Sheriff Jones announced that Matthew M. Nelson of St. Mary’s High School has been named as the Recipient of an Academic Scholarship from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program for the 2017-18 school year. He resides in Natchitoches and plans to attend Northwestern State University and pursue Accounting as a field of study.

His parents are Wilbert O. Nelson, Sr. and Eulilia Sykes Nelson of Natchitoches.

Quintarious Colemen of Lakeview High school was names as First Alternate Recipient of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship. Quintarious plans to attend Northwestern State University and pursue Criminal Justice as a field of study.

His mother is LaQuita Weston of Clarence.

The Sheriffs’ Scholarship is made possible by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program (LSHMP). Louisiana Sheriffs provide scholarships to graduating high school students from each parish where the Sheriff is an affiliate of the Program.

Qualities such as academic achievement, leadership, and character are considered in making selections of Sheriffs’ scholarship recipients. The only limitations are that applicants be permanent residents of Louisiana; scholarships be utilized in higher education within the State; and students be enrolled in full-time, undergraduate students. Scholarships will be awarded in sixty-four parishes throughout the state.

In closing Sheriff Jones said, “Academic awards by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program to Louisiana students demonstrate what the LSHMP is all about. This is one of our finest accomplishments. It invests in Louisiana’s future and gives something back to our community. This would not be possible without the kind and generous support of Natchitoches Parish’s Honorary Members.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2018 and Best Wishes for a Bright Future!!!

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Braxton is seeking damages from the La. State Troopers Association (LSTA) and Jay Oliphant, a La. State Police Trooper.  Please see the entire document filed in the 10th Judicial District Court, Parish of Natchitoches, State of Louisiana.

Braxton also claims that the statements contained in defendant Jay D. Oliphant’s FACEBOOK post are false, defamatory and/or defamatory per se. That defendant Oliphant falsely accuses Braxton of committing various crimes.

READ THE FACEBOOK POST HERE – > Facebook Post by Jay D Oliphant

The NPJ spoke with Mr. Jay D. Oliphant this afternoon and Oliphant stated that he had no comment at the time.

The NPJ had not received a return phone call from Mr. Calvin W. Braxton, Sr. by the time of publication.

 

CONTINUE READING LAWSUIT HERE – >  Braxton VS LSTA and Oliphant

DPS&C Incident Report from Oliphant

July 11 2016 Letter to Governor Edwards

June 19 2017 Letter to Governor Edwards

February 2 2018 Public Records Request by Calvin Braxton

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Darrick Allen
March 15, 1971 – May 12, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Rodney Williams
May 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Frankie Ray Jackson
April 3, 1959 – May 5, 2018
Arrangements TBA

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

Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA

SABINE PARISH:

Marilyn “Pete” Goss
October 23, 1930 – May 13, 2018
Service: Wednesday, May 16 at 10 am at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church
Interment: St. John The Baptist Catholic Cemetery
WINN PARISH:

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

Roy Wayne Banta
November 3, 1959 – May 12, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, May 16 from 9-10 am at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, May 16 at 10 am at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Transport Cemetery in Dodson
RAPIDES PARISH:

Charles H. van Oppen
January 25, 1926 – May 13, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, May 16 from 8:30-10:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, May 16 at 10:30 am in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: St. Peter Catholic Church Cemetery in Elmer

Richard J. “Jerry” Herrin
March 26, 1933 – May 13, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, May 16 from 8:30-10 am at the St. Martin Catholic Church in Lecompte
Service: Wednesday, May 16 at 10 am at St. Martin Catholic Church in Lecompte
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

RED RIVER PARISH:

Henry William Bethard III
December 9, 1924 – May 13, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, May 16 from 10-11 am at First United Methodist Church in Coushatta
Service: Wednesday, May 16 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church in Coushatta
Interment: Springville Cemetery

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The City Council granted final approval on an ordinance restating the policy regarding vacation accumulation rights and sick leave for City employees at its meeting May 14.

Vacation may be carried over and accumulated in subsequent calendar years. Beginning on June 1, 2018, employees with more than 240 hours accrued at the time of his/her retirement or termination, will only be paid up to 240 hours of accrued vacation time. Employees hired before June 1, 2018 will retain the 480 hour accrual limits in place at that time and will be considered “grandfathered” for those benefits.

Sick leave shall be accrued by each full-time employee, except that no employee shall earn sick leave benefits while serving under an emergency or temporary assignment or while still in their introductory period.

Time taken off before an employee’s introductory period is complete will be without pay. If an employee must be absent from work because of a personal illness, they will be eligible to receive their regular straight time pay for up to 12 days per calendar year. Up to two days of the total days available for sick leave may be used as personal days.

After successful completion of an introductory period, employees will earn 3.69 hours of sick leave per pay period or the equivalent of 12 days per year.

Sick leave may be accumulated from year to year. As of June 1, 2018, when an employee actually retires, the employee will be paid for a maximum of 240 hours only of accrued sick leave. Sick leave will be paid at the rate of pay earned upon retirement, not to exceed 240 hours. Only retiring employees will be eligible to receive accrued sick leave pay. Employees hired before June 1, 2018 will retain the 480 hour accrual limits.

PLANNING & ZONING – INTRODUCTION:
Change Zoning Classification Of Property (128 A&B South Dr.) from B-2 Commercial to B-3 Commercial to operate a veterinary clinic

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:
Enter Into A Lease Of The Hayfield Under Fence At The Natchitoches Waste Water Treatment Plant At End Of Laird Fletcher Road For Hay Operations With Glenn Byles
Approve A Conveyance Of A 2.09 Acre Tract Of Land In Section 74, Township 9 North, Range 7 West, To TSTR Enterprises LLC For $62,700
Amend The 2017-2018 Budget To Reflect Additional Revenues And Expenditures.

RESOLUTIONS:
Adopt A Language Access Plan (LAP) For Compliance With The Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG)
Execute Change Order No. 5 To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Progressive Construction Company For The 2016 City Streets Rehabilitation Project (Bid No. 0584)
Execute A Certificate Of Substantial Completion To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Progressive Construction Company For The 2016 City Streets Rehabilitation Project (Bid No. 0584)
Execute Change Order No. 2 To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Regional Construction, LLC For The 2017 Street Rehabilitation Program (Bid No. 0603)
Execute Change Order No. 3 To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Regional Construction, LLC For The 2017 Street Rehabilitation Program (Bid No. 0603)
Execute Change Order No. 4 To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Regional Construction, LLC For The 2017 Street Rehabilitation Program (Bid No. 0603)
Obligate Funds To Land And Water Conservation Fund Project
(SEE DOCUMENT BELOW)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be Tuesday, May 29, 2018.
The offices of the City of Natchitoches will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2018 for Memorial Day.
The regularly scheduled City Council Meeting for Monday, May 28, 2018 has been re-scheduled to Tuesday, May 29, 2018 due to Memorial Day.

 

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DOCUMENTS BELOW

Continue reading →

By Ricky LaCour, NSU Student/Opinion

 

After the completion of a three-year suspension, the Theta Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity may return to Northwestern State University’s campus.

Alumni who have expressed interest in the organizations return may see its return in the coming school year.

“There is a definite interest from alumni to see them return, and we have had some discussions,” said Shayne Creppel, Director of Greek Life for NSU. “We are open to the possibility of Omega Psi Phi returning to campus, but it has not gone beyond conversations at this point.”

Either way this is good news for the organization.

The return of Omega Psi Phi with a new generation of young men may be just what this chapter needs to shed the stigma of the alleged hazing incident that took place in 2015.

Although there was no conclusive evidence of hazing found during an investigation by the office of the Dean of Students, the chapter was reprimanded for the allegations.

Nicolette Schleisman of KSLA reported that the chapter was given a cease and desist order from NSU and its national headquarters, which means the fraternity was banned from participating in any activities and their members could not wear their letters.

“When we do come back, I do want there to a better perception of us,” said Nolan Lowe Jr., Vice Basileus of the Theta Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi. “As far as the so-called hazing thing, I mean, I wasn’t hazed. I don’t know anyone who was really.”

Louisiana currently has legislation moving through the house that will increase the penalty for individuals involved in acts of hazing. Offenders can be fined up to $1,000, be imprisoned for up to six months, or both.

“Didn’t know Ques weren’t on NSU’s campus anymore but they could stay to make a comeback,” said Brandi Dupree, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. “I do not believe one bad Que or one bad rumor should continue to ruin a chance for others to experience the principles it takes to be an Omega man after the entry process.”

The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Natchitoches Parish Journal.  If you have an article or story of interest for publishing consideration by the NPJ, please send it to NPJNatLa@gmail.com.   This was submitted as part of a classwork assignment to local media

Editor’s Note:
The Theta Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was placed on Active Suspension for a period of two years by the national organization for the following reasons:
1.  Elected officers of the chapter and additional members have been found to be involved in hazing violations at Northwestern State University
2.  There continues to be a lack of full cooperation with the fraternity’s investigation

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Elizabeth Kate deVargas and Dr. Joseph Christopher Maggio reigned as Queen and King of the 50th St. Denis Art League Spring Festival. Members of the court on the first row from left to right are Chloe Methvin, Lilly Ann Boyd, Kennedy Griffin, Avery Evans. On second row are Madison Shivers, Katelyn Murphy, Morgan Slaughter, Sarah Gilmore, Makenzie Morgan, Carmen Waskom, Anna Robertson. On third row are Collin Lorenz, Jake Stultz, Erica Hubbs, Sarah Aviles, Aaron Howell, Michael Vienne, Sierra Pesnell, Jeremy Friedel, Bailey Shelton. On fourth row are Bryce Moulton, Thomas Scruggs, Ryan Sampite, Collin Poleman, Reed Middendorf, Ashton Behrendsen, Jack Wright, David Thibodaux, Matthew Brown, George Ingrish, Russell Stultz, Dylan Bennett.

Sohomores who served as ushers include Maci Messenger, Madison Lester, Ragan Hale, Mary Scruggs, Emily Maggio, Isabelle Peluso, Madison Brown, Makenzie Waxley, Renea Cunningham, Kamryn Morgan, Carissa Kautz, Mallory Lee, Macy Vascocu, Chloe Longlois, and Anna Walker.

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A ground breaking was held May 5 for a new educational pavilion at Briarwood Nature Preserve. The pavilion was donated by the Louisiana Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It will mark the birth site of Caroline Dormon, who was born July 19, 1888. She eventually became known for her work as an author, botanist, ethnologist, artist, and educator. She dies in Shreveport on November 22, 1971 at the age of 83.

The educational pavilion is a service project of the Louisiana Society DAR. Each State Regent elects a State Regents Project to raise money for during her three-year administration. The educational pavilion is State Regent Zora M. Olsson’s project. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With over 177,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. Caroline Dormon was a member of the Pelican Chapter DAR joining in 1909.

Briarwood was the Dormon families summer home where Caroline and her siblings spent their time in the woods. In a quote from her, “they did not play Indians, they were Indians.” After doing some genealogical research, State Regent Zora Olsson discovered that Dormon’s Revolutionary War ancestor, Gaspar Joseph Trotti, was born in Italy. He lived and dies at Briarwood Plantation in Barnwell County, South Carolina.

Caroline graduated from Judson College in Alabama and returned home to teach school, which she did for a while. As she witnessed the harvesting of old growth timber by the lumber companies, her dream became the preservation of those trees. She and her sister traveled throughout central Louisiana in a Model T Ford identifying areas to suggest as a future National Forest.

Louisiana didn’t have an Enabling Act that would allow the government to purchase land in the state to stop the harvesting of the old growth forest. With the help of her lawyer brother, Caroline wrote an Enabling Act; and with the help of State Senator Henry Hardtner, the act was attached to another bill and passed. The first unit of the Kisatchie National Forest was purchase in 1928.

In 1921 Caroline was employed by the Louisiana Forestry Division becoming the first woman employed in Forestry in the US. In 1930 the forestry profession honored her by electing her an associate member of the Society of American Foresters. She was the first female so elected. Today, many people consider Kisatchie National Forest to be the prettiest part of Louisiana.

Caroline was truly a woman before her time. She was born before women could even vote, much less hold a job in the Forest Service. President Roosevelt appointed her to the DeSoto Commission to study the route of DeSoto in this country. Caroline was a teacher, artist, conservationist, preservationist, and even requested the military command who were negating in maneuvers in Louisiana during WWII to encourage then not to damage the Indian mounds while acknowledging the inevitable damage to some of the reforestation seedlings. Her book on wild flowers is now a collector’s item. Many of the plants at Briarwood were planted by Caroline after traveling the state and obtaining cuttings, bulbs or the plant.

The Briarwood Foundation, through its efforts, has preserved for all of us a national treasure, Briarwood. Richard and Jessie Johnson were personally entrusted by “Miss Carrie” to care for Briarwood, and now Rick Johnson is the second-generation caretaker. The educational pavilion will enable many to learn more about this extraordinary woman who accomplished so much for Louisiana. Although she was small in stature, her huge legacy will live on.

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Artists are being sought to design the 2018 Natchitoches Christmas Festival Poster. The theme for the poster is “Christmas in Natchitoches.” Artists who would like to enter the contest should submit a drawing or painting to the Natchitoches Arts Council using the chosen theme. The size of the completed sketch or painting should be 18 inches wide and 24 inches tall. If chosen, the painting will become the exclusive property of the Natchitoches Arts Council. The chosen artist will receive a commission of $600.

The deadline for entering the competition is Friday, July 6. All entries should be submitted to Alicia Rachal, Community Development, 420 Fourth Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457. The Natchitoches Arts Council is not responsible for insuring the safe or timely delivery of the art work to the appropriate party.

Numbered prints in the form of a poster will be available and on sale to the public in early October. All posters are $35 each. The 1980-2004 collage posters are $15 each. The small posters (3 ¾” x 5”) are $3 each or two for $4. Special prints of the 2008 Fleur de Lis Poster (11” x 17”) and the 2016 Christmas in Natchitoches Poster (11” x 14.5) are $20.

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival Poster has been a tradition for 38 years. All of the original artwork can be viewed at the Natchitoches Arts Council office located at the Community Development Office (City Hall Annex), 420 Fourth Street, Natchitoches, LA.

For more information about the poster contest, please call Alicia Rachal at (318) 357-3838 or Karen Terrell at (318) 352-6925.

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Students in Northwestern State University’s Child and Family Studies program collected and delivered personal care items and other supplies to community service partners Providence House in Shreveport and the Women’s Resource Center in Natchitoches. Providence House is a residential treatment facility for homeless families with children. The Women’s Resource Center provides confidential help and information for women and families facing unplanned pregnancies.

Program Coordinator Dr. Rania Salman said student response to this semester’s supply drive the largest ever and ties in with the program’s focus on improving the lives of individuals, families and communities.

“A focus of the CFS program is community sustainability,” Salman said. “Working with our community partner organizations gives our students experience in how families and children participate in the community and opens up opportunities for internship and volunteering with a local impact.”

Child and Family Studies prepares graduates to work in a variety of fields, but all are aimed at improving the lives of individuals, families and communities. Child and Family Studies has been called the ideal “helping” profession, because those in the field are ultimately concerned with meeting the needs of children and families in a variety of contexts.

La’Justice Johnson of Coushatta completed a Spring 2018 internship at the Women’s Resource Center in which she became proficient in professional skills and learned more about pregnancy and women’s health.

“The Women’s Resource Center is a big plus for the community,” Johnson said. “They help girls that need help and also their families.”

The Center’s Executive Director Beverly Broadsay said the Center serves about six parishes.

“We are so extraordinarily appreciative of donations and community involvement because we offer our services free of charge,” Broadway said. “Donations allow us to continue to serve our clients to the depth and breadth that we do and help women make informed choices.”

In addition to a focus on infant and toddler development, family systems and human ecology, NSU’s Child and Family Studies program also includes coursework in nutrition, parenting, educational psychology and early childhood education.

Dajha White of Natchitoches was pursuing a degree in education but transferred into the CFS program.

“There are many different things you can do with this degree, helping children, families and becoming a resource to families in many different aspects of family life,” White said.

Child and Family Studies is part of the Department of Teaching, Leadership and Counseling within NSU’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development. Information on the CFS is available by contacting Salman at salmanr@nsula.edu or call (318) 357-4202.

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BOM is a sponsor of the Natchitoches Junior High Indians Football Program. The bank’s donation will help the team purchase new uniforms and a scoreboard. Pictured from left are Brian Young (NJHS Head Football Coach) and Dustin Dauzat (University Branch Manager & Lender).

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Being a student-athlete takes commitment and drive.

Student-athletes at LSMSA were recognized for demonstrating those qualities during the annual Athletics Banquet held Friday, May 11, in the gyn.

“I respect and admire your decisions to be student-athletes,” said Dr. Kelly Lankford, associate lecturer of history and chair of the Department of Humanities. “It is never easy, but it is so worth it. I understand your world because I was a serious athlete in high school.”

Lankford played varsity soccer, volleyball and basketball. She also competed in discus and shot put. She loved basketball move of all. She made second team All-City and the city All-Star team her senior year of high school. She then deliberately chose a college where she could keep playing for just a few more precious years.

“I loved to play,” she said. “It was a big part of my identity. I basically thought of myself in college as a chemist-slash-basketball player; slightly altered after sophomore year to be historian-slash-basketball player.”

School always mattered most to Lankford, as it does to LSMSA student-athletes.

“You made it a priority because you fought your way through chemistry lab reports, history notes, impossible genetics vocabulary, four-days-per-week languages classes, unbelievably long math homework sets, private music lessons and all kinds of tech weeks,” she said. “Your studies take up the majority of your actual time and your emotional energy.

“In addition to that, you chose to play sports. You had to build practice time into hugely busy days. When you join a team, you can’t just walk away if you get angry at someone or are frustrated by their developmental pace.

“You made that commitment, and when you show up to practice, day in, day out, with a million other things waiting for you when it is over, you realize how much those drills and the conditioning matter.”

Another thing Lankford loved about playing sports was just being around teammates, and working with coaches, who interact differently than teachers do, in important ways.

“The odd part of being a teacher, for me, is that some of my interaction with students ends up being in the form of written comments,” she said. “But coaches teach you in practice, and then in the games, they get to be right there, next to you, while you put their ideas into motion. So they can correct, applaud, despair or replace you – just like that.”

Lankford ended her talk by telling the student-athletes that they will miss it when it is gone.

“The memories are there, and they are long and deep,” she said. “Haul them out when you need them, because you have done and are doing a tough thing to be a student here and play a sport. Be very, very proud of yourselves.”

Six seniors were recognized with the Scholar Athlete Award. They were Jake Stultz of Natchitoches, Russ Stultz of Natchitoches, Kevin Pan of Lafayette, Trevor Sullivan of Slidell, Allie Schleter of Lake Charles and LiZhang Matuschka of Natchitoches.

Awards for the boys’ basketball team included Martel Papillion, a junior from Oberlin, Most Valuable Player; Alvaro Carvajal, a senior from Jefferson, Most Improved Player; Kevin Pan, a senior from Lafayette, Offensive Player of the year; and Tyler Branch, a senior from Slidell, Game Changer Award.

Girls’ basketball award recipients were Allie Schleter, a senior from Lake Charles, Most Improved Player; Samantha Hernandez, a senior from Slidell, Most Valuable Player; Rachel Judson, a junior from Lake Charles, Offensive Player of the Year; and Kiara Padilla, a senior from Fort Polk, Game Changer Award.

Volleyball recognition included Lauren Rains, a senior from Youngsville, Most Valuable Player; Dennis Keo, a senior from Buras, Most Improved Player; Xavier Banks, a senior from New Iberia, Offensive Player of the Year; and Layna Auzenne, a senior from Opelousas, Defensive Player of the Year.

Cheerleading recognized Aja Becker, a senior from New Orleans, as Most Improved.

Soccer recognized Kiara Padilla as the Most Valuable Player. Padilla was also recognized as the SLAMT Most Valuable Player and the Athlete of the Year.

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Jerry Maddox’ first career complete-game shutout made him the second Northwestern State pitcher this season to earn weekly acclaim from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

Maddox’ four-hitter against Abilene Christian on Saturday earned him LSWA Pitcher of the Week honors as announced by the organization Monday afternoon.

The LSWA weekly honors are voted on by a panel of statewide sports media members.

By virtue of throwing his NSU’s second complete-game shutout, Maddox joined Ridge Heisler (April 16) as Demons pitchers to earn LSWA weekly awards this season.

Maddox collected his third win in the past four starts by shutting out the visiting Wildcats in the middle game of NSU’s three-game sweep. Abilene Christian did not get a runner past second base while Maddox held the Wildcats to an 0-for-7 line with runners in scoring position.

After hitting a batter to lead off the fifth inning, Maddox retired 15 of the final 16 hitters he faced to improve to 6-3 on the season. In six Southland Conference starts, Maddox is 4-1 with a 1.71 ERA.

Overall, Maddox has a 2.17 ERA, which ranks 39th nationally.

Maddox is the third Demons player to earn LSWA recognition this season, joining Heisler and David Fry, who has picked up three honors from the organization.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Catherine St. Dizier Cobb
August 26, 1944 – May 12, 2018
Service: Tuesday, May 15 at 10 am at First Baptist Church of Provencal
Interment: Coldwater Baptist Church Cemetery in Hagewood

Darrick Allen
March 15, 1971 – May 12, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Rodney Williams
May 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA

Frankie Ray Jackson
April 3, 1959 – May 5, 2018
Arrangements TBA

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

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

Roy Wayne Banta
November 3, 1959 – May 12, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, May 15 from 5-8 pm and Wednesday, May 16 from 9-10 am at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, May 16 at 10 am at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Transport Cemetery in Dodson
RAPIDES PARISH:

Richard J. “Jerry” Herrin
March 26, 1933 – May 13, 2018
Visitation: Tuesday, May 15 from 4-8 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home and Wednesday, May 16 from 8:30-10 am at the St. Martin Catholic Church in Lecompte
Service: Wednesday, May 16 at 10 am at St. Martin Catholic Church in Lecompte
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

RED RIVER PARISH:

Henry William Bethard III
December 9, 1924 – May 13, 2018
Visitation: Wednesday, May 16 from 10-11 am at First United Methodist Church in Coushatta
Service: Wednesday, May 16 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church in Coushatta
Interment: Springville Cemetery

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The slightly overcast sky and cool breeze were the perfect backdrop for the Northwestern Louisiana Cancer Center’s Open House event on May 11. The Hostess for the evening was Radiation Oncologist Administrator, Sarah Stewart. Speakers for the event were Mayor Lee Posey, Dr. Manish Dhawan, and cancer survivors Laurie Morrow and Frederick Shelby. The large crowd enjoyed live music by the Shreveport Band Southern Roots and boiled crawfish as well as a tour of the facility that boasts new state of the art equipment.

“What an incredible day,” said Stewart. “I cannot even put into words how thankful we are for the support and love received from the community for our Open House.”

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When you’re in need of a qualified, friendly obstetrics practice in the Natchitoches area, turn to Summit ObGyn Of Natchitoches. Dr. Moshood Olatinwo treats women through all phases of pregnancy, from planning through post-partum care. The safety of expecting mothers and their children is Summit’s top concern, so they offer treatment for high-risk pregnancies and provide early detection tests for potential issues with the pregnancy.

Want to start bonding with your child as early as possible? See your baby’s adorable little face well before he or she is born with Summit’s 3D Ultrasound Packages:

Basic Package…$75
Includes (1) DVD and (10) Pictures.
Standard Package…$150
Includes (1) DVD, 20-25 page book, Small Basket w/ Heartbeat Bear and baby goodies.
Ultimate Package…$275
Includes (1) DVD, 35-40 page book, Large Basket w/ Heartbeat Bear and baby goodies.

Extras:
Small animals…$30
Medium animals…$33
Large animals…$35
Accessories: Bow Tie or Tutu…$5

Other services include:
On Staff Nurse Practitioner
Live 3-D Ultrasound
Pre-Pregnancy Counseling
Regular & High Risk Obstetrics Care
Birth / Delivery Services
High Risk Pregnancy Evaluations
Non-Stress Testing – fetal monitors
Sonogram Services
Post-Partum Support
Breast Feeding Counseling

In addition to teaching at esteemed medical schools and hospitals, Dr. Olatinwo is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology. He is a also part of the American Society for the Study of Reproductive Medicine, the Endocrine Society and the Society for the Study of Reproduction.

Moshood Olatinwo, M.D.
617 Bienville Street, Suite A
Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457
318-352-1108

http://www.summitobgynofnatchitoches.net

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The Louisiana Law Enforcement Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” Torch Run involving area law enforcement will enter Natchitoches Parish on La. Hwy 1 North at the Natchitoches-Red River Parish line on Tuesday afternoon, May 15, at approximately 1pm-2pm.

This segment of the run will travel south from the Natchitoches-Red River Parish line on La. Hwy 1, turning left on Texas Street, then right on Third Street, turning right on Church Street, left on Fifth Street, and will conclude on NSU campus at approximately 5:00pm.

On Wednesday morning May 16, at approximately 7:00am, Torch Run runners with two segments of the run will leave the NSU Pavilion and the other at La. Hwy 1 at Waterwell will travel down La. Hwy 1 through the communities of Natchez, Cypress, Montrose, Derry, Cloutierville, Monette Ferry, and then into Rapides Parish.

During your morning and afternoon commutes, we ask that you drive carefully and be aware of the runners on La. Hwy 1 South.

Each year the torch relay involves more than 1500 law enforcement officers and personnel representing more than 200 law enforcement agencies across the State of Louisiana.

The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
for Special Olympics is to increase awareness and raise funds for the Special Olympics movement. Each year, the LETR initiative grows larger and better.

For more information contact Chief of Youth Services Wendy Llorens at 352-6432.

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Kevin’s Gallery

It was a picture perfect weekend for baseball at NSU’s Brown-Stroud field as the Demons played a three game series against the Abilene Christian Wildcats May 11-13. Saturday’s game was Senior Night where the university community honored the team’s graduating players and trainers and their families.

Graduating senior players David Fry, Kwan Adkins, Dan Hlad & Kelsey Richard were joined by twin trainers Corey and Casey Johnson. Each senior and his or her family were called forward and honored by the hometown crowd. In addition to keepsakes from their team and NSU athletics, Randy and Christie Price of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes presented each senior with a spiritual book about how to prepare for “the next step in life.”

Ms. Danielle Cobb of the American Cancer Society was also presented with a check for over $1,000.00 that was raised during “Fork Cancer Week” held by the baseball and softball teams.

The Northwestern State University Demon Baseball Team sent off its seniors in style, decisively winning all 3 games in the series against Abilene Christian University. The Demons’ next game will be against the LSU Tigers May 15 at the LSU Campus. Fork ’em Demons!

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Child sexual abuse is a worldwide public health issue. Child abuse, particularly child sexual abuse, is reprehensible—especially when the wrongdoer is affiliated with the Church. The VIRTUS programs assist the Church in being a safe haven for children and a messenger for preventing child sexual abuse within the Church and society in general. VIRTUS seeks to achieve this lofty goal through its child sexual abuse prevention program: Protecting God’s Children.

A Protecting God’s Children for Adults Session will be held at the St. Augustine Catholic Church’s Church Hall on Tuesday, March 15 at 6 pm.

The Protecting God’s Children Program

Most organizations that work with children have some sort of child safety program. Through the Protecting God’s Children program, VIRTUS maximizes those efforts by helping churches and religious organizations refine their roles as child-safe environments and empowering caring adults to protect children.

Why Does It Work?

Child abusers seek to operate and abuse their power within nurturing, child-friendly environments where it is assumed that nobody would want to harm a child. Religious organizations of all faiths are an easy target. The Protecting God’s Children program implements safety mechanisms that send a message to all abusers and potential abusers:

Child abuse is not tolerated,
Children are vigilantly protected,
Victims are listened to, heard, and shielded from further abuse, and
Offenders are identified and punished.

By utilizing best practices for training and loss prevention, the Protecting God’s Children program helps make churches safe for all people—especially children.

The session lasts approximately 2½ hours. Children are not allowed because of the adult content of the videos and discussions. Every adult who works/volunteers with minors in the Diocese of Alexandria’s churches/schools is required to attend a VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children for Adults sexual abuse awareness training.

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Red River Mill Credit Union has been growing and changing since it was chartered in 1975. After 43 years it’s time to change the name to let everyone know they can JOIN too!

To reflect its growth and increased involvement in the Natchitoches community, Red River Mill Credit Union is holding a Name Change Contest. The winning name submission will receive a $500 prize.

“We’re in the search of a new name for our credit union,” said Holly Guillory, business development officer. “We’re looking for a name that let’s everyone know they’re invited to come grow with us. The name you suggest could be selected as our new official name.”

Originally serving employees at the paper mill in Campti, Red River Mill Credit Union became a Community Credit Union in 2013. It currently meets the banking needs of more than 1,000 members throughout Natchitoches and Northwest Louisiana. The credit union offers a variety of checking and savings account options as well as personal loans, vehicle loans and small business loans.

Rules for the contest:

• The Name Change Contest will run through Friday, May 18
• A winner will be announced on June 30
• One person can enter up to 3 suggestions for a new name
• Keep name idea short and sweet…Just 1 or 2 words not including the words credit union
• If two people choose the same name, the person who submitted it first will receive the prize
• Submit name options to redrivercontest@gmail.com
• Email up to 3 name ideas and be sure to include your full name, phone number and email contact info
• Entry forms can be filled out and submitted online at www.redrivermillefcu.org.

*Winning name may come from source outside of contestant suggestions
*Should winning name not be submitted during contest, a drawing from contestant pool will be used to select a winner – only have to enter to win

Red River Mill Employees Federal Credit Union exists to serve its members. While banks and other financial institutions must make a profit for their shareholders, credit unions return their profits to members in the form of dividends on savings, low rates on loans, and new or improved services. In addition, the not-for-profit status of credit unions enables them to operate at a lower cost than many for-profit institutions, which helps them offer competitive loan and savings rates to their members.

Red River Mill Federal Credit Union contact info:

Phone: 318-238-7762
Address: 256 Hwy 3175 in Natchitoches
Website: www.redrivermillefcu.org

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Northwestern State University will offer aquatics activities this summer beginning with the pool opening May 15 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.

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During the early morning hours of Sunday, May 13, the Natchitoches Police Department responded a call in which two people, Iesha Beasly-Caldwell and Earl Monroe, had been shot while inside of Mrs. Caldwell’s residence located at 306 Airport Rd. Mrs. Caldwell sustained a single shot to her right arm and Mr. Monroe had been shot twice, once in the right side abdomen and once on the right side of his face. Both Caldwell and Monroe are reported to be in stable condition.

As a result of the shootings the Criminal Investigations Division of the Natchitoches Police Department was contacted and began an investigation. Based on information obtained from the scene detectives secured arrest warrants for Dametry Cardale Caldwell, 25 years of age, Black, Male on two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder and for Violation of Protective Orders. Mr. Caldwell is considered armed and dangerous.

If anyone has information in reference to the whereabouts of Dametry Caldwell you’re urged to please contact the Natchitoches Police Department directly at (318) 352-8101 or you may contact Detective Jeff Townson of the Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (318) 357-3852. All calls shall be kept confidential.

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Members of Lakeview High School’s National Honor Society volunteered for Bike Natchitoches’ annual ride. The ride started at Oakland Plantation with 15, 25 or a metric century (about 62 miles) ride options. The students helped with registration, encouragement and passing out refreshments as riders returned from their trek. During their down time, the students were able to tour the grounds of the plantation and take in a bit of history.

Pictured students include: Gracie Niette, Cadie Coleman, Za’Chary Jackson, Salem Johnson, and Blake Smith.

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