NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Wanda Thomas Bynog
March 06, 1951 – May 07, 2019
Visitation: Friday, May 10 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 11 at 11 am at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Internment: L. C. Weaver Memorial (United Baptist Church) Cemetery

Catherine Nelken Bienvenu Henry
November 07, 1926 – October 09, 2018
A Celebration of Catherine’s Life will take place for family and friends on Saturday, May 18 at 4 pm at Merci Beaucoup in Natchitoches

George Hugh Grayson
February 19, 1933 – May 06, 2019
Service: Thursday, May 9 at 10 a.m. at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery

Frankie Brown
May 05, 2019
Arrangements TBA

RAPIDES PARISH:

Alice Faye Barton
November 13, 1939 – May 6, 2019
Visitation: Thursday, May 9 from 10 am – 2 pm at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Thursday, May 9 at 2 pm in the chapel of theJohn Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

SABINE PARISH:

Cynthia Mitchell Barrois
November 5, 1968 – May 6, 2019
Service: Thursday, May 9 at 3 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Warren Cemetery

This is a message from Dale Skinner, Superintendent of Natchitoches Parish Schools. Due to current flooding conditions, all Natchitoches Parish Schools will be closed today.  All schools will be open on Friday, May 10, 2019 unless you are notified of a closure. 

The NSU Student Union Ballroom was filled with the best and brightest Seniors that Natchitoches Parish has to offer Tuesday night, May 7 at the Elite Scholars Banquet. They gathered to be honored by the A+ Coalition and each high school in Natchitoches Parish was well represented. Chamber of Commerce President Laura Lyles served as the hostess for the night and introduced local dignitaries as well as the Keynote Speaker.

Natchitoches Parish School Board Superintendent Dale Skinner was on hand to lead the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. School board members Rhonda Guidroz, Beverly Broadway, Tan’kia Palmer, and Reba Phelps were also present.

Mayor Lee Posey welcomed the crowd and wore his purple Northwestern State University tie to possibly persuade the young crowd to make Natchitoches and NSU their home.

Spencer Kiper, the Louisiana Teacher of the Year for 2019, addressed the young crowd with his engaging presentation called, “All progress. No perfection.” He shared his story that encompassed all of his reasons for becoming a teacher. He encouraged the crowd to pack well for their future journey.

Fifty-three children from Lakeview High School, St.Mary’s High School, Natchitoches Central High School and the Louisiana School for Math, Science and Arts all walked away with a $100 scholarship.

The largest scholarship awarded that night went to a NCHS student, Ravin Terry. Terry was selected to win a $1,000 scholarship based on her essay where she wrote about being a first generation college student in her family and her hopes of becoming a doctor so her family can live above a comfortable standard.

Two surprise $500 scholarships were awarded to two students after they won a lively random balloon popping contest.

Closing remarks were offered by NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio.

“This event fills my heart with joy,” said Lyles. “Recognizing these students for their achievements in front of their parents, our school officials, and our business community epitomizes the culture of collaboration that the Chamber of Commerce and the A+ Coalition strives to achieve every day.”

This is the second annual elite scholarship banquet and the A+ Coalition plans to build on this success year after year. The Coalition is supported by area businesses and educators who all have one goal in common, the education of our children.

Public Notice:

Current forecasted predictions show potentially heavy rain for our area. With Hampton gates closed a heavy rainfall event could apply a lot of pressure on Cane River Lake. It is important that you monitor your property closely.

The lake historically can rise very quickly with heavy rainfall events. The current lake level is 98.4 MSL. The lake closes at 99.0 MSL (Flood Stage)

Visit the Commissions web site at www.caneriverwaterway.com for up to date information and water levels. (On the home page at the top click news, drop down box click press releases, scroll down and click on lake status) or contact Betty Fuller 318-617-3235 cell.

Making decisions should be based on information from the National Weather Service, Governmental Agencies, and your knowledge.

Thanks,
Betty Fuller
Commission Administrator

By Kris James

Stylers, I’m sure a few of you are just like me. We love shoes but hate buying them every season. This is mostly because I don’t know if I’ll feel the same way about the shoes next year, or even next month. Trends used to come per season, but now they’re moving so fast I can hardly keep up. I like to choose my shoes like how I would choose my friends. I know, one may never think to associate shoes with friends right? In reality, really good friends are like a great pair of shoes. Once you find the perfect pair you never want to let go. You work extra hard to keep them in good shape. Personally, I love my Calvin Klein rain boots. These are the only shoes I keep in the original box.

Last year I started my journey as a minimalist, not necessarily giving up all my clothes but investing more into the essential items I need. In this process, I realized I didn’t have any shoes I wanted to give away. I had already started purchasing timeless shoes. Most of my shoes are more than 5 years old, but because I spent a little more on quality they’re holding up longer.

“Why buy 10 cheap pairs of loafers when it’s better to invest in one great timeless pair,” I was thinking. This is a life lesson I use: “quality over quantity.” Like shoes some people are seasonal and some friendships are just like some of our favorite trends. Of course we love them and rely on them but eventually, they serve their purpose. Nothing is wrong with that. Just realize when they fade out, it’s time to let them go.

True friendship is like the Gucci Horsebit leather loafers. No matter how many seasons come and go they’re never going anywhere. A lot of us love wearing a specific brand of shoes and that’s because they give us this feeling of security and comfort. We all know, no matter how many times Nike releases the same Jordans, people will continue to buy them. It’s not about the shoe itself. It’s about the connection and the investment the shoe has with us. We rely on these brands just as we rely on people. With the right pair of shoes, you can elevate any outfit. By looking good you feel confident and great about being the best YOU. So if your shoes make you feel like that, why shouldn’t your friends too.

I have narrowed down 10 timeless classics that will continue to evolve with you in an ever-changing world. Just like the right friendships will never go out of style. Don’t worry I didn’t forget about my male readers.

Not every friendship is like a classic pump. Some are platforms and some go out of style, but they always come back when we least expect them. Doesn’t make them less epic.

“There are two things you can never have too many of, good friends and good shoes.”  – unknown

The National Weather Service (NWS) recognized Northwestern State University as StormReady® Tuesday and named Health and Environmental Safety Officer Julie Powell an Ambassador with the Weather Ready Nation through the NWS.

“NSU is concerned with the safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors. One way we assist in promoting safety is by becoming a StormReady University,” said Marcus Jones, executive vice president for University and Business Affairs. “In the event of severe weather, EHS Officer Julie Powell will work with the National Weather Service for early detection and early notification.”

Earlier this year, 15 faculty/staff members toured the National Weather Service facility to get an idea of how severe weather is identified and broadcast. NSU personnel participate in a weekly weather briefing performed by the NWS.

“When conditions warrant, we share information via Facebook/NSU Student Concerns and Purple Alert,” Jones said. “Additionally, we will host a National Weather Service Skywarn class this summer for the Natchitoches community and surrounding areas. Everyone is invited to attend, including students.”

“Northcentral Louisiana experiences very active severe weather episodes throughout the year,” said Charlie Woodrum, Warning Coordination Meteorologist of the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Shreveport. “Due to our geographic location, potentially deadly weather could impact Northwestern State University and Natchitoches Parish on any given day. In order to prepare for severe weather and keep its citizens safe, university staff members partnered with the NWS to meet the criteria required by the StormReady® program.”

Woodrum and Senior Meteorologist Jason Hansford presented the university with a recognition letter and a special StormReady® sign during a ceremony Tuesday

The nationwide StormReady® community preparedness program uses a grassroots approach to help communities develop plans to handle local severe weather and flooding threats. The program is voluntary and provides communities with clear-cut advice from their local NWS forecast office as well as state and local emergency managers. StormReady® communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through better planning, education, and awareness. No community is storm proof, but StormReady® can help communities save lives.

To be recognized as StormReady®, a community or university must establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center; have more than one way to receive severe weather forecasts and warnings and to alert the public; create a system that monitors local weather conditions; promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars; and develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

“Today, there are more than 3,000 StormReady® communities,” Hansford said. “Northwestern State University joins the ranks of over 250 universities across the nation that have achieved StormReady® status, and only the third university in the state of Louisiana.”

Hansford added “The program is designed to help StormReady® communities improve communication and safety skills needed to save lives — before, during and after a severe weather event. The establishment of StormReady® universities are vital given the recent EF-3 tornado which tore through Louisiana Tech University in Ruston during the early morning hours of April 25.”

The StormReady® recognition will expire in three years, before which the university will go through a renewal process.

The NWS is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. It operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. Visit us online at weather.gov and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NWS.

StormReady® is a registered trademark used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Pictured above: Northwestern State University has been named StormReady by the National Weather Service and the Health and Environmental Safety Officer an Ambassador with the Weather Ready Nation. From left are Marcus Jones, executive vice president for University and Business Affairs; Chelsea Eddington, assistant to the EHS officer; Jason Hansford, senior meteorologist, and EHS Officer Julie Powell.

George Hugh Grayson
February 19, 1933 – May 06, 2019

A Mass of Christian Burial honoring George Hugh Grayson will be held Thursday, May 9 at 10 a.m. at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will be in Memory Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 8 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home.

George Hugh Grayson, of Natchitoches, passed away May 6, 2019, at the age of 86.

George was born on February 19, 1933, in Natchitoches. He was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church – where he was christened, celebrated his First Communion, served as an altar boy, graduated high school and married Merry Jo O’Quinn on January 19, 1957.

He grew up on a Natchitoches dairy farm, where he would spend his mornings milking the family’s cows and delivering the milk before school. In his teenage years, he was a projectionist at the Cane Theatre and the Bijou Theater. After graduating from St. Mary’s School in 1951, George worked at People’s Bank before serving in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. His military service took him overseas to a station in France. He also worked briefly for Exchange Bank and the U.S. Post Office.

He moved to Opelousas with his family in 1961 and worked for American Bank until 1965 when he returned home to go into business with his father. He joined O.O. Grayson, who opened Grayson’s BBQ in 1959 on the Winnfield Highway. George moved the business to its current location in Clarence. He worked tirelessly at his business which became known for its hams and homemade buns, which he helped make daily. Every holiday season, hundreds of hams are shipped to customers all over the country.

He enjoyed camping, NASCAR, sports, working in his yard, and fire. He also enjoyed having newspaper articles laminated for family and friends. He almost always carried a rock in his pocket.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Merry Jo O’Quinn Grayson; his seven children, George Hugh Grayson, Jr., and his wife Kim, of Mandeville; Adrian O’Quinn “Bo” Grayson and his fiancée Nancy James, of Natchitoches; Joseph Paul Grayson and his wife Sue, of Natchitoches; Bryan Eldredge Grayson of Natchitoches; Gregory Overton Grayson and his wife Angie, of Natchitoches; Emmie Lou Grayson Wanner and her husband Jeffery, of Covington; Jonathan David Grayson and his wife Jamie, of Raceland; his grandchildren, Justin O’Quinn Grayson and his wife Paige, of Montgomery; Mary Elizabeth Grayson Nielsen and her husband Bradley, of Dallas; Jordan Wade Wanner and his wife Briana, of Bogalusa; David Paul Grayson and his wife Sadie, of Dallas; Adrian Kennon Grayson of Natchitoches; Heather Corynne Grayson of Austin; Nicholas Hugh Grayson of Mandeville; Miles Ollie Grayson and Finn Niles Grayson of Raceland; his great-grandchildren, Jackson Timothy O’Quinn Grayson and Jameson Tye Grayson of Montgomery; Adrian Oliver Grayson of Natchitoches; Georgia Hickman Grayson of Dallas; and Bradley Maxwell Nielsen, Jr., of Dallas; Justin and Paige’s extended family, Lexie Wilson, Kaden Goodling and Lane Goodling of Montgomery; his sister Billie Rae Vercher of Natchitoches and his brother John Overton Grayson of Natchitoches; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Angela Gillen Grayson and Ollie Overton Grayson, and his sisters, Betty Ann Grayson Jones, and Judith Grayson Broadwater.

Pallbearers will be David Grayson, Justin Grayson, Kennon Grayson, Nicholas Grayson, Bradley Nielsen, and Jeffery Wanner. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary DeBlieux, David O’Quinn, Louis O’Quinn, Mike Pierce, Miles Grayson, and Finn Grayson.

Special thanks to Dr. Rajat Gulati of Alexandria and Dr. Kathleen Kautz of Natchitoches for their compassionate medical care. Additionally, the family extends their deep and heartfelt gratitude to Glenda and Steve Hendrix for their support over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, National Headquarters, 375 Kings Highway North, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034.

BOM is a LOVE sponsor of the Kasey Joelle Memorial Fund. Our donation will go towards scholarships for physically handicapped campers who will be starting college this fall. In the photo from left to right: Wayne Ragan, Sarah Giannone, Tina Ragan, and Katrice Below.

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

A group of 31 talented young men and women from East Natchitoches, Natchitoches Magnet, NSU Elementary Lab, Weaver and Natchitoches Junior High displayed an impressive range of musical, dramatic and artistic abilities in the East Natchitoches School of Fine Arts Spring Talent Celebration Tuesday, May 7. The event was held in the school’s gym before a capacity crowd of family and supporters from the community. Natchitoches Parish School Board Members Steve Harris, Emile Metoyer and Reba Phelps came to show their support and enjoy the show. The students sang, danced, played instruments, painted and performed dramatic pieces.

The performers were from The East Natchitoches Academy of Fine Arts, a truly remarkable collaborative effort between the school, NSU and the larger community in which any student in Natchitoches parish may receive expert instruction in the different areas of music, art and drama at an extremely modest price. The instructors come from the community and the NSU School of Creative and Performing Arts. Each of them is superbly accomplished in his or her area of instruction. There are talented children in every school in our community. Finding, nurturing and developing their abilities and talents is a moral obligation on all of us. The talent show was an absolute joy to watch. Well done ladies and gentlemen!

By Matt Vines, Assistant Director of Communications

Northwestern State placed three players on the All-Southland Conference teams, the league announced Tuesday.

Second baseman Cayla Jones made her second appearance on the all-conference list, while utility player E.C. Delafield and outfielder Elise Vincent are making their first appearances on the postseason honor list.

Delafield made the first team at utility after excelling at the plate and in the circle.

The Stonewall native is 9-3 as a pitcher with seven of those wins coming in SLC play. Delafield has a 2.58 ERA overall with wins at regular season champion Sam Houston State, at McNeese, at Lamar and at Southeastern.

At the plate, Delafield produced the majority of her 17 RBIs and all four home runs in conference play.

Jones, a second-team third baseman, ranked in the top 11 in the league in eight different offensive categories. The sophomore led her team with a .333 batting average, 40 runs scored, 31 RBIs, 11 doubles, eight home runs and 31 walks drawn.

Vincent, a third-team outfielder, surged midseason to claim the starting right field position and had an outstanding conference slate.

The junior hit .296 overall and .316 in conference play, moving to the top of the batting order for the past six games.

The Maurice native had one of the best stolen base percentages in the league, going 18-for-21.

NSU has placed three or more players on the all-conference teams for the sixth time in seven seasons.

The No. 6 seed Lady Demons (28-25) will begin Southland Conference Tournament play today against No. 7 seed Lamar (23-33) at 1:30 p.m. at Lady Demon Diamond.

The contest is single elimination with the winner playing No. 3 seed McNeese (28-28) at 6:30 p.m.

Jones is a special blend of power, speed and consistency … ranks in the top 11 in eight major offensive categories entering final weekend …runs scored, on-base percentage and home runs are in top six SLC … Southland Conference Hitter of Week (April 1) with 10 RBIs on six hits in four games … provided tying run against Grambling in eventual win before a grand slam and two-run double helped NSU to pair of wins vs. Southeastern in a sweep … homered at SHSU to help NSU take 2 of 3 on road … homered at Arkansas, vs. HBU, Southeastern (twice) and La. Tech … 12 multi-hit games, including a four-hitter vs. Nevada … nine multi-RBI games.

Vincent excelled at turning over the lineup after becoming a full-time starter in the No. 9 hole just before midseason, but she took hold of the leadoff role for the final six games of the season … all told, she hit .316 in conference play and .296 overall (98 at-bats total) … Elise is an above average glove in right field … speedster is tied for 11th in steals (18) and has one of the best stolen base percentages (18-of-21) … had two RBI to help NSU clinch the series against UCA in the final weekend.

Delafield made impacts in the circle and at the plate, particularly in SLC play … As a pitcher, she’s 9-3 as a pitcher with a 2.58 ERA … seven of those wins came in SLC play, including at SHSU, at McNeese, at Lamar and against Southeastern … in SLC-only games, she’s 7-2 with a 2.81 ERA … offensively, she became the full-time DP near the start of conference play with most offensive stats coming vs. the SLC … 13 of her 16 RBIs, 13 of her 19 runs scored and all four home runs have come in league play.

Northwestern State University’s School of Biological and Physical Sciences named Room 217 in Bienvenu Hall for Dr. Jack Pace who taught many classes there during his long tenure at NSU.

Dr. Pace’s widow Bonnie Pace thanked the friends and family who gathered to recognize the Dr. Jack Pace Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory May 6 and talked about his impact on campus and in the community. Friends contributed to the Jack W. Pace Memorial Endowed Scholarship to the extent that its inaugural recipient was recognized. She is Sarah Sargent of Lake Charles, a biology major with a concentration in natural science.

“He was a true servant to the university,” said Dr. Francene Lemoine, director of the School. “He taught thousands – probably tens of thousands – of students and many of us were touched by the impact that he had.”

Pace was a member of the Northwestern State faculty for 41 years where he taught animal science and preparatory classes for the nursing curriculum, served as head of the Department of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and was advisor to the Rodeo Team and NSU Vet Tech committee. Through many years of teaching at NSU, he touched the lives and inspired hundreds of his students. He passed away Aug. 3, 2018.

Pictured above: Friends of the late Dr. Jack Pace gathered for the naming of the Dr. Jack Pace Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory in Room 217 of Bienvenu Hall, where Dr. Pace taught thousands of students over the years. From left are Dr. Francene Lemoine, director of the School of Biological and Physical Sciences, NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio, Bonnie Pace, Camden Pace and Wes Pace.

The Hagewood Water System has experienced problems with our water supply system.• A Mechanical Malfunction
Therefore, as a precaution, the Hagewood Water System is issuing a BOIL ADVISORY effective immediately. This BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by the Hagewood Water System.

It is recommended that all customers disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:

Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one-minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle, pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.

The Hagewood Water System will rescind this Boil Advisory upon notification from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals – Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our water supply system have shown our water to be safe.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

George Hugh Grayson
February 19, 1933 – May 06, 2019
Visitation: Wednesday, May 8 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Thursday, May 9 at 10 a.m. at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery

Samuel Arlin “Trey” Taylor, III
August 20, 1972 – May 02, 2019

Frankie Brown
May 05, 2019
Arrangements TBA

The coming week will be a wet one as the ground in Natchitoches Parish is already saturated, which means flooding is a concern. Stay informed and check weather.gov for local hazards!

Hazardous Weather Outlook Tuesday through Sunday…

Showers and thunderstorms will return to the region beginning Tuesday and continue through the remainder of this week and into the weekend. Some of this rainfall will be heavy at times with a flash flooding threat, especially Wednesday into Thursday with the threat of severe weather also increasing as a strong upper level disturbance shifts across the region. With severe weather, tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds will be possible Wednesday and again Thursday.

Excessive heavy rainfall will cause additional rises on area lakes, rivers, creeks, bayous and reservoirs. The threat of flash flooding will continue through the weekend with upwards of four to eight inches of rainfall and some isolated higher amounts possible through Sunday.

SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT:

Activation of emergency management personnel…amateur radio operators…and storm spotters may be needed Wednesday and Thursday.

The Natchitoches Parish School Board recognized the winners of the Student of the Year Competition at its committee meeting Monday night, May 6. The competition was held Jan. 16.

Winners are:

5th Grade – Bryan Chen – Natchitoches Magnet

8th Grade – Benjamin Hogg – NSU Middle

12th Grade – Jon Henderson – NCHS

5th Grade Finalists included: Zaveian Calahan – East Natchitoches, Tralyn Lofton – Fairview Alpha, Breanna Hines – Goldonna, Blaine Mitchell – Marthaville, Annaliece Romero – NSU Elementary Lab and Kendal Presson – Provencal

8th Grade Finalists included: Austin Martin – Goldonna, Sammya Rachal – Lakeview Jr. High, 8th Grade – Richard Jordan – Marthaville, 8th Grade – Alexander Dunnmiller – Natchitoches Jr. High, and 8th Grade – Joseph Yount – Provencal

12th Grade Finalist: Latia Beavers – Lakeview High

In other business, the board is putting together a list of nominations for a committee that will work toward a plan for teacher retention. Superintendent Dale Skinner said some teachers in Natchitoches Parish may be considering leaving for higher paying jobs in other parishes. Skinner said he’s reaching out to other superintendents to see what they’re doing for teacher retention. He said the School Board needs to come up with a plan.

The Board will also look into the district’s Cell Phone Policy. Currently if a student is caught with his/her cellphone, the consequence is to have the phone taken away for a week with a 1-day suspension. For a first offense, Board Member Beverly Broadway said she feels it’s pretty severe.

“We have a high suspension rate in our parish compared to the state.” she said. “This policy was created before cell phones became such a primary tool in our lives.”

In other parishes, if a student is caught with his/her phone (first offense), the phone is taken away until the end of the day.

NCHS Nurse Rene Lewis said in school districts across the country phones are taken away until the end of the day for a first offense, are taken away and requires a parent to be retrieved for a second offense, and an in-school suspension is issued for the third offense.

By no means should students be allowed to use their phones inside the classrooms, but sometimes it’s important for students to receive notifications before or after school, or at lunch. Other times, a student may rely on his/her phone to arrange transportation to get to work after school.

“This is a different age we live in,” said Lewis.

Items up for vote at Thursday night’s meeting include:

Consider study for comprehensive drug testing for the Natchitoches Parish School system
Consider methods to increase transparency, financial and otherwise, for public benefit
Consider approving a name change for the NPSB Department of Special Education to the Department of Exceptional Student Services
Consider approving Alliance Compressor tax exemption request on $14.5 million
Review Kisatchie School property for possible re-dedication
Consider transferring Cloutierville BRE funds to Provencal

The Times-Picayune, the primary newspaper in New Orleans, was founded in 1837. It was just announced that it had been sold to its major rival. The deal will result in the layoff of every member of the Times-Picayune staff. It is another reminder of how hard the traditional newspaper industry has fallen.

The Times-Picayune has been owned by the extremely wealthy Newhouse family, via its Advance Publication umbrella. The company also owns newspapers in Michigan, New Jersey and Ohio. The family additionally owns Conde Nast, which publishes a number of magazines, including Vogue. Conde Nast has lost money for several years, has gone through several series of layoffs and recently added a new chief executive officer.

The Times-Picayune online operations use a brand called NOLA.com, and the entire Advance Publications New Orleans operation became known as NOLA Media Group. In 2012, the company decided to cut the paper’s publishing frequency to three times a week from seven. It only printed the paper on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The moves were meant to save money. Competition from a rival paper caused the NOLA Media Group to return the frequency to seven days a week in 2014. The Baton Rouge-based The Advocate moved into New Orleans with its own paper and started to take business from NOLA and The Times-Picayune.

The owners of The Advocate, John and Dathel Georges, are the buyers of NOLA. It was their decision to fire the staff of their newly acquired company. In total, 161 people lost their jobs.

The deal shows two themes about the newspaper industry as it continues to implode. The Newhouse family has a net worth of over $12 billion, but they were not willing to use some of that fortune to save a major daily newspaper. The Georges family, on the other hand, was willing to take over the money-losing property, but only if it could cut its expenses to zero. The Georges have gambled that the brand is enough to keep subscribers and advertisers. It will use the infrastructure of The Advocate to support the bet With the 161 staff gone, that is a very little risk at all. The major financial cost to seller and owner was only the end of one of America’s oldest major city newspapers.

Every city has to look to the New Orleans decision and consider whether it could lose its newspaper as well. Some cities have watched their major papers gutted already. Among the most well-known of these was the decision of owner Alden Global Capital to fire about a third of the Denver Post newsroom staff in 2018. Newspaper executives and city officials across the country attacked the decision as another example of a rich owner refusing to support local journalism. Alden’s newspaper operation, Digital First Media, is in a battle to control the largest newspaper chain holder in the United States, Gannett, owner of over 100 newspapers, including USAToday.

It is hard to imagine that the decision about the Times-Picayune will not be followed by similar ones in other cities, or that the current owners of papers will continue to cut costs until there are none left. On a rare occasion, an extremely rich owner will save a newspaper. This has happened in Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Las Vegas and Boston. It is not a model the entire industry can count on. On the contrary, the rich owner of the Times-Picayune decided that it was not worth another dollar of investment.

SOURCE: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/a-major-newspaper-fires-its-entire-staff/ar-AAAYjhg?li=BBnb7Kz

Wes Rollo thought he was going to the president’s home at Northwestern State University to attend a program for incoming freshmen leaders. It turned out, he and his parents, Sonya and Jeff Rollo of Natchitoches, were surprised to find members of the Dylan Kyle Poche family and the NSU Foundation prepared to award him a two-year scholarship for participation on the NSU Fishing Team.

Wes, who will graduate from Natchitoches Central High School this month, will be awarded $10,000 for his freshman and sophomore year at NSU. The Poche family presented another $10,000 to the NSU Fishing Team to underwrite travel expenses, supplies and team jerseys. Proceeds were generated through the fourth annual Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Fishing Tournament that took place on Toledo Bend Lake March 23 with 213 boats participating.

“This is special in a lot of ways,” said Director of Development Jill Bankston. “I’ve known Wes since he was about three years old. He is full of grit and determination. The Poche family could not have chosen a better recipient and this is also a special day for the NSU Fishing Team.”

Dylan Poche was a member of NSU’s Fishing Team when he lost his life in January 2016. Later that year, his parents, Burt and Shelley Poche and Misty Ott, established the fishing tournament and scholarship to honor his memory and support the NSU Fishing Team.

“I’m thankful and honored to give Wes this scholarship,” Burt Poche said. “Dylan would be proud.”

Sonya Rollo thanked the Poche family for blessing others through their pain.

“We are thankful for the legacy of Dylan and that he lives on through this scholarship,” she said. “We knew Dylan. Fishing is a kinship and we are thankful that you chose us.”

NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio remarked on Wes Rollo’s courage as he battled cancer as a youngster and said the Poche family’s support of the NSU Fishing Team will put it on a trajectory to win a national championship.

Sonya Rollo said that fishing is more than a sport to Wes. Wes was diagnosed with AVN leukemia in September 2013, the start of his seventh grade year. He had been a baseball player and pitcher, but the disease ended his athletic career. His 31-month treatment was effective, but brutal on his body and fishing became his outlet.

“Fishing is big in his life in so many ways. While he was in bed, he watched fishing videos and learned about mating patterns and how to fish in different conditions,” she said. “He was secluded and it was a lonely time, but he used that to his advantage. When he was alone, he studied and fished.”

For Wes, fishing was both emotional and physical therapy. Having to balance himself in a boat helped the bones and joints that had been affected by treatment and he improved with physical activity. When Wes was able to return to school at the end of his ninth grade year, he joined the NCHS fishing team and last year was able to go to the Bassmaster Nationals.

Members of the NSU Fishing team and Juddy Hamous, team sponsor, attended the scholarship announcement to welcome Wes to the team. Hamous, a long-time friend of the Poche family, said the club is an opportunity for a student to get involved on a competitive level with a healthy and enjoyable lifetime sport. The waterways in and around Natchitoches make it a popular sportsman’s destination.

Earlier this year, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association approved bass fishing as a winter sport on a one-year trial basis, an indication of growing interest in the sport. The NSU Fishing Team is open to all full-time students who maintain a 2.0 or better grade point average.

For information supporting the NSU Fishing Team or student scholarships at Northwestern State, contact the NSU Foundation office at (318) 357-4414.

Pictured above: Members of the NSU Fishing Team welcomed incoming freshman Wes Rollo of Natchitoches during an announcement naming Rollo a two-year recipient of the Dylan Kyle Poche Fishing Scholarship. From left are Rollo, Kyle McAllen, Tyler Pate, Maguire Parker, Gage Ulrich, Jackson Mcgee, Dawson Cranford and team sponsor Juddy Hamous.

Markay Sewell Cunningham
August 09, 1937 – May 04, 2019

A memorial service to honor the life of Mrs. Markay Sewell Cunningham will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12 pm until service time on the 7th at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches. There will be a reception after the service at Merci Beaucoup in Natchitoches from 2 pm until 4 pm. Markay lived life boldly and brightly, her wishes would be truly honored if those who will be attending her services, if you’re able, please wear bright and colorful clothing; She was not a fan the traditional black somber attire.

Markay passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Alexandria at the age of 81. She graciously donated her body to medical research, she believed strongly in furthering education and science. She was born on August 9, 1937, to Marie Mule Sewell and Clay Chitwood Sewell in Alexandria, LA. She graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria and majored in music at LSU.

Markay’s greatest joy was being with her family and friends. She was very active in the community, particularly in support of the performing arts. She was involved in an eclectic group of activities, some of her greatest achievements in life were Singing professionally at the Grand Opening of the Casa Manana in Fort Worth, Texas; the first theater in the round in the country. As well as touring the country with the Southwest Singing group. Over the years Markay played so many roles in various organizations, clubs, and activities including, serving as a Board Member on the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, being a member of The Colonial Dames of America the New Orleans Chapter, working with Daughters of the American Revolution, Alexandria Junior League, CrossRoads Hospital in Alexandria, a Member of PEO, Mahjong group, Book Club, The Adventure Club, and Pi Phi Sorority and later becoming alumni, She also served as the Past President of Natchitoches/Northwestern Symphony Society, Past President and an active member of Matinee Musical Club, Director of Staff Development and Director of Marketing for Crossroads Regional and Director of St. Francis Cabrini Church Choir for several years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Marie Mule Sewell and Clay Chitwood Sewell; and husbands, John M. Sherrill III, and Charles Donnell.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, William Peyton Cunningham, Jr. of Natchitoches, LA; children, Lee J. Sherrill and wife Kimberly of Monroe, LA, Markay Stroud and husband David Stroud of The Woodlands, TX, William Peyton Cunningham III of Shreveport, LA, Alicia Rainwater and husband Doug of Shreveport, LA, Drury Cunningham and wife Tracy of Lake Charles, LA, and Catherine Faucheaux and husband Ben of Natchitoches, LA; grandchildren, Aaron Blake Stroud and wife Danielle of Corpus Christi, TX, Theodore J. Stroud and wife Jessica of Houston, TX, William Lee Sherrill of Monroe, LA, Alexandra Cunningham of Shreveport, LA, Joseph Faucheaux of Natchitoches, LA, Camille Cunningham of Lake Charles, LA, Michael Cunningham of Shreveport, LA, William Cunningham of Lake Charles, LA, Anna Grace Cunningham of Shreveport, LA, and Peyton Lise Faucheaux Natchitoches, LA.

By Doug Ireland

For all of the gold medals and awards Natashia “Speedy” Jackson has collected in her incredible three years as a Northwestern State Lady Demon track and field star, there’s another couple titles that fit as well as her two nicknames – Speedy and Smiley.

For the first time in three Southland Conference championships, Jackson didn’t capture the High Point Scorer award, now known as the Most Valuable Performer Award, when the 2019 Southland Outdoors concluded Sunday afternoon on her home track, the Walter P. Ledet Track Complex.

She did stack up her typical high scoring total, registering 24 points with a sensational sweep of the 200 and 400 dash championships, along with searing anchor legs on second-place 4×100 and 4×400 relays.

You could have stayed busy Sunday keeping track of Jackson’s action. You would have been entertained following her when she wasn’t running extremely fast.

Along with being among the elite performers in the three-day conference meet, Jackson was a gracious host. If the Southland handed out honors for “Miss Congeniality” and “Best Sportsmanship,” the junior from Houston would be an easy winner.

After her last race, the 4×400 relay, while waiting for her last trip to the awards podium, Jackson couldn’t resist going alongside the inside lane of the track to cheer on the competitors in the men’s race: first her Demon teammates in heat one, then runners from other schools in the second heat.

When she did step up to the podium, just as she had done earlier for the 4×100 silver medal and her golds in the 200 and 400 dashes, she spent more time congratulating the competition than she did grasping her medals.

While she was being interviewed, that spirit was returned by a member of Stephen F. Austin’s second-place men’s 4×400 team, who made his way over to congratulate Jackson and thank her for her support.

Then as fans and competitors filed out of the Ledet Complex on Leon Johnson Lane, there was Jackson again, chatting with athletes from other schools and their parents.

“I know a lot of athletes who compete against me, and some male athletes at other schools, they always support me and no matter what, they have positive feedback and encouragement for me. For me it’s common courtesy to support those who support me, and as long as somebody thinks you believe in them, they’re going to run stronger, which helps us run stronger,” said Jackson, who is also an honor roll student. “My main goal is to spread positivity.”

“You’ve got to look beyond what you do. You’ve got to look at what others do. That person who finished behind me was working her tail off just as hard as me, so why not show her appreciation and encouragement?” she said. “It’s good sportsmanship.”

Unlike too many athletes in sports, Jackson competes joyfully. Others take notice.

“I’m not cocky, I’m very humble, I’m very sweet. I’m thankful for the opportunities I have,” she said.

And she’s inspired by her competition.

“This was a very tough conference this year. It was harder to compete, but at the end of the day, it helped me to pull off some great results for the team and everyone else who came to support us.”

Jackson won her third straight Southland Outdoors 400 championship with a school record 53.49 clocking, almost a second ahead of anyone else Sunday. She set a personal record of 23.55 while claiming the 200 dash, an outcome that was her first league victory in that event. It was also faster than any other Lady Demon has run in that race, other than 2018 senior De’Shalyn Jones.

“Going into the 2, I just wanted to get top two, but pulling off the double was a huge accomplishment that I’ve always had on my mind since I got to college. The main thing was to focus on the 4 and retain my title, and I broke the school record, so that was the second thing that shocked me.

“With two PRs, and coming back and running second in both relays, it was pretty good for me,” said Jackson.

Along with adding to her team’s total and her bulging resume, Jackson had a special motivation, along with her teammates. She earned honorable mention All-America honors last June running alongside

2018 senior Daeshon Gordon on the Lady Demons’ 4×100 relay that finished 22nd nationally. Gordon passed away suddenly last fall. Since, the NSU program has adopted the slogan “Do It for Dae.”

“(This was) all for Dae. If she was here, she would contribute as much as she could, supporting us,” said Jackson. “Just to have her running with me in spirit, all of this today was for her.”

Jackson’s nickname of “Speedy” has been with her for years. She picked up the “Smiley” tag recently.

“I didn’t get that until I got here. Everyone says, ‘you smile through everything, good and bad.’ I believe no matter what, you’ve got to be blessed and thankful to come out here and train, let alone compete. Just to be able to train pain-free, injury-free, I feel blessed to say I’ve never had to experience that. I’m so happy to be in this position.”

With the NCAA East Preliminary Round May 23-25 giving her another opportunity to shine, and a potential path back to the national meet, Speedy has ample reason to be Smiley.