I’m happy to say that this year was my 60th consecutive Christmas festival and by far I can easily say it was the best.

Even when living away, I always enjoyed coming home the first Saturday in December. It never gets old and always gets better.

I would like to comment on one change that we were disappointed in. Not allowing boats to travel back-and-forth before the fireworks.

That part of the festival is always special to boaters far and wide. To be able to take your friends and show them the crowds, anchor and listen to the music was always a big part of the day. How disappointing to find out that at four o’clock no traffic was allowed.

It’s always great to have new and fresh fireworks, but I don’t think the few seconds of that particular firework was worth shutting down the river after 4 o’clock .

I hope the committee reconsiders opening the river back up during that special time and letting boaters continue to enjoy the river.

Kent Gresham
12/18/18

Hayden Bourgeois’ knack for forcing turnovers nearly was unparalleled among FCS football players regardless of classification in 2018.

Bourgeois was honored Tuesday by Hero Sports with a first-team spot on its Sophomore All-America team.

A 5-foot-11, 184-pound Notre Dame (Crowley) High School product, Bourgeois was a first-team All-Southland Conference selection after leading Northwestern State with 83 tackles while starting 10 of NSU’s 11 games. It was Bourgeois’ ability to provide the Demons’ with extra possessions that made him an honors candidate.

“Hayden has had two fumble recoveries, five interceptions and a blocked kick,” first-year head coach Brad Laird said. “He has a knack for the ball, and he’s a football player. That’s the biggest thing I can say.

“Every day in practice and in every game, he’s a football player who will help this team be better.”

Bourgeois’ five interceptions led the Southland Conference and ranked eighth nationally. Coupled with his two fumble recoveries, Bourgeois’ seven turnovers produced ranked third nationally.

Bourgeois was joined on the first-team defensive backfield by Sam Houston State’s Zyon McCollum as the Southland Conference’s representatives on the team.

Bourgeois recorded nine tackles in four separate games this season – against Nicholls, Sam Houston State, Houston Baptist and at Abilene Christian. He had a two-interception game in a 34-7 win against Grambling on Sept. 8 and tipped another pass that teammate Rashaun Croney intercepted in the end zone against the Tigers.

He added a 55-yard interception return for a touchdown against Sam Houston State that gave Northwestern State a five-point lead at the half.

More than just a safety, Bourgeois was a productive punt returner, collecting 108 yards on 16 returns, including returns of 17 and 29 yards that sparked the Demons’ 37-34 comeback win against nationally ranked McNeese on Nov. 10.

Bourgeois added a blocked field goal that forced a second overtime against the Cowboys.

He becomes the third Northwestern State player named to an All-American team this season, joining wide receiver Jazz Ferguson (second-team STATS, third-team Associated Press) and kick returner Myles Ward (honorable mention Freshman All-American by Hero Sports).

Bourgeois is the first Demons defensive back named All-American since Imoan Claiborne In 2014 and is the first NSU safety to earn that honor since Mike Green repeated as an All-American in 1999. He becomes the 48th different player In school history honored as an All-American dating to Walter Ledet’s selection in 1938.

Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

During the early morning hours on December 18, 2018 theNatchitoches Police Department received a call in reference to vehicle being burglarized in the area of Julian Circle. Approximately one hour later, the police department received a second call of a burglary of another vehicle in the immediate area. Multiple units responded to the area in which the burglary had been reported and were able to locate additional vehicles which had been burglarized. During the course of the officers investigation theylocated two suspects; a sixteen (16) year old, male, juvenile andseventeen (17) year old, Justus Collins of 727 Quida Dr.

A joint investigation between the Traffic and Patrol Division and the Criminal Investigations Division of the Natchitoches Police Department led to detectives obtaining warrants of arrests on both subjects who were each charged on six (6) counts of Burglary. In addition, Justus Collins was also arrested on one count of Resisting Arrest and one count of Simple Escape. Collins waslater transported out the Natchitoches Parish Detention Centerwhere he awaits bond. The sixteen (16) year old, male, juvenile was later released O/R.

The Natchitoches Police Department is urging anyone who has information about these vehicle burglaries to contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or you may contact the Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, Detective John Wynn at (318) 357-3811. All calls shall be kept confidential.

​Authorized for release by:

Chief Micky Dove ​
12/18/2018

 

Postseason awards continue to come Jazz Ferguson’s way as easily as touchdown catches did this fall.

Ferguson, Northwestern State’s 6-foot-5, 220-pound standout junior receiver, hauled in another honor Tuesday as he was named a second-team All-American by STATS.

It was the second such mention for Ferguson, who became the first Demon honored as an All-American wideout this past week when The Associated Press tagged him as a third-team selection.

The play-making St. Francisville-West Feliciana High School product and LSU transfer added to a list of postseason accolades that also includes the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year honor, which came after Ferguson grabbed 66 passes for a school-record 1,117 yards and a school single-season record 13 touchdown receptions.

“Making plays is what you think about with Jazz initially,” first-year head coach Brad Laird said. “Plays like his one-handed catch at Lamar with the game tied, winning the game against McNeese with the touchdown and 2-point play.”

Ferguson recorded six 100-yard receiving games, setting a school record, and his 101.5 receiving yards per game established another.

In addition to leading the Southland Conference in receptions, he ranks seventh in the FCS in touchdown catches, 12th in receiving yardage, 14th in receiving yards per game and 19th in receptions per game (6.0).

Ferguson equaled the school single-game record with three touchdown catches at Abilene Christian on Nov. 3, and one week later, caught the game-tying, 2-point conversion and game-winning touchdown in a 37-34 double-overtime upset of 18th-ranked arch rival McNeese at Turpin Stadium.

Earlier in the season, his remarkable one-handed, catch-and-run, 70-yard touchdown at Lamar landed at No. 2 on ESPN’s nightly Top 10 plays. Ferguson made those plays from a variety of looks throughout the season.

“He made big plays in big games. But he drew a lot of attention out wide,” Laird said. “(Offensive coaches) Alvin Slaughter, Anthony Scelfo and Brad Smiley moved him around to attack what the defenses were trying to do.”

His 82 points are sixth in NSU single-season history. the highest total by a receiver in school single-season history and the lone receiver-produced total in the top 10.

Ferguson was part of a Demons offense that set or tied 20 school single-game and single-season records under first-year offensive coordinator Brad Smiley.

With the honor from STATS, Ferguson becomes the first Demon since 2015 to be named to multiple All-American teams in the same season. Kicker Chris Moore was a third-team pick by both The Associated Press and STATS.

He is the first Demon named an All-American wide receiver. Previous Demons receivers Ed Eagan (all-purpose) and Al Dodd (safety) have earned All-American honors at other positions.

This is the third All-American honor collected by the Demons this season as kick returner Myles Ward was named an honorable mention Freshman All-American by Hero Sports on Monday.

Photo Credit: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

Members of the Boys to Men Club at the Natchitoches Jr. High sat down Dec. 18 to hear some advice from members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. The fraternity strives on the motto of BROTHERHOOD (Love for One Another), SCHOLARSHIP (Education), and SERVICE (Hard Work). Jermaine Thomas, who leads the group of young men in the club, invited some of the fraternity members to speak with the young men.

Within the discussion, the club members heard advice on the importance of hard work, education, and striving to reach their full potential. Boys to Men is an active group for young men that is designed to teach young men life skills that they do not get within the classroom. The club is housed at Natchitoches Junior High School.

Pictured are Boys to Men Club members, Members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, and Mr. Tarrance Starr, School Disciplinarian. Both Thomas and Starr are active members of the fraternity. If you would like donate to the club, please contact Mr. Jermaine Thomas at jermaine.thomas@nat.k12.la.us or call the school during school hours at 318-238-0066.

The Krewe of Dionysos members continued their philanthropy in the community by making a donation to Cane River Children’s Services.

Cane River Children’s Services is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide healing and hope for children and families with mental health and behavior health needs. They operate a residential group home for girls ages 11 -17, an advanced transitional living home for girls 16 and older who are aging out of foster care and journeying towards young adulthood, and a Community Counseling Center which provides outpatient counseling services including individual, family, group therapy, and a Child Advocacy Program that provides free services to child victims of crime or domestic violence.

They are currently raising funds through a Christmas Drive to provide Christmas gifts for the residents as well as gifts for their birthdays throughout the year. In addition, they are in need of a new electric commercial range to replace their current one that is 20+ years old and desperately needs to be replaced.

They hope to raise funds in the near future to replace aging roofs at the Transitional Living home and the Counseling Center as well as major kitchen appliances and a/c units.

If you would like to make a donation to Cane River Children’s Services please contact Jennifer Karle at 318.352.9349. To find out more about Cane River Children’s Service please visit: http://www.caneriverchildren.org

Pictured from left are Kara Morvant, Krewe of Dionysos Duchess of Dance XXI; Schrita Roberson, Resident Advisor for Cane River Children’s Services; Carmen Aviles, Krewe of Dionysos Queen XXI; Jennifer Karle, Chief Executive Officer for Cane River Children’s Services; Jerry McElwee, Krewe of Dionysos Captain XXI; Angie Courville, Director of Operations & Human Resources for Cane River Children’s Services; Gwen Carter, Youth Care Worker for Cane River Children’s Services; and Lisa Jackson, Program Director for Cane River Children’s Services.

 

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Willie St. John Jr.
April 17, 1956 – December 1, 2018
Service held Dec. 7
Robert Demetrius Griffin
June 02, 1995 – December 13, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, December 22 from 10-11 am at the Asbury United Methodist Church
Service: Saturday, December 22 at 11 am at the Asbury United Methodist Church
Derrick Sharold Brown`
May 13, 1982 – December 14, 2018
Service: Saturday, December 22 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
SABINE PARISH:

John Michael Carroll
May 27, 1977 – December 13, 2018
Service: Friday, December 21 at 10 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Fisher Cemetery
Visitation: Thursday, December 20 from 5-10 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many

Edward Malmay, Jr.
February 15, 1942 – December 16, 2018
Service: Thursday, December 27 at 3 pm at the Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel in Many

RAPIDES PARISH:

Rosaria “Sadie” Brocato Bono
October 19, 1918 – December 16, 2018
Service: Wednesday, December 19 at 1 pm at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church with Rev. Dan O’Connor officiating
Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park
Visitation: Wednesday, December 19 from 10 am – 12:30 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home

Thomas Ray Bordelon
December 26, 1941 – December 15, 2018
Service: Wednesday, December 19 at 11 am at St. Rita Catholic Church
Interment: St. Alphonse Catholic Church Cemetery in Hessmer

OTHER:

Ethel Tison Chaffin
Reception: Wednesday, December 19 from 6-8 pm at the Athens Welcome Center
Service: Thursday, December 20 at 11 am at Athens First Presbyterian Church
Interment: Oconee Hill Cemetery

The Parish Council approved John Richmond as the Director of Public Works at its meeting Dec. 17. Nowlin asked for a $78,000 salary to be approved for the position as well. Richmond will start Jan. 1.

“I want to help. I want to do some good,” said Richmond. “My heart is here in Natchitoches Parish.

In other business, there was a lot of debate over signing an agreement with Live Oak Environmental for Solid Waste Collection and disposal services for the Parish. The item was tabled with a motion to authorize the Parish President to execute a 6 month extension to the Parish’s existing contract with Waste Connections until the Council can decide what will be in the best interests of the Parish as far as waste collection is concerned. Several Council members felt they needed more time and information before they could vote on the issue.

Other agenda items included:

Appoint Harvis Junior Johnson to the Fire District 1 Board to replace Charles Roge.

Appoint Ed Giering and Calvin McFerrin to the Natchitoches Parish Water Works District No. 1 Board

Appoint Ralph Hernandez and George Culpepper to the Fire District 5 Board

Adopt ordinance for budget revisions for the 2018 Operating Budget

Adopt ordinance for Finance Standard Operating Procedures

Approve resolution for an intergovernmental agreement with the Natchitoches Levee and Drianage District for the replacement of culverts along Bermuda Road

Award bids for different materials for the Highway Department and Head Start

Enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the residents of Shamard Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods to resurface the first 850 feet of Kayla Drive. The project is estimated to cost $34,000 and the homeowners offered to pay half, up to $17,000

Approve the 2019 agreement between the Parish and LSU Agricultural Center for $7,500

Approve Christmas Holidays as Dec. 24-25

Consider appointment of Lynda Vance as the new Registrar of Voters, which the Council (minus Russell Rachal who left the meeting early) voted down. Nowlin said the next step will be to get together to see if the Council can agree on a candidate

In the spirit of giving, the Service League of Natchitoches donated $25,000 to the Prud’homme-Rouquier Foundation. Lola Dunahoe was present to accept the check on behalf of the foundation at the annual Service League Christmas party. Special thanks to those who work tirelessly throughout the year in the name of service to help the Service League raise the money!

Redshirt freshman Myles Ward was honorably mentioned on the HERO Sports Freshman All-America Team released Monday.

Ward was the leading kickoff returner in the Southland Conference with a 25.6-yard average on 28 returns this season. He ranked 21st among FCS players.

The Harvey native was known for flipping field position in his first season as NSU’s main returner, but his 94-yard kickoff return to start the second half against Stephen F. Austin flipped the entire game in a 35-23 Demons win.

Trailing by nine at the half, Ward’s return sparked three straight touchdowns as NSU won the season finale.

“Myles found a role on this team in which he could be successful,” said NSU football coach Brad Laird. “He has a knack for returning kicks.

“With the new fair catch rule (offenses can start at the 25-yard line), a lot of teams might have been de-emphasizing the kickoff return. But it was the exact opposite for us because we wanted to take advantage of Myles as a returner. He helped us win games, none more than the last game against SFA in which he changed the momentum.”

Ward had three kickoff returns of at least 50 yards, including a 58-yarder against Nicholls and a 53-yarder against Central Arkansas.

Northwestern State student Bayleigh Smith of Lake Charles won first place at the 2018 Entomological Society of America, Entomological Society of Canada, and Entomological Society of British Columbia Joint Meeting held recently in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Smith, a biology major, competed in the Medical, Urban, and Veterinary Entomology (MUVE) section of the undergraduate poster competition. Her project was studying the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, and the cellular responses that helps the tick recognize and initiate a response to invading pathogens.

Biology student Samantha Smith of Alexandria presented her research in the potential use of brown widow, Latrodectus geometricus, toxins as biopesticides.

NSU faculty member Dr. Lindsay Porter gave an oral presentation on the immune response of Amblyomma americanum to microbes.

The conference had a record attendance of 3,800 people from 68 countries with 2,430 oral and 569 poster presentations.

BOM is a sponsor of the RocketFuel Volleyball Club. NCHS Volleyball Coach Nikki Murphy started the club team. Pictured on front row from left are Morgan Fatheree, Kourtney Bennett, and Izzy Morales. On back row are Blaise LaCour (BOM Marketing Assistant), Lexi Prewitt, Anna-Kate Arthur, Lily Zachary, Carley Dark, Coach Murphy, Reba Phelps (BOM Financial Services Sales Manager), Emma Masson, and Carrie Hough (BOM Vice President & Marketing Director).

As an educator whose career spanned several decades and included work on the state and local level, Julia Hildebrand felt a desire to support aspiring teachers who have a passion for children. She and her husband recently established the Julia Hildebrand Education Endowed Scholarship for education majors through a donation to the Northwestern State University Foundation that will support students who are passionate about teaching. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average.

“I’m just grateful to NSU for the opportunity I had to study and become a teacher,” she said. “Teachers have a responsibility to not only provide instruction in the curriculum they also have to create a loving and happy learning environment.”

Dr. Kimberly McAlister, dean of NSU’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development said the Hildebrand’s generosity will help students with a desire to work with Louisiana’s children.

“Julia Hildebrand has faithfully served the children of Louisiana in a variety of capacities including teacher, supervisor, director of curriculum and instruction, school board member and state grant evaluator. This scholarship will continue her impact on the education of children,“ McAlister said. “Certified teachers are critically needed in Louisiana as the number of teachers entering the workforce does not meet the demand of school districts. “

Hildebrand was a kindergarten and elementary classroom teacher and supervisor of elementary instruction and director of curriculum and instruction in Natchitoches Parish before her retirement in 1994. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Northwestern State in 1962, a master’s in elementary education in 1967 and completed an Ed.S. in elementary education in 1972. During her career, she served as an evaluator of student teachers, a trainer for the Louisiana Teacher Assessment program and was a BESE program evaluator. She has held offices in several professional organizations and is past president of the Natchitoches Parish School Board where she served as chairman of the education and personnel committees. In 2014, she was inducted into NSU’s Hall of Distinguished Educators.

Hildebrand served on several state- and parish-wide education committees, upgrading standards for math and reading, developing the first pupil progression plan and a junior great books program for gifted students in Natchitoches Parish. She was also involved with the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) bringing French teachers to Natchitoches Parish and later started parent-teacher conferences for all schools in the parish.

Hildebrand has also been active in the community. She and her husband were co-chairs of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival and she was an officer in the Business and Professional Women’s Club and a member of Chapter I, Philanthropic Education Organization, serving as president of the Louisiana chapter. She has been an active member of First Baptist Church since 1957 as a teacher, serving on the several committees and a member of the Couples Too Sunday School class. She has held offices with the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, representing APHN on the Historic District Development Commission, and acting in key roles to organize the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival and fall tour of homes. She has also been involved with the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society, the Mayor’s Ready Committee and initiated the Terrific Kids program for the Kiwanis Club in 1985, which continues today.

Hildebrand said that during her years as a supervisor, NSU’s College of Education was helpful to her, particularly Dr. Mildred “Dede” Hart Bailey, a respected dean and administrator.

Hildebrand credited her husband Tynes with the idea of establishing an education scholarship in her name. Tynes Hildebrand, who was head basketball coach at NSU for 16 seasons and athletic director from 1983-96, has an athletic scholarship in his name at NSU.

Hildebrand said the ideal scholarship recipient would be a person who felt a calling for teaching and would provide love and support as well as knowledge to a child. She said the scholarship could be beneficial not only to a traditional student, but also someone seeking alternative certification to teach or a graduate student.

The Hildebrands are parents to two sons, Tynes Jr. and Bruce, who graduated from NSU’s School of Business and are CPAs. They have five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

“We wanted to give back to NSU because it’s been so good to us. It’s payback with gratitude,” she said.

“We are so appreciative to Julia and Tynes Hildebrand in establishing the Julia Hildebrand Education scholarship for someone pursuing undergraduate or alternative certification,” McAlister said. “Their generosity will help students who desire to work with Louisiana children.”

Information on degree programs available in NSU’s School of Education are available at education.nsula.edu.

Hildebrand Scholarship:

Tynes and Julia Hildebrand established the Julia Hildebrand Education Endowed Scholarship through a donation to the NSU Foundation.

BSA Troop 60 (Natchitoches) held a very important Court of Honor Ceremony on Dec. 13, celebrating the many accomplishments of Troop 60 Scouts since June, including John Parker Burrell’s advancement to Eagle Scout. Scouts received recognition for earning 27 merit badges and five rank advancements in the past six months, including John Martinez, Gabe Matuschka, Caleb Martinez, Sawyer Anderson, Koda DeBlieux, Noah Martinez, Jacob Miller, and Stephen Wheat.

Earning the Eagle rank is a significant accomplishment: only 4% of Scouting’s youth attain the highest rank, and John Parker Burrell has joined their small, worthy numbers in his achievement. Troop 60 Scouts helped recognize his accomplishment by performing the Scout Law Candle Ceremony, lighting 12 candles that each represent a character value from the Scout Law: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent, to remind the audience and themselves what it means to be a Scout.

Scoutmaster Sarah McFarland and former Scoutmaster Kevin Shannahan gave speeches about John, demonstrating ways in which he has risen to the great responsibilities of the honor of Eagle rank with dedication, leadership, and integrity. John was then presented with his Eagle award and gave his own speech, thanking those who helped him on his Trail to Eagle, including his parents, his mentors, his family, his religious leaders, and his friends and Troop members.

It was a very special Court of Honor, and everyone in attendance were filled with renewed Scout Spirit for seeing what can be accomplished in Scouting. A lovely reception followed.

Troop 60 will take a break for the holidays, returning to regular meetings on Thursday, Jan. 10 at the Wesley Center from 7-8 pm. All interested youth ages 11-17 are welcome! More information about Troop 60 can be found at their website, BSATroop60.wordpress.com.

Photo credits: Kevin Shannahan.
Submitted by Sarah McFarland, Scoutmaster

For nearly the last 30 years our Parish has had the good fortune to have Mrs. Debbie Waskom as our Registrar of Voters. Mrs. Waskom will retire effective December 31, 2018 and our Parish will lose one of the finest and most respected Registrar of Voters anywhere in our State.

As the President of the Natchitoches Parish Board of Election Supervisors, I have witnessed Mrs. Waskom conduct herself with the highest level of professionalism and integrity. Through multiple administrations, she has maintained an excellent working relationship with the Secretary of State’s Office. Mrs. Waskom’s office has treated each member of the public respectfully while ensuring the integrity of our elections.

Most of the public probably does not fully appreciate the demands of the Registrar of Voters. Among many other duties the Registrar of Voters is responsible for the registration of voters, the administration and enforcement of the laws and regulations related to elections, conducting absentee and early voting, and educating the public on the election process.

It seems like every election cycle we are inundated with news coverage about some election related dispute, whether it be in Florida, North Carolina, or Ohio. Each election brings more stories about disputes over voter registration, absentee voting, recounts, etc.… These issues strike at the heart of our Democracy. Our Democracy depends on the public’s faith in the election process.
Our State, and in particular our Parish, has been blessed not to have to deal with these types of election disputes. This has not been because of luck. Rather it has been because of the hard work and dedication of public servants like Mrs. Waskom. Rarely would an issue arise during an election cycle where Mrs. Waskom did not know off the top of her head how to handle the situation. While Mrs. Waskom’s retirement is a significant loss for our Parish, I know she is prepared to ensure a seamless transition for our next Registrar of Voters.

On behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Board of Elections, I would like to thank Mrs. Waskom for her years of service to our Parish and wish her the best in her retirement. The Board looks forward to working with our next Registrar of Voters. Mrs. Waskom’s tenure as our Registrar has left a great example to follow.

Sincerely,

Jared Dunahoe

 

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Pero Scallion
January 9, 1924 – December 16, 2018
Service: Tuesday, December 18 at 2 pm at United Baptist Church in Campti
Interment: Coulee Bethel Cemetery in Campti
Visitation: Tuesday, December 18 from 12-2 pm at United Baptist Church, located at 7876 Hwy. 9 in Campti

Robert Demetrius Griffin
June 02, 1995 – December 13, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, December 22 from 10-11 am at the Asbury United Methodist Church
Service: Saturday, December 22 at 11 am at the Asbury United Methodist Church

Mabel Moran Metoyer
December 3, 1910 – December 13, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, December 18 from 9-10:30 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Service: Tuesday, December 18 at 11 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville
Interment: St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery

Derrick Sharold Brown`
May 13, 1982 – December 14, 2018
Service: Saturday, December 22 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches
SABINE PARISH:

Edward Malmay, Jr.
February 15, 1942 – December 16, 2018
Service: Thursday, December 27 at 3 pm at the Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel in Many

RAPIDES PARISH:

Thomas Ray Bordelon
December 26, 1941 – December 15, 2018
Service: Wednesday, December 19 at 11 am at St. Rita Catholic Church
Interment: St. Alphonse Catholic Church Cemetery in Hessmer

WINN PARISH:

Dr. Thomas Ferrell
June 12, 1942 – December 13, 2018
Service: Tuesday, December 18 at 2 pm in the Garden of Memories Cemetery

OTHER:

Ethel Tison Chaffin
Reception: Wednesday, December 19 from 6-8 pm at the Athens Welcome Center
Service: Thursday, December 20 at 11 am at Athens First Presbyterian Church
Interment: Oconee Hill Cemetery

By Kevin Shannahan/Opinion

It was a thin white piece of metal in the shape of an octagon. It hung on its pole at a jaunty angle of almost 45 degrees, If one looked carefully, a faded “STOP” could be discerned. Being of a philosophical bent, I could not help but wonder-when does a stop sign cease being a stop sign? Were I to drive past and ignore it, could I claim that a faded white octagon was no longer sufficient cause to invoke the majesty of the law?

How common were these signs in such disrepair? My curiosity aroused, I drove around Natchitoches. My tour may have been through historic areas of our city, but it was not through any area frequented by tourists. Quite the contrary, the streets I traveled will never be on a tourism brochure. I was within a mile of Front Street, but a world away. In less than an hour, I found over 25 worn stop signs.

Patterns emerged. The signs in the historic district were pristine and free of any patina of age, as were the signs in the wealthier area of our city. Even in the poorer areas of town, the signs facing any street with high traffic were likewise new. The situation off the beaten path in the poorer areas of Natchitoches revealed a different picture. With few exceptions, this is where every damaged stop sign was located. Rust, corrosion and neglect abounded.

I want to be clear about something here. None of the signs were vandalized. None had holes, none were ripped down or stolen. The only one with graffiti was an anomalous one in a middle class street a block from my house that implored passing drivers to “Don’t STOP believing.”

It is not just the civic neglect evident in the faded, rusted metal, the worst potholes I have ever experienced inside the city limits shook my car as I drove on a side street less than a mile from the historic district.

This is not really about stop signs. It is about what message this sends to our fellow citizens who live in the neighborhoods where the vast majority of this neglect occurs. Our city and parish are rent by divisions of race and class. Our government should be proactive in doing everything possible to mend these rifts and should certainly do nothing to widen them. Legally and morally, Front Street, my middle class neighborhood and the poorest street in the poorest area of our city should be of equal priority in the provision of city services and the maintenance of our infrastructure. Make it so.

Shreveport– United Way of Northwest Louisiana celebrates the first year of managing the free help line 2-1-1. The service quietly launched Nov. 2017 before making its public debut in February of 2018. During its first year, 2-1-1 received more than 9,000 requests for services from residents across a 10-parish service area. Nationwide, 2-1-1 received more than 14 million calls in 2017 to find support and information, including help with basic needs, employment services, health support and disaster assistance.

The top calls received in northwest Louisiana were for assistance with utilities, housing and food/meals. Other highly requested needs included clothing or household needs, health care, individual or family support services and transportation.

“Not only is 2-1-1 a vital solution to helping residents meet their needs with existing services, it’s also important to have the data to know where our communities are lacking service-wise and where the gaps are that need to be filled,” said United Way NWLA President and CEO, Dr. Bruce Willson.

In the past year, 2-1-1 made more than 6,600 referrals to local agencies. The top agencies to receive 2-1-1 referrals were Catholic Charities of North Louisiana, Salvation Army and Christian Service. The free service can also be used for employment help, transportation needs, government and economic services, disaster services and more.

The 2-1-1 line is a free, confidential service that connects individuals to resources and services in their local communities by phone, text and on the web. The service is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The program provides callers with information and referrals on subjects from basic human needs such as food and clothing to government services such as support for children and veterans.

With the launch of United Way 2-1-1 in northwest Louisiana a year ago, Louisiana 2-1-1 was restored as a statewide information and referral system. The northwest Louisiana region, encompassing more than 525,000 residents, did not have 2-1-1 services for more than four years prior to the 2017 soft launch by United Way and many local citizens struggled to find vital resources. During those four years, the region witnessed record flooding and multiple outlying hurricanes that affected local resources. Should these events occur again, northwest Louisiana residents will have one easy-to-remember source to call for help.

For more information, please visit UnitedWayNWLA.org/2-1-1