By Joe Darby

I’ve written about it once before but that was a good while back. If you’d indulge me I’d like to talk about that 3,640-pound, 207-inch long collection of metal, glass, rubber and cloth parked in my garage and known as a 1939 Chrysler Imperial.

I was inspired to write about the car because today (Tuesday). I brought her in for her periodic servicing to my mechanic Darren McCauslin. He and his assistant James take such loving care of her. Since I always drive the car I hardly ever see her in motion, but when James was driving her toward the front of the mechanic’s shop, she just looked so darned elegant that I felt I owed her a little tribute.

Let me say right off the bat that I call the car “her” and “she” for a good reason. She’s an Imperial and of course, that makes her an Empress, a female of high royalty, don’t you see. And why do I think an old car deserves a tribute anyway. She’s a survivor, of course.

I don’t know how many other 1939 Imperial four-door sedans there are on the road, but there’s not really very many. The great majority of those cars just wore out, were junked or wrecked over the years or left to slowly turn to rust in some vacant field. To simply last almost 80 years and still be just as driveable as the day she came off the assembly line is quite an achievement, I think.  I don’t know a whole lot about her history but her VIN number indicates she was actually built in the fall of 1938, one of the early ’39 models off the line. I think she was sold in Pennsylvania and I know she later was in Florida before being sold to someone in California. It was a San Diego classic car dealer from which I acquired my Empress, in 2010. So I’ve had her for 1/10 of her existence!

You may have seen her around town. She’s an attractive Sea Foam Green. And when we drive her to eat out at a local restaurant, she always garners lots of attention and questions. I’ve discussed her with many a tourist on Front Street, and I always enjoy answering questions about her.

The car still has its original straight-eight cylinder engine, which runs just as smoothly as could be. The guys who put her together back in ’38 did a good job. What was going on then? Well, Franklin Roosevelt was in his second term as president. Adolph Hitler was about to gobble up Czechoslovakia. The New York Yankees were getting ready to win another World Series. The Louisiana Scandals were about to break, involving Gov. Richard Leche and others. My sisters were 9 and 6 years old and I would be born three years later.

I would love to know how the Empress survived all of those years since then. I know she went through at least one rough period, because she has little rust bubbles on her lower doors and was probably not driven and left outside for a good while.

But, what about when she was an active, family auto. Did her owners hear of the news of the 1941 attack at Pearl Harbor on her radio?. How about the dropping of the atomic bomb in 1945? Surely, lots of Glen Miller and Benny Goodman music came out of that radio, which unfortunately no longer works.

Was she owned by a young couple? A growing or a mature family? A somewhat well-off but reclusive old lady who only drove the car to church on Sundays? Did someone ever propose marriage in that vehicle? What kind of trips or vacations was she taken on? I’d love to know all of that stuff. But the answers will almost certainly remain hidden forever.

In the meantime, I am her custodian. I’m her caretaker. Because I expect she will outlast me I suppose that when I can no longer drive I’ll pass her on to someone who will take good care of her. They will have to promise me that they will not “street-rod” her by putting in fancy upholstery and a modern V-8 engine in her. She’s made it this long in her original condition and by gosh she ought to stay that way.

If you see us around town, signal us to pull over. I’ll be glad to bend your ear some more about this amazing old machine.

 

Natchitoches Parish President Rick Nowlin announces that all Parish offices including the Parish Landfill located at 4597 Hwy. 1 North, will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2018 in observance of Memorial Day.

Solid waste disposal facilities will remain open regular hours.

For questions relative to the Parish’s solid waste operations, please call (318) 238-3704.

 

Northwestern State University’s Demon Dazzlers will hold a dance clinic from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, June 4-Friday, June 8 in NSU’s Health and Human Performance Building. The cost is $75 and includes snacks, arts and crafts and a t-shirt for those who register by June 1. Children age five through high school are invited to participate.

The Demon Dazzlers serve as the official jazz lines for Northwestern State, performing for pep rallies, football and basketball games.

The summer dance camp is one of the group’s biggest fund raisers with proceeds going towards travel, costumes, competition and camps for members. There are currently 21 members with four officer positions.

Dazzlers are under the direction and leadership of Renee Oates, coach, and Kimberly Gallow, assistant coach. For more information or to register for the dance clinic, contact Oates at reneesdance223@yahoo.com or Gallow at gallowk@nsula.edu.

A Goldonna man on parole was arrested by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies on felony drug charges during a traffic stop in Campti on Tuesday evening according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

NPSO Patrol Division deputies stopped a 2008 Chevrolet pickup truck on US-71 in Campti May 22 at 7 pm for a traffic violation.

Deputies identified the operator of the vehicle through a La. Identification Card as 38-year-old Charles Chase Nobles of Goldonna.

Deputies learned during a NLETS/NCIC drivers license/criminal history background check that Nobles driver’s license was suspended and he was on parole due to a prior felony conviction.

Deputies say while speaking with Nobles, he appeared very uneasy leading them to believe criminal activity existed.

Deputies obtained permission to search Nobles and the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered a torn cellophane bag containing suspected methamphetamine on the floorboard and the other half of the torn cellophane bag containing suspected methamphetamine under the driver’s seat.

Estimated amount of seized suspected methamphetamine was 1-gram.

Charles C. Nobles, 38 of the 500 block of Maines Loop, Goldonna, was placed under arrest without incident, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine-2nd or subsequent offense, Criminal Obstruction of Justice after he allegedly attempted to destroy evidence, Driving under Suspension, traffic offenses, and Parole Violation.

Nobles remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.

Deputies say Nobles admitted he purchased the suspected methamphetamine after he and a friend had an argument.

The seized narcotics will be submitted to the crime lab for narcotics identification analysis.

The case will be turned over the the Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.

Deputy D. Caballero made the arrest assisted by Sgt. C. Dunn.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

John “Johnny” Singer, Jr.
January 6, 1958 – May 18, 2018
Service: Thursday, May 24 at 11 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Robeline

Addie Fisher
May 18, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 26 from 9-11 am at the at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 26 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Campti Community Cemetery

Alex Benito Reliford
May 28, 1971 – May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA
WINN PARISH:

Robert Glenn Buckelew
December 26, 1936 – May 21, 2018

Glen Roy Folden
June 13, 1943 – May 21, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, May 24 from 9-9:30 am at the Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield
Service: Thursday, May 24 at 10 am at Brown Cemetery
RAPIDES PARISH:

Clyde S. Ortego
September 25, 1937 – May 22, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, May 24 from 9-11 am at St. Rita Catholic Church
Service: Thursday, May 24 at 11 am at St. Rita Catholic Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens
RED RIVER PARISH:

Mickey Stewart
Visitation: Friday, May 25 from 6-7 pm at the Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, May 26 at 11 am at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Grand Cane
Interment: Zion Hill Cemetery

Rebecca Paul
Visitation: Friday, May 25 from 6-8 pm at Shiloh Baptist Church in Mansfield
Service: Saturday, May 26 at 1 pm at Eastside COGIC in Mansfield
Interment: Shiloh Cemetery

A train broke down on the tracks at the Hwy. 1 South and Hwy. 1 Bypass intersection, blocking several railroad crossings on May 22. Workers attempted to fix the train for several hours. The Natchitoches Police Department opened the emergency access road for Pan Am and Town South subdivisions.

Several Parish Council members questioned who holds the power under the Home Rule Charter (HRC) at its meeting May 21. Chris Paige asked Parish President Rick Nowlin to address a recommendation from the DA regarding attorney fees for defenses against two lawsuits (approximately $27,000).

Rodney Bedgood received the letter Friday and gave everyone a copy before the meeting. However, Nowlin said he’d never seen it.

Paige said the HRC states the Parish President may not acquire debt without the Council’s approval.

“Normally debt refers to an obligation other than an ongoing operating expenditure,” said Nowlin. “Certainly the amounts we owe the law firm can be represented as obligations to the Parish. It’s one of those things that’s routinely covered in parish operations under state law and the HRC. Everything I did in this matter was done after consultation with the DA’s Office.”

Assistant DA Shantel Wempren stated the opinion references a budget for legal expenses approved by the Council already.

Paige asked, “When were we supposed to be informed as a Council? Are we not supposed to even know about the monies that are being spent? It (the information on expenditures) comes in a pile (of paperwork) that we have to search it out of. It appears that we know nothing of it until we ask.”

Nowlin said he doesn’t request the Council’s permission for many expenses during the year. The Parish has an operating budget and the Council members are supposed to educate themselves on what it allows Nowlin to do.

“We adopt a budget every year,” said Nowlin. “We don’t come back to the Council on every item to say ‘Can we spend this money?’ We don’t have that type of government. You can’t look at the Home Rule Charter in a vacuum. Sure, it’s our governing document. But you also have to consider relevant state statutes, opinions of the Attorney General and court precedents. Why does this item have to be submitted to the Council for approval if it’s permitted by law and there’s funds in the budget to do it.”

Doug de Graffenried said they shouldn’t get to vote on something like the legal expenses because it falls within the purview of Nowlin’s executive authority.

“When you adopt an operating budget there are places in it that give him discretion to spend money like this,” he said. Bedgood agreed. If it’s in the budget it’s allowable.

Paige tried to claim that they don’t even know it’s in the budget. However, Wempren said the budget is published annually and delivered to the Council over a month before it’s voted on. “You all receive that information. I can certify that it was timely and in compliance with the local government budget act,” she said.

“There’s a lot of things in the budget I don’t understand,” said Bedgood. The Parish Treasurer is available to answer any questions the Council members may have before the meeting so they can understand what they’ll be expected to vote on.

Nowlin said they need to be more upset with the people filing the lawsuit, which is costing the Parish money. The judge dismissed the lawsuit because it had no basis (brought against the Parish by the Natchitoches Voters and Civic League). “That’s what’s upsetting to me,” he said.

Rachal reminded them that the Home Rule Charter doesn’t supersede state law.

Hoover then motioned that they add an item to the agenda to request an opinion from the Attorney General on the matter. Rachal and de Graffenried voted no. However, to amend the agenda the vote has to be unanimous.

Council members vote on the budget, which includes attorney fees. Then some claim they don’t know anything about it. The question was raised, if they receive a copy of the budget to vote on, shouldn’t it be their jobs to read and understand what’s in that budget. Bedgood agreed.

Dr. Kimberly Walker McAlister of Northwestern State University today was named an Impact Academy fellow, joining a cohort of leaders chosen for their commitment to improving educator preparation. Dr. McAlister leads the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development at Northwestern State, a position she has held since January 2018.

Many colleges report declining interest among faculty in administrative positions even as the role of dean grows more complex and important. In order for educator preparation to improve, the field needs leaders who can set a bold vision for improvement, motivate faculty and support individual and organizational learning. Deans for Impact aims to fill this need through its year-long Impact Academy fellowship, which empowers a new generation of transformative leaders with skills, knowledge, and strategies to help solve the complicated problems they’re facing.

Dr. McAlister is one of 13 fellows announced as part of the fellowship’s third cohort since its launch in summer 2016. Each cohort of Impact Academy fellows is limited to no more than 20 leaders, each of whom went through a rigorous nomination and application process.

“We believe that transformative leadership is the cornerstone of an educator-preparation program that embraces an improvement mentality and prioritizes candidate learning above all else,” said Benjamin Riley, founder and executive director of Deans for Impact. “We’re thrilled to welcome 13 such leaders into the Impact Academy fellowship, and are excited to nurture and support these leaders as they embark on efforts to improve their own educator-preparation programs and the field more broadly.”

The Impact Academy fellowship combines intensive in-person sessions with ongoing support, mentoring and individual learning. Fellows will kick off the year with a rigorous four-day academy in July 2018, and then extend their learning over the course of the fellowship through individual modules and ongoing leadership coaching from Deans for Impact member deans.

“I am passionate about the profession of teaching, and as a new dean, I am hungry to grow and develop my leadership skills to support the faculty, teacher-candidates, and programs on their own improvement journeys. The Impact Academy fellowship will empower me to work alongside other leaders who share my commitment to elevating the teaching profession,” Dr. McAlister said.

Deans for Impact is committed to reflecting the broad diversity of programs preparing new educators in this country, and today’s announcement reinforces that commitment. This cohort’s fellows collectively lead programs that enroll more than 3,500 teacher-candidates in 11 states. Eight fellows lead programs at public institutions, three fellows come from private institutions, and two fellows lead programs that are non-traditional pathways into teaching. Two fellows come from Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).

Founded in 2015, Deans for Impact is a national nonprofit organization that empowers, supports, and advocates on behalf of leaders at all levels of educator preparation who are committed to transforming the field and elevating the teaching profession. The organization is guided by four key principles:
· Data informed;
· Outcomes focused;
· Empirically tested; and
· Transparent and accountable.

Northwestern State University’s Lyric Choir won a Gold Medal in the Female Choirs category at the 3rd Budapest International Choral Celebration and Laurea Mundi International Open Competition and Grand Prix of Choral Music. The Lyric Choir is conducted by Director of Choral Activities Dr. Nicholaus Cummins.

Other winning choirs in the Open Competition were from the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary and Taiwan. This is the first time a Northwestern State choir has participated in international competition.

The Chamber Choir received a Laurea Summa Cum Laude diploma in the Mixed Choir category and a Laurea Cum Laude diploma in the Musica Sacra (Sacred Music) category. The Samford University A Cappella Choir won both categories. Other choirs in the competition were from Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Norway and Sweden.

The Northwestern State choirs are concluding a 12-day trip which includes an exchange with the choir of the University of Krakow in Poland and a performance with the Samford University A Cappella Choir at St. Mary’s Basilica in Krakow.

For more information on Northwestern State’s choral programs, go to capa.nsula.edu/music/choral-and-vocal-studies.

A Texas man wanted by the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office was arrested by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies during a traffic stop on Sunday evening according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

NPSO Patrol Division deputies stopped a 2001 Volvo passenger car on Washington Street in Natchitoches for a traffic violation May 20 at 10:50 pm.

Deputies identified the operator through a Texas Identification Card as 36-year-old Anthony A. Knight of DeSoto, Texas.

Deputies conducted a NLETS/NCIC computer background check on Knight learning his drivers license had been expired since November of 2017.

Deputies also learned Knight was actively wanted by the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Worth, Texas for Evading Arrest and Detention with a Vehicle since January 2018.

Knight was placed under arrest without incident, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Running a Red Light, Expired Drivers License over 90 Days, and Texas Fugitive for Evading Arrest and Detention with a Vehicle.

Knight remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting extradition to Texas at a later date.

Reserve Deputy R. Griffin made the arrest assisted by Deputy K. Samuel.

The spotlight was on the Louisiana School for Math Science and the Arts (LSMSA) Excel Student Support Program at the Rotary Club of Natchitoches meeting May 15. LSMSA Math Professor Jennifer Mangum has taught at LSMSA for 19 years and participated in the Excel program since its inception in 2003. Along with Mangum, LSMSA Biology Professor Jason Anderson and LSMSA Senior Adreanna Queen discussed their enthusiastic participation in the Excel Program. The purpose of Excel is to identify underrepresented students with gifts and talents and provide a summer boot camp to teach rigor and structure, so they can learn how to learn and be successful. If the students do well in this boot camp, then they may apply to LSMSA. Many students in this program are the first member of their family to graduate from high school.

Pictured from left are LSMSA Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton, Anderson, Mangum, Rotary President David Zolzer, and Queen (photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

Northwestern State University presented posthumous degrees to Orlando Enrique Gonzales Trucco during May 11 commencement ceremonies. Gonzales lost his battle with cancer two weeks prior to graduation. A native of Cartagena, Colombia, Gonzales earned a scholarship to study business administration and music at NSU and was a popular teacher and performer on campus, at area churches and at live music venues in the area. Accepting the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Science with a concentration on Music Business were his mother Rosanna Morales Trucco and his fiancé Nicolle Contreras, pictured with NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio, Dr. Greg Handel, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Vickie Gentry, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

Katie Yandell spoke to the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club at its meeting May 17 about water safety. Yandell has been in the aquatics industry for 18 years. She received her master’s in sports administration from NSU and worked for the City Parks and Recreation Department before accepting an Aquatics and Special Events Coordinator position in Lubbock, Texas. After Lubbock, she became the Aquatics and Safety Coordinator at SFA. She is currently the professor in the Health and Human Performance Department at NSU as an Exercise Physiologist.

She is an American Red Cross instructor trainer in the realms of lifeguarding and water safety and is a certified pool operator, yes that’s a thing.

One of her goals is to help people understand the wonderful benefits on being in the water.

Northwestern State University will offer aquatics activities this summer at the NSU Rec Complex. Hours of operation will be from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday in May. Beginning June 5, hours will be 2-7 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through the end of July.

Several swim classes will be available in June and July, including a junior lifeguard course announced at a later date. Learn-To-Swim group lessons will take place at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays the weeks of June 5, June 12, June 19 and June 26. Learn-To-Swim private lessons will be available at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays the weeks of July 10, July 17 and July 24.
For membership information or to schedule swimming lessons, contact Cindy Davis, aquatics director, at cindyd@nsula.edu or (318) 357-6301.

Information on water aerobics is available by contacting Melanie Bedgood, coordinator of non-credit activities, at (318) 357-6355 or bedgoodm@nsula.edu.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

John “Johnny” Singer, Jr.
January 6, 1958 – May 18, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, May 23 from 5-9 pm at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Thursday, May 24 at 11 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Robeline

Harold Gene Lilley
March 27, 1937 – May 19, 2018
Service: Wednesday, May 23 at 10 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Robeline

Addie Fisher
May 18, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 26 from 9-11 am at the at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 26 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Campti Community Cemetery

Alex Benito Reliford
May 28, 1971 – May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA

WINN PARISH:

Glen Roy Folden
June 13, 1943 – May 21, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, May 23 from 5-9 pm and Thursday, May 24 from 9-9:30 am at the Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield
Service: Thursday, May 24 at 10 am at Brown Cemetery

 

Home Rule Charter vs. Police Jury was the hot button topic at the Parish Council meeting Monday night, May 21.

Residents in support of a Coalition called “We The People 2018” attended the meeting to ask the Council members to approve an agenda item allowing voters to make their own decision on whether they want to remain with the current form of government (Home Rule Charter) or change it back to the Police Jury form of government during the Nov. 6 election.

The item wasn’t passed as Councilmen Doug de Graffenried and Russell Rachal voted against it.

While this caused some outrage among the audience, it’s important to try and understand why they voted against it.

Parish President Rick Nowlin said he appreciates the work the coalition did to get 1,888 signatures. However, he said the petition may be a bit misguided, as he doesn’t think changing the form of government will address what problems there may be in the Home Rule Charter.

The Coalition didn’t get the requisite number of signatures on their petition, so it failed, according to state law.

“It’s not supposed to be easy, otherwise we’d be having petitions and elections every six months to change things,” said Nowlin. “We have elections to elect members to represent their districts and a president to represent the entire parish, and if they don’t do so they have to stand for re-election.”

Nowlin said that part of the parish’s problem is the people (members of the government) who are in open opposition to the Home Rule Charter form of government.

“I’ve reviewed the last 25 years of legislative audits for the Police Jury,” said Nowlin. “I don’t think I could find but two years where there weren’t significant findings in the audit. Findings where the Police Jury violated the public bid law, transferred monies between funds that wasn’t allows, deficits running into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and mismanagement of funds. So the good old days weren’t really that good when you look at it.”

Scott Stetson, a Parish resident who commutes down rural roads on a daily basis, said changing an entire form of government because we’re not satisfied with the way it’s running is like trying to reinvent the wheel to regress. A good course of action would be to switch out members of the government that may still be in position from former sessions of the Police Jury (Patsy Ward Hoover, Rodney Bedgood, and Chris Paige). Changing the government itself would have a significant impact on slowing down the infrastructure that residents are already so unhappy with.

“The issue is unfortunately getting good collaboration here (Parish Council) for the common good of the parish,” said Stetson. “I’m averse to changing the form of government because I don’t think it’s gonna help me or my fellow parishioners at all. This is a personality driven issue and we need to get over the issues to address the greater good of the parish.”

What’s interesting is that if the Council were truly following its 3-minute time limit, Bedgood wouldn’t have abruptly cut off Stetson with his gavel before his time had elapsed. Anyone who spoke in favor of putting the form of government to a vote was allowed to speak well over the time limit.

However, Roger Williams was also given the cold shoulder when he questioned the Council members who voted against the Road District 40 tax (Hoover, Bedgood and Paige) in July 2017. The tax was geared toward fixing the deplorable road system in the parish.

Williams was part of a committee formed to study the road conditions. Its conclusion was that the only way the roads could be made better was to have more money. The only way to do this would have been through an ad valorem tax increase, a sales tax, or a combination of both. If the citizens would have been allowed to vote on it, and if they would have approved it, the parish would now be a year down the road towards fixing its roads.

“But the Council in their wisdom would not give the citizens the right to vote on it,” he said. “Consistently, when there’s a proposal made to offer to the citizens of Natchitoches a chance to increase taxes, we have three Councilmen that will not let it get out to a public vote. You don’t get to vote on your roads. The condition of the roads is the responsibility of those three Council members. They have prevented you from making that choice. My question to them is WHY?”

But the three Council members in question had nothing to say to answer Williams’ question and the meeting quickly moved on. Later in the meeting Bedgood said he votes the way the people in his district ask him to vote, which is why he voted no on the proposed Road District 40 tax.

There’s an obvious rift among the Council members that seems to be preventing any progress that could actually help the parish move in the right direction. While Rachal said he wishes the Coalition would spend as much effort as they’re putting into the petition, on helping the Council make the Home Rule Charter work, Paige said he considers it “the worst thing that’s ever happened.”

Other agenda items included:

Reappoint Clint Perot III and Edward Colbert to the Natchitoches Parish Waterworks District No. 1 Board

Reappoint Meryland Robinson to the Natchitoches Parish Planning and Zoning Commission

Reappoint Ernest Self and Winfred Lonadier to the Northwest Louisiana Game and Fish Preserve Commission

Introduce ordinance to reduce speed limit of the Clark Loop Road to 15mph

Adopt ordinance relative to the removal of appointees to board and commissions to require 75% attendance

Adopt the adjusted millage rate or rates

Hold an election in Fire District No. 3 on Nov. 6 to authorize the renewal of a special tax

 

The Natchitoches Kiwanis Club is expanding its service to the community under the leadership of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity alumnus Dion Boyett.

A lender with Bank of Montgomery, Boyett first joined the Natchitoches club in 2013.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers, dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. So far in his 2017-2018 term as club president, Boyett and his fellow Kiwanians have sponsored a variety of projects that involve fundraising, community service, and assisting children locally and worldwide.

In Natchitoches, the Kiwanis Club has sponsored a Give-Back Night at Chilis, Kiwanis Kids Day at NSU, Coats for Kids, the annual Kiwanis Pancake Festival and 5K, and the ‘Kiwanis One Day,’ where members cleaned 4 city parks in 4 hours.

The Kiwanis Club meets the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Northwestern Hills Golf Course Recreation Complex. The Noon meeting feature a guest speaker from the community or planning and social activities. The organization sponsors at least one service project each month.

To learn more, visit http://www.kiwanisclubnatchitoches.com

 

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell presented an additional $31,500 in aid to Northwestern State University arising from the purchase of the purchase of the Valley Electric cooperative by SWEPCO in 2010.

Campbell presented NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio with a check for $31,500 to supplement $231,000 already donated by SWEPCO. Maggio said the total to date of $262,500 from Valley/SWEPCO is being used to match $80,000 in State Board of Regents funding, bringing the total budget impact to $342,500.

NSU is using the funds for university endowments, scholarships and grants.

The Valley/SWEPCO money originates from Valley Electric capital credits accumulated over the co-op’s 70 years of service. After buying Valley Electric in 2010, SWEPCO refunded $25 million in capital credits owed to the families and businesses that were Valley clients. Campbell pointed out that much of NSU’s student population represents the areas that were formerly served by Valley

“Efforts to locate co-op members who were owed money are completed and at my request the Public Service Commission has dedicated the remaining one percent to NSU,” Campbell said.

In 2015, on the fifth anniversary of the Valley-SWEPCO transaction, Campbell said the former Valley members had saved $64 million on their electric bills since SWEPCO bought the co-op in 2010.

Maggio said the money is carefully and strategically invested in the best interest of current and future students.

“This helps many of our students who are first-generation college students, as well as assist with faculty development projects,” Maggio said.

Local Head Start Centers ended the school year with a bang! Each center and classroom participated in ceremonies complete with certificates, refreshments, trophies, and class rings. Campti Head start participated in a 2018 Preschool Prom in which the students got a change to dress up and celebrate like the high school seniors do.

Head Start is a program of the United States Department of Health and Human Services that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families.  Head Start is managed by the Natchitoches Parish Government.

Boy Scout Packmaster Sarah McFarland spoke to the Natchitoches Lions Club at its meeting May 21. She also accepted a donation from the Lions Club, presented by President Cheryl Stoker. Donations like the one made by the Lions Club help the troop with activities and trips.

Boy Scout Troop 60 was chartered in 1928 and is one of the oldest Boy Scout Troops in the Norwela Council. It meets every Thursday from 7-8 pm (except in July) at First United Methodist Church (411 2nd St. in Natchitoches). The troop has monthly outings, short and long campouts, and opportunities to volunteer in addition to weekly meetings.

Troop 60 logged over 200 hours of community service last year in the Natchitoches area.

“It’s an honor to watch these kids grow into the ethical, kind and compassionate people that Scouts encourages them to be,” said McFarland.

Troop 60 offers the best of Boy Scouting: outdoor adventure, leadership and character development, and community engagement in Scout-led teams (called patrols) that work together to accomplish their goals and HAVE FUN!

The Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park Committee will host a
Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 28 at 3 pm to honor Natchitoches Veterans at
the site of the park beside and behind the Old Courthouse Museum on the
corner of 2nd and Church St. Program highlights will include, an opening
prayer, the posting of the colors by the Lakeview High School Jr. ROTC Color
Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Singing of the National Anthem,
Memorial Day, recognition of Gold Star Families, Memorial Day remarks by
Sen. Gerald Long, the “Roll Call” of parish veterans who have died in the
past year honored by the the playing of Taps, an update on park
construction, and a special “Thank You” to Park Sponsors. All area
veterans, friends, and families are encouraged to join us in this
celebration of our veterans’ service to our country.

Following the ceremony, everyone is invited to an open house hosted at the
nearby VFW/American Legion Posts to honor area Veterans, friends, and families.
Refreshments and food will be served.

Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park Program

Master of Ceremonies MSG(R) – Scott Stetson

Opening Prayer – CH Major John K. Brocato

Posting of the Colors – Lakeview High School Air Force Jr. ROTC

Pledge of Allegiance – James Gay

Singing of the National Anthem – Sara Puryear Dunn

Recognition of Gold Star Families – Donna Masson

Memorial Day Remarks – Senator Gerald Long

Roll Call of Parish Veterans who died in the past year –
Deanna Fowler & Rev. Frank Fuller

Moment of Silence & Taps – Dr. John Dunn

Update on Park Projects – Dr. Bob Gillan

Closing Comments from the VFW/American Legion
and Auxiliaries – John Masson

Closing Prayer – Brother Steven R Harris, Sr., My923 FM

Many thanks to the NSU Army ROTC, Lakeview Air Force Jr. ROTC, Natchitoches
Central Jr. ROTC, VFW/American Legion and Auxiliaries, NPVAMP Committee
Members, City and Parish Governments of Natchitoches, the Natchitoches
Sheriff, the Natchitoches City Police, Natchitoches Area Chamber of
Commerce, KNTS TV, Elite Broadcasting, Weyerhaeuser Making Waves
Foundation, the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Sound System by Red Lapeyrouse,
the Natchitoches Parish Journal, the Natchitoches Times, Park Sponsors, and
the Veterans’ community for making this program possible.

Inclement Weather Plan – Natchitoches Arts Center

A Boyce motorcyclist riding with a group of riders suffered moderate injuries in a motorcycle crash on the Campti Cut-Off earlier today according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

NPSO Patrol Division deputies, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS and Life Air responded to a motorcycle crash May 19 at 3:15 pm on La. Hwy 486 near the Cherokee Club.

According to Deputies, 50-year-old Brenda A. Barnhart was operating a 2013 Harley Davidson motorcyle traveling southeast on La. Hwy 486 when she entered a curve partially leaving the roadway to the right. Barnhart then overcorrected causing the motorcycle to skid sideways ejecting her.

Barnhart was treated at the scene by EMS for leg and arm injuries believed to be non-life threatening then airlifted by Life Air to Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria.

Deputies say Barnhart was riding with a group of motorcyclists when the crash occurred. She was wearing a protective helmet.

Lt. M. Wilson investigated the crash for the NPSO.