Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a north Natchitoches Parish man on felony drug charges during a traffic stop on Friday evening according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

NPSO Patrol Division deputies were patrolling in the Campti area May 18 at 10:57 pm when they stopped a 2000 Dodge pickup truck on US 71 for a traffic violation.

Deputies say the operator of the vehicle an unidentified female stated she had just been released from prison and did not have a drivers license.

A passenger in the vehicle was identified as Clayton Jones, 37 of Campti.

Deputies say while talking with Jones, he appeared uneasy and tense.

Deputies asked both occupants of the vehicle if there were any illegal narcotics in the vehicle in which the female operator “threw her hands up responding if there is it’s not mine”, and Jones responded “no.”

Deputies obtained permission to search the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered approximately 1-gram of suspected methamphetamine and approximately 3-grams of suspected marijuana.

Jones admitted the seized narcotics belonged to him.

Clayton Jones, 37, of the 100 block of Harbor Estate Road, Campti, La. was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS II Methamphetamine and Possession of CDS I Marijuana.

Jones remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting bond.

Deputies K. Samuel and C. Olliff made the arrest.

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Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will host a STEM camp this summer in partnership with Young Scholars, an education company from Shreveport that specializes in STEM programs. Classes will include Leadership Development, Forensic Science, and Engineering Design Challenge. The program is designed to provide students with exposure to a variety of STEM subjects while exercising problem solving skills, working in groups to complete hands-on projects, and learning about career options in these fields.

“Classes are led by highly skilled STEM professionals or Educators with expertise in the given field, so students are sure to gain applicable skills in a specialized environment. Classes are designed to be fun and engaging so that students have a quality experience”, says Christina Washington, Founder and Executive Director of Young Scholars. Mrs. Washington is an Electrical Engineer, Physicist, and Author whose goal is to increase participation in STEM fields.

Program Schedule: Leadership Development June 4-8, Forensic Science June 11-15, and Engineering Design Challenge June 25-29. Visit checkout.nsula.edu for more information about the summer program or to register. You may also find out more information by visiting http://www.YoungScholarsEC.com/nsu.

For more information contact Melanie Bedgood, coordinator of non-credit activities, at (318) 357-6355 or bedgoodm@nsula.edu.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Joseph Wilkie Basco
June 5, 1941 – May 18, 2018
Service: Tuesday, May 22 at 2 pm at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: Calvary Baptist Church

Harold Gene Lilley
March 27, 1937 – May 19, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, May 22 from 6-8 pm at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Wednesday, May 23 at 10 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Robeline

Addie Fisher
May 18, 2018
Arrangements TBA

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

Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA

SABINE PARISH:

Betty Jean Edmunds Wall Arthur
December 19, 1930 – May 18, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, May 22 at 10 am at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church
Service: Tuesday, May 22 at 11 am at Mt. Carmel Cemetery

RAPIDES PARISH:

Timmy Glenn Boone
February 23, 1994 – May 17, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, May 22 from 10 am – 2 pm at Gardner Baptist Church in Boyce
Service: Tuesday, May 22 at 2 pm at Gardner Baptist Church in Boyce

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Kevin’s Gallery – NCHS

Kevin’s Gallery – Lakeview

Kevin’s Gallery – LSMSA

It was a busy weekend indeed for the families of Natchitoches parish as three local high schools held their graduations May 17–19. Lakeview High School held its graduation May 17 at NSU’s A. A. Fredericks Auditorium with 88 young men and women taking their place as Gator Alumni. NSU President, Dr. Chris Maggio, was the keynote speaker. The Gator seniors racked up over $180,000 in scholarships to help see them through their college years. Two graduates will be taking their place in the defense of our nation in the Army and in the Air Force.

Natchitoches Central High School sent 256 young men and women into the world Friday, May 18 at NSU’s Prather Coliseum. The award winning NCHS orchestra began the ceremony with their customary skill and aplomb playing the traditional “Land of Hope and Glory” as the graduates entered. The Chief’s senior class garnered an impressive number of scholarships, with a total value of over $600,000.

The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts closed out the weekend as it held its graduation ceremony Saturday, May 19 at NSU’s Prather Coliseum. The LSMSA graduated 112 seniors in its 34th commencement, with several young men and women from Natchitoches parish among the graduating class. The class earned over $31,000,000 in scholarships, an increase of $10,000,000 from the previous year. Mr. Matt Mabe, a 1998 LSMSA alumnus and West Point graduate, gave the keynote address.

The graduation also featured some unique traditions. The entire LSMSA student body attends the ceremony, with each class seated behind the seniors. After the senior class departs, there is a spirited scramble as each class moves up into the seats occupied by its predecessors. The senior class also exits with a fun song. Last year’s was the Star Wars theme. This year, the seniors exited to the James Bond 007 theme.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal extends its best wishes to all of our parish’s graduates as they undertake the next steps in their lives. In addition, we also wish Godspeed to the young men and women who have chosen to bear America’s faith and honor in military service.

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By Reba

The 2018 Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation Gala was held May 19 at the Natchitoches Events Center. The theme for the Gala was “Hollywood Glamour” and the decor had guests feeling as though they were entering a luxurious award show in which only the rich and famous were invited. Guests were greeted with a red carpet arrival that set the tone for the evening.

Gala attendees were wowed with a dinner of filet mignon and stuffed flounder. After a welcome and introduction of Hospital CEO Kirk Soileau, the crowd danced the night away to hits old and new.

The NRMC Gala is a much anticipated event and was well attended and enjoyed by all.

 

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Community Development Works is accepting applications for Cenla Boardbuilders, a program aimed at developing emerging leaders through service on the boards of directors of local nonprofit organizations. The deadline to apply for the program is Friday, June 15.

The program is free and open to: professionals identified by their employer as “up and coming” with a desire for greater community involvement; nonprofit board members wanting an orientation to their new role on a board; or interested individuals who may be retired, self-employed, or looking for higher-level volunteer opportunities .

The program runs August-October, and consists of a series of sessions about the roles and responsibilities of being an effective board member. Participants may pursue two learning tracks for the program: Track I is for currently seated board members who are only seeking governance training; Track II is for individuals with no previous board service who are seeking governance training in preparation for nonprofit board service and assistance with identifying a nonprofit match.

Employers are encouraged to sponsor their emerging professionals for participation in the program, allowing for a meaningful professional development opportunity for the employee and community development opportunity for the organization.

CDW is also accepting applications for nonprofit partners who are interested in recruiting new members to their boards of directors.

To learn more about joining the 2018 program either as a participant, nonprofit partner or employer partner, call CDW toll-free at 800-803-8075 or visit http://www.communitydevelopmentworks.org. Community Development Works is a program of The Rapides Foundation.

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Lakeview’s Air Force JROTC (AFJROTC) recently conducted a week-long model rocket competition. Overall, 45 rockets were built and launched on May 15 as part of Major (Ret) Bob Kellogg’s Exploration of Space, AFJROTC class. The competition combined writing across the curriculum, science, and art to evaluate and recognize the participants. The students’ rockets were evaluated on the construction, launch, and recovery of the rockets. Also, students were tasked to select 1 of 13 educational, historical, or patriotic themes, write an explanation of their theme, and finally paint their rocket to compliment their theme. The top 5 rockets and themes were: (1st place) LaDarrion Winslow, “Zoom 9/11”, (2nd Place) Zachery Gorham, “ICE, Cold War”, (3rd Place) Nathan Roberts, “The Punisher, Weapons of Mass Destruction”, (4th Place) Tierra Stacks, “The Scott Rocket”, and (5th Place) James Earp, “Atlas V.”

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The Northwestern State basketball program, aiming to strengthen its perimeter scoring, has added junior college combo guard LaTerrance Reed, a 6-2 Buffalo, N.Y., prep standout who averaged 18 points last season as a sophomore at Niagara County Community College.

Reed helped Niagara to a 21-10 record while leading the NJCAA region in steals and minutes played. He scored 17.8 points per game, adding averages of 4.2 assists and 4.7 rebounds, sinking 48 percent of his shots overall including 37 percent on 3-pointers.

Reed earned first-team All-Region honors for coach Bill Beilein after a productive two seasons with the Thunderbirds, starting with a 26-7 freshman season that ended in the Elite 8 of the National Junior College Athletic Association Tournament.

At Canisius High School, Reed was the New York State Federation Class A Tournament Most Valuable Player and a finalist for 2015 Mr. Basketball in New York state. He averaged 19 points, 4.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds as a senior as his team went 25-5 and won the Class A championship.

Reed scored 19.3 points and averaged 4.2 assists and 6.3 rebounds in 2015-16 at Salisbury School, a Connecticut-based prep school, earning team MVP honors as he led the conference in scoring and the team in scoring, assists and steals.

“We have addressed an obvious need by signing LaTerrance,” said Demons’ head coach Mike McConathy, preparing for his 20th season in charge at NSU. “We are confident that his dynamic playmaking ability, quickness, and basketball IQ will fit extremely well with our fast-paced style of play.

“He understands pace and space and can facilitate on offense to help his teammates get easy shots or create for himself. His size, strength, and ability to shoot the long ball makes him versatile enough to play either guard spot on both ends of the floor,” said McConathy.

The Demons, with a roster filled with eight newcomers including six freshmen, shot only 41 percent overall and 28 percent on 3-pointers last season. The addition of Reed and two November high school signees, 5-9 guard Brian White of Natchitoches Central and 6-8 forward Dalin Williams from Stinnett-West Texas High School, will bolster the NSU squad, which could add to its 2018-19 roster in the near future.

Reed, who has owned a 3.0 or better grade point average in high school, prep school and junior college (3.5 at Niagara County), was the 2014-15 Class A New York State Player of the Year for coach Kyle Husband at Canisius High.

“LaTerrance is a gifted player who brings many individual and team accomplishments to our program. His winning pedigree from his high school state championship, along with his prep school and junior college success, bodes well for our youthful core returners and incoming freshmen,” said McConathy.

“He has gained invaluable experience since graduating from high school three years ago, and his coach at Niagara County, Bill Beilein (nephew of Michigan head coach John Beilein), has done a terrific job developing his skill set and game for the rigors of Division I college basketball.

“He has played on the big stage winning a New York State High School Class A title and two years later, helping his junior college team to a Region title and a berth in the national junior college tournament as a college freshman. He has a track record of success on the court and in the classroom that should be an indicator for future success as a Demon.”

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Karter Menard, a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at Northwestern State University, will spend his Summer traveling the country with Louisiana’s premiere drum and bugle corps.

Menard has been selected for the Louisiana Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, features 154 student musicians and performers. Based in Lafayette, the marching ensemble is comprised of brass bugles, drum line and color guard.

“This year for me is a great honor to be one of the drum majors because this corps was founded by my old high school band director,” Menard said. “Ever since this was started in 2014, I had high aspirations to be with this group.”

Members of the corps will spend weeks perfecting a 9-12 minute performance before hitting the road, traveling across the south and mid-west, competing against other corps. In early August, the Louisiana Stars and other corps will compete at the Drum Corps International World Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Joseph Wilkie Basco
June 5, 1941 – May 18, 2018
Visitation: Monday, May 21 from 5-9 pm at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Tuesday, May 22 at 2 pm at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Interment: Calvary Baptist Church

Harold Gene Lilley
March 27, 1937 – May 19, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, May 22 from 6-8 pm at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Wednesday, May 23 at 10 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Robeline

Addie Fisher
May 18, 2018
Arrangements TBA

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

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

Dollie Barnhill
February 3, 1929 – May 17, 2018
Service: Monday, May 21 at 10 am at the First Baptist Church of Many
Interment: Marthaville Cemetery

Betty Jean Edmunds Wall Arthur
December 19, 1930 – May 18, 2018
Visitation: Monday, May 21 at 5 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many and Tuesday, May 22 at 10 am at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church
Service: Tuesday, May 22 at 11 am at Mt. Carmel Cemetery

RAPIDES PARISH:

Timmy Glenn Boone
February 23, 1994 – May 17, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, May 22 from 10 am – 2 pm at Gardner Baptist Church in Boyce
Service: Tuesday, May 22 at 2 pm at Gardner Baptist Church in Boyce

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Northwestern State University and Bossier Parish Community College formalized an articulation agreement that will allow students who earn an Associate of Applied Science in Communication Media, Mass Communication, at BPCC to transfer credits towards a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in broadcast and digital production at NSU.

The agreement is an example of the continued commitment the two institutions have for developing innovative transfer pathways focusing on the needs of today’s college student, administrators said.

“Creating pathways for students is what we are all about and we have no better partner than NSU,” said Dr. Rick Bateman, BPCC chancellor. “Our institutions are student-centered and our students are embraced, educated and empowered.”

“This agreement will allow BPCC graduates to easily transfer into the four-year program at Northwestern and complete their bachelor’s degrees in four years or less,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio.

BPCC’s two-year degree Communication Media provides hands-on education for students in broadcasting, business of music, computer animation, multimedia studies, film, fine art photography, graphic design, media for ministry, photography, radio and television production. It also provides live and taped television programming for its own cable channel KCAV-TV, a Public, Education, and Government (PEG) channel on Suddenlink, the local cable system.

NSU’s broadcast and digital media production concentration in the Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts prepares students for broadcast media and broadcast production careers in industries such as television, radio, film, videos, and Web delivery. Through hands-on instruction, students learn to research, write, produce, and direct media rich content.

The new agreement includes components for advising students about specific BPCC courses in communication that transfer as NSU-approved communication classes and providing assistance to students transitioning from the community college to the university.

Bossier Parish Community College already has several agreements in place with Northwestern State University that facilitate the path for students to achieve their educational goals while meeting workforce needs and promoting economic development in northwest Louisiana.

Both institutions serve constituency needs and are responsive, student-oriented institutions that prepare the students to become productive members of society as well as promote the academic development and improvement in the quality of life of citizens in their regions.

This partnership is mutually beneficial to both institutions for several reasons. Traditional and non-traditional students attending BPCC will have the opportunity to apply their BPCC associate’s degree to an NSU bachelor’s degree and/or transfer designated BPCC courses as equivalent to specified NSU Communication classes.

Information on BPCC’s Communication Media program is available at bpcc.edu/communicationmedia/index.html. Information on NSU’s Department of New Media, Journalism and Communications Arts can be found at nsula.edu/newmedia.

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Three students were inducted into the French Honor Society at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts on Thursday, May 10.

The chapter is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French, and the local sponsor is Dr. Nathalie Malti, instructor of French.

Students are eligible for membership after their third semester of French. They must maintain an A average in all French courses and a B average overall.

The aims of the society are to recognize excellent performance in French courses and to promote the French language and culture.

The motto of the society is “L’homme qui sait deux langues en vaut deux.” Translation: A man who knows two languages is worth two.

Inductees are Kathy Barrios, a senior from Houma, Chelsea Franklin, a senior from Crowley, and Santhosh Bomminani, a senior from West Monroe.

Other members include Claire Lucas, a senior from Baton Rouge; Hannah Miller, a senior from Baton Rouge; Colt Crain, a junior from Zachary; Ruby Kharod, a senior from Opelousas; Elyse Duplantier, a junior from Zachary; Manjistha Lakhotia, a junior from Lafayette; Rachel Judson, a junior from Lake Charles; Edouard Ferrell, a senior from Nathcitoches; and Angela Fang, a senior from Mandeville.

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The Louisiana State Police held its annual Awards Ceremony May 17 to honor Troopers and public safety personnel from across the state for performing above and beyond the call of duty over the past year. The ceremony was held this afternoon at the Louisiana State Police Training Academy Auditorium on Independence Blvd. in Baton Rouge. Examples of bravery, dedication, and exceptional work ethic were common themes throughout the ceremony.

Awards presented to these extraordinary individuals for Region III, which covers Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, and Winn Parishes are as follows:

Lifesaving Award – Awarded for any act which results in saving or sustaining the life of a person:

· Trooper First Class Mark O’Brien (Troop E)

· Former DPS Officer Stephyn Prine (Current LA Deputy Fire Marshal)

Plainclothes Trooper of the Year – Awarded for consistent display of outstanding qualities that exemplify a member of the Louisiana State Police:

· Trooper First Class Timothy Ledet Jr. (CID – Region 3)

Meritorious Service Award – Awarded for performance of duty that exceeds the normal expectations of duty and demonstrates an exceptional degree of good judgment, initiative, and competence:

· Master Trooper Jeff Argrave (CID – Region 3)

· Trooper First Class Mark O’Brien (Troop E)

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Chairman Micky Dove called the regular meeting of the Natchitoches Parish 9-1-1 Communications District Board of Commissioners to order on May 15. Included in items of new business was the passage of three resolutions. Resolution Number 11 approves the selection of the District’s official journal; Resolution Number 12 authorizes a “cost of living” increase for the District’s Address Coordinator; and Resolution Number 13 authorizes an expenditure not to exceed $5,000 for the installation of a sewer lift station at the Natchitoches Parish Emergency Communications Center.

Commissioners also received a briefing on a recent meeting of the Joint Operations Executive Management Sub-Committee related to a number of operational issues pertaining to the relocation of call taking/dispatching services to the new facility.

9-1-1 Director Willis Carter shared a brief overview of the Statewide 9-1-1 Consolidated Annual Report, which was prepared by the Louisiana Chapter of the APCO Legislative Committee and released on May 1. This report contains statistics and other information related to 9-1-1 services across the state of Louisiana. Carter also reported on the status of Senate Bill Number 264, which calls for enhancements to 9-1-1 call processing on a statewide scale.

Mark Begnaud, legal counsel for the District, presented an informative session covering a portion of the reporting responsibilities required of those serving on the Board of Commissioners for the Natchitoches Parish Communications District.

The final agenda item for the meeting was an update by George Minturn, the architect on the NATCOM project. He reported that progress is moving along on the final construction phase, which includes the installation of glass and doors, ceiling grids, raised floor grid and restroom tile along with base coat painting. Substantial completion is slated for June 4; however, a move-in date has not been set.

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UPDATE: The Natchitoches Police Department arrested a 16-year-old black male juvenile on the morning of May 18. He was charged with two counts of attempted first murder and placed in WARE Youth Detention Center.

Simco Morris is currently listed in stable condition. The second victim was uninjured.

Original Press Release: NPD investigates shooting

The Natchitoches Police Department responded to a call May 17 just before 9 am of a subject being shot near Lafayette and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Natchitoches Police Department officers and detectives responded and began investigating the incident. The victim, identified as Simco Morris Jr. 22, was transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center with a reported gunshot wound to the chest. He was and later airlift to a hospital in Shreveport. He is listed in critical condition.

This investigation is ongoing at this time. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Connell at (318)238-3911 or the Natchitoches Police Department at (318)352-8101.

Approved for release by Chief Dove

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United Way of Northwest Louisiana officials announced that Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto and Natchitoches parishes were awarded $217,725 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program is administrated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. It’s funding began in 1983 and was created by Congress to help meet the immediate needs of hungry and homeless people throughout the United States by allocating federal funds for the provision of food and shelter.

Unlike FEMA’s better-known disaster assistance programs, these funds are designed to supplement and expand the ongoing work of local social service organizations, both nonprofit and governmental, to provide shelter, food and supportive services to individuals and families who have economic emergencies. The funding is awarded based upon the needs of the community, using federal data on population, poverty, food insecurity and other economic and social factors for each parish.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and United Way Worldwide.

A Local Board, chaired by the United Way of Northwest Louisiana, is charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country. The Local Board includes The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Catholic Social Services, United Christian Outreach, Jewish Federation and the United Way.

Each parish received the following award:

· Caddo/Bossier – $183,196

· DeSoto – $14,086

· Natchitoches – $20,443

Under the terms set forth by the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board.

New qualifying agencies are urged to apply by visiting the United Way website at: https://unitedwaynwla.org/our-focus/emergency-food-and-shelter-program. The deadline for applications to be received is June 4, 2018.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Addie Fisher
May 18, 2018
Arrangements TBA

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

Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA

 
WINN PARISH:

Rodney Williams
May 10, 2018
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 1 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Winnfield
Interment: Union Hill Baptist Church Cemetery

Margaret Ruth Love
March 31, 1944 – May 9, 2018
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 11 am at New Hope Cemetery in Dodson
RAPIDES PARISH:

Donna L. Puckett Basco
September 12, 1960 – May 16, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 19 from 9:30 am – 1 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 1 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Flatwoods Cemetery in Flatwoods

P.C. “Sonny” Connell Jr
June 12, 1934 – May 16, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 19 from 1-2 pm at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 2 pm at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens
RED RIVER PARISH:

Darrick Allen
March 15, 1971 – May 12, 2018
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 12 pm at the St. Paul Baptist Church of Lake End in Red River Parish
Interment: Starlight Cemetery of Armstead

Mattie Williams
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 11 am at Eastside Church of God in Christ
Interment: Shiloh Cemetery

Eura Dell Jones
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 11 am at Kingdom Hall in Mansfield
Interment: Friendship Cemetery

Jefferson Maxie
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 11 am at Pilgrims Star Baptist Church
Interment: Pilgrim Star Cemetery in Florien

Louis Youngblood Jr.
Service: Saturday, May 19 at 2 pm at Union Spring Baptist Church
Interment: St. Peter Cemetery

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There is a boil advisory issued for the Powhatan Water System until further notice.

Powhatan Water System
Phone: (318) 581-0822

By Samantha Maiette

The progress of the Summer Tree Apartments, located on 2nd Street, is currently at a standstill as their fate is undetermined.

The renovation project was intended to create housing for the homeless and homeless veterans.

“It looks like it’s going into bankruptcy,” said Mayor Lee Posey.

The City of Natchitoches is currently keeping an eye on the complex and determining what the possible outcomes may be for the city once bankruptcy is declared.

Posey said that the city is “concerned” for the property and would want to see it “put to good use for the community.”

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Northwestern State University President Dr. Chris Maggio spoke to the Natchitoches Lions Club May 14. He said the university had a wonderful graduation May 11 with 932 graduates walking across stage in two ceremonies. A group of 1968 graduates were recognized and presented with their second diplomas, which included Lions Club member Sophie Packard.

The university also experienced its largest enrollment this year with 10,571 students.

This year marks the first time in 25 years NSU has offered a doctorate of education.

“We’re always upgrading our academic program, said Maggio. “We’re focusing on workforce development and community and technical college leadership.”

There were 20 students in the first cohort and there are 20 more accepted (around 65 applied) for the coming year.

Maggio said they’ve also ramped up their computer information systems program, which has grown from 180 to 300 majors. This fall they’re starting a cyber security concentration. There’s also plans in the works to offer a master’s degree in computer information systems, which would make NSU the first university in the state to offer this particular degree.

Since there’s no money coming in through capital outlay, NSU’s deferred maintenance is coming out of its operating budget for roads and other things.

“We budgeted wisely this year,” said Maggio. “Last summer we overlaid Sam Sibley drive, which was a $450,000 project. We plan on overlaying Caspari Drive and the parking lot outside Turpin Stadium, which will be a $400,000 project. Other projects on our list include adding an elevator at the NSU Middle Lab School ($400,000) and upgrading the classrooms as well.”

Maggio said they initiated strategic budgeting on campus this year. Instructors were asked to voice their needs, and present administration with a project they’d like to see in their department. Approximately $2.1 million in requests were submitted. Ac committee of peers worked its way from the bottom up, ranking projects from small ones, to larger ones like redoing the tv studio in Kyzar Hall ($150,000). The committee was able to budget for $1 million of the requested projects.

“This is an internal change we’ve made so that we have a lot of transparency and people buying into the process and that’s helping with moral on campus,” said Maggio.

Maggio also said the university can’t worry about the state of Louisiana’s budget. This means becoming less reliant on the state. In the old days, 75% of NSU’s budget came from the state and 25% came from student tuition. Now 25% or less comes from the state. Tuition and fees for local students is currently over $10,000 a year. Ou of state students who live on campus pay around $19,000.

“We have to worry about what we can control, which is recruiting and retaining students while offering quality academics and an overall quality student experience,” he said.

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Northwestern State University’s chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest, most selective and most prestigious all-discipline honor society held an induction ceremony for new initiates April 26. Selection criteria for Phi Kappa Phi are based on high academic standard. Membership is open to the top 7.5 percent of second term juniors and the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students, as well as faculty and professional staff who achieved scholarly distinction.

New members are as follows.

Alexandria – Lindsey Grace Torres, Kristina L. Zachary;

Anacoco – Haley Jett;

Azle, Texas – Alexandra Christine Furtney;

Ball – Victoria Aiken-Tesfay, Katie Wakefield, Megan Wakefield;

Baton Rouge – Bruce Allen Craft, Emily Andra Falcon, Gail Odette Suberbielle, Sabre Elie Whitworth;

Benton – Comis P. Waddell;

Bossier City – Sue Ellen Bates, Alexandra Ekstrom, Andrea J. Haynes, Mary Inman, Haley Marie Jorgensen, Heather B. LaFlame, Rob Martin;

Bourg – Mia Elizabeth Adams,

Boyce — Hannah Elizabeth Aslin, Sarah Anne Phillips;

Burleson, Texas – Cassandra Smith;

Campti – Rebecca L. Cason, Trenton Seth Parker;

Carencro – Lesley Dimmitt;

Church Point – Kristian T. Burrow;

Clayton – Glendalyn Boothe;

Coushatta – Sydney Anderson, W. Tanner Lee;

Covington – Tonda Collett;

Dallas – Beth Evans;

Denham Springs – Mackenzie Byrd, Caitlyn Cutrer;

DeQuincy – Shaina Saucier;

DeRidder – Karli Kennedy;

Dry Prong – DeAnna Bartlett, Veronica J. Morgan;

Enterprise, Alabama – Alejandro M. Cespedes;

Florien – Caroline Matthew, Amanda S. McFarlain, Dylan Roberts;

Fort Polk – Amber P. Ferguson;

Garland, Texas – Alec Sean Horton;

Gloster – Matthew Conger;

Goldonna – Harley Godwin;

Grand Cane – Tina Ezernack Heiss;

Haughton – Alexis Hoeltje, Jamie Phillips, Brigette Wilson;

Henderson, Texas – Emily Ortiz;

Houma – Sarah LaJaunie;

Hubert, North Carolina – Claire M. Harvey;

Idabel, Oklahoma – Chelsea Le Ann Caldwell;

Iowa – Jasmine N. Harris;

Jennings – Rachelle M. Edwards;

Jonesboro – Karie Browning Potts;

Lafayette – Rylan Paul Choate, Emilee Leger;

Lake Charles – Ashtyn Hare, Sarah Person Knepper, Rachel L. Regan;

Lake Toxaway, North Carolina – Ayla D. Owens;

Leesville – Michael Allan Cain II;

Madisonville – Tera M. Blackledge, Melissa Polizzi;

Many – Brittany Founds, Heidi Knight, Emmy Tipton;

Marble Falls, Texas – Sarah M. Lewis;

Marshall, Texas – Tiffany Cortes;

Mary Esther, Florida – Alecia L. Smith;

Maurice – Elise Vincent;

Minden – Amanda V. Curry, Caleb Jones;

Natchitoches – Rebekah L. Aultman, Jordan Alise Bringedahl, Reese Buzzell, Mazie Catherine DuBois, Barbara Anne Duchardt, Katherine Gallinghouse, Karley Hebert, Aura M. Hernandez Canedo, Amy D. Hooks, Nicholas Juneau, Melissa Kaufman, Kailey Leach, Carlomagno Leon Jiminez, Meredith Leanne Machen, Shelby L. Martin, Alexis Moses, Abigail Poe, Jonah Oliver Poe, Rebecca Jade Richmond, Emily M. Salter, Melanie Robinson Smith, Jonathon Micheal Villareal, Lisa Watley Jackson, Madysen Watts, Matthew Whitaker, Christopher Zirkle;

New Iberia – Grace Kerns;

New Llano – Candace Noelle Guillory, Collar J. Wilson;

Papillion, Nevada – Meghan S. Taylor;

Pineville – Alyssa Jane Lloid, Ashlee N. Mitchell;

Pollock – Katelyn Boles;

Raceland – Paige Parks;

Richmond, Virginia – Daniel Amirzian;

St. James – Tad A Cavalier;

St. Martinville – Alli Renee Douet;

Shreveport – Shakendra M. Bailey, Lauren D. Gabour, Emily Heard, Pamela Holcolmbe, Mallory LaLena, Carolina Elizabeth Landon, Kayli Morvan, Tiffany Louise Sandifer, Samantha Scott, Catherine Ann Shaw, Shermaine Shorter, Kya K.H. Warren;

Slidell – Tiffany Ritchie;

Stonewall – Joy Maryelle Hooper;

Sulphur – Monica L. Weber;

Walker – Amber Guillot;

Youngsville – Brandon Scott Granger, Kali Hannie Roberts;

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Northwestern State University will hold seven sessions of its freshman orientation program, Freshman Connection beginning May 24.

Four sessions will be on the Natchitoches campus on May 24-25, May 31-June 1, June 20-21 and July 10. The program will be held on the Alexandria campus June 5, and on the Leesville/Fort Polk campus June 7 and on the Shreveport campus June 13.

The fee is $100 for the sessions on the Natchitoches campus and $60 for the sessions on the Alexandria, Shreveport and Leesville/Fort Polk campuses. Those attending the sessions on the Alexandria, Shreveport and Leesville/Fort Polk campuses should be planning to take all classes on that campus. The two-day sessions on the Natchitoches campus include a one-night stay in campus residence halls.

Participants in Freshman Connection will be placed in a small group with a Connector, who will guide individuals through the orientation program. Connectors are current Northwestern State students who share information about what can be expected at NSU and will offer support and guidance about the high school to college transition.

Those who attend Freshman Connection can expect small group sessions with connectors, opportunities to connect with future classmates, an introduction to NSU student services and involvement opportunities, a chance to become familiar with the campus and an opportunity to meet with an academic advisor who will help participants understand their major and schedule of classes and register for the fall semester.

Current Northwestern State students serving as Connectors are Tarik Andrus of Washington, Rebekah Aultman of Mangham, Zachary Breaux of Cut Off, Katherine Bryant of Baton Rouge, Kyler Burns of Haughton, Triston Bussell of Starks, Elizabeth Coleman of El Paso, Texas, and Luke Conway, Hannah Gaspard and Tyler Thompson of Pineville.

The 2018 Connectors also include and Nicholas Hopkins and Tori Spraggins of Bossier City, Kelsi Horn of Many, Claire Leming of St. Francisville, Hayden Pilcher and Char’Tarian Wilson of Shreveport, Kristen Prejean of Lafayette, Lexi Rubin of Plaisance, Tore’a Taylor of Benton and Madysen Watts of Saline.

Program coordinators are Rowdy Burleson of Mansfield, Mallory McConathy of Stonewall, Morgan Horn of Hemphill, Texas, and Madison Milligan of Shreveport.

For more information, go to nsula.edu/fye/freshmanconnection.

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