Northwestern State University’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps hosted a spring awards ceremony for cadets the 68th Demon Battalion to recognize outstanding achievements and academic honors. ROTC’s mission is to recruit, educate, develop and inspire cadet with a focus on academics.

The ceremony recognized cadets who will commission as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army in conjunction with graduation from NSU. They are Cadets Taylor Andrews, Savannah Carter, Tucker Ellis, Michael Kingsley and Albert Tuiel.

Cadets on the President’s List with a 4.0 grade point average are Cadets Karl Marzahl and Tristan Thorman. Those on the Dean’s List with a 3.5-3.99 GPA are Cadets Taylor Andrews, Jaelon Davis, Michael Kingsley, Taimata Luafalemana, Albert Tuiel, John Ham, Mackenzie Buie-Grace and Hunter Stebbins.

Cadets who earned a 4.0 in military science are Taylor Andrews, Savannah Carter, Dominitra Charles, Jaelon Davis, Tucker Ellis, Taimata Luafalemana, Adam Barnes, Logan DeOre, John Ham, Karl Marzahl, Maria-Magdalena Torres, William Jenson, Hunter Stebbins and Tristan Thorman.

The Corps of Cadets selects those who serve in Battalion leadership positions. Not only is it an honor to be peer-selected, but each position comes with challenges and demands of cadets’ time. MS IV (senior) cadets are as follows.

Taylor Andrews, Demon Battalion Commander, received the Bronze Medal Athlete for his score on the Army Physical Fitness Test, Cadet Achievement Medal and the Field Training Exercise Award. Andrews also received the Colonel Tom Baker Award, established in the 1950s to recognize an outstanding senior cadet who exhibits exemplary traits of dedication and leadership; The Lions Club Award presented to the cadet who has shown excellence in leadership, excelled in all facets of military science and upholds the highest ideals of patriotism and fidelity; and the award for outstanding achievement as battalion commander from the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, Shreveport, Chapter 10.

Savannah Carter, the S3, Operations and Training Officer, received the Cadet Honors, the Cadet Achievement Medal and the Field Training Exercise Award, as well as the Daughters of the American Revolution Award for the cadet who shows outstanding ability and achievement.

Dominitra Charles, assistant S3, received the Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award and Field Training Exercise Award. She also received the AUSA Military History Award and the Military Officers Association of America ROTC Medal that recognizes an outstanding junior who demonstrated exceptional potential for military leadership.

Jaelon Davis, Battalion S1, Adjutant, attends LSU-Shreveport, an ROTC partnership school. He received the Bronze Medal Athlete Award, Cadet Achievement Medal, Leadership Excellence and Field Training Exercise Award. He also received the Touchstone Award, presented during the military ball in March.

Tucker Ellis is the assistant S4, Logistics Officer. He received the Cadet Scholar Award, the Award for Most Improved GPA within the Program, Cadet Achievement Medal, Leadership Excellence Award and Recruiting Award.

Brandon Homan, also LSU-S, is assistant S2, Military Intelligence. He received the Cadet Achievement Medal, the Recruiting Award and the Award for Most Improved PT score within the Program. Homan also received the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, which recognizes a cadet who shows a high degree of patriotism to his or her nation and has demonstrated a high degree of academic performance and leadership.

Taimata Luafalemana is S6, Communication Officer. She received the Bronze Medal Athlete, the Cadet Achievement Medal, the Recruiting Award, the Field Training Exercise Award and the Ranger Challenge Award. She also received the award of the Military Order of World Wars presented to a cadet who excels in all military and scholastic aspects of the ROTC program.

Aliona Salter is the assistant S6, Communications. She received the Cadet Achievement Medal, the Recruiting Award and the Field Training Exercise Award.

Albert Tueil is the Assistant S1, Personnel Officer. He received the Bronze Medal Athlete Award, Cadet Achievement Medal and Recruiting Award. He also received the American Legion Military Excellence Award, which recognizes a cadet in the top 25 percent of the class in academic and ROTC subjects and has demonstrated outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character and citizenship.

MS III Cadets (juniors) who were recognized are as follows.

Adam Barnes, Battalion S4, Logistics Officer, received the Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award, Field Training Exercise Award and the Military Order of the World Wars that recognizes a cadet in each year-group who excels in all military and scholastic aspects of the ROTC program.

Logan DeOre, S2, Military Intelligence Officer, received the Bronze Medal Athlete Award, Perfect Attendance Award, Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award, Field Training Exercise Award, Color Guard Award and Ranger Challenge Award. He received the American Veterans Medal for demonstrating a positive attitude, outstanding personal attributes of initiative, dependability, judgement and self-confidence and demonstrated officer potential thorough responsibility, adaptability and high personal standards. He also received the Veterans of Foreign Wars Award presented to a cadet who demonstrates achievement and concentrated effort in military subjects and capability and diligence in related activity of the ROTC program.

John Ham is the Company Commander and co-captain of the Ranger Challenger Team. He received the Bronze Medal Athlete Award, Perfect Attendance Award, Cadet Achievement Medal, Field Training Exercise Award, Color Guard Award and Ranger Challenge Award. He also received the American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award which is presented to the cadet in the top 10 percent of their class in academics, the top 25 percent in military science classes and have demonstrated qualities of leadership. Ham is also receiving the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Award that recognizes the cadet in the sophomore or junior class who has contributed the most to encourage and demonstrate patriotism by deeds or conduct during participation in extracurricular activities or community projects. Finally, he received the award of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States for outstanding achievement as company commander.

Marzahl is the Battalion Command Sergeant Major and Captain of the Ranger Challenge Team. He received the Gold Medal Athlete Award, Perfect Attendance Award, Commendation Medal, Cadet Achievement Medal, Leadership Excellence Award, Color Guard Award and Ranger Challenge Award. He also received the AUSA ROTC Medal presented to an outstanding MS III cadet who, through leadership, contributes the most toward advancing the standing of the Department of Military Science at the University. Marzahl also received the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Patriotic Award that recognizes a junior selected for achievements on a patriotic standars above and beyond all others.

Kari Taffi is the Company First Sergeant. She received the Cadet Honors Award, the Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award and Field Training Exercise Award.

MS II cadets (sophomores) and their honors are as follows.

Mackenzie Buie-Grace, an LSU-S cadet, received the Military Proficiency Award.

Elizabeth Fontenot received the Military Proficiency Award, Cadet Scholar honors and Most Improved Cadet for the MS II class.

Christian Linn, LSU-S cadet, received the Military Proficiency Award.

Larancion Magee received the Military Proficiency Award, Cadet Achievement Medal and the Military Order of the World Wars, which recognizes a cadet in each year-group who excels in all military and scholastic aspects of the ROTC program.

Maria Magdalena Torres received the Military Proficiency Ward, Silver Medal Athlete, Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award and Ranger Challenge Award. She also received the award of the General Society of the War of 1812 presented to an MS II of high moral character and good academic standing.

Terran Turner received the Military Proficiency Award.

MS I (first-year cadets) and their honors are as follows.

Skylar Blecher received the Military Proficiency Certificate and the Perfect Attendance Award.

Tanner Delphin received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Perfect Attendance Award and the Cadet Achievement Medal.

Hailey Fields received the Military Proficiency Certificate.

Allison Friday received the Military Proficiency Certificate and the Recruiting Award.

Neil Garcia received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Silver Medal Athlete, Commendation Medal and Color Guard Award.

William Jensen received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Cadet Honors Award and Cadet Achievement Medal.

Ethan Lewis received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Cadet Scholar, Commendation Medal Award, Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award, Field Training Exercise Award, Color Guard Award and Ranger Challenge Award. He also received the award of the Sons of the American Revolution, which recognizes a first-year cadet who shows a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, soldierly bearing and excellence.

Rory Loud received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Commendation Medal Award, Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award, Color Guard Award and Ranger Challenge Award.

Shane McGrath, an LSU-Alexandria cadet, received the award of the Military Order of the World Wars which recognizes a cadet in each year-group who excels in all military and scholastic aspects of the ROTC program.

Eboni Phidd, an LSU-A cadet, received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Recruiting Award and Cadet Scholar. She also received the USAA Spirit Award, which recognizes cadets who display traits and characteristics that embody the spirit of service to others.

Hunter Stebbins, an LSU-S cadet, received the Military Proficiency Certificate and ROTC Honors for a GPA of 4.0 in Military Science.

Tristan Thorman received the Military Proficiency Certificate, the Commendation Medal, Cadet Achievement Medal, Color Guard Award, Field Training Exercise Award and Ranger Challenge Award. He also received the award of the Military Order of Foreign Wars of the U.S. for Academics.

Maria Williams received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Commendation Medal Award, Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award and Color Guard. Williams also received the National Sojourners Award which recognizes an outstanding cadet who has contributed the most to encourage and demonstrate Americanism within the Corps of Cadets on campus.

Rory Loud received the PMS Award for Outstanding Service, which recognizes the cadet who contributes time and energies to Demon Battalion social projects. Loud is a member of the Louisiana National Guard who will receive the Simultaneous Membership Program Achievement Award. Loud was activated more than 30 days in support of hurricane relief.

For the second year in a row, Karl Marzahl received the US Army ROTC Sergeant York Award, presented to a cadet who excels in the program and devotes additional time and effort to maintaining and expanding it.

Each year, over 5,000 cadets train at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for advanced camp. Passing the grueling 29-day course is a prerequisite to becoming an Army officer through ROTC. Michael Kingsley was awarded the title of Distinguished Military Graduate for displaying outstanding qualities of leadership, high moral character, noteworthy academic achievement and exceptional aptitude for military service.

Top cadets are those from each class who show strong academic and military leadership and demonstrate strong officer potential. These cadets volunteer, speak up and encourage others to improve. This year’s Superior Cadet Awards were presented to Top MS I Cadet Tristan Thorman, Top MS II Cadet Maria-Magdalena Torres, Top MS III Cadet Karl Marzahl and top MS IV Cadet Taylor Andrews.

Ethan Lewis was recipient of two scholarships established by Demon Battalion alumni, the Malcolm Daisy ROTC Scholarship awarded to a hardworking, loyal and dedicated cadet who exhibits Army values and volunteers on a regular basis, and the James A. Noe Memorial Scholarship for cadets who display a high degree of leadership potential, high standard of moral conduct and support for the NSU ROTC program.

Kingley and Andrews also received tokens of appreciation for their outstanding leadership which included books for their professional libraries.

The NSU ROTC Cadre were also recognized with awards listed as follows.

Raymond McDowell, Recruiting Operations Officer, received the Commander’s Award for Public Service for exceptional recruiting efforts, strategic outreach, and assistance in organizational improvement resulting in quality growth of the program.

Dennis Montgomery, Human Resource Administrator, received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service for exceptional administrative and process skills resulting in timely and accurate processing of Cadet and Cadre actions.

Edward Kelly, Facilitator of Military Science/Academic Operations, and Mrs. Sid Hall, Military Affairs Coordinator/ROTC Program Manager, received the Commander’s Award for Public Service for exceptional performance, initiative, and dependability which led to our program’s continued success.

Information on NSU’s ROTC program is available at rotc.nsula.edu.

 

Kevin’s Gallery

The Natchitoches Historic Foundation, one of the oldest and largest groups dedicated to historic preservation in the area with over 150 members, held its annual Membership Gala at The Cunningham Law Office May 8. The event was held to recruit new members as well as celebrate the group’s accomplishments throughout the year. New board members Jacque Horton, John Cunningham, and John and Kathy Richardson were named. The group awarded Mildred Hart Bailey Scholarships to Ariel Bailey and Molly Dickerson and donated $5,000 to the American Cemetery. Wrought iron chairs named in memory of Bobby DeBlieux and Robby Lucky were also unveiled.

Each year the NHF holds its signature tours of the American Cemetery, both for area 8th graders and the general public. The popular and educational tours feature re-enactors portraying some of the well known people buried in the cemetery. The foundation also holds the Annual Christmas Tours of area historic homes.

The Natchitoches Historic Foundation makes our community better with its mission of “Preservation, Education and Advocacy.”

The Modern Woodmen of America sponsored a project to bag food items and personals to distribute to the needy at the Natchitoches Coalition on Homelessness’ Share A Meal, which are held on the last Thursday of every month at the Martin Luther King Skybox. CASA members also provided donations and helped the Modern Woodmen and Coalition bag items.

Pictured are Mary Squyers, Theressa Patterson, Akilah Farris, Jack Duty, Aloys Duty, and Elizabeth McElwee, Suzie Squyers, Linda Queen, Demetrius Farris, Helen Obioha, and Merlin Squyers. Not pictured are Debbie Farris and Marie Brosette.

Michael had a positive attitude. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, “If I were any better, I would be twins!” He was a natural motivator. If a co-worker was having a bad day, Michael would encourage them and help them to see the positive side of the situation.

A friend asked how he could be so positive all the time. After all, it seemed so unnatural compared to the rest of the world. Michael replied, “Each morning I wake up and say to myself, ‘You have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.’ I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.”

The friend protested that even though it sounded great in theory it would be hard to live out.

Michael responded, “Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It’s your choice how you live your life.”

Several years later, Michael was involved in a serious accident as he fell sixty feet from a communications tower. As he lay on the ground, the first thing he thought of was the well–being of his soon–to–be–born daughter. Then, he remembered that he had two choices: He could choose to live or he could choose to die. He chose to live.

The paramedics arrived and went to work. They kept telling Michael that he was going to be fine. But when they wheeled him into the ER, he saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses. He began to feel fear overcoming his body because he could read their eyes: “He’s a dead man.” He knew he needed to take action.

A big burly nurse was shouting questions. She asked Michael if he was allergic to anything. He replied, “Yes.” The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for Michael to fill in the missing blank of his allergy. He took a deep breath and yelled, “Gravity.” Over their laughter, he said, “I am choosing to live. Operate on me with that understanding.”

After eighteen hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Michael was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. Michael lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, and also because of his amazing attitude. When asked about his health, Michael would respond, “If I were any better, I’d be twins. Want to see my scars?”

The Bible tells us that by His scars we are healed, we are made, “better.”

 

Jacob Ellis of Many has been named Greek Man of the Year and Samantha Sims of Newnan, Georgia, has been named Greek Woman of the Year at Northwestern State University.

Ellis, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, has served the organization as internal vice president, new member class president, brotherhood chair and a member of the recruitment committee. He is Northwestern State’s Student Government Association president for the 2018-19 year.

“My participation in the Greek community has greatly enhanced my collegiate experience,” said Ellis. “It has taught me so many skills that I can use in my life. These skills include respect for my fellow man; how to organize a group when working on a project; how to properly dress for certain occasions; how to effectively communicate and what it takes to pretty much run a business. Most importantly, my participation in the Greek community has instilled in me a set of values that I will forever hold dear.”

Ellis, a business administration major, said being part of being successful in managing time is remembering academics must be his first priority.

“A student’s number one goal should be achieving their degree,” he said. “I had to learn when to say no. There have been many nights when I would have loved to go hang out with my brothers or go watch an intramural game, but I had to get my schoolwork done. It takes discipline to be able to prioritize what you need to do over what you want to do.”

Gradually taking on leadership roles has caused a major change in Ellis’ outlook.

I have had to overcome many personal challenges and would often feel insecure about my adequacy,” said Ellis. “I would sometimes ask myself, ‘Am I the right person for the job?’ I would think that someone else might be able to handle a situation better than I would. My leadership experience here on campus has changed that mentality entirely. The leadership roles I have held on this campus have given me a newfound confidence that I did not have before.”

Sims, a senior psychology major, is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. She served as vice president of chapter development and received the Helen Clair Mullen Founders Award and the Founders of the Sisterhood Ring. Sims is part president of the College Panhellenic Association.

“The Greek community has shaped me to become the leader I am today. Greek life is not just an organization you join for four years. It is something that becomes a part of you and a part of life. It brings people with common goals together to build a community that will strive to push the members to do the best they can.”

Sims said being part of the Greek Community has helped her “find a passion for helping people and wanting to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Balancing academics with participation in extracurricular activities has been important for Sims.

“You have to be able to manage time correctly and know how to prioritize with meetings and events that happen with in the community,” said Sims. “In AOP, we stress grades and study hours. I have sisters that want to see me succeed and graduate. Joining an organization that supports me with this challenge has been a blessing I have sisters that will help me study.”

Sims has been able to do that despite having a learning disability.

“I don’t let that get in my way or use it as a crutch,” she said. “I have sisters that support me and help me whenever I need them. I am grateful for that.”

Ag in the Classroom, sponsored by a local insurance group, visits local schools each year to introduce agricultural to students. Representative Bonnie Pace read a book to Mrs. McCart’s first grade class at Weaver Elementary. Other representatives with Farm Bureau and Alpha Delta Kappa participated in the educational event.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Marie Antionette Charleville
June 26, 1956 – April 30, 2018
Memorial Mass: Friday, May 12 at 10 am at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (145 Church Street in Natchitoches)

Shirley Roberts Porter
February 18, 1934 – May 9, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, May 13 from 5-7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home and Monday, May 14 from 9-10 am at Harmony Baptist Church
Service: Monday, May 14 at 10 am at Harmony Baptist Church in Provencal
Interment: Roberts Cemetery

Rodney Williams
May 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Dolores Elaine (Wampole) Brown
January 21, 1937 – May 7, 2018

Rev. Millard Hollingsworth
May 8, 2018
Wake: Friday, may 11 from 6-8 pm at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Montgomery
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 11:30 am – 1 pm the Greenville Baptist Church in Clarence
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 1 pm at the Greenville Baptist Church
Interment: Montgomery Community Cemetery

Frankie Ray Jackson
April 3, 1959 – May 5, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Alex Benito Reliford
May 28, 1971 – May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Pearlene Blake
May 1, 2018
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11:30 am at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Bermuda
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 9-11:30 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Saturday

Lula M. Cheatham
May 1, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 9:30 am-11 am at We Care Ministries, 750 Ouida Drive in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at We Care Ministries
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum

Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA
RAPIDES PARISH:

Elsie Saucier Vanlangendonck
September 29, 1925 – May 5, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 9-11:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home Service: Saturday, May 12 at 12 pm at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church
Internment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens
WINN PARISH:

Rev. Bizer Preston Holder
January 18, 1929 – May 4, 2018
Service: Friday, May 11 at 3 pm at Pine Grove Baptist Church
Interment: Pine Grove Cemetery

Quentis Ates Bruce
August 30, 1940 – May 8, 2018
Service: Friday, May 11 at 10 am at Georgetown Baptist Church
Interment: Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery in Winnfield

James Dudley Phillips
November 11, 1938 – May 3, 2018
Arrangements TBA
RED RIVER PARISH:

Thelma McCowen
Visitation: Friday, May 11 from 1-6 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at Cedar Hill Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: Friendship Cemetery in Grand Cane

Minnie Collins
Visitation: Friday, May 11 from 1-6 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at Northwest Auditorium in Mansfield
Interment: Union Cemetery

Leroy Hives
Visitation: Friday, May 11 from 1-6 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at New Hope Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: New Hope Cemetery in Mansfield

James Scott
Visitation: Friday, May 11 from 1-6 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Grambling
Interment: Grambling Memorial Gardens Cemetery

Essex McGee
Visitation: Friday, May 11 from 7-8 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 1 pm at St. Elizabeth Baptist Church in Grand Cane
Interment: Community Cemetery

The Natchitoches Convention and Visitor’s Bureau led Natchitoches’ travel and tourism community during Travel Rally Day May 9 in support of government policies that are friendly to travel at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum.

The event was part of the 35th annual National Travel and Tourism Week (May 6-12), which unites communities across the country to celebrate what travel means to America, the state of Louisiana and to Natchitoches. Jobs, economic growth and personal well-being are just a few.

“Just look at the numbers. Travel supports one in nine American jobs, said Arlene Gould, Executive Director for Natchitoches CVB. “This week, we’re celebrating what travel means to our community—and recognizing local industry partners who have been here for decades and in one case over 150 years- serving our visitors. We’re calling on everyone—from elected officials to local residents—to join us in saluting this important industry, and to support travel-friendly legislation that our local, state and national economies.”

The theme of this year’s NTTW, “Travel Then and Now,” highlights the travel industry’s history of economic impact in every corner of America, and its welcoming travelers from near and far. Across Louisiana, travel employs a prosperous and diverse workforce, from airline and hotel employees to restaurant, attraction and retail workers, and supports related sectors such as construction, manufacturing and finance.

Travel is a $2.4 trillion industry in the U.S.

These visitors support 15.6 million American jobs—roughly 8.8 million direct travel jobs, and 6.8 million indirect and induced jobs.

Travel-related spending generated $75.6billion in federal, state and local tax revenues in 2017.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser announced 2017 as the sixth consecutive year of record breaking tourism numbers in Louisiana. The state welcomed a record 47.1 million visitors in 2017representing an increase of nearly 500,000 over the 46.7 million in 2016. Those visitors spent $17.5 billion, or an average of $371 per person. The Travel and Tourism industry generated $1.8 billion in state and local sales tax revenue, an increase of 4.5% over the $1.7 billion in state and local sales tax revenue generated in 2016. This revenue represents a 37- to-1 return on investment of state funding. Tax revenue generated through travel and tourism spending saves each household in Louisiana $1,047 a year in taxes that would be needed to maintain current services.

Rebecca Blakenbaker spoke on behalf of the Cane River National Heritage Area. “Those of us who work in the travel industry know that tourism is a large component of our local economy and the projects and products we create contribute to an overall improved quality of life for our residents,” she said.

City of Natchitoches Mayor Lee Posey and Parish President Rick Nowlin presented proclamations to recognize National Travel and Tourism Week in Natchitoches and several local businesses and attractions received Certificates of Recognition including:

Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen for 50 years of business
Grayson’s BBQ for over 50 years of business
Mariner’s Restaurant for over 30 years of service

Bed and Breakfast establishments were recognition for being instrumental back in the 1980’s and 1990’s to open doors to welcome guests from around the world making Natchitoches the Bed and Breakfast Capitol of Louisiana with 27 current B&B’s in operation. Those recognized were:

Jefferson Street Townhouse
Green Gables
Judge Porter House
Starlight Plantation
Samuel Guy House
Steel Magnolia House

Also receiving recognition were:

Briarwood: Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve
Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile

 

 

The Northwestern Louisiana Cancer Center will open its doors to the community to showcase its newly remodeled and updated facility during an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Friday, May 11 from 5-7 pm at 211 Medical Drive in Natchitoches. Activities include a live performance by Southern Roots, play areas for the kids, lots of food and fun!

The Center’s Department of Radiation Oncology will introduce its newly acquired Elekta Infinity, a highly sophisticated radiation treatment system for cancer that substantially reduces the time required for radiotherapy. This system gives clinicians the ability to treat targets more aggressively than ever before. Elekta Infinity is an advanced digital linear accelerator that incorporates Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), an innovative way to deliver radiation treatments that is a significant improvement to existing radiation therapy techniques. Elekta’s VMAT reduces the time required for radiotherapy sessions to five minutes or less, while giving clinicians the ability to treat targets more aggressively than ever before.

When disease such as cancer threatens you or your loved ones, find comfort in knowing travel is no longer a part of your treatment and recovery process. Receive the highest quality care and advanced cancer treatments and technology right in your hometown. Cancer patients in the Northwest Region of Louisiana can now receive their treatment much closer to home at the Northwestern Cancer Center, established in 2008. The facility is available for comprehensive and up-to-date, highest standard radiation treatments customized to each and every patient. Its experienced and courteous staff are available to help with co-pays/coinsurance assistance, support groups, and transportation assistance just to list a few. The 10,000 square foot facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art radiation therapy treatment machine. Also located within Northwestern Louisiana Cancer Center is Highland Clinic Oncology, your local Medical Oncology provider.

The Center has state-of-the-art offices with highly trained and motivated nurses and medical staff. It provides on-site chemotherapy and other non-chemo drug infusions. Its providers work very closely with other community physicians to provide consultative services at the local hospital. Its patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care that is second to none.

With an overall goal of improving their patient’s quality of life and chance of long-term survival, Northwestern Louisiana Cancer Center invested in Elekta Infinity to support an experienced team of oncologists, as well as highly trained staff to set the Center apart as a World Class Cancer Treatment Center.

Clinicians using Elekta Infinity can create a dose that conforms very tightly to the target area in significantly less time than with current techniques. Elekta VMAT achieves this with sophisticated computer programming that simultaneously controls five different system components (gantry position, gantry speed, leaves of the multi-leaf collimator, collimator angle and dose rate).

Integrated Imaging

Elekta Infinity integrates a suite of imaging tools to enable high quality, 3D imaging at the time of treatment. This capability provides clinicians with a solution to two of the most persistent and significant problems in radiation therapy: internal organ motion and errors in patient set-up. In addition to improving accuracy, Elekta Infinity allows clinicians to visualize soft tissue detail.

To determine the precise location of tumors and normal surrounding tissues, traditional radiotherapy calls for imaging studies to be done several days before treatment. During the time between imaging and treatment, the tumor may change size or shift position.

Elekta Infinity enables Northwestern Louisiana Cancer Center radiation oncologists to obtain images just before treatment with the patient in the exact position he or she will be treated in. This not only means less chance for errors in tumor targeting and patient positioning, but also the ability to increase the dose to the tumor by virtue of more certainty in the tumor’s location. The goal is to improve the patient’s quality of life and the chances for long-term survival.

Safer Treatments

To minimize unnecessary exposure to radiation, Elekta Infinity incorporates ultra-low dose capabilities through active leakage reduction to ensure minimal dose to critical structures, and incorporates real-time assurance that the intended dose is delivered as precisely as planned.

Additionally, the low-dose imaging capability helps minimize the side effects of radiation therapy by reducing the margins previously set, to account for uncertainties of target dimensions, location and movement. Clinicians can be confident that a 3D plan will be delivered as an accurately targeted 3D treatment.

About Elekta

Elekta is a human care company pioneering significant innovations and clinical solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders. The company develops sophisticated state of the art tools and treatment planning systems for radiation therapy and radiosurgery, as well as workflow enhancing software systems across the spectrum of cancer care.For more information about Elekta, please visit http://www.elekta.com.

For more information contact:
Sarah Stewart, Administrator, Northwestern Louisiana Cancer Center
Tel: (318) 238-3322 Option 1 Email: sstewart@nlcc.live

Learning is everywhere. That’s the idea behind United Way’s Born Learning Trail installed in Ross Williams Park, Wednesday. Employees from Natchitoches Regional Medical Center volunteered by giving back to the community during National Hospital Week.

The Born Learning Trail is a series of learning activities that any adult can play with young children. The trail, sponsored by the NRMC Foundation, is designed to help adults interact with children to boost language and literacy development. It also aims to help caregivers understand how to best support early learning in outdoor everyday moments.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for us at the NRMC Foundation to align our mission with UnitedWay,” said Physician and Community Liaison with NRMC Foundation, Sean Baylor.“Natchitoches is a small community and this is yet another outlet for parents to provide educational opportunities as well as health and wellness benefits.”

This is an added effort by United Way of Northwest Louisiana to support early childhood literacy in Natchitoches Parish where research shows, 51 percent of children living in the parish enter kindergarten unprepared. In 2016, the nonprofit introduced their proprietary program Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Enrolled children receive a new age-appropriate book in the mail each month until their fifth birthday. Children in the program have tested 15 percent higher on their kindergarten readiness test than children who aren’t in theprogram.

“United Way fights for education and this is another way for us to unite and address the educational gap we see here in Natchitoches Parish,” said Director of Campaign at UnitedWay NWLA, Serena Gray. “Our hope is that this trail along with Imagination Library will help send more children to kindergarten prepared and ready to learn.”

The Born Learning Trail is the second trail of its kind in North Louisiana and the third in the state.

 

MidSouth Bank has contributed $500 to the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center to help it rehabilitate a facility that will serve as a training program for at-risk youths ages 16 to 24.

The Natchitoches-based nonprofit organization works to build community, create jobs and develop small businesses. It also offers services such as workforce development and leadership training and provides access to healthy food.

Pictured from left are Melissa Collier and LaCarsha Babers of MidSouth Bank; Ben D. Johnson Educational Center Board Members Janice Bolton, Edward Ward and Neeru Deep; and MidSouth Bank Regional President Rhonda Jones.

 

The Natchitoches Coalition on Homelessness held its April Share a Meal April 26 at the Skybox on Martin Luther King Jr Drive. This is a monthly event held on the last Thursday of the month from 4-6pm. Everyone is invited!

De’Marquis Edwards and William Willoughby of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at NSU volunteered to help serve participants this month.

The Natchez Heritage Festival Committee which includes the following members: Pearlie Hamilton, Monique Sarpy, Nora Lewis, Harry Clark, Frankie Mcdanial, Melvin Braxton, and Henry Braxton will cease operations effective May 31, 2018. The name “Natchez Heritage Festival Committee” is reserved and will not represent any committees formed in the future. We would like to thanks all our friends, sponsors, participants, and our community for 25 years of community service and support.

TOGETHER WE MADE A DIFFERENCE.

The Northwestern State baseball team and Vics Kid’s Club have a special event planned for the final home Friday night of the 2018 season.

The first Vic’s Kids Club Sleepover at Brown-Stroud Field will take place following the Demons’ series opener against Abilene Christian on Friday night.

All Vic’s Kids Club members are invited to spend the night on the field following NSU’s game against the Wildcats. There will be a movie shown, s’mores provided by Super1 Foods for all attendees and a chance to play catch with the team Saturday morning.

An adult will be required to chaperone each group of children who stay the night. Cost for tickets is $15 and include admission to Friday night’s game.

Anyone spending the night also will be provided admission to Saturday’s 2 p.m. game of the series, which will be Senior Day.

Overnight guests are encouraged to bring tents, however they cannot be staked into the ground.

Additionally, there is no bug spray of any kind allowed on the Brown-Stroud Field playing surface. All bug spray must be sprayed in the main seating bowl or on the stadium’s concourse.

To purchase tickets or for more information, contact either Mike Jacklich or Kelsey Gilbert at 318-357-4268 or via email at jacklichm@nsula.edu or kgilbert187029@nsula.edu.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Dolores Elaine (Wampole) Brown
January 21, 1937 – May 7, 2018

Rev. Millard Hollingsworth
May 8, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Frankie Ray Jackson
April 3, 1959 – May 5, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Alex Benito Reliford
May 28, 1971 – May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Pearlene Blake
May 1, 2018
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11:30 am at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Bermuda
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 9-11:30 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Saturday

Lula M. Cheatham
May 1, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 9:30 am-11 am at We Care Ministries, 750 Ouida Drive in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at We Care Ministries
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum

Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA
SABINE PARISH:

Patrick Leroy Laroux
March 5, 1954 – May 8, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, May 9 at 5 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Zwolle
Service: Thursday, May 10 at 3 pm at First Baptist Church of Noble with Rev. Jimmy Price and Rev. Troy Thomas officiating
RAPIDES PARISH:

Elsie Saucier Vanlangendonck
September 29, 1925 – May 5, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 9-11:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home Service: Saturday, May 12 at 12 pm at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church
Internment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens
WINN PARISH:

Rev. Bizer Preston Holder
January 18, 1929 – May 4, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, May 10 from 5-9 pm at the Pine Grove Baptist Church
Service: Friday, May 11 at 3 pm at Pine Grove Baptist Church
Interment: Pine Grove Cemetery

Quentis Ates Bruce
August 30, 1940 – May 8, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, May 10 from 5-9 pm at Georgetown Baptist Church
Service: Friday, May 11 at 10 am at Georgetown Baptist Church
Interment: Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery in Winnfield

James Dudley Phillips
November 11, 1938 – May 3, 2018
Arrangements TBA

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for the NPSO Reserve Unit.

The NPSO Reserve Unit is a voluntary division of the sheriff’s office which is tasked with supplementing the patrol division, school activities, festivals, traffic details and other calls for service. The reserve unit is based on very simple concepts, “promote citizen involvement in law enforcement” and “Project and protect the integrity and professionalism of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office”.

Applicants that are selected must attend an in house reserve academy where they will receive state mandated training to become a reserve deputy. Applicants who successfully complete the reserve academy will complete a field training program and pass a rigorous evaluation process within the patrol division before assisting fulltime patrol deputies.

After successful completion of the field training program reserve deputies will be required to pass an evaluation process before they will be allowed to assist fulltime patrol deputies as they carry out law enforcement duties in Natchitoches Parish.

The NPSO Reserve Unit is a voluntary organization but is also compensated monetarily once minimum volunteer hours are met.

Some current reserve deputies are members of the NPSO Search and Rescue Unit.

The minimum requirements to apply for the NPSO Reserve Unit are as follows:

Must be 18 years of age and in good standing in the community.
Must complete an extensive background check.
Must have no felony criminal history.
Must have no criminal record involving DWI or any drug law violations of any kind.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must be able to participate in an interview process.
Must successfully complete the assigned in house reserve officer academy.
Must be in good physical and mental condition.

After the Reserve deputy has successfully passed all required training the deputy must:

Volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per month.
Be able to assist with functions within Natchitoches Parish.
Be able to assist during disasters or any state of emergency.

Applications can be obtained at http://www.npsheriff.org or in person at the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, 200 Church Street, (Courthouse) Natchitoches, La.

If you are interested in applying or would like more information about the NPSO Reserve Unit please contact Chief Doug Rachal at 318-357-7830, Ext# 854 or Captain Tony Moran at 318-357-7830, Ext# 205, or Sgt. Sammy Ragan at 318-357-7830.

May 4, 2018 – The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) approved the 2018-19 and 2019-20 resident game hunting seasons, 2018-19 general and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) hunting seasons, rules and regulations, 2019 general and WMA turkey hunting season, rules and regulations and 2018-19 migratory bird hunting season, rules and regulations at its May meeting Thursday in Baton Rouge.

The notices of intent presented in January by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) for the upcoming hunting seasons were approved with amendments made subsequently in February.

Approved amendments to the NOI included alteration of the season structure for deer hunting areas 5 and 7. The new dates for Deer Area 5 will occur earlier within the normal season framework, beginning with primitive firearms season, which will start Nov. 10, 2018.

The beginning and closing of archery season is all that will be affected in Deer Area 7. It will open Sept. 15, 2018, and close Jan. 15, 2019. The adjustment will allow Deer Area 7 to run concurrent with deer areas 3, 8 and 10.

An amendment to allow gill and trammel nets for commercial fishing on Spring Bayou Wildlife Management Area (WMA) passed as did an amendment to close Bussey Brake WMA to all activities until further notice.

Changes from previous hunting seasons in the approved NOIs include but are not limited to:

* Deer Area 9 change in either-sex primitive and modern firearms days. Dates will occur earlier within the normal season framework to facilitate antlerless harvest earlier in the season with the intent to improve sex ratios in advance of breeding. There is no reduction or addition of available hunting days.

* Move West Feliciana Parish from Deer Area 4 to Area 6.

* Prohibition on the use of drones on WMAs.

* Addition of Small Game Emphasis Area to Tunica Hills WMA.

* Addition of PCHP wheelchair bound waterfowl blinds on Bayou Pierre and Russell Sage WMAs.

* Addition of vessel language for allowable means of camping on WMAs.

* Addition of language to clarify where camping can occur on WMAs.

* Reduction of available either-sex modern firearm days from three to two and reduction of primitive firearms bucks only days from seven to two for deer on Attakapas WMA.

* Allowance for use of yo-yo’s and trot lines for fishing in Big and Chain lakes on Big Lake WMA.

* Establishment of Limited Access Areas (LAAs) for the Topan Unit and the Old Waterfowl Refuge on Boeuf WMA, prohibiting the use of motorized vessels.

* Reduction of deer youth lottery and PCHP Wheelchair bound opportunity on Buckhorn WMA.

* Adjustment of dates for primitive weapon deer season on Clear Creek WMA.

* Grassy Lake WMA reduction of deer either-sex primitive weapon days from seven to two days.

* Elimination of antlerless deer harvest on Pass-A-Loutre WMA.

* Reduction of deer either-sex primitive weapon days from seven to two days on Richard K Yancey WMA.

* Changing the Joyce WMA deer season structure to run concurrent with Maurepas Swamp WMA deer season.

* Establishment of LAAs for all waterfowl impoundments EXCEPT Wham Brake on Russell Sage WMA, prohibiting the use of motorized vessels.

* Adjustment of Sabine WMA deer season(s) to make them later in the season.

* Increase in the number of deer either-sex days for modern firearms from five to14 days on Thistlethwaite WMA.

* Adjustment of dates for primitive weapons deer season on West Bay WMA.

* Addition of a part of St. Martin Parish into Area A for turkey hunting.

To view the full notice of intent and all hunting season dates and regulations changes for the upcoming hunting seasons, please visit http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/action-items .

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at http://www.wlf.la.gov. To receive recreational or commercial fishing email and text alerts, signup at http://www.wlf.la.gov/signup.

St. Mary’s Catholic School proudly presents the graduating seniors of the Class of 2018. They are Sarah Aviles, Ashton Behrendsen, Dylan Bennett, Slade Bienvenu, Elizabeth deVargas, Jared Elie, Jeremy Friedel, Sarah Gilmore, John Howell, Erica Hubbs, George Ingrish, Clayton Jackson, Kelsi Jarrett, Stephen Lirette, Wesley Manuel, Christina Menou, Makenzie Methvin, Olivia Miller, Matthew Nelson, Jason Parker, Sierra Pesnell, Jonathan Rachal, Ryan Sampite, Patrick Shelton, David Thibodaux, Hannah Thomas, Nicholas Torrent, Britney Turner, Lauren Vienne, Michael Vienne Jr., Patrick Water, Kelsie Ward, Zachary White, Jack Wright and Katelyn Yopp.

 

 

Kevin’s Gallery

Four NSU Seniors were joined by their fellow dance students and Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts students Abagail LeBlanc, Edouard Ferrell and Jada Begue at NSU’s A. A. Fredricks Auditorium May 5 for their senior dance concert, a capstone of their tenure at the university.

The event, titled “E*MO*TION”, featured seven different pieces showcasing a variety of dance styles. In addition to performing, each piece was choreographed by a student as well. The students also performed a dance choreographed by guest artist Leslie Scott titled “Windows + Doors”. This dance was performed at the recent American College Dance Association South Regional Conference.

This event is indicative of the superbly talented young men and women to be found in NSU’s School of Creative and Performing Arts as well as the LSMSA. The Natchitoches Parish Journal extends its best wishes to Skilynn Fontenot, Madi Wood, Anna Birbiglia and Dwight Robinette in their careers after graduation. Go out and make us proud!

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating tonight’s photography. Copy protection is off. The dancers and their families may download any they wish.

After reading an article in the Natchitoches Parish Journal regarding fraudulent solicitation phone calls from the Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery Manager Grant Weber reached out to the NPJ. He recently received a call from a Natchitoches resident who’d gotten a robo call soliciting him for personal information. His caller ID showed “Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery” and “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service” as the callers.

Weber stressed that citizens should never give unsolicited callers any personal information, and the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery would never ask for any type of payment, monetary donation, or personal information over the phone. He also said they’re working on resolving this issue.

Every year the Rotary Club of Natchitoches sponsors a Rotary Club Essay Scholarship Competition. This year six high school students from Louisiana School for Math Science and the Arts (LSMSA), Natchitoches Central High School (NCHS), and Lakeview High School (LHS) submitted essays. Each student read his/her essay to the Rotary Club members, and the members voted on the top three essays which will be announced on Tuesday, May 8. Pictured from left are Rotarian and Chair of the Essay Scholarship

Program Dr. Ron McBride, Sofia Rivera (LSMSA), Alex Wade (NCHS), Alexa Schleter (LSMSA), Brock Puryear (NCHS), Quintarious Coleman (LHS), Joshua Fortenberry (NCHS), and Rotary Club of Natchitoches President David Zolzer.

Red River Mill Credit Union has been growing and changing since it was chartered in 1975. After 43 years it’s time to change the name to let everyone know they can JOIN too!

To reflect its growth and increased involvement in the Natchitoches community, Red River Mill Credit Union is holding a Name Change Contest. The winning name submission will receive a $500 prize.

“We’re in the search of a new name for our credit union,” said Holly Guillory, business development officer. “We’re looking for a name that let’s everyone know they’re invited to come grow with us. The name you suggest could be selected as our new official name.”

Originally serving employees at the paper mill in Campti, Red River Mill Credit Union became a Community Credit Union in 2013. It currently meets the banking needs of more than 1,000 members throughout Natchitoches and Northwest Louisiana. The credit union offers a variety of checking and savings account options as well as personal loans, vehicle loans and small business loans.

Rules for the contest:

• The Name Change Contest will run through Friday, May 18
• A winner will be announced on June 30
• One person can enter up to 3 suggestions for a new name
• Keep name idea short and sweet…Just 1 or 2 words not including the words credit union
• If two people choose the same name, the person who submitted it first will receive the prize
• Submit name options to redrivercontest@gmail.com
• Email up to 3 name ideas and be sure to include your full name, phone number and email contact info
• Entry forms can be filled out and submitted online at www.redrivermillefcu.org.

*Winning name may come from source outside of contestant suggestions
*Should winning name not be submitted during contest, a drawing from contestant pool will be used to select a winner – only have to enter to win

Red River Mill Employees Federal Credit Union exists to serve its members. While banks and other financial institutions must make a profit for their shareholders, credit unions return their profits to members in the form of dividends on savings, low rates on loans, and new or improved services. In addition, the not-for-profit status of credit unions enables them to operate at a lower cost than many for-profit institutions, which helps them offer competitive loan and savings rates to their members.

Red River Mill Federal Credit Union contact info:

Phone: 318-238-7762
Address: 256 Hwy 3175 in Natchitoches
Website: www.redrivermillefcu.org