at Gander, we returned home to the warm climes of south Louisiana. At some point after Iceland, my inability to sleep on a plane was overcome by sheer exhaustion and I conked out. The rest of the flight was a little fuzzy.

But it was a very special and unusual trip, providing me a memory that I still treasure. What’s not to like? The Alps, Iceland, northern lights, the company of wonderful Air Force pilots and personnel. Yeah, a good trip. Even if I did get a little drowsy.

 

Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. (CRNHA), will host a brown bag lunch and learn lecture entitled, “Nature Journaling with a Private Eye” on Friday, Jan. 26 from 11 am – 1 pm at the US Army Corps of Engineers Grand Ecore Visitor Center.

Guest lecturer Terri Jacobson will provide an overview of the Red River National Wildlife Refuge (RRNWR), a department under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tasked with preserving the unique ecosystem in Northwestern Louisiana. Jacobson is a biologist, ranger, and educator for the Red River National Wildlife Refuge who will introduce the “Private Eye” method of nature journaling.

“We encourage nature enthusiasts to join us and start the new year off by becoming a Private Eye nature observer,” remarked Logan Schlatre, CRNHA Heritage Ranger. Jacobson will demonstrate how to closely study nature with a magnifying lens called a jeweler’s loupe and observe the smaller details of our environment. The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session and end with a creative writing and drawing exercise. Opt outside with our jeweler’s loupes and discover just how fascinating nature can be.

The lecture, demonstration, and nature walk will be approximately an hour and half long and will take place at the Grand Ecore Visitor Center on January 26th from 11am-1pm. The lecture is free, but space is limited. Visitors are asked to bring your own brown bag lunch. For reservations or questions, contact Cane River NHA at 318-356-5555.

 

The Natchitoches Parish 9-1-1 Communications Commission conducted its first meeting for 2018 on Jan. 23. The first order of business was the swearing in by Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court, David Stamey, of the Commission’s newest member, Fire Chief John Wynn.

Chief Wynn replaces outgoing Fire Chief Crit Miller, who retired on Jan. 22. Board Chairman, Chief Micky Dove, thanked outgoing Commissioner Miller for his dedicated service to the Commission and welcomed Chief Wynn to the Commission during an exciting time involving many changes in the 9-1-1 community.

In addition to regular business, the Communications Commission also adopted resolutions confirming the its meeting dates for 2018, approving the employee holiday schedule for 2018, approving an operational strategy for the relocation of both public safety 9-1-1 call answering facilities to the new NATCOM Emergency Communications facility upon its completion, and approving the engagement of Ms. Deborah Dees, CPA, to perform the 2017 annual audit. Officers for the 2018 term are Chief Micky Dove, Chairman, Larry Atteridge, Vice Chairman, and Mary Jones, Secretary.

Architect George Minturn and 9-1-1 Director Carter also provided the Commission with an update of the NATCOM project. Minturn stated that weather has caused many delays that has resulted in the completion date for the project being pushed possibly to March 2018.

Carter said, “Delays in the project have been frustrating; however I am confident that the citizens, visitors, and travelers through Natchitoches will be rewarded with an opportunity to see a much more effective public safety deployment process when the facility is completed.”

 

All Natchitoches Parish Head Start Classrooms received Hatch tablet class packs to connect each student in the latest educational technology. IStartSmart Elite enables children to work independently; they can access fun, educational and skill-building games while teachers can monitor their progress in real time. Over 1,700 school districts and Head Start organizations benefit from iStartSmart Elite. Pictured is Head Start Director Chriscella Metoyer and Education Coordinator Deandra Chandler.