Anyone wishing to get into the school board race or other local contests have until 4:30 pm today to qualify. Go to the Clerk of Court’s office in the courthouse to fill out qualifying paperwork.
Qualifying Window will close on TODDAY at 4:30 p.m.
Member of School Board District 1 – ONE to be elected
Rhonda Guidroz FILED 07/18/18. Incumbent
Carla Rachal FILED 07/20/18
Member of School Board District 2 – ONE to be elected
Harry Graham FILED 07/18/18 Incumbent
Tankeia Palmer FILED 07/18/18
Bernard Johnson FILED 07/19/18
Thurman Baptiste FILED 07/20/18
Member of School Board District 3 – ONE to be elected
Katrina Demars FILED 07/18/18
Dorothy McGaskey FILED 07/18/18
Member of School Board District 4 – ONE to be elected
Phil Brown FILED 07/18/18
Billy Benefield FILED 07/20/18
Member of School Board District 5 – ONE to be elected
Katrina Willis FILED 07/18/18 Incumbent
Member of School Board District 6 – ONE to be elected
Tommy Melder FILED 07/18/18 Incumbent
Reba Phelps FILED 07/19/18
Elvin Shields FILED 07/19/18
Member of School Board District 7 – ONE to be elected
Eugean Garner FILED 07-19-18
Kendria Sanders FILED 07/19/18
Member of School Board District 8 – ONE to be elected
Steven Harris FILED 07/18/18 Incumbent
Tom Collier FILED 07/18/18
Member of School Board District 9 – ONE to be elected
Carroll Daniels FILED 07/18/18 Incumbent
Beverly Broadway FILED 071918
Shelby Borders FILED 07/20/18
Member of School Board District 10 – ONE to be elected
Russ Danzy FILED 07/18/18 Incumbent
Member of School Board District 11 – ONE to be elected
Have you ever been slightly pea green with envy over someone else’s talent? We have all heard the beautiful singers bellowing a melodious tune. We have all enjoyed and marveled at the talent of Shonda Rhimes and her award-winning television shows. If you are like me, you wonder how their minds can come up with such intricate details and stories or how their voices sound so perfect. We have all seen artists’ completed work and wondered how their eyes and soul can speak through their hands to complete such breathtaking murals.
What about the carpenter with the crafty hands to build a house or remodel an existing house? What about the mechanically inclined who can fix anything with little instruction and their own bare hands? What about the person with the eye to re-decorate any room with perfect hues and objects that compliment each other.
We all witness a variety of true talent on a daily basis and you probably notice that not all talents are created equally. It is so easy to label talent as “something someone wanted to do and they went and done it.” (Intentional grammatical error to make a point) I don’t think we give enough credence to the source of our talents.
Each and every person on this planet has something within them that resembles talent or has the makings of a talent. Just as each of us has our fingerprints that identify specifically who we are, these talents also lend to our identity. Sometimes you don’t acknowledge your talent as a talent because you label it as just “something you do.”
When I was in junior high our church youth group was having talent night. I had it in my mind that I was going to wow the crowd with my musical stylings. In my mind, when I sang I sounded just like Whitney Houston. Lucky for me the preacher’s wife made a special visit to my parents to let them know that I may want to look into reading scriptures or playing a Biblical character in the play. Or, maybe even be in the set up and take down crew. I could do anything I wanted except sing.
Even though my hopes of being the next Whitney were quickly replaced with playing Queen Esther I feel like this was the beginning of a talent that would be fostered through the years.
I learned that I could tell a story and speak in front of crowds with very little preparation.
The biggest thief of our joy and peace of mind is to measure talents against the talents of others. God blesses some people with talent that has them reach masses and make millions. Not all talents are that grandiose by the world’s standards. He blesses others with talents who may only touch one person or a very few in a lifetime. These are just as important. Maybe even more important than the worldwide type talents.
This is the thing about gifts. Once we receive a gift or a talent we are expected to use them. We can’t trade gifts with our friends or simply return them because we don’t think they fit. They are not one size fits all. They will always find a way to reappear in your life. Simply because they were meant for us and no one else. If you are busy living your life and you have no idea what your gift or talent may be; chances are it is something that has peaked your interest in the past and you chalked it up to a fleeting thought. Whatever it is, try it. It could be a thought that could turn into your passion.
Gifts and talents from above are easily classified as circumstances and coincidences that may bring us success but the Bible tells us differently.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks they should do so as one who speaks the very word of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen”
As the summer months begin to cool down, the Natchitoches Recreation and Parks Department is gearing up for fall sports. This year their football continues to grow, and volleyball continues again after a successful first season.
Registration for both sports continues until Aug. 3 for volleyball which cost $40 to sign up. The fee includes a jersey and knee pads and ages 9-14 are eligible to sign up. However, football is a $75 fee and includes only a jersey, helmet, shoulder pads and pads must be purchased by the player.
If parents are not able to make it to the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center to sign up during the week, the center will be holding sign-ups on July 21, July 28 and Aug. 4 from 9 am – 12 pm.
“We understand that a lot of parents are pulled away during the week because of work or other activities,” said Jami LeBlanc, assistant director of recreation. “This is a chance for parents to come to us on a Saturday where something might not be planned and sign their child up.”
Volleyball games and practice are held during the week and are more “recreational” whereas football is more “competitive” with practice being held during the week with weekend games played against other city teams.
LeBlanc describes the needed importance of children participating in sports as a way to “build character and discipline” as well as a way for children to meet coaches who can become “figures for them.”
“Sports builds character, they’re really important at a young age especially for them to develop team work and social skills not just for sports but for everyday life,” she said.
LeBlanc mentioned that a child does not need to be an all-star to come play and that “anyone is welcomed to play.”
Bill Moyers is known for his work at CBS and PBS. He is journalist of renown. He is also a 1959 graduate of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with the M. Div. degree. He was ordained as a Baptist minister and served as pastor of the Baptist Church in Wier, Texas.
Perhaps he is most noted for being a part of Lyndon Johnson’s administration. Moyers served as press secretary to LBJ from 1965-1967. He was also integral in creating much of the legislation that became a part of Johnson’s Great Society.
There is an apocryphal story about Moyers and LBJ in a cabinet meeting. One day prior to LBJ conducting his meeting, he called on Moyers to issue the invocation for the meeting. Moyers dutifully bowed his head and began praying aloud.
Johnson was unable to hear Moyers clearly.
“Speak up Bill, I can’t hear you, “President Johnson chided.
Moyers did not miss a syllable in his response.
“I’m not talking to you, Mr. President.”
Moyers kept right on praying.
While our church staff was out of town for a planning our church year, we received the news of the murder of the infant here in Natchitoches. The news left us breathless and wondering, “How could that happen in our town?”
There are times when words won’t suffice, and this is one of them.
There are times when talking to God and listening for Him is the solitary course to comfort. I need to talk to God about this.
Patt Todd recently joined Cathy Davis and her Capital Realty team as a new realtor.
Todd is a lifelong resident of Natchitoches and has four children. He is a St. Mary’s graduate, and attended Northwestern State University. He originally went into business for himself in 1982, operating Todd Furniture and Office Supply. He worked as an authorized Xerox Sales Agent for the past 36 years, where he was recognized as the top Silver Agent in the entire US.
“My goal is simply to give you excellent service,” said Todd. “I’ll work to sell your property and or find you that perfect home.”
By Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center
Estelle Brown, a member of the Sweet Inspirations, famous for backing up Elvis Presley on tour, will be inducted into the Louisiana Folklife Hall of Master Folk Artists at the 39th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival, which will be held on July 20-21 in Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus.
Brown will make several appearances at the Festival. First, Brown will take part in the welcome ceremony at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday July 21, at which time she and her fellow members of the 2018 Louisiana Folklife Hall of Master Folk Artists class will be inducted. Inductees include Brown’s fellow band mate in Elvis Presley’s band, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer guitarist James Burton, local musician/promoter/philanthropist Rodney Harrington, the late folk artist Clementine Hunter, musician and craftsman Hilton Lytle, rockabilly musician Jim Oertling and Elvis Presley’s original drummer, D.J. Fontana.
Brown will next appear along with Mr. Burton in a session entitled “Memories of the King” from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., during which Brown and Burton will discuss their legendary careers and particularly their time spent travelling and recording with Presley. Harrington will act as moderator of this session.
The Festival will conclude with Brown and Burton, along with Grammy winner and Cajun folk artist Jo-El Sonnier, as guests of Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs in the Festival’s grand finale concert. The concert will include a tribute to Presley featuring a recreation of the King’s Vegas-style show.
“It is our honor to induct Estelle Brown into the Hall of Master Folk Artists,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center and the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. “She has been an important creative force in the formation and history of several American musical genres, and her contributions are not only written on vinyl but on history itself. Her work will be loved and remembered for as long as people listen to the greats that she recorded with, or in other words, forever.”
Brown has been singing and performing for more than 60 years, and like many of the singers of her generation, she “cut her teeth” performing the soulful gospel hymns in the African-American church where she grew up. In the 60’s, when girl groups were popular, Brown’s friend and fellow gospel singer, Cissy Houston, asked her if she wanted to be a part of a female singing group she was forming, and do some background vocals for Atlantic Records artists. Brown readily agreed, and they brought in another couple of friends and The Sweet Inspirations were born. It wasn’t long before the Sweet Inspirations were playing regular gigs, getting a record deal, and recording their own music. In fact, the “Sweets” had a hit song on the charts in 1968 called, appropriately enough, “Sweet Inspirations.”
Over the next several years, the Sweet Inspirations kept busy performing and recording with some of the world’s greatest artists and their distinctive sound can be heard on some of the greatest records in the history of rock and roll. Some of the artists and just a few of the iconic recordings Brown and the Sweets appeared on are Aretha Franklin (“Chain of Fools,” “Natural Woman”), Van Morrison (“Brown Eyed Girl”), Dusty Springfield (“Son of a Preacher Man”), Dion Warwick (“Do You Know the Way to San Jose”, “Anyone Who Had A Heart”). The girls even sang with Jimi Hendrix on his legendary “Electric Ladyland” album. Over the years, Brown and the Inspirations have toured and performed with many of the artists they had recorded with, including Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, the Bee Gees and Whitney Houston (Cissy’s daughter).
Brown and the Sweet Inspirations’ lives changed forever in 1969 when they received a call from Presley asking them to be a part of his touring band, which Elvis called the TCB Band, short for “Taking Care of Business.” Brown and the Sweets toured with Elvis until his untimely death in 1977, but appeared with Elvis on some of the iconic recordings at some of the most historic Elvis concerts in music history, including the “Aloha From Hawaii” concert.
Brown has toured and performed both individually and as a member of the Sweet Inspirations since Elvis’ death, and several years ago moved to Louisiana. Since moving to Shreveport, Brown has embraced Louisiana’s culture and music, and has become engrained in the North Louisiana music scene, performing regularly with her old TCB band mate, James Burton, as well as with Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs.
Brown has made it her mission to spread the joy of music and the history of the music that she was so integrally involved in with the people of North Louisiana. Since she has moved to Louisiana, Brown has performed in concerts to raise money for music related charities such as the James Burton Foundation, the ArkLaTex Music Heritage Foundation, and the Natchitoches Jazz R&B Festival, as well as for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Each of Brown’s performances of becomes a mini documentary of her life and her role in the creation and recording of some of the greatest songs in music history as well as her life on the road with the King of Rock and Roll, the Queen of Soul and others. Brown and her story have been featured on Shreveport area stations and, she has gone into schools and spoken to school children to educate them about the history of rock and roll which she has been such an integral part.
The Festival will be held in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum located at 220 South Jefferson Street on the NSU campus in Natchitoches. The Festival will be held Friday July 20 from 4:30 p.m. until 10:15 p.m., and all day on Saturday July 21 from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. The family-oriented festival is wheelchair accessible. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. For a full schedule of events, to purchase tickets, or for more information call (318) 357-4332, send an email to folklife@nsula.edu, or go to louisianafolklife.nsula.edu.
Support for the Fiddle Championship and the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation, and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.
The Festival is also supported by generous sponsorships from Acme Refrigeration of Baton Rouge, Bank of Montgomery, Louie Bernard, City Bank, the City of Natchitoches, Cleco, John Conine; Corkern, Crews, Johnson & Guillet; CP-Tel, Dan and Desirée Dyess, Georgia’s Gift Shop, La Capitol FCU, the Harrington Law Firm, Billy Joe Harrington, the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, NSU Men’s Basketball, Page Builders, LLC, R.V. Byles Enterprises, UniFirst, Dr. Michael Vienne, David and Shirley Walker, Waste Connections, The Natchitoches Parish Journal, Elite Radio Group, LLC and Young Estate LLC.
Have you ever wanted to travel to the land of the rising sun? Maybe you’ve been and want to return? Or a family member might have wowed you with the tales of Japanese culture? If so, you will want to find yourself in attendance at the Natchitoches Parish Library’s (NPL) “Japan Rocks!” summer reading program event for adults and teens.
The NPL will have several stations, each featuring something from Japanese culture. Staff will be sharing from their own interests and experiences and attendees will have a chance to learn about: Japanese rock music, how to make origami, and how to make onigiri (traditional stuffed rice balls). Those interested in travelling to Japan will also have the chance to hear from a recent first-time traveler on how he prepared, what to expect, and how traveling to Japan might be cheaper than you think.
“Japan Rocks!” requires no sign-up and will take place Tuesday, July 24 from 6-7:30pm at the NPL. Feel free to bring your own stories, souvenirs, and tales to share!
It’s really quite odd how ideas for columns can generate themselves.
Earlier this week, Mary and I were eating at a local restaurant (we do eat out a lot) and the TV set I was facing had a boxing match on, a fight between a Canadian lad and a young man from Mexico.
Service was a little slow that day so I got to see the whole eight-round match. The Canadian won but what struck me was that both men appeared pretty tired after their fight. Now that’s entirely understandable because boxing has to be one of the more strenuous and stressful sports.
But, being the military history buff that I am, my thoughts turned to what it would have been like to be a soldier in the middle ages. What does that have to do with boxing, you may well ask.
Well, both the sport and medieval combat involved the constant need to almost simultaneously attack and defend yourself, in one case the boxer being somewhat protected by the use of padded gloves and in the other, the warrior is in intense danger of death or horrible mutilation.
I more or less made that remark to Mary, waiting for my hamburger. “Yes,” she said, “but all war is horrible.” That is certainly true and I agreed. But I pointed out that the physical exertion of a medieval warrior had to be as difficult as that which any man at arms has ever faced, with the possible exception of BUDS, the special training that today’s Navy SEALS undergo.
I mean, consider. First of all, like all infantrymen, the medieval foot soldier had to walk wherever he went to fight. That could be hundreds of miles in some cases. And while he was not encased in heavy armor like a knight on horseback, he did usually have some kind of protection, which added to the weight he had to carry.
His weapon my have been a sword, a battle axe, a hammer, mace or other instrument that could cut and bludgeon.
Okay so let’s conjure up an individual soldier to make this more personal. Thomas is a farmer’s son from the county of Kent in England. He’s 18. The lord of the manor on which he lives has drafted him along with other young men of his village to accompany the lord to France. The lord is serving King Edward III, who wants the throne of France for himself, you see. So William and his mates are in France.
After many miles of marching, with horrible food to sustain them, they encounter the French. William and his cohorts are ordered to run to meet the enemy. The poor French peasants, now serving as soldiers, are ordered to do the same.
William carries a battle axe, a pretty heavy weapon. He must try to kill as many Frenchmen as he can. constantly chopping with his unwieldly instrument, for as long as several hours. He’s lucky if he isn’t killed or has a limb chopped off. There’s no respite, for as soon as the Frenchmen immediately surrounding him are disposed of, more run up to take their place.
William sees many of his mates lying dead or mutilated on the ground near him. His arms feel like they’re about to fall off. But he must continue to attack with his battle axe, which seems to grow heavier by the minute.
Finally, the battle is over. William has survived. He is totally exhausted and even with his eyes closed he still sees a red sea of blood from the battlefield. But he must rest. Because the French may attack again tomorrow.
All right. This is what the medieval warrior had to contend with. As utterly horrible as all war is, as Mary said, the soldier of 800 or 600 years ago had to have unbelievable endurance. Not carrying a rifle or other such weapon, he had to kill all of his enemies up close and personal.
This may be more than you ever wanted to know about a medieval warrior. But I found this fascinating and I hope you shared my interests.
A petition for a recall for Parish Council member Russell Rachal was filed at the Secretary of State’s Office July 11. The recall committee now has 180 days to circulate the petition and get the required 1,688 signatures.
Infant Levi Cole Ellerbe
December 20, 2017 – July 18, 2018
Visitation: Friday, July 20 from 1-2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Friday, July 20 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Old Union Cemetery in Joyce
Donald Lee Ferguson
March 13, 1948 – July 18, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, July 22 from 10 am – 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Sunday, July 22 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Marthaville Cemetery
Robert Keith Stringer
February 7, 1958 – July 17, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, July 21 from 12-2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, July 21 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery
Rex Sutton Britt
May 25, 1949 – June 27, 2018
Service: Saturday, August 4 at 11 am at Trinity Baptist Church
Laverne Bayonne
May 20, 1930-July 11, 2018
Visitation: Friday, July 20 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, July 21 at 10 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Natchitoches
Interment: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery in Cloutierville
WINN PARISH:
Martha Dingler Parker
August 31, 1945 – July 18, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, July 21 from 5-8 pm and Sunday, July 22 from 8-10 am at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Sunday, July 22 at 10 am at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Transport Cemetery in Dodson
Claudine Godwin Coon
May 4, 1925 – July 18, 2018
Visitation: Friday, July 20 from 5-8 pm
Service: Saturday, July 21 at 11 am at Laurel Heights Baptist Church, 1001 San Pedro St. in Winnfield
Interment: Bolton-Teague Cemetery on Hwy. 501 in Winn Parish
SABINE PARISH:
Davy F. LaGrange
September 20, 1973 – July 16, 2018
Service: Friday, July 20 at 2 pm at Trinity Baptist Church
Interment: Trinity Cemetery
RED RIVER PARISH:
Joyce Marie Martin
March 22, 1944 – July 18, 2018
Visitation: Friday, July 20 from 6-8 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home in Coushatta
Service: Saturday, July 21 at 2 pm at Bethel Baptist Church
Interment: Bethel Cemetery
RAPIDES PARISH:
Lizzie M. Peoples
Visitation: Friday, July 20 from 6-8 pm at St. Elizabeth Baptist Church in Grand Cane
Service: Saturday, July 21 at 11 am at St. Elizabeth Baptist Church in Grand Cane
Interment: Community Cemetery in Grand Cane
The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce held a 2018 Legislative Issues Luncheon July 18 at the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.
Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Stephen Waguespack moderated the panel. He began with a brief overview of the four legislative sessions held this spring. According to Waguespack the fiscal cliff Louisiana is facing dominated the sessions.
A special session held in February adjourned with a $994 million hole in the budget and without the legislature passing anything. The deficit dropped to $648 million by the regular session in March because of a federal tax cut passed by the president. This session too ended with no solution and no approved budget.
A second special session in May passed a budget. It also passed a bill creating louisianacheckbook.com, a website allowing the public to oversee the government’s spending. While a lot of debate revolved around a sales tax, the session ended with no funding solution. A third special session in June was called to address an anticipated $641 million revenue shortfall resulting from the expiration (June 30) of a temporary one penny sales tax. Passing a bill to renew .45 of one penny (generating $463 million for the state budget starting July 1), will fully fund TOPS, higher education and healthcare (with a two-year time stamp).
Luncheon sponsors were given he opportunity to ask questions of the three panelists: State Senators Gerald Long and Jay Luneau and State Representative Lance Harris.
Alliance Compressors asked the panelists what they see will be protected going forward regarding businesses and state taxes?
Long: Home utilities, prescription drugs and food aren’t taxed at the state level. Cumulatively, businesses and individuals receive $8.9 billion annually in exemptions and credits (like the $75,000 homestead exemption). Seventy percent of all businesses in the state fire 75 or fewer employees. We have to keep modeling what good practices look like to protect small businesses. Many of our exemptions/credits are 30-40 years on the books. We need to be better business mangers and better stewards of what we have.
Luneau: I think we could do away with 90 percent of the exemptions and credits we give across the state. Businesses need to know what their taxes are going to be from year to year. We need a fixed rate that’s lower. Louisiana has the highest amount of credit/deductions in the nation. We have too many. It’s gone too far. We need to be effective at attracting businesses but we can’t give away the farm. We need to be careful about how we do it.
Harris: We need to look at the exemptions that really add to our economy. The movie tax credit is the worst deal we have. We lose 82 cents of every dollar we spend.With MNE tax credits or other business incentives, companies will build brick and mortar plants. I’m in favor of these types of exemptions. We need to get out of the last 90 years of thought and look toward a future to attract business.
Exchange Bank knows that the Natchitoches is a college town and the Chamber has prioritized K-12 education. It’s questions was how does Louisiana achieve consistent, more robust funding for higher education?
Long: I think we spend far too little on education. It’s the driving force and what would Natchitoches be without Northwestern State University? This is an extremely poor state and if we’re gonna move it forward, we have to start with preK and Kindergarten. We need to figure out how to put more into it, so that it will produce future dividends.
Luneau: Facilities across the state are dealing with deferred maintenance and there’s a lot of issues they can’t afford to fix. We have created this system. NSU has old HVAC systems and Grambling had to close its library because of black mold. Some people say we have too many colleges and universities in the state and LSUA and NSU are at the top of the list for suggested closures. I don’t want to see them close. We have to balance our spending issues. We are one of the poorest, sickest states in the US, which is why we spend so much on LDH. Medicaid expansion created over 19,000 jobs, much like some of the jobs at the NRMC. I think it’s a good investment for what we do. The LDH is one of our biggest employers in central Louisiana.
Harris: We have to deal with the $3.2 billion in discretionary spending we have now. Some thought needs to be given to spending reform. K-12 and higher education are priorities. The way the budget is set up we have this thing called LDH (Louisiana Department of Health). A lot of the budget is being eaten up by Medicaid and it increases each year. We need to make sure the money the state receives is spent adequately on the right priorities. It’s critical we have health services, but it’s also critical we fully fund higher education.
Waguespack asked the panelists what their perceptions are of how the state manages the growing Medicaid program?
Harris: A legislative audit report said the program is being run in a “willy nilly” fashion. That’s scary for a $14 million department. The Medicaid program is expanding too fast for the economy to keep up with. Let’s deal with it in the most efficient way we can and keep looking at reforms to try and change it. The program will continue to grow and eat our state general funds. That’s the No. 1 problem we’ll face in the future.
Luneau: I serve in the Louisiana Adult Advisory Council and the Health and Welfare Committee. A federal audit said we’re third in the nation. It’s interesting that Louisiana’s chief auditor said the state is in a horrible position after a bill failed that would’ve given him more power. There’s fraud on the provider and recipient side of healthcare. The federal government told us the level of fraud is within the realm of what is acceptable. The question is then, what do we do?
Harris: CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) estimate Louisiana had $1.5 million in fraud.
Long: This program is benefitting so many people that have no chance. However, we need to control the cost of everything. The original funding for TOPS was $60 million. We spend almost 7 times that today. Many people in Natchitoches are receiving quality healthcare. We have a moral responsibility as a state to protect our people.
Lyft asked the panelists if they will vote to allow the expansion of access to ride-sharing services next year after it didn’t make it through this years sessions. Each panelist said they would as long as some issues were addressed. The companies want legislation that gives them a lot of protection. Panelists believe companies like Uber and Lyft are seeking special treatment while trying to skirt rules and regulations for taxi cab operators, who are regulated by the Public Service Commission.
If you could pass one bill with a magic wand what would it be?
Long: Something that would allow us to look at a new constitution. Since it was revisited in 1975 we’ve made 250 amendments. There’s some issues we need to address if we’re going to move forward as a state.
Luneau: Tax reform.
Harris: A spending limit bill for the state budget. We cannot sustain the level of spending we’ve had in the past because the private sector and public economy cannot pay to keep up with it.
NRMC President and CEO Kirk Soileau asked the panelists what efforts the legislature will make to improve public discourse and the divide between parties?
Long: I don’t want Baton Rouge to look like Washington DC. Unfortunately, it’s begun to look more like it. I believe in balance. We can pick and chose the items we believe in. If all I have is an “R” behind my name, I was put there for the wrong reason. It’s imperative we find common ground. We’re not there because of who we are but because the people thought we could be the best representatives for them.
Luneau: I detest partisan politics. I vote on issues the way I think my constituents want me to vote. A lot of times the votes are more philosophical, like minimum wage. If we don’t stop partisan politics we’ll soon find ourselves in a serious situation.
Harris: Partisan is something the press just loves to drum up. I see it as two philosophies at work. We get to Baton Rouge to duke it our very transparently. Look at criminal justice reform. That was non-partisan voting. Partisan voting gets brought up when I refuse to roll over and vote for someone’s bill. I’m being true to what I was elected for. It all gets resolved in the end. Maw Maw doesn’t get kicked out of the nursing home and we have college football because of legislative debate.
Other representatives present at the luncheon included:
Stephanie Mackenzie from US Senator Bill Cassidy’s office
John Barr from US Senator John Kennedy’s office
Lee Turner from US Senator Mike Johnson’s office
Mayor Lee Posey
Parish President Rick Nowlin
The Louisiana Department of Health today reported the first human cases of West Nile virus for this year. These initial cases are listed in this year’s first weekly Arboviral Report and shows six WNV infections, distributed as follows:
Three cases of neuroinvasive disease: one case each in DeSoto, St. Tammany and Livingston parishes,
*The NID case previously reported to be in Tangipahoa parish has been changed to Livingston Parish. The case resides in a rural area very close to the border between the two parishes.
Two cases of fever: one each in East Baton Rouge and Ouachita parishes, and
One asymptomatic case in East Baton Rouge Parish that was diagnosed because of a blood donation.
West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease – This is the most serious type, infecting the brain and spinal cord. Neuroinvasive disease can lead to death, paralysis and brain damage.
West Nile Fever – A milder viral infection in which people experience flu-like symptoms.
Asymptomatic – The majority of people who contract West Nile will be asymptomatic, which means they show no symptoms. These cases are typically detected through blood donations or in the course of other routine medical tests.
In comparison, the department reported seven West Nile virus cases at this time last year.
Each week, the department will update and post the Arboviral Report with more detailed information about West Nile virus infections in Louisiana. The reports are available here.
Protect Yourself for Mosquitos
If you will be outside, you should wear a mosquito repellent containing DEET. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children. Insect repellents also are not recommended for children younger than two months. CDC recommends that you always follow the recommendations appearing on the product label when using repellent.
Apply repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply under your clothes or on broken skin.
to apply repellent to your face, spray on your hands and then rub on your face.
Adults should always apply repellent to children.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors for long periods of time.
Avoid perfumes and colognes when outdoors for extended periods of time.
Make sure that your house had tight-fitting windows and doors, and that all screens are free of holes.
Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Grounds
Reduce the mosquito population by eliminating standing water around your home, which is where mosquitoes breed.
Dispose of tin cans, ceramic pots and other unnecessary containers that have accumulated on your property. Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys or anything that could collect water.
Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers. Drainage holes that are located on the container sides collected enough water for mosquitoes to breed.
Check and clean roof gutters routinely. They are often overlooked, but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.
The Natchitoches Historic District Business Association and the City of Natchitoches will kick off the 2018 Natchitoches Christmas Season on November 17 as they officially “Turn on the Holidays.”
Louisiana native, Wayne Toups, will headline the entertainment for the 92nd Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival on Dec. 1. Also featured throughout the season will be Maggie Rose, Chicken on the Bone, Jaryd Lane, 92Twenty, and Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs. Many local favorites will accompany these bands each week.
Musical entertainment will begin each weekend at 4:30 p.m. on the rue Beauport Stage with the exception of Festival weekend with a starting time of 2:45 p.m.
November 17 – Cane River Soul & 92Twenty
November 24 – LaCour Trio & Chicken on the Bone
December 1 – Louisiana Sidemen & Wayne Toups
December 8 – Mike McKenzie Band & Maggie Rose
December 15 – Southbound 71 & Jaryd Lane
December 22 – Paul & Pete Band & Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs
For more information on the 92nd Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival, please visit www.NatchitochesChristmas.com.
Hard work and perseverance are two words that only begin to describe Christina LaRochelle.
LaRochelle’s dedication to helping people was recognized at the Louisiana Pharmacists Association’s 136th annual convention and trade show. She received the Pharmacy Technician of the Year award, given to one outstanding CPhT in the state who goes above and beyond.
The Louisiana Pharmacists Association, established in 1882, strives to promote the interests of all pharmacists of the State of Louisiana. Their annual conference this year was held July 12-14 in Lafayette.
Christina LaRochelle has worked as a certified pharmacy technician for CRx, Southern Scripts’ in-house pharmacy, since the company was founded. LaRochelle is married with 3 children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and raising and showing goats.
“My primary goal (is) patient health comes first,” LaRochelle said. “It’s my focus.”
She also said she feels honored to receive this award. LaRochelle’s coworkers describe her as dedicated, attentive, kind and an absolute asset in the workplace. CRx and Southern Scripts are tremendously proud of Christina and cannot wait to see what she continues to accomplish.
“The work does not stop here,” she continued. “There is always a patient or member out there in need of help, and I look forward to continuing to help out everyone I can.”
The Department of Engineering Technology at NSU completed four summer robotics camps ranging from beginners and intermediate, to advanced levels. Sixty-two children from the area participated in these camps, learning basic electronics and how to assemble and program robots.
All sessions were given safety tips and a tour of the department facilities and labs. Examples from senior design projects related to radio-controlled devices were also demonstrated to participants.
The purpose of these camps is to engage students and attract them to STEM related fields. Robots are a great STEM tool since they combine hardware and software components. The camp tries to enhance teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, and presentation skills of participants. Students were asked to draw their future robot and summarize its tasks. At the end of the camp students did a short presentation regarding what they learned and shared what they would like to do in the future. Each student was presented with certificate of participation. Three students of the ET department who are also members of the IEEE Chapter at NSU helped in leading different camp activities.
The annual robotics camps are sponsored by the ET Department at NSU and Natchitoches Chamber Education Fund. For more information about Engineering Technology and STEM related activities, contact ET Department Head, Dr. Jafar F. Al-Sharab at jafar@nsula.edu.
It’s that time again, SCHOOL TIME, and the Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches is hosting its annual School Uniform drive. The Club is collecting new and/or slightly used (in good condition) school uniforms for local children in need. The uniforms will be distributed to children in Natchitoches Parish through the Natchitoches Parish School Board. The club would like to have all donations delivered by Aug. 7, however, it will continue to collect uniforms through the end of August.
Collection sites are set up at Waskom, Brown & Associates, BOM, & MidSouth Bank.
With the intention of helping local area students, from low income families, Upward Bound has partnered with Southern University and Natchitoches Central High School to help students become better students and achieve their goals. On July 11, the program graduated eight students and recognized the achievements of others.
Upward Bound is a federally funded program which assist high school students with school work, ACT prep, college preparedness, social skills, time and anger management and helping students graduate from high school.
“I’ve seen [students] go from single digit ACT scores to double digits and having the ACT score to get into the college of their choice,” said Betty Fagbeyiro, executive director of the program in Natchitoches.
Fagbeyiro describes students when they first enter the program as shy, unfocused and “not taking their education seriously.” However, as the students progress through the program there are visible changes. However, she is not the only person who has noticed a difference in those who attend the program, parents have as well.
“I’m glad she’s in this program,” said Markeish White, a parent whose daughter started the program this summer. “It’s helped her during the school year and today is a wonderful achievement for her.”
On top of increasing their ACT scores, students are also able to obtain college credit which is funded by a scholarship; students were also exposed to guest speakers.
The program has been run by Southern University for the last 25 years. However, there was a time when the funding for the program was cut and the program was placed on hold until funding was restored.
Upward Bound is currently limited to 60 students and Fagbeyiro mentioned that funding would need to be increased before any students on the waiting list are allowed to participate in the program.
There is currently a boil advisory in Goldonna. The Advisory will continue into next week due to the replacement of old water valves. When the contractors complete their work and the water lines have been flushed, residents will then be advised as to the status of the boil advisory
There is a boil advisory issued for Goldonna until further notice.
The meeting to discuss the possibility of planning and building an indoor swimming pool for Natchitoches has been moved to the Natchitoches Art Center, 716 Second Street. It will be held on Monday, July 30th at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited. For more information, contact Don Barker at 318-357-1590.
A meeting to discuss the possibility of planning and building an indoor swimming pool for Natchitoches will be held on Monday, July 30th at 5:30 p.m. at the old Chamber of Commerce office, 560 Second Street, next door to the Central Fire Station.
The public is invited; seating is limited.Contact Don Barker at 318-357-1590 for more information.
Deputy Clerk’s of Court that worked the qualifying today. Mesha Jury, Casey Harris, Katherin Holden and Shelley Poche. Qualifying continues until Friday at 4:30.
Natchitoches Parish School Board Seats
As of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, 2018
Qualifying Window will close on Friday at 4:30 p.m. Not FINAL
Member of School Board District 1 – ONE to be elected
Rhonda Guidroz FILED 07/18/18. Incumbent
Member of School Board District 2 – ONE to be elected
Harry Graham FILED 07/18/18 Incumbent
Tankeia Palmer FILED 07/18/18
Bernard Johnson FILED 07/19/18
Member of School Board District 3 – ONE to be elected
Katrina Demars FILED 07/18/18
Dorothy McGaskey FILED 07/18/18
Member of School Board District 4 – ONE to be elected
Phil Brown FILED 07/18/18
Member of School Board District 5 – ONE to be elected
Katrina Willis FILED 07/18/18 Incumbent
Member of School Board District 6 – ONE to be elected
Tommy Melder FILED 07/18/18 Incumbent
Reba Phelps FILED 07/19/18
Elvin Shields FILED 07/19/18
Member of School Board District 7 – ONE to be elected
Eugean Garner FILED 07-19-18
Kendria Sanders FILED 07/19/18
Member of School Board District 8 – ONE to be elected
Steven Harris FILED 07/18/18 Incumbent
Tom Collier FILED 07/18/18
Member of School Board District 9 – ONE to be elected
Carroll Daniels FILED 07/18/18 Incumbent
Beverly Broadway FILED 071918
Member of School Board District 10 – ONE to be elected
Russ Danzy FILED 07/18/18 Incumbent
Member of School Board District 11 – ONE to be elected
Rex Sutton Britt
May 25, 1949 – June 27, 2018
Service: Saturday, August 4 at 11 am at Trinity Baptist Church
Laverne Bayonne
May 20, 1930-July 11, 2018
Visitation: Friday, July 20 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, July 21 at 10 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Natchitoches
Interment: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery in Cloutierville
WINN PARISH:
Loyd Harry Murphy
September 29, 1938 – July 13, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, July 19 from 9-11 am at the First Assembly of God Church in Winnfield
Service: Thursday, July 19 at 11 am at the First Assembly of God Church in Winnfield
SABINE PARISH:
Davy F. LaGrange September 20, 1973 – July 16, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, July 19 at 5 pm at Trinity Baptist Church
Service: Friday, July 20 at 2 pm at Trinity Baptist Church
Interment: Trinity Cemetery
Patt Todd recently joined Cathy Davis and her Capital Realty team as a new realtor.
Estelle Brown, a member of the Sweet Inspirations, famous for backing up Elvis Presley on tour, will be inducted into the Louisiana Folklife Hall of Master Folk Artists at the 39th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival, which will be held on July 20-21 in Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus.
Hard work and perseverance are two words that only begin to describe Christina LaRochelle.
