Natchitoches’ First United Methodist Church will be a bit more lively each evening this week as 140 “Amped” children sing, dance and learn as they attend Vacation Bible School at the church June 18-22. The VBS, held 5:30-8 pm each evening at the church at 411 Second St. is for children from pre-school through 5th grade.
The VBS includes games, crafts and learning as the children learn Bible stories in a fun filled atmosphere. This FUMC’s VBS has traditionally featured a service project for the children to participate in helping children living in other areas of the country and world. This year’s project is “Chicken and Egg.” The project will raise funds for disaster stricken areas of Haiti. The funds will be used to bring supply chickens for families there who will then be able to sell the eggs to help keep their children in school.
While this year’s VBS is full to capacity, the FUMC family is looking forward to welcoming another group of children at next year’s VBS!
It seems to me that many left wing academics these days are playing Dr. Kevorkian to our popular history and traditions.
You remember Dr. Kevorkian. He was the physician who gained notoriety a few years ago for his advocacy of assisted suicide, helping people to end their lives. And, as I said, I feel like many liberal professors are trying to gently — or not so gently — do away with the way that many Americans look to our past. Many people see in that past an effort to strive to make our country a better place and are proud of the efforts of the citizens who came before us.
But these days those achievements of old are being denigrated and put in a different light altogether from the way many of us who are used to looking at them.
The idea for this column was inspired by a review in the Weekly Standard, a somewhat intellectual conservative magazine, of a new book, written by Stephen Brumwell, about the Revolutionary War traitor Benedict Arnold.
The review praises the book, but it was some side comments by writer Gordon S. Wood that really grabbed my attention. I’d like to quote at some length from what Mr. Wood had to say about so many of today’s college-level academics.
He says the story of Arnold was once well known to most Americans, how the brilliant general betrayed George Washington and the United States by trying to turn over the fort at West Point over to the British. Arnold’s name was once a synonym for traitor.
“Not so any more,” Wood says. “Nowadays, many young Americans have no idea who Arnold was. Even those who have vaguely heard the name have little sense of what he did and why ‘Benedict Arnold’ has been a byword for betrayal through much of our history.
“This loss of memory comes in part from a changing view of the revolution. In the hands of present day teachers and professors the revolution is no longer the glorious cause it once was. It is now mostly taught — when it is taught at all — as a tale of woe and oppression, redressing what many academics believe was an over-emphasis on the patriotism of great white men.
To make a long story short, the American Revolution was a revolution of white men, which came at the expense of everyone else, blacks, women and Indians, according to much of today’s academic thinking.
Well. Neither I nor Mr. Wood, in his review, will try to make the case that there were not serious problems during the revolution, including the existence of the horrible institution of slavery. But what the Founders (we should no longer refer to them as the Founding Fathers, you see) accomplished in creating the United States was, I believe, one of the great achievements in history.
No where on earth at that time, unfortunately, were women given equal rights. All native peoples were oppressed in one manner or another. And Africans were sold into slavery all over the Western Hemisphere as well as in Africa and the Middle East.
Judging people of the past by liberal 21st century standards is really not quite fair, is it?
So I’m not going along with this new destructive trend. When I get hold of a book that tells our history objectively and does not spend half of its text “teaching” us what villains our forefathers (sorry, I mean our ancestors) were, I’m ready to curl up with that book, settle back and enjoy it. If a book attacks American values that I still hold dear, I will get rid of that book, even if I paid good money for it.
I’m too old to waste my time with the theories of modern academics who want to tear down, or help do away with, our traditional patriotic outlook on our history.
District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced today, June 20, the trial conviction of Hamilton Bynog of one count of battery on a police officer and two counts of resisting arrest.
Bynog, 42, was found guilty on June 13 on three of four charges in a bench trial presided by the Honorable Ad Hoc Judge Eugene Bryson, Jr. in the 10th Judicial District Court. He was found not guilty on one count of resisting arrest.
The conviction results from a 2017 disturbance at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse. Trial evidence of the incident included a courthouse surveillance video showing Bynog leaving the courthouse at the conclusion of a civil proceeding and returning several minutes later. Upon re-entering the courthouse, Bynog confronted Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Bailiff Phillip Wilkerson and Natchitoches City Police Chief Mickey Dove, striking Wilkerson and resisting detainment by both. NPSO Reserve Deputy Larry Atterage also responded to the incident and assisted in making the arrest.
“We are thankful for the prompt response of Bailiff Wilkerson, Chief Dove, and Deputy Atterage during this incident. They quickly maintained order and safety for the protection of the citizens and employees at the courthouse,” said District Attorney Harrington.
Judge Bryson, Jr. scheduled sentencing for Bynog on August 3rd. Assistant District Attorney Loren Lampert prosecuted the case.
Jack Hains became Louisiana’s first Bassmaster Classic champion by taking a gamble.
Hains entered the final day of the 1975 Classic in Currituck Sound, North Carolina in fifth place on the leaderboard.
If the crop duster from Rayne was going to reel in the most prestigious title and largest purse in all of professional fishing, he was going to have to take a big chance on the last day of the three-day competition — a day which featured frigid 40-mph winds and rough swells.
The then-25-year-old rookie caught a total of 18 fish (weighing 45 pounds and 4 ounces) for the tournament to defeat 29 other anglers, including future longtime ESPN host Jimmy Houston, to become the first Louisiana fisherman to win a Bassmaster Classic.
Hains would go on to qualify for seven more Bassmaster Classic tournaments, fished on the Walmart Fishing League Worldwide Tour, competed in 152 career tournaments, finished in the Top 10 a total of 24 times, finished in the Top 20 a total of 35 times and earned more than $300,000 in prize winnings.
It only seems fitting Hains would be enshrined among the state’s sporting greats, and only the third outdoorsman to be enshrined following Grits Gresham and Dr. L.J. Mayeux, when the 2018 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class is inducted Saturday, June 30, at the Natchitoches Events Center.
“It is extremely humbling to say the least,” Hains said. “I am excited but I question being selected because of all the great people in the hall. I am humbled by the honor.”
These days Hains spends his days serving as the Recreation Director for the Broussard Sports Complex but he still finds plenty of time for a little fishing from time to time and has valuable advice for any up-and-coming pro angler.
“I had been so close to winning other tournaments,” Hains said. “I had it won and the fish comes off. I had it won and my line breaks. It makes you realize that everything has to be perfect. After you fish in a couple of tournaments you learn you have to make the most of every minute you have out there on the water.”
Hannah Deranger was chosen by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (NCDA) to attend a Congressional Seminar in Washington DC. Deranger’s essay, “Why did the authors of the United States Constitution give Presidents the power to issue Executive Orders? How did Congress and the Judicial Branch limit these orders?” was one of only four in Louisiana selected for the Congressional Seminar Essay Contest for High School Students.
According to the NCDA.org website, “This essay contest is a major project of The NSCDA held under the auspices of the Washington Workshops Foundation, a private nonprofit educational program in American government for high school students. Winners receive full tuition, including seminar materials, university campus housing, and two meals daily, for a week of citizenship education about the national government, plus fun, new friends, and tours of sites in our nation’s capital.”
Deranger is an incoming Senior at Saint Mary’s Catholic School and is grateful to Landry for submitting her essay to the NCDA. Due to a scheduling conflict, Deranger was unable to attend the event.
The Lakeview High School Air Force Junior ROTC cadet group graduated six junior cadets from the
2018 AFJROTC Cadet Leadership Course (CLC) conducted at Grambling State University from
June 10-16. Bossier Parish School Board hosted the course, with supervision and instruction provided by Air Force Junior ROTC Instructors from Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The 6-day, in-residence course, allowed each cadet to develop their potential as an effective leader and team member. Lakeview Cadets James Earp III, Tierra Stacks, Destinee Britt, Olivia Litton, Ke’Aira Thomas, and Cameron Taylor received 72 hours of Aerospace Science instruction and 30 hours of Military Leadership training. Academic seminars included goal setting, orienteering, cyber-security, and team building exercises. In addition to the academic instruction, the cadets also competed in drill competitions, physical fitness, flight challenges, a water survival practical exercise, the Camp Minden obstacle course, rappelling, archery, a ropes course, and an orienteering competition. The cadets also participated in a day-long career day and open house at Barksdale Air Force Base. The course included over 190 cadets from 25 high schools, representing five states.
The course concluded with a formal parade and graduation/awards ceremony.
Northwestern State assistant softball coach Amy Hooks has accepted the Lamar head coaching job, the Cardinals announced Wednesday.
Hooks has coached under NSU’s Donald Pickett for six seasons in Natchitoches, working closely with the infield and catchers.
The Mesquite, Texas, native added pitch-calling duties to her plate this past season.
“Amy has put in a lot of hard work in her six years with me,” Pickett said. “We always knew this day would come sooner or later, and she’ll do great there.
“The right opportunity came along, and I’m really proud of her and everything she’s done. She’s meant a lot to us.”
Hooks has been on staff for all five of NSU’s Southland Conference Tournament appearances in the past six seasons, including tournament titles in 2013 and 2014 with a regular season championship in 2015.
The University of Texas alum finished her career as the Longhorns’ home run leader (36) with many other top 10 statistical career rankings.
Photo Credit: Gary Hardamon/NSU Photographic Services
Charles “Peanut” Glen French, Sr.
July 31, 1944 – June 18, 2018
Visitation: Friday, June 22 from 5-10 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, June 23 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: St. Anne’s Cemetery in the Spanish Lake Community near Robeline
Willey J. LeBlanc, Jr.
October 5, 1931 – June 18, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, June 21 from 1-3 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Thursday, June 21 at 3 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Mary Susan Owen Smith
April 10, 1947 – June 16, 2018
Service: Sunday, June 24 at 2 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Natchitoches with visitation to follow in the Fellowship Hall
Melinda Gayle Quarles
November 14, 1981 – May 26, 2018
Service: Sunday, June 24 at 2 pm at 231 Hargis Road in Natchitoches
Marvin Davis
June 16, 2018
Arrangements TBA
WINN PARISH:
Elliott F. Mock
September 24, 1933 – June 17, 2018
RED RIVER PARISH:
Michael Locke
Visitation: Thursday, June 21 from 12-2 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel in Mansfield
Service: Thursday, June 21 at 2 pm at Mansfield Cemetery
Van Garner
Visitation: Saturday, June 23 from 5-7 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Many
Service: Saturday, June 23 at 11 am at Pilgrim Star Baptist Church in Florien
Interment: Pilgrim Star Baptist Cemetery
Bobbie White Bolds
Visitation: Friday, June 22 at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, June 23 at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel in Mansfield
Interment: Community Cemetery in Logansport
Ethel Green
Visitation: Friday, June 22 from 6-7 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, June 23 at 12 pm at the Northwest Auditorium in Mansfield
Interment: Old Zion Cemetery in Grand Cane
NATCHITOCHES – The City of Natchitoches would like to advise the public that a boil order has been issued by The Louisiana Department of Health for The City of Natchitoches Water System. The water system test showed the presence of Total Coliform (E.coli). The City of Natchitoches cautions all residents who consume water on the City of Natchitoches Water System to bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let cool before consumption or use bottled water for consumption. This boil order shall remain in effect until further notice.
DRINKING WATER WARNING
Test showed the presence of Fecal Coliform (E.coli) Bacteria in Natchitoches Water System Drinking Water
PWSID # LA1069007 PWSNAME City of Natchitoches
BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING
Fecal coliform (or E.coli) bacteria were found in the water supply on the dates shown below. These bacteria can make you sick, and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems.
Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for example, following heavy rains). It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment process.
RECENT STORM DRAIN CONSTRUCTION AND WATER MAIN REPAIRS COULD HAVE CAUSED THE POSITIVE SAMPLE.
What should I do? What does this mean?
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
Fecal Coliforms and E.Coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking this water.
What is being done?
System flushing and sanitizing in affected area along with additional sampling throughout system. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within the next 24 hrs.
For more information, please contact Natchitoches Utility Department at 318-357-3850 or P.O. 37, Natchitoches, La. 71457. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:XII) further requires that the notice include the telephone number or mailing address of the owner, operator, or designee of the public water system as a source of additional information concerning the notice.
This notice is being sent to you by Natchitoches Water System, LA1069007. If you have questions about this notice please contact the water system directly: Mr. Charles Brossette, Utilities Superintendent, by calling 318-357-3850.
NATCHITOCHES: I have always been proud of our little town, its historical significance, its beauty, and its festivals. However, there is another real fact that we must confront. According to a USA TODAY article published June 18, in towns with populations of 1000 to 25000 people, Natchitoches is the 6th poorest in the country. Listen to me: Not in the state, but in the entire country. Something has to be wrong if there are only five other towns in this entire country where the people are poorer than those in Natchitoches.
I don’t know where the fault lies but I would start with our political leaders, since they should be looking after the welfare and promoting businesses to ensure those who live here can earn a living wage. Further, while tourism is good, Natchitoches needs to attract industry, not chicken and other fast food franchises.
This negative national exposure that Natchitoches has just received can do nothing but harm Natchitoches. What parent will want to send his son or daughter to college in Natchitoches now? Very few, so it will have an adverse impact on NSU also.
To the powers that be, you need to do something and do it immediately or our little town will die a slow death!!
Michael J. Bonnette
Cloutierville, LA
(318) 332-6718
Natchitoches’ Ben D. Johnson Park was the place to be Tuesday, June 19th for a celebration with a purpose as a group of around 200 residents, children, political and religious leaders gathered together for the city’s 10th annual Juneteenth Celebration.
Juneteenth commemorates the June 19th arrival of Union forces under Major General Gordon Granger who landed in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War was over and that the slaves living in the vanquished Confederacy were now in the words of the Emancipation Proclamation “…forever free…” The war had been effectively over since General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox in April of 1865, with the Army of the Trans-Mississippi surrendering June, 2nd 1865. Word traveled more slowly in those days when Texas was still frontier country. The arrival of General Granger and 2,000 Union troops to occupy Galveston brought freedom to every corner of the former Confederacy. General Granger read his General Order # 3, implementing the Emancipation Proclamation, from the balcony of Galveston’s Ashton Villa, which still stands today.
The order reads in part “… The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor….”
Randy Stelly was recognized for his long time support of the Natchitoches Juneteenth celebration as was local musical legend Hardrick Rivers. Recent Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts graduate Adreanna Queen read a piece concerning the Juneteenth holiday. Ms. Queen will be heading to LSU’s Honors College in the fall. Following the presentations, the crowd was entertained by music and served some superb cooking.
Natchitoches Police Department Patrol Shift C officers were dispatched to the area of Castleton Drive and Arrington Avenue on June 19 at 1:10 am in reference to two suspicious males looking into vehicles at different residences.
Upon arrival, ASP Team and Patrol officers made contact with two subjects, identified as Marcus Sowell Jr. (B/M, 17) and a 16-year-old juvenile male.
While speaking with Sowell, he provided a false identity and became physically resistant towards officers, and a nine-millimeter pistol with a thirty-two-round extended magazine was recovered from the interior of his waistband.
During a further search of his person, ten bags of suspected marijuana were recovered from his person.
Sowell was charged with the following offenses:
Illegal carrying of weapons, possession of firearm in presence of CDS, simple possession of marijuana, and two counts of resisting an officer.
Sowell was placed in Natchitoches Parish Detention Center with a return 10th Judicial Court date of 8/2/2018.
Future charges against Sowell are pending in reference to other ongoing investigations in the Arrington Estates area.
