A Natchitoches woman has been arrested on Theft and Unauthorized Use of Access Card charges following an investigation by the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Monday, Nov. 27, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division responded to a reported theft in the 7000 block of Hwy. 6 near Natchitoches.

Deputies say upon their arrival, while speaking with the complainant they learned that two-hundred dollars in cash had been stolen from her purse and several unauthorized purchases had been charged to her personal debit card.

Deputies completed an offense report and turned the case over to the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit for investigative purposes.

During the investigation, detectives developed a person of interest identified as 34 year-old Tammie Lynn Brian of Natchitoches.

Detectives began reviewing financial documents learning four unauthorized transactions amounting to approximately $255.39 had been made on the complainant’s debit card.

Three other attempted transactions were declined.

Detectives then began to review surveillance video at various business locations where the purchases were made.

As the investigation progressed, detectives positively identified Brian as the person making the unauthorized purchases.

On December 12, detectives interviewed Brian at the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division.

As a result of the interview and other forensic evidence, detectives obtained a criminal arrest warrant for the arrest of Brian signed by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge.

On February 1, NPSO Warrants Division Deputies arrested Tammie L. Brian, 34, of the 400 block of Eight Mile Loop, Natchitoches, La.

Brian was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 1-count of Theft, 7-counts of Unauthorized Use of an Access Card and 7-counts of Illegal Transmission of Monetary Funds.

Brian remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center with bond set by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge at $25,000 dollars.

Involved in the investigation and arrest were: Detectives V. Kay, A. Shirley and C. Etheredge.

 

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The NCHS Lady Chiefs won their first round Division II playoff game against Ouachita 2-1 in double overtime Feb. 2. Sophomore Madison Brown scored the two goals. The Lady Chiefs will travel to Lafayette to play St. Thomas Moore Monday, Feb. 5 at 3:30 p.m.

 

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Since 1949, Boy Scout troops have participated in annual Iditarod sled races and Scout skills events, and this year was another fun and exciting adventure as Troop 60 (Natchitoches) participated in the Norwela Council Iditarod Jan. 26-28 and brought home two first place ribbons and two second place ribbons in the six event competition. Scouts built wooden sleds that are loaded with required items and must be pulled during the race. Teams receive clues that when solved lead to various places around Kinsey Scout Ranch and stations where their Scout skills are tested.

Troop 60’s first clue led to a fire starting station where each group raced under time to get a fire started quickly using whatever of the wet camp area they could. After they got the fire started, they received another clue and raced off to another station, where they cut through a pine log in record time using a cross-cut saw and cheerful spirit. Using great teamwork, Troop 60 Scouts earned their first blue ribbon in the wooden nickel event!

Then they were off to demonstrate their first aid knowledge and skills and then to a leadership and communication exercise where the Scouts had to fold a tarp while standing on it, blindfolded, listening to the instruction of one sighted youth. Again, their great teamwork led to another first place finish with the fastest time for the most folds without falling off. Their next clue led them to an orienteering skills test, where they put their compass knowledge on the line and paced out an accurate route from a starting azimuth for a second place ribbon. Their final station asked that they build a useful camp gadget using what they had on their sled and several loose pieces of wood, and within a minute they had a functioning wooden rope swing and a gleeful Scout swinging as proof of concept for another second place win.

Congratulations to Troop 60 for their excellent showing this year! Troop 60 welcomes interested potential Scouts aged 11-17 to visit our meetings Thursdays at 7 pm at First United Methodist Church on Second St in Natchitoches. For more information, see BSATroop60.wordpress.com

 

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Natchitoches Parish Fire District 6 donated a 500 gallon, 1985 pumper truck to Fire District 18 in Rapides Parish on Feb. 2. District 6 Fire Chief Michael and District 18 Fire Chief Roy Waters signed paperwork to transfer the title. District 6 Board of Directors Chair Johnny Possoit and area firefighters were on hand to see the transfer take place.

Originally operating as the Lecompte Volunteer Fire Department, poor performance during a Property Insurance Association review, dropped the fire rating to a 10 and increased homeowner insurance rates. Fire District 18 was formed and Waters said this new fire truck will help raise the district’s fire rating.

With him at the meeting in Natchitoches were Herman Williams, a member of the Fire District 18 Board; Randy Gilchrist, secretary for Fire District 18; and Alderman Patrick Baker, commissioner for the fire department.

Most of the trucks Fire District 6 uses carry around 2,000 gallons of water since there’s no fire hydrants to pull from. The smaller 500 gallon pumper truck didn’t do them much good, but Fire District 18 has access to fire hydrants so the smaller truck was the perfect fit.

“We had one of our trucks go down,” said Williams. “We were a truck short, so this one will fit right in and we appreciate the favor from Fire District 6.”

Senator Gerald Long also attended the meeting as both Rapides and Natchitoches Parishes are in his senatorial district.

“I’ve come to know both of these areas as a senator,” he said. “This is a great experience of two communities working together.”

The truck served as a reserve truck for Fire District 6, which covers the outskirts surrounding the city limits of Natchitoches. The truck was bought used and through the years Fire District 6 replaced its fleet, so the truck was no longer needed according Sesvold. He heard that District 18 was in need through the State Fire Marshal’s Office and answered the call.

 

 

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The Northwestern State University Students for Animal Protection (SAP) organization will host a Mardi Paws Ball benefiting the Natchitoches Humane Society on the college campus in the Student Union Ball Room on Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $10 for NSU/ LSMSA Students and $20 for non-students. This event includes door prizes, music, food and guest speakers Mayor Lee Posey and Sheriff Victor Jones.

Call Haley Tucker for information, (337)353-9725 or e-mail htucker112936@nsula.edu.

 

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Northwestern State University’s Cammie G. Henry Research Center has a new Assistant Archivist, Sharon Wolff.

Wolff hails from Syracuse, NY and earned her BA and Master’s degree from SUNY Albany. She joined the NSU faculty in September, 2017. Her hobbies include watching old TV shows and listening to ’60’s rock. Her other hobby, baking, was to prove fortuitous in the Cammie G. Henry Center’s new display “Bitter-Sweet: A Celebration of Coffee, Cake and Candy.”

The display features fine china from the NSU President’s home as well as a collection of vintage recipes and Valentines from the archive’s extensive collections. Ms. Wolff, an avid baker, particularly enjoyed looking through the archives collection of cookbooks “It was a real pleasure to read through the old recipes in the collection.” said Wolff.

The display will open with a reception on Thursday, February 8th with a reception in the Cammie G. Henry Research Center from 3:30-5 pm. The items will be on display until May 11. The Center is on the 3rd floor of NSU’s Watson Library.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal would like to take this opportunity to welcome Sharon Wolff to our community and wish her every success in her academic career.

 

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Kiwanian Anita Dubois presented January’s Terrific Kids at Natchitoches Magnet School with certificates recognizing them for their character development, self-esteem and perseverance. Students recognized included: Isaiah Freeman, Derhani Alexander, Jazmin Martinez, Ay’layjia Kirts, Colton LaCour, Ronald Bolton, Sienna Henderson, Bryan Chen, Ana Baltazar-Lorenzo, Matthew Dawson, Jamaica Sterling, Megan Helaire, Joshua Nolley, Madison Hicks, Ashlyn Below and Laura Dove.

 

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Edward Allen Corder, Sr.
February 19, 1935 – February 2, 2018
Visitation: Monday, Feb. 5 from 9-11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Monday, Feb. 5 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery

Ida Moody Mitchell
January 31, 2018
Arrangements TBA

DeEtte Wilkinson Tomka
February 16, 1944 – January 24, 2018
Service: Saturday, Feb. 24 at 11 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 533 Second Street in Natchitoches
Interment: Trinity Bell Tower Columbarium

SURROUNDING AREAS:

Roy Etheredge
Feb. 1, 2018
Service: Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 11 am at First Baptist Bossier
Visitation: Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 10 am in the Faith Chapel at First Baptist Bossier, located at 2810 E. Texas St meet in Bossier City

Jeffrey Fowler
February 2, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Charleson M. Hawn Sr
July 18, 1945 – February 1, 2018
Visitation: Monday, Feb. 5 from 8-9:30 am at the Kramer of Fifth Ward Funeral Home
Service: Monday, Feb. 5 at 10 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Interment: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery #3, Fifth Ward

Joy Nell Walker Rogers
June 17, 1935 – January 31, 2018
Visitation: Monday, Feb. 5 from 5-8 pm at Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield
Service: Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 10 am at the First United Methodist Church of Winnfield

 

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Get ready for some legendary food when Chicken Express opens in Natchitoches. The restaurant will hold a soft opening Monday, Feb. 5 from 10 am – 10 pm.  The grand opening event will be held Wednesday, Feb. 14 from 10 am – 10 pm.

Owners Roy and Robert Harris grew up working in their father’s poultry farming business in Texas. In operation since 1957, Roy and Robert are still involved in its daily operations. Robert manages the business. Roy helps with the family business. He and his wife Mary both teach in Texas and own Bridge Bay Resort in Many.

Going from one end of the chicken to the other, Roy and Robert decided to open a Chicken Express. “You gotta start with something you like,” said Robert with a smile.

“Chicken Express doesn’t have that corporate food chain feel,” said Roy. “It’s a family run business.

With family ties to the Many, Converse and Negreet areas, the Harris brothers have always enjoyed taking trips to Natchitoches. When looking at locations for their restaurant, it felt like a perfect fit.

“We’ve always loved Natchitoches,” said Roy. “We liked the town’s history and culture and, with it being a college town, we felt like it was a good place for this business opportunity.”

All the “fresh” (not frozen) chicken products are precisely marinated; dipped in a secret batter mix and cooked to perfection. This gives the customer a hot and juicy flavoring, that’s unique to Chicken Express. The best part is, up to a 3-piece meal, you can choose any combo of chicken at no additional charge.

But that’s not all. There’s also whole filets of catfish fried to golden perfection and Chicken Express’s famous sweet tea, which is sold by the gallon. Choose from a variety of sides including cheese sticks, fried pickles, jalapeño poppers, mac & cheese, corn poppers, fried okra, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob and cherry/apple pie.

It’s not just about the products for Roy and Robert Harris. They never want to meet a stranger and feel engaging with the community is essential. First Responders will receive a 10% discount.

“We want to know the people who come into our store and we want them to know us,” said Roy.

Thinking about adopting a four-legged friend? Look no further than the Natchitoches Animal Control Shelter.

Carlos is a young male cat that loves to purr and cuddle near your shoulder.

Riley is 1-2 year old, playful male dog. He is a happy, smart, strong dog looking for a home that can take time to meet his needs.

Mason is a sweet male puppy looking for a wonderful family to adopt him.

The Natchitoches Animal Control Shelter is located at 450 Fairgrounds Road in Natchitoches. The Animal Control office is open to the public Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Adoptions are held Monday-Friday from 8 am – 3 pm.

Adoption fees:
Dogs older than 6 weeks: $55
Dogs vaccinated with dewormer: $75
Dogs fixed and vaccinated with dewormer: $125
Kittens older than 8 weeks: $10
Kittens vaccinated: $25
Cats: $20
Cats vaccinated: $35
Cats fixed: $75

Animal Control is still in need of donations of supplies and materials. Needed items include dog food, collars, leashes, brushes, cat litter, flea shampoo and cleaning supplies. For more information call (318) 357-3885.

 

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Dear Parish Families,

Happy New Year and we trust your holidays were filled with all of the love, warmth, good food, family, friends and fond memories the holidays are intended to bring.

In an effort to better serve you in 2018, did you
know Outpatient Medical Center Inc.:

– Offers Urgent Care Services. It is more cost effective for you to seek
Urgent Care Services in our health system than at the hospital.

– Offers same day walk-in services? While we prefer that our patients call to make an appointment, we realize and respect the fact that sometimes when you’re not feeling well, simply walking in to receive the compassionate services you deserve is easier than trying to make an appointment.

– Has expanded our service offering to include school-based services? We encourage the staff and parents of students at L.P. Vaughn and Natchitoches Junior High School to utilize our L.P. Vaughn school-based health center for your primary care needs.

– Will soon commence offering substance abuse treatment services across our health system to meet a growing parish family need for said services?

– Helps parish families qualify for Medicaid and other insurance coverage available on the healthcare exchange? To date our dedicated Outreach and Enrollment Services staff have helped thousands of parish families qualify for same

– Will soon offer primary care services until 6pm and on Saturdays to better accommodate working families who find it hard to get to the doctor during the regular workday/work week? We understand and are sensitive to the fact that cost-effective healthcare needs to be there for you when/where you can most easily access it and so we’re expanding our hours of operation to better meet your primary care needs

– Continues to expand our Behavioral Health Services service line to meet a growing parish family need for said services?

– Is working hard to continually improve the sensitivity and professionalism with which we care for you? At Outpatient Medical Center Inc., we see, honor and respect you for the wonderful person that you are. You are not just another number. Daily, our Administration encourages, motivates and demands our dedicated employees to treat
you, our valued patient, with the dignity, honor, respect and cultural sensitivity you deserve.

– Is seeing more community families bringing their children back to our health system? We humbly thank you and want to see more of our parish families trust Outpatient Medical Center Inc. for their children’s medical, dental and behavioral health services needs.

– We have written commitments for over $700,000 in new health center funding to increase colorectal screenings, increase pre-diabetes screenings, to issue free diabetic monitors and test strips to patients who qualify to receive same, to expand behavioral health services across our health system and to expand primary care services across our health system?

For the first time in decades, our health system is stabilized and our clinical team is 90%+ staffed. Equally important, our health system is financially strong and we are well-positioned for a strong 2018!!!!!!!! The more the community uses your community health system, the more of our valued parish families we are privileged to care for and the
more parish families we can create jobs for (smile). And as I close, let me ask for your immediate support with this: Federal funding for Community Health Centers across this country is at risk. The very systems that at one point did not want to treat the uninsured and under-insured are lobbying hard to transfer federal funding currently going to support community health centers across this country into their health systems; which
would result in thousands of community health centers closing across the country and thousands of community health center staff losing their jobs.

May we never forget why the community health center movement was born as part of our country’s social equality movement and as healthcare IS local/community; there remains a critically-important reason for community health centers to remain viable. Did you know:

– There are numerous studies that suggest community health centers are one of our country’s most cost-effective means by which for people to receive their primary care services?

– Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) now represent the largest independent owned/operated primary care group in the continental United States?

– FQHCs now cumulatively provide integrated primary care services for over 26 million people across the United States and growing?
– FQHCs provide compassionate integrated primary care services for anyone needing said services irrespective of their ability to pay?
– FQHCs have proven their ability to help lower our nation’s total healthcare expense outlay?
– FQHCs are recognized and respected for being chronic disease care specialists?
– FQHCs have been on the front lines helping to keep communities across this country healthy and whole for over 50 years now?
– FQHCs help support the local community/state economic engine? Outpatient Medical Center Inc. pumps over $6.5 million dollars into the parishes where we have a health center (and growing). At the state level, the 35 FQHCs across our state pump almost a half billion dollars into our state’s economic engine.
– FQHCs help keep local communities strong by employing people from the local community? Our business model has been and forever will remain – community taking care of community!!!!!!!

I ask that you pick up the phone and let your legislative officials know you support your local FQHC and strongly urge them to continue federal funding for this vital community health resource. Outpatient Medical Center Inc. is your community health center and caring for your family IS what we do!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wishing your family and you continued blessings and good health in the New Year.

Be well; be informed, be healthy and in touch.

 

Natchitoches
1640 Breazeale Springs St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
1-800-268-5872

Leesville
908 South 10th Street
Leesville, La 71446
1-800-308-7569

Tallulah
804 Beech St.
Tallulah, LA
1-800-308-7566

OMC is now accepting new patients and welcomes active duty, reserve, retired military
Veterans and their families. OMC is now offering flu shots. Visit our website at http://www.outpatientmedical.org.

 

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Six hundred and eighty-eight students were named to the Fall 2017 President’s List at Northwestern State University. Students on the list earned a grade point average of 4.0. Those named to the President’s List listed by hometown, in Natchitoches Parish and surrounding areas are as follows:

Alexandria– Chris Vincent Advincula, Alecia Alford, Markeyla Anderson, Courtney Brown, Kimberly Colston, Anne David, Tyler Flynn, Amy Girtman, Ian Grant, Whitney Joffrion, Gustov Johnson, Tadriel Jones, Luke Laborde, Emily Leone, Allison McCloud, Ashley Mitchell, Madeline Mitchell, Kaycee Ouber, Madeline Pharis, Hailey Urena, Eric Weinzettle;

Ashland – Victoria Roderick;

Barksdale, AFB – Arielle Martignetti;

Baton Rouge – Logan Ashley, Meagan Barbay, Diamanisha Betts, Peyton Clark, Henrietta Mercer, Dakota Newman, Markeisha Patterson, Colleen Reese, Maria Rome, Aimee Rowlen, Jordan Williams,

Bossier City – Cassie Bailey, Abigail Barkley, Alexander Butler, Jonathan Castillo; Elisa Ceballos, Peyton Davis, Joshua Greer, Whitney Guidry, Nicholas Hopkins, Nourain Jamhour, Anqumesha Jeter, Haley Jorgensen, Tina Kile, Chelsea Laverdiere, Kelsea Long, Mary Katheryn Lummus, Alexandra Madrid, Stephen Masson, Alexa McKnight, Madison Morris, Yadira Ocanas, Katherine Parson, Melissa Raley, Timothy Rice, Jami Rivers, Madison Rowland, Rheagan Rowland, Gerald Shouse, Tori Spraggins, James Taylor, Gennadiy Vavrenyuk, Madalyn Watson, Kiera White;

Boyce – John Carley, Curtis Fennell, Dylan Frazier, Stacey Gannaway, Lachan Misner, Julie Nelson;

Campti – Alisha Bedgood, Trenton Parker, Jordan Rowell;

 

Coushatta – Kori Allen, Sydney Anderson, Debra Hanson, Karisma Jones, Cynthia Lawson, Allison Longino, Baley McAlexander, Shalondria Rainey, Jon Russell, Jacob Shaver;

Derry – Viola Roque;

Florien – Travis Cook, Megan Wagley, Zachary Williams, Meagan Wilmore;

Fort Polk – Abigail Bracy, Laura Gee, Shaunda Gordon, Lapaili Iaulualo, Jennifer Lara, Blaise Nkengafac, Lindsay Romero;

 

Goldonna – MacKenzie Johnson, David Day, Harley Godwin, Hannah McGrew, Ashlee Scott;

Leesville – Dakota Abrams, Lyric Bacote, Kelly Bishop, Marilyn Brooks, Alexis Bynog, Michael Cain, Charlotte Cassin, Raven Collins, Kaitlyn Connors, Carter Coriell, Caitlin Deon, Conner Dillon, Raegan Dotson, Tyana Ellis, Miranda Fulks, Cheyenne Grigg, Johnny Hagan, Kimberly Henley, Angelica Hilton, Emily Jackson, Caitlan James, Zachary Keeton, Antonia Kettner, Jessica Mango, Karl Marzahl, Miranda Mize, Paula Pilkenton, Jennifer Rader, Kaplan Rolon, Heather Snell, Peggy Stanley, Linda Strauss, Tabitha Vasquez, Matthew Ward, Natalie West;

Lena – Tracy Benjamin;

Mansfield – Samantha Powell, Brooke Smith, Shelby Hebert;

Many – Brittney Garcie, Sarah Heard, Heidi Knight, Kailey Leach, Taylor Leach, Athena Mitchell, Samantha Simmons;

Marthaville – Emeri Manasco, Hanna Pardee;

Maurice – Adam Courville, Michael Daly, Adele Vincent, Elise Vincent;

Natchitoches – Luz Arrieta Jimenez, Francisco Ballestas-Sayas, Lauren Bennett, Alanna Benoit, Morgan Bozeman, Alana Branam, Lindsay Brumley, Maria Carmona-Ruiz, Fabian Correa Guette, Catherine Davis, Cieara Davis, Elliot Davis, Kelsy Davis, Jessica Escobar, Eric Fredieu, Pamela Gross, Ashtyn Hare, Saul Hernandez, Ashlyn Hogan, Kaitlyn Hotz, Maina Ibn Mohammed, Thaven Jackson, Michael James, Shayla Johnson, Jeremy Jones, Anna Jordan, Joshua Kaufman, Casi Killian, Colby Koontz, Lindsay Lee, Carlomagno Leon Jimenez, Scott Macqueen, Alba Maloff, Miranda Mayeaux, Andrew McAlister, Joseph McClung, Oni Melendez Carrillo, Amber Minor, Paul Monroy Galeyeva, Shanteria Montgomery, William Montgomery, Zachary Parker, Xandria Petty, Abigail Poe, Jonah Poe, LaKendria Remo, RaeGan Rogers, Amelia Ryland, Kayla Salas, Faith Stanfield, Madeline Taylor, Victoria Thompson, Ashlyn Vitte, Richard Walsh, Madysen Watts, Kaylee Weakley, Mary Whitehead, Rylee Wyer;

Pineville –Zainalabideen Abd, Riley Bell, Raegan Brocato, Samantha Browning, Carrigen Cain, Mason Caubarreaux, Glory Deaton, Sara Dorsey, Amber Edmisson, Katlin Ernst, Heather Fontenot, Cory Franklin, Caleb Howell, Corey King, Carlee Lake, Connor Littleton, Emily Litton, Alyssa Lloid, Michael Martin, Emily McCarty, Austin Nelson, Lizzie Slaughter, Wesley Williams, Alan Winegeart, Rebecca Wingate;

Provencal – Kara Gandy, Bailey Scarbrough;

Robeline – Joshua Dockens, Mallary Lester, Megan Palmer, Caleb Wester;

Saline – Sincerely Qualls;

Shreveport – Angelica Bartlett, Erica Brothers, Erin Brown, Brianna Burke, Michael Cade, Caitlin Coker, Derienne Copeland, Brent Crawford, Abigail Davis, Naterria Davis, Kevin Denks, Kimberly Dennis, Jackson Driggers, Chelsea Edwards, Whitney Elster, Valarie Francis, Ellen Grappe, Destinee Green, Mariah Hester, Natalie Hirsch, Jada Johnson, Cavonte Jones, Kiera Jones, Nickolas Juneau, Christina Killebrew, Kristi Laborde, Casey Long, William Mahoney, Hunter Martin, LaTonya Martin, Madison Milligan, Shanautica Montgomery, Hannah Nicholls, Maria Ogletree, Kendrick Payne, Deanna Peveto, Hayden Pilcher, Taylor Poleman, Anthony Richard, Keyonna Roberson, Zachary Sanders, Yuriana Sauseda, Jarred Sepulvado, Kendall Sneed, Shelby Sowers, Christa Sprawls, Somer Stratton, Sara Vineyard, Tim Whatley, Gaylin White, JeVannica Williams, Marcus Williamson, Jonathan Zavalydriga;

Sibley – Julianna Schober;

Winnfield – Erica Burnett, John Collins, Simona Curry, Trenton Dill, Rhonda Duff, Jourdan Fitzgerald, Joshua Goins, Rebecca Hodnett, Alexis Jackson, Kelsey Jordan, Elizabeth Parker;

Zwolle – Jared Fisette, Keymon Houston, Holly Laroux, Shakelia Maxie, Ethan Morgan, Holden Rivers.

 

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Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer a Line Dane class beginning Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 127 of the Health and Human Performance Building. The class will be held each Tuesday through March 13. The fee is $65.

Line Dancing is a fun way to dance socially without a dance partner. Dancing styles covered in this class will include country western, zydeco, hip-hop and an introduction to salsa and waltz.

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

 

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Two art students at Northwestern State University were selected as winners of this year’s art car design competition and their work is being featured at the 2018 Washington, D.C., Auto Show that runs through Feb. 4.

“Rose,” a design by Taylor Zane Bush of Rogers, Arkansas, won first place and “Lines” by Sarah Hill of Boyce won second. Julien Montousse, head of design for Mazda North American Operations, chose the winning designs with his Irvine, California-based team. Mazda installed Rose on a 2018 Mazda Miata MX-5 RF that is on exhibit during the annual exhibition, one of the nation’s top five auto shows. The world class event continues to wow audiences with its cutting-edge exhibits, latest model cars and displays of historic vehicles.

This is the second year in a row that designs by NSU students were selected as winners of the competition. Their submissions were coordinated by Associate Professor of Art Collier Hyams.

Bush, who is majoring in Fine and Graphic Art, said that when developing the concept for his design, he thought of what kind of person would drive that type of car.

“I myself drive a mid-sized crossover, and I remember my friends referring to my ride as a ‘Mom Car.’ So, I began to think, ‘What do moms like? Maybe I can do some sort of pattern on this car.’”

Doing research, he found a unique chevron pattern, drawing the lines in rose gold, a color popular with women. In applying the design to the Mazda MX 5 RF, he adjusted his original concept to the car.

“I wanted the line to be somewhat reflective and/or have a shine to it. To get this look we then went for a gold as close to the rose gold as we could, which I think was a perfect fit for this car and its style,” Bush said.

“My design, ‘Stripes,’ for the Art Car Project was the last design I created,” said Hill, who is also majoring in Fine and Graphic Art. “My design is based off a minimalist representation of the reflection of sound. I came up with this idea while I was researching the theme or reflection based surfacing and listening to music. Which ultimately led to me approaching it with the idea of incorporating sound waves as my primary influence.

The 2018 Washington Auto Show is being held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Information is available at https://www.washingtonautoshow.com.

Pictured above, a 2018 Mazda Miata MX-5 RF with a wrap design by NSU student Taylor Zane Bush is on exhibit at the Washington, D.C., Auto Show, one of the nation’s top five auto shows.

 

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New Northwestern State football coach Brad Laird will unveil his first signing class at a Demon Quarterback Club Signing Day luncheon next Wednesday, Feb. 7, at the Friedman Student Union Ballroom on campus.

Doors open for the buffet-style lunch at 11:45, with the program starting shortly after noon. Admission is $20.

Guests will be able to watch video highlights on each signee and will receive a packet of biographic information on the signing class. Laird and his staff will provide insight on each signee, and the new Demon coach will also outline plans for spring practice and other upcoming events for Demon football.

Since he was hired in late November as head coach, Laird has put a heavy emphasis on Louisiana high school prospects while working on completing the Demons’ Class of 2018.

Season tickets for the Demons’ five 2018 home games, including contests against in-state rivals Nicholls and McNeese, will be on sale at the luncheon, along with licensed NSU Demon gear. Demon football posters will be given away to guests.

 

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Kiwanian Anita Dubois presented January’s Terrific Kids at Natchitoches Junior High with certificates recognizing them for their character development, self-esteem and perseverance.

 

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Edward Allen Corder, Sr.
February 19, 1935 – February 2, 2018
Visitation: Monday, Feb. 5 from 9-11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Monday, Feb. 5 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery

Joy Dowden Cockrum
October 1, 1952 – January 31, 2018
Service: Saturday, Feb. 3 at 2 pm at Kisatchie Baptist Church in Kisatchie
Interment: Kisatchie Cemetery
Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 3 from 12-2 pm at Kisatchie Baptist Church, located at 1809 Hwy. 118 in Kisatchie

Ida Moody Mitchell
January 31, 2018
Arrangements TBA

DeEtte Wilkinson Tomka
February 16, 1944 – January 24, 2018
Service: Saturday, Feb. 24 at 11 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 533 Second Street in Natchitoches
Interment: Trinity Bell Tower Columbarium
SURROUNDING AREAS:

James Napier
November 24, 1949 – January 31, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 3 at 5 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Zwolle
Service: Sunday, Feb. 4 at 1 pm at First Baptist Church of Zwolle
Interment: Sardis Cemetery

Adam “Goose” Keith Maddox
January 6, 1970 – January 31, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 3 from 4-10 pm and Sunday, Feb. 4 from 8-10 am at the Kramer of Fifth Ward Funeral Home
Service: Sunday, Feb. 4 at 10 am in the chapel of Kramer of Fifth Ward Funeral Home
Interment: St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Cemetery

John Albert Tucker Jr
March 15, 1965 – January 31, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10 am – 12 pm
Service: Saturday, Feb. 3 at 12 pm in the chapel of Kramer Funeral Home of Fifth Ward Funeral Home
Interment: Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery in Dupont

Annie Edwards
Service: Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11 am at Flower Hill Baptist Church in Keatchie
Interment: Flower Hill Cemetery in Keatchie

Klaudia Robinson
Service: Saturday, Feb. 3 at 2 pm at New Jersusalem Baptist Church in Many
Interment: New Jerusalem Cemetery in Many

Fasper Freeman
Service: Saturday, Feb. 3 at 1 pm at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Kingston
Interment: Mt. Zion Cemetery in Kingston

Ernest H. “Rusty” Melton Jr.
March 30, 1943 – January 31, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 3 from 9-10 am
Service: Saturday, Feb. 3 at 10 am in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel in Winnfield
Interment: Melton Cemetery

Joy Nell Walker Rogers
June 17, 1935 – January 31, 2018
Visitation: Monday, Feb. 5 from 5-8 pm at Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield
Service: Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 10 am at the First United Methodist Church of Winnfield

Pattie June Hippler Britner
November 7, 1963 – January 30, 2018
Service: Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3 pm at Beulah Baptist Church
Interment: Beulah Cemetery

Eleanor Rodgers Wyatt
February 10, 1958 – January 28, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 3 from 9:30-11 am at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
Service: Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11 am at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
Interment: Montgomery Community Cemetery

Eula “Sherry” Francis Dennis
April 7, 1935 – January 26, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10-11 am at Aimwell Baptist Church in Zwolle
Service: Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11 am at Aimwell Baptist Church
Interment: Aimwell Cemetery

 

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Northwestern State President Dr. Chris Maggio has been named to the North Louisiana Economic Partnership’s Board of Directors for 2018-19. Maggio was among 51 business, professional, governmental and educational leaders selected by the partnership’s nearly 200 investors.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside outstanding leaders in a variety of fields who are working to advance north Louisiana,” said Maggio. “Northwestern State is committed to producing students who are ready for today’s workforce. The information I am able to gain while serving on the NLEP board will help the university as it continues working closely with business and industry to advance our region and the state.”

North Louisiana Economic Partnership, an Accredited Economic Development Organization, provides professional economic development services to the 14-parish region of North Louisiana, including lead generation and prospect management. The organization also represents the interests of North Louisiana with a unified voice and as a single point of contact. It acts as a catalyst, convener and connector in the region to ensure that North Louisiana’s economic development potential is realized. Its vision is for North Louisiana to be a thriving region that is a destination for high quality talent, innovative companies and global investment.

Last year, Northwestern State hosted executives from NLEP for a round table meeting to discuss the university’s role in economic development and opportunities for collaboration to improve workforce development initiatives.

Over the last four years, Northwestern State has created new programs and strengthened existing programs to fill jobs here in Louisiana. These include a doctorate of nursing practice, a doctor of education degree in adult education administration, post-baccalaureate certificate programs in business analytics, project management and quality control, a master of science in information management, a bachelor of applied science in resource management, a bachelor of science in environmental chemistry, a bachelor of arts program in foreign languages and a bachelor of science degree in microbiology.

Partnerships with business and industry create opportunities for students to gain practical experience before they graduate. Programs promote internships, externships and other opportunities at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels.

Northwestern State has agreements with several community and technical colleges around the state that allow students who complete a two-year degree to transfer credits to apply towards a bachelor’s degree, which saves time and money and opens career opportunities.

NSU is a pioneer in online education, offering 39 degree programs online, more than any other public institution in Louisiana. Online programs are beneficial for active-duty military, individuals who are employed full-time or those who location limits their ability to attend a traditional class.

 

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