DESCRIPTION: Performs technical and administrative accounting work in maintaining the fiscal records and accounting for the City. Prepares periodic reports and assists in the preparation of the annual and other State and Federal reports. Makes journal entries to balance and close monthly books in the general ledger, revenue and expense accounts; reconciles general ledger and subsidiary utility accounts. Reconciles bank statements. Assists in the preparation of the various year end reports.
QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant shall have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting or a business related field.
CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located
At 1400 Sabine Street P.O. Box 37 Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037
Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall located at 700 Second St., or you can download an application on line at www.natchitochesla.gov
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through:
June 7, 2019
THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Jeff and Carol Green of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul donated a very nice collection of suitcoats, neckties, and belts to the Boys to Men Club of the Natchitoches Jr. High.
The Boys to Men Club is an organization which teaches life skills to youth males prior to entering high school that they do not receive within the classroom. If you would like to contribute or donate to the club, please contact the club’s director, Mr. Jermaine Thomas, at jermaine.thomas@nat.k12.la.us.
Pictured above are Jeff Green, AJ Scott, Club Director Jermaine Thomas, Carol Green, and Tyler Lucas.
Brenda Vallee, leader of the Central Louisiana Coalition for a Clean and Healthy Environment, met Parish Council President Rick Nowlin when she spoke at the Natchitoches League of Women Voters meeting.
Community leader Brenda Vallee discussed the success of local people who worked with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) at the Natchitoches League of Women Voters meeting on May 20. Her group called in complaints and gathered information to help force an explosive waste disposal business, Clean Harbors Colfax, to clean up the toxic water in their holding pond before release into bayous and Red River. As a result, Clean Harbors was fined over $800,000 to remedy several problems including the release of poisoned water.
Vallee also explained that Clean Harbors is the largest waste disposal company in the US. This is the only private waste disposal company in the nation allowed to open burn explosive toxic waste. Considered unsafe, this technique is outlawed in all other states but permitted in Louisiana by the LDEQ.
By air, Natchitoches is 28 miles from this company. A similar type of facility open burned explosive waste near Susanville, CA. Officials drew a 50-mile radius of risk around the explosions to gather facts on the health of local people. As a result, the CA. facility was closed due to cancer clusters.
Currently, Clean Harbors is licensed to burn 500,000 pounds per year of explosives gathered from across the US. The company has applied for a 10-year permit to increase the amount to 3,000,000 pounds per year.
This open burning process releases some of the deadliest chemicals on the planet into the air of Central Louisiana. Colfax community members work with the LDEQ to monitor air, soil, and water to help assure safety. Citizens have requested an enclosed burn unit with filters like the equipment used to destroy explosive toxic waste in Minden. They have also identified other techniques Clean Harbors could use, including hydrolysis and detonation chambers, designed to keep the air clean and community members safe.
Vallee’s group currently conducts health studies to determine how Colfax community members have been affected. The web link below shows areas around Colfax that have a higher incidence of cancer than the average rates of both Louisiana and US. The Colfax area had an increase in cancer over last year.
The goal of the Natchitoches League of Women Voters is to help community members learn more about local government, and to increase public participation in voting. This group is non–partisan but pro-voting and civic education.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program has been named one of the top in the country by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), a nonpartisan, not-for-profit research and policy organization.
This month, as part of a new book Start Here to Become a Teacher” NCTQ named 120 undergraduate programs that excel in preparing teacher candidates to meet the demands of their future classrooms. Using nearly two decades of extensive research in teacher preparation, NCTQ assessed programs on critical, evidence-based measures, including:
Rigorous admissions process;
Emphasis on research-based approaches to teaching reading and math for elementary candidates;
Content knowledge for secondary candidates;
Training in classroom management strategies that work for all students;
Quality student teaching experiences.
Of the 872 undergraduate programs reviewed, NSU’s School of Education was recognized as a leader in the field.
“Northwestern State University has been preparing quality teachers for over 130 years. It is very gratifying to know that an organization with such stringent standards as the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) has recognized our preparation program,” said Dr. Katrina Jordan, director of the School of Education. “Being named one the nation’s top teacher prep programs is such an honor. My hope is that this recognition, along with the accreditation that we have received from many national organizations year after year, brings attention to the high quality we strive to achieve on a daily basis.”
“The universities named in Start Here are exemplary in their dedication to training the next generation of great teachers,” says Kate Walsh, NCTQ President and book author. “We commend these institutions for the thoughtful manner in which they’ve grounded their approach to teacher preparation in what research shows to actually be effective.”
“Start Here to Become a Teacher” is intended to serve as a guidebook for aspiring teachers. In addition to naming top undergraduate teacher prep programs, the book calls out common myths about teaching and what successful teachers love most about their jobs, features an affordability index describing the places where renting an apartment on a teacher’s salary is more or less feasible, gives advice on the best courses to take, and provides information on making sure a student teaching experience pays off and on how to land a first job. Learn more at http://www.startheretoteach.org.
The National Council on Teacher Quality is a nonpartisan research and policy group committed to modernizing the teaching profession and based on the belief that all children deserve effective teachers. We recognize that it is not teachers who bear responsibility for their profession’s many challenges, but the institutions with the greatest authority and influence over teachers.
James “Jimbo” Allen Morse February 11, 1959 – May 20, 2019 Visitation: Saturday, May 25 from 4-6 pm at Rockett Nettles Funeral Home Service: Saturday, May 25 at 6 pm at Rockett Nettles Funeral Home
SABINE PARISH:
Adam Patrick Lahneman November 1, 1979 – May 16, 2019 Visitation: Friday, May 24 from 2-3 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many Service: Friday, May 24 at 3 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel Interment: Trinity Cemetery
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
On Tuesday evening, May 21, 2019, the three year old involved in the crash on Monday succumbed to her injuries.
Brandy Wiley’s charge has been upgraded to negligent homicide. She is currently being held without bond.
Original press release: Eight Vehicles involved in Catastrophic Crash
Shortly before 7:30 p.m. on May 20, 2019 the Natchitoches Police Department responded to a crash scene involving multiple vehicles. The crash, located at Keyser Avenue and East Fifth Street, required officers to close the intersection down for several hours while they conducted their investigation.
Brandy Wiley, black female, 38, of the city was charged with negligent injuring, reckless operation, and improper lane use and disobey red light. Wiley was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center where she awaits bond.
Also involved was Brittany Payne, 29, of Natchez, a 16 year old juvenile of the city, who sustained moderate injuries, Ellen Walker, 60, of Natchez who also received moderate injuries. Additionally four parked vehicles were also struck during this devastating event.
Tragically a 3 year old child, who was an occupant of one of the vehicles, was critically injured in this crash. The child was airlifted from NRMC to another medical facility.
The Natchitoches Police Department is monitoring the condition of the 3 year old and additional/upgraded charges are pending.
No further information will be released at this time.
For over a decade Louisiana’s auto insurance rates have ranked as one of the most expensive in the nation. The insurance industry has consistently blamed our high rates on trial lawyers and our Courts. The real reason our rates are so high will likely surprise you.
In an effort to try and identify the actual cause of our high insurance rates, Douglas Heller, a nationally-acclaimed auto insurance reform expert, conducted a survey of our insurance market and his findings should outrage every person in Louisiana.
Most people probably assume their auto insurance rates are based on their age, location, and driving history. That was my assumption. It is logical to charge younger people or people who live in larger cities higher rates. These people are more likely to cause an automobile crash.
But Mr. Heller’s research revealed that insurance companies are using completely irrelevant factors in determining a driver’s rates. Four of Louisiana’s six largest auto insurance companies increase rates for people who have lost a spouse compared with what is charged when they are married. The Louisiana Insurance Commissioner, Jim Donelon, allows companies to charge this “widow penalty” even when the customer has a clean driving record. Many States make it illegal for companies to impose a “widow penalty” on a person when they lose their spouse.
Mr. Heller also found that women are charged more for insurance than men. There is absolutely no legitimate reason to charge a woman more for auto insurance than a man.
Finally, most people do not realize that insurance companies use a customer’s credit history in setting the premiums they charge. It is important to remember that customers are not asking insurance companies for a loan. They are purchasing mandatory insurance coverage. If a person does not pay their premiums, the insurance company can just cancel their insurance.
This penalty on the poor is not a minor thing. Louisiana drivers face an average penalty of $2,026 per year for having a credit score in the worst tier. Drivers in Louisiana pay an average of 60% more and as much as 135% more if they have poor credit scores.
Most shockingly, a driver in Louisiana with a perfect driving record but poor credit pays on average $905 more than a driver with excellent credit and a conviction for drunk driving. Let that sink in. A person who has been convicted of drinking and driving pays less than someone who has a perfect driving record, simply because they have a better credit history. That is absurd.
Senator Jay Luneau, who represents parts of Natchitoches Parish, filed a common sense bill that would have prevented an insurance company from considering a person’s credit history, sex, or whether they are a widow, when determining a driver’s insurance rates. Several States that have lower insurance rates have similar laws.
Insurance Commissioner Donelon, who is responsible for regulating insurance companies in our State, sided with the insurance industry and did not support the bill. Without Commissioner Donelon’s support, the bill was defeated.
Louisiana Citizens should contact their State Senator, State Representative, and Commissioner Donelon and demand that auto insurance companies be prevented from using a person’s sex, credit history and widow status when fixing their insurance premiums. To punish a person for losing their spouse is immoral and should be illegal.
Until our elected representatives focus on the true reasons our insurance rates are so high, we will never be able to fix this real problem. No one disputes that our insurance rates are too high. Maybe if insurance companies were required to fix rates based on people’s driving history, we might actually see our rates go down.
One of the biggest reasons our rates are so high is because we have so many uninsured drivers. A large portion of our population simply cannot afford insurance premiums. This should not be surprising when you consider those drivers are charged so much more simply because they are poor.
There are many other things we can do to lower rates. We should invest more to improve the roads in our State. We should also impose greater penalties on distracted drivers who use their cellphones while they are operating a vehicle.
But we must address how insurance companies fix our rates. If you find all of this as hard to believe as I did, you can watch Mr. Heller’s testimony – CLICK HERE
Also, the Bayou Brief, a nonprofit online news publication, recently conducted an excellent investigative series on this topic, which can be found here: CLICK HERE
Demolition of the building that formerly housed the Natchitoches Magnet School is underway. The Natchitoches Parish School Board awarded the bid for asbestos abatement and demolition of the building at its March 14 meeting. It served as the Magnet school most recently, but served as various other facilities for the school district over the years.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Police, La. Department of Probation and Parole-Natchitoches District, NSU Police, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Shreveport Police took part in the annual La. Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on May 21-22.
Natchitoches Law Enforcement Agencies met Caddo authorities on May 21 at the Natchitoches-Red River Parish line. The run continued south on La. Hwy 1 into the City Limits of Natchitoches then onto Northwestern State University. NPSO Deputies held a fish fry at the NSU Pavilion for participating agencies.
The run left the NSU Campus on May 22 on its way to Rapides Parish. It traveled along Hwy. 1 through the communities of Natchez, Cypress, Montrose, Derry, Cloutierville, Chopin, Monette Ferry, Marco and then into Rapides Parish where the torch was turned over to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Police Department, Louisiana State Police and other law enforcement agencies.
Each year the torch relay involves more than 1,500 law enforcement officers and personnel representing more than 200 law enforcement agencies across the State of Louisiana.
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics is to increase awareness and raise funds for the Special Olympics movement. Each year, the LETR initiative grows larger and better.
Well, if you’ve stepped outside in the past few days you know that we are once again beginning a Louisiana summer. You know, the terrific discomfort that they say is caused, not by the heat, but by the humidity.
Heck, I think it’s both the heat and the humidity. Mary loves this time of year because she hates the cold. I don’t like it. I’d much prefer a nice crisp day with a high temp of about 50 to what we are about to experience, highs in the 90s, 80 percent humidity and 100 percent chance of sweating.
Anyway, the advent of yet another summer has cast my mind back to incidents from a few summers of many years ago, short tales that could be collectively called something like, “How a Boy Should Not Spend His Summer.”
First, there was the time, when I was a small, wee lad. I was playing outside with Benny, the neighbor boy. The sun was blazing, the sweat was pouring off of us, and Benny was shirtless. I thought he looked pretty sorry, with his sweat soaked back, so for some reason that is totally inexplicable to me now, I thought I needed to go inside, get the can of Flit (for you young ones, that was bug poison sprayed from a can) and coat Benny’s ugly, sweaty back with it.
So I did. I succeeded in sneaking up behind him and letting him have it with several pumps of the Flit gun, which years before aerosol cans, was operated by a handle pumping a rod through a long tube. I coated his back pretty good before he turned and started to chase me. He was bigger and more muscular than me, but I was faster. However, as would be expected, he told his mother, who yelled at me, then she told Momma, who, very embarrassed, yelled at me too.
I don’t remember what my punishment was but I learned a lesson. Never treat a buddy like a bug.
Then there was the time that I was taking piano lessons from a nun at St. Anthony School in Baton Rouge. It was summer, for gosh sake, a time for a fifth or sixth grade boy to be playing baseball, riding bikes or staring at (but not being brave enough to talk to) pretty girls. It was not a time for practicing the piano.
Well, my lessons were on Saturdays and I dutifully went to the convent at the appointed time on this particular Saturday. It took no time for the good Sister to see that I was totally unprepared to play my pieces for her. I mean, I just hadn’t hardly practiced at all.
So she ordered me to say in the convent music room and practice until I had it right. I quickly realized that before I got it right, Saturday and probably most of Sunday would be gone. And so would I, as my plan unfolded. It being summer, and the convent having no air conditioning, the windows were open. Thank goodness the music room was on the first floor. So I did what any red blooded American boy would do and escaped out the window, dropped the four or five feet to the ground, mounted my trusty bike and pedaled away.
Sister came back to find an empty music room. Momma, after I told her how mean Sister had been to me, backed me up and let me quick taking piano. Otherwise, I’d still be in that music room. I did my best to avoid the music teacher when school resumed in the fall.
I also remember a scary summer incident when I was real little. I liked to play outside with my little soldiers and trucks and cars in the dirt. One day I was thus engaged, sitting cross legged on the ground, when I felt a sting between my legs. A horrible looking orange and black creature, a black widow spider in fact, then crawled out of my short pants.
She had bitten me in a very intimate place. My next memories were of being confined to bed and the doc making a house call to check on me. He tut-tutted and tsk-tsked, while Momma stood by and wrung her hands in worry. My little abdomen was hard as a board and I felt terrible. But, obviously, I recovered, and without any permanent ill effects. But even today if I walk into a spider web, chances are I’ll panic, jumping around and brushing myself like a mad man.
So, you see, it’s not just the hot, energy-draining temperatures that I don’t like about summer. Bad things can happen to a boy in the summer. Imagine a nightmare in which I’m being chased by Benny, to the accompaniment of piano music played by an angry nun, as black widow spiders fall from my pants. No wonder I like the winter.
BOM Financial Services is honored to donate chocolate candy to the 10th Judicial Drug Court. This candy is used as incentives for drug court attendees. Pictured left to right: Jennifer Campbell, Commercial Lines Department, Merry Byers, NPSO, Clinton Dunn, NPSO and Gina Banks, Personal Lines Department.
The Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation surprised Natchitoches Lion’s Club members with a $2,500 donation supporting their annual Louisiana Lion’s Camp in the name of Lita and Gene Spillman at it’s meeting on May 20.
Even though Gene has been a staple of the NRMC for over 50 years, Lita gets top billing for her hard work and time spent over the years cooking thousands of her famous meat pies for the kids at the camp each year.
This donation was possible thanks to the tremendous success of the hospital’s inaugural Steel Magnolia Run in March. Therefore, each and every participant and volunteer can take credit for making it possible!
Parish President Rick Nowlin has announced that all Parish Government offices, along with the Parish landfill, will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2019 in observance of Memorial Day. Parish-wide bin sites and compactor stations will be open for regular business hours. For any questions about Parish closures, contact the Parish Government offices at 318.352.2714.
Northwestern State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will host the popular Summer Theatre Camp July 15-27 for students who have completed third through 10th grade.
This year’s camp will feature the first production of a full-length junior edition show, “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” The camp is fast-paced and action-packed. It will culminate with four performances of “Alice Jr.” at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27.
The camp will take place from 12:30-5 p.m. and costs $200 per student, which includes materials. Space is limited.
Space is limited. For more information or to register, call (318) 357-4483.
DESCRIPTION: Responsible for receipting of utility payments and various other payments, and posting monies to appropriate accounts. Receives the public and answers questions, and responds to inquiries from employees and citizens. Setup, close and amend utility accounts, as well as preparing and monitoring work orders.
CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine St. or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches LA 71458-0037. Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall located at 700 Second St., or you can download an application on line at http://www.natchitochesla.gov
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be through
May 31, 2019
THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
James “Jimbo” Allen Morse February 11, 1959 – May 20, 2019 Visitation: Saturday, May 25 from 4-6 pm at Rockett Nettles Funeral Home Service: Saturday, May 25 at 6 pm at Rockett Nettles Funeral Home
SABINE PARISH:
Adam Patrick Lahneman November 1, 1979 – May 16, 2019 Visitation: Friday, May 24 from 2-3 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many Service: Friday, May 24 at 3 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel Interment: Trinity Cemetery
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
Shortly before 7:30 p.m. on May 20, 2019 the Natchitoches Police Department responded to a crash scene involving multiple vehicles. The crash, located at Keyser Avenue and East Fifth Street, required officers to close the intersection down for several hours while they conducted their investigation.
Brandy Wiley, black female, 38, of the city was charged with negligent injuring, reckless operation, and improper lane use and disobey red light. Wiley was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center where she awaits bond.
Also involved was Brittany Payne, 29, of Natchez, a 16 year old juvenile of the city, who sustained moderate injuries, Ellen Walker, 60, of Natchez who also received moderate injuries. Additionally four parked vehicles were also struck during this devastating event.
Tragically a 3 year old child, who was an occupant of one of the vehicles, was critically injured in this crash. The child was airlifted from NRMC to another medical facility.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that Church Street Bridge will close for inspection from 9 AM until 3 PM on Wednesday, May 29. This structure is on LA 1 – X (Church Street) over Cane River and is located .01 miles south of the LA 1224 / LA 1 – X intersection.
Permit/Detour Section The road will be closed to all traffic while the inspection is being performed by LA DOTD personnel. The City of Natchitoches is providing traffic control and detours.
Hello my Stylers! The (un)official start of the summer is here and Memorial Day weekend is upon us. This is the season where worries should be low and BBQs, day parties and long weekends with friends are at an all time high. Of course us fashion lovers like to kick off the season in style.
Memorial Day kicks off the summer’s social festivities. I normally don’t have anything to do but this year I’m planning a small cookout for friends. So the big question I asked myself is how do I host a casual but yet chic BBQ? Of course, I started looking on Pinterest for ideas but sometimes that can get overwhelming. Another problem I was facing is that I didn’t want it to look like the fourth of July just yet, even though you can reuse the items. So I’m keeping it simple with solid colors. I decided to share a few suggestions that will make your weekend events fab.
Burger Bar:
I think creating a DIY burger bar is genius. Serve up mini bowls of lettuce, cheese, onions and other condiments for your guest to create the perfect burger. Most times it’s the way you present it to the guest that will leave them saying “WOW.”
Mimosas:
Mimosas are no longer a brunch drink. They are actually perfect for any day time event. Don’t worry, if you don’t want to serve orange juice you can substitute it with cranberry juice. These drinks taste and look great for any occasion.
Galvanized Tub:
I personally hate how a cooler stands out at any event. So my suggestion is to swipe those ugly coolers out with a Galvanized Tub. They are rust and leak-proof and honestly, they just look great sitting on a table. It also makes it easy for guests to see what there is to drink.
Vegan Food:
Keep in mind that not everyone eats meat so nothing says, “I don’t care about your lifestyle” more than inviting vegans to a meat fest. Regardless, the simple act of offering a few vegan dishes will say that you are a caring host. Plus it’s a great way to introduce non-vegans to something new (like vegan oven fried parmesan zucchini crips).
With Louisiana temperatures rising I’m sure this is going to be one hot summer. So why shouldn’t your style be just as hot! Wearing less and going out more is a must. If you haven’t got that revenge summer body yet so you can show off to your ex, don’t worry! You still have some time. I know we find t-shirts and shorts comfortable, but these days there are more ways to wear shorts without looking like you “just came for the food.”
Memorial Day is about honoring those died serving our country. Whether you’re rocking red, white and blue for the whole four days or keeping it casual with neutrals, it’s a time to celebrate!
‘Fashion is like eating, you shouldn’t stick to the same menu.” —Kenzo Takada
