NSU– One thousand one hundred thirty-one undergraduate students at Northwestern State University were named to the Honor List for the Fall 2018 semester. Students on the Honor Roll must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern State and have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49. Students named to the Honor List, are listed by hometown
(SEE DOCUMENT BELOW).
NPSO- Natchitoches Parish Work Release Inmate Jalen Christopher Hopwood has been captured in St. Landry Parish according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones.
Chief of Corrections Roger Henson said this investigation led to other arrests.
Two of the youth held at Ware Youth Center north of Coushatta have died by suicide within the past week. Ware Executive Director Joey Cox confirmed the deaths occurred within 72 hours of each other.
Troy Murray of the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they are investigating.
“At this point I can confirm that the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating two apparent suicides that occurred last week at Ware Youth Center. The first incident involved a seventeen year old male and the second a thirteen year old male. Both incidents took place within an approximate forty-eight hour time period.”
It is reported that the two boys were sent to Ware from Bossier Parish. Bill Davis, spokesman for the Bossier Sheriff’s Office said, “I understand one of the youths was charged with simple escape and resisting arrest. The other was charged with simple arson.”
The matter is being investigated by the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office. Identities of the two youths has not been made public.
If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
The Magnolia Minute
Natchitoches Parish Journal
magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com
318-354-4000 #6
NATCHITOCHES PARISH:
Willie Beard
February 10, 2019
Arrangements TBA
Connie Ruth Burton-Lincoln
February 8, 2019
Arrangements TBA
Vicky McNeely Sanders
July 26, 1965 – February 8, 2019
Memorial Service: Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Life Church, 1530 Keyser Avenue, Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Frances Armstrong McKenzie
February 7, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, February 16 from 9-11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, February 16 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: St. Savior Baptist Church (Cane River) Cemetery
RAPIDES PARISH:
Gaylynn Chaya Paddie
March 24, 1960 – February 8, 2019
Visitation: Wednesday, February 13 from 10 am – 1 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, February 13 at 1 pm in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens
WINN PARISH:
Gaynell Gresham Wallace
December 24, 1917 – February 9, 2019
Service: Sunday, February 10 at 3 pm in Atlanta Cemetery
Findings represents 1.4 % GRP of 10-parish region
NATCHITOCHES—Northwestern State University’s economic impact on the Northwest and Central Louisiana region last year was $428.2 million based on a study by a multi-nation research company that has conducted 1,800 economic development surveys for universities.
NSU president Dr. Chris Maggio said the study by Economic Modeling Specialists International focused on Northwestern’s economic contributions to its service region of Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, Vernon and Winn Parishes.
Maggio said the university’s impact on the area’s economy represents 1.4 percent of the entire gross regional product, or GRP, of the 10-parish region.
He said the study is “especially significant because it underscores Northwestern’s substantial return on investments to students, taxpayers and society as a whole in Louisiana.”
The new study was part of a statewide economic impact analysis conducted for the University of Louisiana System which concluded that NSU and the other eight schools in the system contributed $10.9 billion to the state’s economy in 2017-18. That was 4.5 percent of the gross state product.
Northwestern’s direct financial impact on the region included $89.4 million in spending for payroll and operations, $8.4 million in student spending, $8.9 million in visitor spending, $314.3 million in alumni impact and more than $7 million in expenditures for research, construction and spinoff companies.
Including the 961 full-time and part-time faculty and staff positions at Northwestern, the university supported a total of 6,946 jobs as a result of its wide-ranging effect on the economy. That is one of every 55 jobs in the region.
Maggio said, “The ongoing daily impact of Northwestern’s economic contributions to the economic stability in this region is extraordinary. The creation and support of jobs and businesses, enhancement of the workforce and quality of life in the area, the attraction of thousands of visitors, and spending by students, university personnel and alumni are at the heart of our regional economy.”
The NSU president added, “The long-term impact of the university on the state and regional economy and Northwestern’s return on investments by students and taxpayers are also meaningful and impressive.”
One conclusion of the study, Maggio said, was that students receive $3.70 in future earnings for every dollar they spend for tuition, fees and other expenses to attend NSU. That is an average annual rate of return of 14.5 percent.
According to the report, the average bachelor’s degree graduate of Northwestern last year will receive $20,500 more in increased annual earnings over a lifetime than those without college degrees.
Maggio said the study also shows that tax dollars invested in Northwestern are returned to the state at a rate of $3.80 for every dollar allocated to the university, which is an average annual rate of return of 12.3 percent.
The study determined that the overall social benefits of NSU to Louisiana are valued at $2.8 billion based on increased lifetime earnings of its graduates, expanded business production and savings related to health care, crime and income assistance primarily as a result of degrees received at the university.
“This economic impact report makes it clear,” Maggio said, “that Northwestern is a major asset to the region and state economically and that state allocations to NSU and tuition and fees paid by students provide multiple, lasting benefits to Louisiana and to students attending the university.”
July 26, 1965 – February 8, 2019
Vicky McNeely Sanders, age 53, passed away on February 8, 2019. She was born July 26, 1965 to Victor and Dixie McNeely.
Vicky attended Negreet Elementary School and later graduated from Many High School. She pursued her passion of cosmetology; a perfect fit for her warm personality and creative mind. Vicky worked and raised her daughters in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Full of life, Vicky was a vibrant person. Her bright eyes and sincere presence brought smiles to all she met. Her capacity to find the gold in others was unmatched. Vicky preferred taking the scenic route, enjoyed local artists and loved summer days on Cane River Lake. She was compassionate, resilient and a prayer warrior. Her greatest pleasure came from being a mother, and she also deeply treasured her friends.
Vicky was preceded in death by her parents Victor and Dixie McNeely; her brother Larry McNeely and her maternal grandmother Darlene Dillard. Her legacy continues in the lives of her daughters Brooklynn Sanders and Alexis Sanders.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Please join us to celebrate the life of Vicky at Freedom Life Church, 1530 Keyser Avenue, Natchitoches, Louisiana.
A love fund for Vicky’s daughters has been established at City Bank & Trust.
By Kevin Shannahan
Friday, February 8th, was a banner day for area basketball fans as the Lakeview Gators squared off against the Red River Bulldogs. The game, an eagerly awaited yearly tradition, was held this year in a packed Prather Coliseum at NSU. Over 1,800 fans gathered to see the junior varsity, boy’s and girl’s team contend for hardwood glory.
The junior varsity teams started off the evening’s action with an exciting portent of the rest of the night’s action. The two teams were evenly matched and neither side wanted to go home empty handed. The Red River JV boys won 29 to 25 in a hard fought slugfest. It is easy to see from the quality of the play that the varsity coaches of both teams will not have a shortage of talent in the coming years.
The number 2 in the state Lady Bulldogs took charge early and made short work of the much younger Lady Gators in a game that was never in doubt. The Lady Gators may have been outgunned on the court, but one would have never known from the players’ attitudes. The Lady Gators never gave up and kept fighting until the final buzzer. They are a hard working team that will benefit tremendously from some more seasoning as they grow older. They, and their coach, are a class act.
The boy’s varsity game was an epic struggle between two very good teams locked in a rivalry stretching back for years. The crowd noise was deafening as fans from both sides cheered on their teams as the lead switched back and forth. It was anyone’s game until the Lakeview boys won the game 62-60 with a basket scored in the last few seconds of the contest.
It was a full evening of hardwood action for a very modest price. Both school’s teams were well coached and it showed in the level of sportsmanship on display. Prather is a fun place to watch a good ball game. The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to commend both schools for a clean, hard fought game that was simply incredible to watch. We are looking forward to next year’s rematch!
The City of Natchitoches would like to advise the public the southbound lane of Second Street from St. Denis Street to Church Street will be closed starting Monday, February 11, 2019 until the project is completed. Progressive Construction will be on site to repair this section of street included in the St. Denis Street Rehabilitation Project.
During this closure, traffic may detour around the work site via the adjacent network of City streets. When traveling near the work zone, motorists are advised to exercise caution and to observe all warning signs and flagger instructions.
For questions relative to this temporary closure, please call the Mayor’s office at (318) 352-2772.
February is American Heart Month and Amber Bedgood is raising awareness about the American Heart Association’s 2019 Central Louisiana Heart Walk coming up on March 9 in Alexandria. Bedgood and her team, the Cardiac Crusaders, raised over $1,200 dollars last year for the American Heart Association. This year they are trying to do it again.
Amber has gathered her friends and family to participate in the Cenla Heart Walk every year since her first heart ablation. At 30-years-old Amber has had three cardiac ablations in the last few years along with a linq monitor placed in her chest.
In 2007 she was diagnosed with SVT. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is an abnormally fast heart rhythm arising from improper electrical activity in the upper part of the heart. Amber’s heart also creates etopic beats which keeps her heart irregular. Heart disease also runs in her family.
Amber is asking for community support. People can make a donations under the team’s page (SEE LINK BELOW) with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the AHA. Businesses can also join the crusade by making donations or donating items to be raffled off during the month of February. For more information call Amber at 318-663-3845.
http://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=4013&pg=personal&px=2008556
http://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=4013&pg=team&team_id=483333
Donation Mailing Address
American Heart Association/Team Cardiac Crusaders
ATTN: Central LA Heart Walk
4501 Jackson Street Ext.
Ste C, PMB 335
Alexandria, LA 71303
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Corrections Division and US Marshal’s are currently searching for a Natchitoches Detention Center- Department of Corrections Work Release Inmate that walked off a job site in south Natchitoches Parish last night according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.
According to Chief of Corrections Roger Henson, law enforcement authorities are actively searching for 33-year-old Jale Christopher Hopwood, W/M, Hgt/603, Wgt/185 with brown hair and brown eyes last seen wearing denim jeans, a gray sweatshirt and a denim jacket.
He is clean shaven at this time with no beard.
Hopwood is believed to have walked off a job site in south Natchitoches Parish on Saturday evening at approximately 9:00pm.
Hopwood who is not considered dangerous was serving DOC time for Simple Burglary and Simple Criminal Damage to Property was scheduled for release in October 2019.
Hopwood has ties to the Bossier/Caddo Parish areas in north Louisiana.
He has been entered into the National Crime Information as a wanted person for simple escape.
If you see Hopwood, do not make contact with him, but contact your nearest law enforcement agency or 911.
NPSO Release
The Natchitoches Police Department responded to the Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Restaurant located on Keyser Ave. on Feb. 8 at 11 pm in reference to a large fight in progress in which shots had been reported fired. Units from the police department immediately responded to the scene discovering a male subject lying on the ground unconscious as a result of a physical altercation. The male subject was later transported to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center to seek treatment.
The police department was then alerted of a male subject, eighteen year old, Quasey Washington, who had been shot in the foot during the altercation at the Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Restaurant. Mr. Washington advised authorities that while he and a friend attempted to flee the scene of the altercation he was struck in the foot by a bullet.
This investigation remains under current investigation however, the Natchitoches Police Department is urging any citizen with information in reference to this shooting to please contact the Natchitoches Police Department directly at (318) 352-8101 or you may contact Detective Commander Jeff Townson of the Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (318) 357-3852. All calls shall be kept confidential.
Press Release Approved by Chief Dove
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The NSU Contemporary Music Ensemble will present a concert on Monday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public.
The program will include “Variations on a Theme by Bach” by Philip Baczewski with Galindo Rodriguez on trumpet and Oliver Molina on percussion, “Suite for Four Violoncelli” by Ursula Mamlok with Paul Christopher, Alonso Restrepo, Brett Andrews and Eliot Haas on cello, and “Voices and Cello” by Morton Feldman conducted by Dan McDonald with vocals by Terrie Sanders and D’nissa Hester and Christopher on cello.
The ensemble will also perform “For Morty” by Christian Wolff with Andrew Boyd and Adam Trupp on percussion and Robyn Tan on piano, “Composition for Violoncello solo” by Mamlok featuring Christopher and “Music for Five Trumpets” by Verne Reynolds featuring the University Trumpet Ensemble conducted by Rodriguez.
Northwestern State University’s Elementary Lab School is accepting applications for the 2019-2020 Kindergarten Draw. All applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. Friday, March 15.
Applications are available in the school office. A current utility bill showing proof of residency is required with the application. Tuition for Elementary Lab School is $2,200 annually and must be paid by April 30 of the attending school year. A $100 supply fee is due upon enrollment.
For more information call the school office at (318) 357.6973
The Northwestern State track and field teams broke several records Saturday on the second and final day of the UA Tyson Invitational, including a short-lived school record.
Sophomore vaulter Reagan Darbonne catapulted herself to new heights in the women’s pole vault finals. Her mark of 13-2 ½ is a new overall school record indoor or outdoor. The Hackberry native previously set a new NSU record of 13-0 ¼ earlier this season at the Texas A&M Ted Nelson Invitational. The new height inches her closer to the second-place spot in the Southland Conference, a distinction currently held by Kaylee Bizzell of Stephen F. Austin (13-4 ¼). Darbonne finished seventh on the day.
Head coach Mike Heimerman was pleased with his team’s overall performance on such a grand stage.
“The meet was great. Everyone learned a lot about themselves this weekend and what we need to do to be prepared for conference in two weeks,” Heimerman said. “Reagan looked great today and continues to re-write the NSU record books.”
Lauren Clarke was the highest finisher for NSU in day two. The freshman took fifth in the women’s triple jump with a leap of 41-2 ½, setting a new personal record by an 1.5 inches.
Ceaser Stephens and Quindarrius Thompson also had successful days with Stephens placing sixth in the triple jump invitational and Thompson placing seventh in the regular. Thompson’s jump of 50-¾ keeps him firmly in fourth place in the SLC. Stephens moves into the conference’s top-spot after his indoor career-best jump of 51-8¼.
All-American senior sprinter Micah Larkins turned in a 21.51 in the men’s 200 meter run, good for 11th place out of 49 runners.
“The sprinters ran close to their PR’s but were not happy with their placing, and I like that. Coach Adam (Pennington) has all of them hungry for more and to never be satisfied with where they are now,” Heimerman said. “I am really pleased with where this team is heading. They are each other’s biggest supporters, and they push each other every day.”
The teams return to Baton Rouge next Friday for the LSU Twilight meet before heading to Birmingham for the Southland Conference Indoor Championships on Feb. 24 and 25.
If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
The Magnolia Minute
Natchitoches Parish Journal
magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com
318-354-4000 #6
NATCHITOCHES PARISH:
Vicky M Sanders
Arrangements TBA
Connie Ruth Burton-Lincoln
February 8, 2019
Arrangements TBA
Frances Armstrong McKenzie
February 7, 2019
Arrangements TBA
RAPIDES PARISH:
Marie Eva Betts
August 28, 1931 – February 6, 2019
Visitation: Sunday, February 10 from 4-8 pm and Monday, February 11 from 9 am – 1 pm at theJohn Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Monday, February 11 at 1 pm in the Chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Alexandria National Cemetery in Pineville
Dr. Warren Dale Joubert
February 27, 1955 – February 5, 2019
Service: Monday, February 11 at 10 am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church
Interment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Ville Platte
Visitation: Sunday, February 10 from 1-4 pm and Monday from 8:30-9:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
The Natchitoches Central JV Powerlifting team traveled to Buckeye Feb. 2 to compete in the Buckeye Powerlifting Invitational Meet. The meet provided an opportunity for up and coming lifters to get some experience on the platforms.
Bringing home medals for the Chiefs were:
Jayda White – 2nd Place
Olufunke Adeleye – 2nd Place
Heather Rathbun – 3rd Place
Olutumike Adeleye – 3rd Place
Kevin Sariale – 3rd Place
The Chiefs will travel next to Regionals in Marksville on March 23. Qualifiers from Regional will move onto the State Championship, which will be held in Alexandria on March 15.
Brian Metoyer and Erin Ledet spoke to the Natchitoches Jr. High School’s JAG Program in the month of January. They talked to students about self understanding and values. Values allow the students to think critically about things that they deem good, right and important to them. The guest speakers also opened and expanded students’ vocabulary in that they now understand the word value is not always used in terms of monetary items.
Brian Metoyer, a native of Natchitoches, was drafted in the MLB to the New York Mets. Metoyer spoke to the students about tenacity and setting and accomplishing goals. Erin Ledet, a recruiter for the Youth Challenge Program, discussed the importance of an education, academic excellence, and community involvement.
A Northwestern State University scientist who was selected for an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Grant utilized those funds to purchase a fluorescence spectroscopy instrument to support his research projects. Dr. Daniel Rivera-Vazquez, assistant professor in the School of Biological and Physical Sciences, directs a student research group that focuses on biosensors and water remediation, which both involve the creation and/or modification of nanomaterials.
Rivera-Vazquez is a material scientist with experience in the synthesis of nanoscale materials and characterizations using microscopy and spectroscopic techniques.
The spectroscopy instrument is being used to provide information regarding the identity and amount of samples based on its fluorescent properties. In materials science, it is used to provide an estimate of nanoparticle size and electronic properties, Rivera-Vazquez said.
“This instrument has a wide variety of applications,” he explained. “We will be using it to determine the presence of organic pollutants in water. Also, we will be using it to get an estimate of nanoparticle size. Other faculty will be using it for purposes that relate more closely to their respective research projects.
“In the case of biosensors, we are researching nanomaterials that can be tailored to detect specific biomarkers,” Rivera-Vazquez explained. “A biomarker is a molecule that appears at the onset of an event of biological importance, such as a stroke or cardiac injury. We are researching materials that are low-cost and at the same time highly effective. This is an important factor for us since we envision generating materials that will, in the long run, be scaled up to serve society.”
In other words, the research could eventually play a role in warning individuals they are at risk for stroke and/or heart attack. In some cases, biomarkers appear before the actual events, he said.
“At risk patients might benefit from at-home monitoring — similar to diabetic patients testing for glucose levels — of a biomarker of interest for their specific condition. We are envisioning something similar to the test strips used for monitoring glucose levels, applied to other processes in the body,” he said.
In the water remediation project, he is working to modify activated charcoal capable of removing a wide array of organic and inorganic materials from water. Activated charcoal modified with silver and copper nanoparticles acquires antimicrobial properties, Rivera-Vazquez said. He is researching questions regarding the modification of activated charcoal with a cost-effective material with high capabilities for water remediation.
“Water remediation is a term that can refer to the removal of undesired materials — waste, heavy metals, among other things — from sources of water,” he said. “The implications of this project are the development of cost-effective filters that can be used for the removal of microorganisms, as well as other pollutants from water sources. We are currently faced with an issue of providing clean water in many communities around the world, and hopefully the development of more efficient filters will contribute to addressing this issue.
“I am passionate about teaching in the classroom as well as the laboratory. I am currently working in the classroom teaching a wide range of courses in chemistry,” he said. Those courses range from first year chemistry to advanced undergraduate courses in physical chemistry and organic chemistry.
“My research interests focus on the synthesis of nanoscale materials for energy and biomedical applications. I worked on the synthesis of CaS nanostructures and studied its optical and electronic properties. This project led to the design of a low cost, fast, microwave assisted reaction which was patented in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. We also tested this material to study its effects on the replication rate of cancer cells. The results of this project have been submitted for publication in a peer reviewed journal,” Rivera Vazquez said.
The Social Science Research Council, with the support of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, awards Sloan Scholars Mentoring grants to Ph.D. alumni of the Sloan Minority Ph.D. Program. Grants are awarded in three categories that are designed to assist Sloan Scholar Ph.D.s in promoting their work through conference travel, seeking collaborative and learning opportunities to expand their skills as mentors and/or mentees and initiating projects that expand their research – all with the potential of helping those Ph.D.s become more established in their fields.
Since 1995, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has provided support for underrepresented minorities through its Minority Ph.D. and Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership programs, which aim to increase the diversity of higher education in STEM fields. In partnership with the Sloan Foundation, the Social Science Research Council developing the Sloan Scholars Mentoring Network serves the Sloan Scholar community through a strategic mix of professional development, mentoring and leadership training opportunities.
Information on NSU’s Department of Biological and Physical Sciences and degree programs offered is available at sciences.nsula.edu.