A water aerobics class will be offered by Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education beginning Tuesday, May 14.

The class will be taught from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Robert Wilson Recreation Complex through May 30. The fee for the May session is $35. Additional sessions will be offered in June, July and August.

Using the unique properties of the water, this class provides you with a fun and challenging workout designed to increase your heart rate, strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and enhance endurance. Water aerobics meets the demands of the most skilled movers and is gentle enough on the joints for those seeking a low impact alternative.

For more information on NSU non-credit programs call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355.

New schedule for NCHS: May 13-17

Monday:
Senior final exams 3rd & 4th block
Junior Ring Ceremony at AA Fredericks Auditorium beginning at 6:30

Tuesday:
Senior final exams 1st & 2nd block
NCHS Spring football game 5:30 in Turpin Stadium against Washington-Marion HS

Friday:
Graduation 7 pm at Prather Coliseum (tickets required)

Dr. Karen Walker, assistant professor of child and family studies in Northwestern State University’s School of Education will teach a class in London and Dublin that is open to undergraduate and graduate students.

Walker will be teaching Family Dynamics in Movies in London and Dublin Dec. 26-Jan. 8 through the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA), which has programs open to any undergraduate or graduate student in good academic and disciplinary standing. The class would be of interest to students in social work, criminal justice, child and family studies, nursing, counseling, education and other professions that work directly or indirectly with families.

The course will compare family dynamics in movies set in London and Dublin to real world situations.

“Love, marriage, parenting, relationships – we get them right… we get them wrong. Analyzing the motives of characters in movies will help you better understand the families you will work with in your future career,” Walker said. “Families are complex, and our changing society continues to add complications.”

Participants will uncover their own identities, beliefs, values, attitudes and assumptions about relationships and families.

“Studying abroad is the experience of a lifetime,” Walker said. “Exploring new cities, different cultures, and expanding your world-view increases self-confidence and your chances of getting a job after graduation.”

To find out more about the course and CCSA visit https://ccsa.studioabroad.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=41357.

Contact Walker with questions at (318) 357-6065 or walkerka@nsula.edu. She will be teaching this course again in Summer 2020 at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, Ireland.

Northwestern State University’s School of Creative and Performing Arts will present Fun with Music Camp July 15-20. Children ages 5-11 can participate in a variety of exciting music experiences that include singing, music games, instrument activities, crafts, composing and many other creative music activities.

The camp will run from 9 a.m.-noon. The fee is $150 per student for the week, with a sibling discount available to families bringing two or more children. Snack and materials will be provided.

For additional information, contact Dr. Sharon Joy at joys@nsula.edu or 318 357-5754.

On a busy weekday, Kirby Peddy was assisting with MEDSURG Intake and Case Management at the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. All of a sudden a patient called her into a room as she was walking by the door. The patient was an elderly woman, who was attempting to complete a crossword puzzle. Peddy could see she was uncomfortable and not in a good mood as she walked in. She proceeded to tell
Peddy to sit down and that she needed help reading her crossword puzzle because the writing was too small. She mentioned that she normally uses a magnifying glass at home, but did not get to bring it with her to the hospital because she came by ambulance. Peddy assisted her with the crossword puzzle for a few minutes then went on about her work.

An hour or two later, Peddy saw a nurse assisting the patient. Everyone got somewhat of a “kick” out of how demanding she was about completing her crossword puzzle. Everyone was also quite busy that day and unfortunately did not have time to assist her with her crossword puzzle for an extended period of time. Peddy and several nurses mentioned how they should get her a magnifying glass since they collectively could not serve as her “magnifying glass” all day. Peddy made a quick trip to the hospital’s gift shop, and, low and behold, they had a magnifying glass for sale!

Peddy bought the magnifying glass and brought it upstairs to share with the nursing staff and the patient. Everyone was ecstatic to see that she had found one, especially due to the size, it was quite large. Peddy took it into the patient’s room and you would have thought that she gave the patient a million dollars. She was so happy the rest of her stay and kept thanking everyone for the magnifying glass.”

Moral of the story: The little things often times matter the most when it comes to making someone feel better and more comfortable in an uncomfortable situation!

Mark your calendars with the upcoming dates for the Natchitoches Humane Society’s Dog Washes and Nail Clippings. These will be held from 9 am – 1 pm at the tractor Supply on South Drive. Baths and Nails are $15. The price is $20 for dogs over 60 lbs. ($10 nail clipping).

Dates for the 2019 schedule include:

Saturday, May 18
Saturday, June 8
Saturday, July 13
Saturday, August 10
Saturday, September 14

Join the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum for “Bullets to Bats: Baseball in the Civil War,” a presentation by Mansfield State Historic Site Park Manager, Scott Dearman Saturday, May 18 at 2 pm. Dearman will trace the evolution of baseball from the mid-nineteenth century through the Civil War. From the early days of “Town Ball” to the current game of baseball, the game has evolved into “America’s Pastime.” The American Civil War played a major role in the proliferation and mass appeal of the game. This event is free and open to the public.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Christine Conant Metoyer
April 06, 1937 – May 10, 2019
Service: Monday, May 13 at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church of Natchitoches

RAPIDES PARISH:

Field V Gremillion III
August 21, 1947 – May 8, 2019
Service: Monday, May 13 at 2 pm at St. Rita Catholic Church

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public effective immediately that LA 478, south of the LA 120 intersection, in Natchitoches Parish, is closed due to flooding/ high water.

Permit/Detour Section
No detours are available at this time.

Travelers can find information regarding road closures by visiting the 511 Traveler Information website at http://www.511la.org or by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can access the system by calling 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Additionally, you can follow the Traffic Management Center on Twitter: (@Shreveport_Traf), (@Alex_Traffic), (@Monroe_Traffic). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ http://www.dotd.la.gov.

During unfavorable weather conditions, motorists should drive using the following safety tips:
• Drive slowly and carefully.
• Avoid driving into standing or running water.
• Avoid driving while distracted.
• Avoid using cruise control when visibility is low or road surfaces are wet.
• Always allow for extra driving time.
• Reduce speeds when visibility is low.
• Make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles.
• Avoid using highway overpasses as tornado shelters.

May 10, 2019; 11:45PM

By Reba Phelps

One of the multitudes of joys that my friends bring to the table is the fact that we all have our own nicknames for each other. We each have a nickname that is completely identifiable and specific to our gifts and talents or location in which we were born and raised.

We have a “Pollyanna” who is always so positive and cheerful. We have a “Black Lake” who can take care of business. We have an “Indian Giver” who is notorious for giving something away and taking it right back later. We all know that she will get a refund. We have a “Cane River Queen” who is just that, our Queen. We have an “American Girl Doll” and “Garanimals” friend. She earned this name because she is so small and can probably still wear a size 4T.

Sometimes we will even add fictitious middle names that do not appear on any of our birth certificates. “June” and “Nicole” are two of my favorites.

If the old adage is true, “he who has many nicknames is well loved,” then we truly love each other with our whole heart and soul.

Many years ago my friends awarded me the nickname, “Wordologist.” Although, I am quite certain this is not a technical or legitimate term, the title carries a lot of responsibility and heartfelt burden at times.

Over the years I have penned many eloquent break up texts. So eloquent and genuine you didn’t even have your feelings hurt. I have penned the utmost of professional emails to possibly accompany unpleasant news or sometimes happy news. I have written obituaries. I have authored poems for birthday cards. I have drafted rebuttals to texts and emails to respond with pure love but in a direct nature so there is no mincing of words. I have written radio ads that could rival anyone in the business.

A “Wordologist’s” work is never done. Retirement is not in my future.

I always put myself in the other set of shoes and respond accordingly. Personally, and unfortunately, I need information delivered to me completely double coated in sugar. If it isn’t sugar coated then it leaves so much open to interpretation and I am a complete over thinker. If it is not dripping in sugar and plain as day then I will have ten thousand questions and probably hurt feelings.

I never said I was normal.

As you can see words are utterly important in my life. Words are just as important in other walks of life too. Words have actually started wars and even ended wars. Words can rip into your soul and change the way you look at yourself and ruin your day. The wrong words can also leave scars that may never heal. The right words can bring joy to your spirit, lift you up, bring you comfort and make you feel as though everything will be okay.

There is no doubt, there is amazing and awesome power in words.

Regretfully, over the years I have learned first-hand that there is one significant dilemma with words.

Anyone can speak words and make them seem beautiful, truthful and eloquent. A truly seasoned speech writer can turn the most unpolished politicians into silver tongued devils within the delivery of one speech. Anyone can make empty promises with words. Anyone can make vows and not keep them. It is just words.

If there is no action to accompany these beautiful words it is merely fruitless. If there is no thought behind your words then you have accomplished nothing. If love is not present in your words then everything we do is in vain.

As much as I try to live up to my title of, “Wordologist”, at the end of the day I am more hopeful that I am teaching my daughters to be a woman of their word and let their actions show love as much as their speech does.

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth”  – 1 John 3:18

 

Release Date: 5/10/19, 4:00 p.m.

With a work force of more than 500 line and service personnel in the field, SWEPCO is continuing its drive to restore power to 19,500 customers after a line of severe storms struck the Ark-La-Tex Wednesday.

At 4:00 p.m. Friday, SWEPCO had restored power to 50,500 of the 70,000 customers impacted by the storms.

Some of the heaviest damage included the Longview area, where straight line winds snapped and uprooted trees and caused significant structural damage. Across the Ark-La-Tex, the storm left trees down, hundreds of broken utility poles and wire down.

Much of the remaining work involves areas with difficult access or extensive work at a single location to restore service to smaller numbers of customers. Crews are working to restore power as safely and quickly as possible.

More severe weather today may impact restoration efforts and cause additional power outages.

Remaining outages include 16,500 customers in Texas and 3,000 in Louisiana.

Estimated times of restoration for 95% of customers that can take service (many customers’ power will be restored sooner):

Shreveport District:

Haughton – 452 – 10 p.m. Saturday

Shreveport – 812 – 10 p.m. Saturday

Valley District:

Logansport – 36 – 10 p.m. Friday

Mansfield – 518– 10 p.m. Friday

Natchitoches – 1,158 – 6 p.m. Saturday (Creston area 10 p.m. Saturday)

IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDERS:

DOWNED POWER LINES: Never touch a downed line, or go near it, no matter how harmless it looks. The line could be energized. Don’t touch anything in contact with the line, such as trees, fences or puddles of water. Stay away, and keep others away, especially children and pets. Call SWEPCO or 911 immediately.

PORTABLE GENERATORS: If you use a portable or RV generator, do not plug the generator into your circuit box. Portable generators “backfeed” electricity up the line and risk the lives of repair workers and the public. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions carefully, and plug essential appliances directly into the generator.

CUSTOMER INFORMATION:

DAMAGED SERVICE ENTRANCE – SWEPCO cannot connect power to any home or business where there is damage to the service entrance. The service entrance is the area located 1) at the meter, 2) between the meter and the home’s electrical panel, or 3) the location where ‘s cable connects to the home/business owner’s cable. These are customer-owned facilities. Customers need to have a qualified electrician repair this damage before power can be restored to the home or business.

CREWS AT WORK – Residents without power are asked not to stop crew trucks as this will only slow down repairs. SWEPCO asks for your patience and understanding during the restoration process. In many areas, crews must rebuild significant portions of electric facilities to restore power.

Northwestern State University recognized the top graduates from the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development, the Louisiana Scholars’ College and the College of Arts and Sciences during morning commencement exercises Friday, May 10. On the front row from left are Mallory McConathy of Stonewall, Samantha Simmons of Many, Rebekah Aultman of Mangham, Haley Dahlhoff of Anacoco, Bailey Scarbrough of Provencal, Fabian Correa Guette of Natchitoches, Rebecca Marchand of Gonzales, Kelsey Jordan of Natchitoches, Louisiana Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, commencement speaker; NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio, Addison Pellegrino of Burleson, Texas; Tyra Duma of Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Sarah Lajaunie of Houma, Taylor Poleman of Shreveport, Karli Kennedy of Deridder and Jeremy Orgeron of Morgan City. On the back row are Emma Rivet of Baton Rouge, Hassik Vasquez Narvaez of Cartagena, Colombia; Corban James of Fort Worth, Texas; Racheal Gaudé of Ventress, Aaron Hunt of Monroe, John Collins of Winnfield, Colby Koontz of Fairmont, Oklahoma; Kelli Hickerson of Longview, Texas; Brandon Granger of Youngsville and Katherine Parson of Bossier City.

Northwestern State University recognized the top graduates from the College of Nursing and Allied Health and the College of Business and Technology during afternoon commencement on May 10. From left are Louisiana Commissioner of Administration and commencement speaker Jay Dardenne, Karl Marzahl of Clarksville, Tennessee; Madysen Watts of Saline, Rebekah Nicholas of Lake Charles, Jamie Phillips of Haughton, Katlin Ernst of Pineville, Magan Soileau of Oakdale, Kristy Lowe of Oakdale and NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio.

Four graduating seniors from Northwestern State University’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps took the oath of commission to serve as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army in conjunction with commencement exercises May 10. From left are 2dn Lt. Dominitra Charles of New Iberia, 2nd Lt. Karl Marzahl of Clarksville, Tennessee; 2nd Lt. Logan DeOre of Conroe, Texas, and 2nd Lt. John Ham of Deridder. The new officers repeated the oath as part of the afternoon graduation ceremony.

NCAA Indoor women’s long jump champion Jasmyn Steels, Southland Conference men’s basketball Defensive Player of the Year Ishmael Lane, two-time All-America sprinter Micah Larkins, and 2018 Southland Conference Women’s Tennis Player of the Year Polina Mutel headlined an accomplished group of 79 Northwestern State Athletics graduates Friday.

During morning and afternoon commencement exercises in Prather Coliseum, 59 Demon and Lady Demon student-athletes received diplomas while 20 members of the athletic staff also earned undergraduate or graduate degrees.

One was awarded posthumously. Six-time Southland Conference track champion Daeshon Gordon, twice an honorable mention All-American for NSU, died suddenly last October. Her father and twin brother, Deron and Deron Gordon Jr., traveled from Miami to receive the diploma from NSU president Dr. Chris Maggio.

Among the athletic graduates, 19 achieved the university’s highest academic honors by graduating with a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.5 or more on a 4.0 scale.

There were five earning summa cum laude honors for a GPA between 3.9 and 4.0: Lady Demon long and triple jumper Tyra Duma of the track and field team, football player Corban James, Demon basketball’s Colby Koontz, cross country and distance runner Sarah Lewis of the Lady Demon track and field program, and Madison Rowland, a student worker in the athletic administrative area. Koontz had a perfect 4.0.

Seven graduated magna cum laude (GPA between 3.75-3.89). Achieving that distinction were Mutel, Katelyn Boles, a former softball player; Lady Demon volleyball standouts Madeline Drake and Reagan Rogers, Lady Demon soccer star April Trowbridge and her former teammate, Karoline Guidry, and Reagan Escude, a student worker in the athletic administration.

Another seven received cum laude (GPA between 3.50-3.69) distinction: Steels, Lady Demon basketball’s Leah Barnes, former Demon baseball player Jason Ortiz, NSU junior varsity basketball players Tanner Lee and Marvette Williams, Demon football safety Ryan Reed, and Victoria Harris of the volleyball team.

Among the 62 who received undergraduate degrees, 39 had grade point averages of 3.0 or better.

Former Lady Demon softball assistant coach Amy Hooks, who just finished her first year as head coach as head coach at Lamar, earned her master’s degree in sport administration with a perfect 4.0.

Joining Hooks among the 17 who received master’s degrees Friday were Lady Demon basketball point guard Sami Thomas, who overcame a severe knee injury while claiming her bachelor’s degree with honors, then picked up the master’s in sport administration while completing her playing career this past season.

Along with Lane, Larkins, Mutel and Steels, Friday’s NSU Athletics graduation class included several highly-decorated competitors.

Baseball players Nathan Jones, J.P. Lagreco and Reed Michel were part of the 2018 squad that won NSU’s first Southland Conference Tournament championship and third-ever NCAA Regional victory, a 9-0 domination of San Diego State. Jones and Lagreco are key figures on the 2019 squad that hopes to defend the Southland Tournament crown.

Jones ranks in the Demons’ top five in three career categories, including strikeouts. Lagreco was the inaugural Southland Tournament Home Run Derby champion last May.

Volleyball’s Rogers was first-team All-Southland Conference, All-Louisiana and Academic All-Southland. Drake was honorable mention All-Southland.

Brown just finished her Lady Demon softball career sixth at NSU in career wins (47). She was the 2015 Southland Conference Pitcher of the Year and earned All-South Region and All-Louisiana honors as a freshman before suffering a knee injury as a sophomore, returning to pitch at a high level later in her career.

Trowbridge is regarded as one of the decade’s best Lady Demon soccer performers. She was the 2016 Southland Newcomer of the Year and earned 2018 All-Southland and All-Louisiana honors. Her 13 goals and 33 points as a senior rank second in school history for a single season.

Among 23 graduates from the track and field program, six accounted for 20 Southland Conference gold medals and 17 more silver or bronze medals at conference championships. Steels has eight top three finishes — three at last week’s Southland Outdoors — and will compete for NSU as a graduate student next spring.

Larkins won six conference championships as a sprinter and collected 10 Southland medals. Lady Demon sprinter Tamara Style won four golds and was the 2017 Southland Women’s Track and Field Newcomer of the Year. Kelsey Frank won Southland titles in the women’s javelin as a junior and senior. Tremayne Flagler and JaCorious Jeter each won Southland crowns in last week’s conference meet.

Frank, Gordon, Larkins, Steels and Style all hold school records.

As a highlight of the afternoon commencement exercises, football student equipment manager Cody Germany and his father, Greg, each received business administration degrees.

State commissioner of administration Jay Dardenne was the graduation speaker at both ceremonies.

Spring 2019 Athletic Graduation List (79)

Baseball (4)

1. Nathan Jones: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Honors: Honor Roll

2. Joseph P. Lagreco: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science

3. Reed Michel: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Computer and Natural Science; Minor: Biology; Honors: Honor Roll

4. Jason Ortiz (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Secondary Education and Teaching; Concentration: Social Studies Education; Honors; Cum Laude

Men’s Basketball (6)

1. Colby Koontz: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Minor: Chemistry; Honors: Summa Cum Laude (Perfect 4.0 GPA!)

2. Ishmael Lane: Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Communication; Concentration: Broadcast & Digital Media Production; Minor: P.E., Sport and Leisure Management; Honors: Honor Roll

3. William Tanner Lee (Junior Varsity): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Concentration: Pre-Physical Therapy; Honors: Cum Laude

4. Malik Metoyer: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Arts and Communications; Minor: Social Science

5. Hogan Nealy (Junior Varsity): Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: P.E., Sport and Leisure Management; Honors: Honor Roll

6. Marvette Williams (Junior Varsity): Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Criminal Justice; Honors: Cum Laude

Women’s Basketball (4)

1. Shawntell Alfred (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Computer Information Systems; Concentration: Networking & System Management

2. Leah Barnes: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Honors: Cum Laude

3. Samantha (Gabby) Bell: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Management; Honors: Honor Roll

4. Samantha (Sami) Thomas: Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration

Football (11)

1. Brice Borgeson Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Honors: Honor Roll

2. Marquisian Chapman: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science

3. Clay Holgorsen: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Minor: Social Science

4. Corban James: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Honors: Summa Cum Laude

5. Zak Krolczyk: Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Communication; Concentration: Strategic Communication; Minor: Business Administration

6. William Mafi (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: History

7. Kalen Meggs: Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: History; Minor: Social Science; Honors: Honor Roll

8. Parker Pastorello: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Honors: Honor Roll

9. Ryan Reed: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Industrial Engineering Technology; Honors: Cum Laude

10. Jalon Sangster: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science

11. Jared West: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration

Soccer (4)

1. Karoline Guidry (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Minor: Chemistry; Honors: Magna Cum Laude

2. Jacqueline Manza: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Minor: Business Administration; Honors: Honor Roll

3. Ysmina Smith: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Honors: Honor Roll

4. April Trowbridge: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Honors: Magna Cum Laude

Softball (3)

1. Katelyn Boles (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Mathematics; Honors: Magna Cum Laude

2. Mikayla Brown: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Minor: Computer Information Systems

3. Jordan Rains (Former SA): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration (Perfect 4.0 GPA!)

Tennis (1)

1. Polina Mutel: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Honors: Magna Cum Laude

Men’s Track (10)

1. Darryl Anderson (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Fine Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Fine and Graphic Arts; Concentration: Graphic Communications; Honors: Honor Roll

2. Robert Carrier (former student-athlete): Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: History

3. Jacob Dahlhoff (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Honors: Honor Roll

4. Landon Dore: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Electronics Engineering Technology; Concentration: Electronics; Honors: Honor Roll

5. Tremayne Flagler: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science

6. JaCorious Jeter: Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Communication; Concentration: Broadcast & Digital Media Production; Minor: Social Science

7. Terrance Johnson: Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Communication; Concentration: Strategic Communication; Minor: P.E., Sport and Leisure Management

8. Micah Larkins: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science

9. Jarrot Remo (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration

10. Anthony Renteria (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Theatre; Concentration: Performance/Directing; Minor: Communication; Honors: Honor Roll

Women’s Track (13)

1. Dominitra Charles (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical

2. Jessica Coleman (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Honors: Honor Roll

3. Tyra Duma: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Honors: Summa Cum Laude

4. Kelsey Frank: Bachelor of Social Work; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Social Work; Honors: Honor Roll

5. Jasmine Frazier (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Communication; Concentration: Strategic Communication; Minors: Business Administration & Photography

6. Ona Giles: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science

7. Daeshon Gordon (former student-athlete): Associate Degree in General Studies (Posthumous Degree).

8. Erin Knox (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Accounting

9. Sarah Lewis: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Honors: Summa Cum Laude

10. Jasmyn Steels: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Concentration: Industrial Organization Behavior; Honors: Cum Laude

11. Tamara Style (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Communication; Concentration: Strategic Communication; Minor: P.E., Sport and Leisure Management

12. Sabrina Thiels: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Natural Science; Honors: Honor Roll

13. Summer Thomas: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Hospitality, Management and Tourism; Concentration: Hospitality Services; Minor: Social Science

Volleyball (3)

1. Madeline Drake: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Hospitality, Management and Tourism; Concentration: Hospitality Services; Minor: Business Administration; Honors: Magna Cum Laude

2. Victoria Harris: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Honors: Cum Laude

3. Reagan Rogers (Also Intern/Ath. Administration): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Hospitality, Management and Tourism; Concentration: Hospitality Services; Minor: Business Administration; Honors: Magna Cum Laude

Administration (20)

1. Laci Bruno (Student Manager/Women’s Basketball): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Computer Information Systems; Concentration: Web Development; Honors: Honor Roll

2. Alexsis Cable (Former Asst. Coach/Soccer): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration

3. Nicholas Campbell (Former GA/Football): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration

4. Major Deacon (Former Graduate Manager/Men’s Basketball): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration

5. Anastasia (Stacey) DiFrancesco (Asst. Coach/Volleyball (also former SA)): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration

6. Reagan Escude (Student Worker/Ath. Administration): Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Communication; Concentration: Broadcast & Digital Media Productions; Minor: Business Administration; Honors: Magna Cum Laude

7. Jackie Fritz (Former GA/Sports Medicine): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Health Promotion

8. Patrick Garie (Former GA/Facilities): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration

9. Cody Germany (Student Manager/Equipment Room): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Honors: Honor Roll

10. Spencer Goodwin (Graduate Manager/Baseball (also former SA)): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration

11. Amy Hooks (Former Asst. Coach/Softball): Master of Arts; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Student Affairs in Higher Education (Perfect 4.0 GPA!)

12. Tristan Joynes (Asst. Coach/Track and Field): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration

13. Stephen Kim (GA/Sports Medicine): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Health Promotion

14. Aaron Patrick (Graduate Manager/Men’s Basketball): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration

15. Madison Rowland (Student Worker/Ath. Administration): Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Honors: Summa Cum Laude

16. Zachary (Zach) Sparks (Former Graduate Asst./Marketing): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration

17. Kayla Velasquez (Former GA/Academic Services): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sports Administration

18. Sarah Kay Whitehead (Intern/Ath. Administration): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Hospitality, Management and Tourism; Concentration: Travel & Tourism; Minor: Child & Family Studies; Honors: Honor Roll

19. Taylor Wilkes (GA/Sports Medicine): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Health Promotion

20. Kelly Wright (GA/Sports Medicine): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration

• 

• 

The Boil Advisory has been RESCINDED for the Hagewood Water System.

Natchitoches Parish Office of Community Services issued the following agenda for the Head Start Policy Council Regular Meeting, which will be held Tuesday, May 14 at 6 pm at the MLK Head Start, located at 415 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Natchitoches.

Call to order
Invocation
Roll Call (establish quorum)
Introductions and Welcome Visitors
Approval of Minutes
Reports

Financial Report – Mrs. Lynda Vance, Interim Parish Treasurer

Budget

Head Start Director – Mrs. Chriscella Metoyer

1. Non-Federal Share (In-Kind) Report

Old Business
New Business

Self- Assessment Approval

Questions/Concerns/Announcements/Comments
Next Meeting Date: June 11th, of 2019
Adjournment

Jace Bullock, a Senior at Montgomery High School, received a 2019 LBEC College Scholarship. The Louisiana Bankers Education Council awarded their annual college scholarships, each fall LBEC offers cash scholarships to incoming freshman who have at least one parent employed with a bank. The students must enroll in an accredited Louisiana college or university with a declared major in a banking related field.

Pictured from left are Minh Luu (LBEC Councilman at Large), Jace Bullock (BOM Intern), Mary Bullock (BOM Chief Operating Officer), and Carrie Hough (BOM Senior VP & Marketing Director).

A Natchitoches family is honoring two young men by establishing scholarships in their memory at Northwestern State University. David and Jennifer Thornton created the Boaz Barber Squyres Memorial Scholarship to benefit an upper level accounting major and the Joe Robertson Memorial Scholarship to benefit a law enforcement officer, first responder or the immediate family member of a law enforcement or first responder.

The families of both young men met with the Thorntons and the scholarship recipients recently to talk about what the scholarships mean to each of them.

Boaz, son of Merlin and Mary Squyres, was a 2013 graduate of Natchitoches Central High School and was studying accounting at Northwestern State when he passed away from injuries sustained in an accident in 2015 at age 20. David Thornton, a friend of Merlin Squyres, felt moved to do something to honor Boaz.

“It’s a very big honor for them to do this in memory of Boaz,” said his mother Mary Squyres. “We are very grateful to the Thornton family for this. It hurts to think that he didn’t get to finish but it is comforting that other young people will benefit from this scholarship.”

Joe Robertson, son of Richard and Tammy Robertson, was a close friend of Jennifer Thornton growing up in Natchitoches where they attended school and church together. Joe was a Natchitoches City Police Officer when he was killed in an off-duty motorcycle accident in 2005 at age 20. Individuals in 14 states – 21 males and 13 females ranging in age from 17 to 71 — benefited from Robertson’s decision to be an organ donor.

“Joe really wanted to help people,” his mother Tammy Robertson said. “This would make him very happy. Others won’t forget and, in this way, he is continuing to help people. He would be proud to know his name is on a scholarship that will help someone in law enforcement.”

“David and Jennifer established these scholarships in memory of two special individuals,” said Jill Bankston as she introduced the scholarship recipients, Thomas Celles and Jonathan Roberts.

Celles is a junior level accounting major in the Louisiana Scholars’ College. He has held a job throughout his college career, has been involved with several campus organizations and plans to complete an internship in Baton Rouge next semester.

Roberts is pursuing a degree in criminal justice, having returned to NSU as a non-traditional student. He has been employed in law enforcement for 12 years, currently with the Narcotics Task Force of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. He is married with two children ages 6 and 2.

“We love Mrs. Mary and Mr. Merlyn and we knew Joe very well. He was very dear to us,” Jennifer Thornton, explaining her and David’s desire to honor the young men. “We wanted to continue Joe’s legacy and remember Boaz because he was in school to be an accountant like his dad.”

The Thorntons have previously created scholarships at NSU in honor of teachers who made an impact in their lives, as well as a scholarship for a student in the School of Creative and Performing Arts.

“This day is special on so many levels, for me personally and for the university,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio. “We are honoring the memory of two fine individuals and their names will be attached to these scholarships in perpetuity. These two students epitomize the ideal recipients. They know the stories behind these awards and why they are important.”

For information on creating a scholarship in honor or in memory of, contacting Director of Development Jill Bankston at (318) 357-4241.

From left are Keith Thompson, Jonathan Roberts, Richard and Tammy Robertson, Jennifer and David Thornton with daughters Tenley and Taelyn Thornton, NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio, Thomas Celles and Mary and Merlin Squyres.

Northwestern State University’s Men’s Basketball program and Head Coach Mike McConathy will offer summer camps for youth in Bossier City and Natchitoches.

Kids’ Camps are listed as follows.

Hoops for Kids – At Airline High School – Bossier City, LA

Dates: June 3-6, 2019

Girls and Boys Ages: 4 years of age to entering 7th grade

Day Camp – at Prather Coliseum on NSU in Natchitoches, LA

Dates: July 8-11, 2019

Girls and Boys Ages: 5 years to entering 9th grade

Challenge Camp – Overnight camp, stay in Dorms on NSU Natchitoches Campus

Dates: July 12-14, 2019

Boys Ages: Entering 7th grade to entering 12th grade

Registration is available at demonbasketballcamps.com or you can visit the Men’s Basketball Office in Prather Coliseum to pick up your registration forms or contact Marcia Bolton at (318) 357-4274 to have the forms mailed.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Christine Conant Metoyer
April 06, 1937 – May 10, 2019
Service: Monday, May 13 at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church of Natchitoches

Rita Gail Trichel
August 21, 1950 – May 09, 2019
Service held May 10

Wanda Thomas Bynog
March 06, 1951 – May 07, 2019
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

Frankie Brown
May 05, 2019
Arrangements TBA

RAPIDES PARISH:

Field V Gremillion III
August 21, 1947 – May 8, 2019
Service: Monday, May 13 at 2 pm at St. Rita Catholic Church

SABINE PARISH:

Johnny Tippey
June 28, 1944 – May 9, 2019
Service: Saturday, May 11 at 4 pm at Antioch Baptist Church

WINN PARISH:

Chester “C. B.” Hemperley
October 21, 1927 – May 10, 2019
Service: Sunday, May 12 at 2 pm at the New Hope United Methodist Church at Gars Mill

RED RIVER PARISH:

Harold Wayne Zumwalt
August 05, 1938 – May 07, 2019
Service: Saturday, May 11 at 10 am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel
Friday, March 22 at 6 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel

Due to another batch of bad weather forecasted for our area tonight, all Natchitoches Parish Public Schools will be closed Friday, May 10, 2019. I feel that the sooner the parents are notified of this closing, the easier it will be for them to make the necessary arrangements for their children. Teacher of the Year recognition, as well as tonight’s scheduled board meeting, have been rescheduled for Monday, May 13, 2019.

Because Natchitoches Parish has made the decision to close, St. Mary’s Catholic School will be closed Friday, May 10, 2019.

CLTCC Natchitoches Campus will be open tomorrow, Friday, May 10. Faculty and staff are to report at their regular scheduled times. CLTCC students may report at 9:00 am. NCHS students scheduled to final test for the Nurse Assistant class should arrive no later than 8:45 am.

Your safety is our utmost concern and if your local conditions are unsafe for travel please notify your instructor or supervisor. At this time all other CLTCC campuses are open and operating on their regular schedule.