Students at St. Mary’s received certificates from the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club recognizing them for their character development, self-esteem and perseverance. On front row from left are Wren, Paisley-Rae Tilley, Landri Ezernack, Andrew Fontenot, and Jake Cain. On back row are Principal Andrea Harrell, Lila Lewis, Grace Wren, Ella Guillet, Katelyn Smith, and Kiwanians Carrie Beth Hough and Brandy Tilley. Not pictured is Sophia Hogg.

 

Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents, Natchitoches Police Department Officers, and Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Office Deputies arrested two suspects in connection to a drug related investigation.

According to a Task Force Official, Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force agents received a complaint Feb. 10 from a concerned citizen in reference to receiving a strange text message from an unknown number. Task Force Agents were shown the text message and observed that it appeared that the person sending the text message was attempting to distribute narcotics. Agents conducted an investigation into the source of the phone number and were able to identify the owner.

Agents conducted an undercover operation Feb. 14, which resulted in undercover agents meeting with the suspected drug dealer who was in a vehicle at a location in the City of Natchitoches. Agents observed that the vehicle was being driven by a Larry Pye and the front passenger was a Christa Daniels. As agents approached the occupants of the vehicle the driver fled in the vehicle. Officers with the Natchitoches Police Department’s Traffic & Patrol Division immediately located the fleeing vehicle and pursued it. During the pursuit Task Force Agents and NPD Officers observed Daniels discarding items out of the front passenger window. The discarded items were immediately recovered by Task Force Agents and identified as two clear cellophane bags containing suspected crystal Methamphetamine. The approximate weight of the two bags was 1.2 ounces (or 35 grams) having a street value of $3,500.

After a brief pursuit units were able to subdue the occupants of the fleeing vehicle in the Dixie Plaza Shopping Center parking lot without incident.

As a result of the investigation the below suspects were arrested on the following charges:

Christa Daniels B/F/33

Possession of CDS Schedule II with Intent to Distribute (Methamphetamine) – 2 Counts
Conspiracy to Distribute CDS Schedule II (Methamphetamine) – 2 Counts
Obstruction of Justice – 2 Counts
Possession of a CDS in Presence of Person’s under 18 year of age – 1 Count

Larry Pye B/M/42

Flight from an Officer
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.

 

Community Development Works, a program of The Rapides Foundation, is offering free, skill-building trainings for Cenla residents and nonprofits. Workshops and webinars begin in March and include a variety of topics including grant writing, budgeting, fund development and marketing.

All workshops and webinars are available free of charge. Webinars can be accessed from most devices using the GoToWebinar app. Workshops take place at The Rapides Foundation Building, 1101 Fourth St., Alexandria. Register at http://www.communitydevelopmentworks.org.

The trainings are geared toward nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers, and for people interested in starting a nonprofit. Spring trainings are presented within four topic areas: the Start-up Series for Nonprofits, the Grant Writing Series, the Marketing Series, and the Financial Management Series, which is presented in partnership with Nonprofit Finance Fund®, a leading community development financial institution.

Participants are not required to attend all of the workshops in a series. Individuals can customize their learning by choosing the workshops that interest them.

Workshops and webinars include:

Start-up Series for Nonprofits training courses: To Be or Not To Be a 501(c)(3); Introduction to Finding Funders; Budget Basics & Cash Flow Management.

Grant Writing Series training courses: 10 Steps to Grant Writing Success; Federal Grant Writing for Nonprofits; Calculating Unit Cost for Your Program.

Marketing Series training courses: Creating a Marketing and Promotion Plan; Using Social Media for Causes.

Financial Management Series webinar courses: Strategic Budgeting; Dashboard Development; Telling Your Financial Story.

To register or for details about the training offerings, call Community Development Works at 318-443-7880, toll-free at 800-803-8075, or visit http://www.communitydevelopmentworks.org and click on “Attend Training.”

 

02-14-18 CDW Spring Training Calendar

 

Our dog pack was down to two. The big labs have gone on to Labrador retriever glory. The two remaining dogs are both rescues. Dora and her siblings were found on the side of the road outside Martin, Louisiana. Great vet work and stubbornness kept Dora alive and now she is fat and sassy. Her three brothers all found good homes. Katie, our black lab was bottle fed from two weeks old and no duck hunter wanted her.

Last Friday I headed off to Gibsland for a little sermon work and relaxation. I usually go straight to the house and start my work. That day I decided to run by the Gibsland Bank and see my bride first. I don’t know why I decided to break my habit.

In the parking lot of the Bank was an older puppy. He was skin over bones. He was licking the pavement of the parking lot. The dog was so emaciated that his abdomen was smaller than his neck. I called him. Most strays are skittish and will run from humans. This dog walked right over and let me pet him. I said, “Come on dog; let’s get you something to eat.”

We walked up the street to the camp. He followed behind me all the way. I sat on the step under the carport while he ate and drank water. While he was doing that, I performed a tickectomy. When he finished eating he placed his head in my lap. I was very gently petting him. I could count all the vertebrae in his back. I discovered that dogs have some ribs and bones I never knew about. I was mad and sad for this poor dog.

I walked back down to the bank to get my abandoned truck and to check in with my bride. The dog followed me back to the bank. I asked my bride to come outside and see what I had found. She walked out and made the same sad noise I did. She petted the dog and said, “I’ve been thinking our next dog should be another rescue.” Complication, thy name is dog!

The dog and I rode back to the house. I let him in and we walked around the inside. The doggy blanket was still on the sofa from last weekend’s adventure. Guess where he went first? He curled up on the doggy blanket and went to sleep. When he woke up, I showed him the doggy door and we had a discussion about going outside. He was baffled by the doggy door but proceeded outside to do his outside business.

My bride finished work, came home and found me and the dog sitting on the sofa. We had that tough conversation, “What are going to do with this dog?” He was obviously lost or discarded. He was comfortable around people. He was still a puppy although an older puppy. As with any tough conversation we decided to talk it over while we ate. We left to meet friends in Arcadia for dinner. I put the dog on the carport. The carport is enclosed on three sides. The dog could stay there or continue his roaming stray status and get me out of this decision bind.

When we returned home the dog was curled up by the back door.

We took him inside for a proper doggy repast. We showed him the doggy door again. At bedtime, we decided to put the dog back out on the carport and in the light of day we would decide what we would do with the dog.

The dog was outside on the carport. He can’t get in the backyard. He can’t get in the house. He can only stay under the carport or wander off. I prayed that night that the Lord would give me some dog clarity.

About three in the morning my bride woke me up and said, “I thought you put the dog on the carport.”

“I did.”

She told me to look on the floor at the foot of the bed. There he was curled up sleeping soundly. How did the dog get into the backyard to gain access to the doggy door? It turns out this emaciated puppy chewed through a couple of cedar fence boards. He was not staying on the carport and he was not leaving!

His name is Lucky.

He’s been to the vet and is on his way to full doggy status in our pack. He’s met his two dog mates. His rituals are already amusing. He has discovered the Natchitoches backyard and the bigger doggy door. We have been adopted.

I never go to the bank first. It was lucky I stopped at the Bank. It was lucky I had dog food for the other dogs at the camp. It was lucky that we installed a doggy door when we remodeled. It was lucky that we found him on a weekend where we could give him care. It was lucky that Lucky was rescued by crazy dog lovers.

I thank God that He rescues strays. Perhaps that explains my fondness for them. I am one.

The Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office released the following document showing its call statistics for the year 2017 in comparison to 2016.

SEE DOCUMENT BELOW

 

 

 

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):
Darrius Warren, 312 Hedges St, Natch, La – One or No Tail Lights
Laquietta Miller, 500 North St Apt D-2, Natch, La – Exp MVI, No DL
Jonathan Carter, 325 TJoe St, Natch, La – Driving Left of Center
Tyra Hicks, 500 Lakeview Dr Apt 519, Natch, La – Follow too Close
Bernard Miles, 1430 Washington St, Natch, La – Exp DL
Aviante Alexander, 400 Lakeview Dr Apt 4120, Natch, La – Exp MVI
David Hardwell, 618 Jackson Dr, Natch, La – DUS
Jarvis Lacey, 170 Beverly Rise, Natch, La – SPOM
Janson Lillie, 1440 Hill Ave, Natch, La – LM
Kendall Owens, 470 Dixie St, Natch, La – TBS
Brittany Smith, 115 Carolina Ave, Natch, La – NCR
Ashley White, 736 6th St, Natch, La – TBS
Ladarius Jackson, 500 Lakeview Dr #536, Natch, La – No DL
Kennedy Blackman, 1120 Magnolia St, Natch, La – Simple Assault
Quiana Dupree, 227 Rowena St, Natch, La – No DL
Quinston Ficklin, 519 Rowena St, Natch, La – SPOM
Petula Lacour, 515 Fairgrounds Rd Lot 46, Natch, La – TBS
Jeroy Newton, 702 Brahma Dr, Natch, La – LM
Joni Prewitt, 2045 Hwy 117, Provencal, La – Exp MVI
Thomasina Rachal, 119 Pecan Cout, Natch, La – No DL

Trial (T):
Shecola Matthews, 1555 Grace Ave, Natch, La – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Sharnda Lewis, 1609 Meadows, Natch, La – TBS
Laquinton Eckles, 611 Norris St, Mansfield, La – SPOM, Resisting an Officer
Brittany Johnson, 119 South Bend Dr, Natch, La – Remaining on Premises
Dylan Sowell, 117 Hwy 763, Mansfield, La – Underage DUI
Dominique Moses, 500 North St Apt J-1, Natch, La – TBS
Julius Vaughn, 6311 Harcourt Dr, Houston, TX – DWI, Improper Lane Usage, Unlicensed Driver

 

The Xavier University of Louisiana Concert Choir was guest choir for the Sunday Mass Feb. 4 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle. Welcoming the choir was Reverend Charles Ray and Sr. Elizabeth Ann Holmes, SSF, musical director at St. Augustine Church. Facilitating the guest choir’s guest appearance was our parishioner Wilfred Delphin, D.M.A who served as accompanying pianist at the mass.

Directed by John E. Ware, D.M.A., the choir began with a musical prelude “God so Loved the World,” composer John Stainer; “Hush! Somebody’s Callin’ My Name,” Brazel Dennard; and “Ave Maria,” Franz Biebl. Selection for the Offertory was “Jesu! Dulcis Memoria” from Three Short Anthems by Richard Shephard. The Communion song was “Ave Verum Corpus,” Luigi Zanninelli; and for Meditation “Mary Had a Baby,” arr. Roland Carter.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Colbert

 

 

The President of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce spoke to the Rotary Club of Natchitoches at its meeting Feb. 13. She is thrilled and excited to join the Natchitoches community and looks forward to working with community groups, promoting the mission of the Chamber, and helping plan events that promote Natchitoches and the surrounding areas.

Pictured from left to right are Rotarian with the Program Bob Gillan, Chamber President, and Rotarian Josh Axsom (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

 

By Sid Hall, NSU Military Affairs Coordinator / ROTC Program Manager

Imagine telling your mother that, at age 17, you had decided to leave high school with a handful of friends and cousins to join the Army and head off to war.

Allen Solomon, now age 91, did just that in 1944.

It was not long after when Allen, now a young private, found himself leaning across the railing of a Navy ship, seasick and headed to the Philippines. The Battle of Mindanao was fought from March to August 1945, and it was here that the young private’s military career ended with a single gunshot wound in his right hand. He and other members of his unit were low crawling to an L-shaped, 8-foot deep, Japanese-manned trench. Bullets strafed the ground in front of him and threw dirt in his eyes. He took his hand off his weapon to clear his eyes. The second it returned to the rifle, a bullet pierced his hand and exited through his wrist. Mr. Solomon still recalls the sound of anti-aircraft gunfire surrounding his medivac flight off the island.

Solomon was recognized during the Feb. 14 basketball game at Northwestern State, continuing the tradition of recognizing military veterans during athletic events.

Always a cowboy at heart, Solomon returned to Louisiana and to building the Red River Ranch. Eventually, his farmland spread from the Red River to the Cane River. He still tends cattle in the hundreds along with his family, who has always stayed close by. Although the numerous surgeries saved his hand, it never fully recovered. He simply “learned to do without it, and that included bronc and bull riding and even a little calf roping,” he grinned.

Solomon’s daughter, Kathleen, now keeps her father’s World War II jacket along with his Purple Heart at her home on the ranch. They are much too precious to her and her siblings to be tucked away in a closet and forgotten.

 

 

Students at Northwestern State University are reviving its chapter of Alpha Beta Alpha, a national library science society that was established at NSU in 1950 by Eugene P. Watson for whom the university library is named.

As of this semester, Alpha Chapter of Alpha Beta Alpha is a registered student organization (RSO) and organizers are discussing ideas about the modern library’s role in information literacy. New members have met to brainstorm ways they can educate their peers about resources at the library, combat library phobia and engage in relevant service projects.

Alpha Beta Alpha was the first co-educational library science fraternity created in the United States with the mission of supporting undergraduates majoring in library science. In 1952 the first Alpha Beta Alpha national convention was held at Northwestern State and the organization grew to 29 chapters throughout the U.S. through the 1970s. The only other active chapter remaining is Rho Chapter at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

“The purpose of Alpha Beta Alpha is to spread information about library science in general and act as a sort of library club,” said Jean McQuilling of Berwick, acting president. McQuilling, a student worker at the library, wanted to start an organization and discovered the fraternity’s history. “I reached out to the other chapter remaining open and decided, with the help of our advisor, to revive the club.”

Caitlin Griffin of Denham Springs is acting vice president and sponsors are Debbie Huntington, head of Collection Development and Catalogues; Dr. Patricia Brown, Information Literacy Instruction Librarian; and Anna MacDonald, librarian at NSU’s Leesville branch.

Although the digital age has transformed how information is accessed, the mission of the modern library remains as a resource to enhance learning and ensure access to information to all, according to the American Library Association. Modern libraries are part of a complex informational infrastructure that have flexible spaces and furniture for individual or group study, lots of charging stations for personal electronic devices and programming relevant to users.

One new concept in library science is that of a human library collection, one that replaces books with people to discuss current issues or concerns. Library users can “check out” an individual for a specified time and have a conversation on that person’s experience with specific topics. For example, a history student could have a one-on-one conversation with a war veteran or a psychology student with someone affected by autism.

A concern for the librarians at Watson is that although students are proficient in utilizing computers for recreational use, they may not know how to access appropriate information for academic research or who to ask for help. Alpha Beta Alpha members hope to bridge that gap and break down silos between departments on campus.

“We are redirecting the library to concentrate on the world we live in today,” Huntington said.

Eugene P. Watson, Alpha Beta Alpha founder, was head librarian and professor of library science at Northwestern State from 1940 until his death in 1964. A Natchitoches native, he sought to gain a greater academic recognition of librarians. The Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library is located at 913 University Parkway, Natchitoches, and is home to the Academic Success Center, University Archives, the Cammie G. Henry Research Center and Café DeMon.

Online registration forms are available for faculty who want to bring classes to the library for research instruction (https://goo.gl/forms/p1aAUU5hEuB5GdMj2) and students who would like one-on-one assistance (https://goo.gl/forms/AawbsYXSfTXzQkH42). Tutorials for basic instruction are available at http://libguides.nsula.edu/learningthelibrary/home.

Hours and other general information on NSU Libraries is available at library.nsula.edu.

 

 

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Bobbie Fay Bailey Stephens
May 16, 1931 – February 13, 2018
Service : Saturday, Feb. 17 at 3:30 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Oak Grove Methodist Cemetery
Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Jeanette Doles Webb
October 7, 1952 – February 9, 2018
Visitation: Friday, Feb. 18 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Rev. Lee A. LaCaze
February 14, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Joseph Brown
February 12, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Ameail “Little Son” Washington Sr.
February 12, 2018
Service: Saturday, Feb. 17 at 1 pm at the St. Savior Baptist Church on Cane River
Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 17 from 8 am – 12 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral
Interment: St. Savior Baptist Church Cemetery

Karen Patterson Vivas Davis
December 29, 1948 – February 12, 2018
Visitation: Friday, Feb. 16 from 12-2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Friday, Feb. 16 at 2 pm in the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Montgomery Cemetery in Montgomery

Helen Walters
February 28, 1927 – February 6, 2018
Service: Saturday, Feb. 17 at 1 pm in the Chapel at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral home iNatchitoches

Lodie Marie Hamilton
February 6, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 17 from 8-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, Feb. 17 at 11 am at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Natchitoches
Interment: Mount Olive Cemetery

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

SABINE PARISH:

David Wayne Mitchell
November 16, 1966 – February 12, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, Feb. 15 from 12-2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Thursday, Feb. 15 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Ft. Jesup Cemetery
RAPIDES PARISH:

Dorothy Bradford Burnum
September 7, 1920 – February 10, 2018
Service: Thursday, Feb. 15 at 1:30 pm in Mt. Olivet Cemetery

JoAnn Monk Langston
June 5, 1943 – February 10, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, Feb. 15 from 5-9 pm and Friday, Feb. 16 from 1-3 pm at Kingsville Baptist Church in Ball
Service: Friday, Feb. 16 at 3 pm at Kingsville Baptist Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

Carolyn Gaye Armand Verzwyvelt
March 3, 1929 – February 10, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, Feb. 15 from 9-11 am at John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Thursday, Feb. 15 at 11:30 am in Alexandria Memorial Gardens
WINN PARISH:

Dorothy Durbin Caskey
July 2, 1930 – February 13, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, Feb. 15 from 5-8 pm at Southern Funeral Home and Friday, Feb. 16 from 10-11 am at Gloryway Church near Dodson
Service: Friday, Feb. 16 at 11 am at Gloryway Church
Interment: Gloryway Cemetery near Dodson
RED RIVER PARISH:

 

By Reba Phelps

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be filled with love, roses, chocolates, romantic dinners, and larger than life gestures to make up for a year’s worth of possible wrongs or minor neglects. UNLESS…you’re going through the throws of a divorce.

Divorce after 22 years of marriage, two amazingly resilient and beautiful daughters, and one questionable Jack Russell Terrier is enough to make even the purest of hearts a little faint.

Having barely made it through the first round of holidays since the separation with the help of good friends, lots of bible study, a few bottles of wine, and more tears than I care to admit I’d completely forgotten about the beast named “Valentine’s Day.” During a conversation with a friend I admitted that I hated the holiday.

As soon as the words left my mouth I questioned why I’d blame this innocent holiday for my present situation or even have ill will towards anyone enjoying the most needless day of the February calendar. My friend reminded me that maybe I just haven’t had a good experience on Valentine’s Day.

With the sharp memory of any woman scorned I scoured the past 22 years of Valentine’s Days. There were good, bad and funny memories, like the year we bought each other the same greeting card.

I didn’t want to live the rest of my adult life with hate in my heart for this holiday, so I went on a one woman mission to have a positive experience for Valentine’s Day. Should I send flowers to myself or buy myself an expensive purse I can ill afford with one daughter in college and another who spends all of our earthly treasures buying slime making supplies? Do I buy my own card and tell myself how special I am? I couldn’t begin to imagine any of these ideas garnering the miraculous results I was looking for.

Thinking outside the box I decided to put others before myself and see how “the other side” enjoys this holiday. In my mind “the other side” is the happily married, soon to be married, or the blissfully dating (blissfully unaware stage).

I offered to help my friend Nicole Ezernack, owner of Nicole’s Creative Flowers, during this “Super Bowl” of floral events.

We made several deliveries through the parish. Each recipient was ecstatic to receive a delivery, but there was one that completely stole my heart.

I arrived at a local nursing home and announced the name for my delivery. The receptionist’s face lit up with excitement, so I assumed she was the lucky lady. However, she sent me down the hall to deliver the goodies. Excitement was building with each step I took.

When I reached the right room and announced the lady’s name she threw her bed covers back, sat straight up in bed and said, “Who are these from? I don’t have my glasses, read it for me!”

I’m not sure who was more excited. Me or her? Fumbling around I opened her card and read a loving message from her son. Tears filled her eyes as she proclaimed, “That’s my son, he loves his mom very much.”

I could feel the pure joy and love she had for her son and I couldn’t control my pwn tears.

While there was a lot of whining and complaining on my part about this holiday I realized that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about romantic love. It can be the love shared between parents and children. It can be shared with best friends and coworkers. Valentine’s Day can even be enjoyed while going through the worst life change imaginable.

Hebrews 13:16 also reminds us, “Do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” We can never go wrong when we step outside of our own pain and think of others first.

 

The 2017 Christmas Festival had a net income of $45,000 with $200,000 in cash reserves, according to a financial statement released Feb. 14 by the Historic District Business Association (HDBA).

SEE DOCUMENT BELOW

 

 

The NPJ covered the Grand Opening for Chicken Express Feb. 14 as the community gathered to welcome Owners Roy and Robert Harris to Natchitoches. The radio stations 94.9 The River and My 92.3 held a live remote in front of the store’s location on South Drive.

Mayor Lee Posey welcomed the brothers to Natchitoches. Robert then introduced their staff and Roy introduced their family. From the Texas area, Roy and Robert have deep family ties to the Natchitoches area.

“Any time a new business comes to Natchitoches we’re thrilled,” said Chamber Director Liz Juffin. The Chamber was on hand to hold a Ribbon Cutting in conjunction with the Grand Opening.

Representatives from the Half Price Hookup gave coupons to the first 100 customers to try the restaurant’s fresh chicken and golden fried fish. But it’s not just about the products for the owners. 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.

 

 

A senior from LSMSA earned regional Gold Key recognition in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the nation’s longest running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition initiative for creative teens.

Bryce Moulton, of Natchitoches, submitted 11 pieces of work and received six Gold Keys, four Silver Keys and one honorable mention.

His Gold Key submissions included “Breaking News: The Mask in Front of the Man,” humor; “Tim’s Totally Out of This World Trip,” humor; “Seeing Opportunities through New Eyes,” personal essay and memoir; “Home,” poetry; “We Have All Known a Carl,” short story; and “My Varied Voice,” writing portfolio.

Regional Gold Key work is now being considered for national recognition in New York City. National medalists will be announced in March.

The Scholastic Awards look for work that demonstrates originality, technical skill and emergence of a personal voice or vision. Public, private or home-school students in the United States, Canada or American schools abroad enrolled in grades 7-12 are eligible to participate in the Scholastic Awards.

Since 1923, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity and talent of our nation’s youth and provided opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated. Each year, increasing numbers of teens participate in the program and become a part of the community – young artists and writers, filmmakers and photographers, poets and sculptors, video game artists and science fiction writers, along with countless educators who support and encourage the creative process.

The awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their remarkable work to the world through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Through the awards, students receive opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication and scholarships. Students across America submitted more than 330,000 original works last year in 29 different categories of art and writing.

 

By Jordan Reich, Associate Editor
Article republished courtesy of The Current Sauce, NSU student publication

Northwestern State, in collaboration with the Student Government Association, the city of Natchitoches and the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, has started a project to restore trees throughout campus, especially in areas deemed historic districts.

NSU has lost trees over time to disease, storm damage and construction; four were removed in July and August 2017. A committee has been tasked with mapping where trees once existed, if they are still there and which species of trees should be planted in those areas that lack trees.

“[We] hope to introduce more native species throughout the campus where we need trees, either to replace invasive species or to enhance the campus environment,” said Dr. Margaret Cochran, professor of ecology and mathematics.

For trees that are diseased or dying, Gil Gilson, capital outlay and special projects coordinator at NSU, said he has tried to save seeds those trees produced. If the seeds are planted and grow successfully, then they are descendants of the original trees that once stood on campus.

In the case of the Chinese tallow trees, however, the species will not be restored, but rather fully removed. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Services, the Chinese tallow is an invasive species and “the most successful exotic invader of … Louisiana.”

SGA President Tre Nelson has reported on the progress of the tree initiative at the past three SGA meetings and said Dr. Cochran has shown him a few areas in person that need improvement.

“SGA is … going to be planting a few trees just to build up the tree population on a short-term basis, and then long term we have a big three-year plan,” Nelson said about the organization’s involvement with the project.

Gilson said he has been cataloging trees on the entire campus and identifying their species in order to create an updated record for future use. While creating the registry, Gilson made sure to take photos of each tree.

He also mentioned the recreation of a walking trail that had many trees along it in the 1960s and 70s, according to Gilson.

“We found in the original walk there were 25 trees that they highlighted to walk around and see,” he said. “Of that 25, I think 15 are gone.

“It’s amazing how many are gone [from all over campus]… [With] all the bad weather we’ve had for the last five years, we’ve probably lost about 40 or 50 trees.”

Gilson said the goal is to make the trail interactive using smartphone technology that can provide information about the tree, such as its age and who planted it.

Additionally, they are looking to expand the current bird trail and later create a walking and biking trail in the forest area on Highway 6 near the land dedicated to the new Natchitoches sports park.

The city of Natchitoches has also taken the initiative to plant more trees, deeming January 2018 “Arbor Month.” According to the Natchitoches Parish Journal, “These trees are just the beginning.”

The committee will meet again on Feb. 22 to discuss the project further.

 

The NPJ received submissions showing several suspects being taken into custody after a traffic stop in the Dixie Plaza Shopping Center Feb. 14 around 3 pm. No further information is available at this time.

 

 

Imagine that you’re standing on the steps of a Catholic church built in 1545. All around you are devout descendants of the famed Maya Indians, slowly ascending the steps on their knees, with wisps of smoke from their incense filling the air. They are almost certainly praying both to the Christian Blessed Virgin and to their ancient ancestral gods.

Where would one find a scene of such contrasting worship, an exotic scene not likely to be duplicated in many other places on our planet? The answer is — the small, fascinating Central American country of Guatemala.

I can’t conceive of two countries, both of which are in what we call Latin America, more different than Guatemala and Argentina, the South American nation that I’ve written about over the last two weeks. About the only thing they have in common is the fact that they were colonized by the Spanish centuries ago.

I visited both nations way back in the 1970s on “press junkets” for travel writers, in which the host countries, airlines and hotels pick up the tab and the writers then return home to reveal the highlights of their trip for their readers. ( I also visited Guatemala in 1976 to cover the effects of a devastating earthquake, but that’s another story for next week.)

Argentina is modern, sophisticated and European-oriented, while Guatemala is much more traditional, with most of the population being either pure-blooded Mayans or of mixed Spanish and Mayan ancestry.

Guatemala City, the capital, certainly has a modern appearance, with luxurious hotels, restaurants and night clubs. But to get a sense of the country, one needs to hit the road.

I don’t know how modern the country’s highways are now, but in 1974, when I first went there, the only way to get to the “real” Guatemala out in the countryside was via vehicle on narrow, twisting two-lane highways in the mountains, with lots of blind hairpin turns and sheer drop-offs on one side of the road.

The village where the Mayans mix Christianity and their own ancient religions is called Chichicastenango. Yes, it’s pronounced just like it’s spelled. Spanish priests worked to convert the natives to Christianity but their efforts were only partly successful. As I said, they have formed a blend of two religions and once they have reached the top of the church steps, they continue on their knees toward the ancient altar, where they pray to more than one deity.

Chichi, as it’s known for short, is also home to what has to be one of the most colorful markets in the world. The bright clothes put on display and sale by the Mayans are a kaleidoscope of color. You can buy everything from a wicked machete to a fantastically colored cape. And they expect you to bargain. I bought a beautiful golden cape for the asking price of $10 and the seller looked at me like I was crazy for not bargaining him down to a lower price.

Another site of ancient Guatemala, though very different, is Antiqua Guatemala, which was a thriving Spanish settlement until hit by a terrible earthquake in the 1700s. The old colonial ruins, especially the church, are a wonder to see.

And speaking of wonders, let me tell you about Lake Atitlan. This achingly beautiful lake is in a volcano crater and surrounded by other lovely peaks. It is one of the most relaxing and serene places I have ever been.

Unfortunately, my group of writers was not taken to any of the famed Mayan ruins, because at that time they were quite remote and difficult to get to.

Should you check out this very, very different destination? The country has a history of dictatorships and a violent opposition, not unlike Argentina, which has led to guerilla warfare. But Guatemala is supposedly safe to travel these days. If you’re looking for something exotic and off the beaten path, you may want to consider a trip there.

Next week: a look at a much more tragic Guatemala, when it was hit by a huge earthquake more than 40 years ago.

 

 

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Bobbie Fay Bailey Stephens
May 16, 1931 – February 13, 2018
Service : Saturday, Feb. 17 at 3:30 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Oak Grove Methodist Cemetery
Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Jeanette Doles Webb
October 7, 1952 – February 9, 2018
Visitation: Friday, Feb. 18 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Rev. Lee A. LaCaze
February 14, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Joseph Brown
February 12, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Ameail “Little Son” Washington Sr.
February 12, 2018
Service: Saturday, Feb. 17 at 1 pm at the St. Savior Baptist Church on Cane River
Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 17 from 8 am – 12 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral
Interment: St. Savior Baptist Church Cemetery

Karen Patterson Vivas Davis
December 29, 1948 – February 12, 2018
Visitation: Friday, Feb. 16 from 12-2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Friday, Feb. 16 at 2 pm in the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Montgomery Cemetery in Montgomery

Helen Walters
February 28, 1927 – February 6, 2018
Service: Saturday, Feb. 17 at 1 pm in the Chapel at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral home iNatchitoches

Lodie Marie Hamilton
February 6, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 17 from 8-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, Feb. 17 at 11 am at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Natchitoches
Interment: Mount Olive Cemetery

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

SABINE PARISH:

David Wayne Mitchell
November 16, 1966 – February 12, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, Feb. 15 from 12-2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Thursday, Feb. 15 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Ft. Jesup Cemetery
RAPIDES PARISH:

Dorothy Bradford Burnum
September 7, 1920 – February 10, 2018
Service: Thursday, Feb. 15 at 1:30 pm in Mt. Olivet Cemetery

JoAnn Monk Langston
June 5, 1943 – February 10, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, Feb. 15 from 5-9 pm and Friday, Feb. 16 from 1-3 pm at Kingsville Baptist Church in Ball
Service: Friday, Feb. 16 at 3 pm at Kingsville Baptist Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

Carolyn Gaye Armand Verzwyvelt
March 3, 1929 – February 10, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, Feb. 15 from 9-11 am at John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Thursday, Feb. 15 at 11:30 am in Alexandria Memorial Gardens
WINN PARISH:

Dorothy Durbin Caskey
July 2, 1930 – February 13, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, Feb. 15 from 5-8 pm at Southern Funeral Home and Friday, Feb. 16 from 10-11 am at Gloryway Church near Dodson
Service: Friday, Feb. 16 at 11 am at Gloryway Church
Interment: Gloryway Cemetery near Dodson
RED RIVER PARISH:

 

 

NSU – Former NSU Artistic Director Dr. Jack Wann has returned to Northwestern State University to teach a three-week Shakespeare class to theatre majors. Wann retired in 2003, but has maintained his ties to NSU by teaching a class each spring for the past several years. Wann, who is in the center, is shown instructing theatre students Madalyn Mullins of Baton Rouge, Mackenzie Byrd of Denham Springs, Tova Volcheck of Bossier City, and Rosa Campbell of Baton Rouge. Students in Wann’s class will present a show consisting of Shakespeare scenes Thursday, Feb. 15 and Friday Feb. 16 at 3:30 p.m. in the Jack Wann Theatre.

 

 

The Boys & Girls Club of El Camino Real will hold its 19th Annual Steak and Burger Dinner Tuesday, March 20 from 5:30-8:30 pm at the NSU Ballroom on the NSU Campus. Tickets will go on sale March 1.

This year’s speaker will be Miss Louisiana 2017, Laryssa Bonacquisti, a double preliminary winner and Top 7 contestant at the Miss America competition. She is a senior at LSU majoring in mass communication- broadcast journalism.

Laryssa travels the state promoting her platform “Team Charlotte: Fighting Pancreatic Cancer,” a platform that is near and dear to her heart following the death of her grandmother.

Laryssa was an intern for Congressman Pete Sessions in Washington DC and plans to pursue a law degree following her undergraduate studies. Her talent, ventriloquism, has allowed her the opportunity to entertain for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and open for Terry Fator and Colt McCoy. She is the official hostess for the State of Louisiana and spokesperson for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, vantage Health Plan, Propane Dealers of Louisiana, and the Louisiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

 

 

 

 

Doug Ireland spoke to the Natchitoches Lions Club at its meeting Feb. 12.

Doug is the Assistant AD / Media Relations – Football, M-Basketball at Northwestern State University. He is also the Chairman of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation.

The Class of 2018 will be enshrined Saturday, June 30, in Natchitoches to culminate the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration June 28-30.

Six-time Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne, 18-year Major League Baseball pitcher Russ Springer, NBA champion and two-time Grambling All-American Larry Wright, and 15-year NFL receiver and two-time Super Bowl champion Brandon Stokley are among eight 2018 competitive ballot inductees chosen for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

The class also includes championship coaches Lewis Cook (high school football, still active at Notre Dame of Crowley) and Jerry Simmons (LSU, UL Lafayette tennis), along with 1975 Bassmasters Classic champion Jack Hains and the late Paul Candies, a member of the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.

The 2018 Induction Class will be showcased in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum, operated by the Louisiana State Museum system in a partnership with the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. The striking two-story, 27,500-square foot structure faces Cane River Lake in the National Historic Landmark District of Natchitoches and has garnered worldwide architectural acclaim and rave reviews for its contents since its grand opening during the 2013 Hall of Fame induction weekend.