Two Northwestern State University intramural basketball teams won state championships at the recent Louisiana Collegiate Intramural-Recreational Sports Association State Championships for basketball and softball. A men’s basketball team and co-rec softball team from NSU finished as runners up.

The men’s open basketball team, R.U.T.S., defeated another NSU team, Juice Athletics, to win the title. The women’s open basketball team, Lady Gators, won the state title. BooWoo Crew, the co-rec softball team, was second in its category.

Members of the Lady Gators were Asia Davis, Jalissa Feagins, Akira Johnson, Harley Lisenby, Hayley Lisenby, Meya Morse, Savonya Robinson, Ebony Terry and Cheyenne Vander. Bobby Armstrong was the coach.

Members of R.U.T.S. were Kobe Ardoin, Armstrong, Eric Baker, Kolby Friday, Chayce Hurst, Michael Joseph, Tyler Paige and Blake Teekell. Shannon Jones was the coach and Jacob Guest was assistant coach.

Members of Juice Athletics were Tracy Wilridge, Kalen Meggs, Norman Meadors, Jacorrian Davis, Oliver Conday, David Holmes, J’haron Whitfield and Kevin Gipson.

The BooWoo Crew included Hogan Nealy, Taylor Trichel, Madison Alexander, Katie Carroll, Tyler Colston, Abram Cook, Cody Hamous, Marco Richard, Madison Rowland, Michael Thomas and Alanna Woodel.

LCIRSA is the governing body of recreation in the state of Louisiana. There were 48 basketball and softball teams from 13 universities.

The Northwestern State basketball program expanded its shooting range for the next two seasons on Monday with the signing of Trinity Valley Community College guard Jairus Roberson, who connected on 47 percent of his 3-pointers and made a school record 132 this past season.

Roberson, a 6-2 product of Desoto, Texas, was part of a 2016 Texas Class 6A state championship team in his junior season at Desoto High, and was key for TVCC’s 2019 Region 14 champions who reached the NJCAA Tournament Sweet 16 for the second time in his two years with the Cardinals.

His signing was announced Monday by veteran Demons’ coach Mike McConathy.

“Jairus is a record setting 3-point shooter who brings instant offense to our team. He possesses zip code range but is far from a one-dimensional player as he can handle the ball, make smart decisions and can find the open man as equally as he scores it,” said McConathy. “His stats overshadow the tenacity he shows on defense. His love for the game and gym rat mentality fits in well with our culture.”

Roberson averaged 14 points and 2.1 rebounds as a sophomore at Trinity Valley, sinking 132 of 281 behind the 3-point arc. He also made 79.7 percent (55-69) on the free throw line.

Along with single season and career (151) TVCC records for 3-pointers, he set the single-game mark with 13 and holds the school’s career 3-point shooting percentage record (45.2 percent, 151-334).

He was honorable mention All-Region 14 selection this year and made the All-Region 14 Tournament team.

“He has been a key contributor on championship teams at different levels and that reflects what a competitor he is,” said McConathy.

In his two years at TVCC, the Cardinals were 56-13. In his last two seasons of high school, the Eagles went 61-10.

Roberson’s father, Ken, was a college teammate at Louisiana Tech with Demons’ assistant coach Dave Simmons.

“Jairus demonstrates a strong work ethic and has developed a high skill level by working with his father Ken, his legendary high school coach, Chris Dyer, and his JUCO coaches, Guy Furr and Mark Leslie. He is no stranger to games in big venues with and against other Division I players,” said McConathy.

As a prep senior in 2016-17, Roberson averaged 19.3 points and shot 39 percent on 3-pointers, earning second-team All-District 7-6A honors. The Eagles went 25-8 on the heels of a 36-2 state title season a year earlier, when 2016 Duke signee Marques Bolden was the focal figure for Desoto.

Roberson is the second member of NSU’s 2019-20 signing class, which McConathy expects to expand soon. Last Wednesday, the Demons picked up 6-7, 215-pound forward Jamaure Gregg, an El Paso native who was a Cochise (Ariz.) College standout.

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The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27 aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

Sites are set up throughout communities nationwide so local residents can return their unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal. The Natchitoches site is located at the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office inside the Courthouse on Church Street.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Dorothy Mae Mitcham Dillard
March 01, 1932 – April 24, 2019
Service: Friday, April 26 at 2 pm at Calvary Baptist Church in Natchitoches
Interment: Calvary Baptist Cemetery

Barbara Lewis
April 25, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Louvenia Lewis
April 24, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Kimberly Hall Oas
July 21, 1956 – April 19, 2019
Service: Saturday, April 27 at 2 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches
Interment: American Cemetery

Charles Myles
April 22, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Frederick Lacy
April 05, 1967 – April 21, 2019
Service: Saturday, April 27 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum

Narvy Lewis
April 10, 2019|
Service: Saturday, April 27 at 11 am at the Rock Island Baptist Church
Interment: Mount Olive Baptist Church Cemetery off of Hwy. 6

SABINE PARISH:

Dr. Richard John Oosta, M.D.
August 30, 1928 – April 23, 2019
Visitation: Friday, April 26 at 9:30 am at First Baptist Church of Many
Service: Friday, April 26 at 11 am at First Baptist Church of Many
Interment: Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville

The Natchitoches Farmers Market is part of Ready, Set, Go: the City’s initiative to improve the health and wellness of residents through a three part plan. The market will SET up shop Saturdays from 8 am – 12 pm from April 27 – July 27. It will be located on the downtown riverbank from.

The Farmers Market offers $5 in free Kids Club Tokens each Saturday for the first 50 children ages 2-13. These tokens can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables! The market also accepts cash, credit, debit and SNAP.

“This market season is filled with adventure and healthy opportunities,” said Valerie Balthazar, Farmers Market Coordinator.

SCHEDULE:

April 27: “Metamorphosis at the Market”

Kids make healthy butterfly themed snacks
Kids plant milkweed seeds for growing plants that will attract butterflies
The Master Gardeners will be there
**4-H Day

May 4: “Walk to Remember”

Homemade butter and corn grinding
Kids make watermelon pops
**4-H Day

May 11: A “Berry” Special Mother’s Day

Kids make strawberry flowers and mugs for Mom for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day celebration and picture booth
Book Mobile
**4-H Day

May 18: “Get Physical at the Farmers Market”

· Herb Growing Demo by the Natchitoches Parish Master Gardeners

Kids make smoothies on Spin Bike

May 25: “Buzz Over for Breakfast Pancakes”

Pancake breakfast
Kids make fruit sandwiches
Bee demo by Natchitoches Bee Keepers Club
Book Mobile
**4-H Day

June 1: “Celebrate Rural Farmers Month”

Raw vegetable salad tasting
Kids participate in a Scavenger Hunt
First Responders and mascots will be present
Master Gardeners will be there
**4-H Day

June 8: “3rd Annual Corn Eating on the Cane”

Hot Corn Dip tasting
Kids make squirrel feeders
Kids participate in Corn Hole Games

June 15: “2nd Annual Battle of the Badges”

Cook-Off featuring the Natchitoches Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office and Police Department
Kids make presents for Dad
Dunking Booth
Book Mobile
**4-H Day

June 22: “Mini Makers at the Market”

Grilled Okra tasting
Mini Makers battling for the trophy
**4-H Day

June 29: “Red, White and Blueberries”

Fruit Kabobs tasting
Kids make patriotic hands on a canvas
Book Mobile

July 6: “Super Squash to the Rescue”

Farmers Market Mascot (Super Squash) in attendance
Grilled squash tasting
Kids make squash ducks
Master Gardeners will be there

July 13: “Amazing Veggie Race”

Zucchini noodles with pesto tasting
Kids participate in the Veggie Race
Book-Mobile

July 20: “Who Let the Dogs Out”

Fruit tasting
Kids will bring donations for the Humane Society
**4-H

July 27: “Splash into Summer”

Fruit Salad tasting
Kids will participate in squirt painting
Book Mobile

*Prop up your boots with old coots” every Saturday at the Old Coots & Good Advice tent! To participate contact Valerie Balthazar at 318-663-5190.

**4-H Days feature Natchitoches Parish 4-Hers who will man the Community Garden table, which features locally grown produce. A percentage of what these students sell will go back to their 4-H clubs for future programming.

For more information call (318) 663-5190

This project is funded through a Healthy Behaviors Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation. The Healthy Behaviors Program Grant funds projects which have a focus on healthy eating, active living, or prevention of tobacco use, substance or alcohol abuse. To learn more about grant funding from The Rapides Foundation, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org, and click on “Grants.”

The men and women of Natchitoches’ Westside Baptist Church held their second First Responder Appreciation Dinner Wednesday, April 24th at the church hall. The congregation served over 300 fried fish dinners with all the trimmings to hungry deputies, police officers, firefighters, corrections officers and paramedics. The event was put on by 50 volunteers from the congregation who cooked and served throughout the evening. A group of church members also shared their baking and cooking skills by ensuring each dinner was accompanied by a homemade dessert.

Westside Baptist pastor, Rev Steve McAlister, said “this is something we could do to show our appreciation for all the men and women who serve our community as first responders.”

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By Kevin Shannahan

The Cammie G, Henry Archives and Research Center at NSU needs our community’s help. This summer will mark the 50th anniversary of the 1969 “Summer of Love.” Assistant Archivist Sharon Wolff is planning an exhibition to mark the event.

The archive is looking for materials related to that era. The year of 1969 was an eventful one. Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. The Vietnam War was still raging and the Woodstock concert came to symbolize the era and made an indelible mark on popular culture. These are just a few of the events that made 1969 such a memorable year.

The archive is looking for any materials related to that timeframe for its exhibit. Posters, tickets, newspapers, and magazines. Any material from the summer of 1969 is welcome. Items relating to national, international and local events are sought. The materials will be on loan to the archive and will be returned to their owners after the exhibit’s conclusion. If you have any items to share, please contact asstant archivist Sharon Wolff at 318-357-4585.

After their last performances before competing at home in the Southland Conference Track and Field Championships May 3-5, Northwestern State senior standouts Micah Larkins and Kelsey Frank won Southland Athlete of the Week awards Wednesday.

Larkins, the Demons’ sensational sprinter, was voted Male Track Athlete of the Week in the Southland for the third time this outdoor season. Frank, who met a career goal in breaking a 20-year-old school record in the javelin, claimed conference Female Field Event Athlete of the Week honors. Both were winners last Saturday at the LSU Alumni Gold meet.

Larkins, a two-time relay All-American, earned the weekly distinction after running a wind-aided 10.10 (a wind reading of +2.8, 0.8 too high to be a school record) 100 meter dash to win the section A final. The Haughton High School product beat six professional runners in his victory, clocking the second-fastest time of his career behind a wind-aided 10.02 last year at the Texas Relays.

The Haughton High School product is tied for the fifth-fastest time in the nation and sits atop the Southland. Larkins’ time was the fifth-fastest wind-aided in school history, with the wind (over 2.0).

Frank, the Southland champion in 2017 before redshirting last year, went almost two feet past the Lady Demon record with her winning distance of 168-5. The Oberlin native ranks first in the conference by nearly 18 feet and is tied for 20th in the nation. The old school record of 166-9 was established by All-American Regina Roe in 1999.

Larkins also claimed the same award for his performances at the Prairie View A&M Relays and the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays on March 23 and 28. At Prairie View A&M he won the 100 (10.26) and was part of the winning 4×100 relay team (40.14). He repeated as athlete of the week after winning the 100 in Austin, Texas the following week with his previous season-best 10.11 (+2.9).

Both decorated seniors will try to win a title on their home turf May 3-5 at the Walter P. Ledet Track Complex as NSU hosts the 2019 Southland Conference Outdoor Championships.

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The West Central La team for Operation Christmas Child had their first team meeting for 2019. Beth Martin, area coordinator, gave a praise report for the 2018 results. The West Central La Team (Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, and Winn Parish) collected 14,333 shoeboxes in 2018. This commitment made by churches, groups, organizations, schools, individuals and community is making the following possible:

* 14,333 lost children are hearing about Jesus’ love for them

* 14,333 lost children are being given the opportunity to accept Jesus as their personal Savior.

* 14,333 families are hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ. (Each shoebox impacts an average of 10 people)

* Thousands will be added to the Kingdom of God

*Shoeboxes are going where missionaries cannot and reaching people untouched by the Gospel.

*Joy, hope, and eternal life are being offered to needy children in desperate situations

*Churches are being started

Your West Central Year-Round-Volunteers have already been praying, meeting, and planning for shoebox collections in 2019. The goal for WCLA in 2019 is 15,000 Shoeboxes. Several area OCC events are being planned such as a Full Circle Speaker, Prayer Events, Project Leader Workshops, and a Kickoff event. Information will be made available before each event. Your continued partnership with Operation Christmas Child is vital to demonstrating Jesus’ love in a tangible manner to hurting children and their families around the world.

For more information about this ministry call the Collection Center Coordinator, Brenda Ingram at 318-471-9415

Pictured above, sitting from left, are Cienna Thompson, Cherry Wells, Tonia Cates, and Helen Antilley. Standing are Freida Berry, Jack Ingram, DeWayne Martin, Jeanine Ford, Susan Longino, Brenda Ingram, Virginia Crossno, Beth Martin and Sharon Ebarb.

BOM is a proud sponsor of the Natchitoches Magnet School’s Softball Team. Pictured are BOM’s Washington Street Branch Manager and Lender Tiffany Woods, as they present BOM’s sponsorship check to Head coach, Susan Robinson.

The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will perform its final concert of the 2018-19 season on Tuesday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Tickets are $10. NSU, BPCC@NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts students are admitted free with a current I.D.

Dr. Douglas Bakenhus is music director of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra. Juan Pablo Paternina Paez is the graduate assistant conductor. The concert will feature winners of the 2019 Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Concerto Contest, Ramon Barralaga and Shihaun Wang on piano and Emily Owens on violin.

As part of the concert, James Ford, Richard Jennings and Shirley Jennings will be formally inducted into the School of Creative and Performing Arts Hall of Fame.

The program will include “On Top of the World” by Brian Balmages, the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto” featuring Owens, the first movement of C. Saint-Saens’ “Piano Concerto No. 2” featuring Wang, the third movement of “Piano Concerto No. 1” by Tchaikovsky featuring Barralaga and “Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber” by Paul Hindemith.

Barralaga began his musical studies in 2008 at the School of Music Victoriano Lopez in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. He enrolled at NSU in 2016. That year, he won the NSU Concerto Competition and performed the Grieg “Piano Concerto” with the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony. Last year, Barralaga received an honorable mention at the MTNA Louisiana State Competition. He serves as a piano teacher at the NSU Music Academy. Barralaga is a student of Associate Professor of Piano Dr. Francis Yang.

Owens received a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Baylor University, performing in the Baylor Symphony and Waco Symphony. She is assistant concertmaster in the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony. Owens won the state division of the MTNA Young Artists Solo Competition. She won the Rapides Young Artists Competition earlier this year and performed with the Rapides Symphony playing the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto.” Owens is a student of Professor of Violin and Viola Andrej Kurti and is working toward a Master of Music Performance degree at NSU.

Wang, a native of China, earned her bachelor’s degree at Guangxi Normal University. She won second prize in the Chinese Works category in the Macau-Asian Pacific Youth Piano Competition and first prize in the Yamaha Music Scholarship Competition in China. She is working toward a master’s degree at Northwestern State and is a student of Yang.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Clarence DeWitt Booty
October 20, 1940 – April 22, 2019
Service: Thursday, April 25 at 10 am at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Natchitoches
Interment: Springville Cemetery in Coushatta

Kimberly Hall Oas
July 21, 1956 – April 19, 2019
Service: Saturday, April 27 at 2 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches
Interment: American Cemetery

Charles Myles
April 22, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Frederick Lacy
April 05, 1967 – April 21, 2019
Service: Saturday, April 27 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum

Narvy Lewis
April 10, 2019
Service: Saturday, April 27 at 11 am at the Rock Island Baptist Church
Interment: Mount Olive Baptist Church Cemetery off of Hwy. 6

SABINE PARISH:

Dr. Richard John Oosta, M.D.
August 30, 1928 – April 23, 2019
Visitation: Friday, April 26 at 9:30 am at First Baptist Church of Many
Service: Friday, April 26 at 11 am at First Baptist Church of Many
Interment: Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville

Betty Mae Powell
April 1, 1935 – April 23, 2019
Service: Thursday, April 25 at 10 am at Cedar Grove Cemetery

Joseph Martin Wallace
December 19, 1944 – April 19, 2019
Service: Thursday, April 25 at 11 am at Fellowship Baptist Church in Oak Grove Community
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery in Converse

I’m Lee Waskom and I am announcing my candidacy for the office of Parish President in Natchitoches Parish.

My family moved to Natchitoches in 1964 when I was 11 months old. Having grown up on a farm raising 35 head of cattle, I learned the value of hard work at a young age. My summers were spent baling hay. I lived on my family’s farm on Fish Hatchery Road for 31 years.

I attended school in Natchitoches, graduating in 1982 from Natchitoches Central High. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Northwestern State University in 1986. I am married to Ginny Fontenot Waskom and we have 3 children and three grandchildren. We attend Westside Baptist Church.

As a successful businessman, I have supported the local economy by creating and maintaining thousands of jobs over the last 35 years. From 1987-2010, I was President and owner of the Campus Corner Bookstores in Natchitoches, with other locations in Shreveport, and Monroe. Because of business market changes in the Textbook industry, I shifted my business focus to property management, property development and investment opportunities. In October 2012, I ventured into the restaurant business through ownership in Smoothie King and, later, Dickey’s Barbecue Pits in Natchitoches and Lafayette.

My active participation in charitable, community and service organizations has given me the opportunity to understand the people of Natchitoches Parish, their needs and concerns. I also served a two-year term as President of the NSU Foundation. As a member of the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club, I was on the Board of Directors for nine years and Treasurer for five. Presently, I am on the Board of Directors of the HDBA serving as Treasurer and I’m a member of the Natchitoches Rotary Club.

I want to use my financial success to create a pathway to solve the issues this Parish is facing. As Parish President, it will be my goal to work within the current budget structure to ensure we meet the needs of the parish citizens through infrastructure improvement and business development.

BETTER ROADS AHEAD!!

WEBSITE:

https://www.leewaskomparishpresident.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

https://www.facebook.com/LeeWaskomParishPresident/

By Kris James

Although he may be a resident of Natchitoches, Mario Fox is no average Joe. After leaving at the age of 19 and joining the Army, Fox obtained his realtor license while in Washington, DC and strived for success. After 10 years he moved back Natchitoches and is now the assistant broker at the ever-growing Rhodes Realty. But Mario’s knowledge of Real Estate wasn’t the only thing he picked up. He learned that the first impression you leave is important and a lot of it has to do with how you dress. Mario is a firm believer of “dress how you would want the world to see you.”

“Nobody going to buy a million dollar home from you if you don’t look the part,” he said.

Anyone that’s gotten the chance to meet Mario, knows he knows how to wear a suit. I had the pleasure of sitting down with him on a good Friday morning to discuss why style is important and how to create dapper looks in the workplace. Even that morning he greeted me in a custom “Obama blue” suit, a crisp white button-down and a knitted turquoise tie (SEE IMAGES BELOW).

KJ: Everyone doesn’t know how to wear a suit, and look good wearing one. How did you get introduced into the art of suit-wearing?

MF: My first four suits came for Burlington, that my wife purchased for me. I got them tailored and started creating my look, but it wasn’t until one of my mentors told me “Fox you gotta get some better suits.” People who wear nice suits can tell a good suit just by quality. I couldn’t afford it at that moment so I continued to sell real estate until I could buy my first custom suit. At that point, I saw the difference of the texture and quality and I never looked back.

KJ: What are some details you should look for when getting a nice suit?

MF: You should always make sure your jacket fits you. You don’t want it too tight but never big and boxy. Custom suit jackets have functional buttons, even small details in the treading. Pants are your preference, I personally don’t like the highwater look.

KJ: What’s your favorite add on?

MF: I put a lot of energy in ties. I don’t think a lot of business people realize how important a tie is. Everything from the color to the pattern on the tie. For me, I know every situation is different. If I’m headed to a meeting I wear bold dominating colors. Not just the color but the knot is important too, for example, the Windsor knot is more aggressive, but the prince fox knot, which I named after myself, is fun and modern.

KJ: Last question, What are 5 tips everyone should know

MF: 1. Dress according to the seasons, velvet or corduroy do not work in the warm seasons.

2. Every man should have a suit in their closet.

3. Don’t overdo it. Keep it simple and classic. There are ways to look good without doing too much.

4. If you can’t afford custom suits find a good tailor.

5. Last but not least, find your own style and be true to who you are.

For someone so, young Mario has proven that no matter where you come from you too can succeed. Different situations could have taken him down a different path but he wanted more. He wanted to move not just for his wife and kids but for his community.

“Dress the way you want to be acknowledged” – Mario Fox

The Early Childhood Information and Registration Day will be held at the Natchitoches Event Center on Thursday, May 2 from 4:30-6:30 pm. This event is for all families of children Birth-Age 4. Representatives from Childcare Centers, Head Start, and Pre-Kindergarten Programs will be available to discuss enrollment and registration opportunities for children. Programs will provide information for families regarding hours of operation, rates, meal programs, CCAP, tax credit opportunities and educational curricula. To register your child in an Early Childhood Program, please bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate, proof of income, and proof of residency and immunization record. Representatives from other community agencies will also be in attendance to share information about the resources they can provide for you and your children. Don’t miss out!

For more information, call 352-2358 or go online to www.teachingtomorrownow.com. This event is sponsored by Natchitoches Parish Early Childhood Network.

Led by Rhea Verma’s first team All-Southland Conference selection at No. 3 singles, four members of the Northwestern State Lady Demons tennis team earned all-conference honors announced Tuesday.

The other first team nod for NSU went to Judit Castillo Gargallo and Emilija Dancetovic at No. 3 doubles. Ela Iwaniuk and Castillo Gargallo were both recognized with second team singles honors at No. 5 and 6, respectively.

Voting was done by the head coaches and sports information contacts at the 12 Southland institutions that compete in women’s tennis. NSU, Sam Houston State and Central Arkansas led the league, each with four players honored.

“We are very proud of our Lady Demons who received all-conference honors,” head coach Patric DuBois said. “We always play for our team first as Lady Demons, and in the end, a good team will usually have players honored for individual accolades.

“We’re proud to have Rhea, Ela, Judit and Ema representing NSU on these all-Southland teams.”

Verma was a force for the Lady Demons in the middle of the rotation, going 11-0 in Southland competition, one of only two players in the conference to go through the entire conference season unscathed, with Abilene Christian’s Allison Stewart being the other. The redshirt freshman became the first Lady Demon to finish unbeaten in conference play at singles since Natalya Krutova in 2015.

The Toronto native went 8-0 at No. 3 and moved up to No. 2 for the final three matches, where she remained perfect. Her 16-4 overall mark is tied for the best record on the team.

Castillo Gargallo and Dancetovic, both juniors, were a powerful duo at the bottom of the doubles rotation for NSU. The pairing went 5-2 in conference play, and 13-3 overall. The selection gives the Lady Demons at least one duo with a first team All-Southland honor for the ninth time in the past 11 years.

Iwaniuk’s sparkling 10-1 conference mark did not go unnoticed, as the junior was named second team All-Southland at No. 5. It is her second all-conference selection in as many years, after being named first team last season at No. 4. In conference action in her two years with the Lady Demons, Iwaniuk is an impressive 19-3.

The Konarskie, Poland, native is tied with Verma with a team-best record at 16-4, and is 12-1 at the No. 5 spot in the rotation. All 10 of the matches won by Iwaniuk in conference play were won in straight sets, and in only three of the 20 sets she allowed her opponent to claim four games.

Castillo Gargallo followed up her second team All-Southland selection in 2018 with another one in 2019. At No. 6 singles, she was 6-2, including an impressive victory against Ileana Mocciola of ACU, who was named first team All-Conference at No. 5.

She was third on the team with a 14-4 record, including 11-3 at the No. 6 spot.

NSU, the second seed, begins its trek for its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2015 when the Lady Demons play No. 7 New Orleans in the Southland Conference Tournament at 10 a.m. on Thursday in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Sam Houston State’s Sahaja Yamalapalli won Southland Player of the Year honors. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi sophomore Kei Kato took the Newcomer of the Year award, while Chunxi Xin of Central Arkansas was the Freshman of the Year and Abilene Christian’s John Walker was voted Coach of the Year. ACU won the regular season and is the top seed in the tournament.

Mark your calendars for our Natchitoches Farmers Market starting April 27. For the 2019 market, there’s lots of new vendors and programming and unique demonstrations to take part in. Visit the booths, listen to live music, enjoy food and drinks and learn by participating in activities and demonstrations.

The Natchitoches Farmers Market is part of Ready, Set, Go: the City’s initiative to improve the health and wellness of residents through a three part plan. The market will SET up shop Saturdays from 8 AM – 12 PM from April 27 – July 27. It will be located on the downtown riverbank.

The Farmers Market offers $5 in free Kids Club Tokens each Saturday for the first 50 children ages 2-13. These tokens can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables! The market also accepts cash, credit, debit, and SNAP.

“This market season is filled with adventure and healthy opportunities,” said Valerie Balthazar, Farmers Market Coordinator.

SCHEDULE:

April 27: “Metamorphosis at the Market”

• Kids make healthy butterfly themed snacks
• Kids plant milkweed seeds for growing plants that will attract butterflies
• The Master Gardeners will be there
• **4-H Day

May 4: “Walk to Remember”

• Homemade butter and corn grinding
• Kids make watermelon pops
• **4-H Day

May 11: A “Berry” Special Mother’s Day

• Kids make strawberry flowers and mugs for Mom for Mother’s Day
• Mother’s Day celebration and picture booth
• Book Mobile
• **4-H Day

May 18: “Get Physical at the Farmers Market”

• Herb Growing Demo by the Natchitoches Parish Master Gardeners

• Kids make smoothies on Spin Bike

May 25: “Buzz Over for Breakfast Pancakes”

• Pancake breakfast
• Kids make fruit sandwiches
• Bee demo by Natchitoches Bee Keepers Club
• Book Mobile
• **4-H Day

June 1: “Celebrate Rural Farmers Month”

• Raw vegetable salad tasting
• Kids participate in a Scavenger Hunt
• First Responders and mascots will be present
• Master Gardeners will be there
• **4-H Day

June 8: “3^rd Annual Corn Eating on the Cane”

• Hot Corn Dip tasting
• Kids make squirrel feeders
• Kids participate in Corn Hole Games

June 15: “2^nd Annual Battle of the Badges”

• Cook-Off featuring the Natchitoches Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office and Police Department
• Kids make presents for Dad
• Dunking Booth
• Book Mobile
• **4-H Day

June 22: “Mini Makers at the Market”

• Grilled Okra tasting
• Mini Makers battling for the trophy
• **4-H Day

June 29: “Red, White and Blueberries”

• Fruit Kabobs tasting
• Kids make patriotic hands on a canvas
• Book Mobile

July 6: “Super Squash to the Rescue”

• Farmers Market Mascot (Super Squash) in attendance
• Grilled squash tasting
• Kids make squash ducks
• Master Gardeners will be there

July 13: “Amazing Veggie Race”

• Zucchini noodles with pesto tasting
• Kids participate in the Veggie Race
• Book-Mobile

July 20: “Who Let the Dogs Out”

• Fruit tasting
• Kids will bring donations for the Humane Society
• **4-H

July 27: “Splash into Summer”

• Fruit Salad tasting
• Kids will participate in squirt painting
• Book Mobile

*Prop up your boots with old coots” every Saturday at the Old Coots & Good Advice tent!  To participate contact Valerie Balthazar at 318-663-5190.

**4-H Days feature Natchitoches Parish 4-Hers who will man the Community Garden table, which features locally grown produce. A percentage of what these students sell will go back to their 4-H clubs for future programming.

For more information call (318) 663-5190.

This project is funded through a Healthy Behaviors Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation. The Healthy Behaviors Program Grant funds projects which have a focus on healthy eating, active living, or prevention of tobacco use, substance or alcohol abuse. To learn more about grant funding from The Rapides Foundation, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org, and click on “Grants.”