Dr. Ron McBride, Coordinator of the Rotary Club Essay Scholarship Contest, presented the essay winners their scholarship prize at the May 21 Rotary Club of Natchitoches meeting. First place ($1,500) was awarded to Lexie Brossett St. Mary’s; second place ($1,000) was awarded to William Fralia Natchitoches Central High School (NCHS), and third place ($500) was awarded to Jon Tucker Henderson NCHS. Pictured from left are Jenifer Fralia William, mother of William who accepted for him; McBride, and Brossett (Photo by Dr. Barb Duchardt).

Rotarian with the Program Joe Sers invited Buster Jordan, Justina Terrell, LPN, and Kasey Sparish, MSW from Natchitoches Hospice to speak to the Rotarians at their May 21 meeting about their mission. Natchitoches Hospice was started by Rick and Sylvia LaCour. Hospice is for those who have a life-limited diagnosis. It is supported through Medicare and Medical benefits. Pictured from left are Rotary Club of Natchitoches President Richard White, Sers, Jordan, Sparish, and Terrell.

Buster Jordan performed the song Still Not Dead by Willie Nelson and led the Rotarians in singing Amazing Grace (Photos by Dr. Ron McBride).

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The Natchitoches Central High School Orchestra under the direction of Syll-Young Olson received an invitation to participate in the American Celebration of Music Concert Series in Italy in March 2020. The NCHS Orchestra will represent the state of Louisiana in this concert tour. The tour will begin in Rome where the group will take a panoramic tour of Rome’s highlights including the Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. In addition to the sightseeing, the group will perform while in Rome, the concert venues will be announced at a later date.

After departing Rome, the group will travel to Florence. In Florence, they will see such sights as Michelangelo’s David sculpture and others at the Academy of Fine Arts and share in the glorious Renaissance and the rich history of this city. The group performance will follow on the second day in Florence.

The journey will continue to Venice. Upon the way to Venice, the group will stop in Cremona, which is the home of Stradivarius Museum. In Venice, the students will be enthralled in the city-republic glorying in feasts and pageants, reveling in the splendor of her painting, sculpture and architecture. The last day in Venice will conclude with a glorious final concert. The following day the group will make one last stop in Milan for a wonderful day of sightseeing before the departure back to the United States.

The Natchitoches Central High School Orchestra would like to thank everyone for their continued support. The cost of the trip is expensive for the participants. This trip will provide these young musicians who would not normally get this opportunity an unforgettable experience in such fine venues, which can motivate their future undertakings.

Please consider donating to the orchestra or any orchestra student of your choice. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. A tax-deductible check may be made payable to the NCHS Orchestra, 6513 Highway 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, LA 71457. Any questions please contact Syll-Young Olson, solson@nat.k12.la.us or 318-715-1318.

Pictured on first row are Jason Min, Cameron Possoit, and Levi Endris. On second row are Conductor Syll-Young Olson, Gabriel Edwards, Gloria Church, Anna Batson, Abigail Nelson, Zane Harper, Mali Simmons, and Makayla Smith. On back row are Austin Dees, Ronnie Leggett, Madeline Harper, Jania Wallace, Bethany Milner, Alex Dollar, Caleb Edwards, Dane Steadman, Carlee Scott, Jacob Miller, Jackson Wells, Collin Henson, Evan Korn (NMS Orchestra Director), and Derrick Anderson. Not Pictured is Milovan Paz (Talent Teacher).

Members of the Boys To Men Club at the Natchitoches Junior High met with a few members of Modern Woodmen of America on May 21 for a check presentation associated with their recent fundraiser. The two groups collaborated on a grilled hotdog lunch event on May 3, which slightly exceeded the stated goal of raising $1,000. Modern Woodmen of America matched the $1,000 raised by the club. Funds raised will be spent on needs of the Boys To Men Club such as socks, belts, and ties for graduation.

Pictured on front row from left are Rytaveon Thomas, AJ Scott, Robert Walker, Jaydian Creel, Ronald Smith, and Jamarius Henry. On middle row are Amarion Mitchell, Tyler Lucas, Christian Daniels, Brad Young, and Dequallin Newton. On back row are Discipline Coordinator Tarrance Star, Assistant Principal Akilah Issac, Club Sponsor Jermaine Thomas, Activities Coordinator for MW Chapter 4115 Mary Squyres, Fred Jackson, Anthony Benning, Kamryn Garner, Modern Woodmen member Leta Brown, and Modern Woodmen member Ron Brown.

By RAYMOND PARTSCH III
Written for the LSWA

There is toughness, and then there is rodeo cowboy toughness.

T. Barrett “T. Berry” Porter epitomized that vast difference throughout his storied and lengthy career as Louisiana’s first professional rodeo cowboy. Porter spent decades putting his body on the line as he saddled and rode his horses night after night while trying to lasso calf after calf in dusty rodeo arenas dotted across the American landscape.

That true grit of overcoming broken bones, torn ligaments and more nasty bruises than one can count, for the love of a sport, was apparent during an accident on his ranch seven years ago.

In 2012, the then-85-year-old was working on his massive ranch on the outskirts of Leesville. Porter was simply trying to move some dirt around on his property when the bulldozer jumped in reverse and threw him off.

The bulldozer ran over him, breaking his right arm above and below his elbow, breaking his right collarbone and shoulder blade, damaging the muscle between his shoulder and elbow, and pulling his right shoulder out of place. Doctors were forced to take his right arm. A few weeks later, Porter was back on his farm checking on his cows, bailing hay, mending fences, and doing other daily chores.

The man Shreveport Journal Sports Editor Jimmy Bullock called “the Pelican State’s Mr. Rodeo” brings that toughness to Natchitoches as the 2019 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class is inducted Saturday, June 8. The ceremony, live on Cox Sports Television from the sold-out Natchitoches Events Center, culminates a three-day Induction Celebration June 6-8. Visit LaSportsHall.com for details.

Fittingly, Louisiana’s first pro rodeo cowboy is the first from his sport elected to the Hall.

“I am honored,” T. Berry said. “It is a very humbling honor. Not many people can be the very first anything nowadays. I always thought that somebody else was better than me or more deserving than me.”

T. Berry was born March 9, 1927, in Pineville. Porter’s parents, J.A. and Elsie Alton Porter, would move the family, in a truck without a cab, to Leesville in 1929. Porter’s father moved to run a Texaco filling station at the fork of U.S. Highway 171 North and Kurthwood Road. The elder Porter also traded horses and mules, put on the area’s first rodeo behind the old railroad depot in 1933, and even helped furnish the horses, as well as served as guide, for General Dwight Eisenhower to survey the wooded land that would become Fort Polk.

The family lived in the back of the filling station. On site was a small roping pen. It was there that Porter would perfect his skills that would one day lead him to become a world champion.

“I don’t remember when I started roping, I just always did it,” T. Berry said. “But there are still folks at the Lion’s Club here that call me the ‘goat roper.’ ”

Porter would keep it going through middle school and then high school, where he attended Leesville High and played center on the football team for head coach Bill Turner. At the age of 14, he took part in a competition against older teenagers and young adults, and that was the first time Porter knew that he could ride with the best of them.

“I thought I could beat them,” T. Berry said. “(Being) a cowboy is little bit different than athlete. You know you’re not going to win all of them, and you have to be a little lucky. I always felt that I could ride as good as they could.”

At the age of 15, Porter joined his first official rodeo organization, the Cowboy Turtles Association (CTA), at an event in Beaumont, because they would not allow him to rope without having dues paid. Porter would remain a member with CTA until it was rebranded the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA) and finally the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

Porter would graduate from LHS and tried his hand at college but realized that institutions of higher learning weren’t for him. He already knew what he was supposed to do with his life — rodeo.

Porter would cross the state and take part in competitions from Shreveport to Baton Rouge to Lafayette, all the while practicing his craft every day in between on his ranch. In 1949, all of that hard work would pay off as Porter would claim his sport’s highest honor — the World Champion Calf Roper title.

The 22-year-old rookie drove to New York City in his 1948 Pontiac, pulling his homemade horse trailer behind him for a competition that lasted nearly an entire month. Porter would take part in 42 performances in 28 days at Madison Square Garden.

“It took a lot longer in those days,” Tea Berry said. “My horses stayed underneath the Garden itself and I stayed for the month at the old Capitol Hotel on Broadway across from the Garden.”

He received his championship saddle from the singing cowboy himself, Gene Autry. Then, Porter rode his horse down Broadway.

In his lengthy career, Porter won or placed at all the major PRCA events — Dallas, Denver, Salinas, and Fort Smith). He was a member of the Wrangler Rodeo Team in the 1950s. For some time, his image adorned the sales pouch on the back pocket of each pair of Wrangler jeans.

Porter was inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City in 2015.

“I did the best I could,” he said. “I was just hoping that I could win. As a rodeo cowboy you always got to feel like you are going to win.”

The Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) is continuing its monthly fitness series with Yoga for May and June. Classes are free and open to the public, no library card required! The class is geared towards those new to yoga, however, all skill levels are welcome. The teacher, Richard Rogers, of Lotus in the Pines yoga studio, offers modified poses for those with limited flexibility, balance, or other physical impairments. Many of the poses can even be done in a chair!

Maybe you are still hesitant to try because you feel you aren’t flexible enough? Mr. Rodgers shared what some of the most common hang-ups for people:

“That is probably the number one thing that keeps people from trying yoga,” says Mr. Rodgers, “but that’s backwards, you practice yoga to develop your flexibility. If you are causing pain, it’s not yoga.” “As people, we are often reluctant to try something that we feel we are not good at. And in America, with our competitive society, yoga doesn’t fit many people’s mindsets. Also, men, in particular seem to think that yoga is ‘for girls,’ but that is completely inaccurate. In fact, women were forbidden to practice yoga in its beginning and it was viewed as a particularly male exercise. A lot of people also view yoga as a religion, but it is not. It simply invites self-inquiry by attempting to create a connection between our mind, body, and spirit.”

The classes will meet May 20 and 29, and June 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 6-7 PM. There is no pre-registration, and several mats will be available if you do not have your own. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing allowing a full range of movement.

“There are many benefits to practicing yoga,” says Mr. Rogers, “among them are developing strength, flexibility, and balance, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and improving sleep and digestion.”

“The NPL is presenting this free service to the community in the hopes that it will encourage a healthy lifestyle to our residents,” says Alan Niette, NPL Community Outreach Coordinator. “With all of yoga’s benefits and no cost, why wouldn’t you try it?”

It’s been a long time coming, but for one instructor at the CLTCC Natchitoches Campus, the dream of earning a degree has become a reality.

Randy Caskey is an instructor for CLTCC’s new AMT Program, developed by Northwestern State University, Northwest Louisiana Technical College and Central Louisiana Technical Community College. It’s a work-based learning program that will allow individuals to earn an associate of science degree in engineering technology while they are employed with a sponsoring manufacturer.

Randy earned his own associate’s degree at CLTCC’s graduation ceremony on May 17 through a program offered to faculty to encourage them to boost their credentials. It’s been 40 years since Randy was a student. He previously graduated from high school and earned a certification in industrial instrumentation from a technical school in Minden.

After working in the industry for 30 years, Randy’s career was starting to wind down.

“Through the years, not having a degree limited what I was able to achieve,” he said.

When he heard about the new AMT program something clicked and Randy knew he wanted to help young people develop their careers.

“It’s not just about the technology,” he said. “Teaching students gives me the opportunity to help them develop into the type of employees companies are looking for in the workforce.”

“I’ve always been impressed with my dad,” said Randy’s son Craig. Just when I thought that this guy couldn’t be any more of a role model, hero, etc., he goes and graduates from college. I was yelling ‘Go Dad!’ The family and I were so excited while he was as calm as usual as he wore his honors chords around his neck.”

The CLTCC Natchitoches Campus extended a hearty congratulations and kudos to all its CLTCC graduates who beat the odds is so many ways.

“My students were excited for me,” said Randy. “They were pulling for me. I’m not just the instructor. We’re a team and we’re all in it together. The AMT Program offers a whole new innovation in teaching. The students need it, the companies need it, and the state needs it.”

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Albert “Uncle Albert” Berry
August 22, 1951 – May 19, 2019
Visitation: Wednesday, May 22 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard- St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Wednesday, May 22 at 8 pm at Blanchard- St. Denis Funeral Home

Virginia Prothro Rodgers
December 10, 1944 – May 19, 2019
Service: Wednesday, May 22 at 2 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Oak Grove Methodist Cemetery in Natchitoches

Pearl Etie
December 02, 1934 – May 17, 2019
Service: Wednesday, May 22 at 10 am at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in the Spanish Lake Community
Interment: St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery

RAPIDES PARISH:

Geraldine Gordon Murry
November 11, 1933 – May 18, 2019
Visitation:Wednesday, May 22 from 9:30 am – 12 pm at Pine Ridge Baptist Church
Service: Wednesday, May 22 at 12 pm at Pine Ridge Baptist Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

RED RIVER PARISH:

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

James Howard Ford
April 17, 1956 – May 18, 2019
Service: Wednesday, May 22 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Toro Cemetery

WINN PARISH:

Keri Lea Crooks
August 23, 1977 – May 19, 2019
Service: Wednesday, May 22 at 10 am in the Nebo Cemetery of Nebo

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.

Approved for release by Chief Dove Date: 5/21/19

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Scooter Perot came before the Parish Council at its meeting Monday night, May 20, for the third month in a row to talk about repairing Beau Vista Road. This would be a 50/50 cost share deal with the Parish paying half of the project cost and the residents paying half. A similar situation will occur to fix Kayla Drive (See history from previous meetings below).

From December 18 meeting:

The Council authorized an intergovernmental agreement with the residents of Shamard Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods to resurface the first 850 feet of Kayla Drive. The project is estimated to cost $34,000 and the homeowners offered to pay half, up to $17,000.

From March 19 meeting:

Scooter Perot requested a 50/50 cost share deal with the Parish on repairing Beau Vista Road, which is 500 feet long. The Parish is also in the process of fixing the first 800 feet of Kayla Drive with a similar cost share agreements with the residents that live on it. Nowlin said they are working on evaluating the cost and feasibility of such agreements, which will be brought before the Council for its approval.

From April 16 meeting:

An item was tabled until the May meeting, which would authorize the Parish President to sign and execute a cooperative endeavor agreement with the residents of Beau Vista for the resurfacing of Beau Vista Road, pending the approval of a budget amendment for the Parish’s portion of the funding. The residents requested bids, which came in at roughly $18,000 to fix 500 feet of road. However, there is no treasurer to put a budget amendment together for this project, or another cooperative endeavor agreement with residents on Kayla Drive for a similar project, which is estimated to cost $34,000 for 800 feet of road.

Perot came before the Council because he’s had to ask to be put on the agenda for the last two meetings and feels he’s done the majority of the work (signed petition and bids) to make this cost-share plan work, with no reciprocation from the Parish Highway Department.

“I haven’t been contacted and I’m almost past the point of thinking ya’ll are gonna help do the road,” he said. “I don’t know what the answer is but I’m very upset with the process. I’ve done all the work and to not put me on the agenda in the order of progression is unacceptable.”

Councilman Chris Page said Highway Department Director John Richmond and Perot were supposed to get together to compile numbers for the project.

Richmond raised the question: Where would the matching Parish funds come from for the project? Not just for Beau Vista Road, but Kayla Drive as well.

“Find the money,” said Perot, who explained how Kayla Drive residents have had their portion of the money ready for their project to begin for five months now and nothing’s been done. “How long does it take to find the money,” he asked.

Council Chairman Rodney Bedgood said he could put Perot on the agenda for every Council meeting, but nothing can be done until the Highway Director finds the money.

“My personal concern is, we can fund both projects tomorrow,” said Richmond. “If I take $26,000 that was not in the budget to go do these road projects, at the end of the year when life is tight and money is tighter and somebody needs a load of gravel, or 2-4 loads to get to a Christmas Eve services and I say ‘I’m out of money,’ what are we gonna do then?”

There’s also already other people who are interested in entering into a similar cost share plan with the Parish to get a road fixed. Richmond questioned what they Parish will do when there’s 3-4 people and $26,000 turns into $100,000. Perot said start the process and people can get in line.

The Council was in agreement that they need to move forward with new roads while they can get them half off and deal with whatever comes later. They amended the agenda to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the residents of Beau Vista Road and authorize Richmond to move forward with this project and the one on Kayla Drive.

In other business, an ordinance for introduction failed (needs a 2/3 vote to pass and Russell Rachal and Doug de Graffenried voted against it).

Other agenda items included:

Re-appoint Anita Dubois and De’Andrea Sanders to the Natchitoches Parish Children and Youth Planning Board

Introduce Ordinance 004-2019 to effect a zoning change from an R-2 Residential District for multi-family residences to an R-1 Residential District for single family residences on Lots 2 and 5 of Angler’s Paradise Park Subdivision

Introduce Ordinance 005-2019 to effect a zoning change from an I-A Industry-Agriculture District to a B-1 Business District for single family residences on a 23.57 acre parcel

Introduce Ordinance 006-2019 to effect a zoning change from an RMH-1 Residence District for single family residences and manufactured homes to an R-3 Residence District for multi-family residences on a 1.87 acre parcel

Introduce Ordinance 007-2019 to effect a zoning change from an R-2 Residential District for multi-family residences to an R-1 Residential District for single family residences on lots A, B, C, and D of Angler’s Paradise Park Subdivision

Introduce Ordinance 008-2019 to adopt Amendment No. 1 to the 2019 Capital Improvements Budget

Declare the solid waste transfer station as “surplus property” and further, to authorize the advertising for proposals to lease and operate the station

Approve request for proposals and lease agreement for the lease of the solid waste transfer station to another entity and authorize the issuance of an RFP

Award contract for the collection and disposal of solid waste in the parish to Waste Connections in the amount of $930,000

Adopt resolution of the library’s capital expenditure for the addition of a meeting room at the Northeast Branch of the Natchitoches Parish Library

Approve the restoration tax abatement program application of the Duanhoe Law Firm. The abatement would be applied toward whatever the new assessed property value is once construction is completed. Edwin Dunahoe said the renovation of his law firm will benefit the City and Parish by increasing its tax base

Approve engagement letter from Thomas, Cunningham, Broadway and Todtenbier for services in connection with the audit of the Parish’s control and compliance areas identified in the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Statewide Agreed-Upon Procedures for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2018

Approve tax exemption for Alliance Compressors for 80% of $14.8 million ($12,000 annually) for 5 years (no more than 10 years overall).

Approve request of Randall Lee “Fuzzy” Hennigan for repairing and resurfacing a portion of Lula Street beginning at the intersection of South Main Street going South on Lula Street approximately 230 feet in downtown Marthaville

Approve annual Head Start assessment

Authorize Parish President to sign and execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Red River Waterway Commission to allow the Commission to make certain repairs and improvements to Tauzin Island Road

Authorize the Parish President to sign and execute an extension to the agreement with IBTS for 2 years of permitting and building official services

Approve the request of the property owners along Clark Road to have the Parish Department of Public Works scarify a section of the road

The Parish received 16 applications for the Registrar of Voters position. A committee comprised of Council members Russell Rachal, Patsy Hoover, HR employee Cathy Creamer, and Council Clerk Cheryl Fredricks interviewed 8 candidates. They used an objective point based system where no one knew the scores of the other committee members. This insured a fair selection process.

The final three applicants were presented to the Council at its meeting Monday night, May 20. They are in order of their interview score (highest to lowest): Kecia McConathy, Kathrin Holden, and Debbie Tebbetts.

A motion was made to approve McConathy as the new Registrar of Voters. While McConathy’s interview score was 30% higher than Holden’s, Council members Rodney Bedgood, Chris Paige and Hoover voted against her appointment. Instead, Hoover moved that they appoint Holden as the new ROV.  Council members Doug de Graffenried and Rachal voted no, but the motion passed with a majority vote.

The Parish Council approved the appointment of Julie Lockhart as the new Natchitoches Parish Treasurer at its meeting Monday night, May 20. Lockhart grew up in Creston, graduated from school in Campti and earned her bachelors degree at Northwestern State University. She moved away for a number of years where she held different jobs dealing with government entity auditing and taxes before she decided to move back home. Her most recent employment was at Outpatient Medical Center.

A proclamation was presented to Janice Bolton, owner of Bolton Realty by the Parish Council at its meeting Monday night, May 20. It honors her on her selection as Louisiana Realtor of the Year by the Louisiana Realtors Association. Parish President Rick Nowlin asked everyone in attendance to bear with him as he read the lengthy proclamation as Bolton has done so much as a realtor and for the Natchitoches Parish community.

“She has certainly distinguished herself and she’s due this honor,” said Nowlin. “She’s an amazing person and a valuable asset to this community.”

Janice said the proclamation means a lot to her.

The moment was even sweeter because Janice’s mother Chris Manning was present for the presentation. Chris was a realtor in Natchitoches for 30 plus years.

“The acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree,” said Nowlin.

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

Natchitoches’ rich legacy of athletic prowess continues as the Natchitoches Leadership Through Athletics Committee honored student athletes from each high school in the parish at a ceremony Saturday, May 18 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.

The awards ceremony, now in its third year, featured awards in each sport named after an athlete from our parish who excelled at that sport and in life. It is a superb way to honor those who went before us and recognize the generation that is picking up the torch from them. Recently retired NSU Sports Information Director, Doug Ireland, himself a legend in the state’s sports scene, gave the keynote address.

2019 Honorees Include:

Lakeview- Jalen Triplet-Bell, Baseball; Zarious Lewis, Basketball; Ke’Aira Thomas, Basketball; Dillon Longino, Football; Matthew Vaughn, Powerlifting; Jamarrion Bush, Track & Field; Brianna Harrison, Track & Field

Natchitoches Central- Brady Sers, Baseball; Calvin Carpenter Jr., Basketball; Bre’Ana Williams, Basketball; Tre’Von Solitaire, Football; J. Tucker Henderson, Powerlifting; Sarah Demattie, Powerlifting; Collin Serigne, Soccer; Callista Owsley, Soccer; Natalie Sheffield, Softball; Cooper Miller, Track & Field; Catherine Roquemore, Track & Field; Sarah Hicks, Volleyball

St. Mary’s- Brock Zeagler, Baseball; Parker Bankston, Basketball; Matthew Thibodaux, Football; Sammie Phillips, Golf; Matthew Thibodaux, Powerlifting; Ashlyn Beaty, Softball; Rachel Judson, Tennis; Zachary Harrell, Track & Field; Katie Aldredge, Track & Field

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to commend the men and women who worked so hard to bring this wonderful idea to fruition. It was a joy to see young people from all over the parish being rewarded for their performance on – and off – the field. We look forward to next year’s ceremony!

We would also like to extend our congratulations to St. Mary’s Matthew Thibodaux, Male Athlete of the Year and NCHS’ Callista Owsley, Female Athlete of the Year as well as all of the parish’s high school athletes. Well done ladies and gentlemen!

International Paper (IP) in Mansfield has donated equipment valued at $195,546 to Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) Natchitoches Campus and Sabine Valley Campus in Many.

Equipment donated includes but is not limited to: Various electrical motors, assorted process pumps, and a high-voltage switchgear.

Students enrolled in the Industrial Manufacturing Technology and Welding programs will use the equipment for hands-on, practical learning experiences.

“We are extremely grateful to receive such a generous donation of equipment from IP,” said Laurie Morrow, Dean of the Natchitoches Campus. “They continue to support us with their finances, time and business expertise.”

According to Morrow, IP has hired CLTCC students, served on the advisory committee for various campus programs, and conducted mock interviews to help prepare students for real job interviews.

“IP is a strong supporter of the entire community,” said Gwen Fontenot, Dean of the Sabine Valley Campus. “We are thankful for their support and dedication to CLTCC and our mission to educate and train our future workforce.”

“Our hope is that this equipment will enhance the overall learning experience for CLTCC students. We are proud to provide this equipment and our continued support,” said Michael Stewart, Balance of Plant Maintenance and Reliability.

About IP:

IP is one of the world’s leading producers of fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper, with 52,000 employees operating in more than 24 countries. The company operates a Containerboard Mill and Fiber Supply Procurement Office in Mansfield.

About CLTCC:
Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) is a two-year technical and community college offering associate degrees, technical diplomas, industry certificates, and customized training to support local workforce development and prepare students for good- paying jobs. CLTCC serves 10 parishes in Central Louisiana through its eight campuses.

BOM is excited to be a sponsor for the 6th Annual Family Day Event. Family Day in the Park will be June 15 from 10 am – 1 pm at the Natchitoches City Park.

The City of Natchitoches and Northwestern State University will host Family Day in the Park, which is free and open to the public. There will be free food, swimming, activity booths, face painting, a giant inflatable obstacle course and more.

To become a sponsor contact Hannah Wenninger at 318-352-2772.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Virginia Prothro Rodgers
December 10, 1944 – May 19, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday, May 21 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, May 22 at 2 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Oak Grove Methodist Cemetery in Natchitoches

Pearl Etie
December 02, 1934 – May 17, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday, May 21 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches
Service: Wednesday, May 22 at 10 am at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in the Spanish Lake Community
Interment: St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery

RAPIDES PARISH:

Donald Patrick Feduccia
September 30, 1943 – May 17, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday, May 21 from 8-9:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, May 21 at 10 am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

Ken Bordelon
November 7, 1985 – May 16, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday, May 21 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Kramer of Fifth Ward Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, May 21 at 2 pm in the chapel of Kramer of Fifth Ward

Geraldine Gordon Murry
November 11, 1933 – May 18, 2019
Visitation:Wednesday, May 22 from 9:30 am – 12 pm at Pine Ridge Baptist Church
Service: Wednesday, May 22 at 12 pm at Pine Ridge Baptist Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

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

James Howard Ford
April 17, 1956 – May 18, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday, May 21 at 5 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Wednesday, May 22 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Toro Cemetery

The Natchitoches Police Department responded to multiple shots being fired near Dixie Street in the Breda Town Community on May 18, shortly after 2:40 am. During this time to the police department was alerted by the Security Officer at the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) that a male subject, Deshawn Beaudion (20yo) arrived at the hospital having sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the back.

An initial investigation was started by responding officers which revealed that Beaudion was a passenger inside of a vehicle with another adult and two juvenile males. As the vehicle they occupied approached the Breda Town Park their vehicle came under immediate fire. In addition, officers learned that one of the juvenile passengers inside of the vehicle had also been struck in the back causing minor injury.

The Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division was also alerted and also responded to the area where the shooting was reported to have happened. Detectives later processed the scene and spoke directly with witnesses.

This investigation remains under current investigation however, the Natchitoches Police Department is urging any citizen with information in reference to this shooting to please contact the Natchitoches Police Department directly at (318) 352-8101 or you may contact Detective Sergeant Bobby Beard of the Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (318) 238-3914. All calls shall be kept confidential.

Anonymous Tips By Smartphone:

You may also provide tips that will be anonymous via our Tipsoft Product. Simply send the tip by using your smartphones (download free application) or by texting (Text-A-Tip) to CRIMES (274637). Use NPDTIPS before typing your message.

You can also submit a Web Tip from our Police Protection page.
Check it out: http://www.smscrimetips.com/

Public Notice:

Cane River Lake is now closed to boating traffic. The current lake level is 99.0 MSL. Hampton gates remain closed.

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.

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts held its 35th commencement May 18 at NSU’s Prather Coliseum. Mrs. Donna H. Edwards, First Lady of Louisiana, was a special guest and delivered the commencement address to the 113 graduates and their friends and families. First Lady Edwards, a former public school teacher, congratulated several of the graduates whom she had taught in their younger days.

The 2019 LSMSA graduating class have truly distinguished themselves, setting several school records. They earned over $36 million in merit based scholarships, exceeding the previous record by $4 million. The class also earned a record 3,000 hours of college credit from dual enrollment and articulation agreements. Eight Natchitoches residents were among these superbly accomplished students.

The graduates will be attending universities throughout the country, with one attending McGill University in Montreal. Two are attending Yale, one Harvard and 59 class members are staying in Louisiana for their undergraduate years.

The LSMSA is a truly life changing place and is a under-recognized force for good in Louisiana. The Natchitoches Parish Journal extends its best wishes to the LSMSA class of 2019. We are looking forward to seeing great things from all of you. We also wish Godspeed to the two graduates taking their place in the defense of our nation at West Point and the United States’ Marine Corps. We are looking forward to seeing you as fellow Veterans. Well done, ladies and gentlemen!

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