Rusty Scarborough, falconer and Park Manager at Caddo Parish’s Walter & Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, visited Los Adaes State Historic Site Saturday, June 16th. He was joined by his hunting partner Vulcan, a Red Tailed Hawk, in giving a presentation on falconry and birds of prey to an audience of around 35 young people, including Provencal’s Cub Scout Pack 20,

Falconry is a form of hunting that has been around for thousands of years, being referenced in writings from Mesopotamia. It was also practiced in China, India and Europe throughout the ages. Scarborough talked about the biology of birds of prey, how they are trained for falconry and gave lots of interesting facts about how the birds hunt and live. He also spoke about the process of becoming a falconer. Because the birds are covered under federal laws protecting migratory birds, it is illegal to have one in your possession or to hunt or trap them It is also illegal to possess any feathers or other parts of the birds. In order to become a falconer, one must pass a written test and obtain a special license from the state. At that time, the person becomes an apprentice falconer and is allowed to possess one bird. As one progresses in the sport, the license can be upgraded to master falconer which allows the possession of more birds.

Falconry is,by far, the most heavily regulated form of hunting in the country. It also requires a significant investment in education, practice and training. The presentation ended with Vulcan coming out of his box to meet his new friends. The children were also able to borrow binoculars to spot some of the wildlife living at the site and to draw what they saw.

This presentation was sponsored by the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc.

Lance Lopez, the new Agency Manager for the Farm Bureau office in Natchitoches, is eager to connect with the community as he gets settled into his new position.

Lance and his wife Laurie are Alexandria natives, who will soon move to Natchitoches with their 7-year-old son Cruz. Lance has been with Farm Bureau for the last 5 years as the assistant manager for Rapides and Grant Parishes.

Both Louisiana College graduates, Lance majored in business marketing management and Laurie majored in education. Laurie is a stay-at-home mom and former teacher.

Farm Bureau sought Lance out for about 10 years before he went to work for them.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the insurance industry,” said Lance. “I have family in it and I’ve always loved the service part of it. I love dealing with people and developing relationships.”

Lance is also big into community involvement and wants to give back and help out here in Natchitoches.

“Word around the state is that Natchitoches is a great place to live and work,” he said. “I’m always ready to accept new challenges and I enjoy growing businesses.”

Lance started a glass business while enrolled in college, which his wife still operates. He’s also really big into health and fitness and has helped start up several CrossFit gyms in the Alexandria and Pineville area. He used to compete in triathlons, and now coaches for his son’s baseball team.

Lance is looking forward to developing agents at Farm Bureau and will be hiring new agents in the near future. One of his goals is to revamp and continue to promote Farm Bureau in the Natchitoches area.

Farm Bureau is in the business of personal lines from life insurance, to auto and home coverage. What sets them apart from online companies, is the local adjusters and agents that customers can create a personal connection with.

“It’s easy to just go online, but Farm Bureau gives you someone to talk to locally,” said Lance.

There’s also tons of benefits Farm Bureau members can take advantage of including discounted child care seats, discounts on hotel rooms, new vehicle purchase allowances and more.

Natchitoches office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The office is located at 1911 South Drive. For more information call 318-352-8111 or email llopez@sfbcic.com.

 

Northwestern State football season tickets go on sale to the general public today as the Demons rev up for the first season under new head coach Brad Laird.

The last day for season-ticket holders to repurchase their current seats is Friday.

Laird’s return has generated a new wave of excitement as football season ticket sales have increased 34 percent compared to June 2017.

“Folks have a unique opportunity Monday to snap up some fantastic seats for the upcoming football season,” said Mike Jacklich, assistant athletic director for ticketing and special events. “We’ll release all unpurchased season tickets — including available seats on or near the 50-yard line, aisle seats and seats that have been held for generations.

“It’s a great time for potential new season-ticket holders.”

After the Demons head to Texas A&M on Aug. 30 as part of the first slate of college football games, NSU opens its home schedule against Grambling on Sept. 8.

The Demons aim to sell every purple seat in Turpin Stadium when Grambling, the 2016 HBCU college football champions, come to town.

NSU’s five home games include Grambling (Sept. 8), Nicholls (Oct. 6), Sam Houston State (Sept. 13), Houston Baptist (Oct. 27) and McNeese (Nov. 10).

Three of NSU’s home opponents finished in the top half of the Southland Conference while Grambling claimed the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.

Fans can order their season tickets at nsudemons.com, by calling 318-357-4268 or by visiting the ticket office on campus.

PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services

 

The Natchitoches Parish Library’s (NPL) annual Summer Reading Program is in full swing and will be entering its third week of activities and reading for prizes next week. Each week brings a new prize that can be one for children, teens, and adults! To win, patrons only need to complete two hours of reading after registering and filling in a bookmark reading log. Additionally completed bookmarks go towards the final grand prize drawings for each age group. So far, the NPL has played host to a musician and puppeteer, had a lip sync competition and name-that-tune game, and even a karaoke night!

First up next week is an activity that both teens and adults are invited to enjoy: the weekly fitness series “Yoga with Richard” on Monday at 6 pm. No pre-registration is required for this introductory-level yoga class that will leave you feeling relaxed even if you thought you could never perform a yoga pose in your life!

Both teens and adults will have a chance to build and play their own instruments at part one of “Rockin’ with Ed: Diddly Bows” on June 19 at 6 pm. The diddly bow is a single stringed American folk-music instrument which heavily influenced the development and unique sound of Blues. Participants will get to keep their instruments, however, materials are limited and sign-up is required prior to program participation. Those interested should contact the NPL via their Facebook page to register for this program or may visit the second-floor circulation desk.

Next week’s children’s performer will be musician Brian Kinder on June 20 at 10 am and again at 2 pm at the NPL’s Main Branch in Natchitoches. If you miss the first day’s performances, don’t “fret,” there will be a second day of performances on June 21 at 10 am at the Main Branch and at 2 pm at the City of Refuge Church in Campti.

Teens will have a second opportunity to spread positivity at “Kindness Rocks” on June 21 at 3 pm, by making their own custom colored cheer stones! And Saturday, from 11 am to 1 pm, artist Carlos Nieto will be presenting an Anime Workshop for teens who wish to try their hand at this Japanese inspired illustration style.

For a full schedule of Summer Reading Program events, you may visit natlib.org or the NPL’s Facebook page.

By Lori Lyons
Written for the LSWA

 

Paul Candies may have made his fortune on the water with his ever-growing fleet of tugboats, but he earned his fame and notoriety on land with a bunch of really fast cars.

A small town boy from Des Allemands, Louisiana, Candies, who died in 2013 at the age of 72, was an entrepreneur who helped turn his father, Capt. Otto Candies’, company from a one-boat business into one of the largest marine transportation companies in the country. He also helped build another of his dad’s legacies, the International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, into the cultural and economic boon it is today.

But Candies also liked fast cars and the people who made them go. So, in his “spare” time, Candies became part of one of the most successful drag racing partnerships in history – Candies and Hughes, the name emblazoned in a signature gold leaf on stock cars, funny cars and dragsters, as well as the trucks and trailers used to haul them across the country.

The unique combination of impact on Louisiana’s sports world has resulted in the posthumous Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction of Candies on Saturday, June 30 in Natchitoches. Already a member of the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, Candies will join world motocross champion Freddie Spencer as the only two motorsports figures enshrined so far in the state’s hall.

Candies also was known for his generosity. On the track, he would lend a hand or a tool to anyone, even opposing drivers. When Grand Isle was going through a major water shortage, he used his shipping company to bring water to bring water to the island. He also donated the land where the Tarpon Rodeo pavilion was built.

“Jefferson Parish and Grand Isle lost a tremendous ambassador,” Jefferson Parish Assessor and former Tarpon Rodeo president Tom Capella said at the time of Candies’ death.

The Candies name still lives on as Otto Candies, a multi-million-dollar marine transport business, which also sponsors the Hahnville High School American Legion team (Candies’ alma mater).

“The guy never forgot where he came from,” said Joe Tutone III, whose father, Joe “Big Joe” Tutone Jr. was a car dealer, fellow racer and personal friend of Candies. “The guy treated everybody like he wanted to be treated. He never acted like he was better than anybody. He was just a good, honest man and his two hobbies were drag racing and tarpon fishing.”

Join the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Tuesday, June 19 from 2-4 at its North Natchitoches Medical Clinic to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The Clinic is located at 3194 Hwy. 71 in Campti. The event will include refreshments, meeting staff members, and a look at how NRMC brings quality healthcare to rural areas.

Located in Campti, Louisiana, North Natchitoches Medical Clinic offers primary care services for newborns to seniors. With an emphasis on wellness and prevention, the clinic serves communities in northern Natchitoches Parish.

The Clinic diagnoses and treats patients with a wide range of concerns from upper respiratory, high blood pressure, allergies, arthritis, and other health issues. Colds, flu, sore throats and minor illnesses and injuries are also treated.

The Clinic offers immunizations and many preventative medicine services as well as physicals for student athletes and annual well checks.

Most Insurance Accepted:

The Clinic accepts most insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. For specific information about whether or not your insurance is accepted, please contact the office at 318-476-3999.

Hours:

The Clinic is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For an appointment call 318-476-3999.

Northwestern State University’s Associate of Nursing (ASN) program was ranked first of 24 RN programs, including all ASN, Bachelor of Science and diploma programs in NSU’s licensing jurisdiction from April 2017 to March 2018. The program ranked first of 1,166 of all similar ASN/RN programs across every jurisdiction in the U.S. and its territories and first of 2,056 of all ASN, BSN, diploma RN programs of every jurisdiction across the U.S. and its territories.

In addition, NSU’s College of Nursing reported a 100 percent pass rate for 84 ASN graduates taking the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) during the same time of the evaluation from April 1, 2017-March 30, 2018. One other school in Louisiana had 44 ASN graduates take the NCLEX for a 100 percent pass rate. All boards of nursing in states and territories of the U.S. require candidates to pass this exam for licensure as a registered nurse.

NSU Administrators say that quality nursing faculty play a large part in student success.

“Our wonderful faculty work diligently with students to ensure each student is successful,” said Dr. Dana Clawson, dean of NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health. “The two student cohorts that scored 100% were composed of all clinical applicants that met admission criteria. We did not rank and take the best students to achieve this goal. Instead, we treated each student as if they were capable of succeeding, found qualified faculty, accepted all students meeting admission criteria, worked diligently to retain these students, and achieved the 100% pass rate. These students are from Shreveport, Natchitoches, Alexandria and Leesville campuses.”

Clawson said she consistently receives positive feedback about the quality of nurses NSU is producing from nursing professionals and their colleagues.

“Our graduates are prepared to join the nursing workforce to deliver quality nursing care, and exhibit caring nursing behaviors towards every patient. This is often a difficult combination to achieve in only four semesters of an ASN program, and yet our faculty make that happen!” she said.

Northwestern State’s College of Nursing has consistently earned high rankings in recent years from Nonprofit Colleges Online, BestNursingColleges.com, U.S. News and World Report and other sources. Earlier this year, the nurse practitioner program was ranked the seventh best program in the U.S. by guidetoonlineschools.com. Last year, NSU’s graduate nursing program was ranked first in the U.S. by Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration.

NSU was the first public college in Louisiana to offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1951. In 2002, the program was recognized as the first Louisiana RN to BSN program that was offered online.

NSU offers an Associate of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, LPN to ASN, LPN to BSN, RN to BSN program, Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Classes are available on Northwestern State campuses in Shreveport, Alexandria, Leesville/Fort Polk, DeRidder and Natchitoches.

 

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

John Theodore Batten, Jr.
January 17, 1932 – June 15, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, June 19 from 5:30-7:30 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home with a rosary at 7 pm
Service: Wednesday, June 20 at 11 am at Immaculate Conception Church
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery
Reception: Wednesday, June 20 following interment at the home of John and Kathy Batten, located at 4645 Hwy. 494 in Bermuda

Marvin Davis
June 16, 2018
Arrangements TBA

SABINE PARISH:

Beatrice Davis Tramel
May 3, 1926 – June 11, 2018
Service: Monday, June 18 at 11 am at St. John’s Catholic Church in Many

 

Kevin’s Gallery

The Natchitoches Fire District 6 station at Oak Grove was the place to be Thursday, June 14th as the district held an open house and put its new truck into service. The evening started with some firehouse cooking and continued with family fun. The children attending got to see and try on firefighting gear as well as learn about what to do in case they are ever in a building with a fire. They got to put their knowledge to the test in a special trailer that can be filled with smoke. The children practiced crawling low to the door where they were “rescued” by a waiting firefighter. The clear favorite among the youngsters was an obstacle course similar to the ones used to train firefighters. The children ran around cones and dragged hoses to the end of the course where the water flew as they got to use an actual firehose on a plywood wall with a simulated fire.

The Fire District also put its new truck into service. The $325,000.00 2017 Freightliner pumper carries 2,500 gallons of water and will be a major aid in keeping our community safe. Before the truck was put into service, it was surrounded by community members who laid hands on it as Fire District 6 Vice Chief and Chaplain, Malcolm Durr, blessed the truck. Then, in a ceremony reminiscent of the days in which fire fighting equipment was drawn by horses, the truck was pushed into the bay by firefighters. The truck is named in honor of the late Bryan Wimberly, who was the Chief of Fire District 6 as well as the Director of Utilities for the City of Natchitoches.

The Fire District is one of 10 rural districts across the parish along with the city fire department. It lies next to the city limits and consists of approximately 90 square miles. The Oak Grove station has 25-30 volunteer firefighters and 6 full-time and 5 part-time paid firefighters. It is the only station in the parish to have both volunteer and paid firefighters. The district currently boasts a Class 4 rating from the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana, one of only 2 districts in the parish to hold this rating. The Natchitoches Fire Department holds a Class 3 rating. These ratings, with 1 being the highest and 10 the lowest, are a significant factor in setting premiums for homeowner insurance policies. The ratings are the result of a lot of hard work by people who seldom get the credit they deserve.

Every day in communities throughout our parish, men and women from every walk of life stand ready to put aside their regular lives to answer a call for help. They report in, put on gear that weighs up to 80 lbs, and go into a burning building. They put out fires. They extricate people from car wrecks. They save lives and property. They constantly train, time taken from family and career, to be ready when the time comes. It is community service at its deepest level.

If you would like to join the ranks of your local volunteer fire department, contact the district where you live. If you are a resident of district 6, please contact firefighter Andy Adkins, the recruitment coordinator for District 6.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating the event photography. Copy protection is off and anyone may download any picture they wish.

 

Just a few weeks after Northwestern State softball’s Cayla Jones took home Louisiana Freshman of the Year honors, the Lady Demons added another freshman who took home player of the year honors in her state.

Nicole Skerlong signed with NSU after capturing the Mississippi Association of Junior Community and Junior Colleges Player of the Year as a freshman at Hinds Community College.

Skerlong added NJCCAA Division II All-American honors (third team) to that lengthy honors earlier this week.

The shortstop led the Lady Eagles in nearly every offensive category, including batting average (.496), RBIs (53), run scored (56) and home runs (seven).

“Nikki will certainly add depth to the left side of our infield,” said NSU coach Donald Pickett. “She’s a great kid, and we’re looking forward to seeing what she can do at this level.

“Nikki has worked really hard to get to where she’s at, and that work ethic she serve her well in Natchitoches.”

Skerlong compiled a whopping .921 slugging percentage with a .576 on-base percentage to supplement strong defensive skills. She will have three seasons of eligibility.

The Eros native starred at Ouachita High in Monroe, helping the Lady Lions to a Class 5A state title in 2014 and a championship appearance in 2017. Ouachita also advanced to the state semifinals in 2016.

Skerlong was a four-time all-district player and one coaches all-state honor.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Hinds Community College

 

One thousand and ten students were named to the Spring 2018 Honor Roll at Northwestern State University. Students on the Honor Roll earned a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49. Those named to the Honor Roll listed by hometown (in the Natchitoches area) are as follows.

Alexandria — Raven Adams, Iris Barrera, Samantha Bergeron, Ariyanna Bonton, John, Jasmine Brown, Kayla Busby, Keana Byone, Joshua Cain, Alyssa Carpenter, Brandy Danzy, Josyf Das Neves, Anne David, Joshua Dorsey, Tai Fletcher, Bailey Gaspard, Mallory Halford, Adrienne Jett, Jasmine Johnson, Tadriel Jones, Leslie Katz, Dean Mayeux, Claudine McGlory, Olivia Mosley, Deasheneire Payne, Kellie Pebbles, Madeline Pharis, Ragan Richey, Imani Ricks, Kenya Sariale, Nadage Scott, Taijha Silas, Carlos Sykes, Payton Tassin, Alexander Trotter, Hailey Urena, William Welch, Tashiana Whitehead, Elaina Williams;

Bossier City — Austin Averitt, Adriana Avie, Colton Bailey, Ashley Bennett, Leah Benoit, Jontil Benson, Mickayla Blue, Alexandra Borrmann, Kayli Brewer, Alexander Brooks, Courtney Brooks, Takeynea Brown, Mckay Crews, Karla Cruz, Marda David, Jordan Davis, Kasey Dice, Kelly Flores, Courtney Giddens, Sydney Gootee, Jacob Hammons, Adrianne Hampton, Asylynn Henderson, Angelo Hurtado, Haley Joncas, Emily Larosee, Mikayla Lehane, Savannah Lewwe, Rance Mason, Claire McMillan, Michelle Moline, Brittany Morris, Reondrick Owens, Michael Phelps, Khayla Pugh, Nigmeh Rahman, Sierra Richard, Johnathon Schluter, Sydney Shannon, Allisyn Steele, Crystal Tuggle, Tomaya Turner, Jacory Williams;

Boyce — Hannah Aslin, Seth Baggett, Brooklynn Basco, Devin Hilliard, Amanda Land, Lizabeth Lee, Eli Maffioli, Alexandra Morgan;

Campti — Zachary Friday, Dalton Parker, Donta’ Turner;

Clarence — Jalicia Small;

Cloutierville — LaKrisha Burrell;

Coushatta — Kori Allen, Elizabeth Cummins, William Jordan, William Lee, Aston Lester, Amey Sepulvado, Mikailah Smith;

Florien — Hillary Charles, Jennifer Cotten, Cullen Hopkins, Tyler Johnson, Elizabeth Squillini, Jordan Weldon;

Forest Hill — Rachel Humphries, Claudia Marie Musgrove;

Fort Polk — Jamie Curtis, Amanda Dhondt, Laura Gee, Amanda Kuhn, Jennifer Lara, Donna Mareeh Milsap, Stephanie Reid, Desirah Ritchie, Genesis Rondon Torres, Jeffrey Ruiz, Jenna Silvius;

Leesville — Heather Alexander, Jebediah Barrett, Katrina Brinson, Damion Brown, Rachal Brown, Jonathan Bruce, Victoria Carbaugh, Jacob Cart, Brandon Fredieu, Beatrice Green, Robert Green, Cheyenne Grigg, Morgan Hall, Brianna Harperhoward, Britney Harvey, Taylor Helton, Angelica Hilton, Meghan Jones, Lane Koury, Constance McManus, Stephanie Miller, Miranda Mize, Taylor Newman, Brittany Paris, Pete Rodriguez, Cesar Santos, Brandy Sherman, Marissa Skursky, Joseph Slaughter, Payton Soto, Britnie Stroud, Marissa Weldon, Lana West, Chyla Winslow, Cheyene Wise, Jacqueline Young, Michael Zschach;

Lena — Kamryn Glenn, Justin Williams;

Mansfield — Rowdy Burleson, DeAsia Maxie, James Sowell, Markeit Steverson, Devin Vanwinkle, Stanley Woodley;

Many — Chancee Branam, Salvador Cruz Montellano, Destinee Dowden, Kelsi Horn, Clayton Kelley, Ashley Lafitte, Mayci Lewis, Chase Manning, Adina Manshack, Johnathan Medine, Chelsea Parrie, Andrew Penfield, Anna Porterfield, Lisa Scott, Hannah Webb;

Marthaville — Dylan Daniels, Erica James, Thomas Lirette, Kendrick Moore;

Natchez — Shaneda Armstrong, Brandi Carpenter, Jackson Carroll, Deshon Ficklin, James Rougeou, Brittany Slaughter;

Natchitoches — Shelton Adams, Ariel Adkins, Austin Aldredge, Daniella Angulo Martinez, Kayla Arnold, Abbie Atwood, Thomas Balthazar, James Bankston, Ramon Barralaga, Jacob Bartels, Terrius Bell, Allison Berry, Megan Berry, Christopher Billiot, Janieya Bobb, Keaton Booker, Andrew Boyd, Samantha Broughton, Keyana Brown, Morgan Burris, Kezia Butler, Thomas Celles, Halley Chapa, Kaleb Chesser, Lane Clevenger, Jacob Dahoff, Kenneth Darcy, Ajeahnell Dempsey, Chasity Dupree, Eric Fredieu, Matthew Gallien, Jasmine Hall, Rodney Harrison, Tyler Henry, Saul Hernandez, Jared Hulsey, Maina Ibn Mohammed, Retsel Jackson, Michael James, Anthony Jones, Casey Jones, Hannah Jones, Haley LaCaze, Cristofer Larcarte, Tarah Lott, Alyssa Martin, Madelyn Matt, Andrew McAlister, Melonia McDaniel, Amanda Metoyer, Jasmine Milsap, Joshua Minor, Samantha Muncey, Donovan Ohnoutka, Chaka Palm, Zachary Parker, Kenneth Penrod, Meredith Phelps, Michael Raymond, RaeGan Rogers, Paula Sanchez Luna, Emily Sitarz, Athena Smith, Rachel Smith, Shannon Smith, Skyler Speer, Hollie Spillman, Cierra Stephens, Blake Teekell, Alexander Thibodeau, Rebecca Thomisee, Angelo Vergara Otero, Garrett Vienne, Huey Virece, Naloni Walker, Brianna Watermolen, Anna Waxley, Leah Wilkins, John Williams, Lanae Wilson, Laurence Wynder, Ashtin Youngblood;

Oak Grove — Tonya Creech;

Pineville — Emily Bordelon, Victoria Bordelon, Latasha Cain, Jasmine, KataraRiana Clark, Payten Collins, LaShundra Duncan-Williams, Selena Ferguson, Katelan Gossett, Trey Joseph, Cedrick Lott, Sonya McClellan, Shaqunda Peters, Victoria Peterson, Bonni Rayburn, Glynn Sillavan, Courtney Squyres, Micah StAndre, Emily Wiley;

Pleasant Hill — Montana Binning, Makenzi Patrick;

Provencal – Carson Custis, Katlynn French, Jamie Litton, Taylor Trichel;

Robeline — Arica Ammons, Jonathan Comeaux, Willie Garcia, Patricia Goodwin, Hannah Hennigan, Kristal Lachney, Mallary Lester, Alyssa Maley, Megan Maley, Courtney Rachal, Madelyn Rachal, Morgan Rachal, Fawn Slaughter;

Saline — Makayla Jackson, Aaron Savell;

Shreveport — Tiara Anderson, Keyln Andrews, James Baldwin, ShyMiracle Ball, Desean Britton, Rachael Bryant, Breonnica Collins, Madison Connella, Audrey Copeland, Daniel Crews, Hannah Crnkovic, Taylor Davis, Kevin Denks, Zandria Douglas, Chenara Dredden, Lauren Edwards, Keiauna Evans, Meghan Fry, Lauren Gabour, Tyler Gardner, Cassidy Giddens, Rebecca Gilcrease, Savon Gipson, Andrell Green, Ricci Haltom, Jaimee Henderson, Monica Holloway, Kimberly Housley, Meghan Jelks, Drake Johnson, Zachary Johnson, Ainsley Johnson-Braden, Bethany Jones, Quanese Jones-Young, Haley Joyner, Luis Juneau, Colton Kennedy, Tradeya King, Mallory LaLena, Princess Lane, Shermaria Lewis, Rukiya Lewis, Katherine Lind, Jakobi Malone, Alexis Mason, Kristen Massinburg, Mozell Mcduffy, Janna Mclellan, Samantha Metoyer, Alison Mitchell, Myles Mitchell, Dylan Molenhour, Shanautica Montgomery, Terrye Moore, Maria Moreno Ponte, Ellison Mullen, Hillary Nicholls, Karina Pena Morla, Elizabeth Peterson, Patrick Pierce, Dalton Randolph, Nahjee Reid, Mollie Reynolds, Carribean Richardson, Jasmine Roberts, Savonya Robinson, Chekayah Samuel, Jasmin Samuels, Zachary Sanders, Fredricka Seawood, Latrice Smith, Chaniqua Smith, Vincent Spinks, Asia Stevens, Keyaunta Stewart, Jordan Taylor, Shakari Taylor, Rodnisha Terry, Angela Thomas, Gabrielle Thomas, Ashlea Trosclair, Rhiannon Venable, Isabella Vines, Earnestine Walker, Gia-Caroline Weber, Kristin Welch, Charity Wesley, Victoria Whaley, Crystal Williams, Destiney Williams, Lajayda Williams, Shamolia Williams, Tre’Darius Williams, DeShaun Wilson, Ansonia Wisner;

Winnfield — Mia County, LaTerrion Green, Saquan Jenkins, Brooklyn Johnson, Morgan Martinez, George Parish, Trakita Rainwater, Chinna Thompson;

Zwolle — Kamryn Bedsole, Dayton Craig, Cheyanne Ebarb, Addison Garcie, Emmalee Lewing, Ethan Morgan, Deidre Rivers, Chyna Sepulvado, Rylea Sepulvado.

Alliance Compressors presented its annual donation to CASA of Central Louisiana. Pictured from left are Lori Rivers (Alliance Compressors), Jack L. Duty (CASA Executive Director) and Michelle Brundige (Alliance Compressors)

Northwestern State University’s Career Center introduced the new “NSU Purple Pride Partner Program” by announcing its first donation from Enterprise Holdings Foundation, now an official member of the NSU Purple Pride Employer Partner program. From left are Randi Washington, assistant director of NSU Counseling and Career Services, with Trenton Johnson, talent acquisition specialist for Enterprise Holdings. “NSU Career Center and Enterprise Holdings are excited about their partnership. A special thank you to our Aspire Partners,” Washington said.

To learn more about the Partnership Program call or email NSU Career Center at (318) 357-4050 and careercenter@nsula.edu.

 

BOM donated to NSU ELAB to purchase classroom Chromebooks! Pictured from left are Logan Graves, BOM Intern; Caron Coleman, NSU Elab Principal; Veronica Johnson, NSU ELAb 1st grade educator; Carrie Hough, BOM Marketing Director; and Kyler Burns, BOM Operations.

A Natchitoches resident found a dog near Parkway Drive and Paula Lane in East Natchitoches on June 11. The one year old pit-bull mix was very thin and had injuries to her face area and head. She was taken to a local veterinarian where it was determined the injuries to her face were burns. Natchitoches Animal Control Officers are seeking the public’s assistance in locating this dog’s owner and/ or suspects in this animal cruelty case.

Anyone with information should call The Natchitoches Animal Shelter at (318) 357-3885 or NPD at (318) 352-8101.

 

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Eryk Taylor
September 19, 1978 – June 6, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, June 16 from 10-11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Service: Saturday, June 16 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 318 North Street in Natchitoches
Interment: Shady Grove Community Cemetery

SABINE PARISH:

Beatrice Davis Tramel
May 3, 1926 – June 11, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, June 17 from 6-8 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Monday, June 18 at 11 am at St. John’s Catholic Church in Many

RED RIVER PARISH:

Freeman Tucker, Jr.
Service: Saturday, June 16 at 11 am at Zion Chapel Baptist Church
Interment: New Hope Cemetery in Lake End

Earl Sloan
Service: Saturday, June 16 at 11 am at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: King Chapel Cemetery in Many

Arthur Bush
Service: Saturday, June 16 at 12 pm at Many High School Gym
Interment: New Jerusalem Cemetery in Many

Robbie Jones
Service: Saturday, June 16 at 2:30 pm at Travelers Rest baptist Church in Longstreet
Interment: Good Hope Cemetery in Keatchie

On Nov. 14, 2016, the Cane River Waterway Commission retained Womack and Sons Construction Group, Inc. to construct the “Cane River Lake Pump Station” and related structures. The purpose of the project was to provide a means to pump water, as needed, from Hampton’s Lake (an oxbow of Red River) into Cane River Lake, during times when the water level of Cane River Lake dropped below certain limits.

The project was originally scheduled for completion in January 2018. At the contractor’s request, the Commission voluntarily extended this date by about one month.

During initial tests, it was determined that the discharge rates from the pumping and filtering system were lower than the project specifications. All of the persons involved in the project, including its engineer, contractor, and subcontractors, immediately began work to evaluate and address this issue. At present, those persons are continuing to address this issue.

Based on the information provided by the engineers, contractors, and subcontractors, the Commission currently estimates that it shall take at least two more weeks to fully test the system. It is hoped that a solution to the current problem shall be developed during that testing. As a public entity, the Commission shall require compliance with its public contract and other specifications of the job.

Chairman Jim Rhodes has explained that this is the largest project of its type in the United States. “We understand that some troubleshooting is not unusual for a project of this scope,” he said. Nonetheless, the Commission “must protect its interests, and will do so.” Right now, Rhodes believes that the responsible persons are all working together to promptly address the issues. “We want to give them time to complete their work,” he said.

 

A Juneteenth Celebration will be held at the Ben Johnson Park Tuesday, June 19 from 6-9 pm. The entire Natchitoches community is invited to attend. There will be hot dogs, water slides and music by Uncle Ug and Hardrick Rivers.

Event Organizer Randy Stelly has been involved with Juneteenth celebrations throughout the years. Friend and State Rep. Al Edwards introduced the bill that made Juneteenth a state holiday in Texas in 1979.

The Juneteenth festival, held annually on June 19, commemorates emancipation from slavery in Texas on that day in 1865 when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston
to spread the good news that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved African Americans had been freed by President Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, while the Civil War was still being fought.

“I celebrate June 19, however, it couldn’t exist without the Fourth of July,” said Stelly. “It’s not just a black celebration, but a memorial. Before Juneteenth could happen, hundreds of thousands of white men died in the Civil War to make it happen. Juneteenth should be a day of celebration and remembrance.”

“Eight dollars and five cents!”

I said it loudly and with all the patience I could muster without using four-letter words. A commentary on the American educational system was playing out right in front of me.

They both looked at me like I was speaking in tongues.

I repeated myself, “Eight dollars and five cents! You owe the man eight dollars and five cents in change.” I was thinking that this was neither brain surgery nor rocket science.

I was shopping at a grocery store, which shall remain anonymous. The nice lady at the register was exasperated. She was telling everyone who would listen that she needed a break. It was time for her break. She was late for her break. “Someone needs to come relieve me, so I can take a break.” Meanwhile the nice man in front of me made his purchase. His total came to eleven dollars and ninety-five cents. He did something rarely seen in grocery stores across America. He paid cash.

He gave her a twenty-dollar bill.

She tapped in the amount tendered and the machine gave her the answer for the change he would receive. But before she gave him his change. She tapped in another set of numbers so that she could go on her break. Her “taking a break” numbers erased the man’s change numbers.

A nice manager walked over and said, “Why don’t you go on your break.”

She said, “I will as soon as I give this man his change.” Then she looked at the register which she had now “erased.” She looked down at the twenty like it was some creature that was going to bite off her arm. She started fumbling for a piece of paper to do some mathematical computations. While she was fumbling for the paper and pencil. The manager was pulling out her phone and trying to get her calculator program up and running.

The customer was distracted. He was talking to a guy two checkout lanes over. He couldn’t see the mathematical mayhem brewing at the checkout line.

“Eight dollars and five cents. That is what you owe the man in change.”

“Oh.”

About that time calculator girl finished punching in her numbers and said, “You owe him eight dollars and five cents in change.” Duh! No kidding!

I had done the math in my head two different ways. I had done the math. I also “counted the change” back to the nice man in my head. My brain is slow. I don’t have a high-powered processor up there. But counting change, c’mon man! The year I went to work at Sears they introduced electronic cash registers. They trained us on those marvels, which would do a transaction and “tell” the clerk how much to give in change. Our store manager insisted that all the employees needed to be able to “count back” the change to the customers. He was especially insistent that all his High School part-timers learn the “right way” to make change.

These two didn’t know how to “make change.”

I was struck at that moment by the awesome responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of teachers.

Even those of us who teach scripture know, “Not many of you should become teachers… for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” James 3: 1

 

NSU– Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will present a Family & Friends CPR course Monday, June 18 and Monday, July 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Room 118 of Fournet Hall. The fee is $10 plus a $5 material fee.

The course teaches the lifesaving skills of adult hands-only CPR, adult CPR with breaths, child CPR with breaths, adult and child AED use, infant CPR and mild and severe airway block for adults, children, and infants. Skills are taught in a dynamic group environment using the American Heart Association (AHA) research-proven practice-while-watching technique, which provides students with the most hands-on CPR practice time possible.

Family & Friends CPR is for people who want to learn CPR but do not need a CPR course completion card to meet a job requirement. This course is ideal for community groups, new parents, grandparents, babysitters and others interested in learning how to save a life. A certificate of participation will be provided at the end of the course.

For more information, call (318) 357-6355, (800) 376-2422 or go to nsula.edu/ece/non-credit-programs.