Loretta Cloud
Sep 24, 1960 – Dec 10, 2018
Service: Thursday, Dec. 13 at 2 pm at Union Hall Baptist Church in Coushatta
Interment: Evergreen Cemetery in Goldonna
Charles Bruce Todd
May 18, 1959 – December 8, 2018
Service: Friday, December 14 at 10 am at Family Worship Center Church in Campti
Al Joseph Lacey
October 31, 1950 – December 3, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, December 15 from 9-10 am at the St. Savior Baptist Church Church (Grand Ecore)
Service: Saturday, December 15 at 10 am at the St. Savior Baptist Church Church
Interment: Fern Park Cemetery on Texas Street
SABINE PARISH:
Harold Gene Dillard
October 5, 1937 – December 9, 2018
Service: Thursday, December 13 at 3 pm at First Baptist Church of Pleasant Hill
Interment: Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Shortly before, midnight officers of the Natchitoches Police Department responded to a reported shooting at the dead end of Caspari St. Upon arrival officers discovered, fifty-seven year old, Ronald G. Green, with a gunshot to his head. Mr. Green was later pronounced deceased by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office.
In addition, three additional persons had apparently been transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center by private vehicle. Two male victims sustained gunshot wounds to the abdomen and an additional victim sustained a gunshot to the rear of his neck. The current conditions of the three victims are not known. In addition, the names of all three victims are being withheld at this time due to the nature of the investigation.
The Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division was contacted and is diligently investigating the shootings, at this time no additional information shall be released. The Natchitoches Police Department is urging anyone who has information about the shootings to contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or you may contact the Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, Detective Sergeant William Connell at (318) 238-3911. All calls shall be kept confidential.
Authorized for release by:
Chief Micky Dove 12/12/2018
Northwestern State University’s Magale Recital Hall was the place to hear some of the area’s finest musicians Tuesday, Dec 11th as the Natchitoches Middle School and Natchitoches Central Orchestras presented their Christmas concerts.
The young men and women of the Natchitoches Magnet School began their concert first. Each grade level, from 5th to 8th played a variety of Christmas and seasonal pieces. Mr. Evan Korn has led the orchestra since 2013 and is doing a wonderful job of developing the musical abilities of his young musicians. We look forward to hearing them perform throughout their careers in middle and high school. Well done!
The Natchitoches Central High School Orchestra then took the stage for their concert under the direction of Mrs. Syll-Young Lee Olson, their long time director and a stalwart of the parish’s musical education programs. The hard work and preparation of the young people as they grew throughout their tenure in the orchestras in Middle Lab and Natchitoches Magnet is evident as they continue to grow and learn in the award winning NCHS Orchestra. The orchestra performed a range of popular, classic and sacred musical pieces. The concert also featured the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and an absolutely superb vocal solo by Ms. Melanie Nation. The concert ended with a rendition of the “Carol of the Bells” that brought down the house.
The Natchitoches Parish Public Schools have excellent music program at all of their middle and high schools. Under the tutelage of dedicated, talented and caring teachers, the young people learn more than music. They learn the value of hard work and persevering towards a worthy goal. Music education builds better men and women. Thanks to all of the orchestra members for a wonderful evening! The photo album is open. Merry Christmas, download any you wish!
Regan Edwards of Ringgold, a graduating senior in Health and Exercise Science at Northwestern State University, spent the fall semester interning with a leading researcher and clinician in the field of would care, Frank Aviles, in Natchitoches.
Aviles is a physical therapist with several certifications in the specialized field of wound care, including Certified Wound Specialist, Honorary Fellow of the American College of Certified Wound Specialists and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.
According to the Center for Disease Control, about 6.5 million Americans live with chronic wounds, wounds that don’t respond to medical care within 30 days. Working at the wound care clinic required knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Edwards disinfected beds, checked patients’ vitals and worked with patients undergoing Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Many of the patients were diabetic, had crush injuries or necrotizing fasciitis.
As a student athlete himself, Edwards originally became interested in physical therapy after treatment for a torn ACL. While earning his degree, he worked as a trainer for the football team at St. Mary’s High School in Natchitoches. His internship with Aviles met requirements for NSU’s Quality Enhancement Plan in which graduates complete a high impact education practice. During the internship, Edwards accompanied Aviles to a conference in Florida on lymphedema management where he learned about lymph drainage, compression wraps and other treatments.
Though it was a fascinating and eye-opening experience, Edwards, whose father died when he was in seventh grade, realized he is not entirely comfortable working in a clinical setting, so his future plans are taking him in a different direction. After working as a volunteer for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction program, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in sports administration.
Still, the experience working in the clinic was valuable and he developed a close relationship with Aviles, his mentor. At the conclusion of the semester, he presented what he learned at the Florida conference to a Health and Human Performance class at NSU. He said Health and Exercise Science is a broad field and he now has a better idea of what he wants to do.
“I learned so much,” he said. “It opened my eyes to real world situations and that you need to take care of yourself.”
NSUs’ Fall Commencement will be Friday, Dec. 14 in Prather Coliseum. Graduates from the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development, the Louisiana Scholars’ College and the College of Arts and Sciences with the exception of those receiving degrees in general studies will receive diplomas at 10 a.m. Graduates in general studies along with those receiving degrees from College of Nursing and Allied Health and the College of Business and Technology will receive diplomas at 3 p.m.
The family of the late Dr. Hurst M. Hall Sr., a long-time member of the Northwestern State University faculty, created a scholarship in his memory to benefit a student pursuing a master’s degree in education for a period of three years.
The family chose to award the scholarship at the master’s level or higher because there are fewer scholarship options for those students.
“Most people at the master’s level and beyond have more financial constraints because they have families and other responsibilities,” said Jane Hall, Dr. Hall’s wife. “Hurst believed in education and always continuing to learn no matter what your age.” Dr. Hall, 88, passed away Aug. 6 in Natchitoches. He was born in Mt. Pleasant, Mississippi, and was the oldest son of Callie and Lewis Hall. He graduated from Toccopola High School and then earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in health and physical education from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi where he ran track. He also earned the Advanced Master of Arts in education degree in guidance and counseling from Ole Miss before earning the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Psychology and Counseling at the University of Alabama in 1969.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, he entered the U. S. Air Force and served from 1951-1955. He then served as director of special services and as a guidance counselor for Union Public Schools in Union, Missouri.
Dr. Hall married the love of his life, the former Jane Elizabeth Kean, in 1954, and together they raised two children, Kimberly Jane and Hurst Jr. (Landy).
Hall joined the Northwestern State University faculty in 1959 as a psychologist and educational consultant on special evaluation teams. During his 40-year tenure he taught countless students serving as a professor, department head and division chairman for special education, human services and educational psychology. Hall was the author and co-author of numerous publications and grants, and he devoted a significant part of his career as a consultant for several state and federal agencies. He was president of Phi Delta Kappa and was an active officer and member of the American and Louisiana Psychological Associations, the National Association of School Psychologists, Psi Chi, the Council for Exceptional Children, the Louisiana Personnel and Guidance Association, and the Natchitoches Mental Health Association. He held lifetime teacher and counselor certificates in several states; he proudly served as a Licensed Professional Counselor for the National Board of Certified Counselors. He was named Professor Emeritus in the College of Education at Northwestern State following his retirement in 2001.
“Dr. Hall was my adviser when I was working on my Masters of Education,” said Brooke Williams, a former student. “I delayed receiving my Master’s because I didn’t want to write a thesis. Dr. Hall called me one day and told me that I had to have my first revision on his desk by the weekend. No ifs, ands or buts about it. Of course, because I had great respect for him, I busted my behind and had my first revision on his desk. When I brought it to him, he smiled at me and said, ‘I knew you could do it.’ He always was supportive and encouraging. He also had a great sense of humor. I am pleased so see that NSU is honoring his name with a scholarship.”
Hall was active in the community, and a member of the Natchitoches Rotary Club, where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Louisiana, Phoenix Lodge No. 38 in Natchitoches; a member of the El Karubah Shriners, and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. His family were active members of Trinity Episcopal Church, where he served as a reader, choir member and Senior Warden. He was a founding member of the Back Porch Band in Natchitoches, and was named to the Louisiana State Hall of Master Folk Artists in 2002.
“Thank you for continuing Dr. Hall’s tradition of working to help students,” said Dr. Kimberly McAlister, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “He was such an advocate for students and his genuine care and interest was evident in all his interactions with faculty and students.”
“Dr. Hurst Hall made a difference in my life,” said Dr. Vickie Gentry, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “Always supportive to the College of Education and Department of Psychology. Always seeking ways to support students and his colleagues. A generous, kind-hearted man. I miss him so much; this scholarship will carry on the traits he best represented.”
To make memorial contributions to the Dr. Hurst M. Hall Memorial Scholarship in Education, visit northwesternalumni.com or call (318) 357-4414.
Pictured above: Members of the Hurst Hall family on the front row from left are granddaughter Molly Hobby, daughter and NSU alum Kim Hall Oas, great-grandson Hurst Michael Hall, grandson Dr. Hurst Hall III, great-granddaughter Cate Hall and brother Joe Robert Hall. Standing are grandson-in-law Ryan Hobby, granddaughter Callie Hall, wife Jane Hall, granddaughter-in-law Carolyn Hall, granddaughter Suzie Hall, granddaughter Hannah Hall Buzamato and daughter-in-law and NSU alum Julie Hall. The Hall’s son Hurst Jr., “Landy,” was also an NSU graduate.
Representatives from the Natchitoches Association of Financial Advisors presented a donation of $10,000 to the Northwestern State University Foundation, a contribution to support an endowed scholarship established by the NAFA.
David Haymon of Leesville, Buddy Wood of Many and Nettles Brown of Natchitoches met with NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio and Director of Development Jill Bankston, CFRE, to explain why the group chose not to establish scholarship criteria.
“We have a scholarship that has no restrictions. It’s usually the last one that’s given,” Brown said. “We are about helping kids. There are no restrictions except for financial need.”
“We are making a difference in this region,” Maggio said. An unrestricted scholarship may benefit not only a traditional student but could lend support to a student who is a working parent, someone who needs to return to the workforce, students from rural areas and those who are first-generation students. “We are changing a lot of folks’ lives.”
Brown suggested that if all NSU alumni contribute just $100 annually the impact on student support could be tremendous.
“Students love being here,” Bankston said. “The pride on the Northwestern State campus is tremendous right now. Unrestricted scholarships help students who need a hand with books or other expenses to stay in school and complete their degrees.”
For information on giving to the NSU Foundation, visit northwesternalumni.com or contact Bankston at bankstonj@nsula.edu or at (318) 357-4241.
Pictured above from left are NSU Director of Development Jill Bankston, Nettles Brown, NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio, David Haymon and Buddy Wood.
When the next National Baseball Hall of Fame induction takes place July 21, 2019, in Cooperstown, New York, fans may have to wait a while for Lee Smith to make his way to the dais.
Anyone familiar with the time it took the longtime Chicago Cubs closer to amble from the bullpen to the mound may be surprised to know how quickly Smith could cut down a baseline during his one season as a Demon basketball player.
“As powerful as he was, he could move quickly when he wanted to,” said Tynes Hildebrand, Smith’s head coach and eventual NSU director of athletics. “He had that long, gangly walk and people laughed at it. That’s just him. That’s the way he walked. He walked that way at Castor. He walked that way here.”
And he walked – at his own pace – into the annals of baseball glory despite never having logged an inning on the Brown-Stroud Field mound. Along with his contemporary Harold Baines, Smith was announced as one of the two newest members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, chosen by the Today’s Game Era committee.
During his senior season at Castor High School, Smith signed to play both baseball and basketball at Northwestern State. The Chicago Cubs plucked Smith in the second round of the 1975 June Amateur Draft, and the 6-foot-5 right-hander decided to sign a professional contract.
Smith retained his amateur status in basketball and played the 1976-77 season for Hildebrand’s Demon basketball team, becoming the first NSU athlete “declared professional in one sport and competing as an amateur in another.”
After compiling a 6-2 record for the Cubs Rookie League team in 1975 and making 18 starts for Class A Pompano Beach in 1976, Smith transitioned to the basketball court, averaging 3.4 points on 56.8-percent shooting from the field.
Smith grabbed an average of 1.8 rebounds per game while appearing in 17 games off the bench for the Demons, who finished 17-9.
A large but athletic forward who Hildebrand said was his first player who could “go from the corner, drive the baseline and stuff it,” Smith’s physique was chiseled from a unique workout regimen.
“Lee Arthur was an interesting guy,” Hildebrand said. “He was throwing in the 90s all the time at Castor. He was big and strong – all muscle. Arm muscle. Shoulder muscle. Leg muscle. Lee Arthur made his spending money hauling pulpwood. Those sticks are about six feet long.
“He’d take those on the ground and toss them all the way up to the top of a pulpwood truck. That’s how I assume he got so developed and strong. Doing that develops your leg and core muscles, your back muscles, shoulders and arms. He was tremendously strong.”
Derwood Duke was an assistant coach under Hildebrand and saw Smith’s ability on the court for that 1976-77 season.
“He was a very good rebounder and had a very good attitude toward the game,” Duke said. “He really worked hard to be a good basketball player even though he knew he was going to play baseball. I was very pleased to be able to recruit Lee. He came from such a good family.”
Smith often said basketball was his first love, but Hildebrand and others understood the value of Smith’s right arm, even if the Castor native may not have understood his own worth.
“He loved basketball more than baseball,” Hildebrand said. “He had trouble understanding how valuable he was for baseball and that his future was in baseball. If he had devoted his career to basketball, he would have been one of Northwestern State’s all-time greats. Same with baseball. If he had played here, he would have been the greatest baseball player in school history.”
Instead, Smith enjoyed an 18-year run as one of Major League Baseball’s best relief pitchers.
At the time of his retirement in 1999, Smith was the all-time saves leader with 478 and held the record for saves in a single month (15, June 1993).
Smith became the fourth major league pitcher to appear in more than 1,000 games, finishing his career with 1,022 appearances, compiling a 71-92 record with a 3.03 ERA and 29.0 wins above replacement.
A seven-time All-Star and three-time Rolaids Reliever of the Year, Smith set a career high with 47 saves with St. Louis in 1991 and helped the Cubs claim the 1984 NL East title with 33 saves. He saved 29 games for Boston in 1988, helping the Red Sox win the AL East title.
Smith, a 2004 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductee, produced four seasons where he led the league in saves and had consecutive top-four finishes in the NL Cy Young Award voting in 1991-92.
He remains active in baseball, coaching one of the two San Francisco Giants entries in the Arizona League where he crossed paths and initiated a friendship with former Demons outfielder Kwan Adkins, a 30th-round Giants draft pick in June.
“We are extremely proud of Lee for the well-deserved honor of being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame,” Demons coach Bobby Barbier said. “Lee has always been a tremendous representative of the Northwestern State athletic program and Demon baseball. We could not be happier to see him receive the recognition for the type of career he had.”
Pictured above, Lee Smith (center) poses with Northwestern State Director of Athletics Greg Burke (left) and then-NSU head baseball coach John Cohen. Photo Credit: NSU Athletics
Rotarian with the Program David Young introduced U.S. Forest Services Public Affairs and Heritage Staff Officer Jim Caldwell and Ranger Mike Dawson at the Rotary Club of Natchitoches meeting Dec. 11. They shared information about the many resources available in the 604,000 acres of the Kisatchie National Forest, the only National forest in Louisiana. Pictured from left are Rotary Club of Natchitoches President Richard White, Dawson, Caldwell, and Young.
Louisiana School for Math Science and the Arts (LSMSA) Senior Diamond Wilson was recognized by Rotary Club of Natchitoches and by Northwestern State University (NSU) Recruiter Katarina Haymon with a scholarship to attend NSU in the fall majoring in Nursing. Pictured from left are LSMSA Biology teacher and Co-Director of EXCEL Jason Anderson, Executive Director of LSMSA Foundation Angela Robinson, Wilson, and Rotarian Tommy Melder. On the back row are Chief of Staff and Director of Administration John Allen and Haymon (Photos by Dr. Ron McBride).
Watch today’s Magnolia Minute – Rebecca Blankenbaker – Los Posados
If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
The Magnolia Minute Natchitoches Parish Journal magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com 318-354-4000 #6
Charles Bruce Todd
May 18, 1959 – December 8, 2018
Service: Friday, December 14 at 10 am at Family Worship Center Church in Campti
Al Joseph Lacey
October 31, 1950 – December 3, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, December 15 from 9-10 am at the St. Savior Baptist Church Church (Grand Ecore)
Service: Saturday, December 15 at 10 am at the St. Savior Baptist Church Church
Interment: Fern Park Cemetery on Texas Street
SABINE PARISH:
Harold Gene Dillard
October 5, 1937 – December 9, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, December 12 at 5 pm at First Baptist Church of Pleasant Hill
Service: Thursday, December 13 at 3 pm at First Baptist Church of Pleasant Hill
Interment: Pleasant Hill Cemetery
WINN PARISH:
James “J.L.” Leonidas Hinckley
October 1, 1926 – December 9, 2018
Service: Wednesday, December 12 at 11 am at Vick Baptist Cemetery in Vick
Cane River Lake is currently at 98.5 MSL and falling. The lake and public landings are open to boating traffic. Please remember to boat sober, safe, and always wear your life jackets.
Monday night’s City Council meeting, Dec. 10, was brief with only a few agenda items for Council members to vote on.
ORDINANCES – FINAL:
Approve The Renewal Of A Time Contract For The Collection, Hauling, Recycling And Disposal Of Municipal Solid Waste, Construction And Demolition Waste, And Recyclable Materials In The City Of Natchitoches With Waste Connections Bayou, Inc.
Amend Section 14-29, Entitled “Collection Charges – Levied” Of Chapter 14 Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Natchitoches, Entitled “Garbage, Trash And Refuse”, Providing For Advertising, Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer And Effective Date Of Ordinance.
RESOLUTIONS:
Appoint Steven M. Oxenhandler as Assistant City Attorney for the City of Natchitoches
Re-Appoint Dan Simmons as a Commissioner on the Natchitoches Parish Port Commission for the City of Natchitoches
Re-Appoint Bill Allen as a Commissioner on the Natchitoches Parish Port Commission for the City of Natchitoches
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
There will not be a City Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 24.
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be Monday, Jan. 14.
The City of Natchitoches offices will be closed Dec. 24-25 for the Christmas Holidays and Dec. 31 – Jan. 1 for New Years.
Community members responded in droves when it was made public last week that children were sharing jackets in some of the elementary school classes at M.R. Weaver Elementary. Late last week School Board-elect Reba Phelps was contacted by a local friend who described a need that would have even tugged at the heart of old Ebenezer himself.
Children were sharing jackets so they could keep each other warm. Some jackets were even being given away to children walking home in the cold. Once the Facebook post was made public the support began to pour in from as far as Grant and Winn Parishes. People donated jackets and coats of all sizes. Generous community members also made cash donations, which enabled the organizers to purchase new coats. The cash raised also enabled the Assistant Principal, Aly Erikson, to be able to purchase uniforms for children who were still wearing shorts to school or short sleeves during these winter months.
Local business leaders and businesses also got involved. Rhodes Properties immediately responded by purchasing jackets and uniforms for the children in need. Micah Foshee collected gloves, hats, uniforms and clothes. Carrie Beth Hough, Marketing Director and Vice President at BOM Bank, donated clothes. New Chamber President Laura Lyles and friends donated items. New jackets were purchased by Magnolia State Peace Officers and Tim Key, NPSO employee and Weaver Elementary Alum, who also responded to the needs. Reba Phelps donated jackets and uniforms as well.
Making this effort even more special was the fact that Tim Key, Reba Phelps and Laura Lyles are all M.R. Weaver Alum.
Within 24 hours the first delivery was made to school to meet the immediate needs of the children. So many jackets and clothing items were donated that a load was also dropped off at L.P. Vaughn and plans are being made to donate the larger sizes at East Natchitoches in the near future.
“Never underestimate the power that social media can have when it is used to help others. So many people were disturbed at the thought of children freezing and not having the basic items that so many of us take for granted,” said organizer Reba Phelps. “I hope this encourages others to give, even the smallest thing can make a huge impact.”
School officials were so appreciative of the gesture and were grateful for the community wide support.
From either an academic or athletic standpoint, the 2018 All-Southland Conference volleyball teams looked a lot alike for Northwestern State.
When the conference announced its Academic All-Conference squads Monday, a pair of Lady Demons found themselves in the same place they were a month ago when the league released its all-conference teams.
Channing Burleson repeated as a first-team Academic All-SLC selection while Hannah Brister earned her first such honor, being named to the six-player second team.
“We have high expectations and put a strong focus on the classroom within our program,” fourth-year head coach Sean Kiracofe said. “We want everyone to consistently improve academically as well as on the court. We have been fortunate to have athletes who are some of the best at their positions in the SLC and within their academic majors here at NSU.”
Burleson, a senior from Midland, Texas, earned Academic All-SLC acclaim in each of her final three seasons, beginning with a second-team selection following her sophomore year.
A two-time first-team all-conference pick and the 2017 SLC Libero of the Year, Burleson owns a 3.66 cumulative grade point average while majoring in Northwestern State’s nationally recognized nursing program.
In her senior year, Burleson ranked second in the Southland Conference in digs per set (4.88) and fifth in total digs (493). Her 1,879 career digs are good for second in school history and rank her second in school history and are 25th among active Division I players.
“It’s continuously impressive that Channing can be the best libero in the conference while managing the academic and time responsibilities called for within the nursing program,” Kiracofe said.
Brister, the 2017 SLC Freshman of the Year, was brilliant down the stretch of conference play, averaging 4.4 kills per set while hitting .278 on 345 attempts in the second half of SLC play.
Overall, Brister ranked fifth in the conference in kills per set (3.17) and in points per set (3.65), leading Northwestern State in both categories.
“Moving into the 2019 season, Hannah is becoming one of the best overall players in the Southland,” Kiracofe said. “She is a great role model for incoming student-athletes that you need to commit yourself to succeeding in both the classroom and on the court.”
Stephen F. Austin setter Ann Hollas was named the Southland Conference Volleyball Student-Athlete of the Year. Abilene Christian led the conference with three first-team academic all-conference selections.
It’s that time of year again…and the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce is ready to recognize Business Excellence!
Anyone can nominate a business. Is there a business that has gone above and beyond for their customers? Someone who goes out of their way to support local nonprofits? Or a business that has employees who are proud of their company? In our day to day interactions with local businesses, who comes to your mind for providing excellent customer service? Those are the businesses we want to hear about!
The Chamber will accept nominations through Dec. 17 for the following awards:
Best NEW Business (12 months or less in business)
Best Small Business (0-10 employees, both full and/or part time)
Best Medium Sized Business (11-24 employees, both full and/or part time)
Best Large Business (Over 25 employees)
NEW THIS YEAR! Best Non-Profit Organization
NEW THIS YEAR! Lifetime Achievement Award (recognizing leaders who have left an indelible footprint in our Community)
**Nominees must be Chamber member business (Excluding Lifetime Achievement Award)
Not sure if a business is a member of the Chamber? You can search for that business in our Membership Directory at http://www.NatchitochesChamber.com
Our Awards Banquet this year will be Jan. 24 from 5:30-8:30 pm at the Natchitoches Event Center. It will be an evening of Celebration, Recognition and Community and Business Excellence.
You may nominate more than one business, and for multiple categories. Tell us WHY these businesses stand apart from others? Below are some criteria to consider and include on your nomination form.
Award criteria for New, Small, Medium and Large business of the year:
Company management
Community service
Economic stability
Ethics and integrity
Growth of company
New jobs created for the community
Upward mobility for employees
Award criteria for Nonprofit of the year:
Organization purpose
Contribution to the community
Community service
Ethics and integrity
Upward mobility for clients
Award criteria for Lifetime Achievement Award:
Through this award, we seek to identify a leader whose long-term active engagement in our community has had a significant, positive economic impact locally. A Lifetime Achievement Award winner is a successful leader in a company, industry and in our community. Further, the Lifetime Award allows us to recognize a true pillar who will teach future generations by example. This award recognizes contributions over the entirety of a career, rather than, or in addition to, a single contribution.
Nominee has been active in the Natchitoches Area business community for at least 10-15 years cumulatively.
Nominee has been the leader of a Louisiana based company for at least five years (CEO, president, managing partner, etc.).
Each Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will be selected from the field of nominees by a panel of independent judges made up of past select professionals and community stakeholders.
Individuals will not be honored more than once for this award.
Northwestern State placed a pair of forwards on the 2018 Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-Louisiana Collegiate Women’s Soccer Teams, which were released by the LSWA on Sunday.
Seniors Brittany Caserma and April Trowbridge were selected to the first team by a panel of women’s soccer sports information directors from around the state.
Caserma makes her second straight appearance on the All-Louisiana First Team after producing eight goals and two assists.
The Murrieta, California, native finished her career ranked fifth in NSU history with 24 goals and ninth with 52 points.
Trowbridge earned her first nod on the All-Louisiana team after her 13 goals led the Southland Conference in the regular season and ranked 13th nationally.
Her seven assists ranked second in the SLC.
Despite playing for just three seasons, Trowbridge’s 22 career goals (eighth), 15 career assists (fifth) and 59 career points (fourth) are among the best in Lady Demon lore.
NSU has been represented on the All-Louisiana team by at least one player every season since 2015, earning multiple bids for the second time in that span.
Caserma and Trowbridge were also the only SLC members on the first team.
The pair led NSU back to the SLC Tournament as an eight seed and finished with a 10-10 record in the first season under co-head coaches Jess and Anna Jobe.
Santa landed his sleigh at the Natchitoches Fire Department Sunday for his reindeer to take a rest while he was in town to visit the children on the beautiful banks of Cane River. When the Fire Fighters heard the loud commotion on the roof they were surprised to see Santa along with his nine reindeer. They immediately told Santa they would be happy for his reindeer to rest and have a snack at the station while Santa went to the riverbank to hear the many wish lists from the children. NFD Driver Jon McCart and his Captain Chuck Shivers went into action and drove Santa to the Santa Claus House where he was greeted by Christmas Belles Bailey McConnell and Callista Owsley. The Santa House will be opened until Dec. 23 Sundays-Fridays from 6-8:30 pm and Saturdays from 5-8:30 pm.
David Johnson, a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, has been elected president of the Northwestern State University Interfraternity Council (IFC), while Char Wilson will serve as Vice President of Recruitment and Programming.
The governing body exists to perpetuate the best interests of the seven fraternity organizations it represents. It is dedicated to academic achievement, service to the Northwestern and the Natchitoches communities, as well as to the development of leadership through educational programming. The IFC aids chapters in the areas of recruitment, risk management, academic, service, public relations, financial and educational programming.
Johnson has served several roles on the Beta Omicron Chapter executive council, most recently as archon. The senior from Denham Springs was also selected for Pi Kapp College for Emerging Leaders, the fraternity’s emerging leaders institute held at the University of South Carolina. On NSU’s campus, he has been a member of the nationally competitive rowing team, N-Siders, and serves on the Student Activities Board. As a member of the 2017 Gear Up Florida team, David cycled 845 miles from Tampa to Tallahassee on behalf of people with disabilities. David and his teammates raised $97,129 for accessibility projects and programs for The Ability Experience, the fraternity’s philanthropy. He is also a multi-year recipient of the prestigious David D. Morgan ‘Extra Mile’ Scholarship.
Wilson, a junior Biology major from Shreveport, currently serves as Secretary of Pi Kappa Phi, Event Coordinator of the Student Activities Board, President’s Leadership Program, Demon Days Committee, Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band, NSU concert band, NASA JOVE research program, Alpha Lambda Delta First Year Honor Society, Freshman Connection, Order of Omega and NSU Cheer. He is also a recipient of the Morgan ‘Extra Mile’ Scholarship and was elected 2018 Homecoming King.
The sound of buttons smashing, cards slapping and dice rolling fills the third floor of the Northwestern State Friedman Student Union on Thursday nights.
Students are attending Gamer’s Guild “meetings” in rooms 320 and 321 — really they are gathering to play video games and card games.
Whether students want to join a Dungeons and Dragons session or participate in any number of themed video and card games going on, Gamer’s Guild president Anthony Renteria says all students are welcome.
“We’ll have games depending on the theme that night — whether it be co-op, Japanese shooters, music, etc.,” said Renteria, a theatre major from San Antonio. “We have a table in the middle of the room with Pokemon TCG.
“We want people to come by and see if they enjoy it. It’s a place to meet new friends, try games you wouldn’t expect to and have a great time.”
The Gamer’s Guild is a registered student organization that came into being about a decade ago, splitting from the SAF Society (Science Fiction, Anime and Fantasy).
“In the beginning, we were focused mainly on table-top (role-playing games) and card games like Magic: The Gathering, but video games slowly creeped in, and now they are a focus,” said advisor John T. Dunn, an associate professor of Fine Arts. “We usually discuss a gaming trend or a topic in the gaming world at the beginning of the meeting, but we spend the rest of time playing.”
No fees are required to join, but a $10 fee is optional to support trips like Cyphacon, a three-day event in Lake Charles in April that showcases products in the anime, fantasy and gaming industry.
Julian Shum, an art and history major from Hong Kong who serves as an officer, said he enjoys playing independent video games that aren’t part of the mainstream.
“These indie games are a fun experience at an affordable price,” Shum said. “But I’m also excited about holiday releases for games on the Nintendo Switch like Super Smash Bros Ultimate.”
Competitive gaming has created the foundation for eSports, which pit players and teams against each other in video and computer games.
Colleges have picked up on the trend as a few are starting their own eSports teams, an idea supported by electronics engineering major Christopher Johnson.
“I would support that 100 percent (at NSU),” said Johnson, the Gamer’s Guild treasurer. “You have to be careful who you put on the team because everybody isn’t entirely a team player.”
Renteria, who has taken a specific interest in virtual reality gaming, said he’s spoken with NSU president Chris Maggio about the eSports possibility.
“I do see the possibility of it being implemented on campus,” Renteria said. “How our group would be involved comes into question because eSports is about competitive gaming whereas we are mostly about casual gaming.
“Would we compete in team games like Overwatch, Counter Strike or League of Legends, or would it be fighting games where just one player is needed to compete? … A lot of research would have to be done involving equipment, access to that equipment and which games to play, but if we put the time in, it could work.”
Shum likes the idea of a university-funded game room which could support an eSports team but also provide a relaxation outlet for the student body.
Whatever the gaming future on campus, students can blow off steam by playing games with a friendly bunch in the student union.
Watch today’s Magnolia Minute – Cloyd Benjamin – Christmas Party with a Purpose
If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
The Magnolia Minute Natchitoches Parish Journal magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com 318-354-4000 #6
Cecil Clark, Sr.
December 20, 1948 – November 30, 2018
Service: Tuesday, December 11 at 1 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches
Al Joseph Lacey
October 31, 1950 – December 3, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, December 15 from 9-10 am at the St. Savior Baptist Church Church (Grand Ecore)
Service: Saturday, December 15 at 10 am at the St. Savior Baptist Church Church
Interment: Fern Park Cemetery on Texas Street
RAPIDES PARISH:
Charlotte Lee Harris Zamjahn
July 22, 1942 – December 5, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, December 11 from 9-11:30 am at John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, December 11 at 12 pm at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church
Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park in Pineville
WINN PARISH:
Betty Jean Thompson
October 26, 1925 – December 7, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, December 11 from 8-10:15 am at the Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield
Service: Tuesday, December 11 at 10:30 am at First Baptist Church of Winnfield
James “J.L.” Leonidas Hinckley
October 1, 1926 – December 9, 2018
Service: Wednesday, December 12 at 11 am at Vick Baptist Cemetery in Vick
RED RIVER PARISH:
Carlton Council
September 3, 1938 – December 7, 2018
Service: Tuesday, December 11 at 10 am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Clear Springs Cemetery in Martin
Emergency Road Closure Due to Flooding/ High Water
LA 478; south of the LA 120 intersection
Natchitoches Parish
Control Section No. 116-03
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises the public effective immediately LA 478, south of the LA 120 intersection, in Natchitoches Parish, is closed due to flooding/ high water.
Permit/Detour Section
No detours are available at this time.
Travelers can find information regarding road closures by visiting the 511 Traveler Information website at http://www.511la.org or by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can access the system by calling 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Additionally, you can follow the Traffic Management Center on Twitter: (@Shreveport_Traf), (@Alex_Traffic), (@Monroe_Traffic). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ http://www.dotd.la.gov.
During unfavorable weather conditions, motorists should drive using the following safety tips:
• Drive slowly and carefully.
• Avoid driving into standing or running water.
• Avoid driving while distracted.
• Avoid using cruise control when visibility is low or road surfaces are wet.
• Always allow for extra driving time.
• Reduce speeds when visibility is low.
• Make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles.
• Avoid using highway overpasses as tornado shelters.
Media Contact
Erin Buchanan, Public Information Officer
Grant, Natchitoches, Sabine, and Winn Parishes
Phone # 318-549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov
